as wel in feet hands knees and armes as in any other joint whatsoeuer Also if the seed thereof or the fruit alone dried in the Sun and beaten to pouder be drunke to the weight of 30 deniers Romane in one hemine or wine pint of water it asswageth the pain of the reines and the loins Tempered with womans milke it resolueth all sodain tumors swellings being applied to the grieued place But to come againe to Elaterium it mundifieth the matrice and naturall parts of women but if they be with child they must take heed how they meddle with it for it bringeth them to a shift yea and hastneth abortiue or vntimely birth Good it is for al them that be short winded As for the yellow iaundise it cureth it if it be but snuffed vp into the nose Annoint or bath the face with it in the Sun it taketh away pimples other spots there Many attribute al the same properties and effects to the Garden cucumbers And in very deed this fruit would not be despised in regard of the use thereof in Physicke for first and foremost Take Cucumber seeds as many as three fingers will receiue stampe them with Cumin and giue the powder in wine to them that haue the cough for to drinke you shall see present helpe The same seeds taken in pouder with breast-milke cureth those that be lunaticke and phranticke Also the weight of one Acetabulum i. much about two ounces cureth them that haue the Dysentery or bloudy flix Moreouer being taken with a like poise or quantity of Cumin seed in mead or honyed water it is singular good for them that reach vp filthy matter from their lungs as also for those who haue weake and diseased liuers If one drink the same with some sweet wine it prouokes vrine and being injected by a Clystre together with Cumin it easeth the paine in the kidnies and reines As for the fruit called Pompions or Melons being eaten as meat they cool the body mightily and make it soluble The fleshy substance of them applied to the eies assuageth their pain and restraineth their waterish and rheumatick flux Their root healeth the wens or vlcers gathered in manner of hony-combs which swellings some call Cerio Being dried it staieth vomits so it be brought into pouder and giuen to the weight of foure Oboli in honyed water but the Patient when he hath drunk it must walke presently vp on it half a mile The same pouder is detersiue and scouring and therefore put into sope and washing-balls As for the rind or barke thereof it procureth vomit indeed but it cleanseth the skin as wel as the other The same doe the leaues of any domesticall or garden Cucumbers or Melons if they be made into a liniment The said leaues also stamped with honey and brought to the forme of a cataplasme cure the bloudy-fals or night-blains but tempered with wine they heale the bitings of dogs as also of the Millepeed which the Creeks call Seps a long worm with hairy feet doing much harme to cattaile especially for look where it biteth the place presently swelleth and putrifieth The very Cucumber it selfe is of a comfortable odor and recouereth the faintings of the heart and those that swoune Finally if you would make a delicate sallad of Cucumbers boile them first then pill from them their rind serue them vp with oile vinegre and honey certain it is they are by this meanes far sweeter and pleasanter than otherwise CHAP. III. ¶ Of the wild Gourd and the Rape or Turnep THere is a kind of wild Gourd which the Greeks cal Somphos as one would say hollow and emptie for thereupon it tooke that name a finger thicke growing no where else but among rocks and stony grounds If a man chew this Gourd and suck out the juice thereof he shall find it very comfortable to the stomack There is another wild gourd called Colocynthis but that is full within and lesse than that of the Garden The pale of this kind is the better for such be vsed in Physicke and yet that of grasse greene colour when it is dried if it be taken alone doth purge euacuat the belly Also being infused into the bodie by way of clystre it cureth all diseases of the guts flankes reines and loines it helpeth the palsie likewise or the resolution of the sinews After the seeds be taken forth some fill the place with honyed water so seeth all together vntil halfe be consumed and giue of this decoction the quantitie of foure Oboli with good successe to those that be troubled with a cough the pouder therof dryd incorporat with sodden hony so reduced into pills and swallowed is good for the stomack the seeds be singular to cure the Iaunise but the party must drink honyed water presently after it The fleshie pulpe within mixed with wormwood and honey takes away the tooth-ach a collution made with the juice thereof and vinegre hot confirmeth and fasteneth the teeth that be loose in the head Moreouer if with it and oile together one rub the backe bone the loines and the haunches or huckle it will immediatly rid them of their pain and ach But I will tell you a strange and wonderfull effect indeed If a man take their seeds of euen number hang them either about the necke or armes of them that haue the ague they will driue the accesse or fit away be it any of those intermittent feuers which the Greekes call Periodicall Thus much for the wild Gourd Colocynthis As for the domesticall Gourd of the Garden after it is scraped and pilled take the juice thereof and distill it warme into the eares it will ease the paine The inner flesh or pulp cleansed from the seed is passing good for to be applied to the agnels or corns of the feet also to be laid vnto those impostumes or swellings that grow to an head or suppuration which the Greeks call Apostemata The liquor or decoction of the Gourd sodden al whole as it is with rind seed and pulpe doth strengthen the loose teeth and stinteth their ach Wine wherein it is boiled is a singular decoction to bath the eies for to represse and stay the fluxe or rheume that falleth vpon them The leaues of it together with the fresh leaues of the Cypresse tree newly gathered being stamped and applied to wounds be excellent to heal them The Gourd it selfe enclosed within clay and so baked or rosted vnder the embers and then stamped and incorporate with goose grease hath the like effect Moreouer the scrapings or shauings of the rind mightily cooleth the heat of the gout if it be not inueterat and old the heats also of the head and especially the burning therein which troubleth little infants The said parings being incorporat with the filth rubbed or curried from mens bodies in bains stouves after they haue swet and so laid vpon any part that
to euery particular member I purpose to write in the next place of such as occupy the whole body and of the remedies common to them all which I find to be these ensuing And first there presenteth it selfe vnto me the noble herb * Dodecatheos wherof I haue spoken before as a soueraigne remedy for those vniuersal diseases if it be taken in drink Next to it are the roots of all kinds of the Panaces which are thought to be excellent and principally for long and languishing maladies like as their seed for the obstructions of the bowels and the inward accidents of the guts for the pains generally of the whole body the iuice of Scordium is right commendable and so is that of Betony which herb taken in drink hath a peculiar property to mend the wan and leaden hew of body reducing it to a more fresh and pleasant color The herb Geranion which some call Myrrhis others Merthrys is like vnto Hemlocke saue that it hath smaller leaues and a shorter stem which also is round of a sweet sent to the nose and good sauor in the mouth for so we Latines doe describe it but according to the description of the Greeks the leaues rather resemble the Mallow but that they are whiter somwhat the stalks slender and hairy it brancheth out big at the distance of euery two handbredths howbeit ful of leaues between and among the leaues are to be seen in the top of the branches and sprigs little buttons or heads like vnto Crane-bils Another kind there is of them leafed after the maner of passe-floures or wind-floures but that they be intailed or indented deeper and a round root it hath fashioned like an apple which is sweet in tast and is an excellent restoratiue for all such as haue bin weakened and decaied in nature by long sicknesse and this I take to be the true Geranion which is a rare herb A dram weight thereof drunk twice a day first and last in three cyaths of wine is a singular medicine for the phthysicke And in that order it is good for ventosities and hath the same effect though it be taken raw The iuice of the root is soueraigne for the infirmities of the ears The seed giuen in drink to the quantitie of 4 drams with pepper and Myrrh cureth the cramp which pulleth the head and body all backward The iuice of Plantain if it be drunk or the herb it selfe boiled and so eaten is wholsome for those that be in a Phthisick Plantain eaten with salt and oile in a morning so soon as a man is awakened is a great cooler The same is an ordinary medicine for those that mislike and whose meat is not seene vpon them if they take it each other day Of Betony and hony there is a liquid confection or lohoch made which being licked and let down leisurely to the quantity at a time of a good big beane helpeth those that are in a Phthysick or consumption of the lungs Also Agarick if it be drunk to the weight of 2 oboli in wine cuit is good in the like case so is Daucum also taken in wine with Rhapontick For the hungry worms Phagedaenae a name in this place signifying an inordinat disposition to be alwaies eating and neuer satisfied although otherwise I vse it for cankerous and corroding vlcers the Tithymalls or Spurges taken inwardly with Sesama seed is counted soueraigne Among the maladies which affect infest the whole body want of sleep or an indisposition thereto is by most Physitians counted one for which defect they shew vs these herbs following to wit Panaces water Betony and Aristolochia which they prescribe to the patient both for to smel too and also to annoint his head al ouer withal Likewise Housleek called Aeizoon also Sedum giuing direction to wrap it within a blacke cloth and so to lay it vnder the pillow or boulster of the sick person but in no wise to let him or her know so much Likewise Oenothera otherwise named Onuris is effectuall for this purpose an herb good also in wine to make the heart merry It groweth with leaues resembling those of the Almond tree and beareth floures like vnto Roses Store of branches it putteth forth and hath a long root which being dried senteth much of wine Of such vertue is this herb that if it be giuen in drink to the wildest beast that is it will tame the same and make it gentle As for the crudities or raw humors lying in the stomack which cause loathing and abhorring of meat Betony is singular to digest them the same drunk immediatly after supper helps concoction namely if one dram weight of the herb be taken in 3 cyaths of oxymel and so it resolueth and scattereth the fumes arising vp into the head occasioned by strong wine Of the same operation is Agaricke drunke at the end of a meale in hot water The foresaid Betony hath the name of a speciall remedie for the palsie so is Iberis also reputed as I haue shewed once before the same hearbe reviueth the lims which are benummed and in manner dead And verily Argemon is of that vertue that it discusseth all those cold humors which mortifie any member and put them in danger to be cut off or launced The root of that Panaces which I named Heraclia drunke with the rennet of a Seal so as there be in proportion 3 parts of the said root to one of the rennet cureth the falling sicknesse And of the same effect is Plantaine taken in drink The said disease is healed by Betony if a dram therof be taken in oxymell by Agarick also to the quantity of 3 oboli and by a drinke made with Cinquefoile Moreouer Brionium called likewise Archezostis warisheth this infirmitie but it must be giuen in Amminean wine Furthermore the root of Baccharis dried and beaten into pouder taken with Coriander in 3 cyaths of hot water is a soueraigne mean to help that malady Cudweed made into pouder and taken with vineger hony or hot water Veruain drunk in wine three beries of Hyssop stamped and drunk in water for 16 daies together Harstrang and the rennet in the maw of a Seale of each a like quantity taken in drink the leaues of Cinquefoile if they be stamped and drunk in wine for 31 daies the pouder of Betony to the weight of 3 deniers concorporat with one cyath of Squillitick vineger an ounce of Atticke hony lastly two oboles of Scammonie with foure drams of Castor be all appropriat medicines for the falling sicknesse In all cold agues if the Patient drink Agarick in hot water the fits will be the lighter And more particularly the herb Sideritis drunk with oile shortneth the cold fit in a tertian so doth that Ladanum which groweth among corne if it be stamped and so giuen Likewise Plantain if the patient drink the weight of two drams in mead two hours before the fit or the verie
Daucus or yellow Carot Sauge Panace Acorus or Galangal Conyza or Cunilago Thyme Mandragoras and Squinanth More such wines there were yet which the Greeks called Scyzinum Itaeomelis and Lectispagites but as they be growne now out of vse so the manner of making is vnknown As touching wines made of trees shrubs their maner was to seeth the berries of the green wood of both the Cedars the Cypres the Bay Iuniper Terebinth Pine Calamus and Lentisk in new wine In like maner the very substance of Chamelaea Chamaepithys and Germander Last of all the floures also of the said plants serue to make wines namely by putting into a gallon of new wine in the vat the weight of ten deniers or drams of the floures CHAP. XVII ¶ Of Hydromel and Oxymel i. Honied water and Honied vineger THere is a wine called Hydromel made of water and hony onely but to haue it the better some do prescribe rain water and the same kept fiue yeares for that purpose Others who are more wise and skilfull herein do take raine water newly fallen and presently seethe it vntill a third part be boiled away then they put therto a third part also of old hony in proportion to it and so let them stand together in the Sun for forty daies together from the rising of the Dog-star Others after they haue remained thus mingled and incorporate together ten daies put it vp reserue it close stopped for their vse and this is called Hydromel which being come to some age hath the very tast of wine no place affords better than Phrygia Moreouer Vineger was wont to be tempered with hony See how curious men haue bin to try conclusions in euery thing which they called Oxymel and that in this manner Recipe of hony ten pounds or pints of old vineger fiue pints of sea salt one pound of rain water fiue Sextares i. a gallon within one quart boile them al together at a soft fire vntil they haue had ten plawes or walmes which done poure them out of one vessell into another and so let the liquor stand and settle a long time vntil it be stale All these wines compositions thus brued Themison an Author highly renowned hath condemned and forbidden expressey to be vsed And to say a very truth it seems that the vse of them was neuer but in case of necessity vnlesse a man would beleeue and say that Ipocras spiced wines those that be compounded of ointments are Natures work or that she brought forth plants and trees to no other end but that men should drink them down the throat Howbeit the knowledge surely of such experiments be pleasant and delectable vnto men of great wit and high conceit whose noble spirits cannot be at rest but euer inuentiue and searching into all secrets Now to conclude this point certain it is and past all question that none of all these compositions vnles it be those which come to their perfection by age and long time will last one yeare full out nay most of them will not keep good one moneth to an end CHAP. XVIII ¶ Certaine strange and wonderfull sorts of wine WIne also hath prodigious and miraculous effects for by report in Arabia there is a wine made which being drunk will cause barren women to beare children and contrariwise driue men into madnes But in Achaia principally about Carynia the wine makes women fall into vntimely trauell nay if a woman great with childe do eat but the verie grapes they will slip the fruit of their wombe before their time and yet both grape and wine differ not in tast from others They that drinke the wine comming from the cape Troezen ate thought vnable for generation It is reported that the Thasiens do make two kinds of wine of contrarie operations the one procures sleep the other causeth watching Among them there is a vine called Theriace the grape whereof as also the wine cureth the stings and biting of serpents as it were a most especiall Treacle As for the vine Libanios it carrieth the odour and smell of Frankincense and therefore is vsed in sacrifices to the gods But contrariwise another named Aspendios is vtterly condemned for that purpose and no wine thereof is imployed at the altar they say also that no fowle will touch the grapes thereof There is a kind of grape in Egypt which they call Thasia exceeding sweet it is and looseth the belly But contrariwise there be in Lycia that binde as much and cause costiuenesse The grapes Ecbolides in Egypt if they be eaten cause women with child to be deliuered before their time Some wines there be that as they lie in the very cellar will turn and proue soure about the rising of the Dog-star but afterward wil recouer their verdure and become quick and fresh again In like maner there be wines which vpon the sea will change howbeit the agitation thereof causeth those Wines which endure it to the end to seem twice as old as they be indeed CHAP. XIX ¶ What Wines they be that may not be vsed in sacrifices and what waies there are to sophisticate new wines FOrasmuch as our life stands much vpon religion and diuine seruice wee are to vnderstand That it is held vnlawfull to offer vnto the gods before sacrifice the Wine of any vine that hath not bin cut and pruned or that hath bin smitten or blasted with lightening or standing neere to a jebbit or tree whereon a man hath hanged dead or the grapes whereof haue bin troden by men whose legs or feet haue been wounded neither is that wine allowable for this purpose which hath bin pressed and run from the refuse of grape stones and skins once bruised and crushed in the presse or last of all if the grapes haue bin filed by any ordure or dung fallen from aboue thereupon Moreouer Greeke Wines are reiected from this holy vse because they haue water in them Furthermore the vine it self is holden good to be eaten namely when the burgens and tendrils be first sodden and afterwards preserued and kept in vineger brine or pickle Ouer and besides it were very meet and conuenient to speake also concerning the manner of preparing and ordering of wine seeing that the Greeks haue trauailed in that point seuerally and reduced the rules belonging therto into the form of an Art and namely Euphronius Aristomachus Coniades Hicesias are therein great professors The Africans vse to mitigate and allay the tartnesse of their wines with plastre yea and in some parts of their country with lime The Greeks contrariwise do fortifie and quicken them with clay with pouder of marble with salt or sea water and in some places of Italy they vse to the same effect the shauings and scrapings of stone-pitch Also it is an ordinary thing in Italy and the prouinces thereto confining for to condite their new wines to season them with rosin yea and in some places they mingle therewith the lees of
hath S Anthonies fire allaieth the heat and bringeth the place into temper so doe the seeds also vsed in like manner The juice or liquor drawne out of the said parings being mingled with oile of roses and vinegre and then made into a liniment doth mitigate the extreme heat of burning feauers The ashes of Gourd parings burnt strewed drie vpon any part of the bodie that is burnt or skalded healeth them wonderfully C hyrsippus the Physician condemned Gourds and forbad men to eat of them Howbeit all Physicians doe resolutely agree in this That they be passing good for the stomacke as also for the exulcerations of the guts and bladder As for Rapes or Turneps they likewise are medicinable and haue their vse in Physick for to begin withall if one lay them very hot to kibed or humbled heeles they wil cure them Also if the feet be frozen and benummed with cold lay them thereto sodden in water and this fomentation will restore them to their former heat The hot decoction or broth of Rapes is passing good for to bath the goutie members yea if it were a cold gout The Rape or Turnep root raw as it grew brayed in a mortar with salt is a remedie for all diseases of the feet bee they cornes kibes bloudy falls swellings of cold or any other infirmities whatsoeuer Rape seed bruised to a liniment drunken also with wine is reported to be a soueraign medicine against the stinging of serpents and any other poison Howbeit many think that it is a preseruatiue countrepoison when it is taken in wine and oile Democritus banished turneps altogether from the bourd by reason of the ventosities or windinesse that it engender But Diocles on the other side extolled and praised them as much and affirmeth That they will pricke forward to Venus The like doth Dionysius report of them and the rather saith he if they be condite with Rocket He writeth moreouer That if they be rosted or baked vnder the ashes and so incorporate with grease will make a notable good cataplasm for the gout and joynt-ach The wild rape or turnep groweth commonly euery where among corne fields it brancheth much carieth a white seed twise as big as that of the Poppie This being incorporat with vrine of equall quantity is much vsed to take away riuils and so smooth the skin both of the face and also of the whole body besides To conclude the roots of Eruile Barley Wheat and Lupines be good for nothing at all CHAP. IIII. ¶ The diuers sorts of Nauewes of the wild Radish of the Garden Radish and the Parsnep THe Greek writers obserue two kinds of Nauews 〈…〉 for Physick The first ariseth vp with a cornered and edged stalk beareth leaues r 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 g Parsely and putteth out floures like Dil this they call Bunion the decoction whereof being drunken with honied water or with a dram weight of the owne iuyce is counted soueraigne for the purgations that follow women for the defects of the bladder and vrine The seed parched and beaten to pouder and so taken in a draught of hot water to the quantitie of foure cyathes cureth the bloudy flix but it stoppeth vrine vnlesse the patient drink Lineseed withall The second kind is named Bunias and resembleth both Rape and Radish the seed of it is excellent good against poyson and therefore in antidotes and preseruatiues it is much vsed That there be Radishes wilde we haue shewed heretofore The most commended aboue all others is that which groweth in Arcadia although there are of them in other countries and those counted better only for to prouoke vrine Otherwise they purge choler and namely their rindes infused in wine do the same Now ouer and besides their vertues and properties related hertofore they discharge and clense the stomack cut and extenuate flegme and withall be diureticall and procure vrine There is a kind of garden Radish in Italy which they name Armoracia vsed also in physick the decoction whereof if a man take a draught of it in the morning to the quantitie of a cyath doth fret break and expell the stone by way of grauell Boile the same in water and Vinegre therewith bathe or anoint the place stung with any serpent and it will heale it vp Radish taken with hony in a morning next ones heart â—…asting is good for the cough The seed parched and so chewed alone without any thing els asswageth the pain of the smal guts in the flankes and hypocondriall parts The decoction of Radish leaues sodden in water and so drunk or the very iuice of the root it selfe as much as two cyathes is thought to be a singular medicine against the breeding of body-lice Radishes stamped in a mortar and brought into the forme of a liniment are thought to be excellent good for hot inflammations the rind also stamped together with hony and laid to any bruised place that looketh black and blew after a fresh stripe dissolueth that cluttered bloud and reduceth the former color The chewing of the quickest most biting Radishes keeps them awake that are giuen to ouermuch drowsinesse inclined to the lethargie The seed parched and afterwards stamped and incorporate with hony cureth them that take their wind short The same is also held for a countrepoyson A defensatiue also the Radish is against scorpions and resisteth their poisoned sting for let a man rub his hands well either with the iuyce of the root or the seeds he may handle scorpions safely Do but lay a Radish vpon a scorpon he will presently die Moreouer Nicander affirmes that Radishes be passing good for them that haue eaten either venomous Mushromes or Henbane The two Apollodores prescribe Radish to be giuen to them who suspect themselues to be poysoned with the viscous gum of the white Chamaeleon root called Ixias but taken diuersly for the one of them surnamed Citieus giueth the seed stamped and so to drink it in water the other Apollodorus of Tarentum ordains the iuice of Radish for this effect and purpose Moreouer radishes are thought good to diminsh and extenuat the swelling spleen they are wholsome for the liuer mitigate the pain of the loins Being taken with Vineger and Senvy they helpe them that are in a dropsie or falne into a lethargie Praxagoras is of iudgement That Radishes should be giuen for to eat to them that are troubled with the Iliack passion to wit the paine and ringing of the small guts And Plistonicus appointeth them to be eaten of those that be troubled with a continuall flux by reason of a feeble stomack called thereupon Coeliaci They heale the Dysenterie or exulceration of the guts they euacuate also and rid away the filthy matter and corruption of impostumes gathered about the midriffe and principal parts if they be eaten with honey But some for this purpose would haue them luted or bedawbed with clay and so rost or bake them afterwards vnder the ashes and
fretting humor called S. Anthonics fire also to places scorched burnt or scalded but for the accidents and Symptomes concurrent with wounds they be rather laid raw with crums of bread The juice of mallows boiled is comfortable to the sinews the bladder and the fretting or grinding of the guts Mallows being either eaten or their decoction ministred by way of injection with a metrenchyte mollifieth the said tumors in the matrice The juice of mallows wel sodden either taken in drinke or applyed by way of fomentation in largeth the Vretere conduits and giueth good and easie passage for the vrine The root of Althaea is more effectual to all these infirmities and purposes aboue named than of any other Mallow but especially in case of convulsions cramps and ruptures If it be sodden in water it bindeth the belly Boyled in white wine and applyed as a cataplasme it resolueth the swelling kernels commonly called the Kings euil those also that appeare behind the ears yea and the inflammations of the paps and breasts As for the byles or risings called Pani the leaues of Althaea or the Marish Mallow sodden in Wine and brought to the forme of a liniment doe discusse and rid away The same after they bee drie and sodden in milke cure the Cough how tough and shrewd soeuer it were and that most speedily Hippocrates gaue counsell to them that were wounded for losse of bloud exceeding thirstie for to drink the juice of Althaea roots sodden He saith moreouer That the root it selfe emplastred with hony and rosin is good for wounds bruises dislocations and swellings comfortable also to muscles sinews or joints He gaue it likewise to those that were troubled with difficulty of taking wind and with wheezing for the dysentery also or bloudy flix to be drunken in wine A wonderfull thing of this root that if it be put into water and the same let to stand abroad in the open aire the water will gather to a thicknesse and cruddle yea turne white it wil like milk To conclude the newer and fresher Althaea is the more effectuall you shal haue it in operation Touching the Dock the properties therof are not vnlike to those of the marsh Mallow there is a wild kind thereof which some call Oxalis in Greek i. wild Sorrel or Soure-dock this herb resembleth very neere that of the garden in regard of the sharpe pointed leaues in colour like the white Beet hauing a very small root our countrymen name it in Latine Rumex other Lapathum Cantherinum this herb being incorporat with hogs grease is singular to mollifie all the swelled kernels which some call the Kings euill A second sort there is which commonly is called Oxylapathum i. Sharp pointed Docke this commeth yet neerer to the garden Docke than the former for it hath leaues sharper at the point and redder and groweth not but in marish grounds There is another kind of Dock comming vp in the very water as some say Hydrolapathum Yet is there one more called Hippolapathum bigger than the garden Docke or Sorrell white also and of a more fast and pulpous substance As for all the wild Dockes or Sorrells they be holden medicinable to cure the sting of Scorpions and whosoeuer hath any of them about him is secure from the sting or prick of Scorpions The root if it be sodden in vineger and strained the juice thereof if the mouth be washed therewith helpeth the teeth-ach and if the same be taken in drink it cureth the jaundise The seed of this hearbe remooueth the tough humors bedded in the stomack how hard impacted soeuer they be the roots of Patience haue this peculiar property To cause the nailes to fall off that grow rugged and vneuen The seed taken to the weight of two drams in wine riddeth away the bloudy flix The seed of the sharp Dock being washed in rain water is singular good for those that reach and cast vp bloud if there be added thereto as much Acacia as the bignesse of a Lentill There be most excellent Trochisques made of the leaues and root thereof with the addition of nitre and some little quantity of conuenient liquor to incorporat and vnite them and these must bee infused and dissolued in vineger at the time that they are to be vsed As touching the garden Sorrell there is a liniment made thereof which being applied in manner of a frontall to the forehead cureth the distillation of the watery humours to the eies The root is singular for the wens or imposthumes called Melecerides and likewise of the Lepry The decoction in wine is as good for the stone and grauell as also to resolue the Kings euill and the swelling kernels behind the ears If the seed be drunk in wine it helpeth the spleen and the tumors thereof the bloudy flix likewise the stomachicall flux and the vaine desire to the stoole without effect But for all these purposes the juice of the Dock is more effectual Ouer and aboue it breaketh wind vpward it prouoketh vrine and discusseth the cloud and Mist that troubleth the eies If this herbe be put vp vnder the bathing tub within the baine or otherwise if the body be annointed with a liniment thereof without oyle before one enter into the bath it taketh away the itch If the root be but chewed only it fasteneth the teeth that shake in the head The same root sodden in wine staieth the flux of the belly and bindeth it and yet the leaues make the body soluble Finally because I would willingly omit nothing Solon hath made mention of another Docke called Bulapathum nothing different from other Dockes but that the root runneth deeper into the ground which if it be taken in wine cureth the bloudy flix CHAP. XXII ¶ Of three kinds of Senvey of Horehound and wilde running Thyme of water Cresses of water Mints otherwise called Thymbraeum of Lineseed and Bleets THe herbe Senvey whereof there be three kinds as I haue already obserued in my treatise of garden plants Pythagoras hath placed in the highest ranke of those simples that sume vp aloft for there is not a thing that sooner biteth one by the nose pierceth and mounteth more quickly into the brains than doth Senvey The seed thereof commonly called mustard seed being stamped with vineger reduced into a liniment cureth the sting of serpents and namely the prick with the Scorpion It hath besides a singular vertue to mortifie kil the venomous quality of mushrums If it be but held in the mouth vntill it melt and resolue or otherwise be gargarised with honied water it draweth waterie fleame out of the head Beeing chewed it easeth the toothach For the falling down of the Vvula a gargarisme made of it with vineger and honey is excellent There is not a medicine so singular for the stomack and all the infirmities thereof ne yet for the lungs Being eaten at meat it doth loosen superfluous fleame and causeth a man to reach and fetch
prouoketh vrine Howbeit where there is danger of any exulceration in kidnies or bladder it must be vsed with great warinesse if it be vsed at all Moreouer the juice of Horehound is said to clarifie the eie-sight Castor putteth downe two sorts of Horehound to wit the black and the white but he setteth greater store by the white than the other He prescribeth to take an empty egg-shel and to put into it the juice of Horehound and hony by euen portions when the said egge is warm to minister the same by way of clyster or syringe promising vs that the said iniection will breake all inward imposthumes and when they be broken clense and heale them throughly Also a liniment saith hee made of Horehound stamped together with old swines grease cureth all wounds occasioned by the biting of mad dogs Touching running Thyme some think it is called Serpyllum in Latine a serpendo i. of creeping because it runneth and creepeth by the ground a property indeed of the wild kind and especialy among rocks and stony grounds The garden Serpyllum which commeth of seed creepeth not but groweth to the height of four-fingers bredth The wilde Thyme which commeth vp of the own accord liketh and thriueth better hauing whiter leaues and branches than the other this I say is thought to haue a speciall vertue against serpents and namely the Cenchris the Scolopendres also as well of the sea as the land likewise the Scorpions in case the sprigs and leaues thereof be sodden in wine and so taken inwardly if the same be burned it yeeldeth a perfume which with the very sent chaseth them all away A singular power it hath against all venomous creatures of the sea Boiled in vineger reduced into a liniment with oile of roses it cureth the head ach if it be applied as a frontall to the forehead and temples In like manner it helpeth the phrensie and lethargy but if it be giuen to drink the weight only of four drams it easeth the wrings torments of the belly it giueth free passage with ease to the vrine it resolueth squinancy or bringeth them to maturity and staieth vomits And if one drinke it with water it is excellent good for the opilation heat inflammations and other accidents of the liuer The leaues to the weight of four oboli are giuen in vineger for the inflation and hardnesse of the splene If it be beaten to pouder and giuen in 2 cyaths of vineger and hony it is thought a good medicine for them that spit and reach vp bloud The wild Sisymbrium or Cresses called of some Thymbraeum groweth to a foot in height and no higher That which commeth vp in watery places is like vnto garden Cresses but both sorts are effectuall against all pricks and stings of Hornets and such like creatures That which springeth vp in dry ground hath the narrower leafe of the twain and carrieth a sweet smel with it whereupon it is commonly plaited amongst other odoriferous herbes in chaplets and guirlands But both the one and the other allaieth head-ach likewise they doe stay the flux of waterish humors which distill into the eyes Some put crums of bread thereto others seeth them alone in wine and vse the decoction Being reduced into a cataplasme and so applied euery night and taken off in the day time it heals within foure times laying on the angry chilblanes and bloudy-fals that trouble the feet in the night season yea and taketh away the spots pimples arising in womens faces which marreth their beauty whether it be eaten with meat in substance or the juice only taken in drink it staieth vomits yexes wringings gnawings and the dissolution or feeblenesse of the stomack which causeth inordinat flux Women going with child must take heed how they eat Sisymbrium vnlesse the fruit of their bodies be dead within them for if it be but applyed outwardly it will send it forth If one drinke it with wine he shall find that it prouoketh vrine and the wild kind ouer and besides expelleth the stone and the grauell Such as had need to wake and watch namely those that be giuen to drowsinesse and lethargie will be raised from their sleep and throughly wakened if it be distilled aloft vpon their heads with vineger Line-seed is imployed with other matters in diuers medicines to many vses but of it selfe alone it cleareth the skin of womens faces taketh out spots freckles pimples wems and molls that be eye-sores if it be applied as a liniment thereto The juice therof quickneth and helpeth the eye-sight With Frankincense and water or els with Myrrhe and wine it represseth the violent flux of humors to the eyes Reduced into a cataplasme with honey grease or waxe and so applyed it resolueth the swelling kernels behind the ears The meale thereof in manner of drie barley groats if it be strewed vpon the stomack helpeth the weaknesse and queasinesse thereof which maketh it ready to ouerturn If it be sodden in water and oile and so reduced into a liniment with Annise-seed and applyed it cureth the squinancie It must be wel dried and parched at the fire in case it be giuen to stay the running out of the belly As for those that be troubled with the stomachicall flux or the exulceration of the guts a cataplasme thereof with vineger and so applied bringeth them present ease For the griefe of the liuer it ought to be eaten with raisons This seed is passing good for lohoches or electuaries to be made thereof in the cure of the Phthisick and consumption of the lungs Lineseed growing into floure and mingled with nitre or salt or els with ashes put thereto is of great operation to mollifie the hardnesse of muscles sinews joints and the nape or chine of the neck yea and to mitigat the inflammations of the membrans or pellicles of the brain The same applyed with figs is an excellent maturatiue and ripeneth all impostumes But if it be laid too with the root of the wild Cucumber it draweth forth any thing that sticketh within the body euen the very spils shiuers of broken bones The said pouder or floure made of Line-seed sodden in wine and applied as a cataplasme stayeth cancerous vlcers that they run no further the same also with hony ripeneth apostemations of flegmatick humors and the breaking forth of the small pox Being mingled with an equall portion of garden Cresses it cureth the rough nailes that grow vntowardly and fetcheth them off without any inconuenience Incorporat with rosin and Myrrhe and so laid to the cods it helpeth their swelling and inflammations it is good also for ruptures of all sorts with water it healeth the gangrene Take of Line-seed Fenigreek seed of each one sextar seeth them in honied water and make a liniment thereof it easeth the paine of the stomack Line-seed ministred in a clystre with oile and hony cureth the deadly maladies of the guts and breast parts Bleets seeme to be
or girdle it is supposed to be a singular remedie especially when they breed teeth or haue the chincough Also if they be troubled with the worms they hold it good gently to instill the same in the body either by drink or clystres All other operations that the Flour-de-lis hath differ not much in effect from hony A singular property it hath to clense the head from sores and skalls and generally to mundifie all impostumat vlcers Two drams thereof taken with hony easeth the belly prouoketh to the stoole Giuen in ordinary drink it staieth the cough appeaseth wrings dissolueth ventosities in the belly In vinegre it openeth the opilations of the spleene And being taken with water and vinegre together it is an effectuall remedie against the stinging of serpents and spiders The weight of two drams eaten with bread or drunk in water resisteth the poison of scorpions Being made into a liniment with oile and so applied it cureth the bitings of mad dogs and heateth the parts mortified with extreame cold In like manner also it allaieth the paines of the sinews Reduced into an ointment with Rosin it is singular for the paine of the loins and the gout Sciatica This root is hot in operation If it be drawne or snuffed vp into the nose it causeth sneesing and purgeth the head A liniment of it and Pome-quinces or Peare-quinces easeth the head-ach it represseth also the vapours flying vp into the head causing distemperature of the braine in a surfeit of wine or strong drinke It helpeth streightnesse of breath and such as cannot take their winde but sitting vpright It prouoketh vomit if it be taken to the weight of 2 Oboli A cataplasme of it and hony together draweth forth spils of broken bones The pouder of it is much vsed for Whit-flawes and the same applied with wine taketh away cornes and werts but it must lie on three daies before you vnbind and take it from the place The very chewing of it correcteth a strong and stinking breath as also the filthie fauour of the arme-holes The juice thereof doth mollifie all hard tumors It prouoketh sleepe but it consumeth sperme or natural seed The Fissures in the seat as also the blind and swelling piles in the fundament and all superfluous excrescences of the bodie it cureth There is a wild kind of Floure-de-lis which some call Xyris the root of this herb is good to resolue discusse the swelling kernels named the Kings euil hot biles risings in the groin Howbeit for to work these effects there be certain ceremonies precisely to be obserued namely That it be taken out of the ground with the left hand in any case Item that they who gather it do say in the gathering For whose sake they pluck it vp and withall name the person here in making mention of this matter I canot but detect the knauery of these Harbarists and simplers Their maner is not to employ occupie all that they haue gathered but reserue keep part thereof as also of some other hearbes as namely of Plantaine and if they be not well contented nor thinke themselues paied thoroughly for their paines in the cure they make no more ado but burie and couer within the earth that part which they kept by them in the same place where it was digged forth And I beleeue verily they haue an vnhappy meaning and a certaine kind of witchcraft herin forsooth That the maladies which they seemed to haue healed should breake out and be sore again to the end that they might be set on work anew As touching Saliunca the decoction of it in wine and so taken staieth vomits and corrobroateth the stomack Musaeus and Hesiodus the Poets haue a great opinion of Polium for they giue counsell to all those that would come to preferment promotion for to be anointed all ouer with a liniment thereof such also as be desirous of renowme and glory to be euer handling of it to set it also and maintaine it in their gardens True it is that solke docarie Polium about them ordinarily or lay it vnder their beds for to chase away serpents Physicians do seeth it either new green or drie in wine and therof make a liniment or els they giue it to drink in vinegre to those that be pained with the jaundise yea to such as be newly fallen into the dropsie they giue counsell to drinke the decoction thereof being sodden in wine And of it so prepared they make a liniment for to be applied vnto green wounds Moreouer this herb is very good to send out the after-burden in women newly brought to bed and to expell the dead infant out of the mothers wombe And otherwise it serueth well to mitigate any paines of the body It doth purge and euacuate the bladder and in a liniment applied to the eyes restraineth their excessiue watering I know not any other hearbe better to goe with other ingredients into antidots or countrepoisons named of the Greeks Alexipharmaca than this Howbeit some denie all this and are of opinion that it is hurtful to the stomacke that the drinking of it stuffeth the head and causeth women to fal into labor before their time They say also that this cerimonie would be precisely obserued That in the very place where this plant is found so soone as euer it is gathered it should be hanged presently vpon the necke of the partie with a speciall care that it touch not the ground first and then is it an excellent remedie for the cataract in the eye And these authors describe this hearbe to haue leaues like Thyme but that they be softer and couered ouer with a more hoarie and woollie downe Being taken with wild Rue in raine water so that it be beaten before into pouder it doth mitigat by report the deadly paines caused by the sting of the Aspis it bindeth and draweth vp a wound it keepeth corrosiue sores from festering and going farther as well as the floures of the Pomegranate The hearb Holochrysos if it be taken in wine helpeth the strangury and such as cannot pisse but by drops And a liniment therof is passing good to represse the flux of humors to the eyes If it bee incorporat with Tartar or wine lees burnt into ashes and drie Barley groats it mundifieth the skin and riddeth away ring-wormes tettars and such like wild fires As for Chrysocome the root of it is hot and yet astringent It is giuen to drinke for the diseases of the liuer and the lights And being sodden in honied water it assuageth the paines incident to the matrice It prouoketh womens monthly purgation and being giuen in drink raw it purgeth waterie humors gathered in the dropsie Touching Baulm which the Greeks call Melittis or Melissophyllon if Bee-hiues be rubbed all ouer and besmeared with the juice thereof the Bees will neuer away for there is not a floure whereof they be more desirous and faine than of it and in
case as most times it falleth out that a feuer follow vpon such accidents then the patient must drinke it with water A speciall and effectuall property it hath against certain land-snakes called Chersydri and venomous todes if it be reduced into a liniment and so applied to the sore But Heraclides the Physitian is of opinion That if the said root be boiled in the broth of a goose it is of more efficacie than all other against the Toxica and Aconita But whereas others do boile it in sheere water against the poisons Toxica Appollodorus would haue a frog sodden withal The herb it selfe is of substance hard branching much full of leaues and those beset with pricks A stem or stalk it carieth parted by knots and joints a cubit high somwhat more Moreouer as there is white Erynge so you shal haue of it black The root is odoriferous Eryngion verily commeth vp ordinarily of seeds and by setting But it groweth also in rough and stony places of the own accord And that which we see along the sea shore is harder and blacker than the rest leaued also like common Ach or Persely CHAP. VIII ¶ Of the hearbe or thistle commonly called Centum-Capita i. the hundred heads AS for the white Erynge our countrymen call it in Latine Centum-capita But they be all of one and the same operation and effect And the Greeks verily make their ordinary meat as well of their stalks as roots both waies to wit either raw or boiled as they list Certes there be wonders reported of this herb namely That the root of this white Eryngion which is very geason and hard to be found resembleth one while the male sexe and otherwhiles the female of our kind But if it chance that a man do meet with that Eryngion which is like to that member which distinguisheth him from a woman he shall be very amiable and beloued of women Which was the reason men say that lady Sappho was so enamoured on the yong knight Phao of Lesbos And verily as touching this herb not only the Magitians but the disciples also and followers of Pythagoras tell vs many vain and foolish tales But to come indeed to the vse of it in Physick Ouer and besides those vertues and properties which I haue related already good it is to resolue ventosities it easeth the gripes and wrings in the belly it cureth the diseases and debility of the heart it helpeth the stomack and liuer For the midriffe and precordial parts it is very wholsome taken in honied water and for the spleen in vineger water together Also drunk in mead or honied water aforesaid it is singular for the kidneies the strangury the cramp or crick that pulleth the head of a body backward for other spasmes also and convulsions for the loines the dropsie and the falling sicknesse Soueraigne it is moreouer for womens monthly fleures whether they do stay vpon them or contrariwise run excessiuely from them and in one word it cureth all the accidents infirmities of the matrice Being applied as a liniment with hony it draweth forth any offensiue thing sticking within the body And if it be laid too with salt lard or hogs grease and so incorporat into a cerot it heales the kings euill the swelling kernels within the eares and the flat biles and botches It reioineth also the flesh that is gone from the bone finally soudereth and knitteth broken bones or fractures Taken before a man sit downe to eat or drink it preserueth him from surfet or drunkennesse and bindeth the belly Some of our Latine writers would haue it to be gathered a little before the summer-solstice saying moreouer That if it be applied with rain water it helpeth al the infirmities incident to the nape of the neck and by their report if it be bound to the eies it cureth the pin and the web CHAP. IX ¶ Of Acanus and Liquorice SOme there be who take Acanus for a kind of Eryngium And they describe it to be a low herbe and yet growing broad and large full of prickes and thornes and those likewise bigger than ordinary being applied outwardly wonderfull effectuall it is by their saying to stanch bloud Others there are who haue thought Erynge and Liquorice to be all one but they are deceiued Howbeit for some resemblance that is between them I think it not amisse to set down the description therof immediatly after these Erynges Doubtlesse this Liquorice also is to be counted among these thorny plants for that the leaues stand pricking vp sharp pointed the same are fatty and in handling gummy and glewie It putteth forth many branches and those two cubits high it carrieth a floure in manner of the Hyacinth and beareth fruit resembling bals of the bignesse of those which hang vpon the Plane tree The excellent Liquorice is that which groweth in Cilicia the next for goodnesse commeth from Pontus and hath a sweet root which only is vsed in Physick Taken vp this is and gathered at the setting or occultation of the Brood-hen star and is found running along in the ground in manner of the Vine root in colour like to the Box tree That which is duskish and somwhat black is thought to be the better like as the lithe pliable root which wil wind and turn euery way is preferred before that which is brittle and easie to break Great vse there is of it in those medicines which be held vnder the tongue so to resolue melt leasurely namely after it hath bin sodden to the thirds yea and otherwhiles boiled to the height and consistence of hony Somtimes they vse to bruse it and in that manner they do lay it vpon wounds where it doth much good as also if it be applied to all the diseases and accidents befalling to the throat and jawes The juice of Liquorice reduced to a thick consistence if it be put vnder the tongue is singular for to cleare the voice In like manner it is supposed very wholsome for the brest and liuer And therewith as I haue sayd before both thirst and hunger may be slaked and allaied Which is the cause that some haue called it Adipson and in that regard ministred it to those persons who be fallen into a dropsie for to preuent and take away their thirstinesse Therfore it is thought to be a proper remedy for the diseases of the mouth if it be either chewed or otherwise cast and strewed vpon the vlcers therein and so it cureth the excrescences also and exulcerations about the roots of the nailes Moreouer it healeth the excoriation sorenesse of the bladder assuageth the paine of the kidneies cureth the swelling aking piles the fissures also in the seat and finally the vlcers of the priuy parts Some Physitians haue prescribed to drink in a quartaine ague the weight of two drams of Liquorice one of Pepper in a draught of water to the quantity of a smal pint or hemina this root
no wholsome meat for the stomack and more than that it causeth a stinking breath Howbeit they hold it excellent to withstand the venomous sting of the Stellions and the dangers that it may inferre as also to heale the old cancerous and maligne vlcers named Cacoethe i. Morimals There is an oile made thereof which as I haue before shewed is good for the eares Touching Sesamoeides which taketh that name of the resemblance that it hath to Sesama but that the graine thereof is bitter and the leafe lesse and it groweth in grauelly grounds the same being taken to drink in water purgeth chollerick humors A liniment made of the seed doth assuage the heat of S. Anthonies fire and doth discusse and resolue biles And yet there is another Sesamoeides growing in Anticyra which thereupon some do cal Anticyricon otherwise much like it is to the herb Groundswell whereof I will speake in place conuenient The graine or seed of this Sesamoeides is giuen in sweet wine as a purgatiue of chollerick and flegmatick humors to the quantity of as much as may be contained with three fingers but to quicken the same the Physitians vse to put one Obole and an halfe of the white Ellebore-root or Neesewort which purgation they vse in case of madnesse the melancholicke disease the falling sicknesse and the gout By it selfe alone the weight of one dram is a sufficient laxatiue doth euacuat the belly The best Barley is that which is whitest The iuice of Barley boiled in rain water is made vp into certain trosches which is singular good to be either conueied into the guts by way of clyster for the exulceration thereof or els injected into the Matrice by the metrenchyte for the vlcers therein The ashes of Barly burnt are good in a liniment for Burnes for places where the flesh is gone from the bones for wheales and small pocks and for the biting of the Hardishrew mouse The same with a little sprinckling of salt and some honey amongst is counted a good dentifrice to make the teeth look white and the breath to smel sweet There is an opinion commonly receiued That whosoeuer vse to eat Barly bread shall not be troubled with the gout of the feet And they say that if a man take nine barly corns with euery one of them draw three imaginary circles about a felon with his left hand and when he hath so done throw them all into the fire presently it shall be cured There is an herb which the Greeks cal Phoenicea and our countrymen in Latine Hordeum Murinum This herb or weed being beaten to pouder taken in wine is singular to bring down the course of womens fleurs Hippocrates the famous Physitian hath made one intire book in the praise of Ptisana which is a groat made of Barly but all the vertues and properties thereof are now attributed vnto our Frumenty Alica and that goeth away with all the commendation And yet a man may see how much more harmlesse it is than Alica Hippocrates commended it only for a supping as being slippery easie to be taken good to put away thirst not swelling in the belly passing quickly and easily through the body and such a kinde of meat as might alone of all others be giuen twice a day in a feuer to those who were vsed to it so farre was hee in opinion from them who would famish all diseases cure them by fasting vtter hunger Howbeit he forbad to giue it whole in substance to be supped off allowed nothing but the very simple juice and broth of Ptisane or husked Barly neither allowed he it in the beginning of an ague fit so long as the feet continued cold for during that time he would not admit so much as a thin potion therof Now besides the Alica or frumenty made of Zea there is another which commeth of the common wheat more glutinous and better indeed for the exulceration of the wind pipes As touching Amylum or starch pouder it dimmeth the eyesight is hurtful to the throat and is nothing good to be eaten contrary to the common receiued opinion It staieth the inordinat flux of the belly represseth the rheum into the eies it healeth vlcers and cureth pushes wheals and blains and restraineth fluxes of bloud It mollifieth the hardnesse growing in the eye-lids To such as cast vp bloud it is vsually giuen in an egge In pain of the bladder halfe an ounce of Amylum made hot ouer the fire vntill it siuer with one egge and as much cuit as will go into three eg-shels taken immediatly after the bath or hot house is a singular remedy moreouer oatmeale sodden in vineger taketh away moles and freckles of the skin The very ordinary bread which is our daily food hath an infinit number of medicinable faculties Bread crums being applied with water and common oile or els with oile of Roses doth mollifie impostumes with honied water assuageth any hardnes wonderfully Giuen in wine it is good to discusse and resolue It is of force also to bind and knit where need is and so much the rather if it be giuen with vineger Also it is singular against the sharp eager flux of fleam which the Greeks cal Rheumes likewise for bruised places vpon stripes or blows yea and for dislocations And in very deed for all these purposes leauened bread called of the Greeks Autopyros i. downright made is better than any other Moreouer a liniment thereof applied with vineger is good for whitflaws and the callosities of the feet Moreouer stale bread and bisket such as sea-faring men do eat being stamped sod again is good to bind the belly for singing men and choristers who are desirous to haue a cleare voice for such also as be subject to rheums falling from the head it is the wholsomest thing in the world to eat dry bread in the beginning of meals The Sitanian bread i. that which is made of three months corn being incorporat with hony is a faire medicine to cure either the black prints remaining after strokes or the scailing and pilling of the face White bread crums soked either in hot or cold water yeeld vnto sicke men a meat of light digestion The same being applied with wine cureth swelled eies And so it healeth the breaking out in the head especially if dry Myrtles be put thereto It is an ordinary thing to prescribe vnto them that are giuen to shaking for to eat fasting bread soked in water presently after they come forth of the bath The perfume of bread burnt taketh away all other euill smels that may be in a bed chamber being put into those Hippocras bags through which wines be strained it altereth the naughty tast which they haue Furthermore euen Beanes haue their properties which serue in Physicke for being fried all whole as they be and so cast piping hot into sharp vineger they help the collicke and pangs of the belly
any one of these juices and heat the same well with oile of Roses in the rind of a Pomegranat excellent it is for to bee dropped into the ears likewise the decoction of Sallows or the leaues stamped and incorporat with wax and so applied do the like as also laid too in maner of a cataplasm they ease the pain of the gout The decoction of the leaues and bark boiled in wine is passing wholsom to soment the nerues withall The blooms or chattons of the willow stamped together with the leaues clense the branny scales that appeare in the face The leaues of the willow punned and taken in drink do coole them that are giuen too much vnto lascivious lust and ouer hot in the action of Venus and if they vse to take the same often they will disable them altogether for the act of generation The seed of the black Oisier or willow called Amerina mixed in like weight with white litharge of siluer and brought into a liniment is a depilatory and fetcheth off the haire if the place be annointed therwith presently after the baine There is a kind of tree named Vitex not much different from the willow in regard of the vse that the twigs be put vnto and also of the leaues which resemble those of the willow in outward shew but that their smell is more pleasant and odoriferous the Greeks some cal it Lygos others Agnos i. chast for that the dames of Athens during the feast of the goddesse Ceres that were named Thesmophoria made their pallets and beds with the leaues thereof to coole the heat of lust and to keep themselues chast for the time And two sorts there be of it The greater riseth vp to a tree in maner of a willow the other which is lesse lower brancheth thick bearing white leaues and those full of down and cotton The former of these two which is called the white Agnus Castus putteth forth white floures purple one with another whereas contrariwise all the floures of the lesse which is called the black be purple only Both the one and the other loue to grow in plains and moors The seed of Agnus Castus if it be taken in drinke hath a certain rellish or tast of wine and it is commonly thought that it cureth feuers whosoeuer is annointed therewith being incorporat into a liniment with oile shall soon sweat and by that means it is good to rid away wearinesse Agnus Castus as well the one as the other prouoketh vrine and the monthly terms of women Both of them fume vp into the head as wine doth and no maruell for they haue the very smell of wine They be singular to send all ventosities downward They stop the flux of the belly and be excellent good for those who are in a drop sie or troubled with the spleen They haue this speciall property besides to breed good store of milk in milch nurces Aduerse they be to all poisons of serpents such especially as doe mischiefe by their cold quality The lesse is more effectuall against serpents And for this purpose they vse to giue either one dram of the seed to drink in wine or Oxycrat which is vineger and water or els two drams of the most tender leaues There is neither of them both but as wel the seed as the leaues reduced into a liniment be singular good for the pricke of spiders And there is not any venomous creature that wil come neere those who are but annointed therwith nay they wil flie from the very perfume therof or the couch which is made of the leaues they abate the heat of wanton lust and in that regard especially they be contrary to the venomous spiders Phalangia which by their sting do prick a man forward that way and cause his flesh to rise The floures and yong tendrils of Agnus Castus incorporat in oile rosat do allay the head-ach occasioned by drinking ouerliberally but if the said headach be exceeding great it is good to foment the head in a decoction of the seed of the said Agnus for it will resolue dispatch the extremity therof The same likewise by way either of suffumigation or cataplasme mundifieth and clenseth the matrice And being taken as a drink with penyroial and hony it is a purgatiue and scoureth the belly Mixed with Barly meale and applied pultesse wise it mollifieth those botches byles which hardly grow to ripenesse The seed tempered with salt petre and vineger healeth tettars ringwormes and red pimples and with hony cureth the cankers or sores of the mouth yea and any wheals and breaking forth whatsoeuer The same reduced into a liniment with butter and vine leaues warisheth the infirmities incident to the cods and if the seat be annointed with it water medled together it taketh away the chaps fissures in that part Brought into a cerot with salt nitre wax it is singular good for al dislocations both the seed and leaues of Agnus enter into many cataplasmes or mollitiue plasters deuised for the sinewes and the guts the seed boiled in wine maketh a good decoction which if it be dropped vpon the head by way of embracation is right soueraign for lethargy and frensie both It is said that whosoeuer beareth in his hand a twig of Agnus or gird himselfe about the middle therewith shall not be galled or fretted between the legs As touching Heath or Lings which the Greeks call Erice it is a shrub not much different from Tamariske in colour and forme of leafe such as it is resembling Rosemary The leafe of this plant they say is an enemy to serpents As for Broom it serueth also very well to make halters and cords of The floures please bees passing well I am in doubt and not able to say whether this Genista or Broome be that which the antient Greek writers called Sparton for I haue shewed that they vsed therof to make their fishing nets and I wot not well whether Homer meant it when he said that the ship-sparts were vntwisted and loose For this is certain that neither the spart of Africk ne yet the Spanish spart was as yet in any vse and at what time as barges and vessels were sowed together with seams it is wel known that the stitches were made with linnen thred not with spart The seed that it beareth which the Greeks giue one and the same name to growing within smal cods in maner of Phaseols is as strong a purgatiue of Melancholy as Ellebore if it be taken when one is fasting to the weight of a dram and halfe in four cyaths of honied water the branches leaues such as they be of Genista or Broome being stamped after they haue lien infused in vineger yeeld a certain juice singular good for the Sciatica if it be drunk to the quantity of one cyath Some chuse rather to steep it in sea-water and to draw forth the juice and so minister it with a clyster for the said purpose
if Silphium be mingled withal tempered with hony it cureth and healeth all running vlcers and in that maner prepared it is excellent for the roughnes of a furred tongue for places bruised looking black blew or otherwise raw where the skin is rased pilled off Nothing so soon healeth any wounds in the head and bringeth them so quickly to cicatrice And taken inwardly with other meats it stoppeth the immoderat flux of womens fleurs As touching Madder which some Greeks call Erythrodanus others Ereuthodanus and wee in Latine Rubia it is an herb different from Rhus Erythros aboue named Diers vse it much to colour their wooll woollen cloth so do curriers about their skins and leather In Physicke it serueth to prouoke vrine it cureth the jaundise if it be taken in mead or honied water and reduced into a liniment with vineger it healeth the il-fauored tettars called Lichenes Ouer besides it is good for the Sciatica and the palsie in case the patient who drinks therof do likewise bath euery day The root and seed both of Madder draw down womens months stop the laske and discusse or resolue any impostumations breeding The branches and leaues therof reduced into a cataplasme and laid too are good for the sting of serpents The leaues also haue a speciall property to colour the haire of the head I reade in some writers that if this herb be tied about the neck or some other part of the body and the patient do no more but look thereupon it is sufficient to cure the jaundise The herb Alysson differeth from this Madder in regard of the leaues and branches onely which be lesse It took that name Alysson because those that be bitten with a mad dog if they drink it with vineger or weare it tied fast about them shall not likewise run mad But it is verie strange which is said moreouer of this herb namely That the very sight thereof is enought to dry vp and consume that venomous matter or humour infused by the tooth of the said dog and which is the cause of madnesse As for the Fullersweed which the Latines cal Radicula and the Greeks Struthion as I haue beforesaid it serueth to scoure and prepare wooll and woollen cloth for the diers hand In Physick the broth or decoction thereof drunk cureth the jaundise and the infirmities or diseases of the brest It prouoketh vrine looseth the belly and cleanseth the matrice which is the cause that Physitians call it Aureum poculum i. the golden cup or golden drinke The same taken with honey in manner of an electuary to the quantity of one spoonefull at a time is of singular operation for the cough and shortnesse of breath when the patient cannot draw and deliuer his wind but sitting vpright Reduced into a liniment with parched barly groats and vineger it cureth and clenseth the foule leprosie Drunke with Panaces and Caper rootes it breaketh the stone and expelleth it out of the body Sodden with Barly meal in wine and brought to a pultesse it dispatcheth risings in the flesh or broad flat biles called Pani It is vsualy put into emolitiue cataplasmes yea and into collyries ordained for to cleare the eiesight I know few things so good to prouoke sneezing as this Radicula neither is there a better herb for the spleene and the liuer The same also if it be drunk to the weight of a Roman denier or dram in mead or honied water helpeth those that be short-winded So doth the seed therof taken with water cure the pleurisie and any stitches or pain in the sides To come now to Apocynon a shrub it is bearing leaues like vnto Ivy but that they be softer and the shoots or tendrils therof not so long the seed is sharp pointed clift or diuided full of a soft down of a strong or vnpleasant sauor Being giuen either to dogs or any other four-footed beasts in meat it is their bane and killeth them Moreouer there is the Rosemary wherof be two kinds the one is barren and bears no seed the other which riseth vp also in a stem or main stalk carieth seed or a rosinous gummy fruit called Cachrys The leaues in smel resemble Frankincense The root fresh and new gathered reduced into a salue healeth green wounds applied to the seat it reduceth the fundament when it is fallen into the right place resolueth the swelling piles and cureth the running hemorrhoids The juice both of the branches and herb it self as also of the root is singular for to scour the jaundise and al things els which haue need of clensing and mundification it cleareth and quickneth the eiesight The seed is giuen to drinke with great successe for all old accidents of the brest but with wine and pepper it is good for the matrice helpeth to send down womens monthly terms Made into a cataplasm with cocle floure it is applied with good effect vnto the gout It clenseth and scour eth away morphew it serueth wel to bring any part ot heat that hath need of chaufing yea to procure sweat if the case require so the place be anointed therwith also it helpeth any convulsion or cramp Drunk in wine it increaseth milk so doth the root likewise the very substance of the herb reduced into a liniment cureth the wens called the kings euil if it be applied vnto them with vineger and taken with hony it is good for the cough As for Cachrys there be many kinds of it as I haue shewed before But this Cachrys of the Rosemary abouesaid if it bee rubbed yeeldeth a substance or liquor of rosin Contrary it is to poisons stings of all venomous beasts but only of Snakes It moueth sweat dispatcheth the wringing torments of the belly and causeth nurces to haue plenty of milk Sauine the herb called by the Greeks Brathy is of two sorts the one in leafe resembleth the Tamarisk the other the Cypresse tree whereupon some haue giuen it the name of Candy Cypresse Many vse it in suffumigations perfumes for Frankincense But in medicines we Physitians take the double weight of it instead of Cinnamon it is thought to haue the same operations and effects It driues back keepeth down all swelling impostumes it represseth also those vlcers which be corrosiue and cankerous brought into a salue it mundifieth filthy sores Applied outwardly it drawes dead infants out of the body no lesse it worketh being but receiued by way of perfume Made into a liniment it healeth S. Anthonies fire and carbuncles Drunk with hony and wine it cureth the jaundise It is said that the very fume or smoke of this herb wil rid hens and such like pullen of the pip Much like vnto this herb Sauine is that which they cal Selago Many ceremonies are to be obserued in the gathering of this herb first and formost the party who is to gather it must bee apparelled all in white as it were in a surplice go barefoot he
it the herbe Flea-wort or Cotyledon otherwise called Vmbilicus veneris stamped with fried Barly meale into a cataplasme or els to take Iubarb i. Sengreen to the same effect The herbe Molon hath a stem chamfered or channelled along soft leaues those small a root foure fingers long in the end whereof it beareth an head like vnto Garlicke Some call it Syron Taken in wine it helpeth the stomack and difficulty of drawing breath In which cases the greater Centaury is singular if it be reduced into a lohoch or liquid electuary Plantain also eaten any way either in a green-sauce or sallad This composition is reputed a soueraign medicine Take of Betony stamped the weight of one pound of Atticke hony as much incorporat them together and hereof drinke euery day the quantity of halfe an ounce in some conuenient liquor or in water warm Aristolochia or Agarick are soueraigne meanes to be vsed in these infirmities if one drinke the weight of three oboli thereof either in warme water or asses milke The herb Cissanthemos is good to be drunk for those that be streight winded and must sit vpright when they draw their breath In the like case Hyssop is commended as also for pursiuenesse and shortnesse of wind The juice of Harstrang is an ordinary medicine for the griefe of the liuer the pains also of brests and sides in case the Patient be cleare of the ague As for Agarick it helpeth all such as spit bloud if the pouder thereof to the weight of one Victoriat be giuen in fiue cyaths of honied wine Of the same operation is Amomum But particularly for the liuer the herb Teucria is thought to be soueraign if it be taken fresh green to the weight of foure drams in one hemine of water and vineger mixed together One dram of Betony giuen in three cyaths of warm water or in tw ain of cold is thought to be a singular cordiall The iuice of Cinquefoile helpeth all the imperfections of the liuer and lights it cureth them that voyd or reach vp bloud and generally it serueth for al inward corruptions and distemperatures of the whole masse of bloud Both Pimpernels be wonderfull medicinable for the liuer Fumiterre the herb whosoeuer do eat shal purge choler by vrine Galangale is helpfull likewise to the liuer to the chest also and the midriffe or precordial parts The herb Caucon named also Ephedra and by some Anabasis groweth ordinarily in open tracts exposed to the wind it wil clime vpon trees and hang down from their boughs and branches Leafe it hath none but is garnished with a number of haires which are no other but rushes indeed full of ioints and knots the root is of a pale colour Let this herb be beaten to pouder and giuen in red wine that is greene and hard it is good for the cough for the shortnesse of wind and the wrings of the belly it may be taken also in some other supping whereto it were conuenient to put wine In like sort the infusion of one dram of Gentian which hath lien steeped the day before may be very wel taken in three cyaths of wine for those purposes Herb Benet or Auens hath a small root of a blackish colour which hath a good sent this herb not only cureth the pains of the brest and side but also discusseth all crudities proceeding of vnperfect digestion by reason of the pleasant sauour that it hath As for Veruaine it is medicinable vnto all the prrncipall and noble parts within the body good for the sides the lungs the liuer and the breast but most properly it respecteth the lungs and namely when the patient is in a phthy sick or consumption by the means of their vlcer The root of Bearfoot an herb which I said was but lately found out is a present remedie for swine sheep goats all such cattel in case they be diseased in the lights if it be but drawn crosse through any of their eares The same ought to bee drunke in water and a piece thereof continually held vnder the tongue As for any other part of this hearbe aboue ground be it leafe stalke floure or seed it is not yet certainly knowne whether it be good or no for any purpose in Physicke As for the kidneies the hearbe Plantaine is good to be eaten Betonie to be drunke Agaricke also to be taken in drinke like as for the cough Tripolium groweth vpon the rocks by the sea side on which the sea-water beateth so as a man cannot say that it is either in the sea or the drie land in leafe it resembleth woad but that it is thicker the stemme is a span or hand-breadth high forked and diuided at the point the root white odoriferous grosse and hot in taste when it is sodden in a frumenty pottage of wheat they giue it with good successe to those that be diseased in the liuer this is thought of some to be all one with Polium whereof I haue spoken in due place Symphonia or Gromphena an herbe hauing leaues some red others greene growing to the stem in order one red and another greene is a soueraigne medicine for such as reach and void vp bloud if it be taken in oxycrat or vineger water mingled together Melandryum is an herb found growing in corn-fields medows with a white floure and the same of a sweet and pleasant sent the smal stems therof be commended for the liuer in case they be stamped giuen in old wine Chalcetum commeth vp in vineyards which if it be punned serueth for a good cataplasme to be applied vnto the region of the liuer The root of Betony taken to the weight of foure drams in wine cuit or honied wine prouoketh vomit readily as well as Ellebore But for this purpose Hyssope is better being beaten in pouder and giuen with honey but order would be giuen before vnto the Patient to eat Cresses or Irio Molemonium also is of the like effect if it be taken to the weight of one denier Moreouer the herb Silybum hath a white juice like vnto milke which after it is thickened to the substance of a gum is vsually taken to the foresaid weight with hony for a vomitorie and doth euacuat cholericke humors especially On the contrary side wild Cumin and the poâ—…der of Betony if they be drunk with water do stay vomiting For to digest the crudities of the stomack and to rid away the loathing to meat Carrot is thought to be very good so is the pouder of Betony if it be taken in honied water and Plantain also boiled in potage after the manner of Coleworts or such like potherbs Hemonium staieth the painful yex oâ—… hocquet In like sort Aristolochia Clymenos giues liberty to draw the wind more freely The greater Centaury and Hyssop are singular in drink for the pleurisie and inflammation of the lungs The iuice of Harstrang principally is a proper remedy for those that haue
nature thereof is to soften to drie to concoct and to procure sleep it retaineth the haire of the head being giuen to shed and maintaineth the same blacke still that it turne not hoary wholsom it is for the eares if it be instilled into them with Hydromel that is to say mead or honied water or els with oile Rosat It cleanseth the skin of dandruffe and when it seemeth to pill and withall healeth the running scals of the head if salt be mixed therewith And being taken with Storax Calamita it cureth an inueterat cough but most proper it is for those who belch soure and strong Moreouer Chondris which also is called bastard Dictamnum is a great binder of the belly so is Hypocisthis named by some Orobathion much resembling a green or vnripe Pomegranat This plant growes as I haue said vnder Cisthus whereupon it took the name Both kinds of it for twaine there be to wit the white and the red being dried in the shade stay a lask if they be drunk in thick austere or green wine the iuice only is vsed in Physick the which is astringent and desiccatiue and the red kind is of the twaine more appropriat for the staying or drying vp of rheumes which if it be drunke to the weight of three oboli is soueraigne for them that reach and raise vp bloud Either drunke or clysterized with Amyl it cureth the bloudy flix The like effects hath Veruaine giuen in water yea and in Amminean wine if the Patient haue no ague hanging vpon him with this proportion that there be the quantity of fiue spoonefulls of the herb put to three cyaths of wine Moreouer the herb Lauer which loueth to grow in brooks and riuers being either condite and preserued or els sodden allaieth the wrings of the belly Water-speeke or Pondweed called in Greek Potamogeton is singular good for the dysentery or bloudy flix for the flux also which proceedeth from a weak stomack This herb beareth leaues like to Beets but that they be lesse only and more hairy or furred with a downe A little it beareth aboue the water and hath a peculiar property which is refrigeratiue and astringent the leaues alone be medicinable those be good for the morimals in the legs for cankerous and corroding vlcers if they be applied in a cataplasme with hony or vineger Castor the Physitian describeth this herb Potamogeton after another sort namely with a small slender long leafe like vnto horse-haires putting forth a long stem likewise and the same smooth growing also in waters He vsed with the root of this herb to cure the Kings euill and heale all hard tumors This Potamogeton hath an aduersatiue nature to Crocodiles also and therfore they who hunt after them carry this herbe ordinarily about them In like maner Achillea stoppeth a lask And the same effects worketh Statice an herb running vp commonly in seuen stems in the top bearing buttons or heads resembling Roses Ceratia beareth but one leafe and hath a knotty and great root which is good to be eaten for to cure the lask occasioned by the feeble stomacke and the bloudy flix proceeding from the vlcer of the guts Lions-paw commonly called Leontopodion by some Leuceoron by others Dorypetron and Thorybetron hath a root which bindeth the belly and yet notwithstanding purgeth choler if it be taken to the weight of two denarij Roman in mead or honied water This herbe groweth in light and lean champian grounds It is said that if the seed thereof be taken in drinke it causeth strange visions and fantasticall dreames Harefoot which the Greekes name Lagopus drunke in wine bindeth the belly but if the Patient be in an ague it would be taken with water beeing applied and bound vnto the share it represseth the tumors and risings in those parts an herbe this is growing vsually among corne Many there be who for the dangerous bloudie flixe that is thought incureable commend highly aboue all other her bes Cinquefoile in case the Patient drinke the roots thereof boiled in milke and the like opinion they haue of Aristolochia in case there be taken of the root to the weight of one victoriat in three cyaths of wine Now this would be noted by the way that in these cases of astringency and binding all the medicines before named which are to be taken warme ought to be heat with a gad of steele quenched in the liquor Thus much of those Simples that bind the belly Contrariwise the juice of Centaury the lesse is a purgatiue if a dram thereof bee taken in one hemine of water together with some few cornes of salt and drops of vineger for it doth euacuate choler The greater Centaurie commonly called Rhapontick stilleth the wrings and griping paines of the belly Betonie maketh the body loose and soluble taken to the weight of foure drams in nine cyaths of Hydromell or Mead. In like manner Euphorbium is laxatiue so is Agaricke if two drammes thereof be drunke in water with a little salt or to the weight of three oboli in mead or honied water Sowbread also named by the Greeks Cyclaminos taken inwardly with water or put vp by suppositories prouoketh to the seege so doth a suppository made with the root of Chamaecissus Take a good bunch or handfull of Hyssope seeth it in water with a little salt to the consumption of a third part it serueth to euacuat fleagme if it be but applied as a liniment to the belly or stamped and incorporat with oxymel and salt in which maner vsed it driueth worms out of the body The root of Harstrang purgeth both flegmatick and cholerick humors also Pimpernel taken in mead is a good purgatiue so is Epithymum which you must take to be the floure of a kind of Thyme that resembleth Sauery here is the difference only that this floure is of a grasse green colour but that of the other Thyme is white Some call this Epithymum Hippopheon a simple not very wholsome for the stomack ne yet good to prouoke vomit howbeit singular to appease the wringing paines in the belly and to carminate or dissolue ventosities The same may be taken also by way of lohoch or liquid electuarie confected with honey and sometimes with the Ireos root for the stuffing and other imperfections of the breast Epithymum looseneth the belly if it be taken from foure drammes to six with honey a little salt and vineger Some Herbarists describe Epithymum otherwise namely that it groweth without any root and that it resembleth a little smal string or thread like vnto haire of a red colour which if it bedried in the shade and drunke in water to the weight and measure of halfe an acetable purgeth downeward fleagme and choler both Nemphar taken in some hard astringent or wine gently purgeth the belly Also Pycnocomon is laxatiue an herb this is like vnto Rocket but that the leaues be thicker in substance and grow more thin it
there be who drink the same for to purge both vpward and downward for otherwise an enimy it is to the stomack in which potion if there be put some salt it doth euacuat fleagme but with salt petre it voideth cholerick humors If the patient haue a mind to purge by seege he shal do wel to drink the juice of Tithymall in water and vineger mingled together but if he be disposed to vomit it is better to drink it in cuit or mead The ordinarie dose is three oboles thereof in a potion But the better way is to take the figs prepared as is beforesaid after meat and euen so taken in some sort the juice doth sting the throat and set it on fire For to say a truth of so hot a nature it is that alone of it selfe being applied outwardly vnto any part of the body it raiseth pimples and blisters no lesse than fire in which regard it is vsed for a caustick or potentiall cauterie the second kind of the Tithymall is knowne by the name Myrsinites which others call Caryites The reason of the one name is this for that it beareth sharp pointed and prickie leaues in manner of the Myrtle but that they be somwhat more tender and the same groweth in rough places like as the former The bushy heads or tufts of this Tithymall would be gathered when Barly beginneth to swell in the eare so they be let to take their drying in the shade 9 daies together for in the Sun they wil be withered in that space The fruit which this plant beareth doth not ripen all together in one season but some part thereof remaineth against the next yere and the said fruit is called the Tithymal nut which is the cause that the Greeks haue imposed vpon it that second name Caryites The proper time to gather and cut down this herb is when corn is ripe in the field and ready to be reaped or mowed Which beeing washed must afterwards be laied forth a drying so they vse to giue it with two parts or twice as much of black Poppie yet so as the whole dose may not exceed one acetable This Tithymall is nothing so strong a vomitory as the former no more be the rest whereof I will speak anone Some there be who giue the leaues also with black poppy after the foresaid proportion the very nut or fruit it selfe alone in mead or cuit or els if they put any thing thereto it must be Sesama and truely in this maner it sendeth flegmatick chollerick humors away by seege This Tithymal is singular for the sores in the mouth But for cankerous and corrosiue vlcers indeed which corrode deep into the mouth it is good to chew and eat the same with honey The third kind of Tithymall is called Paralius or Tithymalis This herb puts forth round leaues riseth vp with a stalk a span or hand full high the branches be red and the seed white which ought to be gathered when the grape beginneth to shew blacke vpon the vine And being dried and made into pouder is a sufficient purgation so it be taken inwardly to the measure of one acetable the fourth kind is named Helioscopium the leaues wherof resemble Purcellane and from the root it puts forth 4 or 5 small vpright branches which be likewise red and half a foot high the same also be ful of juice or milk This herb delighteth to grow about town sides bearing a white seed wherin Doues Pigeons take exceeding great pleasure which also is ordinarily gathered when the grape maketh some shew of ripening It took this name Helioscopium for that it turns the heads which it beareth round about with the Sun Halfe an acetable thereof taken in Oxymel purgeth choller downeward And in other cases vsed it is like as the former Tithymall named Characias The fifth men call Cyparissias for the resemblance that the leaues haue to those of the Cypresse tree it riseth vp with a double or threefold stem and loueth to grow in champian places of the same operation and vertue it is that Helioscopium and Characias beforenamed The sixth Tithymal is commonly called Platyphyllos although some name it Corymbites others Amygdalites for the resemblance that it hath to the almond tree there is not a Tithymal hath broader leaues than it which is the reason of the first and vsuall name Platyphyllos it is good to kil fish it purges the belly if either the root leaues or iuice be taken in honied wine or in mead to the weight of foure drams a speciall vertue it hath to draw water downward from all other humors The seuenth is called commonly Dendroides and yet some giue it the name Cobion others Leptophyllon ordinarily it is found growing vpon rocks and of all others carrieth the fairest head likewise the stems be reddest and the seed sheweth in most plenty the effects be all one with those of Characias as touching the plant called Apios Ischas or Rhaphanos-agria i. the wild Radish it putteth forth two or three stalkes like bents or rushes spreading along the ground and those be red and the leaues resemble rue the root is like an onion head but that it is larger which is the reason that some haue called it the wild Radish this root hath a white fleshie substance within but the skin or rind thereof is blacke it groweth vsually vpon rough mountains and otherwise in faire greens full of grasse The right season to dig vp this root is in the Spring which being stamped and strained they vse to put in an earthen pot where it is permitted to stand look what it casteth vp and swimmeth aloft they scum off and throw away the rest of the iuice thus clarified purgeth both waies if it be taken to the weight of one obolus a half in mead or honied water and in that maner prepared it is giuen to those that be in a dropsie the ful measure of one acetable the pouder also of the root dried is good to spice a cup for a purgation and as they say the vpper part of the root purgeth choler vpward by vomit whereas the nether part doth it by seege downward Now for the pains and wrings which oftentimes torment the poorebelly all the kinds of Panaces and Betony are singular to assuage and allay them plain vnlesse they be such as are occasioned by crudity and indigestion As for the iuice of Harstrang it dissolueth ventosities for it breaketh wind vpward and causeth one to rift so doth the roots of Acorus also carots if they be eaten in a salad after the maner of Lettuce For the infirmities proper to the guts namely the worms there breeding Ladanum of Cypresse is soueraigne to be taken in drinke in like maner the pouder of Gentian drunk in warm water to the quantity of a bean Plantain likewise hath the same effect if there be taken of it first in a morning to the quantity of 2
Aloe a certain liquid gum issuing out of it self and sticking fast to the stem thereof and therefore they hold it good to paue or ram the ground hard all about the place where Aloe groweth that the earth should not drink vp the liquor which distilleth from it Some haue written that in Iury aboue Ierusalem higher into the country there is a certain minerall Aloe to be found growing in manner of a mettal within the ground but there is none worse than it neither is there any blacker or moister If you would know the best chuse that which is fat and cleare of a red colour brittle and apt to crumble close compact in manner of a liuer easie also to melt and resolue If you see any that is black hard sandy or grittie a thing which may soone be knowne betweene the teeth in tasting of it the same is to be rejected for naught Many there be who do sophisticat it with other gums and the juice Acacia Aloe is of an astringent nature seruing to make thick to close fast and gently to heat any part of the body Much vse there is of it in many cases but principally to loosen the belly being the onely purgatiue medicine that is comfortable to the stomack and strengtheneth it so farre is it from offending the same by that laxatiue vertue or any contrary qualitie that it hath for this purpose the ordinary dose to be giuen in drinke is one dram But when the stomacke is feeble and wil keep nothing the manner is to take the quantity of one spoonfull thereof in two cyaths of water either warm or cold twice or thrice in a day by turns pausing some space between as need requireth and as the patient shall find expedient Moreouer if occasion be to purge the bodie throughly Physitians vse to giue three drams thereof and not aboue And the better wil it work if it be taken presently before meat If the head be rubbed or annointed therewith and some austere and astringent wine against the haire and in the Sunne it retaineth the haire that is ready to fail A liniment made of it together with vineger and oile Rosat applied vnto the forehead and temples in maner of a frontall easeth the head ach so doth it also if by way of embrochation it be distilled from aloft vpon the head in a more thin and liquid substance A very conuenient and singular medicine it is to heale all the diseases incident to the eies but especially for the itch and scab rising in the eie-lids Also when the skin looketh blacke and blew vnder the eies or otherwise be marked by occasion of some bruise it taketh them all away if it be applied thereto with hony and namely that which commeth out of Pontus It is a proper remedy for the amygdals the gums and all the vlcers of the mouth Taken to the weight of a dram in water it staieth the spitting and voiding of bloud vpward if it be not excessiue but in case it bee violent immoderat it ought to be drunk in vineger The flux of bloud in wounds or the bleein any part whatsoeuer it stancheth either applied by it self alone or els with vineger In other respects also it is right soueraign for wounds a great healer and that which vniteth skinneth quickly A singular remedy it is to be either cast vpon the vlcers of a mans yard the swelling piles the rifts chaps of the seat in plain dry pouder by it self alone or els to be applied therto with wine or with cuit according as the griefe requireth to be mitigated or repressed Moreouer it gently staieth the immoderat flux of bloud by the haemorrhoids And in a clyster it is excellent to heale the exulceration of the guts in the bloudy flix Also it is very good wholsom for those who hardly digest their meat to drink it a pretty while after supper And for the Iaundise it is singular to take the weight of 3 oboli thereof in water It is good to swallow pils of Aloe either with boiled hony or Turpenttne for to purge the guts and inward bowels and a salue made therewith taketh away the whitflaws and impostumations about the naile roots for eie-salues and other ocularie medicines it ought to be washed that the most sandy and grosse parts therof may settle to the bottom and be separated from the purer substance or els it ought to be torrified in an earthen vessell and plied continually with stirring with a quill or feather that it may be burnt and calcined equally Touching Alcaea it is an herb bearing leaues like vnto Veruain which also is called Peristereon rising vp with three or foure stems well garnished with leaues and carrying floures in maner of Roses it putteth forth for the most part six white roots and those a cubit long not directly but crooked and bending bias It groweth ordinarily in battle grounds and such as stand somwhat vpon water The roots chiefely do serue in Physick which being taken with wine or water do cure the dysentery or bloudy flix stop a lask and knit those that are burst inwardly vpon some violent strain or convulsion As for Alypon a pretty herbe it is shooting vp with a slender stem adorned with little soft and tender heads not vnlike to the Beet quick and sharp in taste biting exceedingly and burning howbeit clammy to the tongue Taken in mead with a little salt it maketh the body soluble The least dose that is giuen thereof is two drams from which they arise to foure which is counted a reasonable indifferent potion but neuer exceed the weight of six And ordinarily this purgation is taken by them that haue occasion to vse it in broth of a cock capon or pullet Alsine which some call Myosoton is an herbe growing among groues whereupon it tooke that name Alsine It begins to put forth and appeare aboue ground about midwinter and by midsummer it is dried away when it traileth and creepeth vpon the ground the leaues doe represent the ears of little mice But another herb there is as I will shew hereafter which more fitly and properly in that regard may be called Myosotis Surely this might be taken well enough for Hexine but that the leaues be smaller and those lesse hairy It groweth vsually in gardens and most of all vpon walls when it is stamped or bruised it senteth of a Cucumber Commonly vsed it is in cataplasmes for to be applied vnto impostumes and inflammations and emploied it may be in all those cases whereunto Parietary serueth For the same effect they haue both but that Chickweed is weaker in operation And this particular property it hath by it selfe besides to stay the flux of waterie humors into the eies also to heale all vlcers and those especially which are in the priuy parts being applied thereto in a pultesse with Barly meale the juice thereof is good to be dropped or poured into
the ears Androsaces is a white hero bitter in taste without any leaues but in stead thereof it hath certain little husks or cods hanging by small bents and those containing seed within them It groweth along the sea side and most of all vpon the coasts of Syria The cods being stamped or boiled in water vineger or wine are good to be giuen to the weight of 2 drams to them that are in a dropsie for they prouoke vrine mightily It serueth also in the cure of the gout either taken by the mouth or applied outwardly in a liniment Of the same operation is the seed also Androsaemon or as some call it Ascyron is not vnlike to Hypericon whereof I haue already spoken but that the stalks be bigger stand thicker together and are more inclining to red the leaues be white or grey fashioned like vnto those of Rue and the seed resembleth that of black Poppie crush or bruise the vpmost crops or heads therof they yeeld from them a bloudy iuice in smel it senteth like vnto rosin and is found ordinarily growing in vineyards The proper time to gather this herb is in mid Autumne and so to hang it vp a drying The manner is to stampe the herb seed and all for to purge the belly wherof they drink either first in the morning or last after supper the weight of two drams in mead wine or sheere water so that the whole draught of the potion be a full sextar and not aboue Properly it doth euacuat choler and is principally good for the Sciatica but the morrow after the patient ought to swallow down a dram weight of the Capers root mixed with rosin and then after pausing foure daies between to do the like againe after which course of purging if the patient be of a strong complexion he may drinke wine otherwise those of a weaker constitution ought to sorbeare and drinke water Excellent good it is for all gouts of the feet and for burns if it be applied vnto the place and a good vulnerary herb besides and stancheth the bleeding of wounds Ambrosia is a name that keepeth not to any one herb but is common to many Howbeit the true Ambrosia runneth vp from the root into one small stem which notwithstanding brancheth thick riseth to the height of three spans or thereabout and ordinarily is one third part shorter than the root and the leaues be like Rue Toward the foot of the said stem it bringeth forth certain little grapes with grain or seeds within and those haue a sent of wine and hang down from the branches of the said herb for which cause some thâ—…re be who cal it Botrys although others giue it the name Artem isia The people of Cappadocia vse therwith to make themselues chaplets to weare vpon their heads This herb is much vsed in those accidents that require to be dissolued and sent out by the pores of the skin Anonis which some chuse rather to call Ononis is an herbe full of branches like vnto Fenigreek but that it springeth thicker from the root brancheth more and is more hairy of a pleasant smell and pricky after the spring Many vse to keep it condite in pickle Beeing applied to any vlcer whiles it is fresh and greene it eateth away and consumeth the excrescence of proud flesh in the brims or edges thereof The root is good for the paine of the teeth if it be sodden in vineger and water mingled together and the mouth washed withal the same taken in drink with hony expelleth grauell and stone boiled in Oxymell to the consumption of the one halfe it is a singular drink for the falling sicknesse Anagyros which some call Acopos is an hearbe which brancheth thicke of a strong and stinking smell it beareth floures like vnto those of Beets in certaine cods like horns which be of a good length it bringeth forth seed resembling kidnies in shape the which in haruest time becommeth hard the leaues are singular good to be laid vpon impostumat swellings they serue also for women which be in hard trauell with child to be hanged or tied fast about them with this charge that presently they be remoued after they are deliuered But if the child be dead stick stil in the matrice or in case the afterbirth tarry behind wil not come away after the infant is born or if a woman desire to see her monthly sicknes it is good to drink a dram weight of the leaues in wine cuit And in that maner they are giuen to those who be short winded but in old wine against the sting of the venomous spiders Phalangia The root is singular to be put to those plasters which either do resolue or maturat any impostumed place The seed chewed staieth immoderat vomits Anonymos finding no name to be called by got therupon the name Anonymos a Plant this is brought out of Scythia to vs highly commended by Hicesius a Physitian of great name and authority also by Aristogiton for an excellent vulnerary if it be bruised or stamped in water and so applied but taken inwardly in drinke it is good for womens breasts and the precordiall parts about the heart if they haue gotten a stripe or be bruised also for such as reach vp bloud Some haue ordained a vulnerary drink to be made therof for those that be wounded But what is said moreouer as touching this herb I hold meere fabulous and namely that if two pieces of yron or brasse be put into the fire and burn together with this herbe fresh and new gathered they will souder and joine againe CHAP. V. ¶ Of Erith or Goosegrasse Of the Clot-bur Of Ceterach of Asclepias and After or Bubonium Of Ascyrum or Ascyroides Of Aphace Alcibium and Alectorolophus ERith is by some called in Greeke Aparine by others Omphalocarpos and Philanthropos An hero giuen to be full of branches rough and prickly carrying fiue or six leaues growing round together about the said branches in order like a star and a prety distance there is between euery of these roundles The seed is round hard hollow and sweetish It groweth in corn fields in gardens and medows rough it is that it is ready to catch hold of folkes clothes as they passe by and to stick vnto them An effectuall herb against serpents if a dram of the seed be drunk in wine also for them who are pricked with the spiders Phalangia The leaues haue a singular vertue to represse the abundant flux of bloud out of wounds if they be outwardly applied like as the juice hath a speciall property to help the infirmities of the ears being dropped or poured into them Arction which some rather name Arcturus is like in lease to the great Mullen or Taperwort but that it is more rough the stem tall and soft and the seed resembling Cumin It grows ordinarily in stony grounds with a root tender soft sweet Being sodden in wine it easeth the
to that of the Iuy saue that the berries containing the same be soft This herb delighteth in shady cool rough and watery places Beeing giuen to the full quantity of one Acetabulum it is singular for the inward maladies which be proper to women The wild Vine called by the Greeks Ampelos-Agria is an herbe as I haue sufficiently described already in my Treatise of Vines planted and wel ordered by mans hand which putteth forth hard leaues of Ash-colour long branches and winding rods clad with a thicke skin and the same be red resembling the floure Phlox which in the chapter and discourse of Violets I called Iovis Flamma and a seed it beareth much like vnto the graines within a Pomegranate The root boiled in three cyaths of water and two cyaths of the wine comming out of the Island Coos is a gentle emollitiue of the belly and maketh the body soluble in which regard it is giuen with good successe to such as be in a dropsie A very good herb for women as well to rectifie the infirmities of the matrice as also to scoure and beautifie the skin of their face Moreouer for the sciatica it is good to stamp it leafe and all and to annoint the grieued place with the juice thereof As for Wormewood there be many kindes thereof One is named Santonicum of a city in France called Saints another to wit Ponticum taketh that name of the kingdome Pontus where the sheep feed fat with it which is the cause that they be found without gall neither is there a better Wormwood than it much bitterer than that of Italy and yet the marow or pith within of that Ponticke Wormwood is sweet to ours Meet and requisite it is that I should set down the vertues and properties thereof an herb I must needs say as common as any and most ready at hand howbeit few or none so good and wholesome to say nothing of the especiall account which the people of Rome make of it about their holy sacrifices and solemnities for in those festiuall holydaies named Latinae at what time as there is held a great running with chariots for the best game he that first attaineth to the goale and winneth the prise hath a draught of VVormwood presented vnto him And I beleeue verily that our forefathers and ancestors deuised this honourable reward for the good health of that victorious chariottier as judging him worthy to liue still And in truth a right comfortable herb it is for the stomack and doth mightily strengthen it In which regard there is an artificiall wine that carieth the strength and tast thereof named Absinthites according as I haue shewed heretofore moreouer there is an ordinary drinke made of the decoction of Wormwood boiled in water for the right making whereof take six drams weight of the leaues and sprigs together seeth them in three sextars of raine water and in the end put thereto a small quantity of salt which done the liquor ought to stand a day and a night afterwards to coole in the open aire and then is it to be vsed Certes there is not a decoction of any herbe of so great antiquitie as it and knowne to haue beene vsed so long Moreouer the infusion of VVormewood is in great request and a common drinke for so we vse to call the liquor wherein it lay steeped a certain time Now this would be considered that be the proportion of water what it will the said infusion ought to stand close couered for three daies together Seldome or neuer is there any vse of wormewood beaten to pouder ne yet of the juice drawn by way of expression And yet those that presse forth a iuice take the Wormwood when the seed vpon it beginneth to swell and wax sull and being newly gathered let it lie soking in water three daies together but if it were drie before to steep it a whole seuen night which done they set it ouer the fire in a brasen pan with this proportion namely ten hemines of the herbe to fiue and fortie sextars of water and suffer it to boyle vntill a third part of the liquor be consumed after this the decoction must run through a strainer with hearbe and all well pressed then ought it to be set vpon the fire againe and suffered to seeth gently and leisurely to the height or consistence of honey much after the order of the syrrup made of Centaurie the lesse But when all is done this juleb or syrrup of VVormewood is offensiue to the stomack and head both whereas that decoction first aboue-named is most wholsome for astringent though it be and binding the mouth of the stomack aloft yet it doth euacuat choler downward it prouoketh vrine keepeth the body soluble and the belly in good temper yea and if it be pained giueth great ease the worms ingendered therein it expelleth and being taken with Seseli and Celticke nard so there be a little vineger put thereto it dispatcheth all ventosities in the stomacke and cureth women with child of that inordinat desire and strange longing of theirs it clenseth the stomack of those humors which cause lothing of meat bringeth the appetite againe and helpeth concoction if it be drunke with Rue Pepper and salt it purgeth it of raw humors crudities occasioned by want of digestion In old time Physitians gaue wormwood for a purgatiue but then they tooke a sextar of sea water that had bin kept long six drams of the seed with three drams of salt and one cyath of hony and the better will this purgation worke in case the poise of salt be doubled but it would be puluerized as fine as possibly may be to the end that it might passe away the sooner and worke more easily Some vsed to giue the weight beforesaid in a gruell of Barley groats with an addition of Peniroyall others against the Palsie and others againe had a deuise to put the leaues of wormwood in figs and make little children to eat them so that they might not tast their bitternes Wormwood being taken with the root of Floure-de-lis dischargeth the brest of tough fleagme and clenseth the pipes For the iaundise it would be giuen in drinke raw with Parsley or Maidenhaire Supped hot by little and little in water it breaketh wind and resolueth ventosities and together with French Spikenard it cureth the infirmities of the liuer and taken with vineger or some gruel or els in figs it helpeth the spleen giuen in vineger it helpeth those that haue eaten venomous Mushrums or be poisoned with the gum of Chamaelion called Ixia In wine if it be taken it saueth those who haue drunk Hemlock it resisteth the poison inflicted by the sting of the hardishrow the sea dragon and scorpions It is holden to be singular for the clarifyng of the sight if the eies be giuen to watering it represseth the rheum or flux of humors thither so it be applied with wine cuit and laid vnto contusions and the skin
counsell to eat also a dogs head Others seeke after the wormes that breed in the carkasse of a dead dog and hang the same fast about the necke or arme of the party that is bitten or els they lap within a cloath some of the menstrual bloud of a woman and put it vnder the cup or pots bottome out of which the patient drinketh And there be some againe who burn the haires of the same mad dogs taile and conueigh the ashes handsomely in some tent of lint into the wound Moreouer it is commonly said That as many as haue a Dogges head about them no other Doggs will come neere to do them any harme In like manner if a man carry a dogs tongue in his Shooe vnder his great toe there will no Dogges bay or barke at him If hee haue about him a weazils taile which hath beene let goe againe after it was cut away There is to be found under the tongue of a mad dog a certaine slimy and grosse spittle which being giuen in drinks to those that are bitten keep them from the feare of water which symptome the Greeks call Hydrophobia but the best and most soveraigne remedy of all other is the liver of the same dog that in his madnesse bit any body eaten raw if possibly it may be if not yet sodden or boiled any way or else to cause the Patient for to sup the broth that is made of the same dogs flesh There is a certaine little worme in dogs tongues called by a Greeke name Lytta which if it be taken out when they be young whelpes they will never after proue mad nor lose their appetite to meat The same worme giuen to such as are bitten with a mad dog preserueth them from beeing mad but with this charge that before they take the same it must be carried three times about the fire Also the braines of a Cocke Capon or Hen is singular good against the biting of a mad dog but if one haue eaten the same the vertue thereof indureth but for that yeare onely and no longer It is commonly said that the crest or combe of a Cocke well bruised and stamped and so laid in manner of a cataplasme to the place bitten is very effectuall to cure it as also the grease of a goose incorporate with honey Furthermore some there be who vse to salt the flesh of dogs which haue bin mad and so keepe it to giue in meat vnto those who chance to be bitten by others There be who take some young whelpes male or female according to the sex of dog or bitch that hath bitten any one and presently drowne them in water causing the Patient to eat their liuers raw The yellow or reddish doung of a cock or a hen dissolued in vineger and applied to the sore is singular good The ashes also of an hardy-shrewes taile provided alwaies that the shrew were let go aliue so soone as she was curt-tailed Moreouer a piece of clay taken from a swallows nest made into a liniment with vineger or the ashes of young swallows newly hatched and burnt the old skin also or slough which a snake vseth to cast off in the spring time stamped with a male crab-fish and with wine brought into a Cataplasme be all especiall remedies for the biting of a mad dog As for the skinne or spoile of a snake if it be put alone in a chist presse or wardrobe among cloaths it will kil the moth But to come again vnto a mad dog his poison is so strong that whosoeuer do but tread upon his vrine especially if they have any sore or vlcer about them they shall sensibly feele hurt therby Now what remedy is there for such None better than the dung of a caple well wet and tempered with vineger and the same laid very hot within a fig to the foresaid sore These may seeme to some men strange things monstrous but lesse will they wonder hereat when they shall heare and consider that a stone which a dog hath taken vp with his mouth and bitten wil cause debate and dissention in the company where it is and yet this is held for a certain truth insomuch as it is growne into a common prouerbe and by-word when we perceiue those that dwel in one house together to be euermore jarring and at variance one with another to say You have a dog-bitten stone here among you Againe whosoever maketh water in the same place where a dog hath newly pissed so as both vrines be mingled together shall immediatly find a coldnesse and astonishment in his loines as folke say That kinde of Lizard which of some Greeks is called Seps of others Chalidicum hath a venomous tooth howbeit the same worme or serpent taken in drinke cureth the bit which it selfe inflicted If wilde Weazils haue empoisoned any body let the patient take a large draught of the broth of an old Cocke he shall finde it to bee a very soueraigne remedy therefore but aboue all it is most effectuall against the poison of the herbe Aconitum but then it must be given with a litle salt among Against the poison of venomous Tadstoles and hurtfull Mushromes hens doung I meane that part alone which is white sodden with Hyssope or honied wine is singular good for it represseth and killeth the malice thereof And the same otherwise keepeth downe ventosities and stuffing of the stomacke ready to choke one Whereat I cannot chuse but maruell much considering that if any other living creatures do tast never so little of the said dung but man or woman onely they shall be exceedingly vexed with winde in the belly and other grievous wrings and torments The Sea-hare is knowne to be venomous but goose bloud taken with an equall quantity of oile is a soueraign counterpoison for it Of this bloud incorporat with the best Terra Sigillata of the Island Lemnos and the juice of the S. Mary thistle called Bedegnar there be excellent trochischs made weighing fiue drams apeece which are vsually kept in a readinesse for to bee drunke in three cyaths of water as a counterpoison and countercharme against all venomous confections and divellish sorceries for which purpose serveth also a yong sucking Weazill prepared in manner aforesaid The rennet in a lambs maw likewise is passing good for any such indirect means wrought by poison or witch craft like as the bloud of ducks and mallards bred in the realm of Pontus and therefore their bloud is ordinarily kept dry in a thicke masse and as need requireth is dissolued and giuen in wine but some think that the bloud of the female duck is better than that of the mallard or drake Semblably the gesier of a storke and the rennet or read of a sheep is thought to be singular good for any poisons whatsoeuer The broth or decoction of Coleworts boiled with Rams mutton hath a peculiar vertue against the Cantharides Ewes milke also drunke warm availeth much against all poisons vnlesse it
Smarides applied vnto the pushes of the sayd priuy parts in the forme of a liniment do much good As also the ashes of Burrets or Purples shells incorporate with honey and the same would be more effectuall in case that the Fishes bee burned whole shell fish and all Salt fish sodden in honey and applied serueth particularly to extinguish the heat of carbuncles botches in the said secret parts If one of the cods hang down flagging vnseemely lower than his fellow some would haue it annointed with the froth that commeth from shell-snails or periwinckles The flesh of the sea horse rosted helpeth them that cannot hold their vrin in case they vse ordinarily to eat therof likewise the little fish called Ophidion so like vnto a Congre if it be taken with a Lillie root The small fishes found in the bellies of the greater who haue deuoured and swallowed them down taken forth burned to ashes are good in this infirmity to be drunk in water The ashes of shel-snailes meat and all burnt are prescribed by some physitians to be giuen in Signine wine against incontinency of vrin but principally of Barbary snails For the gout in the feet the diseases of other ioints the oile wherein a frog was boiled is soueraigne so are the guts of the said frog and the ashes of a toad incorporat with old oile some put thereto the ashes of all the three kinds of barly of ech an equal weight And they giue direction to rub also the goutie feet with a Sea-hare also to be shod with the skins of Beuers especially those which are bred in Pontus like as to weare shoos made of Seals skin the fat of which fish is likewise very good Also the sea-mosse or reits called Bryon like to lettuce but that the leaues be more riueled and grow to no stalke whereof I haue written heretofore of a styptick and astringent nature it is no maruell therfore if being applied vnto the gout it mitigat the fury and violence thereof Moreouer the common sea-weeds named Alga of which also I haue treated already but this caution there would be in the application thereof That it be not dry The sea-fish called Pulmo-Marinus cureth the kibes in the heels the ashes also of the sea-crab tempered with oile yea and the riuer-crabs or Creifishes burnt and calcined to ashes if the same be incorporat with oile like as the fat of the fish Silurus Moreouer if other joints be diseased it were very good for the easement of their griefe eftsoons to lay thereto frogs fresh and new taken mary the best way by the direction of Physitians is to split them through and so to apply them warme The broth of Limpins Muscles cockles and Wilkes is very nutritiue and maketh them fat that vse it Those that be subject to the falling sicknesse vse ordinarily as hath bin said before to drink the rennet of the Seale or Sea-calfe either with mares milke or asses milk or els with the juice of the pomgranat and some are woont to take it in oxymell or honied vineger and yet there be others that swallow the same downe by it selfe in forme of pils And for the same purpose Castoreum is vsually giue vnto such patients fasting to be drunke in 3 cyaths of honied vineger or oxymell aforesaid but those that eftsoons be surprized with the fits and oftentimes fall thereof find wonderfull much good by this clvstre following Take of Castoreum two drams of honey and oile one sextar and of water as much But say that one be presently in a fit the ready meanes to raise him and set him vpright vpon his feet again is to present vnto his nosthrils Castoreum with vineger for to smel vnto The liuer also of the fish named the Sea-cat or Weazill is giuen in like case euen as the bloud either of Sea-mice or Tortoises CHAP. X. ¶ Remedies for feuers of all sorts also for diuers other infirmities THe liuer of a Dolphin eaten before the accesse cureth all those agues which be not continuall but returne by fits and keep their course Oile rosat wherein the fishes called Sea-horses were suffocated and killed is singular good to annoint those that be sicke of such agues as come with a cold fit and the very fish it selfe is most effectuall to rid away the same in case it be hanged about the necke or to the arme of the patient Semblably the little stones which are found in a Haddocks head at the full of the moone if they be taken forth and hung about the patient lapped handsomly in a little linnen bag serue to driue away such feuers Moreouer it is said that the longest tooth in the head of a riuer Fish called Pagrus tied to one of the hairs of the patients head so as he do not see the party who fastened or hung it therto in 5 daies space will doe the deed as also the oile wherein a frog hath beene boyled in some carrefour or crosse street turning three waies cureth those who are sicke of a quartane ague if they be all ouer annointed therewith prouided alwaies that the flesh be first throwne away And yet some ordaine that they should be strangled or stifled in oile and then the bodies hung priuily about some part of the patient without his knowledge and that he be afterwards well rubbed and annointed with the foresaid oile If one carry about him the heart of a frog either hanging by his necke or tied to his arme surely it will diminish and shorten the cold fit of an ague like as the oile will do no lesse wherein the entrails of the said frog were boiled in case he be annointed therewith But aboue all either frog or toad the nailes wherof haue been clipped hanged about one that is sicke of a quartan ague riddeth away the disease for euer also whosoeuer haue about him hanging to any part of his body the heart of a toad infolded within a piece of cloth of a white russet colour he shall be deliuered from the quartan ague Stampe riuer crabs or creifishes concorporat them with oile and water and herewith annoint the patient all ouer before the fit of any ague you shall find it to do very much good but some put pepper thereto other for the quartan particularly boile the same in wine vntill a fourth part be sodden away then giue counsell vnto the sicke parties to drinke of that broth presently after they be come out of the baine You shall haue some aduise for to swallow downe whole the lefteie of a creifish in this case Moreouer the Magitians seem to assure vs that whosoeuer be sicke of a tertian ague shal be rid of it in case the eies of the said creifishes be tied or hanged about them one morning before the Sun be vp so as withall they that haue the doing hereof let them go again blinde as they are into the water and they would beare vs in hand That if the said eies plucked out of the
paper Amphitheatrike which name was giuen vnto it of the place where it was made The polishing and trimming of this paper Fannius vndertooke who set vp a shop in Rome for the selling of it and so skilfull was he and curious in the handling and dressing thereof that by the time hee had done withall and brought it to a perfect finenesse hee made the same of a course and common paper to be royall fit for the best persons that should vse it in such sort as there was none in any request to speak of but it and called after his name it was Fanniana As for that which passed not thorow his hands nor had his workemanship it retained still the old bare name Amphitheatrica After this kind of paper followed that which they called Saitica of a towne or city in Egypt where great abundance was made thereof of the courser pieces and refuse of the said Papyrus And yet there was another paper to wit Taâ—…otica so called of a place neere adioyning made of the grosser part neere to the bark and outside and this they sold for the weight and no other goodnesse that it had besides As for the merchant Paper or shop-paper called Emporetica it was not for to write in onely it serued as wast Paper for sarplers to wrap and packe vp wares in also for coffins or coronets to lap spice and fruits in and thereupon merchants and occupiers gaue it that name And with this the very cane it selfe is to be seene clad outwardly and the vtmost coat thereof is like to a reed or bulrush fit for no purpose but to make cordage of and not very good for that vse neither vnlesse it be for the water only which it wil abide very wel Now the making of all these Papers was in this sort namely vpon a broad bord wet with the cleare water of Nilus For the fatty and muddie liquor therof serues in stead of glew wherwith at the first the thin leafe of the cane Papyrus sliued from the rest and laid vpon the bourd to the full length in manner of the warpe according as the trunke will giue leaue being cut off at both ends namely toward the top and the root is wet and besmeared then is there another laid ouerthwart it after the order of the woofe with a crosse graine to the other and so is the web as it were of the Paper performed Pressed afterwards it is in certaine presses that both leaues may sticke together and then the whole sheets are dried in the Sun Which done they be so couched together that the best and largest lie first and so consequently in order as they be worse and of lesse size vntill you come to the worst And one scape or trunke lightly of the cane Papyrus yeelds not aboue 20 such sheets Great difference there is in them for the breadth notwithstanding the length be all one The best namely which were taken out of the heart of the cane beare 13 fingers in breadth The Hieratica Paper wants two of that number The Fannian is but ten fingers broad The common Paper Amphitheatrica but nine Saitica yet fewer and will not beare â—…e stroke of the hammer And as for the merchants Paper it was so short and narrow that it went not aboue six fingers Moreouer in Paper these 4 things must be considered that it be fine well compact white and smooth Howbeit Claudius Caesar the Emperor abated the credite of the Paper Augusta that it was no more accounted the best for indeed so thin it was that it would not abide the dent of the pen besides it would not hold inke but shew the letters on the other side and was euermore in danger of blurring and blotting specially on the back part and otherwise vnsightly it was to the eie for that a man might so easily see thorough it And therefore he deuised to fortifie and strengthen the said Paper and laid another course or coat as it were ouer the former in manner of a double woofe Hee enlarged also the breadth of the Paper for he caused it to be a foot broad yea and some a foot and an halfe I meane that kind which was called Macrocola or large Roiall Paper But herin was a fault and reason found it out for if one leafe of this large Paper were plucked off the more pages took harme thereby and were lost And therfore the former Claudian Paper which had but 3 leaues of Papyrus was preferred before all the rest Howbeit that which was named Augustane bare the name for letters missiue and the Liuiane continued still in the owne credite hauing no property of the first and principall but all in a second degree The roughnesse of Paper is polished and smoothed either with some tooth or else with a Porcellane shell but the letters in such slick Paper will soone fade and decay For by polishing it will not receiue the inke so deepe as when it is not smoothed although otherwise it will shine the better Moreouer it falls out many times that if the humor be not artificially laid the Paper is very stubborn but this fault is soon found out at the very first stroke of the hammer or else discouered by the smell especially if good heed were not taken in the tempering therof As for the spots and speckles the eie will quickly spie them but the long streaks and veines lying close couched between the pasted places can hardly be discerned before that the letter runs abroad and shewes how in the spongeous substance of the Paper wanting that past the ink will sinke thorough and make blots so deceitfull is the making of this Paper What remedie then but to be at a second labor to past it new againe another way to wit with the common past that wee vse made with the finest floure of wheat and tempered with hote scalding water and a little vinegre mingled therwith For the joiners glue and that made of gums is brittle and will not abide the rolling vp of these sheets into quiers But they that wil go more surely to work and make an exquisite past indeed boile the soft and tender crums or leauenedbread in seathing water and then let it run thorough a strainer which they vse to this purpose For besides that the Paper hereby will be more firme and haue lesse flawes it surmounts also in sweetnesse the water of Nilus Moreouer all kind of past whatsoeuer for this effect ought neither to be staler than a day old nor yet fresher and vnder that age After that it is thus pasted they beat it thin with the hammer and a second time runne lightly ouer with new past and then being thus knit bound fast again it is made smooth and void of wrinkles and finally beaten euen with the hammer and driuen out in length and breadth After this manner was that Paper made wherin were written the bookes and records of the two Gracchi Tiberius and Caius with their owne
beforesaid be consumed Some take of sea water ten Sextares of raine water as much and when they be mingled together suffer them to worke in the hot Sun for the space of fortie daies This drinke they vse to giue vnto patients for such maladies as they feare wine would be hurtfull to A second made wine there is called Millet Wine after this sort Take of Millet feed that is ripe huske head and all a pound and a quarter put it into two gallons of Must or new wine after that it hath lien there infused seuen moneths let the liquor run from it into another vessell and keepe it for your vse As touching the wines of Lotus as well the tree and shrub as the herbe we haue shewed sufficiently how they ought to be made Moreouer there be many wines made of sundry fruits which we will write of hereafter more at large with a supplement and addition of such interpretations only as be necessarie And in the first place commeth the date wine which the Parthians Indians and all the Nations of the East in generall do ordinarily vse A Modius or pecke of ripe and sweet dates which they call Chideae they let lie to steep in 3 gallons of water and so presse for a liquor for the Date wine Also the Fig-wine Sycites of the fig which some cal Palmiprimum as a man would say Dates fellows or next to Dates others Catorchites is made after the same fashion But if a man list not to haue it so sweet in stead of water they vse to put so much of the stones skins seeds of grapes Of the Fig of Cypres there is an excellent Vinegre made yea and a better than it of the Alexandrine Figs to wit growing vpon the Sycomore Likewise a wine is made of the fruit in Syria called Siliquae as also of peares and all kind of apples As for the wine of Pomegranates the Greeks name it Rhoites besides the fruit of the Corneil or wild Cherry tree Medlars Seruices dry Mulberries and Pine-nuts doe yeeld seuerall sorts of wine As for those pine nuts they must lie steeped in new wines before the wine be pressed out of them The rest all be pleasant enough of themselues and will serue alone for to make wines The maner of making Myrtle wine according to the receit and prescription of Cato we will declare soon hereafter For the Greekes haue another way of their owne to wit when they haue sodden in white Must or new wine the tender branches of the Myrtle together with the leaues and then stamped the same they put a pound thereof in three gallons more of Must and cause it to boile vntill such time as a third part of the wine be consumed Now that which is made after the same maner of the wild Myrtle berries they call Myrtidanum and this will colour and staine ones hands blacke Furthermore the herbs of the garden do afford vs many wines namely Radish Sperage Savory Majoran Origan Smallach seed Southernwood wild Mints Rue Nep or Calaminth running Thyme or Horehound To make these wines take of the herbes abouesaid two handfulls and when they be stamped put them into a little barrell of new Wine containing twelue or thirteen gallons together with a wine quart of Cuit sodden to the thirds and a pint of sea-water But for the wine of Navews you must take eleuen drams of them and two quarts of new wine and so put them together in maner aforesaid In like sort also the wine Squilliticum is made of the root of Scilla or the sea Onion To proceed vnto wine made of floures you haue first and formost wine Rosat after this manner Take the weight of 40 deniers i. fiue ounces of Rose leaues well stamped put them into a linnen cloth together with a little weight that they may settle downward not flote aloft let them hang thus in 20 Sextars i. three gallons and two wine quarts of Must keep the vessell close stopped in any case for 3 moneths then open it and strain the said floures vnto the liquor In like maner is there a wine made of the Celtick Spikenard as also of the Nard sauage I find also that they vse to make a kind of spiced wine or Ipocras not for sweet perfumes and ointments only but also for to drinke At first as I haue shewed they made these aromaticall wines with myrrh only but soone after they added thereto Nard Celticke sweet Calamus and Aspalathus either slicing these drugs or putting them by gobbits into new Must or some dulcet wine Some aromatise their wine with Calamus Squinanth Costus Spikenard Amomum Casia Cinamon Saffron Dates and Azara-bacca put therto in like maner by gobbets Others take Spikenard and Malabathrum of each halfe a pound to two gallons of new wine Much after the same maner we spice our wines now adaies also but that we adde pepper and hony therto which some call Condite others Pepper wines Moreouer there is deuised a Wine called Nectarites made of Elecampane named by some Helenium of others Medica Symphyton Idaea Orestion and there be also that term this herb Nectarea Now the order of it is to take of the root forty drams to six Sextars of Must or new wine and hang it in a cloth together with a weight in maner aboue said Moreouer there be wines made of other herbs to wit of wormwood in this sort Take of Ponticke Wormwood one pound seeth it in forty Sextars about six gallons and a halfe of new Wine vntill a third part be consumed or without boiling put certain handfulls or bunches thereof into a vessell of Wine and so let it lie infused After the same sort is Hyssop wine made to wit of three ounces which is a quarter of a pound of Cilician Hyssope cast whole as it is into two gallons of Must and so let them worke together or else stampe the Hyssop and so put it into wine But both these wines are made another maner of way namely by sowing or setting wormwood Hyssop at the very root of the Vine-plant for so Cato teacheth vs to make Elleborewine of blacke Ellebore or Beare-foot growing at the Vine root And in like maner also is made the Scammonite wine A wonderfull nature and propertie these vines haue to draw and sucke into them the very taste of other herbs and plants that are set neere vnto them for euen so all the grapes about Padua haue a rellish of the Willows and Osiers that grow there in the marish grounds Thus the men of Thasos do plant and sow either Ellebore or wild Cucumber or els Scammonea about their Vines to make thereof their diuellish wine Pthorium so called because it causes a sleep and procures vntimely birth Of more herbs besides there be other wines made the vertues of which herbs we wil set downe elsewhere in place conuenient and namely of Stoechos the root of Gentian of Tragoriganum of Dictamum Asarabacca of
steal therof If Figs doe the like there would be oile lees cast vpon them Other trees when they are amisse or doe mislike ought to be drenched with wine lees and Lupines if they be set about their roots will helpe them The water also or decoction wherein Lupines were sodden poured about the roots of Apple trees or such like doth them much good If it happen to thunder about the feast Vulcanalia Figs will fall from the tree The remedy thereof is to strow the plots before with Barley straw Would you haue hastie Cherries Lay lime to the roots of the tree it will cause them to ripen their fruit speedily Of al fruits these hastie Cherries would be plucked and gathered as they ripen to the end that those which be left behind may thriue and grow big and faire CHAP. XXVIII ¶ Many and sundrie medicines seruing for trees to wit remedies against venomous vermine and Pismires likewise against all hurtfull beasts SOme trees there be which are the better for wrong and injurie done vnto them yea and if they be pinched or bitten they shoot vp the rather as Date trees and the Lentisks for euen the very salt water nourisheth them And true it is that ashes hath the like nature and vertue that salt how beit more mild and gentle Hereupon it comes also that Fig trees vse to bee strewed therewith yea and to be wet with the juice of Rue to the end that neither their fruit should proue worm-eaten nor their roots putrisie and rot Moreouer if vines be too full of moisture and apt to bleed ouermuch it is an ordinary thing to pour salt water to their roots Also in case their grapes be apt to fall folk vse to take ashes and be sprinckle them with vinegre and so to be smear the roots therwith or els with red Orpiment in case the grapes be giuen to putrifaction Say that vines be barren and will not bear grapes their roots ought to be wel drenched and dawbed with sharp vinegre and ashes incorporat together But what if a vine bring not her fruit to ful maturity before it begin to wax drie and to wither the superfluous wood ought to be cut away about the root and the cuts together with the small strings or beard of the root to be wet and soked in sharp vineger and stale chamber-lee and then they should be well couered and stopped with a kind of mortar made therewith and often digged about As for Oliues if they make shew of smal increase their roots must be bared and laid open to the cold in winter for by this manner of chastisement they will amend and do far better In all these remedies proceed we must according to the course of the yere for somtime the season requireth that the meanes should bee sooner vsed and otherwhiles later Some plants there be that fire is good for and namely canes and reeds for if they be burnt they will come vp again the thicker and more smooth As for Cato hee hath certain compound medicines for trees distinct by sundry measures by him prescribed for he hath ordained to the roots of the greater trees an Amphore but of the lesse an Vrna only of Oile dregs with an equall quantity of water all which being tempered together he would haue to be poured by little little to the roots but they ought before to be digged about and laid bare And for the Oliue he addeth moreouer that the roots should haue a bed of litter or straw made before and then vsed acordingly In like manner also would the fig tree be serued but especially at the roots of it there should be raised a bank of old earth for by that means it wil come to passe that the green figs will not fall they will beare more plenteously and the fruit be more smooth and pleasant To preuent in like maner that the worme Convolvulus bred not in a vine hee appointed two gallons of oile dregs or lees to be boiled first to the thicke consistence of hony and then afterwards to take a third part of the slime Bitumen and a fourth part of brimstone and seeth all together again in the open aire for within dores there would be some danger of setting the house a fire With this mixture if a vine be well annointed about the ioints and vnder their hollow arm-pits he assureth vs that there will no such worme breed therein Some content themselues to perfume vines onely with the smoke of this composition so as it be done on the winde-side that it may carry the fume directly to them and this should be continued for three daies together Many are of opinion that wine being mingled with like quantity of water because alone of it selfe it is hurtfull is as good for this purpose as the oile dregs aboue said which Cato hath prescribed Another kind of vermin or worme there is that gnaweth the tender buds or burgeons of the vine and the same is called Volvox to preserue vines from this harmefull creature men are wont to take their vine-hooks when they be newly ground and sharpned then to scoure them with a Beauers skin and with them to prune the vines or else after they be pruned to annoint them with bears bloud Moreouer Ants or Pismires make foule work otherwhile among trees If you would driue them away daub the stock or butt end with red Sinopre and Tar rempered together Or do but hang vp any fish neere by and all the Pismires wil leaue their former haunt and gather about it Others make no more adoe but stampe Lupines with oile and therwith annoint the roots Many there are who kill both them and Mouldwarps with oile dregs Also against Palmer-worms or Caterpillars and to keepe Apples from rotting they giue order for to annoint the top twigs and branch ends of trees with the gal of a green Lizard But more particularly against the said caterpillars they would haue a woman whiles her monthly sicknes is vpon her to go round about euery tree by it selfe barefooted and barelegged vnbraced and vnlaced and her haire hanging about her eares Moreouer to preserue trees from wilde and noisome beasts that none of them come neare to bruise and marre their green spring they doe appoint to be spreint their leaues with greene Cow or Oxe shearne and water together betweene some showers that the rain may wash away the malice and hurtfull quality of the medicine A wonder to see how inuentiue men are to deuise remedies for euery mischiefe for many you shal haue who be verily persuaded that there are certain charms inchantments to driue away the haile But for mine own part I thinke it meere mockery to set downe the very words although Cato hath done it before me Who also speaketh of another spell for dislocations or members out of ioint an accident happening to trees which he would haue to be ioined close within the clift of canes The same writer hath permitted
exercise of the bodie by beeing carried in coach litter vpon horsebacke or in a vessell on the water Glandulous swellings See Kings euill Gleir i. the white of an egge Gymnicke exercises were those that were performed by men naked and the place for such exercises was thereupon called Gymnasium H HAbit of the bodie is taken for the outward parts thereof opposit vnto the bowels and principall within which being comforted and fortified do thrust forth offensiue matters to the habit and exterior skin Hemine a measure in Rome as well of liquors as drie things so called because it was half Sextarius it contained ten ounces and is somwhat vnder our wine pint it is the same that Cotyla in Greeke Humiditie i. moisture Hydromantia a kinde of magicall diuination or foreknowledge of things to come by obseruation of the water Hydrophobie is a symptome or accident befalling to them that are bitten by a mad dog whereby they are afraid of water Hypochondriall parts be the flanks or soft parts vnder the short ribs I I Liacke passion the wrings and torments of the vpper small guts occasioned by wind or sharp humors Some improperly cal it the collicke of the stomacke Imbibition a drinking or receiuing of any liquor into a thing as when drougs lie steeped therein vntill they be throughly soaked therewith Imposthumes properly be collections or gatherings of winde and humours especially betweene parts of the body whereupon there appeareth a rising or swelling and in time they become corrupt and do rankle vnlesse by some meanes they be either drawn away or dispersed Some terme them wens howbeit the word is taken for inflammations and biles To Incorporate is to mixe and vnite well together To Incrassate is to make thicke Indigestion i. want of concoction and digestion by which means many crudities raw humors are ingendered by consequence abundance of rheumes Inflation i. swelling or puffing vp with winde Infrangible i. that cannot be broken Infusion signifieth the conueiance of some medicinable liquour into the body by clystre or other instrument It importeth also the steeping of drougs in a conuenient liquor and the liquor it selfe when it is strained from the rest Ingredients be those simples that goe vnto the making of any medicine compound Iniection is the conueiance of any liquid medicine by syringe or such like instrument into any part of the body or hollow and fistulous vlcer Insects little vermine or smal creatures which haue as it were a cut or diuision betweene their heads and bodies as Pismires Flies Grashoppers vnder which are comprehended Earth-wormes Caterpillers c. Insessions be bathing tubs or vessels halfe full wherein the patient may sit vp to the middle or aboue in some conuenient decoction Intermittent feauer are those which come by fits and yeeld some rest betweene whiles Iniunction i. annointing Iulebs or Iuleps be drinkes giuen commonly as preparatiues for to open the passages of the inward parts and to prepare the humours for a purgation made either of some stilled waters and syrrups mixed together or of a decoction sweetened with hony or sugar or els mingled with syrrups K KIngs euil is the hard swelling of the Glandules or Kernels commonly about the necke they be called also Scrophules L LAchrymal is the corner of the eie wherein the teares appeare first and thereof it taketh the name Lassitude is wearinesse or vnlustinesse Lauature Lotion or Loture is a liquor to bathe or wash withal likewise to clenseand mundifie any part Ligula Lingua or Lingula a small measure among the Romanes both of liquour and drie things containing the fourth part of Cyathus to wit three drams one scriptule or scruple somewhat vnder halfe an ounce and may goe well for our Spoonefull A Liniment is thicker than oyle and thinner than an ointment it may be taken for a thin ner kind of ointment Lobes and fibres are the lappets and extreame parts of the liuer with the master veines growing thereto Locall medicines be those that are appropriat for the forehead Errhine or Nasal for the nosthrils c. or to be applied outwardly ointments which are not to be vsed before general or vniuersal means by euacuation Loch or Lohoch is a medicin more liquid than an electuary appropriat for the lungs and windpipe and is to be licked and let goe downe leisurely Longaon is the nethermost gut reaching vnto the very seat or the fundament Luted i. close stopped with clay dough or such like M MAturatiues be medicins that help to ripen any swelling impostume bile or botch Maturity is the ripenesse thereof Membranes be fine skins which inwrap other parts as the brains eies and muscles of the flesh Metrenchyte an instrument seruing to infuse or iniect a liquid medicine into the matrice of a woman in manner of clystre Mitigatiues be such remedies as do asswage paine Mna or Mina was a Roman weight which poised twentie ounces that is to say the ordinary pound called Libra or Pondo two third parts for the common Libra called Medica weighed twelue ounces so that Mina seemed to answer vnto the measure Sextarius Mollitiue See Emollitiues Mordicatiue is biting and stinging as Senuy seed Mucilage is a slimy liquor drawne from some roots or seeds as from the marsh Mallow or Althea root the seed of Psillium or Flewort and others Muscles be the fleshie parts of the bodie contained within their seuerall membranes or skinnes N NArcoticke medicines be those that benum and stupifie with their coldnesse as Opium Hemlocke and such like Nasals be Nose-tents See Errhina Nerues i. Sinewes Nodosities hard knubs knots growing vpon the ioynts in old gouts and in other parts O OBolus halfe a scriptule or the sixt part of a dram Obstructions i. Stoppings Opiats were properly at the first such electuaries or confections which had a good quan titie of Opium i. the iuice of Poppie in them such as Philonium and Requies that were deuised to mitigate intollerable paine and to bring the patient to sleepe howbeit in these daies all electuaries euen cordials in a liquid form be called Opiats although there be not one grain of Opium in them Opilation See Obstruction Orthopnoicke are those that haue the disease Orthopnoea which is a difficulty of drawing their wind vnlesse they sit vpright Osses be words cast forth at vnawares presaging somewhat Otenchyte an instrument deuised for to infuse or poure some medicinable liquor into the eares Oxycrate a mixture of water and vineger together P To PAlliat i. to couer such cures be called Palliatiue which search not to the root and cause but giue a shew only of cure as when a sore is healed vp aloft and yet festereth vnderneath and so sweet Pomanders do palliat a stinking breath occasioned by a corrupt stomacke or diseased lungs and such like Paradoxes strange opinions Pectorals i. such medicines as bee fit for the breast and lungs Pellicles See Membranes Penetratiue i. Percing Periodicall such agues be called
on it bestow his seed with muck and mould heaped thereupon the roots will grow so big as to fill vp the said hole full Howbeit in briefe Radishes are best nourished and maintained in salt grounds and therfore with such kind of brakish waters they vse to be watered which is the reason that in Aegypt there are the sweetest and daintiest Radishes in the world for that they are bedewed and sprinckled with Nitre And verily it is thought that they will lose all their bitternes whatsoeuer if they be corned or seasoned with salt yea and become as if they were sodden and condite for be they boiled once they proue sweet and serue to be eaten in stead of Nauewes And yet Phisicians giue counsell and prescribe That they should be eaten raw in a morning with salt when a man is fasting for to gather into the stomack the sharp humors and excrements that charge the belly entrails and thus taken they are of opinion that it is a good preparatiue to vomit and to open the passages well for to auoid those superfluities They giue out also That the juice of Radish roots is singular good and necessarie for the midriffe and the praecordiall parts about the heart and namely that nothing else but it was able to cure a Phtisicke or vlcer of the lungs wich had setled deep and taken to the heart The experiment and proofe whereof was found and seen in Aegypt by occasion that KK there caused dead bodies to be cut vp and anotomies to be made for to search out the maladies whereof men died It is reported that the Greeks as they be otherwise vaine in al their actions so highly preferred the Radishes before other meats in regard of theigo od nourishment that wheras in an oblation out of the garden-fruits to be offered vnto Apollo in his temple at Delphos they dedicated the Beet in siluer and the Rape or Turnep in lead they presented a Radish in beaten gold A man may know hereby that Manius Curius the great General of the Romane armie was not that countreyman borne whom the Samnite Embassadors when they brought to him a great present of gold vpon condition to surcease arms which he meant to refuse and not accept at their hands found rosting of a Rape or Turnep root at the chimney fire according as we find in the Annals and Chronicles of the Roman history To come again vnto our Radishes Moschian the Greek writer so highly esteemed this root that he compiled one whole booke of the Radish and nothing els Indeed Radishes are thought excellent good with meats in Winter time howbeit they alwaies wear and marre their teeth who eat of them and yet I assure you they wil polish Iuorie which is nothing els but the Elephants tooth Between a Vine and a Radish there is by nature a secret enmitie and exceeding great hatred in somuch as if Radishes be sowed neere vnto her she will writh and turne away sensibly from them Touching other sorts of cartilage or pulpous plants in the garden wherof I haue before spoken they be all giuen to run much to pith and to be of a more woodie substance A man would maruell therefore that they should all tast so strong and sharpe as they doe Of which there is one kind of wild Parsnep growing of it selfe which in Greek is called Staphylinas A second sort is set of a plant with the root and sowed of seed either in the prime of spring or els in Autumne howsoeuer Hyginus would haue them to be put into the ground in Februarie August September and October and that the plot where they are to grow should be digged and delued very deep This root beginneth to be good at the first yeres end but better it is if it be two yeres old howbeit both the one and the other is counted wholsommer in Autumn than at any other season of the yeare especially boiled and serued vp betweene two platters and yet dresse them so well as you can they will not be rid of that strong ranke and churlish smacke which it hath As for Hibiscum it differeth from the Parsnip aforesaid onely in this That it is more slender and smaller rejected altogether from the table and condemned for no good meat howbeit medicinable and vsed much by the Physitian A fourth kind there is beside resembling also the Parsnip which our countreymen the Latines name the French Parsnip but the Greekes Daucus i. the yellow Douke or Carot which they haue subdiuided into foure speciall sorts The Skirwirt root or white Parsnip which indeed would be written among other Physicke plants was likewise in great name and credit by the meane of the foresaid Emperour Tyberius who was very earnest to haue them yearely brought out of Germanie and euer he would cal for them at his own table And indeed about Gelduba a castle situat vpon the riuer Rhene in Germanie there was an excellent kind of them that grew to be passing faire from whence he was serued whereby it appeareth that this plant loueth cold regions well These roots haue a string in manner of a pith or sinew running all the length thereof which the cooke vseth to take forth after they be sodden yet for all that there remaineth still in them a great deale of bitternesse howbeit being wel tempered delaied with a sauce of mead or honyed wine and so eaten with it euen the same bitternesse turneth to a good and pleasant tast The greater Parsnip Pastinaca hath the like nerue or string aforesaid such only I mean as are a yere old The right season to sow the Skirwirt or Parsnip Siser is in these moneths to wit Februarie March Aprill Aegust September and October The Elecampane hath a root shorter than the Skirwirts or Parsnips aforesaid but more musculous and fuller as it were of brawn bitterer also in which regards if it be taken simply alone it is aduerse and contrarie to the stomack but joined confected with some sweet things among it is very holsom And many deuises haue bin practised with it to take away that harsh and vntoward bitternesse which it hath wherby it is become toothsome and pleasant enough for some there be who stamp it drie and so reduce it into a pouder then they mix it with some sweet liquid syrrup and being thus tempered serue it vp Others seeth it in water and vinegre mingled together and so keepe it condite Infused also it is many waies and afterwards either preserued in cuit or incorporat with hony in manner of a conserue or els with dried Raisons of the Sun or last of all with faire and fat Dates Moreouer diuers there be who after another sort make a confection therof namely with Quinces with Soruises or Plums mixing therwith one while Pepper another while Thym. And I assure you this root thus confected as is aforesaid is singular good for faintings and especially quickneth the dulnes and defect
risen vp to blisters Hippocrates moreouer was of this opinion that a suffumigation made therewith fetcheth downe the after-birth of women newly deliuered and brought to bed who vsed also with the ashes of them burnt and reduced together with oile into the forme of a liniment to annoint the running skalls of the head and thereby cured and healed them vp Some giue it boiled others raw to them that be short-winded Diocles prescribeth it with Centaurie to them who are in a dropsie he giueth it also to purge the belly between or in two figs. But green Garlick taken in good wine together with Coriander doth the deed more effectually Some are wont to minister it to those that draw their wind short being stamped and put into milke Praxagoras the Physitian ordained to drinke it with wine against the Iaundise also against the Iliack passion in oile and thick gruel And in that sort he vsed to annoint the swelling kernels called the kings euill In old time the maner was to giue raw garlick to such as were bestraught or out of their wits But Diocles appointed that it should be boiled for phrentick persons Certes if it be bruised and so laid to the throat or otherwise gargled with some conuenient liquor it will do much good to them that haue the squinancie Take three heads or cloues of Garlick beat them well and together with vinegre apply them to the teeth they will mightily asswage the paine Or do but make a collution with the broth wherein they were boiled and hold it in your mouth and afterwards put some of the Garlicke it selfe within the hollow teeth you shall see much ease insue thereupon The iuice of Garlick together with goos-grease is passing good to be dropped into the ears to asswage their pain and bring the hearing again Being taken in drink it clenseth the head from dandruffe and killeth lice so doth it also if it be stamped and applied to the place with vineger and nitre Seeth it in milke or do but stamp it and mingle it with soft fresh cheese and so eat it you shall see how it will represse and stay Catarrhes and Rheumes after which manner it will make them speake cleare that be hoarse and haue a rusty voice But let a man who hath the Phthisicke and is far gone into a Consumption of the lungs drink it in bean broth ordinarily he shall recouer or find great ease Generally Garlicke is better boiled or rosted than raw andyet of the twain it is not so good rosted as sodden for in that order must it be taken for to help the voice and make a cleare breast Also being boiled in honied vineger or Oxymell and so drunke it driueth out the broad wormes and all other such like vermin forth of the guts Being taken in a thicke broth or gruell it cureth the disease Tinesmus Being sodden to the consistence of an Vnguent and so applied as a frontal to the temples of the head it allaieth their paine Boiled with hony then stamped and reduced to a liniment it represseth red pimples Seeth it with good old seam or grease or in milk it is singular for the Cough See you one to reach vp bloud or to spit filthy matter Rost Garlick vnder the hot embers and giue it the party to eat with equall quantity of honie Being taken with salt and oile it is a soueraign remedy for them that be bursten or Spasmaticke that is to say vexed with the Crampe Applied with the fat or grease of an hog it cureth all tumors and suspitious imposthumes Being emplastred with brimstone and rosin vpon Fistulaes or such hollow and blind vlcers it draweth out all the filth and corruption that lieth rankling and festering within But lay it to a sore with pitch you shall see it fetch out spils and ends of broken arrowes sticking still within the flesh The Leprosie the running and dangerous tettar the red pimples also rising in the skin Garlick doth first fret and exulcerat but afterwards with Origanum it cureth and healeth the same â—…ea the very ashes of Garlick burnt and so tempered with oile and the pickle Garum that it may take the form of a liniment doth the like The wild fire also or shingles that hath gotten to a place if it be annointed therewith will be extinguished Be any place of the body grown black and blew by stripes or blows a liniment made of Garlick burnt to ashes and tempered with hony will bring the natiue and fresh colour again quickly There is a deepe and setled opinion among men that if a man or woman do ordinarily take garlick with meat drink they shal find remedy thereby for the falling sicknesse Also that one head of Garlick taken in some styptick harsh raw wine with Laserpitium to the weight of one Obulus driues away the Quartan ague for euer But after another sort if it be vsed to wit boiled with brused Beanes and so eaten ordinarily with meat there is no cough so tough no vlcer within the brest so foule and filthy but it will stay the one and cleanse yea and heale the other so as the patient shall recouer perfect health Garlicke maketh folk to sleep well and giueth a good fresh and ruddy colour to the whole body Garlicke stamped with green Coriander and drunken with strong wine increaseth the heat of lust and prouoketh to Lecherie But as many good properties as Garlicke hath it is not without some bad qualities for them againe It maketh the eies dim it breedeth windinesse and ventositie it hurteth the stomack ouer liberally taken causeth thirst but let me not forget among other vertues which it hath namely that if it be giuen to Hens Cockes and other Pulleine among their corne it will keepe them from the pip As for Horses Mares Asses and such like beasts that cannot stale or be groud and wrong in the bellie stampe Garlick and therwith rub the shap and naturall parts it will prouoke the one and ease the other CHAP. VII ¶ Of wild Lectuce as well that called Caprina as Esopus Of Isatis and Garden Lectuce THe first kind of Lectuce that groweth wild of it selfe without mans hand is that which is commonly called Caprina i. Goats Lectuce This hearbe hath a propertie that if it bee thrown into the sea it will presently kil all the fishes that approch neere vnto it The milkie juice of this Lectuce being turned thick and soon after mixed with vineger to the weight of two Oboli and one Cyath of water put therto is giuen with good successe to those that haue the Dropsie The stalks and leaues stamped with some salt strewed among and so applied as a cataplasme do heale vp the sinews that be cut or wounded The same herb being brused together with vineger preserueth a man from the tooth-ach if he vse two mornings euery moneth to wash his mouth with a collution made thereof A second
kind there is of wild Lectuce which the Greeks name Esopus The leaues thereof being beaten in a mortar and with barly floure applied as a pultesse heale all vlcers this groweth ordinarily in corn fields A third sort comming vp in the woods is named otherwise Isatis The leaues wherof being likewise beaten together with Barley-meale or floure aforesaid cureth green wounds A fourth kind there is besides of wild Lectuce named Glastum i. Woad wherewith diuers vse to colour their wooll It might be likened to the wild Dock for the leaues but that they be more in number and of a blacker green withall This hearb stancheth bloud It represseth and cureth the fierie and eating tettars the cankerous and filthy vlcers also which run and spread ouer the whole and sound parts also it dissolueth swellings before theygather to an head tend to suppuration The root or leaues thereof be good against S. Anthonies fire applied in a cataplasme or liniment It is a singular remedy also for the swelled puffed splene and thus much for their properties in particular respectiue to each seueral kind but to speak generally of them all that grow wild they agree all in this that they be white that their stem growes otherwhiles to the height of a cubit that both it and the leaues be rough in handling Of these wilde Lectuces That which hath round and short leaues some there be who call Hieracia because that Faulcons and such like Haukes are wont to scrape and scratch this herb to get forth the iuice wherewith they annoint and rub their eies and thereby recouer their sight when they perceiue it to be darkened or dim All the sort of them are full of a white iuice the same of the like vertue as is the iuice of Poppies Ordinarily is this juice gathered in haruest by incision of the stalk put vp it is in new earthen pots neuer occupied and so reserued for many excellent effects that it hath For first and formost being applied with womans milk it healeth all maladies that the eies be subiect vnto as namely it riddeth away the cloudy webs therein the cicatrices and scars all filthy sores with a burnt roof ouer them and principally disparcleth the mist and dimnesse that troubleth the eie-sight It is vsually also laid with a locke of wooll to the eies for to represse and stay the waterish humor that hath found a way thither the same iuice if one drink it to the weight of 2 Obolij in vineger and water is a good purgation Beeing taken in wine it cureth the venomous stinging of serpents To which purpose the leaues being parched dried against the fire their tender stems also being brused are drunk with vineger A liniment made of them is passing good against the pricking of scorpions but peculiarly for the sting of the venomous spiders Phalangia there must be wine and vineger mixt therwith Soueraigne defensatiues also these wild Lectuces be against other poisons saue those that kill by strangling and suffocation or such as haue a special spight to the blader neither are they of any power against Cerusse or white lead A cataplasme made therof with hony and vineger so laid to the belly purgeth the rotten humors expelleth the worms therof bred their iuice is singular good for them that pisse with gain and difficulty Cratevas prescribeth to giue the weight of 2 Oboli of the said juice in one Cyath of wine to those that be in a Dropsie Some there be who draw the juice out of the garden lectuce also for the same purpose but not with like effect The peculiar properties of which Lectuces I haue partly written of heretofore namely how they procure sleep abate fleshly lust coole intemperat heats clense and strengthen the stomacke and finally increase bloud Ouer and besides they haue other properties not a few for they resolue and discusse ventosities they breake winde vpward and make one rift and belch sweet and finally help digestion and of themselues cause no crudity in the stomack Certes I cannot say of any thing else but it that being eaten both giueth an edge to appetite and also dulleth the same and all according as it is taken more or lesse By the same reason also if a man eat liberally of them they will make the belly soluble if in a meane they will stay a Laske and bring the bodie to costiuenesse They cut and dissolue the grosse viscositie of slimie fleame and as some Physitians haue written do clarifie the senses Moreouer if a mans stomacke be quite gone so that hee neither desireth to receiue any thing into it nor can hold and keepe that which it receiueth he shall find notable comfort by eating of garden Lectuce But for this purpose they must be taken vnwashed with some sharpe sauce made with vineger to the quantitie of a certaine Oboli yet so as that the tart and harsh taste thereof be tempered with some wine cuit or other sweet liquour for to dip into Moreouer this regard ought to be had that if the fleame lying in the stomacke be very tough and grosse the Lectuce would be eaten with vineger of Squilla or the sea-Onion or else with Worme-wood Wine and if the Cough bee also busie then Hyssope Wine would be mingled withall In case there bee a fluxe occasioned by feeblenesse of the stomacke then would Garden Lectuce bee eaten together with wilde Endiue or Cichorie and so are they good also for the hardnesse and swelling in the mid-riffe and about the heart White Lectuce eaten in good quantitie helpeth the infirmities of the Bladder and agree very well with those who be troubled in their brains and ouercharged with melancholy Praxagoras aduised also That they should be eaten for to helpe the bloudy flix Moreouer if they be laid presently in manner of a liniment with salt vpon a burne or scald while it is new and before the place blister they will fetch out the fire and do very much good They keepe downe and represse cancerous vlcers that would be running and eating into the flesh if they bee applied at the beginning with falt-petre and afterwards with wine Being brused into a liniment they heale S. Anthonies fire if the place be annointed therewith If their stalkes or stemmes bee stamped with drie grout or Barley meale and laid too as a cataplasme with cold water they mitigat the pains that follow dislocations or lims out of ioint they asswage also dolorous cramps and convulsions Being applied in manner of a pultesse with wine and dry Barley groats they doallay the griefe of red and angry wheales Moreouer they were wont in times past to boile them betweene two platters and so giue them for the disease Cholera wherin choler is so outragious that it purgeth vncessantly both vpward and downeward But for this purpose there would be choise made of the fairest and greatest stemmes such also as are bitter for they bee best Some to the same
effect make a decoction of them in milke and so minister it vnto the patient in a clyster These stalkes being well and throughly boiled are said to be very wholesome for the stomacke also like as for to procure sleepe the garden Lectuce is thought most effectuall namely that which is bitter and yeeldeth store of milk which hertofore we haue termed Meconis This milke Physitians prescribe with very good successe for to clarifie the eie-sight namely if it be mingled with womans milk and the forehead annointed therwith in good season and betimes After the same manner it helpeth the infirmities and diseases of the eyes proceeding from cold causes Other vertues and commendable properties besides I finde in Lectuce of strange and wonderfull operations And namely that it cureth the diseases of the brest as well as Sothern-wood doth if it be taken with the best hony of Athens Item That if any women do eat therof they shall haue their monthly sicknesse come orderly Also that the seed of garden Lectuce is giuen to very great purpose against the pricke or sting of any venomous Scorpion Moreouer That if the seed be stamped and taken in wine it secureth one from the imaginarie fansies of Venus delights in sleepe and the pollutions also that thereof do insue Finally that certain waters which vse to intoxicat and trouble the braine shall neuer hurt them that eat any Lectuce Howbeit some are of opinion that the ouermuch vse of Lectuce at meat enfeebleth the eies and impaireth their cleare sight CHAP. VIII ¶ Of Beets and their sundrie kinds Of Endiue Diuers sorts of Cichorie Of garden Endiue and two kinds thereof THe Beets of both sorts are not without their medicinable vertues for be it the white or the blacke if one take the root thereof fresh and new out of the ground wet it throughly and soke it well in water and then carry it about him hanging by a string or lace it is a soueraigne preseruatiue against the biting of serpents The white Beet boiled and eaten with raw Garlick expelleth the broad wormes in the belly The roots of the black sodden after the same manner in water rid away the dandruffe or vnseemly skales within the haire of head or beard And indeed generally for any vse the black Beet is more effectuall than the white The iuice thereof is singular good for an old and setled head-ach For the dizzinesse or swimming in the head Also it riddeth away the singing and ringing in the eares if it be dropped into them It procureth vrine being injected by a clyster it cureth the bloudy flix it helpeth also the Iaunise Moreouer the said iuice appeaseth the intollerable pain of tooth-ach if the teeth be rubbed or annointed therewith Singular it is against the stinging of serpents but then it must be drawne from the root only And make a decoction of the said root it helpeth kibed heeles As for the juice of the white Beets it staieth the rheume or waterish humor that falleth into the eies if the forehead be therewith annointed And put but a little Allum thereto it is an excellent remedy against S. Anthonies fire White Beets only stamped although there come no oile vnto them healeth any burne or scalding if the place be therwith annointed Moreouer against the breaking out into red and angry pimples the same is very good But seeth Beets and make thereof a liniment it represseth the vlcers that run and spread abroad The same being raw rubbed vpon the bare places where the haire is shed recouereth haire yea and staieth the running skales of the head The iuice of these Beets tempered with honey and snuffed vp into the head by the nosthrils clenseth the braine There is a certain meat made with Beets Lentils boiled together which commonly is eaten with vineger for to make the body laxatiue The same being ouersodden to a thicke consistence staieth both the turning of the stomacke and flux of the belly There is a kind of wild Beet which some name Limonion others Neuroides it hath leaues much lesse and tenderer than the other howbeit growing thicker riseth vp many times with eleuen stalks The leaues of this Beet are very good for burnes and scalds they restraine and stay all Fluxes by drop meale which breed the Gout The seed being taken to the quantity of one Acetabulum cureth the bloudy flix healeth the vlcer of the guts that causeth the same Some say that if this Beet be sodden in water the decoction will scoure and take out any stain in cloths euen the very iron-mole likewise it will wash away any spots in parchment Now as touching Endiue or garden Cichorie furnished also it is with many properties effectuall in Physicke The iuice thereof mingled with oile Rosat and vineger allaieth the paine in the head The same if it be drunk with wine is good for the liuer and bladder Also if it be laid to the eies it stoppeth the humor that hath taken a course thither The wild Cichorie that groweth wandering here and there abroad some of our Latin writers name Ambugia In Aegypt they cal the wild Endiue Cichoreum the tame garden Endiue Seris the which indeed is lesse than the other fuller also of ribs and veines As for the wild which is Cichorie it hath a cooling nature being eaten as meat but applied in forme of a liniment it is good against the collection of humors that ingender imposthumes The juice of it sodden doth loosen the belly Wholesome it is for the Liuer the Kidnies and the Stomack Likewise if it be boiled in vineger it resolueth the painfull torments occasioned by the stopping or difficulty of vrine and openeth passage to make water at ease Moreouer if the juice or decoction thereof be drunk with honied wine it cureth the Iaundise so it be without a feuer It is comfortable also helpefull to the bladder Boiled in water it is so powerfull to bring downe womens termes that it is of force to send out the child if it be dead in the mothers belly The Magitians say moreouer that whosoeuer annoint their bodies all ouer with the juice of this herb and oile together they shal be right amiable and win the grace and fauor of all men so as they shal the more easily obtain whatsoeuer their heart stands vnto And verily for that it is so singular and wholesome to mans body some giue it the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As for another wild kind some call it Hedypnois that hath a broader leafe than the rest Being sodden it is astrictiue and will strengthen a weak stomack and eaten raw it bindeth the belly and staieth the lask Holesome it is for such as haue the bloudy flix the rather if it be taken with Lentils In sum as wel raw as sodden both kinds the one the other help those that haue cramps and ruptures Comfortable it is likewise to such as
is drunken indeed it riddeth away the fumosities in the brain and bringeth him to be sober Also that it is a meat appropriate to the eies and cleareth the sight very much insomuch as the iuice of it raw is passing soueraigne for that purpose in case it be mingled with the pure Atticke hony into an eie-salue and therewith the corners of the eyes be but touched only Moreouer that it is passing light of digestion and clarifieth all the senses if it be ordinarily eaten Erasistratus and all his schoole doth ring and resound again with one voice and open mouth That there is nothing in the world better for the stomacke nothing more wholsome for the sinews and therfore with one accord they prescribe the vse thereof for those that haue the palsie or resolution of the nerues for as many as be troubled with the trembling and shaking of their lims to such also as reach cast vp bloud Hippocrates giueth counsell to them that be afflicted with the bloudy flix or exulceration of the guts to those likewise who be subject to the flux proceeding from the weakenesse of the stomacke for to eat it twise sodden with salt Also he prescribeth it in the cure of Tinesmos which is a prouocation or extraordinary appetite to seege without doing any thing and of the paine in the back or reines And he is of this judgement That women in childbed shall be good nources and haue plentie of milke if they eat of Cabbages or Coleworts yea and women in generall by feeding thereupon shall see their monthly termes duly As for the Cole it selfe if it be chewed raw it is by his saying of force to expell a dead infant in the wombe Apollodorus holdeth resolutely That either the seed or juice thereof taken in drinke is a singular remedy for them who suspect that they haue eaten venomous mushrums Philistion giueth the juice thereof in Goats milke together with salt and honey vnto such as haue a cricke or cramp drawing their necks backeward that they are not able to turne their heads I find moreouer that by eating Coleworts at meat ordinarily and by drinking the decoction thereof many haue been deliuered from the gout It is an vsual medicine and approued by experience to giue it with salt for the fainting sweats trembling of the heart as also for the falling euill Such as be troubled with the spleene finde much ease thereby if they continue drinking the juice therof in white wine at their meals forty daies together like as those that be sped with the yellow jaunise or in fits of frensie be cured with gargling drinking juice of Cole-roots raw But against the Hocquet or Yex there is a notable medicine made with it together with Coriander Dill hony pepper and vineger If the pitch of the stomacke be annointed therewith the Patient shall euidently perceiue that it will dissolue the wind and puffing ventosities therin Also the very water of the decoction incorporate together with barley-meale vnto a liniment is singular good for the stinging of Serpents and mundifieth filthie old vlcers to which purpose also serueth the juice thereof applied with vineger and Foenigreek After the same manner some make a cataplasme and applie it to goutie joints The bloudy-falls and blistering chilblanes and generally all humors that ouer-run the body and fret the skin are allaied by the application aforesaid In like manner the sudden mists and dimnesse which commeth ouer the eie-sight is discussed dispatched clean in case one do no more but chaw this herb in vineger A liniment made with it and brimstone together helpeth the black and blew spots of dead brused bloud lying vnder the skin and reduceth them to their owne colour But if round alume and vineger be joined therewith it cureth the white leprosie and dry scab called of some S. Magnus euill And in that manner prepared it keepeth the haire fast that is ready to shed Epicharmus saith That this herb is soueraigne good to be implaistred vpon those tumors and swellings that be incident to the priuy members and the rather if the said implaister be made with bean meale The same being applied with Rue is good for convulsions or crampes Moreouer there is a medicine prescribed to bee made of Coleworts and Rue-seed against the extreme heat of feuers ardent as also for the defects and infirmities of the stomack and to send out the after-birth in women newly laid The powder of Colewort leaues dry doth expell or euacuate one way or other the venome left behind by the biting of the hardy shrew-mouse Of all kinds of Coleworts the sweetest and most pleasant to the tast is the Col-flory although it be counted good for nothing in Physick and besides vnwholsome as being hard of digestion and an enemy to the kidnies Ouer and besides I must not forget this one thing of Coleworts That the broth or decoction thereof so highly praysed for many good vses that it is put vnto if it be poured on the ground hath but a stinking smel with it Wort-stocks being dryed and burnt into ashes is thought to be a caustick medicine or potentiall cautery The same ashes mingled with old grease and reduced into a cataplasme helpeth the pain of the Sciatica but with Laser and vineger it is a depilatory i. keepeth the hayre from growing againe where it was once fetched vp by the roots The sayd Colestocke ashes set ouer the fire vntill it siuer only or haue one walme at the most and so drunk with oile or otherwise sodden and the decoction taken alone without oyle is good for Spasmes and crampes for inward bruises and for such as are falne from some high place Lo what a number of prayse-worthy vertues are recounted of Coleworts And is there I pray you no fault to be found with them are they blamelesse ywis no for euen those writers who extolled them so highly note them for making a stinking breath and for hurting the teeth and gums insomuch as in Egypt they be in so bad a name for their bitternesse vnpleasant tast that no man knoweth how to eat them But to come again vnto Cato he commendeth the effects of the wilde or wandring Colewort infinitly aboue the rest insomuch as he affirmeth that the powder of it dried being gathered and incorporat with some conuenient liquor into the forme of a pomander or otherwise strewed vpon any posie or nosegay so as it may be receiued and drawn vp into the head by the nosthrils cureth the filthy vlcers growing therin and the stinking smell that commeth from them This Cole-wort others call Petraea and this is that which of all the rest is most aduerse and the greatest enemy to wine this is it that the vine by a secret Antipathie in nature doth especially auoid if it haue room to decline from it but in case she cannot shift from it she dieth for very griefe This plant hath the leaues growing two by two
together and those small round smooth and liker indeed to the young plants of Beets than to other Coleworts whiter also it is and more rougher clad with a mossie downe than is the garden Colewort Chrysippus writeth That it is a soueraigne medicine for flatuosities and such as be oppressed with melancholy that it is a singular salue for fresh wounds being applied with hony but with this charge That the plaster be not taken off in seuen daies Also if it be stamped and applyed with water it is an excellent cataplasme for the Kings euill and fistulous inward vlcers Other Chirurgions and Physitians do affirm that it represseth running corasiue sores which eat into the flesh such as the Greeks name Nomus Item that it doth extenuate and resolue all excrescence of proud ranke or dead flesh yea and it doth incarnat heale vp and skin very faire without skar by their saying Moreouer if it be chewed or the juice therof gargarised with honey so that the herb were sodden before it cureth the sores in the mouth called cankers as also the mumps and inflammation of the kernels in the throat called amygdales or almonds Semblably if a man take three parts of this herbe with twaine of alume and together with Vinegre make a liniment thereof it will clense the inueterate dry scab and the mortified leprosie Epicharmus is of opinion That for the biting of a mad dog a man need doe no more but lay to the sore a cataplasme of this herb alone but surer it were saith he and more effectual if Laser and strong sharp vinegre were ioyned thereto He addeth moreouer and saith That if it be giuen to dogs with some piece of flesh it will kill them And yet the seed being parched is a remedie against the sting of serpents and a countre-poison to venomous Mushroms and Buls bloud The leaues boiled and giuen with meat or otherwise raw and made into a liniment together with brimstone and nitre help those that be diseased in the splene The same liniment mollifies the hard swellings of womens breasts The ashes of the root being burnt cure the uvula or swelling of the wezil in the throat if it be but touched therewith Also a liniment thereof with honey applied to the inflamed kernels behind the eares represseth them yea and healeth the stinging of serpents I haue not yet done with the Colewort and the vertues thereof but one instance more I will giue you to proue the wonderfull force and effect that it worketh If any brasse pot caldron or such like vessel wherin we vse to seeth water ouer the fire haue gathered in continuance of time a fur or crust baked within such as by no washing or scouring can be rid away bee the same neuer so hard deep setled and inueterate boile but a cabbage or Colewort in it and the same will pill and go from the pot sides Among wild worts we may place Lapsana a plant growing to the height of a cubit bearing a furred or hairy leafe like for all the world to the Navew but that the floure is whiter This herb is commonly sodden and eaten in pottage and so taken it moderatly looseneth the belly The sea Colewort otherwise named Soldanella of all others purgeth most forcibly in regard of which acrimonie that it hath to stir the belly Cookes vse to seeth it with fat meat and yet is it most contrary to the stomack Touching Squils of Sea-Onions Physitians hold that the white is the male and the blacke the female but the whitest of them be euer best and of most vse The maner of preparing and dressing them is after this sort First the dry tunicles or skins being pilled off the rest which is quick and fresh vnderneath must be cut into slices so infiled vpon a thred along with a prety distance between euery one and hanged vp to dry afterward when the morcels be sufficiently dried they are to be put hanging stil as they did by a string into a barel or vessel of the strongest and quickest vineger that can be gotten and therein they must hang so as they touch â—…o part of the said vessel but this would be set in hand with 48 daies before the summer solstice Which done the barrel of Vineger beforesaid being well luted and stopped close with plastre must be set vnder a roofe of tiles to receiue the heate of the Sun all the day long from morning to night Now when it hath bin thus sunned so many days as are before named the vessel is remoued from vnder the case of tiles the Squilla taken forth and the vinegre poured out into another vessel This vinegre clarifieth their eie-sight who vse it comfortable it is to the stomack and sides and asswageth their paine if it be taken in small quantitie once in two daies for if a man should dring ouer-liberally of it so forcible it is that it would take away his breath and cause him to seem dead for the time Squilla chewed alone by it selfe is wholsom for the gums and teeth Being drank with vineger and honey it chaseth out of the belly the long flat worms and all other such like vermin If it be but held vnder the tongue while it is greene and fresh it allaieth thirstinesse in the dropsie and causeth that the Patient shall desire no drink The boiling of Squilla or the sea-onion is after many sorts for some after they haue either well luted or els greased it all ouer with fat put it into a pot of earth and then set it into an ouen or Furnace to be baked Others slice it into gobbets and so seeth it between two platters Some take it green and dry it then they cut it in pieces and boile it in vineger and being thus vsed and prepared apply it to the places which be stung with serpents Others againe rost it first in the embres and after they haue cleansed it from the vtmost pilling take the best of it onely in the midâ—… and seeth the same again in water Being thus baked and sod both it serueth to be giuen in a dropsie And if it be drunk to the quantitie of three Oboles with hony and vinegre it prouoketh vrine with ease In like maner this composition is good for those that be troubled with the splene or haue weak and feeble stomacks or be troubled with gnawing and pain there such also as canot hold their meat but it will flote aboue and come vp again prouided alwaies that there be no vlcer within the body Moreouer it is excellent good for the wringing in the guts the jaunise the old cough with shortnesse of wind The leaues emplastred resolue the wens or swelling kernels in the neck commonly called the Kings euil but they must lie fouâ—…e daies before they be remoued Being sodden in oile and reduced to a liniment and so applied it mundifieth the skurfe or dandruffe of the head the running skalls likewise that are bred there It is vsed also
by occasion that a certaine leper minding to disguise himselfe that hee might not for very shame be knowne chaunced to annoint and besmear his face all ouer with the juice of wild Mints But fortune was better mistresse vnto him than he expected for beyond his expectation or intent his good hap was to be rid of his Leprosie by that meanes The same leaues serue for a liniment against the venome of Scolopendres and the sting of Serpents so doe they also if one drinke two drams of the leaues in two Cyaths of wine Also for to cure the prickes of Scorpions they be vsed with salt oile and vinegre But against Scolopendres commonly they drink the juice or broth of the decoction Moreouer the wiser sort of people saue the drie leaues of wild Mints to be reduced into a pouder as a very coun trepoison against all venome whatsoeuer For being strewed in the house or burnt the very air perfume therof chaseth away Scorpions A drink made therewith purgeth putrifieth women passing wel such I mean as be newly deliuered of childbirth but it killeth the fruit within the womb of as many as vse it while they go with child There is not a medicine in the world so effectuall as it is for those who are so streight winded that they cannot take their breath vnlesse they sit vpright for such also as in the cholericke passion neuer giue ouer casting vpward and purging downward It appeaseth also the paine of the loines and easeth the gout if it be applied to the place affected The juice thereof is good to be dropped into eares that haue worms within them It is vsually taken in drinke for the Iaunise A liniment made thereof helpeth the kings euill besides it is a singular remedie for them that by a strong imagination of Venus in their dreames defile and pollute themselues in their sleep If one drinke it with vinegre it excludeth the flat broad in the bellie To scoure away the founled and ruffe an Embrochation of it ad vinegre vpo the head in the Sun is counted singular As touching garden Mint as the very smell of it alone recouereth and refresheth the spirits so the tast stirreth vp the appetite to meat which is the cause that it is so ordinary in our sharp sauces wherein we vse to dip our meats Being put into milk it wil not suffer it to turn or sour it keeps it from quailing and curding which is the reason that they who vse ordinarily to drink milk take Mints therewith for fear it should coagulate or crudle in their stomack put them in daunger of suffocation Some for the same effect vse to giue it in water or honied wine and surely it is thought by that very propertie to hinder generation in that it dissolueth the due consistence and thicknesse which is required in naturall seed And yet it is a great stancher of bloud indifferently in men and women but more particularly it staieth the immoderat flux of whites that many times followes women Being taken with Amydum or starch pouder in water it restrains the inordinate flux occasioned by the imbecility of the stomacke Syriation the Physician vsed ordinarily to cure the apostumes and sores of the Matrice with Mint Also against the obstructions other accidents of the liuer he was wont to giue 3 Oboles thereof in honied wine And for them that raught vp bloud at the mouth he prescribeth to take Mints in a broth or supping The skal that little children be troubled withal it healeth wonderful well It is singular to drie vp the humors that mollifie the gristly windpipe the other instruments of the breath and voice and when they are drie knitteth and strengthneth them Taken in water and honied wine it clenseth the corruptand putrified phlegmatick humors which be offensiue to the throat and those parts The juice of Mint is excellent for to scour the pipes cleer the voice being drunk a little before that a man is to strain himselfe either in the quier or vpon the stage or at the bar and not otherwise A gargarism of milk wherein hath bin Rue Coriander besides mints is passing good to bring down the swelling of the vula Being vsed in that manner with some Allum it restraineth the mumps or inflamation of the Amygdales with Hony it cureth the roughnes furring of the tongue Being vsed alone without any other addition it is a proper medicin for inward convulsions as also for the disease of the lungs Democritus saith that to drink it with the juice of a Pomegranat is a readie means to stay the yex vomiting The juice of greene Mints drawne vp with the wind into thenosthrils helpeth the stinking vleers there The hearbe it selfe stamped represseth the rage of choler that purgeth both waies vncessantly but it must beldrunk with vinegre And in that maner it restrains all internal fluxions of bloud But applied outwardly with Barly grots to the grieued place it easeth the intollerable paine of the Iliak passion after the same sort if it be spread and emplastered it allaieth the swelling of womens breasts In case of head-ach a liniment thereof doth well to be applied to the temples Inwardly it is taken with very good effect against the venimous Scolopendres the sea Scorpions and other serpents A liniment thereof staieth the waterish humors that haue taken a course to the eies cures the skalls and breakings out of the head and all accidents offensiue to the tiwill or sundament If one doe hold Mints in his hand he shall not need to feare either chafing or galling in any part vpon trauell Beeing dropped into the eares with honied wine it is very comfortable to that part It is said moreouer that if a man come into a garden where Mints groweth and bite the leaues vpon the very plant without pluking or cropping it off and continue this course 9 daies together iterating euermore these words I doe this to cure the splene he shal find remedy indeed for the infirmity of that part moreouer let one take as much poudred mints dried as he can wel contain with his 3 fingers ends and drink the same with water it will cure the head-ach or grieuous paine of the stomack Likewise if his drink be spiced with the said pouder it will driue out of the belly the wormes there engendred The branches of Mint and penniroiall both are vsually put into glasse viols with vinegre for to be iufused therein and a man would not thinke how good this vinegre is for faintings of the heart so great is the societie that these two hearbs haue one with the other in this behalfe For which cause I remember on a time when diuers learned physicians were met together to confer in my chamber they resolued and concluded definitly That a chaplet of Penniroyal was without comparison far better for the giddinesse and swimming of the head than one of roses for a garland of Pennyroiall if it be worne
onely vpon the head allaieth by report the ach thereof More than it it is said That the very sent of Pennyroiall preserueth the brain from the offence that may come by the distemperature either of heat or cold yea and from the inconuenience of thirstinesse insomuch as whosoeuer haue two branches or sprigs of Pennyroiall put into his ears shall feele no accessiue heat though they continued in the Sun all the day long Peniroiall being applied in form of a liniment together with Barly groats and vinegre assuageth all grienous paines watsoeuer Howbeit the female of this kind is thought to be of greater operation euery way than the male Now hath this female a purple floure that you may know it thereby from the other for that of the male is white The female Penyroiall taken in a mash made with salt and barley groats in cold water staieth a kecklish stomack and keepeth it from the inordinat desire and many offers to cast In the same manner also it easeth the paine of the breast and belly Likewise the gnawings of the stomack it ceaseth being taken in water as also immoderat vomits it represseth with vinegre and barley groats Being sodden in hony with a little nitre among it cureth the maladies of the guts If one drinke it with wine it causeth abundance of vrine and if the said wine be made of the Amminean grapes it expelleth the stone and grauell yea and all things els which may engender inward pains If it be taken with honey and vinegre it prouoketh womens termes and quieteth them when they lie gnawing and fretting inwardly yea and sendeth forth the after-burden The same setleth the mother and reduceth it into the right place It expelleth also the dead child within the mothers body The seed of Peniroial if it be smelled vnto is singular good to recouer their tongue againe who be speechlesse for the falling sicknesse also it is giuen in a cyath of vinegre If it fortune that one must drink vnholesome waters the seed thereof reduced into pouder and strewed therupon correcteth all the malice thereof If the same be taken in wine it slaketh the itch in the bodie proceeding of hot and salt humors The seed of Pennyroiall mingled with salt vinegre and honey if it be wel rubbed into the bodie comforteth the sinewes in case of cramps and convulsions and particularly helpeth those who with a crieke are forced to carrie their necke much backeward The decoction therof is a soueraigne drinke against the sting of Serpents and particularly of Scorpions if it be bruised and taken with wine especially that which groweth in drie places Moreouer Penyroiall is held to be very soueraigne for the cankers or vlcers in the mouth and as effectuall to stay the cough The floures of Penyroial that be fresh and new gathered if they be burnt make a singular perfume to kill fleas Among many good receits that Xenocrates hath left vnto vs we find this for one namely That a branch of Pennyroiall wrapped within wooll and giuen to the patient for to smell vnto before the fit come of a tertian ague driueth it away as also if it be put vnder the couerlet of the bed and the Patient laid vpon it it doth no lesse For these purposes abouenamed the wild Penyroiall is of most efficacie This hearbe resembleth Origan and hath smaller leaues than the Penyroiall of the Garden some giue it the name of Dictamnus If it chance that either sheepe or goats do tast thereof it prouoketh them presently to blea whereupon certain authors changing one letter for another in Greeke call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This herb is so hot and ardent that if any part of the body be rubbed or annointed therewith it will rise into a blister If one haue taken a through-cold and thereby gotten a cough Physitians haue prescribed to vse frictions therewith before the Patient go into the bain for to sweat Also their direction is to do the like before the cold fits of agues as also in case of the crampe and torments of the guts Wonderfull good it is in all kinds of gout If it be taken in drinke with honey and salt it is singular for those who be diseased in the liuer as also for the lights for it opens their pipes and dischargeth them of the flegme that stuffed them so as they may reach vp and voyd the same with ease The decoction thereof with some salt is excellent good for the splene and the bladder yea and for all ventosities and shortnesse of breath Semblably the iuice prepared and dressed in maner a foresaid bringeth the mother into the naturall place and serueth as a countre-poison against the Scolopendre both of the sea and the land as also for the pricke of the scorpion especially against the biting of man or woman The root thereof being applied fresh and green is maruellous good to represse rank vlcers to consume the proud flesh about them The same being dry and so applied reduceth skars to their fresh colour and beautie of the faire and whole skin Thus much of Penyroyall of the garden and the field Great conformitie there is in operation between Peny-royal and Nep for being both boiled in water vnto the composition of a third part they discusse and shake off the cold in Ague fits which causeth the Patient to shake and besides are of validitie to bring downe womens monethly sicknesse In summer time they asswage the extremitie of heat Nep also is powerful against serpents for the smoke and perfume of this herbe they canot abide but will fly from it which is the cause that such as be afraid of serpents strew Nep vnder them in the place where they mean to repose and sleepe Being bruised and applied to the running fistulous vlcers between the nose and the greater corner of the eye it is counted a soveraign remedie Also being fresh gathered and mixed with a third part of bread and so temperat and incorporat with vinegre to the form of a liniment it cureth the head-ach The juice thereof being instilled into the nosthrils whiles the Patient lieth vpon his back stancheth bleeding at the nose The root also together with Myrtle seed in warm wine cuit and so gargarised helpeth the Squinancie As touching wild Cumin it is an herb exceeding small putting forth foure or fiue leaues and not aboue and those indented like a saw but the garden Cumin is of singular vse in physicke but principally for the pain in the stomack It dispatcheth the grosse vapors arising from flegme it dissolueth also vento sities if it be either bruised and eaten with bread or drunk with water and wine in which sort it asswageth the wringing torments and other pains of the guts how beit it maketh folke look pale as many as drink of it Certes by that deuise namely by ordinary drinking of Cumin as it is reported the schollers and followers of Porcius Latro that famous and great Rhetorician
procured themselues pale faces because they would look like their master who indeed came to that colour by continuall study and plying his booke Thus likewise not long since Iulius Vindex being desirous to be affranchised by Nero pretending by his pale visage and poore look that he had not many daies to liue made faire semblance vnto Nero by his will and testament that he should shortly be his heire which cheat the said Nero gaped after and so by that means Vindex entred so far within him as hee obtained whatsoeuer he would at his hands Cumin reduced into the form of trochisks or nose-tents put vp into the nosthrils stancheth bloud The like effect it hath being fresh gathered and applied with vinegre Being layd it selfe alone to watering and weeping eies it restraineth that humour and in case the cods be bolne or swelled it is good to mix honey withall in manner of an emplastre But it sufficeth to make a cataplasme thereof and lay it to the belly alone of little babes and infants so troubled Finally to cure the jaunise it is singular giuen in white wine when the Patient hath sweat and is come out of the Baine CHAP. XV. ¶ Of Cumin Ethyopick which restraineth the flix of vrine of Capres of Lovach or Panax and of a kind of Marjerom named Cunila-bubula BVt for the purpose a foresaid namely to cure the jaunise the Ethyopian Cumin is the best being taken after a bath with vinegre and water also licked in maner of a Loch with hony As for the Cumin of Africk it is thought to haue a singular proprietie by it selfe for to helpe those who canot contain and hold their vrin The garden Cumin if it be parched drie brought into pouder and giuen in vinegre helpeth the defects and infirmities of the liuer also it cureth the dizzinesse of the head But in case the acrimonie or sharpnesse of the vrin be such as that it fret and moue smart in the passage the pouder hereof would be tempered in sweet wine cuit For the impediments of the matrice it ought to be drunk in pure wine of the grape and withal there must be applied to the place offended a cataplasm of the leaues vpon a lock of wool Dried against the fire bruised and beaten into pouder and so incorporat with oile of roses wax and wrought in the end to the form of a Cerot and then applied it abateth the swelling of the cods But the wild Cumin is more effectuall in all the cases aboue mentioned than that of the garden Ouer and besides it hath a speciall vertue together with oile against serpents scorpions and Scolopendres Take as much of Cumin seed as you may comprehend within three fingers drink it in wine it wil stay immoderat vomit yea and the sick heauing of the stomacke as if it would cast and canot A drinke made therewith is giuen also for the colique and to that purpose a liniment thereof is very commendable or if it be applied hot in quilted bags so that the same be kept swadled down vnto the region of the gut Colon. For a woman that is giuen to the rising and suffocation of the mother let her drink it in wine after this proportion Three drams of Cumin to three cyaths of wine she shall find that it will resolue those vapors and fumosities which caused the foresaid maladie With calues tallow or sewet or with honey if it be let drop into the eares it cureth the sounding and tingling therein Being applied as a liniment with hony raisons and vinegre it resolueth the blacke and blew markes remaining after stripes Also with vinegre alone it cureth the black spots and speckles appearing in any part of the body if the place be bathed therewith An herb there is resembling Cumin for all the world which the Greeks cal Ammi although some there are who thinke it to be all one with the Cumin of Ethyopia Hippocrates calleth it the roial Cumin of Egypt the reason was no doubt for that he deemed that of Egypt to exceed all the rest in goodnes But most writers besides him do think it * an herb altogether of another nature because it is smaller and whiter and yet it serueth to the like vse for at Alexandria in Egypt they put it commonly vnder their loaues of bread in the bottom crust when they go to the ouen and ordinarily it is occupied in the kitchen about sauces Be it what it will it dissolueth ventosities it pacifieth the wringing torment of the guts it prouokes vrin and bringeth down womens moneths Being taken in wine together with Lineseed to the quantitie of two drams it cureth the venomous stings of scorpions but put thereto an equall quantitie of myrth it hath a singular vertue against the horned serpent Cerastes And like to the other Cumin before named it altereth the colour of as many as drink of it and makes them looke pale A suffumigation made thereof with raisons and rosin mundifieth the matrice natural parts of women Finally it is commonly said That if a woman smell thereto in the very act of generation she shal conceiue the rather by that means As for Capres we haue sufficiently written thereof amongst other shrubs that be strangers and yet it wil not be amisse to reiterat thus much That a man must be well aduised how he taketh any out landish Capres that come from beyond-sea but if he wil go safely to work let him hardly keep him to those of Italy for they are lesse harmelesse than the other for if all be true that is commonly reported whosoeuer daily eat Capres shall not be in danger either of palsie or pain of splene The root of capres is singular good to take away the white spotted morphue cousin german to the leprosie in case it be stamped and the place affected rubbed therewith Take the rind of the root the quantitie of two drams and drink it in wine it helpeth the swelled splene prouided alwaies that the Patient forbeare the vse of bains and hot houses for by report this course continued 35 daies will cause the said splene to purge away partly by vrine and partly by seege The same if it be taken in drink allaieth pain in the loins cureth the palsie The seed of Capres sodden in vinegre bruised applied to the teeth or otherwise the root thereof chewed only asswageth the tooth-ach A decoction of Capres in oile instilled into the ears mitigateth their pains The leaues and the root newly gathered and so applied as a Cataplasme with hony healeth the corrosiue vlcers that eat to the very bone Likewise the root resolues all those glandulous swellings which we name the Kings euil and if the same be sodden in water it discusseth the tumors behind the ears and riddeth away the worms breeding within It cureth also the infirmities of the liuer The manner is to giue the same in vinegre and honey for to chase away the vermin
engendred within the guts Boiled in vinegre it is singular for the cankers or exulcerations within the mouth howbeit all authors doe accord that they bee not good for the stomacke Touching Louage which some call Panax i is holesome for the stomack Likewise a proper medicine it is for convulsions and ventosities To conclude there are some who name it Cunila Bubula as I haue before noted but they be deceiued CHAP. XVI ¶ Of the wilde Origan Cunila Bubula of the Bastard Marjoram named Gallinacea Cunila or Hâ—…racleoticum Origanum of the tender Cunilago of Rosemarie of Garden Sauorie or Cunila and that of the mountaines OVer and besides the garden Sauorie there be many kinds of Cunila known in Physicke and first that which is called Bubula and hath seed like to Peniroiall being either chewed in the mouth or applied outwardly it is a good wound-hearb so that it be not remooued but euery fiue daies Taken in wine it is singular against the poisonous sting of serpents in case the hearbe it selfe be stamped and laid withall vpon the sore place and verily it is an ordinarie thing to rub therewith welland throughly the wounds that they make Semblably the Tortoises against the time that they should fight with Serpents vse this hearbe in manner of a defensatiue take themselues wel armed against their enemie which is the reason that some giue it the name of Panax Being dried it assuageth the pain of tumors and cures the accidents that befall to the priuie members of men or if the leaues be but stamped they haue the like effect And in one word the operation thereof is excellent and wonderfull if it be vsed in wine Another Cunila or Sauorie there is which our countreymen call in Latine Gallinacea the Greekes name it Origanum Heracleoticum If it be braied and salt joined thereto it is soueraigne for the eyes it helpeth the cough also and correcteth all faults of the liuer If a thicke grewell or sew be made thereof together with floure oile and vinegre so tempered as it may be supped it cureth the pleurisie or paines of the sides but aboue all it is singular for the stinging of Serpents A third kind there is which the Greeks tearme the male but we in Latin Cunilago a stinking smell it hath with it a woodie hard root and a rough leafe but it is generally said that the operations thereof be more effectuall than of any other kind It is verily thought that if a man cast an handfull thereof from him into any part of the house al the moths and such like vermin will gather about it But to come to particulars It hath a singular power against Scorpions if it be taken with water vinegre Also if a man or woman take 3 leaues thereof and rub his bodie thoroughly with it and oile together there is not a Serpent so hardie as dare approch neare such a bodie so perfumed Contrariwise the Cunila which is named Mollis idest Soft hath leaues and branches more hairie than the former and those sharpe pointed like prickes This hearbe if a man rub betweene his fingers resembleth honey in smell and will sticke fast too in manner of honny Another sort there is of Cunila which we for the smell that it hath of Frankincense call Libanotis But both these the one as well as the other taken in wine or vinegre cureth the biting and sting of Serpents If they be bruised or stamped into pouder and so put into water they kill all the fleas in the place where the said water is cast or spinckled As for the garden Sauorie it also hath many good properties The juice thereof with oyle of roses distilled into the ears is very comfortable vnto them The hearb it selfe taken in drink helpeth those who are stung with venomous Serpents This Sauorie oftentimes doth degenerat into a bastard kind named Mountain Sauory Like it is to wild running Thyme and is effectuall also against the poyson of serpents It prouoketh vrin and purgeth women newly deliuered if haply they haue not sufficient voidance Singular it is for to help digestion and stirreth vp appetit to meat wonderfully In summe as well the gentle Sauorie as the wild is passing wholesome for crudities in the stomacke if one spice his morning draught therewith fasting It is vsed also to very good purpose in dislocations and members out of joynt with barley meale water and vigre it is excellent for the stinging of waspes and such like pricks As touching the other kinds of Libanotis or Rosemarie write I will more fully in due place CHAP. XVII ¶ Of Piperitis and Origanum of Onitis-Prasium of Tragoriganum and Heraclium of Lepidium and Gith or Melanthium of Annise PIperitis or Calecut Pepper-wort which before we called Siliquastrum beeing taken in drinke is very good for the falling sicknesse Castor hath described it after another manner namely to be an herb rising vp with a long red stem thicke set with joynts or little knees bearing leaues resembling those of Lawrel with white seed and the same smal carying with it the tast of Pepper The vertues of which hearb be these To help the gumbs and teeth to make a sweet breath and withstand soure and stinking belches Origan or Orgament which in tast as we haue said resembleth * Sauery hath many kinds all medicinable for there is one one sort therof sirnamed Onitis or Prasion not vnlike to hyssope a peculiar propertie this hearb hath being drunke in warme water to quiet the gnawings in the stomacke and to concoct the crudities there but taken in white wine to cure the venomous pricks of Spiders and Scorpions The same applied outwardly with oile and vinegre vpon wooll is singular good for dislocations disjointures spraines contutions and bruises As for Tragoriganum it is more like vnto wild creeping Thyme it hath vertue to prouoke vrin to discusse and resolue all tumors or swellings And more particularly most effectuall it is for them that haue drunke the gum of Chamelaeon called Ixia also against the Vipers sting besides for the stomacke that belcheth soure and for the midriffe and precordiall parts It is an approued medicine for the cough the phrensie and inflammation of the lungs being with honey reduced into the forme of a Lohoch for to be sucked downe leisurely Touching the Origan named Heracleum or Heracleoticum the same also is diuided into three sorts For the first is of a blacker more duskish green with broader leaues also than the rest and besides is glutinous and will cleaue to ones fingers A second sort hath smaller leaues softer it is more tender in hand not vnlike to Majoram and this kind some would rather call Prasium The third hath leaues of a mean bignes between the other two not so large as the one nor so slender as the other but not so forcible in operation as either of them both but to return againe to our former Origanum the
may haue the sent thereof in their nosthrils while they lie asleep it riddeth them of troublesome dreams and fantastical visions It procureth a good stomack to meat for so our idle nice and delicate wantons euer since they haue giuen ouer exercise and trauell which should get them an appetite stomack to their victuals betaken themselues to sit stil and do nothing haue deuised this artificial means among others haue recourse to Annise in which regards and for these causes some haue giuen it the name of Anicetum The best of all commeth from Candie the next to it is that of Aegypt and indeed this serueth in stead of Loveach in all sauces If a perfume thereof be drawn vp into the nose it appeaseth the head-ache Iollas saith that the Anni se root bruised and stamped together with Wine and so applied stayeth the flux of waterie and weeping eies The herb it self with an equall quantitie of saffron and wine yea or braied alone with barly grots restraineth all great fluxions and distillations and the same composition applied to the eyes driueth out any thing that hath fallen into them A liniment made therwith and water together consumeth and cureth the Polypes or cankerous vlcers within the nosethrils A collution of it in vinegre with honey and hyssop vsed as a gargarisme asswageth the squinancie Tempered with oile of roses it is soueraigne for the eares to be instilled into them Being taken dried and parched at the fire it clenseth the brest of the viscous and tough flegme there gathered but if it be incorporat with honey it doth the deed the better But would you learn for the cough a soueraign lohoch or confection Take one Acetable of Annise and fifty bitter nuts wel clensed and blanched stamp these all together in a mortar and with hony reduce them into the consistence of an Electuarie And yet there is one Composition more for this purpose and of all other the easiest and soonest made Recipe of Annise three drammes of Poppy seed two drams temper these with hony for three mornings together take the quantitie of a bean fasting And this confection is singular besides against soure riftings or belching and therefore it cureth the ventosities which puffe vp the stomacke it asswageth the torments and wrings of the guts and represseth the continual flux proceeding from the weaknesse of the retentiue facultie in the stomacke But to return againe to simple Annise seed a drinke made with the decoction thereof or the very smell taken vp into the nose stayeth the troublesome yex or hocquet The decoction of Anise leaues doth digest and resolue all crudities The iuyce drawne from it when it is sodden with parsley if it be smelled vnto stinteth immoderate sneesing Moreouer Annise taken in drink procureth sleep expelleth the stone and grauel staieth vomits and resolueth the tumors in the precordial parts caused of windinesse Further it is a most soueraign medicine for the diseases in the brest comfortable also to the neruous parts membranes and ligaments wherein the muscles of the body be either inclosed or tied and vnited together The juice of it being boiled with oile and so dropped or instilled into the head is good for the pains thereof It is thought that there is not a better thing for the belly and the guts than Annise and therefore it is giuen ordinarily if it be first parched and rosted against the fire in case of the bloudy flix and exulceration of the guts also for the inordinate profers to the siege rising from it without effect or any thing discharged Some put thereto Opium also and prescribe to make three pils thereof to the bignesse of a Lupine seed and to take them euery day dissolued in a cyath of wine Dieuches vsed commonly the iuyce of Anise to mitigat the pain of the loins to giue also the seed beaten to pouder with mints in wine for the dropsey and tho defluxion stomachicall but the root he thought to be passing good for the kidneyes vsed and taken in that maner Dalion that famous Herbarist was woont to apply Annise and Parsley together in forme of a cataplasme to women in labour for better speed in child-birth also for the pain of the Mother yea he would giue it also to drink with Dill vnto women when they cried out in trauell He applied it also green with barley grotes in manner of a liniment to the head for to stay and settle the brains of phrentique persons And being so prepared he found it singular good for young infants subiect to the Falling-sickenesse or troubled with crampes and contractions of sinewes As for Pythagoras verely he saith confidently That whosoeuer doe but hold this hearbe in his hand hee shall not be surprised with a fit of the Falling-euill and therefore he aduiseth men to sow good store of it in their gardens about their houses to be ready euer at hand He affirmeth moreouer that women in labour if they smel thereto shall haue more speedy and easie deliuerance Hee giueth counsell besides That immediately after the childe is borne the mother should drinke a grewell made with it and some barley grotes strewed among Sosimenes the Physitian was wont to mollifie and resolue all hard swellings with Annise Vinegre he vsed also to giue the decoction therof in oile with some sprinckling of Nitre among to those that felt wearinesse in their lims Moreouer hee assured trauellers and way faring men that if they drank the seed thereof they should find present help if they were tired Heraclides gaue ordinarily of the seed as much as might be taken vp with three fingers together with two oboles of Castoreum in honied wine for the hoving inflation of the stomack semblably for the pussing vp and swelling of belly and guts Also to those that were streit winded could not take their breath but sitting vpright he ministred the like proportion to wit as much as three fingers would contain with equall quantitie of Henbane seed in Asses milke Many Physitians giue counsell to those that would vomit lustily for to drink in water as they sit at supper an acetable thereof and ten leaues of Baies bruised and beaten into pouder If Annise seed be chewed or applied hot in forme of a liniment yea or taken as a drink in vineger and hony together with Castoreum it helpeth the rising of the mother and the danger of suffocation thereby If a woman in child-bed presently vpon her deliuery drinke it with cucumber seed line-seed together of equall quantity namely as much as may be held between 3 fingers in three Cyaths of white wine it will settle the lightnesse of the braine and stay the dizzinesse of her head Tlepolemus prescribed for feuers quartane as much Annise seed as three fingers might comprehend with the like quantity of Fennell seed to be taken in vineger and one Cyath of Honey A liniment made with Annise and bitter nuts allaieth the grieuous pains of
it vp with ease yea and to take his wind and breath at liberty In like manner being taken warm with the juice of Cucumber it cureth the falling sicknesse It purifieth the senses it purgeth the head by smelling it keepeth the body soluble it prouoketh womens monethly fleures and vrine A cataplasme made therewith and applied accordingly helpeth them that be in a dropsie so it doth those that be subject to the falling sicknes but then must it be stamped with three parts of Cumin and figs. If it be tempered with vineger and held to the nose of such women as with the rising of the mother seeme to be strangled and to lie in a trance it raiseth them vp again in like sort it awakens those who be in a fit of the lethargy howbeit in this case it is good to put thereto the seed of Seseli of Candy which they call Tordilion But say that the Patients be in so deep a sleep in this drowsie disease that by such means they will not start vp and be raised then take mustard-seed and figgs temper them with vineger into a cataplasme apply the same to the legs or the forehead or region of the brain rather It hath a caustick or burning quality and being applyed in form of a liniment to any part it raiseth pimples by which means it cureth the old inueterat pains of the brest the ach of the loins the haunch and hucklebone the shoulders or any part of the body where need is that the offensiue humors setled deep within should transpire and be drawn outwardly to an issue Now for that the nature thereof is to blister in case the patient be timerous fear some extreme operation of that burning quality that it hath it may be applied to the part affected between a doubled linnen cloth otherwise if the place be very thick and hard it would be laid too without any figs at all Moreouer there is a good vse of Senuy with red earth for to make the haire come again which is faln for scabs and scurfe for soule morphew or the leprosie the lowsie disease the vniuersall cramp that causeth the body to stand stiffe and stark as it were all of one piece without ioint also the particular cricke which setteth the neck backward that it cannot stir An inunction made with it and hony cureth the eye-lids that be not smooth but rugged and chapped yea and clarifieth the eies which be ouercast with a muddy mist. As touching the juice of Scnvie it is after three sorts drawne the first being pressed forth it is let to take a heat in the Sun gently by little and little within an earthen pot Secondly there issueth forth of the small stems or branches that it hath a white milky liquor which after it is dried and hardened in that manner is a singular remedy for the tooth-ach Where note by the way that the seed root both after they haue bin wel steeped and soked in new wine are stamped or brayed together now if one do take in a supping as much of this iuice thus drawne as may be held in the ball of the hand it is very good to strengthen the throat and chaws to fortifie the stomack to corroborat the eies to confirm the head and generally to preserue all the senses in their entire And verily I know not the like wholsome medicine againe to shake off and cure the lazy and lither feuers that come by fits many times vpon women Senuy also being taken in drinke with vineger breaketh the stone and expelleth it by grauell There is an oyle also made of mustard-seed infused and steeped in oyle and so pressed out which is much vsed to heat and comfort the stiffenesse of sinewes occasioned by cold to warme also and bring into temper the thorough cold lying in the loins hanches and hucklebones whereof commeth the Sciatica Of the same nature and operation that Senuie is Adarca is thought to be according as I haue touched in the discourses of plants and trees growing wild in the woods which is a certain fomy substance arising and sticking in the bark of certain Canes vnder their very leaues and tufts that they beare in the head Concerning Horehound which the Greekes call Prasion others Linostrophon some Phylopes or Philochares an hearbe so well knowne and so common that it needs no description many Physitians haue commended to be as medicinable as the best And in truth the leaues and seed both being beaten into powder are excellent good for the stinging of serpents for the paine of the brest and sides singular for an old cough Moreouer the juice is right soueraign for those who haue their lungs perished and do reach vp bloud if the branches therof gathered and bound vp into bunches be sodden first in water with the grain called Panick for to mitigat in some sort the vnpleasant harshnesse of the said juice A cataplasme of Horehound applied vnto the Kings euill with some conuenient fat or grease resolueth the hard kernels Some prescribe a receit for the cough in this maner Take the seed of green Horehound as much as a man may comprehend with two fingers seeth it with a smal handful of the wheat called Far putting thereto a little oile and salt and so sup off the decoction fasting Others hold That without all comparison there is not a medicine in the world like to the juice of Horehound and Fennel together first drawn by way of expression to the quantity of 3 sextars afterwards boiled to the consumption of a third part vntill there remaine but two sextars then to this decoction there must be put one sextar of hony all sodden again to the consumption of one third part more vnto the height of a syrrup whereof one spoonfull euery day taken in a cyath of water is a drink that in this case hath no fellow Horehound stamped and mixed with hony is of wonderfull effect being applied to the priuy parts of a man for any griefes incident thereto Laid with vineger vnto ring-worms tettars and any such running wildfires it purgeth and riddeth them clean away A wholsom medicine it is to be applied as a cataplasm to ruptures convulsions spasmes and cramps of the sinews Taken in drink with salt and vineger it easeth the belly and maketh it laxatiue It prouoketh womens terms and sendeth out the after-birth The powder of it drie mixed with honey is of exceeding great efficacy to ripen a dry cough to cure gangrenes whiteflaws and wertwalls about the root of the nails The juice dropped into the ears with honey or snuffed vp into the nose cureth their infirmities it scoureth away the Iaundise also and purgeth cholerick humors And for all kinds of poisons few herbs are so effectuall as Horehound for it selfe alone without any addition clenseth the stomack and breast by reaching and fetching vp the filthy and rotten fleam there ingendred If it be taken with hony and the floure-de-lis root it
this property it hath moreouer to stir vp and quicken the Bees and make them more liuely and nimble about their businesse As for the Spiders aforesaid they verily are not so harmful be soon destroied but the Butterflies do the more mischiefe are not so easily rid away Howbeit there is a way to chase them also namely to wait the time when the Mallow doth begin to blossome to take the change of the Moone and chuse a faire and cleare night and then to set vp certaine burning lights just before the Bee-hiues for these Butterflies will couet to flie into the flame But what is to be done when you perceiue that the bees do want victuals then it wil be good to take dry Raisins of the Sun and Figs to stamp them together into a masse and lay it at the entry of the hiue Item It were not amisse to haue certain locks of wool well touzed and carded and those wet drenched in cuit either sodden to the thirds or to two thirds or els seked in honied wine for them to settle vpon and suck Also to set before them in their way the raw carkases of Hens naked and pulled to the bare flesh Moreouer there be certain Summers so dry and continually without raine that the fields want floures to yeeld them food and then must they be serued with the foresaid viands as well as in Winter season When hony is to be taken forth of the hiues the holes and passages for the ingresse and egresse of the bees ought to be well rubbed and besmeared with the herb Melissophyllon and Genista brused and stamped or else the hiues must be compassed about in the middest with branches of the White Vine for feare lest the Bees depart and flie away The vessels whereout hony hath been imploied yea and honey combes would be well rinced and washed in water which being throughly sodden maketh a most wholesome and excellent vineger As touching wax it is made of the combes after the hony is pressed and wrong out of them But first they must be purified and clensed with water and for three daies dried in some darke place vpon the fourth day they are to be dissolued and melted vpon the fire in a new earthen pot neuer occupied before with so much water as will couer the combs and then it should bee strained through a panier of reeds or rushes which done the wax is to be set ouer the fire a second time in the said pot and with the self-same water and sodden again and then it ought to run out of it into other vessels of cold water but those first should be al about within annointed and besmeared with honey The best wax is that which is called Punica i. of Barbary and is white The next in goodnesse is the yellowest and smelleth of hony pure and clean without sophistication such commeth from the country of Pontus and verily I wonder much how this wax should hold good considering the venomous hony whereof it is made In the third place is to be ranged the wax of Candy for this standeth much vpon that matter which they cal Propolis wherof I haue already spoken in the Treatise of Bees and their nature After all these the wax of the Isle Corsyca may be reckoned in the fourth rank which because it is made much of the Box tree is thought to haue a vertue medicinable Now the making working of the first and best Punick white wax is after this manner They take yellow wax and turne it often in the wind without the house in the open aire then they let it seeth in sea-water and namely such as hath bin fet far from the shore out of the very deep putting thereto Niter this done they scum off the floure that is to say the whitest of it with spoons this cream as it wer they change into another vessell which hath a little cold water in it Then once againe they boyle it in sea-water by it selfe alone and set the vessel by for to coole After they haue done thus three times they let it dry in the open aire vpon an hurdle of rushes in the Sun and Moon both night and day and this ordering bringeth it to be faire and white Now in the drying for feare that it should melt they couer it all ouer with a fine Linnen cloth But if they would haue it to be exceeding white indeed they seeth it yet once more after it hath bin thus sunned and mooned In truth this Punick white wax is simply the best to be vsed about medicines If one be disposed to make wax black let him put therto the ashes of paper like as with an addition or Orchanet it will be red Moreouer wax may be brought into all manner of colours for painters limners and enamellers and such curious artificers to represent the forme and similitude of any thing they list And for a thousand other purposes men haue vse thereof but principally to preserue their walls and armors withall All other things as touching Hony and Bees haue bin handled already in the peculiar Treatise to them and their nature belonging Here an end therefore of Gardens and Gardinage CHAP. XV. ¶ Of hearbs which come vp of themselues and such especially as be armed with prickes IT remaineth now to speake of certain wild herbs growing of their own accord which in many nations serue for the kitchin and principally in Aegypt for this countrey although it bee most plentifull in corne yet may seem to haue least need thereof and of all nations vnder heauen best able to liue without the same so well stored it is with hearbs wherof the people doth ordinarily feed whereas in Italy here we know as few of that kind good to be eaten namely Strawberries Tanus Ruscus Crestemarine or Sampire as also Batis Hortensiana which some call French Sperage we haue also the wild Parsnep of the medowes and the Hop but wee vse them rather for pleasure and delight and to giue contentment to ourtast than for any necessary food to maintain life But to come again to Egypt there is to be found the noblest plant of all others Colocasia which some name Cyamos i. the Egyptian beane this herbe they gather and cut downe out of the riuer Nilus it putteth forth a main stem which being sodden yeeldeth in the eating and chewing a certaine threddy matter or woolly substance drawing out in manner of a cob-web but the stalk as it groweth vp amid the leaues maketh a faire and goodly shew for indeed the said leaues be exceeding large and comparable to the broadest that any tree beareth resembling those for all the world of the Clote or great Burr he growing in our rivers which we cal Personata A wonderful thing it is to see what store they in Aegypt set by the commodities that their riuer Nilus doth afford for of the leaues of this Colocasia plaited infolded naturally one within another they
as would trouble and disquiet the head Violets being drunk with water doe cure the Squinancie That which is purple in the floure of the Violets helpeth the falling euil in children especially if they drink it with water Violet seed resisteth the poison of scorpions Contrariwise the floure of the white Violet to wit the bulbous stocke-Gillofre is good to break all impostumat swellings whereas March violets did resolue them But as wel the white Violets as the yellow wall-floures are singular good to extenuate the grosse bloud of womens terms and to moue vrine Violets if they be fresh and new gotten are not so effectuall for these purposes as the dry and old gathered and therefore they would haue a whole yeares drying before they be vsed The wall-floure being taken to the quantitie of halfe a cyath in three cyaths of water stirreth womens fleurs and draweth them downe A liniment made with the root and vinegre together do mitigate and allay the pain of the spleen likewise it asswageth the gout and being tempered with myrrh and saffron it is singular for inflammations of the eyes The leaues mixed with hony clense the head from scurfe and skall reduced into a cerot it healeth vp the chaps in the seat or fundament as also all such Fissures in any moist place whatsoeuer And with vinegre they be good for all collections of humors and apostemations Bacchar also is an herb whereof there is good vse in physick Some of our countrymen haue called it in Latine Perpensa It affourdeth a good remedie against serpents it qualifieth the excessiue heat of the head allaieth the ach and restraineth the flux of humours downe into the eyes A cataplasme is made thereof for womens breasts swelling immediatly after childbirth for to breake the kernell Also for fistulous vlcers beginning to breed betweene the corners of the eies and of the nose and Saint Anthonies fire The very odour thereof is a good inducement to sleep The root sodden and taken in drink is singular for them that are troubled with cramps and convulsions that haue fallen from on high that be drawn togetther with spasmes and finally for such as labor for wind A decoction made of three or foure of the roots boiled away to the thirds is giuen with good successe for an old cough And this drink or Iuleb is very conuenient for to purge women that haue trauelled and bin deliuered before their time It taketh away the stitches in the side cureth the pleurisie and skoureth the stone Herof be bags and quilts made and those if they be laid in a wardrobe among cloathes and apparel causeth them to smell sweet As for Combretum which I said was much like vnto Bacchar if it be beaten to pouder and tempered with hogs grease it maketh a soueraign salue that healeth wounds wonderfully Asarum by report is an appropriat medicine for the liuer if an ounce of it be taken in one hemine of honied wine It purgeth the belly as violently as Ellebore In case of the dropsy it is singular as also for the midriffe precordial parts the Matrice and the Iaunise If it be put into new wine when it worketh and so tunned vp it maketh a singular diuretick wine for to prouoke vrin It must for this purpose be digged out of the ground when the leaues begin to put forth Dried it ought to be in the shade although it be subiect to corruption and mouldeth very soon CHAP. XX. ¶ Of French Nard and Saffron The medicinable vertues of Saffron and the cake or dregs thereof Of Saliunca Polium and Floure de-lis Of Holochryson Chrysocome and Melilote FOrasmuch as some haue taken rustick-Nard to be the root of Bacchar and so named it the which hath put me in mind of French Nard and the promise which I made in my treatise of strange and forrein trees to put off no longer than this place for to speake of it and the properties thereto belong To acquit my selfe therefore I will here set down the vertues of the said Nard as touching the vse thereof in Physicke First therefore if two drammes of French Nard be taken in wine it is singular against the sting and biting of serpents Item if one drinke it either in wine or water it easeth the passions of the Collick proceeding from the inflammation of the gut Colon. In like sort it cureth the inflaammtion of the liuer and the reins the ouerflowing also of the gal and the Iaunise thereupon Taken alone by it selfe or with Wormewood it is a good remedy for the Dropsie It represseth the immoderat flux of womens fleurs As touching Setwall or Valerian which in the foresaid place we named Phu the * root either beaten into pouder or sodden and so giuen in drinke is excellent for the rising of the Mother which threatneth suffocation for the pains of the breast and pleurisie The same prouoketh the course in womens terms so it be taken in wine Saffron will not resolue nor be mixed wel with hony or any sweet thing Howbeit in wine or water it wil dissolue very soon and be incorporated therewith A soueraign spice this is singular for many maladies The best way to keep saffron is within a box of horn It discusseth verily all inflammations but principally those of the eies if together with an egge it be applied in forme of a liniment Excellent it is for the suffocation of the matrice the exulcerations of the stomacke breast kidnies liuer lungs and bladder and more particularly if any of these parts be enflamed a proper remedie also it is in that case Likewise it cureth the cough pleurisie It killeth an itch and prouoketh vrin Our wine-knights when they purpose to sit square at the tauerne and carouse lustily if they drinke Saffron neuer feare surfeit nor the ouerturning of their braine and they are verily persuaded that this keepeth them from drunkennesse and maketh them carie their drinke well Certes a Chaplet of Saffron vpon the head dooth allay the fumes ascending vp thither and preuent drunkennesse Saffron induceth sleep but it troubleth the braine somewhat it pricketh forward to wanton lust The floure of Saffron reduced into a liniment with white Fullers earth helpeth the Shingles and S. Anthonies fire And saffron it self entereth into very many compositions of Physicke One Collyrie or eye-salue there is which taketh the name also of saffron And when the ointment made of Saffron called Crocinium is strained and pressed out the grounds which remaine is named Crocomagma which also is not without some speciall vses for it cureth the suffusion of the eyes or the cataract but it causeth ardeur and heat of vrine more than Saffron it selfe The best is that accounted which if a man tast in his mouth doth colour his spittle and staine his teeth As touching the Flower-de-lis the red is thought to be better than the white Certes if little infants do wear it tied about them by way of necklace collar
truth looke in what garden there groweth abundance of this hearbe the Bees there when they swarme will be soone intreated to tarie not be hastie to wander far abroad The same is a most present remedy not only against their stings but also of wespes spiders and Scorpions And being tempered with a little nitre it is singular against the strangulation of the mother Taken in wine it pacifieth the wrings and torments of the belly The leaues therof being sodden with salt and brought into an ointment are singular good for to be applied vnto the scrophules or swelling kernills called the Kings euill and likewise to the accidents of the seat and fundament as the swelling haemorrhoids or piles The juice taken in drinke bringeth women to their ordinary monethly courses it discusseth â—…eutosities and healeth vlcers it allaieth the paines of any gouts and cureth the biting of mad dogs it is good for the bloudy flix that hath run on a long time as also those fluxes which proceed from the imbecillitie of the stomack it helpeth them that be streight in the chest and cannot take their wind but bolt vpright it mundifieth also the vlcers within the breast To conclude it is said to be a singular remedie none like vnto it for to dispatch the webs in the eye if they be annointed with the juice thereof and honey tempered together Melilot is thought also to be good for the eyes if it be applied with milk or line seed It assuageth also the paine of the jawes and head if it be laid too with oile of Roses likewise it doth mitigat the paine of the ears if it be instilled or dropped into them with wine cuit Moreouer the tumors and breaking out of the hands it helpeth Being boiled in wine or stamped green it easeth the griefe of the stomacke The same effect it hath in the pain of the matrice But if the cods be amisse if the Longaon or tuill bee fallen and beare out of the bodie or if that part bee affected with other accidents Bath the place with a decoction of it boiled greene in water or cuit and the patient shal find ease But if there be an ointment made of it and oile of Roses incorporat together it is a soueraign remedie for all cancerous sores If it be boiled first in sweet wine or cuit it is the better for the purpose aforesaid and so prepared a speciall and effectuall thing it is for the wens called Melicerides wherein is engendred matter resembling honey CHAP. XXI ¶ Of Trefoile and Thyme of the day Lillie Hemerocalles of Elecampane and Southernewood and Cypres I Am not ignorant that folke are verily persuaded how that Trefoile or three leaued grasse is of great force against the stings of serpents and scorpions if either 20 graines of the seed bee inwardly taken in wine or warer and vinegre together or if the leaues and the whole hearb be sodden and the decoction drunk as also that serpents are neuer seen to lie vnder this Trefoile Moreouer I know full well that diuerse Authors renowmed and of great credit haue deliuered in their bookes That fiue and twentie graines of that Trefoile which we called Menianthes is sufficient for a preseruatiue and antidot against all poisons whatsoeuer besides many other medicinable vertues which be ascribed to this hearb But for mine owne part I am induced by the authoritie of the most graue and reuerend Poet Sophocles to stand against their opinion for hee affirmeth plainely That Trefoile is venomous Likewise Simus the Physician doth report that if the decoction of it sodden or the juice thereof stamped bee poured or dropped vpon any part of the body which is sound it wil cause the same fiery and burning smart as followeth vpon a place bitten or stung with a serpent And therefore I would thinke with them and giue counsell also that it is not to be vsed otherwise than a countrepoison For it may bee peraduenture that in this as in many other one poyson by a certaine antipathie and contrarietie in nature expelleth mortifieth another Moreouer this I markand obserue in their writings that the seed of the Trefoile which hath smallest leaues if it be reduced into a liniment is singular good to embellish womens skin and to preserue their beauty if the face be anointed therwith Thyme ought to be gathered whiles it is in the floure and then to be dried in the shade now there are of Thyme two kinds to wit the white which hath a woodie root growing vpon little hills and this is thought to be the better the second is blacker caries besides a black floure They are thought both of them the one as well as the other very good to cleare the eyesight whether they be eaten with meats or taken as a medicine In like maner an electuarie or lohoch made of Thyme is supposed to be excellent good for an old cough and being taken with hony and salt to raise and breake fleam causing the same to be raught vp with more facility also that if it be incorporat with hony it will not suffer the bloud to clutter and congeale within the bodie Applied outwardly as a liniment with Senuie it doth extenuate and subtiliate the rheume that hath of long time sallen in the throat and windpipe and so also it amendeth the grieuance of stomacke and belly How beit these Thymes must be vsed with measure and moderation because they set the body in an heat although they be binding and make the belly costiue Now in case there be an exulceration in the guts there must be taken the weight of 1 denier or dram in Thyme to euery Sextar of honey and vinegre semblably it must bee ordered in case of the pleurisie and when there lyeth a paine between the shoulders or in the breast A drink made of Thyme with honey and vinegre in manner of a juleb or syrrup cureth the griefe of the midriffe and precordiall parts neere vnto the heart And verily a soueraign potion this is to be giuen vnto them that be troubled in mind and lunaticke as also to melancholicke persons The same also may be giuen to those who be subject to the epilepsy or falling sicknes whom the very perfume and smell of Thyme wil raise out of a fit and fetch them again when the disease is vpon them It is said that such should lie ordinarily in a soft bed of Thyme This hearb is proper for those that canot draw their breath vnlesse the â—…sit vpright and to such as are short winded yea and good for women whose monethly courses are either suppressed or come but slowly And saâ—… that the infant were dead in the wombe a decoction of Thyme sodden in water vnto the thirds and so taken doth send it forth of the bodie Men also doe find a great benefit by Thyme if they drinke a syrrup made of it with honey and vinegre in case of ventosities and inflations also if their bellies be swoln
or their cods yea and when their bladder is pained moreouer if it be applied as a cataplasme with wine it assuageth all tumors and bringeth downe swellings it staieth also the impetuous and violent flux of any humours to a place readie to breed an impostumation But if the same be applied with vinegre it taketh away werts and hard callosities It is good for the Sciatica and other gouts for dislocations and lims out of joint being beaten to pouder and bestrewed vpon a quilt of wooll moistned and bathed with oile and so laid to the place in manner of a fomentation A potion also thereof is vsually giuen in case of the gout to wit the weight of 3 Oboles in as many cyaths of vinegre and honey Also when the stomacke riseth against meat and refuseth it a drage or pouder of it with salt brings the appetite againe The day Lillie Hemerocalles hath leaues of a pale and wannish green colour otherwise soft and gentle the root is bulbous or Onion like and odoriferous which if it bee laid to the bellie in manner of a cataplasme doth euacuat waterie humors yea and thick bloud that lieth cluttered within the bodie ready to do a mischiefe The leaues make an excellent liniment to anoint the eies and the parts about it as a defensatiue against the rheum falling thither with violence as also to be applied vnto the paps and breasts of women which ake and are pained presently after child-birth Helenium an hearbe which sprang first from the teares of lady Helena as I haue already shewed is thought to haue a special vertue to preserue beauty and to maintain the skin fair pure and delicat as well in the face of women as in other parts of their body Moreouer a deepe opinion there is of this hearb that whosoeuer vse it shall proue amiable and gracious they shall I say win loue and fauour whersoeuer they come Also there is attributed and prescribed to this herb if it be taken in wine a mightie operation to procure mirth and make the heart mery and it is thought to be as effectuall that way as was that noble drinke Nepenthes so highly commended in Homer so called for that it puts away al heauinesse sorrow and melancholy And in faith the juice of Helenium is passing sweet and pleasant the root of Helenium taken in water vpon an emptie stomacke when a man is fasting is very good for them that are streight winded and cannot take their breath but vpright Now is the root white within and sweet also as is the hearb The same is giuen to drinke in wine against the sting of serpents To conclude being beaten into pouder it is said for to kill Mice As touching Abrotonum I find that there be two kinds of it The one of the plaines which I take to be the male the other of the mountaines which I would haue to goe for the female Neither of them both there is but it is as bitter as Wormwood The best is that which growes in Sicilie next to which that of Galatia is most esteemed The leaues are much vsed but the seed much more for to heat and chaufe any part of the bodie And therfore it is good and comfortable for the sinewes it cureth the cough it procureth them libertie of breath who cannot fetch their wind lying or leaning with their heads it helpeth the crampe it consolidateth ruptures it easeth the paine of the loines and maketh free passage for vrine The right manner of the decoction as well of the one as the other is to seeth them in bunches or bundles like handfulls vntill a third part of the water be consumed and foure cyaths is an ordinarie draught of this decoction The seed also being beaten into pouder is giuen to the weight of a dram in water for a drink And indeed so taken it comforteth the matrice and the natural parts of women A poultesse made of it and Barley meale applied vnto dull and broad swellings which gather not quickely to an head doth ripen them apace and bring them to suppuration Also beeing reduced into a liniment with a quince rosted or baked it cureth the inflammation of the eyes if they be annointed therwith it hath a vertue to driue a way serpents in case one be stung with them alreadie it expelleth the poison taken inwardly in drinke or laid too outwardly in forme of an ointment draweth it forth But most effectually is the power thereof seen in those poisoned and venomous stings which cause the bodie to shake chill and quake for cold as namely those of scorpions and the spiders called phalangia Moreouer good it is also for other poisons if it be taken in drinke and so it helpeth those that be surprised with any extreme cold how soeuer This propertie likewise it hath to draw forth of the bodie all spills or any thing else that sticketh within the same It driueth out of the body the worms engendred in the guts Finally it is said that if a branch therof be laid vnder the pillow where folk lieth in bed it wil put them in mind of wantonnesse and prouoke them to lust and against all charmes enchantments and witchcrafts which cool the heat of the flesh and disable or bind any person from the act of generation it is the most powerfull hearb of all others CHAP. XXII ¶ The medicinable vertues of Leucanthemum and Sampsuchum i. Marjerom LEucanthemum mingled with 2 parts of vinegre and so giuen to drinke is good for those that be short winded As for Sampsuchum or Amacacum that of Cyprus is most commended and the sweetest of all other this hearb brought into a liniment and applied with vinegre and salt is good against the venom of Scorpions Moreouer if it be put vp into the naturall parts of a woman in forme of a pessarie it helpeth much to bring downe their monethly courses for if it be taken in drinke it is not so effectuall Appled as a liniment after it is incorporat with barley groats it restraineth the flux of humors to the eyes The juice therof when it is sodden discusseth and dissolueth the ventosities that moue pangs and wrings in the belly a good medicine it is to prouoke vrine and by consequence for those that be in a dropsie Marjoram dried mooueth sneesing Thereof is made an artificiall oile called Sampsuchinum or Amaracinum singular for to heat the sinewes and to mollifie their stiffenesse and hardnesse as also by the heat thereof to comfort the matrice The leaues applied with hony serue very well to reduce the black and blew marks occasioned by stripes or bruises to their natural and liuely colour and brought into a cerot with wax it is good for dislocations of joynts CHAP. XXIII ¶ The vertues and properties of Anemone or Windfloure requisit in Physicke WHe haue discoursed of Anemone and those kinds thereof which go to the making of chaplets and guirlands it remaineth now therefore to speake of
excellent for vlcers ruptures and bruises whether it be that one hath tumbled head-long from some high downfal or that he hath bin crushed by the ouerthrow of some waggon or chariot It fortuned that a Page of Pericles a prince of the Atheniens whom he loued intirely hauing climed vp to the top of the lanterne or spire of a temple which the said prince built in the castle or citadell of Athens fel downe from thence who was cured by the means of this herb reuealed vnto Pericles in his sleep by the goddesse Minerva whereupon it tooke the name first of Parthenium and is consecrat vnto the said goddesse this is that Page whose molten statue is to be seen at this day made of brasse this is I say that noble and famous image called Splaâ—…hnoptes CHAP. XVIII ¶ Of Chamaeleon the hearbe the sundry kindes thereof and the vertues medicinable COncerning Chamaeleon some there be who name it Ixias whereof be two kinds the whiter hath the rougher leaues it creepeth close by the ground and setteth vp stiffe prickles in manner of an Vrchin the root is sweet in tast but of a most strong sent In some places it ingendreth a white kind of gum or clammie glew vnder the wings or arm-pits as it were of the leaues after the same manner as Frankincense is said to breed but especially about the rising of the Dog-star for that it is like to a kind of birdlime it is called Ixia our women vse this instead of Mastick And the reason why this herb is named Chamaeleon is by occasion of the variable leaues which it beareth for according to the nature of the soile where it groweth it changeth hew whereby in one place you shall haue it blacke in another green here you shall see it look blew and there yellow and euermore altering the color Of which Chamaeleons the white cureth such as are in a dropsie if the root be boiled and the juice thereof taken to the quantity of a dram in sweet wine cuit The measure of one acetable of the same juice if one drink in a green harsh wine made of the hedge vnripe grape wherein certain bunches of Origanum haue lien infused it is thought to be a singular remedy to kill the worms that breed in the guts It auaileth much also to help those who pisse with difficulty and yet this juice being giuen to dogs or swine in barly groats killeth them If there be water and oile mingled therto it draweth rats and mice to it but it is their bane vnlesse presently they drinke water Some prescribe for to cut the root thereof into thin roundles and to keep them enfiled vp or hanging by a string and then to seeth them for to be eaten against the flux of humours which the Greekes name Rheumatismes Of the black kind some hath named that the male which hath the purple floure and the female with the violet colour They all grow vp with one stem and no more and the same is a cubit high and a finger thick The roots are good to heale ringworms tettars and such like wild fires if they be sodden together with brimstone and Bitumen but if the said root be chewed in the mouth or a collution be made therwith sodden in vineger it fastens the teeth which shake and be loose in the head The juice of this root healeth the scab or mange in four-footed beasts Herewith also folke vse to kill the ticks that breed in dogges but it stoppeth the wind of heifers and yong steers in maner of a squinancy and therefore of some it is called Vlophonon and Cynozolon in regard of the strong and stinking smell that it hath These Chamaeleons do beare a certain viscous gumme most proper for vlcers And the roots of all the sort of them as well blacke as white are singular against the poison of serpents CHAP. XIX ¶ Of Coronopus or Harts-horne with the medicinable vertues thereof COronopus is an herb bearing long leaues and those clouen into certain fissures and knags and howsoeuer it groweth wild yet otherwhiles it is set and sowne in gardens for the excellency of the root which being rosted vnder the ashes is soueraign for the flux weaknesse of the stomacke CHAP. XX. ¶ Of Orchanet or Alkanet as well the right as the bastard and their properties in Physicke THe root of Orchanet is much vsed about medicines of the thicknesse it is of a finger it wil rend and cleaue in manner of the papyr reed and it coloreth the hands of as many as handle it with a red and bloudy colour it prepareth wooll and woollen cloth for to take rich and deep colours If it be incorporat into the form of a cerot it healeth vlcers especially in old men as also places that be burnt It cannot be resolued in water but it is oile that must dissolue it and verily this is a good experiment of that which is true and nothing sophisticat A dram thereof giuen in wine to drink is singular good for the pain in the kidnies but in case the Patient haue a feuer vpon him then it ought to be taken in the decoction of Balanos In like manner is it to be vsed in the opilations or obstructions of the liuer of the spleen and in the Iaundise A liniment made of it and vineger cureth the leprosie and the red pimples arising in the face The leaues stamped with hony and meale vntill they be incorporat together and so applied as a cataplasme are thought to be good for dislocations but if they be taken inwardly to the quantity of two drams in honied wine they bind and knit the belly The root boiled in water is said to kill fleas Another herb there is much like vnto it and thereupon called Pseudanchusa i. bastard Orchanet of some but of others Enchusa or Doris and many other names it hath besides More full of downe or hairy mosse it is and lesse fatty but the leaues are smaller more ranke and feeble The root yeeldeth no oleous substance but a reddish juice wherin it differeth from the right Anchusa or Orchanet The leaues or feed being taken in drinke is a most effectual counterpoison against serpents The substance of the leaues being applied to the places which bee stung are soueraigne for to cure and heale them vp The very herb it selfe chaseth away all poison of serpents There is a drink made therof commended highly for the chine or ridge-bone of the back The Magitians do prescribe the leaues to be bound vnto some part of the Patient against a tertian ague with this charge That they be gathered with the left hand that in the gathering the party or patient for whose sake they are gotten be named CHAP. XXI ¶ Of Onochiles Anthemis Lotos and Lotometra of Turnsoll-Tricoccus of Adiantum and Callitrichon ANother herb there is particularly named Onochiles which some call Anchusa others Arcebion or Onochelis some Rhexias and many Enchusa a small herb this is
Vsually also is this herb giuen against venomous fishes of the sea and the Scolopendres of the land In Campaine the shell-snailes haue a wonderf ull spight against the maine stalke of this hearbe Asphodel for they neuer lin sucking it vntil they haue made it as drie as a kex The leaues also are reduced into a liniment for to be applied to enuenomed wounds occasioned by such serpents hurtful beasts Likewise an ointment may bee made of the bulbous roots thereof stamped together with Barley groats for to annoint the sinews and joynts Good it is also to cut them into roundles and therewith together with vinegre to rub ring-wormes and tettars In like manner if they be applied with water they doe cleanse putrisied and rotten vleers yea and the hot apostemations of the paps and the cods Beeing sodden in wine lees and so laid to the eies with a fine linnen rag betweene they cure the flux of humors thither which causeth the eyes alwaies to water Generally in any disease whatsoeuer Physicians vse the root of this hearbe boiled for the most part rather than otherwise likewise for the mor-males and vgly sores in the legs they vse the pouder of them dried as also for the fissures and chaps appearing in any part of the body Now the only fit and conuenient season to gather these roots is in Autumne at what time they bee most in force Being stamped raw or sodden there is a juice pressed foorth of them which is soueraigne with honey for any pains of the bodie whether it be the collicke or seated in the muskles And the same being mixed with the drie root of Flower-de-lis and a little quantity of salt is passing good for those that affect a sweet smel and would palliat the ranke sauor of any part of the body Moreouer the leaues of the Asphodel serue for al the former maladies as also for the kings euill for red and flat biles gout-rosat sauce-fleame ale-pocks and such like vlcers in the face if the same be sodden in wine and therwith the grieued parts bathed The ashes of the root burnt bring hair againe vpon the head where it was lost and gon and healeth vp the chaps and rifts in the feet The juice of the root sodden in oile is good for kibed heles for burns or skals To help the hardnes of hearing the same juice is to be dropped into the eares but to assuage the tooth-ach it must be instilled into the ear of the contrary side The same root taken in drink moderatly is singular for to procure vrine to prouoke womens moneths and to mitigat the paine of the sides or pleurisie But giuen in wine to the weight of one dram it cureth ruptures convulsions or cramps and coughs The same being chewed helpeth forward vomites and causeth them to come with more ease The seed if it be taken inwardly troubleth and wringeth the belly Chrysermus the Physician vsed to boile the root in wine and therewith cured the swelling kernills and inflammations behind the ears also with an addition of Cachrys and wine he healed the kings euil Some say that if one take the Asphodel root and lay one part thereof to those swelling kernils called the kings euill and remoue it vpon the fourth day letting the other part to hang in the smoke the said kernils wil drie away euen as the root doth in the chimny Sophocles for the gout vsed the root both waies as well raw as boiled In case of humble-heels he applied it sodden in oile but to them that were fallen into the jaunise or dropsie he gaue it in wine Some writers haue set down in their books that if either the members of generation be anointed with a liniment made therwith and wine and hony together or if the same be taken in drink it will mightily prouoke fleshly lust Xenocrates affirmeth That a decoction of the root in vinegre taketh away the ring-worms tettars running scabs Item If the root be boiled with Henbane and Tar and therewith the armholes and parts between the legs be well rubbed it wil rid away the strong and rank sauor which commeth from thence and if the head be first shauen afterwards rubbed with the said root the haire comming afterwards will curle and frizzle the better Simus the Physician boileth it in wine and so giueth it in drinke for to scoure away the stones of the kidnies Hippocrates prescribeth to giue the seed against the hardnes of the spleen and the flux proceeding from thence furthermore the root being brought to a liniment or the very iuice thereof sodden and vsed accordingly healeth the farsins mange and scab in horses and reduceth the place to bear hair again as faire as before Asphodel hath a property to chase away mice and rats and if their holes be stopped vp therewith they die within Some are of opinion that Hesiod called Asphodel a limon which I take to be a meer vntruth for ther is an herb by it self called Alimon about which writers haue erred not a little for some say that it is a shrub growing thick of a white color without any prick or thorn bearing leaus like the Oliue tree but they be softer this plant is entertained in the kitchin there sodden and dressed for to be serued vp as meat to the table the root taken to the quantity of one dram in honied water dispatcheth the torments of the belly it cureth also convulsions and ruptures Others affirme that Alimon is a sea-wort of a salt and brackish tast whereof it had the name The leaues be round and yet after a sort long withall and the whole herb is highly commended for the pleasant tast and good to be eaten Moreouer there be two kinds of it for the one is wild the other is of a more ciuil and gentle nature And both of them by their saying are good to be eaten with bread for the bloudy flixe euen when the guts be already exulcerate but with vinegre for to comfort and help the stomack A liniment made of Alimon raw is singular for old festered vlcers and the same mitigateth the symptomes that follow green wounds as also assuageth the pains ensuing vpon sprains and dislocations of the foot yea pacifieth the grief of the bladder The wild of this kind hath smaller leaues but more effectuall it is in the remedies beforesaid and withall healeth the scab as well in man as beast Ouer and besides they do affirm That if the body be rubbed with the root the skin wil be the fairer and more smooth or if the teeth be so serued they will be the whiter Also that whosoeuer hold the seed thereof vnder their tongues they shall not be dry nor feel thirst This kind is likewise eaten at the boord and both of them are kept and preserued condite Cratevas hath made mention of a third sort which hath longer leaues than the rest and more rough in the hand in smel resembling the Cipres tree
is to drinke it in wine next the heart fasting And as Petricus the Poet hath deliuered in verse a liniment of this herb is singular against the poisons of venomous sea-beasts Among these herbs is reckoned * Sion a plant growing in waters of it selfe with leaues like Parsly or Smallach but that they be larger fatter of a deeper blackish green it beareth seed plentifully and in tast resembleth water-Cresses It is thought to be excellent good for those that canot make water for the diseases of the reins and paine of the spleene yea and for women whose monethly termes are suppressed whether the substance thereof be taken as meat or the juice of the herb decocted or the seed drunk in wine to the weight of two drams It breaks the stones ingendred within the body and notwithstanding it groweth in water yet it euacuateth those aquosities and waterie humors which ingender the same Being clisterized it helps those that haue the bloudy flix If women anoint their faces with a liniment made of it ouer-night it doth embellish their skin at one instant and with one dressing yea it taketh away the pimples and spots that disfigure the face in maner of Lentils This ointment is held also to be good for the farsins and such sores in horses and such like beasts and to mitigat the grieuous paines and trouble of any ruptures As concerning Silybus an herbe like vnto the white Chamaeleon and as full of thornes it groweth abundantly in Cilicia Syria and Phoenice and yet in these countries they make not so much account of it as to bestow the dressing of it it asketh so much adoe in the kitchen before it be in case to be serued vp in the hall And for physicke there is no goodnesse in it at all The plant * Scolymus is vsed also much to be eaten in the East parts where they call it by another name Limonia It neuer exceedeth a cubit in height the leaues be crested the root blacke but yet sweet Eratosthenes commendeth it as a principal dish for a poor mans table and it is said that it hath a special vertue to prouoke vrine and with vinegre if it be applied to cure the soule tettars called Lichenes and the leprosie also by the testimony of Hesiodus and Alcaeus if it be taken in wine it inciteth to wantonnesse and fleshly pleasures These Poets doe write That when this hearb doth flourish and is at the best then grashoppers chaunt loudest and sing most shril and as women at such a time be most desirous of mens company and hottest in lust so contrariwise men are most loth to turn vnto them and least able to content their appetite as if Nature to satisfie the pleasure of these good wiues had prouided against that faint season the help of the Artichoke as a viand most powerful at this time to set their husbands in a heat and to enable them to that businesse Moreouer an ounce of the root cleansed from the pith sodden to the thirds in three hemines of the best Falerne wine and either taken in drinke vpon an emptie stomack presently after that one hath sweat and is new come soorth of the Baine or else to the quantitie of one cyath immediatly after euery meale doth correct and take away the stinke and ranke smell of the arme-pits And a straunge thing it is that Xenocrates affirmeth vpon his owne experience and promiseth That this decoction is of such efficacie that it causeth the said strong sent to passe away by the vrine Moreouer the Sowthistle is an hearbe for to be eaten for we read in the Poet Callimachus That the poore old woman Hecale at what time as prince Theseus fortuned on necessitie to take his repast in her simple cottage made him a feast and set before him a principal dish of Sowthistles Two kinds there be of them the white and the black both like vnto lectuce but that they are full of pricks They run vp into a stalke of a cubite in height the same is cornered and hollow within but breake it and you shall see it run out with milke plentifully The white which hath that bright colour of the milke within it is thought to bee as good as Lectuces for those that be streight winded and cannot take their breath but vpright Erasistratus sheweth plainely That if it be eaten it expelleth grauell by vrine and chewed only it correcteth the stinking sauour of the mouth and causeth one to haue a sweet breath The juice thereof drawn to the measure of three ciaths made hot in white wine and oile and so taken helpeth women in labor that they may be soone deliuered but presently after they haue drunk it they ought to stir their bodies and walke vp and down their chamber Also it is vsed to be sodden in broth and so supped vp The very stalke therof being boiled maketh milch nources to haue good store of milk and the children at their breast to be better coloured But most excellent it is for such nources as feele their milk to cruddle in their breasts The juice thereof dropped into the ears doth them much good and a measure of one cyath drunk hot is as good for the strangurie But in the fretting and gnawing of the stomack it would be taken with Cucumber seed and Pine-nut kernils Applied in form of a liniment it cureth the apostemations in the fundament A drinke is made thereof which is a countrepoison against serpents and scorpions but then the root also must be laid outwardly vnto the sore place The same root boiled with oile within the pill of a pomgranat is a good remedie for the paines and maladies of the ears Note that all these vertues must be vnderstood of the white Sowthistle And Cleemporus doth accord hereunto as touching the white but he alloweth in no wise to eat of the black for he is of opinion that it breedeth diseases Agathocles also prescribeth the juice of the white Sowthistle to them who haue drunk Bulls bloud and suspect themselues poysoned therwith Howbeit they be all agreed that the blacke is refrigeratiue in which regard it ought to be applied outwardly with Barly groats Zenon declareth That the root of the white Sow-thistle cureth the strangurie As for Chondrillon or Chondrille it hath leaues like to Endiue or Cichory leaues gnawed or eaten round about a stem not a foot high and the same full of a bitter iuice a root like vnto Beane and otherwhile there be many of them together This hearbe putteth forth close to the ground a certain kind of gum like Mastick swelling out to the bignesse of a Bean which being applied to the naturall parts of women is said to draw down their monthly courses The same hearbe being stamped root and all together and digested into trosches is thought to bee singular good against serpents and a probable reason herof is collected because the field mice and rats when they are stung by
wine for to bath kibed heels for which purpose it is boiled in oile and so applied In like manner it serueth to soften hard callosities in any place whatsoeuer and for the foresaid corns of the feet especially if they be scarrified scraped before it is of great efficacy Singula it is against vnwholsom waters pestilent tracts and contagious airs as in times suspected of infection Soueraigne it is for the cough the fall of the Vvula and an old jaunise or ouerflowing of the gall for the dropsy also and hoarsnesse of the throat for presently it skoureth the pipes cleers the voice again and maketh it audible If it be infused and dissolued in water and vinegre and so applied with a spunge It assuageth the gout Taken in a broth or thin supping it is good for the pleurisie especially if the patient purpose to drink wine after it being couered al ouer with wax to the quantity of one cich pease it is giuen very well in case of contractions shrinking of sinewes and namely to such as cary their heads backward perforce by occasion of some crick or cramp For the squinance it is good to gargarize therwith Semblably it is giuen with leeks and vinegre to those that wheaze in their chest and be short winded haue had an old cough sticking long by them also with vinegre alone to such as haue supped off and drunk quailed milke that is cluttered within their stomack Taken in wine it is singular for the faintings about the heart as also for colliquations and such as are faln away and far gone in a consumption those that be taken with the falling sicknes but in honied water it hath a special operation respectiue to the palsie or resolution of the tongue With sodden honey and Laser together there is made a liniment very proper to annoint the region of the hucklebone where the Sciatica is seated and the small of the backe to allay the pain of the loins I would not giue counsel as many writers doe prescribe for to put it in the concauitie or hole of a rotten tooth and so stop vp the place close with wax for feare of that which might ensue thereupon for I haue seene the fearfull sequel of that experiment in a man who vpon the taking of that medicine threw himselfe headlong from an high loft and brake his necke such intolerable paines he sustained of the tooth-ache and no maruell for do but anoint the muffle or nose of a Bull therewith it wil set him on a fire make him horn-mad and being mingled with wine if serpents as they are most greedie of wine chance to lap or lick thereof it wil cause them to burst And therefore I would not aduise any to be anointed with it and hony of Athens incorporat together howsoeuer there be some physitians who set down such a receit Certes if I should take in hand to particularize of the vertues that Laser hath being mingled with other matter in confections I should neuer make an end But my purpose is to deale with simples only wherein Natures work is most apparant euident to be seen whereas in compositions we go altogether by coniectures which many times deceiue vs neither can a man be assured of their operation for who is able to obserue the iust proportion in these mixtures either of the contrarieties and repugnances or the concord and agreement of the ingredients in Nature But of this point I will write more at large hereafter CHAP. XXIV ¶ Of the nature and properties of Hony Of honied water or Mead called Hydromel How it commeth to passe that the manners and behauiours of men be altered by meat and viands Of honied wine named Melitites and of Wax Also against the abuse in composition of medicines HOny were it not so common as it is and euery where to be had would be as high esteemed and of as great price as Laser As for this drug Nature hath framed and made it immediatly her own self but for the getting and working of hony she hath created a liuing creature of purpose as we haue already said by means whereof we haue this coelestial liquor which serueth for an infinite number of vses considering how often it entreth into mixtures and compositions And first to speak of that cereous substance Propolis which as it hath bin shewed already offereth it selfe first to be seen at the very entry of the Bee-hiue These vertues medicinable it hath namely to draw forth all pricks thorns and what offensiue thing soeuer sticketh within the flesh of a body to dissolue and dissipate all tumours and swelling bunches to concoct and mollifie any hardnesse to assuage the pains of sinews and finally to incarnat heale vp and skin any desperat vlcers As touching Hony it selfe of this nature verily it is That it wil suffer no dead bodies to putrifie notwithstanding it be of a sweet and pleasant tast far from any aegrenesse and contrary to the nature of salt for the throat the kernels of each side thereof called the Tonsils or Amygdals for the squinancie and all the accidents befalling to the mouth as also for the drinesse of the tongue through extremitie of heate in feuers it is the most soueraigne thing in the world Hony boiled is singular for the inflammation of the lungs and for the pleurisie also it cureth the wounds inflicted by the sting or teeth of serpents and helpeth those who haue eaten venomous mushroms Being taken in dulcet or honied wine it cureth those that lie of a palsie although indeed the said honied wine alone hath many gifts and properties by it selfe Hony together with oile of Roses dropped into the ears cureth their singing and pain Good it is also for to kil lice and such like vermin in the head and to rid away nits where note by the way that if hony be dispumed that is to say skummed and clarified it is euermore the better for any vse Howbeit the stomack it puffeth vp and maketh to swel with ventosities it ingendreth and encreaseth cholerick humors and taketh away appetite to meat yea and some are of opinion that being vsed simply alone and not compounded with other things it is hurtfull to the eies and yet others giue counsel to touch and anoint the corners of the eies therewith when they be exulcerat Touching the materiall causewhereof honey is ingendred the maner how the diuers sorts the countries where it is made the price also and value with the sundry proofs and tria's thereof I haue written already once in my treatise of Bees and a second time in my discourse of the nature of Floures for so the order and course of this my Worke forced me to treat distinctly of those matters which they that be desirous to know exactly the nature of Simples may put together and mingle again at their pleasures By the same reason also since we are entred into the vertues and operations of Hony I must of necessitie
of their wholsom vertues according as they enter into many compositions which proceed all as I haue said from the wit and artificiall inuention of man for wee neuer find that Cerots Cataplasms Emollitiues Plastres Collyries or Eye-salues Antidotes or Preseruatiue confections were euer of our great mother dame natures making who indeed is the diuine worke mistresse of all things these are the deuises of Apothecaries nay they are rather tricks proceeding from auarice and couetousnesse As for Nature she hath made nothing vnperfect her workes be absolute all and accomplished in their essence ordained hath shee no compounds vnlesse it be very few wherein she proceedeth vpon good cause and reason and goeth not by blind aime and doubtfull conjectures as namely when according to her rule and order shee doth incorporate some things of a drie constitution and substance with a liquor that they may pierce enter better within the pores of the body or els when she giueth consistence to liquid matters by some bodily substance which may vnite and knit them together To goe about for to compasse the vertues of euery simple ingredient in these compositions curiously by scruples and graines sauoureth of impudencie rather than a worke grounded vpon humane conjecture For mine owne part I haue nothing to doe with these drugs and far-fet wares that come from India and Arabia I meddle not I say with these medicinable spices brought out as it were of another world These simples growing so far off in such remote countries please me not neither do I thinke them meet for to cure our maladies they were neuer brought forth by Nature for vs no nor for them neither where they grow otherwise they were not such fools I trow as to sell and passe them away as they doe Buy them and spare not for sweet pomanders perfumes and delicat ointments ye may buy them also if you please vpon a superstitious deuotion for the worship of gods for that now we canot sacrifice pray serue God for sooth without Frank incense and Costus And that our daintie ones and effeminat persons should be the more ashamed of themselues I will the rather shew and prooue That we may both preserue and recouer our health well enough without these exotical and forraine drugs and that ech region is furnished sufficiently with home-physicke of their owne But now since we haue taken so much paines as to collect the medicinable vertues of guirland-floures of pot-hearbes also harden woorts and sallad hearbes How may I for very shame leaue out the properties of corne and grain seruing for Physick and therefore in this place it shall be well done to discourse of them likewise CHAP. XXV ¶ The medicinable vertues and properties of corne and graine FIrst and formost this is holden for certain that they be the most ingenious and wisest creatures of all others which liue of corn The grains of the fine blanched wheat Siligo being burnt brought into pouder and applied with Amâ—…nien wine in manner of a liniment doe restraine the flux of humors to the eies Also the cornes of the ordinary wheat Triticum being parched or rosted vpon a red hot yron are a present remedie for those who are scortched and sindged with nipping cold The meale of the said wheat sodden in vinegre and applied as a cataplasm helpeth the contraction and shrinking vp of the sinews but wheat brans with oile of roses drie figges and sebesten sodden together make a collution the gargarizing wherewith is good for the inflammation of the Tonsills or Amygdales and to cure all the accidents of the throat Sextus Pompetus who in his daies was one of the principal peers of high Spain left a sonne behind him who afterward was lord Pretour of Rome sitting on a time before his barnedores to see his corn winowed was surprised sodainly with a fit of the gout and whether it were by chance or in a rage for the extremitie of paine thrust his legs aboue the knees into the heap of wheat lying thereby but finding his legs mightily dried hereby and himselfe wonderfully eased of his paine by that means he neuer vsed any other remedie afterwards but so soone as he felt a fit of his gout comming he plunged his feet and legs into a heap of wheat Certes wheat is such a desiccatiue that it wil draw and drie vp the wine or any other liquor in a barrell which is buried within it Moreouer the best experienced Chirurgians in the cure of ruptures affirm That there is nothing better than to lay the chaffe of wheat or barley hot to the grieued place and to soment the same with a decoction wherein it was sodden As for the bearded wheat Far there is a certaine worme breeding in it like to a moth or the grub that eateth wood which is singular good to make rotten teeth to fal out of the head for if the same be lapped within wax and so put into the hole of the faultie tooth it wil drop out or if the sound teeth be but rubbed therewith they will shed and fall forth of the head Touching the graine Olyra we haue said already that it is called also Arinca The Aegyptians make thereof a certaine medicinable decoction or gruell which they call Athara passing good for young babes yea and it serueth to bath and annoint elder folke withall Barly meale either raw or boiled doth discusse and resolue assuage ripen all impostumes engendred either by way of gathering and collection of humours or by some deflux and rheumatick descent The same otherwhiles is sodden in honyed water or els with dried figs but for the paines of the liuer it had need to be boiled with Oxycatre i. water and vinegre together or els with wine But when the case standeth so that the tumor must be partly dissipated partly brought to maturation then it is better that it be incorporate in vinegre or the lees of vinegre or at least waies in sodden peares or sodden quinces Being tempered and medled with hony it is very good for the biting of the cheeslips or many-feet worms called Multipedes but for the sting of serpents it is better to mix it with vinegre as also to keep sores from festering and rankling but in case it be needful and requisit to clense them from suppurat matter therein gathered then it would be applied with vinegre and water with rosin also and gal-nuts added therto For inueterat and old vlcers to bring them to maturation it is laid too with rosin for to soften hard tumors it is vsedeither with pigeons dung or with drie figs or ashes Being applied with Poppie or Melilot it is singular for the inflammation of the nerues of the guts sides also for the paines of mens priuie parts or when the flesh is departed from the bone Incorporate with pitch and the vrine of a boy not yet vndergrowne nor fourteene yeares old it is a proper medicine for the swelling kernels named
Bruised and so eaten or sodden with Garlick they be excellent good against coughes that were thought past cure and remedilesse yea and imposthumes in the brest grown to suppuration but the patient ought to feed thereof continually euery day Also if one chew them fasting and so apply them to a fellon they are thought passing good either to ripen or to discusse the same Boiled in wine and so laid too they assuage the swellings of the cods and priuy parts seruing to generation Bean floure sodden in vineger doth ripen and breake all tumors in like manner it dissolueth black bruised bloud lying vnder the skin and healeth burns M. Varro is of opinion that it is good for the voice Bean stalks and bean cods burnt to ashes and so incorporat with old Swines seam is good for the Sciatica and all inueterat pains of the sinews The very husks of beans alone sodden to the thirds do stop the lask and running out of the belly The best Lentils be they that are most tender and ask least seething also such as drink much water Lentils verily do dim the eie-sight and breed ventosities in the stomacke but taken in meat they stay the flux of the guts and the rather if they be throughly sodden in rain water but in case they be not fully boiled they do open the belly and make the body laxatiue the escares or roofs remaining vpon cauterized or blistered sores they break and make to fall off those vlcers which are within the mouth they mundifie and clense Applied outwardly they appease the pains of all imposthumes especially if they be exulcerat and ful of chaps and reduced into a cataplasm with melilote or a quince they are singular for to represse the flux of humors to the eyes but for to keep impostumes and tumors from suppuration they are laied too with Barley groats or the grosse meale thereof torrified The juice of Lentils after they be sodden is good for the exulcerations of the mouth and the genitors likewise with an addition of oile Rosat or Quince for the inflammation of the seat or fundament But if the parts affected and exulcerat do require stronger and sharper remedies the same would be applied with the rind of a pomgranat and a little hony put thereto And to the end that the said cataplasme shal not dry quickly they vse to put thereto Beet leaues Lentils sodden throughly in vineger serue for a cataplasm to be laid vpon the swelling kernels called the Kings euill and other fell biles whether they be ripe or in the way only of maturation Applied with honied water they be very good for any clifts and chaps but with the pill or rinde of a pomgranat for Gangrenes In like manner with barly groats they be appropriat for the gout the kidnies the naturall parts of women for kibes and such vlcers as be hardly brought to cicatrice Thirty grains of Lentils swallowed down by way of Bole are singular for the feeblenesse and dissolution of the stomacke In dysenteries or bloudy fixes in the violent rage of cholerick humors which cause euacuations both vpward downward Lentils do effectuat their operation much more if they be sodden in three waters For which purpose also better it is to torrifie them first and then to pound or beat them small that they may be giuen to the patient as fine as may be either by themselues alone or els with a Quince with Pears Myrtle berries wild Cichory black Beets or Plantain Howbeit note thus much That Lentils are nought for the Lungs for head-ache for all neruous parts and the gall and this ill property they haue besides to keep the patient from sleep Being sodden in sea-sea-water they are good for pushes and angry wheales for S. Anthonies fire and the accidents that befall womens breasts but if they be boiled in vineger they discusse all hard tumors the kings euil They that haue but weak and bad stomacks vse verily to put Lentils to thicken their pottage and gruels instead of Barly groats and find thereby much ease If they be halfe sodden in water afterwards braied or stamped then let passe through a tamise that the brans might be separat from the rest they are thought very good for burns but then within a while as the cure goeth forward they must be applied with honey also put thereto Finally if they be sodden in Oxycrat or water and vineger together they help the swelling bunch of the throat called Bronchocele There is a kind of marish or moory Lentils called Ducks meat growing of it selfe in standing waters This herb is by nature refrigeratiue in which regard it serueth to make a liniment vsed for inflammations and hot imposthumes but principally for all manner of gouts either alone or mingled with Barly groats The same hath vertue to knit consolidat ruptures when the bowels are fallen downe Moreouer there be wild Lentils called by the Greeks Elelisphacos by others Phacos These be lighter than the tame Lentils which are sowed bearing a smaller leafe drier also more odoriferous than the other Of which wild Lentils there is a second sort carying a strong smel in somuch as the former kind is counted the milder These Lentils haue leaues formed to the fashion of quince leaues but that they be lesse and white and commonly they are sodden branch and all together Their medicinable vertues be to bring down the monthly sicknesse of women to prouoke vrines and to heale the wounds occasioned by the venomous prick of the sea puffin or fork-fish Now the nature of this fish is to benum and mortifie the place which is strucken Of these Lentils and Wormwood there is a drink made good for the dysentery or bloudy-flix The same taken with wine draweth down womens fleurs that stay vpon them but if their bare decoction be drunk it wil stay them when they flow immoderatly The herb alone applied outwardly represseth the ouermuch bleeding of fresh wounds it cureth the sores occasioned by the stinging of serpents The decoction thereof in wine doth mitigate the itching of the cods if they be bathed and fomented therewith Our moderne Herbarists in these daies doe call that in Latine Saluia i. Sange which the Greeks name Elelisphacos An herb it is much resembling Mints of a gray and hoary colour and withall odoriferous Beeing applied to the naturall parts of women it fetcheth away the dead infant within the womb it riddeth the ears also and festered vlcers of those wormes and vermin which breed therein Moreouer there is a kind of wild Cich-pease bearing leaues like to the other of the garden and which be sowed saue that their smell is strong vnpleasant If a man feed largely of them they stir the belly and moue to the siege they breed ventosities cause the collick and wringing of the guts Howbeit if they be parched or torrified they are reputed the wholsomer The Cichling or pety Cich-pease is thought to be better and more
to foment gangrenes small pocks running vlcers A drink made thereof is singular for the spleene and if hony be put thereto it prouokes womens fleurs which make no hast downward Take raw Lupines stamp them with drie figges and vineger into a cataplasme and apply them to the spleen it is an excellent remedy The root also sodden in water prouoketh vrine forcibly Lupines boiled in water with the herb Chamaeleon do cure the diseases incident to sheep and other such smal cattell if they do but thinke of this decoction Let them be sodden in the mother or lees of wine or mingle both their decoctions therewith they do heale the farsins scab and mange of all other foure-footed beasts what soeuer The fume of them as they burne killeth gnats Concerning Irio I said before in the treatise of corne and pulse that it was like Sesama and named by the Greeks Erysimon whereas the Gaules do call it Velarum This plant brancheth very much and beareth leaues like to Rocquet but that they be somewhat narrower and brings forth seed resembling that of Cresses This Irio taken with hony in form of a lohoch is excellent good for the cough and those who reach out filthy matter from their chest Giuen it is for the jaundise the diseases of the loins for the pleurisie the torments and wrings of the collicke and the fluxes occasioned by the debility and weaknesse of the stomacke Applied in form of a liniment it is singular good for the inflammations behind the ears for the cancerous vlcers also and the symptoms thereto belonging Laid to the cods with water and otherwhiles with hony it altereth their distemperature of heat and the inflammations whereto they are subject And soueraigne it is for infants Likewise a cataplasme made of it with figs and hony is singular for the accidents and griefes of the fundament as also for the gout and pains of the joints Taken in drink it is an effectuall counterpoison It cureth those who are short winded Applied outwardly with old hogs-grease it helpeth fistulous sores so there be care had that none of it go into the vlcers As for the graine Horminum it hath a seed resembling Cumin as I haue said before otherwise it is like to Porret and groweth to the height of a span or nine inches Two kindes there be of it whereof the one hath a blacker seed than the other and somewhat long This hath power to prouoke lust and is much vsed for the pin and web for the perle also in the eye the other hath a whiter seed and rounder Both the one and the other if they be stamped draw forth pricks and thornes out of the body if a liniment be made of them alone and applied with water But a cataplasme of the leaues with vineger or alone by themselues or else with honey discusse and resolue biles without suppuration In like manner they dispatch fellons if they be taken before they grow to any head and generally all tumors proceeding from sharp and hot humors And thus much of grain A strange thing that Nature hath so ordained That the very pestilent weeds which plague corne should haue their vse in Physicke For first and formost there is Darnel which albeit Virgill termeth Infoelix i. vnhappy yet if it be ground and sodden in vineger and so applied it cureth tettars and dry scabs joined with a great itch and the sooner doth it the deed the oftner it is remoued and changed Darnell floure laid too with Oxymell cureth the gout other pains And to say a truth the manner of this cure differeth from the rest For the preparing of which medicine the said floure must be ordered in this manner after this proportion for euery sextar of vineger it sufficeth to dissolue therein two ounces of hony take then three sextars of this mixtion and put thereto two sextars of Darnell meale sodden to a thicke consistence which done temper all together and apply this cataplasme to the grieued and pained members The same meale draweth forth spils of broken and shiuered bones A weed there is called Miliaria for that it killeth the grain Millet Beat this to pouder and mingle it with wine then poure this drench with an horne downe the throat of laboring jades they say it will cure their gouts As for Bromos i. wild Otes which the Greeks take for the seed of a certain spiked or eared weed counted it is for one of the imperfections growing among corne and may be ranged with the kinds of Otes for blade and stalk it commeth neere to wheat it beareth in the haw or 〈◊〉 certain grains hanging down which resemble small locusts the seed is good to be vsed in 〈◊〉 cataplasms into which barley and such like do enter the iuice or liquor made of it is singular for the cough A weed there is which we named Orobanche for that it choketh Eruile and other pulse some call it Cynomorion for the resemblance that it hath to the cullions and pizle or genitall member of a dog It riseth vp in a small stem without any leaues or blade fatty it is and red sometimes it is eaten alone otherwhiles it is serued vp tender sodden between two dishes with other viands Moreouer there do ingender in pulse certain little venomous vermins who will pricke and sting their hands who are imploied in the plucking yea and put them in danger of their life a kind they are of these Solifugae or Solpugae The remedies for all these be the same which are set downe against Spiders and Phalangia Thus much as touching all kinds of graine as far forth as they concerne Physick But this moreouer is to be noted that of corn there be certain drinks made as namely Zythus in Egypt Coelia and Ceria in Spaine Ale and Beere and many more sorts in Gaule and other prouinces Now the froth or barme that riseth from these Ales or Beers haue a property to keepe the skin faire and cleare in womens faces But for the operation that Ale and Beere hath in them who drink thereof I mean to passe them ouer here for I thinke it better to proceed to the treatise of wine but first I will discipher the medicinable vertues of trees and begin with the vine THE TVVENTY THIRD BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS The Proeme THus far forth haue we gone ouer the vpper face of the earth and shewed what medicinable vertues there be in all kinds of graine as well corne as pulse as also what Physicke may be found in woorts and pot-hearbs yea and in those garden plants which by reason of their faire floures and sweet odours serue mans turne for garlands and chaplets It remaineth now to speak of lady Pomona and her gifts who certes commeth not behind dame Ceres with all her riches And verily this Nymph and goddesse Pomona not content thus to protect maintaine and nourish vnder the shade of her trees
being boiled in oile the decoction also is vsually giuen in drink to those who be subiect to the falling euill likewise to such as be troubled in mind beside themselues to as many as are giuen to dizzines giddines of the brain and do ween that euery thing turnes round but they must take the poise of one dram euery day throughout the yeare The same root if it be taken in any great quantity purgeth the sences But the principall and most excellent vertue that it hath is this That if it be stamped with water and so applied it draweth forth spels of broken and shiuered bones as well and effectually as the verie true Bryonie which is the cause that some doe call it White Bryonie for there is another which is black and of greater efficacie to the same purpose if it be applied with hony Frankincense It is very good to resolue impostumes and biles which are in growing and not yet come to suppuration but if they haue continued and gather to an head it bringeth them soone to maturation and afterwards clenseth them It bringeth downe womens monthly sicknesse and prouoketh vrine An electuary or lohoch made therof to licke and suffered gently to melt vnder the tongue and go downe leisurely is singular good for such as bee short-winded and labour for breath also for pleurisies or pains of the side for convulsions and inward ruptures If one drink the weight of three oboli 30 daies together it will wast and consume the swelled splene The same serueth in a liniment to be applied with figs to the excrescences or risings of the flesh ouer the naile called Pterygia Being laid too as a cataplasm with wine it fetcheth away the after-birth in women and taken to the weight of a dram in honied water it purgeth flegmatick humors The juice of the root must be drawne before the fruit or seed be ripe this juice either alone or incorporat with Eruile meale if the body be annointed therewith doth illustrat the colour make the skin soft and tender and in one word it is such an embelishment that it maketh any person better for the sale where by the way note that it chaseth serpents away Moreouer the very substance of the root if it be stamped with fat figs doth lay the riuels and wrinckles of the skin plain and euen if it be rubbed or annointed therewith but then the party must walk immediatly vpon it a good quarter of a mile for otherwise it will fret and burne the skin vnlesse presently it be washed off with cold water Howbeit the black wild vine doth this feat more gently and with greater ease for surely the white setteth an itch vpon the skin There is therfore a black wild vine which properly they call Bryonia some Chironia others Cynecanthe or Apronia like in all respects to the former but only in the colour of the root grape or berry for it is black as I haue before said The tender sprouts sions that spring from the root Diocles preferred to be eaten in a sallad or otherwise before the very crops and tender shoots of the true garden Sperage and indeed they prouoke vrine and diminish the spleen far better it groweth commonly in hedges among bushes and shrubs and most of all in reed-plots The root without-forth is blacke but within of a pale yellow box colour and this is of much more efficacie to draw out broken bones than the aboue-named white Briony Moreouer this peculiar property it hath besides To cure the farcines or sores in horse necks and for this it is thought to be the only thing in the world Said commonly it is that if a man do set an hedge or hay thereof round about a grange or ferm house in the country there will no kites nor hawks nor any such rauening birds of prey come neere so as the pullen and other foul kept about the said ferme shall be secure from their claws or tallons If it be tied about the ankles of a man or the pasterns of laboring horses vnto which there is a fall either of Phlegmatick humors or of a bloud causing the gout in the one and the pains in the other it cureth the same Thus much concerning the sundrie sorts of Vines and their properties respectiue to Physicke As touching Musts or new wines the first and principall difference of them lieth in this that some by nature are white others blacke and others again of a mixt colour between them both Secondly some Musts there be whereof wine is made and others which serue only for cuit but if we regard the artificiall deuises and the carefull industry of man about them there be an infinit number of musts all distinct and different one from the other Thus much may suffice to deliuer fully in generall terms concerning musts or new wines As for their properties There is no must or new wine but it is hurtfull to the stomack though otherwise pleasant to the veines and passages Certes if a man poure downe new wine hastily without breathing or taking the wind between presently as he commeth out of the bain or hot-house hee doth enough to kill himselfe Howbeit of a contrary nature it is to the Cantharides saueth those that are in danger by drinking them A singular counterpoison is new wine in the lees against al serpents but principally the Haemorrhoids and the Salamanders It causeth head-ache and is an enemy to the throat and windpipes wholsome it is for the kidnies the liuer and the inward parts of the bladder for it easeth them all of pain But a singular vertue it hath against the venomous worm or flie Buprestis aboue the rest if one drink it with oile and cast it vp againe by vomit it is an excellent remedy for those who haue taken too much Opium it helpeth those who are in danger of crudled milk within the body such also as are poisoned with hemlock envenomed with the poison Toxica Dorycnium In sum white new wine is not so powerful in operation as others Likewise the Must wherof cuit is made is pleasanter than the rest causes lesse headach As touching the sundrie kinds of wine which are exceeding many as also the vertues and properties of euery seueral sort in manner by it selfe I haue sufficiently discoursed in a former Treatise Neither is there any point more difficult to be handled or that affourdeth greater variety of matter And a man canot readily say Whether wine be more hurtfull or wholsome for our bodies considering the doubtful euent and issue presently on the drinking therof for that somtime it is a remedy and a helpe otherwhiles it proueth to be a mischiefe and a very poison For mine owne part according to my first dessign and purpose I am to treat only of such things as Nature hath brought forth for the health and preseruation of man Wel I wote that Asclepiades hath made one entire volume expressely of the manner how to
it to men rather than to women to aged persons sooner than to young folke and yet to a lustie young man before a child in Winteroftner than in Summer and to conclude to such as bee accustomed thereto more than to those who haue not drunke thereof beforetime A measure also and mean would be kept in the allowance of wine according to the strength thereof and the proportion of water mixed therewith and the common opinion importeth thus much That to one cyath of wine it is sufficient to put two cyaths of water ordinarily But in case the stomack be weak feeble so as the meat digest not nor passeth away downeward meer wine is to be giuen to the patient or at leastwise in greater proportion to the water But to retuin again to those artificial and made wines I haue heretofore shewed many sorts therof the making of them is at this day giuen ouer as I suppose and their vse needlesse and superfluous considering that now we giue counsel prescribe to vse the very simples themselues in their owne nature which go to their composition Certes beforetime the Physicians vpon a vain ostentation because they would seem to haue their apothecary shops furnished with such variety exceeded all measure in this behalfe insomuch as they were prouided of a wine made for sooth of Nauewes bearing the world in hand that it was singular good for militarie men if they found themselues ouerwearied either with the practise or the bearing of arms or in riding their hories yea and to say nothing of all the rest they had the wine also of Iuniper but is there any man so foolish as to think and maintain That Wormwood wine should be more profitable to our bodies than Wormewood the hearb it selfe What should I stand vpon the wine of dates among others of this range considering that it causeth head-ach and is good for nothing els but to ease the costiuenesse of the body for such as reach vp bloud As for that which we called Bion I canot see or say that it is an artificiall wine for surely al the art and cunning that goeth to the making of it lieth in this only That it is made and huddled vp in hast yet profitable it is for a weake stomack readie to ouerturn or that is not able to concoct and digest the meat within it wholesom for women with child comfortable to those who be feeble and faint good for the palsie the shaking of the lims the swimming and giddines of the head the wrings and torments of the belly and the gout Sciatica moreouer it hath the name for to haue a singular vertue to helpe in time of plague and to stand them in great stead who are pilgrimes and trauellers into far and straunge countries Thus much may suffice for Wines Moreouer say that wine be turned corrupted and changed from the own nature yet it leaueth not to retain certaine vertues and properties requisit in Physicke for vinegre also is medicinable Exceeding refrigeratiue it is cooleth mightily howbeit no lesse vertue and force it hath to discusse and resolue an euident proofe wherof we may see in this That if it be poured on the ground it will some and cast a froth Concerning the manifold operations that it hath in composition with other things I haue written oftentimes alreadie wil write stil as occasion shall serue But vinegre euen taken alone by it selfe fetcheth the stomack appetite again to meat and staieth the yex or hocquet and if it be smelled vnto it stinteth immoderat sneesing Being held in the mouth it preserues folk from fainting with extreme heat while they are in the bain or hot house Of it and water together there is made Oxycrat which is a drink more mild than vinegre alone And the same with water is comfortable to those who vpon the Suns heat haue gotten the headach or a day-feuer and be newly recouered being vsed also in the same sort with water it is counted most wholesom for the inflammation or theum of the eies A fomentation with oxycrat or water and vinegre is singular good vpon burns scaldidgs or rising of the pimples In like maner it cureth the leprosie scurfe and dandruffe running vlcers and scals bitings of dogs stinging with scorpions scolopendres and hardishrews and generaly it is good against all prickes of venomous beasts or pointed darts and any itch whatsoeuer Likewise against the biting or prick of the Cheeslip or Many-foot worme Applied hot with a spunge to the seat it is singular for the infirmities of the fundament But for this purpose there must be a decoction or fomentation made with three sextars of vinegre whereunto there should be put of Sulphur or Brimstone two ounces or a bunch of Hyssop and then set ouer the fire for to boile together In case of much effusion and losse of bloud which ensueth and followeth those who are cut for the stone or any thing els taken out of the body ther is nothing better than to foment the place without-forth with the strongest vinegre that may be had in a spunge and then to take inwardly in drinke 2 cyaths of the same for surely it cutteth and dissolueth the cluttered bloud lying within-forth Vinegre taken inwardly applied outwardly cureth the filthy tettars called Lichenes Being ministred by way of clyster it knitteth the belly and staieth al rheumatick fluxes that haue taken a course by the guts and entrails And the same helpeth as well the fall and slipping downe of the Longeon or fundament as the laxitie and hanging forth of the Matrice An old cough it restraineth the rheumes also and catarrhes it represseth which light on the throat and wind pipe it openeth the passages in them who labor for breath canot take their wind but sitting vpright it confirmeth also the teeth looâ—…e in the head mary it hurteth the blad der and doth harme in all infirmities of the sinewes The Physicians were ignorant heretofore of the soueraign vertue that vinegre had against the sting of the serpent called Aspis vntil by a meere chaunce they came to the knowledge hereof And thus stood the case It fortuned that a certaine fellow carying about him a bottle of vinegre trode vpon the said adder or serpent that turned vpon him againe and stung him howbeit he felt no harme at all so long as he carried the vinegre but so often as he set the bottle downe out of his hands the sting put him to sensible paine By which experiment it was found and knowne that vinegre was the only remedy and so with a draught therof he had help out of hand and was cured But behold another proofe and triall thereof They that vse to suck out the poyson of venomed wounds giuen by serpents and such like vse no other collution to wash their mouths withal but only vinegre certes the force of vinegre is such that it conquereth not only the
it soone loseth the heart and force if it be not kept in a place well enclosed by the said burning it commeth to be much more stronger in operation Sodden with figgs it yeeldeth an excellent decoction to reâ—â—â—s tettars shingles and such like wildfires to scoure away also scurfe and dandruffe in that soft either applied as a cataplasme or fomentation it cureth the leprie and running skals of the head Being taken in drinke especially raw it is a soueraign countrepoison for such as haue eaten venomous mushromes Boiled and washed it is mingled with collyries which serue for the eyes A liniment thereof cureth the accidents that befall to the cods and genetoirs Taken in wine it helpeth the strangury and giueth them ease who otherwise could not pisse but by drop-meale Les of wine after it hath lost the caustick operation and life that it had wil serue very wel for a good lie or water to clense the skin of our bodies and to wash or scoure clothes and then verily it hath the astrictiue power of Acacia and serueth for the same vse The dregs of vinegre must of necessitie be much more sharpe biting and vlceratiue than wine lees in regard of the matter whereof it commeth it driueth backe impostumes or biles and keepeth them from suppuration A liniment of it helpeth the stomack belly and entrails it staieth the flux of those parts and the ouerflow of womens months it discusseth pushes and small biles and squinances if they be taken betimes before they fester and impostumat and a cerot made with it and wax together is good against S. Anthonies fire The same drieth vp the milke in womens breast who would not be nources or bee troubled with ouermuch milke It taketh away with ease the ilfauoured rugged nails and giueth roum for new to come vp in their place Applied with grosse barley meale or groats it is singular and most effectuall against the venome of the horned serpents called in Greeke Cerastae and with Gith or Nigella Romana it is vsed for the biting both of crocodile and mad dog The burning also of these dregs quickeneth fortifieth the strength therof being thus burnt and incorporat with the oile of Lentiske it coloureth the haires of the head in one night red if they bee annointed withall The same lapped in a fine linnen cloth and put vp in forme of a pessarie cleanseth and mundifieth the secret parts of women To conclude with the grounds or lees of the cuit Sapa vinegre dregs are knowne to be very good for to heale burnes and the cure proceedeth better in case they be mixed with the furry cotton or downe of reeds the same being sodden and the decoction thereof taken as drinke cureth inueterat coughs Sast of all they vse to seeth or stew it betweene two platters with salt and grease wherwith they make a liniment or ointment to take down the swelling of the chaws and the nape of the necke CHAP. III. ¶ Of Oliuetrees of the leaues of Oliues their floures and their ashes Of the white and blacke Oliue berries and of the mother or lees of Oile-oliue NExt after the Vine there is not a tree bearing fruit of so great authority and account as the Oliue The oliue leaues are exceeding restringent good to cleanse good also to restraine or stop any flux being chewed and applied to vlcers they heale them and reduced with oile into a liniment they assuage the pain of the head A decoction of their leaues together with honey is singular to bath and foment the parts cauterized by the Chirurgian according to the direction of the learned Physician the same vsed by way of a collution cureth the inflammation of the gumbs whitflaws and excrescenses of ranke flesh in filthy vlcers with honey also it stauncheth the flux of bloud proceeding from any neruous parts The juice of oliue leaues is singular for the little vlcers in manner of carbuncles with a crust or roufe vpon them rising about the eies and all other small wheals or blisters as also in case the bal or apple of the eye be readie to start forth and therefore it is vsed in collyries or eye-salues for it healeth weeping eies that haue run with water a long time and the excoriations or frettings of the eie-lids Now this juice is drawn out of the leaues first stamped and then well sprinckled and wet with wine rain water so pressed forth which being afterwards dried is reduced into trochiskes The same rolled in wooll or bombast to the forme of a pessarie and so put vp into the naturall parts of women staies the immoderat flux of their fleurs Good it is also for those who rid corrupt bloud by the inferiour parts Moreouer it easeth the swelling piles or bigs sticking out in the fundament killeth the cholerique exulcerations called S. Anthonies fire healeth corrosiue and eating sores and allaieth the paine of night-foes or childblanes called by the Greeks Epinyctides The same effects haue their floures The tendrons or young twigs of Oliues being in floure if they be burnt yeeld a kind of ashes that may serue as a succedan in stead of Spodium but the same must be burnt a second time after they haue beene well drenched and soked with wine These ashes applied as a liniment or the very leaues only stamped and tempred with honey are good for impostumes growne to suppuration and for the pushes or biles named Pani but if they be mixed with grosse barly meal or groats they are in a liniment comfortable to the eyes Take the green branches of an Oliue and burne them there will destill and drop from the wood a certaine juice or liquor which healeth ringwormes tettars and shingles scoureth away the skales of the skin and dandruffe and cureth the running skalls of the head Touching the gum that issueth from the oliue tree it self and namely that wild oliue which is called Aethiopica I cannot wonder enough at some who giue counsell therwith to annoint the teeth which ake considering that they themselues giue out That it is a poison and to be found as wel in wild oliues as others The rind or bark pared from the root of a most tender and yong oliue reduced into an electuary and often licked and let downe by leisure into the throat after the manner of a lohoch cureth those who reach vp bloud and cough out filthy and rotten matter The ashes of the very oliue it self mixed with swines grease cure all tumors draw forth corruption of fistulous vlcers and when they are thus mundified heale them vp cleane White oliues agree very well with the stomack but they are not so good for the belly A singular commoditie they yeeld before they be put vp in their compost or pickle for to be eaten greene by themselues as meat for they scoure away grauel with vrine good they are for the teeth whether they be worne rotten worme eaten or loose in the head
contemptible as they seem beeing torrified and so pulverized doe help and comfort the stomacke if either the meat be strewed or sprinckled or the cup spiced with the said pouder And in truth if they be drunk with rain water they bind the body the root of the Pomgranat tree if it be boiled yeeldeth a liquor or iuice which being taken in drink to the weight of a Roman victoriat i. halfe a denier or half a dram killeth the worms in the belly The same throughly sodden in water is of the same operation that Lycium is for any purpose that it shall be put vnto Finally there is a wild Pomgranat so called for the resemblance that it hath to the planted Pomgranat the roots are red without-forth which being taken to the poise of one denier or dram in wine do procure sleepe The graines or seeds in drink drie vp the watery humours that be gotten between the skin and the flesh in that dropsie which is called Intercus To conclude a perfume made with the rind or pill of a Pomgranat chaseth Gnats out of the place where it burneth CHAP. VII ¶ Of Peares and the properties oâ—… serued in them Of tame Fig-trees and their Figs. Of the wild Fig tree Of Erineus and other plants with the medicines which they affoord ALL Peares whatsoeuer are but a heauie meat euen to them that are in good health And sick folke are debarred for eating them as well as for drinking wine And yet if the same be well boiled or baked they are maruellous wholsome and pleasant to the tast especially those of Crustuminum There is no kind of Peare at all but if it be sodden or baked with hony agreeth with the stomack Of Peares there be vsually made certaine cataplasmes which are singular good to discusse all pushes risings and pimples vpon the body and their decoction serueth wel to resolue all hard tumors Peares in substance be a good counterpoison against venomous Tadstools and Mushroms for either they driue them down by their very weight and ponderosity or els chase them out of the stomacke through a certain secret antipathy in Nature that their juice hath The wild choke Peares be very late ere they ripen The manner is to cut them into certaine slices or roundles and so to hang them vp a drying for to stay the laske and knit the belly which their decoction also will do sufficiently if the patient doe drinke it The leaues likewise together with the Peare are vsed to be sodden for the same purposes The ashes also of the Peare tree wood in case of pestilent Mushroms is of more efficacie than the Peare it selfe Poor iades that carry Apples and Pears vpon their backs in paniers are shrewdly loden and wonderfull it is to see how heauy they do weigh and how a few of them wil make the poore beasts to shrink vnder their burden but what is the remedy Let them eat some of those Peares before or do but shew them vnto them they will vndergoe as folke say their load more willingly and go away with it more roundly The milke or white juice that the Fig-tree yeeldeth is of the same nature that vineger and therefore it wil cruddle milk as wel as rennet or rindles The right season of gathering this milky substance is before that the figs be ripe vpon the tree and then it must be dried in the shadow thus prepared it is good to breake impostumes and keepe vlcers open also to bring down the monthly termes of women either applied with the yolk of an egge or taken in drinke with Amyl or * Starch pouder If the same be tempered with the floure of Foenigreek seed and vineger and so applied in manner of a liniment it helpeth the gout Also it is depilatory and fetcheth off haires it taketh away the skurfe of the eie-lids In like maner it killeth tettars ringworms any wild scabs It openeth the body and makes it soluble This fig-tree milk is naturally aduerse vnto the venomous stings of Hornets wasps and such like But particularly to the prick of Scorpions The same if it be incorporat with hogs grease taketh away watts Fig tree leaues green figs vnripe reduced into a liniment do discusse and resolue the Scrophules called commonly the kings euil yea and all such nodosities as are to be mollified The leaues also alone wil do as much There is another vse of them besides namely to rub therewith tettars and bald places which through some infirmity haue lost haire generally all those parts that had need to be blistered the tender tops twigs of fig-tree branches are singular to cure the biting of mad dogs if they be applied to the skin where it is broken The same brought to a liniment with honey healeth the wens or impostumations which be called Ceria yeelding forth an humor like to hony out of the comb And if they be tempered with the leaues of the wild Poppy they draw forth broken spils or shiuered bones Fig-tree leaus stamped with vineger do restrain the venom occasioned by the biting of mad dogs the white tendrils or sprigs of the blacke fig-tree made into a cerot with wax and so applied do cure felons and the biting of hardishrewes The ashes made of black fig-tree leaues heale gangrenes and consume all excrescense of dead or proud flesh Ripe figs prouoke vrine make the belly soluble mooue sweat and bring foorth small pocks and measels in regard of which operation thus to open the pores they be vnwholsome to be eaten in Autumne or at the fall of the leafe for when by their means our bodies be set into a sweat they are more subiect to take a through cold Neither be they wholsome for the stomack but the best is their offence continueth but a while Mary they are well knowne to be enemies to the voice The figs which be of a later breed as it were and come last are wholesomer than those which ripen betimes whereas verily if they be brought to their maturitie by medicining i. by caprification then they are neuer good and these figs increase the strength of young folk preserue elder persons in better health and make them looke more yong and with fewer wrinckles They do quench and allay thirst and coole vnkinde heat And therefore such must not be denied vnto the patient in feuers proceeding from the constriction of the pores which agues the Greeks call Stegnas Dry figs offend the stomack but for the throat and weasant they are exceeding good These dried figs are by nature hot in operation and therefore ingender thirst They set the belly into a loosenesse in which regard they are not good to be eaten in any flux or Catarrhs taking a course either to it or the stomack wholsome they be at all times for the bladder for such also as be short winded and pursie Semblably they open the obstructions of liuer kidnies and spleen and cure their infirmities Nutritiue they be
likewise of the Pine-tree barke boiled in wine is giuen to drink for the pains and torments in the belly The kernels of the Pine-nuts quench thirst they pacifie and stil the frettings and gnawings of the stomack they rectifie the corrupt and putrified humors there setled and bedded they strengthen weak bodies in manner of a restoratiue and are right good agreeable to the reins and bladder howbeit they seem to exasperat the throat to encrease a cough Being taken inwardly either in water wine sweet cuit or the decoction of * dates or tamarinds they purge cholerick humors when the gnawing gripes within the stomack be exceeding violent and painfull it is good to mix therewith Cucumber seed and the juice of Pourcellane likewise in case either bladder or kidnies be exulcerat for diureticall they be also and prouoke vrine Touching the bitter Almond tree the decoction of the roots thereof doth supple the skin and lay it euen and smooth without wrinckles it imbelisheth the visage with a fresh liuely and cheerfull colour The bitter Almonds themselues bring folk to sleep and get them appetite to their meat they moue vrine and stir the ordinary course of womens monethly fleurs they serue in a liniment for the head-ach especially in feuers but if the said head-ach come by occasion of drunkennesse or a surfet of wine they would be applied with vineger oile rosat and a sextar of water They haue a property to stanch bleeding mixed with Amylfloure and mints They are good in a lethargy and the falling sicknesse if the head be therewith annointed all ouer They cure the angry night-foes called chilblanes and bloudy-falls applied with cold wine they cure vlcers which grow to putrifaction and with hony the bitings of mad dogs they take away the scales and dandruffe about the face if so be there haue bin vsed before some conuenient fomentation to prepare the skin for this medicine An Almond milk drawn with water and taken as a drinke easeth the pains of the liuer and kidnies Bitter Almonds reduced into a loch with Terpentine worke the same effect so that the Patient be often licking thereof For those who be troubled with the stone and grauell with difficultie also of pissing they be very effectuall if they be taken with sweet wine cuit also beaten with honied water they be singular to clense the skin and make it look neat and faire Reduced into the form of a loch with hony they be wholsome for the liuer good to ripen and dispatch a cough excellent for to mitigat the paines of the cholique and this electuarie must bee taken to the quantity of one hazell nut at a time with a little sauge put thereto It is said that our lusty tosse-pots and swil-bols if they eat foure or fiue bitter almonds before they sit them down to drink shall beare their liquor well and neuer be drunke quaffe they and poure they downe as much as they wil also that if foxes chance to eat of them and cannot come by water neere at hand to lap they wil die thereof Sweet almonds are not so medicinable as the bitter and yet they be purgatiue abstersiue and diureticall If they be new and fresh they charge and stuffe the stomacke Hazel-nuts and Filbirds otherwise called the Greekish nuts beeing taken in vineger with wormwood seed cure the yellow jaunise as it is commonly said a liniment made with them doth help the diseases incident to the seat and particularly the piles and swelling bigs there appearing The same medicine is good for the cough and such as spit and cast vp bloud As for Walnuts the Greeks haue giuen them a * name importing as much as the heauines of head and not without good cause for the very shade of the tree and the sent of the leaues do pierce and enter into the head so do the kernels also in lesse while if they be eaten now the newer they be the more pleasant tast they haue the drie are more oily and vnctious hurtfull to the stomack hard of digestion causing head-ach naught for them who haue a cough and for such as would vomit in a morning fasting good only in that troublesom running to the stoole and straining for nought by reason of their property to euacuat fleam The same being eaten before meat do dull the force of any poisons they help the squinancy also applied with Rue and oil Aduerse contrary they are to the nature of onions do keep down represse their strong smell which riseth from them after a man hath eaten them Applied with a little hony they are thought to be very good for the inflammation of the ears with Rue for the brests and paps as also for dislocations and parts out of ioint But if they be vsed with onions salt and hony they are singular for the biting both of dog man The shel of a wal-nut is thought to be of a caustick quality and good to burn or seare an hollow tooth the same being burnt pulverized and incorporat with oile or wine serueth to annoint the heads of yong babes for to make the hair grow thick in that maner it is vsed to bring the haire again of elder folk when through some infirmity it is shed The more Walnuts that one eateth with more ease shal he driue worms out of the belly VVal-nuts that haue bin very long kept do cure carbuncles gangrenes tending to mortification and reduce the black and blew spots remaining after stripes to their own color The bark of the wal-nut tree is a soueraign remedy for the bloudy flix and the foule tettars or ringworms The leaues bruised stamped with vineger so applied put away the pain of the ears After that Mithridates that most mighty and puissant king was vanquished Cneus Pompeius found in his secret closet or cabinet among other precious jewels the receit of a certain antidote or preseruatiue against poison set down vnder the hand of the sayd prince in a priuat note-book of remembrances in this maner following Take 2 dry walnutkernels as many figs of rue 20 leaues stamp al these together into one masse with a graine or corn of salt among Vnder which receit was thus much subscribed VVhosoeuer vse to eat of this confection in a morning next his heart there shall no poison hurt him that day It is said moreouer that the kernels of walnuts chewed by a man or woman fasting doe cure the biting of a mad dog so that the place be annointed and dressed therewith But to return again to Hazle-nuts and filberds they do cause head-ach they breed winde in the stomack and a man would not think nor beleeue how soon they wil make one fat but that experience approueth it If they be rosted or torrified they cure a rheume and if they be beaten to pouder and giuen to drink in honied water they rid away an old cough that hath stucke to one a long time some
three deniers weight of the root and drinke the same in three cyaths of sweet wine she shall be quickly deliuered and brought to bed the same drink sendeth forth the after-birth and prouoketh womens monthly terms Daphnoides or the wild Lawrell or call it by any other of those names before rehearsed hath many good vertues it purgeth the belly if you take the leafe either green or drie to the weight of three drams with salt in hydromel or honyed water being chewed it draweth downe flegmatick and watery humors The leaf also moueth to vomit and is offensiue to the stomack The berries likewise be purgatiue if a man take fiue or ten of them at once CHAP. IX ¶ Of the tame or gentle Myrtle tree planted Of Myrtidanum and the wilde Myrtle OF garden Myrtles the white is not so medicinable as the black the fruit or berries of the Myrtle help those that reach vp bloud taken with wine they put by the danger of venomous mushrums chew them in your mouth your breath will be the sweeter for it two daies after It appeareth by the Poet Menander that the good-fellows Synaristeusae were wont to eat Myrtle berries the weight of one denier in wine is good for the bloudy flix If they haue a little siuering or waulm ouer the fire in wine they make a good water or liquor to cure vntoward vlcers to heale especially such as be in the extreame parts of the body Of them and barley groats there is made a cataplasme for bleered eies for the fainting also and trembling of the heart being applied to the left pap or breast In like manner the same being vsed with pure vndelaied wine is singular for the prick of scorpions for the infirmities of the bladder the head-ach and the apostemations betweene the angle of the eies and the nose if they be taken before they yeeld filthy matter and so they cure other tumors or swellings and if their pepins or kernels be taken forth and then incorporat with old wine they be singular for the small pocks and meazles The juice of Myrtle berries bindeth the belly but prouoketh vrine A liniment also is made thereof with wax for the said pox and meazles also against the sting of the venomous spiders Phalangia The said juice doth colour the haire blacke Of the same Myrtle there is an oile made more lenitiue and mild than the iuice or liquor aboue-named yet there is a wine of Myrtles more kind gentle than it which wil neuer ouerturn the brain or make one drunk The same if it haue lien and be stale bindeth the belly and staieth a laske it strengtheneth the stomack also and represseth vomits it assuageth the griping pains in the guts and restoreth appetite to meat the pouder of drie Myrtle leaues restraineth sweats if the body be strewed therwith though it were in a feuer The same pouder is good for the feeblenesse of the stomack and the flux from thence proceeding it reduceth the matrice into the right place when it beareth down out of the body it cureth the infirmities of the seat healeth running scalls and vlcers warisheth S. Anthonies fire and the shingles being vsed thereto in some fomentation retaineth and staieth the haires ready to shed scoureth away dandruffe drieth vp wheals pocks and meazles and last of all skinneth burnes and scaldings The pouder entreth into those vnguinous or oleous plasters which the Greeks call Liparas And such a kind of plaster in like manner as the oyle of these Myrtle berries is most effectuall in those sores which light vpon moist parts as for example the mouth and the matrice The leaues in substance beaten to pouder and tempered with wine are a counterpoison against venomous mushrums but incorporat with wax into a liniment they do ease the gout of any joints and driue back rifings and impostumations The same leaues boiled in wine are giuen to drink for the bloudy flix and the dropsie VVhen they be dried and brought into pouder they serue to cast and strew vpon vlcers also to restraine any bleeding They scoure away freckles and such like spots of the skin they heale the rising ouergrowing and parting of the skin about the naile roots also whitflaws chilblanes piles swelling bigs in the fundament the accidents befalling to the cods filthy maligne and morimall vlcers and last of all burns applied in manner of a cerot For the ears running with filthy matter there is good vse of the leaues burnt also of their juice and decoction The same are likewise burned to serue for certain antidots or counterpoisons In like manner to the said purpose the tender sprigs of the Myrtle with the floure vpon them are gathered and calcined within an ouen in a new earthen pot well couered and close luted after which they be reduced into pouder and mixed with wine The ashes of the leaues burnt healeth burnes To keepe the share or groine from swelling although there be an vlcer there it is sufficient if the party haue about him a shoot or branch only of the Myrtle prouided alwaies that it touched neither yron nor the earth As touching Myrtidanum how it is made I haue shewed already Applied vnto the matrice or natural parts of a woman either by way of fomentation or liniment it doth much good And much better if it be made with the bark leafe and berry of the Myrtle Moreouer of the softest leaues braied and stamped in a mortar there is a juice pressed forth by pouring green wine by little and little among and otherwhiles raine water which is vsed much for the vlcers and sores of mouth seat matrice and belly to dye the haire black to wash and bath the arm-holes with to scoure away spots and freckles and in one word when and wheresoeuer there is need of astriction The wilde Myrtle or Oxymyrsine called also Chamaemyrsine differeth from the ciuill and gentle Myrtle in the rednesse of the berries and the smal growth The root is highly esteemed for boiled in wine and so taken in drink it cureth the paine in the raines the difficulty of vrine especially when it is thick and of a strong sauor The jaundise also it helpeth and cleanseth the matrice if it be brought into pouder and mixed with wine The yong and tender buds eaten after the manner of Sperage crops with meat first rosted in the embers the seed likewise taken in wine oile or vineger break the stone The same seed stamped and drawne with vineger and oyle rosat allaieth the head-ach but in drink it cureth the jaundise Castor called Oxymyrsine with the sharp prickie leaues like the Myrtle and wherew i th beesomes be made by the name of Ruscus and saith it hath the same properties Thus much for planted trees and their medicinable vertues proceed we now forward to the wild THE TVVENTY FOVRTH BOOK OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS The Proeme CHAP. I. ¶ Medicinable vertues obserued in wild trees NAture
that sacred and blessed mother of all things willing and desirous that man whom she loueth so well should find euery place stored with proper and conuenient remedies for all maladies incident vnto him hath so disposed of her workes and taken that order that the rough woods and forrests euen the most hideous parts of the earth and fearfull to see vnto bee not without their plants medicinable Nay the very wilds and desarts are enriched and furnished therewith insomuch as in euerie coast and corner of the world there may be obserued both sympathies and antipathies I meane those naturall combinations and contrarieties in those her creatures From whence proceed the greatest miracles which are to bee seene in this round Fabricke and admirable frame For first and formost the Oke and the oliue tree beare such mutual rancor and malice as it were and are so stiffely bent to war one with another that if a man replant one of these trees in the trench or hole from whence the other was taken vp it wil surely die Also if an Oke be set neare vnto a walnut-tree it wil not liue The Colewort and the Vine hate one another to the very death in such sort that if a Vine stand neare vnto it a man shall sensibly perceiue the same to shrinke away and recule backward from it and yet this wort which maketh the Vine thus to retire and flie if it chance to grow ouer-against Origan or Cyclamine will soone wither and die Moreouer it is commonly said That trees in the forrest fully grown which haue stood many a yeare and namely such as are ready to be fallen and laid along for timber proue harder to be hewed and sooner wax dry if a man touch them with his hand before hee set the edge of the axe to their butt And some say that pack-horses asses and other labouring beasts which haue Apples and such like fruit aload wil quickly shrinke and complaine vnder their burden yea presently run all to sweat carry they but a very few to speak of vnlesse the said fruit wherewith they are to be charged be first shewed vnto them Asses finde great contentment and good by feeding vpon Fenel-geant or Ferula plants and yet to horses garrons other beasts of cariage and draught they are present poison if they eat them which is the cause that the Asse is a beast consecrated vnto the god Bacchus as well as the foresaid plant Ferula Ouer and besides see the admirable operation in Nature the very insensible and liuelesse creatures yea the least that be meet euery one of them with some contrary thing or other which is their bane and poison for as our cooks know well enough the inner bark of the Linden tree sliued thin into broad flakes and fine boulted floure together doe drink and suck vp the salt of viands ouermuch poudered and make it fresh again Likewise salt giueth a good rellish to any meat that is ouer sweet and tempereth those that haue a lushious and wallowish tast If water be nitrous brackish bitter put some fried barly meale into it within two houres and lesse it will be so well amended and sweet that a man may drink thereof and this is the reason that the said Barly meale is put ordinarily in those strainers and bags through which wines do passe that thereby they may be refined and drawn the sooner Of the same operation also and effect there is a kind of chalke in the Island of Rhodes and our clay here in Italy will do as much Thus you see what enmity discord there is in some things Contrariwise we may obserue in others how wonderfully they accord and agree together for pitch will dissolue spread and be drawne out with oile being both as they are of a fatty nature oile alone will incorporat and mingle well with lime they hate water the one as well as the other Gums are sooner dissolued and more easily tempered with vineger than with any thing els ink with water besides an infinit number of other such that I shall haue occasion to write of continually in their due places And indeed this is the very ground and foundation of all our Physick For to say a truth Nature ordained at the first such things and none but such for to be the remedies of our diseases which we feed liue daily vpon euen those which are soon found and as soon prepared which be ready at hand common euery where and cost vs little or nothing at all But afterwards the world grew to be so full of deceit and cousenage that some fine wits and nimble heads deuised to set vp Apothecary shops promising and bearing vs in hand that euery man might buy his life and health there for mony Then anon a sort of compositions mixtures and confections were set on foot then there was no talk but of strange and intricat receits and these were bruited abroad for the only medicines of wonderfull and vnspeakable operations So that now adaies wee vse no other drugs but those that come from Arabia and India And if a man aile neuer so little or haue the least push or wheale about him he must haue some costly Physick forsooth for it a plaster that came from as far as the red sea whereas in truth the right remedies appropriat for euery maladie be no other than such as the poorest man that is feedeth vpon euerie night ordinarily at his supper But if we went no farther than to the garden for medicines and sought after herbs shrubs and plants only for to cure our sicknesse or maintain our health certes there were not a baser occupation in the world than the profession of Physick and Physitians would be nought set by but will you haue the truth To this passe are we come the old world we haue bidden farewell vnto the antient manners and rites of Rome citie are dead and gone our state is growne so much in greatnesse as there is no goodnesse left Our victories and conquests be these and nothing else which haue vanquished subdued vs for subiect we must acknowledge our selues to strangers and forraine Nations solong as Physicke one of their Arts is able to command our commanders and ouerrule our Emperors But the discourse of this matter in more ample manner I will reserue to some other time and place CHAP. II. ¶ Of Lotos AS touching the herbe Lotos the Aegyptian plant likewise of that name as also of another tree about the Syrtes so called I haue written sufficiently in their due places as for this Lotos which our countrymen call in Latine the Greekish Bean hath a property for to bind and knit the flux of the belly with the fruit or berries which it beareth The shauings or scrapings of the wood therof boiled in wine and so taken inwardly cure the bloudy flix and exulceration of the guts represse the immoderat flowing of womens moneths help the dizzinesse and swimming of
the braine and those who be subiect to the falling sicknes the same decoction also keepeth the haires from shedding if the place be bathed therewith But wonderfull it is that these small shauings should be so bitter as nothing more when the fruit it self is as sweet as any other Moreouer of the fine dust sawed or filed from this wood sodden in Myrtle water then kneaded or wrought into past so reduced into seuerall trochisks there is a soueraigne medicine made for the bloudy flix if the patient drinke the weight of one Victoriat or halfe dram of these trosches in three cyaths of water CHAP. III. ¶ Of Mast. ACornes or Mast of the Oke beaten to pouder incorporat with Hogs lard salted heale all those hard and swelling cankerous vlcers which they call in Greeke Cacoethe In all these trees bearing Mast the very substance of the wood is more forcible than the fruit the outward bark more than the wood and the inner rind or tunicle vnder it more than the bark or all the rest This membrane or pellicle if it be boiled is singular for the flux of the stomack proceeding of weaknesse The very Mast or Acorne it selfe reduced into a liniment and applied staieth the bloudy flix and the same resisteth the venom of serpents stings restraineth rheums and catarrhs and namely that flux of humors which causeth apostemations As well the leaues the mast or beries of this tree as the bark or juice drawn from it after boiling are excellent against the poisons called in Greek Toxica The barke sodden and brought into a liniment with Cow-milk is very good to be applied vnto the place where ferpents haue bitten or stung it is giuen also in wine for the bloudy flix of the same vertue efficacy is the holm-oke CHAP. IIII. ¶ Of the Scarlet graine of Holme-oke of Galls and Misselto of certaine little balls growing vpon the Oke of Mast of the root of Cerrus and of Corke THe Scarlet graine growing vpon the Oke-holm is very good to be laid to fresh wounds with vineger It is applied with water for the flux of watery humors vnto the eies dropped likewise into them when they be bloud-shotten Now there is a kind of it growing commonly in the region of Attica and throughout Natolia which very quickly turneth to be a grub or Magot wherupon it is called Scolecion and is rejected as being of no worth Many more sorts there be of it whereof the chiefe and principall I haue shewed already As touching the Gal-nuts I haue likewise made of it as many kinds for some be solid and massie others full of holes as if they were bored through You shall haue of them white and black some great others smal but how different soeuer they be in substance colour or quantity they be all of like nature The best are those of Comagene Gals are good to eat away the superfluous excrescences in the body They serue very wel for the infirmities of the gums and uvula for the cankers exulcerations breeding in the mouth Being first burnt then quenched in wine they are singular for the fluxes occasioned by a feeble stomack Applied in maner of a liniment they help the bloudy flix Incorporat in hony they cure whitflaws risings parting 's of the flesh and skin about the naile roots the roughnesse of the nailes the running scals and vlcers in the head the knobs or swelling piles in the fundament and in one word all those corrosiue and eating vlcers which consume the flesh to the very bone Boiled in wine and so instilled into the eares they cure the infirmities of that part So do they likewise help the eies if they be annointed therewith Applied with vineger they discusse flegmatick wheales and such like breakings out as also the flat biles and impostumes called Pani the round kernell within them if it be chewed allaieth the tooth-ach The same is good to skin raw and galled places any burn or scalded place Take vnripe Gal-nuts drink them with vineger they wil consume and weare away the swelled spleen Burn the same and quench them with salted vineger a fomentation thereof staieth the immoderat flux of womens fleurs reduceth the matrice fallen downe into the right place All the sort of these Gals do colour the haires of the head blacke Concerning Misselto That the principall and best is found vpon the Oke how it is cut and in what maner birdlime is made therof I haue already shewed Some for to make the said glew or birdlime stamp Misselto first and then seeth it in water vntill it swim aloft Others vse to chew the grains or kernels onely which they beare and spit out their outward pils or skins But the very best is that which hath no husk or skin at all which also is the smoothest withoutforth of a light tawnie or yellowish red within as greene as a leeke for indeed there is not a thing more glutinous or glewy than it This Misselto is a great emollitiue for it softeneth discusseth and resolueth also hard tumors it is excicatiue besides and drieth vp the Scrophules or swelling kernels knowne by the name of the kings euill If it be incorporat with rosin wax it mitigateth all sorts of impostumes or flat biles whatsoeuer Some put thereto Galbanum also in equall quantity or weight and so vse it in the same manner for to heale wounds It pollisheth and maketh smooth the rough vneuen nails if it be laid too for seuen daies and the medicine not remoued before but the nails ought to be wel washed with salnitre Some obserue certain superstitious ceremonies herein and are of opinion That it will worke the better with more efficacy in case it be gathered from the Oke the first day of the new Moon also if it be not cut downe with any bill hook knife or edged yron toole Moreouer they do hold That if it touch not the ground it cureth those who are troubled with the falling sicknes Semblably if women do but carry it about them it helpeth them to conceiue Finally if it be chewed and so applied vnto vlcers it is most effectuall to heale them perfectly As for the little round bals or apples sound vpon the Oke Robur if they be incorporat with Bears grease they cause the haire to come thick again where it is shed in case the bare or bald place be annointed therewith Of the great Oke Holm Cerrus thus much I haue to say That the leaues the bark and mast thereof do discusse and drie vp all gathering of impostumations euen such as grow to suppuration or mattering and stay the flux of humors which feed them A decoction thereof doth corroborat any member or part of the body which groweth to be sencelesse or benummed if the same be fomented therwith Also for to dry bind confirm any part which is feeble weak it is singular good to sit in
the Pitch tree Larch tree brused and sodden in vineger do ease the tooth-ache if the mouth be washed with the decoction The ashes made of their barks skin the places that be chafed fretted and galled betweene the thighs and heale any burn or scald Taken in drinke they bind the belly but open the passages of the vrin A perfume or suffumigation therof doth settle the matrice when it is loose and out of the right place But to write more distinctly of these two trees the leaues of the Pitch tree haue a particular property respectiue to the liuer and the infirmities thereof if one take a dram weight of them and drink it in mead and honied water It is well known and resolued vpon that to take the aire of those woods and forests only where these trees be cut lanced and scraped for to draw pitch and rosin out of them is without all comparison the best course which they can take who either be in a consumption of the lungs or after some long and languishing sicknes haue much ado to recouer their strength Certes such an aire is far better than either to make a long voiage by sea into Egypt or to goe among the cottages in summer time for to drinke new milk comming of the fresh and green grasse of the mountains As for Chamaepitys it is named in Latine by some Abiga for that it causeth women to slip their conception beforetime of others Thus terrae i. ground Frankincense this herb putteth forth branches a cubit long and both in floure and sauor resembleth the Pine tree A second kind there is of Chamaepitys lower than the other seeming as though it bended and stooped downward to the ground There is also a third sort of the same odor that the rest and therefore so named This last Chamaepitys riseth vp with a little stalke or stem of a finger thicknesse it beareth rough small slender and white leaues and it groweth commonly amongst rockes All these three be herbs indeed and no other and should not be ranged among trees yet for names sake because they carry the denomination of Pitys i. the Pitch-tree I was induced the rather to treat of them in this present place to stay no longer Soueraigne they bee all against the pricks or stings of Scorpions applied in manner of a liniment with dates and quinces they be wholsome for the liuer their decoction together with barly meale is good for the infirmities of reins and bladder Also the decoction of these hearbes boiled in water helpeth the jaundise and the difficulty of vrine if the Patient drinke thereof The third kind last named taken with hony is singular against the poison of serpents and in that maner only applied as a cataplasme it clenseth the matrice natural parts of women If one drink the same herbe it will dissolue and remoue the cluttered thick bloud within the body it prouoketh sweat if the body be therwith annointed and it is especially good for the reins Being reduced into pills together with figs it is passing wholsome for those that be in a dropsie for it purgeth the belly of waterish humors If this herb be taken in wine to the weight of a victoriat piece of siluer i. halfe a Roman denier it warisheth for euer the pain of the loins and stoppeth the course of a new cough Finally if it be boiled in vineger and so taken in drink it is said that it will presently expel the dead infant out of the mothers wombe For the like cause and reason I will do the herb Pityusa this honor as to write of it among trees since that it seemeth by the name to come from the Pitch tree this plant some do reckon among the Tithymals a kind of shrub it is like vnto the Pitch tree with a small floure and the same of purple color If one drink the decoction of the root to the quantity of one hemina it purgeth downward both fleam and choler so doth a spoonfull of the seed therof put vp into the body by suppositories The decoction of the leaues in vineger doth cleanse the skin of dandruffe and scales if the decoction of rue be mingled therwith it is singular for sore brests to appease the wrings and tormenrs of the cholick against the sting of serpents and generally for to discusse and resolue all apostemations and botches a breeding But to returne againe to our former trees how Rosine is ingendred in them of their seuerall kinds and the countries where they grow I haue shewed before first in the treatise of wines and afterwards in the discourse and histories of Trees And to speak summarily of rosins they may be diuided into two principal kinds to wit the dry and the liquid rosin The dry is made of the Pine and the Pitch trees the liquid commeth from the Terebinth Larch Lentisk Cypresse trees for these beare rosin in Asia and Syria wheras some there be of opinion That the rosins of the Pitch and Larch trees be all one they be much deceiued for the Pitch tree yeeldeth a fatty rosin and in maner of frankincense vnctuous but from the Larch tree there issueth a subtill and thin liquor running like to life hony of a strong and rank vnpleasant smell Physitians seldome vse any of these liquid Rosins and neuer prescribe them but to be taken or supped off with an egge As for that of the Larch tree they giue it for the cough and exulceration of some noble parts within neither is that per-rosin of the Pine tree much vsed as for the rest they be not of any vse vnlesse they be boiled Touching the diuers manners of boiling them I haue shewed them sufficiently But if I should put a difference between these rosins according to the trees from whence they come the right Terpentine indeed which the Terebinth yeeldeth liketh and pleaseth me best being of all others lightest and most odoriferous If I should make choice of them in regard of the countries where they are found certes they of Cypresse and Syria be best and namely those that in colour resemble Attick hony and for the Cyprian rosin that which is of a more fleshie substance and drier consistence Of the dry per-rosins those are in most request which be white pure transparent or cleare quite through In generall those that come from trees growing vpon mountains be preferred before them of the plains also regarding the Northeast rather than any other wind For salues to heale wounds as also for emollitiue plasters rosins ought to be dissolued in oile for drinks or potions with bitter almonds As touching their medicinable vertues they be good to clense and close vp wounds to discusse and resolue any apostemes which bee in gathering Moreouer they be vsed in the diseases of the brest and namely true Terpentine by way of liniment for then it is singular good especially if it be applied hot also for the
pains of the lims and for those that be plucked with the cramp in case the grieued parts be wel rubbed therewith in the sun which they know well enough who buy slaues and sell them for gain after they haue trimmed and set them out for sale for they especially are very curious to annoint their bodies al ouer with this Terpentine for to loosen the skin when they be hide-bound lank and carrion lean to giue more liberty and space for euery part to receiue nutriment and so to make their bodies seeme fat and faire liking Next vnto the right Terpentine is the rosin of the Lentiske Tree this hath an astringent or binding qualitie but of all others it prouoketh vrine most all the rest doe mollifie the belly and make it soluble concoct and digest all crudities stent the inueterate cough and draw downe all the superfluous burdens of the matrice for which purpose last named their fume receiued by a suffumigation is very effectuall They are more particularly as good as a counterpoison against the venomous gum Ixia growing vpon the plant Chamaeleon Incorporat with buls tallow and hony they cure the biles called Pani and such risings in the flesh The Lentisk rosin is singular good for to lay euen and streight the haires of the eie-lids when they grow into the eies In fractures and broken bones it is most necessary as also for the ears running with filthy matter likewise to kil the itch in the priuy members Finally the per-rosin of the Pine tree is a most soueraigne medicin to cure all the wounds of the head CHAP. VII ¶ Of Stone-pitch of Tarre of Pitch twice boiled of Pissasphalt or Mummie of Zopissa of Torch-wood and the Lentiske FRom what tree Pitch commeth and the sundry waies of making it I haue declared heretofore also that there be two principall kinds thereof to wit the thick or fast Pitch and the thin or liquid of the former sort the best for vse in Physick is the Brutian Pitch for that being of all others fattiest fullest of gum it yeeldeth a twofold commodity both for medicines and also to trim and rosin wine-vessels for which purposes that which inclineth to a reddish yellow is counted the chiefe But whereas some do say moreouer that the better Pitch commeth from the male tree I cannot conceiue what they should mean thereby neither doe I think it possible to discerne any such difference True it is that Pitch by nature is hot a good incarnatiue a speciall and particular property it hath against the venom inflicted by the sting or tooth of the horned serpent Cerastes if it be made into a cataplasme with fried barly groats and being applied with honey it healeth the squinancy cureth catarrhs and restraineth sneezing with oile of roses it serueth well to be poured into running ears out of which there doth oose filthy matter or being applied in manner of a liniment with wax it is passing good it healeth the il-fauored tettars called Lichenes and it looseneth the belly licked or let downe leisurely in maner of a loch it is a good means to void and reach vp from the brest tough fleame and to annoint the tonsils or almonds in the mouth with it and hony together is a proper medicine being in that manner prepared and vsed it clenseth vlcers and if it be incorporat with raisins and swines grease it doth incarnat and fill them vp again with new flesh carbuncles also it doth mundifie so doth it sores that begin to putrifie gather corruption but if they be such as spread be corrosiue withal then there would be an addition of the Pine tree bark or brimstone Some haue prescribed for the consumption of the lungs and a cough of long continuance to drinke the quantity of one cyath in Pitch The fissures and chaps as wel about the seat as in the feet it cureth for the flat biles named Pani it is very good as also to take away the rough nails that be so troublesome The very odor or perfume thereof helpeth the hardnesse of the matrice and setleth it again being either faln down or turned out of the due place likewise it helpeth such as be surprised with the lethargy Moreouer if it be boiled in the vrine of a yong boy vnder 14 yeares of age with barly meale it is a good maturatiue and bringeth the wennes called the Kings euill to suppuration As for dry pitch or stone pitch it helpeth much to make the haire grow again where it is shed by some disease The Pitch called Brutia or of Calabria boiled in wine to a waulm or two with the fine floure of the bearded wheat Far and so applied in a cataplasm as hot as may be suffered is singular good for womens paps Concerning liquid Pitch or Tar as also the oile which they cal Pisselaeon and how it is made I haue already written at large Some boile it a second time and then they name it Palimpissa With this liquid Pitch it is good to annoint the squinzy that groweth inwardly as also the uvula within the mouth the same is singular for the pain in the ears to clarifie the sight to clense the mouth furred as it were so as it hath no tast of meat likewise for those who are short winded for women who are diseased in their matrice to ripen rid away old coughs and to ease them that can doe nothing but spit reach out of the chest for spasmes cramps shaking and trembling moreoouer it helpeth them whose heads or bodies are drawn backward it cureth palsies and any pains or griefs of the sinews There is not a better thing to kill either the mange in dogs or the scab and farcines in horses asses and such like trauelling beasts Moreouer as touching Pissasphalt which is of a mixt nature as if pitch and Bitumen were mingled together it groweth naturally so in the territory of the Apolloniats yet some there be who make an artificial pissasphalt and meddle the one with the other and hold it for a remedy to cure the farcins and scabs of cattell as also when the young sucklings doe hurt the teats of their dams Of this kind that is best which is of it selfe and come to maturity and perfection the same in boiling swimmeth aloft Zopissa is that Pitch which as I said heretofore is scraped from ships and is confected of wax well soked in the salt water of the sea the best is that which commeth from ships that haue bin at sea and made some voiages it goeth into emollitiue plasters for to resolue the gathering of impostumes As for Taeda or Torch-wood if it bee sodden in vineger it maketh a singular collution for to wash the teeth withall when they ake Let vs come now to the Lentisk tree the wood the seed or fruit the bark and gum therof do prouoke vrine and bind the belly a fomentation made with their decoction is excellent good for eating and corrosiue vlcers
Trees and their medicinable vertues I must needs say we are beholden to them yet for one excellent medicine more which is called Oporice by the Greeks as one would say made of fruits This composition is singular for the bloudy flix or exulceration of the guts also for the infirmities of the stomack The manner of making it is in this wise Take 5 quinces with their kernels seeds all as many pomgranats likewise let them boil gently ouer a soft fire in one gallon of new white wine put therto the weight or measure or one sextar of Seruises and as much in quantity of the Sumach which is called Rhus Syriacum together with halfe an ounce of saffron seeth all these together to the height or consistence of hony Thus much concerning the properties of trees seruing in Physicke It remaineth now to annex hereunto a discourse of those plants which the Greek writers by giuing them names in some analogie respectiue vnto trees haue left an ambiguity and made vs doubt of them whether they be trees or herbs CHAP. XV. ¶ Of Chamaedrys i. Germander Chamaedaphne i. Lawrcoll Chamelaea Chamaesyce Chamaecissos i. Ale-hooue Chamaeleuce i. Fole-foot Chamaepeuce Chamae-cyparissus i. Lauander-cotton Ampelo-prasos Stachys Clinopodium Centunculus and Clematis Aegyptia with the medicines that they affoord GErmander is an herb called in Greek Chamaedrys and in Latine Trissago some haue named it Chamaedrope others Teucrion it beareth leaues for bignes resembling mints in colour like vnto the oke leaues cut and indented also after the same maner Of some it is called Serrata and they affirme that the first pattern of a saw was taken from the leafe of this herb whereupon it should be so called The floure beareth much vpon the purple colour it loueth to grow in stony places and would be gathered whiles it is full of juice and thus gathered in due season whether it be taken in drink or taken outwardly in a liniment most effectuall it is against the poison of serpents likewise it is wholsome for the stomack good against an inueterat cough singular to cut dissolue and raise the tough fleam sticking in the throat a special remedy for ruptures convulsions and pleurisies it waneth away the ouergrown spleen it prouokes vrine and womens fleurs in which regard a bundle or handfull of Germander boiled in 3 hemines of water vntill a third part be consumed maketh a soueraigne decoction or drinke for those who are newly faln into a dropsie Some there be who stamp this herb and sprinkle water among and so reduce it into troschs Ouer and besides the vertues before rehearsed it it is good to heale botches newly broken and full of matter yea old vlcers though they be filthy and putrified if it be applied thereto for the spleen it is vsually taken with vineger this juice doth chause and heat those parts which be annointed therewith As touching Lawreol called by the Greeks Chamaedaphne it ariseth vp with one only stem of a cubit high or thereabout the leaues are but smal howbeit like to those of the Lawrell it bringeth forth a reddish seed appearing among the leaues which being vsed in a liniment fresh and green easeth the head-ach The same cooleth all excessiue heats and if it be drunk in wine appeaseth the wrings and torments of the belly The juice thereof taken in drink drawes downe womens fleurs and prouokes vrine the same applied in wooll to the naturall parts of a woman causeth her to be soon deliuered when she is in hard trauell of child-birth As for Chamelaea it hath leaues like vnto those of the oliue the same be bitter in tast and in smell odoriferous This plant groweth in stony grounds and exceedeth not in heigth a hand-breadth or span at most a purgatiue herb it is for thereof is made an excellent syrrup to euacuat fleame and choler namely if there be taken one part of the leaues of this herbe with two parts of wormwood and so boiled for certainly this decoction drunk with hony is singular for to purge the foresaid humors A cataplasme made with the leaues clenseth vlcers It is commonly said that if this herb be gathered before the sun-rising and the party to say expressely in the gathering That it is for the pin and web in the eies it will dispatch and rid away the said infirmity if one do but weare it tied about him And how soeuer it be gathered whether it be with any such circumstance and ceremony or without yet is it singular for the haw gnawing in the eies of horses and sheepe Chamaesyce beareth leaues resembling those of the Lentil but they alwaies creep along the ground and rise not vp This herbe groweth in drie and stony grounds the same boiled in wine and vsed as a liniment vnto the eies cleareth their sight for it is singular to dispatch and remoue cataracts suffusions and cicatrices growing therein as also to rid away the misty clouds and films that ouercast the sight Being put vp into the matrice within a linnen cloath in manner of a pessarie it allaieth the paines thereof VVarts of all sorts it taketh away if they be annointed therewith It is a soueraigne remedy also for those who cannot take their wind but sitting vpright Chamaecissos groweth vp spiked with an ear like vnto wheat and ordinarily putteth forth fiue branches and those ful of leaues VVhen it sheweth in the floure a man would take it to be the white Violet or Gillofre The root is but small They that are troubled with the Sciatica vse to drinke the leauâ—… thereof to the weight of three oboli in two cyaths of wine for seuen daies together but it is an exceeding bitter potion As for Fole-foot it is called in Greeke Chamaeleuce but we in Latine name it Farranum or Farfugium It loueth to grow by riuers sides The leaues somwhat resemble those of the Poplar but that they be larger If the root of Fole-foot be burnt vpon the coles made with Cypres wood the smoke or perfume thereof receiued or drunk through a pipe or tunnell into the mouth is singular for an old cough Touching Chamaepeuce in leafe it is like vnto the Larch-tree a plant very appropriat to the paine of the back and the loins The herb Chamaecyparissos if it be drunk in wine is singular good against all the venomous stings of serpents and scorpions The herb Ampeloprasos groweth in vineyards bearing leaues resembling Porret but it causeth them to belch soure that eat thereof Howbeit of great power it is against the sting of serpents It prouoketh vrine womens monthly terms And yet whether it be drunke or applied outwardly it is passing good for them that pisse bloud represseth the issue eruption thereof Our midwiues vse to giue it vnto women newly deliuered and brought to bed likewise it is found to auaile much vnto them that be bitten with mad dogs Moreouer
the root resembling the leaues of Branc-vrsin there riseth vp a stem between them both in the mids carrying an incarnat floure in the head like a rose Pompeius Lenaeus who by the commandement of Pompey the Great translated into Latine the Physick notes and receits of K. Mithridates saith moreouer that the said prince found out another herb named Scordotis or Scordium and that among other his writings hee met with the description of the said herb set down vnder the kings own hand in this manner namely That it grew a cubit high with a main stem four-square and the same full of branches garnished with downy or furred leaues indented and cut like to those of the oke This herb is found ordinarily growing within the region of Pontus in battle and moist champian grounds and in taste is very bitter There is another kind of Scordium with larger and broader leaues and like it is vnto wild Minth or Calamint both the one the other be of great vse in Physicke either by themselues alone or els put into opiats and antidots among other ingredients Touching Polemonia which others call Philetaeria it tooke the name vpon ocasion of the strife and controuersie betweene certaine princes which debated about the first inuention thereof The Cappadocians know it by the name Chiliodynama i. as one would say endued with a thousand vertues This plant hath a thicke and grosse root but smal slender branches from the tops whereof there hang down certaine berries in tufts and clusters inclosing within them black seed in all other respects it resembles rue groweth commonly vpon mountaines As for Agrimony called otherwise Eupatoria it hath gotten credit reputation by a king as it may appeare by the name The stalk or stem of this herb is of a wooddy substance blackish in colour hairy and of a cubit in height or rather more The leaues grow disposed and distant by certaine spaces asunder much like vnto those of cinquefoile or hempe snipped cut about the edges ordinarily in fiue parts the same are of a blackish or dark green and full of a kinde of plume or downe The root is superfluous for any operation that it hath in Physick the seed of this herb drunk in wine is a singular remedy for the dysentery or bloudy flix The greater * Centaury is that famous herbe wherewith Chiron the Centaure as the report goeth was cured at what time as hauing entertained Hercules in his cabin hee would needs be handling tempering with the weapons of his said guest so long vntill one of his arrows light vpon his foot and wounded him dangerously wherupon some there be who name it Chironion The leaues grow large broad and long indented or cut rather like a saw round about the edges neare vnto the root they come vp very thick the stems run vp three cubits high full of knots and joints all the way knobbed in the top like vnto Poppie heads the root is of a mighty bignesse inclining to a red colour howbeit tender and easie to break or knap in sunder two cubits it beareth in length full of a liquid juice bitter in taste and yet sweet withal it loueth to grow vpon banks and prety hils where the ground is fat and battle The best Centaury of this greater kinde commeth out of Arcadie Elis Messenia Pholoe and mount Lycaeus and yet there is good found vpon the Alpes and in many other places Some there be who out of this plant draw a juice in manner of Lycium Of such efficacy it is to incarnat wounds that by report if it be put into the pot to seeth among many gobbets or pieces of flesh it wil cause them to grow together and vnite The root only is to be giuen inwardly and namely in drinke to the weight of two drams in such cases as I will shew hereafter with this charge That if the Patient haue an ague hanging vpon him it be stamped and taken in water others may drink it well enough in wine Also the juice drawn forth of it when it is boiled is good for the diseases or rot of sheep Another Centaury there is syrnamed also in Greeke Lepton i. Small for that it hath little leaues in comparison of the other some name it Libadion for that it loueth to grow neere to springs or fountains it is somwhat like to Origan saue that the leaues be narrower and longer the stalk is cornered rising vp to a smal height to wit a hand-breadth or a span at most the same also putteth forth little branches the floure hath some resemblance of the red-Rose campion the root is small needlesse for any Physicke vse but the juice of the herb it selfe is of singular operation This herb would be gathered in Autumne when it is fresh full of leaues and floures for then it yeeldeth best iuice Some take the stalks and branches thred them smal let them lie infused in water 18 daies and then presse forth the juice This is that Centaury which we here in Italy call Fel Terrae i. the Gal of the earth by reason of the exceeding bitternesse which it hath the Gauls terme it Exacos because if it be drunk it sendeth downeward by seege out of the body any hurtfull poison whatsoeuer There is a third Centaury named Centauris knowne by the addition Triorches whosoeuer commeth to cut this herb he quits himselfe wel and escapeth faire if he wound not himselfe This plant yeeldeth forth a certaine red juice like vnto bloud Theophrastus hath deliuered in his history of Plants that the hawkes * Triorchides protect and defend this herbe are ready to incounter and fight with them that come to gather it wherupon it took the foresaid name Triorchis But many ignorant and vnskilfull persons there be who write confusedly of all these Centauries and attribute this last property and name to the first Centaurie the great CHAP. VII ¶ Of Clymenos Gentian Lysimachia Parthenis or Artemisia Ambrosia Nymphaea Heraclium and Euphorbium with their operations in Physicke THe herb Clymenos beareth the name of K. Clymenus the first inuenter and finder out therof Leafed it is like vnto Ivie full of branches the stalkes or stems be hollow and emptie within diuided by joints and partitions of a strong and vnpleasant smell the seed resembleth the grains or berries of Ivie and it taketh pleasure to grow in wilde woods and among mountains As touching the operations which it hath namely what diseases it cureth being taken in drink I will shew hereafter mean while I will not put off any longer but aduertise the Reader euen in this place That this herb as it doth good one way so it hurteth another for if they be men that drink it wel may it cure them of the maladies for which it is giuen but surely it killeth their naturall seed and disableth them for getting children so long as they vse it The Grecian writers described it
neuer giue ouer flapping with their tailes and beating their own sides vntill they haue killed themselues Now for their sting it is an vsuall practise to giue inwardly one dram weight of the seed of Betonie in three cyaths of wine or els to incorporate 3 drams of the pouder in one sextar of water and lay it as a cataplasme to the fore Cantabrica Dictamnum and Aristolochia serue likewise for good counterpoisons in case a dram weight of their root be giuen in one hemine of wine But then the Patient must vse to drink it often And verily Aristolochia worketh the same effect if it be reduced into a liniment and so applied so doth Pistolochia which herb is so aduersatiue vnto serpents that if you doe but hang it vp in the chimney ouer the hearth it will chase away all kind of serpents out of the house CHAP. IX ¶ Of Argemonie Agarick and Echium Of Henbane and Veruaine Of Blattaria and Lemonia Of Cinquefoile Carot and the Clot or great Bur. Of Cyclaminus or Sow-bread and Harstrang hearbs all singular against the sting of Serpents THe root of Argemonia taken to the weight of one Roman denier in 3 cyaths of wine is singular against the sting of serpents And since I am come to mention this herbe I thinke it conuenient to discourse farther thereof like as of other simples also which I meane to name first before that I treat of their vertues and effects And in this course of setting downe medicines euer as I meet with any herb of any singularity I will range it there whereas I know it to be most soueraigne and effectuall Wel this Argemony aforesaid hath leaues like to Anemony i. Rose Persly or Windfloure jagged they be in maner of garden Parsly Heads it beareth in the top of euery stalke or branch resembling those of wild Poppy or Corne-rose and a root also not vnlike to that of the said herb A juice it yeeldeth yellow as Safron hot sharp and biting in tast VVith vs here in Italy it groweth vpon corn lands Our countrymen haue described three kinds therof but they allow and commend that only which hath a root senting much of Frankincense Touching Agaricke it is a fungous excrescence growing out of certain trees neare vnto the straits of Bosphorus much like vnto a white Mushrum The ordinary dose or receit thereof to be giuen bruised and beaten small into pouder is to the weight of two drams in two cyaths of Oxymel or honied vineger That which is found in Gaule or France is thought to be weaker in operation Moreouer that Agaricke is counted the male which is more massiue or compact and bitterer withall but one ill quality it hath namely to make the head to ake The female is of a more loose and softer substance which at the first when you tast it seemeth sweet but within a while it turneth to be bitter Echium is of two kinds One of them is like to Peniroyall garnished crowned as it were with tufts of leaues in the head which being giuen to the weight of two drams in 4 cyaths of wine is singular good for the venome of serpents inflicted by their sting The like effect hath the other also which is distinctly knowne from the other by the rough and prickie downe that the leaues do beare and it carieth in the top little knobs resembling vipers heads and this may be taken either in wine or in vineger chuse you whether The great Clot-bur called in Greek Arcion some haue named in Latine Personata There is not a plant in the field that carieth a broader leafe and besides furnished it is with as big Burs The root of this hearb boiled the Physitians prescribe to be giuen in vineger to drinke against the sting ofserpents Henbane stamped leaues and all singular to be taken in wine especially against the sting of the Aspides But of all other herbs there is none more honored among the Romans than Hierobotane called also otherwise in Greek Peristereon which we in Latine name Verbenaca This is that hearb which as I haue declared heretofore our Embassadors vse to cary with them when they go to denounce war and to giue defiance vnto our enemies VVith this herbe the feastiuall table of Iupiter is wont to be swept and clensed with great solemnitie our houses also be rubbed and hallowed for to driue away ill spirits And hereof be two kinds That which they take to be the female is stored well with leaues the male hath them growing but thin yet both of them put forth many small and slender branches commonly a cubit long and cornered The leaues be lesser and narrower than those of the Oke but deeper they be indented and the partition wider the floures be of a gray colour the root long and small It groweth euery where vpon plains subiect vnto waters Some writers make no distinction at all of male female but hold them all to be of one and the same kind because they work the same effects In France the Druidae vse them both indifferently in casting lots telling fortunes foreshewing future euents by way of prophesie But the wise-men or sages called Magi ouerpasse themselues mightily in this herb and shew their foolery and vanity without all sence and reason They would beare vs in hand forsooth that whosoeuer be rubbed all ouer the body therewith shall obtaine whatsoeuer their heart desireth be able to cure and driue away all manner of agues reconcile them that be fallen out make friendship between whom they list and in one word giue remedy to any di sease whatsoeuer they giue moreouer expresse order that it be gathered about the rising of the great dog-star but so as neither Sun nor Moon be at that time aboue the earth to see it with this especiall charge besides that before they take vp the herbe they bestow vpon the ground where it groweth honey with the combes in token of satisfaction and amends for the wrong and violence done in depriuing her of so worthie an hearbe They rest not so but when these ceremonious circumstances be performed they inioine them also who are to dig it vp for to make a circle round about the place with some instrument of yron and then to draw and pluck it vp with the left hand in any wise so to fling it aloft ouer their heads vp into the aire which done they appoint precisely that it be dried in the shade leaues stalkes and roots euery one apart by themselues To conclude they adde moreouer and say that if the ball or dining chambe sprinckled with the water wherein Veruaine lay steeped all that sit at the table shall be very pleasant and make merrie more jocundly VVell to leaue these toies and fooleries the truth is this stamp and beat it giue the juice or pouder therof in wine it is a good defensatiue against the poison of serpents An herb there is much resembling Mullen or
the forehead together with Cinquefoile stoppeth the fall of humors into the eies and cureth all other maladies incident vnto them Mullen or Lungwort is likewise a great defensatiue against the foresaid rheums which haue taken a course to the eies and cause them to water so is Veruain if it be applied with oile rosat or vineger For the cataract or suffusion of the eies for the pin and web which offend the eie-sight the Trosches of Cyclamine being dissolued and so applied are soueraigne As for the juice of Peucedanum i. Hare-strange it is as I said before a notable medicine for to cleare the sight and rid away the muddy mists before the eies if it be laid to with Opium and oile rosat Finally Flea-woort staieth and keepeth vp the flux of humors into the eies if the forehead be annointed with the mucilage thereof CHAP. XIII ¶ Of Pimpernell named Anagallis and Corchoros Of Mandragoras or Circeium Of Hemlocke Crestmarine or Sampire named in Greeke Crithmos Agria Of the herbe Molybdaena Of Fumiterre Of Acorus or Galangale Of Floure-de-lys Of Cotyledon or Venus navill Of Sengreen and Purcellane Of Groundswell Of Ephemeron Of the Tazill and of Crowsoot with the medicinable vertues of the said hearbes appropriate to the diseases of the eies cares nosthrils teeth and mouth THe herbe Pimpernell some call Anagallis others Corchoros Of it be found two kindes the male with a red floure the female with a blew neither of them both be taller than the hand-bredth or a span at most tender they be likewise in all parts the leaues be very smal round and lying vpon the ground they grow as well the one as the other in gardens and watery places that with the blew floure bloweth first the juice of them both tempered with hony dispatcheth the mist and dimnesse of the eies consumeth the rednesse occasioned by a stripe or bruise and taketh away the red spots in the white of the eie and so much the sooner if the hony be of the best and made about Athens wherewith the eies be annointed The said medicine likewise is good for to extend and dilate the tunicles that make the ball or apple of the eie and therefore it is an ordinary course that their eies be annointed therewith beforehand who are to be pricked with a needle for couching of a cataract These herbs be singular good likewise for the haw in horses or beasts eies The iuice of Pimpernell conueyed vp into the nosthrils cleanseth the braine by the emunctory of the nose so that afterwards the Patient do draw vp wine into the nosthrils for a collution to wash them A dram of the said iuice drunk in wine is a counterpoison against the venom of snakes But this is strange and I cannot chuse but maruell of it that sheep should so much hate and abhor the female Pimpernell as they do howbeit in case they should mistake the one for the other because they are so like for in flour only they differ and tast the Pimpernel with the blew floure presently they haue recourse by a natural instinct to an herbe for remedy called in Greeke Asyla and by vs in Latine Ferus oculus i. the wild and cruell eie or Margellane Some there be who set down certain ceremonies and circumstances to be obserued by them who are to dig or plucke vp this hearbe namely That they goe to this businesse before the Sun-rising and salute or bid good morrow to it three times before they speak any other word that morning and then to take it vp and cast it on high which don to presse forth the iuice of it Thus ordered forsooth they say it is of better operation and will do the deed surely Touching Euphorbium what it is I haue sufficiently spoken The iuice thereof is singular for bleered eies especially if they be swelled withall likewise wormwood stamped and incorporat with hony as also the pouder of Betony There groweth many times a fistulous vlcer betweene the corner of the eie and the nose called Aegilops for to heale which sore there is a soueraigne herbe of that name growing among Barly in blade or leafe it resembleth that of wheat the seed or graine whereof beaten into pouder and mixed with meale or floure or the juice drawne out of the herbe they vse for the said purpose to applie vnto the affected place in manner of a salue or liniment Now the said juice must be pressed out of the stalke and leaues thereof whiles they be fresh and fullest of sap but then the haw or eare that it beareth ought to be taken away which being incorporat with the floure of three moneths corn is made vp into bals or trosches Some were wont in this cure to vse the juice also of Mandragoras but they gaue it ouer afterwards Howbeit for certain the root of Mandragoras bruised or stamped and tempered with the oile of roses and wine cureth weeping and watering eies yea and assuageth their pain the said juice how soeuer it be rejected in the former case goeth into many collyries or eye-salues This herbe Mandragoras some writers cal Circeium and two kinds there be of it the white which is supposed the male and the black which you must take for the female the leaues of this female resemble those of the Lectuce but that they be narrower hairy also they are and al of an equall bignesse Two or three roots it hath and those of a reddish or russet colour without but white within of a fleshy substance and tender running downe into the earth almost a cubit in length A certain fruit or apple they beare of the bignesse of Filberds or Hazel-nuts within which there be seeds like vnto the pippens or Pears The white Mandrage some name Arsen i the male others Morion and there be again who cal it Hypophlomos The white leaues of this Mandrage be broader than the other and indeed equall to the garden Docke or Patience In the digging vp of the root of Mandrage there are some ceremonies obserued first they that goe about this worke looke especially to this that the wind be not in their face but blow vpon their backs then with the pont of a sword they draw three circles round about the plant which don they dig it vp afterwards with their face into the West There is a juice pressed forth both of the fruit and also of the leaues shred and minced of the stem likewise being first headed or the top cut off and also of the root which somtime they do pounce and prick for to let out the liquor otherwhiles they boile it and the root so prepared is as good as the juice The same also being cut into certain thin rundles they vse to preserue in wine Howbeit Mandrage is not found alwaies and euery where full of juice but in what place soeuer such may bee gotten the right season to seek for it is about vintage time the sent therof is
the pleurisie Touching that Plant which the French cal Halum the Venetians Cotonea it is holden excellent for the griefe of the sides for the reines those that be plucked with the cramp and bursten by any inward rupture this herb somwhat resembleth wild Origan or Marjeram saue that in the â—…ead it is like rather vnto Thyme sweet it is in tast and quencheth thirst a spungeous and â—…ht root it hath in one place white in another black Of the same operation for the paires of the â—…de is Chamaerops an herbe which hath leaues growing double about the stalk and those like vnto the Myrtle leaues and bearing certain buttons or heads much after the manner of the Greekish Rose and the way to take it is in wine Agarick drunk in that order as it was prescribed for the cough doth assuage the paine of the Sciatica and the back bone Semblably doth the pouder of dried Stoechas or Betony if it be taken in mead or honied water CHAP. VIII ¶ Of all the infirmities and remedies of the belly and those parts that either be adioining to it or within contained The means how to loosen and bind the belly TOuching the panch or belly much ado there is with it and although most men care for nothing els in this life but to content and please the belly yet of all other parts it putteth them to most trouble for one while it is so costiue as that it will giue no passage to the meat another while so slippery as it will keep none of it one time you shal haue it so peeuish as that it can receiue no food and another time so weake and feeble that it is able to make no good concoction of it And verily now adaies the world is growne to that passe that the mouth and panch together are the chiefe meanes to worke our death The wombe I say the wickedest vessell belonging to our bodies is euermore vrgent like an importunat creditour demanding debt and oftentimes in a day calleth vnto vs for victuals for the bellies sake especially we are so couetous to gather good for the belly we lay vp so many dainties and superfluities to content the belly we stick not to saile as far as the riuer Phasis and to please the belly we seek sound the bottome of the deep seas and when all is done no man euer thinketh how base and abject this part of the body is considering that filthy ordure and excrement which passeth from it in the end No maruell then if Physitians be much troubled about it and be forced to deuise the greatest number of medicines for the help and cure thereof And to begin with the staying and binding of it a dram of Scordotis the herbe stamped greene and taken in wine doth the feat so doth the decoction thereof if it be drunke Also Polemonia is a soueraigne herb to be giuen in wine for the bloudy flix The root of Mullen or Lungwort taken to the quantity of two fingers in water worketh the same effect The seed of Nymphaea Heraclea drunk in wine is of the like operation so is the vpper part of the double root of Glader or the Flagge ministred to the weight of two drams in vineger To this purpose also serueth Plantaine seed done into pouder and put into a cup of wine or the herb it selfe boiled with vineger or els frumenty pottage taken with the juice thereof Plantaine sodden with Lentils or the pouder of the dry herb strewed like spice into drinke together with the pouder of starched Poppie The iuice also of Plantain or of Betony put into wine that hath bin heat with a red hot gad of steele either ministred by clystre or drunk in the said case is very commendable Moreouer the same Plantain or Betony is singular to be giuen in some green or austere wine for those who are troubled with the lask proceeding from a weake stomack and for that purpose Iberis may be applied vnto the region of their belly as I haue before said In the disease Tinesmus which is an inordinat quarrell to the stool and a straining vpon it without doing any thing the root of Nemphar or Nymphaea Heraclia is singular good to bee drunk in wine likewise Fleawort taken in water the decoction of Galangale root the juice of Housleeke or Sengreene stoppeth the flux of the womb staieth the bloudy flix and chaseth out of the body the round worms The root of Comfrey and of the Carot stoppeth likewise the bloudy flix The leaues of Housleeke stamped and taken in wine are singular good against the wringing torments of the belly The pouder of dried Alcaea drunk cureth the said wrings Astragalus i. Pease Earth-nut an herb bearing long leaues indented with many cuts or jags and those which be about the root made bias riseth vp with three or foure stems full of leaues carieth a floure like to the Hyacinth or Crow toes the roots are bearded and full of strings enfolded one within another red of colour and exceeding hard in substance it groweth in rockes and stonie grounds exposed to the Sun and yet charged or couered with snow the most part of the yeare such as is the mountain Pheneus in Arcadia This herb hath an astringent power the root if it be drunk in wine bindeth the belly by which means it prouoketh vrine namely by driving backe the serous and watery humors to the reines like as most of those simples that be astringent that way are diureticall The same root stamped and taken in red wine healeth the exulceration of the guts thereby staieth the bloudy flix but suâ—…ely hard it is to bruise or stamp it the same is singular for the apostumation of the gums if they be fomented therwith the right season to draw and gather those roots is in the end of Autumne when the herb hath lost the leaues and then they ought to be dried in the shade Both sorts of Ladanum growing among corne be excellent for to knit the belly if they be stamped and searced The manner is to drink them in mead likewise in wine to represse choler Now the herb whereof Ladanum is made is called Lada groweth in the Island Cypros the liquor wherof sticketh commonly to goats beards The excellent Ladanum commeth out of Arabia There is a kind of it made now adaies in Syria and Africke which they call Toxicon for that in those countries the people vse to take their bow strings lapped about with wooll trail the same after them among those plants which beare Ladanum and so the fattie dew cleaueth therto Of this Ladanum I haue written more at large in my treatise of ointments redolent compositions but this later kind is strongest in sauor hardest in hande and no maruell for it gathereth much grosse and earthy substance whereas indeed the best Ladanum is commended and chosen when it is pure clear odoriferous soft green and full of rosin The
spoonfuls and of Poppy one spoonfull in 4 cyaths of wine not very old the same medicine may be giuen also last at a night to bedward with some addition of sal-nitre or fried barly meale if it be long after meat and one hemine of the juice thereof is singular for the cholique if it be ministred in a clystre though the patient were in an ague In cases of the spleene it is good to drink 3 oboles weight of Agarick in one cyath of old wine for it cureth the spleen and of the same operation is the root of all sorts of Panaces taken in honied wine but for the accidents of the spleen Teucrion hath no fellow if it be taken either dry in pouder or boiled to the quantity of one handfull in 3 hemines of vineger and the same herb maketh a soueraigne salue for green wounds to be applied with vineger or if the patient cannot indure it with a fig or water in stead of vineger Polemonia likewise is a good herb for the spleen to be drunk in wine so is Betony taken to the poise of one dram in 3 cyaths of oxymell and Aristolochia is likewise respectiue to this part in case it be giuen vnto the patient as against the poison of serpents If the Patient continue the eating of Argemonia seuen daies together with his meat it will as they say in that time consume and wast the swelling spleen Agarick taken to the weight of 2 oboli in oxymell is effectuall that way The root of Nymphaea Heraclia or Nenuphar drunk in wine is able of it selfe to consume the same Cissanthemos is an excellent herb for the spleene or milt if a man take a dram of it twise a day in two cyaths of white wine and hold on that course for fortie daies together it wil by report rid away the diseased spleen by vrine to which purpose the decoction of hyssop with figs serueth very well euen so doth the decoction of Lonchitis if it bee taken before it spindle and run vp to seed also the root of Harstrang boiled is good for spleene and kidnies Acorum if it be taken in drink consumeth the milt For the Midriffe and Hypochondriall parts or the small guts lying in the flanke vnder the short ribs * Radish roots be singular The seed of water Betony if it be drunke thirty daies together the weight of one denarius at once in white wine is singular in that case the pouder of Betony taken in drink with hony and vineger of Squilla is commended for that purpose as also the root of Lonchitis drunk in water and Teucrium applied as a liniment Scordum incorporat with wax and Agarick with the pouder or floure of Fenigreek help the infirmities of the bladder and namely the intollerable pains of the stone and grauell as I haue beforesaid Polemonia drunk in wine and in like manner Agaricke is good for that purpose the root or leaues of Plantaine taken in sweet wine cuit also Betonie prepared in that manner as it was appointed for the disease of the liuer be remedies for the infirmities of that part Betonie also giuen in drink and applied in a liniment healeth a rupture and the same is most effectuall in curing the strangury some prescribe and giue counsell to drink Betony Veruaine Yarrow or Millefoile of each a like portion in water as an excellent remedy for the stone and grauel And well knowne it is that for to ease the strangury and remoue the cause thereof Dictamnus is an approued medicine so is the decoction of Cinquefoile if it be boiled in wine to the consumption of a third part found by experience to be an vndoubted remedy in that infirmity the same also is singular good to be applied in that rupture where the guts be falne downe The vpper root of Glader or Flags causeth young infants to make water if it be laid to the bottom of the belly the same giuen inwardly with water cureth those that are burst and haue their guts slipped downe and helpeth the infirmities of the bladder in an outward liniment The iuice of Harstrang healeth little children who are bursten and of Fleawort there is made a good ointment to annoint their Nauell when it beareth out ouermuch Both the Pimpernels do prouoke vrine so doth the decoction of Acorus root the very root it selfe also beaten into pouder and taken in drink worketh the like effect and besides healeth all the accidents of the bladder Cotyledon or Vmbelicus Veneris both herb and root breaketh the stone and expelleth it by grauell being otherwise singular good for all inflammations of the genitall parts or members of generation if the stalks and seed be taken with Myrrhe of each a like quantity Walwort stamped together with the tender leaues thereof and so drunk in wine driueth out the stone the same applied outwardly cureth the accidents befailing to the cods Groundswell with the pouder of Frank incense and sweet wine reduced into an ointment cureth the inflammation of the sayd cods The root of Camfrey brought into a liniment staieth the rupture whereby the guts come downe and white Hypocist his represseth the cancerous sores in those parts Semblably Mugwort is singular to be giuen in sweet wine for the stone and strangur The root of Nenuphar or Nymphaea Heraclia taken in wine assuageth the paine and griefe of the bladder of the same power is Sampier so highly commended by Hippocrates now is this one of the wild woorts which are vsually eaten in salads and certes this is that very herbe which the good countrey wife Hecale forgat not to set vpon her boord in a feast that she made as we may read in Callimachus the Poet And what is it but a kind of garden Batis It groweth vp with one stem halfe a foot high or a span at most the seed is exceeding hot round and odoriferous like vnto Rosemary if it be dried it bursteth and hath within a white kernell which some call Cachrys The leaues be fatty and of a grayish white in manner of the oliue leafe but that they be thicker and saltish in tast roots it hath three or foure of a finger thicknesse it groweth vpon the sea coast among rocks and clifts This herbe may be eaten raw or boiled it skilleth not how with Beets Coles and other such woorts and in tast likewise it is aromaticall and pleasant it is vsually preserued and kept condite in a kinde of pickle and the principall vse that it hath is to cure the strangury if either leafe stalk or root be drunk in wine also beeing thus taken it maketh folke look with a more louely cheerful colour but if one be too bold with it vse it not with moderation it breedeth ventosities The decoction of Sampiermaketh the body soluble and is diureticall for it mightly draweth water from the kidnies In like manner the pouder of dryed Althaea or Marsh-Mallow drunk in wine cureth the strangury and
juice of the root either after it hath lien a time infused or simply stamped without any such preparation yea and the substance of the root reduced into pouder and giuen in a draught of water made hot with a gad of steel quenched in it Some haue appointed in this kind of ague 3 of those roots and 3 cyaths of water precisely and the same Physitians for a Quartaine haue prescribed foure of either and by their saying if when Borage beginneth to fade vpon the ground one take out the pith or marow within the stem and whiles he is so doing name withal the sick party and say hee doth it for to rid him or her from the ague and withall bestow it in 7 leaues neither more nor lesse of the said herbe and hang all tied fast about the patient before the time that the sit should come the feuer wil neuer returne again Also a dram of Betony or Agaricke taken in three cyaths of mead driueth away any intermittent ague especially those that begin with quiuering and quaking Some are wont to giue of Cinquefoile three leaues in a tertian and foure in a quartan and so rise to more according to the period or type of the rest others ordain indifferently for all agues the weight of 3 oboli with some pepper in mead or honied water Veruaine verily giuen in wine as a drench to horses cureth them of their feauers but in Tertians it must be cut just aboue the third joint where it brancheth but for Quartanes at the fourth The seed of both kinds of Hypericon is good to be drunk in Quartans And the pouder of Betony dried is singular for the quaking fits and in very deed the herb it selfe represseth all shiuering and whatsoeuer proceeding of cold In like maner Panaces is of so hot a nature that Physitians giue direction to them who are to trauell ouer high mountains couered with snow for to drink it annoint their bodies all ouer with it Semblably Aristolochia doth withstand all chilling and through colds The best cure of those who be in a frensie is by sleepe and that may be procured easily by the juice of Peucedanum vineger together infused vpon the head by way of imbrocation or by rubbing the same with it likewise with the juice of both the Pimpernels Contrariwise there is more adoe with those that are in a lethargy to awaken them and keep them from drowsinesse and yet may that be affected some say by rubbing their nosthrils with the juice of the said * Harstrang in vineger For those that be out of their right wits or bestraught Betony is singular good to be giuen in drink Panaces breaks the Carbuncle also the pouder of Betony in water healeth it or the Colewort with Frankincense if the patient drinke often therof hot Some take a burning cole of fire and when it is extinguished or gon out in the presence of the patient with their finger gather vp the cindres or light ashes which settle therupon and apply them vnder the carbuncle others stamp Plantain and lay it to the sore the Tithymall called Characites cureth the dropsie Also Panaces and Plantaine taken as a meat in bole with this regard That the patient haue eaten some dry bread before without any drinke at all In which case Betony likewise is singular if two drams thereof be giuen in as many cyaths of wine simply or wine honied Moreouer Agaricke or the seed of Lonchitis drunke to the quantitie of two Ligulae or spoones full in water Flea-woort beeing vsed with wine the juice of Pimpernels both the red and the blew the root of Vmbilicus Veneris in honied wine the root of Walwoort newly drawne out of the ground so that the earth bee onely shaken off without any washing at all in case as much thereof as two fingers will comprehend be taken in one hemine of old wine hot the root of Clauer or Trefoile drunke in wine to the weight of two drams Tithymall named Platyphillon the seed of Hypericon and namely that which otherwise is called Coris Chamaeacte which some think to be Wall-wort if either the root be beaten to pouder and ministred in three cyaths of wine so the patient haue no feuer hanging vpon him or the seed giuen in thick red wine be appropriat remedies euery one for a dropsie In like maner Vervaine if a good hand full thereof be boiled in water vnto the consumption of the one halfe But principally the juice of Wall-wort is thought to be the meetest medicine for to fit this malady For the bleach or breaking out in wheales for small pocks swine pocks and such like eruptions of flegmatick humors Plantain is a proper remedy to rid them away so is the root of sowbread applied with hony The leaues of Walwort or ground Elder stamped incorporat in old wine and so laid too doe heale the meazels purples or red blisters which some call Boa The juice of Nightshade or pety Morell vsed as a liniment killeth the itch The shingles and such hot pimples called S. Anthonies fire are cured by nothing better than by Housleek by the leaues of Hemlock stamped into an vnguent or the root of Mandragoras Now the manner of prâ—…paring and ordering it thus take the said root drie it abroad in the open aire like as they do Cucumbers but principally let it hang first ouer new wine afterwards in the smoke this don stamp it and temper it with wine or vineger Good it is also in this case to make a fomentation with wine of Myrtles and therwith to bathe the grieued place Also take of Mints two ounces of sulphur-vif one ounce pouder them both and mingle them together with vineger vse this mixture for the said S. Anthonies fire And some take soot vineger tempred together for the same purpose Now of this disease which we terme * S. Anthonies fire there be many kindes whereof there is one more daungerous than the rest which is called * Zoster for that it coueteth to goe round about the middle of a man or woman in manner of a girdle and in case both ends meet together indeed it is deadly and incureable To meet with it therefore by the way to preuent this extremity Plantaine is thought to be a soueraign remedy if it be incorporate with Fullers earth Also Veruaine alone by it selfe and the root of the great Bur. Now for other corrosiue vlcers and tettars it is very good to vse the root of Vmbilicus veneris with honied wine Sengreen the juice of Mercurie also with vineger CHAP. XII ¶ For dislocations or members out of ioint Against the Iaundise Felons hollow sores called Fistula's Tumors Burnes and Scaldings Against other diseases For to comfort the sinewes and stanch bloud THe root of Polypodium brought into a liniment is a proper remedy for any dislocation The seed of Fleawort the leaues of Plantaine punned with some few cornes of salt put
therto the seed of Mullen boiled in wine stamped and reduced into a cataplasme Hemlocke incorporat with hogs grease All these applied accordingly do assuage paine and bring down any swelling occasioned by dislocation The leaues of Ephemerum brought into a liniment are good for any bunches or tumors caused by those accidents if they be taken betimes whiles they may be discussed and resolued As touching the Iaundise I cannot but wonder at it especially appearing as it doth in the eies namely how the gall should get vnder those fine membranes and tunicles lying so close couched as they do Hippocrates hath taught vs a rule That if the jaundise shew in a feuer after the seuenth day from the beginning thereof it is a deadly signe Howbeit I my self haue known some to haue escaped and liued stil notwithstanding that desperat signe But this is not alwaies a symptome incident to an ague but happeneth otherwhiles without a feuer and then a drinke made of the greater Centaurie as I haue before shewed doth with stand stay the course therof Also Betony riddeth away the iaundise if the patient do drink three oboli therof in one cyath of old wine The leaues of Veruaine likewise haue the like effect if the same quantity be drunke foure daies together in one hemine of wine hot But the speediest cure of this disease is by Cinque-foile or fiue leaued grasse if three cyaths of the juice be taken with salt and hony in drink The root of Sowbread is a soueraigne medicine for this infirmity if the Patient drinke the weight of three drams but this care ought to be had that the room be hot and so close that no winde may come in for feare of catching cold and then it will driue out the jaundise by sweat lustily The leaues of Fole-foot taken in water the seed of Mercuries both the male female if a cup of drink be spiced therewith or if it be sodden with Wormewood or cich pease the * berries of hyssop drunk with water the herb Liuerwort so that the patient ab stain from all worts or potherbes so long as he taketh it Capillus veneris giuen in wine and the Fullers herb in wine honied be all of them good medicines for the jaundise As for the sores called Fellons or Cats-hairs they will breed euery where in any part of the body and put folk to great anguish and trouble who haue them yea and otherwhiles indanger their life especially if they meet with lean and worn bodies But what remedy Take the leaues of the herb Pycnocomos let them be stamped and incorporate with fried Barley meale and so applied in case the said fellons are not drawne to a pointed or sharpe head The leaues also of * Ephedros brought into a liniment and laid too do discusse dissolue them if they be taken in the beginning Moreouer you shall not see a part of the body but it is subiect to the Fistulaes which creepe inwardly and hollow as they go but especially when by the vnskilfull direction of Physitians or the lewd hand of chyrurgions there be an incision vntowardly made in the body The help is to make tents of Centaurie the lesse with honey boiled and put them into the concauity Also to vse an injection of Plantain juice To apply Cinquefoile with salt and hony Ladanum also with Castoreum to lay vnto the sore Vmbilicus veneris with deere Marow especially of Stag or Hind hot The string or pith of a Mullen root fashioned slender to the form of a tent put into the vlcer or the root of Aristolochia in that manner vsed or the juice of Tithymall conueied into it serue all to cure the Fistula Al inflammations biles impostumes are healed by a liniment made of Argemony leaues So be all hard and schirrous tumors occasioned by the gathering of humors with Veruaine or Cinquefoile sodden in vineger with the leaues and roots of Mullen with hyssope applied in wine with the root of Acorus so that there be a fomentation withall made of the decoction of the said herb and finally with Housleek In like manner these herbs before rehearsed do heale bruises hard tumors or bunches and hollow sores The leaues of * Illecebra draw forth any arrow heads and whatsoeuer sticketh within the body so do the leaues of Folefoot the Carot also and the leaues of * Lions paw stamped and incorporat with fried Barly meale in water The leaues of Pycnocomos punned or the seed beaten to pouder with Barly meale parched and so reduced into a cataplasm are good to be applied to biles and impostumes broken running matter In like manner the Ragworts are to be vsed As touching the accidents that happeâ—… in the bones the root of Satyrion if it be laid outward ly vpon them are thought to work a most effectual speedy cure Al cankerous eating sores likewise impostumes growing to suppuration are healed with the sea weeds if they be applied before they be dried withered Also the root of marsh Mallow doth dissipate and scatter all gatherings of humors to an impostume before it be come to an head and to suppurat Plantain and the Clot Bur are singular for burns or scalds healing them vp so clean without a skar that a man shall not perceiue the place the maner is to take the leaues seeth them in water stamp them into a liniment and so to apply them Likewise the roots of Sowbread together with Housleek the herb it selfe Hypericon which I called before Corion haue the like effect For the infirmities incident to sinews and joints Plantain is a soueraigne herb if it be stamped with salt so is Argemonia punned and incorporat with hony The juice of Harstrang is singular to annoint those that be sprained such also as be stretched with an vniversall cramp as if they were all of a peece For to mollifie the hardnesse of sinews that be shrunk vp there is not a better thing than the juice of Aegilops and to assuage their pain a liniment made with groundswell and vineger is excellent For those that be sprained and troubled with that crampe which draweth their necke backward it is good to rub and annoint them well with Epithymum with the seed of S. Iohns woort which also is called Coris and to drinke the same As for the hearbe Phrynion they say it hath vertue to conglutinat and vnite sinews again if they were cut in sunder if it be laied too presently either stamped or chewed in the mouth For such likewise as be spasmatick plucked backward with the cramp or troubled with trembling and shaking of the lims it is good to giue them the root of the marsh Mallow to drink in mead and in that maner taken it healeth those that be stiffe and stark for cold Finally the red seed of the herbe Paeony stancheth any flux of bloud the root thereof hath the like operation As for Cyclaminos that is to
the weight of three oboli in one cyath of old wine make a pessarie of Veruain incorporat with fresh hogs lard and applie Calues snout otherwise called Snap-dragon with oile rosat and hony she shall haue ease and be cured speedily Semblably the root of Nenuphar especially that which groweth in Phessalie applied vnto the naturall parts of women easeth the paines thereof and if it be drunke in grosse red wine it staieth their shifts or immoderat flux of the moneths Contrariwise the Sow-bread root both taken in drinke and also outwardly vsed prouoketh the same if they do stay vpon a woman Also a decoction thereof if a women do sit therein helpeth the accidents of the bladder Cissanthemos taken in drinke sendeth out the after birth and healeth the maladies of the matrice The vpper root of the Flag or Glader drunke in vineger to the weight of one dramme bringeth women to the ordinary course of their fleures The fume of Harstrang burnt fetcheth women againe when they lie as it were strangled and dead in a fit of the mother Flea-wort taken to the weight of a dram in three cyaths of honied water prouoketh their monthly terms but especially it maketh them soluble if they were costiue The seed of Mandragoras cleanseth the matrice if a woman take it in her drinke the juice whereof applied to the naturall parts prouoketh her moneths and fetcheth away the dead child within her body Againe the seed taken with wine and brimstone staieth the immoderat flux of the monethly terms Crowfoot either drunk or eaten with meat knitteth the belly and stoppeth a lask an herb otherwise as I haue said of a causticke and burning nature if it be vsed raw but certainly beeing boyled with salt oyle and cumine a commendable meat Yellow Carots taken in drinke doe exclude the after birth and prouoke womens fleurs with exceeding great facilitie A perfume of Ladanum setteth streight the matrice when it is out of the right place and turned to a side and for the paine and exulceration thereof it is of great force either applied outwardly or iniected inwardly Scammonie either in drink or cataplasm sendeth forth of the body the dead fruit of the wombe Both kinds of S. Iohns woort stirreth the issue of womens fleurs onely by an outward application But aboue all in the judgement of Hippocrates Crithmos passeth for that if either the seed or the root be taken in wine As for the pill or rind thereof it fetcheth away the after birth also and drunk in water it helpeth the suffocation occasioned by the rising of the mother The root of Geranium likewise more particularly is a very conuenient remedy for to bring away the after-birth and to cure the inflammation of the matrice Horsetaile hath a secret vertue to mundifie the naturall parts of women either drunke or applied outwardly Knot-grasse giuen in drinke staieth the inordinate and excessiue voidance of the fleurs so doth the root of Marsh Mallow The leaues of Plantain driue downe the same so likewise Agaricke in honied water Mugwort stamped and incorporat with oile of Ireos Figges and Myrhe hath the same effect if it be applied accordingly The rooâ—… of which hearbe if a woman take in drinke is so purgatiue and will bring her to such a laske that shee shall withall exclude the dead infant within her bodie A decoction made with the branches of Mugwoort bringeth downe womens monethly sickenesse and fetcheth away the after-birth if they sit therein a dramme weight of the leaues taken in drinke is of the like vertue and operation if they be but laied vnto the belly in manner of a cataplasme especially with barley meale they will doe as much Moreouer Acoron both the kindes of Conyza as also Sampier are singular good for all the inward griefes and maladies whatsoeuer of women Also both kinds of Anthyllis drunke in wine are soueraigne for the accidents of the matrice namely to asswage the throws and wrings thereof and to bring away the after-birth when it staieth behind A fomentation made with Maidenhaire is comfortable to the naturall parts of women like as it hath vertue to clense the scurfe and dandruffe to rid away the white patches appearing in the skin or haire and to color the same black if it be brought into pouder with oile made into a liniment Herb Robert drunk in white wine and Hyocisthis in red do stay the flux of reds or whites Hyssop is a soueraign herb to open and relax the obstructions of the matrice causing suffocation The root of Veruaine taken inwardly with water is the best thing in the world for all the maladies incident to women either in their trauell or after their deliuerance To which effect some there be who together with Harstrang mix the grains of the Cypresse tree beaten to pouder and giue it to drink in grosse red wine For the seed of Fleawort boiled in water and laid too warme doth moderate and qualifie all the violent fluxes of the matrice Camfrey stamped and giuen in grosse wine or allegant bringeth down the sicknesse of women when it staieth vpon them The juice of Scordotis taken to the quantity of one dram in foure cyaths of honied water giueth women speedy deliuerance in childbirth and for that purpose the leaues of Dictamnus are excellent if they be taken in water and knowne it is for certain that the weight of one obolus of those leaues giuen to a woman in hard trauell wil presently cause her to be deliuered with ease yea though the infant were dead in the belly The like operation hath the bastard Dictamnum but that it worketh more slowly and in this case they vse to tie the root of Cyclamin about the woman in labour to cause her also to drinke Cissanthemos yea and the pouder of Betony in honied water As for Arsenogonon and Thelygonon they be two herbes bearing certain grapes or berries like to oliue blossomes but that they be more pale and white seeds or kernels within resembling those of white Poppy If a woman drink Thelygonum some say she will therupon conceiue a maid child Arsenogonon differeth from the other in nothing but in the seed which commeth neare vnto that of the oliue and forsooth if she take this herb in drink she shall haue a man-child beleeue it who that list Others there be who say that both the one and the other be like vnto Basill and that Arsenogonon carrieth a double seed knit together like as they were two genitors That kind of Housleek which I called Digitellus is singular for the diseases incident to womens Brests Ground swell bringeth abundance of milke into womens paps if they drinke it in wine cuit so doth Sowthistle sodden in frumenty The grape called Bumastos taketh away the haires about the nipples of nources brests which spring sometime after they haue once born children which also otherwise is very good to cleanse the skales and
tooth-ach so that the patient hold the decoction in his mouth For the Sciatica and strangurie it is good to be taken at the mouth in wine and outwardly applied it healeth burns and cureth kibed heeles in which cases the root is much commended if together with the seed it be stamped with wine and a fomentation made with the decoction thereof As touching Asplenum some there be who call it Hemionion an herbe putting forth many leaues foure inches long the root is giuen to haue cranks and holes and those full of mud or durt much-what do the leaues grow like to Fearn the root is white and rough It beareth neither stalk stem nor seed It delighteth to grow among rockes and stones vpon walls standing in the shade and in moist grounds The best is that which we haue out of Candy It is commonly said that if the decoction of the leaues boiled in vineger be drunke forty daies together it wasteth the swelled spleen The same may be applied in a liniment for that purpose so also they do stay the excessiue yex or hocket This herb would not be giuen to women for it causeth them to be barren Asclepias beareth leaues resembling Iuie long branches many small roots and those odoriferous howbeit the flours haue a strong and rank stinking smell with them the seed much like to the Axvitch It loueth to grow vpon mountains The roots of this herbe not only taken inwardly in drinke but also applied outwardly in a liniment do ease the wrings of the belly and resist the sting of serpents After is by some named Bubonium for that it is a present remedy for the tumours arising in the share This herbe putteth vp a small stemme with two or three leaues somewhat long In the top thereof it beareth certaine little heads inuironed with spokie leaues and those disposed round in manner of a starre Taken in drinke it is thought to be a preseruatiue against the venom of serpents But to make a medicine for the share beforenamed it must they say be gathered with the left hand nd then kept fast bound neere vnto the middle or girding place of the patient And surely it helpeth the Sciatica in case it be tied sure to the affected place Ascyron and Ascyroides be herbes resembling one another and both like vnto Hypericon howbeit that which is named Ascyroides hath the bigger branches and those streight and direct much after the manner of Fenell and such like red throughout and in the top thereof appeare little heads or knobs of a yellow color The seed contained in certain pretty cups is smal black and gummie bruise the said tops or knobs between your fingers they seem to stain them with bloud which is the cause that some cal this herb Androsaemon The seed is singular for the Sciatica namely if the patient drink two drams weight thereof in a sextar of Hydromel that is to say mead or honied water for it looseneth the belly and purgeth choler A liniment made therewith is much commended for a burne Apace is an herb which hath very fine and small leaues and a little taller it is than the Lentill but larger cods it beareth wherin lie three or foure seeds blacker moister and smaller than the grains of the said Lentill It groweth vpon corn lands More astringent it is by nature than the Lentill and bindeth stronger for all other matters it worketh the same effects The seed boiled staieth vomits and lasks Touching Alcibion what manner of herb it should be I neuer could yet finde in any writer But they giue direction to stamp the roots and leaues thereof and so in a cataplasme to apply them vnto any place stung with serpents and to drink them also Now they prescribe for the drink to take of the leaues one good handfull and to stamp them and so to giue them in three cyaths of meere wine ful of the grape or of the root three drams weight with the like measure of wine Alectorolophos in Greek called by vs in Latine Crista Galli i. Cocks-comb hath leaues for all the world resembling the crest or comb of a cock and those in number many a slender stem and black seed inclosed within certain cods A soueraign herb it is for them that cough if it be boiled with bruised beans and taken in maner of an electuary with hony It scattereth the cloudy films that trouble the eie-sight the maner is to take the seed whole and sound as it is and to put it into the eie it is nothing offensiue nor troubleth that part one whit but gathereth to it selfe all those grosse humors which impeached the sight And in very truth this seed whiles it is within the eie changeth colour and being black before beginneth to wax white it swelleth withall and in the end commeth out of the eie by the owne accord CHAP. VI. ¶ Of Alum THe herb which we name in Latine Alum the Greeks call Symphytum Petraeum as if one would say Comfrey of the rock and verily like it is to wild Origan The leaues be small and three or foure branches spring immediatly from the root the tops whereof resemble those of Thyme Much branched it is otherwise odoriferous in smel and sweet in tast it draws down water into the mouth and causeth spitting The root which it putteth forth is long red This herb taketh pleasure to grow in stony places among rocks in which regard it took the addition of the name Petraeum Singular good it is for the sides and flanks the spleen reines and wrings of the belly for the breast the lights for such as reject or cast vp bloud and are troubled with the asperity and hoarsnesse in the throat for which infirmities the root is to be stamped boiled in wine and so drunk yea and otherwhiles to be reduced into a liniment and so applied Moreouer the chewing of it only quencheth thirst and hath a principal vertue to coole the lungs Being applied outwardly in the form of a cataplasm it knitteth dislocations helpeth convulsions is comfortable to the spleen the bowels or guts if they be fallen by any rupture The same root rosted or baked vnder the ashes staieth a lask in case it be first shrigged from the hairy strings thereof and pilled and then after it is beaten into pouder be drunk in water with nine Pepper corns And for healing of wounds so soueraigne it is that if it be put into the pot and sodden with pieces of flesh it will souder and reioine them whereupon the Greekes imposed vpon it the name Symphytum i. Consound finally it serueth to vnite again broken bones CHAP. VII ¶ Of Reits or sea-grasse and Wallwort Of the wild vine and Wormewood THe sea-weed that looketh red named in Latine Alga is very proper for the prick and sting of Scorpions Touching Wallwort it hath leaues carrying a strong and stinking smell with them the stems be rough and parted into ioints the seed black like
for the most part into three or foure grains or branches the same is white odoriferous and hot in the mouth it loueth to grow vpon rockes and stonie grounds lying pleasantly vpon the Sun The infusion of this root in wine is good to be drunke for the paine and other diseases of the matrice but of the said root there ought to be taken three ounces stamped and the same to steepe a day and night in 3 sextars of wine for to make the infusion aboue-named This portion also serues to send down the after-birth if it stay behind The seed of this herbe drieth vp milke if it be drunke in wine or mead Cirsion commeth vp with a slender stalke two cubits high and seemeth to be made 3 cornered triangle-wise the same is beset round about with prickie leaues howbeit the said prickes are but tender and soft The leaues in forme resemble an oxe tongue or the herb Langue-deboeufe but that they be smaller and somewhat white in the top whereof there put forth purple buttons or little heads which in the end turne to a plume like thistle down Some writers hold that this herb or the root onely bound vnto the swelling veines called Varices doth allay the paine thereof Crataeogonos spindleth in the head like vnto the eare of wheat and out of one single root ye shall haue many shoots to spring and rise vp into blade and straw and those also ful of ioints It gladly groweth in coole and shadowie places the seed resembleth the grain of the Millet which is very sharp and biting at the tongues end If a man his wife before they company together carnally drink before supper for 40 daies together the weight of three oboli of this seed either in wine or as many cyaths of water they shall haue a man childe betweene them as some say There is another Crataeogonos called also Thelygonos the difference from the other may soon be known by the mildnesse in taste Some authors affirm that if women vse to drinke the floures of Crataeogonos they shal within 40 daies conceiue with child But as well the one as the other applied with hony do heale old vlcers they incarnat and fill vp the hollow concauities of fistulous sores and such parts as do mislike and want nourishment they cause to gather flesh and fill the skin again foule and filthy vlcers they mundifie the flat biles and risings called Pani they rarifie and discusse gouts of the feet they mitigat generally all impostumations in womens brests specially they resolue and assuage Theophrastus would haue a kind of tree to be called Crataegonos or Crataeogon which here in Italy they call Aquifolia Crocodilion doth in shape resemble the thistly herbe or Artichoke called the blacke Chamaeleon the root is long and thicke in all parts alike of an hard and vnpleasant smel it groweth ordinarily in sandy or grauelly grounds If one drinke of it they say it will set the nose a bleeding and send out a deale of thicke and grosse bloud that the spleene will diminish and weare away by that means As touching Testiculus Canis or Dogs-stones which the Greeks cal Cynosorchis others simply Orchis it hath leaues like vnto those of the oliue soft tender they are and about halfe a foot long and therfore no maruell if they lie spred vpon the ground the root is bulbous and growing long-wise in a double ranke or two together the one aboue which is the harder the other vnder it and that is the softer when they be sodden folke vse to eat them after the manner of other bulbs and lightly a man shall find them growing in vineyards Of these two roots if a man eat the bigger it is said that he shal beget boies and if the woman eat the smaller she shal conceiue a maiden childe In Thessalie men vse for to drinke in goats milke the softer of these roots to make themselues lustie for the act of generation but the harder when they would coole the heat of lust whereby we may see that they be contrarie and one hindereth the operation of the other Chrysolachanon commeth vp like a Lettuce and commonly groweth in plots of ground set with Pines the vertue of this herbe is to heale wounds of the sinewes thought they were cut quite asunder if it be presently laied too There is another kinde of Chrysolachanon bearing floures of a golden colour and leafed like vnto the Beet when it is boiled folke vse to eat it in stead of meat and it looseneth the belly as well as Beets Coleworts and such like and if it be true that is reported whosoeuer beare this hearbe tied fast about any place of their bodies which is euer in their eie so as they may see the same continually it wil cure them of the jaundise Touching this hearb Chrysolachanum well I wot that I haue not written sufficiently that men might know it by this description and yet could I neuer meet with any author who hath said more or described it better This verily hath been the fault and ouersight euen of our moderne Herbarists of late daies To write sleightly of those herbes and simples which they themselues knew and were acquainted with as if forsooth they had been knowne to euery man setting downe onely their names and no more which is euen as much as to tell vs a tale and say that with the rennet or rundles of the earth one might stay a laske or giue free passage to the vrine in the strangury so it be drunke in wine or water As for Cucubalum they write of it That if the leaues bee stamped with vineger they heale the stings of serpents and scorpions Some of them cal this herb by another name Strumus and others giue it the Greeke name Strychnos and black berries they say it hath The iuice thereof taken to the quantity of one cyath with twice as much honied wine is soueraigne for the loins or small of the back likewise it easeth the head-ache if together with oile of roses it bee distilled vpon the head by way of embrochation The herb it selfe in substance made into a liniment healeth the wens called the kings euill Concerning the fresh water Spunge for so I may more truly terme it than either mosse or herbe so thicke of shag haires it is and fistulous withal it groweth ordinarily within the riuers that issue from the root of the Alpes and is named in Latine * Conferua for that it is good to conglutinat in manner of a souder Certes I my selfe know a poore labourer who as he was lopping a tall tree fell from the top down to the ground and was so pitiously bruised thereby that vnneth he had any sound bone in all his body that was vnbroken and in very truth lapped he was all ouer with this mosse or spunge call it whether you will and the same was kept euermore moist and wet with sprinckling his owne
leafe commeth neere vnto garden Parsley the seed thereof is good to be drunke for the stone and the infirmities incident to the bladder As for Phalaris it hath a long slender stem like vnto a reed in the top whereof it beareth a floure bending downward and the seed resembleth that of Sesama and this also breaketh the stone if it be drunke in wine or vineger or otherwise with milk and honey The same cureth the accidents of the bladder Polyrrhizon is leafed like vnto the Myrtle and hath many roots which being bruised are giuen in wine against the poison of serpents not only if men but also if fourfooted beasts be stung by them Proserpinaca likewise being otherwise a common herb is counted a soueraigne remedy against scorpions the same stamped and incorporat with fish-pickle and oile is by report a singular medicine against the prick of scorpions Ouer and besides it is said that if it be but held vnder the tongue it refresheth those who be ouertrauelled or any waies wearied so as they haue lost their speech with very faintnesse but in case it be swallowed downe the throat it procureth vomit which alwaies is good and wholsome for the Patient As touching Rhacoma it is brought vnto vs out of those countries which are beyond the kingdome of Pontus a root it is much resembling the black Costus but that it is smaller and somewhat redder also without any smell hot at the tongues end and astringent being punned it is of a wine colour inclining to safron a liniment made of this root doth mitigate all impostumes and inflammations healeth wounds and appeaseth the violence of any rheums taking a course to the eies especially if it be applied with cuit al marks remaining after stripes other places of the skin black and blew it taketh away if they be annointed with it and vineger together the pouder thereof is good to be cast vpon old morimals and vlcers vntoward to be healed being to the weight of one dram taken in water it is singular for them that cast vp bloud moreouer in case of the dysentery and the flux proceeding from imbecility of the stomacke it is an excellent medicine to be taken in wine if the Patient bee free of the ague otherwise it would be giuen in water For to pun or stamp this root more easily it had need to lie and soke in water ouernight the decoction thereof is giuen to drinke in double measure or quantity for those that be plucked with the cramp bursen bruised or to such as haue tumbled down from some high loft In pains of the brest there had need some Pepper and myrrh to be put thereto in case the stomack be feeble and clean done it ought to be taken in cold water and whether it be giuen inwardly or applied outwardly it helpes all those that void vp filthy matter from the parts beneath likewise it cureth such as haue weak liuers hard or swelled spleens and the Sciatica it healeth the infirmities of the kidnies shortnesse of wind straitnesse of breath namely when a man is driuen to sit vpright for it The hoarsnesse and roughnesse of the throat it cureth if either the pouder be taken to the quantity of 3 oboli in cuit or the decoction drunk The filthy tettars called Lichenes it scoureth away applied vnto them in a liniment with vineger In drink it dissolueth ventosities riddeth away through-colds and namely the shiuerings and shakings in cold agues it represseth the yex or hicquet appeaseth the wrings of the belly cleareth the windpipes dispatcheth the pose the murre and heauinesse of the head stilleth the dizzines of the head and turning of the brain occasioned by melancholy humors and finally assuageth all painfull lassitudes and is singular good for cramps or convulsions About the towne Ariminum there groweth an herb commonly knowne by the name of Reseda it resolueth and discusseth all impostumes it reduceth also into temperature any inflammation But they that vse to cure with this herb must when they lay it to the place say withall these words following Reseda morbos Reseda scisne scisne quis hic pullos egerit Radices nec caput nec pedes habeant That is to say Reseda cause these maladies to cease knowest thou knowest thou who hath driuen these pullets here Let the roots haue neither head nor foot This charm I say they must pronounce three times ouer and spit vpon the ground as often To conclude Stoechas groweth in those Islands onely which carry that name and be called Stoechades an odoriferous herb it is bearing leaues like vnto hyssop and is bitter in tast taken in drink it procureth womens moneths and doth mitigat the pains of the brest Also it is one of the species or ingredients entring into the preseruatiue compositions called Antidotes CHAP. XIII ¶ Of Nightshade of Smyrnium and Telephium Of Trichomanes Thalietrum and Thlaspi Of Tragonia Tragonis Tragum Tragoprgon and Spondylis Also that some diseases are not incident to certaine countries NIght shade called in Latine Solanum the Greeks name Strychnos as saith Cornelius Celsus an herbe this is which hath a vertue repercussiue and refrigeratiue Loueach named otherwise Smyrnium hath a stem like vnto Persley and the leaues be larger it putteth forth many sions or imps from about the stem and out of their concauities there spring certain fatty leaues those hanging as if they were broken toward the ground hauing an aromaticall smel joined with a certain acrimony which is not vnpleasant of a colour inclining to a weak and faint yellow The stem beareth in the head certain round spoky tufts in manner of Dill. The seed round and black which waxeth to be dry in the beginning of summer The root is likewise redolent but in tast quick and biting full of juice soft and tender the rind of which root is black without but pale within the odour which it hath testifieth the qualitie of myrrh whereupon it took the name Smyrnium This herb groweth vpon hills as well such as be rocky as those that be altogether earthy The nature of it generally is to heat and extenuat The leaues and root both prouoke vrine and the monthly terms of women the seed knitteth the belly and staieth a lask The root vsed in a liniment discusseth all impostumes as well broken as not broke so that they be not inueterat and of long continuance and in one word resolueth all hardnesse in the flesh Soueraigne it is against the prick of the venomous spiders Phalangia and the sting of serpents being drunk in wine with Cachrys Polium or Baulm with this charge That if it be taken peece meale for if it were taken entire and whole it would prouoke vomit and for this cause otherwhiles it is giuen with Rue The seed or root chuse whether you will cureth the cough and difficulty of breath when the Patient cannot take his breath but sitting vpright In like manner it helpeth those who are diseased
natural Finally to wash the mouth with wine before one goeth to bed for a sweet breath likewise so soon as he is vp betimes with cold water against the tooth-ach so as he do it three or fiue times together or at least-wise obseruing such an odde number as also to bath the eies in a morning with Oxycrat i with vineger and water mingled together to preserue them for being bleared are singular and approoued experiments CHAP. V. ¶ Obseruations as touching Diet and the manner of our feeding for the regiment of Health LIke to the former rules is this also as touching our Diet That it be not too precise but so as we may feed indifferently of all viands and acquaint our bodies with variety of meats which is obserued to be the best way to maintain our health and in very truth Hippocrates saith That to eat but one meale a day i to forbeare dinners is a diet that will drie vp a mans body within and bring them soon to age and decay But this aphorism of his he pronounced as a Physitian to reclaim vs from that hungry and sparing diet and not as a patron and maintainer of full feeding and gourmandise for I assure you a temperat and moderate vse of our meats is the wholsomest thing that is for our bodily health But L. Lucullus was so strict herein that hee suffered himselfe to be ordered and ouer-ruled by his owne seruant who would not let him eat but as he thought good in such sort that it was no small disgrace vnto him in his later daies thus to make his man his master and to be gouerned by him rather than by his own selfe for was it not think you an approbrious and shamefull sight to see a slaue and no better to put his lords hands from a dish of meat beeing an aged gentleman as he was and who in times past had rode in triumph to gage him thus I say and keep him short though hee were set amongst great states at a roiall feast within the capitoll of Rome CHAP. VI. ¶ Of Sneezing the vse of Venerie and other means which concerne mans health SNeezing dischargeth the heauinesse of the head and easeth the pose or rheum that stuffeth the nose and it is commonly said That if one lay his mouth to the nosthrils of a mouse or rat and touch the same it wil do as much To sneeze also is a ready way to be rid of the yex or hicquet And Varro giueth counsell to scrape a branch of a Date tree with one hand after another by turnes for to stay the said hicquet But most Physitians giue direction in this case to shift a ring from the left hand to the longest finger of the right or to plunge both hands into very hot water Theophrastus saith that old men doe sneeze with more paine and difficulty than others As touching carnall knowledge of man and woman Democritus vtterly condemned it and why so Because quoth he in that act one man goeth out of another And to say a truth the lesse one vseth it the better it is for body and mind both and yet onr professed wrestlers runners and such gamsters at feats of actiuity when they feele themselues heauy or dul reuiue and recouer their liuely spirits again by keeping company with women Also this exercise clenseth the brest and helpeth the voice which being sometime before cleare and neat was now become hoarse and rusty Moreouer the temperat sports of Venus easeth the pain of the reins and loins mundifie and quicken the eiesight and be singular good for such as be troubled in mind and giuen ouermuch to melancholy Moreouer it is held for witchcraft to sit by women in trauell or neare vnto a Patient who hath a medicine either giuen inwardly or applied vnto him with hand in hand crosse-fingered one between another the experience whereof was well seene by report when lady Alcmena was in labour to be deliuered of Hercules And the worse is this peece of sorcery in case the party hold the hands thus joined a-crosse one finger within another about one or both knees Also to sit crosse-legged with the ham of one leg riding aloft vpon the knee of the other and that by turns shifting from knee to knee And in very truth our ancestors time out of mind haue expresly forbidden in all councels of State held by princes potentats and Generals of the field to sit hand in hand or crosse-legged for an opinion they haue That this manner of gesture hindereth the proceeding and issue of any act in hand or consulted vpon They gaue out likewise a strait prohibition That no person present at any solemnity of sacrifices or vows making should sit or stand crosse-legged or hand in hand in manner aforesaid As for veiling bonnet before great rulers and magistrats or within their sight Varro saith it was a fashion at first not commanded for any reuerence or honour thereby to be done vnto gouernors but for healths sake and namely that mens heads might be more firm hardy by that ordinary vse and custome of being bare When a mote or any thing els is falne into one eie it is good to shut the other hard If there be water gotten into the right eare the maner is to jump and hop with the left leg bending and inclining the head toward the right shoulder semblably if the like happen to the left eare to do the contrary If one be falne into a fit of coughing the way to stay it is to let the next fellow spit vpon his forehead If the uvula be falne it will vp again if the Patient suffer another to bite the haire in the crown of his head and so to pull him vp plumb from the ground Hath the neck a crick or a pain lying behind what better remedy than to rub the hams Be the hams pained do the like by the nape of the neck say the cramp take either feet or legs plucking stretching the sinewes when one is in bed the next way to be vsed is to set the feet vpon the floore or the ground where the bed standeth or put case the crampe take the left side then be sure with the right hand to catch hold of the great toe of the left foot and contrariwise if the cramp come to the right leg do the like by the right foot If the body fall a shaking and quiuering for cold or if one bleed excessiuely at the nosthrils it is passing good to bind strait and hard the extreame parts to wit hands and legs yea and to plucke the eares also It falleth out oftentimes that one cannot lie dry nor hold his water but it commeth from him euer and anone what is then to be done mary tie the foreskin of his yard with a linnen thred or a papyr rush withall binde his thighs about in the middle If the mouth of the stomacke be ready to turne and will neither
gall for the most part folk are in manner verily persuaded that it will rid the pin and web the cataract also of the eies with three daies anointing chase away serpents if it be dropped into the fire gather al wezils in a country together only by throwing it into the water and fetch off haire if the body be anointed therewith It is a common saying also That the liuer of this beast is of the same effect in case it be brought into a liniment with the lights of a hedge land-tode like as that all amatorious drinks loue-charms become void and of none effect by the said liuer As for those who be troubled in mind giuen to melancholy they find remedy if out of this beasts skin they drink the juice of the herb Chamaeleon Furthermore the guts and the dung therein contained and that is worthy to be noted considering this beast liueth vpon no meat at all being striked vpon the dore of an enemies house together with the vrine of apes cause him to be hated of all the world The like wonders they report of the Chamaeleans taile namely how it wil stay any violent streame of riuer stop the course and inundations of waters and withall bring asleep and mortifie serpents The same being aromatized or spiced with Cedar and myrrh and tied fast to a branch of the Date tree growing double or forked wil diuide the waters that be smitten therewith so as a man may see whatsoeuer is in the bottome And would God Democritus himselfe had met with one crop of this branch to haue made him hold in so many lies as he hath told considering hee hath reported this quality of it among other namely to represse intemperat speech and inordinat walking of the tongue But euident it is that the only reason why Democritus faulted that way being otherwise a man of a singular wit and wholly addicted to the good of mankind was an excessiue and extraordinary zeale that he had to profit and benefit the whole world Much like to this kind is the Skink whom some haue named the land Crocodile saue that the skin is whiter more fine But the principal difference is this for that the bristles or scales are couched so as they tend from the taile vpward to the head whereas in a crocodile the same are set contrary The biggest of this sort be those of India the next be they which are brought out of Arabia transported they be to vs salted The muffle the feet giuen to drink in white wine do inflame the heat of lust but especially when they be mixt with Satyrion and Rocket seed of each one dram mingled with two of pepper and when they be wrought into trosches weighing euery one a dram one of them must be taken at once But the very flesh of the Skinks sides drunk to the quantity of 2 oboli with myrrh and pepper in like proportion are supposed to be more effectuall for this purpose The same as Apelles reporteth taken both before also after meat is a singular preseruatiue against invenomed arrows Besides it is one of the ingredients which go to the noble compositions that be called Antidots Howbeit Sestus is of opinion and doth write that if a man drink aboue one dram weight of it in a hemin of wine it is enough to indanger his life Moreouer the iuice or broth of the Skinks flesh boiled and taken with hony is thought to keep downe th◠flesh and to coole lust As touching the riuer-horse called Hippopotamus there is a great affinity or kindred rather between him and the crocodile in regard that they both do haunt the same riuer and participat both of land water This beast as I haue shewed hertofore deuised first the practise of phlebotomy or bloud-letting Great store there be of them beyond the Seignory Saitica in Aegypt Take the ashes of this beasts hide and reduce them with water into a liniment it is singular to cure the broad biles or apostemations called Pani The grease and likewise the dung is good against the cold fits of agues if the patient receiue the perfume thereof The teeth which grow on the left side of the mouth do ease the tooth-ach if so be the gums be scarified therewith the skin taken from the left side of the forehead laid vnto the share and kept fast thereto staieth the prouocations to venery The ashes of the same doth cause the hair to grow again thick in those places where by disease it is shed Take of the genetoirs of this water-horse the poise of one dram and drink it in water it is a good counterpoison against the venome of serpents As touching their bloud it serueth painters in good stead The Onces be likewise taken for strange and forrein and of all foure-footed beasts they haue the quickest eie and see best by the testimony of all writers there is in the Island Carpathos a singular kind of ashes made of their houfs burnt together with their hide and they hold that if men drink therof they will become chast were they neuer so licentious and libidinous before again let women cast the same vpon their nature or priuie parts it will coole their appetite of mans companie yea and kill the itch in any part of the body if it be rubbed therwith And the vrine of this beast helpeth the Strangurie to wit the infirmitie of the bladder when the water passeth by drop-meale which propertie they being by a naturall instinct aware of so soone as euer they haue pissed do hide and couer the vrine with mould which with their feet they raise just ouer it as it is commonly reported The same vrine is prescribed for a good remedy in the pain or griefe of the throat Thus much may suffice as touching forrein beasts returne therfore now I will to those in this part of our world and first declare the vertues and properties medicinable which are found common in al liuing creatures yet making choise of those that be singular aboue the rest CHAP. IX ¶ The common and ordinary medicines drawne as well from wildbeasts as those which be tame of the same kind The vse of milk in Physicke with the obseruations belonging thereto Also of Cheese Butyr the grease also and tallow of beasts ANd to begin with Milk these points following are to be obserued Imprimis Each liuing creature liketh best and findeth most good by the own mothers milk Item For nources to conceiue with child whiles they giue suck is a most hurt ful thing to their babes for after such a time their milk will thicken and cruddle in manner of a cheese a dangerous matter for sucking infants who thereupon be called Colostrati Now the beestings called in Latine Colostra is that thick and spungeous milk which is drawne first from the teat after the birth of the yong be it in woman or beast Also there is no milk so nutritiue as that of a woman whatsoeuer
of white Ellebore for the pin and web others againe with wine against cicatrices pearles obscurity of sight filmes and spots But for the eie-lids after the haire which pricked and offended the eie is pulled out they applie it with the iuice of Beets suffering the said liniment to dry vpon the eie-lids If any tunicles of the eie be broken they take womans milk to apply vnto it In sum for al infirmities of the eies whatsoeuer they hold a goats gall which is old and hath bin long kept to be more soueraigne and effectuall in operation than any other Neither doe they reiect the dung of this beast but repute a liniment made of it and honey to be as good for waterie eyes as the marrow for the paine thereof likewise the lungs of an hare And verily the gall of an hare as it is commonly reported incorporat with câ—…it or honey and so applied helpeth those that be dim-sighted Furthermore they ordaine to rub and annoint the eies against their inflammation and bleerednesse either with woolues greace or else with swines marrow And no maruell for they say That whosoeuer vse to carry about them in a bracelet a foxes tongue shall neuer be troubled with sore eies For the pain infirmities incident to the ears there is not a better nor more excellent thing than the vrin of a wild bore saued and kept in a glasse the gall likewise of a wild bore or sow as also of a boeufe mixt with Cicinie oile and oile Rosat in equall quantity is a singular remedy but especially buls gall dropped into the ears warm with the iuice of Porret or els with hony in case they be impostumat within and run with water The same alone by it selfe warmed in the rind of a pomegranate is excellent to take away the ranke and strong sauour of the eares and if any part within be broken the said gall instilled with womans milke healeth it effectually Some there be who ordaine the eares to be well washed with it so prepared for to remedy the difficulty and hardnesse of hearing others vse to put into the eares wooll washed before in hot water and inclose therewith a peece of a serpents slough with vineger but if the deafenesse be the greater they infuse the said gall into the eares tempered with Myrrhe and Rue and so made hot all together in the pill of a Pomegranate Fat lard also is good for this purpose and the greene dung of an Asse instilled with oile Rosat prouided alwaies that all these medicines be warme when they be dropped into the eares But the fome that a horse doth froth is better than all these or the ashes of horse dung fresh made and burned mixed with oile of Roses In this case likewise are commended boeufe suet goose grease and fresh butter The vrine of a Goat or bull yea and stale chamber-lie which fullers vse made hot and the vapour thereof receiued into the eare at the narrow mouth or necke of a bottle cureth the deafenesse thereof Some put thereto a third part of vineger and a quantitie of the pisse of a calfe which is yet a suckling and neuer tasted grasse yea and others there be which put thereto the dung mixed with the gall of the said calfe The skin or slough also which snakes cast off is very good to be applied vnto the ears but they ought to be well chaufed and set into an heat before Now are these medicines to be inclosed within wooll and so applied Moreouer calues tallow with Goose grease and the juice of Basill is good for the hearing also calues marrow incorporat together with the pouder of cumin and so powred into the ears The slimy sperme of a bore which passeth from the shap of a sow after she is brimmed if it may be gotten before it touch the ground is singular for the pain of the ears If the ears be crackt and hang flagging down there is nothing better than glue made of calues pizzles if the same be dissolued in water For other impediments of the ears the fat of foxes is very good In like manner Goats gall with oile of Roses warme or the juice of leeks or if there be any rupture within the ears the said gall must be applied with brest-milke For those who be hard of hearing or haue their eares running and suppurate within it is not amisse to drop into them a beasts gall with the vrine of a shee-goat or of the male it makes no matter But these medicines howsoeuer they are to be vsed are thought to be more effectual by far in case they were put into a goats horne and so hung in the smoke for the space of 20 dayes together Also there is great commendation of the rennet of an hare if there be one third part of a Roman denarius thereof and halfe a denare weight of gum Sagapene concorporat in Aminean wine As for the swelling impostumes behind the ears bears grease represseth and keepeth them downe if there be a cerot made thereof together with the equall weight of wax and bulls tallow some there be who put Hypoquist is thereto and butter alone is good to annoint them with so that they were fomented before with the decoction of Fenigreeke Howbeit of much better opperation it would be in case Nightshade were added thereto The stones of a fox buls bloud also dried and reduced to powder be commended in this case Moreouer the vrin of a she goat made warm and so dropped into the ears the dung likewise brought into a liniment with hogs grease is very good To come now to the infirmities of the teeth if they be loose and shake in their sockets the ashes of harts horn will settle them firme and fast again if they ake the same ashes are verie good to ease the paine whether the teeth be rubbed or washed therewith But some are of opinion that the pouder of the said horne not burnt at all is far better than the ashes in these cases howbeit there be dentifrices made both of the powder and also of the ashes Moreouer the ashes of a wolues head is thought to be a soueraigne remedy for the pains incident to the teeth Now it is well knowne that among the excrements of a wolfe there be many times bones found which if they be hanged about the necke arme or other parts of the body haue the same effect Likewise the crudled rendles of an hare infused into the eare are singular for the tooth-ache the ashes also which come of the head burnt is a pretty dentifrice for to rub the teeth withall but if you put Nard thereto it doth correct and palliat a stinking breath But some there be who chuse rather to mingle therewith the ashes of mice and rats heads There is found in the side of a hares head a certaine sharpe bone like vnto a needle herewith Physitians giue counsel to scarrifie the teeth and let the gums bloud for the tooth-ache Take
for the leprosie which disease the liuer also of a calfe applied hot doth cure like as goats gal healeth the foule white lepry called Elephantiasis but an oxe gall and sal-nitre mixed therwith taketh away the lepry and the filthy dandruffe appearing in the skin The vrine of an asse taken about the rising of the Dog-star clenseth the face from all spots so doth the gall as well of an asse as a bull vsed alone by it selfe after it hath bin well broken and tempered in water and the old skin of the face taken off but then the patient must forbeare to goe abroad either into the Sun or wind The like effect hath buls tallow or calues gall incorporat with the seed of Sauorie and the ashes of an Harts horne if the same be burnt at the beginning of the Dog-daies Asses grease is a soueraigne thing to reduce vnto a fresh and natiue colour any skars or places of the skin blemished with the stooles remaining of ringworme tettar and leprosie The gal of a buck-goat incorporat with cheese sulphur vif and the ashes of a spunge and brought to the consistence and thicknesse of honey taketh away moles and pimples Some make choise rather of old galls which hath been long kept to vse in this case mingling therewith hot brans to the weight of one obolus and four times as much of hony but first the said spots and specks ought to be plied well with chaufing and rubbing The suet of the same Goat tempered with Gith or Nigella seed Brimstone and Floure-de-lys root is verie effectuall for this purpose Semblably it is good for the chaps in the lips if it be incorporate with Goose grease Deeres marrow rosin and vnquencht lime I finde it recorded in some Authors that they who are giuen to haue red pimples appearing in their face are disabled for exercising any sacrifices belonging to Art Magicke If the tonsils throat and windpipe be either inflamed or exulcerat they finde much ease by cow milke or goats milke so the patient gargarize therewith warme as it commeth new from the beast or otherwise made warme againe afterwards but goats milk is the better of the twain if mallows be sodden therein and a little salt For blisters in the tongue and throat the broth made of tripes is very good to be gargarised and more particularly for the inflammations and sores incident to the tonsils or almonds of the throat the kidnies of a fox dried are singular if they be beaten into pouder and reduced into a liniment with honey The gall of a bull or goat mixed with hony serueth right well for the squinancy The liuer of a grey or badger tempered with water and made in manner of a collution rectifieth a strong and stinking breath the cankers also and sores in the mouth are healed with butyr If a thorne fish-bone or any other such thing sticke in the throat take the dung of a cat rub annoint the place wel without-forth the same by report will thereupon come vp againe or passe downeward As for the swelling wens called the kings euill either the gall of a bore doth scatter and dispatch or else of a boeufe if the place affected be annointed therewith warme for hares rendles tempered with wine and put into a linnen cloth is good to be applied vnto the same onely when they be sore and run The ashes also of the houfe both of horse and asse incorporat with oile water and hot vrine into a liniment so applied doth resolue them before they be broken Of the same effect is the ashes of an Oxe or Cowes clee applied vnto the place with water as also their dung laid too very hot with vineger In like manner Goats sewet with quicke-lime or their dung sodden in vineger and the genetoirs of a fox For this purpose there is much good done with sope an inuention deuised by the French for to colour the haire of the head yellow made it is of tallow and ashes the best of all other is that which they make of Beech-wood ashes and Goats suet and the same after two manner of waies either thicke and hard or else liquid and soft but the one as well as the other is verie much vsed in Germanie and a great deale more indeed by men than women The crickes and pains in the neck are much assuaged by rubbing the nape of the necke with butter or beares grease if the same be stark and stiffe there is nothing in the world better than beasts tallow the which together with oile is very good for the kings euill beforesaid The painfull cramp that draweth a man back so as he cannot bow his head forward which convulsion the Greeks name Opisthotonos is much eased by infusing into the eares the vrine of a shee goat or with a liniment made with their dung and bulbe roots If the nailes be bruised it is passing good to tie about them the gal of any beast whatsoeuer As for the risings and sore excrescences about their roots bulls gall dissolued in hot water and so applied easeth that grieuance some there be who put thereto brimstone and alumne of each a like weight Moreouer it is said that a wolues liuer taken in a draught of wine warme cureth the cough also a bears gall mingled with hony or the ashes made of the vppermost tips of a beasts horne likewise the froth or slauer of an horse mouth and some say that be the cough neuer so bad it will make an end thereof in three daies drinking Semblably the lights of a stag together with the throat dried in the smoke and afterwards puluerized and brought into a loch or liquid electuary is good for the cough to be taken ordinarily euery day and for this purpose the lungs of the spitter in this kind of red deere is thought to be more effectual In case a man spit bloud the ashes of Harts is much commended and the rendles of an hares maw taken in drinke to the weight of a third part of a denier with Terra Samia and Myrtle wine cureth it perfectly The ashes likewise of Hares dung drunk in wine late in an euening staieth the cough which is busie in the night season also a perfume made with the hair of an hare dischargeth the lungs of those tough and viscous humors which stick vnto them and are not otherwise easily remooued The purulent vlcers in brest and lungs remaining after a pleurisie or peripnewmony the strong and stinking breath also proceeding from the lights are cured most effectually with an electuarie made of butter boiled with a like quantity of Attick hony vntill it look reddish if the patient take thereof euery morning the measure of one ligula or spoonfull some in stead of hony chuse rather to put thereto the rosin of the Larch tree If one do reach or cast vp bloud it is said that cowes bloud taken moderatly and with vineger is of great force and efficacy to stay the same
stop a lask and knit the belly for the flux proceeding from the imbecilitie of the stomacke for the dysenterie or bloudy flix for the ventosities and inflation of the belly for ruptures the straining vpon the seege without doing any thing for the wormes in the guts and for the cholique TO stay the running out and extraordinary loosnesse of the belly these medicines following be conuenient Imprimis the bloud of a stag Item the ashes of an harts horne the liuer of a bore fresh and without any salt at all taken in wine likewise the liuer of a sow rosted or of a male goat sodden in one hemine of water the crudled rennet in a hares maw drunk in wine to the quantity of a cich-pease or in water in case the patient haue an ague Some there be who put gall nuts thereto others content themselues with Hares bloud alone sodden with milke Also the ashes comming of horse dung drunke in water the ashes of that part of an old bulls horne which groweth next to the head strewed into a draught of water In like manner Goats bloud sodden vpon coles A Goats skin or fell haire and all boiled together yeeldeth a decoction which is good in this case to be drunke Contrariwise to loose the belly the runnet found in a Colts maw the bloud of a femal goat or els hermarrow or liuer are thought conuenient laxatiues Item a plaster made with a wolues gal together with the juice of a wild Cucumber and applied to the nauil Also a draught either of Mares or Goats milke taken with salt and hony The gall of a she-Goat is good for this purpose if it be taken with the iuice of Sowbread and a little Allum But some there be who think it better to put thereto salnitre and water Buls gall stamped and incorporat with Wormwood made into a round ball and so put vp in stead of a suppositorie will giue a stoole and make the body soluble Butter eaten in any great quantity is good for those who haue a flux occasioned by the weaknesse of the stomack and a dysenterie or bloudy flix so is a Cowes liuer the ashes of an Harts-horn taken to the quantity of as much as three fingers will comprehend in a draught of water likewise the rennet of an Hare wrought in dough for to make bread or if the patient do voyd bloud withall the same ought to be incorporat in parched Barley meale The ashes of a Bores Sowes or hares dung is good to spice a warme potion of wine in these infirmities Moreouer an ordinary Veale broth as it is commonly giuen is counted one of the remedies for these kind of fluxes abouenamed whether they come of feeble stomacke or exulcerat guts But if the patient drink Asses milk for this purpose it will be the better if hony be put thereto Furthermore the ashes of an Asse dung taken in wine is as effectual in operation as the rest for both diseases As also the first ordure of the Asse fole which we termed Polea in the former chapter The cruds or rennet of an horse fole maw called by some Hippace is soueraign for such lasks yea though the patient did shere bloud vpon the stoole The ashes also of horse dung and the pouder of Horse teeth is said to be singular yea and Calues milk sodden and so drunke But if the flux do proue to be a dysentery Physitians giue aduise to put therto a little hony if gripes come thick they prescribe the ashes of Harts horn or buls gall tempered with Cumin seed and the fleshy substance of a Gourd to be laid in maner of a cataplasme to the nauill The tender cheese curd of Cowes milke clysterized is passing good both for the stomack flux and also for the bloudie flix In like fort the butter made of Cows milk taken to the quantity of foure hemins with two ounces of right Terpentine either in the decoction of Mallowes or oile of Roses The suet of a Calfe or beasts tallow is likewise an ordinary remedy in these cases But diuers there be who seeth the marrow forth as well of the one as the other with meale wax and a little oile yet so as the broth be clear that it may be supped off Their marrow also is vsually incorporat in the past whereof bread is made and so taken with great successe Goats milke sodden vntill the halfe be consumed is reputed also a proper medicine And in case the guts besides be wrung griped there would be put thereto a little vnpressed wine of the first running called Mere-goutte howbeit some there be who think it sufficient for to appease the torments of the wombe to drinke Hares rennet but once in a draught of wine warm but the wiser sort and those that deale more warily think it good withall to make a liniment of goats bloud incorporat with barley meale and rosin therewith to anoint the belly And they also aduise their patients for any violent flux of the belly whatsoeuer to apply thereto soft cheese but if the flux be from the stomack or dysentericall they prescribe old cheese to be grated and giuen to the patient in wine with this proportion that in 3 cyaths of wine there be a third part of cheese Goats bloud boiled with this marrow is singular good for the dysentery or bloudy flix The liuer of a female goat rosted is a soueraign medicine for the fluxions of the stomack but it were better if the male Goats liuer were taken in drinke after it hath bin sodden in some green and austere wine or with oile of Myrtles reduced into a cataplasme and so laid to the nauill some seeth the same in water from six sextars to one hemine and put Rue thereto Others rost the milt of a goat male or female it skilleth not and vse it for the same purpose or else they take the suet of a buck goat with bread that hath bin baked on the harth vnder the embers But aboue all they hold that the suet taken from the kidnies of a she goat so drunk alone by it selfe is a singular remedy for these infirmities but they inioin the patient presently therupon to drink a little cold water Yet there be others who ordain the same suet to be boiled in water with fried barly groats Cumin Dill and vineger mixt all together And they giue order to such as haue the stomack flux to anoint their bellies with Goats dung sodden with honey And for both these fluxions as well from the stomack as the vlcer of the guts they prescribe the rennet of a Kid to the quantity of a Beane for to be drunk in Myrtle wine also a pudding made of the bloud thereof which kind of meat we call in Latine Sanguiculus Moreouer for the dysenterie they ordaine to iniect into the guts by a clystre Buls glue resolued in hot water For any ventosities Calues dung is holden to be singular good for to resolue them if
Moone laid vp in pouder with salt is to be giuen in a draught of wine a little before the accesse or fit of a Quartan And these magitians haue yet another prety receit against such agues for they take the ashes of a Cow or Oxe mucke and sprinkle it wel with the vrin of a yong boy wherewith they annoint the toes of the patient but to his hands or arms they bind the heart of an Hare which done they ordain also to giue him before the fit the Hares rennet in a draught of drinke To conclude they say that a fresh greene cheese made of Goats milke out of which the whey hath bin well pressed is singular to be giuen in hony CHAP. XVII ¶ Proper remedies against the trouble of the braine by reason of Melancholy against the lethargie dropsie shingles and S. Anthonies fire Also for the paine of the sinewes THe dung of a Calfe sodden in wine is an excellent remedy for those who are giuen to melancholy For to raise and awaken them that are in a lethargie there is not a bettter thing than the rough werts growing vpon an Asses leg if the same be tempered with vineger into a liniment and the nosthrils anointed therewith also the perfume of the horne or haires of a Goat yea and a bores liuer which is the cause that it is giuen ordinarily to those that haue the drow sie disease and be alwaies sleepie For the phthysick the liuer of a wolfe sodden in wine is very good likewise the lard of a lean running sow feeding only vpon grasse as also Asse flesh sodden and eaten with the broth and verily in Achaia this is the principall course they take for the cure of that disease Moreouer it is said that to receiue through a pipe or reed the smoke of the dry dung made by Cow or Oxe lying forth and feeding only vpon green grasse is very wholsome for those that haue the phthisick or consumption of the lungs Also there be who calcine the tips of Boeufs horns taking the measure of two spoonfuls of the ashes incorporat the same with hony make it vp into pills and so swallow them down for the said malady Many there are who affirm That the phthysicke and cough be cured by eating a kind of pottage made with Frumenty corne and goats suet and they hold opinion That the said suet taken fresh and sweet and so dissolued in mead with this proportion that to euery cyath of the mead there be put an ounce of suet and that order be taken to mingle them throughly well with a branch or sprig of Rue among is a soueraigne medicine for those infirmities There is one writer of good credit authority who vpon his certain knowledge doth auouch That there was one so far gone in a phthysicke that he was giuen ouer by the Physitians yet he recouered by drinking the suet of a Shamois or wild goat together with milk of each one cyath at a time Others say that much good hath bin found by drinking in sweet cuit the ashes of swines dung as also by the lungs of a red Deer especially the Spitter of that kind dried in the smoke reduced into pouder and so drunke in wine In case of the dropsie the vrin of a Bore found in his bladder giuen to the patient in drink by little and little helpeth very much but of greater efficacy it is if the same be permitted to drie within the bladder Furthermore the ashes of Harts dung namely of that Deer which is called the Spitter as also of Neats dung such I mean as go abroad and feed with the heard that they call by a peculiar name Bolbiton is a soueraigne remedy for the dropsie Mary if the patient be a woman there must be choise made of cow dung but if a man the dung of the other sex is to be taken and this I may tel you is such a secret mystery that the Magitians would not haue to be reuealed made known Many other medicines there be for the dropsie to wit the dung of a Bull calfe vsed in a liniment the ashes of a calues dung drunk in wine with an equall quantity of the wild parsnep seed goats bloud together with the marrow eaten with meat it is thought that this bloud will worke the better if it be taken from the male Goats prouided alwaies that they feed vpon the Lentisk tree and then no doubt it will do the deed surely As touching S. Anthonies fire the shingles c. the meanes to quench the same is to annoint the place with Bears grease and especially the fat that is found about the kidnies also with the greene dung of a calfe cow or oxe Some vse hard cheese made of goats milke and porret together also the fine scrapings of a stags skin fetcht off with a pumish stone brought into pouder and so applied with vineger For the rednesse of the skin with much itching the fome of an horse mouth or the ashes of his houfe is a singular medicine If there be any wheals or small pox proceeding of fleam do annoy the skin no better thing than a liniment made of asse-dung ashes incorporat in butyr say these wheals or pimples appear blackish and swe rt by reason of melancholy dry cheese made of goats milk brought into an ointment with hony and vineger is good to rub the body withall in a bain or hot house without any vse of oile at all For blisters and angry meazils the ashes of swines dung are thought to be very meet as also the ashes of harts horn so that the place be rubbed with them and water together If there be any dislocation or bone out of ioint the green dung of a bore or sow is good to be applied so is that of a calfe the fome frothing from a bore laid to the place with vineger and goats dung with hony There is not a better thing to bring down any swelling than a cataplasm of raw beefe and as for any hard tumors swines dung made hot and dried in an earthen pot-sheard or vpon a tile is excellent to discusse and resolue them the grease of a wolfe is exceeding good to break any impostumation that is grown to ripenesse so is neats dung made hot vnder the embers or goats treddles sodden in wine or vineger as touching fellons such like apostumations boeuftallow with salt is much commended for to resolue them if the place be much pained it were good to dip the said tallow in oile and to melt the same without any salt and in like manner is goats seuet to be vsed For a burn or scald there is a proper salue made of bears grease and lilly roots for which purpose the dung of bore or sow that hath bin long kept is very good so is the ashes of their bristles such as pargettars whiting brushes be made of wrought and incorporate with grease also the ashes of a beasts ankle or
else but a plaine and true narration according to my first desseine and intention For well I wot that I might haue inserted here and there the rare receits which are reported to be of the ashes of the bird Phoenix and her nest but that I know all to be meere fabulous howsoeuer they â—…ie a pretence of truth Besides I count it a very mockerie and no better to deliuer vnto the world those medicins which are not to be but once in the reuolution of a thousand yeres CHAP. II. ¶ The vertues and properties of Wooll THe ancient Romans attributed vnto Wool great authoritie had therein a certain religious and reuerent opinion of holines in so much as new wedded wiues by an old custom and ordinance at Rome were wont with great ceremonie to adorn and bedeck with wooll the side-posts of the dore or entrie into their husbands house on the mariage day Now besides the vse of wool for decent apparrel defence against cold weather that which is vnwashed and full of the sheeps swet serueth in Physick and is a soueraign remedy for sundry accidents being applied with oile wine or vinegre according as need requireth either in mitigation of pain or mordicasion and coriosion and according as our purpose is to bind or to enlarge and open any part and namely it is imploied in dislocations of members and griefe of sinues if it be laid to the affected place well sprinkled wet eftsoons with the said liquors that it might be alwaies moist But more particularly for disjointed members some put thereto a little salt others take rue when they haue stamped it incorporat the same with some conuenient grease so apply it in maner of a cataplasme vpon sweatie wooll after which maner it is good for contusions or bruses swellings Also it is said that if the teeth gumbs be well rubbed with such wool and hony mingled together it will cause the breath to be the sweeter a suffumigation or perfume therof is singular for the frensie applied with the oile of roses it stanches bleeding at the nose or otherwise if the ears be well stopped therwith and a little garlick conueied withal therinto Moreouer it is laid to inueterat sores with good successe so that hony be put thereto Soake wooll in wine vinegre or cold water and oile and then wring and presse the same forth it heales any wound The wool of a ram well washed in cold water afterwards steeped in oile is singular for womens infirmities and particularly allaies the inflammation of the matrice but in case it be faln downward and readie to slip out of the bodie a perfume therof receiued beneath staieth the same and keepes it vp The fattie wooll of a sheep being either applied or put vp in maner of a pessarie drawes down the dead infantâ—… out of the mothers belly and yet the same otherwise represseth the immoderat flux of womens fleurs If it be couched hard close within the wound occasioned by the biting of a mad dog it serueth to great purpose but with this charge That it be kept bound therto not remoued vntill the seuenth day be past applied vnto whitflaws and impostimations about the naile-roots with cold water it cureth them the same if it be dipped soked in a medly made of salnitre brimstone oile vinegre and tar all dissolued together and ready to boile and so laid as a cataplasm to the loins as hot as the patient can abide it changing it twice a day appeaseth the paine of those parts Take the greasie wooll of a ram bind therwith very hard the joints of the extream parts as namely the fingers and toes you shal see how it will stanch bleeding Howbeit note this that the wooll growing vpon the sheeps neck is euer best and most medicinable and if we regard the country from whence it coms that of Galatia Tarentum Attica and Miletum is alwaies reputed better than any other Furthermore the greasie or sweatie wooll of a sheepe is proper to be applied to any raw places where the skin is fretted off to contusions bruses looking black and blew strokes crushes rushes rubs and gals as also from them who are tumbled down from some high place for the head-ach and other pains and lastly for the inflammation or heat of the stomack being decently applied with vinegre and oile rosat Reduced into ashes and vsed as a liniment it is singular for them that be crushes or squeesed wounded burnt and scalded This ashes entreth also into colyries and eie-salues it serueth for hollow vlcers fistuloes like as for the ears when they run filthie matter For these purposes aboue specified some sheare it from the sheeps back others chuse rather to plucke it and when they haue clipped off the vpmost parts or forced it lay the same forth to dry they toze card it also and then bestow it in an earthen pot not fully baked which they besmeer all ouer with hony and so burn calcine it to ashes others put vnder smal chips or slices of torchwood and lay certain beds or courses thereof between the locks of wooll and after they haue besprinkled the same with oile set all one fire which done the ashes that come therof they put into little pans or vessels poure water theron and after they haue well stirred the said ashes with their hands they suffer it to settle downe to the bottom which they do oftentimes alwaies changing the water till such time as a man may perceiue the ashes at the tongues end to be somwhat astringent but not biting and they lay vp their ashes for their vse A great scourer and cleanser this is and therefore most effectuall to mundifie the eye-lids Moreouer the very filthy excrements of sheep the sweat sticking to the wool of their flanks between their legs the concauities thereabout which they cal Oesypum is thought to haue infinit number of medicinable ptoperties but the best Oesypum simply is that which coms from the sheep bred about Athens This swet or filthy excrement cal it what you wil is prepared and ordered many waies but the principall is that which is gathered from the wooll newly taken from between the legs shoulders of the sheep and presently tozed ready for to be carded others are content to teke the sweatie filth of any wooll so it be fresh plucked or clipped from the sheep and whether it be the one sort or the other they let it dissolue ouer a soft fire in a pan of brasse which done they set it a cooling and take off the fat that swims aloft gather it into an earthen vessell As for the rest which remained behind of the first stuffe they set iton the fire again that the fatnes may boile forth of it after this the fat that floted aboue as wel the former as the later they wash in cold water let it drie in a linnen cloth expose it
bloud Fiue yelks of egs supped off raw in one hemin of wine are singular good for the dysenterie or bloudy flix and namely with the pouder of the shels from whence they came the juice of Poppie and a little wine withall For the flux of the belly proceeding from a feeble stomacke they vse to giue the said yelks of eggs raw with as much in weight of good and full raisins and the rind of a pomegranat with direction to the patient for to take this medicine three daies together by euen portions and no more one day than another for which purpose also there is another way to vse them namely to take three yelks of an egg to incorporat the same in as many onnces of honey and old lard putting thereto three cyathâ—… also of good old wine and stamped all together into one composition vntill such time as it be reduced to the consistence or thicknesse of hony of which the patient must drinke as need requires with water the quantity of an hazle nut at a time Also it is good to lay three egs in vinegre for three daies together and vpon the fourth day to eat them for the foresaid flix of the stomack after which maner it auaileth much to take them against the oppilations hardnesse of the spleene but to such as are subject to casting and reaching bloud vpward Physicians prescribe to take them in three cyaths of new wine Some vse the yelks of egs that haue bin old kept for to reduce the skin that is blacke and blew to the fresh and liuely colour again but they incorporat the same in hony with bulbe roots the same sodden and drunk in wine doe represse the immoderat flux of womens months but applied raw with oile and wine they discusse resolue the ventosities within the matrice Incorporat with oile rosat and goose grease they are good to be applied to the nape of the neck for the cricke and pain thereof being rosted against the fire hard and so presently applied hot to the seat they are good for the griefs and accidents of the fundament but more particularly for the swelling piles and bigs rising in those parts they would be laid too with oile of roses Being sodden in water vntill they be hard they serue very well for any burne or scald with this charge That presently the ashes of the same eg-shels calcined vpon burning coales be applied to the place and then to annoint the same with the foresaid yelks and oile rosat mixed together Now it falleth out somtime that egs be all yelke within haue no white at all namely when the hen hath couved sitten ouer them three daies together and then be taken away from vnder her and such kind of egs the Greeks call Schista Take the egs from vnder the hen when they be full of chicken a little before they spring and the chicke be hatched together with halfe as much of gal nuts and giue the same for to strengthen a feeble and weak stomack with this caution That the patient haue eate nothing in two hours before And so me doe aduise for the dysentery or bloudy flix to giue the said chickins sodden egg and all together putting therto one hemine of austere or sharpe wine and an equall quantitie of oile and parched barly groats drie The fine pellicle or skin that is within the egg-shell being taken from it whether the egg be raw or sodden it skilleth not healeth the chaps that are in the lips if it be applied thereto The ashes of an egg-shell drunke in wine stoppeth the issue of bloud gushing out at any part but the same ought to be burnt or calcined without the pellicle or skin aforesaid and so it makes an excellent dentifrice also to cleanse and scoure the teeth white a liniment made with the said ashes and myrrhe together staies the super fluous flux of womens terms And here I cannot chuse but note vnto you by the way the strange propertie and wonderfull nature that egg-shels haue for so hard compact and strong they be that if you hold or set an egg endlong no force nor weight whatsoeuer is able to break and crush it so long as it standeth streight and plumbe vpright vntill such time as the head incline to a side and bend one way more than another Egs entire and all whole as they be i. white yelke shell and skin taken in wine with rue dill and cumin helpe women in hard trauell to speedie and easie deliuerance Egs incorporat with oile rosin of the cedar mixed together are singular good for to heale scabs and to kill the itch put thereto the root of Cyclamin i. Sow-bread it healeth the running skalls of the head for those that reach vp purulent matter out of the chest or spit bloud it is good to sup off a raw egg together with the juice of vnset leeks and an equall quantitie of Greekish wine but first all must be warmed before that it be giuen to the patient Against a cough they ordaine egs sodden and stamped together with hony and so to eat them or else to sup them off raw with wine cuit oile of each a like quantity If a man haue any sore or vlcer in his secret parts seruing for generation it were very good to inject one egg tempered with three cyaths of wine cuit and halfe an ounce of Amylum or starch-floure presently vpon his comming forth of the bains or hothouse An excellent linement there is made of sodden egs stamped together with cresses for the sting or biting of serpents How many means there be whereby egs doe good as meat there is not one but knoweth for euen in their going downe they passe through any tumor or swelling of the throat and with their kind heat foment those parts by the way There is not any kind of viand in the world besides it that nourisheth a sicke man without any offence or burden at all to the stomacke and it may go well enough for meat and drinke both As touching egs sodden in vinegre and how their shels may be made soft and tender therby I haue alreadie shewed such egs if they be wrought and knead with meale into a dough or past do make a kind of bread which is soueraigne for all fluxes of the stomack Some there be who think it better to take these egs thus mollified resolued in vinegre and to torrisie the same betweene two platters of earth supposing that being thus prepared they serued not only to stop a lask but also to represse the immoderat flux of womens monthly tears but in case the said fluxions be excessiue and beyond all measure vehement they are to be supped off raw with water and meale in maner of a grewell or pottage or els the yelks may be boiled by themselues in vinegre vntill they be hard and then a second time be fried torrified afterwards with grosse pepper and in this sort they will die any
but that they be far bigger their heads be reddish the rest of their body black howbeit here and there marked with white spots The sting of this spider is more keene and sharpe than that of the wespe It liueth ordinarily about ouens and mils The best remedie against the prick of their sting is to present before the eies of the patient another spider of the same kind for which purpose folke vse to keepe them in store when they find any of them dead Their cases or skins brought into pouder and taken in drink haue the like effect to young weazils or kitlings as I haue declared before A second sort there is of these venomous spiders Phalangia which the Greeks distinguish from others by the name of Lupus Those that be of a third kind and yet named Phalangia are the spiders which be couered all ouer with a certain downe and of all the rest haue the biggest heads Cut one of them and rip the bellie you shall find within two little wormes or grubs which if it be true that Cecilius hath left in writing hinder women for conception in case they be knit within a peece of leather of a red deere skin and tied to their armes or other parts of their bodie before the sunne-rising but this vertue continueth not aboue one yeare Thus haue I shewed one receit only of all those that keep women from conceiuing which I may be allowed to do in regard of some wiues who being too fruitfull and ouercharged with child bearing haue some reason to play them a while and rest from teeming and therefore may be pardoned if they vse some such meanes therefore There is another kind of spiders which the Greeks call Rhagion for that it resembles a black grape kernill these haue a very little mouth vnder their belly and as short legs as if they were vnperfect and not fully made Look where they bite the pain that ensueth is much like to that which is occasioned by the sting of a fcorpion and their vrine who are hurt by them seemes to shew to the eye cobwebs floting aloft I would say that this spideâ—… were the same that Asterion another kind of them but that these haue certaineraies or streakes of white Their sting or pricke causeth loosenesse and feeblenesse of the knees As for the blew spider which carrieth a blacke downe or cotton it is worse than both the former causeth trouble and dimnesse of the eyes by their pricking yea and vomiting of matter resembling cobwebs And yet there is another Phalangium worse than it which commeth neare in shape to the Hornet but that it hath no wings at all and look whomsoeuer it biteth they are sure to become leane and pine away The venomous spider called by the Greeks Myrmecion is headed like vnto an Emmet the bellie is blacke howbeit marked with certain white spots their sting is as painefull as that of Wespes But as touching that kind of Phalangium which is called Tetragnatium there be two sorts thereof The one which is the worst of the twaine hath the head diuided directly in the middest with a white line wheras in the other the said line or seame runneth crosse ouerthwart These make the mouths to swell whom they haue bitten But those that be of a dead ash colour and yet whitish behind are not so quicke with their prick as the rest Of which colour there is another sort that be altogether harmlesse and these be our common spiders or spinners which against wals vse to stretch out their large webs as nets to catch poore flies Now concerning the remedies appropriat to any pricke or biting of the foresaid Phalangia there is not a better thing than to drink in oxycrat i. water and vinegre mingled together the braines of a Cock or Hen with a little pepper Also to take in drink fiue Pismires is thought to be a siugular medicine and withall to make a liniment of sheeps mucke ashes tempered in vinegre and therwith to annoint the grieued place Moreouer the said spiders themselues of any kind whatsoeuer resolued and putrified in oile serue for the said purpose As for the mischeeuous mouse called the Hardishrew the runnet found in a lambes maw taken in wine healeth the hurt that commeth by her biting also the application of a salue made with the ashes of a Rams cley incorporat with hony worketh the same effect so doth a young weazill or kitling prepared and vsed in manner aforesaid in the Treatise of serpents If one of these shrewes haue bitten a horse or other beast it is good to lay vnto the place a mouse or â—…t new killed with some salt or else the gall of a Bat with vineger The shrew it selfe being burst and so laid fresh and warm to the sore cureth the same for this is obserued That if one of them be with yong when she doth bite presently she cleaueth in sunder And in truth the best surest means to cure the hurt is to apply vnto the wound the very shrew it selfe that did the deed if possibly shee may be had and yet the rest are very good for which purpose they vse to be kept in oile or els to be dawbed ouer with clay to serue in time of need also the earth taken from a cart-rut where a wheele hath gon is thought to be a proper remedie for the said biting of a shrew if it be applied thereto for it is said that this creature is by nature so benummed or dull of mouing that it will neuer go ouer a cart-tract As touching Scorpions the lizard named Stellio by way of a reciprocall counterchange is the greatest enemie they haue insomuch as at the very sight only of the said lizard they wil be afrighted and astonied and fall into cold sweats and therefore people vse to putrifie resolue Stelliona in oile and therewith anoint the wounds that Scorpions haue made Some there be who make a kind of plaistre of the said oile and litharge of siluer boiled both together wherewith they rub and anoint the grieued place This lizard which we name Stellio the Greeks cal Colotes Ascalabotes and Galeotes it breeds not in Italy but call it what you will whersoeuer it is to be found full it is of little red spots like lentils a shril noise it maketh that pierceth the eares and goeth through ones head it doth eat and graze like other beasts which be marks all contrary to our Stellions or starre-lizards here in Italy But to come againe vnto the pricke of scorpions it is thought good to rub the same with the ashes of hens dung mixt with the liuer of a dragon or to take a lizard that is bursten and the same to apply vnto the affected place or a mouse likewise which is clouen in sunder also to lay to the sore the very same scorpion that did the harm or to eat him rosted and last of all to drinke it in two cyaths of pure
the blond of a lizard but this must be don whiles both the children and the party who hath the doing thereof be fasting CHAP. IX ¶ Receits for the gouts of feet and hands and generally for the pains or diseases of ioints what soeuer THe tried grease of vnwashed wooll incorporat with womans milk and white lead is a very proper liniment to mitigate the pain of the gout so is the liquid dung of sheep when they run out behind Their lights likewise or a rams gal incorporat with their suet Some split mice and lay them hot to the place also the bloud of a weazil reduced into a liniment with Plaintain and the ashes of a weazill burnt aliue tempered with vineger and rose water and brought into a thin liniment so that the place affected maybe dressed with a feather Others temper wax and oile of roses together And there be again who vse dogs gal for this purpose but in any wise the hand must not touch it but the place ought to be annointed with a feather likewise hens dung and the ashes of earthworms mixt with hony with this charge that this cataplasme be not vndone or remoued before the third day Howbeit it is thought better by some to apply the same ashes with water but by others to vse vineger in measure and with moderation together with 3 cyaths of hony hauing before hand annointed with oile rosat the gouty feet It is said moreouer that to drink broad snails is a singular medicine to take away the gout of the feet or the pain of any other ioint the manner wherof is to stamp 2 at a time and drink them in wine some apply the same in a liniment with the juice of the herb Parietary Others content themselues to bruise them and so to incorporat them into a cataplasme with vineger Many are of opinion that the gout may be cured if the patient vse oftentimes to take the salt which together with a Viper was calcined in a new earthen pot as also that it is very good to annoint the feet with Vipers grease And they affirme constantly of a Kite that hath bin kept long dried if the patient reduce it into pouder and drink thereof in water as much as three fingers will well take vp it cureth the gout throughly But if the feet be full of bloud and swollen withall they vse Nettles thereto Some there be that take the yong feathers of a Kite so soon as they put forth and stamp the same with Nettles to a liniment The very dung likewise that these foules do meut serueth in stead of a good liniment to annoint the painful gout in any joint whatsoeuer so do the ashes of a weazill or of shell-snailes burnt or calcined and incorporate either with Amydum or gum Tragacanth If a man haue gotten a rap or rush vpon any joint there is not a better thing for to cure it than copwebs some chuse for this intention those which be wouen by the spiders of ash colour like as to vse the ashes of Pigeons dung with parched barly groats and white wine In any dislocation of joints the most present remedy that is knowne is sheepes suet tempered with the ashes of of womens haire burnt This suet likewise serueth well to bee applied with allum to the kibes of the heels so do the ashes of a dogs head or of mice dung But in case there be any vlcer there not yet putrified adde wax thereto and it will skin vp and heale the same and the like effect is wrought by the light ashes of criquets burnt and tempered with oile or els with the ashes of the wild wood-mice mixt with hony of earth-worms also incorporat with old oile lastly many apply therto the snails that be found naked without their shels And verily the ashes of such snails burnt aliue heale all sores of the feet howbeit if the feet be galled but lightly excoriated there is not a better thing for them than the ashes of hens dung or pigeons dung incorporat with oile If the shoo hath rubbed off the skin or fretred any part of the foot the ashes of an old shoo-sole are singular good to heal the same so are the lights of a ram or lambe The pouder of a caples teeth is a soueraigne and speciall remedy for the seet if there ouse out any matter from vnder the nailes The bloud of a green lizard healeth the galls vnder the foot yea and cureth throughly the sore feet both of man and beast if they be dressed therewith As for the corns and agnels which arise about the feet it is good to besmeare them with the vrine of Mule or mulet together with the mire in the very place where they staled also with sheeps dung The liuer or bloud of a greene lizard applied vpon some flocke to the place or vpon a locke of wooll Some vse in that order earth-wotmes stamped with oile or the head of the star-lizard Stellio incorporat in oile with a like quantity of Agnus Castus Last of all others take Pigeons dung sodden in vineger and lay the same to the place Touching werts of what sort soeuer they be there is not a more proper thing to make them fall off than to bathe them well with the vrine durt and all of a dog where he lately pissed or to apply thereto a salue of dogs dung ashes and wax it is not amisse also to lay to them sheepes dung or to rub them wel with Mice-bloud new killed or to apply a Mouse split along the mids aliue the gall likewise of an Vrchin the head of a lizard or the bloud or lastly the ashes of a lizard calcined the old slough of a snake also Lastly hens dung incorporat with oile and salnitre If all these medicines fail begin the cure new with Cantharides incorporat with wilde grapes called Vvae taminae this is a corrosiue wil eat them out but when they be thus fretted exulcerat the cure must be followed with those appropriat means which I haue set downe before in the healing of vlcers CHAP. X. ¶ Medicines appropriate for diuers and sundry diseases which possesse the whole body REturne we now to the cure of those maladies which are incident not to this or that member but to the whole body First and foremost the Magitians say that the gall of a blacke dog a dog I say and not a bitch is a singular countercharme and preseruatiue against all sorceries inchantments and poisons which may indanger a whole house in case there be a perfume made therewith to purifie the aire thereof yea and to hallow and blesse it against all such dangers The like effect say they we are to look for if the walls of the said house be sprinckled or striked with the bloud of the said black dog with this charge To burne vnder the threshold or dore sell at the entry of the said house the genitall member of the same dog Men may maruell
them to some part of the patient or els the snails which be found naked without their shels Others put a liue Stellion or star-lizard in some little casket or box lay the same vnder the pillow or bolster where the patient laieth his head but when the ague beginneth to decline and is like to go away they let the Stellion go againe at liberty They prescribe likewise to swallow downe the heart of a sea-gull or cormorant taken forth of the bodie without any knife or instrument of yron if not so to keepe the same dried to beat it to pouder and then to drink it in hot water The hearts of swallows condite in hony and so eaten bee excellent good for the quartane ague as our Magitians say And yet some of them make no more ado but giue of their dung to the weight of one dram in 3 cyaths of goats milke and ews milk or els of wine cuit before the accesse come Howbeit others would haue the Swallowes themselues to be eaten whole without any dressing at all The people of Parthia drink for the quartan ague the sixt part of a denier weight of an Aspis skin with the like poise of pepper they hold it to be a soueraigne remedy Chrysippus the Phylosoper was of opinion and so he hath put down in writng That to carry one Phryganium tied to some part of the body is excellent for the quartan But what liuing creature he would meane by that same Phryganium neither hath he himselfe described nor euer could I meet with any man that knew it howbeit I thought it good to set downe this remedy being thus deliuered by so graue an Author as Chrysippus was to stir vp the diligence of others if haply there be any so industrious as will take paines to search farther into the thing and learne what it might be In any of these long diseases which be called Chronique it is commonly thought That to eat the flesh of a Crow to apply vnto their body their nest is most excellent to bring them to an end As for Tertian agues it were an easie matter to try the experiments of such receits as are giuen out for them considering how the poore patients in hope of ease are willing enough delighted to be doing and working conclusions and namely to see whether the copweb nest and all of that spider which they cal Lycos incorporat with rosin and wax so appliedas a frontale to the forehead and temples on both sides of the head will do any good to rid them away Certes some vse to wear about them the spider it selfe inclosed within a quil or piece of a reed in which sort it is reported to auaile much in the cure of other feuers Also it is thought That a green lizard hung about the neck aliue in some box sufficient to receiue it is as effectuall And these kind of medicines they affirm to be of great efficacy for to driue away those agues which by way of relapse vse often to return againe when they were thought to be cleane gone Touching the dropsie the tried grease of sweaty wooll taken in wine with a little Myrrh so that the whole arise to the quantity of an Hazel nut is supposed to be a singular receit but some put there to Goose grease also and oile of Myrtles The filthy ordure that gathereth about Ewes vdders hath the same effect Likewise the flesh of an vrchin long kept in pouder or otherwise and eaten doth much good To conclude it is thought that if the belly be rubbed well and annointed with that which a dog doth vse to cast by way of vomit it helpeth those that bee in a dropsie for it is reported to haue a speciall vertue to draw a water and to drie vp the superfluous humidity ingendring that disease CHAP. XII ¶ Medicines for S. Anthonies fire Carbuncles fellons burns crampes or contractions of sinewes THe suet or grease of vnwashed wooll incorporat with oile of Roses and Tutie is a proper liniment for S. Anthonies fire so is the bloud of a tike and earth-wormes reduced into an vnguent with vineger but especially these Cricquets crushed and wrought within ones hand to the consistence of an vnguent and so applied And this medicine last mentioned is passing effectuall for the party himselfe that hath the handling of it for it assureth him afore hand that he shall not fal into the said disease in a whole yere following but this Criquet must bee digged out of the ground with some instrument of yron and the earth all to be taken vp with it for to serue in this cure Moreouer it is said That goose grease is very good in this case so are the ashes of a Vipers head kept dried then calcined if the same be afterwards applied in form of a liniment with vineger The old sloughs that snakes cast off reduced into an vnguent with Bitumen and Lambs suet quencheth this burning humor of S. Anthonies fire if the body be annointed therewith tempered in water presently after the baine As for Carbuncles the means to rid them away is to annoint them either with Pigeons dung alone or els mixed with Lineseed and honied vineger likewise it is good to make a cataplasme of those Bees which haue bin drowned or killed in their own honey and lay the same vpon the sore Others apply vnto them either a pultesse of fried Barley groats or else a pouder made with their meale If there be a carbuncle risen in their priuities the fattinesse of greasie and vnwashed wooll incorporat in hony and the skales refuse or cinders of lead into a salue cureth it and the same healeth generally all other botches or vlcers in those parts Sheeps dung that is fresh and greene they hold to be singular for carbuncles taken in the very beginning All tumors and hard swellings which had need to be mollified are made soft and brought downe most effectually with Goose grease or the fat of a Swan Moreouer it is said That a spider laid to any fellon before it be once named what thing it is eureth the same but it must not be remoued from the place before the third day The mouse called an Hardishrew hanged vp aliue vntill it be dead is very good for these fellons in case it touch not the ground afterward and that there be 3 circles or turnes made with it round about the sore so that withall both the patient and the party that hath this cure in hand spit vpon the floore three times in the doing thereof Also the dung of Cocke or Henne that which looketh reddish especially tempered with vineger laid to a fellon healeth it but the said dung ought to be fresh and newly meuted Of the same operation and effect is the gisier of a Storke boiled in wine Some there be that take certain flies of some odde and vneuen number bruise and work them into the consistence of a saue with their
all if immediatly after it hath bin so kept she stept ouer it A perfume made with a snake long kept and dried procureth the desired sicknesse of women The old slough of a snake which she hath cast applied vnto the loines of a woman that is in labour helpeth her to better speed but it must be remoued presently after that she is deliuered Many vse to giue it vnto women with child for to be drunk in wine with frank incense for being taken otherwise it causeth abortion The rod or wand whereby one hath parted or taken off a frog or toad from a snake helpeth women that be in trauell of childbirth And a liniment made with the ashes of the vnwinged Locusts called Tryxalides hony tempered together helpeth forward their monthly purgations The spider likewise that commeth downe spinning from aloft hanging by her fine thred which she draweth in a length if she be caught with the hollow of the hand bruised applied accordingly worketh the same effect but take the same spider winding vp her yearne and returning back to her nest vpward it wil worke contrariwise stay the fleurs of women The Aegle stone called A tites because it is found in an Aegles nest preserueth holdeth the infant still in the mothers womb to the ful time against any indirect practise of sorcery or otherwise to the contrary If a woman be in hard labor of childbirth put a Vultures quill vnder her feet it will helpe her to a more speedy deliuerance Great bellied women as it is well knowne found by proofe ought to be very chairy and to beware of rauens egs for if they chance to goe ouer one of them they shall fall to labour presently and slip an vntimely birth with great danger of their life It seemeth to many that the meuting of an Hawke drunke in honied wine maketh women which were barren before to be fruitfull Certes the grease of a goose or swan doth mollifie any hard tumors schirrhs and impostumations of the matrice and secret parts Goose grease mixt with the oile of roses and Ireos preserueth womens brests after they be newly brought to bed In Phrygia and Lycaonia it is found by experience that the fat of the Bistard or Horn owle is verie good for greene women lately deliuered if they be troubled with the pricking or shooting paines of their brests but for women that are in danger to be suffocated with the rising of the mother they haue a liniment also made with the beetils or worms called Blattae The ashes of Partridge egs calcined mixed with brasse ore called Cadmia and wax and so reduced into a cerot preserueth womens brests plumpe and round that they shall not be riueled or flaggie and it is thought that if a woman make three imaginary circles round about them with a partridge egg they shall continue knit vp and well trussed and not hang downward ilfauoredly let a woman vse to sup them off she shall be both a fruitfull mother of many children and also a good milch nurse for to reare them vp Also it is a generall receiued opinion that if womens paps be anointed all ouer with goose grease it will allay the griefe and paine thereof likewise there is not a better thing for to dissolue and scatter Moon-calues and such like false conceptions in the wombe or to mitigate the scurfe or manginesse incident to that member than to apply to those parts a liniment made of punaises bruised or stamped to the purpose Bats bloud hath a depilatorie facultie to fetch off haire and lett the growing thereof howbeit sufficient it is not alone to worke that feat in boies cheeks and chins whom we would keep smooth and beardlesse except the place be rubbed afterward with the seed of rocket or hemlock and in this manner if they be dressed either no haire at all will come vp there or els it wil neuer be but soft down it is thought that their brains also wil work the same effect Now these brains be of two sorts to wit red and white howbeit some giue counsell to mingle with the said brains both the bloud and the liuer Others there be who seethe in 3 hemines of oile a viper vntill her flesh be throughly sodden and as tender as may be hauing before rid her from all her bones and it they vse for a depilatorie but first they plucke vp all those haires by the roots which they would not haue to grow any more The gall of an vrchin is a depilatorie especially if it be mixed with the brains of a Bat and goats milke Item the ashes thereof simply mingled with the milk of a bitch of her first litter so that the haires which we would not haue to come againe be plucked vp or if those places be anointed therewith where neuer yet grew any none shall spring there afterwards The same effect by report hath the bloud of a tick that was taken from a dog and finally the bloud or gall of a swallow CHAP. XV. ¶ Many Receits handled together disorderly one with another for sundry maladies IT is said that Ants eggs stamped incorporat with flies likewise punned together wil giue a louely black colour to the hairs of the eie-browes also if a woman be desirous that her infant should be born with black eies let her eat a rat while she goes with childe To preserue the haire from being gray and grisle anoint them with the ashes of earth-worms and oile oliue mixt together If sucking babes be wrung or gnawne in the belly by reason of some cruddled milk which they draw from their nurses or doth corrupt so in their stomack it is good to giue them in water the rennet of a yong lambe to drink but in case this accident commeth by cailling of the milk they vse to giue vnto them the said rennet in vineger for to discusse the same For the paine that they abide in toothing the brains of an hare is soueraigne to anoint their gumbs withall It falleth out that yong infants many times be tormented with an vnnaturall heat and burning of their head called Siriasis for to ease and cure them thereof they vse to take the bones that are found in dogs dung and to hang them about their necks or arms Yong infants are subiect to ruptures and descents of the guts in which case it is good some say to apply a greene lizard vnto their bodies whiles they lie asleepe and to cause it to bite the place but then afterward the said lizard must be tied fast to a reed and hung vp in the smoke for look how it decaieth and dieth by little and little so shall the rupture knit and heale again The foamie moisture that shel-snails yeeld if childrens eies be anointed therewith doth not onely rectifie and lay streight the hairs of the eie-lids which grow crooked into the eies but also nourisheth causeth them to grow The ashes of burnt shell-snailes reduced
there was not that vse of them in physick as at this present for now adays if folk be amisse or il at ease straightwaies they run to the bains and bath for remedy And in truth those waters which stand vpon brimstone be good for the sinews such as come from a veine of alume are proper for the palsie or such like infirmities proceeding from resolution of the nerues Moreouer they that hold of bitumen or nitre such as be the fountains Cutiliae be potable and good to be drunke and yet they are purgatiue To come to the vse of natural bains and hot waters many men in a brauery sit long in a bath and they take a pride in it to indure the heat of the water many hours together and yet is there nothing so hurtfull for the body for in truth a man should continue little longer in them than in ordinary artificiall bains or stouphs and then afterwards when he goeth forth hee is to wash his body with fresh cold water not without some oile among Howbeit our common people here thinke this to be very strange will not be brought to to it which is the reason that mens bodies in no place are most subject to diseases for the strong vapours that steme from thence stuffe and fil their heads and although they sweat in one part yet they chil in another notwithstanding the rest of their bodies stand deep within the water Others there are besides who on the like erronious conceit take great joy in drinking a deal of this water striuing avie who can poure most of it downe the throat I haue my selfe seen some of them so puffed vp and swolne with drinking that their very skin couered and hid the rings vpon their fingers namely when they were not able to deliuer again the great quantity of water that they had taken in Therefore this drinking of much water is not good to be vsed vnles a man do eftsoons eat salt withall Great vse there is and to good purpose of the mud which these fountains do yeeld but with this regard that when the body is besmeared and bedawbed outwardly therwith the same may dry vpon it in the Sun Well these hot waters be commonly full of vertue howbeit this is not generall That if a spring be hot by and by we should think it is medicinable for the experience of the contrary is to be seen in Egesta of Sicily in Larissa Troas Magnesia Melos and Lipara Neither is it a sure argument of a medicinable water as many are of opinion if a piece of siluer or brasse which hath bin dipped therein lose the colour for there is no such matter to be seene by the naturall baths of Padua neither is there perceiued in them any difference in smell from others Concerning Sea waters the same order and mean is to be obserued especially in such as bee made hot for to help the pains and infirmities of the sinews and many hold them good to souder fractures of bones yea and to cure their bruises and contusions likewise they haue a desiccatiue vertue wherby they dry rheumaticke bodies in which regard men bath also in sea water actually cold Moreouer the sea affoor deth other vses in diuers and sundry respects but principally the aire therof is wholsome for those who are in a phthysicke or consumption as I haue beforesaid and cureth such as doe reach or void bloud vpward and verily I remember of late daies that Annaeus Gallio after that he was Consull tooke this course namely to saile vpon the sea for this infirmity What is the cause think ye that many make voiages into Aegypt surely it is not for the aire of Egypt it self but because they lie long at sea and be sailing a great while before they come thither Furthermore the vomits also which are occasioned at sea by the continual rolling and rocking of the ships neuer standing stil are good for many maladies of head eies and brest and generally they doe cure all those accidents for which the drinking of Ellebore serueth As for sea water to be applied simply of it selfe vnto the outward parts physitians are of opinion that it is more effectual than any other for to discusse resolue tumors more particularly if there be a cataplasme made of it and barly meale sodden together it is singular for the swellings behind the ears called Parotides They mingle the same likewise in plasters such especially as be white and emollitiues and if the head be hurt and the * brain touched and offended it is soueraigne to be infused into the wound It is prescribed also to be drunke for albeit the stomack take some offence and hurt thereby yet it purgeth the body well and doth euacuat melancholick humors and black choler yea and if the bloud bee cluttered within the body it sendeth it out one way or other either vpward or downeward Some haue ordained it to be giuen for the quartan feuer others aduise to saue and keep it a time for to serue the turne in case of Tinesmes which are vnordinat strainings at the stoole to no effect also for all gouts and pains of joints and in very truth by age long keeping it forgoeth al that brackish tast which it had at the first Some boile it before but all in generall agree in this To vse for these purposes that sea water which was taken out of the deep far from the land such as is not corrupt with any mixture of fresh water with it and before their patients do drink it enjoyne them to vomit and then also do they mingle with it either vineger or wine for that purpose They that giue little thereof and by it selfe appoint radishes to be eaten presently vpon it with honied vineger or oxymell for to prouoke the patient to vomit againe Moreouer they vse otherwhile to minister a clystre made of sea water first warmed verily there iâ—… not a better thing than it for to bath and foment the cods withall if they be swelled either with ventosities or waterish humors Also it is much commended for kibed heels if they be taken before they are broken and exulcerat and in like manner they kill the itch cure scabs tettars and ringwormes Sea water serueth wel to wash the head to rid it of nits and filthy lice yea and reduceth black and blew marks in the skin to the fresh and liuely colour againe In all these cures after the vse of salt-salt-water it is passing good to foment the place affected with vineger hot Ouer and besides it is thought to be very wholsome and good against the venomous stings of serpents and namely of the spiders Phalangia and scorpions Semblably it cureth those that be infected outwardly with the noysome saliuation or spittle of the Aspis called Ptyas but in these cases it must be taken hot furthermore a perfume made with sea-sea-water and vineger is singular for the head-ach If it be clysterized hot
it allaieth the wrings and grindings of the belly yea and staieth the violent motions of cholericke humors working vpward and downward Those that be once chaufed and set into an heat with sea water shall not so easily feele cold againe When womens paps are ouergrowne and so exceeding great that they meet and kisse one another there is not a better thing to take them downe than to bath in a tub of sea-sea-water the same also may serue to amend the griefe of the bowels and precordiall parts yea and to restore those that be exceeding leane and worn away The fumes and vapors of this water boiling together with vineger are soueraign for those that be hard of hearing or troubled with the head-ach Sea water hath this especiall property that of all things it scoureth away rust of yron soonest The scab that annoieth sheepe it healeth and maketh their wooll more soft and delicat But what meane I to say thus much of sea water knowing as I do full well that for those who dwell far vp into the maine and inhabit the inland parts all this may seem needlesse and superfluous And yet there hath bin means deuised to make artificiall sea-water wherewith euery man may serue his own turn when he will In which inuention one wonderfull thing is to be seen namely if a man put more than one sextar of salt to foure of water the nature of the water will be so soone ouercome that salt shall not dissolue nor melt therein but if you mingle one sextar of salt just with foure sextars of water you shall haue a brine as strong as the saltest water that is in the sea but to haue a kind most mild brine it is thought sufficient to temper the foresaid measure of water with 8 cyaths of salt and this water thus proportioned is very proper for to heat the sinewes without any fretting of the skin at all There is a certain compound sea water kept in manner of a Syrrupe which they call Thalassomeli made of Sea-water hony and raine water of each a like quantity Now the foresaid sea-water they fetch for this purpose out of the very deep and this composition they put vp in earthen vessels well pitched or varnished and reserue it for their vse An excellent purgatiue this is for besides that it clenseth the stomacke without any hurt or offence therof the tast and smell both are very pleasant and delectable As touching the mead called Hydromell it consisted in times past of rain water well purified and hony a drink ordained and allowed onely to sick and feeble persons when they called for wine as being thought lesse hurtfull to be drunke howbeit rejected it hath bin these many yeares and condemned for by experience it was found at length to haue the same discommodities that wine but farre short it was of the good and wholesome qualities of wine Moreouer forasmuch as sea-faring men and saylers be many times at a fault for fresh water and thereby much distressed I think it good to shew the means how to be prouided for the supply of this defect First and foremost therefore if they spread and display abroad certaine fleeces of wooll round about a ship the same will receiue and drinke in the vapours of the Sea and become moist and wet withall presse or wring them well you shall haue water fresh enough Item let downe into the sea within small nets certain pellets of wax that be hollow or any other void and empty vessels wel closed luted they will gather within them water that is fresh and potable for we may see the experience hereof vpon the land take sea-water let it run through cley it will become sweet and fresh But to proceed vnto the other medicinable properties of water let there be any dislocation in man or beast by the swimming in water it matters not of what kind it be the bones wil very quickly and with great ease be reduced into joint againe It falleth out many times that trauellers be in feare and danger of some sicknesse by change of waters and such especially as they know not the nature and quality of To preuent this inconuenience they drink the water cold which they doubt and suspect so soone as euer they be come out of the baine for then they shall find it presently As touching the mosse which is found in the water soueraigne it is for the gout in case it be applied outwardly mix oile thereto and reduce it into the forme of a cataplasme or liniment it easeth the paine and taketh down the swelling of the feet about the ankles The fome froth that floteth aboue the water causeth warts to flie off if they be well rubbed therewith The very sand likewise vpon the sea shore especially that which is small and fine the same burnt as it were with the heat of the Sun is a soueraigne remedy to dry vp the watery humors in a dropsie if the body be couered al ouer therewith and to that purpose it serueth also for rheums and catarrhs Thus much may suffice concerning water it self it remaineth now to treat of such things as the water yeeldeth In which discourse begin I wil as my order and manner hath bin in all the rest with those matters which be chiefe and principall and namely salt and spunges CHAP. VII ¶ The sundry kinds of salt the making thereof the vertues medicinable of salt and diuers other considerations respectiue thereto SAlt is either artificiall or naturall and both the one and the other is to be considered in many and diuers sorts which may be reduced all into 2 causes for salt commeth either of an humor congealed or els dried In the gulfe or lake of Tarentum the salt is made of the sea water dried by the heat of the summer Sun for then you shall see the whole poole converted into a masse of salt and verily the water there is otherwise very low ebbe and not aboue knee high The like is to be seen in Sicily within a lake called Cocanicus as also in another neare to Gelas but in these the brims sides only about the banks wax dry and turn into salt like as in the salt-pits about Phrygia and Cappadocia But at Aspenchum there is more plenty of salt gathered within the poole there for you shall haue the same turn into salt euen the one halfe to the very mids In which lake there is one strange and wonderful thing besides for look how much salt a man taketh out of it in the day so much ordinarily will gather againe by night All the salt of this sort is small and not growne together in lumpes Now there is another kinde of salt which of the owne accord commeth of sea-water and it is no more but the fome or froth which is left behind sticking to the edges of the banks or to rocks Both the one the other become thick and hard in manner and form
pain of the belly and the kidnies for the stiffenesse and starknesse of the lims the grieuance also of the sinews it serueth well in a clystre lay it to the tongue with bread it is soueraigne for the palsie or resolution of the sinews it helpes those that be short-winded if they take it in a Ptisan or with husked barly The floure of nitre incorporat in Galbanum and the rosin called terpentine of each an equall weight and reduced into a lohoch so as the patient swallow down the quantity of a Bean at once cures an old cough Burn or calcine nitre temper it afterwards with liquid pitch or tar and giue it to drink it cureth the squinancy The floure of nitre incorporat with the oile Cyprinum makes a pleasant liniment to annoint the body withal in the Sun for the gout or any paine of joints drunk in wine it doth exterminat and driue away for euer the jaundise it scattereth and discusseth ventosities it stoppeth bleeding at the nose if the patient receiue into the nosthrils the vapour of it out of boiling water mixed well with alume it riddeth away an itch foment or bath the arme pits duly euery day therewith in water it correcteth the ranke smell thereof Make a liniment or cerot of nitre and wax tempered together it healeth the vlcers occasioned by fleam after which maner it is good also for the sinews Being injected by a clystre it helpeth the flux of the belly proceeding from a feeble stomack Many Physitians haue giuen direction to annoint the body all ouer with sal-nitre and oile before the cold fits of agues which ointment serueth likewise for the leprosie and the vnseemly spots or freckles that blemish the skin To sit in a tub of nitre within the bains therwith to bath the body is a soueraigne thing for those that haue the gout be in consumption and either draw backward with the crampe or stretched and plucked so strait and stiffe therewith that they seem all of one entire piece Sal-nitre if it bee boiled together with sulphur turneth to be as hard as a stone CHAP. XI ¶ The nature of Spunges MAny sorts there be of Spunges according as I haue shewed already more amply in my treatise of water-beasts and those especially of the Sea and their seuerall natures howbeit some writers distinguish them after another manner into male and female for some of them they haue thought to be of the male sex to wit those which haue smaller pipes or concauities and those growing thicker and more compact whereby they sucke vp more moisture and these our delicat and dainty people die in colours and otherwhile giue them a purple tincture Others they count of the femal sex namely such as haue bigger pipes the same running throughout one continuity without interruption Of the male kind some be harder than others which they call Tragos the pipes whereof are the finest and stand thickest together There is an artificiall deuise to make spunges look white to wit if the softest and tendrest of them be taken whiles they be fresh in summer time and so bathed soked wel in the some of salt after which they ought to be laid abroad in the moon-shine to receiue the thick dew or hoary frosts if any fall with their bellies vpward into the aire I meane that part whereby they cleaue fast to rocke or sand where they grew that therby they may take their whitening That spunges haue life yea and a sensible life I haue proued heretofore for there is found of their bloud settled within them Some writers report that they haue the sense of hearing which directs them to draw in their bodies at any sound or noisemade and therwith to squize out plenty of water which they contained within neither can they easily be pulled from their rocks and therefore must be cut away wherby they are seen to shed a deale of bloud or that which resembleth bloud very neer Many do prefer the Spunges growing in places exposed to the North-wind before any other neither doe any hold and maintaine longer in any place their owne breath as Physicians doe hold who affirme that for this regard they be good for our bodies namely if wee entermingle their breath with ours by application for which purpose the fresher taken and the moister they be the better they are thought but this their operation is lesse perceiued in case they be wet in hot water and so applied likewise if they be soked in any vnctuous liquor or bee laid vpon any part of the body anointed This also is obserued by them that the thickest of them to wit such as haue the least pipes sticke not so hard to a place as others As touching the softest and finest spunges called Penicilli if they be applied vnto the eies after they haue beene soked in honyed wine they do allay and bring down any swelling in them The same are abstersiue and singular good to clarifie and cleanse the eies that be giuen to bleerednesse but those I say ought to be of the finest and softest kind For to stay the violent flux of rheumaticke humors into the eies there is nothing better than to apply spunges of any sort with oxycrat that is to say vinegre and water but with vinegre alone actually hot they be singular for the head-ach and otherwise any spunge that is fresh gotten doth discusse mollifie mitigat Old spunges do conglutinat and souder any wounds There is a generall vse of all spunges to wipe and mundifie any place to foment and bath withall to keep off the aire also and to couer it after fomentation vntill another medicine be made ready for to be laid on fresh Moreouer they be desiccatiue therfore if they be applied to rheumatick and moist vlcers and namely in old folke they dry vp the superfluous humors that find a way thither neither is there any thing so fit for to foment a fracture or green wound as spunges Also when any part of the body is cut off or dismembred what is so handsome to suck and soke away the bloud quickly that the cure may be throughly seen the order thereof as a spunge Furthermore spunges themselues serue to be laid to wounds somtime drie and somtime dewed or sprinkled with vinegre one while wet in wine anotherwhile moistened with cold water and all to defend them from inflammation but if they be bathed in raine water and so applied to members new cut they will not suffer them to swell and impostumat They are besides laid vsually to the sound parts where no skin is broken if there be any hidden and secret humor that runs vnder the place and puts it to paine and trouble such as needeth to be discussed or resolued also to impostumes if they be first annointed with boiled hony In like manner for the paine of the joints they are proper to be applied one while wet in vinegre with salt another while dipped in vinegre
and water and if the gout be hot they would be laid to soked in water only The same spunges ought for the dissoluing of hard callosities to be wet with salt water against the sting or prick of scorpions with vinegre In the cure of wounds spunges may be vsed in stead of vnwashed greasie wooll somtimes applied with wine and oile and somtimes also with the said wooll this only is the difference That such wooll doth mollifie wheras spunges do restrain and smite back and yet a facultie they haue to fetch out and sucke away the filthy excrements attyr and quitter that gather in sores and wounds They may be bound about the body of those that haue a dropsie either drie or else wet in warme water or vinegre according as need requireth either to goe gently to worke or to couer and dry the skin Ouer and besides good it is to apply spunges to those accidents and infirmities of the body which require euaperation namely if they be well soked and throughly wet in hot water and then pressed and strained between two tables or bords After which manner they are good to be laid to the stomack and in a feauer against extremitie of heat For those that be troubled with the oppilation or hardnes of the spleen there is not a more effectual remedy than to apply spunges to the place affected wet in oxycrat or vinegre water together like as for shingles and S. Anthonies euill with vinegre only But in this application of them consideration must be had that they couer the sound parts also round about as well as the other Spunges wet in vinegre and cold water staunch any flux of bloud If there be any place of the skin blacke and blew vpon a fresh or new stripe lay thereto spunges well drenched in salt water changing them often one after another and it shall recouer the naturall colour againe in which order they bring down the swelling of the cods and allay their paine Being hacked and cut small they serue to good purpose for to be laid to the biting of mad dogs so that eftsoones and euer and anon they be wet and refreshed with vinegre cold water or hony good store one with another The spunges of Africke or Barbarie being burnt or calcined doe make soueraigne ashes for to be drunke with juice of vnset leeks in cold water so there be put vnto a draught thereof a quantitie of salt by such as cast or reach bloud vpward at the mouth The same ashes reduced into a liniment either with oile or vinegre and so applied as a frontall to the forehead driue away tertian agues These African spunges haue this peculiar qualitie to discusse any tumors if they be applied to them well soked in oxycrat or water and vinegre mixed together The ashes of any spunges whatsoeuer burnt together with pitch staunch the bleeding of any wound and yet some there be who in this case burn those only with pitch which are of a grosse and loose making and not so compact as the rest Moreouer for the accidents of the eies spunges are many times burnt and calcined in an earthen pot vnbaked and the ashes which come thereof do much good also vnto the pilling and asperitie of the eie lids the excrescense of flesh and whatsoeuer in those parts needeth astriction or otherwise to be vnited sowdred or incarnat and for these effects it is much better to wash the said ashes Furthermore spunges in friction and rubbing of crasie bodies may well stand in stead of currying combs and course linnen cloaths besides they serue right handsomely and fitly to couer and defend the head against the extreame heat of the Sun Moreouer the ignorance of our Physitians is the cause that all spunges be reduced to two only kinds to wit vnder the name of Affrican which be of more tough and firme substance and the Rhodiacke which are softer and therefore meet for fomentations At this day the tendrest and most delicat spunges are found about the walls of the citie Antiphellus And yet Trogus writeth that about Lycia the softest spunges called Penicilli do grow in the deep sea and namely in those places from whence other spunges beforetime had been plucked and taken away Finally Polybius doth report that if spunges be hung about the tester or seeling of a bed ouer sicke persons they shall take the better rest and repose all night for it Now is it time for me to returne vnto Beasts of the Sea and other creatures liuing and bred in the waters THE XXXII BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS The Proem ¶ Medicines taken from liuing creatures of the Sea HAuing so far proceeded in the discourse of Natures historie that I am now arriued at the very height of her forces and come into a world of Examples I cannot chuse but in the first place consider the power of her operations and the infinitenesse of her secrets which offer themselues before our eies in the Sea for in no part else of this vniuersall Frame is it possible to obserue the like majestie of Nature in so much as we need not seeke any further nay we ought not to make more search into her diuinitie considering there cannot be found any thing equall or like vnto this one Element wherein she hath surmounted and gone beyond her owne selfe in a wonderfull number of respects For first and formost Is there any thing more violent than the Sea and namely when it is troubled with bloustring winds whirlpuffs stormes and tempests Or wherein hath the wit of man beene more emploied seeke out all parts of the whole world than in seconding the waues and billowes of the Sea by saile andore Finally Is there ought more admirable than the inenarrable force of the reciprocall tides of the Sea ebbing and flowing as it doth wherby it keepeth a current also as it were the streame of some great riuer CHAP. I. ¶ Of the fish Echeneis and her wonderfull propertie Of the Crampe-fish Torpedo and the Sea-hare The wonders of the Red sea THe currant of the Sea is great the tide much the winds vehement and forcible and more than that ores and sails withall to helpe forward the rest are mighty and powerfull and yet there is one little sillie fish named Echeneis that checketh scorneth and arresteth them all let the winds blow as much as they will rage the stormes and tempests what they can yet this little fish commandeth their fury restraineth their puissance and maugre all their force as great as it is compelleth ships to stand still A thing which no cables be they neuer so big and strong no ankers how massie and weightie soeuer they be sticke they also as fast and vnmouable as they will can performe Shee bridleth the violence and tameth the greatest rage of this vniuersall world and that without any paine that she putteth her selfe vnto without any holding and putting backe or by any
costly dames here And verily among them their Wisards Southsaiers Priests Prophets haue a religious opinion of them and attribute great holinesse to the vse thereof as being persuaded that whoeuer weare them shall be secured against all perils and dangers whatsoeuer and therefore a speciall reckoning they make of them as wel in regard of beautie as deuotion Before that it was known in what estimation Coral was with the Indians the Frenchmen adorned set out their swords targuets shields morrions and head peeces therewith But since time that there was a vent into India of this commoditie so vendible great searsitie there is of it and hardly shall a man meet with any Corall euen in that part of the world where it growes naturally The branches of Corall hanged about the neckes of infants and young children are thought to be a sufficient preseruatiue against all witheraft and sorcerie Calcined by fire and so reduced into ashes or pouder and giuen to drinke in water it helpeth those who are troubled with the wringing paines of the belly the griefe of the bladder and the disease of the stone The like effect it hath if it be drunk in wine or if the patient haue a feauer vpon him in water for to procure sleep This would be noted that Corall doth withstand the power of fire and long it is before it be burned and reduced into ashes But surely a singular medicine it is so prepared and vsed insomuch as by report if a man keepe to it still and continue it long the same will consume the hardnesse and schirrositie of the spleen The pouder of Corall is soueraign for such as reach and cast vp bloud at the mouth The ashes enter into many mixtures and medicines for the eies for astringent they be and cooling withall Hollow vlcers and fistulaes they incarnat and fill vp againe with new flesh Skars and cicatrices they do extenuat If I should speak of the repugnancie and contrariety in Nature which the Greekes call antipathie found in many creatures there is not to be seen in the whole world any thing more venomous and aduerse to plants than the Puffens or Forke fish of the sea called Pastinaca for as I heretofore noted it hath a pricke in the tail which is able to kill any trees that be pierced or wounded withall And yet a concurrent and enemie this hath which doth persecute plague it and namely the Lamprey called Galeos so eager is it and greedy of the venome and poyson of that fish There be other fishes also which it pnrsueth but those Puffins especially and no Weazill hunteth more after serpents In summe whosoeuer be hurt or wounded by the said Pussin this Galeos is a present remedy so is the Barble also and the gum Laser or Benjoin CHAP. III. ¶ Of certaine creatures which liue as well vpon the land as the sea Of Castoreum or the genetoirs of a Bever the medicinable vertues thereof and other properties obserued therein THe power and majestie of Nature is very conspicuous and visible euen in those creatures also which liue indifferently on land and in the water and namely in the Beuers which commonly the physicians call Castores like as their stones also Castorea Some hold that these Beuers when they be neer driuen and pressed by hunters and at the point to be taken bite off their owne stones But Sextius who hath written most exactly in Physicke denieth it flatly He saith moreouer that these cods be small knit short and trussed vp so as they stick close vnto the chine bone and canot possibly be taken from the beast but the life goes away withall By his saying also they are sophisticated and the kidnies of the Beuer which are big be obtruded and foisted to vs many times in stead of their stones which indeed are neuer found but very little slender Furthermore he affirmeth That they be not the right stones of a Beuer when they are seene without a twofold burse or skin which no liuing creature hath besides In these two bags there is found saith he a certain oleous liquor which ordinarily is kept preserued with salt And therefore among other marks to know false and sophisticat Castoreum is this If you see a paire of cods hanging as it were knit together by one string in one bag And yet the best may be falsified by the fraud and cunning of such as put gum therto with salt Ammoniack because the true Beuers stones ought to beare the colour of Ammoniacke to be enclosed also within their seuerall tunicles and to lie in a certaine liquor resembling cereous hony standing much vpon wax to haue a strong and rank smell a bitter hot and fiery tast and withall apt to crumble between the fingers The best Castoreum most effectuall is brought out of Pontus and Galatia next to it is that of Affrick or Barbarie The vertue of Castoreum is to prouoke sneesing if a man hold it to his nose and smell thereto If the head be annointed with Castoreum incorporat with oile of roses and Harstrang it will procure sleep so will it do alone by it selfe giuen in water to drinke in which respect proper it is for the frensie And yet the perfume or vapor thereof will raise those that lie in a sleepy lethergie like a suffumigation or pessarie put vp into the natural parts of women is soueraign for the rising of the mother in which fit they lie as it were in a trance and out of the world Costoreum giuen to the weight of two drams with Peniroyall in water to drink moueth womens monthly sicknes and forceth the afterbirth to com away It helpeth those that haue the dizzinesse or swimming of the braine bee drawne backeward with cramps tremble and shake are plucked with spasmes and convulsions diseased in their sinews troubled with the Sciatica sick of a weak and feeble stomacke that keepeth nothing which it takes and lie bed-rid of the palsie if they be annointed throughly therewith in parts conuenient Or if Castoreum be reduced into pouder and together with the seed of Agnus Castus be incorporat with vineger or oile rosat and so reduced to the consistence of hony which being taken as an electuarie is singular not only for the former maladies but also for the falling sicknes and if the same be giuen in drink it discusseth ventosities appeaseth the wrings and torments of the belly yea and represseth the malice of any poisons But in this case of poisons it ought to be prepared mixed and vsed diuersly according to the sundry kinds thereof for against the venome of scorpions it would be drunk in meere wine to withstand the danger of the Phalangia and such venomous spiders it ought to be giuen in honied wine especially if the intention bee to cast vp the said poysons by vomit or with Rue if the drift and purpose be to hold and retain all still To preuent the perill of the Lizards or venomous wormes
Chalcidicae it should be taken in Myrtle wine Against the sting of the horned serpent Cerastes or the fierie vermine Prester with Panax or Rue in wine But generally for all other serpents the only liquor to receiue it in is wine Two drams at a time is thought to be a sufficient dose of Castor it self in any of these compositions but of other drugs that are put thereto there ought to be a proportion of the half to wit one dram Moreouer a peculiar vertue it hath if it be drunk in vineger to resist the venomous gum Ixias growing vpon the plant Chamaeleon but soueraigne it is for the poison of the herb Aconitum or Libard bane in milk or faire water Against white Ellebore it is good to be taken with mead of honied water and sal-nitre Also if it be puluerized and incorporate with oile a soueraigne remedy it is to ease the tooth-ach if it be dropped or poured into the eare of the same side where the griefe is but better it were to temper it with the juice of Poppy for pain of the ears Mix Castoreum with the best hony of Attica and bring it into an eie-salue it is passing good for to cleare the sight Giuen in vineger it staieth and keepeth downe the yex or hicquet Furthermore the vrine of a Beuer is a good counterpoison and therefore it goeth to the making of Antidotes and preseruatiues But the best way of keeping it as some think is in the owne bladder CHAP. IIII. ¶ Of the Tortoise The medicines taken from many fishes and diuers obseruations to them pertaining SEmblably Tortoises liue in two places and haunt both land and waters Their effectual properties besides are such as deserue like honour as well in regard of their manifold vses in sumptuous buildings whereby they carry a great price as of their sundry vertues and operations which Nature hath giuen them now of these Tortoises there be many kinds to wit land Tortoises and sea Tortoises Tortoises found in muddy waters marraies Tortoises also that keep in fresh riuer water and these last named some Greekewriters call Emydes The flesh of land Tortoises serueth wel in perfumes suffumigations for so it is as good as a countercharm to put by and repell all forceries and inchantments a singular counterpoison also to resist any venome whatsoeuer Great store of Tortoises be found in Affricke where they vse to cut away the head and feet and then employ the rest of the body as a soueraigne remedy against all poysons If their flesh be eaten together with the broth wherein they are sodden it is held to be very good for to discusse and scatter the wens called the kings euil to dissipat or resolue the hardnesse of the swelled spleene likewise to cure the falling sicknes and to driue away the fits thereof The bloud of Tortoises clarifieth the eyesight dispatcheth the cataracts if they be anointed therewith Many incorporat the said bloud in meale and keep them reduced into the forme of pils which when need requireth they giue in wine as a present help for the poyson of all serpents spiders and such like yea and the venome of toads The gall of Tortoises mixt with Atticke hony serueth to cure the fiery rednesse of the eyes if they be annointed therewirh The same is good to be dropt into the wounds inflicted by the prick of scorpions The ashes of the Tortoise shel incorporat with wine and oile and so wrought into a salue heals the chaps vlcers of the feet The skales scraped lightly from the vpper part of the shell giuen in drink coole the heat of lust And I maruell the more hereat because the pouder of the whole shell indeed hath the name to heat the appetite and desire to venery As touching their vrin I hold it impossible to meet with the same vnlesse it be found in their bladder when they be cut in twaine And yet the Magitians hold this to be one of the most rare things in the world and that which worketh wonders saying it is right soueraigne for the biting or stinging of the Aspis howbeit much more effectuall say they if punaises be mixed with it Tortoise egs dryed and hardened are good to be applied to the wens called the kings euill to any exulcerations caused either by extreame cold or burning The same being soft are singular to be supped off in the paine of the stomacke The flesh of sea Tortoises mixed and incorporat with the flesh of frogs is a soueraign remedy against the venome of Salamanders neither is there any thing more contrary in nature to the Salamander than is the Tortoise The bloud of the sea Tortoise serueth to recouer haire in places naked and bare by occasion of the disease called Alopecia it riddeth away likewise the skales and dandruffe yea and healeth all the scalds of the head but the same must dry vpon the head and be washed off at leisure by little and little If it be dropped into the eares with breast-milk it easeth their paine If it be chewed or eaten tempered with the fine floure of wheat it cureth the falling sicknes But for the better preparing and ordering of this bloud in these cases it ought to be mingled in 3 hemines of vineger one hemine of wine put thereto with an addition also of Barly meale and the same tempered with vineger of which composition the patient is to take and swallow down the quantity of a bean euery day morning and euening and after some daies past in the euening only this bloud is likewise singular to be dropt into the mouths of those that be fallen of the epilepsie or falling sicknes so the fit be but smal for which purpose they must be forced to gape In case of cramps convulsions the same is to be clysterized with Castoreum Whosoeuer rubbeth their teeth with Tortoise bloud and vse so to do a whole yeare together shal be freed from the pain therof for euer If it be mixed with barly groats and giuen to them that draw their winde short it discusseth the cause of that difficulty yea helpeth such as cannot breath but sitting vpright The gall of Tortoises cleareth the eiesight it doth subtiliat the cicatrices and films that grow in the eyes the inflammation of the tonsils it represseth assuageth the squinancy and helpeth all the accidents of the mouth and more particularly a property it hath to heale the cankerous and corrosiue sores there breeding as also to cure the inflammation of the genitoirs The same conueied vp into the nosthrils fetcheth those again to themselues who are in a fit of the falling sicknesse and setteth them vpright vpon their feet And with the slough of a serpent incorporat in vineger and dropt into the ears that run it is an excellent medicine to scoure them Some put a Boeufes gall among together with the broth of the Tortoise flesh sodden and an addition of a snakes slough in equall quantity but first they seeth
fishes whatsoeuer as well those of the sea as riuers beeing dissolued in oile and tempered in honey is soueraigne for to cleare the eyes and of the like effect is Castoreum applied with hony The gal of the fish Callionymus healeth the cicatrices or scars that ouergrow the skin about them and the same eateth consumeth the excrescence of superfluous flesh in the corners of the eies And verily there is not a fish that hath more gall than it as testifieth Menander the Poet in his comedies the same fish is otherwise called Vranoscopus by reason of the eies which he hath in the vppermost part of his head Semblably the gall of the black fish Coracinus quickneth the eie-sight Also the gall of the reddish seascorpions mixt with old wine or the best hony of Athens serueth to discusse the filmes of the eies like to breed a cataract and thrice must the eies be annointed therewith letting a day goe euer betweene The same cure serueth likewise to take away the pearle in the eie As for Barbels it is commonly said that if one do feed ordinarily vpon them hee shall sensibly feele his eies to decay and wax dim thereby The sea-hare it selfe verily is venomous but the ashes keep the disorderly and hurtfull haires of the eie-lids from growing any more if they be once pluckt vp by the roots and for this purpose the least of this kind are the best In like manner the little Scallops kept in salt and stampt together with the rosine or oile of cedar the small frogs likewise which vsually they call Diopetes and Calamitae haue the like effect to hinder the comming vp of hairs in the eielids after they be once pulled vp in case their bloud be tempered with the gum of the vine-tree and therewith the edges of the said eie-lids be annointed The swelling and rednesse of the eies is by nothing better delaied and discussed than by a liniment made of a cuttle bone puluerized and mixt with womans milk And in very truth the said cuttle bone simply by it selfe cureth the asperity and roughnesse of the said eie-lids But to worke this cure the chirurgion vseth to turne vp the said eie-lids and to apply therto the medicine which he suffereth not to stay there long but taketh it away within a while he annointeth the place also with oile rosat and ouer night laieth thereto white-bread crums with brest milke for to assuage the paine The self-same shell or couer of the cuttle-fish beaten to pouder and brought into a liniment with vineger cureth those who can see neuer a whit towards night The ashes of the sayd cuttle-bone draw forth the scales or films which grow in the eies the same incorporat with hony heale the skars of the eies but tempered with salt or brasse-ore of each one dram they rid away the pin and web growing in the eie the same help horses of the haw that offendeth their eies Some say moreouer that the little bones within the cuttle if they bee stamped to powder heale the eie-lids of any sore or accident befalling vnto them The sea-vrchins flesh applied with vineger taketh away the accidents of the eies called Epinyctides The Magitians giue direction to burne the same with vipers skins and frogs and to spice the drink with the ashes that come thereof assuring those who vse to drink the same that they shall haue a very cleare sight â—…A fish there is named Ichthyocolla which hath a glewish skin and the very glue that is made thereof is likewise called Ichthyocolla The same glue taketh away the night-foes commonly named in Greek Epinyctides Some affirm That the said glue Ichthyocolla is made of the belly and not of the skin of the said fish like as Buls glue This fish glue is thought to be best that is brought out of Pontus the same also is white without any veines strings or scales and verie quickly melteth and resolueth Now the same ought first to be cut or shred small and then to lie infused or in steep a whole day and a night in water or vineger which done to be punned and beaten with the pebbles found about the sea-shore that the same may the sooner melt and dissolue This glue thus ordered is held to be soueraigne for the head ach and a good thing to enter into those medicines or compositions which are deuised to smooth the skin rid away the wrinkles Take the right eie of a frog lap it within a piece of selfe russet cloth such as is made of black wooll as it came in the fleece from the sheep and hang it about the neck it cureth the right eie if it be inflamed or bleared And if the left eie be so affected do the like by the contrary eie of the said frog c. Now if it were possible to pluck out these eies as the frog is ingendering it would heale also the white cicatrices or scars in the eie if it were hung about the necke of the patient in like sort within an egge-shel The rest of the frogs flesh applied to the eie sucketh out and consumeth the bloud that is congealed vnder the tunicles of the eie and lies there black and blew They affirme moreouer That the eies of a crab or craifish being hanged about the neck are a soueraigne remedy for bleared eies A little frog there is delighting to liue most among grasse in reed plots mute the same is and neuer croaketh green also of colour if kine or oxen chance to swallow one of them down with their grasse it causeth them to swell in the belly as if they were dew blown And yet they say that if the slime or moisture wherewith their bodies be charged outwardly be scraped off with the edge of some penknife it cleareth the sight if the eies be annointed therewith As for the flesh it selfe they lay it vpon the eies for to mitigat their pain Furthermore some there are who take 15 frogs pricke them with a rish draw the same through them that they may hang thereto which done they put them in a new earthen pot and the humour or moisture that passeth from them in this manner they temper with the juice or liquor which in manner of a gum issueth out of the white wine Brionie wherewith they keep the eielids from hauing any haires growing vpon them But first they pluck vp those disorderly haires which grew there to offend and hurt the eies with a fine needle point drop the foresaid liquor into the very places where the haires were fetched out by the roots Meges the Chyrurgian deuised another depilatory for to hinder the growing of hairs made of frogs which he killed in vineger and permitted them therin to putrfiie and resolue into moisture and for this purpose his manner was to take many fresh frogs euen as they were ingendred in any rain that fel during the Autumne The same depilatory effect the ashes of Horse-leeches are supposed to haue
liuer of a Dolphin and fry or torrifie it in an earthen pan vntil there come from it a kind of grease in manner of oile therwith annoint the patients in the cases abouesaid If women desire to be rid of the foule frectles spots and morphew that do injury vnto their beautie if they would looke young and haue their skin plumpe and void of all riuels let them take the ashes of Burrets and purple shels calcined incorporat the same with honey into the form of a liniment within one weeks space if they ply it with annointing they shal see the effect thereof namely the skin cleare and neat euen and smooth without wrinkles the cheekes not hollow but faire and full Mary vpon the 8 day they must not forget to foment and bath the place with the white of an egge wel beaten Among the kinds of Burrets called Murices are to be ranged those shell-fishes which the Greeks some call Colycia others Corythia shaped in the shell like to the rest in manner of a turbant but that they be far lesse howbeit more effectuall for that besides the other properties abouenamed this speciall gift they haue to maintaine a sweet breath As for the fish or glue called Ichthyocolla it hath vertue to lay the skin euen without riuels and to make it rise and appear firm but then it ought to boile in water the space of 4 houres afterwards to be stamped strained and wrought to the liquid consistence of hony and no more Thus prepared it must be put vp into a new vessell neuer occupied there kept When time serues to vse it to euery 4 drams weight thereof proportion two of brimstone of Orchanet as much of litharge of siluer 8 drams put them all together and stampe them with some sprinkling of water among Herewith let the face bee annointed and after foure houres wash it off againe For the spots and pimples in the face called Lentils as also for all other deformities the ashes of Curtill bones are thought singular if the skin be rubbed therewith and the same consume the excrescence of proud and rank flesh like as they dry vp any moist and rheumaticke vlcers CHAP. VIII ¶ Diuers receits set downe disorderly one with another for sundry maladies ONe Frog boiled in fiue hemines of sea-water is singular to cause the scurfe of the mange or wild scab to fall off but sodden so long it must be vntill the decoction bee risen to the height of hony There is ingendred in the sea also that which is called Halcyoneum made as some thinke of the nests of the birds Halcyones and Ceyces but as others suppose of the filthy some of the sea thickened and indurat and according to the opinion of some it proceedeth from the muddie slime or a certaine hoary dry scum or froth of the sea Foure kinds there bee of it The first of an ash colour thick and massie of a quick and hot smell The second is soft and more mild fauoring in manner like to sea weeds The third resembleth the whiter kinde of checquer worke in marquettry The fourth is more hollow and fuller of holes in maner of a pumish stone in that respect resembleth a rotten spunge inclining much to the colour of purple and this is simply the best called also by the name of Halcyoneum Milesium yet in this kind the whiter that it is the worse it is to be liked The property of them all in generality is to exulcerat and mundifie Vsed they are being torrified euen without any oile Wonderfull is their operation if they bee tempered with Lupines and the weight of two oboli in sulphur for to take away the wilde scab or leprosie the foule tettars Lichenes and the pimples or spots of the skin called Lentils Halcyoneum also is commonly emploied about the scars or thick filmes appearing in the eyes Andreas the Physitian vsed much the ashes of a sea-crab incorporat with oile in curing the leprosie Attalus occupied as vsually the fat of a fresh Tuny new taken for the healing of vlcers The pickle of Lampreies together with the ashes of their heads calcined and brought into a liniment with hony healeth the kings evill And many are of opinion that to prick the wennes named the Kings euill aforesaid with the small bone or pricke that sticketh in the taile of that sea fish which is called Rana marina with this gage and rule of the hand that it wound not deep is very good for that disease but the same must be done euery day vntil they bee throughly cured and whole Of the same operation is the sharp prick in a Puffen of the sea-hare also applied to them so as neither the one nor the other be suffered to lie long to the place but bee soone renewed Also the shelly skin of the sea-Vrchin stamped to pouder and brought into a liniment with vineger as also the ashes of the sea Scolopendre incorporat with honey and the riuer craifish either puluerized or calcined and the dust or ashes thereof likewise tempered with honey are good to be applied to the same disease Wonderfull effectuall be the bones also of the cuttill fish beaten to pouder and with old swines grease brought into the form of a liniment and in this manner they apply this medicine to the tumors behind the ears like as the liuers of the sea fish Scarus Moreouer the sheards of such earthen vessels wherin salt fish was pouderd kept beaten to pouder tempered with old swines grease the ashes also of Burrets shels incorporat in oile serue in right good stead for the swellings behinde the eares and the tumours or wennes called the kings euill The stiffe cricke in the neck is mollified and made pliable againe so as it may turne which way a man would haue it with drinking of one dram weight of those creepers or insects which be called sea-lice and yet some take for the same Castoreum in honied wine adding thereto a little pepper and drinke this composition in the broth of frogs boiled in oyle and salt After which manner many Physitians cureth the crampe that draweth the neck backward the generall convuision also that stretcheth the body so as if it were of one piece and other particular spasmes and cramps of any part so there be some pepper put thereto The ashes of salt Cackerels heads burnt and reduced into a liniment with honey discusse and resolue the Squinancy cleane like as the broth of frogs boiled in vineger and the sayd broth is singular also for the inflammation of the tonsils The Creifishes of the riuer dried and beaten to pouder then put into water so as there be to euery one a hemine of water make a good liquor to gargarize withall for the squinancy The same also drunke in wine or hot water worke the like effect The sauce made of Maquerels called Garum put with a spoon vnder the uvula and there held a while putteth it
vp and reduces it again to the right place The fish Silurus eaten at the table either fresh or poudered helpeth the voice much The barbels kept vntill they be dried then puluerized prouoke vomit if a cup of drinke be spiced with the pouder If a man or woman bee short winded there is not a medicine again so good to helpe that difficulty of breath as to drink whiles they be fasting Castoreum with a little quantity of Ammoniack in honied vineger The same potion taken likewise with honied vineger hot allaieth the convulsion of the stomack proceeding from excessiue yexing or hicquets Item it is said that Frogs boiled in some broth between two platters after the manner of fishes are good for a cough and beeing hanged by the heeles after that their saliuation and humidity is dropt from them into a pan or platter vnderneath they are to be rid of their garbage when the same is flung away they ought to be kept and preserued for the purpose aforesaid There is a little Frog that vseth to climb trees from thence crieth and croaketh if a man spit into the mouth of one of them then let her go again it is thought hee shall bee deliuered by that meanes from the cough To conclude many giue counsell for the cough that bringeth vp bloud withall to drinke in hot water the flesh of a raw perwinckle well punned CHAP. IX ¶ Proper receits for the accidents of the Liuer and the sides for the infirmities also of the Stomacke and Belly Besides other medicines huddled together confusedly MAny vse to suffocate and kill in wine a sea Scorpion and to drink thereof for the paine of the liuer For the same purpose many are wont to take in honied wine and water of each a like quantity the flesh of the long muskles or shell fishes or if they haue a feuer in honied water In case of pleurisie or pain of the sides the flesh of the sea hors rosted eases the same so doth the fish Tethea which resembleth an Oyster taken as meat The pickle of the fish Silurus injected by way of clystre allaieth the pain of the sciatica To the like effect there are giuen for 15 daies together Cockles or Muskles to the weight of 3 oboli infused in two sextars of wine The broth of Silurus softeneth the belly like as the crampefish Torpedo eaten as meat The sea-wort is like to that of the garden hurtful to the stomack but most easily it purges the belly In regard of the acrimony that it hath they vse to seeth it with some fat flesh The broth of any fish whatsoeuer is laxatiue the same prouokes vrine especially if it be madeof wine The best fish broth comes from the Sea Scorpions and those which they call Iulides of stone fishes also that keep about rocks and haue no rank or strong taste and such must be sodden with dill parsely coriander and leeks putting therto oile and salt The squares also or cantons of the Tunie that haue bin old kept are purgatiue for particularly they euacuate crude and waterish humors besides flegme and choler The shel-fishes also named Myaces haue a quality purgatiue as touching whose nature I purpose to write fully in this very place They gather together by heaps after the manner of Burrets they liue in places giuen to breed reits and sea mosse most delicat and pleasant meat they be in Autumne especially in those coasts where good store of fresh water is intermingled in the sea which is the reason that those of Aegypt bee most commendable as winter grows on they begin to gather a kind of bitternesse a red colour besides The broth of these fishes hath the name to euacuat both the belly bladder to scour mundifie the guts to open any obstructions whatsoeuer to purge the reines to take down the rankenesse of bloud and fat In which regards they be souerain for the dropsy for the monthly termes of women the jaundise all gouts and diseases of the joints whatsoeuer and ventosities Singular they are holden to be for to clense the humors either cholerick or phlegmatick which anoy and stuffe the lights or which ingender obstructions about the liuer likewise to cure infirmities of the spleen and all rheums or descent of humors to any place Only they be hurtfull to the throat and make a man to lose his voice this is al the harm they do The vlcers that corrode and be full of filthy matter and require mundification they heal so do they all cankerous sores Being calcined after the order of Burrets they cure the biting both of dog and man if their ashes be incorporat in hony and so they cleanse the leprosie and rid away the pimples or spots in the skin called Lentils Their ashes taken in drinke haue a vertue to discusse the dimnesse and mistinesse of the eie-sight to cure the accidents of the gums and teeth and besides to drie vp the small pocks and such like breaking out of wheals by occasion of flegm Moreouer they are as good as a counterpoison against the iuice of the deadly Dwale called Dorycnium or of Carpasum which is commonly named Opocarpasum Besides this would be noted that they grow all to be of two kinds of them the one Mituli i. Limpins which haue a tast of salt cary a strong sauor the other * Myscae which differ from the other in roundnesse lesse also they be a good deal and hairy and as their shels be thinner so their flesh is more firm and hard The said Limpins also as well as Burrets yeeld ashes when they be calcined which haue a caustick quality whereby they serue properly to mundifie the skin from leprosie lentils and other pimples and ilfauored spots The same being washed after the maner of lead be singular for to subtiliat the thick eie lids to scatter and discusse the pearls in eies to dissipat the cloudy misty dimnesse to clense filthy vlcers in any part of the body and namely the pushes and blisters that arise in the head As touching the flesh that they haue it serueth in a cataplasâ—… to be laid vnto the biting of mad dogs The Palours also do soften and mollifie the belly sodoth Castoreum being drunk to the weight of two drams in honied water They that would haue this medicine more quick in operation and to work throughly put therto of the garden cucumber root dried one dram of salt-petre two drams As for the fishes named Tetheae they are singular against the wringing torments and gripings of the belly and all ventosities These fishes be found ordinarily about the rocks of the sea sucking the leaues of Reits and such like weeds more like indeed to Mushroms and Puffes than to fishes But the same haue a special propertie to cure the Tinesme and the accidents of the kidnies Moreouer there growes in the sea a kind of Wormwood which some call Seriphium and principally towards
vpon siluer and is therefore called Argentosum This kind of gold may be known thus namely if it will look bright and cleare vpon the putting of Santerna to it whereas contrariwise if it hold much vpon brasse and such gold is named Aerosum it will haue no lustre at all but looke dim and duskish vpon the laying of Borax vpon it and besides will hardly be sodred But to soder such gold there is a proper glue or soder made with an addition of gold and the seuenth part of siluer to the rest abouenamed and all the same stamped and vnited together And since I am entred into the feat of sodring it were very meet and conuenient to annex vnto this present discourse all things els concerning it that we may vnder one view behold the admirable works of Nature in this kind The soder of gold then is Borax which I haue shewed already Iron is sodred with the stiffe potters cley Argilla Brasse ore or Chalamine called Cadmia serues to vnite and knit pieces of brasse together in masse Alume is good to hold plates of brasse one to another Rosin doth soder lead and besides is the proper cement of marble but black lead will joine well by the means of the white and one piece of tin with another with the helpe of oile In like manner tin will hold sure with a soder of brasse file-dust and siluer with tin Both brasse or copper also yron ore melt best with an yron made of Pine-wood as also with the Papyr reed in Aegypt but contrariwise gold soonest melts with a fire of chaffe and huls Quickelime will catch an heat and burne if water be cast vpon it and so doth the Thracian stone but the same oile doth quench Fire is most of all extinguished and put out with vinegre with bird lime and the white of an egg No kind of right earth will burn light or flame Finally charcole which hath beene once one fire then quenched and afterwards set a burning againe is of more force and giueth a greater heat than that which commeth new from the earth CHAP. VI. ¶ Of Siluer Quick-siluer naturall Stibium or Alabastrum The drosse or refuse of siluer and litharge of siluer IT followeth by good order to write in the next place of siluer mines from whence proceedeth the second rage that hath set men a madding where first and formost this is to be noted that there is but one means to find siluer and that is in pits sunke of purpose for it neither is there any shew at all of siluer to giue light thereof and to put vs in hope of finding no sparkes shining like as there be in gold mines which direct vs to it The earth that engendreth the veine of siluer is in one place reddish in another of a dead ash color But this is a generall rule that it is not possible to melt and trie our siluer ore but either with lead or the veine and ore of lead This minerall or mettall they call Galena found for the most part neer to the veins and mines of siluer Now by the means of fire when these are melted together part of the siluer ore setleth downeward and turneth to be lead the pure siluer floteth aloft like as oile vpon water In al our prouinces yea and parts of the world to speake of there be mines of siluer to be found howbeit the fairest be in Spaine and yeeld the finest and most beautifull siluer and the same also like as gold is engendred in a barraine soile otherwise and fruitlesse and euen with in mountains look also where one vein is discouered there is another alwaies found not farre off which is a rule obserued not in mines of siluer only but also in all others of what mettals soeuer and hereupon it seemeth that the Greekes doe call them Metalla And verily strange it is and wonderfull that the mines of siluer in Spaine which were so long agoe begun by Anniball should continue still as they do and retaine the names of those Carthaginians who first found discouered and brought them to light of which one named then Bebelo so called at this day yeelded vnto Anniball daily 300 pound weight which mine euen at that time had gone vnder the ground and hollowed the mountain a good mile and a halfe and all that way the Aquitans at this day standing iu water lade the same vp labouring night and day by the candle or lampe-light euery man in his turne and during the burning of a certaine measure of oile in such wise as they diuert the water from thence and make a good big riuer thereof to passe and run another way A veine of siluer which lieth but ebb within the ground and is there discouered the miners call Crudaria as it were a raw vein In old time those that digged for siluer if they met once with allum were wont to giue ouer their worke and seeke no farther but of late daies it happened that vnder alume there was found a veine of white brasse or laton which fed mens hopes still and cause them now to sink lower and neuer rest so far as they can dig And yet there is a damp or vapor breathing out of siluer mines hurtfull to all liuing creatures and to dogs especially Moreouer this point is well to be marked that gold and siluer both the softer that they be and tender the better they are esteemed and siluer being white as it is most men maruell how it commeth to passe that if one rule paper or any thing therewith it will draw black lines sully as it doth Furthermore within these veines and mines aboue said there is a certaine stone found which yeelds from it an humor continually the same continues alwaies liquid men cal it Quick-siluer howbeit being the bane and poison of all things whatsoeuer it might be called Death-siluer well enough so penetrant is this liquor that there is no vessel in the world but it wil eat and breake through it piercing and passing on stil consuming and wasting as it goes it supports any thing that is cast into it and wil not suffer it to settle downward but swim aloft vnlesse it be gold only that is the only thing which it loueth to draw vnto it and embrace very proper it is therefore to affine gold for if gold and it be put together into earthen pots and after often shaking be poured out of one into another it mightily purifies the gold casts forth al the filthy excrements thereof and when it hath rid away all the impurities and grosse refuse it selfe ought then to be separated from the gold for which purpose poured forth the one the other ought to be vpon certaine skinnes of leather well tewed and dressed vntill they be soft through which the quick-siluer may passe and then shall you see it stand in drops vpon the other side like sweat sent out by the pores of
than wine Calcine the same or torrifie it you shal find it more effectuall in all operations aforesaid As for Sory that which is brought out of Aegypt is counted best and farre better than the Cyprian Spanish or African neuerthelesse some hold that which commeth from Cypresse to bemore appropriat to the cure of the eies But of what country soeuer it be the principall is that which to smell vnto is of the rankest and most stinking sauour the same also in the bruising will grow black and be vncteous or fatty and such lightly is hollow in manner of a spunge A minerall this is altogether hurtfull to the stomack and so contrary vnto the nature of it that to some the very smell thereof is enough to ouerturne it and to cause vomit and especially the Aegyptian Sory is of this operation That which commeth from other nations when it is broken or braied shineth againe Touching Mysy it is of a more hard and stony nature than Sory but good it is for the tooth ache if either it be held in the mouth or a collution be made therewith to wash the teeth and gums also it healeth the grieuous and irke some sores of the mouth yea though they grow to be cancerous and corrosiue The manner is to burne and calcine it vpon coles of fire as Chalcitis Some neuerthelesse haue written that Mysy is engendred by the means of a fire made with pine wood in the hollow veins or mines of brasse ore and they hold that the cinders or ashes of this pine fewell being mingled with the yellow greines or floure of the said mettall is that which begetteth Mysy But the truth is of the foresaid stone or ore it is ingendered naturally howbeit a thing it is by it selfe gathered distinct and separat from it apart and the best is that which is found in the mines and forges of Cypresse You shall know it by these signes break it for crumble it will there appeare within it certain sparks shining like gold and in the braying or stamping it runneth into the nature of a sand or earth like vnto Chalcitis This Mysy is the Minerall that they put to gold ore when it is to be tried and purified To come vnto the medicinable vertues thereof being infused or powred into the eares with oile of roses it cureth the running with matter the same being applied in a frontal within wool to the head easeth the ach thereof it doth extenuat also and subtiliat the asperities of the eies such especially as be inueterat and haue continued long but soueraigne it is found to bee for the inflammation or swelling of the tonsils for the squinancy and all impostumat sores growne to suppuration For which purpose prepared it would be in this wise and after this proportion Take of it 16 drams seeth the same in one hemin of vineger with some addition of hony vntil it begin to yeeld and relent and in this manner ordred it serueth in cases aforesaid but whensoeuer need requireth to mollifie the violence thereof and make it more mild it were good to wet it with some sprinckling of hony If there be a lotion or fomentation made with it in vineger it doth consume and eat away the hard callositie in fistuloes and fortifieth greatly the collyries or tents to be made thereof and put it into the concauity of the sore it serueth also for the colyries that be eie-salues it stancheth bloud represseth the malice of fretting humors in corrosiue vlcers and such as do putrifie the excrescence of proud or ranke flesh it taketh downe and consumeth a peculiar property it hath to cure the accidents of the members of generation in men and withall stoppeth the immoderat flux of the moneths in women As concerning Vitrioll which wee call in Latine Atramentum Sutorium â—…i Shooe-makers blacke the Greeks haue fitted it with a name respectiue vnto brasse and by a neere affinity therunto call it Chalcanthum and verily there is not a mineral throughout all the mines of so admirable a nature as it is There haue been found in Spaine certaine pits or standing pooles containing a water of the nature of Vitrioll they vsed to seeth the same putting thereto of other fresh water a like quantitie and poure it into certaine troughs or broad keelers of wood ouer these vessels there be certaine barres of yron or transoms ouerthwart lying fast that they cannot stirre at which there hang downe cords or ropes with stones at the end stretching them outright that they reach to the bottome of the sayd decoction within those keelers to the end that the viscous substance of the water may gather about those cords which you shall see sticking fast thereto in drops congealed in manner of a glasse and it doth represent as it were the forme of grapes and that is Vitrioll Being taken forth and separated from the cords aforesaid they let it dry for the space of thirtie dayes In colour it is blew and carrieth with it a most pleasant and liuely lustre so cleare as a man would take it to bee transparent glasse Of this being infused in water is made that blacke tincture which Curriers and Coruiners occupie in colouring of their leather This Vitrioll is ingendred many waies of the copperesse vein within the mine being hollowed into certaine trenches out of the sides whereof you shal see in the middest of Winter when it is a frost certaine ysickles depending as the drops destilled and grew one to another whereupon this kind of Vitrioll they call Stalagmias and a purer or clearer thing there is not But look what part thereof is whitish of colour but not transparent and the same inclining to the wall floure or white violet the same they call Leucoion There is a Vitrioll likewise made artificially in receits and concauities digged of purpose in the stonie mines of Coperose by occasion of raine water there congealed which had been conueighed into them and gathered a viscous slime or mud in the passage Also there is a cast to make it in maner of salt by letting fresh water into such hollow receptacles and permitting the same to ferment in the sun when he is at the height and full strength of his heat in the summer vntil it be gathered and hardened as salt And therefore some there be who make two sorts of Vitrioll to wit the Naturall or Minerall and the Artificiall this that is made by the industry and art of man is paler than the other and looke how much the colour is abated so much inferior it is in goodnesse The Cyprian Vitrioll is thought best to be imploied in Physicke For to expell the wormes out of the belly it is giuen vnto the patient to the weight of one dram in honey after the manner of an electuary If the same be dissolued and conueyed vp into the nosthrils it purgeth the head In like manner it purgeth the stomacke in case it be taken in hony or honied water
whose liues he saued at what time as he took that garland first vpon his head Let him vaunt as much as he wil of the said Coronet as also of the proud and vain glorious title of Foelix i. happy which addition or syrname he took vpon him caused to be put into his stile yet when as through his tyranny he held besieged those Roman citizens whom he had proscribed and confined into all parts of the world surely he forewent all and yeelded that crowne vnto Sertorius Moreouer M. Varro doth report That Scipio syrnamed Aemilianus was honoured with an Obsidionall Coronet in Africk the same yere when as Manlius was Consull for sauing three cohorts besieged as also three companies besides which he led forth to deliuer the other and by whose means he forced the enemy to break vp his siege This is to be seen and read in a Table which Augustus Caesar late Emperor of famous memory caused to be hanged vp at the base or foot of the said Scipioes statue erected in the Forum or publick hall which himselfe built As for Augustus himselfe the Senate crowned him with an Obsidionall Chaplet vpon the thirteenth day of September that yeare when he was Consull with M. Cicero the son of that great Cicero the Orator Whereby we may see that a Ciuick Chaplet was not thought sufficient nor any waies comparable to this Coronet And setting a side these aboue named I do not find in histories of any one who was crowned with a green chaplet of grasse Now this you must note withall That there was not one certaine hearbe set out appointed for these honorable Guirlands but look what kind of herbage grew then in the place besieged where the danger was that very same they tooke were they neuer so base weeds and of no reckoning for as contemptible otherwise as they were yet being once imploied to this vse they innobled adorned the person himselfe who ware them in a Chaplet And certes the lesse maruel I haue if these things be vnknowne to vs now adaies seeing as I doe how little or no account is made euen of those things which make to the maintenance and preseruation of our health to the cure of all dolorous griefes and maladies of the body yea and to the preuention of death it self But what man is there well giuen and honestly minded who can containe and hold his peace hauing so just cause to reproue and rebuke the maner of the world in these our daies first and formost our life was neuer so costly as now it is in regard of the dainties delights and superfluities which must be maintained if will liue to the fashion of the time and for to injoy these pleasures onely we hold our liues more sweet and precious Neuer were men more desirous of long life and neuer lesse carefull to entertaine the means of long life The gouernment of our health we commit to the charge of others and strangers we credit with our owne bodies and yet slacke enough and negligent are they to ordain according to our trust and confidence that which indeed should do vs good Thus the Physitians are prouided well for they thriue alone and go away with the gains by this means Oh good God to see the folly and vanity of man Nature hauing put so many good things into our own hands as she hath and willing that we should inioy them for our health and pleasure yet we to our great shame and rebuke be it spoken are so vnhappy as to commit our selues to other mens tuition liue vnder their warrantize and assurance Full well I know that I for my part also shall haue but small thanks of many a one for all my paines taken in writing this history of the world and Natures works nay I am assured that I make my selfe a laughing stocke and am condemned of them for spending and losing my time in such a frivolous piece of worke as this is Howbeit this is yet my comfort and no small contentment I take herein that my labors and trauels excessiue and infinit though they be cannot be despised but the contempt will redound likewise to dame Nature her selfe And yet she againe as a kind and tender nurce ouer mankind hath not failed as I wil declare hereafter for our good to indue the very weeds which we tread vnder footwith medicinable vertues yea hath bestowed vpon those which otherwise we hate dare not approch but with careful heed for the shrewd pricks and thorns which they carry about them singular properties to cure diseases For ouer and besides those whereof I made mention in the booke going next before this there be other herbs of that pricking kinde which are so wonderfull in their operation and effects that I can neuer admire sufficiently and comprehend her prouidence appearing in them Furnished shee had the earth with smooth pricklesse plants enough in the nature of meats for to content our tooth satisfie our appetite she had ingrauen and liuely painted in floures notable properties in physick for to recouer maintain our health by the singular beauty which she gaue vnto them to allure the heart and eye of man to look toward them saying as it were Come and gather vs wherin she had made a good medley of profit and pleasure together And when she had thus done she staid not there but deuised to bring other herbs hideous to the eie and vntractable in hand As if in the forming of them in that fashion wee might heare her to giue a reason Why she so did saying after a sort vnto vs in an audible voice That she made them with pricks and thornes because she would not haue the foure footed beasts as hungry and greedy after meat as they be to eat them down That the shrewd hands of some vngracious folk who can let nothing stand might not be euer anon plucking and twitching at them for wantonnesse that people should not go carelessely trampling vpon them with their feet finally for feare that birds pecking setling aloft vpon their tender branches would sliue them down or knap them asunder Therfore I say with these prickles seruing in stead of weapons as wel defensiue as offensiue she hath both protected and also armed them and al to keep them safe and sure for the health of man and to do him seruice Lo how euen that which wee hate and seem to abhorre in these herbs was deuised for our comfort and benefit if we had the grace to see it CHAP. VII ¶ The medicinable vertues of other floures and herbs seruing for Chaplets Also of Erynge AMong those hearbes which beare pricks * Erynge or Eryngion is singular for a soueraigne hearbe it is against serpents and all poysons whatsoeuer as if it grew for nothing els But to come to particulars for stings bitings of venomous creatures the root therof to the quantity of one dram is taken in wine And in