of those that are brought from thence into these parts it is used also as a stirrer up of Venery and to encrease sperme or seed Out of this Copra or broken kernells is made two sorts of oyle the one pressed forth after the same manner that oyle of Allmonds is made and is a most cleare oyle in good abundance which serveth not onely to burne in Lampes but to put to their boyled Rice the other is made by putting warme water to them after they are broken to peeces and boyled by scumming off the oyle that swimmeth above the water after they are pressed together which oyle is used as a gentle purgation to evacuate the bowels some put thereunto the pulpe of Tamarindes which maketh it a little tarter and fitter for hot and chollericke bodies the other oyle serveth to mollefie the hardnesse and shrinking of the sinewes and old paines in the joynts and for this purpose they use to put the patient after he is annointed into a great and capatious tub or vessell being heated that may hold him and therein suffer him to abide for a good while untill he have slept therein and this bringeth him a great deale of ease and comfort but whereas Avicen saith that it killeth wormes Garcias saith he had not tryed it neither thought it probable because it is well knowne that the eating thereof ingendreth wormes in all the Inhabitants that eate much thereof and is a disease incident unto them and whereas Serapio saith by the authority of Mesues that by the eating of these Nuts the loosenesse of the belly is stayed it disagreeth not with reason saith he that the Nut itselfe which hath much earthy parts in it should binde the body and the oyle which is of many thinne and aerious parts should loosen it in the middle or hollow part of this kernell is contained as is before said a great quantity of cleere sweet liquour pleasant to drinke and not bringing any offence to the stomacke but rather refresheth the spirits the other sort of these trees are reserved saith Garcias that the head sprout or top thereof is taken to be eaten which tasteth more pleasantly then either tender Chesnuts or the head of the wild or dwarfe Date tree called Palmito and by the Italians Cefaglioni The older the tree is the pleasanter is this head but when it is taken away the tree dyeth so that he may well be said to devoure the whole tree that hath eaten one of these heads Nucula Indica racemosa A small Indian Coker Nut many growing together This small Indian Nut which Clusius described singly in the second Booke of his Exotickes the six and twentyeth Chapter and 54. page and the second Nut was afterward sent unto him from Mounsieur de Peiresc in Province but came a while after his death The tree that beareth these fruites is in great account with the Natives where it groweth for with the leaves they make their drinke being boyled with water and of the kernels of the fruites they make their bread that is sweet and pleasant which fruite groweth in a tuft or spike many together and all upon a great thicke stalke they are inclosed in a certaine hairy huske or skinne breaking open upon the ripening and each one also hath a hairy huske or covering under which was another shell or covering not much unlike to a Filberd being an inch long and an inch or better in compasse being firme and solid not having any loose or broken kernell within it whereby to make any noise but a firme white kernell fit to be eaten which inner shell had an oylinesse about it like unto oyle of Allmonds Nucula Indica altera Another small Indian Cokar Nut. The tree that beareth this Nut groweth in great plenty about the Castell de minas in Ginney called Palmes by the inhabitants being tall and as great as a good ships mast bearing leaves at the toppe of a dozen or fifteene foote long hanging downewards cut in like unto Reed leaves from under which leaves grow branches the fruite being then as bigge as a mans head containing within them many divers small nuts greater then Plummes of a gold yellow colour from whose kernels being bruised they draw a cleere oyle which they call the oyle of Palme which they put into their viands both for the colour and sents sake this oyle brought into these parts groweth thicke like butter and is very yellow which some that brought it used for the cure of their fresh wounds and annoynted their arteries and sinewes pained with crampes and convulsions whereby they finde much helpe and ease Clusius describeth these Nuts to be three square and to have three holes as it were at the heads of them like unto the Cokar Nut covered with a hairy huske but the shell saith Lobel is harder then a bone and blacke whether these be all one I am in some doubt Further it is said that the Inhabitants by boring the tree there commeth forth a sweet liquour almost like the whey of milke unto which they put a little wild honey and thereof make their drinke which they call the wine of the Palme which will inebriate being largely taken Mehenbethene The Indian Nut Mehenbethene This Indian Nut which Clusius saith Cortusus sent unto him for Mehenbethene but did little agree saith he unto the description thereof Lobel saith it was found among Nutmegs at Antwarpe It is saith Lobel both in colour forme and greatnesse like unto a Nutmegge which therefore Clusius saith it might be better referred to the kinds of Nutmegs yet very untowardly I thinke being about an inch long and three square whose shell was hard and wooddy like a Cokar Nut and being broken had three cels or divisions within it in each whereof was a small long white kernell of a sweete and pleasant taste 2. Coccus de Maldiva The Cokar Nut of Maldiva This kinde of Nut is accounted as another Coccus it is in many things so like the other for although it was never seene growing on any tree as the Indians doe report the Nuts being onely found upon those Islands of the Maldiva's as the Sea casteth them on the shores and in no other part of the world besides and are not lawfull to be reserved by any on the paine of their heads but are all brought to the King or his Officers in that all wrackes c pertaine to him and are onely sent by him as presents of great account to other Indian Princes and great persons c. Vnlesse by stealth and concealement some are diverted otherwayes nor was never seene to have any such rough huske as the Cokar Nut hath yet in the inner hard shell inclosing the inner kernell it is almost in all points like the other the whole Nut carrying this proportion it is farre greater longer and rounder then the other yet there are of smaller sizes also and of an ovall forme containing two parts which are so conjoyned Coccus de Maldiva The Cokar
Alpinus saith The Time They all flower in the Sommer Moneths and give their seede shortly after The Names All these small Madders have their denominations in their titles as they are called by Clusius Bauhinus and others that have mentioned them onely the fift I take to be the Myagrum alterum minus Dalechampii of Lugdunensis and the seaventh is called by Fabius Columna Cruciata nova Romana minima muralis and peradventure is the same that Caesalpinus calleth Cruciata minima in maritimis which Bauhinus hath altered and called Rubia echinata saxatilis The Vertues These small Madders as by their taste and temperature may be gathered are of the same property with the greater kindes but are lesse effectuall in every respect CHAP. LVII Psyllium Fleawort THe ancient writers have delivered us but one fort of Fleawort but there hath beene in later times some others knowne which shall be here set forth together 1. Psyllium vulgare The ordinary Fleawort The ordinary Fleawort riseth up with a stalke two foote high or more full of joynts and branches on every side up to the toppe and at every joynt two small long and narrow whitish greene leaves somewhat hayrie at the toppes of every branch stand diverse small short scalie or chaffie heads out of which come forth small whitish yellow threds such as the Plantaine heads doe give which are the bloomings or flowers the seede enclosed in those heads is small and shining while it is fresh very like unto fleas both for colour and bignesse but turning blacke when it groweth old the roote is not long but white hard and wooddie perishing every yeare and raysing it selfe againe of it owne seede for diverse yeares if it be suffered to shed the whole plant is somewhat whitish and hayrie smelling somewhat resinous or like Rossen 2. Psyllium majus semper virens The greater ever greene Fleawort This Fleawort differeth not from the former in the manner of growing but onely that his stalke and branches being somewhat greater doe a little more bow downe to the ground the leaves are somewhat larger the heads somewhat lesser the seede alike and the roote and leaves abide all the winter and perish not as the former 3. Psyllium Indicum foliis crenatis Indian Fleawort with dented leaves Indian Fleawort hath a wooddy reddish rough stalke next to the ground about a foote high spreading forth into diverse branches the leaves that stand at the joynts thereof are somewhat long narrow pointed at the end and notched or rather somewhat torne on the edges and hayrie also like the former the toppes of the branches are more stored with heads than the former but of the same bignesse and fashion with flowers and seede shining like the other 4. Psyllium minus Small Fleawort The small Fleawort hath small round reddish branches leaning downe to the ground not above a handbreadth high spreading into more branches as having three or foure at a joynt and two leaves standing at every of them one against another as in the former but very short and narrow the small heads that stand at the tops of the stalkes have two small long leaves and sometimes more set under every of them one longer then another and in time bowing downewards and somewhat Psyllium vulgare The ordinary Fleawort hard the bloomings or flowers are white and the seede that flowreth is shining and like the other but smaller the roote is small and white with divers Fibres thereat The Place The first groweth in the fields and untilled places of Spaine and Italy but with us no where but in gardens The second groweth more plentifully in the fields that are neare the sea The third is thought to come out of the Indies as the name importeth but we are not sure thereof The last is naturally of Egypt or Arabia and grew in the most noble Signior Bembo his garden at Padoa The Time All these Fleaworts flower in July or thereabout with us but in their naturall places all the Summer long yet the last is the latest with us The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Psyllium Pulicaris herba Pusicaria because the seede is like unto Fleas and not because it driveth away Fleas being brought greene into the house for that is false there is also another Pulicaria called Conyza which we have shewed before The Arabians call it Bazara Chatama and Bezercothune The Italians Psyllio the Spaniards Zargatona the French Herbe aux Poulx The Germans Psilienraut and wee in English Fleawort and not Fleabane for that is Conyza as is shewed before The first is generally called Psyllium of all writers Gesner in hortis Germaniae calleth it Cynops of Theophrastus The second is called by Matthiolus Psyllium alterum Gesner and Camerarius call it Psyllium perenne Lobel in his Adversaria calleth it Psyllium PlinianuÌ„ forte majus radice perenne the third is Anguillara his first Psyllium and thought by Bauhinus to be the true Psyllium of Dioscorides and by him called Indicum because the seede came to him under that name The last as Bauhinus saith he had from the most noble Bemâ— hiâ— Garden at Padoa under the name of Gottne rabrum as he had another called album which is a kind of Holostiâ— Bauhinus mentioneth Prosper Alpinus to call it Gottne rubrum but I can finde no other then Gottne msegiar Gâ—ssipium arboreum in his Egyptian plants he saith also that it was sent him from Heidelberg by Sprengerus with the name Botrio rubro The Vertues All Authors doe confirme that the seede of Psyllium is cold which Mesues attributeth to the barke or outside saying that the inward pulpe thereof is hot sharpe and drying but divers doe utterly mislike and refuse that opinion the muccilage of the seed made but indeed the seede is seldome buised by any Artist but alwayes steeped whole with barly water and some syrupe of Roses or Violets put thereto and drunke doth purge downewards grosse flegme and burnt choller but the seede being fryed and so taken stayeth the flux or laske of the belly and the corrosions that come by reason of hot chollericke sharpe and malignant humors or by the superpurgation of any violent medicine such as Scamony or the like worketh the muccilage of the seede made with Rose-water and a little Sugar Candy put thereto is very good in all hot agues and burning feavers and other inflammations both to coole the thirst and to lenifie the drinesse and roughnesse of the tongue and throate it helpeth also the hoarsenesse of the voyce and diseases of the brest and lungs caused by heat or sharpe salt humors and the Pleurisie also the muccilage of the seede made in Plantaine water whereunto the yolke of an egge or two and a little Populeon is put is a most safe and sure remedy to ease the sharpenesse prickings and paines of the hemorrhoides or piles if it bee laid on a cloth and bound thereto it helpeth also all inflammations in any
humors or from obstructions that are the cause of cholericke and putride feavers the same is good also for the jaundise and spendeth it by the urine which it procureth in abundance as Aegineta saith The juyce thereof saith Tragus and the pouder of the roote of Esula prepared in equall proportion that is a dramme provoketh vomiting where there is cause being taken in warme water and cureth the dropsie because it is somewhat windie it is good to use aniseede and fennell seede with it the pouder of the dried herbe given for sometime together hath cured a melancholy person as Brasavola saith but the seede is strongest in operation for all the purposes aforesaid The distilled water of the herbe is much used also and thought to cause good effect in all the former diseases and beside as Tragus saith conduceth much against the Plague or Pestilence being taken with good Treakle which it driveth forth by sweate the same water also with a little water and hony of Roses helpeth all the sores in the mouth and throate being gargled often therewith the juyce dropped into the eyes cleareth the sight and taketh away the rednes and other defects in them although it procure some paine for the present and bringeth forth water or teares Dioscorides saith that it hindereth any fresh springing of the haires on the eye liddes if after they be pulled away the eye browes be anointed with the juyce that hath Gun Arabeck dissolved in it the juyce of Fumiterry and of Docks mingled with vinegar and the places gently washed or wet therewith cureth all sores of scabbes itches wheales pimples or pushes that rise in the faceor hands or in any other part of the skinne of the body The lesser or fine leafed Fumitterry as also the climing Fumiterry worke to the same purposes but more weakely the yellow Fumiterry is also effectuall in most of the diseases aforesaid and besides that it provoketh urine abundantly it is very effectuall for the cholicke taken greene or dry in wine for many dayes Those Fumiteries with hollow and firme rootes are each of them effectuall both against poison and the pestilence being made into pouder and drunke and afterward the party laid to sweate the same also provoketh urine and helpeth the jaundise the seede being bruised and drunke helpeth fluxes and laskes the rootes are also singular good to heale and drie up putrid and running ulcers CHAP LXIII Aristolochia Birthwort ALthough divers doe thinke that none of the Aristolochia's or Birthworts doe purge or open the belly at all yet because Mesues the great Arabian Physitian numbreth it among his purging plants and Dodonaeus doth in the same manner I thinke it not amisse to doe so likewise Of these Birthworts Dioscorides and Galen have onely made three sorts which are the round the long and the running Birthworts Pliny hath added a fourth which he calleth Pistolochia or Polyrrhizos of all which there are some differences observed in these latter dayes which shall be declared in this Chapter 1. Aristolochia rotunda vulgatior The more ordinary round rooted Birthwort This round rooted Birthwort sendeth forth diverse long trayling square stalkes sometimes halfe a yeard long or better not able to stand upright but lie or leane downe to the ground with few or no branches issuing from them but with many round yellowish greene leaves full of veines standing at distances without order one beyond the other every one upon a short footstalk at every joynt with the leaves from the middle of these stalks upwards to the top commeth forth one long hollow flower apeece smaller at the bottome broader at the top with along peece or flippet as it were at one side of the top bending downe both of them of a deadish yellow or somewhat brownish colour and somewhat blackish purple on the inside this flower Dioscorides compareth to a cap or hood which as it should seeme was their fashion in his time after the flowers are past come in their places small round and somewhat long fruite of diverse sises some as bigge as a Wallnut without the shell some as bigge as it is with the outward greene shell and some lesser than both which when it is ripe openeth into three parts shewing the seede lying in order within it separated by certaine skinnes somewhat flat and round the roote is tuberous bunched out diversly of a darke or swart colour on the outside and more yellow within 1. Aristolochia rotunda vulgatior Round rooted Birthwort 3. Aristolochia longa vera The true long rooted Birthwort 5. Aristolochia Clematitis The running rooted Birthwort 2. Aristolochia rotunda altera Another round rooted Birthwort This other Birthwort is like the former for the manner of growing but the stalkes are more and shorter the leaves are somewhat greater and have each a longer foote stalke the flowers are of a pale or whitish purple on the outside and browne on the inside with a few haires set therein scarse to be discerned as is usuall to all the sorts the fruite is somewhat longer and peare fashion more pointed at the end the seede is flat somewhat lesse and red the roote is like the other but a little yellower 3. Aristolochia longa vera The true long rooted Birthwort The long rooted Birthwort is so like unto the round that it is very hard for one not throughly exercised in the knowledge of both to distinguish them the chiefe differences be these the stalke is shorter the leaves are smaller harder and paler the flowers are more whitish and greenish but like in forme the fruite is somewhat long like a peare somewhat like the other or last round rooted Birthwort but not so much pointed the seede differeth not but the roote hereof is long and not round or tuberous like the other as bigge as a mans wrest sometimes or bigger but most usually lesse of halfe a foote or a foote in length sometimes 4. Aristolochia longa Hispanica The Spanish long Birthwort This Spanish kinde differeth very little from the last recited long rooted Birthwort for in the flower and roote is the onely difference to be observed the flower in this is somewhat more purple both the flippet or eare and the innerside of the toppe of the flower the roote likewise is shorter for the most part and blunter at the lower end or nothing so much pointed 5. Aristolochia Clematitis The running rooted Birthwort The running rooted Birthwort groweth with longer stronger and rounder stalkes than the former even three or foure foote long branched oftentimes like the long rooted kind whereon grow much larger and broader leaves and of a paler greene colour then any of the other at the joynts with the leaves come forth the flowers as the other sorts doe but whereas none of them bring above one flower at a joynt this bringeth three or foure like unto the rest for forme but of a pale greene colour like the long the fruite hereof likewise is greater than any of the other as the
to be taken inwardly the juyce also clarified and mingled with a little vinegar is good to wash the mouth and throate that is inflamed but outwardly the juyce of the herbe or berries with oyle of Roses and a little vinegar and cerusse laboured together in a leaden Morter is very good to anoint all hot inflammations Saint Anthonies fire all other grieved places that are molested with heate as the head ache and frenzies anointing the temples and forehead therewith as also the heate and inflammation in the eyes it doth also much good for the shingles ringwormes and in all running fretting corroding ulcers and in weeping or moist Fistulaes if the juice be made up with some hens dung and applied thereunto a pessary dipped in the juyce and put up into the matrixe stayeth the immoderate fluxe of womens courses a cloth wet therein and applied to the testicles or cods upon any swelling therein giveth much ease as also to the goute that commeth of hot and sharpe humours the juyce dropped into the eares easeth those paines that arise of heat or inflammation Pliny saith moreover that it is good for hot swellings under the throate the sleepie Nightshade of both sorts are of one and the same qualitie being cold in the third degree and drie in the second comming neere unto the propertie of Opium to procure sleepe but somewhat weaker if a dramme of the barke of the roote be taken in wine but not to exceede that proportion for feare of danger the seede drunke doth powerfully expell urine and is also good for the dropsie but the often taking thereof in too great a quantite procureth frenzie the remedy whereof is to take good store of warme honied water the roote boyled in wine and a little thereof held in the mouth easeth the paines of the tooth ache Pliny saith it is good to fasten loose teeth the juyce of the roote mingled with hony is good for the eyes that are weake of sight It is more effectuall in all hot swellings and inflammations than the former in regard it is colder in qualitie the juyce of the herbe or rootes or the distilled water of the whole plant being applied the deadly Nightshade is held more dangerous than any of the other for it is thought to be cold in the fourth degree the juyce of the leaves and a little vinegar mixed together procureth rest and sleepe when upon great distemperature either in long sicknesse or in the tedious hot fits of agues rest and sleepe is much hindered if the temples and forehead be a little bathed therewith as also taketh away the violent paine of the head proceeding of a hot cause the leaves bruised or their juyce may be applied to such hot inflammations as Saint Anthonies fire the shingles and all other fiery or running cankers to coole and stay the spreading the danger is very great and more in the use of this inwardly than in any of the former and therefore there had neede of the more heed and care that children and others doe not eate of the berries hereof least you see the lamentable effects it worketh upon the takers thereof as it hath done both in our owne land upon sundry children killed by eating the broth wherein the leaves were boiled or the berries and beyond the sea in the same manner yet some doe hold that two ounces of the distilled water hereof is effectuall to be taken inwardly without any danger against the heart burning and other inflammations of the bowells and against all other hot inflammations of the skinne or eyes giving ease to the paines It hath beene often proved that one scruple of the dried roote hereof infused in a little wine sixe or seven hoares and then strained hard through a cloth that if this wine be put into a draught of other wine whosoever shall drinke that wine shall not be able to eate any meate for that meale nor untill they drinke some vinegar which will presently dispell that qualitie and cause them fall to their vlands with as good a stomacke as they had before this is a good jest for a bold unwelcome guest The Virginia Nightshade is a familiar purger with them in Virginia New England c. where they take a spoonefull or two of the juyce of the roote which worketh strongly but we having tried to give the dried roote in powder have not found that effect CHAP. VII 1. Solanum lignosum sive Dulcamara Wood Nightshade or Bitter sweete ALthough this plant hath no dangerous quality therein nor yet is properly any Nightshade more than the outward conformitie in some sort yet because many learned Authours have reckoned it as a sort thereof and called it by that name let me also place it with them and shew it you in this place thus it groweth up with many slender winding brittle wooddy stalkes five or sixe foote high without any claspers but foulding it selfe about hedges or any other thing that standeth next unto it covered with a whitish rough barke and having a pith in the middle shooting out many branches on all sides which are greene while they are young whereon grow many leaves without order somewhat like unto the leaves of Nightshade but that they are somewhat broad long and pointed at the ends with two small leaves or rather peeces of leaves at the bottome of most of them somewhat like the Sage with eares and many of them likewise but with one peece on the one side sometimes also those peeces are close unto the leaves making them seeme as it were jagged or cut in on the edges into so many parts and sometimes separate there from making the leaves seeme winged or made of many leaves and are of a pale greene colour at the toppes and sides of the branches come forth many flowers standing in fashion of along umbell upon short foote stalkes one above another which consist of five narrow and long violet purple coloured leaves not spread like a starre or very seldome but turning themselves backwards to the stalkes againe whereon they stand with a long gold yellow pointell in the middle sticking forth which afterwards turne into round and somewhat long berries greene at the first and very red soft and full of juyce when they are ripe of an unpleasant bitter taste although sweete at the first wherein are contained many flat white seedes the roote spreadeth it selfe into many strings under ground and not growing into any great body the barke also of the branches being chewed tasteth bitter at the first but sweeter afterwards 2. Dulcamara flore albo Wood Nightshade with white flowers Of this kinde there is another that differeth not from the former more than in the flowers whose outer leaves are white and the pointell yellow Dulcamara seâ— Solanum lignosum Wood Night shade The Place This groweth usually by ditches sides and hedges where they may climbe up upon them the first almost every where the second is very rare and seldome to be met
the same effect and so doth also the distilled water of the herbe and roote rightly made and prepared which is to steepe them in wine for a night and then distilled in Balneo mariae this water in this manner prepared taken with some Venice Treakle and thereupon being presently laid to sweate will certainely by Gods helpe expell any venome or poyson or the plague or any fever or horror or the shaking fit that happeneth for it is an ingredient of especiall respect in all antidotes or counterpoysons never to be forgotten out of them it is so effectuall in the operation against the plague yea it is said that good shepheards doe carefully preserve this herbe and give it their Sheepe for the rot and many other diseases in them for there is not found any roote more effectuall to helpe any fluxe of the belly stomacke spleene or bloud than this prepared after what manner one will to be taken inwardly or applied outwardly the juyce taken doth wonderfully open the obstructions of the liver and lungs and thereby certainely helpeth the yellow jaundise in a short space Some there be that use to make cakes hereof as well to stay all fluxes as to restraine all chollericke belchings and much vomitings with loathinge in the stomacke in this manner take the powder of the roote and of a peece of a Nutmeg beates made up with the white of an egge and as much meale of Oates as all of them come unto which being baked is to be taken every morning one untill you finde helpe or the powder of the roote onely made up with the white of an egge and baked upon an hot tile and so taken Andreas Valesius de radice Chinae pag. 84. holdeth this opinion thereof that the decoction of the roote is no lesse effectuall to cure the French poxe then Guaiâ—um or China because it so mightily resisteth putrefaction Lobel saith that Rondeletius used it in the stead or after in the same manner that he used Hermodactiles for joint aches the powder also or the decoction to be drunke or to fit therein as in a bath is an assured remedy against abortion in women that is when they use to miscarrie often in child bearing if it proceede from the over fluxibilitie or weakenesse of the inward retentive faculties as also a plaister made therewith and vinegar applied to the reines of the backe doth much helpe it doth much helpe likewise those that cannot hold their water the powder taken in the juice of Plantane and is commended also against the wormes in children it is very powerfull in ruptures and burstings as also for bruses and falls to be used as well outwardly as inwardly the roote hereof made up with pellitorie of Spaine and Allome and put into an hollow tooth doth not onely asswage the paine but staieth the fluxe of humors thereunto which was the cause thereof the juice hereof also being drunke is found effectuall to open the obstructions of the liver and gall Tormentill likewise is no lesse effectuall and powerfull a remedy for outward wounds sores and hurts than for inward and therefore it ought to be a speciall ingredient in all wound drinkes lotions and injections for foule and corrupt rotten sores and ulcers of the mouth or secret parts or any other part of the body and to put either the juice or powder of the roote into such ointments plaisters and such things that are to be applied to wounds and sores as cause shall require it doth also dissolve all knots kernells and hardnesse gathered about the eares the throate and jawes and the Kings evill if the leaves and rootes be bruised and applied thereunto the same also easeth the paines of the Scintica or Hippegout by restraining the sharpe humours that flow thereunto the juice of the leaves and rootes used with a little vinegar is also a speciall remedy against the running sores in the head or other parts scabbes also and the itch or any such eruptions in the skinne proceeding of salt and sharpe humours the same also is effectuall for the hemorrhoides or piles in the fundament if they be washed and bathed therewith or with the distilled water of the herbe and rootes it is found also helpefull to drie up any sharpe rheume that distilleth from the head into the eyes causing rednes paine waterings itchings or the like if a little prepared Tutia or white Amber be used with the distilled water hereof many women also use this water as a secret to helpe themselves and others when they are troubled with the abundance of the whites or reds as they call them both to be drunke and injected by a Syring CHAP. XXV Pentaphyllum sive Quinquefolium Cinkefoile or five leafed Grasse THe next unto the Tormentill must come the Cinkefoile to be intreated of not onely for the likenesse of the outward face or forme of the plant but of the properties also as you shall heare hereafter Hereof there are many more sorts found out and now made knowne than formerly there was and therefore I thinke it fit to expresse them in some method and order that is in three rankes the first shall be of those sorts that beare white or whitish flowers the second shall be of those that beare yellow flowers and lie downe with their leaves upon the ground or runne with their rootes the third shall be of those that stand more upright bearing yellow flowers Primus Ordo The first Ranke 1. Pentaphyllum majus luteo flore vel albo Great white or yellow Cinkefoile THis first and greatest upright Cinkefoile hath many leaves rising from the roote each upon his owne foote stalke divided in five parts as if they were five severall leaves dented about the edges and some times round pointed very like the great common yellow Cinkefoile but larger and a little hairy from among which rise up straight or upright stalkes and not much leaning downe to the ground as the next that followeth doth a little hairy also and divided at the toppes into two or three branches and they againe into other smaller upon every one whereof standeth one flower of a white colour and larger than in others but consisting of 〈◊〉 leaves as all others doe in the middle whereof standeth a small downy head encompassed with many red 〈◊〉 yellow threds the roote is somewhat thicke and long and reddish with all 2. Pentaphyllum majus alterum album Common great white Cinkefoile This other white Cinkefoile which is more common with all Herbarists have many leaves growing from the roote divided into five parts each of them somewhat longer a little dented and pointed also at the end greene on the upper side and hoary white underneath betweene these leaves grow weake branches leâ— downe to the ground scarfe a foote long with many such like leaves upon them but lesser than those below the flowers of these are almost as large as those before and of a white colour consisting of five more round pointed leaves than
or red Rattle have which some call Lousewort because if sheepe feede thereon it will cause them to breede lice abundantly they must abide without use to us CHAP. XI Helxine sive Parietaria Paritary of the Wall THere are two sorts of Paritary of the Wall although the ancients have mentioned but one that is a greater and a lesser as shall be declared 1. Paritaria vulgaris Common Paritary of the Wall This kinde of Paritary or as it is usually called Pellitory of the Wall riseth up with many brownish red tender and weake cleare and almost transparent stalkes about two foote high upon which grow at the severall joynts two leaves somewhat broad and long like unto those of French Mercury or Amaranthin called Flower gentle of a darke greene which afterwards turne brownish not dented at all but smooth on the edges rough and hairy as the stalkes are also at the joynts with the leaves from the middle of the stalkes upwards where it spreadeth into some branches stand many small pale purplish flowers in hairy â—r somewhat rough heades or huskes after which come small blacke and rough seede which will sticke to any garment or cloath that shall touch it the roote is somewhat long with many small fibres annexed thereunto of a darke reddish colour which abideth the Winter although the stalkes with leaves perish and springeth a fresh every yeare 2. Parietaria minor Small Pellitory of the Wall The lesser Pellitory of the Wall groweth in the like 1. Parietaria vulgaris Common Pellitory of the Wall manner that the former doth but not so great or high having tender reddish rough stalkes and smaller and shorter and somewhat greener leaves thereon almost like unto Bassill and rougher also so that they will cleave to any cloth or other thing that toucheth it the flowers and seede differ not much from the other but smaller and the seede is more like unto Purslane seede being rubbed out of the huskes han the other The Place The first groweth wilde generally through the land about the borders of fields and by the sides of old Walls and among rubbish it will well endure also being brought into the garden and planted on the shadie side where it will spring of its owne sowing and will not easily be gotten out therehence afterwards The other is rare in our Countrie and in Germany also but neare Confluence where it is naturally found and not in many other places neither both of them in one place or very seldome it doth sometimes hold the greene leaves in the Winter The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly and the seede is ripe soone after The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Helxine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Perdicium the one quod foliorum seminum hirsutie vestibus ad hereat the other quod perdices ea libenter vescantur in Latine also Helxine but not Cissampelos which is described before Perdicium Perdicaria Vrceolaris Vitrago or Vitriolaris herba because the roughnesse thereof serveth to clense either pots or glasses it is called also Muralium and herba Muralis because it most usually groweth by Walls sides and for the same cause also it is called Farietaria or as some doe write it Paritaria Galen and Paulus Aegineta who followeth him in most things say that some in their dayes called it Parthenium but they doe not understand the Matricaria for it but this herbe here entreated of but there are to be found in the writings of divers that have written of herbes seven severall sorts of herbes called by the name Parthenion or Parthenium as Mercurialis Arthemifia Chamomilla nobilis Amaracus or Majorana Marum Matricaria and this Parietaria Cornelius Celsus also and Pliny out of him doe call it Parthenium and yet Leonicenus Colmarius and Rudolphus Agricola much doubted whether any did so call it the Italians call it Parietaria Vitriola the Spaniards yerva de muro the French Paritoire and Paritari the Germanes San Peterskraut as Tragus saith Tag un nacht and Glaszkraut the Dutchmen Glasscruidt in English ordinary Pellitory of the Wall but corruptly as I said for it hath no correspondencie with Pellitory but to follow the Latine name as most other Countries doe it should be called Paritarie and of the wall is added according to both the names of Paritaria and Muralis all Authors doe call it generally either Helxine or Parietaria and Tragus calleth the other Paritaria exigua The Vertues The dried herbe Paritary made up with hony into an Electuarie or the juice of the herbe or the decoction thereof made up with Sugar or Hony is a singular remedy for any old continuall or dry cough the shortnesse of breath and wheezings in the throate the juyce thereof taken to the quantie of three ounces at a time doth wonderfully ease those that are troubled with the suppression of their urine causing them very speedily to make water and to expell both the stone and gravell that are engendred in the kidnies and bladder and therefore it is usually put among other herbes that are used in glisters to mittigate paines in the backe sides or bowells proceeding of winds or the like stoppings of urine or the gravell and stone it worketh the like effect also if the bruised herbe sprinkled with some Muskadine be warmed upon a tyle or in a dish upon a few quicke coales in a Chaffing dish and applied to the belly the decoction also of the herbe being drunke easeth the paines of the mother and bringeth downe the courses that are staied the same also easeth those griefes that arise from the obstructions of the liver spleene and reines the same decoction also may serve in stead of a bath for men or women to sit in for the foresaid purposes the same decoction also with a little hony added thereto will serve to very good purpose to gargle the throate when it is swollen and pained the juice held a while in the mouth easeth the paines in the teeth the distilled water of the herbe drunk with some Sugar to make it the more pleasant worketh the same effects and moreover clenseth the skinne from spots freckles purples wheales sunburne morphew c. and leaveth the skinne cleare smooth and delicate the juyce dropped into the eares easeth the noise and hummings in them and taketh away the prickings and shooting paines in them the said juyce or the distilled water doth asswage hot and swelling impostumes burnings or scaldings by fire or water as also all other hot â—mours or imflammations be it Saint Anthonies fire or any other eruptions of heate being bathed often with 〈◊〉 cloths dipped therein or the said juice made into a linament with Cerussa oyle of Roses anointed therewith which also doth clense foule rotten ulcers and staieth spreading or creeping ulcers and the running scabbes 〈◊〉 sores in childrens heads the same also helpeth to stay the falling of the haire of the head the said ointment 〈◊〉
aforesaid it doth most assuredly helpe also those that have the strangurie and have their urine stopped or are troubled with the stone or gravell in their reines or bladder causing them that take it to urine plentifully and thereby to remove and wash downe whatsoever sticketh or is offensive in the passages thereof Vide Hollerium de morbis interniis lib. 1. c 62. fol. 268. the same also helpeth much all stitches in the sides all griping paines or torments in the stomacke or belly caused by collericke or sharpe or salt humours it helpeth the obstructions of the liver and cureth the yellow jaundise likewise it killeth also the wormes in children being outwardly applied it conglutinâ—th wounds very notably and helpeth much to stay defluxions of rheume from the head to the eyes nose or teeth being bruised greene and bound thereto or the decoction of the dried herbe to bathe the forehead and temples or the nape of the necke behinde it doth also drie up the moisture of fistulous ulcers or any others that by the much accesse of sharpe humors are growne foule and spreading the lesser Rupturewort is not much wanting in all the faculties of the other CHAP. XVI Polygonum Solinoides Parsly pert or Parsly Breakestone I Have as you see separated this kinde of Knotgrasse from all the other in the last Chapter and not without just reason as I take it because the face and forme thereof is so much differing from them as the ensuing description will declare the roote in very small and threddy but abiding divers yeares in the naturall places from whence come many leaves spread upon the ground each standing on a small long foote stalke and being as broad as the naile of a mans finger or Sive Percepierre Anglorum Polygonum Selinoides Parsly pert or Parsly breakestone â—humbe is very much jagged on the edges making it seeme somewhat like unto a Parslye leafe whereof came the name â—ut of an overworne or dusky greene colour from among which riseth up weake and slender stalkes about three or foure â—ingers long set full of the like leaves but smaller up to the â—oppes that almost no part of the stalkes can be seene and all â—or the most part standing close thereunto few of them having â—ny footestalke at all or very short among these leaves come forth very small greenish yellow flowers scarse to be discerned where afterwards groweth the seede as small as any of the former The Place This groweth naturally in most countries of this land if it be observed by any that have skill but especially in such barâ—en and sandy grounds as doe not want moisture for it joyeth much more in the wet places then in the dry I found it upon Hampsteed Heath by the foote pathes where being a dry ground and in a dry time it was very small which else in 〈◊〉 moister time and in a moister place upon the same Heath was much greater as also neare unto the meerestones by Lambeth which divide the liberties of London from Surrey The Time It is to be found all times of the Sommer Spring and Harvest even from Aprill unto the end of October in severall places for in the open and Sunny places it will be withered when in the shadowy and moist it will continue The Names This plant being of long continuance in our land and knowledge to us by the properties for it hath not beene mentioned by any the most curious searchers and writers of herbs beyond sea as being onely peculiar I thinke to our Country before Lobel came to us who called it Percep er Anglorum and Lugdunensis from him hath received no Latine name at all and therefore I have transferred the name Polygonum Selinoides hereunto as more proper unto it then Gerards Knawell is unto it for it may most fitly be reckoned a Polygonum by the manner of the growing and the name Selinoides may most fitly agree unto it from the forme of the leaves being derived from the Greeke word Selinon for Knawel hath no likenesse with Selinum Parsly In the former Chapter I shewed you Gerard his errours herein now let me shew you mine also if peradventure I speake not per Antiphrasim concerning these names of Percepier or Perch pier as some call it and Parsly pert or Parsly breakestone as they are usually called in English I shewed you before that the word Parsly pert was but a corruption of time in the vulgar sort and Percepier also derived from the French word Percepierre which as I said before signifieth as much as Lithontribon in Greeke Saxifraga Petrifindula an old outworne word and calculum frangens in Latine pierce stone or breakestone in English some call it Parsly pert and derive it from petra but the more proper English is Parsly breakestone Now concerning this and Lobel his Saxifraga Anglicana both of them are affirmed by Lobel to grow in the West Country and both are used for one purpose yet Lobel seemeth to referre the Percepier unto the Cerefolium Scandix sive Pecten Veneris or partaking of both of them but most unproperly in my minde which hath caused Bauhinus in his Pinax following his opinion to make it a species of Cerefolium calling it Chaerophyllo nonnihil similis planta and Tabermontanus thereupon calleth it Scandix minor and Columua was also much deceived in thinking this to be an Alchymilla calling it minima montana The Vertues This herbe hath properly with the vulgar sort both men and women leeches who have had most practice of it not found any other operation then to helpe to provoke urine and breake the stone in those that are troubled therewith for which purposes it is most availeable for they use to eate it familiarly as a Sallet herbe and pickle it up as a Sampire to eate in winter but is used also more Physically either by it selfe or with other things and either in powder or in juice decoction or water distilled from it whose severall wayes that I may declare them a little more amply are these Take of the juice of the herbe about three ounces put this with so much white wine as is fit to make a posset take hereof every morning and evening a draught or ye may adde hereto Wild Time or Mother of Time and some Camomill You may also boyle these herbes aforesaid in white wine or in water if wine be not at hand and drinke it when it is strayned in the same manner the powder also of the dryed herbe to the quantity of a dramme or lesse in white wine or in other drinke where wine is wanting for divers dayes first and last and the distilled water of the herbe taken with a little Sugar in the same manner is found to be a singular remedy to provoke urine when it is stopped wholly or passeth away by drops with paine or unsensibly without paine expelleth store of gravell in those that breede it and the stone also in the reines or kidneyes in washing it downe by the
pale blewish ashcolour wherein after they are fallen doe grow large whitish smooth shining seedes somewhat like unto the seedes of Thistles but larger and lying among a great deale of downy matter the roote groweth to be more than two foote long and as great as a reasonable great Raddish or Parsneppe roote blackish on the outside and somewhat reddish yellow within abiding many yeares sending forth fresh leaves every Spring those dying for the most part that were greene all the Sommer 2. Centaurium majus Pyrenaeum The Pyronean great Centory This Pyrenaean kinde hath larger leaves than the former and more jagged or cut in deepely on the edges somewhat resembling an Artichoke leafe in the divisions greene above and gray or as it were hoary underneath the stalke riseth to be about three foote high cornered and hoary having sundry smaller leaves and lesse jagged set thereon and parted at the toppe into some branches each bearing some small leaves under the heads which are much greater and more scaly also with sharpe prickes at their ends like a little wilde Artichoke head the tufts of threds which are the flowers as in the other are more purple the seedes are white wrapped in downe like it and the roote great and blacke on the outside but longer and of the bignesse of ones wrest 3. Centaurium majus alterum sive Lusitanicum The great Centory of Portugall This other great Centory hath many leaves rising from the head of the roote lying almost upon the ground which are as long and as large almost as the former but without any jagge or division at all in them yet somewhat deepely dented about the edges and of a deeper greene colour the stalke is round and great but riseth not up so high nor divided it selfe at the toppe into so many branches but bearing onely two or three heads on a stalke which are scaly in the same manner in it such like thrums of a pale whitish colour or threddy flowers which being past there groweth such like seede also in those heads lying in a flockie or downie substance but a little blacker every one bearded in the same manner the roote groweth to be as great or greater than the former blacke also on the outside and yellowish within yeelding forth a yellowish red juice like the other which is somewhat bitter but a little more aromaticall than it 1. Centaurium majus vulgare The common great Centory 2. Centaurium majus Pyranium The Pyrenean great Centory 3. Centaurium majus alterum sive Lasitanicum The great Centory of Portugal 4. Centaurium major luteum The great yellow Centory 4. Centaurium majus Luteum The great yellow Centory This yellow Centory sendeth forth many more both larger and longer leaves from the roote then the former some of the lowest having fewer divisions in them then others but those that grow upon the stalk as wel as some of the other below are very much divided into many parts making every winged leafe to consist of a dozen or sixteene leaves the ribbe in the middle betweene them being whitish each for the most part set against another with an odde one at the end and every of them being narrow and long without any dents on the edges and of a whitish greene colour the stalkes are many strong and round somewhat straked downe the length of them each divided into some other branches which beare somewhat greater scaly heads then any of the other and larger spread thrumbs or threds of a fine lively pale yellow colour which abide in their beauty a long time without decaying but seldome giveth seede in this Country because as I thinke the scaly heads are so full of moisture that it hindereth seede to grow ripe therein for if they be but a little pressed betweene the fingers there will issue forth on all sides small cleare drops of water as sweete as Sugar almost and that not onely at noone dayes as Bauhinus saith but at any time of the day and not for once onely and no more but oftentimes yea every day if ye will it will yeeld still some as long as the flowers are fresh and not quite withered but when it doth perfect his seede it is somewhat like the last great Centory yet lessen blacker and more shining the roote groweth in time to be greater then either of the other having many heads that shoote forth in the Spring the old leaves dying downe to the ground every yeare which is wrinkled and blacke on the outside and yellowish within full of a slimy moisture in them running downe deepe into the ground with some greater branches and but a few small fibres The Place All these sorts grow upon mountaines the first and third upon the Alpes and Mount Baldus the second on the Pyrenean hils Clusius saith he found the third upon some stony hils beyond Lisborne in Portugall neare the river Tagus and the last there likewise and on Mount Baldus as Pona saith The Time They doe all flower about the end of Iune and in Iuly yet the Portingall kinde doth least endure our cold aire seldome shewing forth his flower nor yet abiding unlesse well preserved The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Centaurium magnum and as Pliny saith tooke the name from Chiron the Centaure who was healed herewith of the hurt he received in his foote by one of Hercules his arrowes that fell from his owne hand thereon in overlooking them when hee received Hercules as his guest and therefore of some was called Chironium The first is called of all writers Centaurium magnum or majus and vulgare of some as a difference from the others It hath beene in the former ages of the world yet long since Galen his time for many yeares and yet continueth in many parts called Rhaponticum and used in the stead thereof in all those medicines that the ancients appoint Rhaponticum to be put which is an errour growne so old by custome that many obstinately persist therein because they have received it from their elders but learning and diligence in reading and scanning the writings of the ancient authors hath not onely discussed this opinion but many others also for as I have shewed before in the second Classis in the Chapter of Rubarbe Dioscorides saith that the Rhaponticum is a roote like unto the roote of the great Centory ho◠then can it be the same when it is but like it and although the roote of this Centory be yellowish which encreased their error yet will it not colour the spittle like unto Saffron Brasavolus in his time did thinke that those rootes called Rhaponticum in the Apothecaries shops were not the rootes of this great Centory whom Matthi◠contradicteth shewing them to be the same Some also as Matthiolus saith did in his time take the Lysimachia purpurea to be Centaurim magnum The Arabians Mesues Avicen and Serapio have much confounded the Centories both the greater and the lesser together giving
therefore call it the white rot of the colour of the herbe as they have another they call the red rot which is Pedicularis red Rattle The third is called Sanicula montana altera by Clusius and Alpina and guttata by Camerarius and others by Lobel Gariophyllata sive Geum Alpinum recentiorum folio hederaceo The fourth Matthiolus called Cortusa having received it from Cortusâ— and reckoneth it among the Avens and thereupon Lobel calleth it Caryophyllata Veronensium flore Saniculae ursâ— Clusius calleth it his first Sanicula montana and others Alpina The last for some resemblance was called Cortusa by the French and Americana added to distinguish it The Vertues Sanicle is bitter in taste and thereby is heating and drying in the second degree it is astringent also and therefore exceeding good to heale all greene wounds speedily or any ulcers impostumes or bleedings inwardly it doth wonderfully helpe those that have any tumour in their bodies in any part for it represseth the humours and dissipateth them if the decoction or juice thereof be taken or the powder in drinke and the juice used outwardly for there is not found any herbe that can give such present helpe either to man or beast when the disease falleth upon the lungs or throate and to heale up all the maligne putride or stinking ulcers of the mouth throat and privities by gargling or washing with the decoction of the leaves and roote made in water and a little hony put thereto it helpeth to stay womens courses and all other fluxes of blood either by the mouth urine or stoole and laskes of the belly the ulceration of the kidneyes also and the paines in the bowels and the gonorrhea or running of the reynes being boyled in wine or water and drunke the same also is no lesse powerfull to helpe any ruptures or burstings used both inwardly and outwardly and briefely it is as effectuall in binding restraining consolidating heating drying and healing as Comfrey Bugle or Selfeheale or any other of the Consounds or vulnerary herbes whatsoever Butterwort is as one writeth to me a vulnerary herbe of great esteeme with many as well for the rupture in Children as to heale greene wounds the Country people that live where it groweth doe use to annoint their hands when they are chapt by the winde or when their Kines Vdders are swollen by the biting of any virulent worme or otherwise hurt chapt or rift the poorer sort of people in Wales make a Syrupe thereof as is of Roses and therewith purge themselves and their children they put it likewise into their broths for the same purpose which purgeth flegme effectually they also with the herbe and butter make an ointment singular good against the obstructions of the liver experienced by some Physitions there of good account CHAP. XXIX Primula veris pratensis sylvestris Primroses and Cowslips THere is so great a variety in these sorts of plants Primroses and Cowslips whereunto for likenesse both in forme and quality is to be joyned the little army of Auricules Beares eares or French Cowslips as they are called especially in the various colours of their flowers that to describe them all againe would but too much augment this volume I will therfore here but give you some figures of those described fully in my former Booke and the relation of such others as have since the publishing thereof come to our knowledge 1. Primula veris Turcica Tradescanti flore purpureo Tradescants Turkie purple Primrose The leaves of this Primrose are so like unto other Primroses that they can very hardly be distinguished untill the flowers appeare but the chiefest difference in the leaves is that they are somewhat longer rounder pointed and a little reddish at the very bottome of the leaves the flowers are as large as any other Primrose or rather larger made of five leaves like unto them but of a delicate violet purple colour the bottome of them yellow Primula veris vulgaris The ordinary field Primrose Primula veris flore purpureo Turcâ— The Turkie purple Primrose Primula Hesketi versâ—pellis Heskets Cameleon Primrose Pâ—alysis flore pleno Double Paigles Paralytica Alpina major The greater Birdes eye Paralytica Alpina minor The lesser Birdes eye Aricula ursi lutea The yellow Beares eares Auriculâ—si miniâ—a alba Small white Beares eares circled as it were with a deepe Saffron like yellow which addeth a greater grace thereunto in other things it is like unto the ordinary Primroses Flore chermesino Of this kinde there is also another sort little differing from it in any thing save in the colour of the flower which in this is crimson as in the other purple 2. Paralysios varia species The divers sorts of Cowslips Of the various sorts of Cowslips I have given you all the store I know are extant and therefore will describe none of them here but referre you to my former Booke where you shall finde them duplici 1. Purpureo vario 2. Purpureo saturo flore majore 3. Purpureo saturo flore minore 4. Sanguineo 5. Coe estino 6. Coeruleo 7. 8. Flore caeruleo folio Boraginis 9. Purpure coeruleo incano folio Flore cramosino 10. Holosericeo 11. Purpureo Rubro vario 12. Carneo colore 13. Flore niveo 14. Flore aâ—bo 15. Flore albido vel pallido 16. 17. Flore luteo Magno 18 Limoniaco 19. Stramineo 20.21 Versicolore luteo 22. Canescentibus folijs Luteo susco 23. Crinis coloris 24. Lutea rubra 25. 3. Auriculae ursivarietates The varieties of Beares eares or French Cowslips I have there also divided the varieties of the Beares eares or French Cowslips into three colours that is purple or red white and yellow of the rest that I have not there spoken I will here make but briefe mention of the difference in leafe and flower onely without any larger description The bright crimson hath leaves of a middle size more greene then mealy and flowers of a bright crimson colour larger then the blood red The deepe crimson velvet colour The double purple hath the purple flower once more double then the single but is not constant The stript purple differs in leafe little or nothing from the ordinary purple nor yet in flower but onely that it is variously stript with a kinde of whitish blush colour some of these will change wholly into the one or the other colour as all or most of the severall sorts of other stript flowers whether Tulipas Gilloflowers c. are observed often to doe yet as in them so in these if they change into the deeper colour they seldome or never returne to be marked as they will if they change into the lighter The heavens blew hath the leafe broader and of a duskie yellowish greene colour the flowers being of a blewish colour tending to a purple The paler blew is somewhat like unto the last in the greene leafe the flower being of a paler blew Borage leafed blew Beares eares is sufficiently expressed in my
major minor and Cameraria major minor the third is called Cucurbita oblonga by almost all Authors except Dodonaeus Lobel and Gerard who call it Cucurbita anguina the fourth is called Cucurbita stellata sessilis by Camerarius and Gesner in hortis by Tabermontanus Cucurbita capitata by Gerard Cucurbita sylvestris fungiformis Pepo Indicus fungiformis and Pepo maximus clypeatus for all these his three figures expresse but this one sort of Gourd and by Dodonaeus Pepolatus the fift is called Cucurbita Indica by Matthiolus rotunda of Caesalpinus and Lugdunensis and Indica major or minor of Tabermontanus Zuccha major rotunda of Cordus and Citrullus maior and Pepo maior sylvestris of Gerard which although he expresse these as he did the former for sundry plants yet they are not so of this kinde Matthiolus and others have made mention of much varietie which they saw in their time and wee I thinke in ours many more as I have declared before the sixt is mentioned by Lugdunensis onely by the name of Cucurbita verrucosa the last some call Cucumeres hyemales but I had rather call it Cucurbita hyemalis partly for the reasons before set downe but chiefely for the seede sake which is more like a Gourd then a Cowcumber What I said before concerning the variablenesse of the ancient Authors in these things I may as well say of our moderne writers in confounding Pepo Melopepo and Cucurbita so promiscuously that it is not possible to finde out the distinct certaintie of them all for some make that to bee Pepo that others call Melopepo and others Cucurbita And Bauhinus who taketh upon him to refine all other mens writings and distinguish of them in making Pepo Melopepo and Cucurbita severall kinds of plants doth so huddle and confound them together as any that will reade him advisedly and compare him may soone see that he giveth severall names to one and the same plant in divers places which errour and the prolixitie about them you see I have endeavoured as much as I can to avoyd But to give you one note worth the observation to know the severall varieties of these and the other sorts of Millions Citrulls Cowcumbers c. is dilligently to marke the forme of the seedes for the seede of the ordinary bottle Gourds are formed quite differing from all the other sorts and therefore whatsoever strange seede shall come to your hands formed somewhat like unto them you may certainly conclude them kinds of Gourds so likewise of the Pompions or Millions which are flat white and greater 〈◊〉 either Muske Melon or Cowcumber in like manner the Citrull hath a thicke hard shelled blackâ—â—e and rounder then the Gourd and therefore what seede is nearest thereto in likenesse you may include them under their family the Muske Melons and Cowcumbers are very like one unto another and therefore I would conclude them both under one genus yet if you will well observe them you shall soone know their difference by the yellower and harder shell of the Melon greater also when as those of the Cowcumber are whiter smaller and â—endâ—er shelled I know none other of these kinds of fruites but may be most truly referred by their seede especially but not either by forme colour or taste to one of these foure foreshewed sorts Some other things more before I leave this narration I thinke good to shew you namely the divers errours both of Pliny and others â—th ancient and moderne who thinke that all or most of these varieties of Gourdes have come from the seede of one kinde viz. that the seede that lyeth in the necke of the Gourde will give long Gourdes those in the middle round like Gourdes and those in the bottome or lowest parts flat or bottle like Gourds and that the 〈◊〉 of formes in them is also caused by the Art of Gardiners who by mouldes and such like doe bring them unto what â—e they please which forme say they they will continually keepe afterwards each from their own seede which is found utterly untrue for howsoever they may by mouldes c. bring them in their growing to the forme of the mould yet the seede thereof assuredly will give no other forme than the first naturall unlesse it be for◠〈◊〉 Another errour or opinion possesseth many that by the standing of water in a pot three or foure foot of from the place where it groweth it will shoote and spring wondrous fast and that if oyle be set neare it it will shrinke in as fast and againe that if women when they have their courses shall touch any part of them it will hinder their growing and lastly that to make them come without seede is to steepe the seede in oyle of Sesaâ— before you set it all which are as erronious as the former The Vertues All these sorts of Gourdes how ever different in forme yet are of one qualitie that is cold and moist in the second degree they are eaten in the hot countries with much delight kept and preserved with great care art and paires to be spent almost all the yeare after and have there as I said before a farre more sweete and pleasant rellish than in these colder climates where being more waterish they are the more unsavorie at the least more insâ— they are eaten boyled or stewed but much better being fried whereby they give the better nourishment to the body for by their moisture being boiled or stewed they are the more lubricke and make the body the more â—le and so they doe also being pickled up as many use to doe Wine also kept in a fresh Gourde all â—ight after it hath beene clensed from the loose inward pulpe and seede and drunke in the morning will cause the body to be soluble They are conveniently given to hot cholericke bodies to coole the heat and inflammation of the liver and stomacke but the distilled water of them before they are through ripe drunke with some Sugar doth wonderfully helpe to asswage thirst and the hot fits of agues For want of a Still to make water you may make some effectuall in this manner Put a whole Gourd when you have cut off the upper head and clensed it from the seede into an Oven with a batch of bread in the middle whereof there will be gathered a fine cleare water which being powred out may be kept to use as neede requireth the leaves and young branches are conveniently applied to all the hot humors empostumes and inflammations and to asswage paines of the headach the rednesse and heat in the eyes the paines in the eares and the paines of the gout if either the juice of them or the water be applied in clothes and spunges wet therein the same applied to womens breasts pained with the abundance of milke easeth them by cooling and restraining the hot qualitie and quantitie thereof the water or juice being drunke or outwardly applied to the privie parts of man and woman
names but especially because those of Cyzicen being the chiefest compositors of such oyles according to their Country name gave it that title Some have thought that the Amaracus of Galen is not the same of Dioscorides or Theophrastus but Parthenium because Dioscorides saith that by some in his time it was called Amaracus and the rather because he maketh no mention of Parthenium in the censure of his simples which how erronious it is appeareth by Galens owne words of the Oleum Amaracinum which he calleth a sweet oyle although not so sweet as Marum and Dioscorides termeth the smell of Parthenium subvirosus having leaves like Coriander then whether the Sampsuchum of Dioscorides be our Marjerome for I finde that Lobel in Adversaria termeth his Marum supinum Sampsuchus forte Dioscorides and Bauhinus in his Pinax entituleth our ordinary Marum or hearbe Mastick Sampsuchus sive Marum Mastichen redolens which two authors thought Marum better to argue with his Sampsuchum then Marjerome because Dioscorides saith that his Sampsuchum is an haerbe full of branches creeping on the ground with hairy round leaves like the smaller or finer leafed Calamint smelling very sweet and in the composition of the Oleum Sampsuchinum hee adviseth to chuse that Sampsuchum that hath darke greene leaves neither of which properties are in our Marjerome nor yet in either of Lobels or Bauhinus their Marum for although Lobel his Marum supinum creepe on the ground yet it hath not hairy round leaves but small and long and Bauhinus his and our Marum creepeth not upon the ground but standeth upright as Marjerome doth The next controversie is whether the Marum of Dioscorides be answerable to any of those hearbes are called Marum by any of our moderne Writers that none of them can be his Marum this sheweth plainely that he saith his Marum hath whiter leaves by much then Origanum and a sweeter flower and neither the Marum supinum of Lobel no nor our ordinary Marum hath whitish leaves or is sweeter then Marjerome Clusius therefore thought good to call our ordinary Marum Tragoriganum rather then Marum and saith that the seed thereof was sent him by the name of Ambradulcis and Bauhinus calleth the Marum Syriacum of Lobel Majorana Syriaca and yet by Bauhinus leave his Syriacum or Alpinus Creticum commeth neerer to Dioscorides his Marum then to his Sampsuchum most Writers call the sweet Marjeromes Amaracus and Sampsuchus and some Majorana vulgatior and the smaller or finer sort tenuior but I doe not finde that any of them hath made mention of my living sweet sort although both Camerarius and Bauhinus doe entitle the fourth Majorana perennis as I doe the next before it but they adde Sylvestris as Tragus and Gesner doe and Majorana major or latifolia as others doe and Anglica and Camerarius saith he found a sort thereof about Bononia going a simpling with Vlisses Aldroandus that had larger and softer leaves the sixt is called by many Authors Origanum vulgare and by others Origanum sylvestre Lobel Origanum Onitis majus and Agrioriganum Caesalpinus Origanum Italicum and Gerarde Anglicum but I as you see number it rather among the Marjeromes as a wilde kind thereof as we usually call it in English and as we doe the fourth and fift this having leaves like Marjerome but greener Pliny as I said before calleth it Cunila bubula and so doth Dioscorides his also But take them here as wee usually call them the seventh is commonly called Marum by most Authors yet Dodonaeus Gesner in hortis and Camerarius take it to be Clinopodium Anguilara and Lobel to be Helenium odorum of Theophrastus Clusius to be Tragoriganum and Bauhinus to be Sampsuchus Dioscoridis it is called Mastic both by the French and us The eight is called by Lobel Marum supinum by Caesalpinus Marum ex Sicilia allatum Sampsuchum Dioscoridis Lobel in Adversarijs calleth it Sampsuchus Dioscorid Amaracus serpens and Bauhinus Marum repens verticillatum The last is called by Lobel Marum Syriacum and so doe after him Dodonaeus and Tabermontanus but Alpinus calleth it Cretense finding it in Candye and Bauhinus as I said before Majorana Syriaca vel Cretica The Vertues Our common sweet Marjerome is hot and dry in the second degree and is warming and comfortable in cold diseases of the head stomack sinewes and other parts taken inwardly or applyed outwardly it digesteth saith Matthiolus attenuateth openeth and strengthneth the decoction thereof being drunke helpeth all the diseases of the chest which hinder the freenesse of breathing it is likewise profitable for the obstructions of the liver and spleene for it not onely cleareth them of those humours did stuffe them but strengthneth also and confirmeth the inward parts it helpeth the cold griefes of the wombe and the windines thereof or in any other inward part a it helpeth the losse of speech by the resolution of the tongue the decoction thereof made with some Pelletory of Spaine and long pepper or with a little Acorus or Origanum Dioscorides and Galens Sampsuchum is hot and dry in the third degree of thin parts and of a digesting quality the decoction thereof drunke is good for those that are beginning to fall into a dropsie for those that cannot make their water and against paines and torments in the belly it provoketh also womens courses if it be put up being made into a pessary and applyed with salt and vinegar it taketh away the venome of the Scorpions sting being made into powder and mixed with hony it taketh away the black markes of blowes or bruises applied thereto it is good for the inflammations and watering of the eyes being mixed with fine flower and laid unto them the juyce thereof dropped into the eares easeth the paines in them and helpeth the singing noyse of them it is profitably put into those oyntments and salves that are made to warme and comfort the outward parts or members the joynts also and sinewes for swellings also and places out of joynt the powder thereof snuffed up into the nose provoketh neesing and thereby purgeth the braine and chewed in the mouth draweth forth much flegme The oyle made thereof is very warming and comfortable to the joynts that are stiffe and the sinewes that are hard to molifie supple and stretch them forth Our Marjerome is much used in all odoriferous waters powders c. that are for ornament and delight The great or pot Marjerome because it is more mild and lesse bitter than the former is lesse used in Physicke but more in meates and brothes to give a rellish unto them and to helpe to warme a cold stomack and to expell winde the wilde Marjerome is more hot than it and therefore more effectual to heat warme comfort and strengthen both inwardly and outwardly in all things whereunto it is applyed Hearb Mastick is more temperate in heat than Marjerome and is used by our Apothecaries in stead of the true Marum which may well bee admitted
it answereth very well thereunto although Lobel saith it is all one with the Mentha cruciata The seventh is called by Lobel Mentastrum aliud Mentastrum Campense of Lugdunensis it is the Sysimbrium sylvestre of Matthiolus very well set forth in his small Icoâ—es The eighth and ninth Clusius hath set forth calling the eighth Montanum or Pannonicum and the other Mentastrum tuberosa radice but referreth it rather to a kinde of Cattaria tuberosa and by that name I have often received it among other seeds from Italy and other places whereunto it doth most fitly agree The tenth Bauhinus hath written of and set the description thereof in his Prodromus by the name of Mentha geniculata radice and saith hee received it both by the name of Mentha tuberosa and Nepeta angustifoliá odorata from severall places The eleventh is called by Lobel Calamintha tertia Dioscoridis Mentastrifolia aquatica hirsuta by Lugdunensis Mentastrum minus spicatum by Camerarius Mentastrum aliud hirsutum and by Bauhinus Mentha palustris folio oblongo The last is called by Bauhinus Mentha rotundifolia palustris minor The Vertues The garden Mints in generall yet the sweeter sorts that is the Speare Mint and Hart Mint are more usually taken for all the uses whereunto Mints doe serve Dioscorides saith it hath an heating binding and drying quality and therefore the juyce taken with vinegar stayeth bleeding It stirreth up venery or bodily lust and as hee saith killeth the round wormes which hath not usually beene knowne to take effect with any two or three branches thereof taken with the juyce of sowre Pomegranats staieth the hickock vomitings and allaieth choller it dissolveth impostumes being layed to with barly meale it is good to represse the milke in womens breasts when they are swolne therewith or otherwise for such as have swollen flagging or great breasts applyed with salt it helpeth the byting of a mad Dogge with Meade or honied water it easeth the paines of the eares applyed to the privie parts of a woman before the act of generation hindreth conception which is contradicted as you may read a few lines below and rubbed upon the tongue taketh away the roughnesse thereof It suffereth not milke to curdle in the stomack if the leaves hereof be steeped or boyled in it before yee drinke it Briefly it is very profitable to the stomack and in meates is much accepted It is of especiall use to stay the feminine courses when they come too fast as also to stay the whites for which purpose no other hearbe is more safe and powerfull for by taking it often it hath cured many Applyed to the forehead or the temples of the head it easeth the paines thereof It is also good to wash the heads of young children therewith against all manner of breaking out therein whether sores or scabs and healeth the chaps of the fundament It is profitable also against the poison of venemous creatures The distilled water of Mints is availeable to all the purposes aforesaid yet more weakely but if a spirit thereof bee rightly and chimically drawne it is more powerfull than the hearbe it selfe in regard the spirit and strength of a great deale is brought into a small proportion foure ounces thereof taken as Matthiolus saith doth stay bleeding at the nose which may be thought incredible to a great many It is much commended to be available in venereous causes although Pliny in his lib. 20 cap. 14. doth write to the contrary but Galen in his sixt Booke of Simples doth render a reason of the faculty hereof very worthily where he saith some doe call that Mentha odorata sweet Mint which by others is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hedyosmos but there is another Mint which is not sweet which they call Calamintha both of them are sharpe in taste and hot in quality yea even in the third degree of heat but Mentha odorata is weaker and lesse heating so that I may well say that the one seemeth to be as it were the tame and the other the wild wherefore by that humidity it hath gained by manuring it provoketh to Venery which thing is common to all hearbes that have in them an humidity halfe digested and windy by reason of which temperature being mingled with Barley meale it is used to ripen impostumes which you cannot doe with Calamint because it heateth and digesteth more then such things as should ripen impostumes doe require It hath also in it a little bitternesse and some tartnesse by reason of the bitternesse it killeth the long wormes of the belly and by the tartnesse it stayeth the vomiting of blood while it is fresh if it bee taken with Oxycratum which some take to be sower milke and others to be Posca that is vineger and water mingled together It is of as great tenuity as any hearb whatsoever these are Galens words Simeon Sethi saith it helpeth a cold liver and strengtheneth the stomack and belly causeth digestion stayeth vomitings and the hickock is good against the gnawings of the heart and stirreth up the appetite it taketh away the obstructions of the liver and stirreth up bodily lust but thereof too much must not be taken because it maketh the blood thin and whayish and turneth it into choler yea and causeth the blood which is of very thin parts after it is separated to become thick and melancholick and therefore cholerick persons must abstaine from it it is a safe medicine for the byting of a mad Dogge being bruised with salt and laid on the powder of it being dryed and taken after meate helpeth digestion and those that are splenetick taken with wine it helpeth women in their hard and sore travels in child-bearing it is also thought to be good for bleare eyes applyed to them and that the decoction of them being drunke doth helpe the bleedings at the mouth speedily or presently It is good against the gravell and stone in the kidneys and strangury It is also comfortable for the head and memory not onely to be smelled unto but chiefly to be applyed unto the head and temples and easeth the head-ach the decoction thereof cureth the gums and mouth that is sore if it bee gargled therewith and mendeth an ill favoured breath as also with Rue and Coriander causeth the uvula or palate of the mouth that is downe to returne to its place againe the decoction thereof being gargled and held in the mouth Aristotle and other in the ancient times forbade Mints to be used of Souldiers in the time of warre because they thought it did so much incite to Venery that it tooke away or at least abated their animosity or courage to fight Divers have held for true that Cheeses will not corrupt if they be either rubbed over with the juyce or the decoction of Mints or they laid among them And some againe that if the juyce of Mints be put into the milke whereof you meane to make Cheese that although yee put
is of a manifest heating quality and a little binding and Aetius saith the same also but he further saith that some report that the fumes thereof being taken when it is burnt doth stay the immoderate fluxe of womens courses and all other fluxes of theirs Agrippa saith that if childing women whose wombes be too moist and slippery not able to conceive by reason of that default shall take a quantity of the juyce of Sage with a little salt for foure dayes before they company with their Husbands it will helpe them to conceive and also for those that after they have conceived are subject often to miscarry upon any small occasion for it causeth the birth to be the better retained and to become the more lively therefore in Cyprus and Aegypt after a great plague women were forced to drinke the juyce of Sage to cause them to be the more fruitfull Orpheus saith that three spoonefuls of the juyce of Sage taken fasting with a little honey doth presently stay the spitting or casting up of blood For them that are in a consumption these Pills are much commended Take of Spiknard and Ginger of each two drammes of the seed of Sage a little tosted at the fire eight drammes of long pepper twelve drammes all these being brought into fine powder let there bee so much juyce of Sage put thereto as may make it into a masse formable for pills taking a dramme of them every morning fasting and so likewise at night drinking a little pure water after them Matthiolus saith that it is very profitable for all manner of paines of the head comming of cold and rheumaticke humours as also for all paines of the joynts whether used inwardly or outwardly and therefore It helpeth such as have the falling sicknesse the lethargie or drowsie evill such as are dull and heavie of spirit and those that have the palsie and is of much use in all defluxions or distillations of thin rheume from the head and for the diseases of the chest or brest The leaves of Sage and Nettles bruised together and laid upon the impostume that riseth behind the eares doth asswage and helpe it much also the juyce of Sage taken in warme water helpeth an hoarsnesse and the cough the leaves sodden in wine and laid upon any place affected with the Palsie helpeth much if the decoction be drunke also Sage taken with Wormewood is used for the bloody fluxe Pliny saith it procureth womens courses and stayeth them comming downe too fast helpeth the stinging and bytings of Serpents and killeth the wormes that breed in the eares and also in sores Sage is of excellent good use to helpe the memory by warming and quickning the sences and the conserve made of the flowers is used to the same purpose as also for all the former recited diseases they are perswaded in Italy that if they eate Sage fasting with a little salt they shall be safe that day from the danger of the byting of any venemous beast they use there also never to plant Sage but with Rue among it or neare it for feare of Toades and other Serpents breeding under it and infecting it with their venemous spittle c. the danger whereof is recorded in Boccace of two Friends or Lovers that by eating the leaves of that Sage under which a Toade was found to abide were both killed thereby and therefore the Poet joyneth them both together to have wholesome drinke saying Salvia cum ruta faciunt tibi pocula tuta Sage hath beene of good use in the time of the plague at all times and the small Sage more especially which therefore I thinke our people called Sage of Vertue the juyce thereof drunke with vineger The use of Sage in the Moneth of May with butter Parsley and some salt is very frequent in our Country to continue health to the body as also Sage Ale made with it Rosemary and other good hearbes for the same purpose and for teeming women or such as are subject to miscary as it is before declared Gargles likewise are made with Sage Rosemary Honisuckles and Plantaine boyled in water or wine with some Honey and Allome put thereto to wash cankers sore mouthes and throats or the secret parts of man or woman as need requireth And with other hot and comfortable hearbes to be boyled to serve for bathings of the body or legges in the Summer time especially to warme the cold joynts or sinewes of young or old troubled with the Palsie or crampe and to comfort and strengthen the parts It is much commended against the stitch or paines in the side comming of winde if the grieved place be fomented warme with the decoction thereof in wine and the hearbe after the boyling be laid warme also thereto CHAP. XX. Horminum Clary THere are divers sorts of Clary some manured onely called Garden Clary others growing wilde whereof I shall here shew you many collected from sundry parts 1. Horminum sativum vulgare sive Sclarea Garden Clary Our ordinary Garden Clary hath foure-square stalkes with 1. Horminum sativum vulgare sive Sclarea Garden Clary broad rough wrinckled whitish or hoary greene leaves somewhat evenly cut in on the edges and of a strong sweet scent growing some neare the ground and some by couples upon the stalkes The flowers grow at certaine distances with two small leaves at the joynts under them somewhat like unto the flowers of Sage but smaller and of a very whitish or bleack blue colour the seed is brownish and somewhat flatt or not so round as the wild the rootes are blackish and spread not farre and perish after the seed time it is most usuall to sow it for the seed seldome riseth of it owne shedding 2. Horminum genuinum sativum Dioscoridis The true garden Clary of Dioscorides This small Clary riseth up but with one square hairy stalke about halfe a yard high as farre as ever I could yet observe divided into severall square branches whereon are set at every joynt two leaves one against another which are somewhat broad and round a little rugged like unto Horehound but more greene than white and of a reasonable good and small scent at the toppes of the stalkes stand divers leaves one row under another of a very fine deepe purple violet colour yet the lowest are paler than the uppermost and seeme a farre of to be flowers but nearer observed are discerned to bee but the toppe leaves the flowers comming forth under them at spaces about the stalkes of a whitish purple colour smaller than any of the sorts of Clary standing in brownish purple huskes which after the flowers are past while the seed ripeneth turne themselves downeward whereby the seed is lost if it be not gathered in fit time the roote is small and perisheth every yeare requiring to bee new sowne in the Spring for it seldome commeth of the seed that it shed the Frosts and Winter most likely killing it 3. Horminum Syriacum Assirian Clary Assirian Clary is somewhat like
leaves and toppes of the lesser white Mullein boyled in water and laid upon the places pained with the gowt doth wondrously ease them The distilled water of the flowers hereof dropped into the eyes taketh away the watering of them as also taketh away that rednesse of the face is called in Latine Gutta Rosacea and in English the Rose if it bee washed therewith often having a little Camphire dissolved in it The water is likewise used against running or creeping sores or any other deformity of the skin The flowers bruised and made up into an oyntment with the yolke of an egge a few crummes of bread and the juyce of leekes laid upon the painefull piles when they swell doth ease the paines exceedingly and helpe to bring them into their right place Country men doe often give their Cattell that are troubled with coughes the broth of the hearbe to drinke with good successe as also to those that by casualty or through loosenesse and weakenesse voyd out their guts behind them The leaves also a little bruised and laid or bound to a Horse foote that is grievously prickt with shooing doth wonderfully heale it in a short space Dioscorides saith it was a report in his time that if dryed figges were lapped in the leaves of female Mullein which is that with large and white flowers they will not putrifie at all The golden flowers of the blacke Mullein boyled in lye dyeth the haires of the head yellow and maketh them faire and smooth The leaves boyled in wine and a lttle honey put to it is fit to wash and clense foule ulcers and boyled in vineger doth helpe greene wounds Taken also with Rue it is a remedy against the stinging of Scorpions CHAP. XXII Blattaria Moth Mullein BLattaria is certainely a kind of black Mullein and therefore to follow next whereof there are sundry varieties as shall be shewed 1. Blattaria lutea odorata Sweet yellow Moth Mullein This sweet Moth Mullein hath sundry grayish greene leaves lying on the ground somewhat long and broad and little or nothing snipt about the edges but pointed at the ends the stalkes are two or three foote high with some smaller leaves on them branching forth from the middle upwards into many long branches stored with many small pale yellow flowers of a small sweete scent yet stronger than in the others and seldome giveth seed but abideth in the roote which few or none of the other doe 2. Blattaria lutea major sive Hispanica The greater yellow Moth Mullein 1. Blattaria lutea odorata Sweet yellow Moth Mullein 3. Blattaria flore luteo Yellow Moth Mullein 5. Flore albo and White This Spanish kinde hath longer and greener leaves than the former rounder also at the ends than the next that followeth the stalke is stronger and higher than it also whereon besides the leaves grow toward the toppe many gold yellow flowers consisting of five leaves a piece as all the rest doe not so thicke set as the former but a good deale larger with some purplish threads in the middle formed somewhat like unto a flye after which come in their places round heads two or three or more sometimes together but most usually one wherein lye small dusky seed the roote is not great or full of fibres but perisheth every yeare after it hath given seed except that it abide sometime in a milde winter 3. Blattaria lutea minor sive vulgaris The ordinary yellow Moth Mullein This yellow Moth Mullein that is most frequent in our gardens hath such like long leaves as the last but narrower and roundly dented about the edges the stalke is usually single and without branches whereon stand such like gold yellow flowers but lesser with the like purple threads in the middle the seed vessels are single and the seed small both so like the last that they cannot be distinguished the roote likewise perisheth every yeare after seed time 4 Blattaria flore luteo purpurascente Cloth of Gold Moth Mullein The greatest notes of difference betweene this and the last described consisteth first in the flower which is a yellowish purple or the ground yellow overshadowed with a bright crimson colour which is of much delight the threads in the middle are not so purple red as in the former but neare unto the colour of the flower secondly it seldome beareth seed thirdly it doth longer abide in the roote although in a hard Winter it will perish like the two last this out of doubt hath beene raised from the seed of the last Florae viridi Lobel setteth forth a sort hereof with greene flowers which I never saw 5. Blattaria flore albo White Moth Mullein The leaves of this Moth Mullin are of a little fresher green colour and sharper dented about the edges in other things it differeth not from the ordinary yellow but that the flowers are pure white and hath the like purple threads like flyes creeping up as it were in the middle of the flowers 6. Blattaria flore purpureo Purple Moth Mullein The leaves of this purple Moth Mullein are broader shorter and of a grayer greene colour than the former and without any denting for the most part yet pointed at the ends the stalke riseth not so high as the former but sometimes branched bearing such like flowers of a faire deepe blue or purple colour tending to rednesse the threads in the middle of the flower being yellow the seed vessels hereof are smaller than in the former the roote is long thick and blackish on the outside abiding sundry yeares and riseth plentifully from the shedding of it owne seed The blue Moth Mullein differeth in nothing from the last but in the colour of the flower Flore caeruleo which is of a paler blush violet colour 7. Blattaria Cretica incana rotundo laciniato folio Hoary Candy moth Mullein with round torne leaves This Candy Mullein hath round hoary stalkes rising up to the height of a foot and a halfe whereon are set divers leaves without order which are long and as it were torne into smaller leaves for every leafe hath small pieces of leaves set on each side of the middle ribbe thereof separated from the end leafe which is somewhat broad round and a little dented about the edges the whole leafe is very hoary covered as it were with a woolly downe especially in the hot Country where it groweth but here it is hoary white and not so woolly from the middle of the stalke upwards it breaketh forth sometimes into branches whereon doe grow yellow flowers very like unto the flowers of the yellow Blattaria 6. Blattaria flore purpureo Purple Moth Mullein 7. Blattaria Cretica incana rotundo laciniato folio Hoary Candy moth Mullein with round pointed leaves but smaller after which come small round heads containing small browne seed both heads and seed being smaller than those of the other Blattaries the root perisheth with us at the fitst approach of winter and seldome giveth ripe seed because it flowreth
farre as I could perceive by those plants that were sent me and others out of Lancashire of a reddish colour the whole plant hath as little scent as the last which is none at all that I could perceive 6. Rosmarinum sylvestre 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vnsavory wilde Rosemary 7. Rosmarinum sylvestre minus nostra◠Our wilde Rosemary The Place and Time The ordinary Rosemary groweth in Spaine abundantly neare the Sea side the scent whereof is many times felt by those in the Shippes that passe by many leagues off from the Land in Province also of France and sundry other those hot Countries but will not abide unlesse kept in stowes the Winter in divers places of Germany Denmarke and those other Northerly Regions the fift in Silesia Bohemia and the parts there abouts the sixt in the same places with the fift the last in divers places of Lancashire and Yorkeshire bordering there The first flowreth in Aprill and May with us and sometimes in August againe the others not untill August The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Libanotis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Stephanomatica is added thereunto to distinguish it from the other Libanotides that are umbelleferous plants in Latine Rosmarinus Rosmarinum quasi Rosamarina Cordus on Dioscorides calleth it Libanotis Coronaria according to the Greeke Dalechampius on Pliny taketh it to be the Casia nigra of Theophrastus and Anguillara to bee the Casia of Hyginus acceptable to Bees and therefore fowne neare their Hives as also to be the Cneorum nigrum of Theophrastus and Lavender to be his album but Matthiolus hath confuted that errour as is shewed in the Chapter before some as Bauhinus noteth it would make it to bee the Hebrewes Hisope as if their Hisope differed from the Hisope of all other Nations but without true judgement Gesner in hortis calleth the first Rosmarinus minor sive tennifolim as he doth the third Rosmarinus alter ignobilior and Cordus in historia Rosmarinus syl seu major the fift is called Rosmarinum sylvestre Bohemicum by Matthiolus Rosmarinum sylvestre by Dodonaeus in his Dutch Herball Ledum Silesiacum by Clusius Ledum folijs Rosmarini alterum by Lobel and Chamepence by Cordus on Dioscorides and in his History also because the narrow long leaves being folded together do represent the Pine or Pitch tree leaves The sixt is called by Clusius as it is in the title the last is not remembred by any before The Arabians call it Elkia gaber the Italians Rosmarino the Spaniards Romero the French Ronarim the Germanes Roszmarin the Dutch Rousmarijn and we in English Rosmary The Vertues Rosmary is an hearbe of as great use with us in these dayes as any other whatsoever not onely for Physicall but civill purposes the civill uses as all know are at Weddings Funerals c. to bestow upon friends the Physicall remedies both for inward and outward diseases are many and worthy for by the warming and comforting heats thereof it helpeth all cold diseases both of the head stomack liver and belly the decoction thereof in wine helpeth the cold distillations of the braine into the eyes c. and all other cold diseases of the head and braines as the giddinesse or swimming therein drowsinesse or dulnesse of the minde and senses like a stupidnesse the dumbe palsie or losse of speech the lethargie and falling sicknesse to be both drunke and the temples bathed therewith it helpeth the paines in the gummes teeth by rheume falling into them or by potrefaction causing an evill smel from them or a stinking breath it helpeth also a weake memory by heating and drying up the cold moistures of the braines and quickning the senses it is likewise very comfortable to the stomack in all the cold griefes thereof and to stay the pronenesse to casting causing the stomack the better to containe and to digest the meate either the decoction or powder taken in wine it is a remedy for the windinesse in the stomacke or bowels and expelleth it powerfully as also the hypochondriack passion and winde in the splene it helpeth also those thot are liver-grown by opening the obstructions thereof by warming the coldnesse extenuating the grossnesse and afterwards binding and strengthening the weaknesse thereof it helpeth dimme eyes and to procure a cleare sight if all the while it is in flower one take of the flowers fasting with bread and salt both Dioscorides and Galen say that if a decoction be made thereof with water and they that have the yellow jaundise doe exercise their bodies presently after the taking thereof it will certainely cure it the flowers and the conserve made of them is singular good to comfort the heart and to expell the contagion of the pestilence to burne the hearbe in Houses and Chambers in the time of the infection to correct the aire in them both the flowers and the leaves are very profitable for women that are troubled with the whites if they be daily taken the dried leaves shred small and taken in a Pipe like as Tobacco is taken helpeth those much that have any Cough or Tisick consumption by warming and drying the thinne distillations which cause those diseases the leaves are much used in bathings and made into oyntments or oyles is singular good to helpe cold benummed joynts sinewes or members The chymicall oyle drawne from the leaves and flowers is a soveraigne helpe for all the diseases aforesaid to touch the temples and nostrils with a drop two or three for all those diseases of the head and braines spoken of before as also to take a drop two or three as the cause requireth for the inward griefes yet must it be taken with discretion lest it doe more harme than good for it is very quick and piercing and therefore but a little must be taken at once There is another oyle made by insolation in this manner take what quantity you will of the flowers and put them into a strong glasse close stopped and digest them in hot Horse dung for 14. dayes which then being taken forth and unstopped tye a fine linnen cloth over the mouth and turne the mouth downe into another strong glasse which being set in the Sunne an oyle will distill downe into the lower glasse to be preserved as precious for divers uses both inward and outward as a soveraigne Baulme to heale the diseases before spoken of to cleare a dimme sight and to take away spots markes and scarres in the skin The Rosmary of Silesia is by often experience found to bee good for the shrinking of the sinewes for the Patient to sit often in the decoction thereof and to bathe the affected parts CHAP. XXVI Ledum Alpinum sive Rosa Alpina The sweet Mountaine Rose BEcause both Clusius and others referre this plant for 1. Ledum Alpinum sive Rosa Alpina The sweet Mountaine Rose the sweetnesse thereof to the family of the Cistus Ledum as he did the last in the foregoing Chapter and called it
goodnesse of the place injoying the commodity of a free and cleare ayre and other things correspondent then by the nature of the hearbe it selfe Then for the scent that it is more aromaticall than others yet hereby they intimate that others are sweet although not so much which is well knowne likewise to be the benefit of the place where it groweth for some hearbes are more or lesse sweet or more or lesse stinking which transplanted doe alter as Agrimony and divers others are sweet in some place and nothing at all in others Then the leaves have troubled many learned men for they thinke it is a fault in the transcribers to set downe lesser for greater or longer as it often hapneth in Theophrastus But more often in Dioscorides as in the Chapters of Helenium Meum and others may be also in Galen not by his owne fault but by the transcribers but Galen himselfe in his Chapter of Abrotanum taketh away all these doubts where he saith thus there are three species or differences put under the name of one kinde of Wormewood that which is called Ponticum the second Santonicum and the third Seriphium Seriphium and Santonicum are enemies to the stomacke and trouble it Wormewood onely among them named Ponticum that is growing in Pontus is pleasing to the stomacke From which place we may well gather that the strife is appeased concerning this matter that our common Wormewood is that Wormewood of Dioscorides the best whereof as he saith is that which groweth in Pontus without naming either species or genus so that it is for certaine that our common or Romane kinde is not another from the Ponticum and by reason of the place is more vigorous and effectuall but not differing in property Galen acknowledgeth that in this there is bitternesse and an astriction gratefull to the stomacke necessary for cholericke vometings and to clense it from obstructions by which it giveth strength and comfort thereunto which things we see by infinite and daily experiments even of the common people as well as of Physitians to be effected by our common Wormewood used either inwardly or outwardly none findeth fault with the smell for it is of an aromaticall scent and is very fit and apt to refresh the spirits of any Galen in appointing that of Pontus to be used doth it rather to exclude the Santonicum and Seriphium then that which he simply calleth Absinthium Thus much I thought good to relate out of Pena and Lobel referring the rest to the learned to be further satisfied if they please to read the whole tractate but by this is said you see that the vertues of our common Wormewood are so excellent that we need not seeke for another kinde to performe those that are commended in Wormewood and therefore I the more mervaile at our Apothecaries that take the Sea Wormewood in stead of the Romane or Ponticke and use it rather than the common onely because there is lesse bitternesse therein than in the common and therefore more pleasing to the taste when as the properties are no way answerable Neither can I commend the use of that fine leafed Wormewood which is commonly called Romane Wormewood to bee used in stead of the Ponticke not having either that bitternesse or that astriction which are both so comfortable to the liver and stomacke Our common Wormewood hath beene observed to grow in Pontus and the Countries there abouts by Bellonius in his travels as he setteth it downe in his 76. Chapter of his first Booke of observations and elsewhere and brought to Constantinople for their use there And it is generally held that the Arabian Physitians did first name it Romane which Dioscorides named Ponticke and from them all others since have held it in so great account imagining it to be a sort differing from the common The Arabians call it Affinthium the Italians Assenzo the Spaniards Assentios the French Alvine and Absinse or Absinthe the Germanes Wermuet the Dutch Alssem and wee Wormewood The Vertues Dioscorides saith that Wormewood is of an heating and binding property that it purgeth choller that cleaveth to the stomacke or belly that it provoketh urine that it helpeth surfeits and that taken with Seseli and Spica Celtica it easeth the paines of the stomacke and the hard swellings of the belly the decoction or the infusion thereof taken doth take away the loathing to meate and helpeth those that have the yellow jaundise for which purpose Camerarius in his hortus medicus giveth a good receite Take saith hee of the flowers of Wormewood Rosemary and blacke thorne of each alike quantity of Saffron halfe that quantity all which being boyled in Renish-wine let it be given after the body is prepared by purging c. A small draught thereof taken for some few dayes together bringeth downe womens monethly courses being taken with vinegar it helpeth those that by Mushroms are almost strangled being taken in wine it is a remedy against the poison of Ixia which as I said before is the roote of the blacke Chamaeleon and with Pliny translated viscum Misletoe or Birdlime of Hemlocke the biting of that small beast or Mouse which we call a Shrew and of the biting of that Sea fish called Dracomarinus which is called a Quaviver it helpeth the Quinsie being annointed with it and Niter mixed together and taketh away wheales and pushes used with water it taketh away the black and blue markes in the skinne that come after bruising or beating if it be mingled with honey and annoynted as also it helpeth the dimnesse of the eyesight being used in the same manner it helpeth sore and running eares as also easeth the paines of them if the hot vapours of the decoction bee taken in thereat by a funnell or otherwise it easeth the toothach a decoction made thereof with cute or boyled wine and annointed easeth the paines of the eyes it helpeth the paines of the heart and liver being beaten and mixed with the Ceratum Cyprinum and applyed to the place affected as also applyed to the stomacke with Rosewater it giveth much comfort to those that have lien long sicke it helpeth those that are troubled with the swelling and hardnesse of the spleene or those that have a hot sharpe water running betweene the flesh and the skin if it be used with figges vineger and the meale of Darnell The wine that is made thereof called Wormewood wine is availeable for all these purposes restoring many to health that have beene troubled with those diseases so that they have no agues that take thereof Being put into Chests or Presses or Wardrobes it preserveth them from wormes and mothes c. and driveth away Gnats or Waspes and such like from any part of the body if the skin be annoynted with the oyle thereof the juyce is of like effect but is not used so much in drinkes for it troubleth the stomacke and causeth headach being put into the Inke wherewith Bookes are written
or printed it keepeth them from being eaten with Mice Galen in his sixth Booke of simples maketh mention of Wormewood in this manner Wormewood hath a binding a bitter and sharpe quality it likewise heateth cleanseth strengthneth and dryeth It therefore purgeth downewards the cholericke humours of the belly and avoideth them also by urine especially those that are in the veines but helpeth no flegme that is contained therein or in the chests or lungs for the astringent quality therein is stronger than the bitter but by reason of the sharpnesse it partaketh more of heate than of cold so that the temperature thereof is hot in the first degree and dry in the third yet the juyce is farre better than the hearbe it selfe and speaking of Sea Wormewood called Seriphium he saith it is like unto Wormewood both in kind and in taste which qualities Dioscorides giveth to Santonicum for of Seriphium he saith it is more agreeing to Sothernwood than to Wormewood whereby it is thought by divers that the place in Dioscorides or in Galen is perverted by some Writers faults for they cannot be so farre differing in judgement one from another It is often used and by most either inwardly given or outwardly applyed for the wormes in children or elder persons Pliny saith it healeth old sores or ulcers in the head and cureth the itch also the decoction thereof with Cumminseeds taken warme easeth the paines of the belly and chollicke by winde the seed thereof helpeth the bloody flixe and all other fluxes it is said that if a few leaves of Wormewood be eaten it defendeth one from surfeiting and drunkennesse The vineger wherein Wormewood is boyled is especiall good for a stinking breath that commeth either from the gums or teeth or from corruption in the stomacke It is likewise much commended in tertian and other lingring agues by opening obstructions and purging by urine and by strengthning the liver and stomacke The conserve thereof much used preserveth them from the dropsie that are fallen into it or are in danger to fall thereinto so as there be a fit course held before by purging the offensive humours and such other helpes as the learned Physitian may appoint The distilled water is somewhat effectuall but is much weaker to all the purposes aforesaid yet the temples being bathed therewith it helpeth the paines of the head that come of a cold cause and dropped into the eyes helpeth to cleare the eyesight The other Wormewoods although they have some properties yet by how much they want of the bitternesse and astriction by so much weaker they are for the diseases aforesaid CHAP. XXXVII Absinthium Seriphium sive marinum Santonicum Sea Wormewood and strange Wormewood BEcause I would not overburden one Chapter with too many sorts of Wormewoods I thought it convenient to entreat of the Sea kindes and other strange sorts in a Chapter by themselves which are as followeth 1. Absinthium Seriphium sive marinum Anglicum English Sea Wormewood The English Sea Wormewood riseth up with many hoary round wooddy stalkes three or foure foote high at the least having thereon divers hoary white long and narrow leaves broader and longer than any Sothernwood leaves or the common Romane Wormewood but nothing so large as the true Romane Wormewood of a kind of saltish but not bitter taste and of a kinde of unpleasing savour the flowers are small and yellow standing at the joynts with the leaves towards the toppes of the branches as the former common Wormewood doth and give the like small seed the roote groweth somewhat deepe and wooddy 2. Absinthium Seriphium Narbonense French Sea Wormewood The French Sea Wormewood groweth not so high as the former nor so white and hoary the leaves are small long and finely cut like them but thicker and of an evill coloured greene colour and strong unpleasant savour and evill taste the flowers are yellow growing as the former doe and the seed that follow in the small round heads alike 3. Absinthium Seriphium Germanicum Germane Sea Wormewood This Germane Sea wormewood is also very like the last but with fine hoary white leaves somewhat finer or smaller and groweth not so high in other things there is little or no difference 4. Absinthium maritimum Lavendulae folio Lavender leafed Sea Wormewood 4. Absinthium maritimum Lavenâ—ule folio Lavender leafed Sea Wormewood This Wormewood shooteth forth many slender weake wooddy and brittle stalkes bending a little downewards whereon doe grow divers hoary white long leaves somewhat broader than Lavender leaves having sometimes some cuts or divisions at the bottomes of them which is but seldome seene and in a very few of the lowest next to the ground those that are set on the stalkes are smaller and sometimes are cut or divided at the ends of a reasonable weake scent betweene Lavender and Sothernwood but unpleasant taste the flowers grow after the same manner that the common Wormewood doth and of a yellow colour and the seed is not unlike thereunto also 5. Absinthium Santonicum Aegyptiacum Egyptian Wormewood I must here remember also this plant that is set forth by Matthiolus first and from him Dodonaeus Lugdunensis Tabermontanus Gerard and Bauhinus doe all number it among the Wormewoods as I Lobel and Pena likewise doe yet much doubt whether it be a Wormewood or no for that they say they saw it growing with Gesner about a fingers height and the dryed plant with Valerandus Donrez was in shew like unto Maidenhaire with white leaves set on both sides of a middle stalke rather to incite others to obtaine it that it may bee better knowne than that I have any knowledge thereof my selfe whose descrption Matthiolus who had it from Cortusus setteth forth in this manner it is saith he a small low hearbe growing in Egypt with small leaves almost like unto Lavender cotton and many slender short branches set full of leaves the seed is small and bitter in taste but not extreme some saith he would make it an Abrotanum mas but they might better as he saith call it a faemina Some also thought that the Wormeseed that commeth from the Levant to us should be gathered from this plant but as he saith he is doubtfull thereof himselfe yet withall saith that it hath all the vertues that the Italian Wormewood hath 6. Absinthium Santonicum Alexandrinum sive Sementina Semen Sanctum Wormeseed Wormewood or Levant Wormewood This Wormewood likewise is a plant set full of branches and with very few and those very fine small leaves on them at the bottome like unto the finer sorts of an ash colour but stored so plentifully with seed upwards that it seemeth to be there without leaves and wholly to consist of seed which as Ranwolfius saith are somewhat bitter in the naturall places and of a reasonable good and quicke scent with us especially if they be fresh and not 5. Absinthium Santonicum Aegyptiacum Egyptian Wormewood 6. Absinthium Santonicum Alexandrinum sive Sementina
our common Germander thereby transferring the Chamaedrys to be the taller shrub and Teucrium the lesser and lower yet as he saith seeing Dioscorides himselfe saith that in his time they were transferred for the likenesse of their leaves one unto another it is not absurd to call them as they are usually entituled but as I shall shew you in the next Chapter the Teucrium of Dioscorides is better to bee explaned than Dodonaeus doth It seemeth also that Dodonaeus having beene in an errour in his former workes concerning Hierabotane mas faemina giving the figures of the Chamaedrys sylvestris thereunto reclaimed himselfe in his later History or Pemptades and left them both out as not allowing of his former opinion The Arabians call it Damedrios Chamedrius and Kemadriut the Italians Chamedrio and Quercivola and some Calamandrina the Spaniards Chamedrios the French Germandree the Germanes Gamanderle and Bathengel the Dutch Gamandree and we in English Germander The Vertues Germander is hot and dry in the third degree and is more sharpe and bitter than Teucrium and as Dioscorides saith is a remedy for coughes taken with honey for those whose spleene is become hard for those that can hardly make their water and helpeth those that are falling into a dropsie in the beginning of the disease especially if a decoction be made thereof when it is greene and drunke It doth likewise bring downe the termes helpe to expell the dead child and taken with vineger doth waste or consume the spleene it is most effectuall against the poison of all Serpents both drunke in wine and laid to the place used with honey it cleanseth old and foule ulcers and taketh away the dimnesse and moistnes of the eyes being made into an oyle and annoynted It is likewise good for the paines in the sides and for crampes The decoction thereof taken for some dayes together driveth away and cureth both quartane and tertian agues The Tuscans as Matthiolus saith doe highly esteeme thereof and by their experience have found it as effectuall against the plague or pestilence as Scordium or water Germander It is also as he saith good against all the diseases of the braine as the continuall paines of the head the falling sicknesse melancholicke fullennesse the drowsie evill those that are sottish through the dulnesse of the spirits and for crampes convulsions and palsies a dramme of the seed taken in powder doth purge choller by urine and is thereby good for the yellow jaundise the juyce of the leaves dropped into the eares killeth the wormes in them It is also given to kill the wormes in the belly which a few toppes of them when they are in flower laid to steepe a day and a night in a draught of white wine and drunke in the morning will doe also Theophrastus in setting downe the properties of Germander saith that the one part of the roote purgeth upwards and the other part downewards whereof there is more wonder than for Thapsia and Ischias that is blistering Fennell and tuberous or knobbed Spurge to doe so Andreas Vesalius pag. 49. speaking of the China roote saith that if a decoction hereof bee made in wine and taken for 60. dayes continually foure houres before meate it is a certaine remedy for the gowt Durantes giveth the receipt of a Syrupe very effectuall for the spleene in this manner Take saith he Germander Chamaepitys or Ground Pine Ceterach or Milt waste and Madder of each one handfull the barke of the roote of Capers the rootes of Smallage Elecampane Orris or Flagge Flower-de-luce and Liquorice of each halfe an ounce Of the leaves and barke of Tamariske and of Cyperus of each three drammes of the seed of Anise Fennell and Smallage of each one dramme of Raisins stoned one ounce Let all these be boyled according to art in a sufficient quantity of Posset that is of vineger and water equall parts Vnto each pound of this decoction being strained put sixe ounces of Sugar and three ounces of Cinamon water which being made into a cleare Syrupe take foure ounces every morning fasting The decoction thereof is good to stay the whites in women if they sit therein while it is warme and likewise easeth the passions of the mother being boyled in vineger and applyed to the stomacke with a little leaven stayeth vomitings that rise not from chollericke or hot causes the leaves hereof and the seed of Nigella quilted in a Cap stayeth the catarrhe or distillation of raw cold and thinne rheumes being boyled in lye with some Lupines or flat beanes and the head washed therewith taketh away the dandraffe or scurfe thereof The mountaine Germander is used by those of the Alpes where it groweth to stay all manner or fluxes whether of the belly or of the blood the feminine courses and the bloody flixe as also to stay vomitings CHAP. XXXIX Teucrium Tree Germander IT remaineth that I shew you in this Chapter the rest of the Germanders called Teucria Tree Germanders to distinguish them from the former sorts whether they be true or false 1. Teucrium majus vulgare The more common Tree Germander Tree Germander groweth like a little shrubbe with hard 1. Teucrium majus vulgare The more common Tree Germander wooddy but brittle stalkes a foote or two and sometimes a yard high if it be well preserved and defended from the injuries of the Winters branching forth on all sides from the very bottome bearing alwayes leaves by couples smaller smoother and thicker that those of Germander of a darke shining greene colour on the upperside and grayish underneath and dented also about the edges like them the gaping flowers stand about the toppes of the branches spike fashion one above another of a pale whitish colour saith Clusius of a purplish saith Lobel of both which I have had plants somewhat larger than those of Germander and without any hood above having a few threads standing forth the seed is small blackish and round contained in small round but pointed huskes the roote is somewhat wooddy with many blackish fibres the whole plant is of a fine weake scent but somewhat stronger if it be a little bruised holding the stalkes and greene leaves continually if it be not exposed to the sharpnesse of the Winter season 2. Teucrium Creticum Tree Germander of Candy This shrubby Germander of Candy riseth up with such like wooddy brittle stalkes as the former but somewhat smaller and whiter whereon doe grow such like leaves and in the same manner but somewhat lesser lesse greene and shining above and more hoary underneath two alwayes set at a joynt but on the contrary side with the leaves towards the toppes come forth five or sixe flowers standing in a huske like unto the former but a little lesse and of a purple colour after which come small round seed like the other the whole plant is somewhat sweeter than the former 3. Teucrium Boeticum Tree Germander of Spaine This Spanish shrubby Germander groweth in some places of Spaine
Scordium majus Plinij by Gesner who calleth it also Salvia montania and Ambrosia quibusdam Tragni Lonicerus and Tabermontanus call it Salvia sylvestris and Salvia Bosci and Bosci Salvia and Lugdunensis Salvia agrestis as Dodonaeus also doth who taketh it likewise to bee Sphacelus Theophrasti as I have formerly shewed Cordus Thalius and Gerard call it Scordonia and Scorodonia although his figure thereunto is not right Caesalpinus calleth it Melinum alterum Aetius and Bauhinus Scordium alterum Salvia sylvestris The third is called Scordotis legitimum Plinij both of Bellus and Pona in his description of Mons Baldus and it is very probable that Camerarius doth meane this sort which he calleth Scordium Creticum lanuginosum for as I said before Bellus saith the people of Candy make no difference betweene them but in gathering put them together It is probable also that Anguillara called this Scordium alterum which hee saith was found about the banke of the River Piscara with leaves as large as Baulme and that such is found in Candy also in Greece and other places nothing differing either in scent or quality from the first The fourth is called by Pona in his Italian Baldus Scordotis secundum Plinij The last is called by most Authors Alliaria yet Gesner in hortis calleth it Alliastrum and Ericius Cordus Rima marina but Anguillara Rima maria Dalechampius upon Pliny taketh it to be his Alectorolophus and so doth Lobel also some also take it to be Thlaspidium Cratevae and Tragus calleth it Thlaspdium cornutum The last Columna calleth it Elephas Campoclarensium and Bauhinus Scordio affinis Elephas The Italians call Scordium Calamandrino palustre the Spaniards Camedreos de arroyes the French Scordion and Chamaraz the Germanes Wasser Rothengel and Lachen Knoblauch the Dutch Water Gamandree and we in English Water or Marsh Germander The Italians call Sawce alone or Iacke by the hedge Alliaria the French Alliaire and Herbeaux aubâ— the Germanes Knoblauchs kraut and Saltxkraut the Dutch Look sonder look The Vertues Dioscorides and Galen doe both agree that water Germander is of an heating and drying or binding quality bitter also and a little sowre and sharpe whereby it is effectuall to provoke urine and womens monethly courses the decoction thereof in wine being either greene or dry is good against the bytings of all venemous beasts or Serpents and all other deadly poisons and also against the gnawing paines of the Stomake and paines of the side that come either of cold or obstructions and for the bloody flixe also made into an Electuary with Cresses Rossin and Honey it is availeable against an old cough and to helpe to expectorate rotten flegme out of the chest and lungs as also to helpe those that are bursten and troubled with crampes Galen in lib. 1. Antidot which Matthiolus and others also set downe recordeth that it was found written by sundry faithfull and discreet men that in the warre of the bondmen where the bodies of the slaine had lien upon Scordium any long time before they were buried they were found to be lesse putrified than others that had not fallen thereupon especially those parts that were next the hearbe which observation bred a perswasion of the vertue thereof to bee effectuall as well against the poison of venemous creatures as the venome of poisonfull hearbes or medicines It is a speciall ingredient both in Mithridate and Treakle as a counterpoison against all poisons and infections either of the plague or pestilentiall or other Epidemicall diseases as the small pockes measels faint spots or purples and the Electuary made thereof named Diascordium is effectuall for all the said purposes and besides is often given and with good successe before the fits of agues to divert or hinder the accesse and thereby to drive them away It is often taken also as a Cordiall to comfort and strengthen the heart It is a most certaine and knowne common remedy to kill the wormes either in the stomacke or belly to take a little of the juyce thereof or the powder in drinke fasting The decoction of the dryed hearbe with two or three rootes of Tormentill sliced and given to those that are troubled with the bloody flixe is a safe and sure remedy for them The juyce of the hearbe alone taken or a Syrupe made thereof is profitable for many of the forenamed griefes The dryed hearbe being used with a little honey cleanseth foule ulcers and bringeth them to cicatrizing as also closeth fresh wounds the dryed hearbe made into a cerate or pultis and applyed to excrescences in the flesh as Wens and such like helpeth both to constraine the matter from further breeding of them as also to discusse and disperse them being growne It being used also with vineger or water and applyed to the gowt easeth the paines thereof The greene hearbe bruised and laid or bound to any wound healeth it be it never so great Wood Sage is hot and dry in the second degree the decoction thereof is good to bee given to those whose urine is stayed for it provoketh it and womens courses also It is thought to be good against the French poxe because the decoction thereof drunke doth provoke sweat digesteth humours and dissolveth swellings and nodes in the flesh the decoction of the hearbe rather greene than dry made with wine and taken is accounted a safe and sure remedy for those who by falls bruises or beatings doubt some veine to be inwardly broken to disperse and avoid the congealed blood and to consolidate the veine and is also good for such as are inwardly or outwardly bursten the drinke used inwardly and the hearbe applyed outwardly the same also and in the same manner used is found to be a sure remedy for the palsie the juyce of the hearbe or the powder thereof dryed is good for moist ulcers and sores in the legges or other parts to dry them and thereby to cause them to heale the more speedily it is no lesse effectuall also in greene wounds to be used upon any occasion Iacke of the hedge is eaten of many Country people as sawce to their salt fish and helpeth well to digest the crudities and other corrupt humours are engendred by the eating thereof it warmeth also the stomacke and causeth digestion the juyce thereof boyled with honey is held to be as good as Erysimum hedge Mustard for the cough to helpe to cut and expectorate the flegme that is tough and hard to rise the seed bruised and boyled in wine is a good remedy for the wind collicke or for the stone being drunke warme the same also given to women troubled with the mother both to drinke and the seed put into a cloth and applyed while it is warme is of singular good use the leaves also or seed boyled is good to be used in glisters to ease the paines of the stone the greene leaves are held to be good to heale the ulcers in the legges the roote tasteth sharpe somewhat like unto
in leatherne bagges which were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Niris as it is in Dioscorides copy but called Pyritis as it is in Galen because it was used as a perfume in their sacrifices Bauhinus Camerarius and others make two sorts thereof one that hath but one two or three round small rootes like unto Olives which thereupon he calleth Nardus montana radice olivari and the other hee calleth Nardus montana radice oblonga and Camerarius Nardus montana longius radicata when as it may be the place onely where they naturally grow that causeth the difference of forme in the rootes as it hapneth in Anthora Napellus and many other things too long here to recite for being transplanted and manured they grow much greater and somewhat alter that forme it formerly held in the naturall places yet I have given you the figures of both to see the difference The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the true Indian Spiknard is of an heating and drying faculty and that it provoketh urine It is profitable to stay the loosenesse of the belly and all fluxes both of men and women and thin watry humours being taken in drinke or applyed to the places affected being drunke with cold water it is profitable to those that have a loathing of their meate or having swellings or gnawings at their stomacks as also for them that are liver-growne that have the yellow jaundise or the stone in the reines or kidneys The decoction used as a bath for women to sit in or over it taketh away the inflammations of the mother It helpeth watering eyes by repressing and staying the humour and thickning it also Galen saith the same things and addeth withall that it dryeth up the fluxe of humours both in the head and breast It is an especiall ingredient into Antidotes against poison and venome as Mithridatum c. There had need be caution taken in the using of it for it often provoketh vomitings being either put with Rubarbe as sometimes it is appointed or in other cordiall medicines and therefore our London Physitians in their Pharmacopaea have appointed it to bee left out of many cordiall medicines It is also with great caution to be forbidden to women with child because it procureth them much disquiet and may force their courses beyond either their time or conveniency The oyle made thereof according to art doth both warme those places that are cold maketh the humours more subtill that were thicke or congealed before digesteth those that are crude and raw and also moderately dryeth and bindeth those that were too loose or fluxible and hereby worketh powerfully in all the cold griefes and windinesse of the head and braine of the stomacke liver spleene reynes and bladder and of the mother being snuffed up into the nostrils it purgeth the braines of much rheume gathered therein and causeth both a good colour and a good savour to the whole body Being steeped in wine for certaine dayes and after distilled in Balneo calido the water hereof is of singular effect for all cold indispositions of the members used either inwardly or outwardly for it comforteth the braine helpeth to stay thin distillations and the cold paines of the head as also all shaking and paralitick griefes it helpeth also in all sudden passions of the heart as faintings and swounings and for the collicke two or three spoonefuls thereof taken upon the occasion The first of these which is the bastard kinde being almost without smell or taste doth declare it to bee of small vertue and efficacy but the mountaine French Spiknard is reckoned to be effectuall for all the purposes that the true Spiknard serveth for but is weaker in operation and moreover by reason it is somewhat more heating and lesse drying than it it is more pleasing to the stomacke and provoketh urine more effectually the decoction thereof with Wormewood being drunke helpeth those that are troubled with the swellings and windinesse of the stomacke and being taken in wine is good for them that are stung or bitten by any venemous creature It helpeth also to dissolve all nodes and hard swellings and is profitable for the spleene reines and bladder It is also an ingredient of no small effect in Mithridatum and others and is used outwardly in oyles and oyntments to warme and comfort cold griefes wheresoever they be The Mountaine Spiknard is weaker than the Celticke or French Spiknard by the judgement of Dioscorides Galen and others CHAP. XLIII Valeriana Valerian THere are many sorts of Valerians to be remembred in this Chapter some naturall others strangers to our Country and yet have beene free denizons in our gardens along time others but of late 1. Phu majus sive Valeriana major The great Valerian The great Valerian hath a thicke short grayish roote lying for the most part above ground shooting forth on all sides other such like small peeces or rootes which have all of them many long and great strings or fibres under them in the ground whereby it draweth nourishment from the heads of these rootes spring up many greene leaves which at the first are somewhat broad and long without any division at all in them or denting on the edges but those that rise up after are more and more divided on each side some to the middle ribbe being winged as made of many leaves together on a stalke and those upon the stalke in like manner are more divided but smaller toward the toppe than below the stalke riseth to be a yard high or more sometimes branched at the toppe with many small whitish flowers sometimes dasht over at the edges with a pale purplish colour of a small scent which passing away there followeth small brownish white seed that is easily carried away with the winde the roote smelleth more strong than either leafe or flower and is likewise of more use in medicine There is a Mountaine kinde hereof as Camerarius saith found in Savoy which is more sweete than this Altera odoratior even of the smell of a Pomecitron but it is more soft or gentle than it 1. Phu majus sive Valeriana major The great Valerian 2. Valeriana Cretica tuberosa Knobbed Valerian of Candy 2. Valeriana Cretica tuberosa Knobbed Valerian of Candy This Valerian of Candy hath his first leaves that spring up and lie upon the ground round about the roote greene thick and round like unto the leaves of Asarabacca and sometimes greater the next that come after them are somewhat longer and somewhat divided or cut in on the edges and those that follow more and more divided so that those that grow upon the stalke are very like unto the divided leaves of the former Valerian the stalke is hollow and riseth to be two foote high at the least having here and there two smaller leaves set at a joynt at the toppe whereof which is divided into some smaller branches stand many white flowers in an umbell thick thruft somewhat larger than those of the former
of Tabarmontanus Aster luteo flore of Gerard Aster hirsâ—us of Bauhinus Aster luteus hirsutus Salicis folio The seventh is Clusius his Austriacus quartus of Bauhinus Aster luteus linaria rigido glabro folio The eighth came first to us by the Virginian name Aquascomense some thinke that the Virginian name of the ninth is Wisanck but falsely but the tenth and eleventh without names and therefore we have given them such names as seemed to us most convenient and as are in their titles untill some fitter may be given by other The eleventh Lobel in his observations calleth Aster Conyzoides as I and all others doe but the twelfth was so entituled by Boelius as it is here set downe The thirteenth is called generally Aster Atticus Italorum purpureo or caeruleo flore The fourteenth is a species of the last Atticus Italorum flore purpureo whereof both Clusius and Camerarius make mention The fifteenth is Clusius his Aster Austriacus quintus which he saith may be called Amellus Alpinus in that it doth resemble the Amellus of Virgil. Lugdunensis calleth it Aster purpureus montanus Bauhinus Aster montanus caeruleus magno flore folijs oblongis The sixteenth Bauhinus onely remembreth by the name of Aster hirsutus Austriacus caruleus magno flore The seventeenth Lobel calleth Aster minor Narbonensium Tripolij flore linariae folio medio purpureus The two last have their names given by us as we thinke sittest for them There hath beene formerly some controversie among Writers what plant should bee Aster Atticus of Dioscorides divers allowing of that Aster Atticus flore luteo which is set forth in this my former Booke whereof the 2. here set forth as I said is a kind nearest thereunto others refusing it utterly because it hath no purple colour in the flower which that of Dioscorides hath both in the description thereof by him as many doe translate that part in the description of the flower to be purpureum luteum whereas the new Editions have Purpureum luteumve and in the vertues where he saith that divers say that the purple of the flower or in the flower is good to heale the sores of the groine and rather allowing of the 13. kinde here set forth as likewise in my other Booke whereof those with purple flowers here described are species to be both the true Aster Atticus of Dioscorides and the true Amellus of Virgil which he describeth in the fourth Booke of his Georgicks and that most plainely in these Verses Est etiam flos in pratis cui nomen Amello Fecere agricolae facilis quaerentibus herba Namque uno ingentem tollit de cespite sylvam Aureus ipse sed in folijs quae plurima circum Funduntur viola sublucet purpura nigra Sapè deum nexis ornatae torquibus arae Asper in ore saepâ—r tonsis in vallibus illum Pastores curvae legunt propè flumina Melle Yet Guilandinus misliketh hereof and although he allow of it to be After Atticus yet not to be Amellus whom as I take it Matthiolus doth convince he nameth no man but saith that some would make that hearbe which by the judgement of all men is Chelidonium minus to be the Amellus of Virgil which neither the flower being all yellow though standing like a Starre not having any purple colour therein which Virgil saith Amellus hath for his words Aureus ipse which is the flower hath in folijs quae plurima circumfunduntur the purple colour of the violet but not so faire and cannot be referred to the leaves of that plant neither the stature or forme of Chelidonium which is low lying upon the ground and Amellus rising high and bearing a bush of flowers at the toppe of his stalke as Virgil saith uno ingentem tollit de cespite sylvam neither the time of the flowring for Chelidonium flowreth in the Spring and Amellus in the end of Summer when the fields are mowed as he saith Tonsis in vallibus illâ— Pastores legunt prope flumina Melle Pena and Lobel in their Adversaria also would make Tripolium to be the nearest unto Amellus of Virgil because the flower is purple starre fashion and yellow in the middle and that it usually groweth in moist places neare unto Rivers as Virgil saith of his which hath the greatest probability next unto this of any other hearbe but Virgil his words asper in ore sapor which is harsh or binding agreeth not unto Tripolium and because I find no other Author agreeing thereunto and that this is most commonly received of all I dare not forsake so great reasons and so many judgements and adhere to this one of Pena and Lobel The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the purple leaves of the flowers boyled in water was held to bee good for the paines and sore in the groine as also the use of the fresh hearbe in oyle to anoynt the place and likewise the dryed flowers to be taken into the right hand of the patient bound to the place that is grieved it taketh away inflammations in those places it helpeth children also that have the falling sicknesse and those that are troubled with the Quinsie It helpeth an hot stomacke the inflammations of the eyes and the fundament when it is fallen downe if an oyntment be made of the greene hearbe and old Hogs grease it helpeth them that are bitten by a mad Dogge as Cratevas saith it consumeth the swellings of the throat and driveth away Serpents if it be burned Galen saith it is called Bubonium not onely because that being anoynted but also that being hung or tyed to the places it healeth the sores in the groine for it hath not onely a digesting but also no small cooling quality and repressing being of a mixt property like the Rose Pliny addeth that being bound to the place it is profitable for the paine in the hippes CHAP. XLVI Ruta Rue or Hearbe grace THere are foure or five speciall sorts of hearbes called by the name of Rue having little likenesse thereunto but onely some shew in the leaves which are these First Ruta Canina whereof I meane to speake among the Scrophularias The second is Ruta pratensis called also Thalictrum which you shall finde in the next Classis The third is Ruta Muraria which shall bee spoken of among other Capillare hearbes and the fourth is Ruta Capraria sive Galega which shall be declared among the Alexiphariâ— Counterpoisons Divers other hearbes have beene entituled Ruta by singular Authors as you shall finde among the names of them whereof to make mention here were needlesse I rather referre you to the places specified But of our ordinary or garden Rue common enough through all this Realme there are some other sorts thereof which are here to be remembred with them although not usually bred or to be easily kept in the gardens of our land 1. Ruta hortensis major The greater ordinary garden Rue or Hearbe of Grace This ordinary garden Rue groweth up with hard
and Dulcichinum as Matthiolus Gesner Dodonaeus and others it may fitly bee called Rush-nuts from the Spanish Iuncia avellanada of the forme of leaves and rootes Baptista Cortesius saith it if this bee his is called Fuâ—rosium and Azulinum and by the Sicilians Castanalos because the rootes taste like Chesnuts Pona in the description of Mount Baldus saith confidently that he hath found it by experience in suffering the rootes to grow unremoved for three or foure yeares that it beareth neither stalke nor flower nor seed But Matthiolus Caesalpinus Lobel Dodonaeus and Columna doe all say that it hath both stalkes flowers and seed and so doe give the figure thereof in all their Workes and Clusius in his annotation upon Bellonius lib. 2. cap. 40. giveth a figure without flowers as if it bore none but assuredly both he if he thought so and Pona might be as much deceived herein as they that wrote the Colocasia never bore flower which Columna disproveth There remaineth one thing more to be spoken of and that is that many of our Apothecaries are not onely so ignorant that they doe not know that onely the round sweet Cyperus is that Cyperus and no other which all the ancient Authors have appointed to be put into the medicines that they appoint but are without care also or desire to be furnished with those things that are the genuine drogues of the Ancients because the false is better cheape and easier to be had and put into their choisest and chiefest medicines as well as others the common long rooted Cyperus in the stead thereof which although in an extreme necessity may supply the want thereof yet as we all know no substitute can bee so effectuall to all purposes as the genuine is The Arabians call it Saharade the Italians Cypero the Spaniards Juncia de â—lor the French Souchet the Germanes Wilder galgan the Dutch Wilde Galigaen and we in English as I said before Gallingall and sweet Cyperus The Vertues It is of a warming quality saith Dioscorides and giveth breathing to the veines It provoketh urine and helpeth to breake the stone in the bladder and to consume the water in the dropsie if the decoction thereof be drunke and is a remedy against the sting of the Scorpion it provoketh womens courses and is good for the fretting paines and stranglings of the mother if the parts be bathed with the decoction thereof or they sit over the fumes thereof or in the decoction The powder thereof is a most especiall remedy for all foule sores and ulcers of the mouth although they be spreading and devouring cankers It is also used in sweet oyntments and salves that are warming and comforting Galen saith the rootes of Cyperus are of greatest use being of an heating and drying quality without sharpnesse whereby it wonderfully helpeth all ulcers that by their over-much moisture doe hardly admit any cure and by the astringent quality it hath it helpeth all manner of sore mouthes It hath a cutting quality also whereby it helpeth those that are troubled with the stone and provoketh urine and womens courses The rootes of Cyperus and Bayberries of each a like quantity beaten to powder and made up with the urine of a Boy under yeares and laid upon the belly of those that have a dropsie doth helpe them very much and both of them boyled in wine and drunke often while the other is used outwardly doth worke effectually Alpinus saith the Egyptians doe much use both the powder of the rootes and the ashes of them when they are burnt to cure the ulcers both of the mouth and secret parts and the decoction of them to be drunke to comfort and warme the stomacke braine lungs sinewes arteries and the wombe and if it be taken for some time together it warmeth and strengthneth the naturall vigour of the spirits it is also an especiall remedy for cold and moist braines and the distillations thereof by warming and comforting the braines and the sences it conduceth helpe to the crudities humidities and windinesse of the stomacke and belly and to helpe the shortnesse of breath and coughes as also for all cold and moist wombes and the griefes and diseases comming thereby It bringeth much comfort to those that by long sicknesse are much spent in their strength of body and weaknesse of their stomacks and faintings of their spirits by warming quickning and comforting them by helping and strengthning the digestion and procuring warmâ— to the blood and good colour to the face it helpeth those that have strong or stinking breaths drinking the decoction thereof made in wine The long sweet Cyperus commeth somewhat neare to all the faculties formerly expressed yet performeth them not so effectually There is much hereof spent in sweet powder and sweet washing waters and to perfume Garments Gloves c. as also into Perfuming-pots with vinegar and Rosewater a few Cloves and Bay-leaves to perfume Chambers The Trasi or Rush-nuts are for the most part spent as junkets to be eaten for pleasure rather than used Physically for medicine yet it is found to bee good both for the painâ— of the breast and sides if a creame bee made thereof and drunke and therefore very profitable for those that have a cough to helpe to expectorate the flegme the same also drunke mitigateth the heate of urine and allayeâ— the sharpnesse thereof it helpeth also the sharpnesse of humours in any disentery or fluxe and stayeth it if hot steele be often quenched in the decoction thereof and drunke It is also thought by many to further venerous actions by taking the creame thereof when it is steeped stamped and strained with the broth of fat flesh for it is a little windy and nourisheth well as by the sweetnesse thereof may bee perceived and the qualities of heat and moisture conjoyned therewith Having thus shewed you the chiefest of these sweet hearbes and plants that grow with us it is time to convert my sâ— to another forme that you may therein heare what will be intreated of PLANTAE CATHARTICAE SIVE PVRGANTES PVRGING PLANTS CLASSIS SECVNDA The Second Tribe CHAP. I. BEing to shew you here the chiefest sorts of purging plants that may grow with us I must as well speake of them that worke upwards as downewards as also of those that are conducing or helping thereunto although they be not so forcible in working as the others I say the chiefest or most because that as in the former Classis some are omitted that are dispersedly related of in other places of this Worke so likewise it will fall out in this and some of the other following Classis and begin with the hearbe Aloes whose bitter juyce is so frequent in use every where knowne by the name of Aloes and Aloes Succotrina 1. Aloe vulgaris Herbe Aloes sive Sempervivum marinum Sea Housleeke This hearbe hath divers long fleshy pale greene leaves of the 1. Aloe vulgaris Herbe Aloes sive Sempervivum marinum Sea Housleeke thicknesse of ones
that are troubled with shortnesse of breath the same also is very good for them that are bruised inwardly to helpe to expell the clotted or congealed blood Dioscorides also saith that the roote being taken helpeth those that are bitten with a viper or an adder the Foecula or white hardned juyce is often used to be taken to the weight of two or three graines at the most in wine or broth to all the purposes of purging aforesayd For outward applications Dioscorides saith that the leaves fruite and roote by the sharpe quality that is in them doe clense old and filthy sores are good against all fretting and running cankers gangraenes and tetters and therefore the berries usually called of the Country people Tetter berries are with good successe and often experience applyed to them the roote also clenseth the skinne wonderfully from all blacke and blew spots freckles morphew leprie foule scarres or any other deformity of the skinne whatsoever as also all running scabbes and manginesse either the powder of the dryed roote or the juyce thereof rudely taken but especially the foecula or fine depurate and hardened white juyce to be used at all times of the yeare The distilled water of the rootes worketh the same effect but more weakely yet the water is often used to cleere the skinne from spottes c. the roote being bruised and applyed of it selfe to any place where the bones are broken helpeth to draw them forth as also splinters or thornes in the flesh and being applyed with a little wine mixed therewith it breaketh byles and helpeth whitlowes on the joynts it is sayd that Augustus Caesar was wont to weare it with bayes made into a roule or garland thereby to be secured from lightning The rootes of the blacke Bryonie are of the same effect with the white but much weaker in purging choler and flegme and other humors and provoking Vrine in helping the falling sickenesse the palsie the passions of the mother and the other diseases before mentioned it doth in some sort clense the skinne of spots and markes but the white is both more used and more effectuall the juyce hereof or the roote it selfe boyled with wine and honey and drunke and the roote also bruised and applyed with honey to the Kings Evill is very effectuall to heale it and all other kernels knots or hard swellings either in or about the necke and throate especially or in other parts being applyed also in the same manner to any place out of joynt is good both to ease the paines and to consolidate and strengthen the sinewes that they be not easily againe put out of their place it is often used also with good successe being fresh bruised and applyed to the shoulders or armes that are full of paine and ach as also to such hippes or hucklebones as have the Sciatica or paines therein the leaves bruised with wine and layde upon the sore neckes of Oxen that are wrung with the yoake helpeth them Matthiolus saith it was reported unto him that the roote of our sixt Bryonie which I say is called beyond Sea Sigillum Beatae Mariae our Ladies seale or signet and which he thinketh to be the blacke Bryonie of Dioscorides being roasted in the embers and eaten is a powerfull medecine to helpe forward the acts of Venerie and addeth withall that it excelleth all other medecines taken for that purpose which yet he saith he can hardly beleeve yet Lobel doth yerke him for that report The Mechoacan is a familiar medecine used of many especially when we first had it as all new things are but now is much neglected although it be the same and worketh the same effects it is given to all ages young and old and to young children yea women with childe without any harme or danger as also at all times of the yeare for being without any evill taste or smell it may be the better taken of the most delicate and tender stomacke that doth loath all other medecines it is most usually being made into powder taken in wine or if any refuse that manner the roote may be boyled either in a little broth as it was to Queene Elizabeth in her last sickenesse without her consent or sence in the taste or wine and so taken the dose whereof in powder is from halfe a dramme to a whole dramme or a dramme and a halfe or two drammes as there is cause respect being had to the age and strength of the patient It purgeth cholericke and flegmaticke yea grosse viscous and putride humors whatsoever in the body as also the yellow waterish humors of the dropsie with much ease and facility it clenseth also the liver and spleene and like the true Rubarbe strengtheneth the stomacke corroborating the inward parts after purging and opening the obstructions of them it helpeth also all diseases that come from them as the dropsie the Iaundise c. for it rectifieth the evill constitution of the Liver by opening and dissolving the hardnesse thereof as also of the spleene and stomacke dissolveth also the windinesse and expelleth it it taketh away also all old or inveterate paines of the head by clensing the braine and the nerves and purging those rheumaticke distillations and humors that are in them it helpeth also all paines whatsoever in the joynts in particular or generall as the joynt aches or gout and those of the bladder and raines in procuring one to make water and the collicke also by expelling the wind wonderfully it helpeth the paines of the mother by tempering the cold humour and expelling the windinesse which are the causes thereof it helpeth the shortnesse of breath and the old cough It is also availeable in the French disease by taking it often as there is cause and purging the old peccant humors especially if the disease be not of any long continuance It taketh away also the cause of old and long lingring agues whether they be tertian or quotidian or other intermittive agues caused by obstructions The Ialap is in working and purging somewhat like unto the Mechoacan but exceedeth it in working more strongly and a little more churlishly upon both flegmaticke and watery humors yet strengthening both the liver and stomacke the manner to take it is being made into powder to drinke it in white wine fasting yet some take it in the distilled water of Cichorie or Borrage or else in broth made with cold herbes CHAP. XIIII Ricinus sive Palma Christi Palma Christ or great Spurge BEcause there be many sorts of Spurges and that this kinde of great Spurge doth much differ from all the other sorts hereafter set forth I thinke it fittest to ranke it in a chapter by it selfe before the other as a captaine to all the rest for although the properties be conformable to the Spurges yet so are not either forme of leaves flowers or seede of any of the foure or five sorts I shall here shew you Take this therefore as the first kinde 1. Ricinus sive Cataputia
Oleum de Cherva yet it is also called Oleum Cicinum as well as that oyle made of the Indian seed brought from thence In Spaine they call the seede of the ordinary as well as the Indian sort Figuo del inferno and thereafter some call it Ficus infernalis The lesser kinde Clusius saith in the same place before mentioned is called Eraway by the Indians The great Indian kinde Clusius saith is called Curcas in America and we to distinguish it from the former kind do call it Ricinus Americus or Americanus Palma Christi of America The Arabians call it Cherva the Italians Mirasole Girasole Cataputia maggiore the French Palma Christi the Germanes Winderbaum the Dutch Molenkruit and Wonderboome and we in English Palma Christi or great Spurge The Vertues The seede of Palma Christi is almost wholly used and the leaves but seldome yet 30 seedes clensed from the huskes being bruised and taken in drinke saith Dioscorides but Costaeus in his Commentaries upon Mesues judgeth this to be a fault in the writers of the coppy of Dioscorides setting 30 for 3. and yet that is the utmost according to the dose of those times as I have sayd diverse times before doth purge choler and flegme and draw water abundantly from the belly provoking Vrine also which manner of purgings as Dioscorides himselfe confesseth doth trouble the stomacke and overturne it mightily yet with good advise it may be given to strong and able bodyes with Aniseed or Fennellseede who are troubled with the dropsie joynt aches the gout and sciatica because it draweth water and flegme very strongly from the more remote parts Durantes adviseth some of the seede to be boyled in the broth of an old cocke for the same purposes the oyle he saith of the seede is profitably put into glisters to open obstructions to ease the paines of the collicke and windinesse of the mother Clusius saith he knew diverse Emperickes give of the small seed that came out of America in a small quantity as a purge in diverse diseases because by purging the body well they found good successe they held it as a secret of worth which they kept to themselves Monardus saith that the oyle of the Indian seede and other authors say the same of the oyle of the former kinde is found by dayly experience to bee helpefull to many diseases as well in the Jndies as in Spaine for as he saith it helpeth all diseases proceeding of cold causes it dissolveth tumours and swellings disperseth winde especially of the collicke and mother if the places grieved be anointed therewith and some few drops thereof also taken in a little chicken broth that is fat it wonderfully helpeth the crampe and convulsion of the sinewes being gently rubbed on the places grieved and thereby causeth the sinewes to be stretched forth that were shrunke by anointing the stomacke the belly or the left side where the spleene lyeth it easeth them of the obstructions in them it killeth the wormes in children if either you give a droppe or two thereof inwardly in milke or fat broath or anoynt the lower part of the belly therewith it taketh away also the hardnesse of the belly in children that are apt thereto or have wormes the oyle also helpeth all scabs or running sores of the head dropped into the eares cureth the deafenesse and taketh away the paines and noyse therein it mightily clenseth the skinne from all manner of spots markes or blemishes therein as also the deformities of scarres and of the pox the greene leaves bruised and applyed of themselves or else with barly meale asswageth the inflammations as well as the swelling of the eyes and the swellings also of womens brests after childing being applyed likewise to womens brests they doe helpe to encrease milke in them It hath beene formerly set downe by good authors that Palma Christi planted in a garden was a sure remedy against moales to keepe them from working in the ground but Camerarius disproveth that asseveration saying that they will work in the same manner although they be planted therein yea or although the branches be thrust into their furrowes or trenches CHAP. XV. Tithymalus sive Lactaria Spurge or Milkeworte THere are many other sorts of Spurge that are remembred by diverse authors with whom there is much variation about the true names of diverse of them some of them are of the Sea as particularly to be found there abouts others in the woods and mountaines properly belonging to them some againe onely growing in gardens in these parts and for the most part not well knowne elsewhere to be found others also of the fields they have also obtained sundry names according to their formes or natures yet all of them Spurges or Milkeworts for some sort is particularly called Tithymalus some others 1. Tithymalus paralius Sea Spurge Lathyris or Cataputia others againe Esula or Pityusa and others Peplus Peplis and Chamaesyce and because they are all of them congeneres that is of one family or kindred and of one quality or property which is to purge I thinke it fittest to remember them all together yet in severall chapters 1. Tithymalus Paralius sive maritimus Sea Spurge The Sea Spurge riseth up with diverse reddish wooddy stalkes a foote or halfe a yard high set thicke with leaves from the bottome to the toppe which are small long and narrow yet broadest in the middle somewhat like unto the leaves of Line or Flax but thick and whitish full of a white milke if any part be broken which is so hot that being tasted it burneth the mouth and throate intollerably at the toppes of the stalkes stand many pale yellowish flowers with two leaves under them compassing the stalke as it is usuall to all the other sorts of Spurges and containing them after which come three square small heades wherein is conteined round discoloured seede the roote is long and wooddy abiding long and so doe the leaves on the branches not falling away in winter 2. Tithymalus maritimus Venetus Sea Spurge of Venice This Sea Spurge hath longer or taller and thicker stalkes somewhat hollow and reddish branching forth into diverse parts beset with small long leaves but somewhat larger and more separate than the former two alwayes standing together all along the branches like Licorice the flowers are small pendulous and of a sad purplish colour consisting of five small leaves a peece like a small starre without any round leaves under them as in the former after which come such like heads and seede the roote is great long and wooddy withall sending forth new branches every yeare 3. Tithymalus maritimus Creticus spinosus Thorny Sea Spurge of Candy The Thorny Sea Spurge of Candy sendeth forth diverse brownish round stalkes whereon are set many whitish hoary leaves being small thick and long as plentifully yeelding a causticke or burning milke as any of the former upon the branches stand diverse thornes with the leaves and likewise the ends of the
beaten and mixed with barly meale and applyed to hot inflammations asswageth them and helpeth places that are burnt either by fire or water cureth fistulous ulcers being layde thereupon and easeth the paines of the goute being beaten and boyled with the tallow of a bull or goate and layd warme thereon the juyce of the leaves snuffed up into the nostrills purgeth the tunicles of the braine the juyce of the berries boyled with a little honey and dropped into the eares easeth the paines of them the decoction of the berries in wine being drunke provoketh urine the powder of the seedes first prepared in vinegar and then taken in wine halfe a dramme at a time for certaine dayes together is a meanes to abate and consume the fat flesh of a corpulent body and keepe it leane the berries so prepared and as much white tartar and a few aniseede put to them a dramme of this powder given in wine cureth the dropsie humour by purging very gently the dry flowers are often used in the decoctions of glisters to expell winde and ease the chollicke for they lose their purging quality which they have being greene and retaine an attenuating and digesting propertie being dryed the distilled water of the flowers is of much use to cleare the skinne from sunne burning freckles morphew or the like and as Matthiolus saith both the forepart and hinderpart of the head being bathed therewith it taketh away all manner of the headach that commeth of a cold cause The Vinegar made of flowers of the Elder by maceration and insolation is much more used in France than any where else and is grate full to the stomacke and of great power and effect to quicken the appetite and helpeth to cut grosse or tough flegme in the chest A Syrupus acetosus made hereof would worke much better than the ordinary for these purposes The leaves boyled and layd hot upon any hot and painefull apostumes especially in the more remote and sinewie parts doth both coole the heate and inflammation of them and ease the paines The distilled water of the inner barke of the tree or of the roote is very powerfull to purge the watery humors of the dropsie or timpanie taking it fasting and two houres before supper Matthiolus giveth the receipt of a medecine to helpe any burning by fire or water which is made in this manner take saith he one pound of the inner barke of the Elder bruise it or cut it small and put it into two pound of fine sallet oyle or oyle Olive that hath beene first washed oftentimes with the distilled water of Elder flowers let them boyle gently a good while together and afterwards straine forth the oyle pressing it very hard set this oyle on the fire againe and put thereto foure ounces of the juyce of the young branches and leaves of the Elder tree and as much new wax let them boyle to the consumption of the juyce after which being taken from the fire put presently thereunto two ounces of liquid Vernish such as Ioyners use to vernish their bedsteeds cupboords tables c. and afterwards of Olibanum in fine powder foure ounces and the whites of two egges being first well beaten by themselves all these being well stirred and mixed together put it up into a cleane pot and keepe it for to use when occasion serveth The young buddes and leaves of the Elder and as much of the rootes of Plantaine beaten together and boyled in old Hogs grease this being laid warme upon the place pained with the gout doth give present ease thereto The leaves also burned and the pouder of them put up into the nostrills staieth the bleeding being once or twise used If you shall put some of the fresh flowers of Elders into a bagge letting it hang in a vessell of wine when it is new made and beginneth to boyle I thinke the like may be tried with a vessell of ale or beere new tunned up and set to worke together the bagge being a little pressed every evening for a seaven night together giveth to the wine a very good rellish and a smell like Muscadine and will doe little lesse to ale or beere The leaves of Elders boyled tender and applied warme to the fundament easeth the paines of the piles if they be once or twice renued growing cold The foule inflamed or old ulcers and sores of the legges being often washed with the water of the leaves or of the flowers distilled in the middle of the moneth of May doth heale them in a short space The distilled water of the flowers taketh away the heate and inflammation of the eyes and helpeth them when they are bloud shotten The hands being washed morning and evening with the same water of the flowers doth much helpe and ease them that have the Palsie in them and cannot keepe them from shaking The pith in the middle of the Elder stalkes being dried and put into the cavernous holes of Fistulous ulcers that are ready to close openeth and dilateth the orifices whereby injections may be used and other remedies applied for the cure of them It is said that if you gently strike a horse that cannot stale with a sticke of this Elder and binde some of the leaves to his belly it shall make him stale quickly The Mushromes of the Elder called Iewes eares are of much use being dried to be boyled with Ale or Milke with Columbine leaves for sore throates and with a little Pepper and Pellitory of Spaine in powder to put up the uvula or pallet of the mouth when it is fallen downe Matthiolus saith that the dried Iewes eares steeped in Rosewater and applied to the temples and forehead doe ease the paines of the head or headach The Mountaine or red berried Elder hath the properties that the common Elder hath but weaker to all purposes the berries hereof are taken to be cold and to procure sleepe but the frequent use of it is hurtfull It is said that if a branch of this Elder be put into the trench that a moale hath made it will either drive them forth or kill them in their trench The Marsh Elder is of the like purging qualitie with the common especially the berries or the juyce of them Mens and birds doe feede upon them willingly in the Winter The Wallwort or Danewort is more forceable or powerfull than the Elder in all the diseases and for all the purposes whereunto it is applied but more especially wherein the Elder is little or nothing prevalent the Wallwort serveth to these uses The young and tender branches and leaves thereof taken with wine helpeth those that are troubled with the stone and gravell and laid upon the testicles that are swollen and hard helpeth them quickly the juice of the roote of Wallwort applied to the throate healeth the Quinsie or Kings evill the fundament likewise is stayed from falling downe if the juyce thereof be put therein the same also put up with a little wooll into the mother
bringeth downe womens courses the same juyce of the roote is a mighty purger of watery humours and held most effectuall for the dropsie of all others herbs whatsoever the dried berries or the seeds beaten to powder and taken in wine fasting worketh the like effect the powder of the seeds taken in the decoction of Chamaepitys or ground Pine and a little Cinamon to the quantitie of a dramme at a time is an approved remedy both for the gout joynt aches and sciatica as also for the French disease for it easeth the paines by withdrawing the humors from the places affected and by drawing forth those humors that are fluent peccant and offensive the pouder of the roote worketh in the like manner and to the same effect The roote hereof steeped in wine all night and a draught thereof given before the accesse and comming of the fit of an Ague prevaileth so effectually there against that it will either put off the fit or make it more easie and at the second taking seldome faileth to rid it quite away An ointment made of the greene leaves and May butter made in the moneth of May is accounted with many a soveraigne remedy for all outward paines aches and crampes in the jointes nerves or finewes for starcknesse and lamenesse by cold and other casualties and generally to warme comfort and strengthen all the outward parts ill affected as also to mollifie the hardnesse and to open the obstructions of the spleene the grieved parts anointed therewith The leaves laid to steepe in water and sprinkled in any chamber of the house as it is said killeth Fleas Waspes and Flies also if you will credit the report Tragus saith that the tender branches boyled in wine whereunto some honey is put and drunke for some dayes together is profitable for a cold and drie cough cureth the diseases of the breast by cutting and digesting the grosse and tough flegme therein Briefely whatsoever I have shewed you before in relating the properties of Elder doth Wallwort more strongly effect in opening and purging choller flegme and water in helping the gout the piles and womens diseases coloureth the haire blacke helpeth the inflammations of the eyes and paines in the eares the stinging and biting of Serpents or a mad Dogge the burnings or scaldings by fire and water the wind collicke the collicke and stone the difficultie of urine the cure of old sores and fistulous ulcers and other the griefes before specified which for brevitie I doe not set downe here avoiding tautologie as much as I can CHAP. XXV Helleborus niger Blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote OF the Hellebors there are two primary sorts white and blacke Of the white sort we will speake in the next Chapter and of the blacke in this whereof there are sundry sorts as you shall heare 1. Helleborus niger verus The true blacke Hellebor or Christmas flower The true blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote as some would call it but that name doth more fitly agree unto the other two bastard kinds hath sundry faire greene leaves rising from the roote each of them standing on a thicke round stiffe greene stalke about an handbreadth high from the ground divided into seven eight or nine parts or leaves and each of them nicked or dented from the middle of the leafe to the pointward on both 1. Helleborus niger verus Blacke Hellebor or Christmas flower 2. 3. Helleboraster minor trifoâ—iusspinosus Bastard blacke Hellebor or Beares foote and with trefoilae prickly leaves 3. Helleboraster maximus sive Consiligo The greatest bastard blacke Hellebor or Beares foote called Setterworte sides abiding greene all the Winter at which time the flowers rise on the like short stalkes as the leaves grow on without any leafe thereon for the most part yet sometimes having a small short pale greene leafe resembling rather a skin than a leafe a little under the flower and grow but little higher than the leaves each stalke also beareth usually but one flower yet sometimes two consisting of five large round white leaves a peece like unto a greate single white Rose changing sometimes to be either dasht with a purple about the edges or to be wholly purple without any white in them as the weather or time of continuance doth effect with many pale yellow thrums in the middle standing about a greene head which after groweth to be the seede vessell divided into severall cells or podes like unto a Colombine head or Aconitum hyemale but greater and thicker wherein is contained somewhat long and round blackish seede like the seedes of the bastard kindes the rootes are a number of brownish blacke strings which runne downe deepe into the ground and are fastened to a thicke head of the bignesse of ones finger Of this kinde there is an other whose flower is red from the first opening Florerubâ—o which Bellonius remembreth in his observations to have seene in the woods of Greece 2. Helleboraster minor flore viridante Bastard blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote The smaller bastard Hellebor or Bearefoote is in most things like unto the former true blacke Hellebor for it beareth also many leaves upon short stalkes divided into many parts but each of them are longer and narrower of a darker greene colour dented on both sides and feele somewhat hard perishing every yeare but rise againe the next Spring the flowers hereof stand on higher stalkes with some leaves on them also yet very few and are of a pale greene colour like the former but smaller by the halfe at least having likewise many greenish yellow threads or thrummes in the middle and such like heads or seede vessells and blackish seede in them the rootes are more stringie blacke and 5. Helleborus niger ferulaceus Fennell leafed bastard blacke Hellebor 6. Helleborus niger Saniculae folio major The greater purging Sanicle like Hellebor 8. Epipactis Matthioli Matthiolus his bastard blacke Hellebor hard than the former 3. Helleboraster alter trifolius spinosus Trefoile Prickly leafed Bearefoote This sort differeth little in the manner of growing from the last described having long stalkes with leaves thereon and flowers at the toppes of the same fashion and so is the seede also that followeth but the leaves are harder and only divided into three partes the dentes about the edges are hard sharpe and prickly the flowers being of a paler or whiter greene colour 4. Helleboraster maximus sive Consiligo The greatest bastard blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote called also Setterwort This great Bearefoote hath diverse sad greene leaves rising from the rootes each upon along stalke which are divided into 7 or 9 divisions or leaves each whereof is narrower than the lesser bastard blacke Hellebor or Bearefoote nicked or dented about the edges but not so deepely and abiding above ground greene all the winter whereas the other perisheth as I said every yeare and riseth againe in the spring this shooteth up a reasonable great and tall stalke higher by the halfe than the other with such
likewise an oyle drawne chimically from Turpentine which is singular good to be used in wounds being more drying and consolidating than the Turpentine it selfe as also to warme and ease the paines of the joynts and sinewes caused of cold the water that is distilled with the oyle is used for freckles and spots in the face a scruple in waight of that water taken in white wine procureth a vomite thereby giving much ease to such as have their stomacks overcharged with flegme the oyle is profitably used in hollow ulcers being dropped into them or a tent dipped in it and put into the ulcer it is good also for the wormes and deafenesse of the eares used with a little Oxe gall some use to mingle bay salt and Turpentine together and therewith spread a girdle of leather and tie it about their wastes that have an itch which by wearing some small time will cure the itch that is spread over the bodie as well as the hands Agaricke is a medicine of frequent and familiar use often by it selfe but most commonly with other purgers to open obstructions of the liver spleene and intralls purging flegme in especiall but in generall all other vitious humors offending any member of the body and because it doth somewhat trouble the stomacke and procure casting it is usually corrected with Ginger and given with Oximell that is syrupe made with vinegar and hony for it purgeth both thinne and rotten tough flegme both yellow hard blacke and burnt choller from the head and braine from the breast and lungs from the stomacke liver and spleene from the reines and blacke and from the wombe as also from the joynts sinewes and muscles and here by helpeth to cure the diseases that proceede from them that is such as are troubled with the gout dropsie and falling sicknesse jaundise the chollicke and hardnesse to make water the sciatica or paine of the hips the pale colour in women caused by the staying of their courses the shortnesse of breath the cough and consumption of the lungs the spitting of bloud the paines of the mother the sharpenesse of urine and the wormes it is helpefull also to cure all sorts of agues either tertians or quotidiaus to ease the griping paines of the stomacke and belly or such as have had falles or bruises or are bursten bellied all which actions it chiefely performeth by purging those grosse and vitious humors that trouble the parts and members of the body and are the causes of all these diseases it is an antidote against all poisons and cureth the bitings of Serpents very quickly halfe a drame or two scruples being taken in wine either by the infusion or the pouder for the other diseases afore specified a dramme sliced and put into a gentle purging decoction but not violent or into an infusion is the most generall manner of preparing it to be given if it be boyled in lye with other Cephalicall helpes it much comforteth the braine and memorie and giddinesse of the head to be washed therewith as also helpeth to stay the rheumes and catarrhes thereof and clenseth it much from scurfe and dandraffe CHAP. XLIII Zizyphus sive Iujuba The Iujube tree ALthough in former times there was but one sort of Iujube knowne yet now we have two or three which shall be shewed in this chapter 1. Zizyphus sive Iujuba major The greater Iujube tree The Iujube tree groweth sometimes to be very high but more often to a reasonable height having his stemme or body bowed or crooked and spreading rather in breadth the wood whereof is whitish and hard covered with a rugged barke from whence spread great branches and from the lesser and slender whitish twigges about a foote long full of leaves set on both sides not usually directly one against another but one a little above another with an odde one at the end each whereof is small somewhat broad and pointed at the end dented or finely nicked about the edges with long veines in them smooth and somewhat hard in handling each standing on a short foote stalke and very like unto the leaves of Paliurus or Christs thorne◠at the foote of every leafe towards the toppes of the 1. Zizyphus sive Iujuba major The greater Iujube tree twigges come forth small yellowish flowers of five leaves a peece where afterwards stand the fruite which is somewhat like unto a small Plumme or Olive but a little long greene at the first and then it is somewhat harsh and yellowish after but red and of a reasonable sweetenesse yet sharpe withall and somewhat clammy when they are ripe flat as it were at the lower end next the stalke whose skin is thicker and harder than a plumme and the stone within it is small firme and solid long round and pointed like unto an Olive or Cornelian Cherry stone both for forme and hardnesse all the branches both greater and smaller are armed with thorns two alwayes at a joynt wherof the one is long strong sharpe pointed and staight and the other crooked both of them of a blackish red colour like unto the elder branches the rootes are long and firme in the ground 2. Zizyphus sive Iujuba minor The lesser Iujube tree This lesser Iujube tree is very like unto the former both for the forme of branches leaves and flowers but lower and smaller in all parts the fruite also is alike red when it is ripe with such an hard firme Olive like stone as the former but the fruite hereof is smaller and rounder and not long like as the other is it is as thickely and strongly armed with thornes though somewhat shorter than the other 3. Zizyphus sive Iujuba sylvestris The Wilde Iujube tree This low Wilde Iujube tree groweth much lower and more like a shrubbe than the last and more cruelly armed also with small sharpe thornes the leaves are like but small growing in the same manner but fewer on a twigge the flowers are like the other the fruite is round and red like the last and somewhat lesser but dryer of substance not having such a pulpie substance as either of the former have and more austere even when it is ripest The Place The first groweth naturally in Africa Egypt Arabia Syria those more Easterly Countries frō whence as Pliny saith it was brought into Italy and planted there in his time by Sextus Papinius in the latter end of Caesar Augustus his reigne which now a dayes is very frequent not onely in many gardens and Orchards of Italy but in Provence of France also it is so tender that it seldome abideth long in our Country because it cannot endure the cold The other likewise was brought into Italy in these later times from Syria where it is onely to be seene but with a few that are lovers of rarities The last groweth wilde in the fieldes by the hedges not farre from Verona aboundantly as Pona saith The Time They all shoote forth in Aprill for none of them doe hold their leaves
any other discolouring of the skinne but they that use it had neede to take heede that they use it not too strong nor let it lie on too long but rather wash it off againe with faire water within two or three houres after it hath beene used The dryed rootes called Orris being beaten either alone of themselves into pouder or with other sweete things are used to be layd in presses chests and wardrops to sweeten and perfume garments of linnen and silke especially and all things that you will put it to and thus much of the Flowerdeluce But there are but few that have written of the Gladwin or that have remembred the purging qualitie therein yet many of our country people in many places doe with the decoction of the rootes purge themselves and thereby avoyd much corrupt tough flegme and choller yet some that will not have it worke so strongly doe but infuse the sliced rootes in Ale and some take the leaves which serveth well for the weaker and tender stomacks the juice hereof procureth sneezing being put up or snuffed up into the nose and draweth downe from the head much corruption and the pouder thereof doth the same the pouder also drunke in wine helpeth those that are troubled with Crampes and Convulsions or with the Sciatica or Goute and giveth ease to those that have any griging paines in their body or belly and helpeth those that have the Strangurie that is that cannot make their water but by drops it is with much profit also given to those that have had long Fluxes by the sharpe and evill qualities of humors which it stayeth having first clensed and purged them by the drying and binding propertie therein even as Rubarbe and some other such like things doe the roote procureth womens monethly courses very effectually if it bee drunk after it hath beene boyled in wine and some of them shred and boyled in wine and vinegar in equall parts that shee may sit over the hot fumes being close covered untill it grow neare cold the roote used as a pessarie worketh the same effect but in women with child it causeth Abortion that is the delivery afore the due time the seed beaten to pouder and taken to the quantity of halfe a dram in wine helpeth those that cannot make water very effectually the same taken with vinegar disolveth both the hardnesse the tumors of the spleene the root is very effectuall in all wounds and specially of the head as also to draw forth any splinters thornes broken bones or any other thing sticking in the flesh without causing any paine used with a little Verdigrease and hony and the great centory roote the same also boyled in vinegar and layd upon any hard tumors doth very effectually dlissolve and consume them yea even those swellings of the throate called the Kings Evill the juice of the leaves and rootes is profitably used to heale the itch and all running or spreading scabs or sores and blemishes or scarres in the skinne some doe suppose by the sharpenesse of the taste in the roote especially more then in the seede which is more drying that it hath as well a corrosive as opening quality therein some also doe appropriate it to the effects of the chests and lungs for which the Iris or Flowerdeluce is more proper and effectuall some also to stay the involuntary passage of the sperme following Pliny therein and some also to heale the hemorrhoides and others the diseases of the fundament It is thought also to bee effectuall against the poyson of Serpents and thus much for the stinking Gladwin CHAP. XLVIII Cnicus sive Carthamus Bastard or Spanish Saffron ALthough these sorts of Cnicus might well be placed among the Thistles as other Authors doe and with these that other wilde kind called Attractylis but because these onely have purging qualities I thought it best thus to separate them and intreate of these in this place 1. Cnicus sive Carthamus sativus The manured bastard Saffron The manured bastard Saffron hath sundry large leaves lying next the ground without any pricks or with very few white ones at the corners of the leaves and divisions among which riseth a strong hard round stalke three or foure foote high branching it selfe up to the top bearing shorter leaves sharpe pointed 1. Cnicus sive Carthamus sativus The ordinary Spanish Saffron 2. Cnicus alter Creticus Wilde or bastard Saffron of Candye 3. Cnicus alter perennis Clusil Clusius his everliving bastard Saffron and prickly at the edges and at their ends a great open scaly head out of which thrusteth forth many gold yellow threds of a most orient and shining colour which being gathered in a dry warme time and kept dry will abide in the same delicate colour that it bare when it was fresh for a very long time the seed when it commeth to maturity is white and hard somewhat long and round and a little cornered the roote is long white and wooddy perishing yearly after seede time This hath beene found with a white flower but very bare 2. Cnicus alter Creticus Wild or bastard Saffron of Candy This other bastard Saffron of Candye from a thicke and long blacke root riseth one straight round stalke halfe a cubit high set here and there with long sharpe pointed leaves thicke set with prickles at the dentes of the edges at the toppe whereof standeth a scaly head compassed with prickly leaves of the bignesse of the Attractylis or Distaffe Thistle out of which breake forth divers thicke yellow Saffron like threads thicke thrust together after which the seede groweth therein being white and as great as the greater Centory seede 3. Cnicus alter perennis Clusii Clusius his everliving bastard Saffron This bastard Saffron riseth up with divers hard strong and round stalkes without any branches at all from them to the height of three or foure foote bearing thereon at severall places somewhat large and long leaves dented about the edges of a sad or duskie greene colour at the top of every stalke standeth one great close hard scaly head but not prickly at all not so great as the other Cnicus or bastard Saffron never opening the scales of the head as it doth from the middle whereof commeth divers threds yet nothing so many as in the other of a sad blewish ashcolour and whitish at the bottome of them the seede which lyeth among the downe in those heads is greater although Clusius saith smaller for I set you forth the plant as it groweth with us then of the other thick and short but not white and in lesser quantity then it the rootes runne downe deepe into the ground and being there encreased doe runne and spread themselves taking up a great deale of roome The Place The first is generally sowen in Spaine Italy and other places for the especiall use thereof The second Alpinus saith was brought out of Candye The last groweth wilde in Spaine as well about Sevill as Cordula and in other places as
also in Austria and Bohemia that with the red flower Matthiolus long before his time remembreth to have found there The Time The first flowreth from May all the Summer long untill the end of August oftentimes and his seede ripeneth in the meane time The second flowreth seldome before Iuly and giveth ripe seede every yeare if the time prove not too unkindly but the last as it is late before it spring so it commeth late in the yeare to flowring and seldome giveth good and perfect seed with us The Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latin thereafter Papaver corniculatum or Cornutum a siliquarum effigie in corniculorum modo inflexa because the pods are crooked like a Cornet or Horne Pliny and others say it was called also Paralion that is marinum and of some papaver sylvestre Divers doe thinke that Glaucium was made hereof as Dioscorides saith himselfe Pliny saith in his time it was so called deceived as Dioscorides saith by the likenesse of the leaves but Dioscorides in describing Glaucium saith it is the juice of an hearbe that hath leaves somewhat like unto Horned Poppie but fatter yeelding a yellow juice so that if it bee but like it it cannot be the same thing Clusius saith that the Spaniards called the last Rosetta and some Amapolos morados because the flowers give a juice like Mulberries It is called in English of some Sea Poppie they of Mompelier as Pena saith were wont to call it Anemone corniculata The Arabians call it Almacharam the Jtalians Papaver◠cornuto the Spaniards Dormidera marina the French Pavot cornu the Germans Gelb Dalmagen mon and Gelb delmagen samen the Dutch Geel Heul oft Harne heul and we in English Horned Poppie The Vertues The seede of the Sea or Horned Poppie doth purge the belly gently if it be taken in meade or honyed water the roote thereof boyled in water unto the halfe and drunke helpeth the obstructions and other diseases of the liver and the paines of the Sciatica or hucklebone it provoketh urine also and is very good for those that voyd foule matter like ragges in their urine the leaves and flowers as Dioscorides and Galen say clense fowle and virulent Vlcers and that so powerfully that Galen adviseth that they should not be applyed unto those sores or ulcers that are already clensed lest they consume the quicke flesh also it taketh away also by the strength and force of the clensing qualitie even those crusts that ulcers many times doe get by sufferance or ill looking unto the leaves and flowers saith Dioscorides being used with oyle cleanse the eyes of cattle that have spots or filmes in them CHAP. L. Papaver Spumeum sive Ben album vulgo Spatling Poppie THis small low herbe hath diverse weake tender stalkes full of joynts about halfe a yeard or two foote long usually lying on the ground whereon grow many pale whitish greene leaves two alwayes set together at the joynts one against another having many times upon the leaves but more often about the joynts of the stalkes a certaine white frothy substance like unto that is called Cuckow spittle at the toppes of the stalkes stand many flowers together every one on a pretty long foot stalke hanging down their heads which are white composed of five small white leaves a peece with a deepe notch in the middle of every Papaver spumeum Spatling Poppie one of them making it seeme to consist of more than five standing in a large loose huske striped the flower scarse appearing above it wherein afterwards is contained blacke seede the roote is white and spreadeth in the ground abiding sundry yeares The Place It is found generally through England in many places and pastures and by the hedges sides yet it is much desired to be planted in gardens The Time It flowreth from June untill the end of July or later and the seede ripeneth in the meane time the roote abideth all the Winter and so doe some greene leaves with it The Names It is generally called Papaver Spumeum and of some Ben album as a difference both from the Valeriana rubra Dododonei red Valerian and Muscipula Lobelij each of them called Ben rubrum yet neither of them is the true Benalbum or rubrum of the Arabians Dodonaeus taketh it as others doe also to be the Polemonium of Dioscorides but he is therein more mistaken in my judgement than those he thinketh are that take it to be the Papaver Spumeum or Heracleum of Theophrastus Dioscorides and Galen but Pliny sheweth his mistaking the Greeke words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the description thereof wonderfully comparing the leaves to the wings of Sparrowes or birds when as Dioscorides intendeth the herbe Struthium called Radicula or Lanaria herba which some with us take to be Saponaria because in ancient times they used to whiten linnen clothes with the rootes thereof and Theophrastus if Pliny had regarded the place lib. 9. cap. 13. speaking of Papaver Heracleum saith it hath leaves like Struthium called Radicula wherewith they use to whiten linnen might have eschewed that errour It is accounted a kinde of Lychnis by most of the best Herbarists and therefore Bauhinus namerh it Lychnis sylvestris quae Ben album vulgo some with us call it Knapbottle and others Spatling or Frothy Poppy The Vertues The seede of spatling Poppie purgeth flegme saith Galen and causeth vomitings saith Dioscorides being taken in meade or honied water and is especially good for those that are troubled with the falling sicknesse CHAP. LI. Thalictrum sive Ruta pratensis Medow Rue THere are sundry sorts of Medow Rue some growing in our owne Land others in severall countries abroad as shall be described in this Chapter 1. Thalictrum majus vulgare The greater common Medow Rue This Medow Rue riseth up from a yellow stringie roote much spreading in the ground and shooting forth new sprouts round about with many herby greene stalkes two foote high crested or cornered all the length of them set with joynts here and there and many large leaves on them as well as below being divided into smaller leaves nicked or dented in the forepart of them of a sad greene colour on the upperside and pale greene underneath toward the toppe of the stalke there shooteth forth diverse short branches on every one whereof stand two or three or foure small round heads or buttons which breaking the skinne that encloseth them shew forth a tuft of pale greenish yellow tufts or threds which falling away there come in their places small three cornered cods wherein is contained small long and round seede the whole plant as well leaves as flowers have a more strong unpleasant sent than the next Spanish kinde 2. Thalictrum latifolium Hispanicum Spanish Medow Rew. 1. Thalictrum majus vulgare Ordinary Medow Rue 5. Thalictrum minus The lesser Medow Rue Thalictrum latifolium non incifis folijs Medow Rue with uncut leaves There is another of this kinde
in Spaine and other places and with us also to this day but the descriptions of them being so diverse if they had beene regarded or lookt into which was utterly neglected and those times led onely by tradition without searching out the veritie of things would make one mervaile how they could be so much mistaken as from the ignorance of some that called Asarum Bacchar to make one name of both but the errour being so old even before Plinye his time may seeme to make it the more excusable but we should not continue in the same course they formerly did seeing Plinye sheweth the errour and findeth fault with them that were so led as is shewed in the chapter of Baccharis The first is called Asarum by all our later writers except Lobel that calleth it Asarum Baccharis sive Bacchatus The second we have imposed the name according to the forme it carrieth as it is in the title The third Matthiolus first called Asarina and so doe others that set it forth after him onely Clusius doth much suspect it to be his second Tussilago Alpina and that his figure was taken from a dry plant and before it had brought forth the flowers to perfection but by the sharpe taste and creeping roote it may more probably be taken to be the Catyledon palustris acris or urens The Arabians call it Asaron the Italians Asaro and Bacchara the Spaniards Asarabaccara and we in English Asarabacca or Asarobacca The Vertues Dioscorides saith it hath an heating quality where or howsoever applyed and that it provoketh urine easeth the paines of the stone is profitable for dropsies and for the old paines of the Sciatica and that sixe drammes of the rootes being drunke in honeyed water procureth womens courses and purgeth like unto blacke Hellebor Mesues placeth it among other purging hearbes and so doe I for being drunke it not onely provoketh vomiting but worketh downewards and by urine also purging both choller and flegme it is made the more strong if some Spiknard be added with the whey of goates milke or honyed water but it purgeth flegme more manifestly than choller and therefore doth much helpe those that are troubled with the paines in the hippes and the parts thereabout especially if it be either steeped or boyled in whey it doth wonderfully helpe the obstructions of the liver and spleene and therefore profitable for those that are troubled with the dropsie and the overflowing of the gall which is the Iaundise being steeped in wine and drunke it helpeth those continuall agues that come by the plenty of stubborne humors An oyle made thereof by setting it in the sunne and whereunto some Laedanum is added provoketh sweating if the ridge of the backe be annointed therewith and thereby driveth away the shaking fits of agues It will not abide any long boyling the chiefest strength thereof vanishing thereby nor much beating for the finer powder doth provoke vomits and urine and the courser purging downewards thus saith Mesues hereby as Matthiolus saith the Germaine Country people were taught to cure both tertian and quartaine agues by drinking a draught of the decoction thereof made with wine wherein a little Mace or Cinamon or honey is put either every day or every other day which purgeth the body and often procureth vomitings as also they anoint the ridge of the backe and the soles of their feete with the warme oyle made thereof by long sunning upon the accesse or comming of the fit being in their warme bed whereby they prevent the shaking fits and provoke much sweate and are thereby cured that have long lingred under the disease It is profitable for those that have convulsion of the sinewes and an old cough The common use hereof is to take the juyce of 5 or 7 leaves in a little drinke to cause vomitings the rootes also worke in the same manner but not so forcibly but an extract made thereof according to art with wine might be more safe and effectuall and may be kept all the yeare to be at hand ready to be given when there is occasion the quantity onely is to be proportioned according to the constitution of the patient as the learned Phisition can best appoint It is also effectuall against the bitings of serpents the roote especially and therefore is put among other simples both into Mithridatum and Andromachus Treakle which is usually called Venice Treakle Galen saith that the rootes of Asarum have the same property that Acorus hath but more strong and Paulus Aegineta agreeth with him but Lugdunensis findeth fault with them both because they have a purging quality whereof they make no mention A dramme of the roote in powder given in white wine a little before the fit of an ague taketh away the shaking fit and thereby causeth the hot fit to be the more remisse and in twise taking expelleth it quite It is said that the leaves being a little bruised and applyed to the forehead and temples doe ease the paines of the head and procureth sleepe and applied to the eyes taketh away the inflammation of them the juice with a little Tutia prepared put to it and dropped into the corner of the eyes sharpneth the eyesight and taketh away the dimnesse and mistinesse that is often in them The leaves and rootes being boyled in lye and the head washed therewith often while it is warme comforteth the head and braine that is ill affected by taking cold and helpeth the memory also The Virginia Asarum hath beene but little experienced by any that I know and therefore can say nothing thereof but it is probable to be of the like effects being so much more aromaticall and sweet The Bastard Asarum as Matthiolus saith hath a little clensing quality but a greater propertie to attenuate or make thin that which is thicke to cut or breake that which is tough and to open that which is obstruct a dram of the pouder hereof taken in sweete wine or honyed water doth loosen the belly and purgeth from thence tough and thicke flegme and blacke or burnt humors It is to very good purpose and profit given to those that have the Yellow Iaundise to those that have the Falling sicknesse and to those that have the Palsie the herbe eyther taken of it selfe and eaten as in Sallets or the decoction thereof made and drunke It killeth also the wormes of the belly I confesse I might have placed these herbes among the other sorts of sweete herbes but the purging qualities being so prevalent both in procuring vomit and working downewards by the stoole hath rather moved me to insert them here CHAP. LIII Brassica Colewort ALl the edible sorts of Coleworts and Cabbiges with some others of delight I have mentioned in my former worke so amply that who so will may finde them there at large declared I will onely in this place give you some figures of them and their vertues more amply because I was then so briefe and with them show you some wilde
either knew not as in Rubarbe or past it over in silence who saith that the roote either of the round or running Birthwort doth purge downeward flegmaticke and cholericke humors also it clenseth the lunges and the parts of the breast from the toughnesse and rottennesse of humors whereof a plaine demonstration is that it helpeth those that are flegmaticke or shortwinded very much if it be taken inwardly or applyed outwardly to the part it mightily draweth downe womens courses expelleth the dead child and afterbirth and in the paines of delivery hath very good effect to cause the more speedy ease and delivery and to cleare the parts of what is accessary the roots in pouder taken with Mirrhe Pepper in wine is used also for the same purposes it resisteth poyson of all sorts the long resisteth the venome of Serpents and other living creatures the round resisteth all other sorts of poyson but Pliny inverteth this order the roote of the round being taken in water helpeth those that are bruised by falls blowes c. as also the paines of the sides the running Birthwort helpeth the falling downe of the mother being eyther applyed in pessarie or in fume and the place bathed with did decoction it is said that divers in Spaine doe use the rootes of the Spanish running Birthwort with no lesse good successe then they doe the rootes of Sarsaparilla to all the uses whereunto the Sarsa serveth the distilled water of the greene herbe when it is in flower is profitable for all the diseases aforesaid and in especiall preserveth from the Plague and is an especiall good remedy for the winde collicke the Pistolochia or bushy rooted Birthwort is commended by Pliny for all the aforesaid womens diseases to be as effectuall as the other and that it is very profitably applyed to those that are troubled with Convulsions and Crampes or those that have beene bruised by stroakes or falles if it be drunke with water the seede worketh more strongly the roote of the round Birthwort helpeth to draw forth broken bones or any other hurtfull thing lying in the flesh if the fresh roote bee applyed and bound thereto the pouder of the dryed roote is of singular good use in all eating or running foule and rotten Vlcers as also that are hollow and Fistulous by clensing and filling them up or causing the flesh to grow soundly especially for Fistulaes if a little Hony and the roote of Iris or the Flowerdeluce bee used with it it healeth also all wounds in the head the fumes thereof or the pouder in a quilted cap stayeth all Fluxes and distillations of thinne rheume from the head and it is an usuall saying that without Birthwort no Chirurgion can performe any great cure the long Birthwort is used as well as the round in most of those diseases either inward or outward and some also doe hold that the Clematitis or running kind is no lesse effectuall but you heard before the judgement of Galen concerning it Pliny in his 25. Booke and 8. Chap. saith that the fishermen in Campania did call the roote of the round Birthwort the venume of the earth and that having bruised it and minced it with Lime and Chalke and cast it into the Sea all the Fishes within a great way thereof would with incredible desire gather themselves thereto and presently upon the taking thereof become as dead whereby they might easily be taken but Lonicerus noteth it as an errour in Pliny who referreth that quality to the roote of Aristolochia which should be attributed to Cyclamen which he saith is called by the Greekes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est piscium venenum because it killeth them CHAP. LXIIII. Mercuralis Mercurie VNder the titles of Mercuries I must comprehend also the Phyllon of Theophrastus and Dioscorides for that they are out of doubt congeners of the same kindred they are in face and forme the one so like the other and with them I thinke it not amisse to remember in this place also the Mercurialis sylvestris altera of Tragus called by Lobel Noli me tangere for although Bauhinus place it with the Balsamina yet others reckon it with the Mercuries 1. Mercurialis vulgaris mas faemina French Mercury the male and female I comprehend as you see both the male and the female Mercury under one description because as all do agree they both rise from the seede of the one as Hempe doth and they both are so like that but for the flowers and seede that shew their difference they could not bee distinguished the one from the other it riseth up with a square greene stalke full of joynts two foote high or thereabouts with two leaves at every joynt and branching likewise from both sides of the stalkes set with fresh greene leaves somewhat broad and long like unto the leaves of Pellitory of the wall but lesser and much about the bignesse of the leaves of Bassill finely dented about the edges towards the tops of the stalkes and branches at every joynt come forth in that which is called the male two small round greene heads standing together upon a short footestalke which growing ripe are the seede not having any flower that ever I could discerne in the female the stalke is longer spike fashion and set round about with small greene huskes which are the flowers made like small branches of grapes which give no seede that ever I could finde but abide in that manner a great while upon the stalkes without shedding the roote is composed of many small Fibres which perisheth every yeare at the first approach of winter and raiseth it selfe up againe of it owne sowing for where it is once suffered to sow it selfe the ground will never want it afterwards even of both sorts for I yet never saw it grow in any place where either of them was wanting 2. Mercurialis sylvestris Cynocrambe dicta vulgaris The ordinary wilde Mercury or Dogs Mercury This Dog Mercury is likewise distinguished into male and female and riseth up many stalkes slenderer and lower then Mercury and without any branches at all upon them the male is set with two leaves at every 1. Mercurialis mas femina French Mercury male and female joynt somewhat greater then the female but more pointed and full of veines and somewhat harder also in handling of a darker greene colour and lesser snipt or dented about the edges at the joynts with the leaves come forth longer stalkes then in the former with two hairy round seedes upon them twise as bigge as those of the former Mercury the taste hereof is herbie and the smell somewhat strong and virulent the female of this kind hath much harder leaves and stand upon longer footestalkes and the stalkes also are longer from the joynts come such like long or rather longer spikes of greenish flowers as are in the former female Mercury with many small threds in them which give no seede no more then the other Mercury the rootes of them
in wine or in milke doth mervellously help all the diseases of the chest and lungs that proceede of hot causes as excoriations the ptisicke plurifie and the rest if it be continued for some time together the leaves and the rootes worke the same effects let any one take which of them they thinke best or most ready at hand agreeing to their disposition they helpe much also in the excoriations of the guts and bowells and hardnesse of the mother and in all hot and sharpe diseases thereof as also the Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea the juyce drunke in wine or the decoction of them in wine doth help women to a speedy easie delivery the common Alcea or Vervaine Mallow is thought to be most effectuall for burstings or ruptures and the bloudy flixe and also for the shrinking of sinewes and the crampe the distilled water of them when they are in flower worketh to the same purposes but more weakely yet it is much commended to be used in hot agues or severs Pliny saith that whosoever shall take a spoonefull of the juyce of any of the Mallowes shall that day be free from all diseases that may come unto him and that it is especiall good for the falling sicknesse The syrupe also â—d conserve made of the flowers are very effectuall for the same diseases and to open the body when it is coâ— or bound by accident or a naturall disposition the young leaves are often eaten with salt as a sallet the leaves bruised and laid to the eyes with a little hony taketh away the impostumations of them which by sufferance might grow to a Fistula the leaves bruised or rubbed upon any place stung with Bees Waspes or the like yea of the Scorpion and the biting of the deadly Spider called Phalaegium and is said presently to take away paines rednesse and swellings that rise thereupon and keepeth them from stinking if they be rubbed therewith aforehand and as Dioscorides saith the decoction of the leaves and rootes helpeth all sorts of poyson so as the poyson be presently voided by vomite a pultis made of the leaves of Mallowes boyled and bruised whereunto some Beane or Barley flower and oyle of Roses is put is an especiall remedy against all hard tumours and inflammations of impostumes and swellings of the coddes and other parts and easeth the paines of them as also against the hardnesse of the spleene or liver to be applied to the places the juyce of Mallowes boyled in old oyle and applied taketh away all roughnesse of the skinne as also the falling of the haire the scurfe dandruffe or drie scabbes in the head or other parts if they be anointed therewith or washed with the decoction the same also is effectuall against the scaldings by water and burnings by fire and to helpe also the disease called Saint Anthonies fire and all other hot red and painefull swellings in any part of the bodie the flowers of Mallowes boyled in oyle or water as every one is disposed whereunto a little hony and allome is put is an excellent gargle to wash any sore mouth or throate for it clenseth and healeth them in a short space if the feete be bathed or washed with the decoction of the leaves rootes and flowers it helpeth much the defluxions of rheume from the head which rose out of the stomack if the head be washed therewith it stayeth the falling and shedding of the haire thereof the greene leaves saith Pliny beaten with niter and applied draweth out thornes or prickes in the flesh The French and curled Mallowes and the Hollihocks are of the same nature and quality and work to the same effect that the other do The Marsh Mallow is the chiefest Mallow of all other and most effectuall in all the diseases before specified and therefore as I said before it was called Bismalva for that it was twise as good in effect as the other the leaves are likewise used in stead of the common Mallowes to loosen the belly gently and are effectuall in decoctions of glisters for to ease all the paines of the body opening the straight passages and making them lubricke whereby the stone may descend the more easily and without paine out of the reines and kidnies and the bladder and to ease the torturing paines comming thereby but the rootes are of more especiall use for those purposes as well as for the diseases of the breast and lunges as coughes hoarsenesse of the throate and voyce wheesings and shortnesse of breath c. being boyled in wine or honied water and drunke the rootes boyled in water very well and after they be strained forth the decoction being boyled againe with Sugar to a just consistence and thereof made into rowles or trochisces or the like are a Polychreston and much used for all the purposes aforesaid the rootes and seedes of the Marsh Mallow boyled in wine or water is with good effect used by them that have any excoriations in the guts or the bloudy flixe not so much by any binding qualitie in them as by qualifying the violence of the sharpe cholericke fretting humors that are the cause thereof and by the fliminesse easing the paines and healing the sorenesse and in some sort staying the further eruption of bloud therefrom at that time or any other after it is profitably taken of them that are troubled with ruptures crampes or convulsions of the sinewes and boyled in white wine for the impostumes of the throate called the Kings evill and of those kernells that rise behind the eares and inflammations or swelings in womens breasts the dried rootes boyled in milke and drunke are specially good for the chin cough Hippocrates used to give the decoction of the rootes or the juyce thereof to drinke to those that were wounded and were ready to faint thorough the expense and losse of bloud and applied the same mixed with hony and rosen unto the wounds the rootes boyled in wine he gave also to drinke to those that had received hurt by bruises or falls or by blowes and stripes to those that had any bone or member out of joynt and to those that had any swelling paine or ach in the muscles sinewes or arteries of the body it is good also to be used in all the ulcers and sores that happen in any cartilaginous place The Muccilage of the rootes and of lineseede and fenegreâ—e put together is much used in pultises ointments and plaisters that serve to mollifie and digest all hard tumors and the inflammations of them and to give ease of the paines in any part of the body the seede either greene or drie mixed with vinegar clenseth the skinne of the morphew and all other discolouring thereof whatsoever being bathed therewith in the Sunne the seede of the yellow Mallow hath beene tried even as the seede of the Marsh Mallow hath beene also to be of singular good effect against the stone if a dramme or a dramme and a halfe at the most being made into pouder be
bitterish sweet taste like unto juice of Licoris but the roots of this Mechinus are of an aromaticall sharpe biting taste the joynts in the roots of the ordinary Doronicum very likely might cause the later age of the world to erre in taking it to be the right but leave we these controversies and attend the varietie of names and properties of these sorts of Doronicum which may better perswade us of the good to be reaped from them The first is as I said the most common both in the Gardens of our country and others and is most usually called Doronicum Romanum of all writers or with a sweete roote The second Clusius and others call Doronicum minus and Angustifolium Bauhinus calleth it Doronicum plantaginis folio The third Matthiolus calleth Aconitum Pardalianches Plinij Dodonaeus Pardalianches alterum Pena and Lobel Doronicum Brachiata radice but Clusius setteth out the figure more truely calleth it his second Doronicum Austriacum The fourth is Clusius his first Doronicum Austriacum sive minus and Bauhinus Doronicum longifolium hirsutie asperum The fift is Clusius his fourth Doronicum which he calleth Stiriacum and Bauhinus Doronicum latifolium flore magno The sixt is called diversly by divers Matthiolus calleth it Alysma or Damasonium and thinketh it to be the right Alysma of Dioscorides and so doe Camerarius and Gesner who calleth it also Caltha Alpina Fena and Lobel call it Nardus Celtica altera as Rondeletius did take it to be Lugdunensis setteth it forth under the name of Ftarmica montana as divers did call it there abouts as he saith and yet setteth it forth againe under the title of Alysma Matthioli Gerard likewise hath set it forth in two severall places under two severall titles the one under Calendula Alpina the other under Chrysanthemum latifolium Clusius calleth it Doronicum Germanicum and saith his Pannonicum or Doronicum sextum is the same or very like for both he and divers others doe set it forth with smooth and hairy leaves also as it is found so growing in divers and sundry places The seventh is Clusâ—us his Doronicum Austriadum tertâ— which Bauhinus calleth Doronicum maximum foliis caulem amplexantibus The eighth and ninth Bauhinus setteth forth in his Prodomus and Pinax under the same titles they doe here beare the tenth Robinus of Paris called Aconitum Americanum and Cornutus Aconitum Helianthemum Canadense but the upper leaves on the stalke with the flowers and roote declare it to come nearer to the sorts of Doronicum the last are as the titles declare them They may all be called in English either Doronicum according to the Latine name for so doe both Italians Spaniards French Germanes and Dutchmen or as I have entituled them supposed Wolfes banes both that the name may differ from the former Wolfes banes and to give you to understand that they are but supposed to be dangerous because as I said before the outward forme of the rootes like unto Shrimpes or Scorpions and the leaves round like unto the leaves of Sow bread or Cowcumbers have caused many to thinke them to be the Aconites of Theophrastus and Dioscorides but Columna hath treated very learnedly hereof in the 18. Chapter of his Booke of Plants whereunto I referre you for it were too tedious to relate his sayings in this place The Vertues The true Doronicum is said to be a soveraigne Cordiall and to resist the poyson both of beasts and other deadly medicines to clense the breast and to helpe the cough and to rid those humors that cause paines in the sides but our Doronicum although it be not the true of Serapio and Avicen yet it is no Aconite as Matthiolus and others have supposed for as is before said both Gesner tooke it often and a good quantitie at a time even two drammes in powder that he might find the operation of it yet found no harme thereby and Vroede as Lobel saith tooke of it many times without any harme but what especiall good they found by it is not remembred for Gesner maketh not any mention thereof yet the juyce thereof is found to be good for those eyes that be hot and red and full of paine by reason of hot and sharpe rheumes falling into them to allay the heate to take away the rednesse and to give ease of the paines and prickings in them Clusius saith that the hunters and shepheards that live in the mountaines of Austria doe no lesse use and commend the rootes of the third and fourth sorts here set forth which grow with them more frequently than the others at the least best known unto them then they doe the rootes of the yellow Auricula ursi against the swimming or turning in the head which is a disease subject to those places rising from the feare and horrour of such steepe downefalls and dangerous places which they doe and must continually passe in seeking for and hunting the wild Goates and therefore they there call them Gensswurtz that is Rupicapraria radix as Clusius doth interpret it and there hath beene found is their mawes a certaine stone called by Bauhinus in his Treatise thereof Bezoar Germanicum in the middest of which stones some of the rootes have beene found almost whole which sheweth that they feede thereon willingly without taking any harme thereby and that the stones bred thereon are Cordiall and so used And I doe not thinke but any of the other sorts seeing they are all in forme and places of growing one so like unto another if triall were sufficiently made would performe the same effect For the sixt sort here expressed which as I said is called Caltha Alpina of some Alysma or Damosonium of others and Doronicum Geranicum of others of the people in the Alpes Mutterwurtz as Iosias Simlerus saith in his Commentarie of the Alpes that is Matricaria Mother wort which they have found and do continually use to procure womens courses and to ease the paines and diseases of the mother is very effectuall against the poyson of the fish called Lapus marinus as also the venemous biting of the Shrew and the poyson of a Toade and is also profitable for them that have eaten Opium in any dangerous quantitie it is given with good successe to them that have the bloudy flixe or any other paines or gripings in their body or bowells by reason of sharpe humours gathered therein it is also helpefull to those that have convulsions or crampes and ach or paines in the joynts and sinewes and is very powerfull to be taken with some wilde Carrot seede to expell gravell or the stone in the reines or kidnies if the decoction thereof in wine or water or the powder of the herbe and rootes be taken it is applied also outwardly to ease the paines and inflammations of apostumes and sores the flowers hereof doe procure neesings CHAP. IV. Ranunculus Crowfoote THere are so many sorts of Crowfeete some of the Woods some of the Medowes some of the Mountaines some of the Water some
Travelours joy The second Clusius calleth Clematis altera Baetica and Bauhinus that he might vary therefrom Clematis peregrina foliis pyri incisis The third is set forth by Pona under the title of Clematis Cruciata Alpina but Bauhinus to alter the title calleth it Clematis Alpina Gerani folia the last Bauhinus calleth Clematis maritima repens as it is in my title and describing it in his Pinax referreth it to Anguillar◠his Clematites The Vertues None of these here described are used in Physicke by any that I know for although they are all hot and sharpe in tast some more or lesse then others yet are they not applyed to the purposes that the other sorts are which Dioscorides and Galen speak of both these and the other Climers whose figure I give you here and their description in my former booke may very well serve to make Arbours in Gardens Orchards or other places for pleasure for thereunto they are most fit if any will so respect as to plant them The other Climers serve to take away the scurfe lepry or other deformities of the skinne but may not safely be used inwardly although Dioscorides Galen Pliny and others say it was used to purge the waters in the Dropsie Matthiolus saith the water of the upright Virgins Bower is effectuall in any cold greefes and that some gave the leaves prepared to helpe the quartane Ague an oyle made thereof is used to heale those that have aches crampes and other paines that come by cold as also to helpe the stone and to provoke urine the Periwincle is a great binder staying bleeding both at the nose and mouth if some of the leaves be chewed the French doe use it to stay the menstruall courses Dioscorides Galen and Aegineta commend it against the laske and fluxes of the belly to bee drunke with wine it is a tradition received with many that a wreath made hereof and worne about the legs defendeth them from the crampe The Maracoc or Virginia Climer although I have placed it among them for the manner of growing yet is it of a farre differing quality the liquor within the fruite is very pleasant to the taste as if Muske or Amber were mixed with it or as others say having a little aciditie with it so that it cloyeth not the stomack although one take much thereof nor giveth any bad symptome but is held rather to move the belly downewards and make it soluble Aldinus in his Farnesian Garden hath set downe many vertues thereof rather in an hyperbole I think then in verity which I thinke were rather others fantasies then of his owne approbation for in his owne judgement and tryall he saith the leaves are of a sleepie property smelling like unto Nightshade having withall peradventure some deleteriall or deadly quality in them also because as he observed that flies resting on them were extinguished or kild CHAP. XX. Apocynum sive Periploca Dogs bane THere are three sorts of this Apocynum or Dogs bane differing chiefely in the climing and in the forme of their leaves and are dangerous to man and beast but there are some other plants referred unto them as well for their face and forme of growing and giving of milke as for their violent and dangerous qualities I have spoken of that kind that came out of Virginia in my former booke whereunto I must refer them for the description that are desirous to see it 1. Apocinum latifolium non repens Broad leafed or upright Dogs bane This broad leafed or upright Dogs bane a wooddy stemme of the bignesse of ones finger covered with a grayish barke from whence arise divers wooddy but flexible greenish branches easie to winde but very tough hard to breake standing for the most part upright and seldome trayling or laying hold of any thing that groweth neare it having two broad darke greene leaves but sharpe and not round at the points set at every joynt all along but not very neare one unto another full of veynes somewhat softer then Ivie leaves somewhat thicke also whose stalkes and branches being broken yeeld a pale yellow coloured milke but as Dioscorides and other writers say of a much deeper yellow that is in the warmer Countries the flowers come forth at the joynts with the leaves and at the tops three or foure or more sometimes standing together which consist of five small pointed leaves of a whitish colour yet larger then those of Asclepias or Swallowe wor◠after which in the hotter Climats but never in ours that could be observed grow long crooked and pointed cods somewhat more hard and wooddy then those of Asclepias although nothing so much as those of the Rose bay tree called Oleander most usually two standing together upon one stalke but severed at the setting to the stalke and are full of a silken white downe wherein lye dispersed many flat blackish browne seedes the roote groweth downe into the ground spreading into sundry branches with divers small fibres thereat this looseth not his branches but leaves every yeare new shooting forth every spring 2. Apocynum angustifolium sive repens Climing Dogs bane The climing Dogs bane sendeth forth from the roote divers wooddy branches yet tough and flexible of a darke grayish greene colour and sometimes brownish especially neare the ground where it beareth no leaves after it is growne of any bignesse or height which winde 1. Apocynum latifolium non repens Broad leafed or upright Dogs bane themselves from the Sun ward as in all that I have seene I have observed to a very great height twenty foote or more sometimes if it finde whereon it may climbe higher or else falling downe againe with his top whereon stand at severall good distances saving at the tops where they stand thicker 〈◊〉 together two leaves longer and narrower then the former and pointed at the ends somewhat thicke and of a deepe greene colour almost shining the flowers stand in the same manner that the others doe consisting of five thicke leaves each of them pointed and somewhat bending backwards seeming to have two leaves a peece one lying upon another like unto those of Epimedium or Barrenwort the undermost being greenish and larger then the upper leaves which lye upon them and are not so large to cover them wholly but leave the greene brims or edges of the lower leaves to bee seene round about them which upper leaves are of a darke purple or reddish colour and cleave so fast to the lower that it is very hard to separate them in the middle of each flower standeth a greene pointell incompassed with five darke yellow chives each of them turning inwards after the flowers are fallen appeare in the warme countries but not in ours small long cods two alwayes joyned together but more strictly then the other bowing somewhat more outwards in the middle and meeting almost together at the points wherein lie such like flat seedes wrapped in the like silken downe the roote spreadeth in the ground like
the white nor black he saith also that the latter writers have set forth divers sorts of Apocynum under the name of Asclepias of Dioscorides for that they doe not know nor have seene the true Asclepias of Dioscorides unlesse his Apocynum and Asclepias be all one set forth in divers places and by divers names thus farre Fabius Columna led away onely by the sight of that yellowish milke in their Asclepias which as you heare he acknowledgeth not to be the right howsoever the use thereof was frequent with them and might be as he acknowledgeth also a counterpoison as the true Asclepias is accounted but rather an Apocynum but I thinke he did not thorowly consider that the true kindes of Apocynum have all of them wooddy yet pliant branches as Dioscorides giveth to his Apocynum fit to binde any thing which abide and dye not downe to the ground as all the sorts of Asclepias doe which is the true note to distinguish the Apocynum from Asclepias The names of them all as they are in their titles here set downe doe little or nothing vary from those that all other writers give them some calling them Apocynum and some Periploca and therefore I neede not I thinke make any further repetition of their divers appellations onely the fourth Bauhinus calleth as I doe and taketh it to be also the Secamone Aegyptiorum of Alpinus and the second sort of the second kinde of Apocynum of Clusius the last because of the wooddy pods with the manner of the climing mooveth me rather to joyne it to these although I know not of any evill quality therein and therefore give it a bastard name The Vertues There is no property herein fit for the use of mans body appropriated by any either ancient or moderne writers for the place in Pliny lib. 24. c. 11. is mistaken or scarse to be beleeved where he saith the seede of Apocynum taken in water helpeth the pleuresye and all paines of the sides unlesse he thought it to be like the hangman that can doe as much and yet afterwards saith it killeth dogges and all foure footed beasts being given them in their meate for Galen saith it is a poyson to man and being of a strong sent it is hot and that not in a meane degree although it is not drying in the same and is not to be used but outwardly to discusse humours Clusius saith that the most illustrous Prince William Landtsgrave of Hessen in appointing his Physitions to make tryall of the Terra Silefiaca which was taken at Strega whether it had those properties to expell poysons as they that brought it to sell reported of it caused divers poysons to be given to dogs as Arsnicke Napellus or Helmet flower and Oleander or the Rose bay and this Dogs bane also which soever of those dogges had that earth given to him in drinke did after some fits or passions recover but those that had none thereof given them dyed all but none so speedily as those that had this Dogs bane given unto them yet Pena and Lobel in their Adversaria speaking of that kind of Dogs bane say thus If it be death to a dogge that hath eaten it it is probable that it is Apocynum for in their title they make a doubt thereof of Dioscorides but say they wee have it for certaine and of long time found true by experience and tryall that this is a counterpoyson against other sorts of poyson given to dogges thus you see the reports of these two are flat contrary the one unto another so that which of them to beleeve I leave to every one as they thinke good peradventure this their Periploca Graeca folijs latioribus hederaceis for so they call it is the same vulgar or common Asclepias that Fabius Columna saith was used in Italy as is before said and not that Apocynum rectum of Clusius CHAP. XXI Asclepias sive Vincetoxicum Asclepias or Swallow-wort HAving now shewed you all the Venemous Plants as also those that procure sleepe and those that are hurtfull and dangerous let me now shew you also those that are accounted Counterpoysons to those deadly or dangerous herbes as also to other sorts of Venome or poyson and yet not all for some are dispersed in this worke in the severall Classes thereof and some are spoken of in my former booke as you may there find The first of them that I shall set forth unto you is the Swallow-wort because it is so like unto the Dogs bane in the last Chapter and is his Antidote whereof there are three sorts as followeth 1. Asclepias flore albo Swallow-wort with white flowers This Swallow-wort riseth up with divers slender weake stalkes to be two or three foote long not easie to breake scarse able to stand upright and therefore for the most part leane or lye downe upon the ground if it find not any thing to sustaine it and sometimes will twine themselves about it whereon are set two leaves at the joynts being somewhat broad and long pointed at the end of a darke greene colour and smooth at the edges at the joynts with the leaves towards the toppes of the stalkes and at the toppes themselves come forth divers small white flowers consisting of five pointed leaves a peece of an heavy sweet sent after which come small long pods thicke above and growing lesse and lesse to the point wherein lye small flat browne seede wrapped in a great deale of white silken downe which when the pod is ripe openeth of it selfe and sheddeth both seed and cotten upon the ground if it be not carefully gathered this yeeldeth no milke either white or yellow in our Country as the Dogs bane doth in any that I have observed but a thinne watery juice the rootes are a great bush of many white strings fastened together at the head smelling somewhat strong while they are fresh and greene but more pleasant when they are dryed both leaves and stalkes dye downe every yeare to the ground and rise a new in the Spring of the yeare when the stalkes at their first springing are blackish browne 2. Asclepias flore nigro Swallow-wort with blacke flowers The blacke Swallow-wort groweth in the same manner that the former doth having his long slender rough branches rise to a greater height then the other and twining themselves about whatsoever standeth next unto 1. Asclepias flore albo Swallow-wort with white flowers 2. Asclepias flore nigro Swallow-wort with blacke flowers them having such like darke greene leaves set by couples but somewhat smaller then they the flowers likewise stand in the same fashion but somewhat smaller also and of so darke a purplish colour that it seemeth to be a blacke and are scarse discerned unlesse one looke very earnestly upon them after which come more plentifully then in the former such like cods with a white silver downe and seedes in them as in the former the rootes hereof are not so bushye as in the other neither
smell so strong nor doth it give any milkie but a watery juice when it is broken so farre as ever I could observe 3. Asclepias Cretica Swallow-wort of Candy This Candy Swallow-wort riseth up in the same fashion that the former doe with many slender flexible greene branches with leaves set at the joynts on either side as the white kinde hath and are very like unto them but somewhat of a paler greene colour the flowers stand in the same manner three or foure together upon a stalke but are somewhat of a paler white colour not so white as they to whom succeede sometimes but one but most usually two pods together which are thicker and shorter then those of the white kinde straked all along and double forked at the ends wherein lye seedes and silke as in the former the rootes have not so many strings as the last and have as well as the rest of the Plant a strong smell resembling Boxe leaves The Place The two first grow in rough untilled places and in mountaines in divers places both in France about Narboâ— Marseilles and Mompelier and in Italy also and in other places The last grew in Candy from whence the seed came The Time They all flower in the moneths of Iune and Iuly and sometimes not untill August if the yeare be backeward and their cods with seede is ripe about a moneth after the empty huskes abiding on the dry branches when the seed and silke is shed out and fallen on the ground or blowne away with the wind The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Asclepias ab Aesculapio qui 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Graecie dicitur antiquo medicinae doctoreâ— some bastard names it hath also as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi hederula and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 haederefolium and thereupon or from the forme of the leaves like unto Ivy Ruellius calleth it Hederalis in Latine it is called usually Asclepias and Vincetoxicum which is as a generall word to denominate any Counterpoison for Vincetoxicum quasi Alexipharmicâ— dictum quod illi insignis adversus venena vis insit it was anciently called Hirundinaria although both the kindes of Chelidonium majus and minus be also called Hirundinaria of some quia acutae aperta ejus siliquae cum câ—dida lanugine volanti hirundini fere similis est alij vero a semine lanugine pinnato ita dici aiunt that is it is called Swallow-wort of some because the pointed cods when they are open and the silke appeareth out of them doe somewhat resemble a Swallow flying others say from the likenesse of the seed fethered as it were with the downe about it it is called in Italian Venci tassico Asclepiade in high Dutch Schwallen wurtz in low Dutch Swalnwe wortel and in English Swallow-wort and of some silken Cicely It is generally by the most writers and most judicious Herbarists now a dayes acknowledged to be the true Asclepias of Dioscorides although Anguillara doubteth of it and Matthiolus denieth it and contesteth against Fuchsius that said it was Vincetoxicum For first concerning the leaves to be like Ivye as Dioscorides saith and long as it is in some copyes but Oribasius as he saith hath it not so and Marcellus doth thereunto agree led peradventure as he saith by the sight of some ancient copies the leaves being like unto Bay leaves but sharper pointed secondly that the flowers had no strong or evill sent thirdly that the leaves and rootes did not smell sweet and lastly the seede was not like those of Pelecinum Securidaca the Hatchet Fetch all which Dodonaeus retorteth saying all his exceptions and reasons are nothing worth but I may say all Dioscorides his comparisons are not so stricktly to be stucke unto for in the description of the cods of Apocynum he saith they are like Beane cods when as all know they are more like the cods of Oleander and in the description of the leaves of Periclymenum he saith they are like those of Ivy unto whom they are in all mens judgement very little like and so in a number of other things Concerning the rootes Matthiolus saith that an ancient Manuscript hath not the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 multas but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tenues but which of them both is taken doth not much alter the matter but that they are not sweete no man that hath his sence of smelling perfect can say so if he feele their sent as they grow naturally in the Mountaines and for the evill smell of the flowers the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 virus redolens is not in all things of one equality and for the seede although â—it be not as square as the Securidaca yet is flat and in colour and bignesse like it Fabius Columna as it is set downe in the Chapter before tooke the Italian Asclepias to be rather Apocynum of Dioscorides and Lobel also calleth the blacke Swallow-wort Periploca minor belike because it riseth higher and clambereth like a Periploca or more then the white or peradventure because of the blacke flowers but I shewed you before the chiefest note to know Asclepius from Periploca or Apocynum There is little variation in the denominations of these plants by any writers more then is here expressed some calling them by the one and some by the other name and therefore not worthy further trouble The Vertues The rootes have a most soveraine quality against all poysons but in particular as is said before against the Apocynum or Dogs bane It is effectually given to any that are bitten by any venemous beast or stunge by any Serpent or other Creature as also against the biting of a mad dogge a dramme and a halfe thereof taken in Cardus Benedictus water for divers dayes together It is taken also in wine every day against the Plague or Pestilence a dramme thereof taken in Sorrell or Buglosse water is very effectuall against all the passions of the heart if a few Citron seedes be taken therewith taken in the same manner and measure it easeth all the griping paines in the belly the decoction of the rootes made with white wine taken for divers dayes together a good draught at a time and sweating presently thereupon cureth the dropsie the same also helpeth the jaundise provoketh urine and easeth the cough and all defects of the chest and lunges the powder of the rootes taken with Peony seede is good against the falling sickenesse or with Bassill seede or the rinde of Pomecitrons is good against Melancholly and taken with the rootes of Dictamnus albus or Fraxinella bastard Dittany will kill and expell the wormes of the maw or belly the rootes are very effectually used with other things made for bathes for women to sit in or over to ease all paines of the mother and to bring downe their courses the decoction likewise of the rootes hereof and of Cumfrye made with wine is much commended to helpe those that are
goe out of Dunstable way towards Gorkambury and not farre from the ruines of the old Cittie Verulam which is not farre from Saint Albones the fourth is not knowne from whence it came the fift upon divers of the Alpes and the last according to the title in Bavaria The Time These flower for the most part not untill August and that is later than the former and therefore deservedly have the name of Autumne Gentians The Names The first is set downe by Matthiolus Lobel Cordus Clusius and others some under the name of Gentiana minima as Matthiolus some Pneumonanthe as Cordus and Lobel some Calathiana viola as Gesner in hortis Germaniae some Campanula Autumnalis as Dodonaeus and of Lugdunensis Campanula pratensis the second Columnae onely mentioneth by the name of Gentianella caerulea fimbriata angustifolia autumnalis Bauhinus calleth it Gentianella caerulea oris pilosis the third is the tenth Gentian of Clusius and called by Eystotensis horti author Gentianella autumnalis folijs centaureae minoris flore caeruleo Lobel calleth it Gentiana minima Bauhinus Gentiana angustifolia autumnalis floribus ad latera pilosis the fourth is not mentioned by any before the fift is the eleventh small Gentian of Clusius the last is called by Camerarius Gentianella elegantissima Bavarica Bauhinus referreth it to the Gentiana verna Alpina I to the Calathiana verna Dalechampij of Lugdunensis but that Camerarius saith it flowreth in Autumne The Vertues The greater Gentians are more used in Physicke with us then the smaller although they be neare of one propertie and almost as effectuall both inwardly and outwardly and in the places where the smaller are in plentie to be had and the greater not so readily to be gotten they doe very well serve in their stead They are by their bitternesse so availeable against putrefaction venomne and poyson the plague also or pestilence being a most certaine and sure remedy that the Germans account it their Treakle holding nothing to be a more commodious counterpoison and for this purpose did formerly make a Treakle therewith and other things at Iena which was transported into our country and we thereupon called it Iene Treakle made of Gentian Aristolochia Bayberies and other things which were all good wholesome and effectuall for griefes and paines in the stomacke and an especiall medicine against the infection of the plague to expell the malignitie of that and all other infectious diseases and to preserve the heart to strengthen it also against faintings and swounings which Treakle was bitter and therefore the more likely to worke these and other good effects but that Ieane Treakle which hath since crept into the place of it among the vulgar because it is sweet and pleasant is for that cause greedily sought after and for the cheapenesse of most sorts of poore people desired but there is nothing in it that can doe them good nor hath beene found to helpe them of any disease being nothing but the drosse and worst part of Sugar taken from it in purifying the which they call refining and because the good is bitter therefore but few can away with it yet in London it hath beene upon occasion both censured and condemned by a Jury and many hundred weights thereof beene publikely burned in the open streetes before their doores that sold it as a just witnesse to all if they would understand their owne good and be perswaded by reason true judgement and experience that it is not a thing tollerable in a Common-wealth I have thus farre digressed from the matter in hand and yet I hope not without good and just cause to informe all of our countrie to submit their wills and affections unto those of learning and judgement in Phisicke and not be obstinate in their selfe willed opinions and ignorance for assuredly if that kind of Ieane Treakle were wholsome or effectuall to any good purpose it were as easie for the Phisitians to give way to the use thereof as for any other tollerated medicine but the saying is most true Nitimur invetitum semper cupimusque negatum the more a thing is forbidden the more it is desired for the wrong opinion of many is to thinke that it is for the private profit of some that the thing is forbidden and therefore stollen bread is sweetest But to the matter now in hand The powder of the dried rootes takes in wine either of themselves or with other things as Mirrhe Rue Pepper and the like is a certaine remedy against the stingins or bitings of Serpents Scorpions or any other venemous beasts and against the bitings of a madde dog being taken three or foure dayes together and care taken to keepe open the wound with Vinegar or salt water and to cleanse and dresse it in order as it should be the same rootes also taken in wine helpeth those that have obstructions in their livers or are liver growne as they call it or have paines in their stomackes those also that cannot keepe or rellish their meate or have dejected appetites to their meate for hereby they shall finde present ease and remedy being steeped in wine and drunke it refresheth those that are overwearied with travell and are by cold and ill lodging abroad growen starke or lame in their joynts these also that have any griping paines in their sides as prickings stitches or the like it helpeth those that are bruised by blowes or falls by dissolving the congealed bloud and easing the paines the same also is held very effectuall against all agues to take of the roote not in wine but some other drinke or the water distilled of the herbe the fresh roote or the dried made into a pessary and put into the matrice expelleth the dead child and the afterbirth for it throughly worketh upon those parts and therefore not to be given to women that are with child and being taken inwardly procureth their courses being stopped and the urine when it is staied the decoction of the roote it mervellous effectuall to helpe those that are pained with the stone the same also taken in wine doth mervellous much good to those that are troubled with crampes and convulsions in any parts it doth much good also to those that are bursten and have any ruptures Dioscorides saith that there is so great power and efficacie in the rootes hereof that it helpeth not men onely but beasts also that are troubled with coughes and the outgoings of their intrails and that it expelleth the wormes of the belly it breaketh much winde in the body and causeth it to avoid and generally it is availeable in all cold diseases either inward or outward and as Galen saith is most effectuall where there is any neede to extenuate or make thinne thicke flegme or grosse humors clensing of corrupt and filthy sores or ulcers purging of peccant and offensive humours and opening the obstructions of the liver and lungs gall and spleene and freeing the parts affected with any the diseases incident unto them
but as rough as Barly leaves stroaking them downewards and broadest at the setting to of the stalke which is two foote high scarsely dividing it 〈◊〉 into any branches but beareth at the toppe one large and great head in respect of the Plant parted into eight long leaves or beardes in the middle thereof is the flower consisting of tenne or twelve leaves of a pale purple or blush colour neere unto a Damaske Rose having divers blackish blew threds in the middle of them with a mealy dust upon them which being past the head or huske groweth somewhat narrow with a long necke containing within it the seed which is not fashioned into a round globe with downe at the head of the seedes as in all the former except the first it hath five longer and greater seedes on the outside with little or no downe at the ends of them and the lesser in the middle with a little downe at the ends which are yellowish and smooth but the least of all other the roote is long and slender even the smallest of all white downewards and somewhat hard but more reddish at the toppe This is very like the former or annuall Goates beard if it be not the same Camerarius in his Hortus Medicus maketh mention of one with a white flower Flore Albe which I never saw yet nor heard of by any other The Place The first was sent me out of Italy among other seedes but from whence they had it I know not The second as Bauhinus saith groweth about Mompelier and so doth the fourth also The third groweth in many places both in Italy and Spaine for I had seedes thereof out of Spaine by my friend Boelus that gathered them the fift I found in the Medowes about London and other places of our land but not so plentifully as our greater yellow kinde the sixth seventh eighth and ninth grow on the hills in Naples as Columna recordeth both in his Phytobasanos and stirpium minus cognitarum historia The Time These doe flower about the time of the others which is in the end of May or in Iune and the seede is ripe soon after but all of them except the first doe abide greene the first Winter after it is sowen or doth rise of its owne sowing and flowreth and seedeth the next yeare after but the first as I said flowreth and seedeth the same yeare and must be new sowen every yeare for I never kâ—nw it spring from any seede that it shed it selfe The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tragopogon Barba hirci and Barbula hirci and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Barba senis quod a calyce semina promiscae hirci vel senis barbae instar pendent so say both Dioscorides and Theophrastus The first came to me with the same name I have set with it in the title Tragopogon aestivum the second Bauhinus calleth Tragopogon folio oblongo sinuato the third both Anguillara mentioneth calling it Acorus Theophrasti as he saith others did and Fabius Columna in his Phytobasanos Tragopogon laciniatis folijs The fourth Bauhinus calleth Tragopogon tenuissime laciniatum The fift is called by Tabermontanus Barbula hirci minor and by Bauhinus Tragopogon gramineo folio radice villosa The sixt Columna calleth Tragopogon Apulum hirsutum humile and Bauhinus Tragopogon hirsutum The seventh Columna calleth Tragopogon Apulum humile hirsutum luteum the eighth Columna also calleth Tragopogon crocifolium montanum flore nigro purpureo and Bauhinus Tragopogon purpuro caruleum crocifolium The last is called by Columna Tragopogon gramineo folio suave rubente flore Some have doubted that this is not the Tragopogon of Dioscorides and Theophrastus because the leaves of the most of them are greater than the leaves of the Saffron but notwithstanding it is generally taken to be the right because of the head of seede which agreeth so well thereto as no plant else can doe the like and besides Columna hath set forth some of those before recited which agreeth better with Dioscorides and Theophrastus Saffron leaves than any of the rest which therefore he taketh to be the truest It is called in Italian Saffifrica and with some Sassifica and barba di becco in Spanish Barba Cabrona and Barba di Cabron in French Barba de bouc in High Dutch Bocksbart in Low Dutch Boexbaert ende Iosephs bloemen in English Goates beard and goe to bed at Noone or Noone tide and of some Starre of Ierusalem and others after the Dutch word Iosephs flower of some also Saxifrage The Vertues The rootes of the greater wild yellow kinde chiefely as also of the other kindes here set forth being dressed as a Parsneppe is more delicate and pleasant to the taste in eating the rootes boyled and dressed or as some do eate them raw is a fine sallet likewise to be eaten cold and are very acceptable to the stomacke helping to strengthen them that are growing into a consumption or are become spare and leane by some long sicknesse the distilled water saith Tragus is the most present remedy that is to helpe inward impostumes such as is the Pleurisie and all other paines and stitches in the sides the Italians use it much and often against all the griefes of the stomacke both to take away the heart burne as we call it which is an hot and sharpe humour in the stomacke fretting and paining it and doth helpe also in a dejected appetite to incite and stirre it up as also against the defects of the breast or liver and to helpe to expell gravell and the stone from the reynes kidneies and bladder whereof the name Sassifrica which is as much as breakestone declareth the propertie some doe hold opinion that the purple and ashcoloured kindes being more bitter astringent and abstersive have a more binding and clensing qualitie than the others and are therefore onely to be used for medicament and the others as nutriment and that they onely are effectuall to all the purposes before recited CHAP. XXIX Echium Wilde Buglosse or Vipers Buglosse CLusius that painefull and industrious searcher of plants hath given us the knowledge of many more sorts of Vipers Buglosse as he hath done of many other plants than any before him whereof I meane to entreate in this place and with them some others also 1. Echium vulgare The common Vipers Buglosse The common Vipers Buglosse hath many long rough leaves lying on the ground from among which rise up divers hard round stalkes very rough as if they were thicke set with prickles or haires wherein are set such like long rough hairie or prickly sad greene leaves somewhat narrow the middle ribbe for the most part being white the flowers stand at the toppe of the stalkes branched forth into many long spiked leaves of flowers bowing or turning like the Turnesole all of them opening for the most part on the one side which are long and hollow turning up the brimmes
against the hardnesse or difficulty to make water or the Strangury when it commeth by drops and to expell gravell and the stone out of the kidneyes and helpeth also other paines in the reines and backe it is very good to be given to such as are troubled with the jaundise and taken in wine helpeth those that are bitten by the Phalangium or great poysonous spider and other Serpents being boyled in wine or vinegar it is good for those that have their arteries loosened and are troubled with the hippe-gout or Sciatica the rootes boyled in wine and taken are said to helpe the frensy and the falling sicknesse and to ease the paines of the mother in women the decoction thereof likewise is good to cleare the fight that is dimme and misty and being held in the mouth warme easeth the tooth-ache the same also healeth the paines of the breast stomacke and bowels and taken every morning fasting for certaine daies together stirreth up bodily lust in man or woman although some have written the contrary that it hindereth conception and causeth barrennesse Chrysippus saith that three scruples of the seed of Asparagus Smallage and Cummin being given in three or foure ounces of wine for five dayes continually to them that make a bloody water it will helpe them and he saith also that it is not good for any that hath a dropsie to take thereof but rather is an enemy and will doe them harme although it be powerfull to provoke urine Avicen saith that it causeth the body to have a sweete savour to take the buds as meate but it doth render the urine stincking it dissolveth the wind in the stomacke liver and guts and the paines of the chollicke which rise of pituitous and thicke flegmaticke humours the Garden Asparagus nourisheth more then the wilde kindes yet hath it also his effects both in the urine reines and bladder in opening the body gently and many other the forenamed diseases but this inconvenience happeneth by all medicines that strongly provoke urine if they be too frequently used they doe exulcerate the bladder many doe use the seede of Asparagus for all the purposes before written and hold them as effectuall as the rootes the decoction of the rootes or seede made in wine and the backe and belly bathed therewith or to sit therein as in a bath but kneeling or lying low that they may sit the deeper therein hath beene found to be effectuall against the paines of the reines kidneys and bladder the paines of the mother and of the chollicke and generally all those paines and torments that happen to the lower members of the body it is no lesse effectuall also against stiffe and benummed sinewes or those that are shrunke by crampes or convulsions and the paines of the hippes called Sciatica it is said that whosoever shall moisten their hands face necke or any other part of the skinne with the decoction or juice of Asparagus there shall no Bee Waspe Hornet or other such like flye sting them Dioscorides saith that divers did affirme in his time that if the decoction of it be given to a dogge to drinke it will kill him divers fabulous things have beene obtruded for truth in the writings of the ancient and the moderne writers also if they either follow the traditions of their elders without consideration of the probability or examination of the verity or else are led by vulgar reports whereof this is one in the text of Dioscorides which himselfe holdeth to be false and untrue because it is so unlike in reason and nature that if Rammes horne be beaten or bruised and buried in the ground from thence shall rise Asparagus some have affirmed also that if you sow the seede of Asparagus in canes stucke in the ground they will grow the sweeter and more pleasant in taste because they say the Asparagus and the Cane or Reede have a great simpathy one unto another which how true or likely it is I leave to every one to beleeve as they list but the practise of many Gardiners that nurse Asparagus for their profit is to have canes out of severall lengths some shorter some longer which they sticke over the heads or shootes of the Asparagus whereby they say the buds are made the tenderer and more delicate to be eaten which peradventure may be likely in some part as all other sallet herbes that are whited by covering them or keeping them from the ayre and are thereby caused to be the tenderer onely by concocting the superfluous moisture in them but I cannot beleeve that it commeth from any vertue or simpathy of the cane thereunto if this be not true and probable let others bring more probability and I will yeeld unto it CHAP. XXI Linaria Tode Flaxe or Flaxeweede OF the Linaria or Todeflaxe there are many sorts some whereof that is the most beautifull I have set forth in my former booke which are these Linaria purpurea five caerulea Purple or blew Todeflaxe Linaria purpurea odorata Sweete purple Todeflaxe Linaria Valentina Todeflaxe of Valentia And Linaria magna sive Scoparia Belvidere dicta Italorum Broome Todeflaxe which I shall not neede againe to describe here but of the rest not there expressed And because of the great variety I would use this method in setting them forth first to place those that grow upright and have broader leaves then next those that have narrower leaves and yet grow upright and lastly of the smallest kinds that creepe upon the ground Linariae erectae Latifoliae Vpright broad leafed Flaxeweedes 1. Linaria latifolia Dalmatica The great Dalmatian Flaxeweede THe great Flaxeweede of Dalmatia hath divers faire large greene leaves spreading upon the ground being about two inches long and one broad ending very sharpe pointed without any footestalke at them but rising up with the stalke which is firme hard and round about two or three foote high hath the like leaves set thereon without any order up to the toppe but lesser as they grow higher the stalke is branched at the toppe having at every one of the branches such like spikes of deepe or gold yellow flowers as are in the common wild kinde with spurres behind them but each of them are three or foure times larger then the common the seed is like the wilde kind and enclosed in the like heads but larger also the roote is white and spreadeth some branches under ground and perisheth not as the wild kinde doth but abideth in the winter with both roote and stalke shooting fresh leaves every Spring 2. Linaria Latifolia Cretica major The great broadleafed Flaxeweede of Candy This Flaxeweede of Candy sendeth from the roote a round thicke stalke two or three foote high spread into many branches whereon are set sometimes two and sometimes three leaves together on a small footestalke on each side of them sometimes one against another and other times keeping no order each whereof is larger and longer then the former and of a grayish greene
both the face and qualities of the one unto the other and Pliny also in his 25. Booke and 6. Chapter runneth into the same error with them who although be agreeth with Dioscorides in the description of it yet saith it hath a certaine bitternesse in it which is not found in this greater but the lesser kinde The second is called by Cornutus among his Canada plants Centauriâ— folijs Cynarae Pona saith in the description of the plants growing upon Mount Baldus that the third kind was called of divers there about Rheu Baldensis and Clusius saith the Portugals where he found it called it Rapontis Bauhinus saith that the last he received from out of the garden at Padoa by the name of Rhaponticum Lusitanicum The Vertues The roote of the great Centory saith Matthiolus being steeped in wine or the powder thereof given in wines is with great good successe and profit used for those that are fallen into a dropsie or have the jaundise or are troubled with the obstructions of the liver two drammes of the rootes beaten to powder and taken in wine or in water helpeth those that spit blood or that bleede much at the mouth if they have an ague to take it in water or else in wine it is likewise used for ruptures cramps and pleurisies and for those that have an old or long continued cough and for those that are short winded or can haâ—dly draw their breath it is good also to ease the griping paines in the belly and those of the mother being scraped and put up as a pâ—ssary into the mother it procureth womens courses and causeth the dead birth to be avoided the juice thereof used in the same manner worketh the same effect some copies of Dioscorides have this it is called Panacea because it helpeth all diseases and sores where there is inflammation or bruises causing it it helpeth the Strangury or pissing by droppes if it be injected as also the stone the decoction or juice of the roote or a dramme in powder thereof drunke and the wound washed therewith taketh away all the paine and danger of the bitings or stingings of venemous creatures it helpeth to sharpen the eyesight if it be steeped in water and dropped into them Galen in 7. simp sheweth that it hath contrary qualities in it and therefore worketh contrary effects the sharpe taste shewing an hot quality whereby it provoketh womens courses c. and the astringent a cold grosse earthly quality glueing or sodering the lippes of wounds and staying the spitting of blood and by all the qualities joyned together helpeth ruptures crampes and the diseases of the Lungs the sharpenesse procuring evacuation and the astriction the strengthning of the parts the whole plant as well herbe as roote is very availeable in all sorts of wounds or ulcers to dry soder clense and heale them and therefore is a principall ingredient or should be in all vulnerary drinkes and injections CHAP. II. Iacea Knapweede THere are a very great many of herbes that beare the name of Iacea which I must to avoide confusion distribute into severall orders that so the memory being not confounded with a promiscuous multitude each may be the better understood in their severall ranckes Iaceae non Laciniatae Knapweedes with whole leaves Ordo primus The first ranke or order 1. Iacea nigra vulgaris Our common Matfellon or Knapweede THe common Knapweede hath many long and somewhat broad darke greene leaves rising from the roote somewhat deepely dented about the edges and sometimes a little rent or torne on both sides in two or three places and somewhat hairy withall among which riseth up a strong round stalke foure or five foote high divided into many small branches at the toppes whereof stand great scaly greene heads and from the middle of them thrust forth a number of darke purplish red thrums or threds and sometimes white but very rarely which after they are withered and past there is found divers blacke seede lying in a great deale of downe somewhat like unto Thistle seed but smaller the roote is white hard and wooddy with divers fibres annexed thereunto which perisheth not but abideth with leaves thereon all the Winter and shooting out fresh every Spring 2. Iacea nigra angustifolia Narrow leafed Knapweede This Knapweede hath a round rough greene stalke about a foote and a halfe high whereon are set on each side narrow rough short and somewhat hoary greene leaves compassing it at the bottome and divided into some other branches above on each whereof standeth a scaly whitish greene head out of the middle whereof rise many small long threds like unto the former but smaller and of a pale reddish colour after which followeth small blacke seede like the other the roote is blackish and parted into many small fibres Of this sort also there is one whose stalke and leaves are longer smooth and all hoary soft and woolly 3. Iacea nigra humilis The smaller dwarfe Knapweede This low Knapweede hath small weake and round hoary stalkes about a foote high bending to the ground 1. Iacea nigra vulgaris The common wild Knapweede 6. Iacea Austriaca latifolia villoso capite The greater hairy headed Knapweede with leaves thereon of an inch in breadth and two in length not divided or dented about the edges at all but being a little rough and hoary as it were thereabouts compassing the stalkes at the bottome at the toppes whereof stand such like scaly heads as in the others with purplish threds or thrummes rising thereout as in the rest 4. Iacea montana Austriaca major The greater mountaine Hungarian Knapweede This greater mountaine Knapweede is very like unto the former common wilde kinde being somewhat broad and long dented about the edges and rough and hairy also and of a darke greene colour but those that grow upon the straked stalkes are still up higher smaller and more cut in on the edges the heads that stand at the toppes of the stalkes are not rough or hairy but smooth and scaly crackling if they be lightly touched brownish upward and whitish lower the flowers consist of many purple whitish leaves cut in the ends into five slits or divisions like as those of the Cyanus with many purplish long threds in the middle and a purple stile in the middle of them besprinkled at the head with a mealely whitenesse the seede that followeth is like unto the other but somewhat larger the roote also is blackish and stringy like the former and abideth as the rest doe 5. Iacea montana Austriaca minor The lesser mountaine Hungarian Knapweede The lesser Hungarian kinde is in most things like the last but that it groweth lower and the leaves and stalkes are nothing so hairy and rough but smooth and hoary the flowers also are of a paler purple colour and the seede is not blacke but of a whitish gray or ash colour 6 Iacea Austriaca latifolia villoso capite The greater hairy headed Knapweepe This greater hairy headed
trinervia montana incana and Bauhinus Plantago trinervia montana the eight Bauhinus calleth Plantago trinervia folio angustissimo the last he also calleth Plantago angustifolia paniculis Lagopi The Vertues All these sorts of Plantane both the greater and the lesser both the broader and the narrower leafed are of one propertie that is cold and drie in the second degree I thought good to speake of their vertues in the end of all their descriptions to avoid prolixitie and tantologie in repeating the same properties divers times All the Plantanes but some hold the Ribbewort to be the stronger and more effectuall have these properties hereafter ensuing The juice of Plantane depurate or clarified and drunke for divers dayes together either of it selfe or in other drinke prevaileth wonderfully against all torments and excoriations in the guts or bowells helpeth the distillations of rheume from the head and stayeth all manner of fluxes in man or woman even the feminine courses also when they come downe too abundantly it is good to stay the spitting of bloud and all other bleedings at the mouth by having a veine broken in the stomacke and that maketh bloudy or foule water by any ulcer in the veines or bladder as also to stay the too free bleeding of wounds it is held also an especiall remedy for those that are troubled with the Ptisicke or Consumption of the lungs or have ulcers in their lungs or have coughs that come of heate the decoction or powder of the rootes or seede is much more binding for all the purposes aforesaid than the herbe is Dioscorides saith that if three rootes be boiled in wine and taken it helpeth the tertian ague and foure rootes the quartane but I hold the number to be fabulous yet the decoction of divers of them may be effectuall but Tragus holdeth that the distilled water thereof drunke before the fit is more proper the seede made into powder and mixed with the yolke of an egge and some wheate flower made into a cake and baked either in an oven or betweene a couple of tyles heated for the purpose this cake prepared every day fresh and eaten warme for some few dayes together doth mightily stay any fluxe of the stomacke when the meate passeth away indigested and stayeth likewise the vomitings of the stomacke the herbe but especially the seede which is of more subtile parts is likewise held to be profitable against the dropsie the falling sicknesse yellow jaundise and the oppilations or stoppings of the liver or reines the rootes of Plantane and Pellitory of Spaine beaten to powder and put into hollow teeth taketh away the paines in them the clarified juice or the distilled water but especially that of Ribbewort dropped into the eyes cooleth the inflammations in them and certainely cureth the pinne and webbe in the eye and dropped into the eares easeth the paines therein and helpeth and restoreth the hearing the same also is very profitably applied with juice of Housleeke against all inflammations and eruptions in the skinne and against burnings or scaldings by fire or water the juice or the decoction made either of it selfe or with other things conducing thereunto is a lotion of much use and good effect for old or hollow ulcers that are hard to be cured for cancres and sores in the mouth or privie parts of man or woman and helpeth also the paines of the hemorrhoides or piles and the fundament the juice mixed with oyle of Roses and the temples and forehead annointed herewith easeth the paines of the head proceeding from heate and helpeth franticke and lunaticke persons very much as also the bitings of Serpents or a madde Dogge the same also is profitably applied to all hot gouts in the feete or hands especially in the beginning to coole the heate and represse the humours it is also good to be applied where any bone is out of joint to hinder inflammations swellings and paines that presently rise thereupon the powder of the dried leaves taken in drinke killeth the wormes of the belly and the said dried leaves boiled in wine killeth the wormes that breede in old and foule ulcers One part of Plantane water and two parts of the brine of powdred beefe boyled together and clarified is a most sure remedy to heale all spreadnig scabbes and itch in the head or body all manner of tetters ringwormes the shingles and all other running and fretting sores Briefely all the Plantanes are singular good wound herbes to heale fresh or old wounds and sores either inward or outward Erasmus in his Colloquia reporteth a prettie story of the Toade who being stung or bitten by a Spider sought out Plantane and by the eating thereof was freed from that danger CHAP. XII Holosteum sive Plantago marina Sea Plantane THere remaine some other sorts of herbes referred to the Plantanes which shall follow in their order and first of those are called Holostea which for want of a fitter name we call Sea Plantane 1. Plantago marina vulgaris Ordinary Sea Plantane This sea Plantane hath many narrow long and thicke greene leaves having here and there a dent or two on the one edge pointed at the end among which rise up sundry bare stalkes with a small spilted head thereon smaller than Plantane else alike both in blooming and seede the roote is somewhat white thicke and long with long fibres thereat abiding many yeares 1. Plantago marina vulgaris Ordinary Sea Plantane 2. Holosteum Salmanticum Spanish Sea Plantane 3. Holosteum angustifolium majus sive Sâ—rpentaria major The greater Sea Plantane with grassie leaves 4. Holostaâ— angusâ—ifolium minus sive Serpentiâ—a minor The lesser Sea Plantane with grassie leaves 5. Holosteum creticum sive Leontopodium Creticum Candy Sea Plantane Leontopodium idem diverse expressum The same plant diversly expressed 2. Holosteum Salmanticum Spanish Sea Plantaine This Spanish Sea Plantaine also differeth not much from the former greater kinde having many narrow hoâ—y leaves lying on the ground but shorter and broader then they among which rise up divers naked short stalkes little more then an handbreadth high furnished from the middle almost to the toppes with many whitish greene flowers Aliâ—d minus standing more sparsedly in the spiked heads then the former which afterwards yeeld smal seeds in husks like unto Plantaine seede the roote is somewhat long and hard with divers fibres at it There is another sort hereof much lesser then the former the leaves greener and narrower and the heads 6. Myosuros Cauda Mâ—riâ— Mousetaile of flowers smaller 3. Holosteum angustifolium majus sive Serpentaria major The greater Sea Plantaine with grassie leaves This greater Sea Plantaine hath a number of small long leaves almost like grasse but that they are stiffe and hard sometime lying upon the ground and sometime from a stemme under them raised a little higher of a grayish or hoary green colour and having on some of them some small gashes on the edges among which rise up naked stalkes about
former Booke The Collie as the French call it or the farre Collier as we in English hath a pale greenish leafe without dents and somewhat a large flower and of a dainty violet purple colour somewhat sad but very lively The Cambersine hath a smaller greene leafe without dents or very few and the flower neere that of the faire Collier but not altogether so lively nor so great a flower A purplish blew with a white bottome and a mealy leafe The Poutrine or blood red hath a yellowish greene leafe somewhat small and long with a few dents on the edges the flowers are of a blood red colour with a yellow eye and but few upon a stalke The party coloured red and white we heare for certaine of such an one but we have not as yet seene it There are sundry sorts of blushes paler or deeper more or lesse beautifull by much then others as also wonderfull much variety of each of the former colours not to be expressed in that from the sowing of the seede ariseth new colours almost every yeare The pure white Snow white or Paperwhite as they are called by divers hath flowers of a pure Snow white colour but smaller then the next White hath a little larger flower but is not so pure a white as the former but yet commeth white from the first budding and not yellowish as in the next The common white hath sundry flowers upon a stalke of a reasonable size whose buds are yellowish at the first and become white afterwards Other sorts may be reckoned to these whites and some may be set under the blushes of the paler sorts Of the great yellow there are sundry different sorts all of them having large mealy leaves and great tufts of flowers some deeper or paler then others and some greater or lesser also The Lemman colour is of a delicate pale yellow colour and of a middle size both leafe and flower Straw colour Shamwey colour A number of other sorts of plaine yellowes there be impossible to be distinguished The diversities likewise of the diversified or variable yellowes are numberlesse which although their ground is yellow yet are so mixed and varied thereupon that I cannot expresse them The leather coate is larger or lesser deeper or paler one then another they have all large mealy leaves yet not so much as in the greatest yellow but yet seemeth to be produced from thence they come so neere it Haire colour of divers sorts Spanish blush The Place and Time The purple and crimson Primroses came first from Turkie to us and flowreth with other Primroses very early in the Spring and sometimes againe in Autumne The originall of the Auricules came first from the mountaines of Germany Hungary Italy as the Alpes and Pyrenees c. but the greatest variety hath risen from sowing of the seede and many of them will flower twice in the yeare viz. in Aprill and May and then againe in August and September if the Autumne proove temperate and moist The Names The purple Primrose is said to be called Carchichek by the Turkes Fabius Columna referreth the Cowslips to the Alisma of Dioscorides and calleth them Alisma pratorum sylvarum others call them Verbasculum Gesner Arthritica Anguilara Dodecatheon but generally Paralysis and Herba Paralysis The Auricula ursi is entituled by divers names by sundry authors as Lunaria Arthritica and Paralytica Alpina by Gesner Primula veris pachyphyllos by Lugdunensis Sanicula sive Auricula ursi first by Matthiolus and after by Lobel and Sanicula Alpina by Gesner and Bauhinus but usually now adaies Auricula ursi by all and thereafter we in English Beares eares or French Cowslips The Vertues Primroses and Cowslips are much used to be eaten in Tansies Sallets c. by those beyond Sea and are accounted very profitable for paines in the head and are accounted the best for that purpose next unto Betony they are excellent good against any joynt aches as the palsie and to ease the paines of the sinewes as the names doe import Of the juice or water of the flowers of Cowslips divers Gentlewomen know how to clense the skin from spots or discolourings therein as also to take away the wrinckles thereof and cause the skinne to become smooth and faire the rootes made into a decoction and taken easeth the paines of the backe and bladder opening the passages of urine which was the cause thereof they are likewise often used in wounds either greene or old and that to very good purpose The Beares eares according to their name Sanicle are no lesse powerfull in healing then the common as also for the palsie and trembling of the joynts Clusius saith that the mountainers that hunt after wilde beasts doe use the rootes of Beares eares to helpe either paines in the head or the giddinesse that may happen thereto by the fight of such fearefull precipices or steepe places that they must often passe by in following their game and are admitted as good Wound herbes as the former Cowslips CHAP. XXX Alchymilla Ladies Mantile VNto the Sanicles set downe in the last Chapter I thinke it fittest to place this next unto it because both for forme and quality it is so assuredly like it that it is called of divers the greater Sanicle and will adde thereunto another sort thereof which hath not beene formerly well knowne 1. Alchymilla major vulgaris Common Ladies Mantle Our common Ladies Mantle is very like to the former Sanicle having many leaves rising from the roote standing upon long hairy footestalkes being 1. Alchymilla major vulgaris Common Ladies Mantle almost round but a little cut in on the edges into eight or tenne parts more or lesse making it seeme like a starre with so many corners and points and dented round about of a light greene colour somewhat hard in handling and as if it were foulded or plaited at the first and then crumpled in divers places and a little hairy as the stalke is also which riseth up among them to the height of two or three foote with a few such leaves thereupon but smaller and being weake is not able to stand upright but bendeth downe to the ground divided at the toppe into two or three small branches with small yellowish greene heads and flowers of a whitish greene colour breaking out of them which being past there commeth small yellowish seede like unto Poppy seede the roote is somewhat long and blacke with many strings and fibres thereat 2. Alchymilla minor quinquefolia Cinkefoile Ladies Mantle This small Ladies Mantle hath also a few smaller and smoother greene leaves rising from the small blacke fibrous roote set upon long footestalkes but divided at the edges into five corners or points and somewhat deepelier dented about the brimmes then the former from whence two or three small weake bending stalkes doe rise not halfe a foote high the flowers that grow at the toppes are smaller but alike according to the bignesse of the plant and of the same herby
and 〈◊〉 brownish seedes within them of an hot and quicke sharpe and unpleasant taste withall as the herbe in 〈◊〉 but much more the roote in time groweth to be very great even of the bignesse of a 〈…〉 very deepe also for such I have digged up in my owne Garden of a strong unpleasant savour and taste 〈◊〉 then Cresses and very like unto that of Flixeweede abiding many yeares but the stalkes perishing doâ— the ground and shooting forth a new in the Springs 4. Solidago Saracenica altera sive tertia Tragi Tragus his Germane Consound This other Germane Consound is somewhat like both in stalkes and leaves unto the middle kinde of Neppe with long leaves being white as they are the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes many together upon small round greene heads very like unto the first sort being small and yellow which after they are pâ—sâ— the heads with seed are ripe open themselves and with the downe in them is carryed away by the wind in the same manner the roote creepeth in the ground and shooteth up branches round about the taste of the herbe is bitter whereby it is found to be drying and of a piercing quality The Place All these doe grow in moist and wet grounds by woods sides and sometimes in the moist places of the shadowy groves as also by water sides The Time They flower in Iuly and the seede of the two first is soone ripe and carryed away with the winde after the third hath not his pods and seede ripe untill the end of August or beginning of September The Names None of these herbes are of ancient but later invention and appellation it is called Solidago and Consolida from the old Latine word Consolidare which in the barbarous Latine age did signifie to soder close or glue up the lips of wounds and Saracenica because the Turkes and Sarasens had a great opinion thereof in healing the hurts and wounds of their people and were accounted great Chirurgions and of wonderfull skill therein whom the Christians followed and called it thereafter others called it herba fortis from the strong sent and taste as it is thought Tragus after he had described the Solidago Saxacenica vera addeth two sorts more the one which is his second is the Lysimachia caerulea spicata and the third which is the last here Bauhinus calleth it Coniza assiâ— Germanica referring it to the Conyza's or Fleabanes but I have thought it fitter to place it here Tragus calleth the first Solidago Saracenica prima and saith that Brunfelsius wrote very largely thereof and yet Bauhinus quoteth not Brunfelsius to have called it so but that he called the Bellis sylvestris minor to be Solidago Consolida species divers have thought the Virga aurca to be it and so doth Bauhinus also and therefore saith that Tragus his first Solidago is the Virga aurea angustifolia serrata Tabermontanus calleth it Consolida aurea The second is called by Lugdunensis Solidago Saracenica major The third I presume is the same that Lobel giveth us the description of in his Adversaria and the figure in his Observations yet maketh the heads with seed to flye away with the wind as the others doe but surely the figure hereof doth so truely represent this plant that I doe here set forth unto you as no other can come neerer unto it and therefore I am perswaded that he was mistaken in the heads of seede which as I shew you in this give small long pods with small browne seed therein or else there is another so like this as can be whose seed with the downe is carryed away with the winde The last is as I said Tragus his third Solidago Saracenica which he calleth Herba vulneraria ad fluvium de Pfrim The Germanes as it is thought first called it Heidnisch Wundtkraut that is Vulneraria Turcica Heathenish Woundwort from whence came the name Solidago Saracenica and the French thereafter Consoulde Sarazine and so all other nations in their severall tongues The Vertues Among the Germanes this Wound herbe is not onely of especiall account but even preferred before all other of the same quality be it Bugle or Sanicle or whatsoever else for it is hot and dry almost in the third degree and binding withall being boyled in wine and given to drinke it helpeth the indisposition of the Liver and â—eeth the gall from obstructions whereby it is good for the yellow jaundise and for the dropsie in the beginning 〈…〉 of as also all inward ulcers of the reines or elsewhere and inward wounds or bruises and being 〈…〉 wine and then distilled the water thereof drunke is singular good to ease all gnawing in the stomacke or any other paines or torments in the body as also the paines of the mother and being boyled in water helpeth continuall agues and this said water or the simple water of the herbe distilled or the juice or decoction are all very effectuall to heale any greene wound or old sore or ulcer whatsoever both clensing them from any corruption is bred in them and healing them up quickely afterwards the same also is no lesse effectuall for the ulcers in the mouth or throate be they never so foule or stinking by washing and gargling the mouth and throate therewith and likewise for such sores as happen in the privy parts of man or woman briefely whatsoever hath been said of Bugle or Sanicle may be found herein The other sorts of Consounds doe runne the same course with this and are as effectuall in a manner as it CHAP. XXXII Herba Doria sive Aurea Dorias his Woundwort BEcause this herbe doth notably differ both from the former Consounds and the Golden roddes that shall follow I have thought good to set it betweene them whereof there are more sorts then one as they may best be referred 1. Herba Doria vulgaris The ordinary Dorias Woundwort This Woundwort hath many great thicke fleshy long deepe greene leaves rising from the 〈◊〉 1. Herba Doria vulgaris The ordinary Dorias Woundwort 2. Herba Doria minor Americana Dorias Woundwort of America almost as long as Docke leaves but thicker sharper at the points smaller at the lower ends of them and broadest in the middle somewhat harsh or hard in handling among which riseth up but one great stalke for the most part but exceeding high above any man whereon are set very sparingly scarse two or three such leaves but smaller as grow below at the toppes whereof stand a few yellow flowers in greene scaly heads greener then those of the golden rodde or of the former Consound which when they are ripe are blowne away with the winde the roote is not so great as the plant would make shew it should be having many fibres set at the head together which take strong hold of the ground and dyeth not nor the leaves lose their verdure in the winter but spring afresh every yeare 2. Herba Doria minor Americana Dorias
acrimony in it then the other causing one to spit after the chewing thereof a while in the mouth 3. Lysimachia lutea flore globoso Round headed yellow Willow herbe The stalkes of this Willow herbe rise not up to be above a foote high bearing onely two leaves and no more at a joynt which are shorter and narrower yet very like unto those of the common sort and of a pale greene colour at the joynts of the stalkes which are crested and hollow with the leaves come forth long stalkes of flowers without any leaves on them which are close set together almost round but yet shewing the small yellow flowers of five leaves a peece the rootes are long creeping underground with many joynts therein and shooting fibres at every one of them The Place The first groweth in many places of the land in moist medowes and by water sides The second groweth also neere water sides and in the valleyes and moist fields of the Alps and hils in Austria as Clusius saith The last as Lobel saith he found in the ditches neere Gaunt in Planders as also among the reedes wherewith they thatch their houses hard by Amsterdam in Holland and Clusius saith it was found by a Physitian neere the Alps who sent it unto him among other plants The Time All these sorts doe flower from Iune unto August The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lysimachium and Lysimachia by divers in Latine it is thought by divers that this is that herbe whereof Pliny saith Lysimachus the King of Illyria was the first finder and of him tooke the name Lysimachia but therein they are deceived for Pliny attributeth a purple flower thereto and is therefore the Lysimachia purpureâ— spicata hereafter described which is made famous by Erasistratus who wrote a volume of the properties thereof and so saith Pliny and is also supposed to have taken the name a pagna dirimenda for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 est certamen dirimere of taking away strife or debate betweene beasts not onely those that are yoked together but even those that are wilde also by making them tame and quiet which as they say this herbe will doe if it be either put about their yokes or their neckes which how true I leave to them shall try and finde it so This is called also in Latine Saâ—caria aut quod inter Salices aritur aut quod Saâ— folio habet that is Willow herbe either because it groweth among Willows or that it hath Willow like leaves Leonicerus saith it was called by divers in his time Corneola and that they dyed a greene colour therewith The first is called by all writers either Lysimachia lutea vâ—ra by Cordus in Dioscoridem or Lysimachia verum Legitimum because it is the same of Dioscorides Tragus onely and Gesner in hortis call it Salicaris Bauhinus calleth it Lysimachia lutea major 〈◊〉 est Dioscoridis The second is called by Clusius Lysimachia lutea altera by Caesalpinus Lysimachia lutea in aâ— foliorum florens and by Bauhinus Lysimachia lutea minor folijs nigris punctâ— notatis The last is called by Lobel Lysimachia lutea altera by Clusius Lysimachia lutea tertia sive minor by Dodonaeus in his Dutch Herball Lysimachium aquatile by Bauhinus Lysimachia latifolia flore globoso luteo Dodoneus sheweth that Ruellius erred in thinking that Lysimachia was the Lutea herba It is called of the Italians Lysimachis of the Spaniards Lysimacho of the French as Ruellius saith Cornolle and Corncolle as also Soussy dâ—eau Perce bosse and Pelle bosse idest Pesti fuga but Dodonaeus contradicteth Ruellius therein saying that Pellebosse with those of Cenomania is another herbe even the Ranunculus flammeus which will raise blisters upon the skinne and will draw the venome of a Plague sore another way of the Germaines Widerich and Geilweyderick of the Dutch Geel Wederijck and in English Willow herbe and Loosestrife The Vertues Galen saith that this Willow hearbe hath an exceeding binding quality and therefore Dioscorides saith it is good to stay all manner of bleedings at the mouth or nose or of wounds or howsoever and all fluxes of the belly and the bloudy flix given either to drinke or taken by glister it stayeth also the aboundance of womens courses it is a singular good herbe for greene wounds to stay the bleeding and quickly to soder or close together the lippes of the wound if the juyce of the herbe onely be bruised and applyed it is often used in gargles for sore mouthes as also for the secret parts it is found very certaine by good experience that the smoake hereof being burned driveth away flies and gnats and other such like small creatures which use in diverse places that are neere to Fennes Marshes or water sides to infest them that dwell there in the night season to sting and bite them leaving the markes and spots thereof in their faces c. which besides the deformity which is but for a while leaveth them that are thus bitten not without paine for a time it is sayd also to drive away Serpents or any other venemous creature by the smoake of the hearbe burned CHAP. XXXIIII Lysimachia non spicata Willow herbe with dispersed heads of flowers THe second sort of Loosestrife is of those whose flowers stand not in spiked heads but dispersedly upon the stalkes whereof there is two sorts onely to be remembred in this Chapter 1. Lysimachia minor rubra sive purpurea Small red flowred Willow herbe This small Willow herbe or Loosestrife is much lower than that of the purple spiked head being but a foote and a halfe high with smooth and square stalkes whose toppes are parted into many branches on the lower part thereof stand long leaves smaller and narrower than the other purple spiked kinde two alwayes set together at a joynt one against another but those that grow above toward the toppes of the stalkes 1. Lysimachia purpurea sive rubra minor The small purple flowred Willow herbe are smaller than the lowermost and keepe not that order but stand confusedly thereon one above anothor neere unto which at the joynts with the leaves come forth severall flowers but not spike fashion in sixe square heads usually whose toppes are not so pointed nor layd so open as in the other but being more close thrist forth their flowers out of them which consist of sixe small reddish purple leaves with some threds in the middle the roote creepeth not as the others doe but is hard and somewhat wooddy with many small fibres getting encrease from the sides thereof 2. Lysimachia purpurea sive rubra minima The least purple flowred Loosestrife This other Loosestrife being the least riseth up scarce a foote high the stalkes branch themselves forth from the very bottome set thicke with small long and narrow leaves almost like those of Line or Flaxe but shorter with whom at the joynts come forth the flowers sometimes
thereon all the Winter 9. Veronica Tenerij facie Germanderlike Speedewell This Speedewell hath square rough stalkes about a foote high with long narrow dented leaves set by couples at the joynts the toppes ending in a long spiked head of foure leafed blew flowers and seede succeeding like the greater Speedewels The Place The first groweth in all Countries of this land upon dry bankes and wood sides and other waste sandy groâ— especially The second groweth in Austria and other parts of Germany The third and fourth grow as well on the mountaines of Hungary as in the vallies at the foote of the Alpes in Austria Stiria c. The fifth groweth in some places of this Land as well as beyond the Sea The sixth Clusius saith he found on the hill in Stâ— â—led Sneberg whereon Snow lyeth almost all the yeare through The seventh was found on the Pyrâ— his by Doctor Burserus who brought it to Bauhinus The eighth and the last on Mount Baldus The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly and their seede is ripe in August The Names It hath no Greeke name that I know being not knowne to the ancient writers Dodonaeus onely taketh it to be the other Batonica Panâ— Aeginetae which he saith is like unto Penniroyall but not that is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wherby the Greekes call the true and right Betony and thereupon this is very ordinarily called of many Betoâ— Pauli or Veronica mas and supina to distinguish it from the other Tragus in his time tooke it to be Teâ—iâ— and many learned men doe likewise referre most of the other sorts thereunto The second ordinary upright sort is called by Casalpinus Auricula muris tertia as the spicata is his fourth and the fifth here his prima which Dodonaeus calleth pratensis Tragus Teucrium alterum and Branfelsius Enfragia nobilis but Lobel in his Adversaria Veronica minor serpilli folia Dodonaeus in his French Herball calleth this famina and so did Taberâ— but by the judgement of the best Herbarists of our times all these sorts are species of the male kind the female being another herbe of a differing forme as you shall presently understand Gerard hath foully erred not onely in the figure but in the description also of his second Veronica which is called recta not onely in saying that it creepeth contrary to the very little but in the flowers also saying they are yellow All the rest have their names in their titles as proper to them by most other authours and therefore I shall not neede a further explanation of them The Italians call it Veronica maschio The Germanes Grundheyl and Ehrenpreiss i. e. landata nobiliâ— that is to say honour and praise and so the Dutch as Lobel saith call it In English Speedewell and Paules Betony and of some Fluellen which being a Welch name is more proper I thinke to the female kinde whereof they give admirable praises The Vertues The male Speedwell is temperately hot and dry the bitternesse thereof shewing it and is held a singular good remedy for the Plague and all Pestilentiall Fevers and infectious diseases to expell the venome and poyson from the heart and afterwards to corroborate and strengthen it from noysome vapours if the ponder of the hearbe to the quantity of a dramme or two be given with a dramme of good Treacle in a small draught of wine and they be layd to sweate the decoction of the herbe in wine on the distilled water thereof given in some wine performeth the same thing it is reported that a French King troubled with the Leprosie was cured thereof by this hearbe one of his huntsmen advising him thereunto it doth also wonderfully helpe the memory and to ease all turnings and swimmings and other paines of the heâ—d and as it is sayd helpeth women to become fruitfull that were barren it clenseth the blood from corruption the decoction of this hearbe in water or the powder thereof dryed and given in it owne distilled water is singular good for all 〈◊〉 of coughes and diseases of the brest and â—inges by the warming and drying quality which thing the Shepheards have sufficiently tryed who give their sheepe thâ— are troubled with the cough or the like some of 〈◊〉 hearbe and a little saâ— with it it openeth the obstructions of the 〈◊〉 and is therefore good for the yellow â—aundise it openeth also the obstruction of the spleâ— being taken for some time together inwardly or the herbe bruised and applyed with some Vinegar to the reâ— of the fifteene outwardly iâ—â—enseth the eâ—cerations of the reines and bladder or of the mother also or any other inward wounds or sores it provoketh Value and helpeth thereby to breake the stone and as Paâ—s Aegineâ— saith is of much good use in all the 〈◊〉 â—r the backe and reines it it is singular good to heale◠〈…〉 â—ds and cuts in the flesh speedily 〈◊〉 lippes of them together and not suffering them to gather corruption it is no lesse effectuall also for â—ng â—tters and for fâ—le or old frettings or running sorâ— or places that are of hard curation or are of long continuance it stayeth the bleedings of woâ— or 〈…〉 of blood in any other part and dissolveâ—â—umâ— and swellings especially those in the necke The distilled water of the herbe either simple of it selfe or the hearte first steeped in wine for twelve 〈◊〉 â—east and then distilled in an ordinary still but not in any Limbecke to make it â—n hot water as others 〈◊〉 that manner doth wonderfully helpe for all the purpose aforesayd either for the the Plague the Cough Consumptions c. and all the other diseases before mentioned as also to wash woâ— and sores therewith 〈◊〉 coperas also dissolved in the sayd distilled water doth wonderfully helpe all itches scabbes and scurâ— letters also and the morphew and all discolourings of the skinne as freckles spots and markes whatsoever either risen from the infection of the blood and from hot and sharpe salt humours or 〈◊〉 scarres that remaine after huâ— or bâ—ses if they be bathed therewith a little alome dissolved in the sayd distilled water and sprinkled upon 〈◊〉 keepeth them from moths that spoyle them CHAP. XXXVIII Veronica faemina sive Elatine Fluellen or the female Speedwell OF this Elatine there are some varieties observed by diverse namely two sorts but we must thereunto adde a third as followeth 1. Elatine folio subrotundo Round leafed Flvellen This Fluellen shooteth forth many long branches partly lying upon the ground and part standing upright set with almost round leaves yet a little pointed at the ends and sometimes more long than round without order thereon being somewhat hoary and of an evill greenish white colour at the joynts all along the stalkes and with the leaves come forth small flowers one at a place upon a very small short foote stalk gaping somewhat like those of Snapdragon or rather Linaria Todeflaxe whose upper jaw is of a yellow colour and the lower
Bauhinus calleth it Androsaemum hirsutum the next two have their names in their titles that Bauhinus giveth them yet the third is called by Clusius in the Auctuarium of his other Appendix Ascyrum supiâ—m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the last is called by Alpinus lib. de exoticis as it is in the title all nations christned take it as another kind of S. Iohns wort and so call it and we S. Peters wort The Vertues It is of the same propertie with S. Iohns wort but somewhat weake and therefore more seldome used the seede to the quantitie of two drams taken at a time in Meade or honyed water purgeth saith Dioscorides Pliny and Galen chollericke humours and thereby helpeth those that are troubled with the Sciatica or paine in the hippes the leaves are used as S. Iohns wort to helpe those places of the body that have beene burnt with fire CHAP. LII Androsamum Tutsan or Parke leaves ALthough our Tutsan be not the right Androsaemum of Dioscorides c. yet because it is so generally called and accounted by most let it receive his place here among some other plants called Androsaemum by divers writers that thereby you may see and know the difference betweene them 1. Androsaemum vulgare Common Tutsan or Parke leaves Our Tutsan hath not square but brownish shining round stalkes crushed all the length thereof rising to be two or sometimes three foote high branching forth even from the bottome but more thiâ—ly set or farther asunder having divers joynts and at each of them two faire large leaves standing but more thinly set then of the other sorts which are of a darke blewish greene colour on the upper side and of a yellower greene underneath turning reddish towards Autumne but abiding on the branches all the winter at the topes of the stalkes and branches stand larger yellow flowers then in any of the former â—orm and heads with seede likewise larger which being greene at the first and afterwards reddish turne to be of a blackish purple colour when they are through ripe with small brownish seede within them and then yeeld a reddish juice or liquor of a reasonable good sent somewhat resinous and of an harsh or stipticke taste as the leaves also and the flowers bee although much lesse but doe not yeeld such a cleare Claret wine liquor as Gerard following Dodonaeus therein saith it hath the roote is brownish somewhat great hard and wooddy spreading well in the ground 2. Androsaemum Matthioli Matthiolus his Tutsan This Tutsan for other English name I know not well what it may have unlesse you would call it a great S. Iohns wort because it is so like it hath brownish round stalkes with two leaves at every joynt fuller of branches else very like unto S Iohns wort but more sparingly or thinly set thereon much smaller and greener then the former Tutsan and greater then those of S. Iohns wort without any hoales at all in them the flowers are yellow likewise and greater then they and so are the heads with seede but spotted with blacke streakes on them the roote is brownish and abideth yet the stalkes 1. Androsaemum Vulgare Tutsan or Parke leaves 2. Hypericum mâ—jus sive Androsaemum Matthioli Matthiolus his Tutsan 4. Androsamum faetidum Stinking Tutsan perish the leaves hereof as well as flowers doe give a red juice like S. Iohns wort whereof it may best be discerned but because S. Peters wort doth the like also therefore divers doe mistake one for another and the rather for that S. Peters wort is found to have a round stalke although ordinarily it be square 3. Androsaemum alterum Apulum Tutsan of Naples This Neapolitane Tutsan is more bushie but groweth not so high as the last for it sendeth forth from a reddish roote somewhat threddy reddish or brownish round stalkes not much above a foote high with two crested strakes like filmes all the length of them and are full of branches with two leaves at every joynt so closely set thereunto at the bottome that the stalkes seeme to runne through them and yet are lesser then the last recited Tutsan sharpe pointed of a fresher greene colour and smooth on the upper side white underneath and having many small holes therein almost not to bee perceived and for the most part are greater and broader towards the toppes then they are below the flowers at the toppes of the branches are of a paler yellow colour many more set together then in the other whose greene huskes wherein they stand have blackish spots on them which so abide when the leaves are full of seede both leaves and flowers yeeld a blooddy or reddish juice being buised betweene the fingers as any of the other doe 4. Androsaemum faetidum Stinking Tutsan This stinking Tutsan groweth upright with hard wooddy stalkes three or foure and sometimes unto five cubits high as great as ones arme below and of a reddish colour branching forth upwards with divers wings of fresh greene leaves set thereon two at every joynt somewhat like unto those of Licoris and doe alwayes aside on the branches winter as well as Summer in the warme countries wherein it is naturall but doth hardly enâ—ure our cold climate although kept and defended with all the care wee can use at the ends of the stalkes stand yellow flowers like the common Tutsan upon slender but longer soo estalkes then in any of the former sorts and the yellow threds in the middle of them longer also which after they are past yeeld round and somewhat long heads like unto the berries of the Turpentine tree never falling away from the bushes of themselves wherein â—ye very small seede In Candy it yeeldeth a liquid Rosen or Turpentine that smelleth strong more like 〈◊〉 then any Rosen even as the leaves and all the rest of the plant doth this yeeldeth no red or blooddy 〈…〉 as the true Androsaemum and Ascyrum doe The Place The first groweth in many Woods Groves and wooddy grounds as Parkes and Forrests and by hedge sides in many places of this land as in Hampsted Wood by Raily in Essex in the wealde of Kent and many other places needelesse to recite The second is found also about Bristow and Bath and in other parts of the West country The third Fabius Columna saith hee found on the hills Cirinola which are to the Southward in Naples And the last Hanrius Bellus saith groweth by the brookes and springs of waters in Candy and no where else but â—t groweth upon Mount Baldus as Pona saith in the description thereof The Time They all flower later then S. Iohns wort or S. Peters wort and the last later then any of the other The Names It is called Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Androsaemon a sanguine humano cui comae succus assimilatur Galen saith it was of â—wo sorts the one whereof was called Dionisias by some in his time the other Ascyrium and Ascyroides The first so called by Dodonaeus Androsaemum and so it is also by
skinne will after a small time raise blisters thereon as Tragus saith the water thereof helpeth the heate and inflammation in the eyes the seede to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith being taken causeth paines in the head and because both flowers and herbes are of so pleasing a sweete sent many doe much delight therein to have it layd in their Chambers Parlars c. and Queene Elizabeth of famous memory did more desire it then any other sweet herbe to strew her Chambers withall a leafe or two hereof layd in a cup of wine will give as quick and as fine a rellish thereto as Burnet will as I sayd before CHAP. LIX Potentilla Wilde Tansey WIlde Tansey creepeth upon the ground taking roote at the joynts every where round about the place where it groweth that it will quickly take up a great compasse shooting forth sundry winged leaves made of many set on both sides of a middle ribbe some smaller being set among the greater somewhat like unto Agrimony or Medesweete and like also unto Tansey from whence it tooke the name for it partaketh in forme with them all and dented about the edges but of 〈◊〉 greene colour on the upper side and of a silver Potenilla Wilde Tansey shining white colour underneath it beareth no stalk but the flowers every one of them by it selfe stand upon a small short footestalke rising from the joynts with the leaves which consist of five small yellow round pointed leaves â—y like unto those of Cinkefoile or Five leaved grasse thâ— prime roote shooteth downeward like the Cinkefoile The Place It groweth almost every where wilde abroad in most places The Time It floweth in Iune and Iuly The Names It is called Potentilla ab eximijs viribus quibus pollet and Argentina a foliorum argenteo splendore some take it to bee Stephaâ—melis of Pliny lib. 26. c. 13. others referre it to Argemene It is also called Tâ—acetum sylvestre or agreste as Brâ—felsius doth Tabermontanus calleth it Anserina Gesner in hortis Germania Argeâ—one Altera and so doth Tragus and withall saith it might be called also Millifolium majus and some Agriâ—nia sylvestris the Italians call it Potentilla the French Aâ—entine sanuage the Germanes Greâ—sich and Genserich the Dutch Gansericke wee in English Silverweede and wilde Tansey The Vertues Wilde Tansey is cold and dry and binding withall so that it stayeth the laske and all fluxes of blood in men or women and some say it will doe so if the greene herbe be but worne in the shooes so as it be next the skinne it stayeth also spittings or vomitings of blood the powder of the dryed herbe taken in some of the distilled water helpeth the â—ites in women but more especially if a little Corall and Ivory in powder be put to it it is also much commended to helpe children that are bursten and have a Rupture being boyled in water and salt it is also said to be good for those that have bin bruised by any fall or the like to dissolve the blood as it is said doth help to break the stone being boyled in wine and drunke it easeth the griping paines of the bowels and is good for the Sciatica and joynt aches the same boyled in Vinegar with Hony and Allome gargled in the mouth easeth the paines of the toothach fastneth loose teeth and the gums that are sore and spongie and setleth the Vvula or Paâ— of the mouth when it is fallen downe it clenseth and healeth those Vlcers that are therein or in the secret parts and iâ— singular good also for inward wounds and to consolidate or close the lips of greene wounds as also to heale the old moyst and corrupt running sores in the legges or elsewhere being bruised and applyed to the soles of the feete and to the wrests of the hands it wonderfully cooleth the hot fits of Agues be they never so violent the distilled water clenseth the skinne of all discolourings therein as morphew sunburning c. as also pimples freckles and the like and dropped into the eyes or wet cloathes applyed unto them taketh away the heat and inflammations in them CHAP. LX. Agrimonia sive Eupatorium Agrimonie WEe have divers sorts of Agrimonie some of our owne land and some of others as you shall have them here set forth unto you 1. Eupatorium sive Agrimonia vulgaris Our common Agrimonie Our common Agrimonie hath divers long leaves made of many set upon a stalke some greâ— others smaller all of them dented about the edges greene above and grayish underneath and a little hairy withall among which ariseth up usually but one stiffe strong rough or hairy browne round stalke 2. or 3. foot high with smaller leaves set here and there thereon at the top whereof grow many small yellow flowers 〈◊〉 above another in long spikes after which come rough heads of seeds hanging downewards which will cleave to any thing that shall rubbe against them and sticke upon garments being touched or cast thereon the roote is blacke long and somewhat wooddy abiding many yeares and shooting afresh every spring it hath a reasonable good sent yet very small 2. Agrimonia odorata Sweete smelling Agrimonie This other or sweete smelling Agrimonie is so like the other that there is hardly any difference to be disâ— by the eye but by the nose onely except that if there be any difference this groweth somewhat 〈…〉 rounder and whiter leaves then the other and the roote of a darke red colour but the smell herein doth much surpasse the other and so doth the taste being aromaticall and astringent whereby it is held to bee of 〈◊〉 excellent use to corroborate and strengthen weake parts 3. Agrâ—oidâ— Bastard Agrimonie This herbe that is like to Agrimonie and yeâ—ne and therefore called Bastard Agrimonie hath â—ivâ— long soft and hairy leaves next the ground every â—pon a long reddish hairy footestalke which are cut and divided into many parts or leaves seaven for the most part three on each side and the seventh at the end but having some smaller ones betweene them like as Agrimony hath yet somewhat rounder then they and all of them smaller dented and sharper pointed of a darker greene colour on the upperside and grayish underneath among these leaves rise up sundry weake stalks not fully standing upright but leaning downewards whereon are set very sparsedly such like leaves but smaller and rounder with small peeces at the joynts of every of them at the tops come forth three or foure hairy greene huskes like cups dented at the brims out of every one whereof riseth a small yellow flower like unto Agrimony yet sometimes they scarse appeare above the huskes to bee seene wherein after they are fallen and past appeare small long and round graynes like unto the graines of 1. Agrimonia vulgaris Common Agrimony 3. Agrimoxoâ—des Bastard Agrimony wheate two standing together like two small lumpes which 4. Eupâ—torium Cannabinum Hempelike Agrimony 5. Eupatorium Cannabinum Americanum latifolium The
juyce being clarified and dryed and the weight of a scruple taken in pills killeth the wormes of the belly and the leaves sleeped in drinke and given to children doth the same The leaves are often given by the Country people to their cattle and other beasts troubled with coughes and when they are broken winded or have griping paines within them all which it helpeth the flowers chiefely are used to heale both greene and old sores but the herbe it selfe will doe so likewise it is sayd that hunters have observed that Deare being wounded by the eating of this herbe have beene healed of their harts the dryed herbe being burned driveth away by the smoake and smell thereof all flies waspes and the like and all other hurtfull and venemous creatures CHAP. LXI Cannabis Hempe THere are two kindes of Hempe the tame or manured and the wilde or bastard of the manured kind there are two sorts male and female of which I intend to entreate in this Chapter and of the wilde or bastard sorts in the next Cannabis sativa Manured Hempe The Manured Hempe which is of so great use both for linnen cloath and cordage is as I sayd of two sorts male and female as they are called yet both rise from one and the same seede and herein is somewhat like the French Mercury but how this change in nature should be no man can give a reason the male hath the stronger stalke and more bushie and the leaves greater and of a darker greene colour and bearing seede without any shew of flowers and endureth longer before it be ripe to cut downe contrariwise the female hath a single stalke for the most part with few or no branches and beareth flowers but no seede followeth and is ripe and must he cut downe or pulled up before the other they both rise up to a great height even sixe or seven foote high or more with many leaves set thereon at distances every one divided into 5. or 6. or 7. severall leaves joyned together at the bottome of them and dented about the edges somewhat like unto the forme of the leaves of the Palma Christi Lupine and bastard Hellebor every one set upon Cannabis sativa Manured Hempe a long foote stalke of a darke greene colour and of a strong unpleasing savour the flowers are small and of a whitish yellow colour standing many together upon a long branch which turne into dust and are carried away with the wind not carrying any seede after them which being the tenderer and weaker and the stalke hollow and not so strong maketh the finer stuffe to be spunne and woven into linnen cloath fit for mens bodies or other the like uses and is called of some Sommer Hempe but the other being stronger and called winter Hempe because it is not gathered untill toward Winter or at the least not of a moneth after the other beareth seede in the same manner that the other bore flowers on long branches which is round and conteined in round heads the rootes are made of many strong stringes which take fast hold in the ground but dye and perish every yeare to shew you the manner of steeping drying beating and clensing hereof to be made into cloth or Cordage is not my purpose nor pertinent for this worke besides that it would take up too much roome and time it is familiarly known to every country huswife almost Virginensis major We have had from Virginia a very great kinde of Hempe with greater stalkes and much larger leaves and flowers which being broken down with the wind when it was almost at the perfection we cannot fully expresse it as we would and as time may doe it hereafter The Place Although Pliny lib. 20. c. 23. saith that Hempe was formerly found wilde yet know we not in these dayes where such may be found for in all places of the world I thinke it is onely sowne in fieldes and places chosen out for the purpose The Time It is sowne in the end of March or beginning of Aprill and is ripe in August or September as the two sorts grow ripe and fit to be gathered The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so Cannabis in Latine also from the Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith Lobel quod fonticulos sparsasve scaturigines significat quo loci lubens sponte sata lâ—curiet the Arabians call it Canab and Schehedonegi the Italians Canape the Spaniards Cannamo the French Chanure and Chaneve the Germanes Zamer Hauff the Dutch Kempe and we in English Hempe The Vertues Hempe is cold and dry say Tragus and Lonicerus but Galen in lib. 7. simpl medicament primo de aliment facultatibus saith it is hot and dry and so doe Matthiolus Ruellius Fuschius and Lugdunensis agreeing with him therein the seede of Hempe consumeth wind and by the much use thereof doth disperse it so much that it dryeth 〈◊〉 the naturall seede of procreation therewith for it is hard of digestion hurtful to the head stomack and breedeth ill blood and juyce in the body yet being boyled in milke and taken helpeth such as have adry and hot cough as Tragus saith the Dutch as one saith doe make an Emulsion out of the seede and give it with good successe to those that have the Iaundise especially in the beginning of the disease if there be no ague accompanying it for it openeth the obstructions of the gall and causeth digestion of choller therein but as Matthiolus saith the women in Germany went a wrong course to give their children the decoction of Hempe seede for the falling sickenesse which it did rather augment then helpe to take away the Emulsion or decoction of the seede stayeth laskes and fluxes that are continuall easeth the paines of the collicke and allayeth the troublesome humours in the bowels divers also doe stay bleedings herewith whether at the mouth or nose or at other places by frying the leaves with some of the blood that hath come from them that bleed and so given them to eate it is held very good to kill the wormes in man or beast as also the wormes in the eares or the juice dropped therein or to draw forth any other living creature that hath crept therein and to shew the strength hereof this purpose Matthiolus saith that the decoction thereof powred into the holes of earthwormes will draw them sorth and that fishermen and anglers have used this feate to get wormes to baite their hookes The decoction of the 〈◊〉 iâ— sayd to allay inflammations in the head or any other part the herbe it selfe or the distilled water thereof 〈◊〉 performeth the like effect the same decoction of the rootes easeth the paines of the gout the hard 〈◊〉 or knots of the joynts the paines and shrinking of the sinewes and other the like paines of the hippes it 〈◊〉 to be used for any place that hath beene burnt by fire if the fresh juyce be mixed with a little oyle or â—er
unto Cicers having small whitish red flowers and afterwards many long Cods growing together and hanging downewards like unto the wormes called Ascarides which we call Arsewormes yet somewhat thicke and full of blacke seede de Laet addeth in a Parenthesis Some say the seede is like unto Fenugreck flat at both ends as if it had beene cut of For the manner of making whereof hee saith They cast the leaves into a brasse vessell pouring thereon scalding hot water or rather lukewarme yet some allow of cold water as best stirring them very well that the water may draw out the tincture which they poure out into another vessell that hath an hole therein somewhat high whereout the cleare water may passe the thicke coloured substance remaining behinde which afterwards they straine through a cloth or bag setting the thicke substance in the Sunne and make it into cakes which is then dryed and hardened in pans at the fire Thus farre de Laet. The other description is by Mr. William Finch a London Merchant as it is set downe by Mr. Purchas in his fourth Booke of Pilgrims the 4 Chap. pag. 429. It is a shrub saith he not above a yard high and as bigge as a mans thumbe at the biggest the branches are wooddy like unto Broome having many leaves set together on a short footestalke in forme like Cives misprinted for Cicerâ— or Ciche pease or like those of Sena but shorter and broader the flower saith he is like unto an Hearts case the seede is inclosed in a small round cod about an inch long resembling Fenegreck seede but more blunt at both ends such very seedes for colour also we have often had sent for Indico seede yet never any sprang with us but once and that but one plant and over hastily plucked up before it had any forme to be discerned yet the small threddy roote was of a pale blew colour which I doe keepe by me to shew the seede also while it is fresh being steeped in water gave a blewish colour These descriptions so like in most things and so nearely also resembling Alpinus his Sesban but that it hath a yellow flower perswadeth me that Sesban being undoubtedly a kind of Glaux Leguminosa so may Indico be also but differing in the Dye The manner of making at Mr Finch saith is thus being variously described by others They gather the leaves when they have cut the branches in August and September after the raines the seede being ripe in November and cast them into a long Cesterne powring water thereon and presse them downe with stones that they may be overcovered so abiding for certaine dayes that the substance of the herbe may be drawne out into the water which they let forth into another round Cesterne in the minst whereof is another small Cesterne or Center the meaning whereof I doe not understand and labour it with great staves like batter or white Starch scumming of the cleare water after it is setled then labour it afresh and draw off the cleare water againe being setled doing thus so often untill nothing but a thicke substance remaine which they dry in the Sunne being spread upon cloth and after it is a little hardned they make it into small balls with their hands laying them to dry on the sand for any other thing would drinke up the colour as also if it take raine in the drying it will lose his colour and glosse After it is sowen it endureth three yeares that Indico of the first yeare while the plant is tender is weighty and reddish called Notee that of the second yeare is rich being very light and of a perfect violet colour swimming on the water and is called Câ—eree that of the third yeare when the plant is declining and peradventure but fabulous traditions is a weighty blackish Nil the worst of the three and called Catteld The best is made saith hee about Biany neere 20. miles beyond Fetipore in the Mogols country in the East Indies And Ximenes aforesaid as de Laet hath it saith the Indians of the West call the Plant Xihuiquilitl pitzahuac and the Mexicans call the tincture made thereof Mohuitli and Tlecohuitli but the other Barbarians Tlacchoylinuhuitl and therewith colour their haire blacke I have not heard that good Indico is one of the Merchandises of the West but of the East Indies onely De Laet having given the figure of a branch of Indico I doe here likewise exhibite the same The Place The wilde kinde groweth in sundry untilled places and fields in Germany as it is sayd but the manured is sowen as well in Germany France and Spaine as in Italy also in Vmbria neare unto Nocera as Matthiolus saith where there is a towne called Gnado of the Woade that grew there abundantly and in the Ilands of Terceras belonging to Spaine Some have sowen it in our owne land but they have found it to be the cause of the destruction of their Bees for it hath beene observed that they have dyed as it were of a Flix that have tasted thereof it is sayd that in some places they sow their Woade upon the same ground that afterwards they sowed their Corne which crop of Woade is three times cut in a yeare and that these rootes that are not turned up with the Plough will beare seede among the Corne. The Plant whereof the Nil or Indico is made groweth in divers places of the East Indies but especially in Guzurate and the best in and about Bianie in the Mogols countrey The Time Woade flowreth in Iâ—ne but the seede is late ripe The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Isatis in Latine Glastum also and Guadum of some after the Italian word Guado whereby they call Woade Caesar in his first booke de Bello Gallico maketh mention of Glastum wherewith the ancient Brittaines did colour themselves to seeme the more terrible to their enemies in battaile as it is thought or that they did then as the Savages of the West Indies doe now delight in such a colour to paint their naked skinnes therewith Pliny also speaketh of the Brittaines using of Glastum in his 22. Booke and first Chap. but divers doe diversly imagine from whence the word Glastum should be derived some have imagined that in both those Authors the word Vitrum should be read in stead of Glastum because the Germane word Glâ— from whence they thinke Glastum is derived is signified by Vitrum and some also would turne Viâ— to Nitrum but Nitrum is not for such use for it is yet very rare or scarse seene of any with us the Aâ—liâ— call it Pili Deligi Chate charis Alchat Alden or Adhlen or as Avicen in his 512. Chap. saith Nil yet 〈◊〉 306. Chap. he hath another Nil which is a kind of Convenvulus or blew Bellflower whereof I have sp◠〈◊〉 former Booke which Serapio calleth Hab alnil granum nil but this Nil for Nir in the Arabicâ—e 〈◊〉 as some say
growes by the Seaside as the third and fourth about the Sea coasts in Narbone not farre from Mompelier and on the coast of Portugall and Spaine beyond the Straights the fift neare the Sea at Terracina the three first Candy kinds Clusius saith hoe received from Câ—sâ— having brought them out of Candy the ninth Bauhinus saith was brought out of Signor Contareâ— of Venice his Garden but Alpinus saith from Candy the tenth Columna found on the hills Valvenses in Naples The Time They doe all flower in the Summer moneths of Iune and July for a great while and the seede ripeneth not untill August The Names The Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is given to all these wilde plants as well as to the other of the Garden entreated of in my former booke whether they be those we call Stocke Gilloflowers or Walflowers for so Dioscorides and Pliny and the rest that follow him have distinguished the Leucoium as the Latines also call them into three colours white purple and yellow for of a blew one as some copies of Dioscorides have it there is some doubt among many writers in that Pliny Oribasius and Serapio all following the Text of Dioscorides and as Marcellus saith the Text of Dioscorides also in the Sclavanian Longobardian Characters hath no mention at all of a blew one but this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Leucoium that is Viola alba here is not opposed unto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Melanium which signifieth Viola nigra and are our March Violets white or purple as the composure of the Greeke words import in that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly is Viola but is imposed upon these plants as the proper names to them for so Dioscorides divideth them into severall places and Chapters from the whitnesse of the leaves rather then of the flower as I thinke and yet the name Leucoium is so variously transferred to other plants in Dioscorides text that the flowers of many herbes much differing one from another are referred by Dioscorides to the flowers of Leucoium and so Pliny saith that the name of Violets in his time were given to very many flowers that were put into garlands for the beauties sake and sweete savour of the flower custome prevaling above reason yea many other nations in the like manner have followed them and called them Violets as Viola Damascena or Matronalis which are our Dames Violets or Winter Gilloflowers those in Italy Viola marina The first hath the name in the title as is fittest for it in my judgement The second Lobel calleth Leucoium marinum alterum latifolium Camerarius Leucoium marinum aliud and saith Anguilara tooke it for Tripolium and Bauhinus Leucoium marinum latifolium and doubteth whether it be not the Leucoium maritimum minus of Lugdunensis which as he saith some tooke to be Hesperis The third and fourth are Clusius his Leucoium marinum majus and minus and so doe Lobel and Câ—rarius call them Bauhinus calleth them marinum latifolium and angustifolium the fift Bauhinus onely mentioneth by the same name in the title the sixt seventh and eighth Clusius calleth Leucoium marinum Creticum priâ— secundum tertium the ninth Bauhinus thinketh to be that Leucoium Creticum pulcherimum forte Leucoium cerâ—laeum Dioscoridis that Pona mentioneth in his description of Mount Baldus and calleth it himselfe Leucoium Creticum minimum folio subrotundo and after a sort describeth it in his Prodromus and peradventure may be his sixt sort there described likewise for I finde little difference the one from the other but Alpinus libro de plantis exeticis describeth it more perfectly and exactly and calleth it Leucoium caeruleum marinum The last Columna hath set forth by the name of Lithoreo Leucoium minimum supinum and Bauhinus Leucoium saxatile thymifolio hirsutum caeruleo purpureum but might as I sayd be rather accounted a Thlaspi The Vertues These wilde or Sea Stocke Gilloflowers are of the same qualitie with those of the garden saving that they are not of so sweete a sent and are almost esteemed as effectuall as the ordinary yellow Leucoium or Wâ—llflower for so is Galens judnement of them all saying they are of a clensing qualitie and of thinne parts the Garden Stock Gilloflowers for under them I comprehend the vertues of these also as I sayd especially the dryed flowers rather then the fresh and greene boyled in wine and drunke doth rectifie the indisposition of the Liver and veines provoketh womens courses as also helpeth the hardnesse and paines of the mother and expelleth the secondine or afterbirth and the dead child also yea and the living also saith Galen if they shall drink of it when it is quick a hath made for them to sit in doth the same the seed or the juice drunk worketh in the same manner also If the same be drunke twise a day it will helpe to strengthen and restore any member growne weake loose or out of joyâ— the decoction of the rootes in vinegar is held good for the hardnesse of the spleene to be used outwardly as well as inwardly The distilled water of the flowers is availeable to all the purposes aforesayd and is sayd to clense the blood to comfort the inward parts to ease paines and to procure a merry disposition the leaves brosed with salt is used as a remedy for the Ague to be tyed to the wristes The juyce dropped into the eyes doth clense them from the mists and clouds that seeme to hinder the sight and such filâ—es or skinnes that begins to grow over the sight to take it quite away it is good also to gargle the mouth with the decoction of the flowers and some honey put to it and a little allome and is found good for ulcers and sores therein as also all other old and filthy ulcers boyled also in Vinegar and applyed warme upon the place pained by the Goute giveth a great deale of ease as also to the joynts and sinewes that have weakenesse and paines or are troubled with hard tumours swellings or inflammations CHAP. LXXIII Keiri sive Leucoium luteum Wallflowers I Have in my former booke shewed you all or most of those Wall-flowers that carrying beautifull flowers are received as the delights and ornaments of a garden of Pleasure I there also declared that there were some other of no such beauty or sent fit for that place and therefore to be referred to this as shall be now shewed you 1. Keiri sive Leucoium montanum luteum The Mountaine Wall-flower The Mountaine Wallflower riseth up with divers upright strong and wooddy stalkes as high as any man sometimes beset with many short greene pointed leaves dented about the edges the flowers are single but larger than of the ordinary sort and of a faire yellow colour consisting of foure leaves smelling very sweete like them the long pods that containe reddish seede are somewhat slender than the other the roote is wooddy dispersed under the ground into branches and endureth long
call it juriâ—tâ— Cardo monto and Bonvaron the French Senesson the Germans Crentzwurâ— the Dutch Cruizâ—ijs and wee in English Groundsell and Grunsell The first is called by all Authors Senetio and Senecio and minor with some because as I said they call the Iacobaa Senecio major Erigerâ— some also after the Italian name Carduncellus which I verily beleeve should be that herbe was appointed to be put into the composition of the Vnguâ—ius Maâ—tum and not Cardus Benedictus as it is appointed in the Pharmacopala Londinensis the second is the Senâ—cia 2. vel montanus of Tabermontanus and the first Erigerum in the old Gerard very well expressing it the third is set downe by Lugdunensis under Miconus name the fourth is the second Senecio with Tragus Lobel his figure of Erigerum tomentosâ— as also the Erigerum tertium of Dodonaeus as not the true figures of this plant as Dodonaeus himselfe acknowledgeth but rather as others called it Cichorium faetidum and Lugdunensis hath observed it likewise for thâ— differeth chiefly I am the common sort but in the hoarinesse and largenesse as well of the whole plant as of the leaves the 〈◊〉 is called by Lobel Erigerum tomentosum alterum by Thalius Erigerum faetidum seu majus by Gesner in hâ—râ— and by Lugdunensis Senecio faetidus by Clusius Iacobaea Pannonica prima as Bauhinus thinketh by him Senecio incâ— pâ—is the last is mentioned onely by Camerarius in herto who saith he received it by the 〈◊〉 of Sâ—ia florâ— odoraâ— from Iosephê° de Casa bona the great Duke of Tuscane or Florence his Herbarist The Vertues Groundsell is cold and moist as Tragus saith and therefore seldome used inwardly Galen saith in 6. simpl it hath a mixt quality both cooling and a little digesting the decoction of the herbe saith Dioscorides made with wine and drunke helpeth the paines in the stomacke proceeding of choller which it may well doe by a vomit which our daily experience sheweth the juice hereof taken in drinke or the decoction of the herbe in Ale gently performeth Pliny addeth from others report that it is good against the Iaundies and falling sicknesse being taken in wine as also to helpe the paine of the bladder that is in making water when it is stopped which it provoketh as also to expell gravell in the reines or kidneyes a dram thereof given in Oxymel after some walking or stirring the body it helpeth the Sciatica also and the griping paines in the belly or the Collicke some also eate it with Vinegar as a Sallat accounting it good for the sadnesse of the heart and to helpe the defects of the Liver it is said also to provoke womens courses and some say also that it stayeth the whites which as Maâ—olus saith cannot be beleeved to be so in that the one quality is contrary to the other The fresh herbe boyled and made into a Poultis and applyed to the breasts of women that are swollen with paine and heate as also to the privy parts of man or woman the Seate or Fundament or the Arteries Ioynts and Sinewes when they are inflamed and swollen doth much ease them and used with some salt helpeth to dissolve the knots or kernells that happen in any part of the body the juice of the herbe or as Dioscorides saith the leaves and flowers with some fine Frankinsence in powder used in wounds whether of the body or of the nerves and sinewes doth singularly helpe to heale them The downe of the heads saith hee used with Vinegar doth the like but if the same downe be taken in drinke it will choake any the distilled water of the herbe performeth well all the aforesayd properties but especially for the inflammations of the eyes and watering of them by reason of the defluxion of the rheume into them Pliny reporteth a ridiculous fable to helpe the toothach to digge up the plant without any Iron toole and then to touch the aking tooth five times therewith and to spit three times after every such touch and afterwards to set the herbe againe in the same place so that it may grow will ease the paines another as fabulous and ridiculous as that is this which some have set downe that glasse being boyled in the juice of Groundsell and the blood of a Ramme or Goate will become as soft as wax fit to bee made into any forme which being put into cold water will come to be hard againe CHAP. XCI Tripolium Sea Starrewort ALthough Dioscorides and Galen knew but of one Tripolium yet because Lobel hath set forth another that is lesse and Camerarius accounteth another herbe also to be a little sort thereof I thinke it not amisse to make mention of them also in this place and some others of later knowledge 1. Tripolium majus sive vulgare The greater Sea Starrewort Our ordinary Sea Starrewort hath many long and somewhat broad leaves rising from the roote next the ground smooth fat and thicke and of a blewish greene colour somewhat like unto the leaves of Dorias Woundwort but much lesser from among which riseth up a smooth herby or fleshy greene stalke two or three foote high branched towards the toppes into divers smaller branches with such like leaves on them as grow below but lesser the flowers that stand at the toppes of them are somewhat larger and greater then of the other Italian Starrewort here before set forth among the Asters and almost of the same colour having a blewish purple border of leaves standing about a yellow middle thrum which after it hath done flowring turneth into downe and the small seede therewith is blowne away at the will of the winde the roote hath divers greater strings and many smaller fibres thereat which grow deepe and sticke fast in the mudde of the marshie ditches where it groweth 2. Tripolium minus The lesser Sea Starrewort The small Sea Starre is in all things like the greater but lesser and lower both in roote leafe stalke and flower and in the naturall places observed not to exceede the greatnesse of the small Conyza or Fleabane 3. Tripolium minus Germanicum Small Sea Starrewort of Germany This also is very like unto the last but lesse then it having a shorter stalke and narrower leaves the flower also is small and of a more purplish colour Lobel maketh mention that Montonus had in his Garden one hereof with yellow flowers but I rather thinke it was another kinde of herbe and therefore I make no further mention of it here 4. 5. Tripolium Lychnidis Coronariae folio alterum Ferulae folio Starrewort with Rose Campion like leaves and another with Fennell like leaves The seede of both these sorts of Starreworts I received from Signor Bâ—el from Lishone but they sprang not with me but it may be that with Fennell like leaves was the Ageratum fâ—rulaceum of Lugdunensis The Place The first groweth as I sayd before in the ditches of the salt Marshes neare the Sea coasts in many places of
chiefely and their seede is soone ripe after The Names This is called Geranium Moschatum Acus moschata and Acus pastoris of some although the Scandix or Pecten Veneri◠is so called also of some also Rostrum Ciconiae and taken to be the Myrrhida Plinij Matthiolus maketh it his third Geranium in his last Edition but the first in his former by the name of Cicutae folio Dodonaeus Geraniū supinum and Bauhinus Geranium Cicutae folio Moschatum the second is called Geranium gruinum by Dodonaeus and minus by Tragus and Tabermontanus and by others vulgatum inodorum and Moschatum inodorum the third is called by Columna Geranium Apulum Coriandri folio alterum odorum the fourth is called by those of Mompelier as it is in the title the fift Coruntus calleth Geranium triste the sixt is called by Bauhinus Geranium Cicutae folio acu longissima the seventh is called by Pona Geranium Alpinum longius radicatum the eighth is generally called Geranium Robertianu◠and Rupertianū and herba Roberti or Ruperti Anguillara calleth it Panax Heracleum it is certainely taken of many the best of our moderne writers to be the Sideritis tertia Dioscoridis which Cratevas he saith called Heraclea whose leaves are like those of Coriander yet Columna taketh the Diapensia Sanicle to be it the last is called by Lobel Geranij Robertiani altera species by Dodonaeus Geranium gruinale and is the Geranium Violaceum of Gerard and Tabermontanus whom he followeth the Germanes call this Bludwurtz id est Sanguinaria radix The Vertues These kinds of Cranes bills are neare the temprature of the former and may performe all the properties found in them but the two first sorts here expressed are held more availeable for the mother to settle it in the place when it is fallen downe Herbe Robert is not onely commended against the stone but to stay blood where or howsoever flowing and so is the last also as also speedily to heale all greene wounds and is effectuall also in old ulcers in the secret as well as in the other parts CHAP. CIX Tabacco Anglicum English Tabacco I Have in my former book given you the knowledge of divers sorts of Tabacco such as for their flowers sake might be fit to be noursed up in gardens there remaineth one sort more which is planted more for the use of Phisicke and Chirurgery then for any other respect whereof I meane to speake in this Chapter It riseth up with a thicke round stalke about two foote high whereon doe grow thicke fat and fleshy greene leaves nothing so large as the other Indian kinds neither for breadth or length somewhat round pointed also and nothing dented about the edges the stalke brancheth forth and beareth at the toppes divers flowers set in greene huskes like the other but they are nothing so large scarse standing above the brims of the huskes round pointed also and of a greenish yellow colour the seede that followeth is not so bright but larger then it conteined in the like and as great heads the rootes are neither so great or wooddy and perish every yeare with the deepe frosts in winter but riseth generally of the seede that is suffred to shed it selfe The Place This came as it is thought from some part of Brassile and is more familiar to our countrey then the other Indian sorts early giving ripe seede when as the others seldome doe The Time It flowreth from Iune sometimes unto the end of August or later and the seede ripeneth in the meane time The Names The name Petum whereby it is called is properly from Brassill as I am given to understand and yet some have affirmed that this herbe is not the right herbe the Indians there so called wee received it by that name which is so continued It is thought also by some that Iohn Nicot the French man being agent in Portugall for the French King sent this sort of Tabacco and not any other to the French Queene and is called thereupon herba Regina and from himselfe Nicotiana which is probable because the Portugalls and not the Spaniards were masters of Brassile at that time the Indian names of Picielt and Perebecenne are more proper as I take it to the other Indian kinds wee doe usually call it in England English Tobacco not that it is naturall of England but because it is more commonly growing in every countrey garden almost and better endureth then the other Lobel and others accounted it as well as the other sorts an Hyoscyamus and called it Hyoscyamus luteus and dubius and thereupon some have called it in English yellow Henbane The Vertues This kind of Tabacco although it be not thought so strong or sweete for such as take it by the pipe and yet I have knowne Sr. Walter Raleigh when he was prisoner in the Tower make choise of this sort to make good Tobacco of which he knew so rightly to cure as they call Tabacco Anguicum English Tabacco it that it was held almost as good as that which came from the Indies and fully as good as any other made in England nor yet so effectuall for inward diseases because it is not so much used as the other yet it is availeable by good experience for to expecterate tough flegme out of the stomacke chest and lungs that doth offend them the juice thereof being made into a Syrupe or the distilled water of the herbe drunke with some Sugar or without as one will or else the smoake taken by a pipe as is usuall but fasting The same also helpeth to expell wormes in the stomacke and belly as also to apply a leafe to the belly and to ease the paines of the head or the Megrime and the griping paines in the bowells although to some it may seeme to bring or cause more trouble in the stomacke and bowells for a time it is also profitable for those that are troubled with the stone in the kidneyes both to ease paines and by provoking urine to expell gravell and the stone engendred therein of that viscous matter and to heale the parts and hath beene found very effectuall to suppresse the malignitie and expell the windy and other offensive matters which cause the strangling of the mother the seede hereof is much more effectuall to ease the paines of the toothach then any Henbane seede and the ashes of the burnt herbe to clense the gummes and teeth and make them white it hath beene thought not to have beene safe for weake bodies and constitutions nor for old men but of both sorts I have seene the experience that it hath bin profitable being taken in a due manner that is fasting and to bed ward and before meate Thevet saith that the Women in America forbeare the taking of Tobacco because that they have beene taught that it will hinder conception and bodily lust the herbe bruised and applyed to the place of the Kings Evill helpeth it in nine or ten dayes effectually
by fire or water it taketh away the scarres that remaine of wounds and hurts being healed it doth also take alway the paines of the stingings of Bees and Waspes it is said likewise to be very profitable for women that are barren by correcting the superfluous humidity of the mother which migh be the cause thereof and thereby to make them fit to conceive CHAP. CXII Trifolium odoratum Sweet Trefoile THe name of Balsame mentioned in the last Chapter causeth me to joyne this herbe next thereunto being so called also of many and the properties well worthy of that name whereunto I thinke meete to joyne two or three other Trefoiles thereunto this being of knowne properties the other of likely 1. Trifolium odoratum sive Lotus Vrbana Sweet Trefoile or Balsame The sweete Trefoile riseth up with one strong round whitish stalke three or foure foote high spreading forth many branches on all sides whereabout are set many leaves upon long footestalkes three alwayes set together of a whitish greene colour very soft and somewhat dented about the edges of the sent of Fenugreck which is thought to alter seven times a day and is but a fancy at the toppes of the branches stand many flowers closely set together each of them like unto those of Mallilot but larger and of a bleake or pale watchet blew colour after which come round white heads conteining darke yellowish coloured seede the roote is small white and threddy perishing every yeare and raising it selfe from the seede that sheddeth or being sowen in the Spring 2. Trifolium Asphaltites sive bituminosum Strong smelling Claver This kinde of Trefoile or Claver hath his first leaves somewhat larger and rounder then those that grow upon the stalkes three alwayes standing together upon a long footestalke of a darke greene colour almost shining set with some hairinesse thereon the stalke is strong round and hairy also rising to the height of two foote or better whereon grow the leaves more long and pointed then the lower branching from the bottome most usually to the toppe where grow many large flowers in a bush or tuft thicke set together of a blewish purple colour and somewhat hairy or hoary withall especially the huskes conteining the flowers which afterwards turne into hairy brownish broad cods conteining every one but one seede which is somewhat broad rough and pointed at the one end the roote perisheth with us every yeare but abideth in the hotter countries where it is naturall The smell of the leaves and whole plant is somewhat strong almost like Rue or Herbegrace especially while they are young but much stronger when they are growne old even of Bitumen whereof it tooke the name but although it retaineth his sent in his naturall and hot places yet with us I have observed the strong sent waxeth weaker every yeare then other and after the second yeares sowing to be almost without any sent at all so much can doe in this as in many other plants the temperature and moisture of our countrey 3. Trifolium Bituminosum Americanum Strong smelling Claver of America This other bituminous Claver hath a slender darke red cubit high stalke branching from the bottome to the toppe set with long leaves which are hairy and clammy three alwayes together on a long footestalke not smelling so strong being bruised as gently touched the young shoots smelling like Rue or Herbegrace the elder like a Goate or Bitumen the ends of the branches have purplish flowers on them like Scrophularia the great Figwort with three leaves standing out and one turned inward but white within the greene poâ— that follow have the like hairy clamminesse with the leaves being of a fingers length and a small purplish tippe at the ends wherein lye Kidney like seede the roote is long and fibrous whose taste is almost as sharpe as the Aneâ—one being annuall as Cornutus saith it is to be yearely sowen but if it be Galega Americana flore purpureo as hee there saith some called it and whereby Robinus of Paris sent mee a plant long since it dyeth not but abideth many 1. Trifolium adoratum Sweete Trefoile 2 Trifolium bituminosum Strong smelling Claver 3. Trifolium bituminosum Americanum Strong smelling Claver of America 4. Trifolium Americanum Trefoile of America yeares yet did never come to flowring since I had it In his booke likewise he laboureth sprightly to prove that this plant commeth nearer to the description of Dioscorides his Trifolium Alspaltite then that other last described which is accounted the truest with all writers his greatest reason being grounded from the colour of the flower which in this received is not purple like the Hiacinth which is Galens note 4. Trifolium Americanum Claver of America This strange Claver bringeth forth many round stalkes leaning to the ground spreading forth into many branches whereon are set in divers places three leaves upon long footestalkes each whereof is somewhat round like the Bituminosum but larger of a darke greene colour more dented about the edges but of a strong sent much like thereunto at the toppes of the stalkes and branches stand long spikie eares of whitish flowers being somewhat smaller then those of that recited strong smelling Claver after which come in their places small round and flattish seede the roote is small and stringy spreading divers wayes The Place The first groweth not wilde in Italy France or Germany but with them all is onely sowen in their Gardens and so it is with us and even Dioscorides saith it grew in Gardens in his time as not growing wilde in Greece or other places that he had heard of The second groweth about Mompelier and Marseilles as Pena and Lobel say and is a stranger at Venice and other places of Italy as well as in Germany and with us and onely to be found in the Gardens of those that are curious conservers of rare plants The two last come from the West Indies called America as it is thought The Time The first flowreth in Iune and Iuly and doth alwayes perfect his seede but the others because they flower laâ—r doe often misse to give good seede whereby we are often to seeke for them againe The Names The Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seemeth to be taken a voluptate for so Homer saith it serveth Deorum voluptati The first is of most of the best writers taken to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides in Latine Lotus sativa or Vrbana yet Matthiolus taketh it to be his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lotus sylvestris and so doe Anguillara and Castor Durantes but Fuschius Cordus Gosner Camerarius and Dodonaus call it Lotus sativa Lacuna and Turner Lotus urbana Tragus calleth it Trifolâ— Dioscoridis for so Dioscorides saith his Lotus sativa was called Dodonaeus calleth it Trifolium odoraâ— abâ— because he named the Melilot in the next Chapter to be Trifolium odoratum Lobel calleth it Lotus hortorum odora onely Tabermontanus calleth it
Melilotus vera Bauhinus calleth it Lotus hortensis odora and is the Melilotus singularis Alpini by Pona in the description of Mons Baldus Most now a dayes call it Trifolium 〈◊〉 and the Germanes of old time called it Siben gezâ—it as Tragus and others set it downe that is seaven times sweete supposing it lost his sent and gained it againe so many times in a day which is but a fancy as I said before but being gathered and kept dry in the house it doth keepe his sent a little but will smell stronger against 〈◊〉 weather whereby many desire to lay it in their chambers to be as it were their Almanacke to shew them faire and foule weather It is called or many women now a dayes Balsame for the singular healing properties it hath The other is called by all Authors Trifolium Asphaltaeum or Aspaltites or Bituminosum Gesner in horâ— Germaniae calleth it Oxytriphyllum as Dioscorides saith some used to call it in his time and Menianthes The third is mentioned by Iacobus Cornutus in his booke of Canada plants The last hath his name in his title as much as in convenient to know it by yet Bauhinus taketh it to be the Loti sylvestris genus latifolium ex Armenia that Caesalpinus mentioneth The Vertues The juice of the sweete Trefoile as Dioscorides saith is used with hony to be dropped into the eyes to helpe the Vlcers that happen therein and taketh away all manner of spots as pin or haw as also all skinnes that grow over them to hinder the sight Galen saith it is of a temperate quality and that it is of a meane vigour in digesting so it is of a meane propertie betweene heate and drynesse The oyle made of the leaves and flowers hereof in the same manner as I sayd of the flowers of white Melilot is so soveraigne a salve many women calling it a Baulme for to dissolve all hard swellings bunches or wennes in any part of the body as also to represse moderately all inflammations and helpeth to digest all corrupt and rotten sores full of corruption bringing them to maturitie and healing them perfectly that it is to be admired as also to heare what properties they say it hath and how wonderfully they extoll it for all sorts of greene wounds as well as old Vlcers as also to ease the paines of the Goute It is said to be good for bruises and burstings of young children for stiffenesse and lamenesse of joynts and sinewes crampes stitches Aches and generally all other the like outward diseases whether they proceede of heate or cold The distilled water is good to wash childrens heads that are broken out with scurfe or scabbes They use to lay it in Chests and Presses to keepe Mothes from garments The strong smelling Claver is of a stronger and hotter temperature the decoction thereof made in wine and drunke easeth the paines of the sides comming by obstruction and provoketh Vrine as Hippocrates saith it helpeth women who after their delivery are not well purged or cleared of the afterbirth it provoketh their courses also and helpeth to expell the birth Dioscorides saith it is very effectuall against all venemous creatures as Serpents or other and as it is reported saith hee the decoction of the whole plant taketh away all the paines thereof if the place be washed therewith but if any that hath a sore shall wash it with that decoction which hath helped them that have bin bitten or stung it causeth the same paines in that party which he had that was stung or bitten and was cured thereby Galen reporteth this matter a little otherwise for hee saith that the decoction of the herbe Trefoile that is like unto an Hyacinth taken in the Spring time when it is fresh and boiled in water careth those that are bitten and stung by Serpents and other venemous creatures if the places be washed therewith but if any that are sound and not bitten shall bee washed with any of that decoction and doth not say as Dioscorides those that have a sore or that are washed with the same part of the decoction that the other that was bitten was washed with they shall feele the same paines that he that was bitten felt and further saith the effect hereof is worthy of admiration that the same herbe should cure them that are bitten or stung and cause a sound body or place to be alike evill affected as if it were stung or bitten Pliny also in his 21. booke and 21. Chapter saith that he is led to beleeve that it is venemous to a sound party to be washed therewith because Sophocles the Poet saith so and that Simus an excellent Phisition affirmeth that the juice or decoction thereof applyed to one not bitten or stung procureth the same paines that he that is bitten or stung doth feele and therefore perswadeth it not to bee used but to those are bitten or stung by Serpents c. the flowers leaves or seede eyther all together or each severally by it selfe being boiled in venegar and a little hony added thereto being drunke is a speciall remedy for them that are stung or bitten by any vinemous creature the seede is of most force with Galen who appointeth it to be put into Treakles that he caused to be made for divers persons the seede also boiled in honied water and drunke is singular good for the Plurisie provoketh Vrine and allayeth the heate thereof and is good for the Strangury it helpeth those that have the falling sicknesse and is singular good for women that have the rising and strangling of the mother whereby they often seeme to be dead the same decoction is also good for those that have the Dropsie and taken before the fit of either tertian or quartaine Ague it lessoneth the fits both of heate and cold and by often using it doth quite take them away three drammes of the seede or foure of the leaves powthered and given in drinke provoketh womens monethly courses effectually The second Claver of America by reason both of the forme of the leaves and smell so neare thereunto may seeme to be of the same property but I have not knowne any that have made triall of the effects CHAP. CXIII Melilotus Melilot or Kings Claver THe Lotus Vrbana mentioned in the last Chapter causeth mee to joyne the Mellilots next thereunto both for the forme name and nature being no lesse effectuall in healing then the other and unto the more common and knowne sorts to adde some more unknowne to close up this Classis 1. Melilotus vulgaris Common Melilot This Mellilot which is most knowne and growing wilde in many places of this kingdome hath many greene stalkes two or three foote high rising from a tough long white roote which dyeth not every yeare set round about at the joynts with small and somewhat long strong well smelling leaves three alwayes set together unevenly dented about the edges the flowers are yellow and well smelling also made
call it generally Kings Claver as the chiefest of all other three leafed grasses generally called Clavers or Claver grasses and Melilot after the Latine name to be the more easily understood yet in some places they call it Harts Claver because if it grow where Stagges and Deere resort they will greedily feede thereon And in some places of Essex they call it Hartwort because as they thinke the seede thereof happening into their bread caused paines in the stomacke and chest which they usually call the Heart burne or paines of the heart The first is called by most Authors Melilotus after the Greeke name the old Latine name of Serta or Sertula Campana being quite left Tragus calleth it Melilotus major vulgaris Camerarius Dodonaeus and Lobel call it Melilotus Germanica and Thalius Dodonaeus TrifoliuÌ„ odoratuÌ„ Matthiolus Durantes and Lugdunensis call it Lotus urbana and sativa Fuschius and Lonicerus Saxifraga Lutea and altera The second is scarse mentioned but under the other and is called by Tragus Melilotus major candida and of Dalechampius Lotus sylvestris flore albo The third Camerarius calleth Italica and Bauhinus Melilotus Italica folliculis subrotundis The fourth is called by Tragus tertia species Meliloti vulgaris who saith it is most likely to be Serapio his Melilot Fuschius Gesner Dodonaeus and Matthiolus make it to be Melilotus Italica but we have another more true species called Melilotus Italica here set downe the next before this and Lobel as you heard before called it Melilotus Syriaca odora and that because it came from Aleppo as hee saith it was much used in Italy for the true Melilot and therefore called Melilotus Italica Bauhinus calleth it corniculis reflexis major The fift Prosper Alpinus saith is called in Egypt Alchimelech and is the onely Melilot they use Bauhinus calleth it Corniculis reflexis minor The sixt Bauhinus onely giveth the name being brought to him out of Spaine The last hath his name in his title as it hath beene sent to us which as I said doth still continue There hath beene some controversie among our later writers what herbe should be the true Melilotus of Dioscorides some taking a kind of Citysus to be it others a Medica or Lagopus and others a kind of wild Lotus without sent and some also doubting of his Melilot holding it rather to be Dioscorides his Lotus urbana for as Dodonaeus saith all the Apothecaries in Germany were wont to use no other Melilot then the Trifolium odoratum but time by degrees hath worne out all these opinions and setled a more constant of this and is so now generally accepted for is former times almost every country had a severall Trefoile with yellow flowers to be their Mellilot The Arabians call it Alchilelmelich and the Italians Spaniards and French Melilote the Germanes Edlersteinklee the Dutch Groote Steenclayeren and Ghemayne Melilot and in English as I have said before The Vertues Dioscorides saith it hath an astringent or binding qualitie It mollifieth all hard tumours and inflammations that happen in the eyes or other parts of the body as the seate or fundament and the privie parts of man or women being boyled in wine and laide to the place and sometimes the yoalke of a roasted egge or the powder of Feâ—eke or Linseede or fine flower or Poppie seede or Endive is added unto it It healeth those impostumes that are fresh being applied with torra figillata and wine and the spreading ulcers also in the head being washed with a lye made thereof It easeth the paines of the stomacke applied either fresh or boyled with any other of the aforenamed things It helpeth also the paines of the eares being dropped into them and steeped in Vinegar or Rosewater it mitigateth the headach Thus saith Dioscorides Galen saith in his sixth Booke of simple Medecines that Melilot is of a mixt qualitie for it hath a little astringent facultie in it and yet it doth digest for the warming or hot qualitie is more abundant therein then the cold The Arabian Physitians doe appoint the cods and seede to be used in medicines and make no mention of flowers The Greekes contrariwise doe will the flowers onely to be used and never make use of seede or codds and therefore as Matthiolus saith it is no wonder that the compound plaister of Mellilot which the Apothecaries make not having any of the meale of the seede of the true Melilot therein doth not worke that effect that the Physitians doe expect for this compound plaister is appointed to be used to dissolve hardnesse windinesse tumours and swellings both of the spleene liver and belly as also mightily to ease the paine of them all and to heale the Hypochondria or sore part of the belly about the short ribbes when it is stretched or crackt by the swelling thereof but there is another plaister called Mellilot which is much used to draw and heale all sores and wounds that neede cleansing and is made of the juice of the greene young Mellilot boyled with Rossen Waxe Sheepe tallow and some Turpentine which if it be well made will be almost as greene as the herbe it selfe and smell very strong thereof although it be two or three yeares old The flowers of Mellilot and Camomill are much used to be put together into glysters that are given to expell winde to ease paines as also into pultoses that are made for the same purpose and to asswage swellings or tumors that happen either in the spleene or other parts by the mollifying or discussing qualities that are in it It helpeth also inflammations whether in the eyes or face or other parts of the body The juyce dropped into the eyes is a singular good medicine to take away any filme or skinne from them that groweth as a cloud to dimme the eyesight It is effectuall to be applied to those that have sodainely lost their senses by any paroxisme as also to strengthen the memorie to comfort the head and braines and to preserve them from paines and the feare of the Apoplexie if the head be often washed with the distilled water of the herbe and flowers or a lye made therewith The water also distilled serveth as a perfume to wash course gloves or other things The flowers and herbe of the white flowred Mellilot steeped in oyle Olive and set into the Sunne to digest for some time and after being boyled in a Balneo of hot water and strained forth and other fresh flowers and herbes being put thereto and Sunned as before and strained and so used at the second or third time is accounted a most soveraine Balme both for greene wounds and old sores for swellings inflammations crampes convulsions paines or aches whatsoever in any part of the body whether it be in any fleshy or musculous part or among the sinewes and veines The Italian Melilot is as effectuall as any of the other and by some accounted to be of more efficacie and vertue
juice of the herbe is held as effectuall for all the purposes aforesaid as also to stay vomitings and taken with some Sugar or Hony helpeth an old and drie cough shortnesse of breath and the â—sicke and to stay an immoderate thirst taken upon extreame heate The distilled water of the herbe is used by many as the more pleasing to the palate taken with a little Suger and worketh to the same effect The juyce also is singular good in the inflammations and ulcers of the secret parts in man or woman as also of the bowells and hemorrhoides when there are ulcers or excorriations in them The herbe is sufficiently knowne to be used in sallets in the heate of the yeare to coole and temper the bloud and hot and fainting stomackes and is good for them to use that have the falling sicknesse the herbe bruised and applied to the forehead and temples allaieth excessive heate therein causing want of rest and sleepe and applied to the eyes taketh away the rednesse and inflammations in them and those other parts where pushes wheales pimples Saint Anthonies fire and the like breake forth especially if a little Vineger be put to it and being laid to the necke with as much of Galles Linseede together taketh away the paines therein and the cricke in the necke the juyce also is used with oyle of Roses for the said causes or for blastings by lightening or planets and for burnings by Gunpowder or other wise as also for womens sore breasts upon the like hot causes and to allay the heate in all other sores or hurts it is said also to stay the spreading of venemous serpents bitings and to draw forth the poyson applyed also to the Navell of children that sticke forth it helpeth them it is also good for sore mouthes and for sore gums when they are swollen to fasten loose teeth and to take away their paine when they are set on edge by eating sower things Camerarius saith that the distilled water used by some tooke away the paine of their teeth when all other remedies failed and that the thickened juice made in pilles with the powder of gum Tragacanth and Arabeck and taken prevailed much to helpe those that made a blooddy water applyed to the Goute it easeth the paines thereof and helpeth the hardnesse of 〈◊〉 if it bee not caused by the crampe or in a cold cause The wilde Purflane is used as familiarly in â—lleâ— and meates in many parts beyond the Seas where it groweth plentifully as the Garden kinde and the 〈◊〉 no lesse effectuall a remedy for most of the diseases aforesaid onely it cooleth not so strongly but is more â—â—â—gent and drying for fluxes and the like CHAP. II. Portulaca marina Sea Purslane THe Sea Purslane might be entreated of with the other Sea plants in the proper place but that I thinke it not meete to sever it from the other going before and hereunto for the neare likenesse and resemblance to joyne two other sorts of Halimus which may be called Sea Purslanes as well but growing in a hotter climate 1. Portulaca marina nostras Sea Purslane of our countrey The Sea Purslane hath divers hoary and grayish purple stalkes somewhat wooddy rising from the roote about a foote or more long lying for the most part upon the ground bearing thereon many small thicke for and long leaves of a whitish greene colour set without order at some joynts more and at some lesse branching forth here and there and bearing at the toppes many long sprigges or spiked stalkes set round about with greenish purple flowers which turne into whitish flat thinne seedes like unto those of the Sea Arrache the roote is somewhat wooddy with divers long strings joyned thereto and abideth with the leaves on the branches all the Winter 2. Halimus latifolius sive Portulaca marina incana major The greater outlandish or hoary Sea Puâ—e This hoary Sea Purslane sendeth forth divers thicke and wooddy hoary brittle stalke foure or five foot high whereon are set many thicke leaves without any order somewhat short broad so hoary white that they almost glister the flowers grow at the tops of the stalkes on divers long sprigges being mossie like the Olive blossome but of a purplish colour after which come broad and flat whitish seede like unto those of Arache the roote is long hard and wooddy enduring many yeares in the naturall places but must bee somewhat defended in the Portulaca marina Sea Purslaine 2 Halimus latifolius sive Portulaca marina incana major The greater outlandish or hoary sea Purflane Winter with us if you will have it preserved yet bringeth not forth the leaves so hoary white with us 3. Halimus tennifolius sive Portulaca marina incana minor The lesser outlandish or hoary Sea Purslane This other hoary Sea Purslane hath very slender weake and somewhat hoary stalkes about two foote long scarse able to stand upright but for the most part fall downe and lye upon the ground the leaves that grow on them being set in the same manner that is without order are narrower longer and not so hoary white the flowers are like the former but of a more greenish colour growing at the toppes of the stalkes and afterwards yeâ— such like seede as the former but somewhat lesse roote is wooddy and endureth like the other 4. Halimus minor Germanicus The lesser sea Purslane of Germany This hath a small hoary stalke an handfull high rising from a small threddy roote leaning divers wayes branching forth a little above the roote set with small and somewhat round leaves and those up higher with a gash on each side of an ash colour the flowers are small greenish and mossie yet yellow within set on long stalkes after which come square huskes with small gray seede like unto kidneys in them The Place The first groweth in the salt marshes of the Sea coasts of our owne land in Kent and many other places the second Clusius saith he found about Lishbone in Portingall and the third as well in the kingdome of Valentia in Spaine is not farre from Mompelier and Marselles in France and in the upland places about Tholouse as Lugdunensis saith if his Halimus be this as you shall heare by and by the last about Northusa in Germany The Time They flower in Iuly and their seede is ripe in August The Names Dioscorides Galen and Theophrastus call it in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Halimus with an aspiration because it is a sea plant and tasteth somewhat saltish whom Pliny followeth and yet saith a certaine herbe used to be eaten is so called also as though it were differing from Halimus which as Dioscorides and Galen say is used to bee eaten Solinus and others call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alimos without an aspiration and say the name was taken from the effect it worketh which is to expell hunger for saith Solinus the people in Candy say that that day they eate thereof they shall not be
not endure the cold of these more Northren countries oâ— Europe with all the care that may be without a stove such as they use in Germany and other places more Northerly yet Lobel saith he found it in the Iland of Holmes by Bristow the second groweth by the sea side in many places of this Land and in the I le of Holmes not farre from Bristow the third groweth naturally on divers hills in Germany but with us onely where it is planted upon house sides c. and that in clay especially for therein it will best thrive The fourth Clusius saith he found very common on the hills neare Vienna in Austria thâ— fift Columna found in Naples the sixt Clusius saith he found on the Alpes neare Saltzburg in Germany the two last groweth by the sea side and further off likewise where the last will taste brackish as well as neare the sea side The Time The first flowreth in Portugall as Clusius saith in November and December but never with us the second flowreth by the sea side in August the third fourth and sixth in Iuly the fift in May and the two last soâ— very late also The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aizoon magnum or majus of the everliving and greenenesse thereof and therefore Gaza translateth it out of Theophrastus Sempervivum which is the same in signification it hath likewise divers other names for as Pliny saith it was called Buphthalmum Zoophthalmum and Steigethrou and Hypoâ—son some called it also as he saith Oculus and Digitellus it is called by Apulectus Vitalis and Iovis â—ba buâ— usually Sedum majus the Arabians call it Bejahalalem and Haialhalez the Italians Sempervivo maggiore the Spaniards Sempreviva herba puntera the French Grande Ioubarbe the Germans Hanswurtz and Dâ—rbaar thâ— Dutch Donderbaert and Huislook we in English generally Houseleeke yet some call it Sengreene Aigreeâ— and some Iupiters Eye Bullocks eye and Iupiters beard Clusius and others doe certainely affirme that our ordinary great Houseleeke is the Cotyledon altera of Dioscorides and no one can disprove their judgement therein The first is the true Aizoon magnum of Dioscorides and others and there is no doubt made thereof by any Matthiolus and others call it Sempervivum arborescens and Sedum arborescens and Aizoon arborâ— Châ— calleth it Sedum majus legitimum the second Lobel maketh a kinde thereof and calleth it Sedum Pâ—landicum the third is most common with us and is generally called Sedum majus and Sempâ—vum majus vulgare which as I said Clusius calleth Cotyledon altra Dioscorides some also call it Acet◠〈◊〉 majus which peradventure is more proper to the first sort and Anguilara Vmbilici veneris species altera Casalpinus Cassia ligneae snilis frutex tertius who also thought it to be the Selago of Pliny Lobel saith it may be Chamapence of Pliny that is Piceae humilis but Selago was called Camphorata by the learned of Mompelier from the smell of Camfyre which the leaves being bruised give but this hath no such smell and therefore I thinke cannot be the Selago of Pliny which is a different plant from this whereof I have spoken before but it is probable that this plant is that which Bauhinus calleth Sedum montanum Ericoides as he saith himselfe the last Lobel calleth Sedum minimum â—rhorescens vermiculatum Bauhinus maketh some doubt whether it might not be the Poâ—ygâ— mosculum fruticosum of Thalius who saith he never saw the flowers but saith it is not the Poligonum alterâ—â—lium Anglorum meaning Lobel and Pena for so hee calleth them because their Adversaria was printed in England The Vertues Our ordinary Houseleeke is cold in the third degree moderately drying and binding and is good for all inward heats as well as outward and in the eyes or other parts of the body a Possit made with the juice of Houseleeke is singular good in all hot agues for it cooleth and temperateth the blood and spirits and quencheth the thiâ—t and is also good to stay all hot defluxions of sharpe and salt rheume into the eyes the juice being dropped into them or into the eares helpe them it helpeth also all other fluxes of humors into the bowells and the immoâ— courses of women it is sayd also to kill the wormes and to remedy the biting of the Phalangium Spider it cooleth and restrayneth also all other hot inflammations Saint Anthonies fire and all other hot eruptions in the flesh scaldings also and burnings the shingles fretting ulcers cankers tetters ringwormes and the like and easeth much the paine of the goute proceeding of an hot cause the juice also taketh away warts and cornes in the hands of feete being often bathed therewith and the skinne of the leaves being layd on them afterwards it easeth also the headach and distempered heate of the braine in frensyes or through want of sleepe being applied to the temples and forehead the leaves bruised and layd upon the crowne or seame of the head stayeth bleeding at the nose very quickly The distilled water of the herbe is profitable for all the purposes aforesaid the leaves being gently rubbed on any place stung with Nettles or Bees or bitten with any venemous creature doth presently take away the paine CHAP. VI. Aizoon Sedum sive Sempervivum minus Small Houseleeke THe next ranke of Houseleeks that I am to entreate of are of those smaller sorts that grow with us else where upon mudde and stone walls or on dry sandy bankes or places c. whereof some are of a contrary qualitie being hot sharpe and exulcerating whereunto I must adjoyne one other that groweth in moyst medowes because it is so like them in the outward face 1. Vermicularis Crassula minor vulgaris sive Illecebra major The ordinary Prickmadam or Stonecrop The common Stonecrop groweth upon the ground with divers trayling branches set with many thicke fat and somewhat round whitish or yellowish greene leaves a little pointed at the edges the flowers stand at the toppes of the branches many set together yet somewhat loosely and not in a thicke tuft or cluster as the Orpines of a yellowish colour the rootes are very small creeping in the ground and send forth stalkes with leaves here and there all abouts 2. Vermicularis Scorpioides Stonecrop with turning heads This other Stonecrop or Prickmadam hath such like stalkes with leaves thereon as the former that it is hard to distinguish them untill they come to flower which then may be descerned to differ onely in the turning toppes of yellow flowers bending or turning like the taile of a Scorpion or those herbes that are resembled unto it the rootes in like manner creepe and shoote forth in divers places Haemaetodes Of this sort there is another whose head of flowers turneth not which Lobel calleth Haematodes 3. Vermicularis minor Small Stonecrop The small Stonecrop hath small and long leaves like the other set upon short stalkes not
all the west parts of this land upon stone and mud walls upon rockes also and in stony places upon the ground at the bottome of old trees and sometimes on the bodies of them that are decayed and rotten the other of that sort in Portugall as is sayd the second on the Pyrenian hills the other two grow upon the rockes and among the very stones where there is scarse any earth for the rootes to abide on the Alpes of the Helvetians or Switzers and upon the hill called Hortus Dei neare Mompelier The Time The first doth usually flower sooner then the other as at the beginning of May and the seede ripening quickly after sheddeth it selfe so that about the end of May usually the leaves and stalks are withered dry and gone untill September that the leaves spring up againe and so abide all Winter the second about the middle of May the other two sometime flower not untill Iune and Iuly and their seede is ripe in August those heads that bare stalks usually perishing together and the other that bare not abiding all the extremity of the Winter The Names The first is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cotyledon ab acetabuli sive umbilici figura and therefore the Latines call it Acetabulum as well as Cotyledon or Vmbilicus Veneris it hath also divers other names as Scatum caeli Scutellum Terra Vmbilicus Hortus Veneris and Herba Coxendicum the Italians call it Ombilico di Venere and some Cupartivole that is pot covers the Spaniards Scudetes that is Shields the French Escueilles and Nombrill du Venus the Germanes Loffelkraut and Navelkraut the Dutch Navelcruijt and we in English of some Navelwort or great Navelwort Wall Pennywort Hipwort Kidneywort Venus-Navell and Navell of the earth The other is called of some in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cotyledon alter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cymbalion and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scytalium but they are rather referred to the former great Houseleeke which I have shewed you before and is the true Cotyledon alter of Dioscorides by the judgement of Clusius and others the second is usually called Sedum serratum with most Herbarists I have as you see joyned it here as fittest I thinke but the other two last sorts have obtained that name of Cotyledon from Matthiolus who first called them so and is still kept and held currant with many yet confounded also with many others for the likenesse unto Sedum minus as with Cordus Gesner Camerarius Dodonaeus and Bauhinus who often call them Seda and very properly for there is no herbe can so properly be called a Sodum as that which hath the leaves placed circle wise one within another as they have but because the Cotyledon is of that fashion it is I said justly termed a Sedum The Vertues The Wall Pennywort as Galen saith is of mixt qualities that is of moist and cold somewhat astringent and a little bitter withall whereby it cooleth repelleth clenseth and discusseth and is very effectuall for all inflammations and unnaturall heates either inwardly to coole a fainting hot stomacke or an hot Liver or the bowels or the mother to drinke the juice or the distilled water or else outwardly for pimples rednesse Saint Anthonies fire and the like heates and inflammations to apply the bruised herbe or to bathe the place with the juice or the distilled water the said juice or water helpeth much also to heale sore kidneys torne or fretted by the stone or exulcerated within and easeth the paines it provoketh Vrine likewise and is availeable for the dropsie it helpeth also to breake the stone and to coole the inflamed parts by the paines thereof and other wringing paines of the bowels and the bloody flux it is singular good for the painefull piles or hemorroidall veines to coole and temper their heate and the sharpenesse of blood in them and to ease their paines to use the juice as a bathe unto them or made into an oyntment by it selfe or with Myrrhe or other things conducible thereunto it is no lesse effectuall to give ease of paines to the hot goute the Sciatica and the inflammations and swellings in the cods and bringeth againe the prepuce it likewise helpeth the Kernells or knots of the necke and throate called the Kings Evill it healeth Kibes and Chilblanes if they be bathed with the juice or annointed with an ointment made thereof and some of the skinne of the leafe laid upon them it is used also in greene wounds to stay the blood and to heale them quickly The lesser sorts are held to be cooling and somewhat more binding then the greater and thereby availeable for those diseases whereunto those qualities are proper CHAP. X. Acetosa sive Oxalis Sorrell SOrrell is accounted a Docke and called the soure Docke and therefore might have beene brought under the generall title of the Dockes but because none of the other Dockes are so cooling nor planted in Gardens I shall speake of those sorts severally hereafter that I have not made mention of either before in this Worke or in my former Booke The sorts of Sorrell are many more found out of late by the industrious searchers of Natures varieties than formerly hath beene knowne some growing naturally in our fields some in our woods some also in other countreis Of the ordinary Sorrell nursed in Gardens which yet groweth also wilde in our fields and medowes throughout the Land I have already entreated of in my former Booke and shall not neede to speake thereof againe here but of the other sorts yet of the wood Sorell I shall speake in the next Chapter although for their forme sake they might have beene joyned with the rest of the Trefoiles whereof they are species 1. Acetosa maxima Germanica Great Sorrell of Germany The great Sorrell of Germany groweth in the same manner that the ordinary Garden sort doth but the leaves thereof are much larger and sometime a little curled at the edges the joynts of the stalkes are great and tuberous sticking out like knots which being taken from the stalke and put into the ground will take roote and bring forth leaves like the mother plant the seede and so all other things are large answerable to the proportion of the leaves Joannis Thalius in Hircynia sylva maketh mention of a greater sort of Sorrell than ordinary Camerarius in horto of a great one received from Spaine but neither of them speake of any tuberous joints they should beare so that it is probable it is but onely the climate and soyle that produceth the tubers 2. Oxalis sativa Franca sive Romanarotundifolia Round leafed Sorrell In the leaves of this Sorrell consisteth a cheefe difference which are short and almost round in some and in others they will have somewhat round pointed peeces on both sides of a paler greene colour then the former the stalkes are weaker not standing upright but the flowers and seede differ not from the ordinary sort the
in his second Eclogue Alba ligustra cadunt Vaccinia nigra leguntur But Virgill in his tenth Eclogue sheweth he did not meane them for hee nameth them both as different herbes in these words Et nigrae Violae sunt Vaccinia nigra but I have shewed what is the true Vaccinium of Virgill in my former booke in folio 127. and 128. Vitruvius also in his seventh booke of Architecture distinguisheth Viola from Vaccinium by shewing the different colours they gave in dying of doth c. whereof came Ianthinus colour A Violet or purple colour some others thinke that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 came 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi 〈◊〉 aut provenire aut primum prorumpere veris enim praevia est Viola The Arabians call it Seneffigi Senefragi or Beâ—fifigi the Italians Viola porporea and Pavonazzo and Viola mamuolo the Spaniards Violetta the French Violette de Mars the Germanes Mertzen Violen the Dutch Violetten and we in English Violets March Violets and purple Violets The Hearts ease is called by us Pansyes from the French word Pensees as also love in idlenesse call me to you and three faces in a hood and in Latine Viola tricolor and Viola flammea for so that is 〈◊〉 Gaza translateth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some copies have of Theophrastus lib. 6. c. 6. some also call it Viola multicolor Herba Trinitatis Flos Trinitatis and Viola Trinitatis of the three colours herein Matthiolus also saith it was called Iacea but there is another Iacea called nigra whereof I have largely entreated before and some call it Herba Clavellata the Italians call it Iacea Fior di Giove and Minuti penfieri the French as I said before Pensees and Peâ—sâ—es minutees the Germans Freyschemkraut the Dutch Penseeâ— The first is called by Matthiolus Viola arborescens by Gesner Viola fruticosa by Clusius Viola Elatior by Lobel Viola Martia surrectis cauliculis by Dodonaeus Viola assurgens tricolor by Lugdunensis Mater violarum and by others Viola elatior and arborea the second is called by Clusius in his Curae posteriores folio 59. Viola montana pumila the third by him in his history Viola montana laciâ— the fourth and fift have not beene remembred by any before the two last are reckoned under the generall name of Viola tricolor with the addition of sylvestris to shew their distinctions The Vertues The Garden Violets and so likewise the wilde kindes are cold and moist while they are fresh and greene and are used to coole any heate or distemperature of the body eyther inwardly or outwardly the inflammations in the eâ—er in the mother or in the fundament when they are fallen downe are full of paine Impostumes also and but swellings to drinke the decoction of the leaves or flowers made with water or wine or to apply them poultiâ— wise to the grieved place it likewise easeth paines in the head which are caused through want of sleepe or in any other place arising of heate applyed in the like manner or with oyle of Roses a dram weight of the dryed leaves of the flowers of Violets but the leaves more strongly doth purge the body of chollerick humors and asswageth the heate being taken in a draught of wine or any other drinke the powder of the purple leaves of the flowers onely pickt and dryed and drunke in powder with water is said to helpe the Quinsie and the Falling sickness in children especially in the beginning of the disease the flowers of the white Violets ripeneth and dissolveth swellings the seede being taken resisteth the force of the Scorpion the herbe or flowers while they are fresh or the flowers when they are dry are effectuall in the Plurisie and all other diseases of the Lungs to knife the sharpenesse of hot rheumes and the hoarsenesse of the throate the heate also and sharpenesse of urine and all paines of the backe or reynes and the bladder it is good also for the Liver and the Iaundies and in all hot â—ues helping to coole the heate and quench thirst but the Syrupe of Violets is of most use and of better effect being taken in some convenient liquor and if a little of the juice or Syrupe of Lemons bee put to it or a few drops of the oyle of Vitrioll it is made thereby the more powerfull to coole the heate and to quench the thirst and besides the effect giveth to the drinke a Claret wine colour and a fine tart rellish pleasing to the taste Violets taken or made up with hony doth more clense then coole and with Sugar contrariwise the dryed flowers of Violets are accounted among the Cordiall flowers and are used in cordialls drinkes powders and other medâ—cines especially where cooling cordialls as Roses and Saunders are used the greene leaves are alwayes used with other herbes to make Cataplasmes and Poultises for inflammations or swellings and to ease paines wheresoever arising of heate and for the piles also being fryed with Yolkes of Egges and applyed thereto Pansyes or Hearts ease is like unto Violets in all the parts thereof but somewhat hotter and dryer yet very temperate and by the viscous or glutinous juice therein doth somewhat mollifie yet lesse then Mallowes it is conducing in like manner as Violets to the hot diseases of the lungs and chests for agues for convulsions and the falling sicknesse in children the places also troubled with the itch or scabs being bathed with the decoction of them doth helpe much it is said also to soder greene wounds and to helpe old sores to use the juyce or the distilled water Lugdunensis setteth it downe that many sacks full of the flowers and herbes are transported from Marseilles in France 〈◊〉 Alexandria and other parts of Egypt where they use them boyled in water which onely by their religion they are enjoyned to drinke not onely thereby to make it the more wholesome to be drunke but are perswaded also that it helpeth the diseases of the lungs and chest and the falling sicknesses CHAP. XVI Fragaria Strawberries IN my former Booke I have shewed you not onely most of the edible Strawberries but one wild sort also that was fit to furnish that Worke the figure of one which will decipher all the rest I give you here there are some other sorts to be entreated of fit to be eaten which were omitted and others that are wilde without edible fruit and therefore called by some barren or without fruite 1. Fragaria minor hispido folio Small Strawberries with hard leaves This Strawberrie groweth like to other Strawberries both in leaves flowers and fruite but lesse in all of them and to distinguish it the more certainely from the other sorts the leaves hereof are hard rough and hairie grayish as well on the upper as underside the berries when they are ripe are small but sufficient pleasant to eate red on the one side and white on the other as if they were equally divided 2.
Fragaria Alpina fructu compresso Flat Strawberries There is no difference in this kinde from our ordinary Strawberrie but in the fruit which is more flat than round and hath a strake or list every berrie of a taste neare a Raspis this also usually beareth fruit againe in the Autumne 3. Fragaria Helvetia nana Dwarfe Strawberries Divers may judge that this Strawberrieâ— smallnesse commeth by the barrennesse of the soyle wherein it groweth but that is not so for it is well knowne to most that those hills of the Swissers have no barren ground upon them this hath very small triparted leaves next the ground closer set together upon short foote stalkes than any other and those that are set on both sides of the long branch not above foure inches long which lieth creeping on the ground grow lesse and without stalke the flower standeth at the end of the branch many times but one at a place which consisteth of five round leaves like a Strawberrie but larger then agreeth with the proportion of the plant and is of a yellowish colour what fruite this beareth wee have not yet scene or knowne certainely This commeth neare unto the description of the Fragariae affinis sericea planta of Bauhinus his brother formerly so calling it which as he saith is the Leucas Dioscoridis Adversariorum and giveth thereunto a small head containing small seâ—de therein but this was brought us from the Alpes by one Flescher a Silefian a young Doctor in Physicke but very skillfull in simples who perished in Virginia by tasting some poysonfull herbe and therefore I thinke it should beare a Strawberrie like head whereunto I am the rather perswaded because that as Bauhinus citeth although wrongfully Fragaria vulgaris Common Strawberries 3. Fragaria Helvetica nâ— Dwarfe Strawberries as I thinke for I cannot finde it in him Gesner in hortis that he should call one Fragaria parva flore luteo the rootes are blacke and stringie 4. Fragaria minime vesca Barren or unprofitable Strawberries This Strawberrie is in the growing altogether like the ordinary kindes with leaves triparted standing on severall stalkes and flowers in the same manner but smaller the fruite onely maketh the difference betwixt them which being small and many set together are sere and drie without sappe and of an harsh unpleasant taste The Place The three first plants grow upon divers of the Alpes and other places of Germany and the last in our owne Land in most woods and the fields sides neare unto them in Cornewall as Lobel saith but in other places also The Time They flower in May when the other sorts doe for the most part or somewhat later and the fruite is ripe quickly after The Names The whole plant is called in Latine Fragaria and the berries Fraga a fructus fragrantia odoris gustus for it hath no certaine Greeke name that I know unlesse as Tragus thinketh it may be referred to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides or as others thinke to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Comaron of Apuleius but neither of them is likely others suppose that Dioscorides did understand this plant under his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some have called it Rubus Idaeus non spinosus but there is a shrubbe like unto the Raspis that beareth no thornes as I have shewed in my former Booke Pliny maketh mention of Fraga lib. 25. c. 9. Servius calleth them Mora terrestria and therefore some would referre it to the Chamaebatus the Italians call the plant Fragheria and the berries Fraghe and Fragole the French Fraisier and Fraises the Germans call the fruit Erdbeer and the Dutch Erdtbesien and we in English Strawberries The first here set forth is the third Fragaria of Tragus which he saith the people about Spires in Germany doe call Harbeer and Gesner in hortis Germaniae calleth Fragaria species minor the second is called by Caesalpinus Fragariae genus in Alpibus and Bauhinus Fragaria bis fructum gerens the third is likely to be the Fragaria flore luteo of Bauhinus who citeth Gesner in hortis as I said in the description to call it so and I thinke it may as well agree unto the Leucas of Lobel which Bauhinus seemeth to make another plant differing therefrom calling it Fragaria affinis sericea incana for the descriptions are very correspondent the last is that which Lobel calleth Fragaria sylvestris minime vesca sive sterilis but is not that which Gerard calleth Fragaria vesca sive sterilis which is another plant as I have shewed before The Vertues These Strawberries that are here set forth and fit to be eaten are of the same qualitie with the other garden kinds expressed in my former Booke the leaves of them all being cooling in the first degree and yet some say hot and drying in the second the roote is more drying and binding the berries while they are greene are cold and drie but when they are ripe they are cold and moist the berries are excellent good to coole the liver the bloud and spleene or an hot chollericke stomacke to refresh and comfort the fainting spirits and to quench thirst they are good also for other inflammations yet it behoveth one to be cautelous or rather to refraine them in a fever least by their putrefying in the stomacke they encrease the fits and cause them to be the more fierce the leaves and rootes boiled in wine and water and drunke doe likewise coole the liver and bloud and asswage all inflammations in the raines and bladder provoketh urine and allaieth the heate and sharpenesse thereof the same also being drunke staieth the bloudy flixe and womens courses and helpeth the swellings of the spleene the water of the berries carefully distilled is a soveraigne remedy and cordiall in the palpitations of the heart that is the panting and beating of the heart and is good for the overflowing of the gall the yellow jaundise the juyce dropped into foule ulcers or they washed therewith or with the decoction of the herbe and roote doth wonderfully clense them and helpe to cure them All lotions and gargles that are made for sore mouthes or ulcers therein or in the privie parts or else where are made with the leaves and rootes hereof which is good also to fasten loose teeth and to heale spungie foule gummes the same also helpeth to stay catarrhes or defluxions of rheume into the mouth throate teeth or eyes the juyce or water is singuler good for hot and red inflamed eyes if some thereof be dropped into them or they bathed therewith the said juyce or water is also of excellent propertie for all pushes wheales and other eruptions of hot and sharpe humours into the face or hands or other parts of the body to bath them therewith and helpeth to take away any rednesse in the face and spots or other deformities of the skinne and to make the â—kin cleare and smooth some use thereof to make a water for hot inflammations in the eyes and to take away any
filme or skin that beginneth to grow over them or other defects in them that any outward medicine can helpe in this manner Take what quantitie of Strawberries you please and put them into a brasse vessell with a little salt cast upon them which being covered set into a wine cellar for eight dayes in which time the berries will be dissolved into a greene water which being cleared from the rest keepe in a glasse close stopped to use when you neede a droppe or two put into the eyes serveth for the purpose aforesaid some in misliking both salt and brasse for the eyes make a water both for the eyes and for the deformities in the skinne be it morphew leprey or the like in this manner Into a large destillatory or body of glasse they put so many Strawberries as they thinke meete for their use if a few the lesser glasse body will serve which being well closed let it be set in a bed of hot horse dâ—g for twelve or fourteene dayes and after distilled carefully and the water kept for your use CHAP. XVII Alsine Chickweede THere are so many sorts of Chickweedes some chiefely growing in moist and watery places others upon drie mountaines some in the Fields others in the Woods some worthy of ones paines to plant in a Garden others of no such respect that I must severre them and intreate of some in an other Classis where they are fittest to be spoken of you shall therefore have those evpressed in this Chapter and the 〈◊〉 next that follow that I thinke fiit for this place 1. Alsine repens baccifera Great spreading Chickweede The great Chickweede bringth forth many flexible branches full of joynts rising higher than a man if it stand by bushes or other things where it may take hold otherwise through weakenesse lying on the ground it seemeth not so long at every of the joynts stand two leaves one against the other somewhat like unto the ordinary Chickweede leaves but much larger comming somewhat neare unto those of Pelletory of the wall and of a fresh greene colour at the joynts likewise on both sides of the stalkes come forth other branches joynted and set with leaves in the same manner and at the ends of them large greene round huskes ending in five points with â—e flowers growing out of them consisting of five and sometimes of sixe white leaves apeece cut in at the 〈◊〉 in which huskes after the flowers are past stand small round heads like berries greene at the first and blackish when they are ripe containing within them many flat blackish purple seed the roote is white and long creeping much under ground and shooting forth in divers places every yeare new shootes the old dying downe every yeare this hath no taste but herbye as the ordinary Chickweedes have and therefore is by the judgement 1. Alsine repens baccifera Great spreading Chickweede 2. Alsine maxima The greatest Chickweede of the best Herbarists referred unto them yet Lugdunensis saith it hath a stinking and most unpleasant taste 2. Alsine maxima The greatest Chickweede This Chickweede which is the greatest of all the ordinary sorts riseth up with sundry stalkes a foote high or more and lye not on the ground as the smaller sorts Alsine miâ—r The smaller Chickweede doe bearing two leaver usually at a joynt larger then in any other that follow but somewhat narrower then the former it beareth plenty of white flowers of six leaves a peece standing in long greene huskes which containe likewise the head or seede vessell after the flowers are fallen with small yellowish seede in them the roote is white and threddy like the rest 3. Alsine major Great Chickweede This great Chickweede is in all things like the last both in leafe and flower but smaller the stalkes stand not fully upright but doe a little bend downewards and needeth no other description to cause it to bee knowne Minor There is another sort hereof differing in nothing else but the smalnesse of the whole plant 4. Alsine Baetica Spanish Chickweede The Spanish Chickweede riseth up very often with a single upright reddish stalke not branched at all and sometimes with many about a foote or more high full of joynts at each whereof grow two smooth and darke greene leaves narrower then the last a little broader at the bottome next the stalke and small pointed at the ends the middle ribbe on the backside being somewhat great and raised up the flowers stand at the end of the stalke many set together in heads or huskes like those of Symphytum petraeum of a purplish colour the roote is small white and long 5. Alsine recta triphyllos sive laciniata Vpright Chickweede with jagged leaves This jagged Chickweede groweth upright with a stalke for the most part branched into three or foure smaller sprayes about a foote high set at the severall joynts with small long leaves cut into three and sometimes foure parts even to the middle ribbe almost so that they seeme like severall leaves spread like so many fingers to the hand the flowers come forth at the toppes and uppermost joynts consisting of five small blew and round pointed leaves with some threds in the middle and standing in small greenish huskes wherein after the flowers are withered and gone appeare small flat heads divided as it were into two parts wherein lye small whitish seede the roote is small and long set with many fibres and perisheth every yeare after seedetime and springeth againe of the seede that is shed The Place The first as Clusius saith groweth in divers places of Spaine and Germany also and I have sometimes found it by hedge sides in our own Land the second and third is usually found in moyst and watery places by wood sides also oftentimes and in many other places the fourth Clusius found in Spaine the last groweth in sundry grounds and among rubbish sometimes The Time They flower about Iune and their seede is ripe in Iuly The Names Chickweede is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod lucos quos 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nominant umbrosa loca amat and Alsine also in Latine Dioscorides and from him Pliny lib. 27. cap 4. saith Alsine quam quidam Myosotin appellant nascuur in lucis unde Alsine dicta The first is called by Clusius Alsine repens and so it is also by Camerarius and Dodonaeus Lobel calleth it Planta Alsines majoris facie baccis Solani Cacubalum Plinij but some would make the Solâ— hortense to be Cacubalum led by the false coppie of Dioscorides which hath divers names to herbes which is generally reported to be none of his worke because the confusion of names taketh away the knowledge of the true one Lobel in Adversarijs calleth it Alsines majoris facie planta baccis Solani and maketh a doubt whether it bee Cacubalum Plinij quasi maleficum Lugdunensis also calleth it Cacubalus Plinij sive Ocimoides repens Lucas Ghinus taketh it to be Cyclaminus
altera but Pena and Lobel say that therein hee sheweth himselfe not well exercised in plants Bauhinus calleth it Alsine scandens baccifera the generall name among Herbarists is Alsine baccifâ— for although the second which is the greatest Chickweede next unto it beareth heads of seede somewhat like it yet they are nothing so great nor the seede within them and is the Alsine maxima of Lugdunensis which Bauhinus calleth Angustifolia the third is the Alsine maior of Lobel the second Morsus gallinae of Tragus the Alsine major of Camerarius Dodonaeus Lugdunensis and others and is called by Casalpinus Centuneulus viticulus cubitalibus and Bauhinus altissima nemorum the fourth is the Alsine alia and Batica of Clusius which Bauhinus calleth Alsine Symphyti petraei capitulis the last is called by Lobel and Camerarius Alsine parva recta Tragus not knowing to what herb he might referre it diviseth a name according to the forme of the fingers of ones hand as he took it to be like calleth it in his own language Handlekrant caruleis floribus for this other of that kind with a white flower is the Paronychia rutaceo folio Lobelij and thereupon giveth it the name of Daâ—ylobotanon caruleo flore Lugdunensis maketh it to be an Elatine and calleth it Elatine triphyllos and Columna as I take it meaneth this plant which hee calleth Alsine tenuifolia altera sive terrestris altera tricophyllon but not Lagina spergula as Bauhinus saith for aâ— all agree the leaves hereof are divided but into three parts and the Sagina Spergula into six as Columna in the same place doth acknowledge besides these are set but as single leaves divided at the ends and the Sagina of many leaves set like the Rowell of a Spurre Bauhinus calleth it Alsine triphyllos caerulea The Vertues The second and third great Chickweedes are of most use for the other of these sorts are not applyed to any use that I can learne Lobel saith that some did affirme that the Cacubalum is no lesse deadly to be eaten then the sleepie Nightshade yet if the first be the Cacubalis or Cacubalum of Pliny hee saith otherwise for hee saith that the leaves thereof bruised with some Vinegar and applyed to the place stung with Serpents or Scorpions helpeth them and that the juice thereof taken with twice so much sweete or honyed wine easeth the paines of the backe and loynes and the paines of the head or headach if it be applyed with Rosewater to the forehead and temples and that being bound to Wens or Kernells or else they bathed therewith dissolveth them The other greene Chickweedes are of as good use as any of the smaller sorts and are good to coole any inflamation and is aâ—t withall as Dioscorides saith but Galen and Oribasius say they have no astringent quality in them Paulus 〈◊〉 and Aetius agree in the cooling but say nothing of the binding propertie it serveth therefore for all 〈◊〉 of heate whether inward or outward to coole and temper the blood inflamed in Agues or the heate of the stoâ—cke and liver breaking out into the lippes and to procure an appetite being lost or become weake and is used in Hecticke feavers and to asswage the heate of the backe and urine Galen and other say that it hath the same vertues that Pelletory of the Wall hath but wee have commonly found it to bee as effectuall as Purslaine to all the purposes whereunto it serveth except for meat onely the herbe bruised or the juice applyed with dothes or spunges dipped therein to the region of the Liver and as they drye to have fresh applyed doth wonderfully temper the heate of the Liver the same likewise is effectuall for all hot Impostumes and swellings wheresoever Saint Anthonies fire and the like and for all rednesse in the face Wheales Pushes Itches or Scabs eyther the juice simply used or boyled with Axungia and applyed the same is said to helpe Crampes Convulsioâ— and Palsies applyed in the same manner the juice or the distilled water is of much good use for all heate and rednesse in the eyes to drop some thereof into them as also into the eares to ease paines in them and is of good effect to ease the paines beate and sharpenesse of the blood in the piles and generally for all paines in the body that rise of heate it is used also in hot and virulent Vlcers and sores in the privie parts of man or woman or legs or else where the leaves boyled with Marsh Mallowes and made into a Poultis with Fenigreck and Linseede applyed to swellings or Impostumes ripeneth and breaketh them or swageth the swellings and easeth the paines the same also helpeth the Sinewes when they are shrunke by Crampes or otherwise and to extend them and make them plyable againe it is sayd by some that while the hearbe is in boyling with Oyle or Axungia to make a salve fit to heale sore Legs that if one doe stirre it with their bare finger they shall take no harme thereby if any will make it probatum they may make it a meritorious worke when a Sinew is strayned here is a faire medicine for it Boyle a handfull of Chickweede and an handfull of red Rose leaves dryed but not distilled in a quart of Muscadine untill a fourth part be consumed then put to them a pint of the Oyle of Trotters or Sheepes feete let them boyle a good while still stirring them well which being strayned annoint the greeved place herewith warme against a fire rubbing it well in with ones hand and binde also some of the herbe if ye will to the place doe so againe the next morning and evening by which time you shall finde helpe if God will CHAP. XVIII Alsine Montana Mountaine Chickweede ANother sort of Chickweede groweth upon hills most usually whereof some are greater and others smaller of whom in this Chapter and first of the greater 1. Alsine montana hederacea maxima Columnae Columna his great Ivie leafed Chickweede This great Chickweede groweth up with upright stalkes yet somewhat bowing downe againe with the lower branches set at each joynt with two somewhat large leaves waved about the edges and as it were crumpled and hairy somewhat like unto the curld Mallow being two inches broad and three long resembling long Ivie leaves or great Bindeweede rather standing upon long foote stalkes the flowers stand at the ends of the branches consisting of five white leaves so deepely cut in at the middle that they seeme to be ten rising out of the greene huskes wherein after the flowers are past groweth a long round seede vessell cornered or crested with a small spire top ending in a small pricke wherein lye store of small seede the roote consisteth of some long strings with fibres set at them 2. Alsine Hederula folio major Lobelij Lobel his greater ground Ivie leafed Chickweede The greater ground Ivie leafed Chickweede hath sundry almost round leaves next the ground dented
very slender and short pods with seede the leaves at the bottome are many very small cut and jagged and hoarie over the whitish greene as those upon the stalkes growing on each side one above another are also 5. Eruca caerâ—lea Blew flowred Rocket This kinde of Rocket hath the lowest leaves cut in on both sides somewhat like a Rocket but more like Groundsell in my mind from among which rise up divers hairy straked stalkes scarce a foote high bearing rough hairy leaves on them lesse jagged and some not at all shorter also and narrower at the toppes stand the flowers one above another of an excellent purplish blew colour made of foure leaves after which come small long smooth pods with small reddish sharpe seedes therein the roote is long slender and reddish with some fibres thereat 6. Eruca sylvestris angustifolia Narrow leafed wilde Rocket This plant is doubtfull whereunto it might be referred in that it participateth of divers plants namely of the leaves of Tarragon long and narrow of the colour of Rocket the yellow flowers of wilde Rocket upon stalkes a cubite high with cods of Mustard or Cresses and hot sharpe seede and the whole face of Erysimum Bancke Cresses yet the taste of Rocket The Place Many of these are found wilde in divers places of our Land although they are recorded by divers Authors to grow in others yet some of them are strangers to us and therefore imparted to furnish the gardens of the curious The Time They keepe the same time to flower and seede that the others doe The Names The first is called Eruca sylvestris by Matthiolus Lobel Dodonaeus and others the second is called by Gesner in câ—lleâ— stirpium Eruca sylvestris foetida by Tabermontanus Eruca palustris minor by Lugdunensis Eruca sylvestris and Eryâ— veruâ— and by Gerard Sinapi palustre the third and fourth Bauhinus hath set forth by the same names are in the titles the fift Bauhinus hath set forth in his Matthiolus and Phytopinax by the name of Eruca palustris caerulea and in his Pinax by the name of Eruca caerulea in arenosis crescens the last is the Eruca sylvestris angustifolia of Lobel which Bauhinus calleth Eruca angustifolia Austriaca The Vertues The wilde Rockets are hotter and dryer than those of the garden more strong and effectuall also to encrease sperme and Venerous qualities whereunto the seede is no lesse effectualll than the herbe it serveth also to helpe digestion and to provoke urine exceedingly the seede is used to cure the bitings of Serpents the Scorpion and the Shrew-mouse and other poysons and expelleth wormes and other noysome creatures that engender in the body Pliny writeth but that it is too superstitious to relate that if one gather three leaves of Rocket with their left hand and bruise them and drinke them in mede or honied water it shall cure the jaundise and that he that should suffer whipping or beating by drinking hereof in wine shall not have any sence thereof or feele any paine but I wish that Pliny had be one a true relator hereof by his owne experience first that others might have beleeved him the better the herbe boyled or stewed and some Suger put thereto helpeth the cough in children being taken often the seede also taken in drinke taketh away the evill smell of the arme-holes or pits and of the rest of the body and encreaseth milke in Nurses breasts and wasteth the spleene the seede of wilde Rocket mixed with hony and used on the face clenseth the skinne from spots morphew and other discolourings therein and used with Vinegar taketh away freckles and other rednesse hapning in the face or other parts and used with the gâ—ll of an Oxe it amendeth foule scarres blacke and blew spots and the markes of the small poxe restoring the skiâ— toâ— owne colour againe As both these Rockets and the former are forbidden to be used alone in regard their sharpenesse doth fume into the head there causing each and paine so they are no lesse hurtfull to hot and cholâ— persons and to be forbidden them for feare of inflamming their bloud and therefore for such we may say a little doth but a little harme CHAP. III. Barbarea Winter Cresses or rather Winter Rocket VNto the Rocket and not unto the Cresses as the name hereof commonly giveth doth import by the judgement of the best Herbarists in these dayes pertaineth this Barbarea whereof there are two sorts more although untill very lately one onely was knowne 1. Barbarea simplici flore Common Winter Rocket or Cresses The Winter Cresses or Rocket whether he will hath divers somewhat large sad greene leaves lying upon the ground torâ— or cut into divers parts somewhat like unto Rocket or Turnep leaves nothing like Cresses with smaller peeces next the bottome and broade at the ends which so abide all the Winter if it spring up in Auâ—e when it is used to be 〈◊〉 either greene or stewed from among which riseth up divers small round stalkes full of branches bearing many small yellow flowers of foure leaves apeece after which come small long pods with reddish seede in them the roote is somewhat stringie and perisheth ever after the seede is ripe 2. Barbarea flore plano Double flowred Winter Cresses The double flowred Winter Cresses differeth not from the former but in the greatnesse of the stalkes which are bigger and crested yet shorter in the leaves being an inch long cut in on the edges in the same manner and in the flowers which are double and somewhat larger but yellow as the single and in the roote which perisheth not but abideth many yeares 3. Barbarea minor Small Winter Câ—sses This smaller fort hath blackish greene leaves somewhat jagged or come on the sides resembling Moth-Mullein the flowers are yellow and lesse than the former and so are the ends likewise the roote hereof perisheth like the first The Place The first groweth oftentimes of its owne accord in gardens and in the fields also by the pathes and wayes side in divers places and by name in the next Pasture to the Conduit 1. Barbarea simplex Common winter Rocket or Cresses head behind Grayes-Inne that bringeth water to Mr. Lambes Conduit in Holborne that with double flowers was found in the province of Berne among the Switzers and the last in Gardens onely both with us and in Germany The Time They doe all flower in May and the single ones doe seede in Iune and then perish but the double abideth greene both Sommer and Winter The Names It hath no Greeke name that I know except it should be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pseudobunium of Dioscorides which Lobel thinketh should rather be Pseudobunias for having shewed the difference betweene Bunium and Bunias the one that is Bunium to bee Bulbocastanum Earth Nuts or Earth Chesnuts and Bunias the Navew this herbe in the forme of the leaves flowers and seede is like unto the Turnip or the Navew which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Vine Leekes 1.2 Allium sylvestre Allium anguinum Crow Garlike and spotted or Snakelike Ramsons the outermost whereof is whitish in the one with sundry fibres under it and reddish in the other and encreaseth by the offets but is not parted into cloves as the garden Garlicke is so strong smelling of Garlicke that the milke of Kine that feede thereon will taste thereof 2. Allium anguinum Spotted or Snakelike Ramsons This kinde of Ramson hath somewhat broader leaves then the other Ramson somewhat like to Lilly Convally leaves but spotted oftentimes with blacke spots as the slender stalkes are which beare many small white flowers on the head the roote is bulbous but longer then the other covered with a brownish outward skinne or coate somewhat netted as it were like Gladiolus with a tuft of fibres thereto it is called by Herbarists as Clâ—sius saith Victorialis longa because the Gladiolus is called rotunda 3. Scorodoprassum Great Turkey Garlicke This great Garlicke shooteth forth sundry great long leaves much bigger then the ordinary Garlicke and after divers yeares abiding a great long stalke three or foure foote high with some lesser leaves thereon naked from the middle up to the toppe where it beareth a large tuft of flowers enclosed at the first in a thinne skinne of a paler colour then those of Homers Moly or rather whitish with three square huskes and blacke seede in them like the rest the roote is great white and almost transparent at least shining and seldome giveth of sets for encrease There is another with looser scaly and yellower rootes Alterum and narrower leaves 4. Scorodoprassum alterum bulboso convoluto capite Great Turkie Garlick with a bulbed and twining head This other great Garlicke groweth after the same manner but larger in each part the stalke riseth sometimes halfe a yard higher having at the toppe a large head of bulbes like to the Indian Moly wrapped in a thinne skin with a long point growing above it being smaller to the end which bulbes in time breake that outer skinne and shew the bulbes to be at the first purplish but growing whiter afterwards having also some flowers among them the head with the toppe of the stalke at the first doth winde or twine it selfe like a Snake or Serpent which when the bulbes grow to ripenesse standeth upright the roote is as great and white as the last and more ready to part into Cloves like the ordinary sort of Garlicke both of these doe smell somewhat lesse strong then Garlicke partaking of Leekes from whence rose the Greeke name as Dioscorides saith 5. Moly Pannonicum latifolium primum Clusiâ— Clusius his first leafed Hungarian Moly This Hungarian Moly hath divers long and somewhat broad leaves rising from a white round roote that hath sundry small bulbes growing thereto the stalke riseth two or three foote high with those leaves thereon but naked or bare from the middle to the top where it beareth a round tuft of purplish flowers after which commeth blackish seede in three square huskes 3. Scorodoprassum Great Turkey Garlicke 3. Scorodoprassum alterum Lobelij Another sort of great Turkey Garlick with narrower leaves 4. Scorodoprassum alterum convoluto capite Great Turkey Garlicke with bulbed and twined heads 5. Moiy montanum latifoltum primum Clusij Clusius his first broad leafed Hungarian Moly 6. Moly Pannonicum odorato flore Sweet smelling Hungarian Moly This sweete kinde is very like unto the last but with lesser leaves and fewer stalkes bearing at the toppe a long tuft of pale coloured flowers upon longer footestalkes hanging downe their heads of a pretty fine fresh sent which abideth not long but quickly vanisheth the three square heads that so low bring blackish seede somewhat like to those of Pinkes or Gilloflowers the round roote hath some bulbes growing thereto 7. Moly montanum capite rotundo purpureo Purple round headed mountaine Moly This purple mountaine Moly hath a few long narrow greene leaves set on the stalke like unto the other and a large tuft of delicate purple flowers on short footestalkes never fully opening themselves and smelling somewhat strong of Garlicke the round white roote hath some bulbes thereat 8. Moly Africum umbella purpurascente Purpulish headed Moly of Africa This African Moly hath sometimes but one stalke of halfe a yard high or thereabout and sometimes two or three with a few somewhat broad and long leaves pointed at the ends and a litttle hairy about the edges the tuft of purplish flowers at the toppe consist of five leaves set on long footestalkes 9. Moly Italicum album caule triangulo The small Italian white Moly This little Italian Moly hath one or two long hollow leaves somewhat broad likewise and ending in a point the stalke is three square growing to be halfe a foote high with sundry small white flowers at the toppes the roote is small and round of a shining purplish colour smelling like the rest of Garlicke Pona in his Italian Baldus mentioneth this The Place and Time These sorts of bulbous are peculiar to divers countries as Germany Hungary France Spaine Italy Turkey and our owne Land also flowring in Summer and seeding after The Names The names of them all are sufficiently expressed in their titles all authors that have written of them not much diversifying their names from those here set downe and therefore I shall not neede further to insist upon them The Vertues Onions are flatulent or windy yet doe they somewhat provoke the appetite encrease thirst and ease the belly and bowells provoke urine and womens courses helpe the biting of a mad Dog and of other venemous creatures to be used with a little Hony and Rue and encrease Sperme especially the seede they also kill the Wormes in children if they drinke the water fasting wherein they have beene sleeped all night being roasted under the Embers and eaten with Hony or Sugar and Oyle they much conduce to helpe an inveterate Cough by cutting the tough flegme and causing it the easier to bee expectorate the juice being snuffed up into the Nostrills purgeth the Head and helpeth the Lethargie yet the often eating of them is said to exocure paines in the Head it hath beene held with divers country people a good preservative against infection to eate Onions fasting with bread and salt as also to make a great Onion hollow filling the place with good Treakle and after to roast it well under Embers which after taking away of the most outermost skinnes thereof being beaten together is a soveraigne salve for eyther Plague sore or any other putred Vicer the juice of Onions is good for scalding or burning by fire water or Gunpouther and used with Vineger taketh away all blemishes spots and markes in the skinne and dropped into the eares easeth the paines and noyse in them applyed also with Figges beaten together helpeth to ripen and breake Impostumes and other sores Leekes are much about the same propertie that Onions be yet
barke full of a milkie juyce which is most bitter and sharpe in taste provoking vomiting and white within 3. Thapsia maxima Hispanica The greater Spanish Thapsia This Thapsia shooteth forth stalkes three or foure fingers thicke like to a Ferula and exceeding any mans height having branched winged leaves like the last but larger and spread on the ground like it the flowers and seedes are like it also the roote is greater 4. Thapsia Carote folio Carrot Leafed Thapsia This was the most usuall Thapsia that the shoppes of those Seminum Thapsiae 5. genera cum folio radice latifoliae Five sorts of Thapsiae seedes with a leafe and a roote of the broader leafed one Thapsia Carotae folio suâ—itates The toppes of the Charrot leafed Thapsia parts of Europe knew and tooke to be right untill learned and judicious men scanning it better found it to be much differing having large winged leaves lying upon the ground more like unto the wilde and tame Carrot than unto Ferula whereunto the true is compared the umbell of flowers is yellow but smaller as is both seede and roote than the Ferula Matthiolus set this forth first for Thapsie but is disproved by all it smelleth somewhat strong 5. Thapsia fetidissima Stinking Thapsia In the country of Salamanca in Spaine saith Clusius groweth a certaine Ferulous plant with leaves like Labanatis herbe Francumsence spread upon the ground bedewed alwayes with a clammie moisture of a deepe greene colour and shining the stalke is said to be small and straight bearing an umbell of flower almost as round as a ball Wee have had the seedes of a Thapsia brought us out of Spaine by Boel whose rootes were short and tuberous Thapsisia berosa radice but the late springing and small time of the abiding of them in my garden by the early frostes comming thereupon tooke them away so quickly that I can give you no further relation of them but he called it Thapsia tuberosa radâ—â— which whether it were a speciall kinde or but the youngnesse of the rootes I cannot tell never having the like opportunity to get of the seede againe The Place and Time The first as Dioscorides saith groweth in Thapsia one of the Iles of the Sphorades and in the countie about Athens as Theophrastus saith and as Lobel saith about Mompelier and the way to Fromtignacke all the rest grow plentifully in sundry parts of Spaine and doe flower there as he saith somewhat late The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Thapsia also in Latine from the Iland of that name as Dioscorides saith but as Lobel Pena say it may as well be so called from the fierie heate wherewith it scorcheth or burneth the bare parts of the body even a farre off if they stand in the winde or breath of it that gather it and therefore Dioscorides adviseth not to gather it but in a quiet day free from winde and to be on the leeside thereof for feare of exulcerating the face and hands c. The first is the true Thapsia of Lobel and Pena and Lugdunensis so entituleth it and the second Thapsia of Clusius the second is the first Thapsia of Clusius which Lobel and others setting forth for Seseli Peloponense majus is taxed by Clusius for so doing saying that their so easie sliding to errour ariseth from their want of due consideration of all the parts thereof and the sight of the true plant and onely led by weake conjectures upon the sight of the figure and as he saith is called Cucurillo by those of Murcia in Spaine the third is Clusius his third Thapsia which some as he saith would call Cieutaria maxima Lobelij for which he blameth them likewise the fourth is Clusius his fourth also which as he saith the Spaniards call Tuero the last is that Thapsia that Matthiolus Aâ—guilara and Caesalpinus because it is most frequent in Italy tooke to be the right but is since knowne to differ much from it Lobel in his Observations pa. 452. in the title over it maketh some doubt whether this plant should be not the Sagapenifera Ferula for all do account these Thapsias to be kinds of Ferula so the Italian name which is Ferulacoli doth import as much but as I shewed you in the Chapter before that I have gathered some gum from the Ferula in my garden that hath bin in shew as pure and good gumme Sagapenum as any we have in our shoppes and therefore I doe not thinke any gumme Sagapen was ever taken from this or any other Thapsia the Arabians call it Iamtum and Dryx the Italians Thassia and those of Naples Siciba and other parts Ferulacoli the Spaniards as Clusius saith call this Canaheja promiscuously with Ferula and Libanotis making no distinction betweene them the French call it Turbit blave and grie by others the High and Low Dutch little knowing them have scarse given them any name but as the Latine doth Gerard calleth them stinking and deadly Carrots which how fitly it agreeth with any of them but that of Matuhiolus let others upon due consideration judge I have called the true Thapsia according to the nature burning and scorching Fennell which if any can alter and give a better I shall be well content the rootes of the first Spanish kinde are accounted for Turbith with them but they differ much from the right and therefore are called Thapsia turbith The Vertues Thapsia or the scorching Fennell as Dioscorides saith purgeth choller strongly both upwards downwards two scruples of the barke of the roote as well as halfe a scruple of the juyce therof drunke with mede or honied water more be taken it is dangerous this manner of purging is fit for those that are astromasticke or short winded and if or are troubled with paines in their sides and spitting of bloud but saith Lobel this manner of purging thereby is quite left of and that worthily in respect of the danger to the inward parts for more harme oftentimes came thereby than helpe by the grievous torments it used to stirre up Galen briefely setteth downe the properties thereof in these words Thapsia hath a sharpe and strong heating facultie joyned with some moisture and therefore it violently draweth from farre and digesteth what it draweth but much time is required to effect this for being full of much moisture it is the fault thereof to be quickly corrupted Outwardly applied it hath most usually better succeeded for as Pliny reporteth Nero by annointing his beaten face with the juyce hereof and very equall â—raâ—â—â—â—sence and Waxe mixed together at night shewed the next day his face to be free and cleare contrary to expectation whereby it hath beene found to take away all blacke and blew spots bruises markes and blemishes in the skinne whatsoever yea the morphew leptye scabbes scurfes wheales pushes or the like yet caution and be used not to suffer it to lie too long on the place that is not much
longer than two houres and then to be washed with salt or sea water warmed it is used likewise being dissolved into an ointment with good effect to the sides or breast for the griefes therein or for the paines in the feete or joynts it serveth also to gather againe the prepâ—ce in whom it is naturall to want it by raysing a tumour and after mollified and supplied with flat things supplieth the part of a prepuce it serveth likewise to cause haire to grow apace where the places wanted it or were deprived thereof The rootes of the second and third but of the last especially in former times were gathered by impostors in Italy and Spaine and dressed like Turbith that is pared and pithed and so sold instead thereof untill diligence add experience to know the right and restise the false had prevented the future deceit and Matthiolus declaiming against Fuchsius who tooke these rootes to be the true Turbith sheweth it was so taken in Germany but I have shewed you before in the Chapters of Alipâ—â— the Tithmalls and Scamony the many errors that former times came into concerning the true Turbith the old women Leeches of Salamanca in Spaine saith Clusius use the rootes of the third or greatest Spanish kinde of Thapsia to procure womens courses and to purge the body which it doth with that violence both upward and downeward that they are 〈◊〉 brought into great danger that take it CHAP. III. Peucedanum Sow-Fennell WEe have three sorts of Sow-Fennell to offer to your consideration in this Chapter 1. Peucedanum majus Italicum Great Sow-Fennell of Italy The great Sow-Fennell hath divers long branched stalkes of thicke and somewhat long leaves three for the most part joyned together at a place among which riseth a crested straight stalke neare as bigge as Fennell with some joynts thereon and leaves growing thereat and towards the toppe some branches issuing from thence likewise on the toppes of the stalke and branches stand divers tufts of yellow flowers where after grow somewhat flat thinne and yellowish seede twise as bigge as Fennell seede the roote groweth great and deepe with many other parts and fibres about them of a strong sent like hot brimstone and yeelding forth a yellowish milke or clammy juyce almost like a Gum. 2. Peucedanum vulgare Common Sow-Fennell The common Sow-Fennell groweth in the same manner that the former and hath no other difference but that this is lower and smaller by a fourth part and the smell thereof as strong as the former 3. Peucedanum minus Small Sow-Fennell As the first Sow-Fennell was larger then the second so this is lesse then it having smaller and shorter leaves of a blewish greene colour of a little bitter taste but almost no smell the stalke is slender and round about halfe a yard high parted into divers branches whereon stand small tufts of white flowers in an umbell which are succeeded by thicke short seede almost like to Parsley but of an ash colour and bitter sharpe taste the roote is of the bignesse of ones thumbe sometimes greater or lesser with a bush of haires at the toppe blackish or brownish on the outside with a thicke barke of a pleasant sweet taste at the first and afterward sharpe The Place and Time The first groweth naturally in Italy in divers places the second in good plentie in the salt low Marshes a little by Feversham in Kent the last was found on Saint Vincents Rocke by Bristow by Lobel as hee setteth it downe in his Adversaria pag. 331. and in Hungarie and Austria by Clusius They all flower and seede in the end of Sommer that is in Iuly and August The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Peucedanus and Peucedanum some take it of the pitchy sent it 1. Peucedani majoris Italicum sâ—â—itat The toppes of the Italian Sow-Fennell 2. Peucedanum vulgare Common Sow-Fennell carryeth and others of the Pine tree whose leaves are like it Apuleiâ— calleth it Pinastellum the first is the Peucedanum of Matthiolus Anguilara and others and Peucedanum majus Italicum by Lobel and Lugdunnensis the second is called by Bauhinus Peucedanum Germanicum and Peucedanum simply without any other addition by Tragus Fuchsius Dodonaeus and others it is called also Foeniculum porcinum but by Tabermontanus Cauda porcina the last is called by Lobel Peucedani facie perpusilla planta it is called by Clusius Peucedanum Pannonicum and is probable as Clusius and Bauhinus say to be the second Saxifrage of Matthiolus the Arabians call it Harbatum the Italians Peucedano and vulgarly Finocchio porcino and by some also Pinastello by the Spaniards Fenicho del porco by the French Feâ—il de Pourceaus by the Germans of some Harstrang but commonly Sewfenchel or Schebelwurts of the Dutch Verkens Venekell and we in English Sow-Fennell Hog-Fennell Sulphurwort and Horstrange The Vertues The juice of Sow Fennell say Dioscorides and Galen used with Vinegar and Rosewater or the juice with a little Eppâ—orbium put to the nose helpeth those that are troubled with the Lethargie the Phrensie the turning of the braine or dissinesse in the head the Falling sicknesse long and inveterate Headach the Palsie the Sciatica and the Crampe and generally all the diseases of the Nerves and Sinewes used with oyle and Vinegar the juice dissolved in wine or put into an Egge is good for the Cough or shortnesse of breath and for those that are troubled with winde and tormenting paines in the body it purgeth the belly gently and dissolveth the winde and hardnesse of the Spleene it giveth case to those women that have sore travaile in child birth and easeth the paines both of the bladder and reines and wombe also a little of the juice dissolved in wine and dropped into the eares easeth much of the paines in them and put into an hollow tooth ceaseth the paines thereof The roote worketh to the like effect but more slowly and lesse and is to be boyled in water and the decoction thereof drunke the dryed powder of the roote being put into foule Vlcers of hard curation clenseth them throughly remooveth any splinters of broken bones or other things in the flesh healeth them up perfectly likewise bringeth on old and inveterate sores to cicatrising it is also put into such salves as serve to heate and warme any place the roote is hot in the second degree and dry in the third but the juice is stronger Pliny recordeth the vertues hereof in divers places the roote being drunke in wine with the seede of the Cypresse tree in powder easeth the strâ—gling of the mother but some use to burne it and by the smell thereof give ease thereunto the juice helpeth the burstings of children and their Navells when they sticke forth the roote is of so great force in greene wounds and sores that it draweth out the quitture from the very bones CHAP. IIII. Libanotis Herbe Francumsence THere be divers sorts of Libanotides as both the old
and new Authors have recorded some whereof beare broad leaves others fine and like Fennell of which I meane to entreat in this Chapter and referre the other to the last order of these Vmbelliferous plants which containe those with broad leaves 1. Libanotis Ferula folio sive Cachryfera sive Cachrys vera Fennell leafed herbe Francumsence This herbe Francumsence is a worthy goodly and rare plant shooting forth divers bushy great reddish stalkes of leaves of a fresh greene colour being somewhat thicker and longer then those of the Ferula but shorter then of Peucedenum Sow Fennell yet often and in many places set three together of a quicke aromatick sent and taste comming somewhat neare a Lemmon from among these leaves riseth up sometimes but not every yeare with me a good bigge stalke but neither so great nor halfe so high as the Ferula and not much above a yard high nor much higher then the stalkes with leaves branched into very many sundry parts bearing yellow flowers which are succeeded by pretty good big whitish yellow seede round and a little long withall somewhat crested on the outside two joyned together as is usuall in most ferulous plants which maketh one side flat the small footestalke running betweene and is sayd to be causticke or burning which caused the name Cachrys to be given to it the root groweth deepe and spreadeth much and with many branches in the ground bigger then a great Paâ—snep at the toppe and white on the outside as well as inside with a pith in the middle but so brittle that one must handle it very tenderly if he doe not breake it and yeeldeth forth a clammy pale juice of so fine a sharpe sent that I compare it to the Lemmon and endureth many yeares 2. Libanotis ferulae folio semine sive Panax Asclepium Perulae facie Lobelij Lobel his Esculapius Woundwort or Allheale Divers learned men have set forth each almost a sundry herbe for the Panax Asclepium of Dioscorides and Thâ—phrâ—stiâ— and every one supposing his to be the right and because they all seeme to be worthy plants fit to be knowne I thinke it meete to shew you them all with their differences and wherein they come nearest or are further off from the true and first to beginne with that of Lobel which groweth nothing so high or great as the Fâ—ulâ— with fine leaves like unto it and yellow flowers also but the seede that followeth is broad not so small as Fennell but more like unto Ferula of a little quicke taste or sent the roote is small and not growing deepe nor abideth after it hath given seede the sent and taste being not much resinous or sharpe 3. Panax Asclepium Matthioli Matthiolus his Esculapius Allheale Although Pena being very spleneticke against Matthiolus in many things doth thinke and so doth Columna also that this Pinax Asclepium is no other herbe then a Ferula yet surely I thinke they are much mistaken therein both for that Matthiolus had set forth the Ferula before and described it at large and although he had not described his Panax as he did the Ferula I presume the chiefe cause was that hee had onely the dryed plant sent him without a description and therefore so let it passe not intending to coyne a description of that which hee never saw growing as also because Bauhinus doth number it among the other sorts as a differing 〈◊〉 and Lugdunensis giveth his Figure also which is divers fron the Ferula in having finer smaller 1. Libanotis cachryfera sive Cachrys vera Fennell leafed herbe Francumsence 2. Panax Asclepiâ— Ferula fâ—e Lobelij Lobel his Esculapius Woundwort or Allheale and shorter leaves then Ferula and a smaller umbell of flowers the roote likewise is small and no way answerable to a Ferula 4. Panax Asclepium Apulum Columna Columna his Esculapius Allheale of Naples Fabius Columna saith that this his Panax AsclepiuÌ„ is the truest 4. Panax Asclepium Apulum Columna Columna his Esculapius Allheale of Naples of any other hath bin described by any other author growing frequently in Apulia answering it in every part according to the descriptions thereof in Dioscorides and Theophrastus Foâ— it hath a small slender roote with a bush of haires at the toppe of the bignesse of ones thumbe with a thicke rugged barke of a whitish yellow colour on the outside and spungie white and wooddy pith within full of a clammy white milke hardening quickly into a Gum which is bitter and sharpe in taste and unpleasant but yet aromaticall the stalkes of leaves which are spread next the ground in a round forme at the head of the roote are cut into severall long haires as it were thicke set together somewhat like unto common Yarrow and hairy withall which is not seene in the other sorts or rather like unto Fennell leaves but bigger having seven winged leaves set on a pretty big stalke five bigger and two smaller which are next the hairy stalke being greene at the first but changing yellow when it groweth toward flowring which with the leaves is halfe a yard long froÌ„ among these doth rise up but one maine of stalke which is slender two or three foot high sometimes having some joynts but no leaves thereon to the toppe whereat usually stand but one or two small tufts or umbells of yellow flowers and seldome three but spread a little largely and growing closer and rounder as it turneth to seede which are flat and winged on both sides two growing together as is usuall in all other umbelliferous plants whereon as also on the stalke is often found a sweete smelling Gum as cleare as Timpentine or Gum Arabecke which is hardly dissolved in water without heate the like also is taken from the roote cut in peeces but that it is yellower because it must be forced by the fire 5. Panax Asclepium Dalechanipij The French Esculapius Allheale The French kind Dalechampius found about Mompelier having a white roote like Parsly slender sharpe and wâ—ll sâ—elling and leaves also like Parsly or rather like Coriander then Fennell and somewhat hairy with umbellâ— of yellow flowers of an absolute roundnesse 6. Panax Asclepium Anguilarae Camerarij Esculapius Alheale of Candy This Panax which Anguilara and Camerarius have remembred saying that in Candy it is usually called Seseli and in Sicilia Peucedanum though both falsely riseth up with a round Fennell-like stalke foure or five cubits high with divers joynts thereon divided into branches of leaves larger then Fennell and smaller then Ferula of a darke greene colour on the upper side and of a blewish greene underneath with large umbells of yellow flowers at the toppes turning into broad flat winged seede of a resinotis sent and taste the leaves being much more milde and yeelding a whitish milke nothing so hot or strong in smell as Ferula 7. Libanotis minor umbella candida Small herbe Francumsence This small herbe Francumsence hath sundry
in wine or water and drunke helpeth the strangury and stoppings of the urine the winde swellings and paines in the stomacke the paines of the mother and all joynt-aches if the powder of the rootes be mixed with honey and the same taken as a Lohoc or licking medicine it breaketh tough flegme and drieth up the rheume that falleth on the lungs the rootes are accounted very effectuall against the sting or biting of any venemous creature and is one of the ingredients into Mithridatum and Theriaca Andromachi which are especiall antidotes for the same and many other effectuall purposes CHAP. IX Gingidium Strange Chervill I Have two sorts of this Chervill that properly belong to this Division or Order and there are two more which might be referred to the other Divisions of these umbelliferous plants which I distinguished in the beginning yet for the names sake I would not willingly exclude them the family but let them keepe company with the rest at this time 1. Gingidium verum sive Syriacum The true Gingidium or strange Chervill The true Gingidium that Ranwolfius saw in Syria groweth up with an upright stalke somewhat rough branching forth from the very ground almost whereon are set sundry stalkes of fine cut leaves smaller than Fennell especially those on the stalkes and branches for the lowest are a little broader Visnaga Gingidium appellatum 4. Gingidium latifolium Syriatum Broad leafed Chervill of Siria at the toppes where of grow great broad umbells of white flowers a little purplish in the middle which umbells before they flower hang downe their heads and after the flowers are past the umbells doe contract or draw themselves rounder the outer part being higher than the middle which then is so hollow that it representeth a birds neast somewhat like to the umbell of seede in the wilde Carrot and beareth plenty of very small seed the roote is not great but long white and woolly perishing every yeare that it beareth seede which is usually the same yeare it is sowen or else springing late and not shooting up in stalkes for seede it will abide a Winter the whole plant hath a little resinous taste and smell to my senses 2. Gingidium Hispanicum Spanish Toothpicke Chervill The Spanish Toothpicke Chervill groweth rather greater than the former but with smaller and slenderer stalkes and tenderer leaves at the joynts thicker and more finely cut at the toppes whereat stand large umbells of white flowers divided into many parts and standing upon long stalkes which when the seepe groweth ripe waxe hard being long and slender and serve well for tooth pickes the roote is long and white the whole plant is of a bitter taste 3. Gingidium Chaerefolij folijs Another strange Chervill This other strange Chervill hath divers stalkes of winged leaves very like unto the ordinary Chervill but not divided into so many parts the stalke is round straked and blackish halfe a yard high with joynts and leaves like the others the umbells of white flowers are compassed about with smaller and finer cut leaves which when the flowers are past are contracted together somewhat like the first and are somewhat clammy wherein lie small seede the roote is long white and bitterish 4. Gingidium latifolium Syriacum Broad leafed Chervill of Syria This Syrian Chervill hath but few stalkes of winged leaves somewhat like to Parsneps but that every divided leafe is broad and round but lesser the stalke is somewhat hairy crested small low and naked of leaves to the toppe where grow divers long stalkes with small umbells of white flowers and two or three small long leaves with them the smell and taste is like unto the first The Place and Time All these here exprest are said to be brought out of Syria but the second groweth also plentifully in Spaine from whench it hath beene brought and sent to friends they all flower late and therefore the seede is much later so that if the yeare be not hot and kindly the seede will hardly ripen with us The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Gingidium in Latine Dioscorides saith it was also called in his time Lepidium but that name doth more fitly sute to another plant as is shewed before the old Romanes were wont to call it Bisacuta and the Syrians Visnaga The first as I said Rauwolfius in these later times first made knowne to the Christian world having gathered it in Syria giving it the name of Gingidium Dioscoridis which it doth most truly represent for Dioscorides cōpareth Gingidiū to Pastinaca sylvestris which as it is finer in leafe so is it most like in the head of seede and Camerarius in hortis thereupon calleth it Syriacum the second is the Visnaga of Matthiolus Lobel and others yet Matthiolus would faine have it to be Pastinaca sylvestris major because it groweth so great Tragus calleth it Seseli and Fuchsius Seseli Massiliense Caesalpinus Cumini sativi alterum genus the third is the Gingidium of Matthiolus Lugdunensis and Tabermontanus the last is called by Lobel Gingidium folio Baucie Syriacum and is the first Gingidium by Dodonaeus yet as he sheweth in the Chapter of Fastinaca latifolia Iacobus Manlius taketh Baucia to be the Pastinaca tenuifolia of Dioscorides The Vertues These herbes are more used as nutriment than medicine both in former times and now also where they grow for Dioscorides and Galen speake more of the edible propertie that they are by their bitternesse welcome and agreable to the stomacke being eaten raw or boyled or divers other wayes ordered as those times and mens wills led them to take them but in that Galen saith in one place that they are rather medicinable than nourishing it is because he sheweth that they have a temperate qualitie betweene heat and cold but have a manifest bitter and binding property by both which they are so commodious to the stomacke that they are of the nature of a medicine to clense and dry up the moist humours that by their abounding doe much offend the stomacke and by it the liver and other parts the other medicinable qualities also therein rising from thence are to be profitable for the diseases of the bladder and to provoke urine being boiled in wine and drunke CHAP. X. Pyrethrum umbelliferum The true Pelletory of Spaine THere are in mine opinion two sorts of this Fyrethrum the forme of their leaves being different inducing me so to thinke although there be nothing else as shall be shewed 1. Pyrethrum umbelliferum primum The first Pelletory of Spaine This Pyrethrum hath divers stalkes of fine cut leaves the forme and divisions whereof doe somewhat resemble the forme of Mayweede being short and not long like Fennell or like wilde Carrots as Dioscorides compareth them from among which riseth up some stalkes with few or no leaves on them branched into two or three parts bearing a round umbell of white flowers after which follow somewhat round darke coloured seed bigger than Anniseede
or sixe foote high with divers great joynts and leaves set on them whose foote stalkes doe compasse the maine stalke at the bottome and from thence also towards the toppe come forth branches with the like but lesser leaves at them and at their toppes large round spread umbells of white flowers but Brausus describeth his with yellow flowers which I never saw after which commeth the seede which is somewhat flat thicke short and white two alwayes set together and is usuall in all these umbelliferous plants and a little 1. Angelica sativa Garden Angellica 2. Angelica sylvestris Wilde Angellica 3. Angelica sylvestris montana ditarum specitrum Two sorts of Mountaine Angelica 4. Archangelica The great water Angellica crested on the round seede the roote groweth great and wooddy when it flowreth with many great long branches to it but perisheth after seede and will rise and spring againe better from the seede that doth fall of it selfe then what is sowen by hand at any other time the whole plant both leafe and seede and roote is of an excellent pleasant sent and taste very comfortable being not fierce or sharpe but rather sweete and giveth a most delicate rellish when it is tasted or used the leaves be the weakest and some hold the seede to bee next and the roote to be the strongest especially being not ready to grow up for stalke Of this kinde wee have another sort in our Gardens called sweet Angellica not differing in any thing from the former Dulcis but in that it hath a sweeter rellish then the other 2. Angelica sylvestris Wilde Angellica The wilde Angellica groweth up with large spread leaves on the ground having smaller stalkes and lesser divided leaves by much of a darke greene colour not smelling halfe so strong as the garden kinde yet savouring so much like Angelica that by the smell one may soone see and know it to be a kinde of Angellica though wilde the stalkes are much slender and smaller yet growing three or foure foote high with smaller joynts and lesser leaves thereat at the toppes grow lesser umbells of white flowers which turne into smaller seede and blacker the roote is nothing so great as the former neyther are the strings so great or long and of a blacker colour on the outside not smelling halfe so well Of this kinde likewise there is some varietie one growing likewise wilde with us not much differing in the leaves but being smaller and not so much divided the stalkes being reddish and the seede thicker and longer Sylvestris altera the roote being great and thicke 3. Angelica sylvestris montana Mountaine wilde Angellica Mountaine Angellica groweth like the former wilde kinde but much lower and smaller in every part the roote hereof differeth most in that it is nothing so great but sendeth forth many small brownish strings from the the head round about it yet holding the same strong sent of Angellica that the former doth I give you here the figures of two other sorts of Angellica taken out of Doctor Foxes booke of dryed herbes which he had from Padoa garden and might seeme to be the Laserpitium of Alpinus set forth before but that they had severall denominations to them 4. Archangelica The greater water Angellica This Angellica groweth with a taller and much greater stalke sometimes reddish the leaves likewise being more in number and smaller divided and of as deepe a greene colour as the first sort in the tufts of white flowers it is like the first garden Angellica and so is the seede but greater and blacker the roote is great according to the plant and endureth many yeares without perishing The Place and Time The first sorts are with us sowen in Gardens the second sort is wilde both in many places of Essex Kent and neare Kentish Towne by London also and in other places the third groweth on divers mountaines in Germany Hungary and the rest the last is not onely naturall to grow in watery ditches but in moist grounds also in many places with us and in the Marsh ditches by Rederiffe The Names This herbe hath gained many worthy names from sundry worthy persons for some have called it Sancti Spiritus radix Lacuna and Dodonaeus thinke it some kinde of Laserpitium Cordus and some others take it to be Smyrniâ—â— and Cordus to be Panax Heracleum but all in generall call it Angellica from the Angell-like properties therein All these sorts are so called by most Authors as their titles beare and therefore I neede not explaine them further onely the last is called Archangelica by Clusius and Angelica aquatica by Gesner All Christian nations likewise in their appellations hereof follow the Latine name as neare as their Dialect will permit onely in Sussex they call the wilde kinde Kex and the Weavers winde their Yarne on the dead stalkes The Vertues Angellica is hot and dry some put it in the second and others in the third degree It resisteth poyson by defending the heart the blood and spirits and giveth heate and comfort to them it doth the like against the Plague and infection of the Pestilence if the roote be taken in powder to the weight of halfe a dramme at a time with some good Treakle in Cardos water and layd to sweate thereupon in their bed if Treakle be not at hand take the roote alone in Cardus or Angellica water the stalkes or rootes candid and eaten fasting are good helpes also in time of infection and at other times to warme and comfort a cold or old stomack The root also steeped in Vinegar and a little of that Vinegar taken sometimes fasting and the roote smelled unto are both good preservatives for that purpose a water distilled from the rootes simply or steeped in wine and distilled in glasse is much more effectuall then the water of the leaves and this water being drunke two or three spoonefulls at a time doth ease all paines and torments that come of cold or winde so as the body be not bound the said water taken with some of the roote in powder helpeth the Plurisie being taken in the beginning as also all other diseases of the Lungs and breast as coughes and shortnesse of breath Tissickes and so doth the Syrupe of the stalkes mentioned in my former booke it helpeth likewise the torments of the Chollicke the strangury and stopping of the urine procureth womens courses and expelleth the afterbirth and briefely easeth and discusseth all inward tumors and windinesse it openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Spleene and the decoction thereof being drunke before the fit of an Ague so that they may sweate if it be possible before the fit come will in twice or thrice taking rid it quite away it helpeth also digestion in the stomacke and is a remedy for a Surfet The juice or the water dropped into the eyes cleareth the dimnesse of sight if any filmes doe begin to breed in them and helpeth deafenesse by dropping it into the eares
the juice also put into hollow teeth easeth the paine the rootes in powther made up with a little pitch into a plaister and layd on the biting of a mad dog or any other venemous creature doth wonderfully helpe them the juice or the water dropped or tents wet therein and put into old and filthy deepe Vlcers or the powder of the roote in want of the other doth clense them and cause them to heale quickly by covering the naked bones with flesh the distilled water applyed to places pained with the Goute or Sciatica doth give a great deale of case the wilde Angellica is not so effectuall as the Gardens although it may safely bee used to all these purposes aforesaid the roote of the Garden Angellica is a better substitute in Theriaca Andromachi and 〈◊〉 then many other that have beene formerly accepted CHAP. XXXVII Imperatoria sive Astrantia Maisterwort OF this herbe there are two sorts the one well-knowne and the other set forth first by Camerarius in his Epitome on Matthiolus and Bauhinus after him in his Matthiolus 1. Imperatoria sive Astrantia vulgaris The common Masterwort Common Maisterwort hath divers stalkes of winged leaves divided into sundry parts three for the most part standing together at a small footestalke on both sides of the greater and three likewise at the end of the stalk each of which leaves are somewhat broad cut in on the edges into three or more divisions and all of them besides dented about the brims of a darke greene colour and doe somewhat resemble Angelica leaves at the first sight untill they bee better regarded and that they grow lower to the ground and upon lesser stalkes among which rise up two or three short stalkes in comparison of Angelica being about two foot high and slender with such like leaves at the joynts as grow below but lesser and with fewer divisions bearing umbells of white flowers and after them small thinne flat blackish seede bigger then Dill seede the roote is somewhat great and rather groweth sidewise then downe deepe into the ground shooting forth sundry heads which tasteth sharpe biting on the tongue and is the hottest and sharpest part of any of the rest of the plant and the seede next unto it being somewhat blackish on the outside and smelling well 2. Imperatoria Alpina Mountaine Maisterwort The mountaine Maisterwort groweth somewhat like the former but lesser in every part having nine leaves standing on each stalke by three and three but they are smaller and narrower and have fewer incisions in them but finely dented about the edges the flowers and seede are alike and the roote groweth in like manner with a blackish outside but is more sharpe and hot biting on the tongue then the former by much The Place and Time The first is found on sundry hils in Italy as also in Germany yet it is usually kept in Gardens with them as well as with us The other was found on the Alpes in Switzerland They flower and seede late with us as not untill the end of August The Names It is called by the latter Writers generally Imperatoria from the excellent vertues it hath yet many have referred that name to sundry plants of the Auncients not thinking that an herbe of such rare qualities should be unknowne to them and therefore Anguilara tooke it to be Ligusticum and Ruellius and Fuchsius to be Laserpitium yet not finding it fully to answer thereunto calleth it Laserpitium Germanicum Tragus referreth it to Smyrnium and calleth it Smyrnium hortense and Osteritium and yet nameth other herbes by that name also and Cordus in historia unto Struthion Matthâ—olus Gesner in hortis Lobel Lugdunensis Tabermontanus and others call it Imperatoria Brunfelsius Dodonaeus and Clusius call it Astrantia Camerarius Magistrantia and Caesalpinus Herba rena as the vulgar with him did The other Camerarius calleth Imperatoria vel Astrantia Alpina and saith the Germanes 1. Imperatoria sive Astrantia vulgaris Common Maisterwort 2. Imperatoris sive Astrantia Alpina Mountaine Maisterwort call it Bergstrents and the former Meisterwurtz and thence it is like they derived their Magistrantia We in English call it usually Maisterwort and by some Pelletory of Spaine but falsely The Vertues The roote of Maisterwort is hotter then pepper even to the third degree compleate and is of very subtile parts it is very availeable in all cold griefes and diseases both of the stomacke and body dissolving winde very powerfully both upward and downeward it is also used in a decoction with wine against all cold rheumes or destillations upon the lungs and shortnesse of breath to be taken morning and evening the same also provoketh urine and helpeth to breake the stone and expell gravell from the Kidneyes it procureth womens courses and expelleth the dead birth and is singular good for the strangling of the mother and other the like womens diseases it is effectuall also against the dropsie crampes and the falling sicknesse for the decoction in wine being gargled in the mouth doth draw downe much water and flegme from the braine thereby purging and easing it of what oppressed it it is of a rare qualitie against all sorts of cold poysons to be taken as there is cause either more or lesse and provoketh sweate the seede worketh to the like effect although not with the like efficacie if they can brooke the taste thereof and therefore many doe distill the water from both herbe and roote that they may take it with the better content the juice hereof dropped or tents dipped therein and applyed eyther to the greene wounds or rotten ulcers yea although they fret and creepe and be almost gangrenated and those also that come by envenomed weapons doth soone clense and heale them or if they be bathed with the distilled water the same also is very good to helpe the Goute comming of a cold cause Tragus saith that the decoction of the roote in wine being drunke doth revive the abilitie of generation being almost extinct which you may truly beleeve and try to be certaine as he saith but by his leave this is against Galens rule for hee saith that those things that are so hot to expell winde doe not helpe but hinder nature the other sort as I said before is more effectuall and in especiall for quartaine Agues to expell the dead child to purge the braine and to expell winde and helpe the Collicke CHAP. XXXVIII Podagraria sive herba Gerardi Goutwort or herbe Gerard. OF this herbe likewise there are two sorts the one knowne but to few yet the other is two well knowne especially where it getteth into any ground and although for their likenesse one to another divers have joyned this and the foregoing Maisterwort in one Chapter yet because they are differing plants in many notable parts I have thought good to part them into two 1. Podagraria vulgaris Common herbe Gerard. The common herbe Gerard is a low herbe seldome rising halfe a yard high having sundry
not much or so deepely cut in on the edges with a few prickes set here and there at the corners the stalke is but little divided having few branches set with the like leaves and at the toppes small round thicke white heads set thicke with prickes many set-together in the fashion of a Starre seven for the most part set spreading in every place the longest of them being middlemost and the other on each side being shorter out of the middle of the head rise reddish purple threads like unto divers other Thistles the roote is small and annuall 4. Carduus Solstitialis Dodonai Dodonaus his Midsommer Thistle or S. Barnabies Thistle This Thistle of Dodonaus as hee saith hath long leaves lying next to the ground deepely cut in on the 〈◊〉 many long and narrow parts the lower part being somewhat broad and ending in a long point of a â—ish greene colour from among which rise up divers upright stalkes two foote high with divers long and 〈…〉 somewhat divided but the uppermost without division and all of them without any prickes up◠〈◊〉 at the toppes stand sundry small sharpe prickly heads whose prickes are as white or rather more then in any of the other and are so cruelly sharpe that they pricke the Thighes and Legges of those that â—nadvisedly passe thereby in the middle whereof stand a few yellow threads the seede is white and long not much 〈◊〉 those of the former starre Thistle the roote is blackish long and slender not growing deepe joynted or 〈◊〉 in divers places somewhat wooddy and bitter in taste somewhat like unto the long Ciperus grasse roote Lobel giveth a figure hereof whose lower leaves are as little jagged as the upper which I have here set to let you see the difference Solstitialis Lobelij The Place The first groweth in the fields about London in many places as at Mile-end greene in Finsbury fields beyond the Milles and in many other places that with white flowers is much more rare and not to be met with in a great compasse the third is found about Narbone in France and the last about Mompelier in good plentie but is not to be found wilde with us The Time The first flowreth early and seedeth in Iuly and sometimes in August the last is usually in flower about Midsommer or a little after The Names It is very probable that the Carduus Stellatus or Stellaris is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Myacanthus of Theophrastus lib. 6. c. 4. and not the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 either of Dioscorides which is Asparagus petraeus or Pliny which is Corruda or sylvestris Asparagus which is tota spina a bush onely of thornes which hath thornes or prickes not upon the leaves but besides them as Capers Ononis and Tribulus for with them he setteth Myacanthos as being of a likenesse and so called because the prickly heads being stucke upon salted flesh that was hung up would sufficiently defend it from Mice or other vermine that would devoure it Brunfelsius calleth the first Eryngium and so doth Guilandrum Tragus maketh it his Eryngium alterum Matthiolus calleth it Cacatrepolâ— Cacotribulus id est infestus tribulus and so doth Caesalpinus also who thinketh withall that it may bee the Steâ— Theophrasti whereof yee shall heare more a little after Dodonaeus and Camerarius call it Carduus Stellatus and so doth Lobel also and Calcitropa as the shops beyond the Sea in divers places doe Horatius Angerius calleth it Stellaria and Gesner in hortis Carduus Stellatorius sive Stellari Cordus Polyacantha Tabermontanus Spino stella Lugdunensis Myacanthos Theophrasti Dalechampiâ— Clusius Carduus muricatus Columna Hippophaestum vel Hippophaâ—s Dioscorides and Bauhinus Carduus stellatus solijs papa veris erratici the third is called by Lugdunensis Carduus stellatus Dalechampâ—â—â— and Bauhinus Carduus stellatus latifolius caulescens The last is thought by some to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spina regia Theophrasti and is called by Gesner in hortis Spina citrina sive lutea and Spina Solstitialis and so doe Dodonaus Lobel and Camerarius who also call it Carduus Solstitialis Lugdunensis Leucacantha quorundam who as Lobel also saith the French call it Aurioles in divers places Caesalpinus Calcatrepola altera and Columna Spina Solstitialis mitior Apula sive Carduus stellatus minor and Bauhinus Carduus stellatus luteus folijs cyani Gerard his figure thereof is not right for it is but the first Carduus stellatus which Mr. Iohnson hath noted yet giveth a figure for Solstitialis little or nothing differing from the Stellatus when as this true figure hereof is extant in Lobel and whereas Gerard his Solstitialis lutea peregrina is supposed to be Acanthium peregrinum of Tabermontanus which Bauhinus knew not what to make of it is plaine by Gerards owne words that hee ment it by Clusius his Jacea lutea capitulis spinosis many such faults have passed Mr. Iohnsons correction which I am loth in every place to exhibit knowing that none of us all can publish any thing but there may bee slippes and errours in many places thereof The Italians call the Starre Thistle as I sayd before Calcatrepola the French Chaussottoppe the Germans Wallendistell the Dutch Starre distel the other we call in English S. Barnabies Thistle or Midsommer Thistle The Vertues The seede of the Starre Thistle made into powder and drunke in wine doth provoke Vrine and helpeth to breake the stone and drive it forth the roote in powder given in wine is good against the Plague or Pestilence by drinking thereof daily fasting for some time together is very profitable for a Fistula in any part of the body They about Franckeford doe use the rootes hereof in stead of Eryngium which groweth there together with it as Camerarius saith Baptista Sardus doth much commend the distilled water hereof being drunke to helpe the French disease and to open the obstructions of the Liver and clense the blood from corrupted humors and is also profitably given against eyther quotidian or tertian Agues The Midsommer Thistle is used by the Savoyars as Camerarius saith and both flowers and roote admirably commended against the evill disposition of the whole body called Cachexia against the Dropsie daily Agues maidens pale colour by reason of the greene sicknesse or other obstructions the countrey people saith hee doth much use the distilled water or the decoction thereof both against the swellings of the spleene and prickings in the sides as also to provoke sweating and to helpe the hip-goute or paines in the huckle bones called the Sciatica CHAP. XV. Carduus mollis The gentle Thistle ONe of these kinds of gentle Thistles I have published in my former booke and therefore shall not neede to speake againe thereof in this place but of the rest as they follow 1. Carduus mollis laciniato folio The gentle Thistle with jagged leaves This jagged gentleman hath many leaves some lying on the ground others standing more upright much jagged
other whom Matthiolus justly gainesayeth for there is no likenesse in the Barbery excepting the thornes and yet in them there is a difference unto Oxyacantha being neither in forme of body like the wilde Peare not in the fruit like unto a Myrtle dry and fryable easie to breake the Barbery being moyst and full of juice Tragus saith that some tooke the Hawthorne to bee Arbuâ— But Theophrastus his Oxyacantha is neither Barbery nor Hawthorne which in his first booke and 15. Chapter hee 〈◊〉 among those trees that are ever greene which cannot be said of eyther Barbery or Hawthorne for that in no place or countrey they are knowne to keepe their leaves but to loose them in Winter but by the judgement of the best and most expert Herbarists in our times the Pyracantha as I have declared in my former booke is the 〈◊〉 Oxyacantha both of Dioscorides although hee hath not mentioned any sempiternitie of leaves and Theophrastus also agreeing thereto in all things Some there be also that would make the Spina appendix Plinij to bee the Barbery bush as Lugdunensis but Clusius is against that opinion for that therein there are these two doubts first that Pliny if hee had meant the Barbery by his Spina appendix would not have forgotten the three thornes that grow together in the Barbery which is eminent enough therein and next hee would not have forgotten the yellow colour both in the barke of the branches and rootes but the most judicious of these later times among whom is Gesner in hortis and Clusius in historia have determined that Spina Appendix Plinij which sometimes also he calleth Spina simply can be no other thorne then this Hawthorne which Tragus and Lonicerus tooke to bee Cynosbatâ—s Theophrasti and Cordus in historia calleth it Sorbus aculeata Anguilara Spina alba vulgo and Spina acuta as Dodoneus doth also Bauhinus placeth it among the Medlars calling it Mespilus apij folio sylvestris spinosa sive Oxyacantha and as a kinde thereof likewise putteth the Pyracantha but in my opinion he had done better and more rightly to have referred them both to the kinds of Services whereunto they better agree then unto Medlars in that Services are smaller fruits as these are the second here expressed is mentioned by Dodonaeus under the name of Spina acuta humilior the last as a kind peculiar to our owne countrey as I thinke I have here set forth unto you more exactly then Gerard who onely had a superficiall notion or rather relation thereof The Hawthorne is called by the Arabians Antirberis by the Italians in some places Bugaio and in others Amperlo and Panaâ—rsâ— by the Spaniards Pirlitero by the French A'ubespin Ruellius saith that the vulgar sort doe call it Senelle yet Quercetanus setteth a fruit downe in some of his receipts by the name of fructus Senellorum in his Pharmacâ—pâ—arestituta to be Paliurus unlesse hee thought the Paliurus to be the Hawthorne by the Germans Hagendoru by the Dutch Hagendoren and by us in English Hawthorne or Hedgethorne Whitethorne and May or May-bush because our ordinary sort seldome or never flowreth before May and never after The Vertues The berries or the seedes in the berries are generally held to be a singular good remedy against the stone if the powder of them be given to drinke in wine the same is also reported to bee good for the Dropsie but whereas divers have attributed hereunto a binding or astringent qualitie Anguilara his judgement was whom Matthiolus confuteth that Tragus who saith that the leaves flowers fruit are drying and binding and that if the flowers be steeped three dayes in wine and afterwards distilled in glasse the water thereof drunke is a soveraigne remedy for the Plurisie and for inward tormenting paines the distilled water of the flowers by an ordinary way stayeth saith he the Flux or Laske of the belly the seeds cleared from the downe bruised and boyled in wine and drunke performeth also the same effect the said distilled water of the flowers is not onely cooling but drawing also for it is found by good experience that if clothes or spunges be wet in the sayd water and applyed to any place whereinto thornes splinters c. have entered and bee there abiding it will notably draw them forth the vertues given by Galen unto Oxyacantha doe not pertaine hereunto for saith he the fruit thereof is not sower or harsh especially when it is ripe but sweet and therefore more fit to open then to binde the belly and fitter to bring downe then to stay womens monethly courses but the last evinceth this errour CHAP. XXIX Sabina The Savine tree or bush ONe sort of Savine I have expressed and set forth in my former Booke the figure whereof I here shew you againe the other sorts shall be exhibited in this Chapter 1. Sabina baccifera major The greater berried Savine tree The greater Savine tree that groweth with us spreadeth not so much as the former Savine doth but riseth more upright to a mans height but Bellonius saith in lib de coniferis that he saw it as high as an Almond tree on the mountaines Amanus and Olympus in Phrygia spreading forth armes and branches fully furnished with leaves which at their first comming forth are somewhat like unto Tamariske leaves but being growen old they are more like unto the leaves of the Cypresse tree hard and pricking and of a darke greene colour with an eye of blew shadowing them of a sent lesse strong and nothing so sharpe as the ordinary it hath not beene observed to beare any flowers but small round berries like unto Iuniper berries but greater and of a sharpe taste blacke when they are ripe with an eye of blew upon them like the Iuniper or the ordinary Savina which divers have held to be barren taking their authority from Pliny who also saith that Rosemary beareth no seede Sabina vulgaris The ordinary Savine Tree 1. Sabina baccifera major The greater berried Savine Tree 2. Sabina baccata altera Gentle Savine with berries both which are found untrue by good experience as Fuchsius Corâ— Gesner Dodonaeus and Lugdunensis doe testifie yet Camerarius saith it is true in one kind that it beareth no fruit but not in the other but Lobel saith the ordinary doth beare berries although but in a few places and but seldome and both of them holding their fruit on the branches all the Winter untill greene ones grow 〈◊〉 them and never loosing their leaves 2. Sabina baccata altera Gentle Savine with berries This other Savine groweth somewhat higher then the last as it groweth in Europe and almost unto the height of the Phenician or Cypresse like Cedar spreading more slender and weake branches whereon are set small and long leaves of a more gentle 〈◊〉 then the rest on the branches among the leaves come forth such like berries as the other and very like unto Iuniper blacke also when they are ripe and but little bitter in taste not
drinesse the gumme is hot and dry in the first degree The leaves and young tender branches of the Iuniper tree or the juice of them or of the berries or the berries themselves taken in wine are very effectuall against the biting of a Viper or Adder as also against the Plague or Pestilence or any other infection or poyson the Germanes use it much for their Treakle is made of the condensate juice of the berries which they commend in all diseases almost both for inward and outward remedies the same also is profitable against the Strangury and stopping of the Vrine and so powerfull against the Dropsie that as Matthiolus saith hee hath knowne divers to avoyd so much water by Vrine by taking foure or five ounces at a time of the Lye made of Iuniper ashes that they have beene holpen thereby it doth also provoke womens courses being stayed and doth helpe the rising and other paines of the mother the berries are good for the stomacke and to dissolve the swellings and windinesse thereof and are likewise profitable for the cough and shortnesse of breath and other diseases of the Chest and Lungs and to ease the griping paines and torments in the belly they are also prevailent to helpe Ruptures Convulsions and Crampes to procure a safe and easie delivery unto women with child for which purpose Matthiolus adviseth to take seven Iuniper and seven Bay-berries halfe a dramme of Cassia lignea and a dram of Cinamon these being grossely bruised put them into the belly of a Turtle Dove to be rosted therewith let it be basted with the fat of an Hen whereof they are to eate every other evening The scrapings of the wood saith Dioscorides being eaten doth kill men which clause both Matthiolus and Tragus before him finde much fault with seeing it is contrary to the former part of the Text and thrust thereinto by others for as he saith neither the best copies have it therein neither doe Galen Paulus Aegineta nor Serapio who wrote wholly after Dioscorides his Text word for word make any such mention of the properties of the wood and more saith he it is found false by tryall made thereof but Scaliger in his 15. Booke and 18. exercise maintaineth the Text of Dioscorides in that although the decoction of the wood is wholesome yet the scraping or course powder by the drinesse thereof sticking to the guts doth suffocate in the same manner as Colocynthis which to bee rightly prepared must bee beaten and finely sifted least it cleave to the bowells and blister them the berries are very comfortable to the braine and strengthen the memory and sight and all the senses and the heart also being eyther drunke in wine or the decoction of them in wine taken the same also is good against a quartane and dissolveth the winde in the belly and in generall is effectuall for all diseases as well outward as inward proceeding of any cold cause if they shall take of the berries two or three times a weeke three or foure at a time in wine which must bee gathered in the fit time of the ripenesse moystned with and after fairely dryed upon a cloth the Salt made of the ashes of the Iuniper wood is a singular remedy for the Scurvey the putrefied and spongy gums and generally resisting all putrefaction The Chymicall oyle drawne from the berries while they are greene is as effectuall if not more to all the purpose aforesaid there is an oyle also drawne out of the Iuniper wood per descensum as they call it which is very good against the toothach and for the Goute Sciatica and resolution of the Nerves or Sinewes comming of cold The gumme of Iuniper is used like as Amber is to stay cold rheumaticke distillations defluxions and Catarrhes upon the eyes or Lungs c. the fumes thereof upon the burning on coales being taken into a cappe the head also holden in the meane time over the said fumes at night and to lie covered therewith or the powder thereof with other things fit for the purpose strewed upon Flax and to be quilted into a cappe to bee worne in the night chiefely and in the day also as neede shall require the said gumme in powder taken in wine doth stay vomitings inward bleedings and spitting of blood womens courses also and all other the fluxes of the belly and of the hemorrhoides or piles the same also killeth the wormes in children and mixed with some oyle oâ— Roses and Myrtles healeth the chappes of the fundiment kibes also and chilblanes on the hands and feet the powder of the gumme mixed with the white of an Egge and applyed to the forehead stayeth the bleeding at the nose the same also burned upon quicke coales and the fumes thereof taken thorough a funnell upon as akiâ— tooth taketh away the paine it is effectuall in moist Vlcers and Fistulaes and weeping running sores to dryâ— the moisture in them which hindereth their cure the liquid Varnish is an especiall remedy against scaldings with water or burnings with fire and to helpe the painefull and bleeding Piles and Palsie Crampes Convulsions 〈◊〉 the Nerves and Sinewes The smoake of Iuniper wood being burned besides that it yeeldeth a good sent to peâ—fume any house it is of good use in the time of infection and driveth away all noysome Serpents Fliâ— Waspes c. the ashes of the wood or barke made into a Lye with water doth cure all itches scabbes pustules or other eruptions in the skinne yea and the Lepry also if the places be bathed therewith The Germanes Treakle of Iuniper berries is made in this manner Take what quantitie you will of fresh but ripe Iuniper berries bruise them and boyle them in a reasonable quantitie of water untill they be well boyled straine and presse them hard in a presse which pulpe and liquor set to the fire againe in a glased earthen vessell and evaporate away so much of the humiditie stirring of it continually as untill it become of the thicknesse of an Electuary which then put into pots or glasses to be kept for your use whereof a small quantitie taken morning and evening doth wonderfully helpe them that are troubled with the stone in the Reines or Kidneyes with the Chollicke with the paines of the mother and the stoppings of their courses is good against Catarrhes and rheumes the shortnesse of breath and winde the straightnesse of the breast the cough the cruditie rawnesse and indisposition of the stomacke against the Plague and other infectious diseases for it preserveth and defendeth the heart and vitall spirits from infection and venome and against swownings and faintnesse the paines swimming and giddinesse in the head against frensie also and madnesse for inflammations and rheumes into the eyes and preserving the sight deasenesse in hearing and stench of the gums mouth or breast helpeth the Dropsie Jaundies Falling sicknesse Palsie and Goute healeth inward Impostumes in briefe it not onely helpeth all diseases wherewith the body is possessed
call the second Serbin and the first Cade as Lobel saith and by burning the greene wood after the manner of making Pitch and Tarre doe make a certaine liquor or Tarre which is very strong and stinking by them called Huile de Cade but Lugdunensis saith that the said Tarre of oyle is made and drawen as well from Iuniper being so ordered or from Ash or both the Sabines or the prickly Cedar as from this These Cedars also yeeld a certaine Gâ— somewhat like unto the Gum of Iuniper and brittle also as it is The Vertues The small Cedars as Galen saith are hot and dry almost in the third degree the berries are sweet as of the former Iuniper and in like manner are of small nourishment to be eaten yet too liberally taken as Galen saith they cause headach and raise heate and gnawing in the bowells especially the two last which doe more heate and dry then the other the said berries bruised and made up with hony cureth the cough and being boyled in wine and drunke provoketh urine helpeth the Strangury and is effectuall in the diseases of the mother the suffocations and stranglings thereof to be drunke upon the fits and to be injected when it is exulcerated it is also given to those that are bitten or stung with Serpents or venemous creatures especially the Sea Hare the same also stayeth Laâ—kes and fluxes of the Belly and is of good use in Ruptures Crampes and Convulsions swellings and inflammations and are thought to be no lesse effectuall then Iuniper berries for all the purposes whereunto they are put and also to be but a little inferiour to the properties of the great Cedar for that water which forerunneth the liquid Pinch or Tarre when the greene wood is burned is called Cedria as well as that which commeth from the great Cedar and is almost as strong and powerfull to condite or enbaulme the bodies of the dead to preserve them from putrefaction as it the buile de cade or abhominable stinking Tarre is used not onely of the Shepherds to cure their Sheepe and Dogges of the mangy scabbes lice c. but helpeth also to kill lice and cure the scabbes in childrens head and is used eyther of it selfe alone or with a little Vinegar to an aking tooth to ease the paine or else to breake it or cause it to fall out the same also is effectuall to clense and dry up watering corrhoding or creeping Vlcers it is also used to bee laid upon wood to preserve it from Wormes and the smell thereof driveth away Mothes and other noysome Flies CHAP. XXXII Prunus sylvestris The blacke Thorne or Sloe bush LEt the blacke thorne or Sloe bush here take up a place because it is so thicke stored with thornes It never groweth to the greatnesse of a tree but alwayes abideth as an hedge bush in some places rising higher then in others having usually divers stemmes rising from the rootes branched forth into greater armes and smaller sprayes stored with strong short and sharpe thornes set with and besides the small darke greene leaves finely dented about the edges the flowers are very white many set on the branches in divers places and not wholly at the toppes consisting of five leaves as all other Plummes and Cherries have with divers white threads tipt with yellow in the middle after Prunus sylvestris The Blacke thorne or Sloe bush which follow the fruit which are as all know blacke and small when they are ripe and with the harshnesse a little sweete but before that time so harsh that none can indure to taste them these are all of one forme that is round and of one size or bignesse in a manner but to be much bigger or else as big as a Bullets or to be long with the roundnesse as a Dampson or other larger Plum I did never see the roote is great and wooddy spreading under ground and shooting forth againe in divers places if it be not cut and pruined The Place It groweth in every place and country in the hedges and borders of fields and is for their devision a sure defence The Time It flowreth early that is alwayes in Aprill and sometimes in March so strong and hardy it is against all the injuries of the weather but ripeneth the fruit after all other Plummes whatsoever for it is not fully ripe and fit to be eaten and used untill the Autumne frosts have mellowed it The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ceccymelea agria and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agriococcymelea quod magritudine rotunditate cuccimala ferat and the frut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agriococcymelon but Galen saith that they call it in Asia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prumnum in Latine Prunus sylvestris and Prunellus Virgill quarto Georgicorum calleth it Spinus in the masculine gender in these words Et Spinus jam pruna ferentes And so doth Servius and divers other authors since their times The Bulleis is accounted a kind of wild Plumme of the kinds whereof I have spoken in my former booke The Italians call it Pruno salvatico the French Prunier sauvaga Prunelier and Polesser the Germanes Schlehendorn and Habersclehen the Dutch Slehendoren and wee in English Blacke Thorne or Sloe tree or Bush The Vertues All the parts of the Sloe bush are binding cooling and drying and all effectuall to stay bleedings at the nose or mouth or any other place the Laske of the belly or stomack or the Bloody flex the abundance of womens courses and helpeth to ease the paine in the sides bowells and guts that come by overmuch scowring to drinke the decoction of the barke of the roote or more usually the decoction of the berries eyther fresh or dryed The Conserve likewise is of very great use and most familiarly taken for the purposes aforesaid but the distilled water of the flowers first steeped in Sacke for a night and drawne therefrom by the heaâ—e of a Balneum is a most certaine remedy tryed and approoved to ease all manner of gnawings in the stomacke the sides heart or bowells or any other griping paines in any of them to drinke a small quantitie when the extremities of paine are upon them the leaves also are good to make lotions to gargle and wash the mouth and throate wherein is swellings sores or kernells and to stay the defluxions of rheume to the eyes or other parts as also to coole the heate and inflammations in them and to ease the hot paines of the head to bathe the forehead and temples therewith The simple destilled water of the flowers is very effectuall also for the said purposes and so is the condensate or thickned juice of the Sloes the distilled water of the greene berries before they be ripe is used also for the said effects of cooling binding and staying the flux of blood and humours and some other purposes quae studiose praetereo The juice of the fruit of Sloes is taken as a Substitute for the
Of this kinde there are some bigger or lesser than others 2. Faba sylvestris Grecorum sive Faba veterum The old Greekish Beane This Greekish Beane shooteth forth two or three long flat stalkes with two edges lying or running on the ground if it have nothing whereon it may rampe or rise which branch out on every side in to stalkes of leaves foure usually set thereon by two and two with a distance betweene them like unto the Garden Beane and each branch ending in a long clasper the flowers are set singly at the joynts of the branches under the leaves and are of dead or sullen purple colour with some palenesse at the bottome of them after which succeede long and somewhat flat pods with two sharpe edges and dented about a little hooked or bowing greene at the first but blacke and hard when they are ripe wherein are contained foure or five or more round seede as bigge as Pease and very blacke so that one may well say they are rather Pease than Beanes the roote groweth not deepe nor farre with some strings or long fibres thereat dying yearely 3. Faba veterum serratis folijs The Greeke Beane with dented leaves We have had another difference hereof sent us by this name which onely setteth forth the distinction betweene them little differing in any thing else The Place The first wheresoever it is wilde we know not we sow it generally through the Land to serve horses for their seede the other groweth naturally in Spaine from whence Guilloum Boel sent me seedes The Time These flower in Iuly and their fruit is ripe a moneth or more after The Names This Beane is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke and Faba sylvestris in Latine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke is added unto the other and Faba Graca in Latine to distinguish it from the Aegyptia a feracitate dicta say some There hath beene much disputation and alteration among our later Writers concerning the Faba veterum or oâ—iquâ—rum Graecorum some referring the delineations thereof to our Garden Beane but with more words 〈◊〉 needed for the ancients comparison of the seede unto that of Lotus Terebinthus and the berries of Titâ— doth evince all their words and reasons whereof I doe not intend to say any more here for Lobel and Lugdunensis have shewed the errours and mistakings the first here set downe is the Bâ—na sive Phaselus minor by Dodonâ—us Faba minor by Lobel and Faba sylvestris by Matthiolus Camerarius Lugdunensis and others the other is the Bâ—na sive Faselus sylvestris by Dodonaeus Faba Gratorum sylvestris by Lobel Pisa nigra by Camerarius and Vicia Romana by him also Our later Herbarists call it usually Faba veterum or Graecorum and Lugdunensis Phasiosus sylvestris Many worthy families among the ancient Romanes had their names from Beanes and Pease and no doubt first rose from their predecessours sowing and selling of them as Fabius Porcius Quintus Fabius Maximus or from other accidents as Piso Cicero and divers others and the use to number with Beanes doth continue among the Venetians to this day it was also an usuall custome in former times in Italy and other places adjacent to chuse their Governors by casting Beanes into a Bason the affirming party casting in a white Beane those denying a blacke one and from hence came the manner of choise of officers in many places by the billeting boxe to put in certaine bullets the greater number in a partition carrying the choise The Vertues The Garden Beanes are with us more used for foode than for Physicke yet the lesser also in many other countries is used with a little Wheate and Rie to make them bread and being greene nourish more than when they are drie but are more windy and eaâ—en after they have beene dried or fried engender lesse winde but are then of harder digestion the distilled water of the flowers of garden Beanes is used of many to clense the face and skinne and to take away both spots and wrinckles the same doth the meale or flower of it as well as of the small the water distilled from the greene huskes is held to be very effectuall against the stone and to provoke â—ine Beane-flower is used in pultisses that do asswage inflammations rising upon wounds as also the swelling of the cods or of womens breasts caused by the curding of their milke or by inflammations and represseth their milke and keepeth backe children from growing too forward being laid to the share if the flower of Beanes and Fenugreeke be mixed with hony and applied to felons biles blew markes by blowes or bruises and the impostumes in the kernells of the eares it helpeth them all and with Rose leaves Frankinsense and the white of an egge laid to the eyes that swell or grow out helpeth them as also the watering of them or stripes upon them if it be used with wine if a Beane be parted into two the skinne being taken away and then laid on the place where a Leech hath beene set that bleedeth too much it staieth the bleeding Beane-flower boiled to a pultisse with wine and vineger and some oyle put thereto ceaseth both paine and swelling of the cods if fried Beanes be boiled with Garlike and daily taken as meate it helpeth inveterate coughes almost past cure the hoarsenesse of the voyce and the impostumes in the breast the huskes of them boiled a good while in water that is to the thirds staieth the laske the ashes of the huskes made up with old hogges grease helpeth the old paines contusions and wounds of the sinewes the Sciatica also and the Gout What hath beene spoken of the greater is also effectuall to the lesser Beane without more repetition The Faba veterum is without doubt that true Beane which Dioscorides Galen and other Greeke authors intended when they set downe all the remedies they set downe of it and therefore although we use our ordinary Beane-flower for all the purposes and to good effect yet theirs is the most proper which vertues every one may trie as they see cause CHAP. II. Phasiolus The French or Kedney-Beane I Have in my former Booke giving you the knowledge of the ordinary Phasiolus or Garden French-Beanes of divers colours but there are sundrie other sorts some mentioned by Clusius and some by others whereof with those wee have seene our selves wee entend to give you in this Chapter a briefe view 1. Phasiolus flore coccinâ—o The Scarlet flowred French-Beane The Scarlet Beane riseth up with sundry branches twining about stakes that are set for it to runne thereon still turning contrary to the Sunne having three leaves on a foote stalke as in other of the same kinde the flowers are for fashion like unto the rest but are many more set together and of a most orient scarlet colour the Beanes are larger than the ordinary kinde and of a deepe purple turning to be blacke when it is ripe and drie the
The Spanish blacke spotted wilde Pease 4. Pisum spontanâ—â—â— maritimum Anglicum Wilde English Sea pease 5. Pisum aliud maritimum Britanicum Another English Sea Pease The Place The first is often found in sundry places of this Land the second on the chalkie hills at Kings Hay in Kent not farre from the Thames and the larger sort hereof in some barren fields in Essex the third in Spaine the fourth in Kent also neere Rumney the last was first made knowne in the yeare 1555 being the third yeare of Queene Mary to the Country dwelling thereabouts that is betweene Orford Alborough where it grew upon the baich of the sea where nothing no not grasse was ever seene to grow and by the dearth of that yeare the people in necessitie of foode searching every where to take what came next to hand for as it is said many were forced at that time to make their bread of Acornes gathered many quarters full of these Pease to serve their use yet did the neighbouring people acknowledge that they had observed and knowne them to grow there of long time before that deare yeare Mr. Stow in his Cronicle and Mr. Camden in his Britanica pag. 354. make mention of these Pease but both stumble at one stone that these might come thither by some shipwracke which cannot be so and Mr. Stow more especially in saying the rootes are great and sweete for that it is sui generis a speciall kinde differing from all other of that kinde and as it is probable naturall only to those places about the Sea shoare for it is found also at Rie at Pemsie in Sussex at Gilford in Kent over against the Comber and at Ingolne Milles in Lincholne shire Mr. Iohn Argent Dr. of Physicke of the Colledge in London brought from thence also the whole plant such as you see is here figured which he gave to Dr. Lobel in his life time to be inserted in his Workes but he prevented by death failing to performe it I have by purchasing his Workes with my money here supplied The Time These flower and beare their fruit with the later kinde of Field Pease but the last flowereth in the end of Iuly and hath both blowne flowers and ripe cods in the end of August and blossomes also not halfe forward to blow The Names Pease are called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Pisum the names in their titles are sufficient to distinguish them for except the first none of these have beene mentioned by any former Author the Italians call them Piselli the French De pois the Germanes Erbsz The Vertues Pease are lesse windy than Beanes but passe not forth of the body so soone as they if the wilde kinde be boyled in Lye and the head washed therewith it clenseth it from scurffe and scabbes the same also clenseth the skin of spots the meale of them and Barley mixed with honey and used healeth foule ulcers and the meale boiled in water with Vetches breaketh tumours and easeth their paines being applied Camerarius saith that in Franconia they call it Daringicht krant and use to take some of the Pease against the collicke and apply the herbe outwardly and give it their cattle also for the same purpose that is if they vent much CHAP. IIII. Lathyrus The great wilde Cicheling or Pease everlasting OF this kind of Pulse called Cathyrus there are two specificall differences the one that continue in their roote and perisheth not the other annuall perishing continually after seede time many of the living sorts I will intreat in this Chapter and of the annualls in the next 1. Lathyrus major perennis The greater Pease everlasting This kind of Pease sendeth forth many long flat trayling stalkes winged on both sides which must be sustained divided into sundry branches with two leaves at the joynts which are somewhat long and not very broad with some claspers at the ends of the branches at the joynts likewise come forth pretty long stalkes with five or six or more Pease-like blossomes of a fine pale purplish red colour and of a fine smell after which succeede small long and hard whitish cods with small round blackish seede in them the roote groweth great blacke and rugged on the outside and runneth downe deepe into the ground This is that which Lobel calleth Lathyrus latiore folio and hath beene found wilde in divers places with us 2. Lathyrus angustifolius Narrow leafed wild Cicheling This differeth not in durability forme of growing or colour of flowers from the former but in having somewhat paler flowers and in the greene leaves which are narrower then they 3. Lathyrus sylvestris Dodonaei The wilde Cicheling of Dodoneus This hath longer winged stalkes and somewhat larger leaves but shorter claspers then the last the flowers are of a deepe purple and the cods are long and slender with small hard round seeds within them the roote is long and abideth 4. Lathyrus arvensis sive Terrae glandes Pease Earth-nuts These Earth-nuts have divers weake and small square stalkes running upon the ground foure or five foote long the leaves are small usually two set together upon a branch with a clasper at the end of each taking hold of what standeth next to it the flowers come forth from the joynts towards the toppes of the stalkes upon long footestalkes many growing together being narrow and of a deepe reddish purple somewhat bright the cods that succeede them are small and long with small round seedes in them the rootes are tuberous blacke and small fastned to long strings which spread much under ground in taste somewhat like to a dry Chesnut Imhinus maketh it and the next to be both one plant 5. Lathyrus sylvestris liquosior Our Wood Earth-nuts This creeping wilde Pease-nut hath not onely greater longer and harder rootes almost wooddy then the 1. Lathyrus major perennis The greater Pease everlasting 4. Lathyrus arvensis sive Terre glandes Pease Earth-nuts 5. Lathyrus sylvestris lignosior Our Wood Earth-nut 6. Terra glandes Americans sive Virginiâ— Virginia Earth-nuts former but the crested stalkes also are harder and lye on the ground with foure smooth long and narrow leaves usually and sometimes five on a branch smallest at both ends and one clasper at the end the flowers are purple or crimson and the cods are narrow long and somewhat browne in the beginning and paler as they grow older within which are small round seede no bigger then a Vetch or rather lesse and of a wan colour this is the Astragalus Silvaticus Thalij 6. Terra glandes Americana sive Virginianâ— Virginia Earth-nuts Let me adjoyne this plant to these two later sorts for the rootes sake whereunto in forme they are most like although differing in the greene long leaves which are many set on both sides of a middle stalke the maine stalke it selfe winding it selfe upon any thing standeth next unto it and rising from a tuberous browne roote which multiplyeth it selfe into sundry others at the joynts of the
of their bitternesse do open digest dissolve clense being steeped some daies in water untill they have lost their bitternesse they may be eaten so are as Galen saith for necessitie but they breede grosse and câ—de humours are very hard to digest and slowly passe through the body yet doe they not binde any fluxe the same being to steeped and afterwards dried beaten and taken with some vinegar taketh away the loathing of the stomacke to meate and provoketh the appetite the decoction or infusion of Lupines taken with hony and vinegar killeth the wormes in the belly but if you mixe Rue and Pepper thereto you shall make it the more effectuall the meale or pouder taken with hony and vinegar or in drinke doth the same the said decoction taken openeth the obstructions of the liver and spleene provoketh urine and womens courses if it be taken with 〈◊〉 and expelleth the dead childe the decoction of them cleanseth all scabbes morphew cankers tetters and creeping or running ulcers and sores and boyled in lye it clenseth the head from ulcers scurfe c. breeding therein it also clenseth the face and taketh away the markes that the Poxe doe leave after their healing and all other markes and blacke and blew spots in the skinne and to cleare the face and make it more amiable many women doe use the meale of Lupines mingled with the gall of a Goate some juyce of Lemonds and a little Alumen saccharinum made into a forme of a soft ointment the meale thereof being boiled in vinegar and applied taketh away pimples and scattereth the nods or kernells that rise in the body and breaketh carbuncles and impostumes the burning of the huskes driveth away Gnats Flies c. whatsoever The wilde Lupines are stronger and more effectuall to all purposes CHAP. XV. Cicer sativum Garden Cich Pease or Rammes Ciches OF the Pulse called Cicer there are two sorts the Garden and the wilde but although I gave you the description of two or three sorts of the garden kind in my former Booke yet I thinke it not amisse to give you the descriptions of them here againe with their properties more amply Cicer sativum sive aristinum rubrum nigrum vel album Garden red blacke or white Cich Pease Rammes Ciches or Cicers All the sorts of Rammes Ciches bring forth stalkes a yard long whereon doe grow winged leaves that is many small and almost round leaves dented about the edges Cicer sativum sive â—â—â—tinum nigrum 〈◊〉 vâ— Garden red blacke or white Cich Pease Rammes Ciches or Cicers set on both sides of a middle ribbe at the joynts come forth one or two flowers upon short foote stalkes Pease fashion either white or whitish or else purplish red lighter or deeper according as the Pease that follow will be that are contained in small thicke and short pods wherein lie one or two Pease more usually a little pointed at the lower end and almost round at the head yet a little cornered or sharpe the roote is small and perisheth yearely The Place and Time They are sowne in Gardens or the Fields as Pease both in our owne and other countries being sowne later than Pease and are gathered at the same time with them or somewhat after The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Erebinthus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is added of some because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is areis in Latine Cicer of the Arabians Chemps Hamos or Alhamos of the Italians Ceci of the Spaniards Gravansos of the French Ciche pois Ciche pois bechu of the Germans Kichem and Kicherebs of the Dutch and we in English Cicers Ciches Rammes Ciches and Ciche Pease Dioscorides Theophrastus and Pliny doe much vary one from another in setting downe the sorts of these Cicers Dioscorides divideth it into sativum sylvestre of the sativum he nameth Arentinum to be the other sort Theophrastus saith it hath many differences as in greatnesse taste colour and forme as Arietinum and Columbinum c. Pliny doth somewhat follow Theophrastus and maketh more sorts but to avoid long disputes and controversies wee doe now generally hold but two sorts of the manured Cicers white and red or three at the most as Matthiolus saith white red and blacke but the red changeth blacke with time and therefore is not differing Columbinum and Venereum are all one with the white and the Cicer Orobaeum of Theophrastus Pliny is another plant as shall be shewed hereafter Matthiolus saith that the Germans heretofore erred much in taking Pease to be Cicer Columbinum we have shewed before that Tragus and others tooke Vetches to be Cicers The Vertues Cicers as Galen saith are no lesse windy meate than Beanes but yet nourish more they provoke venery and is thought to increase sperme and therefore they give it their stalion horses Cicers have in them a more clensing faculty than beanes whereby they breake the stones gathered in the kidneyes to drinke the creame of them being boyled in water is the best way it moveth the belly downeward provoketh urine and womans courses and increaseth both milke and seede the decoction of either of them saith Dioscorides made with Rosemary is good for the Dropsie and the yellow Iaundise and to ease the paines in the sides for which purpose this medicine is very powerfull an ounce of Cicers two ounces of French barly and a small handfull of Marsh Mallow rootes cleane washed and cut being boyled in the broath of a chicken and foure ounces taken in the morning and fasting two houres after the white Cicers are used more as meate than medicine yet they have the same effect and is thought more powerfull to encrease milke and seede I have knowne it given with good successe to women that were barren through an over hot constitution an orderly course proceeding and following the taking thereof Dioscorides saith that Cicers are hurtfull to those that have ulcers in their reines or kidnies or in the bladder Plutarch giveth this note that no wormes breede in these Cicers when as all other pulses are subject to them and therefore in their nuptiall ceremonies those were given in an allegoricall sense of their mutuall incorruptible affections CHAP. XVI Cicer sylvestre Wilde Cicers THe wilde Cicers are of three or foure sundry sorts as shall be shewed in this Chapter 1. Cicer sylvestre majus The greater wilde Cicer. The greater sort hath very long winged leaves set on the stalkes composed of many every one of them being small and longer than of the former garden kinde not dented at all about the edges and of a sad greene colour at the toppes of the stalkes come forth many tufts of flowers 〈◊〉 set together of a pale yellowish colour almost white after which follow rough skinnie cods in tufts also 〈◊〉 of them small pointed at the end with in which are contained other small smooth huskes which â—â—ve many small flat yellow round seede so saith Thalius but
desire to the stoole without doing any thing as also the Bloody flux when the excrements smell strong a Pultis made with the meale thereof and Linseede and the decoction of Mallowes and a little oyle or Axungia put thereto asswageth the swelling and paines of the cods or privy parts of women and generally all other swellings and tumors the same also helpeth the Goute and other joynt aches that come of cold the Muccilage of the bruised seede steeped in water and strayned forth boyled in oyle or axungia is of much good use for many of the foresaid griefes the decoction or the muccilage applyed to the forehead with clothes dipped therein stayeth the flux of humors to the eyes and easeth the paines and inflammations in them used also in Glisters it is effectuall in the Stone by opening and mollifying the inward parts Lobel saith that of the seede is made an oyle of more vertue then would be beleeved to dissolve scirrhous swellings in the intralls and other hard knots and kernells CHAP. XXVI Tribulus terrestris Land Caltrops THe Land Caltrops for that of the water Tribulus terrestris Land Caltrops shall bee spoken of in another Classis or Tribe riseth up with divers small hard branches with divers winged leaves on them made of many small leaves set on both sides of a middle ribbe like Orobus at the joynts stand singly small pale whitish yellow flowers which turne intâ— small rough prickly heads of five or six corners wherein lyeth a small kernell or seede the roote groweth downewards with many long fibres thereat The Place and Time It groweth in the sandy fields among Corne beyond Sea as also among rubbish and the ruines of buildings and by wall sides wee finde it many times in our owne Land It flowreth in Iuly and ripeneth in August The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine also Tribulus terrestris quod siliqua planta muricata est The Arabians call it Hasacâ— or Hasâ—ck the Italians Tribolo terrestre the Spaniards Abrâ—â— and Abrolhos the French Saligot terrestre the Germanes Waldt Kletlin the Dutch _____ and wee in English Land Caltrops from the forme of the fruit like those instruments of warre that were cast in the enemies way to annoy their Horses but why Pliny should account Tribulus Lolinus Carduus and Lappa no lesse thâ—n Robus to bee the diseases of Corne rather then Plagues and 〈◊〉 of the earth I see no cause and yet it seemeth it was a generall errour growen strong by tradition in those elder ages as many other things were about the Metamorphosis of herbes c. and Virgil seemeth to expresse the same of Pliny in these verses Lappaeque Tribulique niterque intentia culta Infaelix Lolium et steriles dominantur Avenae For the Corne was no way otherwise hindered or spoyled then as other Weedes would doe by their plentifull growing to hinder the growth of the Corne in sucking away the nourishment from the earth that should feede it but by tearing the Legs of the Reapers which faults or plagues rose from the earth wherein the seede of them lay hid ready upon occasion to spring and not in the Corne which if it were sowen in a ground namely a well weeded Garden cleare of such weedes would have none of them among it The Vertues The Land Caltrops are of an earthly cold qualitie and thereby astringent and hindering the breeding of inflammations and Impostumes and against the flux of humors moreover being of thinne parts it doth much helpe to breake and waste the Stone in the Kidneyes a Lotion made therewith healeth all sores and Vlcers in the mouth and all corruptions that breede in the gummes and throate the juice doth clense the inflammations and other hot rheumes in the eyes it likewise cureth the venome of the Viper and other poysons if a dram thereof bee taken in wine The Thracians saith Pliny and Galen that dwell neare the River Strimon did feede their Horses with the greene herbe and lived themselves of the fruit or kernells making them into a sweete bread which bound the belly Pliny addeth that the roote being gathered by a caste persons doth consume Nodes and Kernells the seede bound to the swollen veines in the Legs or other parts of the body taketh the swellings away and easeth the paines CHAP. XXVII Glaux leguminosa sive Glycyrrhiza sylvestris Licoris Vetch OF this kinde of wild Licoris we have two or three sorts to set forth unto you and unto these I will adjoyne the other two sorts of manured Licoris which some good authors have likewise reckoned among the Pulses as I doe here 1. Glaux vulgaris leguminosa The most common Licoris Vetch This kind of Licoris Vetch sendeth forth many weake round hard stalkes trayling on the ground branched upwards set somewhat thicke with winged leaves made of many set on both sides a middle ribbe somewhat like as the Vetch hath but much larger and pointed the flowers come forth at the joynts at the end of a long stalke many together of a bleake white colour tending to yellow which turne into crooked cods conteining 1. Glaux vulgaris leguminosa The most common Licoris Vetch 3. 4. Glycyrrhiza vulgaris siliquosa echinati Codded and rough headed Licoris two rowes of seede cornered and grayish of the taste of other Pulses the roote is thicke and long dividing it selfe into two or three long strings running very deepe into the ground sweete in taste like unto Licoris which dyeth not but abideth long shooting forth new branches every yeare in the Spring 2. Glaux altera leguminosa Another Licoris Vetch This other wilde Licoris hath such like stalkes and leaves as the former but not spreading so farre not leaning downe so much the winged leaves also are not so large of a darker greene on the upper side and gray underneath the flowers are of a purplish colour the cods are brownish long and round and the seede within them more round the roote is like the former growing deepe and spreading and as sweete as the other Thalius saith that this is very like true Licoris except in some few things 3. Glycyrrhiza vulgaris siliquata Common Licoris This Licoris riseth up with many round wooddy stalkes set at severall distances with many winged leaves made of many small long ones set on both sides of a middle ribbe very well resembling a young Ash risen from the seede the flowers appeare at the joynts after it hath stood divers yeares in a place without removing set upon long stalkes many set together one above another spike fashion of a pale blew colour which turne into long browne and somewhat flat cods with three or foure small round hard seedes in them the roote groweth deepe into the ground as great as a mans thumbe or more at the head spreading divers long rootes from it both downewards and likewise suckers from the sides whereby it will quickly encrease browne without and
thereat likewise the flowers are of a pale red colour set in a long spiked head but more loose and not so compact as the former this I had by Boel out of Spains by the name of Tenuifolius 1. Lagopus maximus flore rubâ—o The greatest Hares foote 2. Lagopus major follo pinnato The longer handed Hares foot 4.5 Lagopus augustifolius 〈…〉 Bright red 〈…〉 6. Lagopus vulgaris Common Hares foote 5. Lagopus minor flore ruberrimo Bright red small Hares foote This small Hares foote hath small woolly or soft leaves as small but nothing so long or narrow as the last and groweth little more then halfe a foote high the spiked head is small but larger then the wilde kind and the flowers on them are of a most excellent crimson colour the corners of whose woolly huskes stand out like starres when the seede within them are ripe this is but annuall perishing yearely as the former this also came to me out of Spaine by the name of Lagopus pratensis Baeticus 6. Lagopus vulgaris Common Hares foote The common Hares foote is well knowne to be a small plant growing greater and higher in some places and smaller in others with whitish woolly small trefoile leaves set upon the stalkes and many branches it hath the heads at the toppes are small and somewhat long with the roundnesse composed as it were all of a hairy hoary downinesse whose flowers in some are of a white in others of a blush colour it is annuall as the rest and this is 〈◊〉 especiall note of this family of Hares foote or that beare spiked heads of flowers that they perish yearely when as the other sorts of â—refoiles that are to follow or that went before are not so This also I had from Boel Supinus 〈◊〉 grew larger and another that stood not upright with many other sorts out of Spaine which are perished with â—e by some unkindly yeares have happened The Place and Time These have beene all found some in Italy others in Spaine some in France and others in Germany but are preserved with â—â— in the Gardens 〈◊〉 such as are curious and the last almost every where in dry grounds in our owne Land and flourish in the summer the onely The Names It is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke and so likewise Lagopus in Latine a Leporis hirfuto pede of the hairy foote of an 〈◊〉 as also Legâ—â—â— and Pes Leporis Lâ— and Trifolium humiles Hippocrates called it Lagopyron quasi Triticum Lepâ—â—â— because it grew among Corne the first is called by most writers Lagopus maximus Lobeâ— by Clusius and Lagopus maximus or major folio 〈◊〉 by Lobel himselfe and Dâ—naeus the second is called by Lobel Lagopus altera folio 〈◊〉 which Clusius maketh the other sort of his third Trifolium majus Tragus called it Cytisus and so did 〈…〉 and Cordus Trifolium magnum the commentors on Mesâ—es in their Pâ—ects Pes 〈◊〉 and Thalius Trifolium spicatum the third is called by Lobel Lagopus altera augustifolia and so by others but as I sayd by Lugdunensis Alapecuros 〈◊〉 Dalechampij the fourth Clusius so calleth as it is in the title the fift is not remembred by any before the last is generally called Laogpus or with little variation Tragus onely calleth it Lotus campestris The Vertues All the parts of these Hares feete that is leaves stalkes c. but especially the spiked heads doe dry and binde and of the first saith Lobel wee have had most certaine experience to stay Fluxes and Larkes of the belly being drunke in wine or in water if the patient be feverish and being bound to the Share it taketh away the inflammations thereof it is profitable saith Matthiolus besides the aforesaid qualities to stay chollericke belchings of the stomacke and paines of the belly if the heads and seede in powder be taken in red wine the herbe boiled with Mallowes in wine is very good for the paines of the bladder the heate of urine and scalding The seede also taken helpeth the spitting of blood the ashes of the heads being burnt is good to apply to the piles to stay their bleedings and some also thinke that if the fundament bee but wiped with the herbe it will stay their bleeding Pena saith that the facultie of drying is so powerfull besides the binding that it wonderfully stayeth the running of the Reines it is also profitably used in all foule and hollow Vlcers being first clensed to raise up flesh in them and to cicatrise them and is of great good use to helpe burstings CHAP. XXXI Trifolia capitulis stellatis globosis c. Starry headed and round headed Trefoiles THese sorts of Trefoiles are likest to the last in their heads chiefely but they are not so closely compacted but stand somewhat looser one flower from another 1. Trifolium stellatum Monspeliensium Starry headed Trefoile of Mompelier This Trefoile of Mompelier hath a small white long down-right root with some fibres therat from whence rise divers leaves upon long weake hoary foote stalkes not standing upright made of three soft hairy and hoary parts formed somewhat like unto an heart whereon some have rashly taken it to be Trifolium cordatum and a little dented about the edges from among which come up three or foure or more low stalkes seldome a spanne high or branched but naked up to the toppe where there usually grow three such like leaves as the lower are set under the head which is a small round spike or umbell with many long flowers appearing of a whitish red or flesh colour out of woolly or hairy and hoary huskes every one by it selfe which when they beginne to fade the whole head becommeth more round and the huskes shew their fine long sharpe points whereinto the toppes of them were divided more apparent laid abroad like a starre in each whereof is contained one blackish flat seede in the place about Mompelier where it groweth naturally it flowreth in May and the seede is ripe in Iune but with us it will neither flower nor seede of a moneth after 2. Trifolium clypeatum argenteum Buckler Trefoile with silver-like flowers This small plant spreadeth many branches upon the ground set with Trefoile leaves like the common medow Trefoile every branch bearing at the end divers silver like flowers and long round blacke and flat seede like unto the old Venetian Bucklers which are hot and drie in taste for which cause I should rather make it a Thlaspi but in that I have not seene the plant I can say no further of it but give it you as my author Alpinus hath set it downe 3. Trifolium globoso capite Globe or round headed Trefoile This round headed Trefoile from a long white fibrous and hairy roote sendeth forth divers slender round stalkes a hand breadth high and sometimes a foote long divided into branches somewhat hairy beset with small triparted leaves a little hairy with two small leaves at every
Galen calleth Gymnacrithon that is Hordeum nudum by which name I had it from a friend and may be also the Cantherinum of Columella which hee saith the country men called hexastichum wee have a small kinde of graine brought from Germany to our Drugists in great quantitie termed French Barly and is probable to be this Barly which Cordus saith was first sent them out of Italy having sixe rowes in the eares and not much unlike Wheate but lesser Cordus hath set downe more sorts hereof which I thinke sit to shew you here the two sorts of Barly Distichon and Hexastichon this of sixe rowes that of two in the eare saith Cordus is common with us fol. 42. in Dioscord yet that which hath but two rowes in the eare maketh a recompence in the roote by the greater number of stalkes that rise from thence for saith he I have numbred sixtie stalkes and above rising from the roote of one corne but it usually hath twentie thirty and fortie stalkes but besides these two saith be they have in Germany foure other sorts the first hath the whitest heaviest and greatest graine of all the rest and called by the country men of Hassia Andachi the second beareth a little smaller graine and hath fewer rowes and is a Semestre and is therefore called by the Germanes Winter-gerste that is Winter-Barly the third is sowne in the Spring and is ripe in Summer and therefore they call it Summer-gerst that is Summer-Barly the fourth may properly be called saith he Trrmistre because it is early and cut ripe in the third moneth after it is 〈◊〉 this they call Kleine Gorsten and Zoyt genshe or as the Saxons doe Titgâ—rsha that is a small Barly or one for the present they sow it either three dayes before or three dayes after Pentecost Thus much Cordus The Arabians call it â—ahaer or Shair the Italians Orzâ— the Spaniards Covada the French Orge the Germans Garsten the Dutch Gerstâ— and Soverion as Lobel saith and we in English Barly The Vertues Barly and Wheate are the prime graines of all others and the most profitable and useful for mans life both for meate drinke and medecine all the rest being as it were but degenerated from them and partaking of the one or other of the natures and qualities of them yea Barly may seeme to contend with Wheate for prioritie as well as use for although Wheate be the staffe of our life for bread now adayes in our Europe yet it was not so with the antient Athenians in the Levant and other of those parts of the world now where Barly holdeth a further extent that Wheate but this place will not permit that ample discourse might be said of it howsoever we acknowledge according as the antients have recorded of it that it nourisheth lesse than Wheate because it is a drier graine yet besides the medicinall qualities in it it maketh more wholsome drinke for our bodies than what can be made of Wheate alone which is too sweete and too much stuffing the body with humours and puffing it up with loose spungious fat and flesh making them that use it unweldy and unfit to follow their necessary affaires but hereof enough for this place Barly in all the parts and compositions thereof except Mault is more cooling than Wheate and a little cleansing being in the first degree of cooling and drying it provoketh urine saith Dioscorides it breedeth windinesse and is adverse to the stomacke but all the preparations thereof as Barly water or creame Tisane drinke or those other things made thereof doe give great nourishment to macilent and hâ—sticke and diseased persons or troubled with feavers or agues and heates in the stomacke c. and many of them have beene and still are received for good nourishment to the healthfull the preparations as they were anciently used and those that are now in use with us I meane to speake hereafter severally I onely meane to shew you here how it is otherwise used A pultis made of Barly-meale or flower boyled with vinegar and hony and a few drie figges put to them dissolveth all hard Impostumes and asswageth inflammations being applied and being boiled with Melilot and Camomill-flowers and some Linseede Fenugreeke and Rue in powder and applied warme it easeth the paines in the sides and stomacke and the windinesse of the spleene the meale of Barly and Psyllium Flea-wort boiled in water made into a pultis with hony and oyle of Lillies applied warme cureth tumors under the eares throate necke and such like places a plaister made thereof with Tarre Waxe and Oyle helpeth the hard swellings of the throate called the Kings Evill boyled with sharpe vinegar into a pultis and laid on hot helpeth the leprosie being boyled in Red-wine with Pomegranate-rindes and Mirâ—ells staieth the laske or other fluxe of the belly boyled with Vinegar and a Quince it easeth the hot paines of the gout Barly-flower white Salt Hony and Vinegar mingled together is used by divers to take away the itch speedily and certainely the water distilled from the greene Barly in the end of May is very good for those that have defluxions in the eyes to stay the humours and to ease the paines being dropped into them or white bread laid to steepe therein and bound thereto if Barly halfe sodden be given to Hennes that hardly or seldome lay Egges it will cause them to lay both greater and more often Now I am come to shew you both what hath beene in former times made of Barly as what is used to be made thereof among us in these dayes first I thinke it fit to speake of those preparations the ancients used and then of those which we use CHAP. XV. Of Polenta POlenta which may well be called parched Barly was antiently made after divers manners for Pliny in his 18. Booke and 7. Chapter sheweth that some Grecians used to make it as well of greene Barly taken out of the eare before it was ripe steeped in water and after beaten in a Morter and washed in Baskets to take away the huskes then dried in the Sunne and afterwards steeeped and beaten againe untill it was throughly clensed and then dried and ground small unto twentie pound whereof howsoever made was put of Linseede and Coriander seede of each one pound and a halfe and about two ounces of salt all being well bruised they mingled together The Italians made it of parched Barly without any moistening ground small and those things added thereunto aforesaid and some Millet seede also Other Grecians saith Pliny made it of Barly moistened for a night and then dried it and parched or fryed it the next day and then ground it Galen commendeth that most that was made of fresh Barly before it was throughly ripe and the beardes or 〈◊〉 over-dry and but indifferently parched and addeth nothing else unto it Sundry Nations did use this Polenta in stead of bread and namely the Cypriots who although they had Wheate growing
Place and Time These all have beene found in our owne land as well as beyond Sea the first not onely in the ponds and waters of a small village called Austroyel hard by Antwerpe but in divers places with us also the other in the brookes and ponds of both Wales and England in sundry places and are to be seene in the end of Summer when they flowrish The Names The first is called by Lobel Iuncus aquaticus minor capitulis equiseti and by Lugdunensis Iuncus clavatus Dalechampij The second hath his title sufficient to expresse it not being described by any other The last Bauhinus so calleth as it is in the title yet calling it minor as he doth the first major The Vertues There is no property knowne to what malady any of these may be applyed but are held unprofitable as a great many others be CHAP. XXXIV Iuncus cyperoides floridus The flowring Cyperus Rush THere hath formerly beene knowne but one sort of these flowring Rushes but Bauhinus hath added another lesser sort 1. Iuncus floridus major The greater flowring Rush This greater flowring Cyperus Rush as it is differing from all the other sorts of Rushes so it excelleth them all in beauty hath sundry heads of leaves like unto those of Cyperus rising from a long creeping or spreading roote like the Rushes bushing with many fibres from whence spring round smooth Rush like stalkes two or three cubits high bearing at the top a large spread tuft or umbell of pale blush coloured flowers yet Tragus describeth them to be white with some threds tipt with yellow in the middle which falling away bring in their places small round blackish heads containing small seede within them 2. Iuncus floridus minor The lesser flowring Rush The smaller Cyperus Rush hath a whitish joynted roote a small stalke of a hand bredth high having three long sharpe pointed Rush like leaves two whereof rise higher then the stalke and at the toppe five flowers one flowring after another after which come two small round heads 1. Iuncus floridus The flowring Rush set together on each footestalke of the bignesse of the Candy bitter Vetch The Place and Time The first groweth in watery ditches pooles and plashes in most parts of this Kingdome The other hath beene observed in Swisserland in sundry places and are flowrishing all the Summer long ripening the seede in the meane time The Names Although this hath no Greeke name yet it hath found divers Latine names being called by Tragus Calamogrostis secunda by Matthiolus Lugdunensis Camerarius and others Iuncus floridus by Lobel Iuncus Cyperoides floridus paludosus by Cordus Gladiolus palustris by Dodonaeus Gladiolus aquaticus who findeth it erronious in them that call it Iuncus floribus but is in as great an error himselfe to follow Cordus that calleth it Gladiolus from the false translation of Gaza making Theophrastus his Cyperus to be Gladiolus as Pliny it may be misled him before whereunto it hath no correspondence saving a little in the leaves hee also taketh it to be Spâ—â—ganium Dioscoridis wherunto it agreeth as little some also call it Butomos Theophrasti and Lonicerus Carex alterum The Italians call it Giunco florido The Dutch Watter Lisel and Gerard Water Gladioll following Cordus who confoundeth Theophrastus his Cyperis with Dioscoridis his Gladiolus The Vertues Matthiolus saith it is thought to worke the like effects that the other sorts of Rushes doe but according to Cordus his mistaking it to be Gladiolus he saith it is good to helpe the paines of women in their delivery of childing being boyled in wine and drunke CHAP. XXXV Spartum herba sive Iuncus Matt weed or Mat Rushes ALthough the Spartum Plinij be a kinde of Rush growing rather in dry then moist places yet because the other sorts of Grasses that serve with us for the same purposes to make Mats and other such like workes doe grow in wet and Moorish grounds neare the Sea side and are called by the same name of Spartum I must rather then divide it place it with the other 1. Spartum Plinij sive Iuncus Hispanicus Spanish Rushes The Spansh Rush riseth up with a number of round Rushes a cubit long each whereof is parted a little above the ground into three or foure more slender long tough and greene Rushes somewhat broader at the first being whitish in the middle which soone after have both their edges so drawne together that it maketh them seeme round so that the partition is hardly discerned and then grow harder and whitish when they are dry as we see them in frailes and in the round mats wherewith the floores of chambers are matted as they are wrought there and brought over to us from among which rise up sundry stalkes somewhat higher then the leaves bearing at the toppe a small long head of many sharpe pointed huskes after which come small long seede like unto some of the other Grasses the rootes spread in the ground into many tufts matting therein that in some places they take up two foote square or more 2 Spartum Plinij alterum mollius The softer Spanish Rush This other Spanish Rush groweth in the very same manner and order that the former doth and differeth from it onely in these particulars the Rushes are more fine and slender softer also and bearing a shorter tuft at the top breaking out of a skinny huske or hose the rootes hereof doe mat like the other and grow in moister places 3. Spartum marinum nostras Our Matweed or Marram This Matweed hath divers long hard and very sharpe pointed Rushes piercing their legges that are not booted going among them the stalkes have soft spiked long heads like unto the eares of Rye and blooming like it also the rootes creepe in the ground and fasten themselves strongly therein 4. Spartum marinum nostras alterum The other of our Sea Matweedes This other Matweede is in the growing like the former but that the rushes are broader and shorter and the heads or spikes also the rootes likewise creepe and are strongly fastened into the ground 5. Spartum parvum Batavicum Anglicum Small Matweede The Small Matweed hath shorter smaller and harder rushes the stalkes are a cubit high having small thin long spikes and harder at the toppes then the former the rootes likewise are long hard and somewhat tough fit to be wrought into little baskets or the like 1. Spartum Plinij sive Iuncus Hispanicus Spanish Rushes 2. Spartum Plinij alterum molluis The softer Spanish Rush 3. Spartum marinum nostras Our Matweed or Marram 4. Spartum marinum nostras alterum The other of our Sea Matweedes 5. Spartum parvum Batavicum Anglicum Small Matweede 6 7. Spartum Narbonense minimum Anglicum The small French and English Matweedes 6. Spartum Narbonense French Matweede The French Matweed hath smaller rounder and whiter leaves or rushes then the last and closer growing together like unto the smallest and finest sort of rushes and are
Hippuris minor of Tragus Polygoâ—â—â— faemina of Fuchsius and Hippuris arvensis major of Tabermontanus the last is the Hippuris minor altera of Tragus and Equisetum sylvaticum of Tabermontanus and Bauhinus The Arabians call it Dhen ben alcail Dhemb 〈◊〉 and Dheneb alcail the Italians codâ— di cavallo the Spaniards Coda dimula and rabo de mula the French Queve de 〈◊〉 and Prelles the Germans Schaffthew and Ross schwantz the Dutch Peert steert and wee in English generally Horse taile and of some Shave grasse and as I sayd in the beginning by resembling a Rush might be called rough joynted Rushes The Vertues Horse taile the smoother rather then the rough and the leaved then the bare is both more used and of better effect in Physicke and is as Galen saith with the bitternesse of a binding qualitie and dryeth without sharpenesse It is very powerfull to stanch bleedings wheresoever eyther inward or outward the juice or decoction thereof being drunke or the juice decoction or distilled water applyed outwardly it stayeth also all sorts of Laskes and Fluxes in man or woman and the pissing of blood and healeth also not onely the inward Vlcers and excoriations of the intralls bladder c. but all other sorts of foule moist and running Vlcers and soone sodereth together the toppes of greene wounds not suffering them to grow to maturation it cureth also Ruptures in children quickly in the elder by time according to the disposition of the partie and the continuance the decoction hereof in wine being drunke is said to provoke urine to helpe the strangury and the stone and the distilled water thereof drunke two or three times in a day a small quantitie at a time as also to ease the paines in the intralls or guts and to be effectuall against a cough that commeth by the destillation of rheume from the head the juice or distilled water being warmed and hot inflammations pustules or red wheales and other such eruptions in the skinne being bathed therewith doth helpe them and doth no lesse ease the swellings heate and inflammations of the fundament and privy parts in man or woman Countrey huswives doe use any of these rough sorts that are next at hand to scoure both their woodden pâ—uter and brasse vessels the young buds are dressed by some like Asparagus or being boyled are after bestrewed with flower and fryed to be eaten CHAP. XXXVII Tipha Cats taile or Reede Mace BEing next to shew you all the sorts of Reedes I would set this in the first place to be entreated of as a meane betweene the Rushes and Reedes before I come to those are properly called Reedes whereof there are three sorts 1. Typha maxima The greater Reede Mace This great Reede Mace shooteth forth divers very long soft and narrow leaves pointed at the ends in a manner three square because the middle on the backside is great and sticketh forth amongst which rise up sundry smooth round and taper-like stalkes stuffed and not hollow above a mans height with joynts and leaves on them from the lower part upwards a good way but bare and naked thence to the toppe where they have small long and round heads shewing forth at the first some yellowish flowers which being past the torch or spike groweth greater and consisteth wholly of a flocky substance of a blackish browne colour on the outside somewhat solid 1. Typhae maxima The greatest Reede Mace 2. 3. Typha minor minima The two lesser sorts of Reede Mace or weightie yet is in time blowne away with the winde the roote is white somewhat thicke knobbed and joynted spreading much with many long fibres at it sweet in taste if it be chewed 2. Typha minor The lesser Reede Mace This differeth in nothing from the former but in that it attaineth not to that height and greatnesse that the former doth 3. Typha minima The least Reede Mace The least Reede Mace likewise differeth not from the last but in being smaller both in leafe and stalke which are more hard or rough and in the top which in some places beareth a smaller spike above the lower being greater with a small distance betweene them and a small leafe at the bottome of it The Place and Time They doe all grow either in the middle of watery ditches or ponds or by the banckes and sides of them in many places of this kingdome and flower about Midsommer the Torch Mace being ripe in August The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Typha a cylindro turbinataquaspicae effigis quasi typhonis sese gyrantis turbinem aut gigantis staturam minacem imitatur aut ut inquit Ruellius quod sceptra regum clavas argenteas vel aureas quae ante primos magistratus gestantur vulgo a Mace dictas perpolitas caulis lanosa floccum densitate summatim fastigiatus aemuletur some call it Cestrum morionis as Dodonaeus saith and some Typha aquatica or palustris to put a difference betweene it and that kind of Typha is put among the Cornes and therefore called Typha Cerealis Theophrastus maketh mention of them both as it is thought and Dioscorides but of this one but Theophrastus saith that his Typha palustris is without leaves which therefore cannot agree hereunto Pliny also speaketh hereof lib. 16. c. 36. among the sorts of water Reedes It hath no other name given it by any author saving that Anguilara tooke it to be Vlna and Dodonaeus calleth it Papyri species and Lugdunensis putteth it by the name of 〈…〉 Dodonaei Dodonaeus seemeth to take this to be that Scirpus that Ovia in sexto Fastorum mentioneth in these 〈◊〉 in plaustro scirpea matta fuit but not onely I but divers others more learned doe doubt thereof as also that he â—ferreth it to the Phleum of Theophrastus but not Phleos for that is a thorny plant as I have here before shewed which he numbereth inter palustria Orchoâ—nij and Aristophanes also as I recited him in the Chapter of the sweete Cyperus bringeth in the Frogs rejoycing that they had spent the day inter Cypirum Phleum whose flower Theophrastus saith is called Anthela as Dodonaeus saith but I rather judge it of the fruit for Theophrastus mentioneth both Typha and Phleum The second is onely remembred by Clusius if it be not the same that Gerard saith he saw growing in Shepey the last is called Typha minor by Lobel in his Adversaria and by Lugdunensis as also Typhula and murina by Clusius in his Paâ—onick Observations The Italians call it Mazza sâ—rda because that if the dust of the heads get into the eares of any it will make them deafe the Spaniards Behordo and Iunco amarocodaco The French Masse de Iunc The Germanes Narrenkolben The Dutch Lisâ—h doden and Donsen And we in English in divers places Cats taile and Reede Mace by others but in being betweene a Rush and a Reede it might fitly be called Torch rush or Torch
hath a quaere on the first if it bee not Staebe faemina but called Phleos mas latifolia by Lugdunensis as he doth the other Phleos sive Stabe Theophrasti angustifolia but as I have shewed in sundry places before in this Worke that Phleos and Phleum in Theophrastus be differing plants Phleum being a watery plant growing in the Lake Orchomenus and Phleos I have set downe in the Chapter of Peteriâ—m and proved it I thinke sufficiently to be the Staebe of Theophrastus and Dioscorides Caesalpinus calleth the greater sort Barba sylvana and Dodonaeus saith that some did call it Lingua serpentis and thereupon the Dutch called it Serpents toughen and the Italians Gaetta But wee in English Water Archer Arrow head or broad Arrow head as I call it 1. Sagittaria major latifolia The greater broad Arrow head 2. Sagittaria minor latifolia The lesser broad Arrow head The Vertues These are held to be of the property of Water Plantane that is cold and dry but Lugdunensis saith they are cold and moist CHAP. XXVI Tribulus aquaticus Water Caltroppe THere is a greater and two lesser sorts of this Caltroppe to shew unto you which are these 1. Tribulus aquaticus major The greater Water Caltroppe This great Water Caltroppe hath sundry broad and more then halfe round leaves in some places spotted on the under side and dented about the edges set on long footestalkes which rise in the Water from the head of the roote every one by it selfe being smaller at the lower end then they are next the leaves among which rise up sappy round stalkes no higher then the leaves bearing whitish flowers at the toppes and after them thicke hard and wooddy almost round heads with three or foure sharpe points sticking out of the bignesse of Hasell nuts in some places and blackish in others as bigge as a great Wallnut having a sweet white kirnell within it like unto a Chesnut the roote groweth somewhat long and full of joynts with a tuft of haires or fibres at each of them 2. Tribulus aquaticus minor prior The former small Water Caltroppe The former of the two lesser sorts from a long creeping joynted roote sending forth tufts of fibres at the joints 〈◊〉 also at the lower joynts of the stalkes shoote forth very long flat slender and knotted stalkes two or three cubits long according to the depth of the water wherein it groweth which being dryed are pliant and flexible fit for many workes divided towards the toppe into many branches carrying single leaves at the lower joynts on both sides being about two inches long and halfe an inch broad thinne and almost transparent so waved on the edges that they seeme to be torne of a reddish greene colour for the most part but those on the branches upwards stand two alwaies by couples from the joynts with the leaves come forth small footestalkes bearing at their ends small whitish long and thicke flowers set together in manner of a cluster of Grapes others have found it with reddish flowers to every of which when they are falne succeede for the most part foure sharpe pointed graines joyned together containing a small white kernell within them 3. Tribulus aquaticus minor alter The other small sort of Water Caltroppe There is another small sort hereof growing usually in the ditches of cleere Water whose stalkes is not flat but round bearing leaves at every joynt shorter and more pointed at the ends and not crumpled or waved at the edges bearing also three or foure small flowers at the ends of long footestalkes somewhat like to those of Moschatelli 1. Tribulus aquaticus major The greater Water Caltroppe 2. Tribulus aquaticus minor 〈◊〉 The former small Water Caltroppe 3. Tribulus aquaticus minor alter The other small sort of water Caâ—trope Cordi the fruite or head that succedeth groweth to be sixe square the roote is not much unlike the former The Place and Time I cannot heare as yet that the first is found in any country of this Land as the two others are but in sundry Lakes in Germany as also in Brabant and in many places in Italy and neere the Sea also as Matthiolus saith but flower there and give their fruite in Summer The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Tribulus aquaticus in Latine Anguillara taketh the first to be Butomos Damocratis all other Authours call it Tribulus aquaticus or Lacustris as Cordus doth and the Apothecaries of Venice and other parts beyond Sea Tribulus marinus and the nuts Castaneae aquatiles The other two sorts are called by Clusius Tribulus aquaticus minor and distinguished by him and by Bauhinus referred to the Potamogeton calling them Potamogeton folijs crispis sive Lactuca canarum and yet his next sort is verily the former of these two sorts as by comparing his words may be seene Lobel calleth it Fontilapathum pusillum and Tragus maketh it his second Alga Master Finch a London Merchant travelling in the Mogols Country in the East Indies saw the greater sort growing like a weede abounding in most tankes or ponds there whose fruite hee tooke to be the Hermodactile but was much therein deceived the kernell of the nut as he saith is much eaten by the Natives and others called Singarra by them himselfe finding them very cold in his stomacke that he alwayes after the eating of them desired some Aqua vitae to warme it againe You shall find this relation and that of the Faba Aegyptiaca as it is extant before in this worke folio 376. in the fourth Booke of Master Purchas his Pilgrims the fourth Chapter and fifth Section folio 429. The worthy relations of whose travailes there extant doth not onely in this but in many other excellent matters declare his industry whereby many have reaped much profit thereby I would we had many more such worthy Merchants continually The Italians call it Tribolo acquatico The French Macres and Saligot The Germanes Wasser nuss The Dutch Water noten and Minckijsers and we in English Water Caltrops or Water nuts or Saligot after the French The Vertues The leaves are cooling and represse inflammations being made into a pultis and applyed the juice mixed with hony healeth the Cankers and sores of the mouth and throate and the rankenesse of the gummes being gargled Pliny saith that the Thracians that inhabit about the river Strimon do fatten their horses with the leaves and make bread of the nut kernels to feede themselves which doth binde the belly CHAP. XXVII 1. Stratioters sive Militaris Aizoides Water Souldier THe Water Souldier hath divers and sundry long narrow leaves sharpe pointed set close together somewhat like unto the leaves of Aloes for the forme but much lesse and sharpely toothed about the edges like it also from among which rise up short stalkes not much higher then the leaves and sometimes lower bearing one greene threeforked head onely at the toppe much like unto a Lobsters claw which
spike and not in a cluster and small rough graines succeeding them 5. Potamogeton minimum capillaceo folio Small fine Pondweede This fine leafed Pondweede hath a very fine slender stalke with small long pale greene and haire-like leaves set thereon without order at the toppe whereof spring forth one or two small footestalkes which sustaineth a very small and pointed head like unto the precedent followed by very small pale coloured flowers whereof one is laid open and another is inclosed in a skinny huske ending in a point 6. Potamogeton capillaceum capitulis ad alas trifidis Triple headed Pondweede This Pondweede hath a stalke an handbredth long no thicker then an haire yet joynted and branched and two small long leaves at every joynt which are smaller then any haire and thereat likewise stand very small pale colored flowers which growing close do forme a knot or head which being ripe appeareth as made of three semicircular reddish parts ending in a sharpe point yet from the bosome of the former leaves riseth a small footestalk divided into three or more small leaves the like knot or head being set in the middle for at the top there is no head at all The Place and Time The two first sorts are to be seene in many places of the Land no Country almost being without the one or the other the third is more rare and seene but in very few places with us the three last are strangers and doe all shew their flowers in the end of August or seldome sooner The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi fluminibus vicina and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi spicata Fontalis The two first are generally called by all Writers Potamogeton and by Lobel Fontalis spicata who it is very likely intended this first sort and not a different kinde from it although his figure have more pointed leaves for the veines goe longwise as in the former which doe not in any other sort although it doth expresse many small round heads on a long stalke and saith the flowers are white and the seede like Aphaca and that his first sort is another species of the longifolia if not the same for we have seene some variety hereof in the Ponds and Waters of our owne Land The third is called Oxylapathum aquaticum by Lugdunensis and by Gesner in hortis Lapathi genus sylvestre The three last are mentioned onely by Bauhinus by the same titles they here hold The Italians call it Potamogeto The French Espidean The Germanes Samkrant The Dutch Founteincruit And we in English Pondweed Water Spike and of some River wort The Vertues Pondweed is cooling and drying as Galen saith like unto Knotgrasse but of a thicker essence the decoction of the leaves in wine stayeth the Laske and griping paines of the belly and being bathed is good to helpe itches old ulcers and corroding cankers and sores the leaves applyed asswageth inflammations and Saint Anthonies fire the freckles and heate in the face if the leaves be boiled with oyle and vinegar and applyed to the place pained with the hot Gout it doth give present ease it is profitably also applyed with honey and vinegar to helpe those that have foule sores in their legges the roote helpeth to dissolve knots and kernels CHAP. XXXI Millifolium aquaticum Water Yarrow THere be sundry sorts of herbes that for their fine Fennell like leaves and growing in the waters so neerely resembling Yarrow or Fennell are called Millefolium and Foeniculum aquaticum yet differing each from other in some notable part all which I meane to comprehend in one Chapter 1. Millefolium aquaticum vulgatius Ordinary water Yarrow This Water Yarrow which groweth most plentifully with us about London riseth up with a round straight stalke having divers long winged leaves at the bottome of it cut and divided into many fine small leaves set on both sides of the middle ribbe like unto the land Yarrow but much tenderer and with as fine leaves almost as Fennell it selfe at the stalkes likewise grow such fine leaves up to the toppe where stand on branches large tufts of small white flowers set close together the roote is somewhat long white and slender with divers fibres at it 2. Millefolium Coriandrifolium Broad leafed water Yarrow The lower leaves of this Yarrow are somewhat like in the forme and divisions of them unto the lower leaves 1. Millefolium aquaticum vulgatius Ordinary Water Yarrow 3. Millefolium aquaticum minus Small water Yarrow 4. Millefolium aquaticum floridum sive Viola aquatica Water Gilloflowers 5. Millefolium aquaticum Ranunculi flore capitulo Crowfoote Millfoile of Corianders but much smaller and of a fresh yellowish greene colour but those that grow from thence upwards on the stalkes are smaller and more finely cut in like unto Fennell bearing umbels or tufts of yellowish flowers 3. Millefolium aquaticum minus Small Water Yarrow This small Yarrow spreadeth many long round greene stalkes full of joynts and thereat sundry fine small sores which take hold of the ground as it creepeth the upper part of the stalke that riseth above the water hath five or six joynts and at each of them sundry fine smal green leaves scarse an inch long being lesse and lesse upward so as the toppe of the stalke seemeth to be steeple fashion which beare at the toppe so many very small flowers consisting of eight small white leaves apeece joyned together and not opening themselves as there are leaves at every joynt which afterwards passe into certaine round heads which have foure spokes or points apeece 4. Millefolium aquaticum floridum sive Viola aquatica Water Gillovers The roote of this Water Gillover is very small and creeping shooting forth fibres every where from which rise up sundry long winged leaves consisting of many small leaves set on each side of a middle rib which are larger and greater then those of the first sort here set forth of a sad greene colour the stalkes that rise up among them are bare of leaves from the bottome to the upper joynts whereabout stand divers small whitish and sweete flowers somewhat like unto Stocke gilloflowers of five leaves a peece one row above another with yellowish threds in the middle There is another sort hereof very like it but that it hath larger winges and finer jagged leaves Alterum 5 Millefolium aquaticum Ranunculi flore capitulo Crowfoote Millfoile This is a lesser herbe then any of them that goe before growing onely in shallow waters where it seldome riseth above an handfull high with very many and very fine short leaves as small as Camomill and of a yellowish greene colour the short stalke among them carry single small white flowers resembling the water Crowfoote both in the flowers and in the finer leaves but hath no broad leaves at the bottome as it hath and might as well be accounted a Crowfoote as a Water Millfoile but that all Authors that write of it doe number it
Pliny hath recorded that he knew one cured incredible quickly with his Conferva of a fall from a tree while he was lopping it which fall brake almost all his bones by having the herbe bound to his whole body when it was fresh and moistened with the water thereof as often as it grew dry and but seldome changed CHAP. XXXIIII Lens palustris sive Lenticula aquatica Water Lentills THere are three or foure herbes to be referred to these Lentils which are differing one from another their place of breeding being their chiefest cause of affinity 1. Lens palustris sive aquatica vulgaris Duckes meate This small water herbe consisteth of nothing but small round greene leaves lying on the toppe of standing waters in ponds pooles and ditches without either flower or seede that ever could be observed onely from the middle of each leafe on the underside there grow certaine small threds finer than haires which passe downe into the water but are not thought to descend to the ground from thence to draw nourishment Matthiolus and from him Lugdunensis reporteth a strange narration and I may say incredible That if it should happen as sometimes it commeth to passe by inundations that these small Lentils or Duckes meate be carried away into running rivers as soone as they cleave to the shore they are wonderfully encreased for by the rootes that will grow from them like threds they fasten themselves into the ground and then growing becommeth to be plantes like unto Sisymbrium water Mintes or Ladies smockes and that this thing hath beene observed by diligent searchers of nature not without much wonder of the matter scilicet 2. Lens palustris sive aquatica quadrifolia Crosse leafed water Lentils or Duckes meate This other Lens hath a small long slender roote shooting forth square slender weake and trailing stalkes with sundry small leaves upon severall long foote stalkes standing together at the joynts distinct one from an other which are parted into foure leaves a peece and sometimes it hath beene observed with six leaves each end being round and lying in a square forme like a crosse upon the water at the joynts likewise with the leaves come forth diverse small heads of seede in clusters wherein are enclosed small blackish seede like unto the fielde Lentils but not so flat being thicke and hard Lugdunensis setteth forth this kinde of water plant by the name of Lemma Theophrasti in a much differing manner 3. Lens palustris latifolia punctata Broad leafed spotted water Lentils This water Lentill hath sundry round leaves set by couples on long stalkes of an excellent greene colour on the upperside prickt very full of very fine spots and under them many small Lentill like heads cleaving unto them some having but one others two three or foure at a place covered with a rough or rugged thin huske very full of fine small yellowish seede at the bottome of these winged stalkes of leaves grow the rootes which are a tuft of long strings and fibers it is onely of a waterish taste 4. Lenticula aquatica bifolia Neapolitana Neapolitane water Lentils The water Lentils of Naples hath very fine long slender stalkes with leaves set together by couples lying along upon the water having seede vessels growing hard unto them foure usually joyned together The Place and Time The first onely of these is familiar in our land as I take it the third Bauhinus saith groweth in the watery ditches at Padoa in the river Auxeris by Pisa and in Silesia neere unto Vratislavia the rest are all strangers and are in their freshest beauty in the beginning of the yeare 1. Lens palustris sive aquatica vulgaris Duckes meate 2. Lens palustris quadrifolia Crosse leafed water Lentils or Duckes meate The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some take 3. Lens palustris latifolia punctata Lenticula aquatica Neapolitana Broad leafed spotted Water Lentils and that of Naples it to bee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus in Latine Lens palustris and Lenticula palustris aquatica and so do all Authors call the first sort the second is the Lens palustris altera of Matthiolus and Lemma Theophrasti by Lugdunensis as also the Lenticule alterum genus of Caesalpinus which Bauhinus calleth Lenticula palustris quadrifolia the third is called by Bauhinus in his Pinax Lens palustris latifolia punctata being better exprest in his Matthiolus then in his Phytopinax and by Caesalpinus taken to bee Stratiotes aquatica Dioscoridis The last is mentioned by Columna by the name of Callitriche of Pliny li. 2 〈◊〉 11. mervailing at Lobel for supposing the Cotylidon aquaticum as it is erroniously called being a marsh Crowefoote as the hot sharpe taste thereof doth testifie to be Callitriche of Pliny but yet saith this of his is not the right but taketh that Pliny meant the Trichomanes by his Callâ—triche which I thinke cannot hold good neither the one nor the other for Pliny his words in the place before cited are these Fit ex Callitriche sternitamentum folia sunt Lenticulae similia caulis juneis tenuissimis â—aâ—ico minina noscitur in opacis humidis gustatu fervens thus much Pliny which it is likely made Columna comparing his with this of Pliny both for forme and quality not to dare to affirme it the same because saith Pliny it is gustufervens which neither his nor Trichomanes is Bauhinus calleth it Lenticula palustris bifolis fructu tetragonâ— The Arabians call it Tahaleb and Thaleb the Italians Lente de palude and Lenticularia the Spaniards Lentille del lagua the French Lentille d'eau the Germanes Wasser linsen the Dutch Water linsen but more usually Euden gruen that is Duckes herbe and so we in English Duckes meate and of some Water Lentils the second sort is called by the Italians with whom it is plentifull Lente palustre del seme The Vertues It is cold and moist as Galen saith in the second degree and is effectuall to helpe inflammations and Saint Anthonies fire as also the Goute either applied by it selfe or else in a pultis with barlie meale it is also good for ruptures in young children Some saith Matthiolus do highly esteeme of the destilled water of the herbe against all inward inflammations and pestilent feavers as also to helpe the rednesse of the eyes the swellings of the cods and of the brests before they be growen too much for it doth not weakely repell the humours the fresh herbe applied to the forehead easeth the paines of the headache comming of heate Duckes do greedilie devoure it and so will Hens if it be given then mingled with branne CHAP. XXXV Pseudoâ—ypâ—ri Bastard or unsavoury Cyperus IN the end of the first Classis or Tribe of this Worke I have shewed you sundry sorts of sweete smelling Cyperus but there are many other sorts that smell not at all called either bastard or unsavoury Cyperus somewhat resembling the sweete sorts both the round and long rooted
marina hath thornes or prickles for the leaves which may better agree with the eighth if the colour were red and not blacke Bauhinus calleth them Corallina cortice reticulato The last of both sorts is set forth in the Italian Baldus of Pona by the name of the third and fourth sorts of Antipathes or blacke Coralline The Vertues We have little or nothing to deliver unto you of any vertue any of these hath beene tryed to have saving that the fourth is said to helpe the bitings of any venemous creature to heale wounds speedily and to kill wormes taken in lesse quantity then Coralline but are kept as rarities to declare the wonderfull workes of God in those Sea plants which are as much to be admired as any of the Land CHAP. LV. Corallium Corall TO end this relation of the stony Sea Mosses I must also shew you the Corals for there are a number of other Sea Excressences which I 2. Corallium rubrum majus The greater red Corall must passe over being of little or no use in Physicke and would fill up sundry sheetes of Paper which are as of sundry colours so of formes likewise 1. Corallium rubium majus The greater Red Corall This greater red Corall groweth on the Rockes in the Sea like unto a small shrub with armes and branches breaking forth some into greater others into smaller sprigs set all of knaggy eminences of a pale or whitish red colour on the outside for the most part as it is taken forth of the water but being 〈…〉 and polished becommeth very faire as it is usually 〈…〉 â—ill be much more red on the outside 〈◊〉 the first 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 or hard stony substance after it is kept a while out of the water Tenimis but plaible while it is there There is some other sorts hereof which grow smaller by much Rubra corde nigro and fuller of branches and are usually of a better colour on the outside Caesalpinus maketh mention of a kinde of Corall that hath beene found red on the outside and blacke within 2. Corallium album majus minus The greater and the finer white Corall The greater white Corall groweth like the red but is seldome found with so small branches being thicker for the most part and although white within and not so firme yet somewhat darke coloured on the outside and as rugged as the red As there is 1. Corallium album majus 〈◊〉 The greater and the 〈…〉 Corall 3. Carallium album alterum Loose white Corall 4. Corallium â—igrum Dioscoridis sive Antipathes Blacke Corall of the red so is there of the white Corall other sorts of smaller or even as small and some 〈…〉 then the red some also of a most pure white Corall 3. Corallium album alterum Loose white Corall This white Corall groweth greater and with blacker armes and branches then the last 〈◊〉 is not of so â—â—me a substance being lesse solid and moâ—â— porouâ— or spungy then it within and with sundry 〈…〉 the outside Album fistâ—losum Verrucosampunctatum Album stellatum Sundry other sorts or white Corall have beene observed by Imperatus of â—aples one 〈…〉 like a pipe with many branches called Corallium album fistulosum Another is bunched 〈◊〉 with â—nots 〈…〉 and spotâ—ed withall called Corallium verrucosum punctatum A third hath 〈…〉 starres set on all the branches and is of two sorts both a greater and a lesser called Album 〈◊〉 A fourth hath certaine division therein as if they were joynts and called Corallium album articulatum 4. Corallium nigrum sive Antipathes Blacke Corall The blacke Corall groweth great below where it sticketh to the Rocke spreading into fewer branches but as smooth as if they were pollished and shining like Jet it selfe There is said to 5. Corallium nigrum hirsutum Rough bristly Blacke Corall be 〈…〉 that is yellow else like unto the blacke 5. Corallium nigrum hirsutum Rough bristly blacke Corall This 〈◊〉 is often â—ound as tall as any man and of a large sise in the 〈◊〉 or body hâ—â—ing sundry blacke sprigges like rough bristles or the 〈◊〉 of Corne standing round about it one above another up to the toppe The Place and Time Most of these Coralâ— are â—â—und about Marselles and the I le of Sardâ—â—iâ— and other places in the Mediterranean Sea and seldome on this 〈◊〉 it and their time is with the others The Names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke is likewise Corallium in Latine and so called by all that have written of it and there â— ruâ—rum or album c. is set for 〈◊〉 sake yet the white is not remembred by Dioscorides Theophrastus or Pliny and but onely by our moderne Writâ—â—s the blacke sorts are called Antipathes and Corallium nigrum The last is set forth in the Italian Baldo 〈…〉 by the name of the second sort of Antipathes or blacke hairy Corall and in called by the Fishers of Sardinâ—a Sambeggiâ— The Vertues All the sorts of Corall doe coole and binde yet the white is thought to be of a colder operation then the red and the blacke to be as effectuall to all purposes as either of the other but red Corall is of most use and is commended to be very effectuall for those that spit blood or that bleede much either at the mouth or nose or any other flux of blood in man or woman and being often taken in wine or other drinke doth diminish the speene it helpeth also the gonorrhea in 〈◊〉 and the whites in women it likewise helpeth them much that are troubled with the stopping of their water 〈◊〉 hardly make it but by droppes and also those that have tormenting paines of the stone in the bladder if the 〈◊〉 when it is burnt be taken in drinke the pouther taken in wine or in water if they have an agne procureth rest as it is said it is good to be given to those that have the falling sicknesse or have crampes when it is burned and made into pouther it dâ—yeth and findeth more then before it did it is also much commended against melancholly and sadnesse and to refresh and comfort the fâ—â—nting spirits it stayeth the bleedings of the hemorrhodiall veines and of wounds and of the menâ—â—â—es causing also an easie delivery of the birth it also fasteneth loose teeth helpeth sore gummes and ulcers in the mouth and healeth up foule hollow ulcers in other parts the ashes thereof being burned mixed with other medicines for the eyes helpeth the watering heate and rednesse in them by cooling and drying up the moisture in them although Galen hath made no mention of Corall in his booke of simple medicines yet he appointeth it as aâ— ingreâ—â—ent into sundry medicines that are for those that have the phtisicke or cough of the lungs tending to a â—â—â—sumption and that spitblood and that have foule running sores or ulcers and to cleanse Imposthumes CHAP. LVI Aliae marinae plantae Other Sea Plants THere â—et remains some other sorts of Sea
greenish heads on them The Place and Time All these are in a manner particularly declared where they are most usually growing and are in their perfection in the Summer time The Names Mosse in generall is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in the Atticke tongue Sphagnum and Hypnum and Pliny thereupon in one place calleth it in Latine Bryon and Sphagnum and in another place Sphagnos sive Phacos sive Bryon in Latine it is usually called Muscus and properly betokeneth any herbe that is composed of haires or threds instead of leaves The first here set forth is the Muscus terrestris vulgaris of Lobel and Dodonaeus and thought by Bauhinus to be the Muscus hortensis of Tragus but I suppose rather his is the last that I here set forth in this Chapter and none other that I know growing so familiar in Gardens The second is the Muscus montanus of Tabermontanus and Muscus terrestris of Gerard which Bauhinus calleth Muscus Denticulato sâ—â—ilis because it is very like the small Denticulatus but that it rooteth not as it lyeth The third is the Muscus scoparius of Lobel and others and Selago tertia of Thalius The fourth is called Muscus clavatus by Lobel and Dodonaeus who calleth it also Lycopodium Tragus Matthiolus and others Muscus terrestris and is the Selaginis species altera of Thalius Gesner in fractimontis descriptione calleth it Muscus â—â—sinus and set it forth for Chamaepeuce Cordis in historia but Thalius saith it was imposed on him by others for Cordus sent the true Chamaepeuce to Gesner a little before his death Anguilara and Caesalpinus say that it was of long time used in the shops of Italy c. for true Spica Celtica The fifth of both sorts is called Muscus terrestris by some and denticulatus by others and Lusitanicus by Clusius The sixth of both sorts is mentioned onely by Bauhinus in his Pinax and Prodâ—omus and so is the seventh aâ—so The eight is called by Bauhinus Muscus ramosus erectus major minor The ninth is called by Lobel Muscus in ericetis proveniens and by Bauhinus as it is in the title Muscus parvus stellaris The tenth is by Bauhinus onely called as it is in the title Muscur stellatus roseus The eleventh is the Muscus pyxidatus alabastriculos imitans by Lobel the other sort whereof Bauhinus calleth Muscus pyxiodes saxatilis as he did the former of Lobel pyxiodes terrestris The twelfth is called Muscus ceranoides major minor by Bauhinus and no doubt is the Muscus câ—rniculatus of Tabermontanus and Gerard however his Corrigidor hath put as he saith a better in the place namely the Filix petraea of Tragus when as no other Authour doth referre it to any of the Mosses but Bauhinus who mistooke his reference herein for as I shewed in the description thereof among the Fearnes that hath spots on the leaves as other Fearnes and Capillare herbes have which argueth it plainely to be of that family and no Mosse and Bauhinus his description of his Muscus ceranoides major doth plainely agree with this corniculatus The last although best knowne to many yet little regarded by most and not mentioned before by any except Tragus if his be it The Vertues All the Mosses are somewhat cooling and drying and thereby stay fluxes and bleedings these earth or ground Mosses especially the first and the fourth are held to be singular good to breake the stone and to expell and drive it forth by urine being boyled in wine and drunke the herbe bruised and boiled in water and then applyed to any inflammations or paineâ— rising from a hot cause doth allay and ease them and therefore many doe apply it to the hot gout to ease the paines thereof The cup Mosse is said to helpe the chincough in children effectually if they drinke the pouther thereof for certaine daies together The club Mosse hung in a vessell of wine that hath lost the vigour and vertue so much as is convenient for the bignesse of the vessell is said in short time to recover it againe whereupon Brunfelsius called it Wein kraut the Wine herbe CHAP. LX. Muscus herbae formis coralliformis Mosses that resemble some herbes or Corall THere be divers other sorts of Mosses that have some resemblance either to some herbes or to Corall and because I thought it fittest to ranke them together I have as you see kept them out of the last Chapter to insert them here into this 1. Muscus clavatus Cupressiformis Cypresse like Mosse This small Mosse abideth alwayes greene sending forth sundry hard branched stalkes with very short and thicke leaves setled upon them somewhat resembling the branch of a Cypresse being of a darke greene colour from the top whereof sometimes come forth small and soft spiked beads standing on small foote stalkes Another somewhat like hereunto is remembred by Bauhinus Altera which he entituleth Muscus Cupressi formis ramosus to distinguish it 2. Muscus Abietis facie Firre like Mosse The Firre like Mosse groweth close upon the ground and creeping thereon with sundry long branched stalkes with fine short hayrie greene leaves set on both sides of the middle thereof resembling a Firre tree branch whereof it tooke the name 3. Muscus Filicinus Ferne like Mosse There be divers sorts of this Mosse some bigger and some lesser than others all of them rising up with sundry stalkes some blackish some reddish and fine leaves on them much like to Ferne leaves but in some more finely jagged or cut into severall parts than in others on the toppes of the branches of the lesser sort hang small round pointed crooked heads 4. Muscus Polytrichoides Maiden haire Mosse There are three sorts of this Mosse the one hath many short stalkes thicke covered with short but somewhat 1. Muscus clavatus Cupressiformis Cypresse Mosse 3. Muscus filicinus Ferne-like Mosse 8. Muscus Corallinus montanus Mountaine Coralline like Mosse 9. Muscus Coralloides saxatilis Rockie Corrall like Mosse hard Alii duo rough haire like leaves the other is lesse in each part and the leaves not rough or hard at all the third is the least and the leaves smoothest the first groweth in wet wood grounds and the other upon old walls 5. Muscus saxatilis Ericoides Stone Heath Mosse This small Mosse hath many small hairelike leaves next the ground like unto the common ground Mosse among which rise rough stalkes an hand bredth high in some places bare of leaves and covered in the rest with many such like small leaves as are growing on the Erica Coris the faire heath low Pine but without order on the tops of each whereof standeth a small head 6. Muscus terrestris coralloides incanus Hoary Corall like Mosse This Mosse is all hoary white about a foote high whose upright branches are thicke solide and not hollow divided into many branches each whereof is like a stagges horne and sharpe or small at the ende 7. Muscus
of a whitish greene colour and abiding in the Winter on the stalkes not falling of as the rest doe the flowers are wholly white and a little larger then the last standing at the toppes of the stalkes like others 9. Linum arboreum Creticum luteum The yellow shrubbe Flaxe of Candy This groweth like a small shrub covered with a blackish barke with long leaves thicke set on the branches somewhat like unto those of Flaxe but larger comming neerest unto large Myrtle leaves the flowers are yellow and very bitter in taste the seede vessels are as bigge as Ciche pease containing foure seedes within them very like unto Flaxe seede 10. Chamaelinum Clusij flore albo sive Linum sylvestre Catharticum Dwarfe wilde Flaxe with white flowers or Mill mountaine This Dwarfe Flaxe hath many slender stalkes of about a spanne and a halfe long with divers small long leaves set by couples on them and white flowers at the toppes of the branches lesser then those of the manured with yellow threds in the middle the seede is small that followeth in the small round heads the roote is small also and threddy Lobel setteth sorth another small one not rising above foure or five inches high with small leaves and yellow flowers Flor luteo 11. Chamaelinum stellatum Dwarfe wilde Flaxe with starre like flowers This whole plant is scarse three inches high having but one or two very small stalkes at the most and as small leaves ending in a very sharpe point the flowers are few and small made of five narrow pale greene leaves pointed at the ends and standing forth in that manner that every flower resembleth a starre with a round umbone in the middle The Place and Time Some of these as is before said grow in Spaine some in France or Germany and some in our owne Land also they all are in flower for the most part from Midsommer untill August and some abide longer the seede ripening in the meane time The Names Linum in Latine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke signifieth as well the herbe as it groweth as the same prepared to be spun and when it is made into cloath also The first is called by all Authours Linum sâ—â—ivum and the second Linum sylvestre by Tragus who saith it is sowne in the fields of Germany in sundry places because it yeeldeth more store of Flaxe and yet is found naturally growing among Oates The third is Clusius his first Linum sylvestre latifolium The fourth is the third Linum sylvestre of Clusius The fifth is Clusius his second Linum angustifolium which Lobel and others call Linum sylvestre floribus albis The sixth is Clusius his angustifolium primum which Lobel and others call tennifolium The seventh is the Linum sylvestre of Matthiolus Dodonaeus Caâ—erarius and others and the Linum marinum luteum of Lobel and may be the first Linum fruticosum subflavum of Bauhinus in Prodromo and the Linum lutemâ—â— sylvestre latifolium of Columna for they differ little The eighth is the Linum sylvestre fruticosum of Clusius The ninth is the Linum arboreâ—â— of Alpinus in his booke de plantis Exoticis The tenth is the Chamaelinum of Clusius which is called Mill mountaine in many parts of this Land by the Country people where it groweth The last is called Linum minimum stellatum by Bauhinus who saith it is also called by some Passerina minor saxatilis The Arabians call it Bazari-chichen or Bozerchetan which is the seede thereof onely the Italians Lino the French Lin the Germanes Flachs the Dutch Vlas and we Flaxe and Line The Vertues There is neither leafe flower nor roote of Flaxe used in any medicine with 〈◊〉 that I know neyther greene nor dryed neither the juice distilled water or any other composition made thereof but onely the seede and that more in outward then inward Physicke in these dayes although in former times as Galen sheweth that some used the seede parched for their food taken with honey and some used to put it into their bread but saith he primo alimentorum it troubleth the stomacke hardly digesteth and giveth little nourishment to the body but concerning the mooving of the belly downewards saith he I will neither praise nor dispraise it yet it hath a small property to provoke urine which it doth best being parched thus saith Galen of the manured kinde but the wilde kindes that are more bitter have another property The seede of Line made into pouther mixed with honey and some pepper into an electuary and thereof the quantity of a Nutmeg taken every day doth helpe the cough as some say the seede also boyled in water and some honey put unto it and drunke is said also to ease the paines of the body as the collicke and stitches and all inflammations if it be outwardly used also with Fenugrecke and Linseed and some Mallows a pultis being made therof is of good use to mollify and discusse any tumour or hardnes in any part of the body or of the mother by sitting in the warme decoction of the seede or to receive the hot fumes through a seate for the purpose being taken with Raisins saith Pliny it helpeth the obstructions of the Liver the seede mixed with niter or salt and figge tree ashes easeth the paines and hardnesse of the muscles sinewes and arteries and used with figges it ripeneth and digesteth mixed with the wild Cowcumber roote it draweth forth splinters thornes nailes or any other thing sticking in the flesh and broken bones also the decoction thereof made in wine and applyed to any fretting or running sore stayeth it from spreading further used with as much Cresses it taketh away the ruggednesse of the nailes and with Myrrhe and Rossin it helpeth ruptures and the swellings of the cods used with Olibâ—â—â— and water or Myrrhe and wine it helpeth watering eyes and mixed up with hony or suet or waxe and applyed it helpeth the hard kernels and swellings under the eares or throate it taketh away also the spots and blemishes of the skin â—â—â—rning and other discolourings The oyle of Linseede besides that it is of much use for Painters to fasten their colours either on cloth wood stone iron or glasse and to burne in lamps abiding longer then the Oyle of Oliveâ— although it giveth much more smoake and soote is of exceeding good use to mollifie the hardnes and shrinking of the sinewes helpeth the hemorrhoides or piles the rifts and chaps of the fundament and the hardnesse and pâ—ines thereof and of the mother being beaten with Red-rose water it is good against burnings The wilde Flaxe is of the like use in most things and the more effectuall by reason of the bitternesse in many others the decoction thereof with the flowers doth resolve tumours and lenifie inflammations the arteries also when they grow hard and stiffe and the swelling and sores in the groine of Mill mountaine some triall hath beene made among our people to move the body
the heate of the Liver breaketh the stone in the kidneyes and stayeth womens courses the decoction of the leaves worketh the same effects The water that is found in the hollow places of old Okes is very effectuall against any foule or spreading scabbe the Ackornes saith Galen being eaten are hard of digestion breede windinesse cause headache and a kinde of giddinesse to avoid such inconveniences they are boyled or roasted before they be eaten and thereby they become lesse windy and more pleasant yet it is extant by the testimony of Historians and Poets that the elder age before it knâ—w the use of corne and bread thereof lived upon Ackornes and were sustained thereby yea they had the Oke in that honour that they dedicated it to Iupiter especially that kinde called Esculus because that Iupiter himselfe 〈◊〉 thereon and was nourished by them and the use of them is not every where yet utterly extinguished for that as I said before the poore people in Spaine in some places make these Ackornes a part of their feeding and the 〈◊〉 have them served to their Tables for an after course as with us is used with Apples Nuts and such like fruites as the seasons require There is said to be a great Antipathy betweene the Oke and the Olive as also betweene the Oke and the Walnut the 〈◊〉 not to grow neere where the other is planted the cuppes of the sweete Oke or Acorne as Bellonius saith in his Booke of Observations are used in Greece and Asia the lesse and Naâ—ollâ—â— to tanne or thicken their 〈…〉 as our Tanners use to doe with Oken barke and I doe not 〈◊〉 but the cuppes of our Ackornes would doe as much if any would make the tryall He also saith that the Turkes in 〈◊〉 and other places in Turkie use the leaves of Sumach for the same purpose and they of Aegypâ— and Arabia use the cods of Acacia the prickly binding tree they of Phrygia and 〈◊〉 the barke of the Pitch tree and they of Illyria the leaves of the Mirtle tree that beareth blacke berries so that it seemeth many things may worke that effect seeing every Country taketh that which is familiar to it CHAP. II. Excressentia Quercuum The Excressences of these Okes. THere are a great many things that breede upon sundry of these Okes some of one fashion some of another and so in substance likewise soft or hard besides the Oke Apple and the Gall whereof I intend to speake first I have given you the description of the tree in the Chapter last going before this I will but onely shew you here the diversities of the Galles and the good uses they are put unto for medicine or other purposes and I cannot understand that any of the other former kindes doe beare Galles but those that are here set downe by the name of Robur which is the second sort for although divers of them have a shew of Galles which made Pliny to say that all Ackorne bearing trees bring Galles likewise yet they are but spungy balls for the most part and none so good and hard Galles as they The Galles are of two sorts smooth and rugged or knobbed both of them round and hard almost as wood but all a little hollow within Dehis vide Bauhini and when they are dry are either whitish or yellowish but while they are greene and fresh upon the trees they are somewhat soft and tender and reddish towards the Sunne side all of them stand close to the branches and stalkes without order and sometimes one joyning close to another without any stalke under them 1. Galla quodam laevis â—patia viridis 2. Pâ—lulae quercus There is also a blacke Gall as bigge as an apple sometimes full of a Rossin like fatnesse which will flame being set on fire The Oke apple groweth upon sundry sorts of these trees and not on any one alone for although in our Country ours are for the most part round and soft being fresh and full of waterish substance but being dryed do shrinke and are wrinckled yet in other places some are found sticking to the backe of the leaves and containe in them a cleere water and flyes therein and are white and as it were transparent before they be dry and grow hard 3. Aquosa 4. Capillatae 5. Echinatae 6. Lunatae Others are called Capillatae because they are all hairy and containe within them a hony like liquor in the Spring time yet not put to any use One I had out of Virginia with round hard rough or prickly balls on the leaves Others are called Lanatae for that within an hard huske or shell they containe certaine flockes of wooll whichâ— are fit for Lampes but not without oyle or other unctuous matter as Pliny saith it will They that are called Sessiles grow under the joynts at the setting to of the leaves close to them without any stalke 7. Sessiles the navell being white and a little swelling forth and sometimes of sundry colours and sometimes blacke and shining red in the middle being hollow within with a putride vacuity They are called Foliaceae 8. Foliosae or Foliosae that are made as it were of scaly leaves like unto the head of the Knapweed that groweth wild abroad in the fieldes 1. Quercus cum pilula sive suâ—â—goso suo excremento The Oke with the Oke Apples Quercum Excrementa The Okes Excressences Another thing groweth on the branches under the leaves 9. Calix that is like unto the cuppe or huske that containeth the flower of the Pomegarnet or such like 19. Vva quercina The Oke grape A round thing also hath beene found 11. Morum which Theophrastus calleth Sycaminodes and is somewhat like unto a Mulberry differing onely in the colour hardnesse to be broken and the harsh taste Another thing also like to the privy members of a man both the yard and the testicles 12. Genitale virile There is againe another thing found growing thereon like a pricke in the beginning called by him _____ but afterwards growing hard 13. Capâ—t Tauri taketh the forme of a Bulles head with a hole in it and being broken hath like an Olive stone within it Nitar also as Theophrastus saith is made of the ashes of the Oke which Pliny altereth in this manner It is certaine that the ashes of the burnt Oke is like unto Nitar Nitar he saith Cinerem nitrosum and Gaza translateth it after Plâ—ny in the same words 14. Lapides The Acornes of Esculus the sweete Oke and of Cerrus faemina the female bitter Oke have certaine small stones sometimes found in them either at the end of the Acorne or on the shell and sometimes in the nut it selfe The Oke also beareth a Cachrys which Theophrastus in his third Booke and seventh Chapter expoundeth to be a round conception or gathering together of leaves 15. Cachryâ—â— growing betweene the last yeares shoote and the young bud for the next
the Oke grape whereof he knew no use 3. Tilia faemina minor The smaller female Line tree This lesser Line tree agreeth with the last in all things saving that it groweth smaller both in body leaves and flowers the leaves being of a darker greene colour and beareth no fruite after the flowers because they appeare later then the former The Place and Time They all grow on the hills and high grounds yet for the most part in the moister places and are often found also in vallies with us the greater female kinde is planted in many places of our Land chiefly for the large sweete shadow it maketh and flowreth usually in May the other are very great strangers in this Land scarce to be seene any where The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Philyra but not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Pliny that confoundeth Dioscorides his Philyrea with Theophastus his Philyra so called because it is brought into tenues assulas sive philyras small thin sheetes or leaves such as in the elder times they used to write on in Latine Tilia the one is called mas and the other faemina by all Writers but that Bauhinus addeth unto the title of the mas Vlmifolio and further saith that the figures thereof extant are rather of the Elme then of it Tragus onely and Gesner in hortis have made mention of the last as of a differing sort from the ordinary female kinde The Italians call it Tilia the Spaniards Teies the French Tillet Teillen and Teil the Germans Linden and Lindenbaum for the smoothnesse and softnesse thereof the Dutch Linde and Lindeboem and we thereafter the Line or Lindentree and in some places broad leafed Elme Pliny in his 10. Booke and 16 Chapter sheweth that among the Tiburts the Line trees were seene to beare sundry sorts of fruits for on one arme grew Nuts on another Grapes on another Peares or Figs or Pomegarnets and divers sorts of Apples but they all were not of long continuance The Vertues The male kinde is quite without use for any thing that I know nothing being extant thereof in any Authours writings The female is of much use for the decoction of the leaves is a good Lotion to wash sore mouthes or that have canckers in them the leaves also being bruised after the boyling and applyed to their legges or feete that have tumours in them by falling of humours doth much helpe them the inner barke likewise performeth the like effect the flowers of the Line tree and of Lilly Convally being destilled together the water of them is much commended against the falling sickenesse the destilled water of the barke is of the same effect and is also of very good use against the fretting humours that cause the bloody fluxe or griping paines in the belly the said inner barke being steeped in water for a while causeth the water to become thicke or muscilagye which being applyed with clothes wet therein will helpe any place that is burned with fire the wood or coales of the Line tree while they are burning hot quenched in vinegar and afterwards ground with a certaine thing or drugge called Oculi cancri and drunke is found by good experience to be wonderfully good for those that by some fall or bruise or by blowes doe spit blood Tragus saith that he thinketh the flowers hereof whereon Bees doe much desire to feede are good for them CHAP. XIV Betula The Birch tree THe Birch tree groweth to be a goodly tall straight tree with us staught with many boughes and other slender branches bending downewards the older ones being covered with a discoloured rough chapped barke and the younger being browner by much under which there is another fine white thinne rinde or barke much used to write upon before paper was used the leaves at their first breaking out are crumpled and after are somewhat like unto Beech leaves but smaller and greener and dented also about the edges it beareth small and short catkins somewhat Betula The Birch tree like to those of the Hasell nut tree which abide on the branches a long time untill growing ripe they fall on the ground and their seede with them The Place and Time This usually groweth in woods as well on the higher as lower and moist grounds every where generally throughout the land the catkins come forth in Aprill and the leaves soone after the seede is ripe in September The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Theophrastus lib. 3. c. 14. yet he giveth it to be folio Caryae and some read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but others doe thinke that it should be folio Oxyae whereunto it fitly agreeth in Latine Betula and with some Betulla fortasse quia bitumine scatent all Authours call it Betula The Italians call it Bettola the French Bouleau and Bes the Germanes Birchenbaum the Dutch Berckenboom and wee in English Birch tree The Vertues The Birch is in our dayes applyed to little physicall uses yet the juyce of the leaves while they are young or the destilled water of them or the water that commeth out of the tree of it owne accord being bored with an auger or destilled afterwards any of these being drunk for some time together is held availeable to breake the stone in the kidnies or bladder and is also good to wash sore mouths a lye made of the ashes of Birch tree barke is effectuall for the same purposes Many other civill uses the Birch is put unto as first to decke up houses and arbours both for the fresh greennesse and good sent it casteth it serveth to make hoopes to binde caskes withall the young branches being fresh are writhed and serve for bands unto faggots of the young twigges are made broomes to sweepe our houses as also rods to correct children at schoole or at home and was an ensigne borne in bundels by the Lictors or Sergeants before the Consulls in the old Romans times with which and with axes borne in the like manner they declared the punishment for lesser and greater offences to their people CHAP. XV. Alnus The Alder tree OF this Alder I have to shew you two or three varieties more then others have expressed which are these following 1. Alxus vulgaris The usuall Alder tree The ordinary Alder tree groweth to a reasonable height and spreadeth much if it like the place covered with a brownish barke and the wood under it more red then Elme or Yew the boughes and branches whereof are more brittle then any other wood that groweth in or neere water the leaves are round almost full of ribs rugged thicke and clammy by reason of a sticking dew that continually lyeth upon them yet shining and dented about the edges somewhat like unto the leaves of the Hasell tree but of a darker greene colour it beareth short browne aglets like the Beech or Birch which fall not away before the seede is ripe within them and then they are hard and scaly a little
fruite is ripe in September except the late ripe which as is said is in October The Names By the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 did the ancient Greekes understand all sorts of fruites whose outer shell or covering was hard as Nux Amygdala Nux Euboica Castanea Nux Heracleotica Avellana Nux Judica Nux moschata Nux Pinea c. and because these were brought unto them by Kings they therefore called them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nux Regia but afterward it was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jovis glans and so the Latines from them Diu glans but contracting the word and substracting the first Letter they called it Iuglans other names are found in Pliny whereby the varieties of them were called as Persica Tarentina and Mollusca for those with thinne shels and Moracina and Moracilla in Macrobius for those that come late their severall titles declare these here and their generall name by all Authours of late is Nux Iuglans or Nux Regia the outer greene shell or rinde is called in Latine Gulioca and by Festus Culeolus the inner skinne that covereth the kernell is called Nauci The Arabians call it Ieuz Leuz and Giausi which is properly but Nux as Giausi bandi Nux Bandensis the Italians Noci the French Noix and Noyer the Spaniards Nuezos the Germanes Welschnusbaum and Nussbaum the Dutch Note and Okernoteboom and we in English Wallnut The Vertues Dodonaeus is of opinion that the fresh nuts are cold and moist but Fuchsius saith they are drying in the first degree and warming in the second the barke of the tree doth binde and dry very much and the leaves are neere of the same temperature but the nuts when they are older are heating and drying in the second degree and of thin parts and are harder of digestion then when they are fresh which by reason of their sweetenesse are more pleasing and better digesting in the stomacke and taken with sweete wine they moove the belly downewards for being old they grieve the stomacke and cause in hot bodies choller to abound and the headache and are an enemy unto those that have a cough but they are lesse hurtfull to those that have colder stomackes and are said to kill the broad wormes in the stomacke or belly if they be taken with Onions salt and honey they helpe the biting of a mad dogge as also the biting of any man or any other venome or infectious poyson Cueus Pompeus found in the treasury of Mithridates King of Pontus when he was overthrowne a scroule of his owne handwriting of a medicine against any poyson or infection yet Galen attributeth it to Apollonius Murus and Aetius taketh it out of Strutho his writings which is this two dry Wallnuts and as many good Figges and twenty leaves of Rue or Herbegrace bruised and beaten together with two or three cornes of salt which taken every morning fasting preserveth from danger of poyson or infection that day it is taken the juyce of the outer greene huskes boyled up with hony is an excellent gargle for sore mouthes the heate and inflammations in the throate or stomacke the kernels when they grow old are more oyly and therefore are not so fit to be eaten but then are used to heale the wounds of the sinewes gangrens and carbuncles the said kernels being burned are then very astringent and will stay laskes and the feminine courses taken in red Wine and stay the falling of the haire and make it faire being annointed with oyle and wine the like will also the greene huskes doe used in the same manner the kernels beaten with Rue and Wine being applyed helpeth the Quinsie and bruised with some honey and applyed to the eares easeth the paines and inflammations of them if they be eaten after Onyons they take away the strong smell and sharpenesse of them a peece of the greene huske put unto an hollow tooth easeth the paines and consumeth the marrow the worme as they call it within it the catkins hereof taken before they fall thereof dryed and given a dramme weight in pouther with white wine doth wonderfully helpe those women that are troubled with the rising of the mother some doe use the greene huskes dryed and made into pouther instead of Pepper to season their meates but if some dryed Sage in pouther be put unto it it will give it the better rellish in the same manner doe some use the young red leaves before they grow greater and find it a seasoning not to be dispised of poore folkes the oyle that is pressed out of the kernells besides that it is farre better for the painters use to illustrate a white colour then Linseede oyle which deadeth it and is of singular good use to be laid on guilded workes or on those workes of wood that are made by burning such as are those walking staves that have workes on them or the like to preserve the colour of the gold or of the other worke for a long time without decay is very profitably taken inwardly like oyle of Almonds to helpe the chollicke and to expell winde very effectually taking an ounce or two at a time The young greene nuts before they be halfe ripe preserved whole in sugar are not onely a dainty 〈◊〉 among other of the like nature but are of good use for those that have weake stomackes and defluction◠〈◊〉 The dâ—â—tilled water of the greene huske before they are halfe ripe iâ— of excellent use both to coole the 〈…〉 to be drunke an ounce or two at a time as also to resist the infection of the Plague if some thereof also 〈…〉 the sores thereof the same likewise cooleth the heate of greene wounds and old ulcers and to hoâ—le them being bathed therewith the destilled water likewise of the greene huskes being ripe when they are shaled from the nuts is of very good use to be drunke with a little vinegar for those that are infected with the plague so as before the taking thereof a veine be opened this is of often experience the said water is very good against the Quinsie to be gargled and bathed therewith and wonderfully helpeth deafenesse the 〈◊〉 and other paines in the eares the distilled water of the young greene leaves in the end of May performed to singular cure on foule running ulcers and sores to be bathed with wet clothes or sponges applyed to them evening and morning there resteth on the leaves of this tree a kinde of red thicke dew in the hottest time of Summer more then on any other tree round about it which will be rather dry then bedewed at all which honey dew being taken doth stake the thirst wonderfully it is averred by some that if the ripe nuts huskes and all be put into hony they will then be of so good efficacy for sores and â—ore mouthes that thereof may fitly be made gargles and lotions either inward or outward CHAP. XIX Nux Avellana The Hassell nut OF these small nuts there is
they exceede not the bignesse of a penny standing close together without either flower or seed that it can scarse be taken for a Willow 6. Salix Aegyptiaca Syriaca The Egiptian Willow or of Syria This Willow that groweth familiarly both in Egipt and Syria is neerer a shrub then a tree spreading into many slender flexible and yellowish branches and stemmes also from the roote whereon are set faire broad and large 2 3. Salix humilis latifolia Alpina repens The Creeping broad leafed and mountaine Willow 6. Salix Aegyptiaca Syriaca The Egyptian Willow or of Syria 7. Salix Arabica humilis solijs Atriplicis The Arabian dwarfe willow leaves on both sides yet but one at a place usually especially on the younger stemmes and branches but grow smaller on the elder with some lesser with them also greene on the upper side and grayish underneath at every joynt with the leafe usually commeth forth a whitish ball or tuft of a soft flocky substance which by time is dispersed into the aire without bearing any seede for ought that hath been observed yet may be in that flocky matter as is usuall in many other plants that beare flocky heads but because the flowers are very plentifull and sweete withall the Natives distill a water from them whereof they make a great account calling it Machaleb using it as an especiall helpe for all sorts of agues but especially in pestilentiall and putride feavers as also the infusion or decoction of the flowers and for paines in the head and faintings of the heart and the comforting and strengthening thereof 7. Salix Arabica humilis folijs Atriplicis The Arabian dwarfe Willow This Arabian likewise groweth low with many pale yellowish branches but thicker more solid and strong then the last beset on all sides with leaves that are of an handbreadth long and two inches broad somewhat jagged on the edges like unto a wild Arrache what flowers or fruite it bore was not observed but of the coles of this sort of Willow they make their best Gunpouther The Place and Time Some of these sorts are found in many places of this Land as upon Hampstead Heath Rumney Marshes and the like although Clusius Lugdunensis and Bauhinus have recorded them to grow in Germany Hungary and Savoy c. The two last according to their titles The Names Bauhinus calleth the first by the name in the title as he doth the fourth also The second and third Clusius calleth Salix pumila latifolia the third here being his first and his second the second here The fifth Lugdunensis calleth abortiva as it is in the title The sixt is remembred by Alpinus among his Egiptian plants calling it Calaf sive Bán and Veslingius saith the Egiptians and Syrians call it Caleb also Rauwolfius saith the Syrians called it Saffaf The last Rauwolfius also saith is called Garb by the Arabians and Garrab by the Moores CHAP. XXXII Salix pumila angustifolia Low narrow leafed Willowes HEreof there are divers kindes which grow diversly some in more wet places then others and first I must speake of the Osier because although it grow with longer twigges or roddes then many of the rest yet it beareth narrow long leaves 1. Salix aquatica humilis The Osier The Osier hath a stumpe or stocke of a tree as bigge as ones arme at the most and not above a foote high put with an head as bigge as a childes head being kept thus low of purpose because the shootes or wands that rise out of it are cut every yeare for use the barke whereof in some is yellowish or whitish in others brownish the leaves are long and narrow yet broader then any of the rest for the most part that follow dented about the edges darke greene on the upper side and whitish underneath this hath not beene observed to beare any flowers because all the shootes are yearely lopped off close to the head but the rods thrust into the ground will spring to be young trees to be dressed in like manner and so will any branch of the former greater sorts 2. Salix pumila angustifolia recta The straight dwarfe Willow with narrow leaves The stemmes of this Willow are slender yet upright not above a foote long covered with a yellowish barke the leaves are narrow and long like unto those of Line or Flaxe greene above and gray below the young ones being wholly gray and hoary the bloomings or catkins are soft and yellow like the greater kindes and come forth before the leaves and passe into downe being ripe that is blowne away with the winde the roote is blacke of a fingers bignesse with fibers thereat growing a slope 3. Salix humilis angustifolia repens Creeping low Willow with narrow leaves The branches of this low Willow grow to be a foote or more long but slender and leaning and lying upon the ground where it will shoote forth rootes againe set with shorter and narrow leaves divers comming forth together greene above and gray below in other things not unlike the former 1. Salix aquatica humilis The Osier 2. Salix pumila angustifolia recta The straight dwarfe Willow with narrow leaves 3. Salix humilis angustifolia repens Creeping low Willow with narrow leaves 4. Salix oblongo incano folio The blacke low Willow 5. Salix Helice Theophasti Hungarian low Willow 4. Salix oblongo incano acuto folio The blacke low Willow The stemme hereof is covered with a darke red barke parted into sundry short branches with narrow long and sharpe pointed darke greene leaves upon them and hoary underneath the rest agreeth with the former 5. Salix Helice Theophrasti Hungarian low Willow The branches of this Willow are very slender and pliant though the body bee somewhat great covered with a pale yellowish barke the leaves grow by couples being long narrow and sharpe pointed greene with a certaine hoarinesse above and gray underneath with some small leaves at the bottomes of them and with small reddish bals or blisters sometimes on them also the flowers c. agree with the former but this is proper hereunto to have scaly heads of leaves at the ends of the branches 6. Salix Alpina Pyrenaea Low Willow of the Pyrenean hils This small Willow riseth unto scarse halfe a cubits height with slender short branches full of small long leaves hairy all upon the edges and as soft as Velvet the stalke with the catkins thereon are an inch long being soft and slender but else like the rest 7. Salix Alpina repens angustifolia non incana The greene creeping Willow The branches hereof although some of them rise above the ground yet take they roote below having somewhat broad and long leaves on them wholly greene so that but that the flowers doe appeare like unto the rest none would take it to be a Willow 8. Salix angustissimis longissimis folijs The longest leafed Willow This low Willow hath yellowish rods with the longest â—â—â—rowest leaves of any
Plumme but much lesse and of a softer substance very sweete thus farre Theophrastus Now let me descant a little hereon and compare them First the leaves of Persea saith Theophrastus are most like unto the leafe of the Peare tree and this saith Clusius is like unto the greatest Bay leafe the one is almost as broad as long and the other twice as long as broad besides it is small pointed the flowers of Persea are like the Peare tree which are much larger then those of the Bay and doe not grow so many together as this doth nor at the ends of the branches like this the fruite of Clusius is blace of this greene of that like a Peare of this as bigge as a peare but like an Almond of this the stone is like a Plumme of that like an Heart which is round and not flat as that plumme stone is that hath ripe fruite onely in Autumne this at all times of the yeare And besides all these which are differences sufficient to distinguish them I doe not finde almost any plant either herbe or tree growing in the West Indies to be like unto those that grow in Europe the lesser Asia or the hither part of Africa and therefore by all probabilities this of Clusius cannot be that of Theophrastus yet this sheweth an excellent judgement in Clusius to referre this tree to that Persea but in any judgement this Persea of Theophrastus is most likely to be some kinde of Myrobolane or else some other fruite not knowne to us It was called saith Clusius by them where he saw it Mamay but he was afterwards enformed by Doctor Tonar that it was not Mamay but called Aguacate by the Indians Some have thought this Persea to be all one with the Persica arbor as Palladius calleth it or Malus Persica of Dioscorides Gaza translating Theophrastus in some places rendereth it Persica and in others Persea as Pliny in one place also confoundeth them both together although in another he distinctly speaketh of Persea and separateth it himselfe from Persica but how much they differ one from another the descriptions of both doth plainely declare to any The Peach is called by the Arabians Sauch and Chauch by the Italians Persiche by the Spaniards Pexegos by the French Pesches by the Germans Pfersichbaum by the Dutch Perseboom and by us Peach The Vertues Some are of opinion that the leaves of Peaches are of a cold quality but Galen sheweth that the buds and leaves have an excellent bitter quality that if they be bruised and laid on the belly they will kill the wormes and so will they doe also if they be boyled in Ale and drunke and open the belly likewise and also is a safe medicine to discusse humours being dryed and the pouther of them strewed upon fresh bleeding wounds doth both stay their bleeding and close them up the flowers being steeped all night in a little Wine standing warme strained forth in the morning and drunke fasting doth gently open the belly and move it downewards and a Syrupe made of them by reiterate infusions as the Syrupe of Roses is made is found to worke more forceably then that of Roses for that it provoketh vomitting and spendeth waterish and Hydropicke humours by the continuance thereof the flowers condited or made into a conserve worketh to the same effect the gumme or rather the liquour that droppeth from the tree being wounded is given in the decoction of Coltsfoote unto those that are troubled with the cough or with shortnesse of breath by adding thereto some sweete wine and putting some Saffron also therein it is good for those that are hoarse or have lost their voyce helpeth all the defects of the lungs and those that vomit or spit blood Two drammes thereof given in the juyce of Lemmons or of Radish is good for those that are troubled with the stone it is said some given in Plantaine or Purslane water stayeth the casting or spitting of blood the kernels of the stones doe wonderfully ease the paines and wringings of the belly through winde or sharpe humours and are much commended to be effectuall to breake and drive forth the stone which that they may the more powerfully worke I commend this water unto you to drinke upon occasion three or foure ounces at a time Take fifty kernels of Peach stones and an hundred of the kernels of Cherry stones a handfull of Elder flowers fresh or dryed and three pints of Muscadine set them in a closed pot into a bed of Horse dung for ten dayes which afterwards stilled in glasse with a gentle fire keepe for your use The milke or creame of these kernells being drawne forth with some Verven water being applyed to the forehead and temples doth much helpe to procure rest and sleepe to sicke persons wanting it the oyle likewise drawne from the kernels doth the same being annointed the said oyle put into glisters doth ease the paines of the chollicke proceeding from winde and annoynted on the lower part of the belly doth the like and dropped into the eares easeth the paines of them the juyce of the leaves doth the like killeth the wormes and ulcers in them being also annoynted on the forehead and temples it helpeth the Megrome and other paines in the head If the kernels be bruised and boyled in vinegar untill they become thicke and applyed to the head or other places that have shed the haire and are bald it doth marvellously procure the haire to grow againe The Peaches themselves being eaten by reason of their sweetenesse and moisture doe soone putrefie in the stomacke and therefore Galen adviseth that they be never taken after but before meate alwaies so shall they make the rest to passe away the more speedily with them or else taken after they corrupt the rest in the stomacke with themselves The Nectarin hath a firmer substance and a more delectable taste for which it is most accepted being of no use in Physicke that I know The Persea is not used with any CHAP. LXXXII Amygalus The Allmond tree THe Almond is so like unto the Peach in every part thereof and yet differing from it that I can doe no lesse then joyne it next in a severall Chapter and although there are sundry sorts of sweete Almonds some great and some small others long and some short and a bitter kinde also yet being in the whole surface so like one unto another that they can be distinguished by no other thing then the Allmond I will onely give you one description and shew you their differences herein which I thinke shall be sufficient Amygdalus The Allmond tree The Allmond tree groweth greater and higher then any Peach and is therefore usually planted by it selfe and not against a wall and never grafted that I have seene and knowne that would take and abide but is alwayes planted of a stone put into the ground where you would have it to grow for it hardly suffereth a transplanting the body thereof becomming
very great whereby it sheweth to be of long continuance spreading greater armes and smaller branches but brittle with long narrow leaves on them very like unto the Peach tree the flowers are of a paler purple colour then the Peach blossomes and not so bitter and the fruite very like the Peach for the outward forme before it be ripe but the outer rinde is a dry skinne without any cleft in it or edible substance under it as the Peach hath and the shell under it is smooth and not rugged like it and not so thicke a kernell within being bitter in one kinde which are small like the Barbery Allmonds and sweete in all the rest whereof some are small and called Barbery Allmonds others long and slender and are called Iordâ—n Allmonds and others short and broad called Valentia Allmonds it is observed that those that grow in the Isle of Cyprus bend downe their heads contrary to all in any other place The Place and Time They grow in all places planted that I know or can heare of in Syria Barbery Turkie Spaine Italy and wheresoever we have both the bitter and the sweete of that sort that is thicke and short growing in many places of our Land and blossome earlier then the Peach of any sort and the fruite ripe also before them The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the fruite 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Amygdalus and the fruite Amygdalum and Amygdalium some thinke that Cato meant these by the name of Nuces Graeca but yet some doe rather referre them to the Wallnuts Columella maketh mention of Nuces Graecae Inglandes and Amygdalae as of three kindes for many thinke the Almond was not knowne in Italy in Cato his time Pliny out of Theophrastus setteth downe the way to make the bitter Allmond tree to beare sweete Allmonds and the sweete bitter but with such fond conceits of alterations and transmutations are the workes of the ancients according to their Gentilisme too plentifully stored which we know is contrary to the law that God hath set in it selfe to preserve the kinde and although there be not onely lusus but luxus naturae as it hapeneth in many things as in the Hermaphrodite yet that altereth not the law of nature and notwithstanding the example of the Mule The Arabians call the fruite Iauz Kauz and Lauzi the Italians Mandole the Spaniards Almendres the French Amandes the Germanes Mandelkern the Dutch Amaudel and we in English Allmonds The Vertues The sweete Allmonds are the pleasanter meate formed into many fashions as every one liketh but the bitter are the more physicall the sweete are hot and moist in the first degree the bitter are drying in the second The sweete Allmonds blanched and dryed that they may be made into pouther and so taken by it selfe or with other things helpeth to binde the loosenesse of the belly the oyle of sweete Allmonds mixed with the fine pouther of Sugar Candy is good for the dry cough and for hoarsenesse to take a little at once the said oyle drunke either alone or with some Syrupe of Marsh Mallowes is good for those that are troubled with the stone to ease the paines by opening and making slippery the passages thereof It is used also by women in Childbed after their sore travell being mixed with oyle of Tartar it maketh a creame called Lac Virginis that clenseth the skin and lenyfieth the drynesse or roughnesse parched with the winde or otherwise it is used also by it selfe or with other things to annoint the stomacke for the cold The pouther of the Allmond cakes after the oyle is pressed from them doth serve farre better then sope to clense the hands or skinne in any place and to supple the parts and make them smooth The greene fruite while they are very greene are eaten to helpe the moist humours in the stomacke and are eaten with pleasure by women with childe and being preserved are very delicate The bitter Allmonds doe provoke urine and womens courses and helpe to mollifie the belly they are good also taken with Amylum and Mintes for the spitting of blood and taken with water they are good for paines in the backe and the inflammation in the lungs or else taken with fine Turpintine made into an electuary or licking medicine with honey and milke they are good for the obstructions of the liver for the cough and the winde chollicke taking the quantity of a Hasell nut at a time the oyle of bitter Almonds is effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid and doth more effectually clense the skin then that of sweete Almonds it is also used for the noyse and deafenesse in the eares to droppe thereof into them the bitter Allmonds themselves beaten with oyle of Roses and Vinegar annointed on the temples doe ease the paines in the head and procureth sleepe and rest in hot agues or phrensies it doth mollefie the stiffenesse of the sinewes and joynts and healeth the bitings of dogs and foule ulcers if one doe eate five or sixe bitter Almonds before he fall into drinking company it will keepe him from being overtaken more then the rest and it is said that if they be given to a Foxe in his meate it will kill him CHAP. LXXXIII Cerasus The Cherry tree THere are as many sorts of Cherries almost as of plummes the most whereof I have declared in my former Booke but there are some other sorts both tall and low that are not there mentioned and are to be shewed in this place And although I have there set forth both the descriptions and figures in part of some that I doe here againe mention both of the taller and lower sort yet I also give you the figures of some there not set forth but described the double repetitions being to shew the differences 1. Cerasus vulgaris The ordinary Cherry tree The Cherry tree riseth to a reasonable heighth and greatnesse spreading well and somewhat thicke the leaves are neere the plumme for forme but somewhat longer in most and dented about the edges the flowers come forth two or three or foure at the most at a place or joynt together every one on his owne footestalke consisting of five white leaves with some threds in the middle after which come round berryes greene at the first and red when they are through ripe of a meane bignesse and pleasant taste with a hard white small stone within it whose kernell is somewhat bitter but not unpleasant Some sorts are greater and pleasanter than others some tart some waterish others firme some red others whiter 2. Cerasus Trapezautina sive Laurocerasus The Bay Cherry or Cherry Bay Because this tree beareth berryes very like to faire great blacke Cherryes and a stone within them like unto a Cherry stone I thinke it is most worthy to be referred to this stocke or kindred of the Cherryes howsoever formerly I set it among some kindes of Bayes It sometimes groweth
thicke middle rib running through the middle all the length of them and being reddish about the edges which are sharpe like the Iris leaves abiding alwayes greene from among the leaves at the heads come forth long footestalkes of about a footes length branched forth into other lesser stalkes bearing at certaine spaces divers fruites or berryes in clusters for the flowers have not beene observed each of them like unto a small Cherry of a sowrish or tart taste and of a yellowish colour when they are ripe with a stone within them very like a Cherry stone and a like kernell also but here is no shew of any Dragon here in to be seene as Monardus fableth and others that from him have set it forth which sheweth how necessary it is to have judicious and conscionable men to be the first relators of strange or unknowne things out of this tree being slit or bored commeth forth a thicke not cleare as Matthiolus saith darke red gumme or Rossin which hardneth quickely and will melt at the fire and flame being cast therein yet somewhat dryly being bruised it sheweth a very orient red crimson or bloody colour yet is very hardly mixed with any liquour eyther water or oyle the wood is very hard and firme and hardly admitteth to bee cut but the younger branches are more tender What if Master Hamonds flesh tree growing in Magadascar set forth in his Paradox yeelding liquor like blood may not prove to be this tree if the tendernesse of the wood cutting as he saith like flesh either hinder not the identity or be not an hyperbole The Place and Time This tree groweth in the Islands both of Madera and the Canaries and in Brassill also as I am given to understand where it groweth vast but Clusius saith that he found it in the Orchard belonging to the Monastery of our Lady of grace in Spaine planted among some Ollive trees on a small hill the Time is not expressed This is so tender that although it hath sprung with us from the stones that were set yet it would scarse endure to the end of Summer but perished with the first cold nights The Names It is most probable that neither Dioscorides nor any of the ancient Greeke or Latine Authours had any knowledge of this tree or could give any description thereof but of the gum or Rossin onely yet neither knew whether it came from herbe or tree or was a minerall of the earth but called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke and thereafter Cimnabaris in Latine Dioscorides saith that it was so scarse to be had that the Painters could not get sufficient for their workes but yet saith some called it Sanguis draconis so ancient is the name and by which onely the moderne Writers are led to thinke that the gumme of this tree continuing the name to this day the rest of this declaration agreeing likewise thereunto is the right Cinnabaris of Dioscorides but Pliny in his 33. Booke and 7. Chapter for the elder world hath fabled no lesse then Monardus from his Bishop of Carthage in this as is aforesaid and set it downe for a truth that Cinnabaris is no other thing but the blood of a Dragon or Serpent crusht to death by the weight of the dying Elephant killed by him and that both their bloods mingled togethers was the Sanguis draconis that the Painters used and was also used in medicines Iulius Solinus also affirmeth the same thing but assuredly the true cause of the name hereof was the bloody colour that the gum gave however they coloured the truth from others knowledge by the name of a Dragon The Vertues There is no part of this tree put to any use in Physicke with any that I know but the gum onely yet no doubt in the naturall places or where it groweth both barke and fruite might be applyed for such like diseases as the gumme is put unto which is very astringent serving to restraine the fluxe of blood or humours from any parts both in man and woman as laskes the menstrues whites and the gonorrhea it is also said to helpe the strangury and stoppings of the urine to fasten loose teeth and is very availeable for the gummes are spongy or with loose flesh it is good also to stay the watering of the eyes and to helpe those places that are burnt with fire The Goldsmiths and Glasiers use it much in their workes the one for an enamell and to set a foile under their pretious stones for their greater luster and the other by fire to strike a crimson colour into glasse for Windowes or the like I doe not know that Painters can bring it to be a fit colour to be used in their workes CHAP. XCII Cedrus magna Conifera Libani The great Cedar of Libanus THe rest of the Arbores resinifferae those trees that beare Rossins are to follow which are these that beare Cones being the great Cedar the Pine tree and all the sorts thereof both tame and wild the Pitch tree the Firre tree the Larch tree the Cypresse and the Arbor vitae or tree of life and first of the great Cedar This great Cedar groweth up with a great thicke upright body taller then any other tree whatsoever stored with branches on all sides but so ordered that the lower branches spread largest and still upward they grow smaller up to the toppe representing the forme of a Pyramid or Sugar loafe to them that view it a farre of the greater and lowest branches with the body are somewhat rugged and full of chappes but that of the upper branches is very Cedrus magna Conaea Libani The great Cedar of Libaijus smooth and of an ash colour and being rubbed away with ones nailes appeareâ—h greene underneath and reddish under that the branches soâ—e say grow all upright but others straight out and as it were crosse wise strong but brittle and easie to be broken not to be bended and so placed about the body one above another that they yeeld an easie ascent up to the toppe as it were by steps the leaves grow many together out of a knot which are small long and narrow like unto those of the Larch tree somewhat hard but not sharpe at the end as they are and so set the longest being in the middle and the lesser on the sides that they represent the forme of a Painters pensell abiding alwayes greene on the trees being somewhat sweete in sent a little sowre bitter and astringent in taste it beareth Cones that grow upright like as the Firre doth not hanging downe as others doe slenderer then those of the Pitch tree and thicker greater and harder then those of the Firre somewhat yellowish and round at the end made of many scales with a short footestalke to it but so firmely set to the branch that without breaking away some of the wood of the branch it cannot be pulled away yet the scales opening of themselves will fall away leaving the stalke bare
The seventh is the Pinus maritima minor of Dodonaeus and Bauhinus and the third Hispanicus of Clusius The eighth is Clusius his Pinaster pumilio The ninth his Pinaster tertius Austriacus And the last is his Pinaster secundus Austriacus 〈◊〉 or â—â—ger The Arabians call the Pine Senabar the Italians and Spaniards Pino the French Pin and the kernells Pignons the Germanes Hartzbaum and Fichtembaum and Pijnholtz the Dutch Pinappelbâ—om and Wee the Pine tree or Pine Apple tree The Vertues The barke of the Pine tree is binding and drying staying the laâ—ke and provoking urine is helpeth the frettings and gallings of the skin ulcers also that possesse the upper parts and burnings with fire taken with Coratâ—â—â— Myrtinum or with Litharge and skinneth them after and mixed with Coperas it stayeth the fretting or creeping of ulcers the fumes thereof taken underneath causeth a delivery of the birth and expelleth the secondine the leaves are cooling and asswage inflammations and keepe ulcers from being inflamed a dramme of them taken in water or mede that is honyed water are good for the heate of the Liver if they be boyled in vinegar and gargled warme in the mouth it helpeth the paines in the teeth and gummes the like doth the shivers of the Torchpine boyled in vinegar and gargled The kernells of the Apples are wholesome and much nourishing while they are fresh and although they be somewhat hard of digestion yet they doe not offend especially â—t they be steeped three or foure houres in warme water before the taking to soake out their sharpenesse and oylinesse those that are of hot constitutions may take them with Sugar but those that are cold with hony and so they doe amend the putrefying humours in the stomacke and bowels and stir up bodily lust and encrease sperme if they be made into an electuary with a little pouther of penidij penâ—ies and some sweete wine also they much helpe an hoarse throate wheesings and shortnesse of breath and when the voyce is lost and expectorate flegme and are good for an old cough and the ulcers of the lungs they also lenifie the uritory passages being fretted with the stone and cause them to be easily avoyded they helpe also to ripen inward Impostumes and are singular good for macilent bodies to hearten them and make them grow fat being often taken they helpe the palsie shaking and numnesse of the members Both Comfitmakers and Cookes know how to make dainty Quec choses for their delight that will have them There is a water destilled from the greene cones or apples that is very effectuall to take away the wrinckles in the face to abate the over swelling breasts of Maides by bathing them with wet cloathes in the water laid on them and to restore such as are ravisht into better termes CHAP. CXV Picea The Pitch tree THe Pitch tree hath formerly beene comprehended under one kinde yet Pliny seemeth to reckon a sativa and a sylvestris the sativa to be Sapinus and the sylvestris Picea but we in these times knew but one sort untill Clusius hath added a dwarfe sort thereunto 1. Picea vulgaris The ordinary Pitch tree The Pitch tree is so like unto the Firre tree that it oftentimes deceiveth them that are not skilfull Picea The Pitch tree 2 Picea pumila The dwarfe Pitch tree or well excercised therein for it is to be discerned but by some espetiall notes It riseth up as high and groweth as great as the Firre steeple fashion with a thicke reddish ashcoloured barke rough and rough like leather and spreadeth the branches a crosse as that doth but bending downe notstanding upright as the Firre doth The leaves also are thicke set on all sides of the branches and not onely on two as the Firre being thicke and short round and not flat as the Firre leaves are softer also and not hard pointed at the ends like it the cones come forth at the ends of the branches after the catkins are fallen which are somewhat reddish at the first springing forth and being full growne are slender about seven or eight inches long bending downewards abiding so long on the trees untill the scales opening the seed within them which is small and blackish falleth out upon the ground the wood is smoother softer lesse knotty and with fairer and straighter graines and thereby more accepted in workes then the Firre from this tree is gathered small paeces of white hard dry Rossin distilling out thereof of it owne accord very like unto Olibanuâ— that many may be deceived with it as also a liquid Rossin or Turpintine by boring the tree as others are and Pitch also as from the Pine 2. Picea pumila The dwarfe Pitch tree This tree never riseth high but alwayes abideth low spreading the branches in manner of a crosse as the former beset with shorter and paler greene leaves all about them this beareth certaine small heads of the bignesse of an Hasellnut composed of scales laid close one upon another whose end is a prickly leafe which opening when it is ripe sheweth it to be like hollow voyd or empty places within and from the heads that are at the ends of the branches shootâ—â— forth oftentimes branches with sundry short and prickely leaves whether it bore either flowers or fruite Clusius saith he knew not for he saw none on any that he found The Place and Time The first groweth usually in all Countries with the Firre trees but seldome neere the Sea the other Clusius found in his search for simples in Germany but nameth no place The Pitch tree blossomes fall away in March and Aprill when the cones begin to come forth which are ripe before Winter but abide on as is said if they be not gathered untill it shed all the seede and that the windes and the weather have rotted and blowne downe the stalkes of the withered The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Picea because the pitch is made of this tree yet as all Authours doe agree the Pine tree is most usually taken for that purpose and of it is made both the best and the most store Bellonius as Clusius thinâ—eth was much deceived in the Pitch tree taking the wilde Pine tree for it in his second Booke and third Chapter where Clusius noteth it giveth it the figure of his Pitch tree which is the wilde Pine tree as be saith but Bellonius in his first Booke and 44. Chapter doth there give the figure of the Sapinus which he saith some French men call du Sapâ—â— and some de la Suiffe which as Lugdunensis saith is the name by which they call the Pitch tree so that it seemeth probable that Clusius hath herein mistaken Bellonius yet he saith in the said second Booke and third Chapter that the Inhabitants doe take Teda Torches from this tree and that they make pitch and Codria â—arre from it also which is most usually made of the wilde pine tree
it be used and then will grow hard and fit to be used there is a kinde of dry Rossin also gathered from the nuts or apples called Resina Strobilina which Galen maketh the chiefest and best of all other Rossins although Dioscorides maketh it the last and worst It yeeldeth no other liquid Rossin that I can learne but from it and the sorts thereof before it turne into Teda as after but especially then as having most store of pitchy matter in it is made the best pitch and most store and is made in Europe where the trees grow somewhat after the manner of making charcoales with us For having prepared a place for the purpose paved in the middle and raised up also a little with a trench round about it for the pitch to runne into they pile up the stickes and cloven wood setting them upright to a sufficient heighth and breadth this pile or heape they cover with the branches of the tree plashed close together and very well limed or lomed on the outside quite all over that no chinke be therein for if any happen it must be presently stopped with lome that no flame or fume passe out thereat for feare of loosing all and onely one hole left below where the fire is to be kindled which also must be stopped up after the fire is well kindled and that the liquour beginneth to runne into the trench which must have severall gutters from it to be led from thence into others fit to receive the pitch as it runneth out the Tarre and water with it runneth first out which is kept together and the pitch that commeth out after by it selfe and then barrells are filled up with them severally the thinner liquour is called Pix liquida in Latine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke and when it is boyled againe and made harder 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pix arida vel sicca and recocta but the Fissasphaltum is a bituminous or hard pitch taken out of the earth and was used to be melted with Tarre to temper it and make it serviceable for ships The Vertues whereof being not specified before shall be shewed hereafter in the end of the Chapter 5. Resina Picea The pitch tree Rossin The pitch tree likewise thrusteth forth a whitish Rossin gathered betweene the barke and the tree and breaking out into drops so like unto Thus or Olibanum that many did counterfeit it therewith as Galen saith lib. 2. decomp med secund gener c. 2. and lib. 3. c. 2. who calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Piceae bulla and this peradventure may be that Rossin of the pitch tree made in Asia and called there Sphagas as Pliny saith who also in another place saith hereof that the pitch tree giveth a great deale of Rossin so like unto Thus that being mingled together they can scarse be discerned to be severall this Rossin also is used to be mixed with the pine tree Rossin before spoken of which is likely to be Galen his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and with them the Resina strobilina mixed all together out of this tree likewise being wounded as in other trees for that purpose is drawne forth a liquid Rossin like unto that of the Firre Tree called by Pliny Pix Brutia as I take it which is redder then the ordinary Rossin and peradventure may be also the Colophony of the ancients which was like Resina fricta and brought from Colophony but more tenacious as betweene Rossin and pitch which I take to be that which is usually called with us now a dayes Burgony pitch which while it is fresh is somewhat soft in working and sharpe in sent but afterward growing as dry as a dry Rossin that will easily be made into pouther Of the wood and stickes hereof as of the pine either together or separate is made pitch as is before shewed 6. Resina Abiegna The Firre tree Rossin or Turpintine Some doe say that there is gathered from the Firre tree a dry kinde of Rossin passing out thereof voluntarily as is before said of the pine and pitch trees and put altogether to make our common Francumsence which how true or false it is I cannot either maintaine or disprove the knowledge of many such things although of daily use is not easily attained by them that dwell farre from the naturall places of their growing From this Firre tree being bored to the heart as is done in other the like and some say out of the pitch tree as well issueth forth in the younger trees a cleere yellowish Turpintine or thinne Rossin but from the elder somewhat thicker which being put into great cauldrons is boyled with a double quantity of water but I thinke twice double will not serve so long even two or three dayes continually night and day untill it become so throughly boyled and dryed that it will not yeeld to a thrust when it is cold but will be hard and dry and then is called yellow Rossin and being molten a new is cast into great cakes of an hundred weight a peece more or lesse and according as the Turpintine is in clearenesse and goodnesse so will the Rossin be and this is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Grecians and Resina fricta of the Latines 7. Resina Cupressina The Rossin of the Cypresse tree There is sometimes found on this tree a certaine kinde of dry Rossin but so little that we have little knowledge thereof and lesse use Dioscorides and Pliny doe both make mention of a liquid Rossin to be taken out of it as out of the Turpintine tree Larch tree and others 8. From the Savine trees likewise of both sorts in the hot Countries is taken a dry Rossin 9. From the Cedrus Lycia the Cypresse like Cedars of both sorts is taken such like dry Rossins as from the Oxycedrus in small peeces falling to pouther in the chewing like unto it 10. From the Arbor vitae sometimes is taken a dry Rossin in small peeces and small quantity 11. From the Arbor Thurifera is gathered the Thus or Olibanum but what the tree is from whence it was taken we know not nor they that have made mention of it for some say one thing and some another so that I dare say no more of it here but in the next Classis 12. Of the dry or liquid Rossins taken from the Lentiske or Masticke tree from the Balsamum or Balme tree from the Styrax or Storax tree and from the Turpintine tree I have spoken sufficiently before saving onely that I would give you further to understand that in Syria and the parts neere thereunto they make pitch of the Turpintine in the same manner as they doe of the Cedar besides the cleere true Turpintine that is drawne forth by piersing the tree as in other Rossin bearing trees The Vertues of Rossin and Pitch Rossin in generall as Galen saith that is of all sorts is hot and dry but they differ much one from
but simple Wine being not made with us these artificiall Wines are not in use with us yet might be paralleld almost if the things were put into our new Ale or Beere to worke in them as wee use to doe with out dyet Beere Yet other sorts of compounded Wines might be made for sundry physicall uses after the manner of our Hipocras wine which is according to the spices put thereinto cordiall and comfortable c Metheglin is a Welsh strange drinke not made of Wine and therefore I would not reckon it among these Wines being fit for some stout Welsh stomackes that affect it The receipts of many whereof are extant in Lobels Appendix to his Adversaria whereunto I referre you I will therefore touch onely the particuler properties of wine it selfe both as it is medicinable and nourishing for taken moderately and by them that are of a middle age or well stept in yeares or are of a cold and dry disposition and not very young and so their blood too hot for to abide Wine it encreaseth blood and nourisheth much it procureth an appetite and helpeth to digest being taken at meate it provoketh urine and driveth forth raw humours thereby strengtheneth the vitall spirits and procureth a good colour in those that want it or are macilent drawing to a consumption so as it be not accompanyed with a fever it expelleth feares cares and heavinesse and breedeth alacrity mirth and bodily pleasure and by the moist warme vapours causeth quiet rest and sleepe both to the sound and sicke that lacke it it likewise comforteth and warmeth all the cold infirmities of the stomacke liver spleene and wombe and helpeth windy swellings in the body and generall evill dispositions thereof the greene sickenesse and the dropsie and the over travelled over wearyed body and minde it is also the remedy against Hemlocke Coriander Poppy and Opium Wolfebane Mushromes and Mandrake or whatsoever cold poyson or dangerous herbe or roote is taken These be the effects of the moderate drinking of Wine when as on the contrary side the excesse thereof breedeth a distraction in the senses the Appoplexie and Lethargy or drowsie evill the trembling of the joynts the palsie and the dropsie but is used to heale up old ulcers and sores Spiritus vini The Spirit of wine and Aqua vitae no other moisture being admitted in the cure The spirit of Wine and aqua vitae were of so neere affinity in former times one unto another that there was no more difference betweene them then betweene the stronger and the milder Wine for Aqua vitae being made wholly of Wine with the addition of spices made the spirits to be the stronger and the wine simply without spices to be the milder but now there being not one droppe of Wine in the Aqua vitae is wholly destilled from the tilts or dregges of Ale or Beere being their low Wines as it is called and after distilled againe with a few Anneseedes or as some doe with a little Ginny Pepper to make it the stronger without any other spice commeth farre short of those auncient receites for the making of that which was good and whosesome to tell you therefore the effect of our Aqua vitae were not to tell any part of the nature or quality of wine but of Barley and Hoppes which make Ale and Beere I will therefore shew you the properties of the spirit of Wine which if you will transferre to Aqua vitae you may but to farre weaker effects for hereby shall you know the goodnesse and strength by setting it on fire with a paper lighted the pure spirits burning fiercely and will allmost be wholly consumed the other burning but little and leaving an insipide and much watery part behind it the purer therefore that it is the stronger it is and the lesser of it to be taken at a time and that not of it selfe but in some Wine or other liquour for feare of inflaming the blood and spirits and chiefly upon symptomes and passions of the heart and then taken with respect and good consideration it worketh much more effectually then the Wine it selfe doth to all the purposes aforesaid in comforting and nourishing the naturall heate in elder persons giveth strength and quickenesse to the sences and nerves repaireth memory and the cold and moist diseases of the braine helpeth the fainting and trembling of the heart warmeth a cold and moist stomacke helpeth digestion expelleth winde from the sides and belly and all cold poysons being outwardly applyed to the temples it easeth the paines in the head and cold destillations and the toothach being gargled a little and cicatriseth all sores yet respect must be had that it be not given where any feaver is or where the disease proceedeth of heate or is accessary thereunto for feare of hardning the liver and spleene and making chollericke persons the more enflamed These spirits of Wine as well as the Wine it selfe serves as a Vehiculum or menstrue to draw out the tincture of divers things And now lastly to speake of the Lees of Wine Tartar or Argoll which being hardned is called Tartarum Tartar or Argoll and that which is taken from the whitest Wines is accounted the principall best for any medicine but the red sort serveth Gold smiths and others to pollish their silver and Dyers in setting their dyes the best white Tartar is either given of it selfe simply being made into pouther and taken the quantity of a dramme at a time in some convenient drinke or broth for some time together in dropsies or evill dispositions of the body to expell both by urine and siege those wheyish watery humours thereof and applyed to womens brests that are over full of milke doth dry them up but the Cremor Tartari which is the purer part thereof and especially if it be made as cleare as Cristall the highest worke of art in that kinde doth worke more safely and more effectually then the Crude Tartar can doe but this Tartar that is calcined untill it be white hath then put of all purging quallity and hath gained a causticke burning property that will corrhode and eate away scabbed nailes and warts and soone be brought into a salt and will also soone be resolved into an oyle or liquour if it be either laid upon a stone or hung up in a linnen bagge in a moist seller to be received as it droppeth downe and is the most admirable opifex in Alchimy that ever was knowne and not to be paralleld with any other thing that I know but to shew the operation of it in severall medicines by precipitation or otherwise is not for this Worke it must be sought out of those professed Authours of the Spagyricke Art to whom I must referre you There is another kinde of oyle of Tartar of a farre milder temper and is more like unto a cleare water which is very effectuall to clense the skinne from all manner of spots scarres morphew or discolourings
on the outside and more gray and discoloured within of a very small sent untill it be burned yet I have seene with Master Tradescant the elder before he dyed a great peece of true Lignum Aloes and of the best sort as bigge and as long as a mans legge without any knot therein which as he said our King Charles gave him with his owne hands but was here kept before and accounted by many as a great religious rellicke even to be a peece of the wood of that Crosse whereon our Saviour was crucified and therefore was fetched away againe from his Sonne to be kept as a monument or rellicke still but this is like all the other rellickes in the world even meere Impostures for assuredly if all those peeces of wood that are or were to be found in the world said to be parts of that Crosse were all set together they would goe neere to make one yea many cart loads full yet so fond and superstitious are men to beleeve lies rather then truthes that they will rather kill the gainesayers and thinke that therein they doe God good service then be wise to see their errours The other sorts which are smooth and plaine with long graines are no true Lignum Aloes although so called being neither of that worth in price nor goodnesse in effect The propertyes whereof are very cordiall for the heart and comfortable for the head and braine helping the memory and warming and drying up the defluxions of rheumaticke humours on those parts for it is hot and dry in the second degree a little astringent and bitter and of subtill parts it much conduceth to weake livers and fainting spirits and strengtheneth also a languishing stomacke helpeth disentries or laskes and the Pleuresie Although the subject matter of this whole worke is the description of Plants and of no other things yet I thinke it materiall to this Classis and among the other Physicall Drogues to treate of a few others that are not so especially such as are best knowne CHAP. II. Ambra Citrina Yellow Amber YEllow Amber is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the Greekes Succinum by the Latines and Carabe by the Arabians and in the Apothecaries shops and is of sundry colours some peeces being whitish some yellow paler or deeper and some of a very deepe red colour and darke all the other being cleere and transparent but much more being polished It is generally taken to be a kinde of liquid Bitumen whose Springs and Fountaines are in the Germane Seas and running into peeces some greater and lesser then others and is taken up with iron hookes being soft under water but hardning in the aire like Corall that which is white as being accounted the lighter and sweeter is the best for 〈…〉 as the yellow for mechanicke uses and being rubbed a little while will then draw unto it strawes and other such like small things as the Loadstone doth iron it will also burne like Rossin or Bitumen with a 〈…〉 â—dy sent and the pouther thereof cast into the flame of a candle or other light will make a sudden flash 〈…〉 â—tening and being so bituminous it yeeldeth an oyle being destilled in a recorâ— which although at the first it is very red and smelleth very fierce and strong of the fire almost odious yet by being sundry times re-distilled it becommeth so rectifyed that both sent and colour is so farre amended that it is then fit to be used The Physicall properties of Amber are many for being moderately hot and dry being burned on quicke coales the fumes received to the head doe much helpe the moist destillations thereof on the eyes teeth nose or stomacke and is very convenient for those that have the falling sickenesse to lessen their fits and to restore them it is good to provoke womens courses and singular good to helpe the strangling of the mother and helpeth women with child both to goe out their full time with easâ— and to hinder their miscarrying that are subject thereunto to take halfe a dramme of the pouther in a reare egge or in Wine three or foure mornings together and this also helpeth them that have the whites and men that have the gonorrhaea or rumâ—ing of the reines constraineth the flux and strengthning the parts very much and is a certaine remedy for those that have their urine stopped many dayes together causing it to avoid plentifully being taken in Saxiâ—rage water it is also very good for old cougher and those that are fallen into a consumption to take the pouther thereof mixed with Conserve of red Roses in the mornings fasting and is very availeable for joynt aches and the running gout The Chimicall oyle of Amber being taken inwardly three or foure drops in a little Museadâ—â— doth wonderfully ease the stone and the stopping of urine or strangury â—â—king it by droppes two or three drops used outwardly on the â—â—â—ples thâ— nape of the necke or behind the eares doe warâ—â— and dry a cold moist brâ—â—â—e discusseth wiâ—de in the eares and head and strengtheneth the memory and is a singular helpâ— in all copâ—â—â—litall diseases CHAP. III. Amber grisea Ambergrise AMbergriese is better knowne to most by sight what sort is better then other then what it is or whereof it commeth the opinions of Authours are very variable hereof some supposing it to be the spawne of the Whale others the recrement of long continuance in the belly of the true Whale that hath no teeth and eateth soft fishes which it casteth forth at certaine times and by the agitation of the sea is cast on shore some others take it to be the excrement of certaine great sea fishes and some to be the some of the sea all which opinions are utterly erronious having no shew of truth in them for although Amber in the Ethiopian language signifieth a Whale as well as Ambergrise and yellow Amber also from whence rose that vulgar opinion of being the spawne of the Whale or because that in the belly of a Whale as Monardus relateth it taken about the Canary Islands there was neere an hundred pound weight of Amber found but in an hundred more taken afterwards was none at all found Yet the most likely and certaine received opinion of the most judicious is that it is a kind of Bitumen as the yellow Amber is before said to be and therefore have both one name of Amber being so neere one to another in their originall whose springes are in the Rockes of the Sea or as some of the Auncients supposed grew on the Rockes like Mushromes on trees condensate into that forme and substance usually observed having that oylinesse or unctiousnesse is in it from it owne originall and being light is carryed by the waves of the sea unto the shores of sundry Countries and climates Iosua Ferrus relateth the originall thereof as of his owne knowledge and that untill it hath attained the full maturity it hath not that true sent of Amber as after
strong pegs into them which sticke out so much as may serve for footing to get up into the tree to gather the juyce or liquour and the fruite or fasten ropes with nayles round about the tree at spaces which serve as steppes to goe up into it and toward the top spread sundry great armes which bowe themselves almost round with large leaves on them like the Date tree but greater whose middle ribbe is very great abiding alwayes greene and with fruite also continually one succeeding another from betweene the lower boughes come forth smaller stalkes hanging downe bearing sundry flowers on them like unto those of the Chesnut tree after which succeed large great three square fruite or nuts ten or twelve or sometimes twenty thereon together as big as ones head or as a small Pompion almost round but a little smaller at the end covered with a hard tough darke ash-coloured barke and within it an hard round wooddy brownish shell but blacke being polished having at the head or toppe thereof three holes somewhat resembling the nose and eyes of a Monckey betweene which outer barke and this shell grow a number of grosse threds or haires or such like stuffe whereof is made cordage stronger and more durable in the salt Sea then any made of hempe within the wooddy shell there is a white kernell cleaving close to the inside thereof of the thicknesse of ones finger or thumbe or thinner as sweete and pleasant as an Almond while it is fresh having in the middle thereof a pint two or three of cleare dainty sweet water as pleasant as milke Palma vel Nux Indica Cocos ferens The Indian Cokar Nut tree Nucula Indica racemosa A small Indian Nut many growing together Fructus integer Nucis Indicae Cocus dictus The whole Cokar Nut as it is taken from the tree Nux Indica interior The inward Cokar Nut with the hard blacke shell thereon Nucula Indica alter A little Indian Nut and another called Mehenbethem but as it groweth either to be over ripe or being kept to be older so much lesse pleasant will this liquour be and either grow sower or thicke by time and be quite spent and consumed it hath beene observed that sometimes there will be floting in this liquour a small lumpe or ball as cleere as a pearle and very sweet in taste which is as the sprout which have sprung forth a stalke rising through one of the holes at the head and rising two palmes above it hath shot forth fibres for rootes The name and uses whereunto this tree and the fruite and those things that are made thereof serve are these The tree it selfe is called generally by the Indians Maro in Malaca Trican but in Malabar Tengamaran by Avicen Giausi al heud which is Nux Indica by Serapio and Rhasis as Garcias saith Iarelnâ—re yet that word is not found saith Clusius in our Bookes but Neregill the Latines call it Palma Indica Coccifera to distinguish it from the â—alma Dactylifera the timber whereof is not spongy or like the Ferulas as Garcias saith but solide and firme blacke and shining like the Wallnut tree fit for building of houses or ships and other things as Garcias himselfe saith a little after this tree saith Garcias is of two sorts or rather as I thinke kept for two uses the one to beare fruite the other to extract the liquour issuing thereout when the branches are cut or when it is bored and received into Gourdes or other such like things tyed thereto which liquour they call Sura and is like troubled Wine in shew but in taste like new or sweete wine which being boyled is called Orraqua and being destilled is made like unto Aqua vitae which they use to the same purpose that we doe ours and will burne like it and is called Fula and being set into the Sunne will become good vinegar but that which runneth last being suffered to abide in the Sunne untill it grow hard or boyled to the hardnesse will be Sugar which they call Iagra The branches saith Garcias but Ferdinandus Lopes saith the leaves are called Olla and serve as umbrels to keepe off Sunne and Raine and in such like leaves saith he was written the first Letter that the King of Calecut sent to Emanuel King of Portugall upon the Portugals first arrivall into his Country they serve likewise to cover houses to be defended from raine the fruite is called by the Indians generally Narel which is common both with the Persians and Arabians but in Malabar Tenga and while it is greene and not ripe Eleni the Portugals call it Coquo that is a Monckey of the likenes of a Monkeys face and from thence hath risen the word Cocus or rather Coqus which the three holes represent and at Goa Lanha of the hairy stuffe or hardes which is next the outer barke of this Nut called by the Indians Cairo are made not only Cordage and Tackle for ships but cawking stuffe which is better to cawke ships then any other stuffe and being beaten the finer stuffe is made into girdles and cawles for women sailes cloathes also but not any fine stuffe or cloath like any fine linnen both of the meaner and better sort at Lishbone as Clusius saith he saw and observed but as Garcias saith while this Nut is young it hath a tender barke which may be eaten and tasteth like an Artichoke of the browne hard inner shell being pollished and made blacke and shining is not onely made cups to drinke in set in silver or other mettall which made Sepulveda to draw the Portugalls to thinke that it doth helpe those that have the Palsie to drinke out of them but Garcias saith it hath no likelihood but being burned into coales serve the Gold smithes for their uses who goe about in the streetes crying for worke and carrying some necessary tooles for the purpose with them of the inner white kernell which is hollow cleaving fast to the inside of the hard wooddy shell which is an inch or two or lesse thicke firme and fast tasting sweet like an Allmond they make bread especially while it is fresh for the fresher the Nuts are the sweeter will the meate thereof be and doth nourish much being good for macilent bodies and to encrease sperme and Venery and is good to lenefie the harshnesse of the throate and the hoarsenesse of the voyce and eaten oftentimes with Iagra before recited or with Sugar or else being broken and bruised they draw forth a milke like unto Allmond milke wherewith they boyle Rice and is as sweet as the milke of Kine or Goates or else herewith and the flesh of beasts or birds they make certaine meates which they call Carib The fresh kernels being broken and dryed after the outer rinde is pared away are called by them Copra and is sent as a merchandise into other Countryes that have either none or not sufficient store to serve their use which taste much pleasanter then any
that he as well as others tooke these leaves to be the Folium Indum or Malabathum of the Greeke Authours but was deceived therein CHAP. LXI Guacatane Indian Pilewort THis small herbe as Monardus saith was sent out of that part of America or the West Indies that is called Hispania nova being white like unto Folium montanum but without any Guacatane Indian Pilewort sweet sent and is much commended to helpe the swelling and falling downe of the Piles or hemorrhodiall veines if the herbe be boyled in wine so as there be no heate or else in water and the grieved place somented with the warme decoction for a while then gently wiped and the pouther of the herbe cast thereon being bound thereunto it also easeth aches and paines in any part of the body if the grieved place be first annointed with molten Rossin not too hot and the pouther of the herbe strewed thereon which is an homely manner of dressing and cloathes layd presently upon it which will sticke so fast as that untill it hath wrought the effect it will not be plucked from the skinne and flesh the pouther of this herbe cast upon any small wound or sore especially those in the groine doth clense them and heale them afterwards CHAP. LXII Herba Indica ad rupturas utilis Indian Rupture-wort ANother small herbe was likewise sent from those parts whose forme could not be discerned by reason of the ill carriage and breaking thereof being dry but highly commended to helpe Ruptures or burstings in young or old the herbe being fresh bruised and applied to the place whereunto a trusse afterwards was bound that had no shoulders yet sate as close as those that had and this Ligature the Indians use which kind of trusse saith Monardus lying so firme and close as he reported that was cured thereby is sufficient of it selfe to helpe any Rupture without any other medecine and as he saith he saw a leech of Corduba that helped all burstings with such unshouldred trustes or bindings onely and many hee knew then living that were so cured CHAP. LXIII Planta Indica sanguinalis Panacea id est sanguineos sudores excitaus The Indian Allheale blood sweating plant A Certaine Indian Leech as it is recorded in Petrus de Osma his letter to Monardus did usually in the City Pasto cure all manner of diseases onely with the juice of a certaine herbe annointing the Arteries and the grieved place therewith and afterwards laying them to sweate in their beds being well covered whose sweat was well neere as blood in this manner he proceeded untill he saw they had sweat sufficiently causing them to use in the meane time an excellent fine diet of wholesome meats sundry desperate diseases were cured by him yea they seemed more young and lustie that used this order then they were before but no intreatie or promise of reward nor all the meanes that could be used to him would make him reveale this secret to any or tell what herbe it was whose juice he used CHAP LXIIII. Herba vitamant mortem in morbis praenuntians The Indian Fortune teller of life and death A Certaine Indian of chiefe account comming into the count de Nieva his house that was in Feru upon some occasion of businesse saw a woman servant of the house very sad and sorrowfull for that her husband lay then very sicke of a grievous disease he asked her if shee would faine know whether her husband should thereof live or dye she saying yea he sent her a branch of an herbe which he willed to be put into his left hand and there to hold it fast which would make him seeme pleasant and merry if he were to live but sad and sorrowfull if he should dye which she so using it and finding her husband sodainly to become sicke that she thought he would presently have departed this world she pulled the herbe out of his hand and threw it away but within a short time after this her husband dyed but Monardus saith he doubting of the truth thereof enquired of divers and it was affirmed unto him by a noble man that had long lived in Peru that it was true and that it is usuall with the Indians to doe so in diseases which is a matter of great admiration and wonder CHAP. LXV 1. Herba Viva The Herbe of life or love THere are two sorts of this kinde of plant that are to be distinguished in sunder and not to be accounted all one as divers have thought that are knowne to us of late and yet I thinke verily there be some others of the same nature not sufficiently yet made knowne to us which I gather out of the writings and relations of divers The one is an herbie plant without any prickes or thornes thereon for any thing that I can learne thereof and is this I am now about to shew you The other is both a shrubbe or as some say a tree and thorny also which shall follow Garcias ab Orta first maketh mention thereof to grow in divers places of the East Indies but giveth it no name Acosta saith it is called by the Christians there generally Herba viva and of the Indians Herba amoris of the Arabians and Turkes Suluc and Suluque The leaves are compared by them unto the leaves of Pollipody but Acosta rather compareth them to the leaves of Orobus foure or five or divers rising from the roote each upon its footstalke being winged with many smaller ones then those of Orobus set on both sides of the stalkes which are about two inches long a peece of a pleasant greene colour very beautifull among which leaves rise up divers slender bare naked stalkes each of them bearing one flower at the toppe in forme somewhat like unto a Pinke but of a yellow colour without any sent at all The admirable propertie hereof is that if any shall touch it with their hand and some say that if any man doe but breath upon it it will presently draw it selfe together and if one would take it into their hand it will close together as if it were dead But that which is more admirable is that if they shall withdraw their hand it will quickly after as it were revive againe and spread it selfe as it was before it was touched and this it will doe many times in a day if it be touched and let alone againe without touching Other properties it is sayd to have as to restore Virgins that have beene defloured if ye will beleeve it to procure love betweene man and woman and as Acosta saith he was informed by an Indian Phisition of good credit that he would cause any woman to be at his will and pleasure so that he would but declare her name and use it or rather abuse it as he would appoint him but the fact being unlawfull he refused the condition 2. Frutex sensibilis Herba Mimosa dicta The Mimicke herbe called the sensitive thorny shrubbe This other Mimick Mocking or
vide Mother To procure Stength after sicknesse 148 To cause a sound body to feele the paines of one stung by Serpents 718. For Sunburning 210.233.255.259.437.561.591.613.618 To preserve from surfeiting 101.271 To helpe Surfets 101.152.233.369.941 A surâ—uling water 539. To hinder much Sweating 1505. To provoke Sweat 38.88.115.176 267.285.519.628.861.883.990.1083.1137.1180.1438.1578.1590 To cure diseases by sweating blood 1616. For cold swellings 858. For hard Swellings or tumors in the privie parts or else where 9.18.60.88.119.141.144.173.184.240.246.253.259.271.285.308.309.327.391.491.534.552.598.602.604.607.609.712.718.751.757.823.877.883.886.901.910.915.932.934 953.1000.1051.1055.1060.1107.1112.1133.1159.1180.1224.1239.1250.1337.1364.1369.1373.1377.1394.1395.1403.1405.1409.1438.1469.1474.1478.1486.1493.1495.1526.1542.1570.1571.1573.1670 For the Swellings and hardnesse of the Stones 24.144.211.253.1066.1097.1478 For the Swimming of the head 48.410 To fatten Swine and Hogs 1402. To kill Swine 750.972.1365 Against swounings and faintings 20.30.31.43.45.74.119 407.410.418.768.774 777.1022 1031.1368.1506.1526.1547.1565.1590.1592.1620.1645.1666 For the disease called Syriasis 440. T. To cause the paines by the Tarantula Spider 316. To helpe the Toothache 4.31.43.63.74.76.107.128.159.161.163.190.216.219.223.233.241.250.340.359.364.393.401.430.437.458.616.618.673.681.696.712.724.752.824.832.854.856.858.860.892.928.972.995.1024.1030.1033.1259.1365.1375.1377.1428.1440.1445.1478.1480.1492.1495.1538.1558.1576.1578.1586.1608.1622.1642 To helpe the paines and stoppe an hollow Tooth and to cleanse them 368.393.395.498.681.881.939.941.951.1033.1414.1440.1452.1495.1533.1570.1573.1578.1621 To breake an aking Tooth 972.1440 Hurtfull to the Teeth 819. To fasten loose Teeth 16.161.241.349.543.645.724.758.972.1201.1031.1440.1449.1452.1510.1526.1532.1549.1580.1594.1642 To whiten the teeth 16.359.1587 For Tetters 46.135.176.177.181.281.298.349.552.618.737.745.767.939.972.1022.1066.1075.1319.1403.1440.1465.1513.1521.1542.1557.1558.1569.1641.1663 To quench Thirst in hot Agues c. 238.248.278.368.547.723.733.745.747.757.771.773.813.815.937.1009.1131.1132.1137.1415.1486.1503.1506.1508.1513.1559.1583.1592.1627.1632.1638.1647 To draw out Thornes vide Splinters 28.60.63.259.308 For the swellings and Kirnells in the Throate 568.1571.1605 For the sorenesse and other diseases of the Throate 16.43.54.60.63.92.132.181.211.308.349.437.442.469.492.534.540.647.677.687.703.1132.1368.1382.1414 To lenifie the roughnesse of the Throate 255.278.1132.1452.1513.1547.1592.1594.1597 For the Timpany 168.210 Excellent Tinder 1220. For the Tissicke vide shortnesse of breath 1542.1557.1570 For Cornes on the Toes c. vide Cornes Against the poyson of a Toade 324.393.997 For the disease of the Tongue called le Bruen 527. For the roughnesse of the Tongue 35.278.1452 To harden Tooles of Iron and Steele vide Iron To helpe women in Travaile vide the delivery of a Childe 35.44.46.74 For hard Tumors 9.18.60.141.153.1557.1651.1670 V. To discusse minerall Vapours 874. To helpe the Varices or swollen veines in the legges 962.1098 To provoke to Venery 20.35.60.148.181.354.378.442.817.819.824.876.913.917.946.988.1058.1076.1320.1328.1356.1417.1418.1419.1547.1566.1568.1570.1572.1578.1583.1586.1597.1598.1601.1624.1639.1641 To represse Venery 35.134.723.790.813.886.1254.1438.1575 Against Venerious dreames 35.723.490.934 To cure the biting of Vipers or Adders 14.18.152.181.210.271.273.410.416.418.503.518.542.559.568.785.876.1030.1098.1123.1419.1480.1529.1583 To stay Vipers from going away 1403. Against Venome vide Poison Comfortable to the Vitall spirits as head heart c. 72.1529.1558 Good for Cattle that Vent much 981.1062 For old and foule sores and Vlcers 26.30.46.54.60.63.80.95.101.108.113.124.148.151.159.181 222.226.223.250.259.262.271.273.278.285.294.316.327.378.389.391.393.401.408.420.438.442.445.462.467.475.490.491.498.505.506.507.511.519.522.525.527.532.534.540.542.543.547.549.554.555.559.568.569.571.574.577.582.584.589.591.597.612.613.616.621.625.627.634.641.654.655.658.667.671.674.676.681.683.685.687.700.702.703.708.711.715.718.721.728.757.758.761.771.820.830.858.874.877.881.883.941.951.953 972.1024.1028.1068.1080.1087.1091.1123.1180.1217.1227.1231.1240.1250.1254.1255.1291.1354.1361.1394.1440.1455.1461.1477.1499.1516.1527.1540.1543.1558.1560.1570.1573.1576.1504.1602.1625.1651 For inward Vlcers 374.490.527.745.1060.1291 For Vlcers and sores in the mouth or privy parts 16.31.54.95.151.163.219.223.287.395.445.452.498.525.528.532.534.540.543.545.549.593.625.627.629.647 658.671.673.676.677.693.711.715.721 725.758.761.771 998.1000.1013.1016.1022.1068.1219.1223.1314.1415.1440.1447 1455.1477.1516.1549.1559.1576.1621 For fretting running or spreading Vlcers 46.290.395.442.490.515.524.552.559.561.588.602.607.609.618.647.659 676.712.733.775.790.825.886.903.934.943.1013.1016.1033 1038.1052.1066.1073.1075.1080.1203.1208.1415.1428.1440.1477.1480.1495.1504.1506.1526.1527.1538.1542.1549.1558.1663.1665 For hollow and fistulous Vlcers 138.169.210.211.216.250.273.294.448.462.469.593.607.609.616.677.714.835.995.1108.1123.1268.1495.1526.1542.1557.1621.1651 To cleere the voyce 261. To provoke Vomiting 16.44.161.162.170.190.206.210.219.233.234.240.246.250.263.267.290.292.316.345.469.562.616.654.673.712.738.861.964.1402.1511.1575 1620.1665 To represse Vomiting both at Sea and other wayes 18.30.35.37 76 108.238.248.252.255.393.395.430.448.452.498.507.508.555.592.659.700.706.723.747.886.891.1022.1030.1175.1227.1291.1314.1389.1422.1436.1452.1459.14â—7.1503.1505.1514.1547.1549.1567.1591.1607.1612 To restraine the involuntary passing of the Vrine 1146. For those that make foule and bloody Vrine 262.456.463.497.524.534.597.724.1281.1627 To make the Vrine bloody 1461. To mend the strong smell of the Vrine 960.974 To provoke Vrine when it is stopped 4.6.9.11.14.18.26.37.49.54.63.72.74.80.83.88.92.95.101.108.113.115.119.124.128.134.135.141.145.148.149.159.176.177.180.183.206.210.211.233.241.250.253.258.259.262.267.275.281.282.284.290.308.349.355.359.378.384.389.393.408.420.424.426.430.434.435.437.440.442.444.448 449.452.453.455.456.462.463.490.538.543.552.555.559.565.571.574.597.621.628.634.642.655.666.673.674.677.681.701.712.718.741.752.758.773.780.790.819.820.824 832 861.866.873.878.881.883.884.885.886.890.891.893.901.903.908.910.911.913.915.917.919.922.923.924.925.927.928.829.931.937.943.946.948.951.953.960.977.988.990.993.995.1000.1005.1022.1030.1032.1051.1052.1055.1058.1076.1079.1087.1112.1131.1132.1137.1142.1165.1175.1192.12â—7.1224.1227.1233.1238.1240.1242.1259.1267.1288.1291.1301.1303.1336.1377.1389.1419.1436.1438.1444.1445.1455.1461.1474.1477.1489.1497.1503.1508.1511.1516.1520.1527.1529.1532.1538.1547.1557.1558.1559.1565.1567.1570.1571.1577.1578.1581.1583.1585.1589.1593.1596.1601.1605.1607.1619.1641.1664.1680 For to heale the sharpenesse of Vrine 148.250.252.444.463.718.723.757.758.761.771.773.774.813.997.1099.1108.1254.1297.1499 To helpe the Vvula or palate of the mouth when it is fallen down 35.211.442.469.647.703.832.939.1047.1382.1449.1489.1492.1549.1557 W. To helpe Wearinesse after travaile 88.408.442.565.616.908.1314.1409.1438.1489.1530.1547.1558.1568 To take away Warts 9.23.63.135.188.196.298.327.370.450.504.609.418.779.807.939.1123.1430 Good for them that cannot hold their Water 395.985.1217.1412.1494.1495.1557 To make sweete washing water 14.144.148.1578 To helpe stinking waters at Sea 31.874 To purge Watry humors 163.165.181.183.198.200.204.210.211.222.241.261.281.298.310.384.674.1038.1514.1579.1588 To take away Wens and excressences 43.92.113.440.542.600.605.612.619.718.761.939.985.1392.1495.1511.1559.1568.1573 For Wheales and pushes 101.1008.1221.1440.1455.1480.1487.1495 For a Whit-low vide Felon 181.557 To cause Watchings 1575. To drive away Waspes and Gnats c. 101. For Wheesings 4.252.835.951.1220.1374.1527.1538 Not to feele Whipping or beating 8. To stay the Whites in woman 35 46.60.77.97.108.195.401.507.524.539.588.592.607.634.673.682.696.70â—.723.752.755.1013.1021.1022.1112.1137.1301.1315.1452.1455.1511.1526.1529.1532.1565.1596.1606 To helpe decayed Wine 1309. To give Wine Ale or Beere a relish 211.584.593 To try if Wine be mixt with water 681. To take away the smell of Wine in them have drunke much 995.1612 For the windinesse of the Wombe vide Mother 6.14.881 c. To engender Wind 20.1078.1131.1133.1389 To dissolve and expell Wind 4.6.9.76.83.88.124.135.145.176.181.210.372.408.437.442.456.492.598.677.725.790.885.887.903.908.910.911.913.923.924.927.936.937.943 948.1030.1227.1242.1377.1414.1438.1486 1489 1506.1520.1558.1570.1577.1578.1582.1583.1593.1602.1605.16â—7.1612.1614.1615.1620.1621.1670.1680 For paines in the Wombe ofter child bearing 145.148 For other diseases of the Wombe vide Mother To preserve Wood from wormes For wormes both flat and long 4.9.20.35.37.44.46.72.80.83.95.97.101.113.135.151.161.169.170.173.177.184.216.222.238.252.258.268.271.273.316.389.393.395.408.418.422.440.442.444.448.492.498.518.574.597.616.655.676.681.687.712.729.733.745.819.730.858.861.870 873.927.931.951.972.1023.1024.1028.1030.1038.1075.1081.1091.1175.1245.1291.1295.1296.1377.1414.1452.1486.1489.1492.1503.1506.1508.1514.1524.1560.1568.1577.1583.1594.1651.1664 To kill the Wormes breeding in sores 54.498.750.830.1625 To cause Wormes to breede in the body 1122 1598. To draw Earth-wormes out of the ground 598. For Wounds in the head 259.584.616.867.1594 For Wounds in the Nerves or sinewes 997.1670 For the inflammations of Wounds 1447.1663 To heale greene Wounds 4 26.29.43.63.113.114.124.128.138.151.152.190.222.223.250.259.277.282.285.308.370.391.408.430.438.442.445.448.452.467.470.483.491.492.498.501.505.506.508.510.515.518.519.524.525.528.532.534.538.539.540.542.543.545.547.549.552.554.555.559.562.563.567.568.569.574.577.579.584.589.591.592.597.602.604.60â—.616.621.642.647.654.658.659.674.676 677.681.682 685.687.693.695.700.706.708.711.712.715.718.721.727.742.747.757.767.858.884.901.943.997 1016 1038.1039.1043.1068.1112.1175.1203.1231.1232.1250.1259.1299.136â—.1396.1397.1404.1415.1438.1440.1499.1502.1521.1526.1527.1529.1540.1543.1544 1560.1570.1573.1575.1576.1607.1609.1618.1651.1670.1671 Good for Wound drinkes 393.395 577 708.1091.1093.1096 To stay the bleeding of Wounds 29.95.124.138.395.401.445.469.497.501.511.543.545.552.568.589.659.676.682.687.695.728.747.867.998.1000.1180.1254.1301.1324.1422.1433.1440.1477.1492.1502.1514.1554 To helpe inward wounds 29.95.124.138.395.401.498.507 508.511.524.525.527.539.540.543.552.559.567.574.577.579.584.591.592.597.609.616.621.671.676.677.687.693