our common Germander thereby transferring the Chamaedrys to be the taller shrub and Teucrium the lesser and lower yet as he saith seeing Dioscorides himselfe saith that in his time they were transferred for the likenesse of their leaves one unto another it is not absurd to call them as they are usually entituled but as I shall shew you in the next Chapter the Teucrium of Dioscorides is better to bee explaned than Dodonaeus doth It seemeth also that Dodonaeus having beene in an errour in his former workes concerning Hierabotane mas faemina giving the figures of the Chamaedrys sylvestris thereunto reclaimed himselfe in his later History or Pemptades and left them both out as not allowing of his former opinion The Arabians call it Damedrios Chamedrius and Kemadriut the Italians Chamedrio and Quercivola and some Calamandrina the Spaniards Chamedrios the French Germandree the Germanes Gamanderle and Bathengel the Dutch Gamandree and we in English Germander The Vertues Germander is hot and dry in the third degree and is more sharpe and bitter than Teucrium and as Dioscorides saith is a remedy for coughes taken with honey for those whose spleene is become hard for those that can hardly make their water and helpeth those that are falling into a dropsie in the beginning of the disease especially if a decoction be made thereof when it is greene and drunke It doth likewise bring downe the termes helpe to expell the dead child and taken with vineger doth waste or consume the spleene it is most effectuall against the poison of all Serpents both drunke in wine and laid to the place used with honey it cleanseth old and foule ulcers and taketh away the dimnesse and moistnes of the eyes being made into an oyle and annoynted It is likewise good for the paines in the sides and for crampes The decoction thereof taken for some dayes together driveth away and cureth both quartane and tertian agues The Tuscans as Matthiolus saith doe highly esteeme thereof and by their experience have found it as effectuall against the plague or pestilence as Scordium or water Germander It is also as he saith good against all the diseases of the braine as the continuall paines of the head the falling sicknesse melancholicke fullennesse the drowsie evill those that are sottish through the dulnesse of the spirits and for crampes convulsions and palsies a dramme of the seed taken in powder doth purge choller by urine and is thereby good for the yellow jaundise the juyce of the leaves dropped into the eares killeth the wormes in them It is also given to kill the wormes in the belly which a few toppes of them when they are in flower laid to steepe a day and a night in a draught of white wine and drunke in the morning will doe also Theophrastus in setting downe the properties of Germander saith that the one part of the roote purgeth upwards and the other part downewards whereof there is more wonder than for Thapsia and Ischias that is blistering Fennell and tuberous or knobbed Spurge to doe so Andreas Vesalius pag. 49. speaking of the China roote saith that if a decoction hereof bee made in wine and taken for 60. dayes continually foure houres before meate it is a certaine remedy for the gowt Durantes giveth the receipt of a Syrupe very effectuall for the spleene in this manner Take saith he Germander Chamaepitys or Ground Pine Ceterach or Milt waste and Madder of each one handfull the barke of the roote of Capers the rootes of Smallage Elecampane Orris or Flagge Flower-de-luce and Liquorice of each halfe an ounce Of the leaves and barke of Tamariske and of Cyperus of each three drammes of the seed of Anise Fennell and Smallage of each one dramme of Raisins stoned one ounce Let all these be boyled according to art in a sufficient quantity of Posset that is of vineger and water equall parts Vnto each pound of this decoction being strained put sixe ounces of Sugar and three ounces of Cinamon water which being made into a cleare Syrupe take foure ounces every morning fasting The decoction thereof is good to stay the whites in women if they sit therein while it is warme and likewise easeth the passions of the mother being boyled in vineger and applyed to the stomacke with a little leaven stayeth vomitings that rise not from chollericke or hot causes the leaves hereof and the seed of Nigella quilted in a Cap stayeth the catarrhe or distillation of raw cold and thinne rheumes being boyled in lye with some Lupines or flat beanes and the head washed therewith taketh away the dandraffe or scurfe thereof The mountaine Germander is used by those of the Alpes where it groweth to stay all manner or fluxes whether of the belly or of the blood the feminine courses and the bloody flixe as also to stay vomitings CHAP. XXXIX Teucrium Tree Germander IT remaineth that I shew you in this Chapter the rest of the Germanders called Teucria Tree Germanders to distinguish them from the former sorts whether they be true or false 1. Teucrium majus vulgare The more common Tree Germander Tree Germander groweth like a little shrubbe with hard 1. Teucrium majus vulgare The more common Tree Germander wooddy but brittle stalkes a foote or two and sometimes a yard high if it be well preserved and defended from the injuries of the Winters branching forth on all sides from the very bottome bearing alwayes leaves by couples smaller smoother and thicker that those of Germander of a darke shining greene colour on the upperside and grayish underneath and dented also about the edges like them the gaping flowers stand about the toppes of the branches spike fashion one above another of a pale whitish colour saith Clusius of a purplish saith Lobel of both which I have had plants somewhat larger than those of Germander and without any hood above having a few threads standing forth the seed is small blackish and round contained in small round but pointed huskes the roote is somewhat wooddy with many blackish fibres the whole plant is of a fine weake scent but somewhat stronger if it be a little bruised holding the stalkes and greene leaves continually if it be not exposed to the sharpnesse of the Winter season 2. Teucrium Creticum Tree Germander of Candy This shrubby Germander of Candy riseth up with such like wooddy brittle stalkes as the former but somewhat smaller and whiter whereon doe grow such like leaves and in the same manner but somewhat lesser lesse greene and shining above and more hoary underneath two alwayes set at a joynt but on the contrary side with the leaves towards the toppes come forth five or sixe flowers standing in a huske like unto the former but a little lesse and of a purple colour after which come small round seed like the other the whole plant is somewhat sweeter than the former 3. Teucrium Boeticum Tree Germander of Spaine This Spanish shrubby Germander groweth in some places of Spaine
fasting as the infusion of halfe an ounce in Wine or Ale for a night or the decoction of halfe an ounce or if need be of six drammes with some other herbes or rootes but because they are a little windie a few Aniseed or Fennell seede and a little Ginger is to be added unto them to helpe to correct that evill quality and then they purge melancholy choller and flegme from the head and braine the lungs and the heart the liver and the spleene clensing all those parts of such evill humours as by possessing them are the causes of those diseases incident unto them and comforting the stomacke especially if some cordiall or stomachicall helper be put with it for Mesues saith it hurteth the stomacke but Monardus and Matthiolus denye that it can doe so in regard that Sene hath somewhat a bitter taste partaking of heat and drynesse all which qualities are knowne rather to strengthen the stomack then to trouble or weaken it it strengtheneth the senses both of sight and hearing and procureth mirth by taking away that inward humour which was the inward cause of sadnesse in the minde opening the obstructions of the bowells and causing a fresh and lively habit in the body prolonging youth and keeping backe old age Divers things are added hereunto to quicken the working thereof and to make it the more effectuall as Rubarbe Agaricke Cassia Fistula drawne Syrupe of Roses c. according as the nature of the disease the age strength and necessitie of the patient doe require Serapio saith it wonderfully helpeth such as are distracted of their senses by the extremitie of the fits in agues or in other diseases which wee call raving or talking idle or such as are growne sottish their braines being overdulled or growing into a frensye or madnesse by inflammations of the braine the epilepsie also or the Falling sicknesse and the headach all sorts of Palsies which are the resolutions of the sinewes the lowsie evill also and all sorts of itches scabs and wheales or pushes c. whatsoever Sena likewise is an especiall ingredient among other things put into a bag to make purging Beere or Ale fit to be taken in the spring of the yeare not onely for all those diseases afore mentioned but also to clense the blood from all sharpe humours mixed or running therewith Purging Prunes also and purging Curranes are made herewith by boyling Sene and some other opening herbes and rootes or if yee will without them with some Anniseede Fennell seede Cinamon Ginger and Cloves some of these or all of them a little quantity and according to the proportion of your Prunes or Currans being set to stew with the decoction of your Sene and other things above specified these may be given to the daintiest stomack that is without offence and without danger to open the body and purge such humours above specified as troble the body And because the decoction of Sene is too unpleasant to many weak and tender stomacks even the smell thereof doth cause them to refuse any potion made therewith the infusion thereof for a night in warme embers and strained forth in the morning is much lesse offensive yet no lesse purging In that infusion while it is warme you may dissolve some Manna or put thereto some Syrupe of Roses and so take it Cassia fistula also may be drawne with the decoction of Sene corrected as aforesayd so given of it selfe or made into a bole with Rubarbe poudered or with the pouder of Sene leaves a little Anniseed and Licoris together some also I have knowne that after they have infused Sene Rubarbe Agarick Tamarinds Tartar with a few Anniseeds or Fennellseeds Cinamon and Cloves in white wine whereunto some have put thereto juice of Fumiterry for a whole day and night then distilling the water from them they keepe it to drinke with some Sugar put thereto as a most dainty and pleasant purge After this manner waters may be distilled from other things as Mecoacan Turbith Scamony and all the sorts of purgers infused in wine or the juice of Fumitery or other herbs as may be thought meete whereunto being distilled Sugar Manna or Syrope of Roses or Rubarbe may be added and so drunke for the purposes aforesaid For the manner of distilling these things if they be done in glasse they will be more neate and dainty and the glasse body to bee set iâ— sand or ashes the water distilled will be the stronger in efficacy from the ingredients and the weaker if the glasse body be set in Balneo with water yet may they bee distilled in an ordinary Still so as it be close If this Sent might be made to grow with us here in England in any quantity or in any of our plantations abroad which are more warmely scituate a water might bee distilled from the whole plant while it is greene and fresh according to the manner of other waters distilled from herbs which would bee as dainty a purger as could be taken The lye wherein Sene and Camomill flowers are boyled is mervelous good for weake braines to confort and strengthen them as also for the sight and hearing if the head bee washed therewith the same lye also is very profitable for the sinewes that are stiffe with cold or shrunke with crampes to helpe to warme comfort and extend them it helpeth also to take away the itch in the body and the hands if they bee washed therewith as Durantes saith and is a vaileable to clense and cure foule Vlcers and sores The Itilian Sene worketh the same effects before specified but more weakely in every part CHAP. XXXI Colutaea Bastard Sene. OF the Bastard sorts of Sene there are many differing much one from another as shall be shewed you in this Chapter 1. Colutaea vesicaria vulgaris Ordinary Bastard Sene with bladders This greater Bastard Sene groweth in time to be a tree of a reasonable greatnesse the stem or trunck being of the bignesse of a mans arme or greater covered with a blackish greene ragged barke the wood whereof is harder then of an Elder but with a pith in the middle of the branches which are divided many wayes having divers winged leaves composed of many small round pointed or rather flat pointed leaves set at severall distances and somewhat like unto Licoris or the Hatchet fitch among which come forth yellow flowers like unto Broome flowers and as large after which come thinne swelling cods like unto thinne transparant bladders wherein are conteined blacke seede set upon a middle ribbe within the bladders which being a little crushed betweene the fingers will give a cracke like a bladder full of winde the roote groweth great and wooddy branching forth divers wayes 2. Colutaea scorpioides major The great Scorpion podded Bastard Sene. This bastard Sene groweth nothing so great or tall but shooteth out sundry stalkes from the roote the elder whereof have a whitish barke and the younger a greene with winged leaves set thereon
Clusius saith Pona remembreth it to grow upon Mount Baldus The Time They flower in the end of Iuly or about the beginning of August and the seede is ripe about the end thereof The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cnicus and Cnecus either 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod est pungere vel mordere or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod pungendo pruriginem excitet but is more properly to be understood of the wilde kind or rather a floris colore cum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exponatur croceus vel rutilus it is called Cnicus and Cnâ—cus also in Latin and Carthamus in the Apothecaries shops 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as it is thought quod est purgare but more truly from the Arabians Kartam The first is called Cnicus sativus urbanus and vulgaris by most Authors and Carthamus as I said in the Apothecaries shoppes of some also Crocus Saracenicus The second is remembred onely by Alpinus in his booke de plantis exoticis by the name of Cnicus singularis the last Clusius calleth Cnicus alter coeruleo flore and so doe all other after him without any great variation The Arabians call it Kartam the Italians Saffaranâ— Sarasenisco the Spaniards Alacor and Acafran salvaja The Germaines call it Wilder Saffran the French Saffran bastard and graine de Perroquets because they use to feede Parrats with the seede in English Wilde Saffron Bastard Saffron Spanish Saffron and Catalonia Saffron The Vertue The first Spanish Saffron flowers are much used in Spaine and other places to bee put into their brothes and meates to give them a yellow colour which doth much please them for as for any relish of spice or hot quick taste they have none nor any comfortable qualities that they should be desired or used neither have they any great use in Physicke that I know but many pounds of them are spent in dying silke into a kind of Carnation colour the seede is chiefly used in Physick or rather the kernells within the seede which beaten and the emulsion thereof with honyed water or with the broth of a pullet taken fasting doth open the body and purgeth waterie and flegmatick humours both upwards and downewards which humors also it voydeth if the emulsion of the seede be given in a glister and thereby helpeth the collicke and dropsie and those other diseases that proceede from those humors being made into a Lohoc or licking electuary with Sugar and hony and a few almonds and pine kernells it clenseth the brest and lungs of flegme sticking therein wonderfully causing it to be easily spit forth it also cleareth the voyce and encreaseth sperme by the often use of it but it doth somewhat trouble the stomacke and therefore some stomachicall helpers are fit to be given with it as Aniseede Galanga Masticke or if neede be of more forcible Cardamoms Ginger sal gemma c. a dram of the flowers in pouder taken in hydromel or honyed water or in barly water helpeth the Iaundise a dram of the pulpe of the seede taken with an ounce of the Syrupe of Wormewood doth the like also the confection made of the seeds hereof called in shoppes Diacarthamum is an especiall good medecine both to purge choller and fleagme as also to cleare and clense the body of the watery humors of the Dropsie Parrots doe most willingly feede upon this seede yet doth it not move their bodies a white The second sort Alpinus saith is used by the naturalists in the same manner and to the same purposes to purge that the first is used Of the last there is little written but wee may onely suppose that being so like in forme it should so be also in quality CHAP. XLIX Papaver corniculatum Horned Poppie THere are at this day two or three sorts of horned Poppies knowne to us whereas there was but one sort knowne to Dioscorides and other the antient Greeke and Latin writers 1. Papaver corniculatum luteum Yellow horned Poppie This horned Poppie hath divers long and somewhat large whitish or hoary leaves lying upon the ground very much cut in or torne on the edges and somewhat rough or hayrie from among which rise up divers weake round stalkes leaning downe rather then standing upright somewhat hayrie also spreading forth into some branches and bearing a large flower at the top of every one of them consisting of foure leaves of a fine pale yellow colour with a few threds in the middle standing about a small crooked pointell which in time groweth to be a long naked round pod halfe a foote long or better with a small head or button as it were at the end thereof wherein is conteyned small blackish round seede the roote is white long and tough spreading divers wayes enduring many yeares and keeping his leaves all the winter every part hereof yeeldeth forth a yellow juice being broken of bitter tast 2. Papaver Corniculatum rubrum Red horned Poppie The red horned Poppie hath fewer lesser and more jagged leaves then the former nothing so whitish but of a sullen greene colour somewhat hairy also the stalks are slenderer and lower bearing flowers at the tops of them like the other and consisting of foure leaves a peece but much smaller and of a pale reddish colour for the most part yet sometimes sadder after which come such like crooked or horned pods but smaller then the other having such like small blackish seede within them the roote is long and slender perishing every yeare and raiseth it selfe oftentimes from it owne sowing or else must bee sowen every yeare in the spring this yeeldeth no yellow juice when it is broken like the other 3. Papaver Corniculatum flore violaceo Blew horned Poppie The blew horned Poppie groweth much lower and with smaller leaves very much or finely cut and divided into many parts of a sad greene colour the stalkes are low and slender yet somewhat hairy rising not much 1. 2. Papaver corniculatum luteum sive rubrum Horned Poppie yellow and red 3. Papaver corâ—ulatum violaceum Blew Horned Poppie above a foote or halfe a yard high at the most with small flowers at the toppes of them like unto the last for forme that is consisting of foure leaves but of a faire deepe purple colour almost like unto a violet after which come small slenderer and shorter pods not above a fingers length wherein lyeth such like blackish seede but smaller the roote is small and perisheth every yeare The Place The first groweth naturally by the sea side as well beyond sea as on the coastes of our owne country in many places both of the Kentish and Essex shore as at Rie and Lid at Harwich and Whitstable in the Iles of Tennet and Shepey and is much desired and planted in Gardens for the beautifull aspect thereof as well as the vertues the other two Clusius saith hee first found in Spaine growing by the way sides and in the corne fields as
Iuly The Names French Mercurie is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Linosostis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mercurii herba 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Parthenium in Latine Mercurialis because as Pliny saith it was found by Mercury Dogges Mercury is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cynea and Cynocrambe which is Canina Brassica but because it hath no agreement with any Cabbage unlesse you would say it were meate or a Cabbage for a dogge others have called it in Latine Mercurialis Canina propter ignobilitatem others Mercurialis sylvestris The childs or childing Mercury is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phyllum Elaeophyllum quasi Oleaefolium Theophrastus in his ninth booke and 19. chap. saith that they called one herbe Phyllum Arrhenogonon and another Thelygonon MariparuÌ„ Foeminiparum which diverse doe thinke is but the former French Mercury because he saith they have leaves like Bassill whereunto the French and not the Childs or childing Mercury is most like and the rather for that Dioscorides appropriateth to his Mercuries those effects of bearing male and female children that the Phyllum of Theophrastus and Dioscorides hath The French Mercury is generally of all writers almost called Mercurialis mas faemina Cordus upon Dioscorides thinketh them to be the Phyllum Arrhenogonon and Thelygonon of Theophrastus and Bauhinus calleth them Mercurialis testiculata spicata the Italians call it Mercorella the Spaniards Mercuriale the French Mercuriale Vignoble the Germanes Bengelkrant and the Dutch men Bingelcruyte Mercurial The second is called Mercurialis sylvestris by Tragus Lonicerus Cordus Thalius Cynocrambe by Matthiolus Fuchsius Dodonaeus Camerarius and Lobel who in one figure representeth both the male and female Columna calleth it Mercurialis Canina and Bauhinus Mercurialis montana testiculata spicata neither of them both thinking it worthy of the name of Cynocrambe for that they knew it was not answerable to Dioscorides his Cynocrambe who doth not make it a Mercury whereof there is male and female for if it had beene so hee would have remembred it but he putteth it indefinitely not naming either male or female The third is called by Bauhinus who first set forth the figure and description thereof in his Matthiolus Cyncrambe vera Dioscorides and Pona in his description of Mont Baldus Cynocrambe legitima Belli Caesalpinus tooke it to be an Alsine and Columna calleth it Alsines facie plantanova The fourth is generally taken of all to be the Phyllum of Dioscorides and Theophrastus Bauhinus calleth it Phyllum testiculatum and spicatum as he did the former Mercuries The last is called of Tragus Mercurialis sylvestris altera in his Chapter of Mercury but putteth the figure thereof in the chapter of Esula of Lonicerus Tithymalus sylvestris of Camerarius Tabermontanus Lobel and Gesner Noli me tangere who also calleth it Milium Caprearum It is also called Perficaria siliquosa of Camerarius Thalius Lugdunensis and Lobel of Dodonaeus Impatiens herba of Caesalpinus Catanance altera of Columna Balsamita altera and of Lugdunensis Chrysaea Bauhinus calleth it Balsamina lutea sive Noli me tangere I have called it Noli me tangere and placed it in the Chapter of Mercuries and given it an English name proper for it as I take it let others call it as they please The Vertues The decoction of the leaves of Mercurie or the juyce thereof taken in broth or drinke and with a little Segar put to it to make it the more pleasant purgeth chollericke and waterish humors Hippocrates commendeth it wonderfully for womens diseases which none of the Physitians of our dayes I thinke ever put in practise for he applyed it to the secret parts to ease the paines of the mother and used both the decoction of it to procure womens courses and to expell the after birth and the fomentation or bathing for the same causes he also gave the decoction thereof with Myrrhe or pepper or used to apply the leaves outwardly against the strangury and the diseases of the reines and bladder he used it also for sore and watering eyes and for the deafenesse and paines in the eares by dropping the juyce thereof into them and bathing them afterwards in white wine the decoction thereof made with water and a cocke chicken is a most safe medicine to be taken against the hot in of agues it also clenseth the breast and lungs of flegme troubling them but it doth a little offend the stomacke the juyce or distilled water thereof cast or snuffed up into the nostrils purgeth the head and eyes of catarrhes and rheumes that distill downe from the braines into the nose and eyes as also sometimes into the eares Some use to drinke two or three ounces of the distilled water with a little Sugar put to it in a morning fasting to open the body and to purge it of grosse viscous and melancholicke humours as also mixing it with May dew taken from Rose bushes and Manna dissolved therein for the same purpose which thereupon some call Rhâ—domanna which purgeth choller also It is wonderfull if it be not fabulous that the ancient writers Dioscorides Theophrastus and others doe relate that if women use these herbes either inwardly or outwardly for three dayes together after conception and that their courses be past they shall bring forth male or female children according to that kinde of herbe that they use Matthiolus saith that the seede of both the kindes of Mercury that is both male and female boyled with wormewood and drunke cureth the yellow Iaundise in a most speedie and merveilous manner the leaves themselves or the juyce of them rubbed upon wartes or bound unto them for a certaine time doth take them cleane away the juyce mingled with some Vinegar helpeth all running scabs tetters ringwormes and the itch Galen saith that who so will apply it outwardly in manner of a pultis to any swellings or inflammations shall finde it to have a digesting quality that is it will disgest and spend the humours that was the cause of the swelling and alay the inflammations proceeding thereupon it is frequently and to very good effect given in glisters to evacuate the belly from those humors that be offensive therein and worketh as well after that manner as if so much Sene had beene put into the decoction The common Dogges Mercury is seldome used but may serve in the same manner and to the same purpose that the other is put to for purging waterish and melancholicke humors The childe 's Mercury although no other hath written of any purging qualitie in it yet the forme thereof so like unto Mercury and the saltish acide taste should demonstrate in my opinion an irritating quality Theophrastus and Dioscorides have onely mentioned the childing quality for women to beare either males or females that use this herbe according as is before sayd of French Mercury The Noli me tangere or the Quicke in hand hath a
or red Rattle have which some call Lousewort because if sheepe feede thereon it will cause them to breede lice abundantly they must abide without use to us CHAP. XI Helxine sive Parietaria Paritary of the Wall THere are two sorts of Paritary of the Wall although the ancients have mentioned but one that is a greater and a lesser as shall be declared 1. Paritaria vulgaris Common Paritary of the Wall This kinde of Paritary or as it is usually called Pellitory of the Wall riseth up with many brownish red tender and weake cleare and almost transparent stalkes about two foote high upon which grow at the severall joynts two leaves somewhat broad and long like unto those of French Mercury or Amaranthin called Flower gentle of a darke greene which afterwards turne brownish not dented at all but smooth on the edges rough and hairy as the stalkes are also at the joynts with the leaves from the middle of the stalkes upwards where it spreadeth into some branches stand many small pale purplish flowers in hairy â—r somewhat rough heades or huskes after which come small blacke and rough seede which will sticke to any garment or cloath that shall touch it the roote is somewhat long with many small fibres annexed thereunto of a darke reddish colour which abideth the Winter although the stalkes with leaves perish and springeth a fresh every yeare 2. Parietaria minor Small Pellitory of the Wall The lesser Pellitory of the Wall groweth in the like 1. Parietaria vulgaris Common Pellitory of the Wall manner that the former doth but not so great or high having tender reddish rough stalkes and smaller and shorter and somewhat greener leaves thereon almost like unto Bassill and rougher also so that they will cleave to any cloth or other thing that toucheth it the flowers and seede differ not much from the other but smaller and the seede is more like unto Purslane seede being rubbed out of the huskes han the other The Place The first groweth wilde generally through the land about the borders of fields and by the sides of old Walls and among rubbish it will well endure also being brought into the garden and planted on the shadie side where it will spring of its owne sowing and will not easily be gotten out therehence afterwards The other is rare in our Countrie and in Germany also but neare Confluence where it is naturally found and not in many other places neither both of them in one place or very seldome it doth sometimes hold the greene leaves in the Winter The Time They flower in Iune and Iuly and the seede is ripe soone after The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Helxine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Perdicium the one quod foliorum seminum hirsutie vestibus ad hereat the other quod perdices ea libenter vescantur in Latine also Helxine but not Cissampelos which is described before Perdicium Perdicaria Vrceolaris Vitrago or Vitriolaris herba because the roughnesse thereof serveth to clense either pots or glasses it is called also Muralium and herba Muralis because it most usually groweth by Walls sides and for the same cause also it is called Farietaria or as some doe write it Paritaria Galen and Paulus Aegineta who followeth him in most things say that some in their dayes called it Parthenium but they doe not understand the Matricaria for it but this herbe here entreated of but there are to be found in the writings of divers that have written of herbes seven severall sorts of herbes called by the name Parthenion or Parthenium as Mercurialis Arthemifia Chamomilla nobilis Amaracus or Majorana Marum Matricaria and this Parietaria Cornelius Celsus also and Pliny out of him doe call it Parthenium and yet Leonicenus Colmarius and Rudolphus Agricola much doubted whether any did so call it the Italians call it Parietaria Vitriola the Spaniards yerva de muro the French Paritoire and Paritari the Germanes San Peterskraut as Tragus saith Tag un nacht and Glaszkraut the Dutchmen Glasscruidt in English ordinary Pellitory of the Wall but corruptly as I said for it hath no correspondencie with Pellitory but to follow the Latine name as most other Countries doe it should be called Paritarie and of the wall is added according to both the names of Paritaria and Muralis all Authors doe call it generally either Helxine or Parietaria and Tragus calleth the other Paritaria exigua The Vertues The dried herbe Paritary made up with hony into an Electuarie or the juice of the herbe or the decoction thereof made up with Sugar or Hony is a singular remedy for any old continuall or dry cough the shortnesse of breath and wheezings in the throate the juyce thereof taken to the quantie of three ounces at a time doth wonderfully ease those that are troubled with the suppression of their urine causing them very speedily to make water and to expell both the stone and gravell that are engendred in the kidnies and bladder and therefore it is usually put among other herbes that are used in glisters to mittigate paines in the backe sides or bowells proceeding of winds or the like stoppings of urine or the gravell and stone it worketh the like effect also if the bruised herbe sprinkled with some Muskadine be warmed upon a tyle or in a dish upon a few quicke coales in a Chaffing dish and applied to the belly the decoction also of the herbe being drunke easeth the paines of the mother and bringeth downe the courses that are staied the same also easeth those griefes that arise from the obstructions of the liver spleene and reines the same decoction also may serve in stead of a bath for men or women to sit in for the foresaid purposes the same decoction also with a little hony added thereto will serve to very good purpose to gargle the throate when it is swollen and pained the juice held a while in the mouth easeth the paines in the teeth the distilled water of the herbe drunk with some Sugar to make it the more pleasant worketh the same effects and moreover clenseth the skinne from spots freckles purples wheales sunburne morphew c. and leaveth the skinne cleare smooth and delicate the juyce dropped into the eares easeth the noise and hummings in them and taketh away the prickings and shooting paines in them the said juyce or the distilled water doth asswage hot and swelling impostumes burnings or scaldings by fire or water as also all other hot â—mours or imflammations be it Saint Anthonies fire or any other eruptions of heate being bathed often with 〈◊〉 cloths dipped therein or the said juice made into a linament with Cerussa oyle of Roses anointed therewith which also doth clense foule rotten ulcers and staieth spreading or creeping ulcers and the running scabbes 〈◊〉 sores in childrens heads the same also helpeth to stay the falling of the haire of the head the said ointment 〈◊〉
made into pouder and drunk with the juice of Knotgrasse helpeth all manner of spitting and vomiting of blood bee it by any veine broken inwardly by bruises falls or howsoever the same also helpeth all those that are bitten or stunge by any venemous creature And is good for those that are troubled with the stone in their kidneys or cannot make water and being applyed provoketh womens courses two drams of the seede made into pouder and drunk in a little broth doth gently expell choller or congealed blood in the stomack and mesentery veines the decoction of the leaves and seeds being drunk somewhat warme before the fits of agues whether they be tertians or quartians doth helpe to alter the fits and by often using taketh them quite away the seede is much commended being drunke for 40. dayes together to helpe the Sciatica or Hippe Goute Falling sicknesse and Palsie also The herbe that is both the leaves flowers and seede steeped in wine for 12. houres and then distilled in an ordinary Still the water hereof being drunke with a little Sugar therein is accounted as effectuall as any decoction or other preparation and killeth the wormes in the belly or stomacke The oyle of S. Iohns wort eyther simple or compound but the compound is more effectuall is singular good both for all greene wounds and old sores ulcers in the legs or else where that are hard to be cured and is effectuall also for crampes and aches in the joynts and paines in the veines and sinewes and is also good for all burnings by fire to be presently used or the juice of the green leaves applyed the hearbe dryed and made into pouder is as effectuall for wounds and sores to be strowed thereon as the oyle or juice The simple oyle is made of foure ounces of the flowers infused in a pint of oyle Ollive called Sallet oyle and three ounces of white wine for 10. or 12. dayes to bee set in the Sunne and afterwards boyled in a Balneo or Kettle of seething water strayned forth and refreshed with new flowers so set in the Sunne and in the same manner boyled strained forth and renewed the third time with fresh flowers which after they have lastly stood in the Sunne a fortnight or more are to be boyled in the sayd Balneo or Kettle of seething water strayned forth and the oyle having some fine turpentine dissolved in it whiles it is hot and so kept is singular good for the purposes aforesayd Like hereunto Gerard hath set downe away which is with Sallet oyle two parts white wine and oyle of Turpentine one part set in the Sunne with the leaves flowers and seedes of S. Iohns wort for 8. or 10. dayes and boyled and renewed the third time in the manner aforesayd But the compound oyle is made of the simple oyle after the last infusion being strained forth there is added Dittani of Candy Gentian or Felwort Cardus Benedictus or Blessed thistle and Tormentill of each a small quantitie and some earth wormes washed and slit and all of them infused in the sayd oyle and set in the Sunne and after boyled strayned forth and Turpentine and oyle of Wormewood put thereto which then is to bee reserved in some pot or glasse close stopped to be used as occasion doth require CHAP. LI. Ascyrum S. Peters wort OF this herbe likewise formerly there hath beene but one sort knowne and described but wee have two other to shew not long since found and brought to our knowledge 1. Ascyrum vulgare Ordinary S. Peters wort This S. Peters wort that is most common in our land riseth upwith square upright stalkes for the most part somewhat greater and higher then S. Iohns wort but browne in the same manner and at every joynt having two leaves somewhat like those of S. Iohns wort but larger a little rounder pointed and with very few or no holes to be seene therein and having sometimes some smaller leaves rising from the bosome of the greater and sometimes a little hayrie also as the stalkes will bee at the toppes of the stalkes stand many yellow starre-like flowers with yellow threds in the middle very like unto those of S. Iohns wort so that but for the largenesse and height it is hardly by many discerned from S. Iohns wort and that it giveth not so bloody a juice being bruised betweene the fingers having also such like seede of as strong a resinous sent the roote abideth long sending forth new shoots every yeare 2. Ascyrum magno flore Great flowred S. Peters wort This other S. Peters wort is like the former having a round browne upright stalke two foote high at the least with such like but larger leaves and round pointed of a paler greene colour on the upperside and whiter underneath the flowers that stand at the end of the stalke are of pale yellow colour like the other but a good deale larger with yellow threds therein also 3. Ascyrum supinum villosum palustre Creeping S. Peters wort of the Marsh The Marsh S. Peters wort is like the last in the round stalkes but that they are woolly and soft and stand not upright but leaning downeward taking roote at the joynts having somewhat rounder pointed leaves set at the joynts two for the most part together the flowers are as yellow and of the same bignesse as the ordinary but give not that red juice that they doe and these things make the whole difference from the former besides the naturall place 4. Ascyroides cretica major Great S. Peters wort of Candy This differeth from the former onely in the largenesse of the leaves and flowers which are foure times bigger then it The Place The first groweth in many Groves and small low Ascyrum vulgare Ordinary S. Peters wort Woods in divers places of this Land as in Kent Huntington Northampton and Cambridge shires as also 〈◊〉 waâ— coursed in other places The second 〈◊〉 â—d on the â—yrani◠〈◊〉 The third in the 〈◊〉 of the Low Countries and the last in Candy The Times They 〈◊〉 all flower in Iune and Iuly and the seede is ripe in August The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ascyrum and Ascyroides contrario dictum putatur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 asperitate illis significat The Latines have no other name then Ascyrum from the Greekes to call it Dioscorides saith it was also called Androsâ— and Hypericum too and Galen therefore 〈◊〉 â—neth it a kind of Androsaemum The first is usually called by most writers Ascyrum as Matthiolus doth it is probable to bee the first Hypericum in demetis nascâ—ns of Tragus and is the first Androsaemum of Fuchsius and by Dodonaeus set for Hyperioum in his French Edition but called Androsamum alterum hirsutum by Fabius Columna who yet doubted whether to call it Hypericum or Androsaemum saying it came nearest unto Ascyrum although somewhat differing from it which it may bee is but the soyle and climate
it is said also to bee effectuall to cure the dropsie by taking foure or five ounces of the juice fasting which will strongly purge the body both upwards and downewards Monardus saith it is an Alexipharmacum or Counterpoison for the biting of any venemous creature and to apply the herbe also outwardly to the hurt place The distilled water is often given with some Sugar before the fit of an Ague both to lessen the fits and to alter them and take them quite away in three or foure times using which water above many other will taste of the sharpenesse of the herbe it selfe but will yeeld no oyle or unctuous substance as most other herbes will doe although divers have boasted to make an oyle thereof if the distilled faces of the herbe having beene bruised before the distillation and not distilled dry bee set in fime calido to digest for 14. dayes and afterwards hung up in a bagge in a wine Sellar that liquor that distilleth therefrom is singular good to use for Cramps Aches the Gout and Sciatica and to heale itches scabbes and running Vlcers Cankers and foule sores whatsoever the juice also is good for all the said greefes and likewise to kill lice in childrens heads the greene herbe bruised and applyed to any greene wound is commonly knowne to country folkes to cure any fresh wound or cut whatsoever and the juice put into old sores both clenseth and healeth them for which purpose many doe make a singular good salve hereof in this manner Take of the greene herbe three or foure handfulls bruise it and put it into a quart of good oyle of Olives boile them on a gentle fire untill the herbe grow dry and the oyle will bubble no longer then streine it forth hard and set it on the fire againe adding thereto Wax Rosen and Sheepes Tallow or Deares Suet which you will of each a quarter of a pound of Turpentine two ounces which being melted put it up for your use Some will adde hereunto of the powder of Aristolochia rotunda round Birthwort and of Olibanum that is white Frankinsence of each halfe an ounce or six drams which are to bee put in when it is nigh cold and well stirred together this salve likewise will helpe impostumes hard tumors and other swellings by blowes or falls CHAP. CX Pedicularis sive Fistularia Rattle grasse OF the Rattle grasse there are two especiall kinds the one with red flowers the other with yellow and of each severall sorts as shall be shewed 1. Pedicularis pratensis rubra vulgaris Common red Rattle This hath sundry reddish hollow stalkes and sometimes greene rising from the roote lying for the most part on the ground yet some growing more upright with many small reddish or greenish leaves set on both sides of a middle rib finely dented about the edges the flowers stand at the toppes of the stalkes and branches of a fine purplish red colour like small gaping hoods after which come flat blackish seede in small huske which lying loose therein will Rattle with shaking the roote consisteth of two or three small whitish strings with some fibres thereat 2. Pedicularis major Alpina The greater mountaine Rattle grasse This riseth up neare halfe a yard high with a thicke crested stalke set somewhat thicke with long stalkes of winged leaves made after the manner of Ferne notched about the edges one above another the flowers are like the former but of a whitish colour growing in a long spike after which doth follow broader huskes conteining flat seede therein like unto Madwort the root is long thicke and blacke 3. Pedicularis minor Alpina The lesser mountaine red Rattle This smaller sort groweth much lower then the last and with fewer leaves on the stalkes which are slender also but hollow like unto them the flowers likewise are smaller and set on a shorter spike but of a brave shining red colour the huskes that follow are greater then the first with long beakes at their ends having cornered seede within them the roote is long and white of the bignesse of ones finger with some great fibres thereat 4. Pedicularis sive Crista galli lutea Yellow Rattle or Coxcombe The common yellow Rattle hath seldome above one round greene stalke rising from the roote about halfe a yard or two foote high and with but few branches thereon having two long and somewhat broad leaves at set a joynt deepely dented or cut in on the edges resembling therein the crests or combe of a Cocke broadest next to the stalke and smaller to the end the flowers grow at the toppes of the stalkes with some shorter leaves with them being hoodded after the same manner that the others are but of a faire yellow colour in most or else in some paler and in some more white the seede is conteined in large huskes and being ripe will rattle or make a noyse with lying loose in them the roote is small and slender perishing every yeare 5. Pedicularis Alpina lutea Mountaine Yellow Rattle The stalke hereof groweth halfe a yard high set with long winged leaves composed of many small finely 1. Pedicularis pretensis rubra vulgaris Common red Rattle 4. Pedicularis sive Crista Galli lutea Yellow Rattle or Coxcombe dented leaves up to the toppes of them where they are bare of leaves and beare long spikes of gaping and hoodded yellow flowers which yeeld afterwards small long huskes like those of Snapdragon with small seede in them the roote is made of divers long blackish fibrous strings 6. Crista galli lutea umbellata Yellow Rattle with flowers in tufts This hath but few and narrrow leaves of an inch long a peece rising from a slender small roote and a stalke from among them little more then an handbreadth high having many yellow flowers set together at the toppe as it were in an umbell or tuft fashioned like the other but three times longer then those of the common sort and with great broad huskes conteining the seede after them 7. Crista Galli angustifolia montana Mountaine narrow leafed yellow Rattle This yellow Rattle hath two long and narrow pointed greene leaves dented about the edges set one against another upon the stalke which is a cubit high from betweene which rise other smaller leaves and a small stalke likewise an inch or two long with very small leaves thereon and small pale yellow flowers like the ordinary sort but smaller with flat seede in small huskes following them The Place and Time Some of both these kinds grow in our medowes and woods generally through the land where they are rather a plague or annoyance to it then of any good use for the cattle but the rest in Germany except the sixt which is of Spaine and are in flower from Midsomer untill August be past sometimes The Names The later writers for none of the ancients have remembred any of them as farre as can bee understood call them Pedicularis and Pedicularia because that sheepe feeding thereon will breede
or sixe foote high with divers great joynts and leaves set on them whose foote stalkes doe compasse the maine stalke at the bottome and from thence also towards the toppe come forth branches with the like but lesser leaves at them and at their toppes large round spread umbells of white flowers but Brausus describeth his with yellow flowers which I never saw after which commeth the seede which is somewhat flat thicke short and white two alwayes set together and is usuall in all these umbelliferous plants and a little 1. Angelica sativa Garden Angellica 2. Angelica sylvestris Wilde Angellica 3. Angelica sylvestris montana ditarum specitrum Two sorts of Mountaine Angelica 4. Archangelica The great water Angellica crested on the round seede the roote groweth great and wooddy when it flowreth with many great long branches to it but perisheth after seede and will rise and spring againe better from the seede that doth fall of it selfe then what is sowen by hand at any other time the whole plant both leafe and seede and roote is of an excellent pleasant sent and taste very comfortable being not fierce or sharpe but rather sweete and giveth a most delicate rellish when it is tasted or used the leaves be the weakest and some hold the seede to bee next and the roote to be the strongest especially being not ready to grow up for stalke Of this kinde wee have another sort in our Gardens called sweet Angellica not differing in any thing from the former Dulcis but in that it hath a sweeter rellish then the other 2. Angelica sylvestris Wilde Angellica The wilde Angellica groweth up with large spread leaves on the ground having smaller stalkes and lesser divided leaves by much of a darke greene colour not smelling halfe so strong as the garden kinde yet savouring so much like Angelica that by the smell one may soone see and know it to be a kinde of Angellica though wilde the stalkes are much slender and smaller yet growing three or foure foote high with smaller joynts and lesser leaves thereat at the toppes grow lesser umbells of white flowers which turne into smaller seede and blacker the roote is nothing so great as the former neyther are the strings so great or long and of a blacker colour on the outside not smelling halfe so well Of this kinde likewise there is some varietie one growing likewise wilde with us not much differing in the leaves but being smaller and not so much divided the stalkes being reddish and the seede thicker and longer Sylvestris altera the roote being great and thicke 3. Angelica sylvestris montana Mountaine wilde Angellica Mountaine Angellica groweth like the former wilde kinde but much lower and smaller in every part the roote hereof differeth most in that it is nothing so great but sendeth forth many small brownish strings from the the head round about it yet holding the same strong sent of Angellica that the former doth I give you here the figures of two other sorts of Angellica taken out of Doctor Foxes booke of dryed herbes which he had from Padoa garden and might seeme to be the Laserpitium of Alpinus set forth before but that they had severall denominations to them 4. Archangelica The greater water Angellica This Angellica groweth with a taller and much greater stalke sometimes reddish the leaves likewise being more in number and smaller divided and of as deepe a greene colour as the first sort in the tufts of white flowers it is like the first garden Angellica and so is the seede but greater and blacker the roote is great according to the plant and endureth many yeares without perishing The Place and Time The first sorts are with us sowen in Gardens the second sort is wilde both in many places of Essex Kent and neare Kentish Towne by London also and in other places the third groweth on divers mountaines in Germany Hungary and the rest the last is not onely naturall to grow in watery ditches but in moist grounds also in many places with us and in the Marsh ditches by Rederiffe The Names This herbe hath gained many worthy names from sundry worthy persons for some have called it Sancti Spiritus radix Lacuna and Dodonaeus thinke it some kinde of Laserpitium Cordus and some others take it to be Smyrniâ—â— and Cordus to be Panax Heracleum but all in generall call it Angellica from the Angell-like properties therein All these sorts are so called by most Authors as their titles beare and therefore I neede not explaine them further onely the last is called Archangelica by Clusius and Angelica aquatica by Gesner All Christian nations likewise in their appellations hereof follow the Latine name as neare as their Dialect will permit onely in Sussex they call the wilde kinde Kex and the Weavers winde their Yarne on the dead stalkes The Vertues Angellica is hot and dry some put it in the second and others in the third degree It resisteth poyson by defending the heart the blood and spirits and giveth heate and comfort to them it doth the like against the Plague and infection of the Pestilence if the roote be taken in powder to the weight of halfe a dramme at a time with some good Treakle in Cardos water and layd to sweate thereupon in their bed if Treakle be not at hand take the roote alone in Cardus or Angellica water the stalkes or rootes candid and eaten fasting are good helpes also in time of infection and at other times to warme and comfort a cold or old stomack The root also steeped in Vinegar and a little of that Vinegar taken sometimes fasting and the roote smelled unto are both good preservatives for that purpose a water distilled from the rootes simply or steeped in wine and distilled in glasse is much more effectuall then the water of the leaves and this water being drunke two or three spoonefulls at a time doth ease all paines and torments that come of cold or winde so as the body be not bound the said water taken with some of the roote in powder helpeth the Plurisie being taken in the beginning as also all other diseases of the Lungs and breast as coughes and shortnesse of breath Tissickes and so doth the Syrupe of the stalkes mentioned in my former booke it helpeth likewise the torments of the Chollicke the strangury and stopping of the urine procureth womens courses and expelleth the afterbirth and briefely easeth and discusseth all inward tumors and windinesse it openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Spleene and the decoction thereof being drunke before the fit of an Ague so that they may sweate if it be possible before the fit come will in twice or thrice taking rid it quite away it helpeth also digestion in the stomacke and is a remedy for a Surfet The juice or the water dropped into the eyes cleareth the dimnesse of sight if any filmes doe begin to breed in them and helpeth deafenesse by dropping it into the eares
swellings or inflammations and to binde and stay fluxes of humors unto sores but is put also into many other compositions both oyntments and plaisters that are cooling and binding and restraining the flux of humors The dryed leaves of the red Roses are used both inwardly and outwardly both cooling binding and cordiall for with them are made both Aromaticum rosarum Diarrhodon Abbatis and Saccharum rosarum each of whose properties are before declared Rose leaves and Mints heated and applyed outwardly to the stomacke stayeth castings and strengthneth a weake stomacke very much and applied as an Epitheme or fomentations to the region of the Liver and Heart doth much coole and temper the distemperature in them as also in stead of a Rose cake to the head and temples to quiet the overhot spirits which will suffer no sleepe or rest to fasten on the sicke patient Of the Damaske Roses are not made so many medicines or compositions for beside the Conserve and Preserve the Syrupe and Hony of those Roses each whereof is called Solutive the water and the distilled oyle or spirit which serveth more for outward perfumes then inward Physicke as the dryed leaves to fill sweete bagges and the like I know not any other use made of them and yet there is by many times much more of them spent and used then of red Roses so much hath pleasure outstripped necessary use The Syrupe of Damask Roses is both simple and compound and made with Agoricka the simple solutive Syrupe is a familiar safe and gentle easie medicine purging choller taken from one ounce or two unto three or foure yet this is remarkable and wonderfull herein that the distilled water of this Syrupe should notably binde the belly the Syrupe of Roses with Agaricke is more strong and effectuall in working then the simple Syrupe for one ounce thereof by it selfe will open the body more then of the other and worketh as much on flegme as choller the compound Syrupe is more forceable in working on melancholicke humors and availeable against the Lepry Itch Tetters c. and the French disease also Hony of Roses solutive is made of the same infusion that the Syrupe is made of and therefore worketh the same effect in opening and purging but because the hony is neither so familiar to many or convenient to hot and aguish bodies it is oftener given to flegmaticke then collericke persons and is more used in Glisters then potions as the Syrupe made with Sugar is The Conserve and Preserved leaves of these Roses are operative to the same effect in gently opening the belly The simple water of the Damaske Roses is of so much use for fumes to sweeten all things as also to put into meats and broths c. that it hath left almost no use for any Physicall purpose yet it hath beene well observed by Costaeus in his commentary upon Mesues that tenne ounces of Damaske Rose water drunke in the morning doth open and purge the belly the dryed leaves of the Damaske Roses serve most to make sweete powders and to fill sweet bagges or the like yet the same Costaeus in the same place sheweth that the dryed leaves powdered and drunk in the whey of Goats milke worketh to the same effect in purging The Muske Roses both single and double doe purge more forceable then the Damaske and the single is be'd to be stronger then the double for although none of the Greeke writers have made any mention thereof yet Mesues especially of the Arabians doth set it downe twenty of the leaves of the single Rose must be taken saith Camerarius but more of the double kinde to open the belly and purge the body The wilde Roses are few or none of them used in Physicke but yet are generally held to come neare unto the nature of the manured Roses both in the earthy and binding facultie Pliny setteth downe in his eighth booke and fourth Chapter that the roote of the wilde Rose is singular good to cure the biting of a mad Dogge which as he saith but how wee may beleeve him I know not was found out by miracle the fruit of the wilde Brier which are called Heppes being thorough ripe and made into a Conserve with Sugar according to the manner of divers other fruits besides that it is very pleasant to the taste doth gently binde the belly and stayeth defluxions from the head upon the stomacke and dryeth up the moisture thereof and helpeth digestion the pulpe of the Heppes dryed unto a hard consistence like to the juice of Licoris or so dryed that it may bee made into powder and taken in drinke stayeth speedily the whites in women With the fruit Cookes and their Ladies and Mistresses doe know how to prepare many fine dishes for their tables The Brier ball is often used being made into powder and drunke to breake the Stone to provoke urine when it is stopped and to ease and helpe the collicke some appoint it to bee burnt and then taken for the same purpose in the middle of these balles are often found certaine white wormes which being dryed and made into powder and some of it drunke is found by long experience of many to kill and drive forth the Wormes of the belly CHAP. XXVII Capparis Capers THe Caper tree or bush that was knowne to Dioscorides and Theophrastus being but one sort was thorny but there hath beene since some other sorts knowne both that are and are not thorny which for affinitie sake I thinke meete to joyne together and with the Capers another plant which for some likenesse beareth also the name of Capparis fabago or leguminosa Beane Capers not intending to joyne it to the pulses as some might thinke it should be 1. Capparis spinosa folio rotundâ— Round leafed thorny Capers This Caper sendeth forth divers long weake trayling wooddy stalkes lying round about upon the ground set with crooked thornes like hookes or as the Bramble at each joynt come forth two round leaves like unto Asarum opposite one unto another from whence springeth also a small round head upon a pretty long footstalke which is the bud from the flower before it open and is that small round Caper which wee doe usually eate at meate which being then gathered and pickled up with great salt are kept in barrells and brought into other countries and are taken out of the salt afterwards and kept in Vinegar to be spent at the table as all know but when it is open consisteth of foure white sweete smelling leaves with foure other greene ones as the huske wherein they stand having many yellowish threads and a long stile or pestle in the middle which afterwards groweth to bee the fruit and is long and round like unto an Olive or Acorne when it is ripe which also are brought pickled to us and are the long Capers which are used wherein are conteined divers hard browne seede somewhat like unto the kernells of Grapes the roote is great white long and
blacke is ripe in Iune and Iuly the other later The Names The first blacke sorts are taken generally by the best later Writers to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus that is Vitis ex parte Idae quam vocant Phalacras but Pliny falsly put in Alexandrina instead of Idaea in Latine by them Vitis Idaea Thâ—ophrasti and because all the rest have a resemblance thereunto they are all called Vites Idaea likewise with their severall distinctions as you shall presently heare they are many of them also called Vaccinia by divers thinking the black sort to be the Vaccinia nigra of Virgil by the transposition of a letter Baccinia nigra parva quasi bacca but that errour is exploded by many good Authours that shew Virgil putteth his Vaccinia among flowers and not fruites for as he saith Et sunt Violae nigrae Vaccinia nigra intending the colours were both alike as a kinde of Hyacinth which he might meane is as the Violet flower Vitruvius and Pliny indeede have a Vaccinium which giveth a purple dye to servants or others garments which may very wel be this for such a purple colour will the juyce hereof give if it be rightly ordered It is also called Myrtillus and by some Myrtillus Germanica because the Physitions and Apothecaries in Germany and those parts tooke them to be true Mirtle berries and so used them untill they were shewed their errour and since have forsaken it as we have done also Gesner also in hortis sheweth that some did take the Vitis Idaea to be that Vine that beareth Currans but saith he that noble Vine groweth not on so high or snowy mountaines but rather in the Planes and open hils and ordered by the industry of men The first Tragus calleth Myrtillus exiguus and so doe Matthiolus and Lugdunensis Dodonaeus and Lobel called it Vaccinia nigra Anguilara radix Idaea fructu nigro Camerarius Gesner and Clusius Vitis Idaea vulgaris baccis nigris Caesalpinus Bagola primum genus The second is called by Tragus Myrtilâ—us grandis and is the Vitis Idaea major of Thalius the Vitis Idaea secunda sive altera of Clusius and the Vitis folijs suer otunais â—nâ—lbidis although he hath transposed some of these titles to his second which is my third whereof onely Clusius maketh mention and calleth it his first and Gerard Vaccinia Pannonica and Bauhinus calleth Vitis Idaea folijs oblongis albicantibus The fourth is called Vaccinia rubra and Vitis Idaea rubra by all writers thereof Camerarius and Thalius say that some tooke it to be Rhus minor Plinij and Clusius Vitis Idaea buxeis folijs and Anguilara Radix Idaea fructu rubro as he did the blacke before Radix Idaea fructu nigro and Lugdunensis doth thinke that this is most properly the Radix Idaea of Dioscorides The fifth is mentioned onely by Camerarius in horto who calleth it Vitis Idaea rubra Bavarica The sixth is referred by Clusius to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Galen in his seventh Booke de composit med secundum locos cap. 4. and thereupon he called it Vva ursi Galeni Bauhinus refereth it to the Vitis Idaea making it his sixth and calleth it Idaea radix Dioscoridis also The seventh is called by Clusius Vitis Idaea tertia not thinking his former to be so worthy of that name Lobel saith the French call it Amelanchier and doubteth if it be not that shrub which they call Alâ—sâ—er Bellonius saith that their Melanchier is called in Candy Agriomelea and Codomalo but I thinke he is deceived that having blacke and this red fruite Gesner in his Epistles as Clusius saith if he meant this plant giveth it divers names as Myrtomalis Petromelis Pyrus Cervina and Pyraster Idaea Dalechampius taking it to be Cotonaster Gesneri calleth it Epimelis altera but giveth it red berries which therefore I suppose may be rather one of the two last The two last are mentioned by Alpinus in his Booke of Exoticke plants by the name of Cerasus and Chamaecerasus Idaea Cretica thinking the former most neerely to be the Cerasus Idaea Theophrasti The Italians did use to call the first Mirtillo but now Vite Idaea according to the Latine the French Airelle and Aurelle the Germanes Heidelbeer the Dutch Crake besien and we Whorts or Whortle berryes and Bill berries with us about London The Vertues The Bill berries doe coole in the second degree and doe a little binde and dry withall they are therefore good in hot agues and to coole the heat of the stomacke and liver and doe somewhat binde the belly and stay castings and loathings but if that they be eaten by those that have a weake or a cold stomacke they will much offend and trouble it saith Camerarius and therefore the juyce of the berries being made into a Syrupe or the pulpe of them made into a conserve with Sugar will be more familiar to such and helpe those paines the cold fruite procured and is good for all the purposes aforesaid as also for those that are troubled with an old cough or with an ulcer in the Lungs or other disease thereof with the juyce of the berries Painters to colour paper or cards doe make a kinde of purple blew colour putting thereto some Allome and Galles whereby they can make it lighter or sadder as they please And some poore folkes as Tragus sheweth doe take a potfull of the juyce strained whereunto an ounce of Allome foure spoonefuls of good Wine vinegar and a quarter of an ounce of the waste of the copper forgings being put together and boyled all together into this liquor while it is reasonable but not too hot they put their cloth wooll thred or yarne therein letting it lye for a good while which being taken out and hung up to dry and afterwards washed with cold water will have the like Turkie blew colour and if they would have it sadder they will put thereto in the boyling an ounce of broken Gaules Gerard saith that hee hath made of the juyce of the red berries an excellent crimson colour by putting a little Allome thereto the red Whorts are taken to be more binding the belly womens courses spitting of blood and any other fluxe of blood or humours to be used as well outwardly as inwardly CHAP. XLVII Iovis barba frutex The silver Bush THis beautifull fine bush groweth to the height of a Iovis barba frutex The Silver Bush man with a number of slender branches thicke bushing out on all sides whereon grow long winged leaves made of many small ones like Lentill leaves but narrower each set against other with an odde one at the end of a faire greene colour on the upperside and of a silver white shining colour underneath the young leaves being also of the same colour at the ends of the branch standeth large umbels of yellow flowers made after the fashion of broome flowers set in grayish huskes like the heads of the three leafed grasse after which
and driveth forth the wormes in the body of men or children if an angell of gold or so much weight of pure leafe gold be set to steepe in three or foure ounces of pure juyce of Lemmons for foure and twenty houres and then taken out or the juyce drained cleane from it and some of it given in a cup of Wine with a little pouther of Angelica roote unto any infected with the Plague and dangerously sicke if there be any hope or likelihood of recovery it will helpe them the seedes of these are likewise almost as effectuall as of the Citrons the juyce of the sweete Lemmons is neither so cooling nor so operative for any of the purposes afore mentioned The destilled water in glasse from the inner pulpe or substance of Lemmons cleareth the skin from all freckles spots or other markes in the face or in any other part of the body provoketh urine and breaketh and expelleth the stone being drunke and helpeth also the â—unning scab and killeth lice in the head the wormes in the hands or nose and pushes and wheales in the skinne The juyce of Lemmons is singular good to use at Sea in long voyages to put into their Beverage to keepe them from the Scurvy whereto long Sea journies are much subject as also the more abundantly to quench their thirst in those hot climates it is no lesse usefull at home for Dyers who spend much of it in striking sundry dainty colours which will never be well done without it CHAP. LXXVII Malus Arantia The Orenge tree I Have likewise five sorts or rather kindes of Orrenges to shew you which are these 1. Malus Arantia vulgaris The ordinary Orrenge tree The grafted or ordinary manured Orrenge tree groweth often to a very great heighth and bignesse spreading large armes and branches with a rougher barke below and smooth greene on the branches yet it is also often found lesse in lesse fruitefull soiles sparingly armed with sharpe but short thornes the leaves are somewhat like unto those of the Lemmon but that each leafe hath a peece of a leafe set under it and are not dented at all about the edges and are as full of small holes in them as any of the former the flowers are whitish but of a stronger sweete sent then any of the rest and used to many other purposes then either of the other the fruite hereof is round with a thicke bitter rinde of a deepe yellowish red colour which from it taketh the name of an Orrenge colour having a soft white loose substance next unto the outer coloured rinde and a sower juyce lying mixed among small skinnes in severall parts as in the other sorts with such like seed also the juyce of some is lesse sower Malus Arantia vulgaris The ordinary Orrenge tree then others and of a taste betweene sower and sweet neere unto Wine 2. Malus Arantia sylvestris The wilde or Crabbe Orrenge tree The Crabbe Orrenge tree as our Crabbe Apple tree groweth wild and is fuller of branches and thicker set with thornes the flowers and leaves are alike but lesser and the fruite is very small and of a pale yellow colour with a thicke rinde and little juyce or sharpe within it but plainely tasting as a Crabbe with us differeth from a good fruite 3. Malus Arantia cortice dulci eduli The Apple Orrenge This Orrenge differeth from others not so much in the colour of the outer barke which is of a deepe gold yellowish red but in the whole fruite which is through out as firme almost as an Apricocke and yet distinguished into parts on the inside like others which together with the barke or rinde is to bee eaten like an Apple the barke or rinde not being bitter or tough like the rest the Spaniards call this Naranja caxel 4. Malus Arantia unico grano The Orrenge without seedes This onely differeth from that Orrenge with the best sower juyce in having but one graine or seed in the whole juyce lying within it 5. Malus Arantia pumilio The Dwarfe Orrenge tree The stocke of this dwarfe tree according to his name is low and the branches grow thicke well stored with leaves but they are lesser and narrower then the other the flowers also are many and thicke set on the branches which beare fruite more plentifully then the former but is lesse then the greater sorts yet as well coloured The Place and Time All these sorts likewise we have seene being brought us from Spaine and Portingall the hedge or wilde Crabbe fruite from the hither parts of Spaine and keepe time with the rest The Names It is thought that these Apples were knowne to the auncients who called them Mala aurea Hesperidum being 〈◊〉 any where else and therefore Hercules made it one of his taskes or labours to slay the Dragon that kept the Garden where they were and brought them away with him Some call them Aurantia a corticis colore aureo and some Arantia a◠〈…〉 oppidâ— dicta some Pomum Naranâ—ium Dodonaeus Anarantium and Lobel Malum 〈◊〉 which name doth best suite with them for Golden Apples they are indeed All nations call them according to the Latine and Clusius saith the Spaniards call them Naranjas and the third sort here set downe Naranja caxel the Germanes call the Orrenge Pomerants and the French Pommes Orenges The flowers of the Orenge tree are called Napha and the oyntment made of them Vnguentum ex Napha The Vertues The rinde of the Orrenges are bitterer and hotter then those of Lemmons or Citrons and therefore doe warme a cold stomacke the more helping to breake the winde therein and the flegme and after the bitternesse is taken from them by steeping them in water for sundry dayes and then preserved either wet or dry besides their use in banquets they are littlelesse effectuall for the strengthening of the heart and spirits and the other qualities that Citrons have the juyce is farre inferiour to either of them and are fitter for meate then medicine yet foure or five ounces of the juyce taken at a time will drive forth putrid humours from the inner parts by sweat and after strengthen and comfort the heart The destilled water of the flowers besides the odoriferous sent it â—â—th fit for any perfume it is good against contagious diseases and pestilentiall feavers to drinke thereof at sundry times it helpeth also the cold and moist infirmities of the mother the oyntment that is made of the flowers is often used to annoint the stomacke to helpe the cough and to expectorate the cold raw flegme and to warme and comfort the other places of the bodyes CHAP. LXXVIII Malum Assyria vel Poma Adami Adams Apple THis tree for the most part groweth as great as the Orrenge tree yet sometimes it is no higher then the Citron tree and spreadeth faire great armes and branches with few and those short thornes upon them the leaves are faire and large almost as great as those of the Citron or Lemmon tree
Spaniards Tomilho the French Thym Marjolaine d' Angleterre the Germanes Quendel the true kind Romscher Quendel welsher Quendel the Dutch Thymus we in English Tyme or garden Tyme or as they are in their titles Serpillum or Serpyllum is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a serpendo dictum of the Arabians Hemen of the Italians Serpillo of the Spaniards Serpilio of the French Serpollet of the Germanes Huner Kol of the Dutch Quendel or wilde Thymus we in English wild Tyme or Mother of Tyme The first true Tyme is usually called by all that have written of it Thymum legitimum or Capitatum or Creticum as Cordus Camerarius do but it is not that which the old Gerard setteth downe for it the second is called Thymus vulgaris nostras by many authors and Thymum durius nigrum by others by Caesalpinus Pepolina the fourth is called by Lobel Thymum latifolium and Serpyllum hortense by others but Bauhinus doth not number it among his Tymes but calles it Serpillum jus latifolium and is the same with Matthiolus his Serpillum although Bauhinus doth distinguish them the fift is from Bauhinus the sixt is called by Lobel Serpyllum Narbonense and by Clusius Serpyllum sylvestre Zygis Dioscorides the seventh Camerarius calleth Serpyllum majus flore purpureo and that with the white flower flore candido but both the old and new Gerard have erred in the figure and discription therof for this majus and the folijs Amaraci are both one the eighth is of Bauhinus his relation and denomination the ninth of both sorts Clusius calleth Serpyllum Pannonicum and Bauhinus angustifolium glabrum hirsutum the tenth is called by most authors Serpyllum or Serpyllum vulgare minus by others the rest have their names in their titles as whereby they may fitliest be called The Vertues The true Tyme or in the want thereof our garden Tyme as nearest thereunto although not altogether so effectuall doth helpe somewhat to purge flegme if as Dioscorides saith it be taken with hony salt and vinegar the decoction thereof is good for those that are troubled with shortnes or straightnesse of breath it killeth the wormes in the belly procureth the monethly courses of women expelleth the secondine or afterbirth after it hath holpen the delivery of the child causeth easie expectorations of tough flegme being taken with hony in an Electuary it dissolveth tumours or swellings when they are fresh the juyce thereof being annoynted or bathed on the place with some vinegar taketh away loose or hanging warts it helpeth those that have the Sciatica applyed with wine and meale it helpeth those that are dull sighted and is of good vse in meates and brothes to warme and comfort the stomacke and to helpe to breake winde as well for the sicke as the sound Galen saith the same things almost It is found by experience saith Aetius that if 4. dragmes of dried Tyme in powther be given in Oxymel fasting to them that have the gowte it helpeth them for it purgeth choller and other sharpe humours and that if one dragme thereof bee given fasting with meade it dissolveth the hard swellings of the belly It is profitable for those that have swellings in their sides and paines in their loynes and hippes it is likewise given fasting to those that have greate paines in their eyes and are bleare-eyed it is with wine applyed to the cods that are swollen Wild Tyme or Mother of Tyme if it be boyled and drunke moveth vrine and the monethly courses helpeth such as have griping paines in the belly or that have cramps or are bursten bellied or are troubled with inflamation of the liver being taken inwardly or applyed outwardly with Rosemary and vinegar to the head it ceaseth the paines thereof and is very helpefull to those that are troubled with either Frensye or Lethargy foure dragmes of the juyce drunke with a little vinegar is very availeable to those that spitt or vomit blood taken with hony licoris and aniseede in wine it helpeth a dry cough and is comfortable both to the head stomacke and reines and helpeth to expell winde the distilled water therof applyed with vinegar of Roses to the forehead easeth the rage of Frensye expelleth Vertigo that is the swimming or turning of the braine helpeth to breake the stone in the bladder CHAP. IIII. Cuscuta Dodder VNder this title of Dodder I comprehend not onely Epithymum as the chiefest kinde thereof but all the other sorts of laces or threads that grow either upon hearbes and shrubbes c. or upon the ground and because I would not speake of them in many places as I shall doe of the plants whereon they grow in severall places of this worke I though it more fitt to include them in one Chapter and give you knowledge both of their formes and vertues in one place rather then in many I acknowledge I might more fitly have placed this plant among the purgers but that for the names sake I would set it next unto the Tymes Epithymum The Dodder of Tyme Pliny setteth downe in the eigth Chapter of his 26. booke two sorts of Epithymum which Matthiolus seemeth to confute the one to be the flowers of Tyme as Dioscorides before him did both greene and white the other to be red haires growing without roote now most of our moderne writers doe acknowledge but one kinde Tragus as I thinke first mentioned both white red strings growing on severall hearbs even as I have done also which yet are but one and the same thing in it selfe growing in the same manner upon Tyme or Savory as it doth upon any other plant being red on some hearbes and white on others as may bee observed on sundry plants on Hampstead heath It first from seedes giveth rootes in the ground which shoote forth threads or stringes grosser or 1. Epithymum The Dodder of Tyme 2. Cuscuta Dodder finer as the property of the plants whereon it groweth and the climate doth suffer although Matthiolus and others have thought it to grow without roote creeping and spreading on that plant whereon it fasteneth bee it high or low clasping the very grasse if it meete with none else although Ruellius saith it groweth not on the grounde but on hearbes as upon some vines also in Narbone as Pena saith he observed these strings have no leaves at all upon them but winde and enterlace themselves so thicke oftentimes upon a small plant that it taketh away all comfort as one would thinke of the Sun from it and ready to choake or strangle it after these strings are risen up to that height that they may draw nourishment from the plant you shall scarse see any appearance of strings from the ground they being broken off either by the strength of their rising or withered by the heate of the Sunne and if they meete with no herbe or plant whereon to spreade they will soone perish of themselves as I have
rennet thereto it will never draw to curds whereby to become Cheese The vertues of the wild Mints are more especially to dissolve winde in the stomack to helpe the chollick and those that are short-winded and are an especiall remedy for those that have venerous dreames and pollutions in the night used both inwardly and the juyce being applyed outwardly to the testicles or cods the juyce thereof dropped into the eares easeth the paines and destroyeth the wormes that breed in them they are good against the venemous bytings of Serpents and as it is said killeth them by the fume thereof or by the scent of them being layd in any place the juyce laid on warme helpeth the Kings-evill or kernels of the throat the decoction or the distilled water helpeth a stinking breath which proceedeth from the corruption of the teeth and snuffed up into the nose purgeth the head Pliny saith that in the time of Great Pompey it was found out by experience of one to cure the Lepry by eating the leaves and applying some of them to his face and to helpe the scurfe or dandroffe of the head used with vineger CHAP. XIIII Calamintha Calamint or Mountaine Mint ALthough divers Authors doe confound Calamint calling it Catmint with Nep which is more properly called Catmint yet I thinke it better to intreat of them a part then to joyne them both in one Chapter 1. Calamintha vulgaris Common Calamint 1. Calamintha vulgaris Common Calamint The ordinary Calamint that groweth usually abroad in the dry grounds with us is a small hearbe seldome rising above a foot high with square hoary and wooddy stalkes and two small hoary leaves set at a joynt about the bignesse of Marjerome or not much bigger a little dented about the edges and of a very fierce and quick scent as the whole hearb is the flowers stand at severall spaces of the stalkes from the middle almost upwards which are small and gaping like unto those of Mints and of a pale blush colour after which follow small round blackish seed the root is small and wooddy with divers small sprigs spreading within the ground and dyeth not but abideth many yeares Altera minor There is another of this sort which is like unto it in all things but somewhat lesser differing chiefly in the flowers which are not so large by the halfe which noteth it to be a differing species 2. Calamintha montana praestantior The greatest Calamint or Mountaine Mint This sweet Calamint riseth up to be a foot and a halfe high with his square hard and hoary stalkes which are many and slenderer than those of the wild Mints whereon are set at every joynt two small and somewhat round leaves deepely dented about the edges yet larger than those of the former wilde kinde being somewhat hairy and not so hoary but rather of a sad greene colour of a very sweet scent not strong or heady as the other the flowers are gaping and like the other but larger and of a purple colour after which commeth the seed which is black small and round somewhat like unto Purflan seed the root is wooddy but abideth and shooteth forth new branches every yeare 3. Calamintha altera odore Pulegij folijs maculosis Spotted Calamint This spotted Calamint differeth not much from our ordinary wild Calamint but that it groweth not so great and high having square hard hoary stalkes and hoary leaves thereon like it but spotted here and there and of a strong scent like unto Penny-royall the flowers grow in the same manner but smaller and of a pale purplish colour 4. Calamintha minor incana Small Calamint This hoary small Calamint hath small low and slender hoary stalkes not above a foot high whereon are set two leaves at a joynt as in the other sorts but smaller and more hoary even smaller than the least bush Basill the flowers are very small but like the last and of a lesse heady scent 5. Calamintha arvensis verticillata sive aquatica Belgarum Lobelij Field Calamint with whorled coronets This small Field Calamint sendeth forth divers square hoary stalkes full of joynts and two small and almost round hoary leaves set thereat up to the toppes somewhat like unto leaves of Penny-royall of a quicke and sharpe yet sweet scent like thereunto also towards the toppes of the stalkes and branches stand with the leaves many purplish flowers divers set together in a whorle or coronet the root is small and abideth long not perishing after seed time The Place The first groweth on heaths and upland dry grounds in many places of the Land the second on the Euganaean hills neere Padoa and on the hills neere Vicenza in Italy and on the Rocky shadowie cliffes of Sevena in Province of France as also in Germany and other places and in England also as Lobel saith hee observed The third Pena saith he found on certaine Hills in Lombardy and in sundry places of our owne Land yet seldome spotted The fourth Camerarius saith he had the seed from Candy The last groweth in divers fields of our owne Land as well in moist medowes as plowed grounds The Time They doe all flower in Iuly and their seed is quickly ripe afterwards The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasibona vel utilis Mentha a good or profitable Mint The first is called Calamintha vulgaris montana vulgaris by most Authors and the lesser of this sort Bauhinus calleth Calamintha vulgaris exiguo flore The second is called of Lobel Camerarius and others Calamintha montana praestantior as the best of all the sorts of Calamints in English as it is in the title Gerard giveth the figure of this for Scorodonia or Salvia 2. Calamintha montana praestantior The greatest Calamint or Mountaine Mint 4. Calamintha minor incana Small Calamint 5. Calamintha arvensis verticillara sive aquatica Bel. Field Calamint with whorled coronets agrestis for hereunto that figure is nothing like Bauhinus calleth it Calamintha magno flore Pona in the description of Mouns Baldus in many places doth take it to be the Melissophyllum Fuchsij The third is called by Lobel as it is in the title Matthiolus and Camerarius call it Calamintha altera and say that the Italians doe call it Nepotella Cordus upon Dioscorides calleth it Nepeta agrestis and Bauhinus also calleth it Calamintha Pulegij odore sive Nepeta Gerard giveth the figure of Calamintha montana praestantior for this in English Spotted Calamint for a distinction from the others although it hath but sometimes small shew of spots with us The fourth is called by Lobel Calamintha secunda incana and by Camerarius Calamintha Cretica but by Bauhinus Calamintha incana ocimi folijs in English Small Calamint because it is the least of all the rest The last is called by Lobel Calamintha aquatica Belgorum an Polycnemon quasi multitibia Calamintha aquatica Matthioli by Lugdunensis Calamintha arvensis by Gesner in hortis Tabermontanus by some Mentha
kind lesse sharpe or thorny than the other and calleth it Cardiaca Melica sive Molucca minus aspera Molucca Syriaca Bauhinus calleth it Melissa Moluccana odorata as he doth the fifth Melissa Moluccana foetida making the one to be sweet and the other stinking Lobel calleth it Molucca asperior Syriaca and saith moreover that it is called Maseluc of the Turkes Caesalpinus would referre both these kindes unto the Alissum of Dioscorides and Pliny and Bauhinus saith they are like to the Alissum of Galen They have their English names over their heads The last is called Cardiaca of most of our later Writers for it is likely it was not knowne to them of ancienter ages yet Dodonaeus formerly tooke it to be a Sideritis Tragus to be a wilde Baulme Brunfelsius to bee Marrubium mas Anguillara to bee Licopsis or Branca lupina Bauhinus calleth it Marrubium forte primum Theophrasti Caesalpinus thinketh that it is the Alissum of Galen and Aetius We doe call it Motherwort in English as truely from the effects to helpe the Mother as they call it Cardiaca from the effects to helpe the heart as you shall heare by and by the Arabians call Baulme Bederengie Bedarungi Cederenzegum Turungen or Trungian and Marmacor the Italians Melissa Codronella and Aranciata the Spaniards Torengil yerva cidrera the French Melisse Poncirade the Germanes Melissen Binenkrant and the Dutch Melisse Honichbaum Consille degreyn and we in English Bawme from the singular effects therein in imitation of the true naturall Baulme The Vertues The Arabian Physicians have extolled the vertues of Baulme for the passions of the heart in a wonderfull maner which the Greekes have not remembred for Serapio saith it is the property of Baulme to cause the minde and heart to become merry to revive the fainting heart falling into swounings to strengthen the weaknesse of the spirits and heart and to comfort them especially such who are overtaken in their sleepe therewith taking away all motion of the pulse to drive away all troublesome cares and thoughts out of the minde whether those passions rise from melancholly or black choller or burnt flegme which Avicen confirmeth in his booke of medicines proper for the heart where he saith that it is hot and dry in the second degree that it maketh the heart merry and strengthneth the vitall spirits both by the sweetnesse of smell austerity of taste and tenuity of parts with which qualities it is helpfull also to the rest of the inward parts and bowels It is to good purpose used for a cold stomack to helpe digestion and to open the obstruction of the braine It hath a purging quality therein also saith Avicen and that not so weake but that it is of force to expell those melancholly vapours from the spirits and from the blood which are in the heart and arteries although it cannot doe so in the other parts of the body Dioscorides saith that the leaves drunke in wine and laid to is a remedy against the sting of Scorpions and the poison of the Phalangium or venemous Spider as also against the bytings of Dogges and commendeth the decoction thereof for women to bathe or sit in to procure their courses and that it is good to wash the teeth therewith when they are full of paine and that it is profitable for those that have the bloody flixe The leaves also with a little Niter are taken in drinke against a surfet of Mushroms it helpeth the griping paines of the belly and is good for them that cannot take their breath unlesse they hold their necks upright being taken in a Lohoc or licking Electuary used with salt it taketh away wennes kernels or hard swellings in the flesh or throate it clenseth foule sores and is an helpe to ease the paines of the gowt Galen saith in his seventh Booke of Simples that Baulme is like unto Horehound in qualities but weaker by much and therefore few will use Baulme when Horehound is so plentifull and neere at hand to be had every where Pliny saith in lib. 20. cap. 11. that in Sardinia it is poyson wherein it is very probable that he was much mistaken and for Sardonia herba which is called of some Apium risus and of Apuleius Apiastellum he tooke this Apiastrum or Baulme the juyce thereof used with a little honey is a singular remedy for the dimnesse of the sight and to take away the mistinesse of the eyes It is of especiall use among other things for the plague or pestilence and the water thereof is used for the same purposes It is also good for the liver and spleene A Tansie or Caudle made with egges and the juyce thereof while it is young putting some Sugar and Rosewater unto it is often given to women in child-bed when the afterbirth is not throughly avoided and for their faintings upon or after their sore travels It is used in bathings among other warme and comfortable hearbes for mens bodies or legges in the Summer time to comfort the joynts and sinews which our former age had in much more use than now-adayes The hearbe bruised and boyled in a little wine and oyle and laid warme on a Bile will ripen and breake it There is an ordinary Aqua-vita or strong water stilled and called Baulme water used generally in all the Land which because it hath nothing but the simple hearbe in it which is too simple I will commend a better receit unto you Take two pound of Baulme while it is young and tender of Mints and Sage of each one pound bruise them well in a stone-morter and put them into a pot or Limbeck and put thereto of Aniseeds foure ounces of Cloves of Nutmegs of Cinamon of Ginger of Cubebes and of Galanga of each one ounce being all a little bruised and put into two gallons of good Sacke if you will have it excellent good or else into foure gallons of Ale and so still it as Aqua-vitae is distilled and let it distill as long as you shall finde any strength in the water yet so that the latter water bee not so weake to make all the rest white whereunto put a pound of Sugar shaking it well before you set it away and after it hath rested so one moneth you may use of it as occasion shall require for it is of especiall use in all passions of the heart swounings and faintings of the spirits and for many other purposes whereunto the hearbe is here declared to be availeable The hearbe is often put into oyles or salves to heale greene wounds and it is very probable the name of Baulme was given to this hearbe from the knowledge of the healing properties of the true and naturall Baulme It is also an hearbe wherein Bees doe much delight both to have their Hives rubbed therewith to keepe them together and draw others and for them to suck and feed upon and is a remedy against the stinging of them The Turkey Baulme is of as good
is of a manifest heating quality and a little binding and Aetius saith the same also but he further saith that some report that the fumes thereof being taken when it is burnt doth stay the immoderate fluxe of womens courses and all other fluxes of theirs Agrippa saith that if childing women whose wombes be too moist and slippery not able to conceive by reason of that default shall take a quantity of the juyce of Sage with a little salt for foure dayes before they company with their Husbands it will helpe them to conceive and also for those that after they have conceived are subject often to miscarry upon any small occasion for it causeth the birth to be the better retained and to become the more lively therefore in Cyprus and Aegypt after a great plague women were forced to drinke the juyce of Sage to cause them to be the more fruitfull Orpheus saith that three spoonefuls of the juyce of Sage taken fasting with a little honey doth presently stay the spitting or casting up of blood For them that are in a consumption these Pills are much commended Take of Spiknard and Ginger of each two drammes of the seed of Sage a little tosted at the fire eight drammes of long pepper twelve drammes all these being brought into fine powder let there bee so much juyce of Sage put thereto as may make it into a masse formable for pills taking a dramme of them every morning fasting and so likewise at night drinking a little pure water after them Matthiolus saith that it is very profitable for all manner of paines of the head comming of cold and rheumaticke humours as also for all paines of the joynts whether used inwardly or outwardly and therefore It helpeth such as have the falling sicknesse the lethargie or drowsie evill such as are dull and heavie of spirit and those that have the palsie and is of much use in all defluxions or distillations of thin rheume from the head and for the diseases of the chest or brest The leaves of Sage and Nettles bruised together and laid upon the impostume that riseth behind the eares doth asswage and helpe it much also the juyce of Sage taken in warme water helpeth an hoarsnesse and the cough the leaves sodden in wine and laid upon any place affected with the Palsie helpeth much if the decoction be drunke also Sage taken with Wormewood is used for the bloody fluxe Pliny saith it procureth womens courses and stayeth them comming downe too fast helpeth the stinging and bytings of Serpents and killeth the wormes that breed in the eares and also in sores Sage is of excellent good use to helpe the memory by warming and quickning the sences and the conserve made of the flowers is used to the same purpose as also for all the former recited diseases they are perswaded in Italy that if they eate Sage fasting with a little salt they shall be safe that day from the danger of the byting of any venemous beast they use there also never to plant Sage but with Rue among it or neare it for feare of Toades and other Serpents breeding under it and infecting it with their venemous spittle c. the danger whereof is recorded in Boccace of two Friends or Lovers that by eating the leaves of that Sage under which a Toade was found to abide were both killed thereby and therefore the Poet joyneth them both together to have wholesome drinke saying Salvia cum ruta faciunt tibi pocula tuta Sage hath beene of good use in the time of the plague at all times and the small Sage more especially which therefore I thinke our people called Sage of Vertue the juyce thereof drunke with vineger The use of Sage in the Moneth of May with butter Parsley and some salt is very frequent in our Country to continue health to the body as also Sage Ale made with it Rosemary and other good hearbes for the same purpose and for teeming women or such as are subject to miscary as it is before declared Gargles likewise are made with Sage Rosemary Honisuckles and Plantaine boyled in water or wine with some Honey and Allome put thereto to wash cankers sore mouthes and throats or the secret parts of man or woman as need requireth And with other hot and comfortable hearbes to be boyled to serve for bathings of the body or legges in the Summer time especially to warme the cold joynts or sinewes of young or old troubled with the Palsie or crampe and to comfort and strengthen the parts It is much commended against the stitch or paines in the side comming of winde if the grieved place be fomented warme with the decoction thereof in wine and the hearbe after the boyling be laid warme also thereto CHAP. XX. Horminum Clary THere are divers sorts of Clary some manured onely called Garden Clary others growing wilde whereof I shall here shew you many collected from sundry parts 1. Horminum sativum vulgare sive Sclarea Garden Clary Our ordinary Garden Clary hath foure-square stalkes with 1. Horminum sativum vulgare sive Sclarea Garden Clary broad rough wrinckled whitish or hoary greene leaves somewhat evenly cut in on the edges and of a strong sweet scent growing some neare the ground and some by couples upon the stalkes The flowers grow at certaine distances with two small leaves at the joynts under them somewhat like unto the flowers of Sage but smaller and of a very whitish or bleack blue colour the seed is brownish and somewhat flatt or not so round as the wild the rootes are blackish and spread not farre and perish after the seed time it is most usuall to sow it for the seed seldome riseth of it owne shedding 2. Horminum genuinum sativum Dioscoridis The true garden Clary of Dioscorides This small Clary riseth up but with one square hairy stalke about halfe a yard high as farre as ever I could yet observe divided into severall square branches whereon are set at every joynt two leaves one against another which are somewhat broad and round a little rugged like unto Horehound but more greene than white and of a reasonable good and small scent at the toppes of the stalkes stand divers leaves one row under another of a very fine deepe purple violet colour yet the lowest are paler than the uppermost and seeme a farre of to be flowers but nearer observed are discerned to bee but the toppe leaves the flowers comming forth under them at spaces about the stalkes of a whitish purple colour smaller than any of the sorts of Clary standing in brownish purple huskes which after the flowers are past while the seed ripeneth turne themselves downeward whereby the seed is lost if it be not gathered in fit time the roote is small and perisheth every yeare requiring to bee new sowne in the Spring for it seldome commeth of the seed that it shed the Frosts and Winter most likely killing it 3. Horminum Syriacum Assirian Clary Assirian Clary is somewhat like
Dutch thereafter Reyn vaer wee in English Tansie The Vertues The decoction of the common Tansie and some of the rest come neare in effect thereunto or the juyce drunke in wine is a singular remedy for all the griefes of the urine to provoke it being stopped to helpe those that have the strangury and have weake reines and kidneies and that cannot make their water but by drops It is also very profitable to dissolve and expell winde whether in the stomack belly or bowels and to procure women monethly courses and to expell windinesse in the mother If it be bruised and smelled unto often as also applyed to the lower part of the belly it is assuredly found to be profitable for such women as are given to miscarry in childbearing to cause them goe out their full time without danger or losse it is used also against the stone in the reines with good successe especially to men It is much used both in Lent and in the beginning of the Spring while the hearbe is young and tender to make cakes thereof with egges fried which are called Tansies and are very profitable for those stomackes that are troubled with bad humours cleaving thereunto both to helpe to digest them and by clearing the stomack of them to carry them away downeward The seed is much commended and very profitably given to children for the wormes and the juyce in drinke is as effectuall being boyled in oyle it is very profitably applyed to comfort the sinewes that are shrunke by crampes or are in paines through cold It is said also that the roote preserved in Sugar is a remedy for them that have the gowt if they take thereof fasting for a certaine time together CHAP. XXIX Matricaria Featherfew THere are divers sorts of Featherfew to bee entreated of here as shall hereafter follow 1. Matricaria vulgaris simplex Common Featherfew Common Featherfew hath many large fresh greene leaves very much torne or cut on the edges the stalkes are hard and round set with many such like leaves but somewhat smaller and at the toppes stand many single flowers upon severall small foot-stalkes consisting of many small white leaves standing round about a yellow thrumme in the middle the root is somewhat hard and short with many strong fibres at it the scent of the whole plant is very strong and stuffing and the taste very bitter 2. Matricaria flore pleno Double Featherfew This differeth very little from the former but in the flowers which are very thicke and double with white leaves so that onely a little yellow spot is to be seene in the middle 3. Matricaria bullatis floribus aureis Naked Featherfew This kinde differeth not from the former but that it hath 1. 3. Matricaria vulgaris simplex bullatis floribus aureis Ordinary naked Featherfew 2. Flore pleno Double Featherfew his flowers without any of the pale or border of white leaves about it and therefore being naked and without those leaves I have named it naked Featherfew as an especiall difference from the former 4. Matricaria grati odoris Sweet Featherfew This other Featherfew differeth not from the first either in roote leafe or flower being in all things so like that there can be no difference perceived betweene them untill you smell thereunto and then it is soone found to bee of a more pleasant softer smell which so abideth in the kind and is not so made by art or degenerated by any casualty but the worke of nature onely 5. Matricaria inodora Vnsavory Featherfew The Vnsavory Featherfew is a small low plant rather spreading than rising high into many branches whereon are many leaves set here and there without order every one being smaller shorter and thicker than the leaves of the common Featherfew but cut in on both sides somewhat like unto it of no smell at all the flowers are white with a yellow thrumne in the middle like the other which have a certaine heavie dull scent but very weake the roote is bushy like the former 6. Matricaria sive Parthenium tenuifolium Fine-leafed Featherfew This Featherfew hath a few leaves below rising from the roote as small and fine as Fennell and very like unto Sothern-wood but smelling so like Featherfew and bitter withall that even thereby it may easily be knowne to what stocke or tribe it doth belong from among which rise divers brownish round and hard stalkes to the height of halfe a yard or more whereon grow dispersedly such like leaves at the toppes of the stalkes stand many small white flowers in an umbell thicke set or close together very like unto the flowers of Yarrow that they may soone deceive him that heedfully doth not marke them the roote is small white and wooddy with foure small fibres at it 7. Matricaria sive Parthenium Alpinum Clusij Mountaine Featherfew of Clusius 8. maritinum 6. tenuisolium 7. Matricaria sive Parthenium Alpinum Clusij Mountaine Featherfew of Clusius Mountaine Featherfew hath many slender weake greene branches trayling on the ground and taking roote as they creepe thereon very like unto Camomill and not rising above a foote high about which are set many leaves almost as fine as Camomill but cut in after the manner of Mayweed or Featherfew and very neare of the same smell as Featherfew being of a hot taste but not unpleasant at the toppes of the stalkes stand many flowers together very like unto the former but that the middle thrumme is smaller and paler and the circling leaves not altogether so white but as large and somewhat rounder or closer set of the same scent with the hearbe the roote is composed of many small fibres shooting downe from a small head 8. Parthenium maritinum minimum Small Sea Featherfew I have thought fit to place this Sea plant with the rest of the same tribe as I meane to doe with as many as will abide the culture and manuring to prosper in this garden entending to shew you the rest in their convenient places The roote is small spreading abroad many long fibres from whence rise up slender weake branches lying upon the ground diversly set without order with many small whitish greene leaves cut in or dented on the edges very like in forme unto the leaves of the great white Daisie but much lesser and more full and fleshy or thicker of a strong fierce scent somewhat like unto Featherfew or rather unto stinking Maithes or Mayweed at the toppe of every branch stand one or two flowers somewhat like unto those of Featherfew or Mayweed but smaller and the bordering leaves also smaller having a whitish greene head or huske of leaves under them The Place The first is found wilde in some places of this Land as well as in others yet for the most part it is nourished in gardens as well as the second which as Clusius thinketh is peculiar to us the third grew in Essex and was there found by a Gentleman called Master William Coys The fourth grew in an Iland called
take away the inflammation of them if it be put with some part of a roasted Quince and boyled with a few crummes of bread boyled with barly meale it taketh away pimples pushes or wheales that rise in the face or other parts of the body The seed as well as the dryed hearbe is often given to kill the wormes in children the hearbe bruised and laid to helpeth to draw forth splinters and thornes out of the flesh The ashes thereof dryeth up and healeth old ulcers that are without inflammation although by the sharpnesse thereof it biteth sore and putteth them to some paines as also the sores that happen in the privie parts of men or women The ashes likewise mingled with old Sallet-oyle for we have neither the oyle of the seed of the Mastick tree which is much commended nor the oyle of Cherua or the great Spurge called Palma Christi nor some other that are used in other Countries helpeth those that have their haire fallen or their heads bald to cause the haires to grow againe either upon the head or beard Some say the juyce thereof with oyle doth the same Durantes saith that the oyle made of Sothernwood and put among other oyntments that are used against the French disease is very effectuall and likewise killeth vermine in the head The distilled water of the hearbe is said to helpe them much that are troubled with the stone as also for the diseases of the spleene and mother It is generally held by all both old and new Writers that it is more offensive to the stomacke than Wormewood because it hath not that astriction in it The Germanes commend it for a singular wound hearbe as their name of Stabwurt given unto it doth testifie CHAP. XXXV Abrotanum faemina Lavender Cotton THere are divers sorts of Lavender Cotton to be here remembred 1. Abrotanum faemina vulgare Ordinary Lavender Cotton The ordinary Lavender Cotton hath sundry wooddy brittle 1. Abrotanum faemina vulgare Ordinary Lavender Cotton hoary branches whereon are set many long foure-square hoary or whitish leaves dented about the edges at the tops of the branches stand naked stalkes bearing every one a large yellow head or flower like unto Tansie or Maudeline but greater of a gold yellow colour abiding so a long time upon the stalkes and being kept dry likewise after which commeth small darke coloured seed the roote is wooddy and spreadeth sundry hard fibres it is of a strong sweet scent but not unpleasant 2 Abrotanum faemina magnum Great Lavender Cotton This Lavender Cotton is very like the ordinary Garden kinde but not bushing so thicke with stalkes growing to have a great high and thicke stemme or stalke not set with so many branches thereon but somewhat bigger than the other whereon grow foure-square dented leaves like thereunto but somewhat larger thicker and greener the flowers stand in the same manner every one upon his long stalke being as yellow and large as they which give the like seed the roote spreadeth in the ground with hard wooddy branches like the other and endureth the extremities of Winter as well as the other the smell of the whole plant and every part thereof is strong but not so pleasant to a great many as the other this will be propagated by slipping as well as the other 3. Abrotanum faemina Narbonense magno flore French Lavender Cotton The French Lavender Cotton groweth not to bee so high as the ordinary garden kinde but hath many wooddy short little branches not above halfe a yard high diversly spread into many other small ones whereon are leaves like the other 3. Abrotanum faemina Narbonense magno flore French Lavender Cotton but somewhat smaller and more thinly or sparsedly set on the branches of a greenish white colour neither so green as the last nor fully so white as the ordinary of a strong scent somewhat like the ordinary kind the flowers stand upon the toppes of the smaller sprigges every one by it selfe upon a bare or naked stalke without leaves for a good space which are of a paler yellow colour than they and much larger which give seed somewhat of a darker colour than it the roote is as great and wooddy and spreadeth much in the ground 4. Abrotanum faemina Ericae folijs Fine Lavender Cotton This Lavender Cotton groweth not so great or high as the French kind but hath many short wooddy branches whereon doe sparsedly grow smaller shorter and finer whitish greene leaves very like to the leaves of common Heath the flowers are yellow standing in the like manner as the others doe this hath a fine small scent to commend it somewhat resinous not very faintish or weake 5. Abrotanum faemina folijs Rorismarini majus Rosmary leafed Lavender Cotton This kinde of Lavender cotton shooteth forth from his wooddy roote many slender hoary stalkes little above a foote long whereabout grow many very narrow small and flat leaves like unto the leaves of Rosmary which while they are young are more hoary white and have but a small shew of denting about the edges but when they are grown old they are more greene and the denting about the edges is more apparant of a sweet scent and bitter taste from these stalkes come forth divers short sprigges with very few leaves on them on the toppes whereof stand severall yellow flowers like unto Lavender cotton but much larger which die downe to the stalkes every yeare after it hath borne seed as the other kindes doe 6. Abrotanum faemina folijs Rorismarini minus Small Rosmary leafed Lavender cotton There is no difference betweene this and the last in the leaves and flowers but in the smalnesse thereof being more slender low and small in every part which is not by reason of the place as being more dry and barren where it groweth but growing in the same place with the former is smaller and the seed being sowne retaineth still the same forme it had in the naturall place 7. Abrotanum faemina viridis minor Small greene Lavender cotton This small kinde of Lavender cotton is very like unto the last small kinde but that it groweth somewhat greater and higher having greene and not hoary stalkes at all as the leaves also are and a little longer being as bitter in taste as it but not of so sweet a scent the flowers stand in the same manner upon slender stalkes and of the same fashion but of a paler yellow colour the roote is wooddy like it and full of small fibres 8. Abrotanum faemina repens Creeping Lavender cotton This creeping Lavender cotton also is a small low hearbe whose branches stand not upright but lie downe or as it were creepe upon the ground and are as white and hoary or rather more than the ordinary and so are the small dented leaves also but they are somewhat thicker and fuller the flowers likewise are yellow like thereunto but somewhat smaller and the smell is not much unlike unto it also 9. Abrotanum
called Caballina either because they gave it horses being the coursest or because it was not fit for men but horses the knowledge as well as importation whereof is almost utterly forgotten and neglected It is called in English hearbe Aloes after the Greeke and Sea Housleeke after the Latine name and Aygreene that is Evergreene Pliny and others have written of an Aloe metallica or fossilis in Iudea and other places but it is found by divers Writers to be an errour in them and no such thing to be found The second as Gamara in the end of his Mexican History saith is called of some of the Indians Meâ— and of some others Magney of some Spaniards Cardon because of the prickes about and at the end of the leaves and of others Fil y Aguilla that is to say thread and needle because it supplieth both their uses the sharpe end thornes serving as an aule or needle and the threads running within the leaves being spunne serving as thread Clusius calleth it Aloe Americana and so almost all other Authors after him onely Lobel calleth it Aloe folio mucronato Fragosus saith that the pricke of the thornes hereof are venemous The Vertues The first hearbe Aloe is usually hung up in houses to bee ready at hand upon all occasions to apply a little of the juyce of a leafe presently cut of or the peece of a leafe it selfe upon any cut or fresh wound which is found to bee singular good to soder and heale them even as Dioscorides saith that that sort which grew in Asia Arabia c. is of more use to glue or soder wounds than that which commeth out of India the leaves also are found to be exceeding cold in the hot Countres and of very great use and effects for all manner of scalding with water or burning with fire gun-powder or the like healing them quickly the nature of the juyce or Aloes it selfe is fit to thicken to dry to procure sleepe and moderately to heate it openeth the belly purgeth the stomacke and the yellow jaundise and stayeth the spitting or vomiting of blood if a dramme thereof be taken in faire water it is not onely a good purger of it selfe but is added also with other purgers to cause the lesse trouble in the stomack it healeth greene wounds and bringeth old sores to cicatrizing as also those of the genitors it healeth the chappes of the fundament the piles and breaking forth of blood from them being used outwardly but assuredly it is found not convenient for those that are troubled with the piles to take thereof inwardly because it heateth and maketh the blood of them to be the more sharpe and fretting It is also found to be more helpefull to flegmaticke than to hot dry and cholericke constitutions It easeth the paines of the head to â—ee taken in pills or being dissolved to anoynt the forehead and temples dissolved in wine and honey it helpeâ— the forenesse of the reynes and gums and all ulcers in the mouth being torrified in a cleane earthen vessell it is in especiall good medicine to be used with others for the eyes Galen sheweth that it is hot in the first degree compleat or second inchoate and dry in the third and hath a little astringent faculty therein also but exceeding bitter it openeth the belly and purgeth moderately the stomacke chiefly whereunto it is most friendly and comfortable above all other medicines for whereas all other purgers doe trouble and weaken the stomacke this onely is found to comfort and strengthen it and those humours that are in the lower parts next unto the passage for it is no strong or generall purger of the whole body to expell grosse humours but those onely that be in and about the belly And for this purpose the Aloes simply it selfe is fittest to be used for if it be washed it loseth the most part of the purging quality and hath onely a comforting and strengthening property left And therefore if Aloes that is washt be given to those that are feverish howsoever it may doe small harme to some yet it is found to doe much to others Masticke or Cinamon are accounted the best correctors or helpers to be mixt therewith when it is given It healeth also those ulcers that are hardly cured and especially those in the fundament and secret parts Mesues saith it cleanseth the head and stomacke and easeth those paines are incident unto them and that the continuall use thereof preserveth any from dangerous and deadly diseases and with Mirrhe preserveth the bodies not onely of the living but of the dead from all putrefaction and corruption which effects long before his time were well knowne to the world for the manner of embalming the bodies of the dead with Aloes and Myrrhe which was used among the Iewes as appeareth in the 19. Chapter of Saint Iohns Gospell the 39. verse where it is said that Nicodemus brought about 100. pound weight of Mirrhe and Aloes mixed together which was laid with the body of our Saviour Iesus in the Sepulchre But the Aloes that is mentioned in all other places of the Scriptures is understood to bee the Lignum aloes which the Apothecaries use in their shops in many medicines appointed both by Greeke and Arabian Authors as well inward as outward for sweet oyntments perfumes and other compositions and the Aloe tree is onely once or twice named as in the 24. of Numb and the 6. verse The parable of Balaam concerning the beauty of Iacob or the children of Israel in the faire spreading of their habitations to be like valleies stretched forth like gardens by the River side like the Aloe trees which Saint Ierome translateth Tabernacles that God planted as the Cedars beside the waters And in the 45. Psalme where Saint Ieromes translation hath Myrrha Gutta Casia it should be Myrrâ— Aloe Casia for the Hebrew word Ahalod which the most juditious doe translate Agallochum into Greeke and Lignum aloes into Latine It is often given to children for the wormes either of it selfe or in a few Raisons of the Sunne opened and the stones taken forth and some put therein or outwardly applyed to the belly under the navill made into a plaister with a little oyle of Wormewood or some other such thing Aloes also is often used in medicines for the eyes with a little honey to allay the heate in them to cleanse the inward roughnesse of the eye-lids and cleare the dimnesse of the sight that commeth by moist humours distilling into them by drying it up without sharpnesse or offence it healeth also the itching in the corners of them Being mixed with a little vinegar and oyle of Roses and the temples and forehead anoynted therewith about the time of rest doth much helpe the headach and is a meanes to procure sleepe to those that want if it be dissolved in wine and the head washed therewith it stayeth the falling of or shedding of the haire used with honey and wine it cleanseth
being put into the nostrels with milke and mixed with honey and old oyle it cureth the Kings evill being annointed therewith It bringeth downe womens courses that are stayed and killeth the birth if it be applyed to the secret parts It purgeth clammie and watery humors from the joynts and that strongly the juyce of the roote doth the same likewise and therefore used in glisters or layd as a plaister or pultis upon the place payned with the Sciatica easeth the paines thereof the same juyce of the roote boyled with wormewood in water and oyle cureth an inveterate megrime if the temples be often bathed therewith and some of the leaves and rootes be beaten together and layd as a pultis thereunto afterwards the juyce of the roote with a little milke cast up into the nostrels doth the same for it wonderfully purgeth the braine from excrements and healeth the evill savour of the nostrills caused thereby It cureth also the old paines of the head and the Epilepsie and being mixed with Goates dung and layde as a plaister upon any great or hard swellings or kernells it resolveth them The juice of the roote as well as of the fruite and so doth the decoction of them also saith Mesues being drunke doth helpe the dropsie for they mightily draw forth watery humors and the yellow Iaundise and all obstructions both of the liver spleene Dioscorides also sheweth this medecine to cure the dropsie Take saith he halfe a pound of the rootes hereof and being bruised let it be put into three quarters of a pint of strong wine giving thereof three ounces for 3 or 4 dayes together untill the tumour be discerned to be aboundantly wasted and fallen which thing it worketh saith he without any troubling of the stomacke A few graines of Elaterium mixed with conserve of Roses and some thereof taken will doe the like and herewith Castor Durantes saith he cured many The powder of the roote mixed with honey and layd upon any fowle scarre in the skinne doth attenuate it and taketh away the markes or blew spots that come upon bruising or blowes the roote boyled or layde to steepe in strong Vinegar cureth the morphew and clenseth the skinne of all foule spots freckles and other discolorings thereof and the powder of the dryed roote saith Dioscorides clenseth the face and skinne from all scurfe and taketh away the blacke or ill colour from any scarre the juyce of the leaves dropped into the eares easeth them of the paines and noyse therein and helpeth the deafenesse the decoction of the roote gargled in the mouth taketh away the paines of the teeth the powder of the roote mixed with honey and put into old sores and ulcers clenseth them throughly and thereby furthereth their healing wonderfuly Our Apothecaries doe most usually take the roote of this wilde Cowcumber as a substitute for the roote of Coloquintida or the bitter Gourd that not being so frequent or easie to be had as this CHAP. V. Scammonia Scamonye HAving shewed you in the two last Chapters some purging plants that runne or spread upon the ground or clime up by those things that are set by them let me conjoyne some other the like part growing naturally in our owne and part in other Countries and first of Scamonye which is properly a Convolvulus or winding Bell flower which we call Bindeweede I will comprehend in this Chapter also those onely that in forme and force in working come neerest unto the true the rest that differ shall follow 1. Scammonia Syriaca legitima The true Scammonie 3. Convolvulus major albus The great white Binde weed 1. Scammonia Syriaca legitima The true Scammonye The true Scammony hath a long roote of a darke ash-colour on the outside and white within and of the bignesse of an arme for such hath beene brought us from Tripoli with a pith in the middle thereof and many fibres thereat which being dryed as Matthiolus saith the pith taken out seemed so like unto the rootes of Turbith which are brought us from the farre remote Easterne parts none knowing what plant it is nor whereunto it is like some thinking it to be the roote of Tripolium or Sea-Starre-worte which Matthiolus confuteth others a kind of Ferula or Ferulaceous plant altogether improbable but that they are not so tough but more brittle that otherwise it might be thought to be the right Turbith of the Apothecaryes shoppes from whence arise many long round greene branches winding themselves like a Bindeweede about stakes or trees or any other herbes or things that stand next unto it unto a good height without any clasping tendrells like the true or wilde Vine from the joynts of the branches come forth the leaves every one by it selfe yet I have seene dryed plants that have had two leaves one against another upon short foote stalkes somewhat broad at the bottome with two corners next thereunto and some also round that I have seene and then growing long and narrow to the end being smooth and of a faire greene colour somewhat shining towards the tops of the branches at the joynts with the leaves come forth large whitish Bell flowers with wide open brimes and narrow bottomes after which come round heads wherein are contained 3 or 4 cornered blacke seede for such I have had given me from whence hath sprung plants which perished quickely not abiding a winter with me if any part of this plant be broken it yeeldeth forth a milke not hot or burning nor bitter yet somewhat unpleasant provoking loathing and almost casting 2. Scammonia Macrorhyza Cretica Long rooted Scammonye of Candye Prosper Alpinus in lib. de exoticis saith that he in his former times received from Candie another sort of Scammonye differing nothing from the true Scammonye here before described but in the fashion of the roote which is long and slender of about a fingers thicknesse but purging as strongly as that of Syria and this in my judgement doth very neere resemble our common white greater Bindeweede that shall follow next the Countrey making the difference onely as I thinke 3. Convolvulus major albus The great white Bindeweede Our great Bindeweede commeth as I think so neere unto the former Scammonye that excepting the largenesse of the rootes and the greater force in purging which may both proceede from the climate you would say this were altera eadem whose many slender winding stalkes runne up and winde themselves upon hedges or whatsoever standeth neere unto it having diverse large leaves growing severally thereon somewhat long and pointed at the further end and parted into two points at the broad part next to the stalke making it seeme almost three square being smooth and of a pale greene colour yeelding a milke being broken but not so plentifully as the Scamonye at the joynts with the leaves towards the toppes of the branches come forth large white Bell flowers without any division in them after which rise round skinnie huskes or heads conteining within them diverse blackish
made quickely into a very fine and white powder this I mention comparatively for it will be a very hard matter for any to know the best by relation but by inspection and chiefely by comparison of the good and bad together that so you may learne to know either of them at the first sight The dosis hereof as it is appointed by Dioscorides and others doth so farre exceede the proportion of our moderne Physitians that it hath made Pena to doubt that the Scammonye in Dioscorides time was more corrupt and encreased with other things than ours is because he gave so much and we doe give so little and Matthiolus on the otherside to doubt whether wee have any sincere Scammonye brought unto us at all or else that the text of Dioscorides is corrupt where he appointeth a dramme or foure obolos that is two scruples to be taken at a time and he setteth downe also that if a purging medicine be required to be effectuall you should take 3 aboli that is halfe a dram of Scammonye 2 oboli that is one scruple of blacke Hellebor and one dram of Aloes all these to be taken together at one time but the greatest dosis now adayes exceedeth not halfe an obolus to astrong body and lesse to the weaker or more tender Pena in his diligent observations and declarations hereof set downe in his Adversaria hath caused all whom it may concerne both to understand the choyse of this Scammonye as also thereby to bethinke them of the sincerity of other drugges and that as he guesseth the quantity of Scammonye is so great that is spent in all countries which is made onely in one that unlesse the quantity were augmented by mixture there could not be sufficient sincere and pure juyce to serve them by much and although in former ages and even in our former times there hath beene much false and corrupt Drugges brought into Europe and all the countries thereof farre and neere yet the skill and curiositie of these times is such that our Merchants taking onely the best for us of all sorts and refusing the course hath I thinke lessened if not worne out that sophisticating art in the masters thereof when they see that none but true and sincere is affected and bought the worst to lye on their hands untill it grow better It purgeth both flegme yellow choler and watery humors very stongly but if it bee indiscreetly or carelessely given without due respect it will not onely trouble the stomacke more than any other medecine but will also scowre fret and rase the gutts in working too forceably oftentimes unto blood and oftentimes causing faintings and swounings Our Physitians therefore doe seldome give to any tender and gentle body any Scammoniate Electuary and but in pills seldome any at all to avoyd the dangerous symptomes that often happen thereupon for Plinye Paulus Aeginata and others shew the dangers thereof and Mesues also declareth three severall hurts or harmes that come to the body thereby and the remedies of them which is not from the purpose to bee here set downe The first is saith he that it engendreth certaine gnawing windes in the stomacke so much offending it that it procureth a disposition to vomite To be baked therefore in a quince and some parslye fennell or wilde carrot seed or Galanga mixed with it is the remedy hereof The next is that it enflameth the spirits by the overmuch sharpnesse or fiercenesse therein whereby it readily induceth feavers especially in those that are subject to obstructions repleate with putrid humors which inconveniences are taken away by putting those things into your decoctions that doe coole and quench the heate thereof and such are the muccilage of the seedes of Psyllium or Fleawort Prunes boyled or rather the pulpe of them the juyce or the Iulep or the water of Roses or Violets or if before the boyling thereof that is the Scammonye you steepe it in the oyle of Roses or Violets or in the juyce of a sowre sweete quince and mingle with it a little Sumach or Spodium A third is that having a strong opening and drawing faculty it causeth immoderate fluxes of the belly by opening the mouth of the veines more than is fit This harme also is taken away by mixing astringent and restraining things with it such as Masticke is and especially yellow Myrobolanes and quinces or the juyce of them Againe it raseth or shaveth the intrales and guttes by reason of that sharpe juyce wherewith it doth abound and by which it procureth torments and paines therein the disease called Dysenteria which wee call the bloody flixe and Tenasâ—s which is a disease when one desireth to goe often to the stoole and can doe nothing but this danger is remedyed if moyst fat and slippery medecines be used as gum Tragacantha bdellium and oyle of Almonds and Roses as also the pulpe of prunes made up with Sugar the muccillage of Psyllium or Fleaworte seedes Masticke and quinces taken afterwards and warme water last of all all which cause it to passe the quicklier from the stomacke and bowels and thereby stay it from doing harme whereby those that are wise are taught to give the broth of barly sweetned with Sugar to drinke to those that have taken thereof This fault also is helped if cold medicines as well as hot being mixed together be given thereby to yeeld helpe to the heart liver and stomacke thus farre Mesues The juyce saith Dioscorides applyed to the wombe destroyeth the birth being mixed with honey and Oxe gall and rubbed on wheales pimples and pushes taketh them all away and boyled in Vinegar and annointed taketh away the Lepry or outward markes in the skinne being dissolved in Rosewater and vinegar and the head moystned therewith easeth the continuall paines therein A dramme or two of the rootes of Scammonye purge in the same manner that the juyce doth if some of the things appointed therewith be given with it the rootes boyled in water and made into a pultis with barly meale easeth the Sciatica being layd thereon it taketh away scurfes and scabbes if they be washed with the Vinegar wherein the rootes have beene boyled and also healeth apostumes Our English Bindweede hath beene experienced to be purging the rootes especially being boyled and the decoction thereof taken in a reasonable proportion That of Candy is mentioned in the description They of Mompelier have often used the dryed juyce of the fourth in stead of the true Scammonye when it was wanting but in a double quantity which yet did not worke so effectually CHAP. VI. Scammonia supposititia Supposed or Bastard Scammonyes THere be some other plants to be joyned next unto the true Scammonye for the strong purging quality in them but not either deadly or dangerous as the Apocynam is which else for the outward likenesse might be referred unto them 1. Scammonia Monspeliacae affinis Spanish Bastard Scammonye This Spanish kinde of Climer is very like unto the great
nations calling it Lupulus salictarius The Arabians have not onely remembred it but commended the use of it highly for many diseases as you shall heare by and by Mesues maketh it his third kind of Volubilis with rough leaves among his purging plants the Greekes at this day call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bryon and Bryonia it is likely for the forme of the leaves and running of the branches It is called Lupulus Lupus salictarius reptitius quia salit reptat per arbores vel quia scandit salices of all our moderne writers onely Lobel calleth it Vitis septentrionalium the Vine of the Northerne regions and Tragus as I sayd before thinking it to be Smilax aspera the Italians call it Lupolo the Spaniards Hombrazillos the French Honblon the Germaines Hopffen the Dutch Hoppe and we in English Hoppes The Vertues The first buds of the Hoppes being layd a while in sand maketh them the tenderer and being boyled are used to be eaten after the same manner that the buds of Asparagus are and with as great delight for the taste yet they have little nourishment in them their Physicall operation therefore is to open the obstructions of the Liver and spleene to clense the blood to loosen the belly and to clense the Raines from gravell and to cause them to make water in whom it is stayed the decoction of the toppes of the Hoppes of the tame as well as of the wilde and so also the rootes doe worke the same effects but that they are somewhat hotter than the young buds which have more moysture in them in clensing the blood they helpe to cure the French disease and all manner of scabbes itch and other breakings out in the body as also all tetters ringwormes and spreading sores the morphew likewise and all discolourings of the skin and are used in Agues the decoction of the flowers and tops are used to be drunk to helpe and expell poyson that any one hath drunk half a dram of the seede in powder taken in drink killeth the worms in the body it likewise bringeth down womens courses expelleth Vrine The flowers and heads being put into bathes for women to sit in take away the swellings and hardnesse of the Mother and is good for the strangurie or those that very hardly make their water the juyce of the leaves dropped into the eares clenseth the corrupt sores and stench arising from the corruption in them Mesues saith they purge choler but worke more effectually being steeped in whey of goates milke A Syrupe made of the juyce and sugar cureth those that have the yellow jaundise easeth the headach that cometh of heate and tempereth the heate both of the liver and stomack and is very profitably given in long hot agues that rise of choler and blood Those bakers that will use the decoction of Hoppes to mould up their bread shal make thereby their bread to rise better and be baked the sooner Clusius recitetn the manner of a medecine used in Spaine by women leeches to cure the falling of the haire caused by the french disease in this sort A pound of the roots of Hopps wel washed boyled in 8 pints of faire water to the consumption of the third part or a halfe if they see cause whereof they give half a pint to drink in a morning causing them to sweate well after into the decoction they put sometimes two or three roots of parsly and as many of couch grasse with a few Raysins of the sunne The Ale which our forefathers were accustomed onely to drinke being a kinde of thicker drinke than beere caused a stranger to say of it Nil spissius dum bibitur nil clarius dum mingitur unde constat multas faeces in ventre relinquit that is there is no drinke thicker that is drunke there is no Vrine cleerer that is made from it it must needes be therefore that if leaveth much behinde it in the belly is now almost quite left off to be made the use of Hoppes to be put therein altering the quality thereof to be much more healthfull or rather physicall to preserve the body from the repletion of grosse humors which the Ale engendred The Wilde Hoppes are generally used Physically more than the manured either because the Wilde is thought to be the more opening and effectuall or more easily to come by or that the owners of the manured will not spare or lose so much profit as that which would be taken away might yeeld yet assuredly they are both of one property take which you will or can get CHAP. XIII Bryonia sive Vitis sylvestris Bryonie or Wilde Vine VNder this title of Bryonye I must comprehend diverse and sundry plants some whereof are of our Land and found plentifully therein others are strangers comming from other parts Among which I must remember the Mechoacan of America a plant neerest resembling the white Bryonie as you shall heare when we come to it and some others also that are strangers of those parts 1. Bryonia vulgaris sive Vitis alba The common white Bryonie or wild Vine The white Bryonie or wild Vine that groweth commonly abroad ramping up on the hedges sendeth forth many long rough very tender branches at the beginning growing with many very rough broad leaves thereon cut into five partitions for the most part in forme very like a Vine leafe but smaller rougher and of a whitish or hoarie greene colour spreading very farre upon trees or bushes or whatsoever standeth next it and twining with his small claspers that come forth at the joynts with the leaves at the severall joynts also with the leaves and claspers come forth especially towards the toppes of the branches a long stalke bearing thereon many whitish flowers together in a long tufte consisting of five small leaves a peece layd open like a starre after which come the berries standing more seperate one from another then a cluster of grapes greene at the first and very red when they are through ripe of the bignesse of Nightshade berries of no good sent but of a most loathsome taste provoking vomit the roote groweth to be exceeding greate with many long twines or branches growing from it of a pale whitish colour on the outside and more white within and of a sharpe bitter loathsome taste 2. Bryonia alba vulgaris fructu nigro Common white Bryonie with blacke berries This Bryonie differeth from the former white kinde neither in the running rough branches or in the leaves or in any other thing from it but in these two particulars the berries hereof are blacke and not red when they are through ripe and the roote is of a pale yellow colour on the inside and somewhat brownish on the outside 3. Bryonia Cretica dicoccos Candie white Bryonie with double berries The white Bryonie of Candy shooteth forth many long rough trayling branches in the same manner like the former in all respects with clasping tendrells winding it selfe upon
that are troubled with shortnesse of breath the same also is very good for them that are bruised inwardly to helpe to expell the clotted or congealed blood Dioscorides also saith that the roote being taken helpeth those that are bitten with a viper or an adder the Foecula or white hardned juyce is often used to be taken to the weight of two or three graines at the most in wine or broth to all the purposes of purging aforesayd For outward applications Dioscorides saith that the leaves fruite and roote by the sharpe quality that is in them doe clense old and filthy sores are good against all fretting and running cankers gangraenes and tetters and therefore the berries usually called of the Country people Tetter berries are with good successe and often experience applyed to them the roote also clenseth the skinne wonderfully from all blacke and blew spots freckles morphew leprie foule scarres or any other deformity of the skinne whatsoever as also all running scabbes and manginesse either the powder of the dryed roote or the juyce thereof rudely taken but especially the foecula or fine depurate and hardened white juyce to be used at all times of the yeare The distilled water of the rootes worketh the same effect but more weakely yet the water is often used to cleere the skinne from spottes c. the roote being bruised and applyed of it selfe to any place where the bones are broken helpeth to draw them forth as also splinters or thornes in the flesh and being applyed with a little wine mixed therewith it breaketh byles and helpeth whitlowes on the joynts it is sayd that Augustus Caesar was wont to weare it with bayes made into a roule or garland thereby to be secured from lightning The rootes of the blacke Bryonie are of the same effect with the white but much weaker in purging choler and flegme and other humors and provoking Vrine in helping the falling sickenesse the palsie the passions of the mother and the other diseases before mentioned it doth in some sort clense the skinne of spots and markes but the white is both more used and more effectuall the juyce hereof or the roote it selfe boyled with wine and honey and drunke and the roote also bruised and applyed with honey to the Kings Evill is very effectuall to heale it and all other kernels knots or hard swellings either in or about the necke and throate especially or in other parts being applyed also in the same manner to any place out of joynt is good both to ease the paines and to consolidate and strengthen the sinewes that they be not easily againe put out of their place it is often used also with good successe being fresh bruised and applyed to the shoulders or armes that are full of paine and ach as also to such hippes or hucklebones as have the Sciatica or paines therein the leaves bruised with wine and layde upon the sore neckes of Oxen that are wrung with the yoake helpeth them Matthiolus saith it was reported unto him that the roote of our sixt Bryonie which I say is called beyond Sea Sigillum Beatae Mariae our Ladies seale or signet and which he thinketh to be the blacke Bryonie of Dioscorides being roasted in the embers and eaten is a powerfull medecine to helpe forward the acts of Venerie and addeth withall that it excelleth all other medecines taken for that purpose which yet he saith he can hardly beleeve yet Lobel doth yerke him for that report The Mechoacan is a familiar medecine used of many especially when we first had it as all new things are but now is much neglected although it be the same and worketh the same effects it is given to all ages young and old and to young children yea women with childe without any harme or danger as also at all times of the yeare for being without any evill taste or smell it may be the better taken of the most delicate and tender stomacke that doth loath all other medecines it is most usually being made into powder taken in wine or if any refuse that manner the roote may be boyled either in a little broth as it was to Queene Elizabeth in her last sickenesse without her consent or sence in the taste or wine and so taken the dose whereof in powder is from halfe a dramme to a whole dramme or a dramme and a halfe or two drammes as there is cause respect being had to the age and strength of the patient It purgeth cholericke and flegmaticke yea grosse viscous and putride humors whatsoever in the body as also the yellow waterish humors of the dropsie with much ease and facility it clenseth also the liver and spleene and like the true Rubarbe strengtheneth the stomacke corroborating the inward parts after purging and opening the obstructions of them it helpeth also all diseases that come from them as the dropsie the Iaundise c. for it rectifieth the evill constitution of the Liver by opening and dissolving the hardnesse thereof as also of the spleene and stomacke dissolveth also the windinesse and expelleth it it taketh away also all old or inveterate paines of the head by clensing the braine and the nerves and purging those rheumaticke distillations and humors that are in them it helpeth also all paines whatsoever in the joynts in particular or generall as the joynt aches or gout and those of the bladder and raines in procuring one to make water and the collicke also by expelling the wind wonderfully it helpeth the paines of the mother by tempering the cold humour and expelling the windinesse which are the causes thereof it helpeth the shortnesse of breath and the old cough It is also availeable in the French disease by taking it often as there is cause and purging the old peccant humors especially if the disease be not of any long continuance It taketh away also the cause of old and long lingring agues whether they be tertian or quotidian or other intermittive agues caused by obstructions The Ialap is in working and purging somewhat like unto the Mechoacan but exceedeth it in working more strongly and a little more churlishly upon both flegmaticke and watery humors yet strengthening both the liver and stomacke the manner to take it is being made into powder to drinke it in white wine fasting yet some take it in the distilled water of Cichorie or Borrage or else in broth made with cold herbes CHAP. XIIII Ricinus sive Palma Christi Palma Christ or great Spurge BEcause there be many sorts of Spurges and that this kinde of great Spurge doth much differ from all the other sorts hereafter set forth I thinke it fittest to ranke it in a chapter by it selfe before the other as a captaine to all the rest for although the properties be conformable to the Spurges yet so are not either forme of leaves flowers or seede of any of the foure or five sorts I shall here shew you Take this therefore as the first kinde 1. Ricinus sive Cataputia
and roote prepared helpeth the dropsie being carefully and with good advise taken the leaves sleeped a while in vinegar and afterwards dryed and made into powder which is the preparation of them may be given to the weight of three drammes saith Dioscorides which I hold proportionable to the reâ— of the great quantities of purgers given by the ancients whereof I have spoken before which is over large to be given to any in our time or at least nation the roote prepared in the manner aforesaid is given likewise to the weight of two drammes saith Dioscorides in meade or honeyed water but one dramme is so strong that it is not fit to be taken but with caution and by a strong body the seede saith Dioscorides may be taken to the weight of a dramme but seeing 9 or 10 seedes of the garden Spurge is a sufficient strong medicine I thinke so many of those seedes are too many by much and of the juyce or milke a spoonefull Dioscorides appointeth being made into pills with flower which is the strongest of them all an extract made artificially out of the rootes is much commended by many in the dropsie and other diseases before named but it had neede of an artist as well in the preparing as giving The Pills of Esula set downe in the 16 chapter before doe properly belong unto this place being to be made more properly of this Esula than of that The small annuall spurge is in purging like the other sorts but is not so strong for the diseases aforesaid as the former are The seede of Peplus or the round Esula being beaten and drunke in hydromel or honyed water purgeth flegme and choller The leaves are used to bee pickled up and kept to be used in meates and the powder of them saith Dioscorides strewed upon meate troubleth the belly The small purple Sea Spurge hath the same properties and is used to be pickled and eaten with the like effect that the former is The Petty or Tyme Spurge is used for paines of the mother if the young branches and leaves be bruised with a little wine and put up as a pessary The same boyled and taken doe purge the belly even as the milke or juyce doth also and is good against the stinging or biting of serpents and taketh away all manner of warts and excrescences of the like nature It is very effectuall for the dimnesse or mistinesse of the eyes to cleere the sight and also for watering or running eyes and to take away filmes or scarres that grow upon them used with a little honey The tuberous or knobbed Spurge saith Dioscorides purgeth downewards if the lower parts be taken and upwards if the upper parts be taken but the juyce to the quantity of halfe a dramme purgeth both wayes and so doth the plant being taken wholly together The manner of drawing out the juyce thereof is somewhat rude in regard of the exquisite manner of preparing extracts chymically in our dayes as Dioscorides setteth it downe is thus Beate the rootes and put them into a vessell full of water stirre them well therein and with a fether gather the upermost upon the water which being dryed and kept serveth for the uses aforesaid and for those that have the dropsie All these clense the skinne from discolouring even as the former doe and with as good successe There is none of them but are strong and violent and therefore great caution and advise is to be had in taking of them inwardly and therefore some appoint to put diverse cold hearbes to them in the taking but for outward applications there is the lesse feare of danger because if the skinne be any thing exulcerated and the parts inflamed helpe may sooner be had and applyed thereto than within the body CHAP. XIX Hippophaes Hippophaestum Hippomanes Thornie Milkewort or Fullers thorne BEcause Dioscorides speaketh of Hippophaes and Hippophaestum making them both Thornie plants yeelding milke and purging before Ricinus and the Tithymales and Theophrastus in his ninth booke and fifteenth chap. saith that Hippomanes is made of Tithymalus or lactaria Milkewort the best as hee saith was knowne to be made in Tegea and was held to be of great worth yet my Theophrastus in Latine which is very ancient without name of the Printer or yeare of the Printing hath in that place Hippophaes although I confesse I have seene Greeke copies which have had Hippomanes but surely Hippomanes being declared by other authors to bee a kinde of poyson made of the nature or thinne sperme of Mares as you shall heare by and by could not in my minde be so unknowne to Theophrastus that he should say it was made of the Tithymalls or Milkeworts but rather that Hippophaes was a Milkewort or made thereof for in his 6. booke and 4. chapter at the latter end he numbreth Hippophyon which Gaza translateth lappago among those plants that beare thornes at the leaves and in the same booke and 5. chapter he nameth Hippopheos which Gaza translateth lappago likewise to have gentle smooth leaves not like unto the Capers which have sharpe leaves as well as stalkes and in his 9 booke and 15 chapter maketh no mention either of forme having declared it before or of purging or poysonfull quality therein but numbreth it among other things the best whereof grow in Arcadia and nameth it next after the Elaterium made of the Wilde Cowcumbers so that it is probable his Hippophyon Hippopheos Hippophaes or Hippomanes whether you will for diverse doe thinke diversly was an herbe or roote that bore thornes as is before declared whose condensate milke or juyce was of much worth being made in Tegea I thinke it not a misse somewhat to declare both what I thinke Dioscorides his Hippophaes and Hippophaestum are and the derivation of the name and what Anguillara and others say of it also that say they have found it to incite some industrious to attaine it also if that which I shall shew you in my opinion be not it and likewise to shew what diverse authors doe report of Hippomanes that thereby the diversity of things might cleere Theophrastus from imputation of want of knowledge what Hippomanes was or variety from others and that his Hippopheos and Dioscorides Hippophaes was one and the same thing This therefore is the text of Dioscorides concerning Hippophaes Hippophaes wherewith fullers doe refresh garments groweth in gravelly grounds and neere the sea It is abushing plant thicke of leaves or well spreade having long leaves like unto the Olive tree but smaller and longer and betweene them many whitish hard thornes distant one from another The flowers stand in clusters like unto those of Ivye but smaller and more gentle somewhat reddish or blush out of a white the roote is thicke and tender full of juyce like milke and bitter in taste from whence as from Thapsia a juyce is taken which being dryed up either by it selfe simply or with the flower of Orobus or the bitter
hath it taken therefrom which thing Iunius Solinus Polyhister confirmeth in the 48 chapter of his booke onely he varyeth from Aristotle in saying it is of a brownish yellow colour which hee said was blacke And Plinye writeth also the same thing in his 8 booke and 42 chapter although he said also it was an other thing as you have heard before Virgill in his third booke of Georgickes hath these verses to shew what it is and whereto used taken as it should seeme from Aristotle Hinc demum Hippomanes vero quod nomine dicunt Pastores lentum distillat ab inguine virus Hippomanes quod saepe male legere novercae And Tibullus the Poet in his 2. booke and 4. Elegie hath the same also in effect in these verses Et quod ubi indomitis gregibus Venus afflat amores Hippomanes cupidae stillat ab inguine equae Anguillara is of opinion that the Hippomanes of Theocritus is the lesser Stramonium or thorne apple and the Cratevas whom Theocritus his interpreter doth cite saith that it is a plant whose fruite is like the wilde Cowcumber fruits but full of thornes Now if the ancients have left these doubts whether Hippomanes be an herbe or made of an hearbe and shew not certainely what the hearbe is or doe not all agree that it is the sperme of mares how shall we in these times compound the controversie The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the pure juyce of Hippophaes it selfe being dryed and the weight of halfe a scruple thereof taken or the weight of two scruples if it be made up with the meale of the bitter Vetche taken in meade or honyed water purgeth downewards flegme choller and water the whole plant rootes and all being bruised and put into meade and about a quarter of a pint thereof taken worketh in the same manner the juyce taken from both the plant and the roote as it is used to be done with Thapsia a dramme thereof taken at a time is a purgation of it selfe for the same purposes The juyce pressed out of the rootes leaves and heads of Hippophaestum is to be dryed and halfe a dramme thereof given to whom you will in meade or honyed water draweth forth flegme and water principally and chiefely this purgation is fit or convenient for those that are troubled with the falling sickenesse shortnesse of breath and aches in the joynts and sinewes CHAP. XX. Alypum Monspelâ—â—sium sive Herba terribilis Narbonensium Herbe Terrible BEcause this herbe is of a most violent purging quality sharpe and exulcerating withall very like unto the former Tithymalls I thinke it fittest to joyne it next unto them and another with it which by Pena his judgement is very like thereunto both for face and quality 1. Alypum Monspeliensium Herbe Terrible This terrible herbe hath many wooddy stalks rising two or three foote high dividing itselfe into smaller branches covered with a thinne barke the elder branches being of a darke purplish colour and the younger more red thicke set with small hard and dry leaves without order from the bottome to the toppe which are somewhat long and small at the setting on broader in the middle and sharpe pointed somewhat like unto small Mirtle leaves of a greenish colour on the upperside and whitish underneath at the top of every branch standeth a round flower in a scaly head consisting of many purplish thrummes or threds paler in the middle than round about somewhat like unto the head of a Scabious or rather Knapweede the roote is of a fingers thicknesse long wooddy and of a brownish colour somewhat salt if it grow neere the sea shore where it may drinke any of the Sea water or else not salt at all but bitter if it grow further off the leaves also tasting after the same manner 1. Alypum Monspeliensium sive Herba Terribilis Herbe Terrible Hippoglossum Valentinam Clusie 2. Tarton raire Massilicusium Gutworte or Trouble belly 2. Tarton raire Massiliensium Gutwort or Trouble belly The herbe Gutworte or Trouble belly hath very many hoary or silver white slender and very tough branches two foote high divided into many other smaller whereon grow many small white hoary leaves round about them smaller than those of Alypum the flowers are white and small set close together in a long tuft but so covered with the white woollinesse that they can scarse bee perceived after which come small blacke seede bitter and unpleasant and so fiery hot that if any shall either chew of them or the leaves a little in their mouth they will so heate the mouth lippes and jawes that no washing will for a long time take it away the roote is small long and wooddy with many fibres at it yellowish on the outside and white within nothing so hot bitter or unpleasant as the leaves or seede yet leaving a small hot taste at the end without any sent and not giving any milke it is saith Pena very like unto the Turbith of Alexandria or of the shoppes in the forme thereof The Place The first groweth on the mountaine or hill called Cestius or Cap de ceste and in other rockes and stony places hard by Marseilles in France as also in diverse places in Spaine as Clusius saith The second doth likewise grow neere Marseilles by the Seaside on a small hill neere thereunto called Mondrond as Pena saith and all a long the coast of Liguria and the Isles of Corsica and Sardinia as Lugdunensis saith The Time They flower not untill it be late with us but Clusius found the first in flower in the moneths of February and March as he saith in Spaine The Names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke quasi indolens inoffensumque remedium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per contrarium enim se habet quemadmodum in aliis Grace scilicet fella 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sive dulcia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Holostium tota ossea cum herba sit tenera appellans except it might rather be said to come from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est salsum vel maritimum because it groweth neere the sea in Latine it is called also Alypum herba terribilis according as the common people of Provence doe call it from the effects it worketh It is called also Alypias by Actuarius yet some thinke that his Alypias which as he saith purgeth flegme doth differ from his Alypum which purgeth blacke choller but Paulus reconcileth this doubt in his seaventh booke and fourth chapter where hee saith that the seede of Alypum purgeth downewards blacke choller taken with a little salt and Vinegar in the same quantity that Epithymum doth but if we credit Dioscorides saith he it doth lightly exulcerate the guts but is the same in my judgement saith Paulus which is now called Alypias the roote hereof as I sayd in the chapter of Tithymalls is called by Actuarius Turpetum album as that of Esula minor Turpetum nigrum There is some doubt with many whether we have the true
as small as those of the blacke thorne or slowe tree with a few thornes set here and there upon the branches but ending alwayes in a thorne the flowers are like unto the other but smaller and of an herby or whitish greene colour with smaller berries also succeeding them The Place The first groweth in many places of this land but especially in Kent as at the hither end of Dartford next unto London Farningham upon the Connie burrowes and in a narrow Lane neere South Fleete and in many other places The other Clusius found in Pannoniu and in Germany neere the bathes at Baden The Time They flower in Aprill and May their fruite is ripe in September and October The Names It is called Rhamnus although it can be referred to none either of Dioscorides or Theophrastus yet all agree it is a species or kind of Rhamnus and so even the thornes declare and therefore the word solutivus is added thereunto to denominate the difference Matthiolus I thinke first called it Spina infectoria and is by many followed therein Tragus calleth it Rhamni alia species yet knew not of any purging quality in it Dodonaeus called it Rhamnus solutivus and Lugdunensis Rhamnus Catharticus so doth Bauhinus Cordus calleth it Cervi spina Gesner Spina Cervina and Caesalpinus Spina Cervalis vulgo and some also Burgi spina from the French word Bourgespine whereby they call it as also Nerprun The other is called of Clusius Spina Jnfectoria pumila prima although Gerard hath called it in English Laxative Ram and Bucke horne yet I have rather entituled it a purging thorne as most fitting to it The Vertues The berries hereof dryed and a drame of the powder given in wine or the broth of flesh doth purge both flegme and grosse thicke humors also yet Pena saith it rather draweth forth thinne flegme and that from the joints and Arteries and therefore is singular good for dropsies some doe make an Electuary and some a Syrupe of the juyce of the berries clarified and Sugar or Honey put thereto but because it worketh a little troublesomely some spices are to be added thereto to aromatise it as Cinamon Ginger and Cloves and some adde Masticke and roses also which doth correct the evill quality therein and cause it worke without paine an ounce or more of either Electuary or Syrupe may be given at a time dissolved either in wine or in the broth of flesh which will draw forth raw whayish humors and choller aboundantly as also thicke clammie flegme for it worketh not with any troublesome heating of the parts but doth strengthen them after purging not causing any flux to follow Of these berries are made three severall sorts of colours as they shall be gathered that is being gathered while they are greene and kept dry are called Sappe berries which being steeped in some Allome water or fresh bruised into Allome water they give a reasonable faire yellow colour which painters use for their workes and Bookebinders to colour the edges of bookes and leather dressers to colour leather as they use also to make a greene colour called Sappe greene taken from the berries when they are blacke being bruised and put into a brasse or copper kettle or pan and there suffered to abide three or foure dayes or a little heated upon the fire and some beaten Allome put unto them and after pressed forth the juyce or liquor is usually put up into great bladders tyed with strong thred at the head and hung up untill it be drye which is dissolved in water or wine but sacke is the best to preserve the colour from starving as they call it that is from decaying and to make it hold fresh the longer the third colour whereof none that I can finde hath made mention but onely Tragus is a purplish colour which is made of the berries suffered to grow upon the bushes untill the middle or end of November that they are ready to droppe from the trees CHAP. XL. Anagyris Laburnum Beane Trefoiles THe Anagyris and Laburnum are such congeneres so like the one unto the other that diverse writers doe call that Anagyris which others call Laburnum and indeed I know no other distinction betweene them than of foetens non foetens major minor 1. Anagyris foetida Stinking Beane Trefoile The stinking beane Trefoile in his naturall places which are the hot Countries of Spaine and Naâ—bone in France seldome groweth to be higher than a man but transplanted into more cold and temperate climates riseth twise so high having the barke of the body and elder boughes of a darke grayish greene colour the younger of a fresher greene from whence shoote forth at diverse places three somewhat large leaves together standing upon a pretty long footestalke of a greene colour on the upperside and of an hoary or silver shining colour underneath of a strong unpleasant sent like unto stinking Gladwin especially in the hot countries for in the colder countries it is nothing so much and very little in ours as I have tryed who have had it many times growing with me at the joynts with the leaves come forth many flowers standing upon a long stalke one by another which are larger than in any Cytisus almost as great as the Colutaea the lower leaves being of a paler yellow colour and the uppermost which cover them of a deeper gold yellow which after turne into large and long flattish cods wherein lye foure or five seedes twise as big as in the other almost as big as Kidney beanes and more discoloured than the other that is of a darke purple spotted which were of a fairer purple before they 1. Anagyris faetida Stinking Beane Trefoile 2. Lâ—burnum majus The greater lesse stinking Beane Trefoile were thorough ripe the roote thrusteth not deepe into the ground but is well fastened with branches and fibres within the ground Of this kind there is one growing in Candy whereof Honorius Bellus gave knowledge to Clusius that hath rounder leaves which as yet I never saw 2. Anagyris non faetida sive Laburnum majus The greater lesse stinking Beane Trefoile This Beane Trefoile groweth larger in body and branches than the former and sometimes shooteth forth diverse stemmes from the roote the wood whereof is very firme and hard yellow toward the barke and blackish at the heart whereof the strongest bowes are made and stakes that will abide hard in the ground longer than others with leaves larger than either the former or the smaller sort of a darkish greene above and silver colour underneath like them the flowers are more in number and smaller than in the former the stalkes of flowers hanging downe and not standing up being sometimes almost a foote long and not so long as in the former and are for the most part all of one pale yellow colour the cods likewise are blacker shorter and smaller and so are the seedes within them also yet greater than in the lesser sort else much
these sorts of Myrobalanes have a gentle purging quality some more and some lesse then others some also purging choller some flegme and some melancholy but they have in them also an astringent quality much more then is in Rubarbe the Citrines and Bellericks that is the yellow and the round Myrobalanes doe purge choller gently the Chebules and Emblici that is the purple and six square Myrobalanes doe purge flegme and the Indies or black ones melancholly the decoction or infusion of them all doth purge better then any wayes else yet so gently that in evacuating the humors they strengthen the stomacke the liver and the heart but given in pouder they binde the body more then purge it and indeed the binding quality in them all especially in the dryed fruits is more prodominant and as Garzias saith the Indians wholly use them for that purpose and therefore they are the best medecines to be mingled with Scamony and all other violent purgers to restraine their violence and to correct their fiercenesse and yet as Mesues saith they are often put with Cassia Manna Tamarind to helpe the working of them as a most safe medecine the Bellericks and Emblicks by purging the stomack from rotten flegme lying therein and strengthning the braine and joynts the heart and liver and binding all other loose or fluent humors in the parts of the body are very effectuall as also for the trembling of the heart and to stirre up the appetite stay vomiting and restraine the fury and belchings of choller to increase the power and facultie of the spirits to qualifie the excessive heat of the inward parts and the thirst is raised thereof and doe helpe and give ease to those that are truobled with the hemorrhoides or piles by restraining the fiercenesse of choller flowing unto them and for this last effect the Citrines are most used also for all hot constitutions and in all hot agues where there are no obstructions for they as all the other sorts also doe rather cause obstructions and therefore in all such when they are to be used they are to bee corrected with Wormewood or the juice of Fumiterry or with Rubarbe Agarick Spiknard and the like as also with other opening and diureticall things the Chebules in especiall doe purge flegme sharpen the memory cleare the eye sight clense and strengthen the stomacke and are very effectuall against the dropsie and all old agues the Indies or blacke Myrobalanes in speciall doe purge melancholy and blacke or burnt choller and thereby are availeable for the quartaine Ague the Lepry or foule evill and all paralaticke diseases the Embliks and Bellericks in especiall purge flegme and comfort the braine very much as also the heart and stomacke stay vomiting and stirre up the appetite They all of them in generall are of especiall use in all Fluxes both of the stomack and belly by gently purging the maligne fluxibilitie of the humors and strengthning and binding the parts afterwards but as an especiall receit to binde or stay an old continued Laske I have knowne this medicine doe much good Take and burne a pint of Claret wine with a little Rosemary and Sugar whereinto put to steepe all night one dram of Rubarbe first sliced and tosted at the fire and halfe a dram of Chebule Myrobalanes which standing by the fire all night and strained forth in the morning is to be taken at two severall times a draught in the morning fasting which if it helpe not sufficiently the first time being renewed and taken two dayes more will certainly stay the laske wholly if the malignity and sharpenesse of the humors bee not so strong that scarse any medecine will cure it The Chebule Myrobalanes broken and steeped in Rosewater or in the clarified juice of Fennell for two or three dayes and after strained forth this water dropped into the eyes doth clere the sight and a fine cloth wet therein and often applyed taketh away the heat and inflammation in them and stayeth rheumes and distillations into them the pouder of any of the Myrobalanes and Masticke put into running Vlcers and sores dryeth up the moysture and consolidateth them The Chebules and the Emblicks are often brought over unto us preserved whereof the Chebules are more used Physically for such purposes as are before set downe then the Emblicks are which being nothing harsh in taste as the Chebuls but being very pleasant are more often used as a delicate preserved Plum among other junckets then for any Physicall respect CHAP. XLII Agaricus Terebinthina ex Larice Agaricke growing on the Larch tree and the fine cleare Turpentine taken from it also BEcause the Rosin or Turpentine of the Larch tree doth gently open and purge the belly but more especially the Agaricke that groweth thereon I must to shew you the manner of growing of Agaricke give you also the view of the body of the tree from whence it is taken and some branches and leaves thereon to be knowne by but the description of the tree it selfe shall be shewed you among the other Coniferas Resiniferas arbores trees that beare Cones or Pine apple like fruit and out of which is extracted a cleare liquid Rosin or Turpintine called in shoppes Agaricus ex Larice Agaricke growing on the Larch tree Venice Turpentine by boring the tree to the heart and receiving it into vessells and from the body of the tree when it is growne great and old in many places and from the greater armes and boughes also groweth certaine excressences like Mushromes but greater called Agaricke of divers and severall sises that is from the bignesse of ones hand lesse or more to be as bigge as any mans head and sometimes greater covered with a hard blackish barke which being cut and pared away the substance under it appeareth very white and if it be of the best sort very light also easie to breake loose or spungie and without strings through it somewhat sweete in taste at the first but very bitter afterwards and not having any hard barke on the outside the blacke heavy and hard is utterly unfit to be used in Physicke The Place The Larch tree groweth in many woods about Trent and Brixia in Italy and neare the rivers Benacus and Padus and in Galatia a Province of Asia as Dioscorides and Galen doe record and in Agaria a country of Sarmatia from whence the Agaricke tooke the name in Silesia also Moravia Lusatia And the Agaricke is gathered in most of these places so is the Turpentine likewise but especially from the woods about Trent c. The Time The Rosin or Turpentine is gathered in the hottest time of the yeare and the Agaricke at the latter end thereof that is November and December especially The Names This tree is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek and Larix or Larice in Latin Pliny hath in no one thing in all his History shewed his inconstancie and repugnancie more than in this one tree not onely in not
ordinary small Centory 3. Centaurium minus spicatum album Small spiked Centory 4 Centaurium minus luteum vulgare Small yellow Centory 5.7 Centaurium minus luteum perfoliatum minimum luteâ— The small yellow thorough leafed and branched Centory and the least yellow greater the stalke sendeth forth sometimes diverse long branches from the joynts and sometimes but onely at the toppe at the joynts whereof stand two somewhat broad and long pointed leaves so compassing the stalke about the bottome and making it seeme as if it ranne thorough them that they will hold the dew or raine that falleth upon them the flowers that stand at the toppes of the small branches are somewhat larger than those of the ordinary sort composed of sixe or eight leaves of a fine pale yellow colour and sometimes deeper after which come bigger heads and somewhat greater seede than the other the roote is small and white like the former this is not so bitter as the former 6. Centaurium minus luteum non ramosum Small yellow unbranched Centory These is another of this kind of yellow Centory found that differeth not in leafe or flower from the former but the stalke bearing perfoliated leaves brancheth not forth but beareth onely one flower at the toppe which hath made it noted to be a different kinde from the other 7. Centaurium minimum luteum The least yellow Centory The least yellow Centory differeth not much from the last described saving that it is lesse in every part and beareth two or three or more small flowers at the toppe of each stalke The Place Most of those Centories are found in our owne country in many places the ordinary sort almost every where in fields pastures and woods yet that with the white flower more sparingly by much than the first the spiked kinde groweth about Mompelier and upon the Euganean hills neare Padoa The first yellow Centory groweth in many places of Kent as in a field next unto Sir Francis Carew his house at Bedington neare Croydon and in a field next beyond South-fleete Church towards Gravesend and in many other places where the other sorts are sometimes found The Time They doe all flower in July or there abouts and seede within a moneth after The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Centaurum parvum minus Pliny maketh three sorts his Centaureae Chironia is Dioscorides his Centaurium majus his Centaurium is this little Centory and his third he nameth Centauris triorchis mistaking Theophrastus his meaning lib. 9. cap. 9. where he speaketh of that kinde of Hawke called in Latine Buteo a Bussard and in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of whom they that did gather this Centory should take heed to be hurt Gesner and Dalechampius doe both note Pliny of this his errour herein of some Centaurea and for the excessive bitternesse fel terrae and for the qualitie febrifuga of some also Multi radix but for what cause I know not Dioscorides saith it was called Limnesion and Pliny Libadion because it loveth to grow in moist places It is thought to be that herbe that Theophrastus counted among the Panaces and called Leptophyllum Pliny saith it was called of the Gaules in his time Exacon because it did purge by the belly all other evill medicines out of the body It is called in Italian Biondella because women did with the lye thereof cleare and whiten their haire as Matthiolus saith but Lugdunensis saith it doth make the haire yellow Bauhinus calleth the third Centaurium minus spicatum album Lugdunensis calleth the sixt Centaurium luteum alterum and Fabius Columa the last Centaurium minus luteum non descriptum or Centaurium luteum novum The yellow Centory is called by Mesues Centaurium floribus luteis sive citreis pallidis and is thought by some to be the Achylleos vera that Pliny mentioneth in his 35. Booke and 5. Chapter and therefore Gesner in hortis calleth it Perfoliata Achyllea The Arabians call it Kantarion sages Canturion sege or Segir the Italians as is before said Biondella Cantaurea minore the Spaniards Cintoria felde tierra the French Petite Centoire the Germans Tausent guldenkrant and Fieberkraut the Dutch Kâ—in Santory unde Eerdegall and we in English small Centory The Vertues Dioscorides Pliny Galen Mesues and the other Arabian Physitions with diverse others doe all agree that the lesser Centory being boyled and drunke purgeth chollericke and grosse humors and helpeth the Sciatica and yet Dodonaeus seemeth to averre that it hath no purging qualitie in it that he could finde by much experience thereof which words and saying Gerard setteth downe as if himselfe had made the experience when as they are the very words of Dodonaeus it is much used with very good effect to be given in agues for it openeth the obstructions of the liver gall and spleene helping the jaundise and easing the paines in the sides and hardnesse of the spleene used also outwardly making thinne both the bloud and humors by the clensing and bitter qualities therein it helpeth also those that have the dropsie or the greene sicknesse as the Italians doe affirme who much use it for that purpose in pouder it is of much use to be boyled in water and drunke against agues as all know it killeth the wormes in the belly found true by daily experience it helpeth also to drie up rheumes as Galen saith being put with other things for that purpose the decoction thereof also the toppes of the stalkes with the leaves and flowers are most used is good against the chollicke and to brring downe womens courses helpeth to avoid the dead birth and easeth the paines of the mother and is very effectuall in all old paines of the joynts as the gout crampes or convulsions a dramme of the pouder thereof taken in wine is a wonderfull good helpe against the biting and poison of the Adder or Viper the juice of the herbe taken while it is greene as is used in other herbes and dried in the Sunne or by decoction and evaporation by the fire as was used in ancient times worketh the same effects but the distilled water of the herbe as it is more pleasant to be taken so it is lesse powerfull for any the purposes before spoken of because it wanteth that substance and bitternesse that is in the herbe the juice thereof with a little hony put to it is good to cleare the eyes from dimnesse mistes or cloudes that offend and hinder the sight it is singular good both for greene or fresh wounds and also for old ulcers and sores to close up the one and clense the other and perfectly to cure them both although they be hollow or fistulous the greene herbe especially being bruised or laid too the decoction thereof dropped into the eares clenseth them from wormes clenseth the foule ulcers and spreading scabbes of the head and taketh away all freckles spots and markes in the skinne being washed therewith The yellow
Alpinus saith The Time They all flower in the Sommer Moneths and give their seede shortly after The Names All these small Madders have their denominations in their titles as they are called by Clusius Bauhinus and others that have mentioned them onely the fift I take to be the Myagrum alterum minus Dalechampii of Lugdunensis and the seaventh is called by Fabius Columna Cruciata nova Romana minima muralis and peradventure is the same that Caesalpinus calleth Cruciata minima in maritimis which Bauhinus hath altered and called Rubia echinata saxatilis The Vertues These small Madders as by their taste and temperature may be gathered are of the same property with the greater kindes but are lesse effectuall in every respect CHAP. LVII Psyllium Fleawort THe ancient writers have delivered us but one fort of Fleawort but there hath beene in later times some others knowne which shall be here set forth together 1. Psyllium vulgare The ordinary Fleawort The ordinary Fleawort riseth up with a stalke two foote high or more full of joynts and branches on every side up to the toppe and at every joynt two small long and narrow whitish greene leaves somewhat hayrie at the toppes of every branch stand diverse small short scalie or chaffie heads out of which come forth small whitish yellow threds such as the Plantaine heads doe give which are the bloomings or flowers the seede enclosed in those heads is small and shining while it is fresh very like unto fleas both for colour and bignesse but turning blacke when it groweth old the roote is not long but white hard and wooddie perishing every yeare and raysing it selfe againe of it owne seede for diverse yeares if it be suffered to shed the whole plant is somewhat whitish and hayrie smelling somewhat resinous or like Rossen 2. Psyllium majus semper virens The greater ever greene Fleawort This Fleawort differeth not from the former in the manner of growing but onely that his stalke and branches being somewhat greater doe a little more bow downe to the ground the leaves are somewhat larger the heads somewhat lesser the seede alike and the roote and leaves abide all the winter and perish not as the former 3. Psyllium Indicum foliis crenatis Indian Fleawort with dented leaves Indian Fleawort hath a wooddy reddish rough stalke next to the ground about a foote high spreading forth into diverse branches the leaves that stand at the joynts thereof are somewhat long narrow pointed at the end and notched or rather somewhat torne on the edges and hayrie also like the former the toppes of the branches are more stored with heads than the former but of the same bignesse and fashion with flowers and seede shining like the other 4. Psyllium minus Small Fleawort The small Fleawort hath small round reddish branches leaning downe to the ground not above a handbreadth high spreading into more branches as having three or foure at a joynt and two leaves standing at every of them one against another as in the former but very short and narrow the small heads that stand at the tops of the stalkes have two small long leaves and sometimes more set under every of them one longer then another and in time bowing downewards and somewhat Psyllium vulgare The ordinary Fleawort hard the bloomings or flowers are white and the seede that flowreth is shining and like the other but smaller the roote is small and white with divers Fibres thereat The Place The first groweth in the fields and untilled places of Spaine and Italy but with us no where but in gardens The second groweth more plentifully in the fields that are neare the sea The third is thought to come out of the Indies as the name importeth but we are not sure thereof The last is naturally of Egypt or Arabia and grew in the most noble Signior Bembo his garden at Padoa The Time All these Fleaworts flower in July or thereabout with us but in their naturall places all the Summer long yet the last is the latest with us The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Psyllium Pulicaris herba Pusicaria because the seede is like unto Fleas and not because it driveth away Fleas being brought greene into the house for that is false there is also another Pulicaria called Conyza which we have shewed before The Arabians call it Bazara Chatama and Bezercothune The Italians Psyllio the Spaniards Zargatona the French Herbe aux Poulx The Germans Psilienraut and wee in English Fleawort and not Fleabane for that is Conyza as is shewed before The first is generally called Psyllium of all writers Gesner in hortis Germaniae calleth it Cynops of Theophrastus The second is called by Matthiolus Psyllium alterum Gesner and Camerarius call it Psyllium perenne Lobel in his Adversaria calleth it Psyllium PlinianuÌ„ forte majus radice perenne the third is Anguillara his first Psyllium and thought by Bauhinus to be the true Psyllium of Dioscorides and by him called Indicum because the seede came to him under that name The last as Bauhinus saith he had from the most noble Bemâ— hiâ— Garden at Padoa under the name of Gottne rabrum as he had another called album which is a kind of Holostiâ— Bauhinus mentioneth Prosper Alpinus to call it Gottne rubrum but I can finde no other then Gottne msegiar Gâ—ssipium arboreum in his Egyptian plants he saith also that it was sent him from Heidelberg by Sprengerus with the name Botrio rubro The Vertues All Authors doe confirme that the seede of Psyllium is cold which Mesues attributeth to the barke or outside saying that the inward pulpe thereof is hot sharpe and drying but divers doe utterly mislike and refuse that opinion the muccilage of the seed made but indeed the seede is seldome buised by any Artist but alwayes steeped whole with barly water and some syrupe of Roses or Violets put thereto and drunke doth purge downewards grosse flegme and burnt choller but the seede being fryed and so taken stayeth the flux or laske of the belly and the corrosions that come by reason of hot chollericke sharpe and malignant humors or by the superpurgation of any violent medicine such as Scamony or the like worketh the muccilage of the seede made with Rose-water and a little Sugar Candy put thereto is very good in all hot agues and burning feavers and other inflammations both to coole the thirst and to lenifie the drinesse and roughnesse of the tongue and throate it helpeth also the hoarsenesse of the voyce and diseases of the brest and lungs caused by heat or sharpe salt humors and the Pleurisie also the muccilage of the seede made in Plantaine water whereunto the yolke of an egge or two and a little Populeon is put is a most safe and sure remedy to ease the sharpenesse prickings and paines of the hemorrhoides or piles if it bee laid on a cloth and bound thereto it helpeth also all inflammations in any
humors or from obstructions that are the cause of cholericke and putride feavers the same is good also for the jaundise and spendeth it by the urine which it procureth in abundance as Aegineta saith The juyce thereof saith Tragus and the pouder of the roote of Esula prepared in equall proportion that is a dramme provoketh vomiting where there is cause being taken in warme water and cureth the dropsie because it is somewhat windie it is good to use aniseede and fennell seede with it the pouder of the dried herbe given for sometime together hath cured a melancholy person as Brasavola saith but the seede is strongest in operation for all the purposes aforesaid The distilled water of the herbe is much used also and thought to cause good effect in all the former diseases and beside as Tragus saith conduceth much against the Plague or Pestilence being taken with good Treakle which it driveth forth by sweate the same water also with a little water and hony of Roses helpeth all the sores in the mouth and throate being gargled often therewith the juyce dropped into the eyes cleareth the sight and taketh away the rednes and other defects in them although it procure some paine for the present and bringeth forth water or teares Dioscorides saith that it hindereth any fresh springing of the haires on the eye liddes if after they be pulled away the eye browes be anointed with the juyce that hath Gun Arabeck dissolved in it the juyce of Fumiterry and of Docks mingled with vinegar and the places gently washed or wet therewith cureth all sores of scabbes itches wheales pimples or pushes that rise in the faceor hands or in any other part of the skinne of the body The lesser or fine leafed Fumitterry as also the climing Fumiterry worke to the same purposes but more weakely the yellow Fumiterry is also effectuall in most of the diseases aforesaid and besides that it provoketh urine abundantly it is very effectuall for the cholicke taken greene or dry in wine for many dayes Those Fumiteries with hollow and firme rootes are each of them effectuall both against poison and the pestilence being made into pouder and drunke and afterward the party laid to sweate the same also provoketh urine and helpeth the jaundise the seede being bruised and drunke helpeth fluxes and laskes the rootes are also singular good to heale and drie up putrid and running ulcers CHAP LXIII Aristolochia Birthwort ALthough divers doe thinke that none of the Aristolochia's or Birthworts doe purge or open the belly at all yet because Mesues the great Arabian Physitian numbreth it among his purging plants and Dodonaeus doth in the same manner I thinke it not amisse to doe so likewise Of these Birthworts Dioscorides and Galen have onely made three sorts which are the round the long and the running Birthworts Pliny hath added a fourth which he calleth Pistolochia or Polyrrhizos of all which there are some differences observed in these latter dayes which shall be declared in this Chapter 1. Aristolochia rotunda vulgatior The more ordinary round rooted Birthwort This round rooted Birthwort sendeth forth diverse long trayling square stalkes sometimes halfe a yeard long or better not able to stand upright but lie or leane downe to the ground with few or no branches issuing from them but with many round yellowish greene leaves full of veines standing at distances without order one beyond the other every one upon a short footstalk at every joynt with the leaves from the middle of these stalks upwards to the top commeth forth one long hollow flower apeece smaller at the bottome broader at the top with along peece or flippet as it were at one side of the top bending downe both of them of a deadish yellow or somewhat brownish colour and somewhat blackish purple on the inside this flower Dioscorides compareth to a cap or hood which as it should seeme was their fashion in his time after the flowers are past come in their places small round and somewhat long fruite of diverse sises some as bigge as a Wallnut without the shell some as bigge as it is with the outward greene shell and some lesser than both which when it is ripe openeth into three parts shewing the seede lying in order within it separated by certaine skinnes somewhat flat and round the roote is tuberous bunched out diversly of a darke or swart colour on the outside and more yellow within 1. Aristolochia rotunda vulgatior Round rooted Birthwort 3. Aristolochia longa vera The true long rooted Birthwort 5. Aristolochia Clematitis The running rooted Birthwort 2. Aristolochia rotunda altera Another round rooted Birthwort This other Birthwort is like the former for the manner of growing but the stalkes are more and shorter the leaves are somewhat greater and have each a longer foote stalke the flowers are of a pale or whitish purple on the outside and browne on the inside with a few haires set therein scarse to be discerned as is usuall to all the sorts the fruite is somewhat longer and peare fashion more pointed at the end the seede is flat somewhat lesse and red the roote is like the other but a little yellower 3. Aristolochia longa vera The true long rooted Birthwort The long rooted Birthwort is so like unto the round that it is very hard for one not throughly exercised in the knowledge of both to distinguish them the chiefe differences be these the stalke is shorter the leaves are smaller harder and paler the flowers are more whitish and greenish but like in forme the fruite is somewhat long like a peare somewhat like the other or last round rooted Birthwort but not so much pointed the seede differeth not but the roote hereof is long and not round or tuberous like the other as bigge as a mans wrest sometimes or bigger but most usually lesse of halfe a foote or a foote in length sometimes 4. Aristolochia longa Hispanica The Spanish long Birthwort This Spanish kinde differeth very little from the last recited long rooted Birthwort for in the flower and roote is the onely difference to be observed the flower in this is somewhat more purple both the flippet or eare and the innerside of the toppe of the flower the roote likewise is shorter for the most part and blunter at the lower end or nothing so much pointed 5. Aristolochia Clematitis The running rooted Birthwort The running rooted Birthwort groweth with longer stronger and rounder stalkes than the former even three or foure foote long branched oftentimes like the long rooted kind whereon grow much larger and broader leaves and of a paler greene colour then any of the other at the joynts with the leaves come forth the flowers as the other sorts doe but whereas none of them bring above one flower at a joynt this bringeth three or foure like unto the rest for forme but of a pale greene colour like the long the fruite hereof likewise is greater than any of the other as the
passe with greater delight to his reader both in his ample narration and fabulous concertation betweene Art and Nature in that he giveth a greatfull Vehiculum to ease the long journey but this large volume will not admit such spacious relations and therefore I will abreviate his long discourse with as briefe a description as the subject will permit and referre those to the authour that list to reade all at large In a small time that is in two or three yeares in a warme countrey this riseth up to be like a pretty great shrubbe or small tree whose stemme or trunke being somewhat white and wooddy five or sixe inches thicke covered with a smooth whitish barke whose lower branches being pruined the upper boughes spread into a round compasse whereon are set diverse broad rough leaves somewhat like to Vine leaves cut into severall partitions and nicked about the edges of a faire greene colour on the upper side and grayish underneath on thicke long and rough reddish foote stalkes sometimes but one and often two or three at a joynt which doe abide the Winter without falling away at the toppes of the branches come forth the flowers standing in greene huskes divided at the toppes into five parts in some of these plants the flowers will be single consisting of five sixe eight or tenne large crumpled leaves all white or a little blush towards the edges in others the flowers will be very double and as large as a Provence Rose of the same colours but after they have abiden a while blowen open they change more blush and on the fading deeper these changes are often seene in one and the same day yet many times not in two or three dayes abiding in the middle of the flowers standeth a greene head compassed with many yellow threds as the Rose hath which head growing to maturitie hath sundry ridges and furrowes on the outside and full of seede within distinguished by severall partitions and are reddish somewhat small long round and crooked and a little hairie at the backeside 163. seedes have beene numbred to be taken out of one seede vessell the roote is long white and woody diversly spread under ground with some small fibres issuing from them Divisio secunda The second Division 1. Alcea vulgaris sive Malva Verbenaca Fine cut or Vervaine Mallow The lower leaves of this Vervaine Mallow are soft and greene somewhat like unto the wild common Mallow leaves but lesser and more cut in on the edges besides the denting but those that grow up higher upon the stalke whose barke may be broken into threds like hempe and is sometimes as high as the ordinary wild kinde is are more cut in and divided somewhat like unto Vervaine the flowers hereof are of a paler purple colour than the common mallow but in most not so much divided into severall leaves and laid so open but abiding more close or lesse spread and without those stripes oftentimes being smooth and somewhat shining the seede and seede vessels are like the common Mallow the roote also is long tough and white but somewhat more wooddy within 2. Alcea vulgaris flore albo Vervaine Mallow with white flowers This Vervaine Mallow that beareth white flowers doth somewhat differ in leaves from the former for that they are more finely cut in on the edges then it is in the flower consisteth a chiefe difference also which is white yet tending a little to a blush the seedes and rootes differ not 3. Alcea minor Small Vervaine Mallow There is a lesser kinde of the Vervaine Mallow never growing so great or high but alwayes abiding lower like as the small Mallow doth the leaves hereof are more divided and cut in on the edges and most usually into five parts and deepely dented also the flowers are purple like the ordinary Vervaine Mallow but lesser and that maketh the difference 4. Alcea minor villosa Small hairy rough Vervaine Mallow The small hairy Mallow hath many very low and hoary stalkes not above a foote high divided into lesser branches set with diverse small hoary hairy leaves cut into three or more divisions at the tops of the stalkes and branches grow diverse large purple flowers like unto the first but every one standing in a hairy huske almost prickly after which commeth black seede contained in those hairy husks that bore the flowers but more closely inclosed in them the roote is of a pale browne colour about the length of an hand with small fibres hanging at it 5. Alcea Aegyptia moschata The Egyptian Muske Mallow One sort of Egyptian Mallow I have as I said in the beginning of this Chapter set forth already but this differeth from that in these particulars both stalke and leaves are all hairy over the leaves are parted into seven or eight parts or corners the flower is sharper pointed more yellow and as sweete as Muske and so is the blacke seede also but more neare unto Civer which is like unto the seedes of Mirtle berries but greater the roote is great and fibrous the whole plant is full of slimie juyce and of an herby taste 1. Alcea vulgariâ— Fine cut or Vervaine Mallow Alcea vesitaria sive Veneta Venice Mallow or Goodnight at noone Alcea pentaphyllaea Cinquefoile Mallow Sabdariffa seu Alcea Americana The Mallow of America or Thorny Mallow Alcea Aegyptia vulgaris The ordinary Egyptian Mallow 5. Alcea Aegyptia mos chaâ—a Abelmosch dicta The Egyptian Muske Mallow Divisio tertia The third Division 1. Althaea vulgaris Common marsh Mallowes Our common marsh Mallowes hath divers soft hoar white stalkes rising to be three of foure foote high spreading forth many branches the leaves whereof are soft and hoary or woolly somewhat lesser then Mallow leaves but longer pointed cut for the most part into some few divisions but not deepe the flowers are many but smaller then those of the Mallow and white or tending to a blush colour after which come such like round cases and seede as is in the Mallow the rootes are many and long shooting from one head of the bignesse of a thumbe or finger very pliant tough and bending like Licoris of a whitish yellow colour on the outside and more white within full of a slimie viscous juice which being layd in water will so thicken it as if it were gelly 2. Althaea Pannonica Marsh Mallow of Hungarie This Hungarian Marsh Mallow differeth not in rootes stalkes or seede from the former but onely in leaves that they are somewhat harder in handling and in the flowers which are much larger and greater then those of Vervaine Mallow and of a purple colour for the most part yet there is some that beare white flowers as large as the former and some that have not so large flowers as they yet larger then those of the common kind 3. Althaea rosea peregrina The strange Rose marsh Mallow This Mallow shooteth forth about May sundry round greenish soft branched stalkes like the former marshe Mallow beset with divers
in wine or in milke doth mervellously help all the diseases of the chest and lungs that proceede of hot causes as excoriations the ptisicke plurifie and the rest if it be continued for some time together the leaves and the rootes worke the same effects let any one take which of them they thinke best or most ready at hand agreeing to their disposition they helpe much also in the excoriations of the guts and bowells and hardnesse of the mother and in all hot and sharpe diseases thereof as also the Alcea fruticosa pentaphyllea the juyce drunke in wine or the decoction of them in wine doth help women to a speedy easie delivery the common Alcea or Vervaine Mallow is thought to be most effectuall for burstings or ruptures and the bloudy flixe and also for the shrinking of sinewes and the crampe the distilled water of them when they are in flower worketh to the same purposes but more weakely yet it is much commended to be used in hot agues or severs Pliny saith that whosoever shall take a spoonefull of the juyce of any of the Mallowes shall that day be free from all diseases that may come unto him and that it is especiall good for the falling sicknesse The syrupe also â—d conserve made of the flowers are very effectuall for the same diseases and to open the body when it is coâ— or bound by accident or a naturall disposition the young leaves are often eaten with salt as a sallet the leaves bruised and laid to the eyes with a little hony taketh away the impostumations of them which by sufferance might grow to a Fistula the leaves bruised or rubbed upon any place stung with Bees Waspes or the like yea of the Scorpion and the biting of the deadly Spider called Phalaegium and is said presently to take away paines rednesse and swellings that rise thereupon and keepeth them from stinking if they be rubbed therewith aforehand and as Dioscorides saith the decoction of the leaves and rootes helpeth all sorts of poyson so as the poyson be presently voided by vomite a pultis made of the leaves of Mallowes boyled and bruised whereunto some Beane or Barley flower and oyle of Roses is put is an especiall remedy against all hard tumours and inflammations of impostumes and swellings of the coddes and other parts and easeth the paines of them as also against the hardnesse of the spleene or liver to be applied to the places the juyce of Mallowes boyled in old oyle and applied taketh away all roughnesse of the skinne as also the falling of the haire the scurfe dandruffe or drie scabbes in the head or other parts if they be anointed therewith or washed with the decoction the same also is effectuall against the scaldings by water and burnings by fire and to helpe also the disease called Saint Anthonies fire and all other hot red and painefull swellings in any part of the bodie the flowers of Mallowes boyled in oyle or water as every one is disposed whereunto a little hony and allome is put is an excellent gargle to wash any sore mouth or throate for it clenseth and healeth them in a short space if the feete be bathed or washed with the decoction of the leaves rootes and flowers it helpeth much the defluxions of rheume from the head which rose out of the stomack if the head be washed therewith it stayeth the falling and shedding of the haire thereof the greene leaves saith Pliny beaten with niter and applied draweth out thornes or prickes in the flesh The French and curled Mallowes and the Hollihocks are of the same nature and quality and work to the same effect that the other do The Marsh Mallow is the chiefest Mallow of all other and most effectuall in all the diseases before specified and therefore as I said before it was called Bismalva for that it was twise as good in effect as the other the leaves are likewise used in stead of the common Mallowes to loosen the belly gently and are effectuall in decoctions of glisters for to ease all the paines of the body opening the straight passages and making them lubricke whereby the stone may descend the more easily and without paine out of the reines and kidnies and the bladder and to ease the torturing paines comming thereby but the rootes are of more especiall use for those purposes as well as for the diseases of the breast and lunges as coughes hoarsenesse of the throate and voyce wheesings and shortnesse of breath c. being boyled in wine or honied water and drunke the rootes boyled in water very well and after they be strained forth the decoction being boyled againe with Sugar to a just consistence and thereof made into rowles or trochisces or the like are a Polychreston and much used for all the purposes aforesaid the rootes and seedes of the Marsh Mallow boyled in wine or water is with good effect used by them that have any excoriations in the guts or the bloudy flixe not so much by any binding qualitie in them as by qualifying the violence of the sharpe cholericke fretting humors that are the cause thereof and by the fliminesse easing the paines and healing the sorenesse and in some sort staying the further eruption of bloud therefrom at that time or any other after it is profitably taken of them that are troubled with ruptures crampes or convulsions of the sinewes and boyled in white wine for the impostumes of the throate called the Kings evill and of those kernells that rise behind the eares and inflammations or swelings in womens breasts the dried rootes boyled in milke and drunke are specially good for the chin cough Hippocrates used to give the decoction of the rootes or the juyce thereof to drinke to those that were wounded and were ready to faint thorough the expense and losse of bloud and applied the same mixed with hony and rosen unto the wounds the rootes boyled in wine he gave also to drinke to those that had received hurt by bruises or falls or by blowes and stripes to those that had any bone or member out of joynt and to those that had any swelling paine or ach in the muscles sinewes or arteries of the body it is good also to be used in all the ulcers and sores that happen in any cartilaginous place The Muccilage of the rootes and of lineseede and fenegreâ—e put together is much used in pultises ointments and plaisters that serve to mollifie and digest all hard tumors and the inflammations of them and to give ease of the paines in any part of the body the seede either greene or drie mixed with vinegar clenseth the skinne of the morphew and all other discolouring thereof whatsoever being bathed therewith in the Sunne the seede of the yellow Mallow hath beene tried even as the seede of the Marsh Mallow hath beene also to be of singular good effect against the stone if a dramme or a dramme and a halfe at the most being made into pouder be
warme drinke but above all hee saith that Aristolochia longa or the long rooted Birthwort is the most especiall antidote or remedy against all Aconites But behold the wonderfull goodnesse of God who although he hath given to these plants so deadly faculties yet hath he endued them also with other properties very beneficiall to mans health as that the juice or distilled water of Acoxitum Fonticum of both sorts dropped into the eyes taketh away the inflammation or rednesse in them as also cleareth them from any haw or pinne or webbe growing in or upon them It is said likewise by Pliny that if any be stâ—ng with a Scorpion or other venemous Serpent or have taken any other poison that to take of this in warme wine will expell the other for finding another enemy already possessing the part that he would worke upon he striveth to overcome his malignity and spendeth his force wholely upon it and thereby freeeth nature from ruine but this were a desperate cure for a desperate disease and that by the touch onely of this Aconite Scorpions are dulled and restored againe by white Hellebor how true this is I leave to every one to judge or trie as he shall thinke best himselfe but certainely if either the rootes or seedes of these Aconites or of the other Helmet flowers be beaten into pouder or the juyce of them boyled with oyle or Hogges fat and the head and body anointed therewith it will kill lice and vermine breeding therein the lye also wherein the leaves rootes or seede hath beene boyled doth the same and clenseth the head also from scurfe and dandraffe Galen saith that they are used in foule ulcers and sores to consume the dead flesh so as the sores be not in the mouth ot privities which by reason of their vicinitie to the spirits and life are not to be dealt with in such sort and for the Helmet flowers they are all thought to be of one nature howsoever it is spoken but of one that is the more common A vicen prescribeth as Antidote or remedy against the poison thereof to be made with the Mouse that seedeth upon the roote of the Napellus or Helmet flower saying that that Mouse is the Treakle thereof and being taken in the whole substance resisteth the venome of the Napellus and freeth them from all danger which Mouse Matthiolus saith he hath often found and saith it is that which Avicen calleth Napellus Moysis having the same propertie against the poison of Napellus that the plant it selfe so called hath Petrus Aponensis also saith that this Muse that seedeth upon the rootes of Napellus is the Bezoar against the Napellus if it be dryed and two drams of the pouder given in drinke but Antonius Guainerius a famous Physitian of Pavia in his Treatise of poisons thinketh that it cannot be a Mouse that Avicen maketh mention of to feede upon the roote of Napellus but that they are certaine great Flies that feede upon the flowers whereof his Antidote is made that expelleth the poison For hee there reporteth the industry of a certaine student in Phylosophy desirous to know the truth hereof who soughâ— diligently for this Mouse but could neither find or see any or that any rootes had beene eaten or bitten by any Mouse or the like thing but found abundance of Flies feeding upon the leaves which therefore hee tooke and with them instead of the Mouse he made an Antidote which he found to be very effectuall not onely against other poisons but chiefely that of the Napellus or Helmet flower Petrus Pena and Matthiolus de Lobel confirmeth this opinion and experience of Guainerius his student by their owne triall also who not finding any Mouse nor hearing thereof by any the Shepheards and others living in those mountaines of Switzerland where the Napellus groweth in abundance or that ever they had seene any Mouse to feede thereon found as they say great store of certaine great Flies with blewish greene heads and wings like unto Canthariaes feeding upon the flowers when as they could not finde any other living creature to touch or eate it the grasse every where being eaten by the cattle that fed thereby but not any part thereof once touched And therefore much suspected that this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mus was mistaken by the Arabians for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 muscus the Greeke word as well as the Latine being so neare in letters the one unto the other for the roote of this Napellus killeth Mice as the name Myoctonon and Myophonon doth import of which Flies as they say and not of any Mouse is made an antidote most prevalent against the poison of the most venemous Spider called Tarantula as also against all other Epidemicall generall or contagious diseases and is made after this manner Take twentie of the Flies that have fed upon Napellus of Aristolochia and Bolearmonicke of each a dramme whereof a dramme is to be taken at a time Gnaiâ—rius his Antidote is to be made with Terra lemnia Bayberies and Mithridate of each two ounces xxiiij of the Flies that have fed upon Napellus of hony and oyle a sufficient quantitie to make it up into an Electuary you may see hereby the various opinions and Writings of men Matthiolus and Aponensis saying they have found and used the Mouse that fed on the Napellus and Guainerius Pena and Lobel denying it which whether is the truer and more probable is in part shewed before and in this may be confirmed that Dioscorides and others doe write that the Aconitum Lycoctanum whereof Napellus is a kind and as strong is also called Myoctâ— or Myophonon that is Muricida because it killeth Mice as well as Wolves and therefore they could not live upon it if it would kill them The Anthora or Counterpoison Monkes hood is said by all Authors that it groweth with or hard by the Napellus or Thora although Gerard saith the contrary and adviseth that it be not planted neare the Napellus or Helmet flower for feare of drawing the venemos qualitie thereof unto it The roote is said by Hugo Solerius to purge the body very strongly of waterish and vicious humors both by vomit and by the stoole if the quantitie of a beane be taken in broth or in wine by reason of the exceeding bitternesse of the roote it killeth all sorts of wormes in the body it is also saith Guainerius by mine owne experience and fight as effectuall as Dictamnus unto all the purposes whereunto it serveth the powder of the rootes taken in wine is a most speedie and speciall remedie against the winde collicke which the Savoyards about Diam where it groweth abundantly know very familiarly and call it L' herbe du machon that is the wind collicke herbe and suppose that it having two round rootes the one will be full and solide one yeare as it is in the Orchides or Satyrions and the other lanke which changeth to be solide the next yeare when the other that was
a red colour for the most part and made of one leafe opening into five parts at the brimes like the other are so small that the whole flower of this is scarce so bigge as the one part or division of the greater flower the seed that followeth and the roote likewise are answerable in proportion to the rest of the plant The Place The first groweth wild with us under old walles and in rubbish the common paths and sides of hedges and fieldes as well as in other countryes either hot or cold as also both in their and our gardens without any planting The second groweth onely wild in the hotter countries of Spaine Italy c. The third Clusius saith he found not farre from Malaga in Spaine and Matthiolus saith in Italy also The fourth Alpinus saith groweth in Candye The fifth as Matthiolus saith groweth on the hill Salvatino in the County of Goritio in Italy hard by Trent and as some thinke in Syria and the East Countries thereabouts The sixth groweth wilde not onely in many and divers woods of Germany but in divers places of our owne Land as in the Castle yard of Framingham in Suffolke under Iesus Colledge wall in Cambridge and in many places of that Country also at Ilford in Essex at Croydon among the Elmes at the end of the Towne in Moore Parke in the Parke of Sir Percivall Hart at Lâ—lling stone in Kent on the Conny burries in Burling Parke likewise as also in the way that leadeth from S. Mary Cray to Footes Cray over against the gate of a great field called Wenaell The seventh is declared in the description The eighth groweth in Virginia New England c. from whence the seed and Plants were first brought to us The last came as the greater sort did from the West-Indies The Time They doe all dye downe to the ground in winter although some doe shoote a fresh in the spring as the 3.4.5.7.8.9 doe yet the third being more tender as comming out of a warmer Country doth hardly endure but perisheth utterly by the extremities of our winters especially if it be not housed or well defended and even the two first that dye every yeare and rise of their owne sowing doe not spring out of the ground untill it be late in the yeare as not untill the latter end of Aprill at the soonest The Names It is called in Greeke of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but more usually 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod viteum capreolum vitem vel acinum vel tale quiddam signet ait Pena in Solanorum classe quibus cunctis proprium acinos plures vel panciores habere nisi quis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Theophrasto suspicari malit aut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mutatum In Latine Solanum Solatrum Vna lupina Vna vulpis Pliny saith it was called also Strumum and Cucubalus but they are thought to be rather bastard names and not to be proper to this plant the Arabians call it Hameb alhomaleb Hameb alchaick and Hameb althaleb the Spaniards Yerva Mora and Morella the Italians Solatro The French Morelle The Germans Nachtschadâ— and the Dutch Nascaye and Natchscade In English Nightshade Morrell Petty Morrell and in some places Honnds berries Dioscorides reckoneth up foure sorts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hortense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vesicarium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 somniferum and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 furiosum or manicum Theophrastus in his 7 booke and 14. chapter maketh but three sorts solanum edule fructum veluti mitem velacinosum ferens Sunt alia duo quorum alterum somnium alterum insaniâ— adfert The first is generally called by all writers Solanum simply or vulgare or hortense because it is most usuall and generally every where to be had and was planted in gardens as other herbes for foode but now is no where used but Physically the second is called of Cordus in his History of Plants Solanum puniceum and of Gesner in hortis Germaniae Solanum rubrum luteum and is remembred by others also The third is generally taken to be the true Solanum somniferum of Dioscorides for so Matthiolus Gesner Guilandinus Lacuna Clusius Dodonaeus Lobel Caesalpinus Castor Durantes Camerarius and Lugdunensis doe set it downe Prosper Alpinus only contesteth against it and sheweth that the fourth here set downe which in his booke de plantis exoticis he saith hath red bladders and small red berryes in them is the right sort as Dioscorides Theophrastus and Pliny doe describe their Solanum somniferum to be The fifth Matthiolus calleth Solanum somniferum alterum and so doe Camerarius Gesner and Lugdunensis Dodonaeus calleth it Solani laethali aliud genus The sixth is generally by the Italians called Bella Donna either per Antiphrasin because it is blacke or as the Moores doe account them fairest that have the finest blacke skinne or as some have reported because the Italians Dames use the juice or distilled water thereof for a fucus peradventure by the excessive cold quality to take away their high colour and make them looke paler Matthiolus calleth it Solanum majus and so doe Caesalpinus and Camerarius Tragus Solanum â—ortense nigrum Fuchsius Lobel and Lugdunensis Solanum somniferum Dodonaeus and Clusius Solanum laethale and so doth Thalius Gesner Solanum sylvaticum Anguillara Guillandinus Dodonaeus Fuchsius Cordus and others doe take it to be Mandragoras morion of Theophrastus but not of Dioscorides for they are so much differing one from another as though they had lived in two severall worlds to give names to herbes the one not knowing of the other The Germanes call it Schlaffbeere and Dolwurtz it is called in English Dwale or deadly Nightshade The seaventh Clusius maketh mention of in the fourth booke of his Exotickes by the name of Solani Indici geâ— and Bauhinus thereupon calleth it as I doe in the title Solanum Indicum hirsutum corymbiferum The eighth we have referred as I said before to the kindes of Solanum for the likenesse of the leaves although much larger and call it rubrum both for the colour of the stalke and from the colour that it giveth for the Indians therewith doe both colour their skinnes and the barkes of trees wherewith they make their baskets and such like things as we are informed the Indians themselves call it and our English people that live in Virginia call it Red weede but we according to the Latine name red Nightshade of Virginia The last Bauhinus setteth fort in his Prodomus and Pinax under the title here expressed not being mentioned by any other writer The Vertues The ordinary or common Nightshade is wholly used to coole all hot inflammations either inwardly or outwardly being no way dangerous to any that shall use it as most of the rest are yet it must be used moderately for being cold and binding in the second degree the distilled water onely of the whole herbe is fittest and safest
to be taken inwardly the juyce also clarified and mingled with a little vinegar is good to wash the mouth and throate that is inflamed but outwardly the juyce of the herbe or berries with oyle of Roses and a little vinegar and cerusse laboured together in a leaden Morter is very good to anoint all hot inflammations Saint Anthonies fire all other grieved places that are molested with heate as the head ache and frenzies anointing the temples and forehead therewith as also the heate and inflammation in the eyes it doth also much good for the shingles ringwormes and in all running fretting corroding ulcers and in weeping or moist Fistulaes if the juice be made up with some hens dung and applied thereunto a pessary dipped in the juyce and put up into the matrixe stayeth the immoderate fluxe of womens courses a cloth wet therein and applied to the testicles or cods upon any swelling therein giveth much ease as also to the goute that commeth of hot and sharpe humours the juyce dropped into the eares easeth those paines that arise of heat or inflammation Pliny saith moreover that it is good for hot swellings under the throate the sleepie Nightshade of both sorts are of one and the same qualitie being cold in the third degree and drie in the second comming neere unto the propertie of Opium to procure sleepe but somewhat weaker if a dramme of the barke of the roote be taken in wine but not to exceede that proportion for feare of danger the seede drunke doth powerfully expell urine and is also good for the dropsie but the often taking thereof in too great a quantite procureth frenzie the remedy whereof is to take good store of warme honied water the roote boyled in wine and a little thereof held in the mouth easeth the paines of the tooth ache Pliny saith it is good to fasten loose teeth the juyce of the roote mingled with hony is good for the eyes that are weake of sight It is more effectuall in all hot swellings and inflammations than the former in regard it is colder in qualitie the juyce of the herbe or rootes or the distilled water of the whole plant being applied the deadly Nightshade is held more dangerous than any of the other for it is thought to be cold in the fourth degree the juyce of the leaves and a little vinegar mixed together procureth rest and sleepe when upon great distemperature either in long sicknesse or in the tedious hot fits of agues rest and sleepe is much hindered if the temples and forehead be a little bathed therewith as also taketh away the violent paine of the head proceeding of a hot cause the leaves bruised or their juyce may be applied to such hot inflammations as Saint Anthonies fire the shingles and all other fiery or running cankers to coole and stay the spreading the danger is very great and more in the use of this inwardly than in any of the former and therefore there had neede of the more heed and care that children and others doe not eate of the berries hereof least you see the lamentable effects it worketh upon the takers thereof as it hath done both in our owne land upon sundry children killed by eating the broth wherein the leaves were boiled or the berries and beyond the sea in the same manner yet some doe hold that two ounces of the distilled water hereof is effectuall to be taken inwardly without any danger against the heart burning and other inflammations of the bowells and against all other hot inflammations of the skinne or eyes giving ease to the paines It hath beene often proved that one scruple of the dried roote hereof infused in a little wine sixe or seven hoares and then strained hard through a cloth that if this wine be put into a draught of other wine whosoever shall drinke that wine shall not be able to eate any meate for that meale nor untill they drinke some vinegar which will presently dispell that qualitie and cause them fall to their vlands with as good a stomacke as they had before this is a good jest for a bold unwelcome guest The Virginia Nightshade is a familiar purger with them in Virginia New England c. where they take a spoonefull or two of the juyce of the roote which worketh strongly but we having tried to give the dried roote in powder have not found that effect CHAP. VII 1. Solanum lignosum sive Dulcamara Wood Nightshade or Bitter sweete ALthough this plant hath no dangerous quality therein nor yet is properly any Nightshade more than the outward conformitie in some sort yet because many learned Authours have reckoned it as a sort thereof and called it by that name let me also place it with them and shew it you in this place thus it groweth up with many slender winding brittle wooddy stalkes five or sixe foote high without any claspers but foulding it selfe about hedges or any other thing that standeth next unto it covered with a whitish rough barke and having a pith in the middle shooting out many branches on all sides which are greene while they are young whereon grow many leaves without order somewhat like unto the leaves of Nightshade but that they are somewhat broad long and pointed at the ends with two small leaves or rather peeces of leaves at the bottome of most of them somewhat like the Sage with eares and many of them likewise but with one peece on the one side sometimes also those peeces are close unto the leaves making them seeme as it were jagged or cut in on the edges into so many parts and sometimes separate there from making the leaves seeme winged or made of many leaves and are of a pale greene colour at the toppes and sides of the branches come forth many flowers standing in fashion of along umbell upon short foote stalkes one above another which consist of five narrow and long violet purple coloured leaves not spread like a starre or very seldome but turning themselves backwards to the stalkes againe whereon they stand with a long gold yellow pointell in the middle sticking forth which afterwards turne into round and somewhat long berries greene at the first and very red soft and full of juyce when they are ripe of an unpleasant bitter taste although sweete at the first wherein are contained many flat white seedes the roote spreadeth it selfe into many strings under ground and not growing into any great body the barke also of the branches being chewed tasteth bitter at the first but sweeter afterwards 2. Dulcamara flore albo Wood Nightshade with white flowers Of this kinde there is another that differeth not from the former more than in the flowers whose outer leaves are white and the pointell yellow Dulcamara seâ— Solanum lignosum Wood Night shade The Place This groweth usually by ditches sides and hedges where they may climbe up upon them the first almost every where the second is very rare and seldome to be met
Wake Robin that hath spotted leaves whether it be fresh and greene or dried it mattereth not being bruised or beaten and taken is a most present remedy never failing against both poyson and plague some he saith take as much Aâ—dromacâ— Treakle with it for the more certaintie the juyce of the herbe taken to the quantitie of a spoonefull or more worketh the same effect but if there be a little vinegar added thereunto as well as to the roote before spoken of it will somewhat allay that sharpe biting taste upon the tongue which it causeth the greene leaves likewise being bruised and laid upon any boyle or plague sore doth wonderfully helpe to draw forth the poyson the pouder of the dried roote of Wake Robin to the weight of a dramme taken with twise as much Sugar in the forme of a Lohoc or licking Electuary or the greene roote doth wonderfully helpe those that are pursie or short-winded as also those that have the cough having their stomacke chest and longs stuffed with much flegme for it breaketh and digesteth it in them and causeth it to be easily avoided and spit forth the milke wherein the roote hath beene boyled is effectuall also for the same purpose the said pouder taken in wine or drinke or the juyce of the berries or the pouder of them or the wine wherein they have beene boyled provoketh â—urine and bringeth downe womens courses when they are stayed and purgeth them effectually after child bearing to bring away the afterbirth it is said that it expelleth drunkennesse also taken with sheepes milke it healeth the inward ulcers of the bowells the distilled water hereof likewise is effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid and moreover a spoonefull taken at a time healeth the itch and an ounce or more taken at a time for some dayes together doth helpe the rupture the leaves either greene or drie or the juyce of them doth clense all manner of rotten and filthy ulcers of what part of the body soever they be and the stinking sores in the nose called Polypus and healeth them also the water wherein the roote hath beene boyled dropped into the eyes clenseth them from any filme or skinne beginning to grow over them or clouds or mistes that may hinder the sight and helpeth also the watering and rednesse of them and when by chance they become blacke and blew the roote mixed with Beane flower and applied to the throat or jawes that are inflamed helpeth them the juice of the berries boyled in oyle of Roses or the berries themselves made into pouder and mixed with the oyle and dropped into the eares easeth the paines in them the berries or the rootes beaten with hot oxe dung and applied to the gout easeth the paines thereof the leaves and rootes also boyled in wine with a little oyle and applied to the piles or the falling downe of the fundament easeth them and so doth the sitting over the hot fumes thereof the fresh rootes bruised and distilled with a little milke yeeldeth a most soveraigne water to clense the skinne from scurfe freckles spots or blemishes whatsoever therein yet some use the rootes themselves bruised and mixed with vinegar but that is too sharpe and not to be used but when there is great neede and with good caution and not to abide long upon any place there is a facula made by art from the fresh rootes called Gersa serpentaria which is as white as Starch or Ceruse and being dissolved in milke or in the distilled water of the rootes and milke aforesaid doth wonderfully blanch the skinne hiding many deformities the fresh rootes cut small and mixed with a sallet of white Endive or Lettice c. is an excellent dish to entertaine a smell-feast or unbidden unwelcome guest to a mans table to make sport with him and drive him from his too much boldnesse or the pouder of the dried roote strawed upon any daintie bit of meate that may be given him to eate for either way within a while after the taking of it it will so burne and pricke his mouth and throate that he shall not be able either to eate a bit more or scarse to speake for paine and will so abide untill there be some new milke or fresh butter given which by little and little will take away the heate and pricking and restore him againe Some use to lay the greene leaves of Wake Robin among their Cheeses both to keepe them from breeding wormes and to ridde them also being in them The Arisarum or Friers Coule as Dioscorides and Galen affirme is farre hotter and sharpe or biting in taste than Arum or Wake Robin which is not so found in any part of Europe whether Jtaly or Spaine France Germany or England that I know both hot and cold countries but in all of them much milder and weaker than the Arum which caused Tragus as I said before to suspect that our Arum was the Arisarum of the antients and therefore they appoint it to be laid to eating fretting and running sores to stay their spreading and abate their malignitie as also to be put into fistulas and hollow ulcers to helpe to clense and heale them up a peece of the roote put into the secret parts of any femall creature killeth them causing them to die quickly which thing is contradicted by some and said to be utterly untrue Amatus Lusitanus writeth that in the Low Countries it was used against the plague whereof Clusius saith it was not knowne unto his countrie men untill he had travelled into Spaine and Portugall and from thence gave them the knowledge thereof by sending it unto them but it may be hee mistooke Arisarum for Arum which as you may see before is found effectuall for that purpose The Arum of Egypt as it is milder in taste although somewhat sharpe and bitter and slimie in eating so it is lesse effectuall in medicine because it is more usuall in meate All the East countries which the Italians call the Levant as Asia Syria Arabia Egypt c. and Iava also and other places in the Indies as you heard before doe most frequently eate the rootes hereof boiled in the broth of flesh and many other wayes dressed not onely as a daily foode but as they thinke to encrease naturall sperme or seede and to cause a validitie also and more powerfull abilitie in the act of generation CHAP. XVIII Christophoriana Herbe Christopher BEsides the usuall sort of herbe Christopher which hath beene knowne of a long time to us we have lately gained an other sort as we suppose the neare resemblance in face causing us so to imagine 1. Christophoriana vulgaris Ordinary herbe Christopher Herbe Christopher shooteth forth divese greene stalkes of leaves halfe a foote long which are made into three parts yet some times into five the lower parts standing for the most part one against another or not much distant and the other at the end of the stalke each of these parts consist of three
name that others called it by giveth it the name of Aster from his owne countrie people who called it Sternkraut but he addeth thereunto sed non Atticus because it might be knowne he did not account it the Aster Atticus of Dioscorides and others he also calleth it Vva lupina after the Germane word Wolffsbeer whereby they in other places usually call it as also einbeer the Italians call it Herba Paris the Spaniards Centelha the French Raisin de Reinard the Dutch Wolfebesien and Spinne coppen Gesner in hortis Germaniae and Lobel and Paena in their Adversaria call it Solanum tetraphyllon from the forme of the leaves and berries or both and Bauhinus as leaning unto their judgement calleth it Solanum quadrifolium Bacciferum The second Bauhinus calleth Solanum triphyllum Brasilianum and I Herba Paris triphyllos Brasiliana because I doe not account the Herba Paris to be any kinde of Solanum The last Cornutus calleth Solanum triphyllum Canadense The Vertues Although some formerly did account this herbe to be dangerous if not deadly as by the name of Aconitum it may be gathered because the forme thereof bred in them such a suspition yet have not set downe any evill Symtomes that it wrought and therefore Pena and Lobel say they made much triall thereof upon dogs other creatures to finde out whether it would worke any dangerous effects unto them but did not see any harme come to them that had eaten it and therefore upon report of the contrary effect it would worke they made triall likewise thereof upon two dogs to whom was given of Arsenicke and Sublimatum of each halfe a dramme in meate unto one of them about an houre after their taking of it when their furious foming fits were over that they become more quiet as if they were ready to die there was given one of them two drammes of the pouder called Pulvis Saxonicus the receipt whereof hereafter followeth in red wine who presently thereupon grew well the other dying without helpe the receipt of the pouder is thus Res Radicum Angelicae sativae sylvestris Vincetoxici Phâ— sive Valeriane majoris Polypodij quercini Althae Vrticae ana unciam dimidiam Corticis Meseres Germanici drachmas duas granorum herbae Paridis numero 24. Foliorum ejusdem cum toto numero 36. ex radicibus cortice in aceto maceratis ficcatis ut caeteris mixtis flat omnium pulvis the leaves or berries alone are also effectuall to expell poisons of all sorts but especially that of the Aconites as also the plague and other infectious diseases it hath beene observed saith Matthiolus as well from my owne experience as from Baptista Sardus the Author that enlarged the Pandocts that some have beene holpen hereby that have lyen long in a lingring sicknesse and others that by Witchcraft as it was thought were become halfe foolish as wanting their wits and sences by the taking a dramme of the seedes or the berries hereof in pouder every day for twenty dayes together were perfectly restored to their former good estate and health the leaves dried and given in pouder have the like operation yet in a weaker manner it is thought also that the berries procure sleepe being taken at night in drink the rootes in pouder ease the paines of the collicke incontinently being taken in wine the leaves are very effectuall as well for greene wounds as to clense and heale up old filthy ulcers and sores and is very powerfull to discusse all tumours and swellings and to allay all inflammations very speedily as also those tumours that happen in the cods privy parts or in the groine the juyce or distilled water of the leaves taketh away all heate and inflammation in the eyes the same leaves also or their juyce applied to fellons or those nailes of the hands or toes that have empostumes or sores gathered together at the rootes of them healeth them in a short space CHAP. XXIII Bistorta Bistort or Snakeweede THere be diverse sorts of Bistorts some being of late others of elder account 1. Bistorta major vulgaris Common Bistorte or Snakeweeke This common Bistort hath a thicke short knobbed roote blackish without and somewhat reddish within a little crooked or turned together of an harsh or astringent taste with divers blackish fibres growing thereat from whence spring up every yeare divers leaves standing upon long foote stalkes being somewhat long and broad very like unto a Docke leafe and a little pointed at the ends but that it is of a blewish greene colour on the upperside and of an Ash colour gray and a litttle purplish underneath having divers veines therein from among which rise up diverse small and slender stalkes two foote high almost naked and without leaves or with very few and narrower bearing a spikie bush of pale flesh coloured flowers which being past there abideth small seede somewhat like unto Sorrell seede but greater 2. Bistorta magis intorta radice Bistort with more crooked rootes This Bistort differeth not much from the former being a little lesse both in leafe and roote which are more writhed and crooked than the former the Spikie flowers c. are equall also almost unto them and so is the three square seede 3. Bistorta Alpina majora Great Mountaine Bistort The great Bistort hath many very long and pointed leaves of the same colour with the first both above and underneath some of a cubite or a foote and a halfe long and but narrow in comparison of the length being about three inches broad these stalkes rise almost twise as high as the first almost bare without leaves thereon which are much smaller bearing a spike of blush flowers foure inches long at the toppes the roote is foure times bigger than the common sort blacke without with many blacke fibres at them but not so red within as the first but rather whitish 4. Bistorta minor nostras Small Bistort of our owne Countrie This small Bristorte sendeth forth three or foure small narrow leaves scarse an inch broad and almost foure inches long greene above and gray underneath the stalkes are slender and but with one or two leaves set thereon at the toppes whereof stand small long round spikie heads of white flowers with diverse small greene leaves among them after which come a reddish seede almost round which being drie become blackish and are bigger than those of the first the roote is small in proportion but somewhat crooked or turned like the common kinde being of a blackish colour without and somewhat whitish within of the same auster binding taste that the rest hath 5. Bistorta minor Alpina Small Bistort of the Alpes This small Bistort hath broader leaves and not so long as the last the tuft of flowers likewise at the toppe is closer set together in other things not differing 6. Bistorta Alpina pumila varia Variable leafed small Bistort This Bistort hath not onely two or three broad and short almost round leaves
pointed at the ends but two or three very narrow and long leaves also with them comming from the roote the stalke is scarse an hand breadth high with many such whitish flowers thereon as are in the other small ones The Place The two first grow at the foote of hills and in the shadowie moist woods neare unto them in many places of Germany and in our countrie likewise in the like places but chiefely is nourished up in gardens The third groweth on the high hills in Silesia and other places the fourth groweth especially in the North as in Lancashire Yorkeshire and Cumberland in diverse places The two last are found likewise on the Alpes in diverse places but the last among the Switzers The Time They all flower about the end of May and the seede is ripe about the beginning of Iuly The Names It is called generally Bistorta quod radice in se serpentis modo contorta convoluta constet of Tragus Lonicerâ— and others Colubrina from the Germane title of Schlangenwurtzel and Natterwurtzel of Fuschius Serpentaris quod venenosorum serpentium ictibus succurrit of Gesner in hortis Germaniae Limonium Fracastorius calleth it Bâ—lapathum as well as Bistorta Lobel and Clusius thinke it may be Britannica of Dioscorides and Pliny Bauhinus calleth the first Bistorta major radice minus intorta Some call it Behen rubrum others take it to be Molybdeâ— of Pliny Some also doe take it to be the second Dracunculus of Pliny lib. 4. cap. 16. the second is called by Tragus Colubrina minor Bauhinus calleth it Bistorta major radice magis intorta The third Bauhinus that hath first set it forth as I thinke calleth it Bistorta Alpina maxima the fourth I take to be differing from the next and therefore call it Nostras the fifth is called by Camerarius Clusus Lobel Bauhinus and all others that have writteâ— 1. 4. Bistorta major vulgaris minor Great and small Bistorte or Snakeweede 5. 6. Bistorta minor Alpina Alpina pumila varia Small Bistorte of the Alpes anduariabbe leafed Bristorte â—hereof Bistorta minor or Alpina minor onely Gesner in hortis Germaniae reckoneth it to be a small sort of Limoniâ— But in that Bistorta cannot be Britanica this sheweth in the description thereof that the leaves are rough or â—airy when these are smooth and that the rootes of Britanica are small and short when these are not small alâ—hough short and Galen in his sixt Booke of Simples saith that although the leaves of Britanica be somewhat â—ke unto Docke leaves yet they are blacker and more hairy And that it cannot be Behen rubrum the faculties doe â—sily declare for the rootes of the true Behen rubrum album are both sweete in smell and are of an hot quaâ—tie that they are effectuall to procure venery or bodily lust which these cannot the last is not remembred by â—ny Author before this time The Italians Spaniards and French doe follow the Latine as we doe also the Low Dutch the Germanes in their appellations which is Natterwortele The Vertues Both the leaves and rootes of Bistort have a powerfull facultie to resist all poyson a dramme of the roote 〈◊〉 pouder taken in drinke expelleth the venome of the plague or Pestilence the small Pocks Measells Purples â—r any other infectious disease driving it forth by sweating the same roote in pouder or the decoction thereof 〈◊〉 wine being drunke staieth all manner of inward bleeding or spitting of bloud as also any fluxes of the body 〈◊〉 man or woman as also when one is troubled with vomiting the pouder also of the roote or the decoction â—hereof being drunke is very availeable against ruptures or burstings or all bruises or falls whatsoever dissolving â—e congealed bloud and easing the paines that happen thereupon the same also helpeth the Iaundise the water distilled from both leaves and rootes is a singular remedy to wash any place bitten or stung by any venemous creature as Spiders Toades Adders or the like as also for any the purposes before spoken of and is very â—ood to wash any running sores or ulcers the decoction of the roote in wine being drunke hindereth abortion â—at is when women are apt to miscarrie in child bearing the leaves also killeth the wormes in children and is 〈◊〉 great helpe to them that cannot keepe their water if they put thereto some juyce of Plantaine and applied â—utwardly doth give much helpe in the gonorrhaea or running of the reines a dramme of the pouder of the roote â—ken in the water thereof wherein some iron or steele being red hot hath beene quenched is an admirable helpe â—hereunto so as the body be first prepared and purged from the offensive humours the leaves or seedes or â—ootes are all very good to be put into decoctions or drinkes or lotions for either inward or outward wounds or other sores and the pouder strowed upon any cut or wound in a veine c. that is apt to bleede much staieth the immoderate fluxe thereof the decoction of the rootes in water whereunto some Pomgranet â—ills and flowers are added serveth for an incection into the matrice as well to stay the accesse of humours to â—he ulcers thereof as also to bring it to the place being fallen downe and to helpe to stay the abundance of their â—ourses the roote of Bistort and Pellitory of Spaine and burnt Allome of each alike quantitie beaten small made â—nto a paste with some hony a little peece hereof put into an hollow tooth or holden betweene the teeth if â—here be no hollownesse in them staieth the defluxions of rheume upon them when it is the cause of paine in them and helpeth to clense the head and avoide much offensive matter the distilled water is very effectuall to wash those sores or cankers that happen in the nose or any other part if the powder of the roote be applied thereto afterwards it is good also to fasten the gummes and to take away the heate and inflammation that happen as well in the jawes almonds of the throat ot mouth if the decoction of the rootes leaves or seedes be used â—or the juyce of them the rootes are more effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid than either leaves or seede CHAP. XXIV Tormentilla Tormentill or Setfoile ALthough formerly there hath but one kind of Tormentill or Setfoile beene knowne to our English Writers yet now there is found out and made knowne to us two other sorts which shall be all declared in this Chapter 1. Tormentilla vulgaris Common Tormentill The common Tormentill is so like unto Cinquefoile that many doe mistake it for it may well be reckoned as one of them hath many reddish slender weake branches rising from the roote lying upon the ground or rather leaning than standing upright with many short leaves that stand closer to the stalkes than the other Cinkefoiles doe with the foote stalke encompassing the branches at severall places but those that grow next to the ground are set
a quartane ague but this set number of leaves and branches is rather an idle conceit as it is also to were it in their shooes for the same purpose then any certainety fit for a wise man or Phisitian to leane and trust unto the juice hereof drunke about foure ounces at a time for certaine dayes together cureth the quinsie and the yellow jaundise and to be taken for thirtie dayes together cureth the falling sicknesse and for all fluxes in man or woman whither the whites or the reds as also the bloudy flixe the rootes boyled in milke and drunke is held most effectuall of any other remedy the rootes boiled in vinegar and the decoction thereof held in the mouth easeth the paines of the toothach the juice or the decoction is good to helpe the hoarsenesse of the throate taken with a little hony as also is good for the cough of the lunges The distilled water of both rootes and leaves is effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid and if the hands be washed often therein and suffered at every time to drie in of it selfe without wiping it will in a short time helpe the palsie or the shaking in them the roote boyled in vinegar helpeth all knots kernells hard swellings and lumpes growing in the flesh in any part applied thereunto as also all inflammations and S. Anthonies fire all empostumes and painefull sores with heate and putrefaction the shingles also and all other sores of running and foule scabbs sores and itches the same also boiled in wine and applied to any joynts full of paine and ache the gout also in any of the joynts of the hands or feete and that also of the hippes called Sciatica and if the decoction thereof be also drunke it helpeth forward the cure much the sooner and easeth also much paines in the bowells the rootes are likewise effectuall to helpe ruptures or burstings to be used with other things availeable therefore either inwardly or outwardly or both as also for bruises or hurts by blowes falls or the like and to stay the bleeding of wounds in any part inward or outward CHAP. XXVI Gentiana Gentian or Fellwort ALthough I have set forth in my former Booke divers sorts of Gentians or Fellwort yet there remaine divers others to be intreated of which shall be here remembred and because I was there somewhat briefe in declaring the vertues as was fit for that worke being but an abstract of choise plants that beare beautifull flowers to store a garden of pleasure and not a generall worke wherein all things are to be comprised and all that may be said of every one also I will here therefore amplifie my selfe the more in their vertues that have beene spoken of which are the most effectuall and of these also for they are to be referred unto them yet I thinke good to give you here some of the figures extant before But that I may use such a methodâ—all course as I have formerly held in setting forth other plants which have divers sorts of one kinde I will divide this family of Gentians into a greater and lesser sort and of the lesser sort which admitteth a subdivision and not the greater I will divide them againe into perennes everliving or abiding that is that perish not in the Winter and into annuas annuall that is such as spring up and perish the same yeare that they flower abiding onely the Sommer and not the Winter I might also divide the lesser sort againe into Vernall Aestivall and Autumâ—all flowring plants whereof every one in their order Gentianae majores The greater Gentians 1. Gentiana major flore purpureo Great purple Gentian THe great purple Gentian is very like the great yellow Gentian in most things having a great thicke brownish yellow roote parted into two or three great branches with great fibres at them but a little more hand and woody of as bitter a taste as the other which sendeth forth at the severall heads thereof many faire broad three ribbed darke greene shining leaves so like unto the other that it is somewhat hard to distinguish them many of these heads from among the leaves shoote forth thicke and strong stalkes three or foure foote high with divers joynts on them and two leaves at them one against another towards the toppes whereof coâ— forth the flowers compassing the stalkes at two or three of the uppermost joints with two leaves apeece under them like as in the other which are not laid open starre fashion like the other but abide close and hollow the brimmes onely divided into sixe or more round parts of a purple colour but paler at the bottome of them where they are spotted with purple spots on the inside having so many yellowish threds in the middle as the flower hath corners standing about a long greene by forked head which growing ripe is the seede vessell and containeth there in such like flat brownish seedes as the other but somewhat lesse 2. Gentiana major flore albo Great Gentian with white flowers This white flowred Gentian is very like the former and the great yellow kinde not much lesser and lower in any part than the former whose flowers are not purple but pure white and hollow like the other without any spots in them this making the whole difference betweene them 3. Gentiana major flore pallido punctato Great pale yellow spotted Gentian This spotted great Gentian is in all things also like the first but in the flowers which are of a duskish pale yellow colour spotted both within and without with very many blacke spots 4. Gentiana major flore caruleo Great Gentian with blew flowers And this also differeth neither in greatnesse of stalkes leaves and flowers nor in the manner of growing buâ— in the colour of the flower which is of a blew colour 5. Gentiana Asclepiadis folia Swallowort Gentian This is discribed in my former Booke The Place All these sorts grow in many places on the Mountaines of Germany and in other places but are not to be found so usually as the great yellow The Time These doe all flower in Iune or there abouts The Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine and so likewise Gentiana a Gentio Illyriorum rege primuÌ„ inventore as Discorides 1. Gentiana major cujusque coloriâ— The greater Gentian of any of the colours Gentiana Cruciata Crosseworte Gentian Pliny set it down Serapio saith it was called Basilica of some it was called as some copies of Dioscorides hath it Centauria radix of some Aloes Gallica Narces Chironion and as Pliny saith some Romanes called it Cnendia and some Ciminalis The Italians and Spaniards follow the Latine name Gentiana the French also Gentiane the Germanes Gentian Enzian and Bitterwurtz but the Gentiana Conciata they call Modelgheer we call it in English either Gentian or Fellworte mixed as I take of Latine and English together or Bitterwort and of some Baldmony all Authors doe generally call them all Gentians
and all these things Galen holdeth it to worke by the facultie of bitternesse therein for assuredly if our stomackes could brooke this and other bitter medicines and were not so nice and daintie to refuse whatsoever is not pleasing to the palate it would worke admirable effects in the curing of many desperate and inveterate diseases inwardly and clensing and healing foule corrupt and desperate sores and ulcers outwardly and therefore the Italians not undeservedly doe call the Gentiana cruciata Petimborsa quasi mettere in bursa put it into your purse either as Matthiolus saith that it was to be gathered wheresoever it was found and fit to be kept in ones purse as ready to be used upon all occasions or that it did by curing of diseases get store of crownes to be put into the purse so excellent they accounted this roote and herbe to be used the decoction of the leaves or the juice of them or the rootes worketh the same effects and so doth the distilled water of the leaves flowers and rootes artificially made in Glasse and drawen by the vapours of a Balneum or Hot water for this water drunke hath beene often tried to cure in a wonderfull manner all those sorts of agues that breede by the obstruction of humours or blood and killeth the wormes of the belly the said water used to the face clenseth it from all sorts of spots freckles morphew and other defections or discolourings of the skinne whatsoever if it be often bathed lightly therewith the powder of the roote or the juyce thereof healeth all wounds that are fresh as also is most soveraigne and effectuall for all sorts of foule putride or rotten ulcers wheresoever yea although they be hollow or fistulous cancrous also fretting or running for it mightily clenseth and drieth and healeth up also the same also or the powder of the dried rootes applied to the ulcers knots or kernells of the necke or throate which is called the Kings evill healeth them certainely and speedily as also the painefull swellings of the hemorrhoidiall veines which are called the piles when they are fallen downe and grow vlcerous or sore the juice either fresh or condensate that is made thicke by extraction and evaporation to his consistence fit to be kept is used to be infused into the eyes to take away inflammations and rednesse in them and to cleare clense them from skins and filmes growing upon them the roote or the juice of them or the decoction of the herbe or roote is given likewise very often to cattell to drinke to free them from the Bottes and wormes and many other diseases as also when they begin to swell being poisoned by any venemous worme or ticke which they often licke up with the grasse as also when such wormes or other hurtfull vermine have bittten Kine by the udders or other tender places which presently thereupon swell and put the cattle to much paine making them forbeare their meate which when the countrey people see they bruising the leaves of any of the Gentians growing neare unto them and wringing out the juice stroke therewith the udder or bitten place and they by two or three times so doing are helped and cured the rootes of the smaller Gentian of the Spring being dried and given in powder to any to drinke will cause much venting or farting and is given with good successe to helpe the torments of the wind-collicke and other sore and grievous panges or paines in the stomacke or bowells it is also profitable to helpe the yellow jaundise as also any evill disposition in the liver or body engendred by long sickenesse or bad diet whereby they pine away by a consumption CHAP. XXVII Scorsonera Vipers Grasse ALthough I have set forth in my former Booke two sorts of Scorsonera or Vipers Grasse which are the Spannish kinde and the low purple kinde yet because there are some others that Clusius and others have made mention of and some also not yet published by any I thinke it meete to declare all those not spoken of before in this place and Chapter 1. Scorsonera major Pannonica latifolia The greater Hungarian broad leafed Vipers Grasse This greater Hungarian Vipers grasse is very like unto the Spanish kinde in all things almost the leaves hereof are more in number that rise from the head of the roote as broad and long as they but not crumpled about the edges nor of that grayish greene colour but smooth and of a darke or evill greene colour this hath two or three stalkes rising up among the leaves and sometimes but one according as the roote hath encreased into severall heads having some lesser leaves upon them and at the top a scaly somewhat long greene head from the middle whereof groweth the like double yellow flower as the Spanish kinde hath and the like seede also lying in such downy substance neither of them to be well discerned the one from the other after they have growne any time in the garden together the roote also is long and great spreading into many branches and shooting forth into divers heads from the upper part thereof blackish on the outside and white and pleasant within as the other yeelding milke in every part in the same manner also abiding many yeares and not perishing after seede time as the Goates beards doe whereof all these are accounted as kindes 2. Scorsonera humilis latifolia Pannonica The dwarfe Hungarian Vipers grasse This dwarfe or low Scorsonera shooteth forth not so many long leaves but almost as broad as the last somewhat stiffer and shorter and of the same greene colour from among which riseth up one firme but hollow and shortstalke not above an handbredth high bearing some few small and short leaves thereon and a yellow flower out of the like greene scaly head but shorter than the other with the like seede therein also the roote is blacke without and whitewithin yeelding milke as the other doth 3. Scorsonera minor angustifolia Pannonica The small Hungarian Vipers grasse This small Vipers grasse hath long and very narrow greene leaves very like the leaves of Tragopogon or Goates beard but shorter and not so many the stalkes are slenderer and much lower then the first bearing smaller and more single flowers upon them then it and lesser seede but like in all other respects lying in such downe the roote likewise is long and blacke without and white within but smaller and slenderer never growing to be halfe so great neither yeeldeth such store of milke as the other doth 1. Scorsonera major Pannonica latifolia The greater Hungarian broad leafed Vipers grasse 5. Scorsonera tuberosa radice The smallest Spanish Vipers grasse 2. 3. Scorsonera humilis latifolia angustifolia The greater low and the lesser tall Hungarian Vipers grasse 4. Scorsonera elatior angustifolia Pannonica Tall narrow leafed Purple Vipers grasse The taller purple Vipers grasse hath many such like narrow long leaves as the last and longer stalkes with some lesser leaves on
them divided sometimes into two or three branches bearing every one a small flower like unto the last but of a blewish purple colour standing in a shorter greene head wherein is contained shorter and thicker seede then in the former the roote is long and blacke without and white within like the other and yeelding also but little milke yet abiding as the rest 5. Scorsonera minima tuberosa radice Hispanica The smallest Spanish Vipers grasse This least Vipers grasse hath divers leaves very small and narrow lying on the ground some rootes giving smooth leaves and others crumpled about the edges the stalkes are very small and scarse rising three or foure inches high bearing out of a long small scaly head a very small and single pale yellow flower wherein grow smaller blacke seedes and enclosed in farre lesser downe then in any of the other the roote is as thicke as three fingers or more but much shorter then in any other kindes blackish without and somewhat whitish within yeelding very little milke when it is broken but abideth the Winter almost as well as any of the rest 6. Scorsonera Illyrica Vipers grasse of Sclavony The multitude of long narrow leaves with three ribbes in them to the number of fifty or an hundred and of twenty slender stalkes of small yellow flowers and smaller seed after them then most of the former the roote being blacke and thicke maketh this kinde differ from the rest The Place The first groweth in many places of Germany Bohemia and Hungary The second on the hils by Baden in Germany The third in many of the same places with the first The fourth on a small hill nigh unto Stampfen which is two Dutch miles from Posonium a chiefe City in Hungary and in other places thereof The fifth grew in Spaine and good store of the rootes being brought hither I planted some of them in my Garden perceiving them in forme to differ from others which growing yeelded such leaves flowers and seede as is before for downe The last in Illyria or Sclavonye as Alpinus saith The Time They doe all flower in May and their seede is ripe before the end of Iune The Names The first knowledge of Scorsonera to the world came by Monardus a famous Physition in Sivell although it was found out and the use of it likewise thirty yeares before he wrote thereof who made a small tractâ— thereof and of the Bezar stone which Clusius translated out of the Spanish into the Latine tongue and published it with other of his workes translated also and annexed to his booke of strange or Exoticke things wherein it is set downe that a Moore a bondslave did helpe those that were bitten of that venemous beast or Viper as it is called by others which they of Catalonia where they breed in abundance call in their language Escuersâ— from whence Scorsonera is derived with the juice of this herbe and the roote given them to eate which both tooke away the poison and healed the bitten place very quickely when Treakle and other things would doe no good which ever since hath growne in estimation as well against venome or poyson as against other diseases as you shall heare by and by The first is called by Clusius Scorsonera major Pannonica by Matthiolus Scorsonera Bohemica whom Lobel and Lugdunensis follow Tabermontanus and Gerard call it Germanica and Bauhinus Latifolia altera The second is called by Clusius Scorsonera humilis latifolia Pannonica by Tabermontanus Scosonera Pannonica and by Bauhinus Scorsonera latifolia humilis nervosa The third is called by Lobel Scorsonera altera by Tabermontanus Scorsonera Germanica angustifolia and by Bauhinus Scorsonera folijs nervosâ— The fourth is called by Clusius Scorsonera angustifolia elatior Pannonica by Thalius Scorsonera tenuifolia altera and by Bauhinus Scosonera angustifolia subcaerulea The fifth because it came from Spaine without any name I have entitled it according to the face and forme thereof Scorsonera minima tuberosa radice Hispanica it is very probable that Bauhinus in his Prodromus doth meane this plant it commeth so nere unto it which he there calleth Hieracium capillacco flore for he saith it better agreeth to a Scorsonera then Hieracium The last Alpinus setteth forth under the same title it hath some doe call them Viperaria and Viperina and some Serpentina The Vertues Bauhinus saith that the rootes of the Spanish kinde hath in their naturall places some bitternesse which if it be so for I never saw such is not perceived in those that have growne many yeares in our land it is very likely that the temperature of the Climate doth alter in some part the bitternesse thereof but Monardus writeth that those that grow in Spaine are somewhat sweete in taste like a Parsneppe and may be eaten in the same manner the roote hereof saith Monardus whether raw or dressed or condited as also the juice of the herbe taken by themselves or with any other cordiall or Counterpoyson doth not onely helpe the biting of that so venemous Serpent the Escuersos but of the Viper and all other virulent creatures the water distilled in glasses is a present remedy for all contagious fevers for by causing sweate the infection is evaporated and the sicke person restored the same also or the roote it selfe taken is good against the passions and tremblings of the heart as also against swounings sadnes melancholy the roote preserved and taken fasting or the said water drunke for some dayes together doth open the obstructions of the liver spleene and the other inward part as also helpeth to bring downe womens courses and to ease the suffocation or other diseases of the mother whatsoever for in those feminine griefes it hath a very powerfull effect as hath beene often and certainely found true it is also very good against the swimming or turning of the braine and all other paines in the head it is also very condiall both to strengthen the vitall spirits when they are much subject to faint or swoune as also against melancholy or sadnesse that ariseth without manifest cause if the clarified juice of the herbe be set in the Sunne for certaine dayes and the purer liquor thereof mixed with a little hony be dropped into the eyes it both cleareth and strengthneth the sight and taketh away the spots and blemishes in them The rootes preserved with Sugar are not onely very pleasant to the taste but effectuall for many of the aforesaid griefes CHAP. XXVIII Tragopogon Goates beard ALthough it is not certainely knowne that the Goates beardes have the like Alexipharmicall property to expell venome and poyson as the Scorsoneras or Vipers grasses yet because they are so like unto them in outward forme and manner of growing they being but as species ejusdem generis the Tragopogon or Goates beard being the standard or genus and herein principally differing that all the Tragopogons are but annual or perishing after they have borne seede and all the sorts of Scorsonera living
fourth in Hungary and Austria The fifth and sixth in Candy The seaventh and tenth in Spaine The eighth and ninth on the hils in the Kingdome of Naples as Columna reporteth The eleventh and twelfth in Candy The Time They all flower in Sommer and their seede is quickely ripe after The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Echium 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alcibiadion and Alcibion or Alcibiacum of the first finder thereof who being bitten by a Viper gathered this herbe and chewing it and swallowing downe the juice and applying the rest of the herbe to the bitten place freed himselfe from danger Apuleius saith it was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 theriorrhizon Viperee radix and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the forme of the seede which as Dioscorides saith is like the head of a Viper and thereof tooke the name Echium yet some others say from the effects in the rootes to cure the bitings of the Viper in Latine also Echium of most Authours yet of some Buglossum silvestre viperinum Serpentaria and some also tooke it for Anchusa as Thalius and Caesalpinus and under that name saith the seede of the Candy sorts were sent him Cordus on Dioscorides called the first Lycopsis and Lonicerus Buglossum sylvestre Camerarius and Matthiolus mention the second Clusius the third fourth fifth and sixth and the seventh in his Curae posteriores Columna the eighth and ninth and Bauhinus the tenth under their severall titles as they are here expressed the two last by Alpinus in his booke de plantis exoticis It is called of the Italians Echis and Buglossa Salvatica Of the Spaniards Yerva di las bivoras Of the French Borrache sauuage and L'herbe aux viperes Of the Germans wild ocksen song Of the Dutch men wild ossentonghe In English wild Buglosse and Vipers Buglosse The Vertues It is as you have heard by the first finder out of it an especiall remedy against the biting of the Viper and of all other Serpents or venemous creatures as also against poyson and poysonfull herbes it is added further by Dioscorides and others that whosoever shall take of the herbe or roote before they be bitten shall not be hurt by the poyson of any Serpent And I thinke from this and some other the like qualities in herbes to heale the diseases whereof some forme may be seene in them hath come the application of many other whose formes have beene imagined to have beene found in them which they call Signaturae plantarum whereof Crollius in his Basilica chymica hath given demonstration of all the parts of the body from the head to the foote and moreover of many the diseases of the body and of divers other things whereof they that will reade his worke may be better informed that desire the knowledge thereof the rootes or seedes are thought to be most effectuall for the foresaid causes as also to comfort the heart and to expell sadnesse and causelesse Melancholy it tempers the blood and allayes the hot fits of agues the seede drunke in wine procureth aboundance of milke in womens brests the same also being taken easeth the paines in the loines backe and kidneies the distilled water of the herbe when it is in his chiefest strength that is in flower is excellent to be applyed inwardly or outwardly for all the griefes aforesaid There is a syrupe made hereof very effectuall for the comforting of the heart and expelling sadnesse and melancholly which is made in this manner Take of the clarified juice of the common wilde or Vipers Buglosse foure pound of fine Sugar three pound of the infusion of the flowers thereof one pound boyle these gently unto the consistence of a syrupe which keepe by you to use as you shall have cause But because it is somewhat hard to presse forth this juice by reason of the sliminesse thereof it is fit that after you have beaten the herbe well you set it close covered in a cold cellar or other cold and moist place for two daies and nights and then wring or presse forth the juice and clarifie it with the whites of egges beaten and passed gently of it selfe through a thicke Hippocras bagge and because many know not how to make the infusion before spoken of rightly as it should be it is thus Gather of the flowers of the said wild Buglosse a good quantity which you shall put into a pot with some water being made boyling hot aforehand stoppe the pot close untill it be cold and then wring forth the infusion you may renew the infusion by putting in fresh flowers as before once or twice more if you will have it strong of the flowers CHAP. XXX Fraxinella sive Diptamnus albus False white Dittany I Have given you the descriptions of all the sorts of false Bastard Dittany or white Dittany in my former Booke whereunto I referre you I shall onely here exhibite the figure and amplifie the Vertues Fraxinella may more fitly be called false white Dittany then bastard Dittany because there is one already set forth in the first Tribe or Classis by the name of Pseudodictamnus Bastard Dittany least two herbes should be called by one name and then neither should be well understood when they were called for distinct epithites is most requisite therefore to avoid confusion The Vertues The false white Dittany then is heating and drying the rootes which are most in use doe attenuate or make thin grosse humours it openeth obstructions provoketh the menstrnes and urine and clenseth that which is foule and contagious It is very effectually both against poyson and the venome of Serpents and other poysonfull creatures and against the pestilence and other contagious diseases to take a dramme or two of the powder of the roote in wine or broth the same also taken killeth the wormes of the belly breaketh the stone causing it to avoid in the urine it warmeth and cleanseth the matrixe expelleth the dead childe and after-birth if the part be fumigated with it and Penniroyall or taken in Wine it easeth the paines and torments in the inward parts or bowels and healeth inward hurts and wounds it is much commended against the Epilepsie or falling sicknesse and other cold griefes of the head and braines and is hel◠to be of great good use against the French disease to use it with the decoction of Guaiacum Fraxinella vulgaris The most common false white Dittany CHAP. XXXI Galega Goats Rue BEcause this herbe is so effectuall against all infections 1. Galega sive Ruta Capraria Goats Rue I could do no lesse then insert it here and take it from the other leguminous plants where it might be placed which otherwise I would not have done and hereunto I must adjoyne another for the neerenesse both for forme and vertues 1. Galega vulgaris Common Goats Rue The common or most usuall Goats Rue sendeth forth many round hard stalkes foure or five foote high whereon
grow one above another at severall joynts long winged leaves that is many leaves set on each side of a middle ribbe which are small yet somewhat broad and long and pointed at the end smooth on the edges without any dentes somewhat like unto the leaves of Vitches and of a faint greene colour at the toppes of the stalkes stand many small Leguminous flowers one above another of a pale blewish purple colour and in some plants pure white after which come small round pods about an inch and a halfe long a little bunched out in some places but nothing so much as the Orobus or bitter Vetch wherein lie three or foure or five small pale seede like unto a Vetch the roote is white and wooddy spreading well in the ground and abiding divers yeares 2. Galega montana Dalechampij Mountaine Goats Rue This other Goats Rue shooteth forth divers round hard stalkes nothing so high as the former whereon groweth such a like winged leafe at every joynt but broader and thicker set together smooth also on the edges but having the middle ribbe of every leafe raised up a little high at the toppe of the stalkes stand divers such like flowers as the former but all on one side of a pale colour tending to yellow which afterward yeeld small long blackish pods wherein lie small flattish seede like unto Lentills the roote is somewhat great and blacke sending forth very long strings whereby it fasteneth it selfe deepe in the ground The Place The first groweth commonly wilde by the way sides of moist fields and medowes both in Italy Savoy and other places as also found of late growing wilde in the Medowes by Linton in Cambridge shire the other not but upon the toppes of mountaines where any plaines are found The Time They flower in the end of Iune and Iuly and the seede is ripe in August The Names This herbe hath not beene knowne to the ancient Authors and therefore hath no name but is usully called in Latine Galega or Ruta Capraria for they that first found it and the vertues gave that name of Ruta thereunto as finding it no lesse effectuall than the best Rue some call it Gralega and some Herba Gallica as Fracastorius and of some Capraria the Florentines call it Lavanese in other parts of Italy it hath divers other names as Gesner saith Castracane Lavanna Thorina or Taurina Martanica Sarracena Capragina Herbanese and Giarga as Brasavolus saith Some with us call it Italian Vetch but most commonly Goates Rue The other Lugdunensis calleth Galega montana and Bauhinus referreth it to the Orobus Pannonicus of Clusius which it cannot be for he saith it perisheth every yeare and also to the Arachus latifolius of Dodonaeus which it cannot be neither for Dodonaeus saith his Arachus is called of divers Ervum Venetum which differeth little or nothing at all from Clusius his first Orobus Pannonicus so that in this as in very many other things he is much mistaken The Vertues Goates Rew is most effectuall against the bitings or stings of any venemous creature yea those Italians and others as Pena and Lobel say that use to gather Vipers which are certainely Adders with us by the judgement of the best doe account it more effectuall to preserve them being bitten or stung than any Treakle of the best making or to defend them from any other infection and therefore eare it continually as other herbes in sallets or otherwise in their meates and brothes It is no lesse powerfull and effectuall against poison then the plague or pestilence or any infectious or pestilentious fevers or diseases that breake forth into spots or markes as the measells purples and the small pocks in all which it is admirable what effects it worketh both to preserve from the infection and to cure them that are infected to take every morning some of the juice thereof as also to eate the herbe it selfe every morning fasting but it will be the more effectuall if the juice be taken with a little good Treakle and some Tormentill rootes in powder mixed with Cardus benedictus water or with some vinegar and fine Bolearmonicke and Treakle in the said water and presently to sweat two houres thereupon which it causeth also in some sort it selfe and may be used as well when any is infected as when any feare themselves to be infected with the plague a spoonefull also of the juice given in a morning fasting is very effectuall to kill the wormes in children or the herbe it selfe fried with a little oyle of bitter Almons and laid hot unto the navell as also to helpe the falling sicknesse before it grow strong and old upon them it is very profitably applied to the belly pained with gripings of winde and the collicke being fried and laid to warme in the same manner also laid upon plague sores before they be broken either disperseth them yet defending the heart not striking it inwardly or draweth them forth and healeth them it is also effectually applied with vinegar to gangrene◠running ulcers and sores to stay the malignitie of them in their fretting and spreading and to defend the vital spirits from danger it is held also to be very cordiall to preserve the heart from palpitations tremblings and swounnings and against melancholike vapours oppressing it Some use a Syrupe made of the juice and some of the distilled water as a more familiar medecine to take upon all occasions inwardly for all the purposes aforesaid and some use to make an oyle of the flowers digested in the Sun by often repetitions of infusion to make the wrests of the hands where the pulse is felt as also the region of the heart to defend it from the diseases aforesaid and danger of infection it is no lesse effectuall for Sheepe Goates and Cattle for from the experience of Goat-heards therein came the name of Capraria added unto it it fatteneth hennes also wonderfully and causeth them to lay egges the more plentifully The other Mountaine Goates Rew is held also almost as effectuall against poyson and infection of the plague as the other CHAP. XXXII Phalangium Spiderwort THere are divers sorts of Spiderworts some of antient knowledge others of later accesse of all which I have given the descriptions in my former Book which although I meane not to repeate here again yet I thinke it not amisse both to give you some of their names figures and to set downe their vertues It is thought it tooke the name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phalangium and Phalangites from the forme of the seede vessells others from the forme of the leaves like to that Spiders legges in going but more certainely I thinke from the propertie of curing the dangerous poison of that great Spider For which purpose both Dioscorides and Galen doe commend the flowers leaves and seedes of it as also against the verulencie of Scorpions and other Serpents and to discusse the torments that rise from their hurts or
the herbe applied to the fundament openeth the piles and easeth their paines and being mixed with Goates tallow low or the Cyprian Cerote doth helpe the gout the juyce is very effectuall to clense fistulaes and to heals them up safely or the herbe it selfe bruised and applied with a little salt it is likewise so effectuall to heale any greene wound that if it be bruised and bound thereto for three dayes you may afterwards take it away for you shall not neede any other salve or medicine to heale it further a pultis made hereof with Mallowes and boyled in wine with Wheate branne and Beane flower and some oyle put thereto and applied warme to any bruised sinew tendone or muscle doth in a very short time restore them to their strength and taketh away the paines of the bruises and dissolveth the congealed bloud of any beatings or falls from high places CHAP. XII Heliotropium Turnesole THere are divers sorts of herbes that may be called Sunturners because their flowers doe oppose the Sunne whereof to speake in this place is not my purpose neither will the method of the worke admit but properly of that kinde so called whereof there are three or foure sorts as shall be presently declared 1. Heliotropium majus The greater Turnsole The grrater Turnesole riseth up with one upright stalke about a foote or more high dividing it selfe almost from the bottome into divers smaller branches of a hoary colour at each joynt of the stalke and branches grow two small broad leaves somewhat like unto those of Calamint or Basil but greater than Calamint and lesser than the greater Basill somewhat white or hoary also at the toppes of the stalkes and branches stand many small white flowers consisting of foure and sometimes of five very small leaves set in order one above another upon a small crooked spike which turneth inwards like a bowed finger opening by degrees as the flowers blow open after wich in their places come small cornered seede foure for the most part standing together the roote is small and threddy perishing every yeare and the seede shedding it selfe riseth againe the next Spring 2. Heliotropium majus supinum The greater creeping Turnesole This creeping Turnesole according to the judgement of Clusius is in a manner but the same with the former greater Turnesole because it is in most things so like it yet differeth in these particulars that it hath more and slenderer stalkes not standing upright as the former doth but leaneth downe to the ground the stalkes and leaves are lesser but hoary in the like manner the flowers are white and stand in crooked spiked heads bowing like a Scorpions taile as the other but the seede being smaller standeth singly or but two together the rootes are small and perish in like manner 1. Heliotropium majus The greater Turnesole 3. Heliotropium minus The small Turnesole 3. Heliotropium minus The smaller Turnesole This smaller Turnesole groweth very low lying almost with his slender weake branches upon the ground having thereon many small leaves like the other in forme but three times lesse in substance neither stalkes nor leaves white nor hoary but of a darke greene colour the flowers are much smaller and yellowish not growing in long crooked or bowing headâ— like the former nor at the toppes of the branches but standing at the joynts upon very small stalkes some above the leaves and others under them which afterwards turne into small round heads or buttons like unto wartes wherein is such like seede as the lest but smaller and a little rounder 4. Heliotropium tricoâ—um The colouring or dying Turnesole This dying Turnesole that beareth berries there alwayes set together riseth up with an upright stalke branching it selfe diversly to the height of halfe a yeard or 4. Heliotropium tricoâ—cum The colouring or dying Turnesole there abouts whereon grow broader and softer leaves than any of former like unto those of the sleepy Nightshade whitish withall set without order at the joynts up to the toppes yet lesser above than below at the end of the branches come forth small mossie yellowish flowers which quickly perish and fall away without giving any seede herein like unto the Ricinus or Palma Christi called the great Spurge for in the same manner also at the joynts with the leaves come forth the fruit or berries standing three for the most part alwayes joyned together upon short foote stalkes which are of a blackish greene colour and rough or rugged on the outside within which is contained ash coloured seede which if the heads be suffered to grow to be overripe and be dried with the Sunne will fall out of themselves upon the ground and spring againe in their naturall places the next yeare thereby renewing it selfe for the roote is small and perisheth after it hath borne seede but these berries when they are at their full maturitie have within them that is betweene the outer skinne and the inner kernell or seede a certaine juice or moisture which being rubbed upon paper or cloth at the first appeareth of a fresh and lively greene colour but presently changeth into a kind of blewish purple upon the cloth or paper and the same cloth afterwards wet in water and wrung forth will colour the water into a claret wine colour and these are those ragges of cloth which are usually called Turnesole in the Druggists and Grocers shoppes and with all other people and serveth to colour jellies or other things as every one please The Place These doe grow in Italy Spaine and France in divers places as Matthiolus Lobel and Cluâ— doe set them downe the two first doe well endure with us The Time The two first doe flower and seede â—ell with us every yeare but the other two doe scarce beare any shew of seede with us in regard we want sufficient heate to ripen them The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heliotropiâ— that is Solisequium Sunturner so called saith Dioscorides quoniâ— folia cum sole circumâ—gantur but heâ— I thinke he erred for the leaves doe not turne to the Sunne â—ely the head of flowers faceth the Sunne and is called also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scorpitâ— â—ia floriâ— Scorpi◠〈◊〉 est effigie but Theophrastus saith it is called Heliotropium because it flowreth in the Spâ—er Solâ—ice the small kinde is called most properly in Latine Verâ— a tollendis verrucis and Herba Câ— the Italians call it Heliotropio and the Spaniards Torâ— but the Spaniards and French call the last Tâ—naâ—fol and Tuâ—fol The first is generally called of all Authors Heliotropium and Vâ—caria of some onely Gesner in 〈◊〉 calleth it Stâ—pioides album and Lâ—erus Herba Câ— major the second Clusius Dodonaeus and Gesner call Heliotropium supinum Lugunensis Heliotropium 〈…〉 and Bauhinus minus sypâ— the third is called Heliotropium minus repens of Lobel and of Gesner Heliotropium minus folio ocimi Lugdunensis calleth it Verâ—ucariâ— altera minor the last is called
call it Polygonum montanum and Bauhinus Polygonum minus candicans the second Columna calleth Vermiculata montana nova and Bauhinus Polygonum montanum Vermiculatae folijs the third Clusius calleth Anthyllis Valentina because he saith Plaza and other the learned Phisitions of the Vniversitie of Valentia in Spaine did so account and call it which as he saith although it might be a kind thereof yet it could not be Dioscorides his fifth Anthyllis because it hath upright stalkes which this hath not but all other Herbarists doe account it a kinde of small Knotgrasse and so have I called it although somewhat differing from him Bauhinus maketh it an Anthyllis among his Anthyllides and a Polygonum also among these calling it Polygonum gramineo folio majus erectum which in my opinion is not fitting unto it in that it neither groweth upright nor hath such long leaves that they should resemble grasse the fourth Bauhinus in his Pinax maketh to be both his ninth small Knotgrasse calling it Polygonum minus tenâ—ifolium and also his twelfth by the name of Polygonum minus lentifolium and in both places referreth us to the fourth Polygonum described in his Prodromus whereby he filleth up the number of sorts without reason the fifth Bauhinus so calleth as it is in the title the sixt Lobel calleth Polygonum alterum pufillum vermiculata Serpillâ— folio and Lugdunensis Polygonum alterum Serpilli folio but Bauhinus Polygonum maritimum minus folio Serpilli the seventh Tragus accounteth to be a kinde of Polygonum which they of his countrie called Knawel hee also thinketh it might be called Policarpon of the abundance of seede and Polycnemon of the vertues Lugdunensis also calleth it Polycarpon and Dodonaeus in his Pemptades taketh it to be a Polygonum exignum Gerard calleth it Pologonum Selinoides sive Knavel wherein hee is deceived many wayes First in that he giveth the name Selinoides unto Knawel when as his owne description and figure thereof might have plainely convinced that errour in him in that Knawel hath not leaves like Selinum or Parsly secondly that he maketh Knawel and Parsly pert to be one whereas they are two plants then againe that he thinketh that Saxifraga Anglicana of Lobel which he saith he found about Chipnam in the West countrie to be Parsly pert when as Lobel and Pena their description and figure doth contrary also that opinion although their figure be somewhat like as Gerard himselfe confesseth which he calleth Selinoides againe that he thinketh the Parsly pert that was shewed by a country Empericke to Mr. Bredwell was Knawel which as it is likely Mr. Bredwell shewed him and yet he could not discerne the face of the one herbe from the other and lastly he findeth fault with the name Parsly pert calling it a barbarous word and would amend it with his owne fine Latine word Petra pungens not understanding the true Etymologie of the word being corrupted as for the most part all unusuall or hard words are to the vulgar sort for the uncorrupted word is Percepierre a true French word and signifieth the same that Lithontribon in Greeke Saxifraga in Latine or Gerard his Petra pungens if ye like it Breakestone in English of all which I shall speak more fully in the next Chapter but I have here before given you my opinion of the Saxifraga Anglicana of Lobel neither can I thinke the Knawel of Tragus to be it as many might imagine by the likenesse of their figures being compared together but surely it may be a kinde thereof the forme and strong sweet smell which Tragus saith it hath inducing me in part so to thinke but that the small greene flowers and seede in them be much differing from the Pincke like white flower in that the eight I call Polygonum alterum Germanicum another Germane Knawel because it is so like thereunto and that Bauhinus saith the Germane Knawel hath many varieties whereof I thinke this to be one and it is probable also that both the Polygonum montanum niveum and the Anthyllis Valentina may be a species thereof Bauhinus himselfe calleth it Polygonum litoreum minus flosculis spadiceo albicantibus the ninth is called Empetron by Tragus and Lonicerus but not truely Polygonum minus by Matthiolus and Castor Durantes that followeth him Herba Cancri minor by Cordus in his Scholiastes and Millegrana in his history of plants Epipactis by Anguillara Herba Turca by Lobel and Caesalpinus Herniaria multigrana Serpylli folio by Pena in his Adversaria and generally Herniaria and so by Gesner in hortis Germania and in libello de collectione stirpium by Camerarius Dodonaeus Thalius Lugdunensis Tabermontanus and Gerard and by Bauhinus Polygonum minus seâ— Millegrana major the tenth we have imposed the name as it is in the title and most suting thereunto the last is called Millegrana minima by Lobel in his Dutch Herball and in his Icones stirpium by Thalius Herniaria altera and therefore I call it Herniaria minor Bauhinus calleth it Polygonum minimum sive Millegrana minima The Vertues All or most of these sorts of Knotgrasse doe participate with the former in the binding qualities although not altogether so much in the cooling some of them having a little bitternesse or sharpenesse in them which declareth some heate and therefore hath not that abundant moisture which Galen saith is in the former whereby as he saith they have their cooling qualitie they serve to provoke urine and helpe to breake and expell the stone and gravell by urine as the others doe yet wee have not so evident testimony of the operations of the five first sorts howsoever the delicacie of forme in some of them doe argue in mans judgement some singular vertue which yet doth not alwayes follow for in many deformed there is found much more helpe as we have of the rest which are these in particular Tragus saith that Knawel hath the same properties that Knotgrasse hath and may serve in the stead thereof to all purposes as well inward as outward remedies when the other is not at hand and that it is very powerfull to breake the stone being boyled in wine and drunke which our owne people doe averre also the other Germane Knawel or Knotgrasse being of the same kinde worketh the like effects Rupture wort hath not his name in vaine for it is found by daily experience in a number that have taken it to helpe and cure the rupture not onely in children but in elder persons so as it be not too old and inveterate by taking either a dramme of the powder of the dried herbe every day in wine for certaine dayes together as the strength of the disease and age of the patient doe require or the decoction made of the herbe in wine and drunke or the juice or distilled water of the greene herbe taken in the same manner and helpeth all other fluxes either of men or women vomitings also and the Gonorrhea being taken any of those wayes
aforesaid it doth most assuredly helpe also those that have the strangurie and have their urine stopped or are troubled with the stone or gravell in their reines or bladder causing them that take it to urine plentifully and thereby to remove and wash downe whatsoever sticketh or is offensive in the passages thereof Vide Hollerium de morbis interniis lib. 1. c 62. fol. 268. the same also helpeth much all stitches in the sides all griping paines or torments in the stomacke or belly caused by collericke or sharpe or salt humours it helpeth the obstructions of the liver and cureth the yellow jaundise likewise it killeth also the wormes in children being outwardly applied it conglutinâ—th wounds very notably and helpeth much to stay defluxions of rheume from the head to the eyes nose or teeth being bruised greene and bound thereto or the decoction of the dried herbe to bathe the forehead and temples or the nape of the necke behinde it doth also drie up the moisture of fistulous ulcers or any others that by the much accesse of sharpe humors are growne foule and spreading the lesser Rupturewort is not much wanting in all the faculties of the other CHAP. XVI Polygonum Solinoides Parsly pert or Parsly Breakestone I Have as you see separated this kinde of Knotgrasse from all the other in the last Chapter and not without just reason as I take it because the face and forme thereof is so much differing from them as the ensuing description will declare the roote in very small and threddy but abiding divers yeares in the naturall places from whence come many leaves spread upon the ground each standing on a small long foote stalke and being as broad as the naile of a mans finger or Sive Percepierre Anglorum Polygonum Selinoides Parsly pert or Parsly breakestone â—humbe is very much jagged on the edges making it seeme somewhat like unto a Parslye leafe whereof came the name â—ut of an overworne or dusky greene colour from among which riseth up weake and slender stalkes about three or foure â—ingers long set full of the like leaves but smaller up to the â—oppes that almost no part of the stalkes can be seene and all â—or the most part standing close thereunto few of them having â—ny footestalke at all or very short among these leaves come forth very small greenish yellow flowers scarse to be discerned where afterwards groweth the seede as small as any of the former The Place This groweth naturally in most countries of this land if it be observed by any that have skill but especially in such barâ—en and sandy grounds as doe not want moisture for it joyeth much more in the wet places then in the dry I found it upon Hampsteed Heath by the foote pathes where being a dry ground and in a dry time it was very small which else in 〈◊〉 moister time and in a moister place upon the same Heath was much greater as also neare unto the meerestones by Lambeth which divide the liberties of London from Surrey The Time It is to be found all times of the Sommer Spring and Harvest even from Aprill unto the end of October in severall places for in the open and Sunny places it will be withered when in the shadowy and moist it will continue The Names This plant being of long continuance in our land and knowledge to us by the properties for it hath not beene mentioned by any the most curious searchers and writers of herbs beyond sea as being onely peculiar I thinke to our Country before Lobel came to us who called it Percep er Anglorum and Lugdunensis from him hath received no Latine name at all and therefore I have transferred the name Polygonum Selinoides hereunto as more proper unto it then Gerards Knawell is unto it for it may most fitly be reckoned a Polygonum by the manner of the growing and the name Selinoides may most fitly agree unto it from the forme of the leaves being derived from the Greeke word Selinon for Knawel hath no likenesse with Selinum Parsly In the former Chapter I shewed you Gerard his errours herein now let me shew you mine also if peradventure I speake not per Antiphrasim concerning these names of Percepier or Perch pier as some call it and Parsly pert or Parsly breakestone as they are usually called in English I shewed you before that the word Parsly pert was but a corruption of time in the vulgar sort and Percepier also derived from the French word Percepierre which as I said before signifieth as much as Lithontribon in Greeke Saxifraga Petrifindula an old outworne word and calculum frangens in Latine pierce stone or breakestone in English some call it Parsly pert and derive it from petra but the more proper English is Parsly breakestone Now concerning this and Lobel his Saxifraga Anglicana both of them are affirmed by Lobel to grow in the West Country and both are used for one purpose yet Lobel seemeth to referre the Percepier unto the Cerefolium Scandix sive Pecten Veneris or partaking of both of them but most unproperly in my minde which hath caused Bauhinus in his Pinax following his opinion to make it a species of Cerefolium calling it Chaerophyllo nonnihil similis planta and Tabermontanus thereupon calleth it Scandix minor and Columua was also much deceived in thinking this to be an Alchymilla calling it minima montana The Vertues This herbe hath properly with the vulgar sort both men and women leeches who have had most practice of it not found any other operation then to helpe to provoke urine and breake the stone in those that are troubled therewith for which purposes it is most availeable for they use to eate it familiarly as a Sallet herbe and pickle it up as a Sampire to eate in winter but is used also more Physically either by it selfe or with other things and either in powder or in juice decoction or water distilled from it whose severall wayes that I may declare them a little more amply are these Take of the juice of the herbe about three ounces put this with so much white wine as is fit to make a posset take hereof every morning and evening a draught or ye may adde hereto Wild Time or Mother of Time and some Camomill You may also boyle these herbes aforesaid in white wine or in water if wine be not at hand and drinke it when it is strayned in the same manner the powder also of the dryed herbe to the quantity of a dramme or lesse in white wine or in other drinke where wine is wanting for divers dayes first and last and the distilled water of the herbe taken with a little Sugar in the same manner is found to be a singular remedy to provoke urine when it is stopped wholly or passeth away by drops with paine or unsensibly without paine expelleth store of gravell in those that breede it and the stone also in the reines or kidneyes in washing it downe by the
the other and somewhat great but stand not so thicke â—stering together being of a daintie purple blew colour with a yellow spot in the mouth the heads for seede that follow are somewhat great having blackish flat seede within them the roote is small and white spreading divers wayes under ground and perisheth not in the Winter 6. Linaria lutea Moravica Clusij The small yellow Moravia Flaxeweede This small kinde of Todefluxe is somewhat like unto the last kinde in the precedent ranke but that it hath more store of stalkes that doe not stand upright having many small ash coloured leaves set upon them which are rounder and more sappy the stalkes beare at the toppes of them many yellow flowers with yellow spots in them but the least of all these in this third ranke the seede is small and blacke and the roote perisheth every yeare The Place The first groweth about Salamanca in Spaine the second and third in some other parts of Spaine it is not certainely knowne where the fourth on the hills in Moravia as the last doth also the fift groweth as well in Stiria as Clusius saith as among the Switzers and the hills in Rhaetia The Time They doe all flower in Sommer and give their seede quickly after The Names The first is the fift Spanish kinde of Clusius which Bauhinus calleth Osyris flava sylvestris and Tabermontaâ— Osyris minor the second is the fourth Spanish kinde of Clusius as the third is his second Spanish kinde the fourth is Clusius his second Linaria of Moravia as the last is his first Moravian kinde the fift is called by Clusius Linaria Stiriaca by Gesner in hortis Germaniae and in his Epistles Linaria Alpina Helvetica by Tabermontaâ— Linaria Alpina pumila and by Bauhinus Linaria quadrifolia supina the last is called by Clusius Linaria Moravica prima in his History The Vertues All these sorts are in some degree more or lesse effectuall but the most common kinde is the most used to provoke urine both when it is stopped as also in those that are troubled with the dropsie to spend the abundance of those watery humours by urine and by the drawing downe of much vrine doth in some sort helpe to wash the reines and uritory parts from gravell or stones gathered therein the decoction of the herbe both leaves and flowers in wine taken and drunke doth somewhat move the belly downewards openeth the obstructions of the liver and helpeth the yellow jaundise expelleth poison provoketh womens courses driveth forth the after-birth and dead child the distilled water of the herbe and flowers is effectuall for all the same purposes and in especiall being drunke with a dramme of the powder of the seedes or barke of the roote of Wallwort and a little Cinamon for certaine dayes together is held to be a singular remedy for the dropsie to spend the water and humors the juice of the herbe or the distilled water dropped into the eyes is a certaine remedy for all heate inflammation and rednesse in the eyes the juice or water put into foule ulcers whether they be cancrous or fistulous with tents rowled therein or the parts washed or injected therewith clenseth them throughly from the bottome and healeth them up safely the same juice or water also clenseth the skinne wonderfully of all sorts of deformity thereof as lepry morphew scurffe wheales pimples or any other spots and markes in the skinne applied of it selfe or used with some powder of Lupines CHAP. XXII Halicacabum sive Alkakengi Winter Cherries IN the reare of this Classis commeth the Winter Cherrie to be declared whereof there are some other sorts knowne to us more than in former times as I shall presently shew you 1. Halicacabum sive Alkakengi vulgare The ordinary Winter Cherry The ordinary Winter Cherry is described unto you in my former Booke therefore I doe here but onely make mention of it that you may take knowledge the next is differing from it 2. Halicacabum sive Alkakengi Virginense Virginian Winter Cherries This Virginian spreadeth the branches with leaves on the ground scarse raising it selfe up so much as the former but the branches are greater and foure the leaves also and more unevenly dented about the edges of a sad or sullen greene colour at the â—oâ—s come forth the flowers singly that is one at a place and more toward the bottome than upwards to the height of the branches which are rather smaller than the former composed of five small whitish leaves with a circle of red or every leafe spotted circlewise towards the bottomes of them the fruite that followeth is a small berry enclosed in a thinne skinne or bladder as the former but greene and not red when it is full ripe smaller likewise than it the berrie filling the skinne or bladder more than it and not leaving so much void â—me or the bladder as the former yet hath it small whitish seede within it as the other the roote spreadeth under ground not very farre and perisheth in Winter I have here onely given you three or foure leaves and a flower hereof with the figure of the former 3. Halicacabum Indicum rectum Vpright Indian Winter Cherries This Indian kinde riseth up to be about foure foote high with strong upright stalkes knotty and cornered shooting out many branches whereon grow faire greene leaves like unto those of the ordinary Winter Cherrie but somewhat larger and dented about the edges at the joints with the leaves come forth the flowers of a whitish colour as it is in the ordinary sort every one by it selfe which are composed but of one leafe having five corners somewhat crumpled about the edges and although they be not divided into five leaves yet in the bottome of them there doth appeare five blackish purple spots in the bottome of every flower with divers other purplish threds in the middle tipt with blackish blew chives after the flowers are past there commeth in their places the fruit which are bladders or thinne skinnes with berries in them like unto the ordinary Winter Cherrie but that the berrie hereof is larger than the other not onely filling the whole skinne or bladder but oftentimes breaking it and opening into foure parts which when it is ripe will be greene as well as the bladder saving sometimes that part that hath the Summe beâ—s most upon it will be of a darke greenish purple colour the whole plant is without taste yet yeelding forth at the joâ—s certaine glutinous matter or juyce of a strong sent like 1. 2. Alkakengi sive Halicacabum vulgare Virginense The ordinary and Virgini a Winter Cherry unto that of the Ponoa amoris or Love apples this perisheth every yeare in these colder climates at the first approach of Winter and whether it abideth in the naturall places wee know not nor to what physicall use it is applied or whether it be used to be eaten The Place The first groweth by the hedge sides in moist and shadowie place but is
with us onely as I thinke cherished in gardens the second came to us from Virginia and grew with Mr. Tradescant the last groweth in the West Indies and was first brought into Spaine and Italy and from thence communicated first to Camerarius as I thinke for he first set it forth and afterwards to others The Time They flower not untill the middle or later end of Iuly and the fruit is ripe about the end of August or beginning of September The Names Iosephus de Casa bona sent the last sort from Florence to Camerarius and called it Halicacabum sive Solanum Indicum some others have called it Arborescens and Solanum veficarium Indicum I have added thereunto rectuÌ„ to distinguish it from the Virginian Winter Cherrie but the ordinary kind is one of the four sâ—ys of Solana or Nightshades set forth and spoken of by Dioscorides and Galen and one of the two of Theophrastus called Solanum Halicacabum and by Pliny Vesicarium either of the bladder wherein the berrie groweth or of the vertues against the diseases of the bladder and stone Of the Arabians Alkakengi which name the Apothecaries doe retaine to this day in their shops Brunfelsius calleth it his Saxifrage quarta terming it rubra The Vertues Neither the Virginian nor Indian kinde are knowne to be used to helpe any griefe or disease But our ordinary Winter Cherries are of great use the leaves being cooling and may be used in all inflammations but not opening as the berries or fruit are which by opening the uritorie parts and drawing downe the urine provoke it to be avoided plentifully when it if stopped or when it groweth hot sharpe and painefull in the passage and is good also to expell the stone and gravell out of the reines kidnies and bladder helping to dissolve the stone and avoiding it by greete or gravell sent forth in the urine it helpeth much also to clense inward impostumes or ulcers in the reines or bladder or in those that avoid a bloudie or foule urine It helpeth the jaundise also by opening the passages of the gall and liver and expelling it by urine The distilled water of the fruit or the leaves together with them or the berries greene or drie distilled with a little milke is effectuall to all the purposes before specified if it be drunke morning and evening with a little Sugar and in speciall against the heate and sharpenesse of the urine Pliny recordeth that the roote hereof is so powerfull to stupifie the venome of the Scorpion that if it be but put unto them they will utterly lose all their strength and being boiled in oyle and applied is powerfull against their sting But because divers have appointed severall wayes for the preparing and ordering of the berries hereof to be helpefull for urine and the stone I thinke it not amisse to remember some of them unto you And first they appoint the berries to be put into new wine when it is new made and put up that the wine working with the bâ— therein may have their vertue therein and serve them to drinke that are troubled in the manner aforesaid but because our Land affordeth not wine to be made therein I doubt not but our Beere or Ale will be as effectuall having the 〈◊〉 proportion of berries that is three or foure good handfulls either greene and fresh or dried bruised and put thereunto that is into three or foure gallons when it is new tunned up and after drunke in the same manner and this drinke taken daily hath beene found to doe much good to many both to ease the paines and expell urine and the stone in whom it is confirmed and to cause it not to engender Another way Matthiolus much commendeth having used it many times himselfe which is to take some of the juyce of the berries in Ptisane drink made into 〈◊〉 creame with Poppie seede the kernells of Melon or Pompion seede also a decoction of Mallowes with some of the berries therein or some of the juyce drunke in it also sixe or nine drammes of the inward pulpe of Cassia fistula drawne forth with the water or decoction of the berries and given in a cupfull of the broth of fat flesh wherein also some of the berries have beene boiled is accounted an excellent remedie to clense the backe and reines in those griefes of the stone and urine the decoction of the berries in wine or water is the most usuall way to be taken and the powder of them taken in drinke or broth I hold to be more effectuall Thus I have shewed you all the sorts of Saxifrages or Breakestones that are properly so called for of divers herbes and plants that conduce to the same purpose I have spoken in my former Booke as you shall finde particularly quoted in the Table of remedies under the name of For the stone in the reines and kidnies There are divers other herbes also availeable for the same purpose but could not fitly be placed in this Classis in that many of them are umbelliferous plants some Thistles and some of other Tribes all which could not without much confusion be brought out of their owne stations to fill up another Take the rest therefore of those Breakestones as you shall find them dispersed throughout this whole Worke. Now it behoveth me to intreate of other herbes whose vertues are to heale wounds and therefore called Vulnerary in the next Classis PLANTAE VVLNERARIAE ET FERRVMINANTES JD EST CONSOLIDANTES VVLNERARY OR WOVND HERBES CLASSIS QVINTA THE FIFTH TRIBE CHAP. I. Centaurium majus The greater Centory I Dare not incline to the opinion of some of the Arabian Phisitions and Writers that have said the roote hereof is bitter and thereby have added strong purging qualities unto this kinde of Centory which properly belong unto the lesser kinde thereby confounding them both together for if I did I must have placed it in the second Classis among the purging plants Neither dare I hold with the moderne errour of many that hold me roote of this great Centory to be the Rhaponticum of Dioscorides Galen and others they being so much differing one from another as I shall shew you by and by But as the qualities therein are most certaine to be Vulnerary I have placed it here Of this kinde there are three other sorts knowne in these dayes which were not formerly which together there with shall be entreated of in this Chapter and first of that which was first and commonly Knowne 1. Centaurium majus vulgare The common great Centory The common great Centory hath many large and long soft leaves deepely cut in on the edges into many parts notched or dented about the edges of a pale greene colour on the upper side and whitish underneath the stalke is strong and round three or foure foote high divided at the toppe into many branches whereon stand large round scaly greene heads shooting forth at their toppes many small threds or thrummes of a
both the face and qualities of the one unto the other and Pliny also in his 25. Booke and 6. Chapter runneth into the same error with them who although be agreeth with Dioscorides in the description of it yet saith it hath a certaine bitternesse in it which is not found in this greater but the lesser kinde The second is called by Cornutus among his Canada plants Centauriâ— folijs Cynarae Pona saith in the description of the plants growing upon Mount Baldus that the third kind was called of divers there about Rheu Baldensis and Clusius saith the Portugals where he found it called it Rapontis Bauhinus saith that the last he received from out of the garden at Padoa by the name of Rhaponticum Lusitanicum The Vertues The roote of the great Centory saith Matthiolus being steeped in wine or the powder thereof given in wines is with great good successe and profit used for those that are fallen into a dropsie or have the jaundise or are troubled with the obstructions of the liver two drammes of the rootes beaten to powder and taken in wine or in water helpeth those that spit blood or that bleede much at the mouth if they have an ague to take it in water or else in wine it is likewise used for ruptures cramps and pleurisies and for those that have an old or long continued cough and for those that are short winded or can haâ—dly draw their breath it is good also to ease the griping paines in the belly and those of the mother being scraped and put up as a pâ—ssary into the mother it procureth womens courses and causeth the dead birth to be avoided the juice thereof used in the same manner worketh the same effect some copies of Dioscorides have this it is called Panacea because it helpeth all diseases and sores where there is inflammation or bruises causing it it helpeth the Strangury or pissing by droppes if it be injected as also the stone the decoction or juice of the roote or a dramme in powder thereof drunke and the wound washed therewith taketh away all the paine and danger of the bitings or stingings of venemous creatures it helpeth to sharpen the eyesight if it be steeped in water and dropped into them Galen in 7. simp sheweth that it hath contrary qualities in it and therefore worketh contrary effects the sharpe taste shewing an hot quality whereby it provoketh womens courses c. and the astringent a cold grosse earthly quality glueing or sodering the lippes of wounds and staying the spitting of blood and by all the qualities joyned together helpeth ruptures crampes and the diseases of the Lungs the sharpenesse procuring evacuation and the astriction the strengthning of the parts the whole plant as well herbe as roote is very availeable in all sorts of wounds or ulcers to dry soder clense and heale them and therefore is a principall ingredient or should be in all vulnerary drinkes and injections CHAP. II. Iacea Knapweede THere are a very great many of herbes that beare the name of Iacea which I must to avoide confusion distribute into severall orders that so the memory being not confounded with a promiscuous multitude each may be the better understood in their severall ranckes Iaceae non Laciniatae Knapweedes with whole leaves Ordo primus The first ranke or order 1. Iacea nigra vulgaris Our common Matfellon or Knapweede THe common Knapweede hath many long and somewhat broad darke greene leaves rising from the roote somewhat deepely dented about the edges and sometimes a little rent or torne on both sides in two or three places and somewhat hairy withall among which riseth up a strong round stalke foure or five foote high divided into many small branches at the toppes whereof stand great scaly greene heads and from the middle of them thrust forth a number of darke purplish red thrums or threds and sometimes white but very rarely which after they are withered and past there is found divers blacke seede lying in a great deale of downe somewhat like unto Thistle seed but smaller the roote is white hard and wooddy with divers fibres annexed thereunto which perisheth not but abideth with leaves thereon all the Winter and shooting out fresh every Spring 2. Iacea nigra angustifolia Narrow leafed Knapweede This Knapweede hath a round rough greene stalke about a foote and a halfe high whereon are set on each side narrow rough short and somewhat hoary greene leaves compassing it at the bottome and divided into some other branches above on each whereof standeth a scaly whitish greene head out of the middle whereof rise many small long threds like unto the former but smaller and of a pale reddish colour after which followeth small blacke seede like the other the roote is blackish and parted into many small fibres Of this sort also there is one whose stalke and leaves are longer smooth and all hoary soft and woolly 3. Iacea nigra humilis The smaller dwarfe Knapweede This low Knapweede hath small weake and round hoary stalkes about a foote high bending to the ground 1. Iacea nigra vulgaris The common wild Knapweede 6. Iacea Austriaca latifolia villoso capite The greater hairy headed Knapweede with leaves thereon of an inch in breadth and two in length not divided or dented about the edges at all but being a little rough and hoary as it were thereabouts compassing the stalkes at the bottome at the toppes whereof stand such like scaly heads as in the others with purplish threds or thrummes rising thereout as in the rest 4. Iacea montana Austriaca major The greater mountaine Hungarian Knapweede This greater mountaine Knapweede is very like unto the former common wilde kinde being somewhat broad and long dented about the edges and rough and hairy also and of a darke greene colour but those that grow upon the straked stalkes are still up higher smaller and more cut in on the edges the heads that stand at the toppes of the stalkes are not rough or hairy but smooth and scaly crackling if they be lightly touched brownish upward and whitish lower the flowers consist of many purple whitish leaves cut in the ends into five slits or divisions like as those of the Cyanus with many purplish long threds in the middle and a purple stile in the middle of them besprinkled at the head with a mealely whitenesse the seede that followeth is like unto the other but somewhat larger the roote also is blackish and stringy like the former and abideth as the rest doe 5. Iacea montana Austriaca minor The lesser mountaine Hungarian Knapweede The lesser Hungarian kinde is in most things like the last but that it groweth lower and the leaves and stalkes are nothing so hairy and rough but smooth and hoary the flowers also are of a paler purple colour and the seede is not blacke but of a whitish gray or ash colour 6 Iacea Austriaca latifolia villoso capite The greater hairy headed Knapweepe This greater hairy headed
flowers but larger consisting of eight or nine hollow leaves with wider open brimmes and small threds in the middle the circling leaves are of a fine delayed purple or blush colour very beautifull and the thicke thrums paler or almost white of so exceeding a sweete sent that it surpasseth the finest Civet that is the seede is blackish and enclosed in the like downy substance the roote perisheth every yeare the greater of these two sorts smelling much better then the other 1. Cyanus major vulgaris The great ordinary blew Bottle 2. Cyanus minor vulgaris diver sorum colorum The small ordinary Corne flower of divers colours 3. Cyanus Orientalis major minor The greater and lesser Orientall Bottle or Sultans flower 5. Cyanus repens latifolius Broad leafed French Corne flower 4. Cyanus Baeticus supinus The Spanish Corne flower This Spanish kinde hath many square low bending or creeping stalkes not standing so upright as the former but branching out more diversly so that one plant will take up a 6. Cyanus minimus repens angustifolius The smallest Corne flower of Mompelier great deale of ground the leaves are somewhat broader softer and of a paler greene colour then of the common small kinde but not much or deepely gashed on the edges the flowers stand in bigger heads also and with foure or five leaves under each of a light purple or blush colour after which come white seed like thereunto also but not so plentifully yet wrapped in a more downy substance the roote groweth downe deepe and perisheth likewise every yeare as they doe 5. Cyanus repens latifolius Lobelij Broad leafed French Corne flower This Cyanus that Lobel and Pena in their Adversaria have set forth whose taste is very bitter and unpleasant hath divers weake hoary and trayling branches not standing upright about a foote and a halfe high whereon grow diâ—ers hoary leaves somewhat long and narrow and somewhat like unto those of Lavander but harder in handling at the top of the stalke which is branched forth grow severall scaly heads like unto the other Cyani whose flowers are like unto them but of a sadder or deader purple colour then in any of the other sorts the roote is about a fingers length 6. Cyanus repens angustifolius sive minimus The smallest Corne flower of Mompelier This smallest Corne flower hath likewise divers weake slender yet hard hoary and twigged stalkes whereon are set divers smaller leaves then the last but hoary in the same manner at the toppes of the branched stalkes stand many scaly heads much lesser then any of the sorts of Corne flowers from whence grow such like flowers but of a sadder or deader colour the seedes are like the smaller ordinary kindes and the roote is small long and wooddy 7. Cyanus Creticus spinosus Prickly Corne flower of Candy The lower leaves of this Corne flower are jagged and very hoary but those on the hoary branches of the stalkes are lesse or not at all they ending in long sharpe prickes or thornes with small blush-coloured flowers like the others sorts but smaller the roote is long and somewhat thicke enduring many yeares The Place The first groweth naturally upon sandy hils in Germany but is usually cherished elsewhere in Gardens The second with blew flowers in many corne fieldes of our owne land and some of the other colours also The third as is said in Turkie and the fourth in Spaine first found and sent unto us by Doctor Boel who is now resident at Lishborus The fifth groweth under the branches of the Seseli pratensis by Sella nova neere unto Mompelier and the sixt thereabouts also and by Castrum novum not farre from Mompelier as Pena and Lobel doe set them downe in their Adversaria the three last and the other woolly sort in Candy The Time They flower and seede in the Sommer Moneths when the other doe The Names It is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cyanus a floris Cyaneo vel caeruleo colore In the Infancy of Herbarists Tragus who knew not well what to call the first referred it to the Verbasca and called it Verbasculum but now it is generally called by all Herbarists Cyanus major some adde thereunto hortensis and others Montanus yet Hermolaus taketh it to be Lâ—ium of Dioscorides and Caesalpinus to be a kinde of Struthium whereof Theophrastus maketh mention 〈◊〉 Columna judgeth it to be that kinde of Papaver which Theophrastus calleth Heracleum and Lobel maketh 〈◊〉 whether it may not be accounted a species of Chondrilla The second sort that groweth in the Corne is called Flor Frumenti and Baptisecula or Blaptisecula of the turning the edges of sickles in cutting downe the Coâ—e for Sâ—cula was taken for a Sickle in ancient time The third was sent us out of Turkiâ— by the name of Aâ—oi which whether it be a Turkish or Arabian name I know not the Turkes themselves as I heare doe gen◠〈◊〉 it the Sâ—ians flower and so doe I but that I adde odoratus for the sweete sent of the flower The fourth was sent by Bâ—el under the name of Iacea Baetica but because I finde it better agreeing with Cyanus then Iaceâ— I have inserted it here The two next sorts are called Cyanus supinus repens by Lobel in his Adversaria The Candy kindes are mentioned by Alpinus in his Booke de exoticis The Vertues The powder of the dryed leaves of the greater blew Bottle or Corne flower is given with good successe to those that by some fall are much bruised and for them also if they have broken a veine inwardly and voide much blood at the mouth being taken either in the water of Plantaine Horsetaile or the greater Comfrey It is accounted a helpe or remedy against the poyson of the Scorpion and Phalangium and to resist all other venomes and poysons And therefore Placentius affirmeth it to be excellent good in all pestilentiall feavers and of its owne power to be powerfull against the plague or pestilence and all other infectious diseases either the seede or the leaves taken in Wine The juice is singular good to put into fresh or greene wounds for it doth quickly feder up the lippes of them together and is no lesse effectuall also to heale all such ulcers and sores as happen in the mouth The same juice also dropped into the eyes taketh away the heate and inflammations in them the distilled water of the herbe hath the same properties and may be used for all the effects aforesaid The lesser blew Bottle or Corne flower is used generally by all our Phisitions and Apothecaries in the stead of the greater when it is not to be had and is held to be in a manner as effectuall as the greater CHAP. IX Scabiosa Scabious NOw that we are come to handle the varieties of the Scabiouses they are so many that I know not well how to marshall them into any good method or order yet that I may endeavour it the best I can I thinke it
and attenuating quality whereby it is very effectuall for all sorts of coughs shortnesse of breath and all other the diseases of the brest and lunges ripening and digesting cold flegme and other tough humours voyding them forth by coughing and spitting It ripeneth also all sorts of inward ulcers and apostumes yea the pluresie also if the decoction of the dry or greene herbe being made with wine be drunke some time together thereby voyding it forth by the urine as well as other waies or if you would have it more effectuall take this receipt viz. an haâ—dfull of dryed Scabious an ounce of Licoris scraped and cut into thinne slices a dozen figges washed and cut into peeces an ounce of Anisseede and as much of Fennelseede bruised and halfe an ounce of white Ortis rootes cut into thinne slices let all these be steeped for a night in a quart of faire water or rather in so much wine boyling them the next day untill a third part be consumed at the least whereof take a draught every morning and evening somewhat warme well sweetned with Sugar or Hony which worketh wonderfully to helpe all the diseases aforesaid Foure ounces of the clarified juice of Scabious taken in the morning fasting with a drâ— of Mithridatum or Venice Treakle doth free the heart from any infection of the plague or pestilence so as upon the taking thereof they sweate two houres in their beds at the least yet after the first time taking let them that are infected take the same proportion againe and againe if need be for feare of further danger the greene herbe also bruised and applyed to any Carbuncle or Plague sore is found certaine by good experience to dissolve or breake it within the space of three houres the same inward and outward application is very availeable against the biting or stinging of any venemous beast the same decoction also drunke helpeth the paines and stitches in the sides the decoction of the rootes taken for forty dayes together or the powder of them to the quantity of a dramme at a time taken in whey doth as Matthiolus saith wonderfully helpe those that are troubled with dangerous running or spreading scabbes tetters or ringwormes yea although they proceed of the French pox as himselfe saith he hath found true by certaine experience the juice or the decoction drunke doth wonderfully helpe those that are broken out into scabbes and itches and the juice also made up into an oyntment and used is effectuall for the same purpose The same also wonderfully helpeth all inward wounds be they made by thrust or stroke by the drying clensing and healing quality therein A Syruppe made of the juice and Sugar is very effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid and so is the distilled water of the herbe and flowers made in due time especially to be used when the greene herbe is not in force to be taken the decoction of the herbe and rootes outwardly applyed doth wonderfully helpe all sorts of hard or cold tumours or swellings in any part of the body and is also as effectuall for any shrunke sinew or veine in any place the juice of Scabious made up with the powder of Borax and Camphire doth notably clense the skinne of the face or any other part of the body as freckles pimples and other small eruptions therein yet it prevaileth also in greater deformities as the Morphew and Lepry the same decoction doth also helpe the rednesse and spots in the white of the eyes used either of it selfe or with the juice of Fennell the head washed with the same decoction clenseth it from dandraffe scurse scabbes sores itches and the like being used warme tents also dipped in the juice or water thereof doth not onely heale all greene wounds but old sores and ulcers also both by staying their fretting or running qualities and clensing and healing them up afterwards the herbe also bruised and applyed to any place wherein any splinter broken bone arrow head or other such like thing lyeth in the flesh doth in short time loosen it and causeth it to be easily drawne forth CHAP. X. Morsus Diaboli Divels bit THere resteth yet this kinde of Scabious to be entreated of being of all Herbarists accounted an especiall different kinde thereof yet some referre it to the Iacea's but not properly the former ages knew but one sort we have in these times found out some others as they shall presently be shewed you 1. Morsus Diaboli vulgaris flore purpureo Common Devills bit Devils bit riseth up with a round greene smooth and not hairy stalke two foote high or thereabouts set with divers long and somewhat narrow smooth darke greene leaves somewhat snipt about the edges for the most part being else all whole and not divided at all or but very seldome even to the toppes of the branches which yet are smaller then those below with one ribbe onely in the middle and being broken yeeld not such threds as the Scabious doth at the end of each branch standeth a round head of many flowers set together in the same manner or more neatly or succinctly then the Scabious and of a more blewish purple but not darke red as Gerard saith for such I never saw any colour which being past there followeth seede like unto the Scabious that falleth away in the same manner the roote is somewhat thicke but short and blackish with many strings fastned thereto abiding after seede time many yeares Fabulous antiquity the Monkes and Fryers as I suppose being the first inventors of the Fable said that the Devill envying the good that this herbe might do to mankinde bit away part of the roote and thereof came the name Succisa Devils bit which is so grosse and senslesse a relation that I merveile at the former times stupidity to receive as true such a fiction Of this kinde some doe make a greater and a lesser which I thinke rather commeth from the place of growing then from the nature of the plant Vnto this plant in my opinion belongeth the Scabiosa rubra Austriaca of Clusius set forth in my former booke for the leaves thereof being all whose and the flowers red doe notably resemble this Devils bit and may be a species thereof proper to Germany Austria c. Bauhinus maketh mention of one of this kind that hath hairy leaves not differing in any thing else and for his author nameth Gesner in hortis Germaniae who as hee saith called it Morsus Diabolihirsuta rarior which I cannot finde in Gesner but of the three sorts of Scabious one of the lesser he calleth Scabra hirsutaque having leaves without divisions which whether he should meane this I know not for he nameth it not Morsus Diaboli therefore I leave it to time to declare the truth thereof 2. Morsus Diaboli flore albo Devils bit with a white flower This sort differeth not from the former in any other thing then in the flower which is of a pure white colour as some
other sorts of the Scabiouses are and that the greene leafe is not altogether of so darke a colour 3. Morsus Diaboli flore carneo Devils bit with blush coloured flowers This other sort likewise differeth neither in roote stalke or leafe from the former onely the flowers which are of an incarnate or blush colour maketh the difference from both the other 4. Morsus Diaboli alter flore caruleo Strange Devils bit This herbe which I place here for some likenesse hath divers leaves rising from the roote every one severally on a long footestalke somewhat like unto Betony or Sage dented about the edges the stalke riseth up amongst them a foote or more high bearing one large flower at the toppe hanging downe the head and made all of blewish threds The Place The first groweth as well in dry meddowes and fields as moist in many places of this land but the other two sorts are more rare and hard to meete with yet they are both found growing wild about Apple dore neere Rye in Kent The last groweth in the fields that are on the mountaines beyond the Seas The Time They flower somewhat later then the Scabiouses as not usually untill August 1. Morsus Diaboli vulgaris Common Devils bit Scabiosarubra Austriaca The red Hungarian Scabious The Names It is usually called Morsus Diaboli by most writers or Saccisa as Fuschius doth and others after him a prâ—morsa or succisa radice Some there have beene that have thought it to be the Geum of the ancients others take it to be Nigina of Pliny whereof he maketh mention in his 27. booke and 12. Chapter in these words The herbe that is called Nigina hath three long leaves like the Endives Fabius Columna referreth it to Picunocâ— of Dioscorides The Italians Spaniards and French and so likewise all other nations follow the Latine name each nation in their severall dialectâ— or else the Germanes first calling it Abbiss and Tewfells abbiss caused the Latine name and all other tongues following it to call it thereafter And we following the Germanes Devils bit The last is the second Aphyllantes of Dalechampius The Vertues The taste hereof being somewhat more bitter declareth it to be hot and dry in the second degree compleate and therefore is more powerfull and availeable for all the purposes whereunto Scabious is appropriate either inwardly or outwardly as they are declared before and especially against the plague and all pestilentiall diseases or feavers poisons also and the bitings of venemous beasts the herbe or roote being boyled in wine and drunke the same also helpeth those that are inwardly bruised by any fall or crushed by any casualty or bruises by outward beatings or otherwise dissolving the clotted or congealed blood and voyding it by exâ—cution or otherwise and the herbe or roote beaten and applyed outwardly taketh away the blacke and blew markes that remaine in the skinne after some accidents the decoction of the herbe wherein some Hony of Roses is put is very effectuall to helpe the inveterate tumours and swellings of the Almonds and throate which doe hardly come to ripenesse for it digesteth clenseth and consumeth the flegme sticking thereto and taketh away the tumours by often gargling the mouth therewith it helpeth also to procure womens courses and to ease all paines of the matrix or mother to breake and discusse windes therein and in the bowels the powder of the roote taken in drinke driveth forth the wormes in the body the juice or distilled water of the herbe is as effectuall for greene wounds or old sores as the Scabiouses be and clenseth the body inwardly and the head outwardly from scurffe and sores itches pimples freckles morphew or other deformities thereof but especially if a little Vitriol be dissolved therein CHAP. XI Plantago Plantaine VNder the name of Plantaine is not onely comprehended all the sorts of Plantaine properly so called whereof there are a great many sorts as I shall shew you in this Chapter but divers other sorts of herbes much differing from them which shall be set forth in the next Chapter following each kinde by it selfe as neare as I can and because the Plantaines are divided into greater and lesser or broader and narrower leafed ones I thinke it the best method to separate them and speake of each of them and their species apart and not confound them together to avoide mistaking One of these Plantaines are called Rose Plantaine which although I have set it forth in my former Booke yet I thinke it fit here to expresse it againe and the severall formes and varieties therein Plantagines latifoliae Broad leafed Plantaines 1. Plantago latifolia vulgaris Common Waybredde or Plantaine THis common Plantaine I here set in the front of all the rest because I would ranke it with the rest of the kinde which is well knowne to all to beare many faire broad almost round pointed leaves with seaven ribbes or veines in every of them for the most part running all the length of the leafe of a sad greene colour on the upper side and more yellowish greene underneath among which rise up divers small slender stemmes or stalkes a foote high more or lesse not easie to breake naked or bare of leaves unto the toppes where each stalke heareth a small long round blackish greene spike or scaly head whose bloomings or flowers are small whitish threds with aglets hanging at the ends of them almost like unto the blooming of Corne after which come browne small seede enclosed in the severall small scales or skins the roote is made of many white strings growing somewhat deepe and taking so fast hold in the ground that it is not easie to pull it up 2. Plantago latifolia maxima The greatest Plantane This great Plantane is in all things like the former but that it exceedeth it in greatnesse and height for the leaves that lie on the ground are sixe inches that is halfe a foote long many times and more and foure inches broad and the stalkes sustaining every leafe neare an handbreadth long the naked stalkes that beare spiked heads like the other are two cubits high and the head or spike a foote long the roote hereof is blackish and stringy Laciniata folijs Sometimes this kinde is found to have leaves a foote long and halfe a foote broad somewhat torne on the edges and having some leaves under the spiked heads 3. Plantago major incana Great hoary Plantaine The hoary Plantaine is likewise like the first but that the leaves are very hoary white especially in the hotter Countries of Spaine c. much more then in these colder climates and somewhat small it seldome beareth any spiked heads in Spaine as Clusius saith but when it doth they are smaller then the first Minoâ— and the rootes are blackish and stingy Iohannes Thalius in Harcynia sylva mentioneth a smaller kinde hereof both in leaves and flowers 4. Plantago exotica sinuosa The strange crumpled Plantaine This strange Plantaine upon
trinervia montana incana and Bauhinus Plantago trinervia montana the eight Bauhinus calleth Plantago trinervia folio angustissimo the last he also calleth Plantago angustifolia paniculis Lagopi The Vertues All these sorts of Plantane both the greater and the lesser both the broader and the narrower leafed are of one propertie that is cold and drie in the second degree I thought good to speake of their vertues in the end of all their descriptions to avoid prolixitie and tantologie in repeating the same properties divers times All the Plantanes but some hold the Ribbewort to be the stronger and more effectuall have these properties hereafter ensuing The juice of Plantane depurate or clarified and drunke for divers dayes together either of it selfe or in other drinke prevaileth wonderfully against all torments and excoriations in the guts or bowells helpeth the distillations of rheume from the head and stayeth all manner of fluxes in man or woman even the feminine courses also when they come downe too abundantly it is good to stay the spitting of bloud and all other bleedings at the mouth by having a veine broken in the stomacke and that maketh bloudy or foule water by any ulcer in the veines or bladder as also to stay the too free bleeding of wounds it is held also an especiall remedy for those that are troubled with the Ptisicke or Consumption of the lungs or have ulcers in their lungs or have coughs that come of heate the decoction or powder of the rootes or seede is much more binding for all the purposes aforesaid than the herbe is Dioscorides saith that if three rootes be boiled in wine and taken it helpeth the tertian ague and foure rootes the quartane but I hold the number to be fabulous yet the decoction of divers of them may be effectuall but Tragus holdeth that the distilled water thereof drunke before the fit is more proper the seede made into powder and mixed with the yolke of an egge and some wheate flower made into a cake and baked either in an oven or betweene a couple of tyles heated for the purpose this cake prepared every day fresh and eaten warme for some few dayes together doth mightily stay any fluxe of the stomacke when the meate passeth away indigested and stayeth likewise the vomitings of the stomacke the herbe but especially the seede which is of more subtile parts is likewise held to be profitable against the dropsie the falling sicknesse yellow jaundise and the oppilations or stoppings of the liver or reines the rootes of Plantane and Pellitory of Spaine beaten to powder and put into hollow teeth taketh away the paines in them the clarified juice or the distilled water but especially that of Ribbewort dropped into the eyes cooleth the inflammations in them and certainely cureth the pinne and webbe in the eye and dropped into the eares easeth the paines therein and helpeth and restoreth the hearing the same also is very profitably applied with juice of Housleeke against all inflammations and eruptions in the skinne and against burnings or scaldings by fire or water the juice or the decoction made either of it selfe or with other things conducing thereunto is a lotion of much use and good effect for old or hollow ulcers that are hard to be cured for cancres and sores in the mouth or privie parts of man or woman and helpeth also the paines of the hemorrhoides or piles and the fundament the juice mixed with oyle of Roses and the temples and forehead annointed herewith easeth the paines of the head proceeding from heate and helpeth franticke and lunaticke persons very much as also the bitings of Serpents or a madde Dogge the same also is profitably applied to all hot gouts in the feete or hands especially in the beginning to coole the heate and represse the humours it is also good to be applied where any bone is out of joint to hinder inflammations swellings and paines that presently rise thereupon the powder of the dried leaves taken in drinke killeth the wormes of the belly and the said dried leaves boiled in wine killeth the wormes that breede in old and foule ulcers One part of Plantane water and two parts of the brine of powdred beefe boyled together and clarified is a most sure remedy to heale all spreadnig scabbes and itch in the head or body all manner of tetters ringwormes the shingles and all other running and fretting sores Briefely all the Plantanes are singular good wound herbes to heale fresh or old wounds and sores either inward or outward Erasmus in his Colloquia reporteth a prettie story of the Toade who being stung or bitten by a Spider sought out Plantane and by the eating thereof was freed from that danger CHAP. XII Holosteum sive Plantago marina Sea Plantane THere remaine some other sorts of herbes referred to the Plantanes which shall follow in their order and first of those are called Holostea which for want of a fitter name we call Sea Plantane 1. Plantago marina vulgaris Ordinary Sea Plantane This sea Plantane hath many narrow long and thicke greene leaves having here and there a dent or two on the one edge pointed at the end among which rise up sundry bare stalkes with a small spilted head thereon smaller than Plantane else alike both in blooming and seede the roote is somewhat white thicke and long with long fibres thereat abiding many yeares 1. Plantago marina vulgaris Ordinary Sea Plantane 2. Holosteum Salmanticum Spanish Sea Plantane 3. Holosteum angustifolium majus sive Sâ—rpentaria major The greater Sea Plantane with grassie leaves 4. Holostaâ— angusâ—ifolium minus sive Serpentiâ—a minor The lesser Sea Plantane with grassie leaves 5. Holosteum creticum sive Leontopodium Creticum Candy Sea Plantane Leontopodium idem diverse expressum The same plant diversly expressed 2. Holosteum Salmanticum Spanish Sea Plantaine This Spanish Sea Plantaine also differeth not much from the former greater kinde having many narrow hoâ—y leaves lying on the ground but shorter and broader then they among which rise up divers naked short stalkes little more then an handbreadth high furnished from the middle almost to the toppes with many whitish greene flowers Aliâ—d minus standing more sparsedly in the spiked heads then the former which afterwards yeeld smal seeds in husks like unto Plantaine seede the roote is somewhat long and hard with divers fibres at it There is another sort hereof much lesser then the former the leaves greener and narrower and the heads 6. Myosuros Cauda Mâ—riâ— Mousetaile of flowers smaller 3. Holosteum angustifolium majus sive Serpentaria major The greater Sea Plantaine with grassie leaves This greater Sea Plantaine hath a number of small long leaves almost like grasse but that they are stiffe and hard sometime lying upon the ground and sometime from a stemme under them raised a little higher of a grayish or hoary green colour and having on some of them some small gashes on the edges among which rise up naked stalkes about
thereon beareth an other and seldome more which are of a blewish greene colour therein very like unto the leafe of a small Lilly Convally but somewhat broader at the bottome and pointed with many ribbes or veines therein like Plantane at the toppe of the stalke grow many small white flowers starre fashion smelling somewhat sweete after which come small reddish berries when they are ripe the roote is small of the bignesse of a Rush lying and creeping under the upper crust of the earth shooting forth in divers places The Place It groweth in moist shadowie and grassie places of woods in many places of the Realme The Time It flowreth about May and the berries be ripe in Iune and then quickly perisheth untill the next yeare it springeth from the same roote againe The Names It may be called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the Latines Vuifolium for it is not mentioned by any ancient Greeke Author nor yet by any ancient Latine as is thought unlesse as Dalechampius upon Dioscorides supposeth it may be the Cyclaminus tertia of Pliny in his 25. Booke and 19. Chapter which hee saith hath but one leafe unlesse the place be corrupted whereof there is some doubt Tragus calleth it Câ—ylodâ— sylvestre and Vnifolium most of the later Writers call it Monophyllen or Vnifolium onely Bauhinus referreth it to the Lilium convallium calling it Lilium convallium minus but he setteth it downe in his Matthiolus that the Gramen Parnassi of Matthiolus whom Lugdunensis and others doe follow is this Vnifolium ill set forth which if iâ— be so then Lobel Dodonaeus and all others have beene utterly mistaken in Gramen Parnassi who all give the same or the like figure of Gramen Parnassi that Matthiolus doth and even Bauhinus himselfe calleth that Gramen Parnassi albo flore that hee saith Lobel Dodonaeus and others call Gramen Parnassi how can it then be mistaken when all others and himselfe agreeth to call it Gramen Parnassi and not Vnifolium as they doe this and indeed with what reason or judgement can the Gramen Parnassi be this Vnifolium when this hath never more than one leafe untill it flower and the Gramen Parnassi is never without more leaves than one the Germans call it Einblat and the French Vne fueille as we doe One blade The Vertues Halfe a dramme or a dramme at the most in powder of the rootes hereof taken in wine and vinegar of each equall parts and the party presently thereupon laid to sweate is held to be a soveraigne remedy for those that are infected with the plague and have a sore upon them by expelling the poyson and infection and defending the heart and spirits from danger it is also accounted a singular good wound herbe and thereupon used with other herbes in making such compound Balmes as are necessarie for the curing of wounds be they fresh and greene or old and malignant whereof there hath beene often and sufficient triall made to be very availeably but especially if the nerves or sinewes be hurt CHAP. XVI Ophioglossum sive Lingua serpentina Adders tongue THis small herbe also hath but one leafe which with the stalke riseth not above a fingers length above the ground being fat or somewhat thicke of a fresh greene colour formed very like unto the head of a broad Javelin or Partizan or as some doe liken it to the leafe of the water Plantane but lesse without any middle ribbe therein as all or most other herbes have from the bosome or bottome of which leafe on the inside riseth up a small slender stalke about a fingers length and sometimes the small stalke will have two heads thereon and sometime three or else abortive as Lobel expresseth one the upper halfe whereof is somewhat bigger and as it were dented about with small round dents of a yellowish greene colour resembling the tongue of an Adder or Serpent which never sheweth any other flower and falleth away with the leafe also quickly after the tongue hath appeared without bringing any seede that could be observed the roote is small and fibrous abiding under ground and shooting forth the next Spring not perishing in the Winter although the leaves doe Some have made hereof two other sorts one whose leaves at the lower end is somewhat more forked than the other and another smaller than it which I doe account but lusus natura and from the soyle or climate The Place It groweth in many moist meddowes of the land where the Ophioglossum Adders tongue roote lyeth covered with the grasse The Time It is to be found in Aprill and May and quickly perisheth with a little heate The Names The later Writers have put the Greeke name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ophioglossum hereunto according with the Latine Lingua serpentis or serpentina as it is usually called now adayes for it is not found in any of the ancient Greeke or Latine Writers except it be the Lingua or Lingulaca whereof Pliny maketh mention in his 24. Booke and 19. Chapter and in his 15. Booke and 11. Chapter that groweth about fountaines but because he maketh no description of the forme it is doubtfull whether it be it or no for Lugdunensis referreth it to the Ranunculus gramineus whereof I have spoken both here before and in my former Book and Dalechampius as he saith would make Pliny his Lingua to be a kind of Conyza palustris serratifolia Some also would make this to bet Ceratia Plinij in his 26. Booke and 8. Chapter which he saith hath but one leafe and a roote made of nodes or knottes but so is not this but as I shall shew you shortly Fabius Columna doth most properly of any other referre his Ceratia to the Dentaria Coralloide radice Some also would make it Lunaria minor but we have another herbe more properly called by that name as you shall understand in the next Chapter Amatus Lusitanus calleth it Vnifolium which doth well agree hereto and Lobel in his Adversaria Eneaphyllum but because the herbe in the Chapter next going before is so called with most I thinke it not convenient so to confound two herbes by one name and I finde none other to follow them herein Brunfelsius maketh it his Serpentaria secunda as thinking it a species of that kinde Cordus calleth it Lingua Vulneraria Gesner in hort Lancea Christi but most writers now a daies doe call it Ophioglossum Lingua serpentis or serpentina The Italians call it Ophioglosso Herba senza costa Lucciola Argentino and langue de serpent The French langue de serpent The Germanes Naterzunglin The Dutch Speercruij as Dodonaeus saith And we in English Adders tongue or Serpents tongue The Vertues Adders tongue is temperate betweene heat and cold and dry in the second degree the juice of the leaves given to drinke with the distilled water of Horsetaile is a singular remedy for all manner of wounds in the breast or bowels or any other
parts of the body It is with no lesse good successe given to those that are much given to casting or vomiting and also to those that voide blood at the mouth or nose or otherwise downewards the said juice or the dryed leaves made into powder and given in the distilled water of Oaken buds is very good for such women as have their usuall courses or the whites come downe upon them too aboundantly the said powder of the herbe taken for some time together doth cure the rupture as Baptista Sardus saith The greene herbe infused or boyled in red wine or white wine and those eyes that are much given to water washed therein or dropped therein taketh away the watering and cooleth any inflammation that commeth thereby with the leaves hereof infused in oyle Omphacine or of unripe Ollives insolated or set in the Sunne for certaine dayes or the greene leaves boyled in the said oyle sufficiently is made an excellent greene oyle or Balsame singular good not onely for all sorts of greene or fresh wounds but for old and inveterate ulcers also quickly to cure them especially if a little fine cleare Turpentine be dissolved therein the same also stayeth and represseth all inflammations that rise upon paines by any hurt or wounds CHAP. XVII Lunaria minor Small Moonewort MAny Authours have set forth varieties of this small Moonewort which because they are but from the Luxuriousnesse of the Plant in a fertile soyle and accidentall also not to be found constant which should make a particular species I have wholly refused to set downe many descriptions of one herbe but sometime degenerating let one description therefore serve instead of many with the relation of some casualties as they happen The small Moonewort riseth up usually but with one darke greene thicke and fat leafe standing upon a short footestalke Lunaria minor Small Moonewort not above two fingers breadth high but when it will flower it may be said that it beareth a small slender stalke about foure or five inches high having but one leafe set in the middle thereof which is much divided on both sides into many parts most usually with five or seaven on a side yet some have beene found with nine divisions on a side and sometimes with more yea some have thought that it may have as many leaves or parts of leaves rather as there are dayes in every Moone but this is onely opinionative each of those parts is very small next the middle ribbe but broad forwards and round pointed resembling therein an halfe Moon from whence it tooke the name the uppermost parts or divisions being lesse then the lowest the stalke riseth above this leafe two or three inches bearing many branches of small long tongues every one very like unto the spiky head of the Adders tongue of a brownish colour which whether I should call them the flowers or the seed I well know not which after they have continued a while resolve into a mealy dust the rote is small and fibrous This is sometimes found to have divers such like leaves as are before described with so many branches or toppes arising from one stalke each divided from other And Clusius setteth forth another which he calleth ramosa and came out of Silesia to him and others which had more store of leaves and each leafe more divided and each part dented about the egdes bearing divers stalkes with branched tops like the other which leaves were more fat thicke and sappy and with a little hairy downe upon them The Place It groweth upon hils and on heathes yet where there is much grasse for therein it delighteth to grow The Time It is to be found onely in Aprill and May for in Iune when any hot weather commeth for the most part it is withered and gone The Names It is not certainely knowne to be remembred by any of the ancient Greeke or Latine Authors yet some would make it to be Ceratia Plinij whereof is spoken before some to be Tragium secundum Dioscoridis which growing on mountaines hath the leafe of Scolopendrium or Miltwaste but the roote he saith smelleth strong which this doth not and therefore cannot be it some also doe thinke it to be Hemionitis altera and Selenitis because some take the Hemionitis to be Lunaria major Some also as Columna to be Epimedium of Dioscorides but he saith with all that the roote hath a strong sent which cannot agree hereunto Some also have called it Ophioglossum for the likenesse of the toppes Clusius saith that those of Silesia where that kinde groweth that he calleth ramosa doe call it in their language Rechter widerthon that is as he saith Trichomanes legitimum the true Mayden haire all late writers doe call it Lunaria minor a folijs lunae crescentis modo falcatiâ— botrytis sive ramosa aut racemosa acapitibus racemi in modum formatis Gesner in libro de lunarijs calleth it Lunaria petraea and Taura as he saith the Heardsmen and Shepherds doe because if the Kine feede where this herbe groweth they will speedily goe to the Bull. Tabermontanus calleth it Ruta Lunaria vel jecoraria The Italians call it Lun aria del grappolo The French Taure and Petite Lunaire The Germanes Mourauten and Monkraut The Dutchmen Maencruijt We in English Mooonewort but there are so many herbes called by the name of Lunaria that it would make any man wonder how so many should be so called Gesner hath collected them all or the most part and set them forth together in a tractate by it selfe whereunto if any be desirous to understand them I must referre them to him for it were too tedious to repeate them all here The Vertues Moonewort is cold and drying more then Adders tongue and is therefore held to be more availeable for all wounds both inward and outward the leaves boyled in red wine and drunke stayeth the aboundance of womens ordinary courses and the whites also it stayeth bleeding also vomitings and fluxes it helpeth all bruisings and beatings it helpeth to consolidate all fractures or dislocations it is good for ruptures but it is chiefly used of most with other herbes to make oyles or balsames to heale fresh or greene wounds either inward or outward as I said for which it is excellent good It hath beene formerly related by impostors and false knaves and is yet beleeved by many that it will loosen lockes fetters and shooes from those horses feete that goe in the places where it groweth and have beene so audatious to contest with those have contradicted them that they have both knowne and seene it to doe so but what observation soever such persons doe make it is all but false suggestions and meere lyes Some Alhymists also in former times have wonderfull extolled it to condensate or convert Quicksilver into pure silver but all these tales were but the breath of idle headed persons which divers to their cost and losse of time and labour have found true and now are
greater measure for it helpeth those that spit blood or that bleede at the mouth or that make a bloody urine as also for all inward hurts bruises and wounds and helpeth the ulcers of the lungs causing the fleagme that oppresseth them to be easily spit forth the roote being boyled in water or wine the same also drunke stayeth the defluxions of rheume from the head upon the Lungs the fluxes of blood or humours by the belly womens immoderate courses as well the reds as the whites and the gonorrhea or the running of the raines happening by what cause soever A syrupe made thereof is very effectuall for all those inward griefes and hurts and the distilled water for the same purpose also and for outward wounds or sores in the fleshy or sinewy parts of the body wheresoever as also to take away the fits of agues and to alay the sharpenesse of humours a decoction of the leaves hereof is availeable to all the purposes although not so effectuall as of the rootes Camerarius saith that two ounces of the juice drunke doth much good in the Lethargy and dead sleepe the rootes being outwardly applyed helpeth fresh wounds or cuts immediately being bruised and laid thereto by glueing together their lips and is especiall good for ruptures and broken bones yea it is said to be so powerfull to consolidate or knit together whatsoever needeth knitting that if they be boyled with dissevered peeces of flesh in a pot it will joyne them together againe it is good to be applyed to womens breasts that grow sore by the aboundance of milke comming into them as also to represse the overmuch bleeding of the hemorrhoids to coole the inflammation of the parts thereabouts and to give ease of paines the rootes of Comfrey taken fresh beaten small spread upon leather and laid upon any place troubled with the gout doe presently give ease of the paines and applyed in the same manner giveth ease to pained joynts and profiteth very much for running and moist ulcers gangrenes mortifications and the like often experimented and found helpefull CHAP. XXV Bugula sive Consolida media Bugle or the middle Confound THis browne Bugle is so like unto the Prunella or Selfe heale that divers have made them but species to one genus and so have confounded them together and yet they have seemed to distinguish them calling this Consolida media and the other Consolida minor yet there are other herbes that they so call also which shall likewise be entreated of in the Chapters following but I finding them to differ notably one from another have disposed of them severally intreating of the greater in this Chapter and of the lesser in the next 1. Bugula vulgaris flore caeruleo Ordinary blew flowred Bugle This Bugle hath larger leaves then those of the Prunella or Selfe heale but else of the same fashion or rather a little longer in some greene on the upperside and in others more brownish dented about the edges somewhat hairy as the square stalke is also which riseth up to be halfe a yeard high sometime set with such leaves thereon by cuples from the middle almost whereof upwards stand the flowers together with many smaller and browner leaves then the rest on the stalke below set at distances and the stalke bare betweene them among which flowers are also small ones as those of Selfe heale and of a blewish and sometime of an ash-colour fashioned like the flowers of Alehoofe or Ground Ivy after which come small round blackish seede the roote is composed of many strings and spreadeth upon the ground into divers parts round about Of this kinde there is another whose leaves are longer then these Alia longioribus folijs and deeper dented in about the edges 2. Bugula flore albo Bugle with a white flower The white flowred Bugle differeth not in forme or greatnesse from the former saving that the leaves and stalkes thereof are alwaies greene and never browne like the other and that the flowers are very white 3. Bugula flore carneo Bugle with blush coloured flowers This other Bugle differeth little also from the other before declared but that it is a more tender plant soft and smooth in handling not rising full so high as the former and the flowers thereof are of a pale red or blush colour which maketh the greatest difference 4. Bugula Alpina coerulea Blew mountaine Bugle The mountaine Bugle is not unlike the other having longer and thicker leaves especially at the bottomes of them seeming for the smallnesse to be footestalkes dented 1. Bugula vulgaris Ordinary Bugle also about the edges and somewhat hard or hairy thinnely set by couples upon the square hairy stalkes a foote high or more at the toppes whereof the flowers stand in spikes neerer set together then the former and of a blew colour fashioned like unto the rest the roote is long with divers fibres thereat 5. Bugula flore luteo Bugle with yellow flowers This yellow Bugle is smaller then any of the former by much having rounder leaves upon the stalkes and dented about the edges like unto them the flower is yellowish standing in the same manner that the rest doe 6. Bugula odorata Lusitanica Sweete Portingall Bugle This kinde of Bugle riseth up with three or foure round and hairy stalkes about a foote high at the joynts whereof grow leaves by couples which are long hairy and divided or torne on both sides into two or three gashes each bowing backe a little the largest leaves are lowest and smaller still up to the toppes where among the great spikie heads of flowers they are very small the flowers are of a violet purple colour formed hollow with lips as it were hanging downe somewhat like the former Bugles standing in cuppes wherein afterwards grow white seede which by sowing it selfe doth often rise againe for it is but annuall the roote is composed of many blacke fibres all the whole plant hath a very pleasant sent The Place The first and second grow in woods and wet copses and fields generally throughout England in many places but the second is harder to be met withall The third groweth in Austria and some other places of Germany as Clusius saith The fourth upon Mount Baldus The fifth is said to grow with us and the last in Portugall The Time They all flower from May untill Iuly and in the meane time they perfect their seede the roote and leaves next thereunto upon the ground abiding all the Winter untill the next Spring The Names It hath no Greeke name or author that we are certaine of but is called in Latine in these times Consolida media and Solidago media but there are many herbes that are called Consolida and Solidago from their vertues as you shall finde them remembred in their severall Chapters and Buglum or Bugla as Ruellius saith the French were wont to call it and more usually now a daies Bugula but some as I said before confounded
parts with such like small white flowers at their toppes 13. Bellis hortensis multiplex Double Daisies This differeth very little from the last either in the leaves or manner of growing the chiefest difference consisteth in the flowers which in some are all white but composed of sundry rowes of leaves others of a whitish red or more white then red or rather white leaves dispersed among the red and others of other varieties as I have formerly expressed them in my Booke The Place The first groweth every where by hedge sides in the borders of fields and other waste grounds The second on the Enganean hils by Padua The third on Mount Baldus The fourth came to us from Virginia The fifth groweth on the Mountaines among the Switzeâ—s The sixth in sandy barren places in the Hands of Staechades which are over against Marselles The seaventh was first brought me out of Italy by Mr. Dr. Flud with many other seedes that grew in the Garden of Pisa in the Duke of Florence his Dominions but of whence it is naturall I have not yet certainely knowne whether of Candy or any other place The eighth groweth about Mompelier and in many other places both of France and Italy The ninth grow on the hils in the Kingdome of Granado there gathered by Dr. Albinus and brought to Bauhinus as himselfe relateth The tenth on the hils of Aequicola in Naples as Columna maketh mention The eleventh groweth in every field and medow almost The twelfth was sent from Portugall The last in Gardens The Time All the sixe first sorts doe flower in May and Iune but the other foure next sorts later that is not untill the end of Iuly or beginning of August and but sometimes give good seed with us the rest all the Spring and former part of the Sommer The Names It is thought by most writers and others that this was not knowne to any of the ancient Greeke authors although some doe thinke that it is the same that Theophrastus in his seaventh Booke and ninth Chapter calleth Anthemis which is with him ad terram foliate species which Gaza translateth Nigella but it cannot be that Pliny onely among the Latines maketh mention of Bellis in his 26. Booke and fifth Chapter saying Bellis groweth in medowes with a white flower somewhat reddish which sheweth us our small wilde Daisie but that where of he speaketh in his 21. Booke and 8. Chapter which he calleth Bellio or Bellius luteus as some have it and hath 55. beards to crowne it and is a field flower is not certainely knowne what herbe it should be yet many thinke the place corrupted and to be otherwise read but how soever it be he maketh it knowne no better Some would have the name Bellis to be taken from Belus the King of Danaus whose fifty daughters being married to their fifty husbands did the first night of their marriage make a mournefull massacre every one of their husbands excepting one some derive the word a bello quasi bellis praesidium some also from the French word Marguerites doe call the lesser wilde sort Herba Morgarita The first sort is called of divers Consolida medâ—a and the common small or field Daisie called Consolida minor yet Matthiolus maketh a sort of them to be minor but no other liketh of that division Brunfelsius called it Oculus bovis and Bupthalmuus and Tabermontaxus Bellium majus but all other authors Bellis major The next two that follow that is the fifth and the sixth have their names in their title as Bauhinus who first set them forth hath called them The fourth I have so entituled it as fittest thereunto The seaventh was brought me with the title Bellis spinosa Patris Mâ—luccij who was President over the Dukes garden at Pisa at that time that Dr. Flud brought me the seedes thereof from thence but Lobel calleth it Bellis spinosa elatior fruticosior herbariorum bullatis aureis floribus The eighth is called by Lobel Bellis caerulea Globularia Monspeliensium Aphyllanthes by Anguilarae and Camerarius Bellis montana by Caesalpinus and Scabiosae pumilum genus by Clusius as he doth the ninth Scabiosa montana minor repens but not rightly in my minde seeing himselfe in the description saith that the leaves and seede are like the other blew Daisie The tenth is by Columna called Globularia lutea montana The eleventh is called Bellis minor sylvestris and Consolida minor minima of divers Solidago minor by others and Primula veris by many The twelfth and last have their titles best besitting them The Italians call both sorts Fior de prima vera and the lesser Margarite and Fior de prima vera gentile The French call them both Marguerites and Pasquets yet usually they call the lesser Margueritons The Germanes call the greater Genssblum and the lesser Masslieben oder zeitloson The Dutch call the great sort wild oft groote Madelienen and the lesse Madalienen and Margrieten We in English call the greater the great Daisie and Maudelinewort and the other the lesser or field Daisie c. The Vertues The greater wild Daisie is a wound herbe of good respect often used and seldome left out in those drinkes or salves that are for wounds either inward or outward both it and the small are held by the most to be cold and dry yet Dodonaeus saith they are cold and moist which none other doth allow of for the drying qualities doe more properly consolidate the juice or distilled water of either of them doth much temper the heat of choller and refresheth the liver and other inward parts It is said that they loosen the belly that is bound which Lobel contradicteth and true judgement doth the same being taken in a sallet with oile and vinegar or the broth of fat flesh wherein the leaves hereof and a few Mallowes have beene boyled they helpe to cure the wounds of the breast made in the hollownesse thereof if a decoction be made of them and drunke the same also doth cure all ulcers and pustles in the mouth or tongue or in the secret parts the leaves bruised and applyed to the cods or to any other parts that are swollen and hot doth resolve it and temper the heat they are also much commended that a decoction be made hereof and of Wallwort and Agrimony and the places fomented or bathed therewith warme that are afflicted either with the palsie the Sciatica or the gout to give a great deale of ease of paine the same also dissolveth and disperseth the knots or kernels that grow in the flesh of any part of the body and the bruises and hurts that come of fals and blowes they are also used for ruptures or other inward burstings with very good successe an ointment made thereof doth wonderfully helpe all wounds that have inflammations about them or by reason of moist humours having accesse unto them are kept long from healing and those are such for the most part
former Booke The Collie as the French call it or the farre Collier as we in English hath a pale greenish leafe without dents and somewhat a large flower and of a dainty violet purple colour somewhat sad but very lively The Cambersine hath a smaller greene leafe without dents or very few and the flower neere that of the faire Collier but not altogether so lively nor so great a flower A purplish blew with a white bottome and a mealy leafe The Poutrine or blood red hath a yellowish greene leafe somewhat small and long with a few dents on the edges the flowers are of a blood red colour with a yellow eye and but few upon a stalke The party coloured red and white we heare for certaine of such an one but we have not as yet seene it There are sundry sorts of blushes paler or deeper more or lesse beautifull by much then others as also wonderfull much variety of each of the former colours not to be expressed in that from the sowing of the seede ariseth new colours almost every yeare The pure white Snow white or Paperwhite as they are called by divers hath flowers of a pure Snow white colour but smaller then the next White hath a little larger flower but is not so pure a white as the former but yet commeth white from the first budding and not yellowish as in the next The common white hath sundry flowers upon a stalke of a reasonable size whose buds are yellowish at the first and become white afterwards Other sorts may be reckoned to these whites and some may be set under the blushes of the paler sorts Of the great yellow there are sundry different sorts all of them having large mealy leaves and great tufts of flowers some deeper or paler then others and some greater or lesser also The Lemman colour is of a delicate pale yellow colour and of a middle size both leafe and flower Straw colour Shamwey colour A number of other sorts of plaine yellowes there be impossible to be distinguished The diversities likewise of the diversified or variable yellowes are numberlesse which although their ground is yellow yet are so mixed and varied thereupon that I cannot expresse them The leather coate is larger or lesser deeper or paler one then another they have all large mealy leaves yet not so much as in the greatest yellow but yet seemeth to be produced from thence they come so neere it Haire colour of divers sorts Spanish blush The Place and Time The purple and crimson Primroses came first from Turkie to us and flowreth with other Primroses very early in the Spring and sometimes againe in Autumne The originall of the Auricules came first from the mountaines of Germany Hungary Italy as the Alpes and Pyrenees c. but the greatest variety hath risen from sowing of the seede and many of them will flower twice in the yeare viz. in Aprill and May and then againe in August and September if the Autumne proove temperate and moist The Names The purple Primrose is said to be called Carchichek by the Turkes Fabius Columna referreth the Cowslips to the Alisma of Dioscorides and calleth them Alisma pratorum sylvarum others call them Verbasculum Gesner Arthritica Anguilara Dodecatheon but generally Paralysis and Herba Paralysis The Auricula ursi is entituled by divers names by sundry authors as Lunaria Arthritica and Paralytica Alpina by Gesner Primula veris pachyphyllos by Lugdunensis Sanicula sive Auricula ursi first by Matthiolus and after by Lobel and Sanicula Alpina by Gesner and Bauhinus but usually now adaies Auricula ursi by all and thereafter we in English Beares eares or French Cowslips The Vertues Primroses and Cowslips are much used to be eaten in Tansies Sallets c. by those beyond Sea and are accounted very profitable for paines in the head and are accounted the best for that purpose next unto Betony they are excellent good against any joynt aches as the palsie and to ease the paines of the sinewes as the names doe import Of the juice or water of the flowers of Cowslips divers Gentlewomen know how to clense the skin from spots or discolourings therein as also to take away the wrinckles thereof and cause the skinne to become smooth and faire the rootes made into a decoction and taken easeth the paines of the backe and bladder opening the passages of urine which was the cause thereof they are likewise often used in wounds either greene or old and that to very good purpose The Beares eares according to their name Sanicle are no lesse powerfull in healing then the common as also for the palsie and trembling of the joynts Clusius saith that the mountainers that hunt after wilde beasts doe use the rootes of Beares eares to helpe either paines in the head or the giddinesse that may happen thereto by the fight of such fearefull precipices or steepe places that they must often passe by in following their game and are admitted as good Wound herbes as the former Cowslips CHAP. XXX Alchymilla Ladies Mantile VNto the Sanicles set downe in the last Chapter I thinke it fittest to place this next unto it because both for forme and quality it is so assuredly like it that it is called of divers the greater Sanicle and will adde thereunto another sort thereof which hath not beene formerly well knowne 1. Alchymilla major vulgaris Common Ladies Mantle Our common Ladies Mantle is very like to the former Sanicle having many leaves rising from the roote standing upon long hairy footestalkes being 1. Alchymilla major vulgaris Common Ladies Mantle almost round but a little cut in on the edges into eight or tenne parts more or lesse making it seeme like a starre with so many corners and points and dented round about of a light greene colour somewhat hard in handling and as if it were foulded or plaited at the first and then crumpled in divers places and a little hairy as the stalke is also which riseth up among them to the height of two or three foote with a few such leaves thereupon but smaller and being weake is not able to stand upright but bendeth downe to the ground divided at the toppe into two or three small branches with small yellowish greene heads and flowers of a whitish greene colour breaking out of them which being past there commeth small yellowish seede like unto Poppy seede the roote is somewhat long and blacke with many strings and fibres thereat 2. Alchymilla minor quinquefolia Cinkefoile Ladies Mantle This small Ladies Mantle hath also a few smaller and smoother greene leaves rising from the small blacke fibrous roote set upon long footestalkes but divided at the edges into five corners or points and somewhat deepelier dented about the brimmes then the former from whence two or three small weake bending stalkes doe rise not halfe a foote high the flowers that grow at the toppes are smaller but alike according to the bignesse of the plant and of the same herby
roote divers long weake and slender branches lying and running upon the ground two or three foote long or more set on both sides with leaves with two at a joynt one against another at equall distances which are almost round but pointed at the ends smooth and of a good greene colour at the joynts with the leaves from the middle forward come forth at every joynt sometimes one yellow flower and sometimes two standing each on a small footestalke and made of five narrow leaves pointed at the ends with some yellow threds in the middle which being past there stand in their places small round heads of seede Minor There is one of this sort much lesser than the former not else differing 2. Numularia minor flore purpurascente Small Money-wort with purplish flowers This small Money-wort spreadeth and runneth on the ground in the same manner that the former doth with two very little leaves set at every joynt of the stalke which are as round or more than the former with a little point at the ends the flowers likewise stand in the same manner at the joynts but much smaller than they and of a purplish red colour after which come seede in round heads alike but lesser as the roote is so likewise The Place Both the former sorts grow in our owne Land in moyst grounds by hedge sides although the first more 1. Numularia vulgaris Common Money-wort Numularia minor Small Money-wort 2. Nummularia minor floâ—e purpurascenie Small Money-wort with purplish flowers plentifully and almost every where the last hath beene found with us also in sundry places The Time They doe all of them flower in Iune and Iuly and their seede is ripe quickly after The Names It is called of the later Latine writers for none of the ancient either greeke or Latines have made any mention of it unlesse it be Ereuthedanum of Theophrastus lib. 9. c. 14. as Pena thinketh which Gaza translateth Rubia but that the vertues thereof doe not agree herewith and Numulum of Plinye lib. 18. c. 28. which is falsly set downe Mimmulus Numularia of the round forme of the leafe like unto money Brunfelsius and others call it Serpentaria because it hath beene found that Serpents have helped themselves therewith being wounded and Centummorbium and Gesner Centimorbia or Centum morbia of the singularity to helpe diseases and wounds Some have called it Lunaria minor Tabermontanus and others before him calleth it Hirundinaria some say quod hirundinis instar parssim terrae adhereat Bauhinus hath made mention of the last The Italians call it Nummolaria the French Monnoyere the Germanes Egelkraut and Pfenningkraut the Dutch Pennickecruijt and we in English Herbe two pence or two penny grasse but more usualy Money-wort The Vertues Moneywort is somewhat cold but very astringent binding and drying whereby it is singular good for to stay all fluxes of blood in man or woman whether they be laskes bloody fluxes the flowing of womens monethly courses or bleedings inwardly or outwardly also the weakenesse of the stomacke that is given to casting it is very good also for all ulcers or excoriation of the lungs or other inward parts yet some shepherds and others doe thinke it is very hurtfull for their cattell to feede thereon and that it causeth their lungs to blister which assuredly is but a conceit or opinion for no cold and binding thing was ever knowne to exulcerate It is exceeding good for all wounds either fresh or greene to heale them speedily for old ulcers also which by their humidity and by the fluxe of moist and sharpe humours are either spreading or long in curing for all which purposes the juice of the herbe or the powder drunke in water wherein hot steele hath beene often quenched or the decoction of the dry or greene herbe in wine or water drunke or the seede juice or decoction used to the outward places to wash or bathe them or to have tents dipped therein and put into them are effectuall CHAP. XL. Paronychia Whitlow wort or Whitlow grasse ALthough Bauhinus disclaimeth all the sorts of Paronychia expressed by all other Authours referring them all to some one or other herbe and although those that I shall set forth here by that name doe not fully answer the description of Dioscorides yet because divers worthy Authours have so called them and I had rather if they have erred erre with them then be singular in error with Bauhinus let them therefore receive their place here at this time 1. Paronychia major The greater Whitlow wort The greater Whitlow wort hath very many leaves lying on the ground in a round compasse one by another of three inches long and one broad a peece rough hairy of a darke greene colour and somewhat dented about the edges standing upon short footestalkes from the middle of whom rise up one or two small round naked stalkes with few or no leaves thereon scarse able to stand upright but bending downewards at the tops wherof stand small white flowers after which come small long pods containing small reddish seede nothing so hot and sharpe as the next 2. Paronychia altera minor The lesser Whitlow-wort This other that is smaller hath likewise divers leaves lying on the ground lesser then former somewhat like unto the lesser Mouseare called Cats foote but not so hoary yet a little hairy and of a yellowish greene 3. Paronychia Alfines folio Common Whitlow grasse 4. Paronychia altera rutaceo solum 4. Paronychia incisis folijs Iagged Whitlow grasse colour from which spring divers small straight and crested stalkes halfe a foote high or more branching forth at the toppes where stand divers white flowers unto whom doe follow very slender long pods like those of Flixeweed full of small reddish seede as sharpe and hot in taste as Cresses the roote is small hard and wooddy 3. Paronychia vulgaris Alfines folio Common Whitlow grasse This is a very small herbe seldome rising to be an handbreadth high having many small and somewhat long leaves lying next unto the roote somewhat like those of Chickeweede but somewhat longer and whiter from whence rise divers slender naked stalkes bearing many white flowers one above another exceeding small after which come small flat pouches lesse then of any Thlaspi wherein is contained very small seede of a sharpe taste the rootes are a few small fibres 4. Paronychia folijs incisis Iagged Whitlow grasse This other Whitlow grasse hath some pale or reddish greene leaves cut in on the edges into two or three small cuts making them seeme like unto the leaves of Rue or herbe grace it hath fewer stalkes then the former and such like leaves but smaller set thereon in some places with some white flowers at the tops of the stalkes which turne about like a Scorpions taile greater then the other and huskes that hold the seede greater also the rootes are small and fibrous The Place The two first sorts are found upon open hils
that are umbelliferous for there is such a confusion among many of the later writers that it is hard to understand which of these two kindes they meane whereof they write Gesner in hortis Germaniae maketh mention of Pimpinella minor sativa laevis to be of the same kind with the other sylvestris or wilde sort as he saith not differing from it but in the manuring which his Pimpinella minor sylvestris is the Saxifrage kind as may be plainly perceived by his own words following for he saith that that herbe which the Germanes call usually Pimpinella is by other people called Saxifraga and by the Italians Hircina or Pimpinella hircina and yet Bauhinus maketh this Pimpinella sativa laevis of Gesner to be Sanguisorba minor laevis which is quite contrary to his mind as I think and although by saying it is used in sallets he might seeme to understand this Burnet kinde which was wont often to be so used yet his words of Saxifraga Hircina cannot be understood of this Burnet but of the other Saxifraga umbellifera the like doubt and difference there is concerning those scarlet berries that grow upon the rootes of Pimpinella vulgaris as Fragosus maketh mention l. 3. c. 15. which he taketh to be the Cocchenilla for he there saith that Cochenille is a certaine berry brought from Peru which groweth upon certeine small plants like unto Pimpinella vulgaris unto whose rootes it doth sticke of the likenesse of wilde Grapes which some take to be the true Coccognidium and others to be the Chermes of the Arabians which differeth from the Coccus Baphica of the Gracians thus saith Fragosus all which is utterly untrue for Cochenille is neither the berry of any Pimpinella nor is it the true Coccognidium not doth the Cherâ—s of the Arabians differ from the Coccus Baphica of the Graecians as shall be shewed in due place but Oviadus truâ—ly saith that Cochenille groweth like berries on the underside of the leaves of a tree in the West Indies called Tuâ— or by others Tunas which tree we call Ficus Indica Now whether of the two kinds of Pimpinella is meant this or that is not expressed for some referre it to one and some to the other Some as it should seeme call Pimpinella Pampinula and Peponella but I rather referre all these names to the Saxifrage kindes it is called Sorbastrella and Sanguinaria also of divers but most usually Sanguisorba quod sanguineos fluxus sistat and it may be Bipinella or Bipenula a foliorum binis ordinibus pennatim sive plumatinâ— digestis the Italians call it Pinepinella or Sorbastrella the French Pimpinelle the Germanes Hergots bertlin id est Dei Barbula Blutkraut and Megelkraut because the country people as Tragus saith give it to their Hennes and Geese when they have the Pippe to cure them of it we doe in all places I thinke in England call it Burnet but many of our ignorant Apothecaries doe shamefully mistake this herbe in using Pimpernell in their Syrupe of Dealthea and in other their medecines instead thereof from the nearenesse of the Latine and English names of Pimpinella and Pimpernell taking them to bee both one it may be referred also as it is thought to that herbe which in Persis is called Sifitiepteris as Pliny saith in his 24. Booke and 9. Chap. because it causeth mirth and Dionisionymphas because it doth wondrously well agree with wine The first is called Pimpinella Sanguisorba to distinguish it from the other Pimpinella Sâ—fraga and Pimpinella minor and hortensis to distinguish it from the other Sanguisorba which is called major and sylvestris Anguilara Guilandinus Tragus and Columna call it Sideritis secunda Dioscoridis and so doe others since them they also call it Pimpinella Italica and is the first of Tragus by that name for the third is his Pimpinella Italica major and so Clusius calleth it also others call it Pimpinella sive sanguisorba major and Columna Sideritis 2. Dioscoridis major The second Bauhinus onely mentioneth and the last is not remembred by any writer before me although Lobel may seeme in his Adversaria to point at this where he saith that the great wilde kind hath sometimes leaves as great as Betony as this hath but yet is not this being a differing kind as by the heads of flowers may well be knowne The Vertues Both the greater and the lesser Burnet are accounted to be of one property but the lesser because it is quicker and more aromaticall is more effectuall being both hot and dry in the second degree especially the lesser yet some say it is cold in the second degree which is a friend to the Heart Liver and other the principall parts of a mans body two or three of the stalkes with leaves put into a cup of wine especially Claret as all know give a wonderfull fine rellish to it and besides is a great meanes to quicken the spirits refresh the heart and make it merry driving away melancholly it is a speciall helpe to defend the heart from noysome vapours and from the infection of the Plague or Pestilence and all other contagious diseases for which purpose it is of great effect the juice thereof being taken in some drinke and they either layd to sweate thereupon or wrapped and kept very warme They have a drying and astringent quality also whereby they are availeable in all manner of fluxes of blood or humours to stench bleeding inward or outward Laskes or Scowrings the Blooddy flix womens too aboundant courses and the whites also and the chollericke belchings and castings of the stomake and is also a singular good Woundherbe for all sorts of wounds both of the head and body either inward or outward for all old Vlcers or running Cancers and moyst sores which are of hard curation to bee used eyther by the juice or decoction of the herbe or by the pouder of the herbe or roote or the water of the distilled herbe or else made into oyle or oyntment by it selfe or with other things to be kept the seede also is no lesse effectuall both to stay fluxes and to dry up moyst sores to be taken in pouder inwardly in steeled water or wine that is wherein hot gadds of steele have beene quenched or the pouder of the seede mixed with their oyntments or injections CHAP. LVI Sideritis sive Ferruminatrix Ironwort HAving in the last Chapter shewed you that Burnet is the second Sideritis of Dioscorides I thinke it not amisse to entreate next thereunto of some other herbes called Sideritides as being referred by many authors unto the first kinde of Dioscorides leaving the third sort to bee spoken of in another place hereafter 1. Sideritis prima Herba Iudaica Iewes Ironwort This first Sideritis is a small low herbe neither wholly standing upright nor wholly leaning downe to the ground but hath divers weake rough hoarie square stalkes not much above a foote high full of joynts at the severall distances whereof grow two small leaves
true kinde and either of ignorance not knowing the right or of wilfulnesses in not enduring to be with drawne from their old errours but our age hath reformed very many of these errours we were formerly nusled up in and no doubt but by the diligent search of divers for the truth both the light that hath risen hath appeared and the darknesse that remaines may be expelled which time must as it hath done in part already bring to passe the pertinatious wilfulnesse of many being the cause that it is not wholly performed as yet Anguillara first and Columna after him doe make this Eupatorium of Dioscorides to be that of Avicen also and so to be both one Dodonaeus because he would not acknowledge the Ageratum of Dioscorides to be the Eupatorium of Mesues runneth himselfe a ground on the dangerous shelfe of two errours namely that the Eupatorium of Mesues and Avices doe not differ and the Eupatorium of Mesues and Dioscorides be both one when as it is in neither of them trâ— for as we shewed in the Chapter of Ageratum that Ageratum was the true Eupatorium of Mesues which differeth much from this of Dioscorides so doth that of Mesues from that of Avicen also which is by the most judicious now adayes accounted to be the first Eupatorium Cannabinum here set downe and as before is sayd was in former times called Eupatorium vulgare yet there is some doubt therein in that Avicen saith the flowers of his Eupatorium are like those of Nenufar or water Lilly which the most judicious know not well how to reconcile but doe verily suppose some errour or mistake to be in the text and although it be not the true Eupatorium of Dioscorides the errour thereof being now reformed both their descriptions and figures inducing the same unto you yet is it not without very speciall properties as you shall heare by and by the second is called Agrimâ—niâ— odorata by Camerarius and Eupatorium alterum odoratum aromaticum by Columna the third is called Agrimonoides of Columna of Bauhinus Agrimoniae similis and of some Pimpinella folio Agrimoniae the fourth was usually called in former times beyond the Seas as I sayd Eupatorium vulgare as Matthiolus and others doe set it downe Fuschius called it Eupatorium adulterinum and Dodonaeus and Thalius Pseudo hepatorium mas Lobel calleth it Cannabina aquatica sive Eupatorium mas Gesner Eupatorium aquaticum Trifolium cervinum aquaticum Baptista Sardus calleth it Terzola Anguillara Gesner in hortis Germaniae Lacuna Lonicerus and Camerarius call it Eupatorium Avicannae This is called in high Dutch S. Kunigunds Kraut that is Herba Sancta kunigdis Wafferdost of the low Dutch Boelkencruiit the fift is called by Cornutus Eupatorium foliis Enulae and I according to the title to put a difference betweene it have set latifolium and the other of the sort which I call angastifolium and hath onely sprung with me and hath not beene mentioned by any before the last which as I sayd is of two sorts the one with divided leaves the other with whole are diversly named by divers for that with divided leaves is called by Tragus Verbena supina by Cordus upon Dioscorides Verbanaca recta by Gâ—sner in hortis Forbesina Bâ—â—endensium and by some as he there saith Conyza palustris Verbesina in his Appendix by Dodonaeus Hepatorium aquatile Ruellius tooke it to be Hydropiper and so did Lugdunensis but yet doth confute his opinion and sheweth the differences as Matthiolus before hath done by Caesalpinus Bidens folio tripartito divisa and by Bauhinus Cannabina aquatica folio tripartito diviso the other with whole leaves is called by Lobel Eupatorium Caâ—binum faemina Septentrionalium by Tabermontanus Eupatorium Cannabinum Chrysantheâ— by Lugdunensis Hydropiper aliud Dalechampii by Caesalpinus Bidens folio non dissecto and by Bauhinus in his â—s Cannabina aquatica similis capitulis nutantibus and in his Pinax Cannabina aquatica folio non diviso that oâ— Virginia may well goe under the same title The Vertues The sweete Agrimony is held by divers to be the more excellent in all the properties of Agrimony but because we cannot have it in that quantity that may serve all mens continuall uses our ordinary sort will serve sufficiently will and effectually Serapio saith it is hot and dry in the first degree and as Galen saith it is of thinne parts 〈…〉 clensing and cutting faculty without any manifest heate it is also moderately drying and binding â—eth the obstructions of the Liver and clenseth it it helpeth the jaundise and strengthneth the inward 〈◊〉 and is very beneficiall to the bowels and healeth their inward woundings and bruises or hurts and qualifieth all inward distemperatures that grow therein the decoction of the herbe made with wine and drunke is good against the sting and bitings of Serpents and helpeth them that have foule or troubled and bloody waters it is good for the strangury and helpeth them to make water currantly and helpeth also the collickeâ— clenseth the brest and helpeth the cough it is accounted also a good helpe to ridde a quartaine as well as a tertiaâ— â—gue by taking a drought of the decoction warme before the fit which by altering them will in time ridde them the leaves and seede saith Dioscorides the seede saith Pliny stayeth the bloody flixe being taken in wine outwardly applyed it helpeth old sores cancers and ulcers that are of hard curation being stamped with old Swines grease and applyed for it clenseth and afterwards healeth them in the same manner also applyed it doth draw forth the thornes or splinters of wood nayles or any other such thing that is gotten into the flesh and helpeth to strengthen members that be out of joynt it helpeth also foule impostumed eares being bruised and applyed or the juyce dropped into them the distilled water of the herbe is good to all the purposes aforesaide either inward or outward The Hempe like Agrimony or Eupatorium Cannabinum is of the same temperature of heate and dryeth for it also openeth clenseth cutteth and maketh thinne those humors that are thicke and tough and therefore is very effectuall for the dropsie yellow Iaundise obstructions of the Liver and hardnesse of the Spleene fulnesse of humors and the evill disposition or habit of the body the juyce hereof drunke is commended much against the impostumes that come of a cold cause within the body and for those that are without the herbe bruised and applyed outwardly the decoction thereof taken before the fits of long and lingring agues doth helpe much to free any from them the same also provoketh urine and womens naturall courses and boyled with Fumiterry in whey and drunke helpeth scabbes and the itch which proceede of salt and sharpe humours but the juyce mixed with vinegar and annointed cureth it outwardly and cureth the Leprosie also if it be taken in the beginning but the juyce being drunke is held to be more effectuall the
doth signifie any blew colour such as this Woade or the Nil or Indico maketh or 〈…〉 whence was made a blew colour formerly called with us Aneale for the Dyers and others use and was 〈◊〉 be brought in round great cakes like wax with round bottomes five or six packt up in double skinnes long 〈◊〉 which was but a base or counterfeit sort of Indico as it is probably ghessed made up with sand and trâ— augment the weight or else it was a worser kinde of that Nil or Anil that grew in Turkey for the beâ— Anil or Indico as is aforesaid commeth to us from Guzurate in the East Indies Ioseph Salbanke his report of 〈◊〉 in Purchas lib. 3. ch 9. sec 4. pag. 236. who by reason of shipwracke upon the Magolls countrey with 〈◊〉 was forced to travell over land many dayes saith that at Bianie the best Indico is made where are Indico 〈◊〉 and groweth upon small bushes and beareth seede like Cabbadge seede which being cut downe lyeth on 〈◊〉 for halfe a yeare to rot and then troden out by Oxen from the stalkes and so ground fine at the milles and lâ—y boiled in furnaces refined and sorted the best there worth eight pence the pound which last clause of boyling refining c. me thinkes savoreth somewhat of Dioscorides text but you have another mans report before Dioscorides mentioneth Indicum in his fifth booke and 67. Chap. to be of two sorts the one naturall issuing 〈◊〉 of Indian Canes or Reeds the other a blew or purple scumme that riseth on the dyfat which is taken offâ— dryed this saith Dioscorides and peradventure was our very Indico although related it may bee in this 〈◊〉 which sheweth how lame the ancients were in the knowledge of forraine doings but we have indeede 〈◊〉 in these dayes a certaine thing called by divers Florcy which the painters sometimes use and is the 〈◊〉 of the dyfat while the cloth is upon the dying a blew colour with Indico or Woade and is a fine light powder The Italians as I sayd before call Woade Guado and Glasto the Spaniards call the herbe while it is greene and growing Guida but when it is made up and dry they call it Pastel forte quia in pastillos cogantur the 〈◊〉 Pastel likewise the Germans Weijt the Dutch Weet we in English Woade and Wade The Vertues The faculties of Woade are binding and very drying and somewhat bitter withall but not sharply 〈◊〉 the wilde sort much more as usually all wilde herbes exceede the tame in the properties and therefore 〈◊〉 putrefaction and preserveth therefrom more then the tame the tame stancheth bleedings of all 〈◊〉 eyther inward or outward eyther upwards or downewards more then the wilde the decoction of the manured but much more of the wilde sort made with wine and drunke helpeth the hardnesse of the spleene and if â—gion thereof be outwardly fomented therewith also it will doe the more good the manured is much 〈◊〉 profitably used for all greene wounds then the wilde quickly to soder up the lippes of them and no lesse profitable it is to represse the corroding and malignant qualities of fowle and eating Vlcers foule Cancers and 〈◊〉 and healeth them also as also allayeth and discusseth all hot inflammations impostumes S. Antonies f◠〈◊〉 tumours or swellings Indico which as is sayd was formerly taken for the spume of the dyfat in dying blew colour either from Woade or Indico as Dioscorides saith is of the same qualities both to clense and represse the malignitie of foule Vlcers and to dissolve tumours breake impostumes and to dry up and binde the deâ—ons of blood or humors the juice of Woade preserved all the yeare or the distilled water of the herbe workeâ— the same effectes that eyther the decoction or the powder of the dryed herbe doth CHAP. LXIIII. Herba Lutea sive Luteola Would or Welde or Diers weede I Thought good to joyne this plant unto the other before going both for the dying quality and healing also although not so notorious as the other but although with many former writers there hath 〈◊〉 but one sort remembred yet we have attained the knowledge of two or three other as you shall have them expressed unto you 1. Luteola vulgaris Common Would or Diers weede The common Would or Diers weede groweth bushing with many long and narrow flat leaves upon the ground of a darke blewish greene colour somewhat like unto Woade but nothing so large a little 〈◊〉 as it were and somewhat round pointed which doe so abide the first yeare and the next spring from 〈◊〉 them rise divers round stalkes two or thee foote high beset with many such like leaves thereon but 〈◊〉 shooting forth some small branches which with the stalkes carry many small yellow flowers in 〈…〉 head at the toppes of them where afterwards come the seede which is small and blacke enclo◠〈◊〉 that are divided at the toppe into foure parts the roote is long thicke and white abiding the whi◠〈◊〉 herbe changeth to be yellow after it hath beene in flower a while 2. Luteola vulgaris Cretica Small Would of Candy The small Would of Candy hath likewise many long narrow leaves like the former and tall high stalkes with smaller leaves on them also the long spiked heads have somewhat larger flowers more spread open 〈◊〉 â—ding singly each by themselves in other things not differing from the former 3. Lutea maxima Cretica foecunda The hearing great Would of Candy This great plant riseth up in Candy with divers great stalkes some of them as bigge as 〈◊〉 mans arme of five six eight and ten cubits high yet perish in winter bare or naked of leaves next the ground for a cubits 〈◊〉 tâ— lowest leaves being without footestalkes joyning close at the bottome the other growing up higher 〈…〉 toppes have all of them footestalkes of a spanne long the leaves of themselves are very large made of 〈◊〉 somewhat broad and long greene shining ones set one against another on the middle ribbe and not 〈…〉 directly opposite one unto another every one somewhat 1. Lutea vulgaris Common Would or Diers Weede 2. Luteâ— vulgaris Cretica Small Would of Candy 3. 4. Lutea Cretica serti is sterilis The great Would of Candy both bearing and barren â—o the leaves of Hempe whereof it is most likely 〈◊〉 species togged or dented about the edges yet none 〈…〉 divided but the end leafe which is sometimes â—ded seldome into two and sometimes into three 〈◊〉 each ending in a long point the stalkes are â—ed but hath onely divers small stalkes or long 〈◊〉 of flowers thrust forth which are yellowish 〈◊〉 and mossie bowing downewards with many 〈…〉 leaves among them and stand in yellowish greene â—kes wherein after the flowers are 〈◊〉 come the â—eads full of very small reddish seede the roote is very great and wooddy and parted into 〈…〉 or branches which in the naturall places and other warme countries abideth many yeares 〈…〉
on the toppe of it like unto the flower of Sowbread 4. Chelidonium minus Small Celandine or Pilewort Although there is no affinity in the forme hereof unto the former as I before sayd yet because it generally beareth the name of the lesser Celandine and that it is of an healing quality especially for the piles I thought good to joyne it with the other for this worke which else might be severed This small Celandine doth spread many round pale greene leaves set on weake and trayling branches which lye upon the ground and are fat smooth and somewhat shining and in some places though seldome marked with blacke spots each standing on a long foote stalke among which rise small yellow flowers consisting of 9. or 10. small narrow leaves upon slender foote stalkes very like unto a Crowfoote whereunto the seede also is not unlike being many small ones set together upon a head the roote is made of many small kernels like graine of corne some twice as long as others of a whitish colour with some fibres at the end of them There is another sort hereof which hath as it were double flowers consisting of two rowes of leaves Flore duplici in all other things not differing from the former which Camerarius in horto onely mentioneth 4. Chelidonia rotundifolia major A greater small Celandine This greater sort of the small Celandine hath a fibrous roote whereunto grow small round knobs the leaves are round thicke and smoth growing almost as large as Asarum or Asarabacca sometimes a little waved about the edges each standing upon a longer foote stalke than the former yet lying upon the ground the flowers that stand severally as the others doe upon longer foote stalkes are of a pale yellow colour and larger than they consisting but of five or sixe leaves cut in at the ends unto the middle of them and having some reddish threds in the middle of the flowers The Place The first groweth in many places by old wall sides and by the hedges and way sides in untilled places and being once planted in a garden especially in some shady place it will still be found therein the second is not knowne where it is naturall but is received into gardens for the varietie the small sort groweth for the most part in the moyst corners of fields and places that are neere water sides yet will abide in dryer groundes so as they be a little shadowed the third in Canada as the title sheweth the last groweth in the wet grounds about Mâ—pelier The Time The two first sorts flower all the Sommer long and the seede ripeneth in the meane time the other flower betimes about March or Aprill and is quite gone in May so at it cannot be found untill it spring againe that of Canada flowred late but gave no seede The Names The first and greater is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine Chelidonium majus and Hirundinaria major the lesser is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Chelidonium minus and Hirundinaria minor some call them Chelidonia major minor and tooke the name as Dioscorides saith because it springeth when Swallowes come in and withereth at their going away which is true in neither the greater whereof Dioscorides chiefely speaketh being greene both winter and sommer and the lesser springing before Swallowes come in and is gone and withered long before their departure Dioscorides likewise and Pliny also say it tooke that name from Swallowes that cured their young ones eyes that were hurt with bringing this herbe and putting it to them but Aristotle and Celsus from him doe shew that the young ones of Partridges Doves Swallowes c. will recover their sight being hurt of themselves in time without any thing applyed unto them and therefore Celsus accounteth this saying but a fable The Chimists in former times in mistaking the Greeke name called the greater kinde Caeli donuim and thereupon did highly extoll the Quintessence drawne from it not onely to expell many diseases but for many their idle and fantasticke transmutations the lesser sort beside the former names is called Ficaria Scrophularia minor of Brunfelsius of Fuschius Malacocissos minor whom Matthiolus taxeth therefore Guilandinus and Cordus tooke it to be Amellus Virgilii as we shewed you in the Chapter of Amellus or Aster Sylvaticus calleth it Testiculus sacerdotis and is likely to be the Ranunculus latifoliâ— of Lugdunensis Bauhinus calleth it Chelidonia rotundifolia it is thought also to be the Strumea of Pliny whereof he speaketh among the Ranunculi many doe make doubt whether this herbe be the Chelidonium minus of Dioscorides and Galen because it hath not any acrimonie or sharpenesse therein as they say is in theirs but yet all writers doe agree that howsoever it hath not any acrimony it is in forme and all other properties the same It is as I sayd called Ficaria and Scrophularia minor a signatura from the likenesse of the rootes unto those Strume called Scrophulae which appeare in ano ad tonsillas and therefore as in many other the like held powerfull to cure them the greater is called of the Italians Celidonia maggiore of the Spaniards yervade las gelondriâ—as and Celidrenha of the French Chelidoine Felongue and Esclaire of the Germanes Gross Scholwurtz and Goldwurtz and Schwalbenkrant of the Dutch Gonte wortel en groot gouwe and we in English great Celendine and of some Swallow-wort and Tetterwort The lesser is called by the Arabians Memicen by the Italians â—avagello and Favoscello by the French Coullious de prestre or petite Esclaire by the Germanes Meinkraut and Klein Feigwartzen of the Dutch Cleyne Gouwe or speene cruiit and we in English small Celandine Pilewort and of some Figge-wort The Vertues The greater Celandine is hot and dry in the third degree and of a clensing facultie It openeth the obstructions of the Liver and Gall and thereby helpeth the yellow Iaundies the herbe or the rootes being boyled in white wine with a few Anne seedes and drunke Matthiolus saith that if the greene herbe be worne in their shooes that have the yellow Iandies so as their bare feete may tread thereon it will helpe them of it the same also taken in the same manner helpeth those that are inclining to the dropsie or have it confirmed in them by often using it as also for those that are troubled with the itch or have old sores in their Legs or other parts of their bodies the juice thereof taken fasting is held to bee of singular good use against the Plague or Pestilence and so is the distilled water also with a little Sugar but especially if a little good Treackle bee mixed therewith and they upon the taking layd downe to sweete a little the juice dropped into the eyes doth clense the eyes from fumes and clouds that darken them 〈◊〉 because it is somewhat sharpe the hardned juice relented with a little breast milke will well allay it it is
like unto Serpyllum or mother of Time and in the 22. Chap. of the same Booke hee remembreth it againe and giveth the vertues thereof which are differing from the other Helenium or Elecampane for he there saith that the juice thereof is sweete and being drunke in wine is a furtherer of mirth and may be held to be the Nepenthe whereof Homer speaketh that putteth away all sorrowes but some thinke that this differeth from the Helenium of Theophrastus because he numbreth it still among sweete herbes that were used in Garlands as Serpyllum Sisymbrium and Abrotanum and therefore judge it to be Marum or herbe Masticke the other place in Dioscorides is in his Chapter of Panax and called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Panax and Panaces Chironium which hee there saith hath leaves like unto Amaracus or Marjerome and yellow flowers and a small roote all know the leaves of Marjerome doe not much differ from Serpyllum in the forme but in the largenesse and hoary whitenesse and therefore divers Authors doe call it diversly some as Lugdunensis calleth it Helenium minus Dioscorides and others Helenium alterum sive Aegyptium and some Panax and Panaces Chironium as Matthiolus and others that follow him or Chironia as Caesalpinus some also take it to be Helianthe of Pliny which Cordus calleth Heleanthemum or flos Solis and so doe Lobel Thalius Tabermontanus and divers others Gesner in hortis Germaniae calleth it Gratia Dei or Hyssopoides for the likenesse of the leaves which deceived both him and Tragus who called it Hyssopus campestris and Lonicerus who called it Hyssopus montana sive sylvestris who all follow the common appellations of their countries Cordus saith it was called by divers in his time Consolida aurea so saith Clusius also yet he would rather referre all these sorts to the family of the female Cistus and make them of his third order of Cistus calling them Chamaecistus because they are like unto them both in face and propertie Lobel in his Adversaria would rather referre it to the Centaurium luteum whereunto as he saith it is both in face and vertue not unlike the first which is as usuall with us as in Germany is called of the Germans Heyden Yssop that is Heathen Hyssope we may call it in English and so the rest eyther small Sunflower or Dwarfe Cistus the third is remembred by Tabermontanus under the same title it is expressed here the fourth is the sixt Chamaecistus of Clusius the fift is his third Chamacistus in his History of Plants but are the first and second in his Pannonicke observations and there called Augustifolius and Latifolius as Bauhinus doth also the sixt is Clusius his eighth Chamaecistus and called by Tabermontanus Cistus humilis Austriaca by Bauhinus Chamaecistus hirsuta the seventh is called by Lugdunensis Erica Chrysanthâ—os and by Bauhinus Chamaecistus Erica folio luteus who judgeth it to bee the Cori similiâ— frutex in maritiâ—is of Caesalpinus and the Coris Dioscoridis of Guilandinus the eighth is the second Chamaecistus of Clusius which Tabermontanus calleth Cistus humilis Serpillifolia and I thinke may bee the Helianthes species â—ara in the Adversaria of Pena and Lobel which Lobel afterwards in his Icones calleth Cistus majoranae foliis and Bauhinus maketh to be a Cistus faemina numbring it among them the last Clusius in his Pannonicke observations was not well resolved by what name to call it as partaking both with Cneorum Matthioli Chamaecistus and therefore left it there as an Anonima without name but considering afterwards better upon it he setteth it forth in his history of Plants for his seventh Chamaecistus Bauhinus calleth it Chamaecistus Serpylli folia floribus carneis and taketh it to be the Rosa Alpina altera folijs minimis of Gesner in hort and the Alpina altera of Lobel The Vertues All these sorts are drying and binding or astringent with some bitternesse joyned thereto especially in some more then in others and not without some small sent also the decoction of this herbe and roote is singular good for them that spit blood and to stay all bleedings eyther inward or outward as also all fluxes or laskes and the aboundance of womens courses the same also is very effectuall to wash sore mouthes and the Vlcers that happen in the privy parts of man or woman it is no lesse profitable in other Vlcers of the body or legges which are long kept from healing by a defluxion of moist and sharpe humours falling upon them which it consumeth and dryeth up thereby causing the sores to heale the more speedily it likewise sodereth and closeth up the lippes of greene wounds for it is very powerfull in consolidating binding and strengthning any part and is as effectuall as any Comfrey for burstings the strengthning of weake joynts or any other binding propertie whereunto any Comfrey may be applied being bruised and applyed to the biting or sting of any venemous creature it stayeth the venome from further spreading and healeth the party quickly especially if they take also of the juice or the decoction thereof in wine the distilled water of the herbe is held to beautifie the skinne of the face or any other part of the body CHAP. LXXXV Cistus mas The male Holly or Sage Rose BEcause I entreated in the last Chapter of the small or Dwarfe Cistus which upon good ground as I take it I referred to the Helenium alterum of Dioscorides I thinke it not amisse here to prosecute the other kinds of Cistus whereof there are two principall one that beareth the sweete Gum Ladâ— and another that doth not according as some doe distinguish them or as others doe into male female yet some make three kinds and the Cistus Ledon to be the third but it may bee comprehended under the female kind in that it beareth white flowers as the female doth the male alwayes bearing red flowers but because there is so much varietie in every of them I will distribute them into their severall Chapters not intending to speake of those here I have spoke of in my former booke which is one of eyther of the two first sorts and two or three of the last yet if I give you their figures it shall be to shew you their differences 1. Cistus mas angustifolius Narrow leafed male Cistus This small Cistus groweth like a small shrubbe or bush with divers wooddy branches thereon set with leaves on each side two together which are longer and narrower softer also and not altogether so hoary or woolly as that sort which I have already set forth else not differing from it for the flowers are like unto those of the wild Eglantine or Brier Rose of a fine delayed reddish colour like unto the other as the heads and seede are also this roote is wooddy and groweth not deepe this is somewhat more tender to keepe and will lesse abide the injuries of our Winter frosts then the former 2. Cistus mas folio
call it juriâ—tâ— Cardo monto and Bonvaron the French Senesson the Germans Crentzwurâ— the Dutch Cruizâ—ijs and wee in English Groundsell and Grunsell The first is called by all Authors Senetio and Senecio and minor with some because as I said they call the Iacobaa Senecio major Erigerâ— some also after the Italian name Carduncellus which I verily beleeve should be that herbe was appointed to be put into the composition of the Vnguâ—ius Maâ—tum and not Cardus Benedictus as it is appointed in the Pharmacopala Londinensis the second is the Senâ—cia 2. vel montanus of Tabermontanus and the first Erigerum in the old Gerard very well expressing it the third is set downe by Lugdunensis under Miconus name the fourth is the second Senecio with Tragus Lobel his figure of Erigerum tomentosâ— as also the Erigerum tertium of Dodonaeus as not the true figures of this plant as Dodonaeus himselfe acknowledgeth but rather as others called it Cichorium faetidum and Lugdunensis hath observed it likewise for thâ— differeth chiefly I am the common sort but in the hoarinesse and largenesse as well of the whole plant as of the leaves the 〈◊〉 is called by Lobel Erigerum tomentosum alterum by Thalius Erigerum faetidum seu majus by Gesner in hâ—râ— and by Lugdunensis Senecio faetidus by Clusius Iacobaea Pannonica prima as Bauhinus thinketh by him Senecio incâ— pâ—is the last is mentioned onely by Camerarius in herto who saith he received it by the 〈◊〉 of Sâ—ia florâ— odoraâ— from Iosephê° de Casa bona the great Duke of Tuscane or Florence his Herbarist The Vertues Groundsell is cold and moist as Tragus saith and therefore seldome used inwardly Galen saith in 6. simpl it hath a mixt quality both cooling and a little digesting the decoction of the herbe saith Dioscorides made with wine and drunke helpeth the paines in the stomacke proceeding of choller which it may well doe by a vomit which our daily experience sheweth the juice hereof taken in drinke or the decoction of the herbe in Ale gently performeth Pliny addeth from others report that it is good against the Iaundies and falling sicknesse being taken in wine as also to helpe the paine of the bladder that is in making water when it is stopped which it provoketh as also to expell gravell in the reines or kidneyes a dram thereof given in Oxymel after some walking or stirring the body it helpeth the Sciatica also and the griping paines in the belly or the Collicke some also eate it with Vinegar as a Sallat accounting it good for the sadnesse of the heart and to helpe the defects of the Liver it is said also to provoke womens courses and some say also that it stayeth the whites which as Maâ—olus saith cannot be beleeved to be so in that the one quality is contrary to the other The fresh herbe boyled and made into a Poultis and applyed to the breasts of women that are swollen with paine and heate as also to the privy parts of man or woman the Seate or Fundament or the Arteries Ioynts and Sinewes when they are inflamed and swollen doth much ease them and used with some salt helpeth to dissolve the knots or kernells that happen in any part of the body the juice of the herbe or as Dioscorides saith the leaves and flowers with some fine Frankinsence in powder used in wounds whether of the body or of the nerves and sinewes doth singularly helpe to heale them The downe of the heads saith hee used with Vinegar doth the like but if the same downe be taken in drinke it will choake any the distilled water of the herbe performeth well all the aforesayd properties but especially for the inflammations of the eyes and watering of them by reason of the defluxion of the rheume into them Pliny reporteth a ridiculous fable to helpe the toothach to digge up the plant without any Iron toole and then to touch the aking tooth five times therewith and to spit three times after every such touch and afterwards to set the herbe againe in the same place so that it may grow will ease the paines another as fabulous and ridiculous as that is this which some have set downe that glasse being boyled in the juice of Groundsell and the blood of a Ramme or Goate will become as soft as wax fit to bee made into any forme which being put into cold water will come to be hard againe CHAP. XCI Tripolium Sea Starrewort ALthough Dioscorides and Galen knew but of one Tripolium yet because Lobel hath set forth another that is lesse and Camerarius accounteth another herbe also to be a little sort thereof I thinke it not amisse to make mention of them also in this place and some others of later knowledge 1. Tripolium majus sive vulgare The greater Sea Starrewort Our ordinary Sea Starrewort hath many long and somewhat broad leaves rising from the roote next the ground smooth fat and thicke and of a blewish greene colour somewhat like unto the leaves of Dorias Woundwort but much lesser from among which riseth up a smooth herby or fleshy greene stalke two or three foote high branched towards the toppes into divers smaller branches with such like leaves on them as grow below but lesser the flowers that stand at the toppes of them are somewhat larger and greater then of the other Italian Starrewort here before set forth among the Asters and almost of the same colour having a blewish purple border of leaves standing about a yellow middle thrum which after it hath done flowring turneth into downe and the small seede therewith is blowne away at the will of the winde the roote hath divers greater strings and many smaller fibres thereat which grow deepe and sticke fast in the mudde of the marshie ditches where it groweth 2. Tripolium minus The lesser Sea Starrewort The small Sea Starre is in all things like the greater but lesser and lower both in roote leafe stalke and flower and in the naturall places observed not to exceede the greatnesse of the small Conyza or Fleabane 3. Tripolium minus Germanicum Small Sea Starrewort of Germany This also is very like unto the last but lesse then it having a shorter stalke and narrower leaves the flower also is small and of a more purplish colour Lobel maketh mention that Montonus had in his Garden one hereof with yellow flowers but I rather thinke it was another kinde of herbe and therefore I make no further mention of it here 4. 5. Tripolium Lychnidis Coronariae folio alterum Ferulae folio Starrewort with Rose Campion like leaves and another with Fennell like leaves The seede of both these sorts of Starreworts I received from Signor Bâ—el from Lishone but they sprang not with me but it may be that with Fennell like leaves was the Ageratum fâ—rulaceum of Lugdunensis The Place The first groweth as I sayd before in the ditches of the salt Marshes neare the Sea coasts in many places of
Consâ— evulsum quod in pacis bellique ritibus habebatur Sagmina in publicis remedijs fuere adhibita It is called in Latine Verbena quasi Herbena or herba bona Matricalis Verbenaca and Columbaria or Columbaris or Columbana Exupera Martialis and Herculania as also Ferraria from the Germane word Eisencrant or Eisenhert as I take it The Italians call it Berbena and Verminacola the Spaniards Vrgebaom the French Verveine the Dutch Isencrâ— and Iserhart and wee in English Vervaine and in some countries Pigeons grasse and Holy herbe as also in others Mercuries moist blood and Iuno's teares These two first sorts of Vervaine have beene much controverted as I sayd before by the later Herbarists and writers some doubting whether they should be any peculiar herbes in that they thinke that any grasse or herbe that was cast on the Altar was called Verbena and for it they alledge Terence in Andraea where he saith Ex ara Verbenas hinc sume wherein Terence speaketh after his country phrase for Menander hath Myrtles out of whom this was translated and understandeth such herbes as lay there and not Vervaine onely Some also as Fuschius and Tragus make Erysimum vulgare sive Irio to be Vervaine Gesner as Tragus saith called one kind of Prunella Verâ—na and Tragus himselfe maketh his third Verbenasâ— to be the Cannabina aquatica folio tripartito Dodonaeus formerly made the two forts of wilde Germander to be the Hiera botane mas and faemina and Caesalpinus tooke the Sideritis prima Matthioli or Marrubium aquaticâ— to be Verbenae alterum genus who also called it Verbena faemina which all others call mas and recta for the supina is called faemina by them all The Vertues Vervaine is hot and dry bitter and binding and is an opener of obstructions clenseth and healeth for it helpeth the yellow Iaundies the Dropsie and the Goute as also the defects of the Reines and Lungs and generally all the inward paines and torments of the body the leaves being boyled and drunke the same is held to be good against the bitings of Serpents and venemous beasts and the Plague or Pestilence against both tertian and â—tane Agues killeth and expelleth the Wormes in the belly and causeth a good colour in the face and body strengthneth as well as correcteth the diseases of the Liver and Spleene is very effectuall in all the diseases of the Stomacke and Lungs as Coughes shortnesse of breath and wheesings and is singular good against the Dropsie to be drunke with some Piony seedes bruised and put thereto and is no lesse prevalent for the defects of the Reines and Bladder to clense them of that viscous and slimy humour which ingendreth the stone and helpeth to breake it being confirmed and to expell the gravell it consolidateth and healeth also all wounds both inward or outward and stayeth bleedings and used with some honey healeth all old Vlcers and Fistulaes in the Legs or other parts of the body as also those Vlcers that happen in the mouth or used with old Hogs grease it helpeth the swellings and paines of the secret parts of man or woman as also for the piles or hemorrhoides applyed with some oyle of Roses and Vinegar unto the forehead and temples it helpeth to ease the inveterate paines and ache of the head and is good also for those that are fallen into a frensy the leaves bruised or the juice of them mixed with some Vinegar doth wonderfully clense the skinne and taketh away all morphew freckles pustulaes or other such like inflammations and deformities of the skinne in any part of the body The distilled water of the herbe when it is in his full strength dropped into the eyes clenseth them from filmes clouds or mist that darken the sight and wonderfully comforteth the opticke veines The said water is very powerfull in all the diseases aforesayd eyther inward or outward whether they bee old corroding sores or greene wounds The female Vervaine is held to be the more powerfull for all the purposes before spoken of but that of Peru goeth farre byond them both for Monardus reporteth divers very admirable cures which that herbe hath performed in the West Indies as of a certaine noble woman who having used the helpe of divers Physitians in vaine an Indian Physitian very skilfull in herbes gave her the juice of that Vervaine to drinke with some Sugar mixed therewith for to allay somewhat of the bitternesse thereof by whose use shee avoided in a few dayes a thicke long worme which shee called a snake being hairy of a foot in length and double â—orked at the taile after which shee grew well the same noble woman commended the same medicine to another noble woman in Peru who had not beene well of a long time who having taken it in the same manner for certaine dayes avoided many small and long wormes and among the rest one very long like unto a long white girdle after which time shee became well againe Which medecine was by advice given to many others that complained of Wormes and they were all soone holpen by avoyding wormes either more or lesse and some also roules or balls of haire and other things it is held also to bee no lesse effectuall against all poyson and the vonome of dangerous beasts and serpents as also against bewitched drinkes or the like Many other â—ples of cures Monardus setteth downe which are too long here to recite seeing these are sufficient to shew low prevalent that herbe is for many diseases CHAP. XCIII Hedora terrâ—stris Ground Ivie or Alehoofe VNto the common Ground Ivie which is not found to vary with us yet observed by 〈◊〉 to yeeld some differences I must adde another sort set forth by Lobel which agreeth very well that â—o in the face and outward forme whatsoever it doe in the inward qualities 1. Hedera terrestris vulgaris Common Ground Ivie or Alehoofe This common and well knowne herbe lyeth spreadeth and creepeth upon the ground all about shooting forth rootes at the joynts of the cornered tender stalkes set all along with two round leaves at every joynt somewhat hairy and crumpled as it were and unevenly dented about the edges with round dents at the joynts likewise with the leaves towards the ends of the branches come forth hollow long flowers gaping at the ends of a blewish purple colour with small white spots upon the Label or lippes that hang downe as also in the mouth or jawes the roote is small with fibres 2. Hedera terrestris minor The lesser Alehoofe The lesser Alehoofe is altogether like the former sort but that the trayling branches creepe not so farre about being shorter and growing somewhat more upright the 1. 3. Hedera terrestris montana Common and mountaine Alehoofe leaves also are somewhat smaller and the flowers of a paler blew colour 3. Hedera terrestris montana Mountaine Alehoofe As the last Alehoofe was smaller then the ordinary sort is for this is larger in all the
the contrary side of the paine easeth them thereof the berries or the leaves used causeth the haire to grow blacke The fresh leaves are commonly used to bee layd upon issues wheresoever in the armes legges c. to keepe them open and to draw forth the humours that fall thither the Gum of the Ivie which in the hot countries is gathered from the body and branches is exceeding sharpe and hot burning and exulcerating the skinne yet it is used being dossolved to take away superfluous haire in any place and to destroy Nits and Lice wheresoever the same dissolved in Vinegar and put into hollow aâ—ing teeth doth ease the same and being often used will cause them to fall out Some doe use it as a bâ—iâ—e with other things to kill fish the wood made into a cup and those that are troubled with the Spleene shall finde ease and be much holpen thereof if they continually drinke out of it so as the drinke may stand some small time therein before it be drunke Cato writeth an experiment how to finde out the deceit of Vintners and others that put water to their wine which is this that if you suspect your wine you shall put some thereof into such a cup that is made of Ivie wood and that if there be any Water therein it will remaine in the cup and the wine will soke through for the nature of Ivie wood faith he and Varro is not to hold any wine so great an antipathy there is betweene them the fume of Ivie branches being burned driveth away Gnattes and Battes and all other hurtfull and noysome creatures CHAP. XCV Cymbalaria Italica Hederacea The Italian Gondelo or Ivie like leafe THis small herbe creepeth on the ground with slender threddy branches all about taking hold on walls or any thing it meeteth by small fibrous rootes which it shooteth out at the joynts as it runneth at the severall joynts grow small broad and almost round leaves cut in on the edges into corners somewhat like unto a cornered Ivie leafe each standing upon a very small and threddy stalke at the joynts likewise stand severall small flowers upon slender footestalkes fashioned like unto a Snapdragon or Fluellen flower with a taile or spurre behind it mixed of yellow whitish and purple colours and the spurre as it were washed over with a purplish also in whose places after they are fallen come small round heads conteining small blackish seede The Place It groweth naturally in divers places of our Land although formerly it hath not beene knowne to bee but in Gardens as about Hatfield in Hartfordshire both in their Gardens and other places that are shadie upon the ground for there it will alwayes best like to grow as also upon the thatched houses in the North parts as I am given to understand and most abundantly in Lancashire and in my Garden where it runneth up from the ground on the wall a pretty height The Time It flowreth seldome untill the end of Iuly and in August but continueth with mee in flower untill the great frosts destroy it and the seede is ripe soone after the flowers doe shed The Names This never as I thinke met with a Greeke Author to give it a name although the name Cymbalaria by the Latines is derived from the Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cymba a boat or from the herbe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cymbalion which Dioscorides saith was a name given to his Cotyledon or Vmbilicus Veneris alter whereof divers would make this to be eyther it or a species of it and thereupon gave it the name of Cymbalaria or Cymbalaris the Apothecaries of Venice Padoâ— and divers other places in Italy where it familiarly groweth upon their mudde walles c. take it either by ignorance not knowing the right or by penury not having the right for Cotyledon or Vmbiliâ—us Veneris and so use it instead thereof in Vnguento Populeon as Matthiolus saith and therefore Lonicerus calleth it Vmbilicus Veneris officinarum Lobel calleth it Cymbalaria Cymbalaris Hederacea The Ivie like leafe Italica hederaceo folio and Columna Linaria hederae folio for he in this as in all other herbes saith the flowers and seede doe most truly demonstrate the species of every genus which I hold to be the best judicium an Herbarist can use and therefore I would make it a species of the Elatine that is veronica foemina rather then Linaria every part herein and not one as in Linaria being answerable thereunto wee may call it in English eyther Iviewort or the Ivie like leafe as it is in the title or from Cymbalion the Italian Gondelo untill a more fit name may bee given it The Vertues It is held to be cold and moist and therefore the Italians thought it a fit substitute for Vmbilicus Veneris which I hold is farre better then that kind of Ranunculus called Cotyledon aquatica which our Apothecaries use in stead thereof because it is hot sharpe and exulcerating which are quite contrary to the qualities of that herbe they use it for although the forme of the leafe being round caused the name of Cotyledon to bee given it yet hath it some astriction also whereby as Matthiolus saith it is very profitable for women that have the whites to stay them being eaten often in Sallats as the manner of the Italians and other Nations is more then of ours and therefore a Conserve made of the leaves or Syrupe made of the juice we may use in stead of their Sallats It is held as Matthiolus saith with divers to have some properties that the true Vmbilicus Veneris hath which you shall finde related in the due place this is with many held and some found by good experience to cure wounds and to stay the bleeding of them the juice thereof being dropped into them or tents dipped therein and put into them the herbe bruised and applyed outwardly ripeneth Impostumes The distilled water of the herbe serveth well for all the uses aforesayd CHAP. XCVI Leontopetalon Lyon leafed Turnep or blacke Turnep THe roote of this herbe is tuberous somewhat like a Leontopetalon Lyon leafed blacke Turnip Turnep or Sowbread or great Earth Chesnut roote being of a blackish gray colour with divers small bunches or knobbes on the sides from whence spring up divers large and long leaves much divided or cut into divers parts Dioscorides saith like unto Coleworts or Poppies Pena and Lobel say more like unto Peony leaves but wee finde that they are more jagged or cut in of a darke yellowish greene colour with us but it may be of a darker yellow colour in the naturall places neare unto the colour of a Lyons haire and thereof rose the name of Lyon leafe as I take it from whence riseth up a straked stalke spotted with pale purplish lines and strakes divided into many branches set at the joynts with smaller leaves and lesser cut in on the toppes whereof stand divers small flowers made of five leaves
them rather unto that kindred then unto any other Tragus maketh the former of the three last his third Aâ— muris Pilosella sylv also and Euphrasia quarta as he doth the other also Euphrasia caerulea bec◠〈…〉 some in his time would perswade him they did belong to that family The moderne wâ—ers 〈…〉 sorts Pilosella from the hairinesse of the leaves and stalkes and Auricula muris both from the for◠〈◊〉 â—nesse of them some doe call the first third Pilosella major because their Pilosella minor is the G◠〈◊〉 flore albo and purpurascente some also call them Pilosella minor in regard of the greater kinde that is called Chandrilla aurea or Auricula muris major by Tragus and others which is set forth in my former booke and among the Hieratia in this Lacuna called the first Holostium Coruntus the second as it is in the title and saith that some did call Hieratium Indicum and Camerarius in horto calleth the third Lactucella sylvestris repens Tabermontanus mentioneth the fift and Columna the sixt and last the Italians call it Pelosella and Pelosina the French Piloselle and Oreille de raâ—souris Filuette and Velnette the Germanes Nagelkraut and Menssor the Dutch Naghelcrajt and Muysâ—râ— and we in English Mouseare The Vertues The ordinary Mouseare is hot and dry although some write that it is cold but the bitter taste therein sheweth it is hot and of a clensing binding and consolidating quality the juice hereof taken in wine or the decoction thereof drinke doth helpe the Iaundies although of long continuance to drinke thereof morning and evening and abstayning from other drinke two or three houres after it is often used as a speciall remedy against the stone and 〈…〉 the torments that arise thereof as also other tortures or griping paines of the bowells the decoction thereof with Sâ—ccory and Centory is held very effectuall to helpe the dropsie and them that are enclining thâ— and the diseases of the milt and spleene it stayeth the fluxes of blood eyther at the mouth or nose and inward bleedings also for it is a singular wound herbe for either inward or outward wounds it helpeth the bloody 〈◊〉 and stayeth the abundance of womens courses the juice or decoction of the herbe taken before the fit of a qâ—e Ague is sayd to keepe backe or much to lessen the fit and by the use of it to take it quite away There is a Syâ—pe made of the juice and Sugar by the Apothecaries of Italy and other places which is of much account with them to be given to those that are troubled with the cough or tisicke which is a consumption of the whole body as well as of the lungs the same also is singular good for rupâ—ures or burstings the greene herbe bruised and presently bound to any fresh cut or wound doth quickly soder the lippes thereof and the juice decoction or powder of the dryed herbe is most singular to stay the malignitie of spreading or fretting Canâ—s or Vlcers wheresoever as well those in the mouth as secret parts of men or women the distilled water of the plant is availeable in all the diseases aforesaid and for wounds and sores that are outward to wash them therewith and to apply tents or cloths wet therein It is sayd to be so powerfull to harden iron or steele that if any edged or pointed toole shall be often quenched in the juice thereof it will cut all other iron steele or stone very easily without turning edge or point The old All-go-misse I should say Alchimists did much commend the juice of this herbe that it would congeale and fix Mercury but all these fancies are in these times quite dispersed and driven away I thinke Many skilfull Shepheards in the country doe avoyd as much as they can to suffer their sheepe long to seede in any such pastures and places where Mouseare groweth in any plenty least they being bound therewith should grow sicke and leane and die quickly after It is said that if it be given any way to an horse it will cause that he shall not be hurt by the Smith that shooeth him CHAP. CII Stratiotes Millefolium Achillea Sideritis Yarrow and Achilles Woundwort I Might I confesse have fitly set these herbes next unto the Sideritides or Ironworts for their neare affinitie in name and nature but accept them in this place seeing they are not placed there 1. Millefolium vulgare Common Yarrow or Millfoile The ordinary Yarrow hath many leaves spread upon the ground which are long and finely cut into many small parts that it excelleth the fine leaves of Tansey among which rise two or three round greene stalkes with such like winged leaves as grow below but smaller and finer up to the toppes where stand many small white flowers in a Tuft or Vinbell close together each flower consisting of five small round pointed leaves with a little yellowish thrumme in the middle and smell somewhat strong yet not unpleasant being rubbed in the hand the â—ote iâ— made of many long white strings spreading deepe and far There is some varietie observed in the flowers hereof some being more white then others as also thicker set together and greater or smaller then others one also with a round or tuberous roote as bigge as an Hasle nut wherein hath beene found a worme so small that the fight was scarse able to discerne it 2. Millefolium majus album Great white Yarrow or Millfoile The great white Yarrow differeth not much in the forme of leaves or flowers from the former wilde Yarrow but in the largenesse of the stalkes and leaves the greene leaves being as large almost as those of Tansey and in the flowers being greater standing in a larger umbell the smell whereof is a little more strong then in the ordinary 3. Millefolium rubrum vulgare Common red flowred Yarrow This Yarrow differeth not in leaves from the first or common sort nor in the manner of growing but in the colour of the flowers being of a deeper or paler red or almost blush colour yet with a yellow spot or thrumme in the middle 4. Millefolium flore rubro maximum Great red Millfoile This greater red Yarrow hath as large and great winged greene leaves as the great white Yarrow but more finely cut in on the sides the stalkes are as great and high branching forth at the toppe and stored with large umbells of flowers like unto them but of a faire bright reddish colour and in some paler with pale yellow thrums in the middle which are of a fine small sent 5. Achillea Sideritis lutea Achilles yellow Woundwort This yellow Woundwort riseth up somewhat high and creepeth not the leaves whereof are long and very finely cut into many peeces somewhat like unto Sothernwood but more sappy and hoary also the flowers stand in tufts like the other but of a faire gold yellow colour the seede is small and long like unto Tansey and herein consisteth the difference betweene
saith is of excellent use to heale both old and greene wounds 〈◊〉 stay bleedings and to heale Fistulaes the powder of the dryed herbe taken with Comfrey or Plaâ—ne water doth also stay inward bleedings and put into the nose as I said before will doe the same the juice thereof put into the eyes taketh away the blood and rednesse therein the oyle made thereof stayeth the shedding of the haire the decoction thereof made in wine and drunke is good for them that cannot retaine their meate in their stomack it is accounted a good remedy for a quartaine Ague to drinke a draught of the decoction warme before the fit and so for two or three fits together the juice of the herbe and flowers taken either in Goates milke or in the distilled water of the herbe stayeth the running of the reines in men and the whites in women but it will be the more effectuall if a little powder of Corall Amber and Ivory be put thereto Matthiolus doth wonderfully commend the powder of the dryed herbe and flowers against the pissing of blood so as to an ounce of the herbe a dram of fine Bolarmonacke bee put and taken three dayes together fasting in a dâ—e of milke the roote or the greene leaves chewed in the mouth is said to ease the paines in the teeth CHAP. CIII Polygonatum sive Sigillum Salomonis Salamons Seale THere are divers sorts of Salomons Scale some anciently knowne and set forth others of later knowledge and invention both from Virginia and Brassil as shall be specified in this Chapter following 1. Polygonatum vulgare Common Salomons Seale The common Salomons Seale riseth up with a round stalke about halfe a yard high bowing â—ding downe the toppe set with single leaves one above another which are somewhat large and like 〈…〉 leaves of the Lilly Convally or May Lilly and of the same colour that is with an eye of blewishnesse 〈…〉 greene with some ribbes therein and more yellowish underneath at the foote of every leafe almost from the bottome up to the toppe of the stalke come forth small long white and hollow pendulous flowers somewhat like the flower of the May Lilly but ending in five longer points for the most part two together at the end of along footestalke and sometimes but one and sometimes also two stalkes with flowers at the foote of a leafe which are without any sent at all and stand all on the one side of the stalke after they are past come in their places small round berries greene at the first and blackish greene tending to blewnesse when they are ripe wherein lie small white hard and stony seede Camerarius in his Epitome citing Matthiolus as his Author saith that it is sometimes found with red berries and with purple the roote is of the thicknesse of ones finger or thumbe white and knobbed in some places with a flat round circle representing a Seale whereof it tooke the name lying along under the upper face of the ground and not growing downeward but with many fibres underneath Baccis rubris et purpureu 2. Polygonatum majus Great Salomons Seale This other Salomons Seale is in all things like the former but in the bignesse of the leaves and height of the stalkes having larger flowers upon shorter footestalkes and more store set together at a leafe and larger roote 3. Polygonatum majus flore majore The great flowred Salomons Seale This great flowred Salomons Seale hath shorter stalkes not above a foote high and standing more upright and 1. 3. Polygonatum majus vulgare majus flore majore The greater ordinary Salomons Seale and that with greater flowers 6. Polygonatum â—tifolium ramosum sive quartuâ— Clusi Broad leafed branched Salomons Seale somewhat flatter then the former the leaves are shorter and rounder then it but stand thicke together the flowers are larger then in any of the former and sweeter smelling like Hawthorne flowers more also standing at each leafe the berries that follow are large like the last and so is the roote also especially if it grow in good ground or else smaller 4. Polygonatum maximo folio The greatest leafed Salomons Seale This Salomons Seale groweth in the same manner that the former sorts doe with a stalke rather greater and higher then the last but not so upright the leaves hereof are larger by halfe then it almost as great as the leaves of Ellebâ— albus or the white Neesewort of a paler greene colour and not so whitish or yellow underneath the flowers are white standing upon long stalkes like the first but usually more together and without sent like them the berries that follow are like the first and so are the rootes 5. Polygonatum latifolium minus Small Salomons Seale This small Salomons Seale hath a lower stalke scarse a foote high not bending downe so much as the first but having such like leaves thereon and in the same manner yet somewhat harder or stiffer the flowers come forth at the foote of the leaves in the same fashion but are larger standing upon short footestalkes and but one upon a stalke without sent like the first the berries and roots differ not also from the first 6. Polygonatum latifolium raâ—osum sive quartum Clusii Broad leafed branched Salomons Seale This branched Salomons Seale riseth up usually with a crooked or bending stalke about a foote or more long having one or two or three branches sometimes issuing out from the sides thereof at the joynts whereof stand severall leaves as in the former sorts and somewhat like them also being somewhat large and long but tenderer and softer and not hoary underneath compassing the stalke at the lower end where it is broadest like the leaves of Thoroughwax underneath every leafe at the sides of them also at the joynts commeth forth one white flower ending in six corners spotted with blackish spots on the inside standing on a crooked long and pendulous foot-stalke which smelleth pretty and sweete after the flowers are past there come in their places three square berries greene at the first which when they grow ripe are somewhat longer then before and equall a small berry of the Câ— mas or the Cornell Cherry in bignesse almost and of a reddish colour having many whitish kernells within them the roote is not tuberous like the former sorts but slender and knotty and of a paler colour shooting forth into many nodes or knotts with divers long fibres and strings fastned thereto the stalkes dying yearely and new rising up in the Spring 7. Polygonatum Virginianum Salomons Steale of Virginia This Salomons Seale differeth from the former in three principall parts that is first in the rootes which are in these slender long and creeping like as most of our Virginian plants are and shooting up stalkes round about and not tuberous as in the former then in the flowers which in this are not set at the foote of the leaves as in the other yet the leaves are of the same
chiefely and their seede is soone ripe after The Names This is called Geranium Moschatum Acus moschata and Acus pastoris of some although the Scandix or Pecten Veneri◠is so called also of some also Rostrum Ciconiae and taken to be the Myrrhida Plinij Matthiolus maketh it his third Geranium in his last Edition but the first in his former by the name of Cicutae folio Dodonaeus Geraniū supinum and Bauhinus Geranium Cicutae folio Moschatum the second is called Geranium gruinum by Dodonaeus and minus by Tragus and Tabermontanus and by others vulgatum inodorum and Moschatum inodorum the third is called by Columna Geranium Apulum Coriandri folio alterum odorum the fourth is called by those of Mompelier as it is in the title the fift Coruntus calleth Geranium triste the sixt is called by Bauhinus Geranium Cicutae folio acu longissima the seventh is called by Pona Geranium Alpinum longius radicatum the eighth is generally called Geranium Robertianu◠and Rupertianū and herba Roberti or Ruperti Anguillara calleth it Panax Heracleum it is certainely taken of many the best of our moderne writers to be the Sideritis tertia Dioscoridis which Cratevas he saith called Heraclea whose leaves are like those of Coriander yet Columna taketh the Diapensia Sanicle to be it the last is called by Lobel Geranij Robertiani altera species by Dodonaeus Geranium gruinale and is the Geranium Violaceum of Gerard and Tabermontanus whom he followeth the Germanes call this Bludwurtz id est Sanguinaria radix The Vertues These kinds of Cranes bills are neare the temprature of the former and may performe all the properties found in them but the two first sorts here expressed are held more availeable for the mother to settle it in the place when it is fallen downe Herbe Robert is not onely commended against the stone but to stay blood where or howsoever flowing and so is the last also as also speedily to heale all greene wounds and is effectuall also in old ulcers in the secret as well as in the other parts CHAP. CIX Tabacco Anglicum English Tabacco I Have in my former book given you the knowledge of divers sorts of Tabacco such as for their flowers sake might be fit to be noursed up in gardens there remaineth one sort more which is planted more for the use of Phisicke and Chirurgery then for any other respect whereof I meane to speake in this Chapter It riseth up with a thicke round stalke about two foote high whereon doe grow thicke fat and fleshy greene leaves nothing so large as the other Indian kinds neither for breadth or length somewhat round pointed also and nothing dented about the edges the stalke brancheth forth and beareth at the toppes divers flowers set in greene huskes like the other but they are nothing so large scarse standing above the brims of the huskes round pointed also and of a greenish yellow colour the seede that followeth is not so bright but larger then it conteined in the like and as great heads the rootes are neither so great or wooddy and perish every yeare with the deepe frosts in winter but riseth generally of the seede that is suffred to shed it selfe The Place This came as it is thought from some part of Brassile and is more familiar to our countrey then the other Indian sorts early giving ripe seede when as the others seldome doe The Time It flowreth from Iune sometimes unto the end of August or later and the seede ripeneth in the meane time The Names The name Petum whereby it is called is properly from Brassill as I am given to understand and yet some have affirmed that this herbe is not the right herbe the Indians there so called wee received it by that name which is so continued It is thought also by some that Iohn Nicot the French man being agent in Portugall for the French King sent this sort of Tabacco and not any other to the French Queene and is called thereupon herba Regina and from himselfe Nicotiana which is probable because the Portugalls and not the Spaniards were masters of Brassile at that time the Indian names of Picielt and Perebecenne are more proper as I take it to the other Indian kinds wee doe usually call it in England English Tobacco not that it is naturall of England but because it is more commonly growing in every countrey garden almost and better endureth then the other Lobel and others accounted it as well as the other sorts an Hyoscyamus and called it Hyoscyamus luteus and dubius and thereupon some have called it in English yellow Henbane The Vertues This kind of Tabacco although it be not thought so strong or sweete for such as take it by the pipe and yet I have knowne Sr. Walter Raleigh when he was prisoner in the Tower make choise of this sort to make good Tobacco of which he knew so rightly to cure as they call Tabacco Anguicum English Tabacco it that it was held almost as good as that which came from the Indies and fully as good as any other made in England nor yet so effectuall for inward diseases because it is not so much used as the other yet it is availeable by good experience for to expecterate tough flegme out of the stomacke chest and lungs that doth offend them the juice thereof being made into a Syrupe or the distilled water of the herbe drunke with some Sugar or without as one will or else the smoake taken by a pipe as is usuall but fasting The same also helpeth to expell wormes in the stomacke and belly as also to apply a leafe to the belly and to ease the paines of the head or the Megrime and the griping paines in the bowells although to some it may seeme to bring or cause more trouble in the stomacke and bowells for a time it is also profitable for those that are troubled with the stone in the kidneyes both to ease paines and by provoking urine to expell gravell and the stone engendred therein of that viscous matter and to heale the parts and hath beene found very effectuall to suppresse the malignitie and expell the windy and other offensive matters which cause the strangling of the mother the seede hereof is much more effectuall to ease the paines of the toothach then any Henbane seede and the ashes of the burnt herbe to clense the gummes and teeth and make them white it hath beene thought not to have beene safe for weake bodies and constitutions nor for old men but of both sorts I have seene the experience that it hath bin profitable being taken in a due manner that is fasting and to bed ward and before meate Thevet saith that the Women in America forbeare the taking of Tobacco because that they have beene taught that it will hinder conception and bodily lust the herbe bruised and applyed to the place of the Kings Evill helpeth it in nine or ten dayes effectually
juice of the herbe is held as effectuall for all the purposes aforesaid as also to stay vomitings and taken with some Sugar or Hony helpeth an old and drie cough shortnesse of breath and the â—sicke and to stay an immoderate thirst taken upon extreame heate The distilled water of the herbe is used by many as the more pleasing to the palate taken with a little Suger and worketh to the same effect The juyce also is singular good in the inflammations and ulcers of the secret parts in man or woman as also of the bowells and hemorrhoides when there are ulcers or excorriations in them The herbe is sufficiently knowne to be used in sallets in the heate of the yeare to coole and temper the bloud and hot and fainting stomackes and is good for them to use that have the falling sicknesse the herbe bruised and applied to the forehead and temples allaieth excessive heate therein causing want of rest and sleepe and applied to the eyes taketh away the rednesse and inflammations in them and those other parts where pushes wheales pimples Saint Anthonies fire and the like breake forth especially if a little Vineger be put to it and being laid to the necke with as much of Galles Linseede together taketh away the paines therein and the cricke in the necke the juyce also is used with oyle of Roses for the said causes or for blastings by lightening or planets and for burnings by Gunpowder or other wise as also for womens sore breasts upon the like hot causes and to allay the heate in all other sores or hurts it is said also to stay the spreading of venemous serpents bitings and to draw forth the poyson applyed also to the Navell of children that sticke forth it helpeth them it is also good for sore mouthes and for sore gums when they are swollen to fasten loose teeth and to take away their paine when they are set on edge by eating sower things Camerarius saith that the distilled water used by some tooke away the paine of their teeth when all other remedies failed and that the thickened juice made in pilles with the powder of gum Tragacanth and Arabeck and taken prevailed much to helpe those that made a blooddy water applyed to the Goute it easeth the paines thereof and helpeth the hardnesse of 〈◊〉 if it bee not caused by the crampe or in a cold cause The wilde Purflane is used as familiarly in â—lleâ— and meates in many parts beyond the Seas where it groweth plentifully as the Garden kinde and the 〈◊〉 no lesse effectuall a remedy for most of the diseases aforesaid onely it cooleth not so strongly but is more â—â—â—gent and drying for fluxes and the like CHAP. II. Portulaca marina Sea Purslane THe Sea Purslane might be entreated of with the other Sea plants in the proper place but that I thinke it not meete to sever it from the other going before and hereunto for the neare likenesse and resemblance to joyne two other sorts of Halimus which may be called Sea Purslanes as well but growing in a hotter climate 1. Portulaca marina nostras Sea Purslane of our countrey The Sea Purslane hath divers hoary and grayish purple stalkes somewhat wooddy rising from the roote about a foote or more long lying for the most part upon the ground bearing thereon many small thicke for and long leaves of a whitish greene colour set without order at some joynts more and at some lesse branching forth here and there and bearing at the toppes many long sprigges or spiked stalkes set round about with greenish purple flowers which turne into whitish flat thinne seedes like unto those of the Sea Arrache the roote is somewhat wooddy with divers long strings joyned thereto and abideth with the leaves on the branches all the Winter 2. Halimus latifolius sive Portulaca marina incana major The greater outlandish or hoary Sea Puâ—e This hoary Sea Purslane sendeth forth divers thicke and wooddy hoary brittle stalke foure or five foot high whereon are set many thicke leaves without any order somewhat short broad so hoary white that they almost glister the flowers grow at the tops of the stalkes on divers long sprigges being mossie like the Olive blossome but of a purplish colour after which come broad and flat whitish seede like unto those of Arache the roote is long hard and wooddy enduring many yeares in the naturall places but must bee somewhat defended in the Portulaca marina Sea Purslaine 2 Halimus latifolius sive Portulaca marina incana major The greater outlandish or hoary sea Purflane Winter with us if you will have it preserved yet bringeth not forth the leaves so hoary white with us 3. Halimus tennifolius sive Portulaca marina incana minor The lesser outlandish or hoary Sea Purslane This other hoary Sea Purslane hath very slender weake and somewhat hoary stalkes about two foote long scarse able to stand upright but for the most part fall downe and lye upon the ground the leaves that grow on them being set in the same manner that is without order are narrower longer and not so hoary white the flowers are like the former but of a more greenish colour growing at the toppes of the stalkes and afterwards yeâ— such like seede as the former but somewhat lesse roote is wooddy and endureth like the other 4. Halimus minor Germanicus The lesser sea Purslane of Germany This hath a small hoary stalke an handfull high rising from a small threddy roote leaning divers wayes branching forth a little above the roote set with small and somewhat round leaves and those up higher with a gash on each side of an ash colour the flowers are small greenish and mossie yet yellow within set on long stalkes after which come square huskes with small gray seede like unto kidneys in them The Place The first groweth in the salt marshes of the Sea coasts of our owne land in Kent and many other places the second Clusius saith he found about Lishbone in Portingall and the third as well in the kingdome of Valentia in Spaine is not farre from Mompelier and Marselles in France and in the upland places about Tholouse as Lugdunensis saith if his Halimus be this as you shall heare by and by the last about Northusa in Germany The Time They flower in Iuly and their seede is ripe in August The Names Dioscorides Galen and Theophrastus call it in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Halimus with an aspiration because it is a sea plant and tasteth somewhat saltish whom Pliny followeth and yet saith a certaine herbe used to be eaten is so called also as though it were differing from Halimus which as Dioscorides and Galen say is used to bee eaten Solinus and others call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alimos without an aspiration and say the name was taken from the effect it worketh which is to expell hunger for saith Solinus the people in Candy say that that day they eate thereof they shall not be
all the west parts of this land upon stone and mud walls upon rockes also and in stony places upon the ground at the bottome of old trees and sometimes on the bodies of them that are decayed and rotten the other of that sort in Portugall as is sayd the second on the Pyrenian hills the other two grow upon the rockes and among the very stones where there is scarse any earth for the rootes to abide on the Alpes of the Helvetians or Switzers and upon the hill called Hortus Dei neare Mompelier The Time The first doth usually flower sooner then the other as at the beginning of May and the seede ripening quickly after sheddeth it selfe so that about the end of May usually the leaves and stalks are withered dry and gone untill September that the leaves spring up againe and so abide all Winter the second about the middle of May the other two sometime flower not untill Iune and Iuly and their seede is ripe in August those heads that bare stalks usually perishing together and the other that bare not abiding all the extremity of the Winter The Names The first is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cotyledon ab acetabuli sive umbilici figura and therefore the Latines call it Acetabulum as well as Cotyledon or Vmbilicus Veneris it hath also divers other names as Scatum caeli Scutellum Terra Vmbilicus Hortus Veneris and Herba Coxendicum the Italians call it Ombilico di Venere and some Cupartivole that is pot covers the Spaniards Scudetes that is Shields the French Escueilles and Nombrill du Venus the Germanes Loffelkraut and Navelkraut the Dutch Navelcruijt and we in English of some Navelwort or great Navelwort Wall Pennywort Hipwort Kidneywort Venus-Navell and Navell of the earth The other is called of some in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cotyledon alter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cymbalion and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scytalium but they are rather referred to the former great Houseleeke which I have shewed you before and is the true Cotyledon alter of Dioscorides by the judgement of Clusius and others the second is usually called Sedum serratum with most Herbarists I have as you see joyned it here as fittest I thinke but the other two last sorts have obtained that name of Cotyledon from Matthiolus who first called them so and is still kept and held currant with many yet confounded also with many others for the likenesse unto Sedum minus as with Cordus Gesner Camerarius Dodonaeus and Bauhinus who often call them Seda and very properly for there is no herbe can so properly be called a Sodum as that which hath the leaves placed circle wise one within another as they have but because the Cotyledon is of that fashion it is I said justly termed a Sedum The Vertues The Wall Pennywort as Galen saith is of mixt qualities that is of moist and cold somewhat astringent and a little bitter withall whereby it cooleth repelleth clenseth and discusseth and is very effectuall for all inflammations and unnaturall heates either inwardly to coole a fainting hot stomacke or an hot Liver or the bowels or the mother to drinke the juice or the distilled water or else outwardly for pimples rednesse Saint Anthonies fire and the like heates and inflammations to apply the bruised herbe or to bathe the place with the juice or the distilled water the said juice or water helpeth much also to heale sore kidneys torne or fretted by the stone or exulcerated within and easeth the paines it provoketh Vrine likewise and is availeable for the dropsie it helpeth also to breake the stone and to coole the inflamed parts by the paines thereof and other wringing paines of the bowels and the bloody flux it is singular good for the painefull piles or hemorroidall veines to coole and temper their heate and the sharpenesse of blood in them and to ease their paines to use the juice as a bathe unto them or made into an oyntment by it selfe or with Myrrhe or other things conducible thereunto it is no lesse effectuall to give ease of paines to the hot goute the Sciatica and the inflammations and swellings in the cods and bringeth againe the prepuce it likewise helpeth the Kernells or knots of the necke and throate called the Kings Evill it healeth Kibes and Chilblanes if they be bathed with the juice or annointed with an ointment made thereof and some of the skinne of the leafe laid upon them it is used also in greene wounds to stay the blood and to heale them quickly The lesser sorts are held to be cooling and somewhat more binding then the greater and thereby availeable for those diseases whereunto those qualities are proper CHAP. X. Acetosa sive Oxalis Sorrell SOrrell is accounted a Docke and called the soure Docke and therefore might have beene brought under the generall title of the Dockes but because none of the other Dockes are so cooling nor planted in Gardens I shall speake of those sorts severally hereafter that I have not made mention of either before in this Worke or in my former Booke The sorts of Sorrell are many more found out of late by the industrious searchers of Natures varieties than formerly hath beene knowne some growing naturally in our fields some in our woods some also in other countreis Of the ordinary Sorrell nursed in Gardens which yet groweth also wilde in our fields and medowes throughout the Land I have already entreated of in my former Booke and shall not neede to speake thereof againe here but of the other sorts yet of the wood Sorell I shall speake in the next Chapter although for their forme sake they might have beene joyned with the rest of the Trefoiles whereof they are species 1. Acetosa maxima Germanica Great Sorrell of Germany The great Sorrell of Germany groweth in the same manner that the ordinary Garden sort doth but the leaves thereof are much larger and sometime a little curled at the edges the joynts of the stalkes are great and tuberous sticking out like knots which being taken from the stalke and put into the ground will take roote and bring forth leaves like the mother plant the seede and so all other things are large answerable to the proportion of the leaves Joannis Thalius in Hircynia sylva maketh mention of a greater sort of Sorrell than ordinary Camerarius in horto of a great one received from Spaine but neither of them speake of any tuberous joints they should beare so that it is probable it is but onely the climate and soyle that produceth the tubers 2. Oxalis sativa Franca sive Romanarotundifolia Round leafed Sorrell In the leaves of this Sorrell consisteth a cheefe difference which are short and almost round in some and in others they will have somewhat round pointed peeces on both sides of a paler greene colour then the former the stalkes are weaker not standing upright but the flowers and seede differ not from the ordinary sort the
whose forme of leafe is more sharpe and pointed than others and not for the sharpe taste to cause that name the Sheepes Sorrell is called Lapatiolum and Acetosella by divers Clusius maketh mention of the first great sort and Lobel Dodonaeus and others of the second Lobel gave first of all others knowledge of the third and Columna of the fourth Bauhinus of the fift sixt and seventh Columna of the eight Prosper Alpinus in his Booke of Egyptian plants of he ninth of the tenth and last none hath made any mention before now Besterus in horto Eystetensi speaketh of the eleventh by the name of Acetosa vesicaria peregrina which Bauhinus calleth Acetosa Americana folijs longissimis pediculis donatis but of the twelfth sort if it be not the same with the second whereunto it is very like no author ever made mention before now and scarce is it knowne to any but the Gentleman of Anglesey called Mr. Morris Lloid of Prislierworth that found it on a mountaine in Wales and shewed it to Dr. Bonham in his life the thirteenth is called by Matthiolus Tenuifolia and so by Lonicorus Gesner Tragus almost all other writers of herbes in our later age and called Oxalis vervecina of Lobel and Ovina of others and arvensis lanceolata by Bauhinus the fourteenth is remembred by Montanus Gerard and Bauhinus All of them deservedly have the name of Sorrell because howsoever they are somewhat different in leafe or roote yet they all agree in the sourenesse although some more or lesse than others The Arabians as Serapiâ— saith call it Humaalh the Italians Acetosa the Spaniards Azederas Azederilha and Agrethas the French Aâ—ills or Oseille Saltelle Surelle and Aigrette the Germanes Sawrampffer the Dutch Surckcle and Surincke and we in English Sorrell The Vertues Sorrell is cooling and drying in the second degree and is prevalent in all hot diseases to coole any inflammation and heate of bloud in agues pestilentiall or chollericke or other sicknesses and fainting rising from heate and to refresh the overspent spirits with the violence of furious or fiery fits of agues c. to quench thirst and to procure an appetite in fainting or decaied stomackes for it resisteth the putrefaction of the bloud killeth wormes and is as a cordiall to the heart which the seede doth more effectually being more drying and binding and thereby also stayeth the hot fluxes of the menstrues or of humours in the bloudy flixe or fluxe of the stomacke the rootes also in a decoction or in powder is effectuall for the said purposes both rootes and seede as well as the herbe is held powerfull to resist the poison of the Scorpion so that he that shall eate thereof shall feele no paine being stung the decoction of the rootes is taken to helpe the jaundise and to expell gravell and the stone in the raines or kidneyes the decoction of the flowers made with wine and drunke helpeth the blacke jaundise as also the inward ulcers of the body or bowells A Syrupe made with the juyce of Sorrell and Fumiterrie is a soveraine helpe to kill the force of those sharpe humours that cause the itch the juyce thereof with a little Vinegar serveth well to use outwardly for the same cause and is also profitable for frettings and gallings of the skin many part and for tetters ringwormes c. it helpeth also to discusse the scrophules or kernells in the throate and the juyce gargled in the mouth helpeth the sores therein the leaves wrapped up in a Colewort leafe and roasted under the embers and applied to an hard empostume botch bile or plague sore both ripeneth and breaâ—eth it the juyce of Sorrell dropped into the eares of such as are hard of hearing helpeth oftentimes the distilled water of the herbe is of much good use for all the purposes aforesaid The lesser wilde Sorrell and so all the other are of the same qualitie and are no lesse effectuall in all the diseases before spoken of CHAP. XI Oxys Alleluja sive Trifolium acetosum Wood Sorrell THere are two sorts of Wood Sorrell the one familiar enough in many places of this Land the other 〈◊〉 stranger as farre as I can learne and onely cherished in the Gardens of those that are curious I have as I said brought these two sorts from their family where they might otherwise be ranked that iâ— among the Trefoiles for their propertie and name also in part 1. Trifolium acetosum vulgare Common Wood Sorrell The common Wood Sorrell groweth low upon the ground without any stalke rising from it having a â—ber of leaves comming from the roote made of three leaves like a Trefoile or Three leafed grasse but broade at the ends and cut in the middle of a faint yellowish greene colour every one standing on a long footestalke which at their first comming up are close folded together to the stalke but opening themselves afterwards and are of aâ— fine soure relish more pleasing than many of the former Sorrells and yeelding a juyce which will turne red when it is clarified and maketh a most daintie cleare Syrup among these leaves rise up divers slender weake footâ— stalkes not growing above them with every one of them a flower at the top consisting of five small and pointed leaves starre fashion of a white colour in most places or in 1. Trifolium Acetosum Vulgare Common Wood Sorrell 2. Oxys luteo flore Wood Sorrell with yellow flowers some dasht over with a small shew of blush and in some but on the backe side onely of any other colour although some have set downe that it beareth deepe coloured flowers I have not seene after the flowers are past follow small round heads with small yellowish seede in them the rootes are nothing but threads or small strings fastened to the end of a small long peece all of them being of a yellowish colour not perishing every yeare but abiding with some leaves thereon in the Winter 2. Oxys luteo flore Wood Sorrell with yellow flowers This Wood Sorrell shooteth forth divers slender weake reddish stalkes trailing upon the ground and taking roote at the joynts as they lie spread into many branches with many leaves on them standing singly one above another and made of 3. leaves cut in at the ends like the former but are much smaller and of a paler greene colour at the joynts with the leaves come forth three or foure small flowers together at the end of a long foote stalke yet each separate from other consisting of small and pointed leaves like the other but of a yellow colour the seede that followeth is brownish like the other but contained in smaller and longer heads like cods or hornes yet not crooked but pointed small which quickly fall away being touched when they are ripe and spring up againe all about where it grew it abideth the Winter withouâ— perishing if it be not too violent else they will rot and perish must be new sowne againe The Place The
first as I said groweth plentifully in many places of our Land in Woods and Wood sides where they may be moist and shadowed and in other places that are not too much open to the Sun the other groweth in divers shadowie places about Sevill in Spaine and in Gardens at Mompelier The Time The first flowreth early in Aprill and May the other after Midsommer and so continueth in flower untill the Autume colds perish it and the seede is ripe in the meane time The Names It is generally taken to be the Oxys of Pliny whereof he speaketh in his 27 Booke and 12. Chapter but not the Oxytriphyllum although Tragus and Lacuna did so call it because the name did somewhat agree thereto but that it is an other herbe whose sharpe pointed leaves and not the sharpe taste caused this name for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Greeke word doth signifie both sharpenesse in forme and in taste It is called Trifolium acetesum of divers which is the same in signification as I said with Oxytriphyllum and of some Panis Cuculi Cuckowbreade eyther because the Cuckowes delight to feede thereon or that it beginneth to blossome when the Cuckow beginneth to utter her voyce it is called by the Apothecaries in their shoppes Alleluja and Lujula the one because about that time it is in flower when Alleluja in antient times was wont to bee sung in the Churches the other came corruptly from Iuliola as they of Calabria in Naples doe call it as Scaliger upon Theophrastus de causis plantaruâ— saith yet it is there set downe Alleluja but I thinke it rather should be Lujula The other is called Oxys flore luteâ— of Clusius and Oxys lutea corniculata repens of Lobel and of Bauhinus Trifolium acetosum corniculatum The Italians call it Trifolio acetosâ— Pan cuculi and Alleluja the French Pain de coqu the Germans Sawerklee the Dutch Coeckcoâ—breâ—t and we in English Wood Sorrell Wood sower Stabbewort and Sorrell dubois The Vertues Wood Sorrell is cold and dry as the other Sorrells are and serveth to all the purposes that they doe being as effectuall if not more especially in hindring the putrefaction of blood and ulcers in the mouth and body and in cooling and tempering distempered heats and inflammations to quench thirst to strengthen a weake stomacke to procure an appetite to stay vomiting and most singularly excellent in any contagious sicknesse or pestilentiall Feaver the Syrupe made of the juice is effectuall in all the causes aforesaid and so is the distilled water of the herbe also Spunges or linnen clothes wet in the juice and applyed outwardly to any hot tumors and inflammations doth exceedingly coole and helpe them the same juice taken into the mouth and there gargled for some time and after spit forth and fresh taken will wonderfully helpe a stinking foule Canker or Vlcer therein it is also singular good in wounds punctures thrusts and stabbes into the body to stay the bleeding and to clense and heale the wounds speedily and helpeth well also to stay any hot defluxions or catarrhes upon the Throat and Lungs CHAP. XII Atriplex sylvestris Wilde Arrache THe two sorts of garden Arrache are already set forth in my former booke there remaine divers other sorts to be declared as well such as for their raritie and beauty wee nurse up in our Gardens as grow wilde whereunto I would also joyne the Sea plant to set them all together 1. Atriplex baccifera rubra The red berried Arrache This beautifull small plant sendeth forth divers slender branches somewhat wooddy about a foote high or more or lesse as the place where it groweth will produce with a small cornered leafe like the broad leafed wilde Arrache set at the joynts one above another and at every of the said joynts with the leafe from the lowest almost standeth a small red berry cluster fashion that is many small graynes set together like a Mulberry cleare and almost transparant full of an excellent juice as red as blood or Claret wine which being bruised upon the backe of the hand while it is fresh will seeme as if you had drawne blood out thereof which berry being dry groweth blackish and containeth within it small blackish seede and will still spring up every yeare if it be suffered to shed the roote is small and fibrous perishing after seede time 2. Atriplex sylvestris lappulas habens Wilde Arrache with small berries This Arrache likewise is small even smaller then the other whose branches doe not exceede an hand breadth or halfe a foote at the most set with such like small cornered and pointed leaves as in the other every one standing upon a short footestalke at every joynt with the leafe even almost from the bottome commeth forth two very small berries or burres of the bignesse of a Coriander seede containing therein small blacke seede like the last the roote is small and wooddy perishing every yeare after seedetime Of this kind there is another that beareth greater burres leaves and stalkes not differing in any thing else 3. Atriplex sylvestris fructu compresso roseo Wilde Arrache with flat Roselike berries This other wilde Arrache hath a whitish hard round stalke about a foote and a halfe high spreading forth into many the like branches and they againe shooting forth other smaller ones which bow themselves downe a little whereon are placed small hoary or mealy leaves no bigger then the nayle of ones finger waved and cut into corners on the edges like the wilde Arrache called Goosefoote every one closing the stalke and branches without any footestalke at every of these leaves commeth forth a most dainty broad and flat coloured fruite made as it were of leaves raysed up a little in the middle having foure other eminences at the brims or edges yet so set as that the brims or edges are betweene them somewhat like unto the folding of the leaves in a Rose as it is painted in every one of which foure aforesaid eminences is contained one flat seede of a reasonable bignesse 4. Atriplex marina repens Creeping Sea Arrache This Sea Arrache creepeth upon the ground with many hoary white branches and mealy white leaves set on them without order cut in on the edges or nere at the bottome and pointed at the ends somewhat like unto a small Goosefoote leafe at the toppes of the branches grow divers slender hoary yellowish spikes of seede set close together like clusters the roote is great with many strings and perisheth not and is of a saltish taste although bred up in a Garden sometimes it will turne reddish like the Garden red Arrache and sometimes nothing so â—aly but rather greene 5. Atriplex maritima angustifolia Narrow leafed Sea Arrache It groweth up with an hoary and wooddy stalke a foote high spread at the toppe into many small branches spotted with blacke spots which end in long yellow spikes of clustering seede like the former the leaves that grow below are somewhat long
in his second Eclogue Alba ligustra cadunt Vaccinia nigra leguntur But Virgill in his tenth Eclogue sheweth he did not meane them for hee nameth them both as different herbes in these words Et nigrae Violae sunt Vaccinia nigra but I have shewed what is the true Vaccinium of Virgill in my former booke in folio 127. and 128. Vitruvius also in his seventh booke of Architecture distinguisheth Viola from Vaccinium by shewing the different colours they gave in dying of doth c. whereof came Ianthinus colour A Violet or purple colour some others thinke that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 came 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi 〈◊〉 aut provenire aut primum prorumpere veris enim praevia est Viola The Arabians call it Seneffigi Senefragi or Beâ—fifigi the Italians Viola porporea and Pavonazzo and Viola mamuolo the Spaniards Violetta the French Violette de Mars the Germanes Mertzen Violen the Dutch Violetten and we in English Violets March Violets and purple Violets The Hearts ease is called by us Pansyes from the French word Pensees as also love in idlenesse call me to you and three faces in a hood and in Latine Viola tricolor and Viola flammea for so that is 〈◊〉 Gaza translateth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some copies have of Theophrastus lib. 6. c. 6. some also call it Viola multicolor Herba Trinitatis Flos Trinitatis and Viola Trinitatis of the three colours herein Matthiolus also saith it was called Iacea but there is another Iacea called nigra whereof I have largely entreated before and some call it Herba Clavellata the Italians call it Iacea Fior di Giove and Minuti penfieri the French as I said before Pensees and Peâ—sâ—es minutees the Germans Freyschemkraut the Dutch Penseeâ— The first is called by Matthiolus Viola arborescens by Gesner Viola fruticosa by Clusius Viola Elatior by Lobel Viola Martia surrectis cauliculis by Dodonaeus Viola assurgens tricolor by Lugdunensis Mater violarum and by others Viola elatior and arborea the second is called by Clusius in his Curae posteriores folio 59. Viola montana pumila the third by him in his history Viola montana laciâ— the fourth and fift have not beene remembred by any before the two last are reckoned under the generall name of Viola tricolor with the addition of sylvestris to shew their distinctions The Vertues The Garden Violets and so likewise the wilde kindes are cold and moist while they are fresh and greene and are used to coole any heate or distemperature of the body eyther inwardly or outwardly the inflammations in the eâ—er in the mother or in the fundament when they are fallen downe are full of paine Impostumes also and but swellings to drinke the decoction of the leaves or flowers made with water or wine or to apply them poultiâ— wise to the grieved place it likewise easeth paines in the head which are caused through want of sleepe or in any other place arising of heate applyed in the like manner or with oyle of Roses a dram weight of the dryed leaves of the flowers of Violets but the leaves more strongly doth purge the body of chollerick humors and asswageth the heate being taken in a draught of wine or any other drinke the powder of the purple leaves of the flowers onely pickt and dryed and drunke in powder with water is said to helpe the Quinsie and the Falling sickness in children especially in the beginning of the disease the flowers of the white Violets ripeneth and dissolveth swellings the seede being taken resisteth the force of the Scorpion the herbe or flowers while they are fresh or the flowers when they are dry are effectuall in the Plurisie and all other diseases of the Lungs to knife the sharpenesse of hot rheumes and the hoarsenesse of the throate the heate also and sharpenesse of urine and all paines of the backe or reynes and the bladder it is good also for the Liver and the Iaundies and in all hot â—ues helping to coole the heate and quench thirst but the Syrupe of Violets is of most use and of better effect being taken in some convenient liquor and if a little of the juice or Syrupe of Lemons bee put to it or a few drops of the oyle of Vitrioll it is made thereby the more powerfull to coole the heate and to quench the thirst and besides the effect giveth to the drinke a Claret wine colour and a fine tart rellish pleasing to the taste Violets taken or made up with hony doth more clense then coole and with Sugar contrariwise the dryed flowers of Violets are accounted among the Cordiall flowers and are used in cordialls drinkes powders and other medâ—cines especially where cooling cordialls as Roses and Saunders are used the greene leaves are alwayes used with other herbes to make Cataplasmes and Poultises for inflammations or swellings and to ease paines wheresoever arising of heate and for the piles also being fryed with Yolkes of Egges and applyed thereto Pansyes or Hearts ease is like unto Violets in all the parts thereof but somewhat hotter and dryer yet very temperate and by the viscous or glutinous juice therein doth somewhat mollifie yet lesse then Mallowes it is conducing in like manner as Violets to the hot diseases of the lungs and chests for agues for convulsions and the falling sicknesse in children the places also troubled with the itch or scabs being bathed with the decoction of them doth helpe much it is said also to soder greene wounds and to helpe old sores to use the juyce or the distilled water Lugdunensis setteth it downe that many sacks full of the flowers and herbes are transported from Marseilles in France 〈◊〉 Alexandria and other parts of Egypt where they use them boyled in water which onely by their religion they are enjoyned to drinke not onely thereby to make it the more wholesome to be drunke but are perswaded also that it helpeth the diseases of the lungs and chest and the falling sicknesses CHAP. XVI Fragaria Strawberries IN my former Booke I have shewed you not onely most of the edible Strawberries but one wild sort also that was fit to furnish that Worke the figure of one which will decipher all the rest I give you here there are some other sorts to be entreated of fit to be eaten which were omitted and others that are wilde without edible fruit and therefore called by some barren or without fruite 1. Fragaria minor hispido folio Small Strawberries with hard leaves This Strawberrie groweth like to other Strawberries both in leaves flowers and fruite but lesse in all of them and to distinguish it the more certainely from the other sorts the leaves hereof are hard rough and hairie grayish as well on the upper as underside the berries when they are ripe are small but sufficient pleasant to eate red on the one side and white on the other as if they were equally divided 2.
Fragaria Alpina fructu compresso Flat Strawberries There is no difference in this kinde from our ordinary Strawberrie but in the fruit which is more flat than round and hath a strake or list every berrie of a taste neare a Raspis this also usually beareth fruit againe in the Autumne 3. Fragaria Helvetia nana Dwarfe Strawberries Divers may judge that this Strawberrieâ— smallnesse commeth by the barrennesse of the soyle wherein it groweth but that is not so for it is well knowne to most that those hills of the Swissers have no barren ground upon them this hath very small triparted leaves next the ground closer set together upon short foote stalkes than any other and those that are set on both sides of the long branch not above foure inches long which lieth creeping on the ground grow lesse and without stalke the flower standeth at the end of the branch many times but one at a place which consisteth of five round leaves like a Strawberrie but larger then agreeth with the proportion of the plant and is of a yellowish colour what fruite this beareth wee have not yet scene or knowne certainely This commeth neare unto the description of the Fragariae affinis sericea planta of Bauhinus his brother formerly so calling it which as he saith is the Leucas Dioscoridis Adversariorum and giveth thereunto a small head containing small seâ—de therein but this was brought us from the Alpes by one Flescher a Silefian a young Doctor in Physicke but very skillfull in simples who perished in Virginia by tasting some poysonfull herbe and therefore I thinke it should beare a Strawberrie like head whereunto I am the rather perswaded because that as Bauhinus citeth although wrongfully Fragaria vulgaris Common Strawberries 3. Fragaria Helvetica nâ— Dwarfe Strawberries as I thinke for I cannot finde it in him Gesner in hortis that he should call one Fragaria parva flore luteo the rootes are blacke and stringie 4. Fragaria minime vesca Barren or unprofitable Strawberries This Strawberrie is in the growing altogether like the ordinary kindes with leaves triparted standing on severall stalkes and flowers in the same manner but smaller the fruite onely maketh the difference betwixt them which being small and many set together are sere and drie without sappe and of an harsh unpleasant taste The Place The three first plants grow upon divers of the Alpes and other places of Germany and the last in our owne Land in most woods and the fields sides neare unto them in Cornewall as Lobel saith but in other places also The Time They flower in May when the other sorts doe for the most part or somewhat later and the fruite is ripe quickly after The Names The whole plant is called in Latine Fragaria and the berries Fraga a fructus fragrantia odoris gustus for it hath no certaine Greeke name that I know unlesse as Tragus thinketh it may be referred to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides or as others thinke to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Comaron of Apuleius but neither of them is likely others suppose that Dioscorides did understand this plant under his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some have called it Rubus Idaeus non spinosus but there is a shrubbe like unto the Raspis that beareth no thornes as I have shewed in my former Booke Pliny maketh mention of Fraga lib. 25. c. 9. Servius calleth them Mora terrestria and therefore some would referre it to the Chamaebatus the Italians call the plant Fragheria and the berries Fraghe and Fragole the French Fraisier and Fraises the Germans call the fruit Erdbeer and the Dutch Erdtbesien and we in English Strawberries The first here set forth is the third Fragaria of Tragus which he saith the people about Spires in Germany doe call Harbeer and Gesner in hortis Germaniae calleth Fragaria species minor the second is called by Caesalpinus Fragariae genus in Alpibus and Bauhinus Fragaria bis fructum gerens the third is likely to be the Fragaria flore luteo of Bauhinus who citeth Gesner in hortis as I said in the description to call it so and I thinke it may as well agree unto the Leucas of Lobel which Bauhinus seemeth to make another plant differing therefrom calling it Fragaria affinis sericea incana for the descriptions are very correspondent the last is that which Lobel calleth Fragaria sylvestris minime vesca sive sterilis but is not that which Gerard calleth Fragaria vesca sive sterilis which is another plant as I have shewed before The Vertues These Strawberries that are here set forth and fit to be eaten are of the same qualitie with the other garden kinds expressed in my former Booke the leaves of them all being cooling in the first degree and yet some say hot and drying in the second the roote is more drying and binding the berries while they are greene are cold and drie but when they are ripe they are cold and moist the berries are excellent good to coole the liver the bloud and spleene or an hot chollericke stomacke to refresh and comfort the fainting spirits and to quench thirst they are good also for other inflammations yet it behoveth one to be cautelous or rather to refraine them in a fever least by their putrefying in the stomacke they encrease the fits and cause them to be the more fierce the leaves and rootes boiled in wine and water and drunke doe likewise coole the liver and bloud and asswage all inflammations in the raines and bladder provoketh urine and allaieth the heate and sharpenesse thereof the same also being drunke staieth the bloudy flixe and womens courses and helpeth the swellings of the spleene the water of the berries carefully distilled is a soveraigne remedy and cordiall in the palpitations of the heart that is the panting and beating of the heart and is good for the overflowing of the gall the yellow jaundise the juyce dropped into foule ulcers or they washed therewith or with the decoction of the herbe and roote doth wonderfully clense them and helpe to cure them All lotions and gargles that are made for sore mouthes or ulcers therein or in the privie parts or else where are made with the leaves and rootes hereof which is good also to fasten loose teeth and to heale spungie foule gummes the same also helpeth to stay catarrhes or defluxions of rheume into the mouth throate teeth or eyes the juyce or water is singuler good for hot and red inflamed eyes if some thereof be dropped into them or they bathed therewith the said juyce or water is also of excellent propertie for all pushes wheales and other eruptions of hot and sharpe humours into the face or hands or other parts of the body to bath them therewith and helpeth to take away any rednesse in the face and spots or other deformities of the skinne and to make the â—kin cleare and smooth some use thereof to make a water for hot inflammations in the eyes and to take away any
altera but Pena and Lobel say that therein hee sheweth himselfe not well exercised in plants Bauhinus calleth it Alsine scandens baccifera the generall name among Herbarists is Alsine baccifâ— for although the second which is the greatest Chickweede next unto it beareth heads of seede somewhat like it yet they are nothing so great nor the seede within them and is the Alsine maxima of Lugdunensis which Bauhinus calleth Angustifolia the third is the Alsine maior of Lobel the second Morsus gallinae of Tragus the Alsine major of Camerarius Dodonaeus Lugdunensis and others and is called by Casalpinus Centuneulus viticulus cubitalibus and Bauhinus altissima nemorum the fourth is the Alsine alia and Batica of Clusius which Bauhinus calleth Alsine Symphyti petraei capitulis the last is called by Lobel and Camerarius Alsine parva recta Tragus not knowing to what herb he might referre it diviseth a name according to the forme of the fingers of ones hand as he took it to be like calleth it in his own language Handlekrant caruleis floribus for this other of that kind with a white flower is the Paronychia rutaceo folio Lobelij and thereupon giveth it the name of Daâ—ylobotanon caruleo flore Lugdunensis maketh it to be an Elatine and calleth it Elatine triphyllos and Columna as I take it meaneth this plant which hee calleth Alsine tenuifolia altera sive terrestris altera tricophyllon but not Lagina spergula as Bauhinus saith for aâ— all agree the leaves hereof are divided but into three parts and the Sagina Spergula into six as Columna in the same place doth acknowledge besides these are set but as single leaves divided at the ends and the Sagina of many leaves set like the Rowell of a Spurre Bauhinus calleth it Alsine triphyllos caerulea The Vertues The second and third great Chickweedes are of most use for the other of these sorts are not applyed to any use that I can learne Lobel saith that some did affirme that the Cacubalum is no lesse deadly to be eaten then the sleepie Nightshade yet if the first be the Cacubalis or Cacubalum of Pliny hee saith otherwise for hee saith that the leaves thereof bruised with some Vinegar and applyed to the place stung with Serpents or Scorpions helpeth them and that the juice thereof taken with twice so much sweete or honyed wine easeth the paines of the backe and loynes and the paines of the head or headach if it be applyed with rose-Rosewater to the forehead and temples and that being bound to Wens or Kernells or else they bathed therewith dissolveth them The other greene Chickweedes are of as good use as any of the smaller sorts and are good to coole any inflamation and is aâ—t withall as Dioscorides saith but Galen and Oribasius say they have no astringent quality in them Paulus 〈◊〉 and Aetius agree in the cooling but say nothing of the binding propertie it serveth therefore for all 〈◊〉 of heate whether inward or outward to coole and temper the blood inflamed in Agues or the heate of the stoâ—cke and liver breaking out into the lippes and to procure an appetite being lost or become weake and is used in Hecticke feavers and to asswage the heate of the backe and urine Galen and other say that it hath the same vertues that Pelletory of the Wall hath but wee have commonly found it to bee as effectuall as Purslaine to all the purposes whereunto it serveth except for meat onely the herbe bruised or the juice applyed with dothes or spunges dipped therein to the region of the Liver and as they drye to have fresh applyed doth wonderfully temper the heate of the Liver the same likewise is effectuall for all hot Impostumes and swellings wheresoever Saint Anthonies fire and the like and for all rednesse in the face Wheales Pushes Itches or Scabs eyther the juice simply used or boyled with Axungia and applyed the same is said to helpe Crampes Convulsioâ— and Palsies applyed in the same manner the juice or the distilled water is of much good use for all heate and rednesse in the eyes to drop some thereof into them as also into the eares to ease paines in them and is of good effect to ease the paines beate and sharpenesse of the blood in the piles and generally for all paines in the body that rise of heate it is used also in hot and virulent Vlcers and sores in the privie parts of man or woman or legs or else where the leaves boyled with Marsh Mallowes and made into a Poultis with Fenigreck and Linseede applyed to swellings or Impostumes ripeneth and breaketh them or swageth the swellings and easeth the paines the same also helpeth the Sinewes when they are shrunke by Crampes or otherwise and to extend them and make them plyable againe it is sayd by some that while the hearbe is in boyling with Oyle or Axungia to make a salve fit to heale sore Legs that if one doe stirre it with their bare finger they shall take no harme thereby if any will make it probatum they may make it a meritorious worke when a Sinew is strayned here is a faire medicine for it Boyle a handfull of Chickweede and an handfull of red Rose leaves dryed but not distilled in a quart of Muscadine untill a fourth part be consumed then put to them a pint of the Oyle of Trotters or Sheepes feete let them boyle a good while still stirring them well which being strayned annoint the greeved place herewith warme against a fire rubbing it well in with ones hand and binde also some of the herbe if ye will to the place doe so againe the next morning and evening by which time you shall finde helpe if God will CHAP. XVIII Alsine Montana Mountaine Chickweede ANother sort of Chickweede groweth upon hills most usually whereof some are greater and others smaller of whom in this Chapter and first of the greater 1. Alsine montana hederacea maxima Columnae Columna his great Ivie leafed Chickweede This great Chickweede groweth up with upright stalkes yet somewhat bowing downe againe with the lower branches set at each joynt with two somewhat large leaves waved about the edges and as it were crumpled and hairy somewhat like unto the curld Mallow being two inches broad and three long resembling long Ivie leaves or great Bindeweede rather standing upon long foote stalkes the flowers stand at the ends of the branches consisting of five white leaves so deepely cut in at the middle that they seeme to be ten rising out of the greene huskes wherein after the flowers are past groweth a long round seede vessell cornered or crested with a small spire top ending in a small pricke wherein lye store of small seede the roote consisteth of some long strings with fibres set at them 2. Alsine Hederula folio major Lobelij Lobel his greater ground Ivie leafed Chickweede The greater ground Ivie leafed Chickweede hath sundry almost round leaves next the ground dented
major minor and Cameraria major minor the third is called Cucurbita oblonga by almost all Authors except Dodonaeus Lobel and Gerard who call it Cucurbita anguina the fourth is called Cucurbita stellata sessilis by Camerarius and Gesner in hortis by Tabermontanus Cucurbita capitata by Gerard Cucurbita sylvestris fungiformis Pepo Indicus fungiformis and Pepo maximus clypeatus for all these his three figures expresse but this one sort of Gourd and by Dodonaeus Pepolatus the fift is called Cucurbita Indica by Matthiolus rotunda of Caesalpinus and Lugdunensis and Indica major or minor of Tabermontanus Zuccha major rotunda of Cordus and Citrullus maior and Pepo maior sylvestris of Gerard which although he expresse these as he did the former for sundry plants yet they are not so of this kinde Matthiolus and others have made mention of much varietie which they saw in their time and wee I thinke in ours many more as I have declared before the sixt is mentioned by Lugdunensis onely by the name of Cucurbita verrucosa the last some call Cucumeres hyemales but I had rather call it Cucurbita hyemalis partly for the reasons before set downe but chiefely for the seede sake which is more like a Gourd then a Cowcumber What I said before concerning the variablenesse of the ancient Authors in these things I may as well say of our moderne writers in confounding Pepo Melopepo and Cucurbita so promiscuously that it is not possible to finde out the distinct certaintie of them all for some make that to bee Pepo that others call Melopepo and others Cucurbita And Bauhinus who taketh upon him to refine all other mens writings and distinguish of them in making Pepo Melopepo and Cucurbita severall kinds of plants doth so huddle and confound them together as any that will reade him advisedly and compare him may soone see that he giveth severall names to one and the same plant in divers places which errour and the prolixitie about them you see I have endeavoured as much as I can to avoyd But to give you one note worth the observation to know the severall varieties of these and the other sorts of Millions Citrulls Cowcumbers c. is dilligently to marke the forme of the seedes for the seede of the ordinary bottle Gourds are formed quite differing from all the other sorts and therefore whatsoever strange seede shall come to your hands formed somewhat like unto them you may certainly conclude them kinds of Gourds so likewise of the Pompions or Millions which are flat white and greater 〈◊〉 either Muske Melon or Cowcumber in like manner the Citrull hath a thicke hard shelled blackâ—â—e and rounder then the Gourd and therefore what seede is nearest thereto in likenesse you may include them under their family the Muske Melons and Cowcumbers are very like one unto another and therefore I would conclude them both under one genus yet if you will well observe them you shall soone know their difference by the yellower and harder shell of the Melon greater also when as those of the Cowcumber are whiter smaller and â—endâ—er shelled I know none other of these kinds of fruites but may be most truly referred by their seede especially but not either by forme colour or taste to one of these foure foreshewed sorts Some other things more before I leave this narration I thinke good to shew you namely the divers errours both of Pliny and others â—th ancient and moderne who thinke that all or most of these varieties of Gourdes have come from the seede of one kinde viz. that the seede that lyeth in the necke of the Gourde will give long Gourdes those in the middle round like Gourdes and those in the bottome or lowest parts flat or bottle like Gourds and that the 〈◊〉 of formes in them is also caused by the Art of Gardiners who by mouldes and such like doe bring them unto what â—e they please which forme say they they will continually keepe afterwards each from their own seede which is found utterly untrue for howsoever they may by mouldes c. bring them in their growing to the forme of the mould yet the seede thereof assuredly will give no other forme than the first naturall unlesse it be for◠〈◊〉 Another errour or opinion possesseth many that by the standing of water in a pot three or foure foot of from the place where it groweth it will shoote and spring wondrous fast and that if oyle be set neare it it will shrinke in as fast and againe that if women when they have their courses shall touch any part of them it will hinder their growing and lastly that to make them come without seede is to steepe the seede in oyle of Sesaâ— before you set it all which are as erronious as the former The Vertues All these sorts of Gourdes how ever different in forme yet are of one qualitie that is cold and moist in the second degree they are eaten in the hot countries with much delight kept and preserved with great care art and paires to be spent almost all the yeare after and have there as I said before a farre more sweete and pleasant rellish than in these colder climates where being more waterish they are the more unsavorie at the least more insâ— they are eaten boyled or stewed but much better being fried whereby they give the better nourishment to the body for by their moisture being boiled or stewed they are the more lubricke and make the body the more â—le and so they doe also being pickled up as many use to doe Wine also kept in a fresh Gourde all â—ight after it hath beene clensed from the loose inward pulpe and seede and drunke in the morning will cause the body to be soluble They are conveniently given to hot cholericke bodies to coole the heat and inflammation of the liver and stomacke but the distilled water of them before they are through ripe drunke with some Sugar doth wonderfully helpe to asswage thirst and the hot fits of agues For want of a Still to make water you may make some effectuall in this manner Put a whole Gourd when you have cut off the upper head and clensed it from the seede into an Oven with a batch of bread in the middle whereof there will be gathered a fine cleare water which being powred out may be kept to use as neede requireth the leaves and young branches are conveniently applied to all the hot humors empostumes and inflammations and to asswage paines of the headach the rednesse and heat in the eyes the paines in the eares and the paines of the gout if either the juice of them or the water be applied in clothes and spunges wet therein the same applied to womens breasts pained with the abundance of milke easeth them by cooling and restraining the hot qualitie and quantitie thereof the water or juice being drunke or outwardly applied to the privie parts of man and woman
also Turkie Million or Cowcumber because that others doe call it Cucumis Turcicus The Vertues The Citrull is of the same temperature with the Gourde that is cold and moist the seede is most of use in the Apothecaries shoppes and reckoned one of the foure greater cold seedes being used as Gourdes Millions and Cowcumbers to coole the heate of the fits of agues and the distemperature of the liver and bloud to quench thirst and to take away the drinesse and roughnesse of the tongue caused thereby and is as availeable for the stone the heate of the raines and the sharpenesse and stopping of urine as any of the rest It is thought more convenient for macilent bodies and that are growne feeble and weake by long sicknesse in regard of the greater sweetnesse more than in the Gourde as aforesaid and generally both leaves branches juyce and distilled water hereof is as effectually applied for all those diseases that the Gourdes before mentioned are and therefore neede not againe be repeated I shall referre you to the Chapter going before for the rest CHAP. XXIII Intubacea plantae Endive or Succory like herbes or plants VNder this generall name of Plantae Intubacea Succory like herbes is comprehended so great a varietie that to expresse them in some methodicall manner I must distribute them into severall Chapters under their principall heads or titles whereunto they are to be referred which are Endivia Cichorium Deus Leonis Choudrilla Sonchus Lampsana Hieracium Lactuca Senetio and Iacoba◠of some of which I have spoken both in my former Booke namely of all the sorts of Garden Lettice and in this Worke of all the sorts of Iacobaea and Senetio First then to beginne with Endive the kindes whereof also I have shewed Endivia sativa Garden Endive Intubus sive Endivia minor angustifolia Small Garden Endive you in my former Booke and therefore I will make no further description of them but give you the figure of the usuall garden kinde and expresse a wilde sort here but withall set out the Vertues of them more amply than formerly I have done Intubus sive Endivia minor angustifolia Small garden Endive This small Endive hath many very long leaves lying on the ground narrower than the first garden Endive and somewhat more bitter the stalke is slenderer more full of branches and lower than the other bearing at the tops small blew flowers like the common Endive after which follow the like seede also and the roote perishing in like mannner The Place This is onely planted in Gardens as well beyond the seas as in our country as the other sorts are The Time It flowreth and perisheth with the other sorts if it be sowen in the Spring but if at Midsommer it will then abide the beginning of Winter and will well serve to be used as the others be The Names The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Latine Intibus Intubus or Intubum doth denominate as well Endive as Succory and therefore both they and the kinds therof are called after the Greek Serides or Intubacea after the Latin Dioscorides maketh two kindes of Seris the one tame the other wilde and of each two sorts of the tame he saith the one hath a broad leafe like unto Lettice which is our ordinary garden kind and called by Matthiolus Intubus major and of others Intubum sativum the other hath a narrow leafe and is somewhat bitter in taste which is this Endive here set forth by the judgement of the best moderne writers and is called by Matthiolus Intubus and Endivia minor by Lacuna Intubus hortensis alter by Gesner in hortis Intubum angustifolium Scariola aliquibus by Clusius in historia plantarum Cichorium sativum by Lobel Seriola aut Endiviola who saith that the name of Scariola given to this Endive was but the corruption of the times which should have beene called Seriola quasi parva Seris and therefore wheresoever Scariola is appointed in any medicine this sort of Endive is intended thereby and should be used Endive is called by the Arabians Dumbebe Anubebe or Endeba by the Italians Endivia and this small kinde Endivia minore and in the Apothecaries shoppes beyond the seas Scariola domestica by the Spaniards Endivia by the French Endivie by the Germanes Endivien by the Dutch Endivie and by us in English Endive and this sort small Endive The Vertues All the garden Endives are cold in the second degree at the least but are more moist and lesse drie than Succory or the kinds thereof which is more bitter and serveth well to coole the excessive heate in the liver and stomache and in the hot fits of agues and all other inflammations in any part of the body to use the decoction of the leaves or the juyce or distilled water the same also helpeth to coole the heate and sharpenesse in the urine and the excoriations in the uritorie parts the seede is of the same propertie or rather more powerfull and besides is availeable for the faintings and swounings and passions of the heart outwardly applied they serve to temper the sharpe humours of 〈◊〉 ulcers hot tumors and swellings and pestintiall sores and wonderfully helpeth not onely the rednesse and inflammations in the eyes but the dimmenesse of the sight also they are also used to allay the paines of the goute They are all used in sallats familiarly both Summer and Winter when as being whited they are the more tender and delicate very pleasing to the stomacke and refreshing the weake and fainting spirits CHAP. XXIIII Cichorium Succory OF the Succories there are many sorts some accounted tame or of the Garden others wilde or of the fields c. of the most usuall Garden kinde I have spoken in my former booke and of the other sorts I am to entreate here but because I should pester one place too much to set them forth all in one Chapter I must handle them severally and speake of those kinds of Succory here in this Chapter that heare blew flowers or come nearest the Garden kinde and of others that beare yellow flowers in the Chapter following 1. Cichorium flore rubello Red flowred Succory The red flowred Succory is in the long leaves a little more divided on the edges in the tall and high round stalkes in the forme of the flowers and seede and in the long white roote abiding yearely like unto the Garden Succory the onely difference hereof consisteth in the colour of the flowers which in this are of a pale red delayed colour which will degenerate as I have often observed in my Garden turning to bee blew I meane those plants that rise from the seede of the red and not the same plants that have borne red flowers Of this kinde likewise there is one that beareth white flowers not differing else Flore albo but that the seede hereof as well as the other will give blew flowred plants 2. Cichorium sylvestre Wilde Succory Wilde Succory hath divers long
leaves lying on the ground very much cut in or torne on the edges on both sides even to the middle ribbe ending in a point sometimes it is found to have a red ribbe or veyne downe the middle of the leaves from among which riseth up a hard round wooddy stalke spreading into many branches set with smaller and lesser divided leaves on them up to the toppes where stand the flowers both for forme and colour like unto the Garden kinde that is of a blew colour after which come the seede like thereunto also the roote is white but more hard and wooddy then the other the whole plant is exceeding bitter 3. Cichorium spinosum Creticum Thorny Succory of Candy This Thorny Succory hath the lower leaves next the ground somewhat long and narrow cut in somewhat roundly on the edges like the ordinary Succory into many short not deepe cuts the crested greene stalke that riseth Cichorium sativum vulgare Ordinary Garden Succory 1. Cichorium sativum flore rubello Garden Succory with red flowers 2. Cichorium sylvestre Wilde Succory 3. Cichorium sâ— Creticum Thorny Succory of Candy from among them is hard and wooddy spreading many such like branches from the very bottome all about making it seeme a round bush set with many narrower leaves and without any cut or division on the edges which quickly fall away leaving the stalkes bare or naked and each branch ending in one two or three sometimes long forked thornes at the joynts with the leaves which towards the toppes abide a little longer come forth small scaly huskes and out of them the flowers which are made of five leaves a peece broade at the ends and cut into two or thee dents of a blewish colour like unto Succory with some yellow threds in the middle the seede that followeth is like the ordinary sort and so is the roote but somewhat thicker and shorter and abideth as the Succory doth The Place The first sort is found wilde in some places of Italy from whence I had the seede and the white one in Germany the second is found in many places of our Land in waste untilled and barren fields the third by the Sea coasts and other sandy grounds in Candy The Time The two first sorts flower in the time that the other common sort doth but the last not untill August and hardly then so that in our Country it doth give no seede neither will well indure our Winters The Names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke as I said before in the last Chapter and Intubum in Latine doe signifie Succory as well as Endive and the wild sort of Succory is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seris picris because it is more bitter then the rest Some take Hieracium and some Lactuca sylvestis to bee Seris or Intubum sylvestre but Matthiolus contesteth against them in Latine also Cichorium sylvestre Pliny lib. 22. cap. 8. saith that this Intubum sylvestre or Pictis or Cichorium erraticum was called by some in his time Ambugia but Celsus and some truer copies have Ambubeia Theophrastus calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Horace hath Cichoreum or Cichorea where he saith Me pascunt Olivae Me Cichorea levesque Malvae Tragui also hath Cichorea Of the first with red flowers I finde Tragus to note one that hath partim candidum partim roseum florem and from him Bauhinus to make mention and Thalius in Harcynia sylva of that with white flowers the second is called by Lobel Seris picris CichoriuÌ„ Seris sylvestris by Gesner Intubum sylvestre and Cichorium sylvestre and aguiste by Lâ—icerus by Lugdunensis Hypocheris Dalechampij whereof Theophrastus maketh mention in his seventh Book and 11. Chap. among the Cichoriacea which Gaza untowardly translateth Porcellia Brunfelsius calleth it Solse quium and Gerard putteth the figure hereof under the title of Hieracium latifolium and Bauhinus noteth it the third was first mentioned by Honorius Bellus in his fourth Epistle to Clusius by the name of Cichorium spinosum and Scamnagati id est Hydriae spina by the Cretans Clusius in his history of Plants calleth it Chondrillae elegans genus flore caeruleo and afterwards both by Pona in his Italian description of Mount Baldus and by Bauhinus in his Matthiolus and Prodromus Cichorium spinosum Creticum the Italians call Succory Girasole Radicchio Scariola and Cicorea and the wilde kinde Cicorea salvatica the Spaniards Almenera and Cicoria salvaja the French Cichoree sauvage by the Germans Wegwant by the Dutch Cichorrey and by us in English Succory and wilde Succory The Vertues Garden Succory as it is bitter is more dry and lesse cold then Endive and thereby more opening also An handfull of the leaves or rootes hereof boyled in wine or water and a draught thereof drunke fasting driveth forth chollericke and flegmaticke humors the same also openeth the obstructions of the Liver Gall and Spleene and helpeth the Yellow Iaundies the heate of the Reines and of the Vrine the Dropsie also and those that have an evill disposition in their bodies by long sicknesse evill dyet c. which disease the Greekes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cachexia a decoction thereof made with wine and drunk is very effectuall against long lingering Agues and a dramme of the seede in powder drunke in wine before the fit of an Ague doth helpe to drive it away the distilled water of the herbe and flowers performeth the same properties aforesaid and is especiall good for hot stomacks and in Agues either pestilentiall or of long continuance and for swoundings and passions of the heart for the heate and headach in childâ— and to temper the distemperature of the blood and Liver the said water or the juice or the bruised leaves applyed outwardly allayeth tumors inflammations S. Anthonies fire pushes wheales and pimples especially used with a little Vinegar as also to wash pestiferous sores the said water is very effectuall for sore eyes that are inflamed or have any rednesse in them and for Nurses sore breasts that are pained by the aboundance of milke The wild Succory as it is more bitter so it is more strengthning to the stomack and Liver CHAP. XXV Pseudo-cichoria sive Cichoria sylvestria floribus luteis Bastard or wilde Succory with yellow flowers THere are divers other herbes which are accounted kindes of wilde Succory for their neare resemblance in forme but not in qualitie thereunto some whereof shall be set forth in this Chapter especially such as beare the title of Cichorium Succory For the Dens Leonis Dandelion and the Chondrilla Cum Succory that be kinds of Succory also so like unto it that many have mistaken the one for the other shall follow in their order 1. Cichorium pratense luteum asperum Rough yellow field Succory This rough yellow Succory hath longer and rougher leaves then those of the former wilde Succory in one sort with few or no cuts at all in others like unto it with deepe cuts and divisions
downe and is carried away with the winde the roote is somewhat great and long with some fibres thereat 5. Hieracium Dentis leonis folio asperum Rough Dandelion-like Hawkeweede This small Hawkeweede hath divers long and narrow hairy leaves reddish at the bottome next the roote deepely â—d or torne on the edges being about two inches loâ— from which rise one or two or more bare or naked stalkes rough or hairy bearing each of them a double yellow flower like unto the Hawkeweedes passing into downe the roote is small somewhat like a finger with a few fibres hanging thereat 6. Hieracium minus glabrum Small Hakeweede with smooth shining leaves This little Hawkeweede riseth little above a spanne â—gh with smooth fresh greene stalkes branched forth into others set with few but smooth shining greene leaves long and narrow being little torne on the edges compassing the stalkes at the bottome and eared as the third the flowers that grow at the toppes are of a faire gold yellow colour lesser than any other Hawkeweede each standing on a foote stalke about an inch long which as the rest doe passe away with the winde the roote is small long and whitish 7. Hieracium hirsutum ferè umbellatum Small Hawkeweede with umbel-like flowers This small Hawkeweeke hath five or sixe small leaves lying upon the ground waved or cut on the edges like unto the common Hawkweede having a soft downe like haires on the upperside of the leaves and smooth without haires underneath full of a bitter milke from among which riseth up aslender hairy stalke about a foote high or more bearing at the toppe divers small flowers set together as it were in a tuft or umbell of a gold yellow colour like in forme unto others as also in the downie heades the roote liveth long being composed of many small white stringes which shooteth forth and spreadeth it selfe also into many heads above ground which shoote forth branches rooting also in the ground as they lie The Place The first groweth in divers places about fields sides and the path wayes in dry grounds the second is of Candy the third of Spaine the fourth of Italy the fift in our owne Land as well as about Mompelier Naples and Spaine â—e sixt about Basil the last about Vienna in Austria The Time They doe all flower and flie away in the Sommer moneths The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 accipiter an Hawke Sic dictum volunt quod accipitres sibi hujus succo aciem oculâ—rum acuere dicunâ—r as divers other herbes tooke their names some from beasts as Elaphoboscum a Cerâ—o others from birds as Chelidonium ab Hirundine Perdicion a Perdice in Latine also Hieracium and of some Accipitrina and because they doe partake of Sow-thistles as well as of Succory I have placed them betweene them both the Italians call it Hâ—eracio the French L'herbe d'espervier the Germanes Hanks kraut the Dutch Havickscruiâ—de and we in English Hawkeweede and of some yellow Succory the first here set forth is the Hieracium majus of Matthiolus Fuchsius Dodonaeus Lobel and others the Taraxacon majus of Lonicerus Intubus secundus of Tragus as it is thought and Hieracium Sonchites or Sonchi folio of divers but of Lugdunensis Hieracium minus because he setteth forth the Chondrilla prior Dioscoridis for Hieracium magnum as I shewed you in the last Chapter save one the second Gâ—sner and Camerarius onely make mention of the one in hortis Germania the other in 〈◊〉 Medico by the name of Hieracium Creticum pro Endivia lucea missum and there sheweth why hee called it Creticum even because he found the like seede among Epithymum that came from Candy the third Bauhinus setteth forth by the name of Deus leonis latifolius arborescens saying it came to him out of Signor Contarinos of 〈◊〉 his garden by the â—ame of Hieracium Hispanicum and therefore I have so called it and placed it here and 〈…〉 the Dandelioâ—s as hee doth in his Pinax the fourth Lobel in his Dutch Herball and Icones calleth 〈…〉 floribus deâ—tis leonis bulbosi because being very like it yet differeth in the long roote the fift Bauhinus â—keth of two sorts calling them Hioracium dentis leonis folio hirsutie aspirum magis laciniatum and miâ— laciâ—atum but I thinke they are both one and therfore doe not distinguish them Columna calleth it Hieracâ—um â—letâ— saxatile montanum â—he sixt Bauhinus calleth Hieracium minus glabium and the last Clusius describeth for h◠〈◊〉 Hieâ— but the figure be setteth for it is much differing from the description there of but answereth well the description of the eleaventh and it may be was but the Printers faulâ— in transposing the letter I being set before the X that should have beene set after thereby making it XI when it is set IX The Vertues Hakeweede saith Dioscorides is cooling somewhat drying and binding and therefore is good for the heate of the stomacke and for inflammations and the hot fits of agues and gnawings of the stomacke the quantitie of a scruple of the dried juice saith Pliny taken in Posca Posset that is vinegar and water mixed purgeth the belly yet he saith in another place that a small quantitie bindeth the belly the said juyce taken in wine helpeth digestion discusseth winde and hindereth any crudities to abide in the stomacke it helpeth also the difficultie in making water the same likewise taken in wine helpeth the bitings of venemous Serpents and of the Phalangiâ— and the sting of the Scorpion if the herbe also be outwardly applied to the place and helpeth also all other poysons except that of Cerussa or those that hurt the bladders or that kill by strangling a scruple of the dried juyce given in wine and vinegar is profitable for those that have the dropsie the decoction of the herbe taken with hony digesteth thinne flegme in the chest or lungs and with Hyssope doth helpe the cough the decoction thereof and of wilde Succory made in wine and taken helpeth the wind collike and those that are melancholike or have hard spleenes it procureth rest and sleepe it hindereth venery and venereous dreames cooleth heates purgeth the stomacke encreaseth bloud and helpeth the diseases of the reines and bladder Outwardly applied it is singular good for all the defects and diseases of the eyes used with some womens milke it is also used with good successe in fretting or creeping ulcers especially in the beginning the greene herbe bruised and with a little salt applied to any place burnt with fire before blisters doe arise doth helpe them as also inflammations Saint Anthonies fire and all pushes and eruptions of heate and salt flegme the same applied with meale and faire water in manner of a pultis to any place affected with convulsions and the crampe or such as are out of joynt doth give helpe and ease The distilled water is of good use in many of the diseases aforesaid and the fare
seldome two yellow flowers at the top of a reasonable bignesse which passe away into downe c. The Place The first and second sometimes also grow in Gardens and manured grounds and sometimes by old walls the pathsides of fields highwayes but the third and the fourth in Germany the fift about Mompelier and Florence also where they eate it familiarly as the common the last is found in the Island of Lio in the Venetian teritory and by Mompelier also The Time They doe flower quickly after they are sprung for it is late before they rise out of the ground and abide untill August The Names It is called Sonchus laevis in Latine to distinguish the one from the other as is sayd before some call it Cicerbita as the Italians doe to this day Apuleius calleth it Lactuca leporina and the Germans thereafter Hasen Lattauwe some also Hasen Koll that is Brassica leporina it may well be accounted as a kind of wilde Lettice it is so like it others therefore call it Lactucella and Lacterones from the French Laicterons Tragus calleth the first Intybus sylvestris sive erratica tertia Lonicerus Endivia sylvestris Lugdunensis Andryala minor Dalechampij Cordus in historia Sonchus lenis seu laevis all other authors Sonchus laevis or non aspera or vulgaris or laciniatis folijs the second Matthiolus calleth Sonchus laevis alter and Lobel Sonchus alter profundis lacinijs sinnato hederaceâ— Clusius Sonchus laevis vulgaris secundus Tabermontanus Sonchus sylvaticus quartus Anguilara calleth it Scariola sylvestris Lactucae species Galeni Gesner in hortis Germaniae Lactuca sylvestris flore luteo which although it doth in the outward face resemble somewhat yet it is much more bitter and never eaten as the other sorts of sallet herbes and Caesalpinus Lactuca murorum Bauhinus calleth it Sonchus laevis laciniatus muralis parvis floribus the third Tabermontanus and Gerard have set forth by the same name is in the title and Bauhinus Sonchus laevis minor paucioribus lacinijs the fourth Lobel setteth forth in his Dutch Herball by the name of Sonchus laevis Matthioli Gesner in Hortis calleth it Sonchi genus terra crispa and Caesalpinus saith they call it Terra crepola in Fleotruria or Florence Lugdunensis setteth it forth for Crepis Dalechampij and Bauhinus calleth it Sonchus laevis angustifolius the fift and sixt are set forth onely by Bauhinus by the names of Sonchus laevis in plurimas tennissimas lacinia divisus and Sonchus angustifolius maritimus the Italians doe call it Soncho liscio and Cicerbita gentile the Spaniards Serraya and Sevalla the â—ch Lacterones and Palais au lieure from the Latine Palatium leporis and as some have it Leporum cubile the Germans Gens distell Sow-distal and Dudistell the Dutch Gansen disteb and Milkewoye and we in English generally Sow-thistle and of some Hares-lettice The Vertues These as well as the former Sow-thistles are cooling and somewhat binding and are very fit to coole an hot stomacke and to ease the gnawing paines thereof they are usually eaten as salet herbes in the Winter and Spring while they are young and tender by those beyond the seas familiarly but the rootes are much more esteemed by them being very tender and sweete the herbe boyled in wine is very helpefull to stay the dissolutions of the stomacke and the milke that is taken from the stalkes when they are broken given in drinke is beneficiall to those that are short winded and have a wheesing withall Erasistratus saith Pliny did therewith cause the gravell and stone to be voided by urine and saith that the eating thereof helpeth a stinking breath the juyce thereof to the quantitie of three spoonfulls taken in white wine warmed and some oyle put thereto causeth women in travell of child to have so easie and speedy delivery that they may be able to walke presently after the said juyce taken in warme drinke helpeth the strangurie or pissing by droppes and paines in making water the decoction of the leaves and stalkes given to Nourses cavseth abundance of milke and their children to be well coloured and is good for those whose milke doe curdle in their breasts the juyce boyled or throughly heated with a little oyle of bitter Almonds in the pill of a Pomegranate and dropped into the eares is a sure remedy for deafenesse and singings and all other diseases in the eares it is said that the herbe bruised and bound upon wartes will quickly take them away the herbe bruised or the juyce is profitably applied to all hot inflammations in the eyes or wheresoever else and for pustules wheales blisters or other the like eruptions of heate in the skinne as also for the heate and itchings of the hemorrhoides or piles and the heate and sharpenesse of humours hapning in the secret parts of man or woman the distilled water of the herbe is not onely effectuall for all the diseases aforesaid to be taken inwardly with a little Sugar which medicine the daintiest stomacke that is will not refuse it or outwardly by applying cloathes or spunges wetted therein but is wonderfully good for women to wash their faces to cleare the skinne and to give a lustre thereunto CHAP. XL. Sonchi Montani Mountaine Sow-thistles Tertius Ordo The third Ranke 1. Sonchus Alpinus caeruleus Blew flowred Mountaine Sow-thistle THis mountaine Sow-thistle hath divers 1. Sonchus Alpinus caetuleus Blew flowred Mountaine Sowt-histle broad and long leaves much cut in to the midle ribbe and dented also on the edges the end peeces being the broadest of a greene colour on the upper side and grayish underneath coÌ„passing the stalke at the bottome which is round rough and set with hard reddish haires about three foote high branched at the toppe with lesser and lesse divided leaves on them the flowers stand many together in small hairie greene tufts upon purplish hairie foote stalkes everie one consisting of twentie and more small narrow leaves broad at the ends and nicked in of a purplish blew colour like unto Succory which turne into downe as other sorts doe are blowne away the maine roote is great thicke white and hard very intricately foulded with long strings fastned strongly in the earth which perisheth not but abideth many yeares by the shew of the dry stalkes this giveth milke in as plentifull manner as the others doe and is very bitter Alter There is another of this sort whose leaves are more divided into smaller parts yet the end peece is longest like the other and so are the flowers but more sparsedly set at the toppes somewhat lesser also and of a fairer blew colour 2. Sonchus arborescous The greatest Sow-thistle This Sow-thistle groweth to the height of any man with a strong stalke of the bignesse of a mans thumme smooth straked and without any pricke whereabout are set many leaves parted into foure and sometimes into five divisions placed on each side one against another and compassing it about at the lower end where
Iâ—ica laciniatis foliis Italian jagged Lettice This Italian Lettice also differeth not from the ordinary sort but in the leaves which are cut into many small parts of a pale greene colour very tender and pleasant to eate The Place These sorts come from Ialy and are there noursed up in the Gardens of the curious but scarse knowne to us aâ— yet Lactuca sativa Garden Lettice 1. Lactuca oblongo folio 〈◊〉 Sharpe pointed Garden Lettice Lactuca aguina Lambes Lettice or Corne Sallet The Time Their time of flowring seeding and spending is the same with the common sort The Names Lettice is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thridax in Greeke and in Latine Lactuca a lactis copia The first is taken by Bauhinus to bee the Lactuca Gallica of Castor Durantes and calleth it himselfe Lactuca folio oblongo acuto the other also is called by him Lactuca Italica laciniata and we in English thereafter Italian jagged Lettice the Arabians call Lettice Chas and Cherbas the Italians Lattuga the Spaniards Lechuga and Alfalsa the French Laittue the Germans Lattik the Dutch Lattouwe and we in English Lettice The Vertues Although these sorts of Lettice doe differ in forme from the other each of them also one from another in the forme of their leaves yet in qualitie they are alike and acceptable to an hot stomacke troubled with choller yeelding good nourishment to the body as both Serapio and Galen testifie of the experience thereof on themselves and Pliny also sheweth that the learned Physition Musa did by Lettice ease Augustus of the violence of his disease Galen sheweth that the eating of boyled Lettice at night when hee went to bed procured him rest and sleepe who should have had none if hee had beene without it having used himselfe to watching from his yonger dayes the same is found effectuall also with divers or the juice thereof mixed or boyled with oyle of Roses and applied to the forehead and temples both to procure rest and sleepe and to ease the headach of any hot cause being eaten raw or boyled it helpeth to loosen the belly and the boyled more then the raw which eaten last performeth it the better and was generally so used in ancient dayes which made the Poet Martiall move this question seeing the contrary course held in his time Clandere quae caenas Lactuca solebat avorum Dic mihi cur nostras inchoat illa dapes Which may be thus Lettice that earst our Grandsires meales did close Why it begins pray tell me whence it growes It helpeth digestion quencheth thirst helpeth to encrease milke in Nourses and easeth all griping paines of 〈◊〉 stomacke or bowels that come of Choller it abateth bodily lust and therefore both it and Rue are commended for Moâ—kes Nunnes and the like sort of people to eate and use to keepe them the chastes it represseth also venerom dreames and applyed outwardly to the Cods with a little Camfire abuteth the pride and heare of lust which some call the Colterevill applyed also in the same manner to the region of the Heart Liver or Reynes or by bathing the said place with the juice or distilled water wherein some white Saunders and red Roses are put also is not onely a repercussive medicine to stay and represse the heate and inflammations therein but doth also comfort and strengthen those parts the same also tempereth the heate of Vrine Galen adviseth old men to use it with spices to conserve the radicall moysture and that where spices are wanting to adde Mintes Rocket and such like hot Sallet herbes or else Citron Lemon or Orrenge seedes or the young shootes of them to abate the cold of the one and the heate of the other The seede and the distilled water of the Lettice worke the like effects in all things but the use of the Lettice is chiefly forbidden those that are short winded or have any imperfection in their Lungs or doe use to spit blood Galen saith it did hurt his teeth and some say it hurteth the sight CHAP. XLIIII Lactuca sylvestris Wilde Lettice OF the wilde Lettice there are two or three sorts to bee declared in this Chapter wherewith I shall close and finish this Classis of cooling herbes 1. Lactuca sylvestris Endiviae folijs odore viroso Broad leafed wilde Lettice This wilde Lettice riseth up with foure or five somewhat long and large leaves smaller at the bottome and broader at the ends being round pointed unevenly dented about the edges but not cut in or torne at all of a pale or whitish greene colour and very like unto the Garden Lettice or Garden Endive leaves so that it will soone deceive one that never saw it before which doe soe abide the first winter after the sowing whether in the Spring or Autumne of the shed seede but in May following it beginneth to rise up to a stalke and then those lower leaves will have the middle ribbe on the backe side set full of small sharpe prickes the stalke hath risen in my Garden to be eight foote high at the least and as bigge as the thumbe of any mans hand at the lower joynt somewhat browne and spreading into divers very long branches whereon are set large leaves like the other but more crumpled the lower and so to the middle of the stalke set with prickes in the manner of the bottome leaves but lesser and higher somewhat more jagged or divided on the edges all and every part yeelding plenty of milke being broken which smelleth strong very like unto Opium or bitter in taste the flowers are very small and single somewhat like unto Lettice but smaller and paler yellow scarse opening themselves and scarse abiding also halfe a day open but turne into downe with small blacke seede therewith very like unto seeke Lettice seede and is carryed away with the winde the roote is white long and wooddy when it beareth 〈…〉 2. Lactuca sylvestris 〈…〉 Wh◠〈◊〉 with jagged leaves This other wilde Lettice groweth like the last but not so high or great the first leaves are of a grayer greene colour smaller and narrower then the other which so 1. Lactuca sylvestris Endiviae folijs odore viroso Broad leafed wilde Lettice abide and afterwards gaine thornes or prickes on their backsides as the other hath those that follow are much more jagged then the others and set with sharpe prickes also yelding milke as plentifull being broken and as bitter as the former but doth smell as strongly of Poppie or Opium as the other the flowers and seede are like it flying away with the winde but the roote hereof abideth after seede when as the other doth not 3. Lactuca sylvestris purpureo flore Wilde Lettice with purple flowers This great plant sometimes in moyst grounds riseth up to be foure or five cubits high but usually two or three with a strong great stalke set on each side with leaves smallest at the bottome and larger as they rise up higher being largest about the middle of the
stalke and then grow smaller againe up to the toppe all of them unevenly waved about the edges and compassing it at the bottome of a darke blewish greene colour on the upper side and grayish underneath yeelding a milke when it is broken the flowers stand upon small long stalkes issuing from the joynts with the leaves from the middle upwards with many flowers on them consisting of foure darke purple coloured leaves with divers threds in the middle tipt with a yellow dust a three forked stile in the midst which standeth in long purplish greene huskes hanging downe their heads and turne into 2. Lactuca sylvestris laciâ—iata Wilde Lettice with jagged leaves 3. Laâ—ca sylvestris purpureo flore Wild Lettice with purple flowers Downe with smooth grayish seede among it flying away with the winde the root is thicke and set with nodes in divers places not growing downewards but spreading forwards and having long fibres shooting from it which perish not The Place The two first grow in divers places of our owne Land as well as beyond Sea the first in the borders of fields and by the hedges and lanes sides of Buckinghamshire the other on a high banke by the footeway going downe Grayes-Inne-lane unto Bradford bridge and in many other places the last is found upon hills and mountaines in divers parts of Germany mentioned both by Gesner Thalius and others and in Naples also as Columna saith The Time They doe all flower about Iuly and their seede ripeneth and is blowne away while it is in flower and hath young buds on it The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thridacine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Dioscorides derived as it is thought 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quae uti folio ficulneo lactis non expertia sunt some saith Pliny lib. 19. cap. 8. called it Endochion in Latine Lactuca agrestis and sylvestris a lactis copia because it giveth more store of milke then any of the Endives or Succory doe or because it causeth milke in women There is a controversie among our moderne writers what plant should be the true Lactuca sylvestris of Dioscorides Theophrastus and Galen some allowing of one that others disprove for that which Matthiolus setteth forth Lobel findeth fault withall calling it Seris domestica The first is called by Tragus Endivia major as hee calleth the other Endivia vulgaris yet hee calleth the same plants in another place of his booke Lactuca sylvestris prior and altera his later sort being the first here and his Prima the other Bauhinus in my minde hath erred in missetting Tragus his Endivia major both making it a Garden Lettice calling it Lactuca Endivia folio and a Lactuca sylvestris also but how can it be both a Garden and a wilde Lettice the one not having any bitternesse therein nor prickles on the leaves and the other having both Lobel calleth it Lactuca sylvestris Scariolae hortensis folio lactuca flore Opij odore Lugdunensis setteth it downe in the Chapter of Lettice for Lactuca sylvestris vera Dalechampij and in the 14. Chapter of the same Booke calleth this first Thesion Dalechampij whereof Pliny out of Theophrastus maketh mention Camerarius calleth it Lactuca sylvestris Anglica odore Opij The second is called Lactuca sylvestris by Matthiolus Fuchsius Dodonaeus Caesalpinus Thalius and others Brunfelsius and Tragus as I sayd call it Endivia vulgaris because generally in all Germaâ— Apothecaries shops it was so accounted and used taken from the Italians whose Phisitions not knowing any other permitted the errour Lobel calleth it Seris domestica altera lactâ— Dioscoridis and Ericiâ— Cordus Scâ—riâ— and Serriola according to the received opinion thereof in their time to be Endive The last is called by Gesnerâ— Hortis Lactuca sylvestris flore purpureo and Sonchus arbâ—râ—eus pâ—niceo flore Thaliâ— Lactuca sylvestris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Columna Sonchus montanus purpureus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tabermontanus maketh it his third Sonchus and taketh it to be the Libaâ—tis sterilis of Theophrastus which Gerard setteth forth under the title of Erysimum sylvestre and Bauhinus calleth it Lactuca montana purpuro caerulea major because he maketh that to be the minor hereof which I call Lâ—sana Austriaca The Italians call this wild kind Lattuga salvatica the Spaniards Lechuga salvaja and Alfoâ—sasaâ—a the French Laittue sannage the Germans Wilder Lettick the Dutch wilde Lattouwe and wee in English Wilde Lettice The Vertues The wilde Lettice is neare the same propertie of cooling that the Garden kinde is although the bitternesse therein maketh it the more opening but not heating even as it is in Succory Poppie Opium the like whose bitternesse doth rather open a way for the qualities to worke the better no cold qualitie being powerfull of it selfe and therefore as Succory Poppie or Opium it is more availeable to procure sleepe then the Garden kinde and to ease them that are given to much watching which by the seede the juice or the distilled water drunke or outwardly applyed performeth well the milke of the wilde Lettice gathered and dryed in the Sunne and given in Vinegar distilled is sayd to purge the water of the Dropsie to provoke womens courses and to helpe the sting or poyson of the Scorpion and Spider Phalangium the distilled water of the whole herbe is singular good to quench the thirst in any burning or pestilentiall fever the said juice dissolved in white wine and a little hony mixed therewith being dropped into the eyes doth wonderfully strengthen the sight and cleareth them from mistes clouds filmes or skins growing over them And as some are of opinion that it may be used in stead of the Garden kinde for any the physicall purposes before mentioned PLANTAE CALLIDAE ET ACRES HOT AND SHARPE BITING PLANTS CLASSIS SEPTIMA THE SEVENTH TRIBE CHAP. I. Eruca Rocket FRom the cooling herbes I am now come to those that are hot sharpe and biting upon the tongue especially such as are not umbelliferous or more properly belong to another Classis There are divers sorts of Rocket some growing in gardens whereof I have set forth one in my former booke which is the most common with us and called by Camerarius in horto Eruca tertia Anglica as I take it some wilde growing in divers differing places others that grow neare the sea side to speake of them severally in divers Chapters is the best way and not to cloy one Chapter with too many sorts 1. Erucasativa alba White or Romane garden Rocket with white seede The Romane Rocket is a smaller plant than our garden kinde having somewhat broad leaves cut in on the edges but not so much nor so deepe each part being rounder and round at the end nothing so hot also or sharpe in taste the stalke hath some leaves thereon lesser and lesse jagged and beareth white flowers at the toppes made of foure somewhat long and round pointed leaves after which come short pods
broader leaves and into other thing differing they have a strong evill savour being smelt unto and are of a drying taste The Place The first and the last grow wilde in the fields by hedge sides and wayes and among rubbish and many other places the second was found onely in the kingdome of Valentia in Spaine The Time They flower and seede quickly after namely in Iune and Iuly The Names The first is Thlaspidij genus and Nasturtium 5. Tragi Thlaspi angustifol of Fuchsius and Lugâ— Thlaspi minus hort salg Osyridis folio acorrimuÌ„ album luteum of Lobel NasturtiuÌ„ syl of Thalius Bursa pastoris minor of Brunfelsius and Nasturtium sylvestre Osyridis folio of Bauhinus and may in my minde be accounted a Thlaspi much better yet participateth of both the second is called by Clusius Nasturtium sylvestre Valentiâ— and so doth Lugdunensis in following him but Lobel in altering that title called it Eâ—ca Nasturtio cognata tennifolia and is reprehended by Clusius for so doing by Lugdunensis also Eruca cinerea as Bauhinus thinketh who maketh it also to be the Iaâ— as is before said and called this Nasturtium sylvestris Eruca folio the last is called by some Pseudoâ—â—stre by Fâ— and Gesner in hortis Nasturtium sylvestre by Tragus â—phium Germanicum and 〈◊〉 Seriphium alfiâ— but very erroniously not having any affinitie with Wormewood by Dodoâ— his French Booke by Gesner in hortis by Corâ— Lugdunensis Thaliâ— and Tabermontanus Thalietrum or Tâ— but not truely but by Dodonaeus in his Latine Booke by Lobel and Gerard Sophia Chirurgorum by 2. Nasturtium sylvestre Valentinum Spanish wilde Cresses 3. ophia Chirurâ— Flixeweede which name it is now generally called and knowne by Caesalpinus Accipitrina who maketh two sorts thereof as Tabermontanus doth of his Thalictrum viz. latifolium and angustifolium Bauhinus calleth it Nasturtium sylvestre tenuifolium divisum Lobel putteth a doubt whether it be not the Eruca Gelatina of the Italians the Germanes call it Well samen as they doe Wormeseed and Saphiakraut after the Latine the Dutch Fiecrayt and wee in English Flaxeweede from the effect The Vertues The two sorts of wilde Cresses are neare the qualities of the other Cresses but both the herbe and the seede of Flixeweede is of excellent use to stay the fluxe or laske of the belly being drunke in water or water wherein some gads of steele being heated have beene oftenquenched and is found also no lesse effectuall than Plantaâ—e or Comfrye for the said purpose and to restraine any other fluxe of bloud in man or woman to consolidate also broken bones or out of joynt the juyce thereof drunke in wine or the decoction of the herbe drunke doth kill the wormes in the stomacke of belly as also the wormes that grow in putride and filthy ulcers and made into salves doth quickly heale all old sores how foule or malignant soever they be the distilled water of the herbe worketh the same effect although somewhat weaker yet is a faire medicine and more acceptable to be taken CHAP. X. Sinapi Mustard THere be divers that make some of the Rockets to be kind of Mustard as you have heard before and there be many also that make some kindes of Mustard to be Rocket I will endeavour as neare as I can to give each their due title and place yet of these kindes I have in my former Booke set forth that which is most frequently used to make sawse in this Land whereof I shall not neede to speake againe 1. Sinapi sativum Rapi folio Broad leafed Mustard This Mustard hath large and broad rough leaves very much jagged with uneven and unorderly gashes somewhat like a Turneppe leafe but lesser and rougher the stalke riseth to be more than a foote high and sometimes two being round rough and branched at the toppe bearing such like leaves thereon as grow below but lesser and lesse divided and divers yellow flowers one above another at the toppes after which â—e small rough pods with small lancke flat ends wherein is contained round yellowish seede greater than Tâ—ppe seede sharpe hot and biting upon the tongue the roote is small long and woody when it beareth stalkes and perisheth every yeare 2. Sinapi sylvestre minus Small wilde Mustarde This Mustard is somewhat lesser than the former not rising above a foote high with small jagged leaves more orderly placed somewhat like those of the Shepheards purse but more smally gashed the flowers are yellow and the seede brownish like the former but not so sharpe 3. Sinapi parvum Monspeliense Small Mustard of Mompelier This small Mustard is the least of them all growing not above a spanne high with small bending branched stalkes and small pale yellowish flowers at the toppes which afterwards give small long and slender rough podâ— winged on the sides or edges with very small seede therein the lower leaves are somewhat broad cut into many parts but those on the stalkes have very small cuts lesser than the smallest leaves of Rocket somewhat hot and sharpe in taste 1. Sinapi sativum Rapifoliâ— Broad leafed Mustard 2. Sinapi sylvestre minus Small wilde Mustard 5. Sinapi marinum Aegyptium Egyptian Sea Mustard 4. Sinapi agreste Neapolitanum Wilde Mustard of Naples This Neopolitane Mustard from a small whitish fibrous roote shooâ—eth forth many rough greene leaves cut into divers parts somewhat like unto the leaves of the greater Celandine but lesser and more pointed at the ends the square stalke is divided into sundry branches bearing at the toppes divers small purplish flowers consisting of foure leaves a peece set together as it were in an umbell or tuft after which rise small pods of two inches long a peece with yellowish seede within them which quickly breake their vessells and spill not onely by ones touch but by the shaking of the winde so that it is hard to gather the ripe seede 5. Sinapi marinum Egyptium Sea Mustard of Egypt I call this a Mustard saith mine Author because it hath larger leaves than Rocket and might seeme to be the Eruca maxima Micâ—i of Lugdunensis but hath not any bitternesse therein as his hath nor is it the Kakile Serapionis commonly called Eruca marina which hath a nitrous taste in it when as this hath a very sharpe taste the roote hereof is long white slender and wooddy having one or two reddish round stalkes not standing upright but a little bending branching forth into other with a few winged leaves thereon that is made of many fine long sappie leaves on a side a little dented about the edges in both colour and smell comming nearest to Rocket at the toppes of the stalke come forth blewish flowers in fashion of Stoâ—â—ow flowers which turne into small long pointed pods containing small smooth round seede of a very sharpe taste and smelling like Rue This is very like the Eruca caerulea set forth before The Place The first is not found wilde with as but in Gardens onely but the second as
Vine Leekes 1.2 Allium sylvestre Allium anguinum Crow Garlike and spotted or Snakelike Ramsons the outermost whereof is whitish in the one with sundry fibres under it and reddish in the other and encreaseth by the offets but is not parted into cloves as the garden Garlicke is so strong smelling of Garlicke that the milke of Kine that feede thereon will taste thereof 2. Allium anguinum Spotted or Snakelike Ramsons This kinde of Ramson hath somewhat broader leaves then the other Ramson somewhat like to Lilly Convally leaves but spotted oftentimes with blacke spots as the slender stalkes are which beare many small white flowers on the head the roote is bulbous but longer then the other covered with a brownish outward skinne or coate somewhat netted as it were like Gladiolus with a tuft of fibres thereto it is called by Herbarists as Clâ—sius saith Victorialis longa because the Gladiolus is called rotunda 3. Scorodoprassum Great Turkey Garlicke This great Garlicke shooteth forth sundry great long leaves much bigger then the ordinary Garlicke and after divers yeares abiding a great long stalke three or foure foote high with some lesser leaves thereon naked from the middle up to the toppe where it beareth a large tuft of flowers enclosed at the first in a thinne skinne of a paler colour then those of Homers Moly or rather whitish with three square huskes and blacke seede in them like the rest the roote is great white and almost transparent at least shining and seldome giveth of sets for encrease There is another with looser scaly and yellower rootes Alterum and narrower leaves 4. Scorodoprassum alterum bulboso convoluto capite Great Turkie Garlick with a bulbed and twining head This other great Garlicke groweth after the same manner but larger in each part the stalke riseth sometimes halfe a yard higher having at the toppe a large head of bulbes like to the Indian Moly wrapped in a thinne skin with a long point growing above it being smaller to the end which bulbes in time breake that outer skinne and shew the bulbes to be at the first purplish but growing whiter afterwards having also some flowers among them the head with the toppe of the stalke at the first doth winde or twine it selfe like a Snake or Serpent which when the bulbes grow to ripenesse standeth upright the roote is as great and white as the last and more ready to part into Cloves like the ordinary sort of Garlicke both of these doe smell somewhat lesse strong then Garlicke partaking of Leekes from whence rose the Greeke name as Dioscorides saith 5. Moly Pannonicum latifolium primum Clusiâ— Clusius his first leafed Hungarian Moly This Hungarian Moly hath divers long and somewhat broad leaves rising from a white round roote that hath sundry small bulbes growing thereto the stalke riseth two or three foote high with those leaves thereon but naked or bare from the middle to the top where it beareth a round tuft of purplish flowers after which commeth blackish seede in three square huskes 3. Scorodoprassum Great Turkey Garlicke 3. Scorodoprassum alterum Lobelij Another sort of great Turkey Garlick with narrower leaves 4. Scorodoprassum alterum convoluto capite Great Turkey Garlicke with bulbed and twined heads 5. Moiy montanum latifoltum primum Clusij Clusius his first broad leafed Hungarian Moly 6. Moly Pannonicum odorato flore Sweet smelling Hungarian Moly This sweete kinde is very like unto the last but with lesser leaves and fewer stalkes bearing at the toppe a long tuft of pale coloured flowers upon longer footestalkes hanging downe their heads of a pretty fine fresh sent which abideth not long but quickly vanisheth the three square heads that so low bring blackish seede somewhat like to those of Pinkes or Gilloflowers the round roote hath some bulbes growing thereto 7. Moly montanum capite rotundo purpureo Purple round headed mountaine Moly This purple mountaine Moly hath a few long narrow greene leaves set on the stalke like unto the other and a large tuft of delicate purple flowers on short footestalkes never fully opening themselves and smelling somewhat strong of Garlicke the round white roote hath some bulbes thereat 8. Moly Africum umbella purpurascente Purpulish headed Moly of Africa This African Moly hath sometimes but one stalke of halfe a yard high or thereabout and sometimes two or three with a few somewhat broad and long leaves pointed at the ends and a litttle hairy about the edges the tuft of purplish flowers at the toppe consist of five leaves set on long footestalkes 9. Moly Italicum album caule triangulo The small Italian white Moly This little Italian Moly hath one or two long hollow leaves somewhat broad likewise and ending in a point the stalke is three square growing to be halfe a foote high with sundry small white flowers at the toppes the roote is small and round of a shining purplish colour smelling like the rest of Garlicke Pona in his Italian Baldus mentioneth this The Place and Time These sorts of bulbous are peculiar to divers countries as Germany Hungary France Spaine Italy Turkey and our owne Land also flowring in Summer and seeding after The Names The names of them all are sufficiently expressed in their titles all authors that have written of them not much diversifying their names from those here set downe and therefore I shall not neede further to insist upon them The Vertues Onions are flatulent or windy yet doe they somewhat provoke the appetite encrease thirst and ease the belly and bowells provoke urine and womens courses helpe the biting of a mad Dog and of other venemous creatures to be used with a little Hony and Rue and encrease Sperme especially the seede they also kill the Wormes in children if they drinke the water fasting wherein they have beene sleeped all night being roasted under the Embers and eaten with Hony or Sugar and Oyle they much conduce to helpe an inveterate Cough by cutting the tough flegme and causing it the easier to bee expectorate the juice being snuffed up into the Nostrills purgeth the Head and helpeth the Lethargie yet the often eating of them is said to exocure paines in the Head it hath beene held with divers country people a good preservative against infection to eate Onions fasting with bread and salt as also to make a great Onion hollow filling the place with good Treakle and after to roast it well under Embers which after taking away of the most outermost skinnes thereof being beaten together is a soveraigne salve for eyther Plague sore or any other putred Vicer the juice of Onions is good for scalding or burning by fire water or Gunpouther and used with Vineger taketh away all blemishes spots and markes in the skinne and dropped into the eares easeth the paines and noyse in them applyed also with Figges beaten together helpeth to ripen and breake Impostumes and other sores Leekes are much about the same propertie that Onions be yet
barke full of a milkie juyce which is most bitter and sharpe in taste provoking vomiting and white within 3. Thapsia maxima Hispanica The greater Spanish Thapsia This Thapsia shooteth forth stalkes three or foure fingers thicke like to a Ferula and exceeding any mans height having branched winged leaves like the last but larger and spread on the ground like it the flowers and seedes are like it also the roote is greater 4. Thapsia Carote folio Carrot Leafed Thapsia This was the most usuall Thapsia that the shoppes of those Seminum Thapsiae 5. genera cum folio radice latifoliae Five sorts of Thapsiae seedes with a leafe and a roote of the broader leafed one Thapsia Carotae folio suâ—itates The toppes of the Charrot leafed Thapsia parts of Europe knew and tooke to be right untill learned and judicious men scanning it better found it to be much differing having large winged leaves lying upon the ground more like unto the wilde and tame Carrot than unto Ferula whereunto the true is compared the umbell of flowers is yellow but smaller as is both seede and roote than the Ferula Matthiolus set this forth first for Thapsie but is disproved by all it smelleth somewhat strong 5. Thapsia fetidissima Stinking Thapsia In the country of Salamanca in Spaine saith Clusius groweth a certaine Ferulous plant with leaves like Labanatis herbe Francumsence spread upon the ground bedewed alwayes with a clammie moisture of a deepe greene colour and shining the stalke is said to be small and straight bearing an umbell of flower almost as round as a ball Wee have had the seedes of a Thapsia brought us out of Spaine by Boel whose rootes were short and tuberous Thapsisia berosa radice but the late springing and small time of the abiding of them in my garden by the early frostes comming thereupon tooke them away so quickly that I can give you no further relation of them but he called it Thapsia tuberosa radâ—â— which whether it were a speciall kinde or but the youngnesse of the rootes I cannot tell never having the like opportunity to get of the seede againe The Place and Time The first as Dioscorides saith groweth in Thapsia one of the Iles of the Sphorades and in the countie about Athens as Theophrastus saith and as Lobel saith about Mompelier and the way to Fromtignacke all the rest grow plentifully in sundry parts of Spaine and doe flower there as he saith somewhat late The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Thapsia also in Latine from the Iland of that name as Dioscorides saith but as Lobel Pena say it may as well be so called from the fierie heate wherewith it scorcheth or burneth the bare parts of the body even a farre off if they stand in the winde or breath of it that gather it and therefore Dioscorides adviseth not to gather it but in a quiet day free from winde and to be on the leeside thereof for feare of exulcerating the face and hands c. The first is the true Thapsia of Lobel and Pena and Lugdunensis so entituleth it and the second Thapsia of Clusius the second is the first Thapsia of Clusius which Lobel and others setting forth for Seseli Peloponense majus is taxed by Clusius for so doing saying that their so easie sliding to errour ariseth from their want of due consideration of all the parts thereof and the sight of the true plant and onely led by weake conjectures upon the sight of the figure and as he saith is called Cucurillo by those of Murcia in Spaine the third is Clusius his third Thapsia which some as he saith would call Cieutaria maxima Lobelij for which he blameth them likewise the fourth is Clusius his fourth also which as he saith the Spaniards call Tuero the last is that Thapsia that Matthiolus Aâ—guilara and Caesalpinus because it is most frequent in Italy tooke to be the right but is since knowne to differ much from it Lobel in his Observations pa. 452. in the title over it maketh some doubt whether this plant should be not the Sagapenifera Ferula for all do account these Thapsias to be kinds of Ferula so the Italian name which is Ferulacoli doth import as much but as I shewed you in the Chapter before that I have gathered some gum from the Ferula in my garden that hath bin in shew as pure and good gumme Sagapenum as any we have in our shoppes and therefore I doe not thinke any gumme Sagapen was ever taken from this or any other Thapsia the Arabians call it Iamtum and Dryx the Italians Thassia and those of Naples Siciba and other parts Ferulacoli the Spaniards as Clusius saith call this Canaheja promiscuously with Ferula and Libanotis making no distinction betweene them the French call it Turbit blave and grie by others the High and Low Dutch little knowing them have scarse given them any name but as the Latine doth Gerard calleth them stinking and deadly Carrots which how fitly it agreeth with any of them but that of Matuhiolus let others upon due consideration judge I have called the true Thapsia according to the nature burning and scorching Fennell which if any can alter and give a better I shall be well content the rootes of the first Spanish kinde are accounted for Turbith with them but they differ much from the right and therefore are called Thapsia turbith The Vertues Thapsia or the scorching Fennell as Dioscorides saith purgeth choller strongly both upwards downwards two scruples of the barke of the roote as well as halfe a scruple of the juyce therof drunke with mede or honied water more be taken it is dangerous this manner of purging is fit for those that are astromasticke or short winded and if or are troubled with paines in their sides and spitting of bloud but saith Lobel this manner of purging thereby is quite left of and that worthily in respect of the danger to the inward parts for more harme oftentimes came thereby than helpe by the grievous torments it used to stirre up Galen briefely setteth downe the properties thereof in these words Thapsia hath a sharpe and strong heating facultie joyned with some moisture and therefore it violently draweth from farre and digesteth what it draweth but much time is required to effect this for being full of much moisture it is the fault thereof to be quickly corrupted Outwardly applied it hath most usually better succeeded for as Pliny reporteth Nero by annointing his beaten face with the juyce hereof and very equall â—raâ—â—â—â—sence and Waxe mixed together at night shewed the next day his face to be free and cleare contrary to expectation whereby it hath beene found to take away all blacke and blew spots bruises markes and blemishes in the skinne whatsoever yea the morphew leptye scabbes scurfes wheales pushes or the like yet caution and be used not to suffer it to lie too long on the place that is not much
longer than two houres and then to be washed with salt or sea water warmed it is used likewise being dissolved into an ointment with good effect to the sides or breast for the griefes therein or for the paines in the feete or joynts it serveth also to gather againe the prepâ—ce in whom it is naturall to want it by raysing a tumour and after mollified and supplied with flat things supplieth the part of a prepuce it serveth likewise to cause haire to grow apace where the places wanted it or were deprived thereof The rootes of the second and third but of the last especially in former times were gathered by impostors in Italy and Spaine and dressed like Turbith that is pared and pithed and so sold instead thereof untill diligence add experience to know the right and restise the false had prevented the future deceit and Matthiolus declaiming against Fuchsius who tooke these rootes to be the true Turbith sheweth it was so taken in Germany but I have shewed you before in the Chapters of Alipâ—â— the Tithmalls and Scamony the many errors that former times came into concerning the true Turbith the old women Leeches of Salamanca in Spaine saith Clusius use the rootes of the third or greatest Spanish kinde of Thapsia to procure womens courses and to purge the body which it doth with that violence both upward and downeward that they are 〈◊〉 brought into great danger that take it CHAP. III. Peucedanum Sow-Fennell WEe have three sorts of Sow-Fennell to offer to your consideration in this Chapter 1. Peucedanum majus Italicum Great Sow-Fennell of Italy The great Sow-Fennell hath divers long branched stalkes of thicke and somewhat long leaves three for the most part joyned together at a place among which riseth a crested straight stalke neare as bigge as Fennell with some joynts thereon and leaves growing thereat and towards the toppe some branches issuing from thence likewise on the toppes of the stalke and branches stand divers tufts of yellow flowers where after grow somewhat flat thinne and yellowish seede twise as bigge as Fennell seede the roote groweth great and deepe with many other parts and fibres about them of a strong sent like hot brimstone and yeelding forth a yellowish milke or clammy juyce almost like a Gum. 2. Peucedanum vulgare Common Sow-Fennell The common Sow-Fennell groweth in the same manner that the former and hath no other difference but that this is lower and smaller by a fourth part and the smell thereof as strong as the former 3. Peucedanum minus Small Sow-Fennell As the first Sow-Fennell was larger then the second so this is lesse then it having smaller and shorter leaves of a blewish greene colour of a little bitter taste but almost no smell the stalke is slender and round about halfe a yard high parted into divers branches whereon stand small tufts of white flowers in an umbell which are succeeded by thicke short seede almost like to Parsley but of an ash colour and bitter sharpe taste the roote is of the bignesse of ones thumbe sometimes greater or lesser with a bush of haires at the toppe blackish or brownish on the outside with a thicke barke of a pleasant sweet taste at the first and afterward sharpe The Place and Time The first groweth naturally in Italy in divers places the second in good plentie in the salt low Marshes a little by Feversham in Kent the last was found on Saint Vincents Rocke by Bristow by Lobel as hee setteth it downe in his Adversaria pag. 331. and in Hungarie and Austria by Clusius They all flower and seede in the end of Sommer that is in Iuly and August The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Peucedanus and Peucedanum some take it of the pitchy sent it 1. Peucedani majoris Italicum sâ—â—itat The toppes of the Italian Sow-Fennell 2. Peucedanum vulgare Common Sow-Fennell carryeth and others of the Pine tree whose leaves are like it Apuleiâ— calleth it Pinastellum the first is the Peucedanum of Matthiolus Anguilara and others and Peucedanum majus Italicum by Lobel and Lugdunnensis the second is called by Bauhinus Peucedanum Germanicum and Peucedanum simply without any other addition by Tragus Fuchsius Dodonaeus and others it is called also Foeniculum porcinum but by Tabermontanus Cauda porcina the last is called by Lobel Peucedani facie perpusilla planta it is called by Clusius Peucedanum Pannonicum and is probable as Clusius and Bauhinus say to be the second Saxifrage of Matthiolus the Arabians call it Harbatum the Italians Peucedano and vulgarly Finocchio porcino and by some also Pinastello by the Spaniards Fenicho del porco by the French Feâ—il de Pourceaus by the Germans of some Harstrang but commonly Sewfenchel or Schebelwurts of the Dutch Verkens Venekell and we in English Sow-Fennell Hog-Fennell Sulphurwort and Horstrange The Vertues The juice of Sow Fennell say Dioscorides and Galen used with Vinegar and rose-Rosewater or the juice with a little Eppâ—orbium put to the nose helpeth those that are troubled with the Lethargie the Phrensie the turning of the braine or dissinesse in the head the Falling sicknesse long and inveterate Headach the Palsie the Sciatica and the Crampe and generally all the diseases of the Nerves and Sinewes used with oyle and Vinegar the juice dissolved in wine or put into an Egge is good for the Cough or shortnesse of breath and for those that are troubled with winde and tormenting paines in the body it purgeth the belly gently and dissolveth the winde and hardnesse of the Spleene it giveth case to those women that have sore travaile in child birth and easeth the paines both of the bladder and reines and wombe also a little of the juice dissolved in wine and dropped into the eares easeth much of the paines in them and put into an hollow tooth ceaseth the paines thereof The roote worketh to the like effect but more slowly and lesse and is to be boyled in water and the decoction thereof drunke the dryed powder of the roote being put into foule Vlcers of hard curation clenseth them throughly remooveth any splinters of broken bones or other things in the flesh healeth them up perfectly likewise bringeth on old and inveterate sores to cicatrising it is also put into such salves as serve to heate and warme any place the roote is hot in the second degree and dry in the third but the juice is stronger Pliny recordeth the vertues hereof in divers places the roote being drunke in wine with the seede of the Cypresse tree in powder easeth the strâ—gling of the mother but some use to burne it and by the smell thereof give ease thereunto the juice helpeth the burstings of children and their Navells when they sticke forth the roote is of so great force in greene wounds and sores that it draweth out the quitture from the very bones CHAP. IIII. Libanotis Herbe Francumsence THere be divers sorts of Libanotides as both the old
the more wholsome for their Nurse Children to take the leaves being boyled in water but much more the seede stayeth the hickocke and taketh away that loathing which often happeneth to the stomackes of sicke or feaverish persons and alayeth the heate thereof the seede boyled in wine is good for them that are bitten by Serpents or have eaten poysonfull herbes or mushromes the seede and the rootes much more helpeth to open the obstructions of the Liver Spleene and Gall and thereby much conduceth to all the diseases arising from them as the painfull and windie swellings of the Spleene and the yellow Iaundies as also the Goute and Crampes the seede is of good use in pectorall medicines and those that helpe the shortnesse of breath and wheesing by obstructions of the Lungs it helpeth also to bring downe the courses and to clense the partes after delivery the rootes are of most use in Physicke drinkes and brothes that are taken to clense the blood to open obstructions of the Liver and to provoke Vrine and to amend the evill colour or complexion in the face after long sicknesse and to cause a good colour and a good habit through the whole body Fennell both leaves and seedes or rootes are much and often used in drinkes or brothes for those that are growen fat to abate their unweldinesse and make them more gaunt and lanke the distilled water of the whole herbe is likewise commended for the same purposes as also to be dropped into the eyes to clense them from all enormities risen therein but the condensate juice dissolved or as some take it the naturall juice or Gum that issueth out thereof of it owne accord in hot countries doth clense the eyes from mists and filmes that hinder the eyesight some for this purpose take the greene stalkes of Fennell and holding them to the fire in Autumne while they are greene cause a certaine juice or liquor to drop from them which they apply to the eyes as holding it to bee more effectuall then eyther condensate juice or the naturall Gum. And some yet more neately make a water to cleare the eye sight in this manner they powther some fine white Sugar Candy very finely and put that powder into the hollow greene stalke of Fennell while it groweth a foote above the ground so that it be betweene two joynts which after it hath remained therein a day two or three and the hole covered and bound close over that no raine get in in the meane time they open it at the lower joynt having first placed a good peece of soft wax made a little hollow gutture wise under the hole which may serve as a gutter or quill to carry the liquor from falling downe by the stalke into a vessell or thing set of purpose thereto to receive it The sweete Fennell by reason of the sweetenesse is much weaker then the ordinary which is better to all the physicall purpose aforesayd and therefore they doe but deceive themselves and others that use the sweet Fennell seede in compositions as thinking it the better when as it is much the weaker by want of the bitternesse which is the most operative the juice of Fennell dropped into their eares that have wormes breeding in them killeth the wormes The wilde Fennell is stronger and hotter then the tame and is therefore most powerfull against the Stone but not effectuall to encrease milke for it is dryer Honorius Bellus saith that the women of Candy use to boyle the great seede of the Hippomarathrum of Candy in Lye to dye their haire yellow CHAP. VI. Anethum Dill. ALthough formerly we have beene acquainted but with one sort of Dill although Theophrastus saith there are many sorts but expresseth none of them yet in these later times two other sorts more have beene found out which we will shew you together here 1. Anethum hortense sive vulgare Common garden Dill. The common Dill groweth up with seldome more then one stalke neither so high nor so great usually as Fennell being round and with fewer joynts thereon whose leaves are sadder and somewhat long and so like Fennell that it deceiveth many but harder in handling and somewhat thicker and of a stronger sent also and unpleasanter the toppes of the stalkes have fewer branches and smaller umbells of yellow flowers which turne into small seede somewhat flatter and thinner then Fennell seede and of a stronger and more unpleasant taste the roote is small and wooddy perishing every yeare after it hath borne seede and is unprofitable never put to any use 2. Anethum sylvestre majus Great wilde Dill. This great kinde differeth not from the former in any notable 1. Anethum hortense sive vulgare Common garden Dill. part but in the greatnesse both of stalkes leaves flowers and seede and that it is found growing naturally wilde in Sicilia as Caesalpinus saith 3. Anethum sylvestre minus Small wilde Dill. As the last was greater in all parts then the first so this is much lesse then it growing but a foot high the leaves are fine and small on the stalkes and the flowers yellow like it and the seede small and long thus in roote as well as the rest being smaller maketh the difference for both these last are but annuall as the first The Place and Time The first is most usually sowen in Gardens and grounds for the purpose yet it is found wilde with us in some places the second as is sayd hath beene found in Sicilia as the last and sent by Columna to Bauhinus and by Boel from Lishbone to us The Names It is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod cito crescat say some or as others thinke quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est invictum quia cibi appetentiam excitat as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod est congressus coitio venerea ad quam lacessit Anethi usus ut antiqui prodiderant tameatsi plurimo usu geniteram tandem exhauriat The first is simply called Anethum by all authors or Anethum hortense as Bauhinus doth the second is onely mentioned by Cesalpinus and Bauhinus out of him and the last by Bauhinus onely from Columna the Arabians call it Zebet or Sebet the Italians Aneto the Spaniards Eneldo the French Anet the Germans Dyllen and Hechkraut the Dutch also Dille and we Dill. The Vertues Dill is hot in the third and dry in the second degree especially being greene but when it is dryed it is hot and dry in the third digesting then more then before it is good to breede milke saith Dioscorides but Galen in the Fennell before seemeth to gainesay it for being so dry it stayeth milke and engendreth it not and to ease swellings and paines being boyled and drunke the same also stayeth both the belly and the stomacke from casting the decoction thereof helpeth women that are troubled with the paines and windinesse of the mother if they sit therein it provoketh Vrine it
Creticum by Lobel Dodonaeus and others Caesalpinus and Golumna saith this is commonly called in Italy Pimpinella Romana and familiarly eaten as a fallet herbe and Bellonius saith that this is the Cafcalitra that is Caucalis which is used in Candy and Greece as Honorius Bellus sheweth in his first Epistle to Clusius the ninth is set forth by Columna by the name of Tordylion majus alterum luteum and the tenth is Tordylium minimum Apulum alterum by him also the eleventh is thought by Bauhinus to be the Levisticum alterum of Lobel and Lugdunensis Ligusticum secundum herbariorum of Tabermontanus but I thinke it doth better agree unto the next and is the Seseli primum montanum of Clusius called by Bauhinus Seseli montanum folio Cicutae glabrum and thinketh it may be the Seseli Peloponesiacum of Dioscorides the twelfth is set forth by Bauhinus as it is in the title the thirteenth is the true Seseli Peloponense folio Cicutae Dioscoridis as Lobel saith and so taken by the learned at Mompelier as I shewed before and therefore thought fit to set it forth with them although his Peleponense is placed with the Thapsias the fourteenth is also taken at Mompelier for the true Seseli Aethiopicum Dioscoridis as Lobel saith all other authours acknowledge the verity thereof onely Matthiolus maketh a doubt whether his Seseli Aethiopicum which is an herbe and no shrubbe and well knowne now to be the Libanetis Theophrasti or this Aethiopicum which he calleth alterum should be the truer for that as he saith they both resemble it very well but Lobel taxeth him too bitterly for it the last hath his name in his title as I received it and is not the Daucus Creticus nodosus before The Vertues The true Seseli Massiliense is commended by Dioscorides to helpe the strangury and the straightnesse of breath as also the suffocations of the mother provoketh their courses and expelleth the dead child helpeth also the falling sicknesse old coughes and all other inward griefes either the roote or the seede being taken in wine the seede drunke in wine doth helpe digestion expelleth winde and the paines in the bowells it helpeth those that have taken cold in their journey if they drinke it in wine with some pepper it is given to Goates and other cattle to facilitate the delivery of their young Pliny saith that women use it before their delivery of child being taught by Hindes that eate Seseli's to speede their delivery as Aristotle did declare it before to helpe them at that time Galen sheweth that the rootes of Seseli speaking in generall of them all are so powerfull in heating that they provoke urine and are of thinne parts that they helpe the falling sicknesse c. the other Seseli's saith Dioscorides have the same facultie and operation the Candy Seseli is good to provoke urine if it be stopped or hindered and womens courses also the juyce taken with the seede in wine for tenne dayes together helpeth the paines of the kidneyes and driveth forth the stone engendered therein the roote being taken with honey is good to breake the flegme in coughes and to cause it easily to be spit forth Paulus Aegineta saith that Torâ—ylium taketh away bruises and the blacke and blew spots that come by stroakes or otherwise if one part of Terra Samia be put to two parts thereof and laid to with hony Our English Seseli or Saxifrage is well experimented and much used by country people either the juyce or the decoction or the distilled water or the seede in powder and drunke in wine to helpe to breake and expell the stone to provoke urine and to expell wind and the chollicke in old or yong and is much given to sucking children for the frets as women call it which is winde in their bodies and stomackes The Ethiopian Seseli is preferred for the singular vertues therein beyond all the other sorts of Seseli and therefore most fit of all other to be used in medicines especially those two notable great compositions Mithridatum and Theriaca Andromachi and Lobel sheweth that he gathered about Mompelier at a time so much that he sent thereof to Venice and other places sufficient for them to use in the said compositions the rest of them are little or not at all used to any physicall purpose CHAP. XVI Ligusticum verum sive Siler montanum Libisticke or Sermountaine of Liguriae OF this Ligusticum I have two sorts to bring to your consideration both of them in face neare corresponding one another and first of that which is held to be truest 1. Siler montanum vulgo Siselios The true Libisticke or Sermountaine of Liguria The true Sermountaine of Liguria riseth up with a round joynted stalke two or three foote high bearing both at the bottome and at the joynts large spread winged leaves divided into many sundry and small leaves whose small footestalkes beare usually two leaves and sometimes foure set one against another and three alwayes at the end each being much broader and shorter then Sow-Fennell leaves almost equall to Mellilot of a small sweete sent if they bee a little rubbed and spreading at the toppes into a few branches bearing very large umbells of white flowers and after them long thicke full brownish yellow seede larger by halfe then Cumin seede two alwayes joyned together striped on both sides and winged with yellow shining wings at the edges and of a quicke sharpe hot sent and taste the roote is long great and whitish on the outside of a hot sharpe sent and taste likewise abiding long 2. Siler montanum angustifolium Narrow leafed Sermountaine The stalke of this Sermountaine is small about a cubit high divided into branches which beare small umbells of white flowers the leaves are few separated into many thinne small leaves like unto Sow-Fennell but much shorter and those towards and at the toppes more finely cut like haires The Place and Time The first is found plentifully growing on the Appenine hills in Liguria whose chiefe Citie is Genua and the other in Austria and doe seldome beare ripe seede with us unlesse in a warme kindly season The Names It is supposed by the most judicious writers of these times that it is the true 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Galen by changing one letter and tooke the name from Liguria the Countrey where the best and most store groweth and there they call it Sier montana in Latine it is also called Ligusticum but not Levicticum which is our Lovage much differing from this as may soone be discerned but this is also the same that Matthiolus calleth Ligusticum and after him Lugdunensis Castor Durantes and others Tragus Lobel Dodonaeus and Clusius call it Siler montanum as was used in the Apothecaries Shoppes and Siselios also because in former times they knew none of the true Seselies but as Lobel saith this errour was tollerable because they tooke a seede that had
blackish when they are ripe of a sweete taste but of no smell when as the herbe it selfe smelleth reasonable well the root in small and long and perisheth every yeare being to be sowen a new in the Spring for seede and after Iuly for 〈◊〉 fillers 2. Cerefolium sylvestre Wilde Chervill The wilde Chervill groweth two or three foote high with yellow stalkes and joynts set with broader and more hairy leaves devided into sundry parts nicked about the edges and of a darker greene colour which likewise grow reddish with the stalkes at the toppes whereof stand small white tufts of flowers and afterwards smaller and longer seede the roote is white and hard and as I suppose enduring long this hath little or no sent The Place and Time The first is sowen in Gardens to serve as a sallet herbe the other groweth wilde in their Vineyards and Orchâ—â—ds beyond Sea and in many of the medowes of our owne Land and by the hedge sides as also on heathes they flower and seede early and thereupon are sowen againe in the end of Sommer The Names Columnella calleth the first Chaerophyllum and is likely to be the Caerephyllum of Pliny which he saith the Greekes called Pâ—dâ—râ—ta but because he is so briefe nothing certaine can be affirmed some also take it to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Thâ—â—phrasiâ—â— lib. 7. c. 7. which Gaza translateth Enthusicum all authors doe call it Cerefolium or Chaerifolium c onely Anguilara and Caesalpinus thinke it may bee Oreoselinum which it cannot bee Tragus Matthiolus Gesâ—er and others also leaning to that opinion Fuchsius and Lobel take it to be a kind of Gingidium the Italians call it Confoglio the French du Cerfueil the Germans Kerffol and Korbelkrant the Dutch Kervell and wee Chervill The Vertues The Garden Chervill by reason of the good rellish it hath is willingly put among Sallet herbes to make them 〈◊〉 the better as also into Loblollies of stewed herbes which the French Dutch doe much delight in for it doth moderately warme the stomacke it is a certaine remedy saith Tragus to dissolve congealed or clotted blood in the body and so doth it likewise the blood by bruises falls c. the juice or distilled water of it drunke and the 〈◊〉 leaves laid to the place it is taken also by divers to be good to provoke urine and to expell the stone in the 〈◊〉 and womens courses taken eyther in meate or drinke and moreover to helpe the Plurisie and prickings 〈◊〉 the sides wilde Chervill will helpe to dissolve any tumors of swelling in any part of the body as also to take away the spots and markes in the flesh and skinne of congealed blood by bruises or blowes in a short space by applying it to the place CHAP. XXII Scandix Shepheards needle THere are three or foure sorts of Sepheards 1. Scandix vulgaris sive Pecten Veneris Common Shepheards needle 3. Scandix Cretica minor sive Anthriscus Small Shepheards needle of Candy 4. Scandix Cretica major The greater Shepheards needle of Candy needle that I am to shew you in this Chapter some of which are revived and referred to those of the ancients and some never knowne before 1. Scandix vulgaris sive Pecten veneris Common Shepheards needle The common Shepheards needle hath sundry long hard large greene stalkes of leaves more divided and into many more parts and of a sadder browne greene colour than Chervill and of no sent the stalkes grow a foote high bearing small tufts of white flowers and after them five or sixe or more or lesse long seeds somewhat round pointed at the ends and a little rough as if they were dented all of them comming from one head or stalke with a few small leaves under them the roote is very small and threddy 2. Scandix altera capite glomerato Round headed Shepheards needle This kinde of Shepheards needle hath stalkes of larger leaves than the wilde Carrot comming somewhat neare to Parsley smooth and of a pale greene colour those that grow at the joynrs of the stalkes come forth out of a broad filme or skinne as is seene in many ferulous and umbeliferous plants and bearing at the top a round head of many greenish white thredes set close together the roote is like the wilde Parsnippe and of a bitter and sharpe taste 3. Scandix Cretica minor sive Anthriscus Small Shepheards needle of Candy The small Shepheards needle of Candy hath sundry stalkes of very fine cut leaves not bushing thicke like the first but more sparsed and thinne comming somewhat neere to Camomill but finer and a little hairy of a pleasant both sent and taste among which rise slender short stalkes somewhat hairy or hoary with but few joynts or leaves on them at the toppes whereof stand five or six small white flowers close set together consisting of five leaves a peece in the middle whereof is a darke purplish stile or leafe longer then the rest spreading sorth like a blazing starre after which follow long seedes like the first but smaller bigger below and ending above in two small points whose edges are more rough and seeme more dented and bee a little purplish as the young ones are before they be ripe which are the seedes themselves the roote is small long and white This hath beene observed to have a better sent that groweth in untilled voyde and gravelly grounds then that which groweth in the fields 4. Scandix Cretica major The greater Shepheds Needle of Candy The greater kinde hath a crested small stalke a cubit high parted into divers branches a little hairy at the very joynts having the lower leaves broade and somewhat round divided like unto the lesser Burnet Saxifrage one set opposite to another standing upon long stalks which together with the leaves are a little hairy but those that stand at the joynts are much more finely cut in and like unto the leaves of the first the umbells are a little spread and small yet greater then the first which are succeeded by more store of long rough dented seede then the last having each of them two small prickes at the end the roote is small and fibrous The Place and Time The first groweth plentifully in our owne Land among Corne the second in France the third both in Candy and Naples also and the last in Candy they flower early and seede accordingly The Names The Greekes call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Latines Scandix also and Pecten Veneris Acus Veneris and Acus pactoris or Aculâ— and some call it Scanaria There is much doubt and controversie among our later writers first what herbe the Scandix of Dioscorides Galen and Pliny should be that was so common a Sallet herbe for the people to feede on and growing wilde with them so that Aristophanes merrily taunted Euripides the Poet that his mother sold not a true wort but Scandix which was accounted the meanest or vilest of all others for our Pecten Veneris is not taken to
torments in the body or bowells the weakenesse of the stomacke the Dropsie and divers other such like which diseases 〈◊〉 Treakles chiefe intent doth not promise to cure And besides this Estreatiâ—um Petroselinum doth make the 〈◊〉 more bitter especially being used while it is fresh for it differeth from other stone Parsleys in that as it 〈…〉 sharpe so it is most bitter of all other Parsleys the seede whereof is thus described from Dioscorides Galen and Pliny without any relation of herbe that it differeth in kinde from all others the seede being like unto Ammi 〈◊〉 weede which is whiter and lesser then Cumin seede but of a bitter sent of a sharpe taste and smelling 〈◊〉 and as Galen addeth most bitter CHAP. XXVII Elaeoselinon Paludapium sive Apium palustre Smallage WEe have besides the Smallage that hath usually beene knowne with us another sort thereof as I may call it from the likenesse which in my former booke I called Selinum dulce sweet Parsley and doe meane here to joyne it with the ordinary Smallage 1. Apium vulgare sive Palustre Ordinary Smallage The ordinary smallage groweth up with greater hollow and more crested stalkes then Parsley and 1. Apium vulgare sive palustre Ordinary smallage greater and larger winged leaves set one against another broader and of a darker greene colour and shining more then Parsley but dented somewhat unevenly about the edges at the toppes of the stalkes and branches stand large tufts of small white flower swhich turne into smaller seede then Parsley the roote is greater but not so long and slender with a number of blackish fibres set thereat the whole herbe and roote is strong in smell and much more unpleasant and bitter in taste then Garden Parsley not to be endured to be eaten alone but being boyled and otherwise dressed it savoureth better 2. Selinum sive Apium dulce Sweete Selinum or Smallage The sweet Smallage or Parsley call it which you please groweth up in the same manner that the former Smallage doth but larger then it the leaves likewise are larger but not of so deepe a greene colour the flowers and seede likewise are like those but somewhat larger the roote is great and long with divers fibres set thereat white and much more sappie and pleasant than eyther Smallage or Parsley with a very warming and comfortable rellish also nothing offensive but the whole herbe is so pleasant as if Sugar had beene mixed with it This both rellish and forme wee have found it hath held for the first or second yeare the seede hath beene sowen with us that commeth from beyond sea but as sweete Fennell doth degenerate more and more in our Land and onely continueth sweete in warme countries so doth this the leaves also decay in their verdure and become nothing so fresh but are more sullen or sad like Smallage The Place and Time The first groweth naturally in wet and marsh grounds but if it be planted or sowen in gardens it there prospereth well the other is familiar in Greece and Italy where they eate it with great delight both herbe and roote and is onely sowen and replanted in all those places the naturall place being not knowne to us they both abide greene all the winter and seed in August with us The Names The Greeks call the first 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Esaeoselinon which the Latines render Paludapium or Apium palustre and is the same with the Greeke word Selinon in Greeke is alwayes rendered Apium in Latine and thereunto is added the other Epithite which doth demonstrate his kind as I sayd before in the first division of these Apia but as I gave you then a caution concerning the Greeke and Arabian acceptation of Apium so let it here be observed also that Apium after the Arabian authors whom the Apothecaries shoppes have most followed in their appellations is to be understand this Smallage when as else Apium is the Greekes Sâ—linon and therefore it is by most writers called Apium and Apium palustre and Esaeoselinum by Dodonaeus and Lobel Columella in his eleventh book and third Chapter sheweth how by sowing the seede of Apium which Matthiolus thinketh is this palustre but I thinke rather he meant of the hortense to make it have a broader leafe and how to make it have a crumpled leafe and Matthiolus saith also that Gardiners in following his rules have made this Smallage to beare crumpled leaves onely for pleasure to looke on but by his leave I beleeve they are but conceits and rather fallacies then verities for that Apium latifolium is this Apium 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 Apium crispum is our curled Parsley both of them being so by nature and not by art for Columna saith the Apium or Petroselinum crispum is so naturally growing in Sardinia and from thence the seede thereof hath beene dispersed The other is mentioned by Bellonius in his observations yet taking it as Columna doth also but for Apium Sâ—â—taneum altered by art of transplanting c. to make it to be called Geoselinum as Quatramius doth who would also as I shewed you before make our common Parsley to be Petroselinum Macedonicum make this herbe to be Apium hortense whom Columna doth much inculcate for it it is generally called Selino and Selino dolce by all Italians and Greekes likewise in their countries I called it before Selinum dulce sweet Parsley which as I sayd you may eyther doe so or call it sweete Smallage which you will The Arabians call Smallage Assilis the Italians Apio palustre and Apio aquatico the Spaniards Perexil dagna and Apio the French de l'ache and Persil de 〈◊〉 the German Epffick and Eppick the Dutch Eppe The Vertues Pliny hath erred much and caused others to follow his tract in following and allowing Chrysippus and Diâ—â—sius their writings by mistaking the various acceptation of the word Apium of the Latines from the Greekes and from the Arabians for he doth referre that to the Apium hortense which is to be understood of this Apium palustre 〈◊〉 that it is an enemy to the eye sight condemned as not fit to be eaten that it would breede the Falling sicknesse and many other such like things which if they were true of Smallage whereof very few doe beleeve their writings yet can be no way true of Parsley in any part Smallage is hotter and dryer then Parsley and is much more medicinable for it much more openeth the obstructions both of the Liver and Spleene ratifieth â—icke flegme and clenseth it and the blood withall it provoketh urine and womens courses and is singular good against the yellow Iaundies it is also very effectuall against tertian and quartaine agues if the juice thereof bee taken but especially made into a Syrupe the juyce also put to hony of Roses and some Barley water is very good to gargle the mouth and throate of those that have sores and Vlcers in them and will quickly heale them the same lotion also doth clense and heale all other fowle
the juice also put into hollow teeth easeth the paine the rootes in powther made up with a little pitch into a plaister and layd on the biting of a mad dog or any other venemous creature doth wonderfully helpe them the juice or the water dropped or tents wet therein and put into old and filthy deepe Vlcers or the powder of the roote in want of the other doth clense them and cause them to heale quickly by covering the naked bones with flesh the distilled water applyed to places pained with the Goute or Sciatica doth give a great deale of case the wilde Angellica is not so effectuall as the Gardens although it may safely bee used to all these purposes aforesaid the roote of the Garden Angellica is a better substitute in Theriaca Andromachi and 〈◊〉 then many other that have beene formerly accepted CHAP. XXXVII Imperatoria sive Astrantia Maisterwort OF this herbe there are two sorts the one well-knowne and the other set forth first by Camerarius in his Epitome on Matthiolus and Bauhinus after him in his Matthiolus 1. Imperatoria sive Astrantia vulgaris The common Masterwort Common Maisterwort hath divers stalkes of winged leaves divided into sundry parts three for the most part standing together at a small footestalke on both sides of the greater and three likewise at the end of the stalk each of which leaves are somewhat broad cut in on the edges into three or more divisions and all of them besides dented about the brims of a darke greene colour and doe somewhat resemble Angelica leaves at the first sight untill they bee better regarded and that they grow lower to the ground and upon lesser stalkes among which rise up two or three short stalkes in comparison of Angelica being about two foot high and slender with such like leaves at the joynts as grow below but lesser and with fewer divisions bearing umbells of white flowers and after them small thinne flat blackish seede bigger then Dill seede the roote is somewhat great and rather groweth sidewise then downe deepe into the ground shooting forth sundry heads which tasteth sharpe biting on the tongue and is the hottest and sharpest part of any of the rest of the plant and the seede next unto it being somewhat blackish on the outside and smelling well 2. Imperatoria Alpina Mountaine Maisterwort The mountaine Maisterwort groweth somewhat like the former but lesser in every part having nine leaves standing on each stalke by three and three but they are smaller and narrower and have fewer incisions in them but finely dented about the edges the flowers and seede are alike and the roote groweth in like manner with a blackish outside but is more sharpe and hot biting on the tongue then the former by much The Place and Time The first is found on sundry hils in Italy as also in Germany yet it is usually kept in Gardens with them as well as with us The other was found on the Alpes in Switzerland They flower and seede late with us as not untill the end of August The Names It is called by the latter Writers generally Imperatoria from the excellent vertues it hath yet many have referred that name to sundry plants of the Auncients not thinking that an herbe of such rare qualities should be unknowne to them and therefore Anguilara tooke it to be Ligusticum and Ruellius and Fuchsius to be Laserpitium yet not finding it fully to answer thereunto calleth it Laserpitium Germanicum Tragus referreth it to Smyrnium and calleth it Smyrnium hortense and Osteritium and yet nameth other herbes by that name also and Cordus in historia unto Struthion Matthâ—olus Gesner in hortis Lobel Lugdunensis Tabermontanus and others call it Imperatoria Brunfelsius Dodonaeus and Clusius call it Astrantia Camerarius Magistrantia and Caesalpinus Herba rena as the vulgar with him did The other Camerarius calleth Imperatoria vel Astrantia Alpina and saith the Germanes 1. Imperatoria sive Astrantia vulgaris Common Maisterwort 2. Imperatoris sive Astrantia Alpina Mountaine Maisterwort call it Bergstrents and the former Meisterwurtz and thence it is like they derived their Magistrantia We in English call it usually Maisterwort and by some Pelletory of Spaine but falsely The Vertues The roote of Maisterwort is hotter then pepper even to the third degree compleate and is of very subtile parts it is very availeable in all cold griefes and diseases both of the stomacke and body dissolving winde very powerfully both upward and downeward it is also used in a decoction with wine against all cold rheumes or destillations upon the lungs and shortnesse of breath to be taken morning and evening the same also provoketh urine and helpeth to breake the stone and expell gravell from the Kidneyes it procureth womens courses and expelleth the dead birth and is singular good for the strangling of the mother and other the like womens diseases it is effectuall also against the dropsie crampes and the falling sicknesse for the decoction in wine being gargled in the mouth doth draw downe much water and flegme from the braine thereby purging and easing it of what oppressed it it is of a rare qualitie against all sorts of cold poysons to be taken as there is cause either more or lesse and provoketh sweate the seede worketh to the like effect although not with the like efficacie if they can brooke the taste thereof and therefore many doe distill the water from both herbe and roote that they may take it with the better content the juice hereof dropped or tents dipped therein and applyed eyther to the greene wounds or rotten ulcers yea although they fret and creepe and be almost gangrenated and those also that come by envenomed weapons doth soone clense and heale them or if they be bathed with the distilled water the same also is very good to helpe the Goute comming of a cold cause Tragus saith that the decoction of the roote in wine being drunke doth revive the abilitie of generation being almost extinct which you may truly beleeve and try to be certaine as he saith but by his leave this is against Galens rule for hee saith that those things that are so hot to expell winde doe not helpe but hinder nature the other sort as I said before is more effectuall and in especiall for quartaine Agues to expell the dead child to purge the braine and to expell winde and helpe the Collicke CHAP. XXXVIII Podagraria sive herba Gerardi Goutwort or herbe Gerard. OF this herbe likewise there are two sorts the one knowne but to few yet the other is two well knowne especially where it getteth into any ground and although for their likenesse one to another divers have joyned this and the foregoing Maisterwort in one Chapter yet because they are differing plants in many notable parts I have thought good to part them into two 1. Podagraria vulgaris Common herbe Gerard. The common herbe Gerard is a low herbe seldome rising halfe a yard high having sundry
and crooked prickles fashioned like hookes bending downwards greene at the first and white being ripe from about which come forth whitish hoodded flowers appearing in circles flowring by degrees for the most part beginning in the middle and so downewards and upwards in the severall cells whereof which conteined the flowers grow small and whitish round seede somewhat long the middle part of the head being often hollow and conteining sometimes small whitish wormes like unto Magots the roote is white long and somewhat great at the head with divers long strings and small fibres set thereat and dyeth every yeare after the heads be ripe 2. Dipsacus sylvestris The wilde Teasell The wilde Teasell is in all things like unto the manured saving in the heads whose prickles are small soft and upright not hooked or stiffe which is contrary to the nature of all other wild plants almost which are harsher and more prickly then the manured and in the flowers which are of a fine blush or pale carnation colour 3. Dipsacus sylvestris laciniatis folijs Wilde Teasell with jagged leaves This wilde Teasell whereof I have no knowledge and but follow mine author whom I will not so farre mistrust as to say there is none such for who knoweth all the diversities that other countries doe produce is in all other things like the last saving in the leaves which are not whole and onely dented about the edges but torne in on both sides into deepe gashes 4. Virga pastoris The Shepherds staffe The Shepherds staffe is a kinde of Teasell also but differeth therefrom in many notable parts for the leaves hereof being large are of a sadder greene colour and not so prickly on the backe ribbe but finely dented about the 〈◊〉 the stalkes grow higher and not so prickly yet having some thereon and leaves set by couples at the 〈◊〉 but not compassing the stalke to hold water in manner like the former the severall branches beare small 〈◊〉 not much bigger then Wallnuts with soft prickles thereon and blush flowers like the wilde Teasell The Place The first is onely manured and sowen in gardens or fields for the Clothworkers use by raysing the Wooll of cloth with the crooked prickles of the heads make it fit for their sheeres to cut it smooth and thereby leave a 〈…〉 thereon pleasing to all the other sorts except the third grow in moist places neare ditches and tills of water to many places of this Land the third sort in some places of Germany and the last in sundry places of our owne Land The Time They flower in Iuly and are ripe in the end of August The Names It is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dipsacus in Greeke quasi fitibundus quod nomen a contrario invenit say divers authors quoniâ—â—â—â—â—cavo alarum siuu rorem vel imbrem recipiat quo veluti ad abigendas fitis injurias abutitur but I thinke not so for the water conteined in these leaves groweth bitter by standing in them therefore not fit to quench but to increase thirst rather the Latines also call it Dipsacus and after the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Labrum veneris cujus nomenclaturaa carinato foliorum habitu contraxit quae se ambage anfractuosa sâ—nnantia peluis speciem constituâ—â—â— intra se humorem retineut but I am of a different opinion that it tooke the name of Venus lips from the effects of a whores lippes which as the leaves the raine so they are ready to receive all mens offers and as the heads or Teasells so they ready to carde and teare all mens skins that have to doe with them untill they leave them bare and thin pardon I pray this extravagancie who follow Camerarius and other good authors herein that in the midst of their naturall phylosophie doe sometimes mix a little moralitie it is called also Carduus Veneris and Lavacrum Veneris it may be upon the like insinuation it is thought also to be the Gallidragon Xenocratis of Pliny Carduus fullonum also and some Virga pastoris but that is more usually given unto the last sort and so called because the dryed stalke clensed from the prickes for so much as might be held in ones hand served the Shepheards to guide their sheepe withall transferring the name of Virga pastoris to the Dipsacus sylvestris calling it Virga pestoris major and this other minor as Bauhinus doth Some saith Lugdunensis take it to be Plumbago Plinij Lobel maketh doubt whether it should bee the Spina Selenitis Theophrasti Guilandino Camerarius calleth it Dipsacus fatum and Dalechampius upon Pliny taketh it to be Molybdona Plinij The Arabians call it Chir and Moleta the Italians Dissaco and Cardo the Spaniards Cardo penteador and Cardencha the French Chardon de foullon and vergae abergier the Germanes Karten distell Bubenstrall and Weberkarten the Dutch Caerden and Voelder Caerden and we in English Teasell or the Fullers Thistle The Vertues Dioscorides saith that the roote bruised and boyled in wine untill it be thicke and kept in a brasen vessell or pot and after spread as a salve and applied to the Fundament doth heale the clefts thereof as also Cankers and Fiâ—â—lace therein the same also saith he taketh away warts and wennes Galen saith it is drying in the second degree and hath withall some clensing facultie others hold it to be cold and dry and therefore they say the leaves applyed to the forehead and temples qualifieth the frenzie or madnesse the juice of the leaves dropped into the ears killeth the wormes in them the distilled water of the leaves is good to bee dropped into the eyes to take away the rednesse in them and such mists as darken the sight the said water is often used by women to preserve their faces in beauty and to take away all rednesse and inflammations and all other heate or discolourings The Shepherds staffe is held profitable for no disease that wee know of CHAP. XIII Eryngium Sea Holly ALthough Dioscorides hath made mention but of one sort of Eryngium which is suspected by many to be appropriate rather to the Mediterraneum or campestre because he saith that it groweth in fields and rough places and not at the Sea side when as his description may as fitly be referred to the one as the other yet Pliny maketh mention of the Sea kinde also and this later age hath added divers others which for some resemblance in leafe head or roote they have so termed The Eryngium Pannoniâ—â—â— flore ceruleâ— flore albo I have exhibited in my former booke which is assuredly the Eryngium Genevense of Lobel and Eryngium planum of Matthiolus although Bauhinus doth make them different the rest shall bee shewed in this Chapter 1. Eryngium marinum Our ordinany Sea Holly The first leaves of our ordinary Sea Holly are gentle or nothing so hard and prickly as when they grow older being almost round and deeply dented about the edges hard sharpe prointed and a little crumpled also of
the same name of Eryngium yet in many Apothecaries shoppes it is called Iringâ— andâ— of some Centum capita Pliny calleth it Erynge and saith that some did referre Acanos unto Eryngium and 〈◊〉 doth thereof make some doubt and others referre it to Drypis Theophrasti as he saith also Casalpi◠〈…〉 Crocodilion of Dioscorides and Pliny Lacuna calleth it Glycyrrhiza spinosa all other authors generally 〈◊〉 first Eryngium marinum onely Bauhinus and Gesner in hortis call it Eryngium maritimum the second is 〈◊〉 Eryngium vulgare by Camerarius Clusius and Bauhinus because in Germany there is no other so frequent the â—â—mer being not so well knowne as being farre from the Sea side where onely it is naturall Fuchsius Angâ—â— Lacuna Cordus upon Dioscorides Caesalpinus and Tabermontanus call it simply Eryngium without other epiâ—â—â—â— Tragus and Lonicerus make it their first Eryngium Matthiolus Durantes and Lugdunensis call it Eryngium â—tanum sive ampestre Turner Gesner and Gerard Eyngium mediterraneum and Lobel Eryngium campestri mediterraneum the third is the Eryngium pusillum planum Mutoni of Lobel Lugdunensis and Clusius which Bauhinus calleth Eryngium planum minus the fourth is called by Clusius Eryngium pumilum hispanicum whom Dodâ—â— Lugdunensis Tabermontanus and Gerard do follow the fift is called by Lobel Pena Carduncellus monâ—â— Lupi and Lugdunensis Carduncellus Penae sive Cardui minimi species and Bauhinus Eryngium inputanum minimum capitula magno Alpinus lib. de exoticis as I take it mentioneth this calling it Carduus Eryngioides the last is mentioned by Alpinus The Italians call the first Iringio marino The Spaniards Cardo corredor the French Chardâ— a cent testes according to the Latine Centum capita and of some also Paracault the Germanes Wallendistill Brakendisâ—ell and Mans trewe the Dutch Meere wortele Endelâ—os and Cruijs distel and we in English Sea Holly or Sea Hulver The Vertues Both the Vpland and Sea Holly are temperate in heate somewhat drying and cleansing but our Sea Holly is more effectuall than the Vpland kinde in all things whereunto it may serve yet it is so neare thereunto that it is accepted in the steed thereof and that to very good purposes being not much inferiour what therefore I shall shew you of the Sea kinde you may transferre to the other as divers other good Authours doe The young and tender shootes are eaten of divers either raw or pickled the decoction of the roote in wine being drunke is very effectuall to open the obstructions of the spleene and liver and helpeth the yellow jaundise the dropsie and the paines in the loynes and winde collicke in the guts and bowells provoketh urine and expelleth the stone and procureth womens courses the same also or the powder of the roote to the quantitie of a dramme at a time with some wilde Carrot seede drunke in wine or as Apollodorus doth appoint in the broth of boyled Frogges or as Heraclides saith in the broth of a Goose is availeable anainst the sting or biting of Serpents and other venemous creatures the poyson also of the Aconite and other poysonous herbes the continued use of the decoction for fifteene daees taken fasting and next to bedwards doth helpe the strangury the pissing by droppes the stopping of the urine and the stone and all defects of the reines and kidneyes and if the said drinke be continued longer it is said perfectly to cure them that are troubled with the stone that the paines shall never returne againe the experience on them that have beene troubled along time therewith declaaring it to be true it is usually taken to helpe Venereous actions and is good against the French disease the rootes bruised and applied outwardly helpeth Scrophula's or the kernells of the throate called the Kings evill or taken inwardly either and applied to the stung or bitten place of any Serpent c. healeth it speedily if the roote be bruised and boyled in old Axâ—gis or salted lard and applied to broken bones thornes c. remaining in the flesh doth not onely draw them forth but healeth up the place againe gathering new flesh where it was consumed or almost fallen away the juyce of the leaves dropped into the eares helpeth impostumes therein The distilled water of the whole herbe when the leaves and stalkes are young is profitably drunke for all the purposes aforesaid and doth helpe the melancholy of the heart and is availeable in quartaine and quotidian agues as also for them that have their neckes drawne awry or cannot turne them without they turne the whole body therewith also The other sorts are farre lesse effectuall to be used in Physicke but the two last sorts are much used by the Natives to incite Venery both rootes and heads CHAP. XIIII Carduus Stellaris The Starre Thistle OF the Starre Thistles there are two or three sorts some whereof have beene but lately found out and exhibited to be knowne the other of more ancient cognisance the Spina or Carduus Solstitialis being one of the number in that it doth so meerely resemble them as shall be presently shewed but in my opinion these plants but that custome hath entituled them Thistles might as well be referred to the Iaceas or Knapweedes with prickly heads as divers others there placed are and even Clusius placing his Iaâ—â— flore luteo capitulis spinosis at the first among the Thistles doth afterwards change his minde and see it among the Iaceas 1. Carduus stellaris vulgaris The ordinary Starre Thistle The common Starre Thistle hath divers long and narrow leaves lying next unto the ground cut or torne on the edges somewhat deepely into many almost even parts soft or a little woolly all over the greene which is somewhat white among which rise up divers weake stalkes parted into many branches all lying of 〈◊〉 downe to the ground rather than much raised up that it seemeth a pretty bush set with divers the like 〈◊〉 leaves up to the toppes where severally doe stand long and small whitish greene heads set with very 〈…〉 1. Carduus 〈…〉 vulgaris The ordinary Starre Thistle 4. Carduus Solstitialis Dodonaâ— St. Barnabies Thistle by Dodonem Carduus Solstitialis Lobelâ—â— Lobels St. Barnabies Thistle long white prickes no part of the plant being in any place else prickly which are somewhat yellowish and as sharpe as in any other Thistle out of the middle whereof riseth the flower composed of many small reddish purple threads and in the heads after the flowers 〈…〉 come small whitish round seede lying in downe as others doe the roote is small long and wooddy peâ—â—â—â—ing every yeare and raising it selfe from it owne seede sowing 2. Carduus stellaris flore albo The white flowred Starre Thistle There is no difference in this Thistle from the former but in the white greenesse of the leaves and the white threads in the flowers 3. Carduus stellatus latifolius The broade leafed Starre Thistle This Thistle hath broader and shorter leaves than the former but
bitternesse for being dryed that bitternesse vanisheth when the other two doe abide the bitternesse therefore in the Roses when they are fresh especially the juice purgeth choller and watery humours which qualitie the Greeke authours it seemeth knew not but being dryed and that heate that caused the bitternesse being consumed they then have a stopping and astringent power Those also that are not full blowen doe both coole and binde more then those that are full blowne and the white Roses more then the red The decoction of red Roses made with wine and used is very good for the head-ache and paines in the eyes eares throate and gums the fundament also the lower bowels and the matrix being bathed or put into them the same decoction with the Roses remaining in them is profitably applyed to the region of the heart to ease the inflammations therein as also Saint Anthâ—cies fire and all other diseases of the stomacke being dryed and beaten to powder and taken in steeled wine or water doe helpe to stay womens courses they serve also for the eyes being mixed with such other medicines that serve for that purpose and are sometimes put into those compositions that are called Anthera as is before said The yellow threads in the middle of the red Roses especially which as I said bee erroniously called the Rose seedes being powdered and drunke in the distilled water of Quinses stayeth the aboundance of womens courses and doth wonderfully stay and helpe the defluxions of rheume upon the gummes and teeth and preserveth them from corruption and fastneth them being loose if they bee washed and gargled therewith and some Vinegar of Squilles added thereto the heads with seed being used in powder or in a decoction stayeth the Laske and the spitting of blood Red Roses doe strengthen the heart the Stomacke and Liver and the retentive faculties they mitigate the paines that arise of heate asswage inflammations procure sleepe and rest stay womens courses both white and red and the Gonorrhea the running of the reines and the fluxes of the belly the juice of them doth purge and clense the body from choller and flegme the huskes of the Roses with the beards and the nailes of the Roses are binding and cooling and the distilled water of eyther of them is good for the heate and rednesse in the eyes to stay and dry up the rheumes and watering of them Of the red Roses are usually made many compositions all serving to sundry good uses which are these Electuary of Roses Conserve both moist and dry which is more usually called Sugar of Roses Syrupe of dryed Roses and Hony of Roses the cordiall powder called Diorrhodon Abbatis and Aromaticum rosarum the distilled water of Roses Vinegar of Roses ointment and oyle of Roses and the Rose leaves dryed which although no composition yet is of very great use and effect to be last of all spoken To entreate of them all exactly I doe not entend for so a pretty volume of it selfe might be composed I will therfore only give you a hint of every one of them and referre the more ample declaration of them to those that would entreat onely of them The Electuary is purging whereof two or three drams of it selfe taken in some convenient liquor is a competent purgation for any of weake constitution but may bee encreased unto six drammes according to the qualitie and strength of the patient this purgeth choller without any trouble and is good in hot Fevers in paines of the head arising from hot and chollericke humors and heare in the eyes the Iaundies also and joynt aches proceeding from hot humors The moyst conserve is of much use both binding and cordiall for untill it be about two yeare old it is more binding then cordiall but afterwards it is mâ—re cordial then binding some of the yonger conserve taken with Mithridatum mixed together is good for those that are troubled with the distillations of rheume from the braine into the nose and defluxions of rheume into the eyes as also for fluxes and Laskes of the belly and being mixed with the same powder of Masticke is very good for the running of the reines and for other loosenesse of humors in the body The old conserve mixed with Diarrhodon Abbatis or Aromaticum rosarum is a very good cordiall against faintings swownings and weakenesse and tremblings of the heart it strengthneth also both them and a weake stomacke helpeth digestion stayeth casting and is a very good preservative in the time of infection The dry Conserve which is called Sugar of Roses is a very good Cordiall to strengthen the heart and spirits as also to stay defluxions The Syrupe of dryed red Roses strengthneth a relaxed stomacke given to casting cooleth an overheated Liver and the blood in Agnes comforteth the heart and resisteth putrefaction and infection and helpeth to stay Laskes and fluxes Hony of Roses is much used in gargles and lotions to wash sores eyther in the mouth throate or other parts both to clense and heale them and stay the fluxes of humors falling upon them hindering their heating it is used also in glisters both to coole and clense The cordiall powders called Diarrhodon Abbatis and Aromaticum Rosarum doth comfort and strengthen the heart and stomacke procureth an appetite helpeth digestion stayeth casting and is very good for those that have slippery bowels to strengthen and confirme them and to consume and dry up their moisture and slipperinesse Red Rose water is well knowne and of familiar use in all occasions about the sicke and of better use then Damaske Rose water being cooling and cordiall refreshing and quickning the weake and faint spirits eyther used in meates or brothes to wash the temples or to smell unto at the nose or else by the sweete vapours thereof out of a perfuming pot or cast on a hot fireshovell it is also of much use against the rednesse and inflammations in the eyes to bathe them therewith and the temples of the head also against paine and ache therein Vinegar of Roses is of much use also for the same purposes of paine and ache and disquitnesse in the head as also to procure rest and sleepe if some thereof and Rosewater together be used to smell unto or the nose and temples moistned therewith but more usually to moisten a peece of a red Rose cake cut fit for the purpose and heated betweene a double foulded cloth with a little beaten Nutmeg and Poppy seede strewed on that side shall lye next the forehead and temples and so bound thereto for all night The oyntment of Roses is much used against heate and inflammations in the head to annoint the forehead and temples and being mixed with some Populeon to procure rest as also it is used for the heate of the Liver of the backe and reines and to coole and heale pushes wheales and other red pimples rising in the face or other parts Oyle of Roses is not only used by it selfe to coole any hot
drinesse the gumme is hot and dry in the first degree The leaves and young tender branches of the Iuniper tree or the juice of them or of the berries or the berries themselves taken in wine are very effectuall against the biting of a Viper or Adder as also against the Plague or Pestilence or any other infection or poyson the Germanes use it much for their Treakle is made of the condensate juice of the berries which they commend in all diseases almost both for inward and outward remedies the same also is profitable against the Strangury and stopping of the Vrine and so powerfull against the Dropsie that as Matthiolus saith hee hath knowne divers to avoyd so much water by Vrine by taking foure or five ounces at a time of the Lye made of Iuniper ashes that they have beene holpen thereby it doth also provoke womens courses being stayed and doth helpe the rising and other paines of the mother the berries are good for the stomacke and to dissolve the swellings and windinesse thereof and are likewise profitable for the cough and shortnesse of breath and other diseases of the Chest and Lungs and to ease the griping paines and torments in the belly they are also prevailent to helpe Ruptures Convulsions and Crampes to procure a safe and easie delivery unto women with child for which purpose Matthiolus adviseth to take seven Iuniper and seven Bay-berries halfe a dramme of Cassia lignea and a dram of Cinamon these being grossely bruised put them into the belly of a Turtle Dove to be rosted therewith let it be basted with the fat of an Hen whereof they are to eate every other evening The scrapings of the wood saith Dioscorides being eaten doth kill men which clause both Matthiolus and Tragus before him finde much fault with seeing it is contrary to the former part of the Text and thrust thereinto by others for as he saith neither the best copies have it therein neither doe Galen Paulus Aegineta nor Serapio who wrote wholly after Dioscorides his Text word for word make any such mention of the properties of the wood and more saith he it is found false by tryall made thereof but Scaliger in his 15. Booke and 18. exercise maintaineth the Text of Dioscorides in that although the decoction of the wood is wholesome yet the scraping or course powder by the drinesse thereof sticking to the guts doth suffocate in the same manner as Colocynthis which to bee rightly prepared must bee beaten and finely sifted least it cleave to the bowells and blister them the berries are very comfortable to the braine and strengthen the memory and sight and all the senses and the heart also being eyther drunke in wine or the decoction of them in wine taken the same also is good against a quartane and dissolveth the winde in the belly and in generall is effectuall for all diseases as well outward as inward proceeding of any cold cause if they shall take of the berries two or three times a weeke three or foure at a time in wine which must bee gathered in the fit time of the ripenesse moystned with and after fairely dryed upon a cloth the Salt made of the ashes of the Iuniper wood is a singular remedy for the Scurvey the putrefied and spongy gums and generally resisting all putrefaction The Chymicall oyle drawne from the berries while they are greene is as effectuall if not more to all the purpose aforesaid there is an oyle also drawne out of the Iuniper wood per descensum as they call it which is very good against the toothach and for the Goute Sciatica and resolution of the Nerves or Sinewes comming of cold The gumme of Iuniper is used like as Amber is to stay cold rheumaticke distillations defluxions and Catarrhes upon the eyes or Lungs c. the fumes thereof upon the burning on coales being taken into a cappe the head also holden in the meane time over the said fumes at night and to lie covered therewith or the powder thereof with other things fit for the purpose strewed upon Flax and to be quilted into a cappe to bee worne in the night chiefely and in the day also as neede shall require the said gumme in powder taken in wine doth stay vomitings inward bleedings and spitting of blood womens courses also and all other the fluxes of the belly and of the hemorrhoides or piles the same also killeth the wormes in children and mixed with some oyle oâ— Roses and Myrtles healeth the chappes of the fundiment kibes also and chilblanes on the hands and feet the powder of the gumme mixed with the white of an Egge and applyed to the forehead stayeth the bleeding at the nose the same also burned upon quicke coales and the fumes thereof taken thorough a funnell upon as akiâ— tooth taketh away the paine it is effectuall in moist Vlcers and Fistulaes and weeping running sores to dryâ— the moisture in them which hindereth their cure the liquid Varnish is an especiall remedy against scaldings with water or burnings with fire and to helpe the painefull and bleeding Piles and Palsie Crampes Convulsions 〈◊〉 the Nerves and Sinewes The smoake of Iuniper wood being burned besides that it yeeldeth a good sent to peâ—fume any house it is of good use in the time of infection and driveth away all noysome Serpents Fliâ— Waspes c. the ashes of the wood or barke made into a Lye with water doth cure all itches scabbes pustules or other eruptions in the skinne yea and the Lepry also if the places be bathed therewith The Germanes Treakle of Iuniper berries is made in this manner Take what quantitie you will of fresh but ripe Iuniper berries bruise them and boyle them in a reasonable quantitie of water untill they be well boyled straine and presse them hard in a presse which pulpe and liquor set to the fire againe in a glased earthen vessell and evaporate away so much of the humiditie stirring of it continually as untill it become of the thicknesse of an Electuary which then put into pots or glasses to be kept for your use whereof a small quantitie taken morning and evening doth wonderfully helpe them that are troubled with the stone in the Reines or Kidneyes with the Chollicke with the paines of the mother and the stoppings of their courses is good against Catarrhes and rheumes the shortnesse of breath and winde the straightnesse of the breast the cough the cruditie rawnesse and indisposition of the stomacke against the Plague and other infectious diseases for it preserveth and defendeth the heart and vitall spirits from infection and venome and against swownings and faintnesse the paines swimming and giddinesse in the head against frensie also and madnesse for inflammations and rheumes into the eyes and preserving the sight deasenesse in hearing and stench of the gums mouth or breast helpeth the Dropsie Jaundies Falling sicknesse Palsie and Goute healeth inward Impostumes in briefe it not onely helpeth all diseases wherewith the body is possessed
call the second Serbin and the first Cade as Lobel saith and by burning the greene wood after the manner of making Pitch and Tarre doe make a certaine liquor or Tarre which is very strong and stinking by them called Huile de Cade but Lugdunensis saith that the said Tarre of oyle is made and drawen as well from Iuniper being so ordered or from Ash or both the Sabines or the prickly Cedar as from this These Cedars also yeeld a certaine Gâ— somewhat like unto the Gum of Iuniper and brittle also as it is The Vertues The small Cedars as Galen saith are hot and dry almost in the third degree the berries are sweet as of the former Iuniper and in like manner are of small nourishment to be eaten yet too liberally taken as Galen saith they cause headach and raise heate and gnawing in the bowells especially the two last which doe more heate and dry then the other the said berries bruised and made up with hony cureth the cough and being boyled in wine and drunke provoketh urine helpeth the Strangury and is effectuall in the diseases of the mother the suffocations and stranglings thereof to be drunke upon the fits and to be injected when it is exulcerated it is also given to those that are bitten or stung with Serpents or venemous creatures especially the Sea Hare the same also stayeth Laâ—kes and fluxes of the Belly and is of good use in Ruptures Crampes and Convulsions swellings and inflammations and are thought to be no lesse effectuall then Iuniper berries for all the purposes whereunto they are put and also to be but a little inferiour to the properties of the great Cedar for that water which forerunneth the liquid Pinch or Tarre when the greene wood is burned is called Cedria as well as that which commeth from the great Cedar and is almost as strong and powerfull to condite or enbaulme the bodies of the dead to preserve them from putrefaction as it the buile de cade or abhominable stinking Tarre is used not onely of the Shepherds to cure their Sheepe and Dogges of the mangy scabbes lice c. but helpeth also to kill lice and cure the scabbes in childrens head and is used eyther of it selfe alone or with a little Vinegar to an aking tooth to ease the paine or else to breake it or cause it to fall out the same also is effectuall to clense and dry up watering corrhoding or creeping Vlcers it is also used to bee laid upon wood to preserve it from Wormes and the smell thereof driveth away Mothes and other noysome Flies CHAP. XXXII Prunus sylvestris The blacke Thorne or Sloe bush LEt the blacke thorne or Sloe bush here take up a place because it is so thicke stored with thornes It never groweth to the greatnesse of a tree but alwayes abideth as an hedge bush in some places rising higher then in others having usually divers stemmes rising from the rootes branched forth into greater armes and smaller sprayes stored with strong short and sharpe thornes set with and besides the small darke greene leaves finely dented about the edges the flowers are very white many set on the branches in divers places and not wholly at the toppes consisting of five leaves as all other Plummes and Cherries have with divers white threads tipt with yellow in the middle after Prunus sylvestris The Blacke thorne or Sloe bush which follow the fruit which are as all know blacke and small when they are ripe and with the harshnesse a little sweete but before that time so harsh that none can indure to taste them these are all of one forme that is round and of one size or bignesse in a manner but to be much bigger or else as big as a Bullets or to be long with the roundnesse as a Dampson or other larger Plum I did never see the roote is great and wooddy spreading under ground and shooting forth againe in divers places if it be not cut and pruined The Place It groweth in every place and country in the hedges and borders of fields and is for their devision a sure defence The Time It flowreth early that is alwayes in Aprill and sometimes in March so strong and hardy it is against all the injuries of the weather but ripeneth the fruit after all other Plummes whatsoever for it is not fully ripe and fit to be eaten and used untill the Autumne frosts have mellowed it The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ceccymelea agria and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agriococcymelea quod magritudine rotunditate cuccimala ferat and the frut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agriococcymelon but Galen saith that they call it in Asia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prumnum in Latine Prunus sylvestris and Prunellus Virgill quarto Georgicorum calleth it Spinus in the masculine gender in these words Et Spinus jam pruna ferentes And so doth Servius and divers other authors since their times The Bulleis is accounted a kind of wild Plumme of the kinds whereof I have spoken in my former booke The Italians call it Pruno salvatico the French Prunier sauvaga Prunelier and Polesser the Germanes Schlehendorn and Habersclehen the Dutch Slehendoren and wee in English Blacke Thorne or Sloe tree or Bush The Vertues All the parts of the Sloe bush are binding cooling and drying and all effectuall to stay bleedings at the nose or mouth or any other place the Laske of the belly or stomack or the Bloody flex the abundance of womens courses and helpeth to ease the paine in the sides bowells and guts that come by overmuch scowring to drinke the decoction of the barke of the roote or more usually the decoction of the berries eyther fresh or dryed The Conserve likewise is of very great use and most familiarly taken for the purposes aforesaid but the distilled water of the flowers first steeped in Sacke for a night and drawne therefrom by the heaâ—e of a Balneum is a most certaine remedy tryed and approoved to ease all manner of gnawings in the stomacke the sides heart or bowells or any other griping paines in any of them to drinke a small quantitie when the extremities of paine are upon them the leaves also are good to make lotions to gargle and wash the mouth and throate wherein is swellings sores or kernells and to stay the defluxions of rheume to the eyes or other parts as also to coole the heate and inflammations in them and to ease the hot paines of the head to bathe the forehead and temples therewith The simple destilled water of the flowers is very effectuall also for the said purposes and so is the condensate or thickned juice of the Sloes the distilled water of the greene berries before they be ripe is used also for the said effects of cooling binding and staying the flux of blood and humours and some other purposes quae studiose praetereo The juice of the fruit of Sloes is taken as a Substitute for the
with some spots on them as other Fernes have and onely foâ—ked at the toppes into two or three short parts bowing or bending downe their heads it agreeth saith Tragus with Ferne in smell and taste The Place These all doe grow in rockey and stony places and the sixt seaventh and eighth kinde as Lobel saith neere the sea in Cornewall in moyst rockie places The Time They flower with the rest of the Fernes 7. Filix marina Anglica The small English Sea Ferne. 8. Filix saxatilis Tragi Naked stone Ferne. The Names The first here set downe is the first Filix pumila saxatilis of Clusius according to his description but the second figure doth answere thereunto and not the first as you may observe by the creeping rootes in the second figure which he that onely regardeth the figure and doth not compare the description therewith may soone bee deceived and this transposition Bauhinus observed well although he doth not speake of it but onely entituleth it Filix saxatilis romosa nigris maculis puncta and questioneth if it be not the Filicula candida of Gesner in appendice the second is the second of Clusius by the former name and by Bauhinus Filix saxatilis non ramosa nigris maculis punctata and questioneth if it be not the Filicula saxatilis of Camerarius but the first figure in Clusius is set forth like the female branched Ferne the third is the third Filix petrea foemina of Tabermontanus and called by Bauhinus as it is in the title the fourth is the Filix saxatilis crispa of Pona in the description of Mount Baldus the fift is mentioned by Cornutas among his Canada plants which Mr. Iohn Tradescant the younger brought home with him from Virginia this present yeare 1638. presently after the death of his father the sixt is the Filicula fontana of Tabermontanus the seventh is the Chamae filix marina Anglica of Lobel and the last is the Holostium alterum of Lobel and the Holostium petraeunâ— of Tabermontanus Tragus calleth it Filix nuda sive saxatilis and Thalius Adianthum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seu furcatum and Bauhinus thereupon Filix saxatilis corniculata but why he should referre it also to the Muscus corniculatus of Tabermontanus and Gerard being different plants I know not The Vertues The faculties of these Fernes may be referred to the former CHAP. VIII Asplenum sive Ceterach Smooth Splene worte or Milt-waste THe smooth Splenewort I so call it in regard of the former which is rough from a blacke threddy and bushy roote sendeth forth many long single leaves cut in on both sides into round dents even almost to the middle ribbe which is not so hard as that of Pollipodye each division being not alwayes set opposite unto the other but betweene each smooth and of a light greene on the upperside and with a darke yellowish roughnesse on the backe foulding or rowling it selfe inward at the first springing up as many other Fernes doe and therein resembleth that Beare Worme that anglers use The Place and Time It groweth as well upon stone walls as moyst and shadowie places in many places of this Land as about Bristâ—â— and other the West parts plentifully as also on Framingham Castle on Beckensfeild Church in Barkeshire Stroude in Kent and else where and like Pollipody abideth greene in the winter The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Asplenum and 〈◊〉 sive Ceterach Smooth Spleenewort or Miltwaste Splenium quod splenem juvat which it holdeth also in Latine in Greeke also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Scolopendrium Scolopendra in Latine from the likenesse of the Worme so called as I sayd before Theophrastus calleth it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as it is in the vulgar copies as also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hemionum which Galen translateth Mula herba in the Apothecaries shoppes Ceterach from the Arabians in the Antidotarium Bononiense it is called Digiti citrini the Apothecaries and Physitions in former times held the Harts-tongue to be the true Scolopendrium of the ancients but that errour is now sufficiently manifested and left as theirs also who held formerly that Asplenum was not Ceterach it is called of the later Arabians and Moores Scolofendrium of the Italians Aspleno and Scolopendria and herba inodorata of the Spaniards Doradilha of the French Ceterac of the Germanes Steynfarn of the Dutch Steenvaren and Miltcruit in English Spleenewort Miltwast and Scale-Ferne The Vertues It was and is generally used against the infirmities of the Spleene and as Vitruvius saith the Swine in Candy where it grew by feeding thereon were found to be without Spleenes when as others that did not eate thereof had them as the rest it helpeth the Strangury or pissing by droppes and wasteth the Stone in the Bladder and is good against the Yellow Jaundies and the hicket but the use of it in women hindereth conception Matthiolus saith that if a dramme of the dust that is on the backe of the leaves be mixed with halfe a dram of Amber in powder and taken with the juice of Purslane or Plantaine it will helpe the running of the Raines speedily and that the herbe and roote being boyled and taken helpeth all melancholicke diseases and those especially which rise from the French disease Camerarius saith that the distilled water thereof being drunke is very effectuall against the Stone both in the Reines and Bladder and that the Lye that is made of the ashes thereof being drunke for some time together helpeth Spleneticke persons it is used in outward remedies also for the same purpose CHAP. IX 1. Phyllitis sive Lingua Cervina vulgaris Ordinary Harts-tongue OVr ordinary Harts-tongue hath divers leaves rising 1. Phyllitis sive Lingua Cervina vulgaris Ordinary Harts-tongue from the roote every one severall which as the last and other Fernes fold themselves in the first springing and spreading when they are full growne are about a foote long smooth and greene above but hard or with little sappe in them and straked on the backe atwhart on both sides of the middle ribbe with small and somewhat long brownish markes the bottomes of the leaves are a little bowed on each side of the middle ribbe somewhat narrow with the length and somewhat small at the end the roote is of many blacke threads foulded or interlaced together Some doe make two sorts hereof and distinguish them into latifolia and angustifolia 2. Phyllitis laciniata Iagged Harts-tongue This Harts differeth in no other thing from the former then in the division of the toppes of the leaves which are diversly as it were torne or jagged some leaves much and some little according to the place of growing and time of abiding 3. Phyllitis ramosa Alpino Branched Harts-tongue according to Alpinus The rootes hereof are somewhat wooddy with the blacke fibres thereat shooting forth many slender broad stalkes of leaves two cubits long a little downy at
may be is a kinde of the seventh which Bauhinus termeth Trifolium spumoso capitulo laeve the eighth and ninth Bauhinus calleth Trifolium Capitulo spumoso aspero majus minus but I have entituled the Vesicarium asperum majus minus the tenth and eleventh are so called by Bauhinus as they are in their titles the last two sorts of Rushie spiked Trefoiles are mentioned by Alpinus in his Booke of strange plants by the names here exhibited The Vertues I doe not finde any other propertie in Physicke that these are applied unto than hath beene before spoken for being all of late invention have had no further triall made of them CHAP. XXXII Trifola pratensia Medow Trefoiles OF the Trefoiles that usually grow in medowes besides those that grow in our owne Land there be others that grow not with us which are fit to be set together 1. Trifolium pratense vulgare purpureum Common purple medow Trefoile called field Hony-suckles The medow Trefoile hath many leaves rising from the roote three set together and each almost round among which rise up short stalkes of flowers not much higher than the leaves bearing many deepe purplish crimson flowers together in a tuft rising smaller up to the toppe which turne into little cods with small seede in them the roote spreadeth much and endureth long Sometimes this is found with halfe round spots of white in the leaves 1. Trifolium poetense vulgare prapureum Common purple medow Trefoile called field Hony-suckles 2. Trifolium pratense album White flowred medow Trefoile 3. Trifolium pratense Salamanticum Clusij Medow Trefoile of Salamanca 5. Trifolium luteum minimum The smallest Trefoile 6. Quadrifolium phaeum fuscum Foure leafed or purple Grasse And there is another sort whose leaves are all longer than the former and pointed Altera diversa the flowers are of a paler purple Of this sort likewise some are spotted with blacke spots It is likewise sometimes found having a tuft of greene leaves on the stalkes which as I take is but accidentall and rather Lusus naturae than any speciall sort 2. Trifolium pratense album White flowred medow Trefoile This usually groweth lesse than the former and the flowers are white and lesse as the head is also and herein chiefely differeth yet I have seene it sometimes with longer leaves than in others but this is not Clusius his Trifoliem primum flore albo as Bauhinus thinketh making it the same with that of Matthiolus Dodonaeus Lobel Album Clusii c. for that of Clusius riseth high with few leaves and so doth not this 3. Trifolium pratense Salmanticum Medow Trefoile of Salamanca This Trefoile differeth little from the second sort of the former kinde but that the leaves are smaller according as the climate giveth them dented about the edges and with a blackish spot on them the branches traile on the ground and from the joynts rise the small stalkes that beare many crimson red flowers smaller then ours and rounder set together the small red seede is conteined in thin huskes 4. Trifolium pratense minus purpureum Small purple medow Trefoile This small Trefoile hath small hard stalkes a foote high full of branches bearing on some three leaves on other branches and joynts foure small leaves like a Lotus the flowers grow many together at the toppes of the sprigs being very small and in a loose umbell of a purplish red colour the roote is slender white and threddy 5. Trifolium luteu◠minimum The smallest yellow Trefoile This small Trefoile hath a few slender weake stalkes little bigger then small Rushes lying on the ground whereon grow small Trefoile leaves sometimes more then three on a short footstalke a little dented about the edges the flowers are small and yellowish set close and round together after which follow small blackish flat and crooked seede almost like a Medica in the huskes the roote is small and threaddy 6. Quadrifolium fuscum Fower leafed or purple grasse The purple grasse spreadeth on the ground the leaves are in some three in others foure or five on a stalke of a sad greene colour with a shadow of darke purple cast over them the flowers are white I never saw this but in Gardens where women keepe it with confidence to be good for the Purples in children or others The Place and Time The two first sorts grow every where in our owne Land the third in Spaine Portugall c. the fourth in many of the medowes in France the fift in divers of our medowes here the last onely in Gardens as I sayd for the wilde that is thought by some to be the same is not it and flower and seede in the Sommer The Names It is properly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke and Trifolium in Latine because three leaves are alwayes joyned together and it is probable that although Dioscorides doth not peculiarly make a Chapter thereof as he doth of Lotus yet he knew it and made mention thereof both in describing the Lotus sylvestris which as hee saith some called Lybica as also the Medica whose leaves were like unto the Lotus trifolia pratensis which sheweth plainely he knew it by comparing other herbes unto it There needeth no great explanation of these Trefoiles for all authors call them by this peculiar name of pratense as being most common therein the third is remembred by Clusius the fourth by Lugdunensis the fift Dodonaeus calleth Trifolium agrarium and Lobel Trifolium lutenus minimum and the last by Lobel in his Adversaria It is called in Italian Trifoglio in Spanish Trebol de prados in French Treffle de pres in high Dutch Wysenklee in low Dutch Claveren and in English Claver or Clover grasse and Medow Trefoile or Three leafed grasse and of many also Hony suckles because Bees feede much on the flowers The Vertues Medow Trefoile both leaves and flowers are thought to be cooling and binding but others thinke them to bee of a digesting and suppurating qualitie but Dodonaeus who holdeth with the first opinion saith that they are held to be good to ease the griping paines of the guts and to avoyd those slimie humours that sticke unto them if the herbe be boyled and used in a Glister which I thinke it cannot doe by any cooling or binding properties if the herbe be made into a pultis and applyed to inflammations it will ease them the juice of it dropped into the eyes is a familiar medicine with many countrey people to cleare them of any filme that beginneth to grow over them and to take away the pin and web as they call it growne in them it also allayeth the heate and blood-shooting of them Countrey people also in many places doe drinke the juice hereof against the biting of an Adder and having boiled the herbe in water they first wash the place with the decoction and then lay some of the herbe also to the hurt place the herbe also boyled in Swines grease and so made
with them yet most used this This drieth more than Barly it selfe and bindeth the belly being drunke with red wine and allayeth inflammations and drunke with water it quencheth thirst it was often eaten with a little new wine or sodden wine put unto it as every one liked CHAP. XVI Maza MAza is but Polenta parched Barly moystened with some liquor as every one thought meete for some used nothing but Water others put to it both water and oyle together as Hesychius saith and some as Hippocrates sheweth did put sweete wine to it and some put honey also Galen declareth that Maza of it selfe doth hardlier digest in the stomacke and doth trouble the belly with winde if it abide long therein but it doth the sooner passe downe if it be much turned and honey be put to it CHAP. XVII Of Ptisana PTisana the most praysed and prayse-worthy drinke supping or pultage call it how you will was used anciently to be made of divers sorts of graine and not altogether of Barly for they had their Chondro Ptisana made of Zea Pyrina Ptisana made of Wheate and Pliny saith that Italy which was abounding in Rice made Ptisana thereof which others made of Barly and Galen also sheweth it was made of Pulse for he nameth Phacoptisana that is made of Lentills but Ptisana simply without any other addition is alwayes understood of Barley onely husked for the excellency thereof The manner of making it is set downe by divers authors as Pliny Galen Dydimus and others but because Hippocrates who is accounted the Prince of Physitions wrote a whole Treatise in prayse thereof I will here set downe his words of making it fit for meate or medicine Take saith he of the best Barley and moysten it with water let it so rest for 3. or 4. houres then put it into a course bagge and beate it with a mallet or pestell of wood untill it have cast off the huskes which then being washed to take them away drie it in the Sunne and keepe it to use as occasion serveth as Polenta but to make it Ptisana it is to be boyled gently in water untill it breake and that the liquor be thicke like creame which then is lenifying sweete and lubricke or slippery and being moderately liquid quencheth thirst it hath no astriction nor moveth perturbations nor swelleth in the stomacke for all the swelling is tooke away in the boyling it sticketh not in the breast or stomacke but by the lubricitie is easily digested and quencheth thirst by the moistening qualitie these properties saith Galen recorded by Hypocrates are availeable both for the sicke and for the sound Dioscorides further addeth the creame of Ptisana by reason of the boyling yeeldeth more nourishment than Polenta that is made of Barly and is profitable to helpe the sharpenesse and roughnesse of the throate and all exulcerations This was the manner of the ancients Ptisana for their manner of making and using but our Physitions in these times use onely Barly husked and boyled in water and then beaten and strained putting some blanched Allmonds or Pompion seede or other cold seedes beaten and strained with some Sugar and Rosewater and this is their most usuall Tisane or Barly creame Some appoint Barly to be lesse sodden which is called Barly-water and therewith is made either Tisane drinkes by adding Licoris Raisons of the Sunne Maidenhaire or the like for such as are troubled with coughes shortensse of breath c. or else with Almonds or cold seedes make it into an Almond milke with Suger and rose-Rosewater or given to hecticke or macilent and weake bodies the Barly water alone or made into a Julip with Syrope of Violet or Lemonds or the like is a fit drinke for those that have hot or burning feaver on them or are otherwise distempered with heate or used with some pectorall Syrupes for the cough shortnesse of winde hoarsenesse or the like There yet remaineth Zythum and Curmi of the ancients to be spoken of and both as Dioscorides saith made of Barly which because wee suppose in these dayes they did point to our Ale and Beare which are made with Mault the substantiall part of the drinkes I thinke meete first to speake of Mault CHAP. XVIII Byne sive Maltum Mault AETius onely used this word Byne which by all is referred to Mault and as the by manner of making set downe by him is shewed plainely Maltum is a word made Latine from the Germans Manth and our Mault both signifying one thing that is that manner of prepared Barly as is fit therewith afterwards to serve to their use that would make of it either Ale or Beare the manner of making is as I take it in all countries alike without difference and so well knowne to all that it is in a manner needelesse for me to set it downe thereby to enforme any that having spent their time wholly thereon as being their profession can tell better how to enforme me but as in all the rest of this Worke my endeavours are to enforme shew those that not knowing wil not refuse to heare and understand and thus it is Barly is laid in water to soake for two or three dayes and nights which being swollen in that time the water is drained from it and is afterwardes spread equally on the floore of a garner or such like place that is close about halfe a foote thicke and covered with clothes or other things warme untill it beginne to sproute ready as it were to grow which will be performed within two or three dayes if the weather be warme or not very cold or else it will lye longer then doe they turne it before it grow too hot two or three times a day for a weeke or tenne dayes both to coole and to drie it then doe they bring it to the kill and there dry it throughly with fire made of straw or other such like light stuffe to cause it to have the sweeter relish for being dried with bavens or wood the mault will taste bitter of the smoake and is soone perceived in the drinke which will taste bittter This mault before it can be used is to be ground a little and then serveth it for the Brewer to use If Mault being ground be tried and applied in a bagge or double cloth hot to the sides or belly pained with stitches or gripings occasioned by cold or winde it giveth much ease and helpe and being made into a pultis asswageth tumors and swellings CHAP. XIX Of Zythum THeophrastus and Dioscorides onely and no other authors before them that I can finde have made mention of Zythum what it is or whereof it was made and yet they are so short therein that we rather understand this by others relation which thing sheweth it was so common a drinke there in those places of Greece c. that they thought it not worth their labour further to explane it even as Discorides hath done the like with many
in the Ile which is not farre from Orleaunce the fift is found in Spaine and Narbone in France and so is the sixt also and is there the most common the two last are knowne by their titles they all keepe the same time that the others doe The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and so likewise Ischaemon in Latin it is also taken to be Canaria Plinij by Anguilara and called Gall crus Apulei by him also and Gramen Ischaemon by all other Authors onely Leoâ—iceum was deceaved in taking it to be Coronopus because the Sclavonians called it Coâ—nitis pes Bauhinus and Tabermontanus onely make mention of the second the third is called generally Gramen Mannae and some adde esculentum because it is of so much use among the Germanes yet Thalius and some others call it Gramen acâ—leatum Cordus upon Dioscorides also calleth it Frumentum Germanicum Scwaden Oryzae species the Italians call both this and the first Sanguinaria Sanguinella and Capriola the fourth Lobel calleth Gramen Scoparium Ischami paniculis as it is in the title the fift Lobel formerly called Gramen Canarium alterum but afterwards Gramen Canarium Ischami paniculis Lugdunensis Gramen vulgare Dalechampij as Bauhinus saith but I thinke he is mistaken for I cannot finde it so others call it Gramen as if it were the first of Dioscorides and so Clusius also taketh it to be calling it Gramen legitimum the sixt is called by Lugdunensis Gramen vulgare Dalechampij as Bauhinus noteth it truly but not so in the other the seaventh Prosper Alpinus hath made mention of in his booke of Egyptian plants and saith that the Egyptians call it Neiemelmsalb or Gramen crucis The last is not remembred by any before and therefore this title is sufficient for it They may be all called Gramen Dactylon or Dactyloides as Bauhinus doth from the forme of the pannickles representing spread fingers and thereupon might as well bee called in English Finger grasse as Cockes foote grasse the Germanes call the third Himmeldaw quasi caeliros and wee in English Dew Grasse The Vertues Cockes foote grasse bruised and layd to any place that bleedeth doth stay the blood presently whether from the nose or wound yet if the rough spike be put into the nose and rubbed it will make it bleed thus the divers manner of using it workes a contrary effect both to draw blood and to sâ—ay it being boyled with Axungia that is Hogs Suet and some houshould bread doth quickly heale the biting of a mad dogge the same also applyed to hard tumors dissolveth them it is sayd that the juice of branch that beareth onely three spikes together taken in the waine of the Moone and put into the eyes that runne and water by some distillation of rheume making them to lock red to be bleare eyed or else being bound to the necke in the beginning of the sayd disease doth quickly discusse the humour and heale the eyes The Dew grasse is sayd to discusse the hardnesse of womens breasts the seede is food for small birds and Pidgeons and Hens and for men also for the Germanes and others seeth it like Rice and so eate it or put it into the broth of flesh as we doe Oatemeale and divers other wayes being as familiar and common to them as Oatemeale is to us The Cocks foote Quich grasse is thought to have all the properties and effectuall also that eyther of the Quich grasses before spoken of have and therefore for brevitie I referre you to them The Egyptian Cocks foote as Alpinus saith is used by the Egyptian women to helpe to breake the stone eyther in the reines or bladder but Velsingius aforesayd saith he could not learne it to be so effectuall yet saith that he met with a Religious man comming from mount Sinai that declared that the stone in the uretory vessels but not in the bladder might bee voyded by putting up the finger and pressing the bladder and by putting into the neck of the bladder by the Vrinary passage a Goose quill and blowing strongly therein which he himselfe saith knew to be true They also use the decoction of the rootes and seedes to provoke their courses and to give it to children to expell or drive forth the measels small pox faint spots purples or petecchie in them as also they use to give it in pestilentiall feavers the whole herbe but especially the rootes they hold to be of singular good use to heale both greene wounds and old Vlcers some of them also use the decoction thereof to procure sweate familiarly CHAP. XXV Gramen Arundinaceum Reede grasse OOf the Reede grasses there are divers sorts some grow on the land and others in the water those that grow in the Vp-land grounds shall be entreated of in this Chapter and the other hereafter 1. Calamogrostis sive Gramen Arundinaceum majus The greater Reede grasse The greater Reede grasse riseth up with many joynted stalkes and large sharpe cutting leaves on them like to those of the water Reede but lesser the toppes of the stalkes are furnished with divers hard long spikes or heades somewhat like the common Reede which when they have stood long doe open and having a flocky substance in them are carryed away with the wind the root is full of white strings and some joynted ones Minus which spread in the ground There is a lesser sort hereof whose toppe is not so full of spikes as having but one or two thereon 2. Calamogrostis altera Norwegica Reede grasse of Norway This other Reedegrasse of Norway groweth not so great but harder and rougher both in stalkes and leaves then the former the spoky tuft at the toppe is larger more spread into severall panickles sharper also and rougher in handling Anglica the rootes hereof likewise consist of many long strings We have one like hereunto growing nere Hackney if it be not the same our milder Country altering the roughnesse saving that this hath a tuft of hairy threds growing at the head of the roote 3. Calamogrostis nostras sylvae St. Ioannis Reede grasse of Saint Iohns wood This Reede grasse is in stalke and leaves somewhat like the next woolly Reede grasse but the stalkes are joynted in two or three places two or three cubits high with narrower leaves sharper and almost two cubits long and a little striped withall the toppe pannickles are sometimes a foote or more long parted into many long spikes which are soft as silke and of a shining over-worne murrey colour the roote is white with thicke strings which spread in the ground sometimes 1. Calamogrostis sive Gramen Arundinaceum majus The greater Reede grasse 1. Gramen Arundinaceum minus The lesser Reede grasse 2. Calamogrostis altera Norwegica Reede grasse of Norway 3. Calamogrostis sylvae Di Joannis Reede grasse of Saint Iohns Wood. 4. Calamogrostis sive Gramen tomentosum The softer or woolly headed Reed grasse 5. Calamogrostis torosa
Hippuris minor of Tragus Polygoâ—â—â— faemina of Fuchsius and Hippuris arvensis major of Tabermontanus the last is the Hippuris minor altera of Tragus and Equisetum sylvaticum of Tabermontanus and Bauhinus The Arabians call it Dhen ben alcail Dhemb 〈◊〉 and Dheneb alcail the Italians codâ— di cavallo the Spaniards Coda dimula and rabo de mula the French Queve de 〈◊〉 and Prelles the Germans Schaffthew and Ross schwantz the Dutch Peert steert and wee in English generally Horse taile and of some Shave grasse and as I sayd in the beginning by resembling a Rush might be called rough joynted Rushes The Vertues Horse taile the smoother rather then the rough and the leaved then the bare is both more used and of better effect in Physicke and is as Galen saith with the bitternesse of a binding qualitie and dryeth without sharpenesse It is very powerfull to stanch bleedings wheresoever eyther inward or outward the juice or decoction thereof being drunke or the juice decoction or distilled water applyed outwardly it stayeth also all sorts of Laskes and Fluxes in man or woman and the pissing of blood and healeth also not onely the inward Vlcers and excoriations of the intralls bladder c. but all other sorts of foule moist and running Vlcers and soone sodereth together the toppes of greene wounds not suffering them to grow to maturation it cureth also Ruptures in children quickly in the elder by time according to the disposition of the partie and the continuance the decoction hereof in wine being drunke is said to provoke urine to helpe the strangury and the stone and the distilled water thereof drunke two or three times in a day a small quantitie at a time as also to ease the paines in the intralls or guts and to be effectuall against a cough that commeth by the destillation of rheume from the head the juice or distilled water being warmed and hot inflammations pustules or red wheales and other such eruptions in the skinne being bathed therewith doth helpe them and doth no lesse ease the swellings heate and inflammations of the fundament and privy parts in man or woman Countrey huswives doe use any of these rough sorts that are next at hand to scoure both their woodden pâ—uter and brasse vessels the young buds are dressed by some like Asparagus or being boyled are after bestrewed with flower and fryed to be eaten CHAP. XXXVII Tipha Cats taile or Reede Mace BEing next to shew you all the sorts of Reedes I would set this in the first place to be entreated of as a meane betweene the Rushes and Reedes before I come to those are properly called Reedes whereof there are three sorts 1. Typha maxima The greater Reede Mace This great Reede Mace shooteth forth divers very long soft and narrow leaves pointed at the ends in a manner three square because the middle on the backside is great and sticketh forth amongst which rise up sundry smooth round and taper-like stalkes stuffed and not hollow above a mans height with joynts and leaves on them from the lower part upwards a good way but bare and naked thence to the toppe where they have small long and round heads shewing forth at the first some yellowish flowers which being past the torch or spike groweth greater and consisteth wholly of a flocky substance of a blackish browne colour on the outside somewhat solid 1. Typhae maxima The greatest Reede Mace 2. 3. Typha minor minima The two lesser sorts of Reede Mace or weightie yet is in time blowne away with the winde the roote is white somewhat thicke knobbed and joynted spreading much with many long fibres at it sweet in taste if it be chewed 2. Typha minor The lesser Reede Mace This differeth in nothing from the former but in that it attaineth not to that height and greatnesse that the former doth 3. Typha minima The least Reede Mace The least Reede Mace likewise differeth not from the last but in being smaller both in leafe and stalke which are more hard or rough and in the top which in some places beareth a smaller spike above the lower being greater with a small distance betweene them and a small leafe at the bottome of it The Place and Time They doe all grow either in the middle of watery ditches or ponds or by the banckes and sides of them in many places of this kingdome and flower about Midsommer the Torch Mace being ripe in August The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latine Typha a cylindro turbinataquaspicae effigis quasi typhonis sese gyrantis turbinem aut gigantis staturam minacem imitatur aut ut inquit Ruellius quod sceptra regum clavas argenteas vel aureas quae ante primos magistratus gestantur vulgo a Mace dictas perpolitas caulis lanosa floccum densitate summatim fastigiatus aemuletur some call it Cestrum morionis as Dodonaeus saith and some Typha aquatica or palustris to put a difference betweene it and that kind of Typha is put among the Cornes and therefore called Typha Cerealis Theophrastus maketh mention of them both as it is thought and Dioscorides but of this one but Theophrastus saith that his Typha palustris is without leaves which therefore cannot agree hereunto Pliny also speaketh hereof lib. 16. c. 36. among the sorts of water Reedes It hath no other name given it by any author saving that Anguilara tooke it to be Vlna and Dodonaeus calleth it Papyri species and Lugdunensis putteth it by the name of 〈…〉 Dodonaei Dodonaeus seemeth to take this to be that Scirpus that Ovia in sexto Fastorum mentioneth in these 〈◊〉 in plaustro scirpea matta fuit but not onely I but divers others more learned doe doubt thereof as also that he â—ferreth it to the Phleum of Theophrastus but not Phleos for that is a thorny plant as I have here before shewed which he numbereth inter palustria Orchoâ—nij and Aristophanes also as I recited him in the Chapter of the sweete Cyperus bringeth in the Frogs rejoycing that they had spent the day inter Cypirum Phleum whose flower Theophrastus saith is called Anthela as Dodonaeus saith but I rather judge it of the fruit for Theophrastus mentioneth both Typha and Phleum The second is onely remembred by Clusius if it be not the same that Gerard saith he saw growing in Shepey the last is called Typha minor by Lobel in his Adversaria and by Lugdunensis as also Typhula and murina by Clusius in his Paâ—onick Observations The Italians call it Mazza sâ—rda because that if the dust of the heads get into the eares of any it will make them deafe the Spaniards Behordo and Iunco amarocodaco The French Masse de Iunc The Germanes Narrenkolben The Dutch Lisâ—h doden and Donsen And we in English in divers places Cats taile and Reede Mace by others but in being betweene a Rush and a Reede it might fitly be called Torch rush or Torch
Pas de cheval and Pasâ— ' asne The Germanes Brandat lettich quasi Vstulorum lactuca and Roshub that is Vngula Caballina The Dutch Hoef bladeren that is foote leafe And we in English Folefoote and Coltsfoote and Horse hoofe The Vertues Coltsfoote while it is fresh is cooling and drying but when it is dry the cooling quality which remained in the moisture being evaporate it is then somewhat hot and dry and is best for those that have thinne rheumes and distillations upon the Lungs causing the cough thereby to thicken and dry it as the fresh leaves or juyce or Syrup made thereof is fittest for an hot drycough and for wheesings and shortnesse of breath the dryed leaves taken as Tabacco is in the like manner good for the thinne rheumes distillations and coughes as also the roote taken in like sort as Dioscorides and Galen say The distilled water hereof simply or with elder flowers and Nightshade is a singular remedy against all hot Agues to drinke two ounces at a time and to have some clothes wet therein and applyed to the head and stomack the same also applyed to any hot swellings or any other inflammations Tussilago Herba sive flore Colts foote without flowers Tussilago florens Colts foote in flower doth much good yea it helpeth that disease called Saint Anthonies fire and burnings also and is singular good to take away wheales and small pushes that rise through heate as also against the burning heate of the piles or of the privy parts to apply wet clothes therein to the places Matthiolus sheweth that in the roote of this Colts foote there groweth a certaine Cotten or white Wooll which being clensed from the rootes and bound up in linnen clothes and boyled in lye for a while and afterwards some salt niter added unto it and dryed up againe in the Sun is the best tinder to take fire being stroke from a flint that can be had CHAP. VIII Cacalia Great and strange Colts foote OF this kinde of Colts foote as I may so call it there are two sorts described by authors which I meanâ— to shew you in this place and unto them adde another American plant which in my opinion commeth nearest unto the others 1. Cacalia incano rotundo folio Hoary strange Colts foote The hoary strange Colts foote hath a long white roote divided into many heads with many long strings and fibres thereat of a clammy taste like unto gum Tragacant encreasing thereby much and shooting up many hoary reddish striped stalkes with large round leaves on them bigger and thicker then Colts foot and more woolly also on the upper side yet with a greenenesse to bee seene in them but very woolly and white underâ—eath with some ribbes and veines in them of a little bitterish unpleasant taste from among which rise up the striped woolly yet reddish stalkes two or three foote high having sundry lesser leaves on them and all of them dented about the edges branching forth at the toppe into sundry small sprigges of pale purplish flowers made of foure small leaves a peece with some threds in the middle which after they have beene a while blowne doe passe away into downe that is carried away with the winde Dalechampius saith that in the middle of the flowers are found hanging downe small white graines like pearles to make it answeare to Plinies description 2. Cacalia glabro folio acuminato Smooth strange Colts foote This other sort hath as large leaves as the former but thicker harder greener and smoother and not hoary at all but dented or waved on the edges and pointed also with the roundnesse and not open at the stalkes as the other the stalkes are in like manner smooth and striped bearing the like flowers at the toppes but somewhat paler the roote also is alike 1. 2. Cacalia folio incano rotundo glabro acuminato Hoary and Smooth strange Colts foote 3. Cacalia Americana Colts foote of America 3. Cacalia Americana Strange Coltsfoote of America This stranger riseth up with many round stalkes about a yard high and two somewhat round but pointed leaves a little dented about the edges at each joynt of them the upper leaves being smaller and little or nothing dented at the toppes of the stalkes come forth divers branches with pure white flowers divers small ones made of five leaves a peece rising out of each huske which being past there succeede small long seede sticking each to a little downe which are carryed away together with the winde The roote consisteth of a bush of blackish threds or fibres which abideth the extremity of the Winter both stalkes and leaves perishing yearely but grow brownish at the end this hath no sent that I could perceive neither in roote leafe nor flower whatsoever Cornâ—tus saith thereof The Place and Time The two first sorts grow in the vallies of mountaines in sundry places beyond Sea and by the Bathes where they want not moisture but not in our owne Land that as yet I can heare of and flower and seede in the Summer time The last in America both Virginia and Canada The Names It is generally taken by all our later Writers to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Dioscorides which Galen calleth Cacanum and not Cancanum as some copies have it for he mentioneth not Cacalia as Dioscorides hath it yet giveth the same properties to Cacanum that Dioscorides doth to Cacalia which is not usuall with him unlesse he meane the same thing These plants are called by no other name then Cacalia by any Writer but Lugdunensis who calleth the second Tussilago Alpina sive montana Dalechampij Bauhinus would make a third sort of these European kinds but I finde his description so answerable to the first sort that I thinke it is the very same and therefore give no further description of it The last Iacobus Cornutus calleth Valeriana Vrticae folio flore albâ— because he hath another of that sort with a purple flower saying the roote smelleth like Nardus or Valeriana But I can find no such thing in it I have called it great and strange Coltssoote and not mountaine Coltsfoote as some have done because there are other herbs more properly to be called Mountaine Coltsfoote which grow alwaies on the dryer grounds as shall be shewed in due place and these in the moister parts of the mountaines and because the flowers are white and stand like a Valerian I have therefore as I thinke added it to these Cacalia's for by that name did Master Tradescant receive it first from beyond Sea of whom I received the plant that groweth with me The Vertues The roote steeped in wine and eaten is good for the cough and the hoarsenesse of the throate which Galen confirmeth saying the same of his Cacanum that it is without sharpenesse and good for the hoarsenesse Dioscorides addeth that the Pearelike graines which are found in his Cacalia beaten and mixed with a cerote or ointment doth
as Dioscorides before him did set it downe The leaves heated under the ashes untill they grow yellow and applyed to the hard swellingâ— of the fundament that bâ—eede being like unto the Hemorrhoides doe stay the bleeding and ease the paines and being used with hony they clense foule ulcers CHAP. XIV Stachys palustris Marsh base Horehound THis hath square round and hairy stalkes about two foote high with two somewhat long and narrow darke greene leaves and gray underneath Stachys palustris Marsh base Horehound pointed at the ends and dented about the edges with round dents like Betony set at every joynt and somewhat a strong unsavoury sent at the upper joynts with the leaves come forth sundry pale reddish flowers set in rankes like unto Betony the roote is somewhat long and thicke joynted at severall spaces with fibres at them The Place and Time It groweth in the plashy places of low grounds in sundry Countries and flowreth in Iuly The Names Camerarius calleth it Stachys palustris Gesneri but Gesner himselfe in Collations stirpium calleth it Betonica faetidâ— and questioneth whether it should not be the Herba Iâ—daica Lugdunensis saith it is Clymenum minus Dalechampij and Thalius calleth it Sideritis primae gravis â—doris Cosalpinus Terâ—iola because it cureth a tertian ague Besler in the great hortus Eystetensis saith it was called with them Lysimachia galericulata adulterina and Gerard Marrubium aquaticum acutum yet it is not his Pinax Câ—loni as some would thinke which is not of so strong a sent as this neither is the leafe of this so long nor rootes so Serephâ—lâ—us The Vertues It is a singular good wound herbe serving both to heale greene wounds and foule old Vlcers the juyce taken in some drinke an houre before the fit of an ague will lessen and alter the fit and at two or three times taking quite rid it away CHAP. XV. Conyza palustris major The greater Marsh or water Fleabane THe roote hereof is thicke and diversly spread sending forth hollow and crested stalkes three foote high with sundry joynts and branches Conyza palustris Marsh Fleabane bearing two long leaves at each joynt which are dented about the edges greene on the upper side and gray or woolly underneath at the toppes of the stalkes and branches stand many small yellow flowers together like unto those of Ragwort which when they are ripe the seede flyeth away with the winde Minor aquaticâ— There is another smaller and lower then this growing in the like watery places the leaves will be sometimes much lesse dented or jagged on the edges then in others the flowers likewise stand not but one on a stalke for the most part and yellow The Place and Time The place is declared by the titles and description and their time of flowring and seeding is the end of Sommer The Names The former is the Conyza aquatica of Gesner in hortis Conyza maxima serrati folia of Thalius Lingua major Dalechampij of Lugdunensis called Consolida palustris by Tabermontanus and Solidago Sarsaenica by Gerard according to his figure but not description The other is called Conyza aquatica both by Thalius and Bauhinus and that which hath more jagged leaves may be also the Conyza Helenitis folijs laciniatis of Lobel The Vertues This is as effectuall a wound herbe as any is used and is also as availeable to all the purposes that the other Conyza's are applyed whereunto I referre you for brevities sake CHAP. XVI Oenanthe aquatica Water Dropwort THere are two sorts of this Water Dropwort a greater and a lesser both which are exhibited by Lobel in his Ieones under one title as one would thinke but distinguished the one by Oenanthe aquatica which is the lesser the other which is the greater by Oenanthe quarta Matthioli but confounded in his Observations both titles being referred to one which confusion I would avoid and shew you them both distinctly The greater hath divers large spread leaves next the ground and lying thereon cut into many divisions somewhat resembling Parsley but much smaller among which rise crested thicke hollow stalkes with leaves on them cut into longer and finer divisions bearing white flowers at the toppe which turne into close umbels of small flat grayish seede somewhat lesser then Fennell seede the roote hath sundry small white knobs growing among the strings 2. Oenanthe aquatica minor The lesser Water Dropwort The lesser hath very finely cut small leaves lying on the ground before the stalke beginneth to rise which then being carryed up with it scarse seeme to be leaves but rather like the ribbes of leaves of a darke and shining greene colour as the stalke is also which resembleth a Rush very nearely and below the toppe thereof which is pointed like a Rush and not at the toppe as the figure expresseth it breaketh forth a small umbell of small whitish sweete flowers which turne afterward into as small seede as Smallage but blacker the roote hath many small kernels among the fibres which are as small as haires or finer 3 Oenanthe altera minor Africana The small Water Dropwort of Barbary This other lesser sort being brought us by Boel from Barbary doth most â—â—erly resemble the last small sort in the 1. Oenanthe aquatica major The greater Water Dropwort 2. Oenanthe aquatica minor The lesser water Dropwort 3. Oenanthe altera minor Africana The small water Dropwort of Barbary fine leaves but differeth in the toppe which is at the toppe of the staâ—ke the tuft being larger and the seede bigger The Place and Time Both the former grow in wet grounds neere brookes sides with 〈◊〉 in many places yet will they both endure in Gardens but are not there so great and large as in their naturall places the lesser flowâ—eth and seedeth 〈◊〉 then the other usually the lesser is pâ—â— before the greater be in flower which is not untill August The last was gathered about Sapphi in Barbary by Boel aforesaid The Names The greater is the Oenanthe quarta of Matthiolus exhibited both by him and Lobel separately in the figure which may bee plainely discerned not to be all one with the other and as my selfe have observed them in mine owne Garden Bauhinus who as it should seeme knew it not was deceived by Lobel his confounding of the figures and titles Lugdunensis calleth it Siser palustre and Tabermontanus and Gerard Filipendula aquatica The lesser is referred by Bauhinus to both these sorts to quarta Matthioli and to Oenanthe aquatica which is this of Lobel although expressed in the figure without any kernells to the rootes if it doe not represent another plant which both Dodonaeus and Lonicerus referre to Siâ—â—â— or Laver Dodonaeus calleth it Iuncus odâ—ratus aquatilis I know not by what reason but onely that the stalke is in colour and fashion not much unlike a Rush but nothing else is like it The Vertues They are both of them good to provoke urine when it is stopped
and the Scurvy also for which they are very helpefull they also helpe to breake the stone and passe it away by urine which it provoketh also being stopped it helpeth likewise to procure womens courses and to expell the dead birth being fryed with butter and vinegar and applyed warme it helpeth all manner of rumours and swellings and Saint Anthonyes fire also if it be often renewed Farryers doe much use it about their horses to take away swellings to heale the scab and other the like diseases in them CHAP. XIX Nasturtium aquaticum Water Cresses I Doe distinguish betweene Sium and Nasturtium aquaticum as Bauhinus and Gesner in hortis doe holding them to be differing kindes of plants and not species ejusdem generis and therefore entreate of them in severall places as I also must doe in severall Chapters and speake of those sorts that for their likenesse unto Cardamon Cresses may be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cardamon enudron Nasturtium aquaticum for of the Cardamines which are Field Cresses I have entreated in the seventh Classis of this Worke one of whose figures I give you here to shew their difference 1. Nasturtium aquaticum vulgare Common Water Cresses Our ordinary Water Cresses spreadeth forth with many weake hollow sappy stalkes shooting cut fibres at the joynts and upward long winged leaves made of sundry broad sappy and almost round leaves of a brownish greene colour the flowers are many and white standing on long footestalkes after which come small yellow seed contained in small long pods like hornes the whole plant abideth greene in the Winter and tasteth somewhat hot and sharpe like Cresses 2. Nasturtium aquaticum Italicum Italian water Cresses This differeth little from the former but in that the stalke is crested the leaves are cut in a little here and there on the edges and dented somewhat resembling Parsley leaves and in the taste of both herbe and seede more mild and pleasant the roote likewise creepeth not as the others 3. Nasturtium aquaticum amarum Bitter Water Cresses This sort groweth greater then the first with longer and more pointed leaves when it runneth up to stalke but the first leaves are very large and round little differing else from the forme but is so extreame bitter in taste that none can away with it to eate it unlesse it be boyled in water and shifted againe into other fresh boyling water to take away the bitternesse and so some doe eate it this is often sound growing in Germanie as Thalius saith with the former and knowne asunder by the greatnesse 4. Nasturtium aquaticum minus Sweete smelling Water Cresses This small Water Cresse hath a small long white roote with some fibres thereat from whence spring sundry winged leaves made of many much smaller then the former and somewhat long with the smallnesse smelling reasonable well the stalkes have divers white flowers upon them like unto the Cardamine but smaller by much the seedes are like in such slender pods and of the same taste The Place and Time All these grow in the small standing waters for the most part yet sometimes in small rivulets of running water they flower and seede in the beginning of Summer The Names The first is generally taken to be the Sisymbrium alterum of Dioscorides which as â—e saith scâ—re called Sium and others Cardamine being so like in taste thereunto Matthiolus Caesalpinus and Tabermontanus call it Sisymbrium 1. Nasturtium aquaticum vulgare Common Water Cresses 2. Nasturtium aquaticum Italicum Italian water Cresses 3. Nasturtium aquaticum amorum Bitter water Cresses Cardamine Ladies Smockes aquaticum Cordus Gesner and Thalius Sisymbrium alterum Fuchsius and Lugdunensis Sisymbrium Cardamine Dodonaeus called it Sium and Laver Ericius Cordus Cresso Laverâ—doratum and Lobel Sien Cratevae Erucaefolium Anguillara tooke it to be Vella Galeni and Tragus Lonicerus Dodonaeus and Bauhinus call it Nasturtium aquaticum the second Matthiolus calleth Sium vulgare which the Italians as he saith call Crescione Lobel and Lugdunensis call it Sium Matthioli Italorum and Bauhinus Nasturtium aquaticum erectum folio lâ—ngiore The third Thalius remembreth in his Harcynia sylva by the name of Sisymbrij alterius species secunda and Bauhinus Nasturtium aquaticum majus amarum The last is called by Camerarius in his Epitome of Matthiolus Sisymbrium aquaticum alterum vel minus and by Lugdunensis Cardamine quarta Dalechampij The Italians as is before said call it Crescione the French Cressondeane the Germanes Brunkressen the Dutch Waterkresse and we in English Water Cresses The Vertues The Water Cresses are hotter in taste then Brookelime and more powerfull against the Scurvy and to clense the blood and humours and for all the other uses whereunto Brookelime is before said to be availeable as to break the stone to provoke urine and womens courses the decoction thereof is said to be good to wash foule and filthy Vlcers thereby to clense them and make them the fitter to heale The leaves or the juice is good to be applyed to the face or other parts troubled with freckles pimples spots or the like at night and taken away or washed away in the morning the juice mixed with vinegar and the forepart of the head bathed therewith is very good for those that are dull and drowsie or have the Lethargy CHAP. XX. Sium sive Pastinaca aquatica Water Parsnep DIvers Writers have made divers sorts of herbes to suite with the Sium of Dioscorides some whereof I have shewed you in the Chapter before the other that are held by the most judicious to be the truest and neerest thereunto shall follow in this 1. Sium Dioscoridis sive Pastinaca aquatica major The greater Water Parsnep This greater sort riseth up with great hollow and crested stalkes two or three cubits high parted into divers branches whereon stand long wings of leaves made of many long and somewhat broad leaves pointed at the endes and dented about the edges smooth thicke and sappy every one whereof is as large as of a Parsnep the flowers are white and stand in tufts or umbels after which follow the seede which smelleth well and is bigger and rounder then Anneseede the roote is blacke with many fibres at the joints thereof and of the stalke under the Water neere the ground the whole herbe is somewhat of a strong sweete sent 2. Sium minus sive Pastinaca aquatica minor The lesser Water Parsnep The lesser sort is very like the former but lower and lesser the leaves being long and narrow and dented also 1. Sium Dioscoridis sive Pastinaca aquatica major The greater water Parsneppe 2. Sium minus sive Pastinaca aquatica minor The lesser water Parsneppe 2. Sium minus alterum Another small water Parsneppe 3. Sium majus alterum angustifolium Another vvater Parsneppe with narrow leaves 4. Sium minimum Noli me tangere dictum sive Impatiens Nasturtij sylvestris folio The Quicke or Impatient Cresse about the edges the flowers are white and the seede
Dioscorides describeth them both in two severall Chapters the one in the roote that the Lotus roote was called Corsium and was round of the bignesse of a Quince which was used to be eaten either boiled or rosted under the fire which the roote of Nymphaea faileth in this is most probable to bee the Lotus Aegyptia of Dodonaeus And then againe in the seede which as Dioscorides sheweth is flat in the head of the Nymphaea and like Milium that is round in the Lotus but the leaves and flowers in both being so like the other being hid under the water caused Alpinus as he saith himselfe to â—ake no further knowledge or marke any difference in them then of a Nymphaea and I am halfe perswaded the like neglect hath happened to the Faba Aegyptia that it is not yet found in the waters of Egypt because the leaves thereof also are round like the Lotus or Nymphaea but now in his Booke of Exoticke plants he changeth his note and shâ—weth there that this is the true Lotus Aegyptia and all the parts thereof particularly desciphered All thâ—se sorts of Water Lillyes are so called by all Writers almost as I doe and therefore neede no further 〈◊〉 or amplification But hereby all men may take a good caveat not to be too forward either to condemne the Teâ—t of the ancients as judging it erronious or to be too confident of their owne judgement without well considering all parts For the like hereunto happened unto the Faba Aegyptia which formerly was confidently supposed to be Colocassia ignorance being the cause of error which knowledge since by industry hath corrected The Vertues The leaves and flowers of the water Lillies are cold and moist but the roote and seede is cold and dry the leaves doe coole all inflammations and both outward and inward heares of agues and so doe the flowers also either by the Syrupe or Conserve the said Syrupe also helpeth much to procure rest and to settle the braines of franticke persons for it wonderfully helpeth the distemperature of the head arising from heate the seede is sometimes used to stay fluxes of blood or humours either of wounds or of the belly yet is as effectuall as the roote but the roote is of greater use with us some taking the white roote which is of the yellow sort and some the roote of the white Water Lilly which hath the blacke roote to be the more effectuall to coole binde and restraine all Fluxes or defluxions in man or woman as also the gonorrhea or running of the reines and the involuntary passage of sperme in sleepe and is so powerfull that the frequent use thereof extinguisheth Venerious actions the roote likewise is very good for those whose urine is hot and sharpe to be boiled in wine or Water and the decoction drunke the blacke roote which beareth the white flowers is more used with us in these times then the other because it is more plentifully to be had then that with yellow flowers but the white roote of the yellow kinde is lesse pleasant and more astringent and harsh in taste and therefore not without just cause doe most preferre it before the other to stay womens courses and mens spermaticall issues The distilled water of the flowers is very effectuall for all the diseases aâ—oresaid both inwardly taken and outwardly applyed it is much commended also to take away freckles spots sunburne and Morphew from the skinne in the face or any other part of the body The oyle made of the flowers as oyle of Roses is made is profitably used to coole hot tumours and the inflammations of ulcers and wounds and ease the paines and helpe to heale the sores The Frog bit as being a species as I said of the Nymphaea minor and so likewise these lesser sorts have generally a cooling quality in them yet in a weaker measure then the greater sorts But let no man mistake the yellow Marsh Marigold instead of the yellow Water Lilly as it is likely Serapio lib. simplicium cap. 144. and some other Arabian Authours did that said there was another kinde of Nenufar which was sharpe and hot and of subtill parts and is fit to warme and give heate to cold griefes for assuredly they meant hereby the Caltha palustris which they mistooke to be a kinde of Nenufar as is evident by this their relation CHAP. XXX Potamogeton sive Fontalis Pondweede OF the Pondweedes there are divers sorts more found out and referred to them then was in former times which are these that follow 1. Fontalis major latifolia vulgaris The greater ordinary Pondweede This greater Pondweede riseth up with sundry slender round stalkes full of joynts and branches and faire broad round pointed darke greene leaves with long ribs in them like Plantaire set siâ—gly at the joynts and lying flat on the toppe of the water at the toppes of the stalkes and branches usually and seldome Potamogeton sive Fontalis major minor latifolia vulgaris The greater and lesser broad leafed Pondweede 2. Fontalis major longifolia The greater long leafed Pondweede at the lower joynts come forth long spiked heads of blush coloured flowers upon long footestalkes like unto those of Bistort or Arsmart whereon after they are past stand chaffie huskes containing within them blackish hard seede the roote creepeth to and fro in the mudde with divers joynts and tufts of fibres at them whereby they are fastened to the ground There is another of this sort that is lesser not much differing in any thing else Minor 2. Fontalis major latifolia The greater long leafed Pondweede This other greater sort differeth little from the former but in the leaves which are longer and narrower and the ribbes running acrosse in them and not at length as the former doth the spiked heads of flowers hereof are is some more whitish and in others as faire a blush colour as the former and come as well from the upper joynts as the toppes of the stalkes and branches There is another sort hereof also Altera with leaves not altogether so long or narrow 3. Fontalis serrato longifolio Dented Pondeweede The roote of this is joynted and creepeth like the former bringing very long and narrow leaves at the joynts of the stalkes and dented about the edges without any order on both sides and beareth at the toppes such like spiked tufts of flowers and seede after them as the others doe 4. Potamogeton gramineum ramosum Grasselike Pondweede The stalke hereof is a foote high or more being very slender round and whitish parted into sundry branches with many small grassiy round darke greene leaves not set together but by spaces a good way in sunder which end in other leaves that are almost as small as haires yet notwithstanding from the wing of the first leafe commeth forth a stalke with the like leaves at the end and thereat a small footestalke three inches long sustaining certaine small flowers dispersedly set in a
of sundry fishes being a soft herbe composed wholly of woolly white haires without any branch or stalke and is oftner found white then reddish or gray but is not greene There is another small sort hereof found growing on the stones by the Sea side as also sometimes upon wood and is likewise sometimes cast up by the Sea on the shore among the Alga of divers sorts growing somewhat like the former or ground Mosse but that it is white and tasteth a little saltish and binding 2. Muscus marinus Neapolitanus Sea Mosse of Naples This Sea Mosse likewise groweth unto some rocke or stone rising with a stalke more then foure inches high 1. Muscus marinus capillaceus Dioscoridis alter parvum Venetâ— The soft Sea Mosse and another small sort from the Venetian shore 2. Muscus marinus Neapolitanus Sea Mosse of Naples 3. Muscus marinus seu Alga tinctoria Dying red Sea Mosse 4. Muscus marinus vireus Fâ—niculaceus Short Fennell like Sea Mosse 5. Muscus marinus Ferulaceus Long Fennell like Sea Mosse 6. Muscus marinus Abrotonoides Southernewood like Sea Mosse 7. Muscus marinus argenteus plumiâ—ormis The silver like Sea Feather 8. Muscus marinus Venetus Costiradice effâ—gie The long close Sea Mosse of Venice 9. Penna aurea marina The goulden Sea Feather with sundry branches on both sides and they againe divided into lesser all of them plentifully stored with very fine leaves as small as Camomill leaves or finer then they if any other be finer soft in handling at the first easie to be bended and transparent if they be interposed to the light greene below at the lower part and purplish above this is not so brittle as Coâ—lline when it is dryed and groweth more rough by the drynesse although it may well be referred unto some kinde thereof and retaineth a very salt taste with it but being put into water oâ— a while steeped therein it will grow soft againe 3. Muscus maritimus tinctorius sive Alga tinctoria Lugdunensis Dying red Sea Mosse This small red Sea Mosse is somewhat like the last but with more store of soft stalkes and fewer branches and with as fine small leaves on them like unto Fennell of a reddish colour but with some whitenesse mixed together this is used by divers to strike a deepe crimson or reddish purple colour which will last long 4. Muscus marinus vireus Fâ—eniculaceus Short Fennell like Sea Mosse This short Fennell like Mosse groweth up from blackish round and fibrous rootes with divers fine short leaves like Fennell of an herby or greene colour among which an herby stalke riseth also with such like leaves on it and having sundry swolne eminences thereon 5. Muscus marinus Ferulaceus Long Fennell like Sea Mosse The leaves hereof are very long and fine like unto the Ferula or Fennell giant growing from stalkes neere a foote long divided into branches this springeth from Rockes or the like 6. Muscus marinus Abrotonoides The Southernewood like Sea Mosse This also riseth up from the Rockes with thicke stalkes and branches with fine cut leaves on them somewhat like unto Southernewood but much bigger and of a brownish red colour 7. Muscus marinus argenteus pluâ—formis The silver like Sea Feather This most beautifull Mosse groweth on the Rockes in the Sea upon the dry shels of Fishes and is also often found wrapped amongst the wrake or Sea weede cast upon the shore growing up as the figure sheweth into many particular parts or branches made as it were all of haires like other Mosses but verily representing severall sprigs of Feathers of so pure a white silverlike colour that it is to be wondered at that any Sea Mosse should become so white by nature or made by Art the property whereof is to waste the Spleene applyed with Vinegar it quickly also dissolveth the scrophules or kernels in the throate or elsewhere it helpeth the Dropsie in that it doth abundantly provoke urine it clenseth likewise the reignes and gravell or stones engendred in the kidneyes if a dramme of it in pouther be taken in the distilled water of Erysimum Hedge Mustard or Sea Holly with an equall proportion of the juice of Lemmons 8. Muscus marinus Venetus Costi Inditiradicis effigie The Venetian Costus like Mosse This Venetian Mosse groweth on rockes in the Sea which by the often agitation of the water is broken from it and carryed to the shore not having any roote but being made as it were of a tuft of small stickes set together and being dry resembleth the roote of Costus Indâ—eus but whiter and being moistened againe openeth it selfe into the forme aforesaid and as it is expressed in the figure it is very salt and full of it like sand 9. Penna marina aurea The goulden Sea Feather This Sea plant that for the beauty and excellency thereof doth worthily deserve his name although sent thus maiâ—ed as it were being but a peece as it is likely of what it was when it grew yet such as it is I here offer to your view being of a most shining gold colour both stalke and leaves which very neately resembleth the Spartum Austriacum of Clusius which we call the Feather grasse The Place and Time Their places are all declared by their titles to be the stones on the shore or Rockes in the Sea and the shells of fishes c. whereon many of them breede and but few spring out of the ground as the fourth doth some in other Countries and some on our owne causâ—â— and perish not in Winter or Summer The Names The Greekes call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Muscus marinus in Latine yet some promiscuously call these Fucus marinus as well as Muscus but Dioscorides distinguisheth betweene them entreating of them in two sundry Chapters and although Pliny be inconstant herein making Mosse sometimes an herbe sometimes a shrubbe and sometimes confounding both Muscus and Fucus together The first of both sorts is mentioned by Antonio Donati in his herbation of the I le of Leo of the Venetians and is also the Muscus marinus of Dioscorides according to Constantinus his more exact consideration as Lugdunensis doth relate it and the Fucus capillaceo folio of Theophrastus as it is thought The second is Clusius his Muscus marinus which he received from Imperatus of Naples and sent by the name of Palmula marina but nothing agreeing with that of Theophrastus The third is the Fucus sive Alga tinctoria of Lugdunensis The fourth is the Muscus marinus viteus which Casalpinus calleth Muscus marinus herbaceus mollier The fifth the Fucus Ferulaceus of Lobel The sixth is his Fucus marinus folijs Abrotani maris whom Lugdunensis followeth calling it Muscus marinus folijs Abrotani The seventh and the last are so called by Donatus as their titles declare them and the eighth is mentioned by Pona in his Italian Baldus The Arabians call the Sea Mosse Thahaleb and Thaleb the Italians Mosco marinio the Spaniards Malhoquiana yerva the
7. Eufragia lutea minor radice squammata The lesser yellow Eyebright This lesser sort hath a smooth hollow stalke a foote high or lesse set with branches and leaves by couples on them which are like unto the Germander or Ivy leafed Chickeweede but longer pointed the flowers are yellow but like unto those of the common Eyebright the seede is small blacke and round and pointed at the ends standing two together on a small footestalke the roote is white and round like a bulbe composed of foure thicke coates or scales lying close together the whole plant is without taste and somewhat resembleth Fumiterry but Columna saith that the rootes are like the Dentaria major of Matthiolus as the figure expresseth it The Place and Time The first and third are onely frequent in our Land the former in many Meddowes and grassie places throughout our Country and the other in many places of Kent in the barron fields and waste grounds both about Gravesend and the tracts thereabouts and in many other places the rest some in Italy and at Naples or in Spaine and Austria they all for the most part flower not untill the end of Summer the seede ripening within a while after The Names It is called Eufragia and Eufrasia and by some onely thought to be anciently called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet is Euphrosyne not knowne nor described by any of the former Greeke or Latine writers for it is of later invention and for the effects called Ophthalmica and Ocularia The first is generally called Eufrosia and Eufragia or Euphragia by all Writers The second is called by Columna Eufragia linifolia although the leaves bee farre lesse then those of Line or Flax the third is the Eufragia altera of Dodonaeus Lobel and others the Sideritis pratensis rubra of Lugdunensis the Odontites of Tabermontanus the Ericoides rubrum of Thalius and the Crataeogonon Euphrosyne of Gerard who would needes make it a kinde of Crataeogonon against the saying of Dodonaeus from whom he hath the most that he hath saying it cannot agree with Crataeogonon by the defect in many parts and yet his Corrector doth so let it passe The fourth Bauhinus called in his Phytopinax Brunella Italica but in his Pinax Euphrasia pratensis Italica latifolia and in his Prodromus Eufrasia purpurea minor and is the third Eufrasia non scripta of Columna The fifth is the Eufragia major sylvestris purpurea latifolia of Columna The sixth is the Sideritis pratensis lutea of Lugdunensis Ericoides luteum of Thalius Odontites flore luteo of Tabermontanus and the Eufragia sylvestris major lutea angustifolia of Columna The last Columna calleth Anonyma radice Dentariae and Bauhinus Euphrasia lutea Alfinofolio radice squammata The Italians and Spaniards call it Eufrasia the French Eufrase the Germanes Augencrost the Dutch Ooghen troost and we Eyebright The Vertues The bitter taste that is herein sheweth it to be hot and dry and is especially used for all the diseases of the eyes that cause dimnesse of the sight for either the greene herbe or the dry the juice or the distilled water is very effectuall for the said purpose to be taken either inwardly in wine or in broth or to be dropped into the eyes and used for divers dayes together Some also make a conserve of the flower to the same effect Any of these wayes used it helpeth also a weake braine or memory and restoreth them being decayed in a short time Arnoldus de Villa nova in his booke of wines much commendeth the Wine made of Eyebright put into it when it is new made and before it worke which because we cannot make in our land I could wish that the Eyebright might be tunned up with our strong Beere in the same manner which no doubt would worke the like effects their Wine and our Beere having a like working as we use with Wormewood Scurvigrasse and the like to helpe the dimnesse of the sight and saith that the use thereof restored old mens sight to read small Letters without spectacles that could hardly read great ones with their spectacles before as also did restore their sight that were blinde for a long time before If this drinke be not to be made or had the pouther of the dryed herbe either mixed with Sugar a few Maces and Fennell seede and drunke or eaten in broth or the said pouthers made into an Electuary with Sugar doth either way â—end to the same effect CHAP. IV. Specadum Veneris sive Viola pontagona The Corne Violet WE have in our Corne fieldes in this Land two sorts of Corne Violets a greater and a lesse which shall be shewed to you in this Chapter 1. Speculum Veneris majus The greater Corne Violet The greater of these Violets hath sundry slender weake trayling stalkes lying on the ground and rising from the roote divided and subdivided from every joynt into branches so plentifully that one plant growing in a good Garden ground will be hâ—â—dly covered with a pecke measure thicke set without order with small and somewhat long leaves slightly dented or rather waved on the edges at every leafe from the 〈◊〉 upward commeth forth 〈…〉 of the bignesse of a two pence so that five hundred flowers a 〈◊〉 will be seene open at once a goodly spectacle set in a fine pointed greene huske of a faire purplish blew 〈…〉 of one whole leafe plaited into five round pointed ends white at the bottome with a white pointell 〈…〉 closing up every night and opening in the day onely the seed is yellow and contained in small long heads the roote is small threddy and annuall 2. Speculâ—â—Veneris 〈◊〉 The lesser Corne Violet The lesser sort groweth more upright like unto the little Centory with stiffer and fewer branches more harsh or rough also in handling the leaves are like unto the former but somewhat lesse at each joynt almost come forth two or three flowers standing at the ends of long 〈◊〉 like unto Lysimachia siliquosa of the same fashion and colour as the former but so small as the eye of a little bird never rising above the huske it standeth in and not but in the heate of the day to be seene which then onely layeth it selfe open the seede is small and yellow as the former the roote is small and annuall also The Place and Time The first groweth in the Corne fields betweene Greenehithe and Dartford in Kent as also in the Corne fields about Lilly a towne in the uttermost part of Hartfordshire towards Bedford the other about Hartfield and in sundry other places in this land being more frequent by much and flower from Midsommer untill the end of August almost the seede ripening in the meane time The Names We have not understood as yet by any that the lesser sort hath beene observed by any Authour beyond sea but onely the former which is called Onobrychis and 〈◊〉 arvensis by Dodonaeus and Lugdunensis and Onobrychi◠〈◊〉 Belgarum by Lobel
of a whitish greene colour and abiding in the Winter on the stalkes not falling of as the rest doe the flowers are wholly white and a little larger then the last standing at the toppes of the stalkes like others 9. Linum arboreum Creticum luteum The yellow shrubbe Flaxe of Candy This groweth like a small shrub covered with a blackish barke with long leaves thicke set on the branches somewhat like unto those of Flaxe but larger comming neerest unto large Myrtle leaves the flowers are yellow and very bitter in taste the seede vessels are as bigge as Ciche pease containing foure seedes within them very like unto Flaxe seede 10. Chamaelinum Clusij flore albo sive Linum sylvestre Catharticum Dwarfe wilde Flaxe with white flowers or Mill mountaine This Dwarfe Flaxe hath many slender stalkes of about a spanne and a halfe long with divers small long leaves set by couples on them and white flowers at the toppes of the branches lesser then those of the manured with yellow threds in the middle the seede is small that followeth in the small round heads the roote is small also and threddy Lobel setteth sorth another small one not rising above foure or five inches high with small leaves and yellow flowers Flor luteo 11. Chamaelinum stellatum Dwarfe wilde Flaxe with starre like flowers This whole plant is scarse three inches high having but one or two very small stalkes at the most and as small leaves ending in a very sharpe point the flowers are few and small made of five narrow pale greene leaves pointed at the ends and standing forth in that manner that every flower resembleth a starre with a round umbone in the middle The Place and Time Some of these as is before said grow in Spaine some in France or Germany and some in our owne Land also they all are in flower for the most part from Midsommer untill August and some abide longer the seede ripening in the meane time The Names Linum in Latine and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greeke signifieth as well the herbe as it groweth as the same prepared to be spun and when it is made into cloath also The first is called by all Authours Linum sâ—â—ivum and the second Linum sylvestre by Tragus who saith it is sowne in the fields of Germany in sundry places because it yeeldeth more store of Flaxe and yet is found naturally growing among Oates The third is Clusius his first Linum sylvestre latifolium The fourth is the third Linum sylvestre of Clusius The fifth is Clusius his second Linum angustifolium which Lobel and others call Linum sylvestre floribus albis The sixth is Clusius his angustifolium primum which Lobel and others call tennifolium The seventh is the Linum sylvestre of Matthiolus Dodonaeus Caâ—erarius and others and the Linum marinum luteum of Lobel and may be the first Linum fruticosum subflavum of Bauhinus in Prodromo and the Linum lutemâ—â— sylvestre latifolium of Columna for they differ little The eighth is the Linum sylvestre fruticosum of Clusius The ninth is the Linum arboreâ—â— of Alpinus in his booke de plantis Exoticis The tenth is the Chamaelinum of Clusius which is called Mill mountaine in many parts of this Land by the Country people where it groweth The last is called Linum minimum stellatum by Bauhinus who saith it is also called by some Passerina minor saxatilis The Arabians call it Bazari-chichen or Bozerchetan which is the seede thereof onely the Italians Lino the French Lin the Germanes Flachs the Dutch Vlas and we Flaxe and Line The Vertues There is neither leafe flower nor roote of Flaxe used in any medicine with 〈◊〉 that I know neyther greene nor dryed neither the juice distilled water or any other composition made thereof but onely the seede and that more in outward then inward Physicke in these dayes although in former times as Galen sheweth that some used the seede parched for their food taken with honey and some used to put it into their bread but saith he primo alimentorum it troubleth the stomacke hardly digesteth and giveth little nourishment to the body but concerning the mooving of the belly downewards saith he I will neither praise nor dispraise it yet it hath a small property to provoke urine which it doth best being parched thus saith Galen of the manured kinde but the wilde kindes that are more bitter have another property The seede of Line made into pouther mixed with honey and some pepper into an electuary and thereof the quantity of a Nutmeg taken every day doth helpe the cough as some say the seede also boyled in water and some honey put unto it and drunke is said also to ease the paines of the body as the collicke and stitches and all inflammations if it be outwardly used also with Fenugrecke and Linseed and some Mallows a pultis being made therof is of good use to mollify and discusse any tumour or hardnes in any part of the body or of the mother by sitting in the warme decoction of the seede or to receive the hot fumes through a seate for the purpose being taken with Raisins saith Pliny it helpeth the obstructions of the Liver the seede mixed with niter or salt and figge tree ashes easeth the paines and hardnesse of the muscles sinewes and arteries and used with figges it ripeneth and digesteth mixed with the wild Cowcumber roote it draweth forth splinters thornes nailes or any other thing sticking in the flesh and broken bones also the decoction thereof made in wine and applyed to any fretting or running sore stayeth it from spreading further used with as much Cresses it taketh away the ruggednesse of the nailes and with Myrrhe and Rossin it helpeth ruptures and the swellings of the cods used with Olibâ—â—â— and water or Myrrhe and wine it helpeth watering eyes and mixed up with hony or suet or waxe and applyed it helpeth the hard kernels and swellings under the eares or throate it taketh away also the spots and blemishes of the skin â—â—â—rning and other discolourings The oyle of Linseede besides that it is of much use for Painters to fasten their colours either on cloth wood stone iron or glasse and to burne in lamps abiding longer then the Oyle of Oliveâ— although it giveth much more smoake and soote is of exceeding good use to mollifie the hardnes and shrinking of the sinewes helpeth the hemorrhoides or piles the rifts and chaps of the fundament and the hardnesse and pâ—ines thereof and of the mother being beaten with Red-rose water it is good against burnings The wilde Flaxe is of the like use in most things and the more effectuall by reason of the bitternesse in many others the decoction thereof with the flowers doth resolve tumours and lenifie inflammations the arteries also when they grow hard and stiffe and the swelling and sores in the groine of Mill mountaine some triall hath beene made among our people to move the body
generally by all Dentaria and major the lesser being called by Clusius Dentaria aphyllos and Dentaria coralloide radice and minor by others The Italians as Matthiolus saith call Orobanche Herba Tora because Kine eating thereof will presently goe to the Bull some also as he saith Herba Lupa and some Coda di leâ—ne Because we had no proper English name for the former sorts and I thought it improper to call them Broome tapes as that is called which groweth from the Broome I have given them another English one fitting their property as I take it yet let every one doe as they thinke meetest The Vertues Dioscorides saith of his times that it was used to be eaten as other herbes are either raw or boyled with pulse which would helpe their digestion Galen saith it is cold and dry in the first degreeâ— our people doe many times use the latter sort in medicines for the Lungs having received it as a tradition from their ancestours and therefore called the greater Lungwort we have no other properties of any of these herbes to open unto you CHAP. XVII Cyclamen Sowbread ALthough I have given you in my former Booke a doozen sorts or more of Cyclamen or Sowbread for whose knowledge I must referre you thereunto a figure of one or two being here shewed you instead of the rest yet I have a strange plant to exhibite to your consideration which was found and sent for a bastard kinde thereof and withall shew you the properties of the right more amply Pro Cyclamino verno spurio missa plauta A strange plant sent for a bastard Sowebread of the Spring It had a tuberous roote varying from the forme of the Cyclamen roote being long and thicke small at the head and broad at the bottome with a dent in somewhat like unto the forme of an heart as it is pictured on the cards or rather like those pin-pillow-purses that poore women use to sticke their pinnes round about the brims or edges having a hard thicke skinne of a brownish colour with sundry hard long rough fibres underneath and about it from the toppe whereof rose divers somewhat round leaves a little pointed resembling those of the violet but smaller some being larger and smaller then others with three five or seven nerves or ribs in them each upon a long footestalke and of a brownish greene colour from among which riseth up a reddish stalke divided from the bottome into three or foure branches with the like leaves on them and at the head of every branch two or three small greenish yellow mossy flowers much like unto those of the Ribes or red Currans with divers yellow threds in the middle The Place and Time This grew on the Pyraenean hils sent by Venerius to Iohn Hogheland and other his friends in the low countries and flowring in the Spring time Cyclamen autumâ—ale folia Hâ—derae Ivy leafed Sowbread Pro Cyclamino verno spurio missa planta A strange plant sent for a bastard Sowbread of the Spring The Names â—â—â—rius sent this for a differing kind of Cyclamen by the title it beareth but as the description and figure declare â— is much different therefrom almost in every particular and therefore not knowing what other denomination 〈◊〉 it must hold the first imposed for me untill I or some other can better dispose of a more certainty The Vertues The plant being rare and lately found out and known but to few I have not yet learned that any experience hath 〈◊〉 thereof whether it hath any medicinal or other property therein but because in my former Booke I was 〈◊〉 in declaring the vertues of the true Sowbread I think good upon so fit an occasion to expatiate them furâ—â— here Although Mesues doth determine the degrees hereof to be hot and dry in the beginning of the third yet 〈◊〉 doth not so but saith only 70. Simplicium that it cutteth clenseth opneth the mouths of the veines drawâ—â— and digesteth which is plainely seene by the particular operations thereof for the juyce of it openeth the heâ—â—rrhoides or piles and strongly mooveth to the stoole being put up in wooll and saith Mesues it avoideth tough 〈◊〉 used in a glister it is also mixed with such medicines as discusse swellings kernels and other hard knots in any part of the body it helpeth also the pinne and webbe in the eyes being infused with honey as also avoideth it by the nostrils which Mesues also affirmeth and that by snuffing up the juice the head and braine is purged from those humours that offend it the ache also and daily paines of it and the Meagrome Galen further saith that if the belly be bathed with the juice it will forceably moove it downewards and kill the birth or to be put up in a 〈◊〉 and although the roote is weaker then the juyce yet the roote being either drunke or applyed provoketh 〈◊〉 and is profitable for those that have the yellow jaundice to drive it forth by sweating if after the 〈◊〉 of three drams thereof in powther in Meade or honied water they be carefully ordered to sweate it 〈◊〉 also to cleanse all the deformities or discolourings of the skin and the freckles and spots thereof as well 〈◊〉 â—s dry applyed to the region of the spleene it easeth the hardnesse thereof some also saith he gave the dryed 〈◊〉 to them that are pursie or short winded Matthiolus saith that the distilled water from the rootes snuffed 〈◊〉 into the nostrils stayeth their bleeding wonderfully and that if six ounces of that water be drunke with an 〈◊〉 of fine sugar it will stay the blood that commeth from the brest stomacke or Liver in a wonderfull manner or if any veine be broken in them and this is his attestation to hinder saith he the violence thereof in purging it is 〈◊〉 to mixe there with some Masticke or Nutmegge or a scruple of Rubarbe many have been holpen of the hardnesse and swelling of the spleene by the use thereof which could not be holpen by other things It easeth also the paines and torments in the bowels which we call the chollicke If saith he the roote hereof be beaten with new Peach stone kernels and bitter Almonds and after laid to steepe in Aquavitae for three dayes a drop or two of the expressed creame therof dropped into the eares that are deafe or have much noise in them helpeth them the juice mixed with honey or Plantane water helpeth all maner of sores in the mouth or throate being gargled therewith and the toothache also Dioscorides saith many of the same things and besides that the decoction thereof leâ—eth wounds the running sores also in the head bones or members out of joynts kibes or chillblanes and the â—oote Pliny saith the roote is good against the venome of Serpents and that it will kill Swine which is conâ—â—y to the received opinion of most that they are delighted therewith and greedily devoure the rootes after they have rooted them up from whence came
heate and outward aire pierced the places effected with the disease and cured it for after the same manner doth the Succus Cyrenaicus that is the best Laser or Laserpitium cure the uvula or palate of the mouth as we call it when it is falne downe or swolne through rheume or as Nigella seede being fryed and bound in a thinne warme linnen cloath doth dry up the thinne and troublesome destillations of rheumes by the hot breath thereof rising through the nostrils as also if divers threds dyed in the purple fish colour be bound about a Viper or Adders necke and it thereby strangled and they afterwards bound about their neckes that have swellings or other diseases in their neckes and throates doe marvailously helpe them these be Galens words but our age hath not onely found Galens experiments true on children the roote of the male rather then the female yea the male not the female and that fresh and not dry if you meane it should doe good is to be hanged about their neckes and that the decoction thereof is to be taken inwardly to make it the more availeable and that also in older persons if the disease be not growne too old and past cure for whom the roote of the male kinde washed cleane stamped somewhat small and laid to infuse in a sufficient proportion of Sacke for twenty foure houres at the least after strained and given first and last a good draught for sundry dayes together before and after a full moone cureth that sickenesse if there be a due and orderly preparation of the body afoâ—ehand with poset drinke made of Betony c. as the learned Physitian can best appoint the roote also is effectuall for women that are not sufficiently cleansed after child-birth and for such also as are troubled with the mother for which likewise the blacke seed being beaten to powder is given in wine the red seedes being taken for fluxes the blacke also taken before bed time and in the morning also is very effectuall for such as are in their sleepe troubled with the disease called Ephialtes or Incubus which Pliny calleth suppessio nocturna we usually call it the night mare which is a suppressing both of voice and breath and oppressing the body as it were with some heavy burthen striving to be eased thereof but seeming not to be able nor to call for helpe Melancholly persons being for the most part subject to this disease it is also good against melancholly dreames Matthiolus doubteth whether our Peony be that which Galen used because many Physitians as he saith in his time failed in the tryall thereof on young children and I am in doubt that Tragus his male Peony spoken of here before was that which they used and then no marvaile if it proved not effectuall as they expected yet saith Matthiolus our Peony seedes is availeable to restore speech to those that have lost it if thirty graines husked be made into powder and given in Wine it is also saith he good against the bitings of Serpents not onely to be drunke but to be laid on the bitten place which thing Tragus saith of his male Peony which as I shewed you before is the Fraxinella The destilled water or Syrupe made of the flowers worketh to the same effects that the roote and seede is applyed before although more weakely The male kinde being so scarse a plant and possessed but by a few and those great lovers of rarity in this kinde and the Female being more frequent the one is usually put instead of the other CHAP. XXIX Pappas sive Battatas Potatoes THere are divers sorts of rootes that are called Potatoes with us serving for foode or delight more then for medicine whereof all that are truely knowne to us what face or forme of leaves and flowers they beare are expressed in my former booke there are many more of the same quality besides others that serve in stead of bread familiar to the Natives both of the East and West Indies whose names onely are extant in those Authours Workes that have written of them without any further declaration either of forme or any property but that the rootes are eaten by them some being of better taste then others longer lasting among whom as I take it the Igname or Inhame is a principall one whereof Scaliger first and Clusius afterwards have given us the best information Clusius saying it is also called by some Camotes Amotes and Aies All he saith of it is this that some Portugall Ships that were taken by the Hollanders had divers of these rootes in them some bigger then others for some as he saith were as bigge as ones arme and of a foote long or more others lesser and some thicke and short having some small tubers thrusting out at the lower parts of them but all of them covered with an uneven and rugged barke with many fibres at them the substance of the roote within being white soft sappy tender and as it were kernelly and of no unpleasant taste that is the raw roote for he saith he tasted it at the first but a little rough and sharpe afterwards but being rosted under the embers it tasteth more tender then any Chesnut and somewhat like a Peare but saith he what stalke or leafe it bore hee could not understand of any onely he saith he received one that was sent him that had a sprout at the head of it which was broken off in the carriage as the figure here expresseth it unto you but Lobel in his Adversaria saith he understood that those rootes of the Inhame that were brought from Aethiopia and Guincy bore Mallow-like leaves and differeth from those of Spaine and the Canary Islands which are our ordinary great Potatoes and such like leaves doth Lugdunensis give to an American plant called Hotich whose roote is somewhat like it and edible Clusius also speaketh of another sort of these Inhames which as he saith some called Yeam Peru but the Portugals Jnhame as the former which although it were like the other yet the barke was more uneven and some as it were some knobbes thereon with small fibres going from them and from the head of the roote went but hard great stringes of a foote long which were prickly for the most part Clusius seemeth to referre the Virginia Potatoes to the Arachidna Theophrasti and Lugdunensis saith some did the Manihot and that this Jnhame was Battatas de Canada The Frenches Battatas or Hierusalem Artichokes Battatas Virginiana Potatoes of Virginia Battatas Occidentalis Indiae Inâ—ume Orientalis Lusitanorum The West Indian and the Negros Potatoes referred to Theophrastus his Araco similis But Bauhinus his Ovingum or Vingum and Oetum by Pliny so variable are mens conceites especially in things obscure or unknowne or when they doe raptim without due consideration sententium proferre But Scaliger Exercitat 181.17 seemeth to know three other sorts besides the ordinary which will abide good without perishing for a whole yeare and
the Oke grape whereof he knew no use 3. Tilia faemina minor The smaller female Line tree This lesser Line tree agreeth with the last in all things saving that it groweth smaller both in body leaves and flowers the leaves being of a darker greene colour and beareth no fruite after the flowers because they appeare later then the former The Place and Time They all grow on the hills and high grounds yet for the most part in the moister places and are often found also in vallies with us the greater female kinde is planted in many places of our Land chiefly for the large sweete shadow it maketh and flowreth usually in May the other are very great strangers in this Land scarce to be seene any where The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Philyra but not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Pliny that confoundeth Dioscorides his Philyrea with Theophastus his Philyra so called because it is brought into tenues assulas sive philyras small thin sheetes or leaves such as in the elder times they used to write on in Latine Tilia the one is called mas and the other faemina by all Writers but that Bauhinus addeth unto the title of the mas Vlmifolio and further saith that the figures thereof extant are rather of the Elme then of it Tragus onely and Gesner in hortis have made mention of the last as of a differing sort from the ordinary female kinde The Italians call it Tilia the Spaniards Teies the French Tillet Teillen and Teil the Germans Linden and Lindenbaum for the smoothnesse and softnesse thereof the Dutch Linde and Lindeboem and we thereafter the Line or Lindentree and in some places broad leafed Elme Pliny in his 10. Booke and 16 Chapter sheweth that among the Tiburts the Line trees were seene to beare sundry sorts of fruits for on one arme grew Nuts on another Grapes on another Peares or Figs or Pomegarnets and divers sorts of Apples but they all were not of long continuance The Vertues The male kinde is quite without use for any thing that I know nothing being extant thereof in any Authours writings The female is of much use for the decoction of the leaves is a good Lotion to wash sore mouthes or that have canckers in them the leaves also being bruised after the boyling and applyed to their legges or feete that have tumours in them by falling of humours doth much helpe them the inner barke likewise performeth the like effect the flowers of the Line tree and of Lilly Convally being destilled together the water of them is much commended against the falling sickenesse the destilled water of the barke is of the same effect and is also of very good use against the fretting humours that cause the bloody fluxe or griping paines in the belly the said inner barke being steeped in water for a while causeth the water to become thicke or muscilagye which being applyed with clothes wet therein will helpe any place that is burned with fire the wood or coales of the Line tree while they are burning hot quenched in vinegar and afterwards ground with a certaine thing or drugge called Oculi cancri and drunke is found by good experience to be wonderfully good for those that by some fall or bruise or by blowes doe spit blood Tragus saith that he thinketh the flowers hereof whereon Bees doe much desire to feede are good for them CHAP. XIV Betula The Birch tree THe Birch tree groweth to be a goodly tall straight tree with us staught with many boughes and other slender branches bending downewards the older ones being covered with a discoloured rough chapped barke and the younger being browner by much under which there is another fine white thinne rinde or barke much used to write upon before paper was used the leaves at their first breaking out are crumpled and after are somewhat like unto Beech leaves but smaller and greener and dented also about the edges it beareth small and short catkins somewhat Betula The Birch tree like to those of the Hasell nut tree which abide on the branches a long time untill growing ripe they fall on the ground and their seede with them The Place and Time This usually groweth in woods as well on the higher as lower and moist grounds every where generally throughout the land the catkins come forth in Aprill and the leaves soone after the seede is ripe in September The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by Theophrastus lib. 3. c. 14. yet he giveth it to be folio Caryae and some read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but others doe thinke that it should be folio Oxyae whereunto it fitly agreeth in Latine Betula and with some Betulla fortasse quia bitumine scatent all Authours call it Betula The Italians call it Bettola the French Bouleau and Bes the Germanes Birchenbaum the Dutch Berckenboom and wee in English Birch tree The Vertues The Birch is in our dayes applyed to little physicall uses yet the juyce of the leaves while they are young or the destilled water of them or the water that commeth out of the tree of it owne accord being bored with an auger or destilled afterwards any of these being drunk for some time together is held availeable to breake the stone in the kidnies or bladder and is also good to wash sore mouths a lye made of the ashes of Birch tree barke is effectuall for the same purposes Many other civill uses the Birch is put unto as first to decke up houses and arbours both for the fresh greennesse and good sent it casteth it serveth to make hoopes to binde caskes withall the young branches being fresh are writhed and serve for bands unto faggots of the young twigges are made broomes to sweepe our houses as also rods to correct children at schoole or at home and was an ensigne borne in bundels by the Lictors or Sergeants before the Consulls in the old Romans times with which and with axes borne in the like manner they declared the punishment for lesser and greater offences to their people CHAP. XV. Alnus The Alder tree OF this Alder I have to shew you two or three varieties more then others have expressed which are these following 1. Alxus vulgaris The usuall Alder tree The ordinary Alder tree groweth to a reasonable height and spreadeth much if it like the place covered with a brownish barke and the wood under it more red then Elme or Yew the boughes and branches whereof are more brittle then any other wood that groweth in or neere water the leaves are round almost full of ribs rugged thicke and clammy by reason of a sticking dew that continually lyeth upon them yet shining and dented about the edges somewhat like unto the leaves of the Hasell tree but of a darker greene colour it beareth short browne aglets like the Beech or Birch which fall not away before the seede is ripe within them and then they are hard and scaly a little
of the rest white on both sides but somewhat knobby underneath this hath also scaly heads of leaves at the ends of the branches as the fifth The Place and Time The first is alwayes planted in the low grounds that are often overflowen where it onely will thrive the other sorts some are found growing with the last sort or by them in sundry the said and the like places with us and in Hungaria Austria c. as Clusius and Bauhinus have set it downe The Names The first is called Salix Vitellina by Cordus on Dioscorides and by Dodonaeus and is the third Salix of Tragus and Caesalpinus Gerard calleth it aquatica as the fittest name to distinguish it from the rest and so doe I It is also called Vincus a vinciendo Lugdunensis maintaineth it to be the Salix Amerina of Pliny against Ruellius and Matthiolus he should have said also who would make the Vitex or Agnus castus to be the Salix Amerina of the Latines because that among the bastard names in Dioscorides it is there so set downe but they differ much as you shall here more in the next Chapter For Lugdunensis saith that they of Lyons and the Mountainers in Savoy do call it yet to this day des Amerines which they of Paris call Osiers and they of Normandy des Ambres Some also as Lugdunensis saith in the Chapter of Grossularia and Salix would make the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus to bee Amerina but Isos or Oesus giveth Vvas as he saith whose liquor he calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not unlike to thicke blackish Wine but enclining more to purple The second is the first pumila angustifolia of Clusius The third is his second and the Salix humilis repens of Lobel The fourth is so called by Bauhinus as it is in the title The fifth is taken by Lugdunensis to be the Salix Helice of Theophrastus and by Bauhinus Salix humilis capitulo squammoso The sixt and seaventh are mentioned onely by Bauhinus and the last by Lugdunensis and is his sixth sort Their English names are fitted to every of them as I thinke is fittest for them The Vertues I thought fit to shew you what particular property is in each of these Willowes altogether and not to make many places or repetitions All of these in generall are cooling drying thickning and binding both the leaves and the barke and the seede especially are used for any of those effects as to stanch bleeding of wounds and at the mouth or nose and spitting of blood as also al other fluxes of blood in man or woman and likewise to stay casting and the desire thereunto if the decoction of them in Wine be drunke it helpeth also to stay thinne hot and sharpe salt distillations from the head upon the lunges causing a consumption the leaves bruised with some pepper and drunke in wine doe much helpe the winde chollicke the leaves bruised and boiled in wine being drunke doth much stay the heate of lust and wholly extinguish it if it be long used both in man and woman the seede also is of the same effect The water that is gathered from the Willow while it flowreth the barke being slit and a vessell apt to receive it being fitted to it is very good for rednesse and dimme eye-sight and filmes that begin to grow over them and stay the rheumes that fall into them to provoke urine being stopped if it be drunke and to cleare the face and skinne of any spots or discolourings the flowers saith Galen have a stronger effect to dry up any fluxe or humour being a medicine without any sharpenesse and the barke much more as all barkes doe but if the barke be burnt and used it doth yet dry more forcibly and being mixed with vinegar it taketh away warts and cornes and other the like flesh that groweth on the hands or feete or other parts the decoction of the leaves and barke in wine is good to bathe the sinewes as also the places pained with the gout and to cleanse the head or other parts of scurfe the juyce of the leaves and greene barke mingled with some rose-Rosewater and heated in the rinde of a Pomegarnet is singular good to helpe deafenesse to be dropped into the eares the seede of the blacke Willow mixed with litharge of silver in equall quantity made into an oyntment and used on any place where the haire groweth that you would take away after it hath beene bathed well before or else in the baine or stove doth cause it to fall away Of the twigges or rods are made many sorts of workes both fine and course baskets chaires cradles and many other the like bands also both greater and lesser to binde up Vines Trees Hedges and many other things hoopes also and the small twigges to binde the hoopes stakes also and poles both high and low to hold up or fasten hedges bushes c. unto and many more the like things Tragus remembreth a pretty fained controversie betweene the Boxe and the Willow written in the Germane tongue whether of them were of the better use in the common wealth or might best be spared Of the Sallow especially but of the other Willow trees in generall the best coles are made to make Gunpouther withall as is well knowne and with the coles likewise the finest Painters draw their first draughtes the Castor or Bever delighteth chiefely to make his residence among the Willowes and Osiers in the Waters sides CHAP. XXXIII Spiraea Theophrasti Clusio Clusius his spiked Willow of Theophastus THis strange Willow for so it is most like groweth to be a small low bush of three or foure foote high spreading forth slender branches covered with a reddish barke whereon are set without order many long and narrow leaves most like unto the Willow of a pale greene colour on the upperside and browne underneath finely dented about the edges of a drying taste with some bitternesse at the ends of the branches come forth thick bushing spikes or clusters of blush coloured flowers consisting of five leaves a peece with some threds in the middle of the same colour without any sent which turne into small five square heads with very small seede like dust within them of a yellowish colour The Place and Time This was sent out of Silesia to Vienna to Clusius by Sibisius the Duke of Briga his learned Apothecary where it is most likely it grew and flowred in May with Clusius and the seede was ripe in August The Names Clusius saith he that sent it tooke it to be a species of Syringa and questioned Clusius whether it should not bee referred thereunto but hee seriously considering thereon Spiraea Theophrasti forte Clusio Clusius his spiked Willow of Theophrastus could not finde it like to any plant that he knew and therefore judged it most neerely to represent the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or as 〈◊〉 reade it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus which hee putteth among
c. but seldome with us yet Matthiolus saith hee saw fruite on the tree that grew in the Emperours Orchard in Vienna The Names This tree is diversly taken by divers learned Writers for Matthiolus calleth it Olea Bohemica and taketh it to be Eleagnus of Theophrastus because the name being deduced from Olea and Agnus the Ollive and the Chaste tree as like unto them both this having leaves and branches like the Chaste tree and berries like the Ollives but that it cannot be Eleagnus let me shew you that this is a great tree Theophrastus saith it is fruticosa planta a shrubby plant and againe he saith the flower of the white Poplar which all know doth grow in spiked heads not scatteringly on the branches and lastly he saith it beareth no fruit and this is plentifull in any of those places where Theophrastus chiefly gathered his knowledge of this and other Plants and therefore as Theophrastus saith being so like unto the kindes of Willowes it is most probable to a kinde of Willow which are thought to beare no seede or fruite and therefore Amatus Lusitarus would make it to be Salix Amerina without any good ground or reason Bellonius Clusius and Camerarius call it Ziziphus alba Columellae whereunto it is very like Gesner also in hartis so calling it and Oleastri species quibusdam also Bellonius Dodonaeus and Lugdunensis take it to be the Ziziphus Cappadocica Plinij which it is very probable to be also Lobel calleth it Olea sylvestris Septentrionalium and Aeleagnus also and some likewise Olea Germanica but in my opinion Lobel and Bauhinus and those in Gesners time do come neerest unto the name whereby it may be most truely called Olea sylvestris or Oleaster which I have followed and added Cappadocicus because that in leafe it doth more neerely resâ—mble the Ollive tree then the Iujuhe and that it is more naturall to be of Cappadocia then Bohemia or any of these Northerly Regions some also call it Arbor Paradisea and some Thuia odorata and some take it to be the Barba Iovis of Pliny lib. 6. c. 18. Rauwolfius saith it is called in Syria Seisefan The Vertues We have no especiall Physicall property alotted unto this tree or the fruite but that as Bellonius and Clusius have recorded the fruite is eaten by the people where they grow with delight and pleasure and without any offensive quality The flowers as Lugdunensis sheweth might be employed to perfume gloves or garments or to be distilled into a sweete water as well as the flowers of Calef which Bellunensis tooke to be this tree and are used in the manner aforesaid CHAP. XXXVII Oenoplia spinosa non spinosa sive Napeca sive Ziziphus alba The white Iujube tree with thornes and without IN regard that this tree doth so neere resemble the other Iujube tree mentioned here before in this Worke. I might have joyned them together but that I could not assure it you to be of the same property I have therefore reserved it for this place as partly partaking with the Ollive as the Iujube tree and is of two sorts the one bearing thornes and the other none in all other things so like that one description may serve them both Spinosa non spinosa It groweth to be a tree as great as a meane sised Peare-tree whose body and branches are covered with a whitish ash-coloured barke full of small short and sharpe prickes or thornes two set at each leafe not farre in sunder in the one sort and without any in the other the leaves are somewhat broad and short very like to the leaves of the other Iujube tree but greater round pointed for the most part with three ribbes in each running all the length of a darke shining greene colour on the upper side and somewhat tending to an ash-colour underneath standing singly at the branches one on this side and another on that up to the toppe at the joynts with the leaves come forth divers small greenish white flowers like the blossomes of the Ollive or Iujube tree for the forme each standing on its owne small footestalke after which being falne come many small round fruite as bigge as a great Cherry yet sometimes as great as a Wallnut in some whitish in others more yellow and reddish on the one side like an Apple of a very sweete taste with a stone in the middle thereof like an Ollive stone but round and not long The Place and Time These grow in Syria Egipt Arabia and the parts neere unto them where they hold their greene leaves all the Winter without falling but in Candy and other the Napeca Nabca aut Oenoplia spinosa The white Iujube tree with thornes hether parts they have beene observed to fall off as other trees doe they beare in the warmer Countries twise a yeare yet the former fruite that commeth in the Spring of the yeare seldome commeth to maturity because the moisture of the time spoyleth them that they doe not ripen kindly but in the Autumne the fruite is ripe and delicate The Names That sort which is without thornes is described by Alpinus in his Booke of Egiptian plants who calleth it Nabca Paliurus Athenai credita and very truely for Athenaeus in the foureteenth Booke of Deipnosophistes calleth it Paliurus and saith that Agathocles in the third Booke of his History describeth it by the name of Connarus as those of Alexandria called it and by Honorius Bellus that sent the fruite to Clusius as it is set downe in his fifth Epistle to him called Oenoplia spinosa That without thorne is set forth by Clusius in his History of plants as he received it also from Honorius Bellus of Candy who calleth it Oenoplia seu Napeca Bellonij Connarus Alexandrinoruiâ— forte Athenai Serapio comprehendeth them both under the name of Sadar or Sudar but as his manner is in other things he confoundeth it with the Lotus of Dioscorides from which it much differeth it is called in Syria and Egipt Nep and Nap and as Guilandinus saith put by many among the sorts of Iujubes But Pliny seemeth to call it Prunus Aegyptiaca an Egiptian Plumme The Vertues The fruite of both these before they are ripe are cold and dry in the first degree and binding but when they are ripe they have some moisture in them and are much used to strengthen the loosenesse of the stomacke and belly by the juyce of them being taken at the mouth or given in a glister the dryed fruit infused in water and the infusion taken is profitable against the slipperinesse and ulcers of the bowels the decoction or infusion of the ripe fruite being dryed is of great use against pestilentiall feavers for the fruite is held to have a wonderfull property against venomous qualities and to resist putrefaction and mightily to strengthen tâ—e heart the juyce of the fruite when it is throughly ripe is very good to purge choller from the stomacke and the first conduits of the veines
well as beyond the Sea as in Sussex Hartfordshire and Kent and by old Windsor Parke corner The Names It is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and by Hippocrates 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latine also Rhus for Pliny saith it hath no Latine name although Gaza calleth it Fluida supposing the name to be derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fluo but it is rather a rubore vel colore coccineo acinorum and therefore it was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from whence the Latine Russus and the French Roux came It is called Rhus simply by some as Matthiolus c. Rhus coriaria by Dodonaeus and Rhus obsoniorum by Lobel Camerarius Clusius and others and Sumach both by shops and in Rauwolfius or Sumach Arabum because it was called Rhus Syriaca by some it was thought to differ from the former as also that Rhus culinaria and â—â—iaria or rubra did differ one from another and were severall sorts but Paulus Aegineta doth plainely shew that the seede and juyce of Rhus coriaria was used by Physitions another errour Celsus shewed that tooke the Rhus Syriaca to be Ros Syriacus a kinde of Manna and therefore called it rorem Syriacum instead of Rhoem Syriacum and rorem sutorium for Rhoen Syriacum or coriariorum not sutorum as it is in Columella neither should it be Ros marinus but Rhus marinus or Rhus Orientalis in Marcellus who appointeth it for disenteries and the like The second hath not beene set out by any before me onely Bauhinus seemeth to touch upon it calling it Rhus angustifolium saying it was brought out from Braffile The third is thought by most to be the Rhus sylvestris of Pliny that hath Myrtle like leaves and so called by Lobel Dodonaeus and Lugdunensis and Rhus Plinij Myrtifolia Mâ—nspeliensium by Gesner and Lobel yet some doe thinke it better agreeth with the Dryophonon of Pliny the fourth is the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus which Gaza translateth Prunus but should be rather 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which sheweth that Gaza was slenderly advised to give the word such a name that a Plumme should beare a seede to be carryed away with the winde Pliny calleth it Coggygriea or Coggyria yet some have it Coccygria some also thinke it to be the Cotinus Plinij and for a distinction betweene it and the Oleaster which is called Cotinus also they call this Cotinus coriaria Plinij in imitation whereof as it is thought those that dwell at the toppes of the Apennine hils doe call it Scotano and those at the foote Rossolo of the red colour of the barke and not of the Dye as some thinke because Pliny saith his Cotinus is ad lineamenta modo conchylij câ—lore insignem for this as is before said giveth a yellow colour The Savoyâ—rs call the wood hereof which they loppe and tell for that purpose Fustet and we Fusticke which all Dyers know is of especiall use with them both the old wood to give one yellow colour and the young another Matthiolus Anguilara Camerarius and Gesner in hortis call it Cotinus yet Gesner also calleth it Coccigria forte Barba Iovis Plinij Dodonaeus Cotinus Coriaria Coggygria by Clusius and others and of Caesalpinus Scotanum vulgo as the common people did The last is liker to be the Rhus sylvestris and called by Lugdunensis Rhus sylvestris altera by Clusius Rhus herba Plinij and thinketh it is the Dryophanon Plinij also as Ruellius did before him and Myrtus nemoralis Cordus tooke it to be Elaeagnus and Bellonius stirpium cultura tooke it to be the Elaeagnus of Theophrastus and Lobel therefore called it Elaeagnus Cordi and Dodonaeus Chamaelaeagnus Lobel calleth it Gagel Germanorum and Myrtus Brabantica and Belgarum but I may say as well Myrtus Anglica for it is as plentifull with us as with them but that Lobel did not know so much The Arabians call the first Sumac Adurion Rosbar Sadisticos or Rosaidicos the Italians Rhus and Sumaco the Spaniards Sumach and Sumagro the French Sumac the Germanes Gerberbaum the Dutch Sumack and Sumack and we in English Sumacke and red Sumacke the French call the last Pincentroyall that is Royall Balme the Germanes Gâ—gel as is before said and we Gaule and sweete Willow The Vertues Sumacke both leaves and seedes and the medicines made of them are cooling in the second degree and drying in the third the leaves of the first Sumacke have an astringent quality that they may serve instead of Acacia for those purposes it is used the decoction of the leaves and seede is singular good for all sorts of fluxes in man or woman to take them in broth or in meate or drinke and to sit in the decoction while it is warme as the bloody flix the flux of the stomacke womens courses and the whites also to be drunke or invected by glisters or otherwise or in bathes it stayeth the stomacke that is much given to casting the decoction of the leaves or seede made with vinegar and a little honey put thereto is good against Gangrens or Cankers the juyce that is taken out of the dryed leaves by boyling them in water and after they be strayned to boyle them againe with some honey hath the same properties that Lycium hath the same helpeth the roughnesse of the tongue and throate the seede likewise boyled in water and the decoction thereof evapoured to the thickenesse of honey is more effectuall then the seede it selfe the decoction of the greene leaves maketh the haire blacke to be washed therewith the juyce of them dropped into the eares dryeth up the moisture and running of them the seede beaten and boyled into a pultis and applyed to any inflammation or hot Impostume cooleth them much and doth also take away the markes and paines of bruises and blowes as also the frettings and gallings of the skinne the same also helpeth the hemorrhoides or piles when they bleede too much if it be applyed with the fine pouther of Oken coales it is singular good also to be applyed to ruptures both inwardly and outwardly and to stay defluxions of hot and sharpe rheumes into the eyes and Damocrates used it in a medicine with Poppy heads against destillations from the head and against want of sleepe the gum that is found oftentimes issuing out of the tree is good for hollow teeth to ease the paines and the decoction of the seede is good to wash the mouth both to fasten loose teeth and to heale purâ—â—d and rotten gummes What the Virginia Sumacke will performe I have not knowne any hath made the proofe but it is probable it might worke some of these effects if any would make the tryall Both the Myrtle leafed Sumacke and the Venice are in a manner as effectuall to all the purposes aforesaid except that they are a little weaker The Gaule is by the bitternesse and harshnesse found to be both drying and discussing and is very effectuall to kill the wormes
or many other that have written thereof I thinke and saith that besides the two wild sorts whereof one giveth no fruite and the other so prickely that it is of no use and the tame or manured sort that beareth fruite that is very sweete and of a most pleasant taste and either white which is esteemed the best or red or purple which dyeth the hands with a blooddy colour even as Mulberryes will doe and being eaten coloureth the urine also into the same blooddy colour There is saith he another sort called by the Indians Nochezcli Nopalli or Nopall Nocheztli which although it beareth not such like fruite yet it is more accounted of and husbanded with more care and diligence because it beareth that precious graine Cochinille so called by the Spaniards as a diminitive from the Coccus of the auncients so much sought after and used by Dyers for the excellency of the colour This plant loveth those places that are temperate Herrera describeth the manuring and ordering thereof and de Laet from him in this manner The graine Cochenille is bred on the tree which is called Tuna in very many of the Countries of the West Indies and new Spaine which hath most thicke leaves whereby it is encreased in those places that are open and yet defended from the North It is a living creature or rather a kinde of Insect or flye not much differing but comming neere unto a punie or wall louse being somewhat lesse then a flea when it first getteth to the plant and bred from a seed no bigger then an hand worme and doe so loade the trees and fill the whole Garden that they must gather them twice every yeare from the trees which they set in order and tend like their Vines and free them from weedes or what else may hurt them the younger the trees be the more plentifully will they beare and the better graine but especially it is necessary for them to cleere them from the other sorts of flyes and no lesse keepe away their hens who will devoure the graine and to cleare their trees from the encrease of these other sorts of flyes they use Foxetailes and when they are growne full ripe they gather them with great care and kill them by casting cold water on them and dry them in the shaddow and keepe them in pots some kill them by casting ashes amongst them and afterwards wash them and others choke or kill them by some other wayes but it is the best way to kill them with cold water But now this graine is adulterated by the Merchants after divers manners for there are foure sorts to be found hereof the one giveth a colour of no great worth as being a wilde sort and not manured another is blacker which groweth also of it selfe without care or husbandry a third is a mountainous sort called Chichimeca and of a meaner regard all which they mingle together with the fourth that is the best and manured The divers sorts hereof among the Merchants have severall names according as the Spaniards call them every sort according to the goodnesse hath a name whereby they know it as Silvester and Tuskaliobe the two worst sorts being of a blacke dull colour yet the largest graine Musteko is a gray sort and is the most ordinary we have but the Golhaca is in colour betweene both in sise no bigger but in goodnesse much excelleth them all and is not much inferiour to the Rosetta which is the reddest in shew and the richest in use of all And Tlaxcala giveth the best sort of graine by far Franciscus Ziâ—enez writeth that this plant bringeth forth a certaine gumme which doth temper the heate of the reines and of the urine and that the juyce or water distilled from it is a wonderfull remedy against pestilentiall and chollericke feavers The Chochenille or graine it selfe is held to be very cordiall and to drive infection from the heart for it is familiarly given both to the infected with Plague Small poxes or other infections or dangerous sickenesse The Place and Time Both these sorts grow in the West Indies the greater sort all the Indies over from Florida and the other on this side it where the greater is not found as being a colder Country then that the greater can live in it and flowreth with us about the end of May or in Iune and the fruite ripeneth not with us kindly at all but abideth on all the Winter and the next Summer too and yet will be greene on the outside and waterish or unsavoury although somewhat reddish within but more red within than without and sweete also in the naturall places The Names Divers Authours have given divers names unto these plants for Matthiolus Dodonaeus Lacuna Lobel Caesalpinus and others call it Ficus Indica divers of the Indians that be Islanders call it Tuna or Tunal they of Mexico and thereabout Nochtli and as I shewed before Nochezcli Nopalli or Nopall Nocheztli and in some places also Cardi but that I thinke is by the Spaniards and thereupon it was called Cardaus Indicus and Ficus Indiae diverse did take it to be the Opuntia of Theophrastus and Pliny but erroniously for they both say it is an herbe fit and sweete to be eaten but the leaves of these are not used to be eaten neither is it an herbe or plant naturall to any of the nations of Europe Africke or Asia but a peculiar kinde of it selfe but Opuntia is an herbe growing naturally about Opuns and is usually eaten and therefore this cannot be it but another herbe as I have shewed in the Chapter of Opuntia marina among the Sea plants some also call it Pala arbor Plinij as Bellonius and Anapallus also The lesser sort is called by Lobel Indorum ferrumi natrix and Opuntja Ostocollos and by Bauhinus Ficus Jndica folio spinoso fructu minore The Vertues It is said that the Indians use to lay these leaves bruised upon places that are put out of joynt or the sinewes or Arteryes over stretched and to helpe those that are bursten or broken to knit up the places againe the juyce oâ— the leaves is with good successe used in foule ulcers or sores The vertues of the graine are set downe a little before at the end of the declaration thereof CHAP. LXXI Ficus Indica arenata The arched Indian Figge tree Ficus Indica Arenata The arched Indian Figge tree THis admirable tree for so it is called by many groweth to be a great tree and tall spreading many armes all about and very long which by reason of the slendernesse and length bend downe to the ground shooting forth certaine yellowish stringes at their ends which as soone as they come to the ground doe thereinto thrust themselves as strongly as the first which againe send forth other branches after a while that they are well growne in the same manner as the first for they also in time grow great and spread their branches which likewise bending downe take roote
Plumme but much lesse and of a softer substance very sweete thus farre Theophrastus Now let me descant a little hereon and compare them First the leaves of Persea saith Theophrastus are most like unto the leafe of the Peare tree and this saith Clusius is like unto the greatest Bay leafe the one is almost as broad as long and the other twice as long as broad besides it is small pointed the flowers of Persea are like the Peare tree which are much larger then those of the Bay and doe not grow so many together as this doth nor at the ends of the branches like this the fruite of Clusius is blace of this greene of that like a Peare of this as bigge as a peare but like an Almond of this the stone is like a Plumme of that like an Heart which is round and not flat as that plumme stone is that hath ripe fruite onely in Autumne this at all times of the yeare And besides all these which are differences sufficient to distinguish them I doe not finde almost any plant either herbe or tree growing in the West Indies to be like unto those that grow in Europe the lesser Asia or the hither part of Africa and therefore by all probabilities this of Clusius cannot be that of Theophrastus yet this sheweth an excellent judgement in Clusius to referre this tree to that Persea but in any judgement this Persea of Theophrastus is most likely to be some kinde of Myrobolane or else some other fruite not knowne to us It was called saith Clusius by them where he saw it Mamay but he was afterwards enformed by Doctor Tonar that it was not Mamay but called Aguacate by the Indians Some have thought this Persea to be all one with the Persica arbor as Palladius calleth it or Malus Persica of Dioscorides Gaza translating Theophrastus in some places rendereth it Persica and in others Persea as Pliny in one place also confoundeth them both together although in another he distinctly speaketh of Persea and separateth it himselfe from Persica but how much they differ one from another the descriptions of both doth plainely declare to any The Peach is called by the Arabians Sauch and Chauch by the Italians Persiche by the Spaniards Pexegos by the French Pesches by the Germans Pfersichbaum by the Dutch Perseboom and by us Peach The Vertues Some are of opinion that the leaves of Peaches are of a cold quality but Galen sheweth that the buds and leaves have an excellent bitter quality that if they be bruised and laid on the belly they will kill the wormes and so will they doe also if they be boyled in Ale and drunke and open the belly likewise and also is a safe medicine to discusse humours being dryed and the pouther of them strewed upon fresh bleeding wounds doth both stay their bleeding and close them up the flowers being steeped all night in a little Wine standing warme strained forth in the morning and drunke fasting doth gently open the belly and move it downewards and a Syrupe made of them by reiterate infusions as the Syrupe of Roses is made is found to worke more forceably then that of Roses for that it provoketh vomitting and spendeth waterish and Hydropicke humours by the continuance thereof the flowers condited or made into a conserve worketh to the same effect the gumme or rather the liquour that droppeth from the tree being wounded is given in the decoction of Coltsfoote unto those that are troubled with the cough or with shortnesse of breath by adding thereto some sweete wine and putting some Saffron also therein it is good for those that are hoarse or have lost their voyce helpeth all the defects of the lungs and those that vomit or spit blood Two drammes thereof given in the juyce of Lemmons or of Radish is good for those that are troubled with the stone it is said some given in Plantaine or Purslane water stayeth the casting or spitting of blood the kernels of the stones doe wonderfully ease the paines and wringings of the belly through winde or sharpe humours and are much commended to be effectuall to breake and drive forth the stone which that they may the more powerfully worke I commend this water unto you to drinke upon occasion three or foure ounces at a time Take fifty kernels of Peach stones and an hundred of the kernels of Cherry stones a handfull of Elder flowers fresh or dryed and three pints of Muscadine set them in a closed pot into a bed of Horse dung for ten dayes which afterwards stilled in glasse with a gentle fire keepe for your use The milke or creame of these kernells being drawne forth with some Verven water being applyed to the forehead and temples doth much helpe to procure rest and sleepe to sicke persons wanting it the oyle likewise drawne from the kernels doth the same being annointed the said oyle put into glisters doth ease the paines of the chollicke proceeding from winde and annoynted on the lower part of the belly doth the like and dropped into the eares easeth the paines of them the juyce of the leaves doth the like killeth the wormes and ulcers in them being also annoynted on the forehead and temples it helpeth the Megrome and other paines in the head If the kernels be bruised and boyled in vinegar untill they become thicke and applyed to the head or other places that have shed the haire and are bald it doth marvellously procure the haire to grow againe The Peaches themselves being eaten by reason of their sweetenesse and moisture doe soone putrefie in the stomacke and therefore Galen adviseth that they be never taken after but before meate alwaies so shall they make the rest to passe away the more speedily with them or else taken after they corrupt the rest in the stomacke with themselves The Nectarin hath a firmer substance and a more delectable taste for which it is most accepted being of no use in Physicke that I know The Persea is not used with any CHAP. LXXXII Amygalus The Allmond tree THe Almond is so like unto the Peach in every part thereof and yet differing from it that I can doe no lesse then joyne it next in a severall Chapter and although there are sundry sorts of sweete Almonds some great and some small others long and some short and a bitter kinde also yet being in the whole surface so like one unto another that they can be distinguished by no other thing then the Allmond I will onely give you one description and shew you their differences herein which I thinke shall be sufficient Amygdalus The Allmond tree The Allmond tree groweth greater and higher then any Peach and is therefore usually planted by it selfe and not against a wall and never grafted that I have seene and knowne that would take and abide but is alwayes planted of a stone put into the ground where you would have it to grow for it hardly suffereth a transplanting the body thereof becomming
another in being more or lesse sharpe and hot and of thin parts the Strobolina that is the Rossin taken from the nuts of the pines is the hottest and that from the Turpintine tree the most temperate the dry white Rossin of the pitch tree is hot and dry but yet is not so-drying as the Strobolina although more heating that of the Firre tree is as a meane betweene them both even as that Colophony which smelleth and is like Thus or Olibanum is temperate likewise the moistest of them all is that other sort of the Larch tree Rossin which is the sharper of the stronger sent and more bitter taste The huile de Cade or stinking Tarre comming from the Oxycedrus or prickely Cedar when it is burned healeth all scabbes and itch in man or beast and other deformityes in the skin as the Lepry morphew and the like and performeth in a manner whatsoever the Cedria it selfe can doe The Venice Turpintine boyled to a dry Rossin is farre better then any other ordinary boyled Rossin to stay the flux of Gonorrhea The common Francumsence Parrossin or Rossin of the pine tree besides the uses to burne and perfume a house as is before said it serveth in salves as a principall ingredient to heale and fill up with flesh hollow ulcers and to warme and comfort any cold griefe or part of the body The Rossin of the pitch tree called Burgony pitch in being sharper and more hot is much used for searcloathes against cold aches and all sorts of paines and griefes proceeding of cold and by reason of the sharpe and quicke sent is the more piercing The pitch it selfe is hot and dry in the second degree yet mollefyeth hard knots tumours and swellings it bringeth boiles and sores to supparation and breaketh carbunckles and blanes disperseth and scattereth botches and emposthumes draweth forth corruption in sores and healeth them by causing flesh to grow up in them and is used in many salves both oyntments and plaisters that serve to draw and to heale The Tarre water that commeth first out and with the Tarre doth kill any Tetter or Ringworme being used thereon and likewise any itch and healeth up scabbes or scalles in the head the Tarre it selfe is hotter then the pitch and is used saith Dioscorides against poysons as also is good for those that have the Tissick or cough or rotten flegme stuffing the lungs and for hoarsenesse and tough flegme that will not easily be expectorated being rubbed with salt on a place that is bitten by a Serpent helpeth it and being mixed with as much waxe it taketh away the ruggednesse of the nailes it helpeth the hardnesse of the mother the rifts in the fundament the chaps on the hands or feete it stayeth also spreading ulcers it breaketh or dissolveth the kernels under the eares and throate called the Kings evill being made up into a pultis with Barley meale and a boyes urine and applyed warme it is likewise dropped into the eares with a little oyle of Roses to cleanse the mattering of them it stayeth creeping ulcers applyed with Brimstone or the barke of the pine tree or with branne The blacking that is made of the pitch when it is burned healeth watering eyes and the fretting sores in the corners of them and with it and ordinary Turpintine well mixed is made the Printers Incke where with they print Bookes but not our ordinary Incke now adayes howsoever it might be in use in Dioscorides his time The Turpintine that commeth out of the Firre tree is sharper and hotter then that of the Larch tree and more nausious to be taken inwardly as I said before and therefore more usually put into salves and for outward remedies The Rossin that is made thereof is neere unto the property of Pitch clensing heating drawing and mollefying as well and drying more then pitch the pouther of Rossin is almost as effectuall as Amber pouther in the running of the reines experimented by sundry Chirurgions who have used it instead of the best sort of dryed Turpintine which is for the same purpose either to try conclusions or to save charges it is used with pitch in many salves or without it for all the purposes whereunto pitch serveth for all greene wounds to heale them and for all old sores and ulcers to clense them incarnate and heale them up afterwards it may be used in fumes with Olibanum Masticke and other things that are burned and the head ayred with their smokes to helpe to dry cold rheumes catarrhes and distillations from the head The Rossin of the Cypresse tree is heating and binding and serveth effectually for all the purposes that is spoken before of the nuts or leaves or what else thereof is used The Rossins of the small Cedars are neere the property of the prickely Cedar although not so effectuall or violent In the like manner whatsoever droppeth or runneth forth from the Sabine trees is sharpe and hot like the leaves c. of the tree and for the Arbor vitae although there hath been sometimes a kinde of Rossin found sticking to the barke of the tree yet it hath beene in so little quantity that I have not learned what use any hath made of it The other Rossins of the Balme tree Turpintine Lentiske and Storax trees are spoken of sufficiently in their proper Chapters and need not a repetition heâ—e againe of the same things there delivered The Vertues of the Thus or Olibanum you shall have in the next Classis with the relation thereof CHAP. XCVIII De Gummis arborum herbarum earundemque succis condensatis Of the Gummes of trees and herbes and of the dryed juyces of them THe Rossins of all sorts being declared in the former Chapter there remaineth to speake of Gums issuing both out of Herbs and Trees and the condensate juyces of plants yet I must except out of this number and Chapter the gummes and dryed juyces whose plants are not knowne to us from whence they proceede and that are brought of old or of later dayes from the East or West Indies which are of use in physicke for I determine to handle them in the next Classis with the forraigne drugges in the Apothecaryes shops I have as you see here joyned the condensate juyces unto the gummes because to them that know not their manner and nature they seeme to be gummes one as well as another and that I may shew you the difference betweene a gumme and a dryed juyce and both of them from the Rossins before spoken of thus they are Gummes are of two sorts one that is of a watery or earthy substance and will dissolve in warme or cold water wine or the like and not in or with oyle nor melt of themselves being set to the fire and will burne without flaming and such are the Gummes of many trees The other is oylious or unctuous and in part resinous in that it cleaveth so fast to any thing toucheth it and that will not dissolve with
cold water wine or vinegar but onely with warmed wine or vinegar and will also better dissolve of themselves being set to the fire then the other gummes will and will give a flame in the burning yet nothing so much as the Rossins which as I shewed before are wholly unctuous melting with the heate of fire and burning with a flame like oyle and such like unctuous matter being set on fire Another difference of a Rossin from a Gumme is this that all Rossins although liquid some sooner or later then others will be dryed to be made into pouther the juyces have scarse any of them any unctuous matter in them being onely composed of a watery and earthy substance condensate together which wholly dissolveth with water and burneth like earth to begin therefore 1. Gummi Arabicum Gumme Arabecke Is a certaine cleare white Gumme that is brought from the parts beyond the Seas and is taken to be the Gumme that commeth out of the Acacia tree of Egipt by many good Authours Bellonius also confirming it who travailed through those parts and observed it and Alpinus who lived a while in Egipt yet some have taken it to be the gumme of plumme trees or of other trees growing in those parts It is of sundry formes and colours for some are in round hard dry peeces of the bignesse of a Tennis ball or bigger or not halfe so great or lesse all of them rugged and not smooth on the outside but whitish for the most part which being broken is cleare pure white and transparent yet some more or lesse then others and some are very small long peeces and therefore called vermiculatum and held for the best being in substance like the other peeces of the same greater size are reddish yet cleare and transparent also which some take to be the gumme of some other tree because it is of such a different colour but that is no sufficient reason to disprove it for we see in divers others sorts of gummes that the severall peeces doe not all hold one forme or colour and yet are true this dissolveth of it selfe in water and serveth as a glew to stiffen binde or fasten many things the tree hereof shall bee declared the second Chapter after this for the manner thereof it distilleth or droppeth out of the tree in bigger or lesser peeces as either nature list to thrust it forth or as it is helped by cutting the barke and giving it way to issue forth which sticking too and not falling off or upon the ground is so gathered and reserved 2. Gummi Prunorum Cerasorum Plumme tree and Cherry tree Gumme The Gums of both these trees come forth in the same manner that is said of the former being of severall colours each of them that of the Plumme tree for the most part being whiter then the other which is redder yet both of them cleere and more clammy then the former and vary some of the Plumme trees being reddish and of the Cherry trees white 3. Gummi Amygdalarum Persicorum Almond and Peach tree Gummes Both these trees likewise yeeld Gummes very like unto the Plumme and Cherry tree that it is somewhat hard to distinguish them but that they are somewhat whiter and a little dryer Thus having shewed you all the Gummes of the Trees that are knowne to us let me in the next place shew you the other sorts of Gums taken for the most part from the rootes of Herbes and plants 4. Gum Tragacantha Gum Tragacanth This Gumme as I have shewed before in speaking of the plant called Goates thorne is taken from the rootes hereof as they grow a pit being made round about the roote which will in the greatest heate of Summer being deepely wounded thrust forth very slender small peeces crooked or writhed seldome greater then a tagges point or ones fingers end and most usually a great deale smaller some very pure white and others a little yellowish and some more reddish much of it gathering drosse which sticketh fast unto either barke or stones or earth or the like the gumme it selfe is sweetish in taste and quickely relenting in water into a gelly like made starch and glewing things together as firme as starch or glew in small and thin materials The properties hereof are declared with the plant 5. Opopanax The Gumme Opopanax This gumme taken from Panax the All heale of Hercules is a yellow gumme very browne on the outside and yellow within being broken the best is pure or sincere that is not mixed with stickes or drosse but cleane gum and in small drops yet sticking fast together of a sowrish sent and somewhat strong and being dissolved with wine or vinegar will make it looke yellow even as the herbe it selfe being broken will yeeld a yellow sap or juyce in our owne Land from the rootes chiefly and not from the stalkes is this gumme taken in the like manne as I shewed you of the gumme tragacanth by digging a hole round about the roote and laying boordes or tyles or the like round about and in the bottome to keepe the gumme cleane from earth stones or any other thing that might foule it falling among it after the roote is cut in three or foure places as some doe or making a hole or two therein as others doe whereunto the gumme will be drawne and from thence flow forth in the Classis of Vmbelliferous plants are the Vertues expressed whereunto I referre you 6. Galbanum The Gum Galbanum The great Ferula or Fennell giant of one sort is the plant from whence this gumme is taken and that not in every Country for that onely which groweth in Syria as Dioscorides saith yeeldeth Galbanum the rootes being wounded in the same manner as is before said of the Panax the gumme smelleth strongest of any of the Ferulaceous gummes and is if it be sincere a little yellowish with white peeces amongst it and divers parts of stickes or stalkes broken among it and sometimes the seedes also so clammy and tenacious that one can hardly touch it without cleaving to their fingers and dissolving onely with wine or vinegar 7. Sagapenum The Gum Sagapen As Syria bringeth forth the Ferula from whence Galbanum is taken so is Media the nourse plot as Dioscorides saith where the same or another Ferula groweth from whence the gumme Sagapenum or Serapinum is taken in the same manner that the former is and doth not much differ from it but that it is not so clammy or gummy but dryer and of a redder colour and smelleth not halfe so strong or stinking as it doth The Vertues both of Galbanum and Sagapenum are amply set forth under the title of Ferula 8. Gum Ammoniacum The Gum Ammoniacum This gumme likewise is taken from a Ferula as it is said growing in Cyrene of Africa so that you see the diversity of the climate although in one and the same plant produceth diversities of gums differing both in formâ— and operation this gumme is
seed as large as those of Archangelica and peradventure larger sustained by thicke footestalkes and set round at the toppe in a round forme one by another consisting of sixe eight or more huskes of seed which were not parted in two like our ordinary Anisseede but each of them had divers round smooth shining ash-coloured seed within them like unto Orobus the huskes were about an inch broad of a brownish colour on the outside and rugged openning at the toppe into two equall parts and although divers were empty yet some contained such seed as aforesaid the smell and taste of them was very like unto Anisseed whereupon it was called Anise by them that sent it but Master Garret sent the right name whereby it was called in the Islands one of them being brought along with them who set the name in China Characters which as Clusius saith he could not imitate but was Damor every letter being written under the other downewards CHAP. VIII Asa dulcis faetida Assafetida and the other Asa ALthough I have spoken somewhat of Asa dulcis sive oderata Assafetida in the Chapter of Laserpitium among the umbelliferous plants yet because I said but little of them there reserving them for this place I will here entreate of them more largely There is none of the ancient Authours either Greeke Latine or Arabian that hath made any mention of Asa either dulcis or faetida but was first depraved by the Druggists and Apothecaries in forraigne parts that in stead of Laser said Asa from whence ever since the name of Asa hath continued and afterwards divided into Dulcis or odorata and faetida from the differing sorts of goodnesse purenesse and sent thereof when as they are both of a strong smell yet one much more then another the Asa faetida being of so evill a sent that the Germanes call it Teuffellz drech that is diaboli stercus Devils durt and is very neere the sent of Storax liquida if it be not the same relented and brought into a liquid forme the foote or sediment declaring it plainely and is accounted with them to be sweet being of a strong unpleasant favour rather then sweet to us so is the Asae dulcis odorata called sweete in comparison of the other called faetida because being purer it hath a more unpleasant sent and taste For as Garcias saith Asa is called Altiht by the Arabians which is the Laser of the Greekes and Latines as the plant being called by them Anjuden and Silphium by the Greekes and Latines but Jmgu and Imgara by the Indians the one when it is clensed and purified from the drosse being cleere and yellow as Amber the other foule and impure and are so familiarly eaten as Garcias saith by the Indians in their meates brothes and sallets and medicines that they scarse eate any thing that is not seasoned therewith and is very pleasant to them being used unto it but loathsome to others the richer sort using the purer and the poore the course divers heretofore have mistaken Benzoin for Asa dulcis and I doubt the errour is not yet quite extinguished and Matthiolus confesseth his former errour therein which upon better consideration he amended Benzoin being the gumme of a tree and being not so hot as Laser which by Galen his appointment had for its substitute Euphorbium being growne old The Asa dulcis being in former times well knowne and used is now adayes quite lost and forgotten being not brought into these parts but the Assafeiida hath a continuall residence and recourse unto us and is as Garcias saith the true and onely Laser or Laserpitium of the ancients and so accepted generally by the Arabians in India and say they erre mightily that make them differing It is generally used in our dayes for the rising of the mother in women as all strong and evill sented things be which depresse it and is singular good to be put into hollow aking teeth to ease and take away the paines One saith he tasted of it for a tryall in a cold time of the yeare and after a little walking he found himselfe possessed with a gentle sweate both head armes and body and shortly after found his stomacke better disposed to his dinner then at other times before and digesting it better Garcias saith the Indians use it to take away the loathing of the stomacke to meate and to strengthen the weakenesse of it also and is much used by them to provoke unto Venery and causeth one to expell winde mightily which thing was tryed by a Portugall as Garcias relateth it upon an Horse whom the King of Bisnager would have bought but that he was over subject to breake winde but after that the Portugall had cured him thereof the King bought him and asking how he cured him he answered him with Assafetida given in his provender no mervaile said the King if he were cured with the gods meate yea rather with the devils said the Portugall but softly and in his owne language for feare of being overheard CHAP. IX Balsamum Peruvianum The West Indian Balsamums OF the true Balsamum I have entreated in the last foregoing Classis or Tribe but there have beene divers other sorts of liquours called Balsamum for their excellent vertues brought out of the West Indies every one of which for a time after their first bringing were of great account with all men and bought at great prices but as greater store was brought so did the prices diminish and the use decay when as it was the same thing and of the same vertue it formerly was such is the inconstant course of the world in all things One sort of Balsamum which is of most frequent use with us is called blacke or browne Balsamum because the colour is blackish and tending to browne being dropped forth which as Monardus Fructus sive theca Balsami Occidentalis arboris The fruite of the West Indie Balsame tree saith is gathered from a tree somewhat bigger then a Pomegarnet tree whose fruite or long pod I here shew you as I received it with a very browne almost blacke colour and smelt so like this Balsamum or Benzoin that I am certainely perswaded it was gathered from this tree not by incision as the juyces liquours and gummes of other trees which yet this tree doth also in small quantity yet being white and so precious with the Indians that they will not part with any of it but made after the manner that the Indians use to draw forth the juyces and liquours out of all their other trees which is by cutting the branches and the bodies also sometimes of trees into small peeces which after the boyling in a great quantity of water the oyle swimming on the toppe after it is cold is scummed of by them and reserved This is of a thicke yet running consistence and of a sharpe and somewhat bitter taste but of an excellent fine sent comming neerest unto Benzoin but will not long endure being rubbed on any
colour the hands or fingers of them that touch them many have supposed that it may not unfitly be referred to Galens Rubica Lemnia which was differing from the Terra Lemnia because it coloured the touchers hands which Terra Lemnia did not or may be the Rubrica Sinopica of Dioscorides which was of a liver colour although peradventure in his time the Alexipharmicall qualities were not knowne to him or in his time as his Rubrica Fabrilis so called because Carpenters did use to strike their lines therewith as we doe now with chalke may be our common Bolarmoniacke which is courser more brittle and used onely outwardly to stanch bleedings All the best sorts of Bole with us have such a clammy or sticking quality which the ancients mention not that is if it be touched with the tippe of the tongue it will cleave very fast thereto and the stronger it cleaveth and the harder it commeth from the tongue the better is the Bole accounted of And is used as a speciall remedy in all contagious diseases of the pestilence small poxe or the like and in pestilent feavers and against poysons and the venome of Serpents it hath also a binding property to restraine all fluxes of the belly or of the sperme or of womens courses CHAP. XVI Borax Borace BOrax or Borrax called by the Greekes Chrysocolla from the property of sodoring of gold and Tincar or Tincal by the Arabians is said by Garcias to be a Minerall matter gotten out of a Mine of earth in a mountaine about an hundred miles off from Cambayette but this is not the Chrysocolla of the Auncients Dioscorides Galen and Pliny which in their times was of a greene colour found in Mines of sundry mettals made into pouther and washed often and prepared for the purpose but ours is made by many in our owne land as well as in others by art as Allome is into small pure white peeces of no taste or but wallowish and is easily beaten into pouther the substance whereof it is made being brought us out of the East Indies and no place else that I know and is certaine white stones put into or wrapped in fat or grease which is called unrefined Borace and so brought to us untill it be refined as we have it to use the properties whereof besides the sodering of gold silver copper c. is of good efficacy not onely inwardly taken to binde fluxes of the belly as laskes and the like but the gonorrhea passio or running of the reines but outwardly to soder up any cut or fresh wound in the flesh and is often used also with other things as a fucus for the face c. CHAP. XVII Cambugio quibusdam Catharticum Aureum The golden yellow Indian purger THis Cambugio as it is of late importation so it is likewise of small knowledge unto us whereof it is made for but onely what we see of it to be a solid peece of substance made up into wreathes or roules yellow both within and without and giving a yellow colour upon the moistening of it we know not as yet neither can we learne truely whether it be a gum or hardned juyce which it is the more likely to be of the two because it will so easily dissolve in water although some suppose it to be the juyce of Euphorbium others of the purging Thorne some thinke it to be made of Scammony or Tithymall others of Spurge and some of the greater Celandine other of the middle rinde of the Aldar tree and lastly Bauhinus because he would say somewhat maketh a quid si forte what if it be not the juyce of the flowers of Ricinus dryed and I say it is most likely to be the juyce of a peculiar herbe of that Country that giveth such a yellow juyce as Aloes It hath gained a number of names partly from the sundry nations languages and partly from the mistakings and ignorances of people as Ghitta jamaa or Gutta gemou or Gama gitta or Gutta gamandra or Cattagauma or Cambici or Crambici or Cambugio and some others also which I willingly omit it is brought unto us out of the East Indies and some say from China The properties hereof are to purge both by stoole and by vomit and is of much use with divers persons of good judgement and quality who give from three or foure graines unto ten or twelve or to a scruple or halfe a dramme according to the age and strength of their bodyes and worketh gently with some evacuating forth crude flegmaticke humours from the stomacke and wheyish from the bowels without any trouble but contrarily with others it worketh very churlishly and with much perturbation of the stomacke Some also use to make small pilles of it and give it in that forme especially if the humours be stiffe and not easie to be avoyded and for that cause some will adde a little Scammony unto it to helpe the slow working in some bodyes some also to correct for the tenderer bodies will give it in the pulpe extracted from Currans in white Wine as a corrector of the quallities and some in the infusion of Roses CHAP. XVIII Champhora Camfire CAmfire called Caphura from the Arabians Cafur is such a subtle thing both in substance and nature that although it is the gum or liquour of a great vast tree like to a Wallnut tree whose wood is somewhat solid and firme and of an ashcolour like unto Beech or somewhat blacker the leaves are whitish like unto Willow leaves but neither flower nor fruite have beene observed yet is likely to beare both partly distilling forth of it owne accord but chiefly by incision which commeth forth cleare and white and hath no spot therein but what it acquireth from their foule hands that touch it yet what we have and use seemeth plainely to be so made by art being cast as it were or sublimed into broad round pannes or dishes and little above the thickenesse of ones thumbe cleere white and transparent but not to be made into powther of it selfe although it is somewhat brittle and will breake into many small peeces without the helpe of a blanched Allmond or some other such like unctuous thing which hereby will reduce it into fine pouther neither will it be easily dissolved in cold water but by warmth will be resolved like unto fat being easily set on fire and will burne in the water serving for wild fire with the other things and is of a very strong fierce sent both sent and substance vanishing away if it be exposed for a while to the open aire yet the wood being made into severall workes will smell thereof a long time Some take it to be hot because it is of such tenuity of parts Rhasis saith it is cold and moist but Avicena saith it is cold and dry and that it causeth watchings and wakefullnesse and quieteth the senses of those that are hot which are contrary one to the other as Garcias and Scaliger upon Garcias noteth
it Camfire doth coole the heate of the liver and backe and all hot inflammations and distempers of heate in any place of the body easing the paines in the head and restraining fluxes either of blood out of the head and nostrills being applyed to the forehead with the juyce of Houseleeke or with Plantaine water and some Nettle seed or the fluxe of sperme in man or woman using it to the reines or privy parts and extinguisheth Venery or the lust of the body It is a preserver from putrefaction and therefore is put into divers compositions and antidotes to resist venome poysons and infection of the plague or other diseases it is good in wounds and ulcers to restraine the heate and is of much use with women that desire to preserve their beauty by adding a luster to the skinne CHAP. XIX Caranha The Gumme Caranha CAranha Carauna or Caragna is a gumme brought from the West Indies whose tree is not described by any that have written of it but is a soft kind of Gum wrapped up in leaves that one peece should not sticke unto another for it is very cleaving and is of a darke or muddy greenish colour having somewhat a sharpe piersing sent but there is another sort as Monardus saith that is as cleere as Christall which I never saw It is a most especiall and speedy helpe when Tacamahaca could not as Monardus saith be had for all cold aches and paines in the nerves and joynts and the swellings and paines therin the defluxions also of humours on them or on the eyes or on any other part to be laid on the temples or behind the eares it is also used as well as Tacamahaca for the toothach to be laid on the temples like Masticke CHAP. XX. Cardamomum Cardamomes THere hath beene formerly much controversie concerning Cardamomes whether we have either that of the Grecians or those of the Arabians some supposing we have neither and that the Cardamomes we daily use agree with neither of all their descriptions Theophrastus Dioscorides and Galen among the auncient Greekes and Pliny among the Latines mentioning but one sort and the Arabians two Melignette sive Cardamomum maximum et Grana Paradisi Ginny graines Cardamomum minus vulgare The ordinary lesser sorts of Cardamomes Cardamomum majus vulgare The greater sort of Cardamomes Cardamomum medium minimum The two smallest sorts of Cardamomes a greater and a lesser but Fuchsius and Ruellius thought the Capsicum or Siliquastrum our red Indian Pepper in long horned huskes was the Arabians Cardaemomum minus which Matthiolus disproveth as improbable yea impossible the difference both in forme and property so farre disabling it and some supposing the Melegueta or grana Paradisi which we call usually graines or Ginney graines to be the Grecians Cardamomum and the Monkes that commented upon Mesues tooke the said Melegueta to be the lesser Gardamomes of Serapio all which and many other opinions may now be buryed and we better resolved that Dioscorides his Cardamomum not onely agreeth with Galens whereof divers made a doubt because Dioscorides maketh his to be sharpe in taste and fierce in sent piersing the senses and Galen pleasant and not so sharpe or hot as Cresses for Galen no doubt understood the same of Dioscorides when in a receipt that he had from Pamphilus 7 de comp med secund locoâ— c. 3. he appointeth Cardamomum delibratum Cardamomes that were huâ—ked to be taken as also in secundâ— antidot Zeno casteth away the huskes and in the Theriaca of Damocrates in verse Cardamomes in huskes are named and Dioscorides mentioneth not any huskes or other forme thereof because iâ— was so familiarly knowne in his time but that it was not easie to be broken which the huske being tough doe declare 〈◊〉 but it also agreeth with those we use in our shoppes and with that which Pliny mentioneth who aâ— I said in the Chapter of Amomum saith Cardamomum 〈◊〉 like thereunto that is to Amomum both in name and growth but that the seed is longer meaning the huske with the seed in it as it is used to be taken by him and others in many things And that of Dioscorides agreeing with that we use in our shops cannot be any other also then that of the Arabians usually brought to all these Christian parts from the East Indies as Garcias confesseth and especially the lesser which as Garcias saith is the better although as he saith they be both of one kinde differing in bignesse the bigger sort being somewhat longer and rounder and the small shorter and not so great but as it were three square Now as concerning Garcias his opinion that the Arabians Sacolaa quibir and ceguer Cardamomum majus minus was not knowne to the ancient Grecians or Latines assuredly he was mistaken therein for the notes and markes of Dioscorides his Cardamomum doe in all things agree both with ours in use brought from India and that of Pliny as I said before so that now seeing both Greekes Arabians and Latines are thus reconciled together there needeth not for any further doubt hereof to use our Cardamomes in any of their receiptâ— but the Melegueta or Grâ—â—a Parâ—disi which is in forme like to a Figge and full of reddish seed although it be good and safe spice to be used yet can it not be the Cardamomum majus as divers have formerly taken it and to this day is so supposed by many but as Garcias saith it may be the Combasbogue of Avicen 〈◊〉 greater and lesser Cardamomes differ not in kind but in greatnesse the one from the other and is called as Garcias saith by the Merchants of Malavar Etrimelli by them of Zeilan Ensal in both which places it groweth plentifully as Garcias saith in Bâ—ngala and Surrat Hil and of some Elachi but generally of the common people Dore in all those places The Vertues whereof are these it is hot and dry in the third degree it breaketh the stone provoketh urine when it is stopped or passeth with paine it resisteth poyson and the sting of the Scorpion or other venemous creatures and killeth the birth if they be perfumed therewith it is good against the falling sicknesse the cough the broad wormes and the torments or griping paines in the guts or bowels and expelleth winde powerfully both from the stomacke and entralls easeth those that by falls or beatings are bruised and broken those that have loose and weake sinewes and the paine of the Sciatica or hip gout and used with vinegar it is good against scabbes it is used in many of our compositions cordialls Antidotes and others the Indians as Garcias saith put this to the composition of their Betro leaves which they continually chew in their mouthes CHAP. XXI Caryophylli Cloves ALthough Cloves and Nutmegs and some other spices and drogues were not knowne to Dioscorides Galâ—â— and the other auncient Greekes for Serapio in citing Galens authority for Cloves is either false or mistaken for Paulus Aegiâ—â—ta a
diversly compound or mixe it some putting thereto in pouther Faufel or Nutmegges or Cloves or choyse Camfire or Muske or Ambar according to every ones fancy and ability or as they would be intoxicated for it will drive them into sleepe and then grow great dreamers according to their humours and dispositions but if they take it with Opium as the great men and Souldiours oftentimes doe it will cause deepe sleepes to make them the more able to undergoe their sore labours travaile and watchings in the warre and to forget them also But the women oftentimes abuse their husbands hereby in giving it them to fulfill their lust before their faces Although this plant be in face like unto Hempe yet the qualites are quite contrary CHAP. LXXXIII Hiucca sive Mandioca ex qua Cazavi fit The true Indian Hiucca whereof the Indians bread Cazavi is made THe plant hereof groweth like a small shrub or bush of Elder and is accounted to be of two diffâ—ring sorts of leaves and riseth to be sixe or seven foote high with sundry wooddy stalkes bearing many faire broad leaves thereon divided into sundry parts like unto Helleboraster or the fingers of ones hand seven or eight together upon a long footestalke each part of them being halfe a foote long and three inches broad but not endented about the edges abiding alwayes greene the one sort of leaves are somewhat broad towards the points the other narrower it hath saith my friend that gave me the intelligence a small spotted flower but what fruite followed hath not yet beene signified by any the roote groweth quickely great for it is usually planted every yeare or every other yeare and becommeth as great and long as a good great Carrot roote browne on the outside and very white within the manner to propagate it is to cut off a stalke about a foote long and put it more then halfe way into the ground where it will quickely take roote and within a yeare or little more be fit to take up and use againe Of this roote did the Americanes notwithstanding in many places they had Maâ—x which is Indian Wheate both in the Isles and in the Continent for many hundreds of yeares make their bread whereon they lived in this manner Having pared away the rinde they â—â—â—ped or broke small the roote which is white sappy and full of substance from whence they pressed out the juyce which they kept by it selfe having an evill smell whereof whosoever tasted either man or beast dyed without remedy and that quickely but if they boyled it to the halfe it would become a good wholesome drinke although like small Ale and if set in the Sunne it would be as good as vinegar as might be of Wine and if it were boyled thicke it would be sweete as hony and serve for that purpose the masse from whence the juyce was pressed they did put into a panne and set it over the fire to make it grow thicke and being dry they made it into pouther and putting water thereto they formed it into small cakes and dryed them in the Sun which they kept for their use and would abide good for a long time twenty yeares without corrupting giving good nourishment to the body although it would exasperate the jawes and throate in eating thereof for which purpose they had need of water or other liquour to moisten it often or else it would be hard to swallow being somewhat harsh and sharpe in the throate This ordering of the roote to make poyson wholsome is no lesse admirable then Hiuccae sive Mandioca genuina Mexicana species dua solijs Cannabinis Two sorts of the true West Indian Hempe leafed Hiucca Hetich Americanum Mallow leafed Potatoes that the juyce of this roote groweth on the Vpland in the Continent is not any whit hurtfull as it is said although it be hurtfull in the Islands this bread was used by all the people of America from Florida to Peru and about to the Straights of Magellane above a thousand miles yet had they Maiz also that is Indian or Turky Wheate in most of those places The Names hereof are very various according to the Country for it is called Manihot by some Hiurca Hiucca or Iucca according to others and Cazavi as they call the bread which the Spaniards doe write Cacavi that is Casavi which is the most generall name through all places We have not heard that the Indians used either herbe or roote to any Physicall remedy Like hereunto is that which is called Hetich by the Indians whose leaves are round like Mallowes Hetich Avericum Mallow leafed Potatoes and the roote like unto great long Turneps being of two sorts the one being yellowish the other white when they are boyled or baked into bread and is planted from peeces cut off from the roote Some would referre this to the Vingum of Theophrastus which Pliny calleth Oetum CHAP. LXXXIV Cevadilla sive Hordeolum causticum Americanum The Indian Causticke Barley MOnardus saith that among other rare seedes Cevadilla sive Hordeolum causticum Americanum The Indian causticke tree and plants that were sent him from Hispaniola he had this also which they there called Cevadilla that is to say Hordeolum Small Barley from the likenesse of the spiked head of seed unto an eare of Barley but lesser having the seed enclosed in the like chaffie huskes but is like unto Linseed yet greater whose property is more admirable then ever was heard of in any other herbe or seed for neither Sublimatum nor fire it selfe can effect more in a cautery to be used therefore it will kill the wormes that breed in foule ulcers and clenseth those that are foule and stincking by casting some of the pouther thereinto yet with discretion according to the greatnesse and foulenesse of the sore and using those remedies that are â—â— for it but if it chance to worke too eagerly or sharpely they use to dippe tents in Rosewater or Plantaine water and put them into the ulcers it is used in the like manner for the sores of beastes this seed is hot in the fourth degree and beyond it if there were any further degree to be rekoned Millo is a graine or kind of Corne like Millet Millo used both for bread and drinke in the Kingdome of Saho in Guinea remembred in the Sea voyages of Vanderllagus in Clusius his Cura posteriores CHAP. LXXXV Anana seu Pina The West Indian delitious Pines THe Pines so much esteemed for the most excellent and pleasant sweete fruite in all the West Indies is the fruite of a kinde of Thistle growing with many long hard rough stiffe and narrow leaves thickest in the middle and thinne cut in and dented about the edges with reddish points seeming prickely like a Thistle but are not from the middle whereof riseth up a round and shorter stalke then that of the wilde sort set with the like leaves but lesser and at the toppe one head of the bignesse of a reasonable
shippes and other smaller vessells to get some prey out of them but as it is said will never make assault against any of the boats made of this tree or reede nor against them in it Of the roote of this tree being burned is made Tahaxir that is the Spodium of the ancient Authors as Avicen thought and o Gerardus Cremonensis and Bellunensis doe alwayes translate the word Tabaxir but Gracias sheweth that it is a very false interpretation there being but one Spodium of the Greekes which is our Lapis tutiâ— used by them onely in outward medecines for Tabaxir being a Persian word signifieth nothing else but a milky juice or liquor growne thicke and hereby the Arabians do still call that concrete or hardened liquor that groweth betweene the joynts of this Reede or Tree but the Natives of Sacar Mambu that is Sugar of Mambu but is not found in all places as Garcias saith but in Bisnagar Batecala and some part of Malabar chiefly and is seene to bee of sundry colours as white like Starch which is the best yet is it found sometimes of an ash colour or blackish which yet is not to be misliked for so it is to be taken out of the Canes and hath beene in former times esteemed of the value of silver and yet holdeth a great price even with the Indians c. there had neede therefore of great caution of using Spodium as it is taken in the Arabians medecines which are for the most part all inward which is farre differing from Tabaxir as you here see and of all is taken for the fittest Antispodium and those other of Oxe bones burned and the like to be utterly cast away The tree hath leaves saith Garcias like an Olive but longer the properties whereof are effectuall eyther in outward or inward heates hot chollerick Agues and fluxes that come of choller to coole temper and binde them And now that I have shewed you all the Physicall herbes let me descend to the trees and prepose them that have delightfull and pleasant fruits that you may take therein some pleasure to mix with the profitable or admirable that shall follow and the first that I will propound as Garcias saith is the chiefest and choysest fruite in all the Indies CHAP. XCII Mangas The Indian hony Plumme Mangas The Indian Hony Plumme There is another kinde found growing in some places but much more rarely whose fruite hath no stone within it else not differing There is likewise a wild kind hereof called Mangas bravas Mangas sive ossiculo whose tree is lesser then the manured with shorter and thicker leaves also and the fruite is of a pale greene colour having a thicke skinne and but little pulpe therein of the bignesse of a Quince and with a hard gristly stone within it yet give they store of milke they grow generally through all Malabar If any one eate of these fruites although it be but a little it is so present a poyson that they dye instantly and herewith the Indians usually destroy one another some putting oyle thereto which maketh it the more speedy in operation but howsoever it is taken it doth so quickely dispatch them out of this life that there hath not beene hitherto found a remedy against it Boyes there doe usually in sport throw these fruites one at another as in Spaine they use to doe with greene Orrenges CHAP. XCIII Genipat The twining American Peach THis tree is of two sorts the fruite of the one is edible and greater then the other which is not to be eaten bearing leaves like the Wallnut tree and fruite at the end of the branches being both for colour and bignesse like unto Peaches one set upon another in a wonderfull manner that which is not edible hath a certaine cleare blewish juyce therein like unto Indico wherewith the Savages dye or colour their bodyes when they have any solemne meeting of friends or goe to the slaughter of their enemies and they with this ornament thinke themselves as finely decked as we in our bravest silkes CHAP. XCIV Guanabanus Oviedi The Indian Scaly Muske Melon Guanabanus Oviedi The Indian Scaly Muske Melon Oviedus mentioneth another fruit called Anon which he compareth with the Guanabanus saying that not onely the tree but the fruite are very like but exceedeth it in goodnesse being of a firmer substance Thevet maketh mention of one very like hereunto called by those of the Iland of Zipanga where it groweth Chivey which in the Syriack tongue signifyeth a Figge The branch being ripe is yellow and very pleasant in taste like unto Manna melting in ones mouth containing seede within them like unto those of Cwcombers The leafe is very round and greene CHAP. XCV Guanabanus Scaligeri The Ethiopian sowre Gourde THe Ethiopian sowre Gourde groweth in Mozambique and other parts of Ethiopia on a faire great tree having large fresh greene leaves larger Guanabanus Scaligeri The Ethiopian sowre Gourde then Bay leaves comming neerest to those of the Pomecitron tree the flowers are of a pale whitish colour and the fruite as great as a Melon but longer then it and ending in a round point whose rinde is hard and thicke with sundry ribs thereon and covered with a greenish freeze or cotton the pulpe or meate within is whitish while it is fresh but somewhat reddish being dry and then is very brittle also that it may be easily rubbed into pouther having diverse large seed running through it of the forme of a thicke short kidney or the seedes of Anagyris the great beane Trefoile fastened therein with small fibres to the hollow middle part which pulpe as well dry as greene is of a pleasant sharpe taste yet more tart or sowre when it is dry then greene this is used in the extremities of the hot weather to coole and quench thirst and is effectuall also in all putride and pestilentiall seavers the pulpe or juyce thereof taken with Sugar or the dryed pouther put into some Plantaine water or the decoction or infusion thereof both for the aforesaid causes and to stay the spitting of blood or any other hot fluxe of blood or humours in man or woman this is very like to be the Abavo that Honorius Bellus writeth of in his fourth and fifth Epistles to Clusius and the Bahobab of Alpinus Ficus Nigritarum Somewhat like hereunto is that fruite which Thevet calleth Ficus Nigritarum the leaves of the tree are larger then any of those former sortes and hath some divisions therein very like unto Figge leaves the fruite is sometimes two foote long and thicke according to the proportion Higuero Oviedi Not much unlike also is the Higuero of Oviedus which he describeth in his Indian History The tree saith he is as great as a Mulberry and the fruite sometimes like unto a long Gourde sometimes unto a round of which round sort the Indians make themselves dishes platters and sundry other vessels The timber whereof is strong Higuero
former The Place The first or common Elder groweth not wilde but is planted in all places to serve for hedges and partitions of grounds vineyards c. to hold up the bankes by ditches and water courses and to bee planted in places where Conies breed for shadow every sticke or branch being thrust into the ground serving as a stocke which will easely take roote and grow The second as it seemeth Tragus first found in the woods of Germany The third is found wild on hills in watery woods The fourth is not knowne certainely from whence his originall came but is found planted in the gardens of those that are curious and lovers of rare plants The fifth is found by water sides and moorish grounds of Germany France England Italy and Piemont in Savoye as Pena hath set it downe The sixth is nursed up onely in gardens but best delighteth in moist grounds The seventh groweth wilde in many places of England where if it be once gotten into a ground it will so creepe and runne therein that it will hardly be gotten forth The last is a stranger in England as yet and nursed onely in that curious garden of that Venetian Magnifico Signior Contarini The Time All or most of the Elders flower in Iune the Wallwort somewhat late as his fruite is likewise later ripe even not untill September when the others are ripe for the most part in August The Names The Elder is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi littoralis dicta videtur in Latine generally Sambucus of Sambix as it is thought the first finder thereof but Quintus Serenus calleth it Sabucus in his verses and thought to be derived from Sabucus or Sambucus as Hermolaus saith which is an hollow instrument of Musicke called also Pectis Magadis The excrescence growing on the Elders is usually called Fungus Sambucinus of Dodonaeus Gummi Sambuci and of some Auriculae Inda in English Iewes cares The first is called Sambucus urbana domestica campestris and vulgaris of all writers and of Bauhinus Sambucus fructu in umbellanigro Tragus calleth the second Sambuci aliud genus Dodonaeus Sambuci altera species Lobel Sambucus fructu albo Bauhinus Sambucus fructu in umbella viridi The third is called Sambucus Montana of Matthiolus Gesner Castor Durantes Camerarius of Tragus and Lonicerus Sambucus sylvestris and because he saith it hath beene certainely observed that the Hindes and Does doe greately affect the leaves thereof when they are great with young Tabermontanus calleth it Sambucus cervina and Gerard after him Sambucus racemosa vel cervina of Lobel Sambucus montana racemosa and Ioannes Thalius in the description of Harcynia Saxono-thuringica Sambucus montana sen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bauhinus calleth it Sambucus racemosa rubra putting a doubt whether it be Sambucus montana of Plinye which he saith groweth on Mountaines and thinking it also to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Theophrastus whereof he maketh mention in his 3 booke and 4 chapter among those trees that onely delight to grow on hills and will not grow in the champions and which Gaza in the Latine translation hath omitted and left out but the Greeke Theophrastus hath not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pygus as Bauhinus setteth it downe but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phagus as Gaza hath it in other places he and Plinye before him being the cause of many mens errours in mistaking the Latine Fagus a Beech tree for this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Phagus of Theophrastus which is a kinde of Oake as you shall understand in his proper place when I shall speake of all the sorts of Oakes The fourth Lobel in his Dutch herball first made knowne to all having found it planted in the gardens of the low countrie Apothecaries and others that were lovers of rare and strange plants and called it Sambucus laciniatis foliis whom all others have followed The fift is called Sambucus aquatica of Matthiolus Tragus Lobel Castor Durantes Lugdunensis and others Sambucus palustris of Dodonaeus Caesalpinus and Camerarius Cordus in historia calleth it Lycosta phylos faemina i. Vna lupina Ruellius tooke it to be Opulus but that is a kind or name of Maple as Lugdunensis hath it Anguillara calleth is Plantanus aquatica and so do the Italians for the most part which is the third kinde of Maple as he saith Gesner calleth it Sambucus palustris vel aquatica sylvestris and saith some also called it Chamaeplatanus Lugdunensis first and Bauhinus after him doe take it to bee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thraupalus of Theophrastus in his third booke and seventh chap. and in his fourth booke and 1 chap. Bauhinus calleth it himselfe Sambucus aquaticas flore simplici as hee calleth the Gelder Rose Sambucus aquatica flore globoso pleno The Wallworte or Daneworte or dwarfe Elder is called in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est humilis Sambucus in Latine Ebulus by which names all other Greeke and Latine writers have called it and the last from the Noble Contarenus his garden receiveth the name of Ebulus laciniatis foliis as it is in the title It is supposed it tooke the name Danewort from the strong purging quality it hath many times bringing them that use it unto a fluxe which then we say they are troubled with the Danes The Arabians call it Infacti the Italians Sambuco the Spaniards Sabuco Sauco Canivero the French Susean Susier Suin the Germanes Holder Holler the Dutche Vlier and we in English Elder The Vertues Both Dioscorides and Galen doe attribute to the Wallworte as well as to the common Elder for they account their properties both one an heating and drying quality purging watery humors aboundantly but not without trouble to the stomacke the first shootes of the common Elder boyled like unto Asparagus and the young leaves and stalkes boyled in fat broth draweth forth mightily choller and tough flegme the tender leaves also eaten with oyle and salt doe the same the middle or inner barke boyled in water and given to drinke worketh much more violently and the berries also either greene or dry expell the same humors and is often given with good successe to helpe the dropsie by evacuating great plenty of waterish humors the barke of the roote also boyled in wine or the juyce thereof drunke worketh the same effects but more effectually then either leaves or fruite doe the juyce of the roote taken provoketh vomit mightily and purgeth the watery humors of the dropsie the same decoction of the roote cureth the biting of the viper or adder as also of a mad dogge and mollifieth the hardnesse of the mother if women sit therein and openeth the veines and bringeth downe their courses the berries boyled in wine performe the same effects the haire of the head or of other parts washed therewith is made blacke the juyce of the greene leaves applyed to the hot inflammations of the eyes asswageth them the leaves boyled until they be tender then
beaten and mixed with barly meale and applyed to hot inflammations asswageth them and helpeth places that are burnt either by fire or water cureth fistulous ulcers being layde thereupon and easeth the paines of the goute being beaten and boyled with the tallow of a bull or goate and layd warme thereon the juyce of the leaves snuffed up into the nostrills purgeth the tunicles of the braine the juyce of the berries boyled with a little honey and dropped into the eares easeth the paines of them the decoction of the berries in wine being drunke provoketh urine the powder of the seedes first prepared in vinegar and then taken in wine halfe a dramme at a time for certaine dayes together is a meanes to abate and consume the fat flesh of a corpulent body and keepe it leane the berries so prepared and as much white tartar and a few aniseede put to them a dramme of this powder given in wine cureth the dropsie humour by purging very gently the dry flowers are often used in the decoctions of glisters to expell winde and ease the chollicke for they lose their purging quality which they have being greene and retaine an attenuating and digesting propertie being dryed the distilled water of the flowers is of much use to cleare the skinne from sunne burning freckles morphew or the like and as Matthiolus saith both the forepart and hinderpart of the head being bathed therewith it taketh away all manner of the headach that commeth of a cold cause The Vinegar made of flowers of the Elder by maceration and insolation is much more used in France than any where else and is grate full to the stomacke and of great power and effect to quicken the appetite and helpeth to cut grosse or tough flegme in the chest A Syrupus acetosus made hereof would worke much better than the ordinary for these purposes The leaves boyled and layd hot upon any hot and painefull apostumes especially in the more remote and sinewie parts doth both coole the heate and inflammation of them and ease the paines The distilled water of the inner barke of the tree or of the roote is very powerfull to purge the watery humors of the dropsie or timpanie taking it fasting and two houres before supper Matthiolus giveth the receipt of a medecine to helpe any burning by fire or water which is made in this manner take saith he one pound of the inner barke of the Elder bruise it or cut it small and put it into two pound of fine sallet oyle or oyle Olive that hath beene first washed oftentimes with the distilled water of Elder flowers let them boyle gently a good while together and afterwards straine forth the oyle pressing it very hard set this oyle on the fire againe and put thereto foure ounces of the juyce of the young branches and leaves of the Elder tree and as much new wax let them boyle to the consumption of the juyce after which being taken from the fire put presently thereunto two ounces of liquid Vernish such as Ioyners use to vernish their bedsteeds cupboords tables c. and afterwards of Olibanum in fine powder foure ounces and the whites of two egges being first well beaten by themselves all these being well stirred and mixed together put it up into a cleane pot and keepe it for to use when occasion serveth The young buddes and leaves of the Elder and as much of the rootes of Plantaine beaten together and boyled in old Hogs grease this being laid warme upon the place pained with the gout doth give present ease thereto The leaves also burned and the pouder of them put up into the nostrills staieth the bleeding being once or twise used If you shall put some of the fresh flowers of Elders into a bagge letting it hang in a vessell of wine when it is new made and beginneth to boyle I thinke the like may be tried with a vessell of ale or beere new tunned up and set to worke together the bagge being a little pressed every evening for a seaven night together giveth to the wine a very good rellish and a smell like Muscadine and will doe little lesse to ale or beere The leaves of Elders boyled tender and applied warme to the fundament easeth the paines of the piles if they be once or twice renued growing cold The foule inflamed or old ulcers and sores of the legges being often washed with the water of the leaves or of the flowers distilled in the middle of the moneth of May doth heale them in a short space The distilled water of the flowers taketh away the heate and inflammation of the eyes and helpeth them when they are bloud shotten The hands being washed morning and evening with the same water of the flowers doth much helpe and ease them that have the Palsie in them and cannot keepe them from shaking The pith in the middle of the Elder stalkes being dried and put into the cavernous holes of Fistulous ulcers that are ready to close openeth and dilateth the orifices whereby injections may be used and other remedies applied for the cure of them It is said that if you gently strike a horse that cannot stale with a sticke of this Elder and binde some of the leaves to his belly it shall make him stale quickly The Mushromes of the Elder called Iewes eares are of much use being dried to be boyled with Ale or Milke with Columbine leaves for sore throates and with a little Pepper and Pellitory of Spaine in powder to put up the uvula or pallet of the mouth when it is fallen downe Matthiolus saith that the dried Iewes eares steeped in Rosewater and applied to the temples and forehead doe ease the paines of the head or headach The Mountaine or red berried Elder hath the properties that the common Elder hath but weaker to all purposes the berries hereof are taken to be cold and to procure sleepe but the frequent use of it is hurtfull It is said that if a branch of this Elder be put into the trench that a moale hath made it will either drive them forth or kill them in their trench The Marsh Elder is of the like purging qualitie with the common especially the berries or the juyce of them Mens and birds doe feede upon them willingly in the Winter The Wallwort or Danewort is more forceable or powerfull than the Elder in all the diseases and for all the purposes whereunto it is applied but more especially wherein the Elder is little or nothing prevalent the Wallwort serveth to these uses The young and tender branches and leaves thereof taken with wine helpeth those that are troubled with the stone and gravell and laid upon the testicles that are swollen and hard helpeth them quickly the juice of the roote of Wallwort applied to the throate healeth the Quinsie or Kings evill the fundament likewise is stayed from falling downe if the juyce thereof be put therein the same also put up with a little wooll into the mother
them Lignum sempervivum Evergreene wood 12. Agiahalid Aegyptiaca Lycio affinis The Egyptian tree like unto Lycium This tree groweth to the height of a wilde Peare tree having but few armes or branches crooking many wayes in the growing set with many long and very sharpe thornes and small Box-like leaves with them but somewhat broader seldome but one and usually two at a joynt the flowers are small and white like Orientall Iacinths but lesser where afterwards stand smal blacke round berries both bitter and astringent the leaves also are somewhat sower and astringent The Place The first groweth on the Alpes of Liguria and in Dalmatia as Lugdunensis saith the second on Mount Balchus and in divers places of Italy the third Clusius saith he found neare unto Complutum in Spaine by the Rivers sides the fourth Lobel saith was brought from Spaine the fift as Lobel saith groweth not farre from Mompelier neare the River Lanus the sixt as is sayd about Avignon and Carpentoracte in France the seventh and eight in Candy as Honorius Bellus setteth it downe in his first Epistle to Clusius the ninth on Mount Lybanus and other places in Syria the tenth in Egypt by the banckes of that arme of Nilus that is called Calig that runneth into the Sea the eleventh groweth as Garcias saith in many places in the Indies where it is of great use the last Alpinus saith hee saw in the garden of a Turke in Cayro which was brought out of Ethiopia The Time Their times of flowring and fructifying are according to the countries where they grow some earlier and others later The Names The Greeke name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lycium and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pyxacantha is imposed on the dryed juice as well as on the bush so called as it is thought because it was brought out of Lycia and Cappadocia and was of much use in former times but not of later dayes because what was brought was well knowne and perceived to bee counterfeit being made of the berries of Privet or of the Honysuckle or Doggeberry fruite or of them all together and had none of the notes of the true Lycium which are these It is blackish on the outside of the whole cakes or peeces but being broken of a brownish yellow colour within and quickly growing blacke againe having no virulent sent but of a bitter taste astringent withall the Indian kinde which is the best will have a Saffron like colour and this especiall note the true and best will have that being put into the fire it will burne and flame and being quenched it will give a reddish scumme say some and others a reddish fume or smoake but that sophisticate or adulterate Lycium which of late dayes hath beene used hath none of these true properties in it and Dioscorides and Galen doe both shew that there wanted not impostoris in their time to counterfeit the true and would mixe Amurca that is the Grounds or Lees of oyle with it to make it burne and with the juice of Wormewood or the Gall of an Oxe to make it bitter and as Galen saith they did so cunningly counterfeit it that it was hard to know the false from the true The first as the most frequent is thought by divers and Lugdunensis standeth mainely for it to be the right notwithstanding that Anguilara saith it is not the right Lycium although it be so taken by divers Matthiolus Tabermontanus call it Lycium Lugdunensis Lycium Alpinum Dodonaeus and Lonicerus Pyxacantha Lobel in Adversarijs setteth forth a Lycium sive Pyxacantha Narbonensiū which it may be is this Bauhinus calleth it Lycium Buxifolio the second Matthiolus Lugdunensis and Tabermontanus call Lycium Italicum Pona sheweth in his description of Mons Baldus that it is the same that Clusius calleth Spina infectoria pumila altera and Bauhinus Lycium facie Pruni sylvestris sive Italicum the third Clusius calleth Lycium quorundum and saith the Spaniards where it grew call it Tamujos and Tamuexos and thereof make Broomes and heate their Ovens and Kills c. but Lugdunensis is much mistaken in thinking this of Clusius to be the same that Lobel in his Appendix to his Observations calleth Lycium Hispanicum which is my fourth sort here and hath longer narrower leaves then that of Clusius which hath rounder leaves more like Box and Bauhinus observing well the differences calleth the one Lycium Hispanicum folio buxi and the other Lycium Hispanicum folio oblongo the fift Lobel in Adversarijs calleth Paliurus alter peregrimus but hath mistaken the figure thereof in his Icones putting the figure of Pyracantha that is of Oyacantha Dioscoridis which as he saith hath an ever greene leafe and is not the Barbary as divers do mistake it for it which he setteth downe in his Adversaria but in his Icones the said figure of Pyracantha is put under both the title of Paliurus alter peregrinus and of Rhamnus tertius Dioscoridis also Bauhinus not taking it to be any species of Paliurus calleth it Lycium latifolium the sixt Lugdunensis saith Dalechampius tooke to be a Lycium hee therefore calleth it Lycium Dalechampij and withall saith that some called it Tinctorium granum that is in French Graine a teindre and others call it Graine jaulne and some Graine d' Avignon Bauhinus calleth it Lycium Gallicum and may be called Granum Avenionense the seventh Honorius Bellus of Candy saith it is there called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Louezia of the inhabitants but he himselfe calleth it Lycium Creticum yet saith also because it is not the right Lycium it may be called Berberis Alpina aut montana for Siluerius Todeschinus reported unto him that he found the very same very frequent on Mount Lybanus in Syria Pona followeth Bellus in his Italian Baldus and calleth it by the same names Bauhinus referreth it rather to the Barbery making it another species thereof and not of Lycium the eighth as Bellus saith is also another sort of Lycium and called by the Candiots 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lazegiri and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Petroamygdala hoc est petraea amygdala but yet hath no resemblance to our Almond tree the ninth is called of Clusius Lycium legitimum Rauwolfij and by Rauwolfius himselfe Frutex spinosus peregrinus Aralibus Hadhadh incolis Zaroa Bauhinus Lycium Indicum folijs pruni the tenth is by Prosper Alpinus called Lycium Indicum Creditum and saith it is called Vseg by the Egyptians Bauhinus calleth it Lycium Indicum alterum the eleventh is called by Garcias Cate sive Lycium and saith the true is called Hattych which thereupon I have intituled Lycium Indicum putatum Garcia and by Bauhinus Lycium folijs Ericae the last Alpinus saith is called by the Egyptians Agiahalid and may not unfitly be accounted a Lycium Bauhinus thereupon calleth it Lycio affinis Aegyptiaca The Vertues The condensate juice of Lycium is that that onely is to bee used of all the parts of the tree which was made as
Dioscorides sheweth of the leaves and berries but Pliny saith of the roote and branches which being steeped three dayes in water was afterwards boyled and strayned then evoporated untill it came to the thicknes of hony and so to be kept as a liquid medicine as Galen seemeth to intimate or else dryed up to the thicknesse of Opium and made up in that manner into Cakes which as is sayd were to be broken to know the goodnesse the scumme saith Dioscorides taken away in the boyling is put with other medicines that serve for the eyes the rest is put to other uses yet the Lycium it selfe is also set downe by him to be effectuall to take away the dimnesse and filmes that hinder the sight It stayeth Fluxes of all sorts both of the belly and humours as the Laske and Bloody flux the aâ—undance of Womens courses and the whites bleedings at the mouth or nose and spitting of blood it is effectuall also for all fowle and creeping Cankers Vlcers and sores whether in the mouth throat or other parts of the body as also for the loosenesse of the gummes chappes in the lippes or clefts in the fundament and at the rootes of the nayles of the hands but especially for all sores in the privie parts of man or woman it is good for the cough being taken with water as also against the bitings of a mad Dogge being put into the eares that ruâ—â—e and matter it helpeth them it is good also against the itch and scabbes and to clense the skinne it coloureth the haire yellow and giveth a yellow dye not onely to Leather and skinnes but serveth Dyers also and Painters in their workes CHAP. XXV Rubus The Bramble OF the Brambles there are are divers sorts some having thornes or prickles upon them others few or none some growing higher and lower then others some also carefully nursed up in Gardens which are the Raspies berries of divers sorts whereof I have in my former Booke given you the knowledge sufficiently and shall not be here againe described 1. Rubus vulgaris major The common Bramble Blacke berry bush The common Bramble or Blacke berry bush is so well knowne that it needeth no description every one that hath seene it being able to say that it shooteth forth many very long ribbed or straked branches which although a great part thereof standeth upright yet by reason of the length 1. Rubus vulgaris major The Bramble or Blacke bush and weakenesse they bend againe downe to the ground there many times taking roote againe all of them thicke set with short and crooked thornes and leaves likewise at severall places upon long prickly footestalkes three and sometimes five set together hard and as it were crumpled with small prickes on the middle under rib of a darke greene colour and grayish underneath which seldome fall away all the winter untill all the sharpe frosts be past whereby the countrey men doe observe that the extremity of Winter is past when they fall off and that new leaves shortly after beginne to shoot forth againe the flowers are many set together at the ends of the branches which consist of five whitish leaves like those of the wilde Bryer bush and sometimes dasht with a little Carnation with small threads in the middle after which come the fruit every one by it selfe but consisting of many graines or Berries as it were set together in a round head like a Mulberry greene at the first reddish afterwards and blacke and sweete when they are ripe which else are harsh and unpleasant the roote groweth great and knottie 2. Rubus minor Chamaerubus sive Humirubus The small low or ground Bramble The branches hereof are very slender alwayes lying and trayling upon the ground never raysing it selfe up as the former doth and often rooteth as it creepeth set with crooked thornes but much smaller then the other with the like leaves and flowers of a pale Rose colour and berries but smaller and of a blewish blacke colour when they are ripe like unto a Damson and as sweete as the other Blaccke berry almost but with lesser sappe or juice in then the roote here of creepeth about and from the knotty joynts send forth new branches Of this kinde there is another sort 3. Rubus montanus odoratus Sweet mountaine Bramble or Raspis This mountaine Bramble or Raspis for to eyther it may bee referred hath sundry long stalkes rising from the roote without any thornes on them but set thicke with soft haires from whence shoot forth theÌ„ broad and large leaves without order set upon long hairy footestalkes divided into five parts almost to the middle ribbe and sometimes but into three or more each a little dented about the edges of a very sweet sent but falling away in winter the flowers are somewhat large like the Eglantine of a delayed purplish violet colour with divers yellow threads in the middle 2. Chamaerubus sive Hamirubus The small or low Bramble 4. Rubus saxatilis Alpinus The stony Bramble or Rocke Raspis 6. Chamaemorus Anglica Our Knot berrie 7. Chamaemorus Cambro Britanica The welsh Knot berry or Lancashiere Cloud berry standing at the toppes of the branches after which come the fruit very like unto Bramble berries but reddish as Raspis but not so well rellished the roote spreadeth much about under ground 4. Rubus tricoccos The Deaw berry or Winberry The Deaw berry hath slender weake branches like the last more often lying downe then being raised up with fewer prickes and thornes thereon then in the last the leaves likewise are usually but three set together more separate on the branches yet almost as large as it and nearer set together on long footstalkes the flowers are white and small the berries usually consisting but of three small berries or graines set together in one yet many times foure or five lesse sappie but not lesse sweete or blew then the other the roote hereof creepeth under ground more then the last 5. Rubus saxmilis Alpinus The stony Bramble or Rocke Raspis This small low plant which by Clusius is more fitly referred to the Raspis then the Bramble hath divers slender reddish twiggy hairy branches little more then a foote high without any thorne at all on them set here and there with rough leaves upon footstalkes three alwayes joyned together and dented about the edges of a very harsh and binding taste the flowers stand at the toppes of the branches three or foure together consisting of foure and some of five leaves a peece of a pale or whitish Rose colour which afterwards turne into small fruit composed of three foure or five graines or berries set together greater then eyther in the Raspis or Bramble of a reddish colour when they are ripe almost transparent full of a most pleasant sweete and acid juice gratefull to the palate having in each of them a white rough kernell or stone the roote creepeth all about and shooteth forth sundry branches from the joynts as they creepe