Emplastrum stipticum Paracelsi.

THis composition, devised by the famous Philoso­phers Philippus, Theophrastus, and Paracelsus, excelleth in the cure of piercing wounds and stabs; as also in the cure of all dangerous wounds whatsoever: it hath the precedence as well for contused as incised wounds; for it asswageth pain, defendeth from ac­cidents, discusseth, mollifieth, attracteth, incarneth, digesteth, and consolidates, and is also good for an old ach proceeding of a cold cause. It is further especially good for ulcers on the leggs, or elsewhere in any part of the body: it is of temperament warm, and very comfortable.

For approbation whereof you may see Paracelsus his own words, which I have here inserted.

Hoc Emplastrum est magis vertutis divinae quam humanae. Valet ad omnes plagas, novas & antiquas. Abstergit, mundificat, carnem bonam generat, consolidat ex fundo plus una septimana, quam ali [...]d quodcunque in mense, nec permittit fieri aliquam putrefactionem & corruptionem, nec malam car­nem generat. Valet omnibus nervis incisis, ut conquassatis & musculis. Valet omnibus inflaturis, abstrabit ferrum & lignum, & plumbum de plaga, eidem suppositum. Valet contra omnes morsuras cujuscunque morsurae bestiae vene­nosae, & puncturas Serpentis; maturat, sanat omne generatum cujuscunque Apostumatis, superpositum. Valet in membris generationis si ibi fuerit cor­ruptio. Valet contra Cancrum, fistulas, contra ignem persicum; sedat dolores cujuscunque plagae. Haec Theophrast Bombast.

Diachilon magnum cum gummis.

THis Emplaister dissolveth, maturateth, and mollifieth hardnesses, and is principally good in Apostumes: it is of temperament warm, [Page 28] and moist. It was first devised by a certain Artist named Serapis. Avi­cenna (as some think) invented it; but others judge that Mesues was the inventor thereof.

Diachilon parvum.

THis Emplaister is very good to dissolve schirras, tumours of the liver, spleen, reins, belly, or elsewhere; it is wholly composed of mollifying and discussing ingredients; it serveth generally for hot or cold causes, but chiefly for hot: For I hold it to be of temperament cold, the rather, by reason of the much Litharge in it, which, if a mineral may be called▪either hot or cold Litharge, cold it is without question. It was devised by Mesues.

Diacalcitheos.

THis Emplaster mitigateth pain; it is a good defensative against all venemous humours, and will very well induce a cicatrice in wounds and ulcers: also it hath an especial good quality to asswage the pain in the small of the back, proceeding from distempered kidnies, by hot causes, aswell concerning the stone, and gravel, as in the Go­norrea: and dissolved or relented with oyl of roses or elders, or of lin­seed, it is a very good medicine to heal burnings, and scaldings. It was devised first by Galenus: of temperament it is cooling and drying.

Empl. Oxicr [...]ceum.

THis is a very ancient composition, but ascribed chiefly to Nicolaus an ancient Writer as Author thereof: it is of quality anodine, attracting, mollifying, and comforting; asswageth pains in the gout proceeding of a cold cause, and is good in cold Aches, and by that attracting ver­tue it hath, it draweth out vapors per por os cutis, or the sweat vents in the skin, whereby it often unladeth the body of vicious and noisome humors, which otherwise might indanger the Patient: of temperament it is hot and moist, &c.

Empl. Melilotum per splen.

THis Emplaster mollifieth all hardnesse of the liver, spleen, and ventricle; dissolveth windinesse, ceaseth vehement pains provoked by wind; as namely., in the disease called flatus hypocrondriacus, which is a flatuous or windy pain gathered near unto the Spleen: it is also generally good against the gathering together of any congealed cold substance in the stomack or liver: of temperament it is warm, and comforting exceedingly: It was devised by Me [...]ues an ancient writer.

Empl. Melilotum simplex.

THis is good in green wounds, for it draweth and healeth well: also [...]t attracteth and bringeth forward a cold Apostume, and is an especial [Page 29] secret, and the best thing I ever knew in curing kybed heels and chilblains: it is of temperament hot and moist, and was devised by Mesues.

Emplastrum de lapide calaminari, or Grisium.

THis Emplaster (I may speak of my own experience) is a good healer of ulcers which are hard to be cicatrized, and hath an especial ver­tue in curing of buboes, as well venereal as pestilential: It is also the best incarnative of all the Plasters that ever I used.

Emplastrum de Minio.

THis Minium-plaster is a good discusser of hot humors, a good swager of pains, mollifieth well, repelleth somewhat, and is very commo­diously used upon wounds and ulcers, to further good healing: it in­duceth also a good cicatrice. In the tumour of scr [...]tum, or rather of the Testicles, called Hernia humoralis, commonly following the sudden stopping of Gonorrae, it is a very convenient anodine and discussing Plaster. This Emplaster likewise is very good to asswage pain, in any case, where safely an anodine Emplaster is required; as namely, in contused or distorted joynts: onely note, that this Emplastrum de Minio is meant of the composition set down by that reverent Master Galle in his Dispensa­tory, for I make mine according to his description.

Emplastrum calidum.

THis Emplastrum stomachi or calidum, is a composition described by Johannes Jacobus Weckerus, under that name, pag. 953. of his Dis­pensatory: it is onely used where a comforting Emplaster of a very warm temperament is required: it is a needful Emplaster of a very warm temperament is required: it is a needful Emplaster in the Sur­geons Chest; for it comforteth much the liver or stomack debilitated by cold humours, and helpeth well digestion; yet in want thereof Para­celsus Plaster, though not so fitly, may serve.

Vnguentum Basilicon.

THis unguent doth digest and incarn wounds and ul­cers; and will also prepare and bring to suppuration an Apostume either hot or cold, being somewhat thick spread on towe or leather and applyed thereto: it also mitigateth the pain and pulsation thereof, and is likewise very fitly mixed either with praecipitate, Unguentum Egyptiacum, or the like medicine, the more easily and better to mundifie and cleanse an ulcer: this unguent is of tem­perament warm, and it is ascribed to have been devised by Galen: it is also good for burnings and scaldings.

Vnguentum Apostolorum.

THis unguent serveth well to cleanse and scowre ulcers and fistu­la's, and to make a good ground to healing: it is of temperament hot and dry: it was devised by Avicen; named Apostolorum, for that it consisteth of twelve several ingredients joyned into one body.

Vnguentum Aureum.

THis unguent serveth well to incarn wounds and ulcers, being first well mundified: it is also to be used as a balm to them to heal them, and is a good healer of burnings and scaldings, the fire first taken out. The composition which I do make, is of the practice of Josephus Quer­ [...]itanus, whose good use I have made trial of.

Vnguentum Egyptiacum.

THis unguent serveth to scowre; it mundifieth all rotten foul ulcers, and is best to be put into the grief scalding hot, for then the usual pain and corrosion it procureth will be quickly past: in like manner it is to be used in any venemous wounds, made either with poysoned shot, [Page 32] or bitten with mad dogs, or any other venemous creature, or great con­tused wounds, wherein, for preventing them from fear of a Gangreen, it excelleth. It serveth also well to be used alone, or mixed with any lo­tion for ulcers of the mouth and throat, especially in the scurvie. This unguent drieth vehemently, and is abstersive: it is of temperament hot and dry, and was devised by Mesues.

Vnguentum album Camphoratum.

THis unguent is very good to cool and heal any hot moist pustles: it cureth excoriations of the skin in any place, but chiefly in the yard betwixt glans and praeputium: it also healeth burnings and scaldings very well, and is good to be applyed to any painfull ulcer; for it asswageth pain, and healeth well. It was invented by Avicen: it is of temperament cold, anodine, mollificative, and attractive, and therefore of very good consequence in the Surgeons Chest.

Vnguentum Diapompholigos.

THis unguent is good to heal painful ulcers in any part of the body, especially of the yard, or betwixt glans and praeputium, as also any fretting or painful ulcers of the leggs, or elsewhere. I have found it good before all other unguents in ulcers of the yard; indeed against virulent, painfull and corrosive ulcers, scarce a better composition is known: in Noli me tangere in the face, I have had good experience of it; and in many other occasions I have found it a very useful unguent: of temperament it is cold and dry. Nicolaus Alexandrinus was the Author of it.

Vnguentum Pectorale.

IT swageth the pains and stitches of the breast and sides, easeth the cough, helpeth expectoration: as also to digest grosse humours, and to attenuate them: it warmeth and comforteth a cold stomack. This composition is set down in the Dispensatory of Augustanus.

Vnguentum Rosatum.

THis is used against inflammations, Ignem sacrum, and all hot pains of the head: it asswageth the pains of the liver, kidnies, and belly, proceeding of heat, and hath vertue to corroborate. It was invented by Mesues.

Vnguentum Tripharmacon, or Nutritum.

THis serveth well to cure an Erysipilas, excoriation or bladderings of the skin; such also as are termed the Shingles: it is also good for to take the fire out of burnings and scaldings; and for any moist hu­mour flowing to any ulcers in any part of the body, being spread upon cap-paper thin, and laid over the whole distempered part: also against any [Page 33] sleight scabbinesse or itching humour, whence soever it is: it [...]an espe­cial good defensative against any scalding or vicious humour, flowing to any ulcer. Of temperament this unguent is cold and dry: it is subject to divide it self, namely, the Oyl, Litharge, and Vinegar asunder; which if it be wrought together again will be as good as at the first: and if it be over dry, add vinegar and oyl thereto, and it will be as good as ever.

Unguentum Populeum.

THis serveth well to asswage the pains of the Sourvy; by anointing the parts grieved there with. I may justly say, upon the experience of divers skilful Surgeons, and my own also, that as well in hot as in cold countries, it hath been found so exceeding comfortable and behove­ful, that scarce any composition of an Unguent in the Surgeons Chest may compare with it: which some may think is a very absurd affirma­tion in reason, but that experience will have it so. It is good also to an­noint the Temples, to provoke rest in hot fevers; as also the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is likewise good to be applyed for swa­ging of pain in any part of the body, and being applyed cold upon a Plegent where you have laid any corrosive, it easeth the dolour of the caustick medicine. Of temperament it is cold and moist; it was devi­sed by Nicolaus.

Mel Saponis.

MEl Saponis is honey and sope mixed ana, partes aequales, and is a me­dicine appointed to be first applyed (upon a burning or scalding) to take the fire out. It is a linament of ancient use amongst our countrey Surgeons, and good: but I find it not mentioned in ancient Writers; in want whereof use Tripharmacon, or an infusion of Vinegar and Litharge: namely, ℞ Litharge of gold in powder ℥ 4. wine Vinegar lib i. mix them well, and boil them very gently a little on the fire, and the Vinegar will become sweet as sugar, and very anodine: foment the grief therewith, and you shall find present ease to the party. Or take Populeum and un­guentum album mixed, and apply it on soft cap-paper, first being well rubbed with your hand to make it so: or take Diacalcithios or Minium plaster, and mix it with Linseed-oyl, or oyl of Elders, till it be a gentle unguent, and so apply it: or Tripharmacon alone will do well: also Ho­ney alone is a good medicine.

Unguentum contra ignem.

THis composition used that purpose, you shall find in Johann [...]s Weckerus his Dispensatory, pag. 1174. I have found it very good against burnings and scaldings, as also against burnings with Gunpowder. Where I write the compositions of my medicines in general, that also shall be expressed. In want of this composition, the Vng. album, either alone, or mixed with Tripharmacon, will do very well; which if it be too hard or dry, you may mix oyl of Roses or Linseed with it: and for want of this, you may take Diacalcithios or Minium mixed or relented with [Page 34] any of the said oyles, or any other fitting oyl, as oyl olive simple: also unguentum Basilicon is very good in burnings and scaldings.

Unguentum contra scorbutum.

THe composition of this Unguent is recited in the cure of the Scur­vy. I have had the practice thereof, and found it very good to at­tenuate grosse tumors of the Scurvy, to asswge the pains of them, and by the use thereof to dissolve such tumors. I use this Unguent in cold causes, and in want thereof, ung: Martiatum, or Oleum Laurini, or Dial­thea: but in hot griefs and very painful I use Populeum.

Unguentum Dialthea compositum.

THis Unguent Nicolas an ancient writer seemeth to be the Author of. It is profitable against pains of the breast proceeding of a cold cause, and against the Pleurisie: it warmeth, mollifieth, and comforteth all the parts of the body, which are evil disposed through cold infirmities: it is also good against stiffnesse and pains of the joynts in the Scurvy.

Dialthea simplex.

THIs hath the properties of the former, but the former is bet­ter.

Unguentum potabile.

THis unguent is a sure Balsame for wounds of any sort, or in any part of the body, either penetrating or not penetrating; in wounds penetrating either inject it warm, or pour it into the wound. Also upon any occasion, it is to be drunk ʒ i. or ii. at once, or for a dose. It healeth wounds within the body. Also it healeth burnings and scaldings without any scar. And further it cureth the wind-chollick drunk with sack: the dose is to be ℥ i. without [...]ear: but I give usually but one dram or ʒ ii.

Vnguentum de Mercurio.

I Have else-where said, and it is too much apparent, that for healing and killing, Mercury hath no fellow; and where I recite Mercury in any of my instructions, you must understand me Quick-silver, for so it is truly stiled by the Learned, and not without good reason. This Unguent, joyne with it what other ingredients you please, yet if Mer­cury be one, it will shew his valour in despight of the rest, though it have 20. for one odds against it; so puissant is that volatile and excel­lent spirit of his, which (I may boldly say) could truly never be tamed: and yet many worthy medicines are made thereof, which in their several places I mean to explain as I shall have time, God willing. You may make this Unguent of Dialthea, oleum Laurini. ana lib. ss. Mercurius vivus, or quick-silver ℥ ii. oleum spice or Tereb. If you have them, ana ℥ ss. [Page 35] and if you see cause in very cold bodies you may add of Euphorbium in powder ʒ ii. This unguent is good to provoke a flux. You may make it of one of these unguents alone for need. But I wish not the Surgeon to car­ry any of this unguent ready made to the East-Indies; for the Quicksilver (it is to be feared) will fall to the bottome: but if he will needs have it ready made, let him add to the composition, wax, a sufficient quan­tity; but it must be made as followeth. The wax and unguent must be melted together, which being yet warm, ℞ Terebinthinae clarae ℥ i. being put into the bottome of the woodden bowle, or brasse bason, not a pewter bason; and stirring it so long till all the Quick-silver be clean lost, and turned into a blew salve, no more to be seen; then by little and little mix it with the former, and being almost coagulated (I mean al­most clean cold, neither liquid through heat, nor altogether cold) work the Terebinthinae with the Mercury altogether strongly till it be cold. You must use it cold, and neither let the Patient himself chafe it in till it be warm, or (which is better) let the Patient stand before the fire and chafe it in. But note, he which anointeth other therewith, if he use it too often, let him put a bladder on his hands; for the often use thereof causeth many evils. This unguent hath as many vertues as vices, and as many vices as vertues: a whole week may be easily spent, with good profit to the Reader, in waiting of Mercury: I heartily wish some learned and worthy man would take in hand truly to anatomize that subject: I am perswaded, yea, and know well, he might thereby save the lives of many an innocent soul, who with great infamy perish through the inordinate use of this unguent; notwithstanding the medicine is good. But I refer the Surgeons Mate, for the use of this unguent, to Mr. Clowes his book of Surgery.

But concerning the ordinary uses thereof, if you anoint the joynts therewith, it killeth the itch; but if you anoint too plentifully it provo­keth a flux, sometimes upward, sometimes downward. If you anoint the seams of his shirt which is lowsie therewith, it driveth away all the lice: the same it doth to the lice of the eye-browes and secret parts, where­with many are troubled. Also for the pils it is a very good medicine; I use it in that case, first to purge the Patient, and after to anoint him with Vnguentum album, wherein Quick-silver is mixed; namely, of the un­guentum ℥ i. of Mercury ʒ i. misce, and anoint therewith daily three times, and keep the place very warm.

Linamentum Arcei.

I Cannot but reverence the Author of this precious plain Linament; whose desert is highly to be esteemed of by the Commonwealth: for it is as sufficient a Balm for new wounds, especially in the head, as that a better can scarce be found out by art. It doth all the intentions of heal­ing a wound in the head meerly of it self, the flux being stayed: For it digesteth, mundifieth, incarneth, and cicatrizeth, it defendeth from accidents, and is very anodine: it may also fitly be applyed to pain­full ulcers and fistula's upon occasion. The Author or manifester [Page 36] of this Linament was Franciscus Arceus, as is manifest by a small trea­tise of his, translated by Mr. John Read a Surgeon: It is of temperament hot and moist.

Vnguentum Aragon.

THis unguent is numbred amongst the four hot unguents. It profi­teth generally against all cold affects of the outward parts of the body: it much warmeth and comforreth the sinewes: it is good against convulsions and cramps: it is good to anoint the ridg-bone of the back, and the parts near the kidnies against the pains thereof: and also to anoint the stomack and belly upon any cold grief: it is good to anoint the body of them which have the quartane fever, the falling sick­nesse, the pains of the joynts: and also it is good to be used as a Morbus ointment (according to the common phrase) adding the due quantity of Mercury thereto; which I account to be of Quick-silver ℥ii. to the un­guent lib. i. But I find it will not retain his vertues above one year, as witnesseth Johannes Jacobus Weckerus: wherefore I forbear this compo­sition in the Surgeons Chest.

Vnguentum Martiatum.

THis unguent, as it is composed of many ingredients, so it is said to be effectual for many griefs: for (saith the Author) it discusseth cold causes in the head, sinewes, and joynts: it removeth pain from the breast and stomack proceeding from colds: it prevaileth aganst convulsions: it helpeth the resolution of the sinewes, dead palsie, and them that are troubled with the Sciatica or hip-gout, the gout in the hands, feet, and other joynts of the body: it mollifieth hard puscles and tumors in the flesh: it asswageth the hard swellings of the liver and spleen; easeth the pain in the small guts; it cureth the ach in the reins. It hath his name (as Salaritanus saith) of Martianus; or as Ma [...]lius (which is more probable) saith, of Martiatus, a most skilful Physician, supposed to be the inventer thereof: and it is described in the Dispensatory by Nico­laus Alexandrinus; who also describeth the vertues thereof, in effect as is here set down.

Axungia Porcina.

IT is called Axungia, of anointing the Axle-tree, to make the wheeles turn easier about, for which cause many use it to this day. It is liquid, flowing like oyl with warmeth: it hath a lenifying and anodine quality, and therefore it is not unprofitably used for mitigation of sharp humours, asswaging of pain, healing of burnings with fire, and very fitly mixed with Cataplasmes appointed for those effects.

Axungia Cervi.

THis Axungia is of a hot nature, doth asswage aches, resolveth and mollifieth hard tumours in any part of the body. And by experience [Page 37] is found very good, administred in Glisters, to heal the excoriations of the Intestinum rectum; for it is anodine and very sanative. The manner to use it, is somewhat touched in some other my instructions elsewhere.

Mel simplex.

ENglish honey being yellow, the favour and odour pleasant, sharpe, pure, sincere, clear, fast or stiffe, yeelding little spume in decocting, is good and very profitable for those that are costive, also for the stomack if one drink it with water: it helpeth the bladder and reins: it is good for the eyes: mundifieth, openeth, and healeth. As for burnings and scaldings, it cureth them without scar, and is very good to heal ulcers of the ears; and (saith Dioscorides) drunk with water is wholesome for the belly and stomack (it helpeth such as are pained in the kidnies and bladder. It is also good to anoint the eyes with, to clear the dimnesse of sight in them: it hath an abstergent or cleansing force: it openeth the mouthes of veins, whereby it also draweth out fordid matter or qui [...] ­tur from fetide ulcers. But the best honey of all other, is that which is gathered in Lituania, a Province of Polonia. where the Bees breed onely in high trees, and gather their honey from a certain flower growing on trees, called in Latine Flos Tiliae or Tili, in the Germane tongue Lind [...]n holt. This honey is white, hard, and very fragant or odoriferous.

Aqua Caelestis.

MAthiolus in his Commentaries upon Dioscorides, setteth down this excellent water, as a principal Antidote or preservative against all poysons, or poysoned and infectious aires whatsoever, for that either re­ceived into the body, or but onely smelled unto, it helpeth very much against infections, and that it doth very admirably restore again one fal­len either of the dead palsie, or falling sicknesse,; and is also good either in the Collick or any gripings of the guts as also in any the weaknesses of the stomack, and against any cold fluxes of the guts or belly, two spoonfuls thereof given in a glister, and hath many more especial good uses and vertues there set down, which for brevity I must passe over.

D^r. Steevens his water.

THis Water needeth no man to describe his vertues, being a thing so common and ancient in use, composed by that learned Physitian of worthy memory so named. Experience hath found it to be a notable cordial water for comforting the head and heart, yea, and all the princi­pal faculties of the body, both animal, vital, and natural, if it be truly prepared: and of this there needeth no question, if you will but believe the seller thereof.

Rosa solis.

THis Rosa solis, or rather Rossolis, taketh his name of an herb so called; which herb is very medicinable; as namely, against con­sumptions, it hath been often approved and found a certain re­medy. But the Rosa Solis composition being without deceit made, is far more precious; for it comforteth the stomack and brain, helpeth digesti­on, strengtheneth the appetite, openeth obstructions, is good against the palsie and falling sicknesse, and hath many other vertues.

Cynamon Water.

THis Water doth comfort and strengthen the stomack, the liver, the milt, the lungs, the heart, the brain and the sinewes; sharpneth the sight, is good against venoms, as also the stingings and bitings of venemous beasts; helpeth a bad or evil savouring breath; is good against loathing of the stomack: and where you desire to warm, to open, to attenuate, digest, or corroborate, in all such cases this precious liquour excelleth: witnesse Johannes Jacobus Weekerus, alledging Mathiolus; yea and divers other famous Writers, beside experience it self.

Limon Water

THis is the tincture and chief essence (drawn by the spirit of wine, from the rindes of Limons) which is a great restorative to mans nature, and a precious Cordial, which not onely aromatizeth the stomack, but much strengthneth the feebled spirits, and is as an healing balsame to all the inward parts of the body, and doth open ob­structions and break the wind in the stomack exceedingly. Juyce of Li­mons is touched elsewhere in the cure of Scurvy.

Rosemary Water.

THis is a great comforter of the brain, sharpneth the sight, helpeth the weaknesse of the stomack, preserveth from vomiting, is very good against the disease Dysentery, or the bloody flix (the cause proceeding of cold) either drunk, or three spoonfuls taken in a Glister, when you are ready to administer the same. It hath very many other good properties too long here to recite.

Sassafras Water.

THe spirit of this precious root is a great opener, of all obstructions or stoppings in the body; namely, of the liver, the lungs, the kid­nies, and of the spleen: and therby it is found by many experi­ences excellent against the Scurvy, the French disease, and the yel­low jaundise; it is an approved remedy also against cold fevers, and the dropsie, or for those which are inclining thereto; for it provoketh urine and sweat, in a very mild and natural manner, and driveth out many dis­eases by the pores of the skin. It hath infinite more vertues ascri­bed [Page 40] unto it: the best of these roots grow in Virginia. You may read Monardus of the vertues of this root more at large in his Treatise of New Spain.

Aniseed-water.

THis water, as the former, and also those which follow, have all their substances from the Spirit of wine, and must therefore, being truly so made, retain the manifold good vertues thereof: and be­sides, having therein the whole vertues of the Anise-seeds, it is found very excellent against wind in the stomack or else-where in the body, and against Asma, the Tisick and shortnesse of breath: it also breaketh flegme, and warmeth the stomack.

Worm wood Water.

NO water whatsoever more gratefull to the stomack, then is Worm­wood water truly composed; for it is as balsame thereto. It con­sumeth and breaketh wind mightily, killeth the worms, whereunto our Nation are subject in the East-Indies, hindereth vomiting, provoketh appetite, is very good against pains in the head proceeding of a cold cause, and is very Cordial

Balme Water.

THis water hath a great respect to the heart, for of all other but the former, no herb is esteemed more Cordial then this, and is of a grateful smell and tast; yet I hold it more proper to women then men, for it much respecteth the infirmities of the Mother, and is, in the times of their pains, very comfortable to take a little of it for the safer and sooner provoking of speedy delivery.

Angelica water.

ANgelica water, may serve well in stead of Treakle or Mithridate, for a preservative against the Plague or any infectious aire, for there is no one thing more commended by ancient and moderne Writers in that kind, then Angelica is, whereof there is good experience: it is also very stomachical and cordial, and being truly made, will retain his strength and vertues forty years and more

Mint Water.

AQua Menthae doth warm and strengthen the stomack, liver, spleen or milt, helpeth concoction, stayeth vomit, and is very Cordial.

Aqua Cardui Benedicti.

CArd [...]s Benedictus Water, doth ease the pain of the head, confirmeth the memory, cureth a quartane, provoketh sweat, and comforteth the vital spirits.

The Conclusion.

AL these waters and spirits rehearsed, though in themselves they be good, yet if any of the best of them be abused, and immoderately taken, they may as soon do harm as profit: I advise therefore no man to make a common use of them, or any of them, which hath a young able body, and may have a good diet at his pleasure: for they are chief­ly to be used at sea, where mens bodies (by variety of the venemous vapours and evil dispositions of the aire, or unkind diet) are in hazzard; or where there is a weak stomack, evil digestion, with a loathing dispo­sition to meat, evil appetite, and too much loosnesse of the belly; also where by extream heat and sweat, the spirits of the body are exhausted and spent, or where (through the extream cold of the same) the body is much annoyed and endangered: In all these, and infinite more evils incident to mens bodies abroad and at home these precious liquors minister present comfort. They also are very behoveful to aged people after their meats to help digestion, or them which have weak stomacks, or that are of sad and melancholy dispositions; for it must not be de­nied, that wine comforteth the heart of man; and these waters having their original and whole force from the spirit or life of the wine, do thereby exhilarate mans heart, and give him courage, as well as cure his infirmities.

If therefore these waters be truly made, they ought also to be strong of the spirit of wine, otherwise they will not keep long good, neither are they profitable nor wholsome, and being good, one spoonful at one time is sufficient, or two spoonfuls at the most, for the preserving of health: they are best to be taken fasting, one hour or two after dinner, and last at night, either alone, or with beere or wine; some make a toste fasting, and drop the same full of cordial water and so eat it, and that is very good.

In gripings of the guts, collick or flixes of the belly, proceeding of cold causes or much crudity, three spoonfuls or four may be used at once in a Glifter; but you must not boil it therein, onely put it in when it is ready to be administred; for if you do otherwise, the spirit will evaporate and be of no force.

Aqua Rosarum Da [...]ascenarum.

DAmask Rose-water doth refrigerate and comfort the heart, is good against swouning, and causeth sleep.

Aqua Rosarum Rubrarum.

REd Rose-water doth refrigerate, bind and corroborate the vitall and animal faculties, benefiteth the head, easeth the pained eares and eyes, and doth good in inflammations, and is profitable in medicines against Dysentery.

Aqua Odorifera.

SWeet water is very necessary and profitable to aromatize the body, and refresh the senses; it sweetneth the garments, taking all offensive savours away, and doth much exhilarate the spirits, being well compo­sed of true Aromatick Ingredients.

Aqua Plantaginis.

PLantane water, is astringent and sanative, good to them that are in a consumption of the lungs, in a dropsie or that have the bloody flix, good also against the quartane ague: it cureth the ulcers of the reins, bladder, and excoriations of the passage of the yard, and being drunk, helpeth against ardent urine, or the sharpnesse of the water.

Aqua Falopii.

FOr this water, if you desire the composition thereof, I refer you to the Author; namely, Gabrielus Falopius, in his Treatise De Morbo Gallico: but hereafter I mean to set down some several compositions thereof; for the Author hath divers.

It is a water proper, and is made chiefly of Mercury sublimed, I say chief­ly, for that though the other things for quantity be ten for one, yet sub­limed Mercury will carry no cools, but will ever shew his valour in hea­ling or spoiling: I put not this composition ready made into any Sur­geons Chest, but rather leave the ingredients, and let the discreet Surgeon make it to please himself; for if I my self should find such a composition made by any, I should much fear to use of it, and so I wish the Surgeons Mate to do in all Mercurial Lotions; but rather let him use such other good Lotions, as are set down in the cure of the Scurvy; unto any of which he may add sublimate, and term it if he please, Aqu [...] Falopii: but I say, let him well understand himself both in the composition, and administration of any such medicines, or let him crave advice, or rather forbear them, and use other safer medicines, though their vertues or vi­ces perhaps be fewer.

Aqua viridis.

THis Green water (which is held a maxime by some Surgeons) hath his tincture from Viridi or Aeris, and likewise his astringent tast and vertue. His chief use is concerning the cures of Opthal­miae in the eyes, and also against divers rheumes, or distillations of hu­mours troubling the eyes, guttatim or drop-wise adminstred; for the description whereof, I refer the Reader to the rest of my compositions, where they shall be found together; but I use in place thereof Lapis medi­camentos [...]s, which in his place also shall be spoken of.

Aqua fortis.

AQua fortis or strong water, I have to satisfie some Surgeons, put into their Chests; but for my self, I see no reason for it, nor do I know any Chirurgical use it hath, which is not much better performed by oyl of vitri [...]l; whereunto I refer you rather, for that it is a far swee­ter and surer medicine, as at large shall be spoken of in his place.

Verjuice.

VErvise or Verjuice, made of the juyce of Crabs, is a good cooling medicine to be given in drinks against burning fevers; it helps di­gestion, causeth appetite, relisheth well meats and drinks, and is cordi­al, familiar, and pleasing to the tast; but it will not live above one year in good force at Sea, yet I give way to the putting it into the Chest, for that it is often desired by Surgeons.

Lotion.

THis word Lotion, is a general phrase with many Surgeons, as if there were no difference in Lotions, whereas their differences are infinite: but here I will use it as the vulgar sort do. A Lotion com­pounded of vulnerary hearbs gathered in their prime, and decocted with allumen and mel in aqua pura, I confesse may retain a name general as wellas any one outward medicine I know; for if well prepared, good use may be made thereof; as namely, it is all in all to be used as an in­jection generally for griefs of the yard, aswell within the passage as also 'twixt glans and praeputium, and in Gonorrea; which though it can­not cure the disease, yet it healeth the excoriations thereof, and strengtheneth well the parts; and so doth it in all exulceratious of the same, remembring, that if you use it within the passage of the yard, if you find it be too tart of the Allom, you mix it with Plaintane-water if you have it, or for want thereof with fair water. Note that the first time you begin injection, it be very gently done, then you may fortifie it as you see cause; namely, give it of it self, or with the addition of a little well dulcified Mercury where occasion is, but that warily; namely, seldom or never within the passage, 'but twixt glans and praeputium dai­ly (if you will) upon just occasion; and administer no Lotion within the passage of Virga cold, but warm ever. Further it hath the prime place, for a Catholick medicine in exulcerations and excoriations of the mouth and throat, both in Town and Country, and is become in such cases every old wives medicine: I have touched it in the cure of the Scurvy, wherefore here for brevities sake, I crave pardon: Onely, let me tell the Surgeons Mate, that in want of such a Lotion, though it be not in all points answerable thereto, yet he may make a good Lotion at sea of fresh water, Allome, and Hony, provided he be wary not to be too plentiful of the Allome.

Lixivium forte.

THis is to be understood of capital lees, a very necessary medicine to be at hand in the Surgeons Chest, to mollifie the liquid or white caustick when it groweth dry, and also if need be, by de­coction perse to make up a lapis infernalis, as some term it, or a hard cau­stick stone: the liquid caustick is made onely of unslaked lime and strong Capital lees, by decoction together to the thicknesse of an unguent, and when occasion of application thereof is, lay on the grief a Minium, or some other cleaving Emplaster, with a hole cut therein, so big as there shall be occasion to make an orifice, and spread thick the white caustick thereon, and so let it remain at the least two hours, having a care to de­fend the same, that it do not spread any further at all.

The caustick stone if you boil it to a just consistence, and having put it out (being yet warm) smooth it over with an iron splatter, and then with a knife cut it into pieces, so you shall have it ready to make incision after your own will; for any caustick laid on an Apostume may spread further and broader then you will, to the dammage of the Patient, but this kind of caustick you may hold in your hand wrapped in some clout or piece of plaister spread, and so you may rule it at your own desire, and yet it maketh greater speed with lesse pain then the other. Somewhat of this manner of incision I have mentioned in the cure of Apostumes, and elsewhere, to which I refer you.

Lixivium commune.

FOr this medicine I referre you to the Treatise of Salt in gene­ral.

Acetum Rosarum.

VNderstand that vinegar of Roses is, or ought to be vinegar of wine first, and then by the insusion of choice read rose-leaves, it becomes the more fragrant and cordial, so that it is the better to aromatize the stomack, and to refresh nature weakned, and against the fainting and great weaknesse of the spirits, wherein the tincture of roses hath a great vertue comfortative.

Yet let not the Surgeons Mate be discouraged though he have not Acetum rosarum, for acetum vini, or wine vinegar, will serve well in place thereof; and yet 'tis better if you have Rose-water to infuse there­in upon occasion of using the odour thereof; or for to be applied to the stomack against vomiting, or imbecillity of the same. In other cases the one may stand for the other very well, as also for those griefs.

Acetum vini.

VVIne Vinegar helpeth the unnatural swellings of the belly, as also cureth the fluxes of the stomack, the parts grieved being fomen­ted [Page 45] therewith: it stayeth the inordinate menstrual fluxes, the region of the liver or the bearing parts fomented therewith warm; namely with stupes wet therein. It is good against vomiting, the stomack outwardly fomen­ted with warm stupes wet therein: It also discusseth and dissipateth vio­lent hot tumors in their beginnings; yea, even those which are named Panaritiae, or, as some term them, fellons. Good wine-vinegar excelleth, used in Cataplasmes, as also in somentations, where anodine Medicines are to be used, provided the place be not excoriated; as namely, in Hernia humorali. With bean-meal, and oyl of Roses, it is a present help being well applied, with apt trussings, and good care had. In the falling down of the fundament it is approved good, sometimes with wine used warm to foment the part withall; as also to be cast on bricks to receive the fume thereof. In the hot Gout, and in all inflammations, as the Rose, or Ignis sacer, or (as some call it) Saint Antonies fire, by way of fomentation with wine vinegar, it is a precious help; as also made into a sirrupe with honey, then termed Oximel; or with Sugar, then termed Oxisaccatum; it is very convenient to a weak stomack; for it causeth appetite, and is a help to digestion, given ℥ i. or ℥ ii. at once, for it cutteth away flegme and refresheth nature, and corroborateth the stomack; also by way of a Gar gerisme, it is an approved remedy against Squinantia anginae, or any of the sudden inflammations of Collumelle, or the Amygdales of the throat; and if Roses be put therein, it is good for all the aforesaid uses, yet more, better, and maketh the vinegar much more Cordial: It is very questionable, whether wine vinegar be of temperament hot or cold, considering the different effects thereof, for I should not doubt to give reasonable content to any unpartial Artist, that it doth both the effects of a hot and cold medicine, proving it both by authority and practice to be hot and cold; yea, even by Galen himself, Tesie cap. 6. lib. prim. simpl: med. & cap. 20. ejusdem lib.

Spiritus vini.

SPirit of wine of all vegetables is the most precious thing; it is the truest of all Cordials: the particular vertues whereof, to be duly hand­led, would fill a great Volume; It is called, as is said, Spiritus vini, quasi Spiritus vitae; and the sacred Scriptures testifie that wine makes glad the heart of man, wherefore there needs no further argument to ex­presse it to be a true Cordial. It is odoriferous and of a pleasant tast: It extracteth out Tinctures from every medicinal subject,

It preserveth the body from putrefaction, and in every cold oppres­sion of Nature it is a true helper; for the cough, and all distillations of rheumes and fluxes, it is a perfect help: It comforteth the stomack, and provoketh appetite.

It helpeth those which are thick of hearing, one drop daily put into the ear.

It preserveth a man in health, if every morning and evening he take certain drops thereof; and defendeth the body that taketh it, from the oppression of infectious aires, and (being sick) almost in any disease, it may safely be given as a true restorative medicine. All sorts of [Page 46] the Cordial strong waters recited, for so much as they contain of spirit of wine in them, as is said, become thereby (if not otherwise Cordial in­deed; for take from them the spirit of wine they contain, and the re­mainder is not worth the room in a glasse. Much might here to good purpose be taught of the true use of the Spirit of wine for the cure of wounds, ulcers, fistula's, and many other infirmities, if time would serve, which for brevities sake, I purposely pretermit at this time.

Spirit of Vitriol.

FOr this medicine I refer the Reader to the general Treatise of Salt, and to that part which mentioneth Oyl of Vitriol, where he shall be sa­tisfied.

Spirit of Terebinthine.

THis spirit of Terebinthine is a subtile, volatile, pure, and a Chry­stalline spirit exttacted from Terebinthina, which how much the more noble the subject is, so much the more excellent will the spi­rit be. It hath many precious vertues medicinable contained in it; for it is wholly combustible, penetrative, of a warming and comforting facul­ty: it is a good menstrum to draw Tinctures by, either from vegetable or minerall medicines, and chiefly it is to extract the Tincture from Sul­phur, which Tincture is a singular good medicine many wayes, as in his proper place I mean to touch. This said spirit is a true balsame in the cure of all new wounds, especially of the sinewes. It comforteth all the sinewie parts of the body afflicted with any cold impression, as convul­sions, the Scurvy, or the like. It provoketh urine very well if 10. or 12. drops be taken in wine fasting, and drives out gravel and the stone. It is also good to consolidate any inward wound penetrating into the body, a few drops thereof daily drunk. It is a fit addition for any Un­guent serving for a cold disease to amend the warming force thereof, and to cause it to penetrate the better. It hath many other singular good uses, which for brevitie I must passe over.

The white Caustick.

THis kind of Caustick taketh his vertue from the vegetable salt it contains, and may well be carried in the Chest, for that it will last well an East-India Voyage, with (some times) the addition of a little capital lees, as need shall require; namely, when it groweth too hard. It is altogether as safe and sure as the Caustick stone, but not so swift in working, neither so well to be ruled; for it will often spread three times as wide as it is intended, if it be not warily prevented: which thing is dangerous to the Patient, and disgraceful to the Artist. Where­fore if I had capital lees I would rather boyle up the Caustick stone; but then again, except the Surgeons Mate know the true height of boy­ling it, and can cut it into pieces one half inch long (as is said) and with [Page 47] one of the said pieces held in his one hand can perforate the apostume, otherwise it is all one with the former white Causticks for being laid on, it will become liquid as the other. It is not sufficiently safe to cut a hole, (as the use is) in a spread emplaster, of the bignesse he would have his orifice, and so lay it on, and cover it with a like emplaster; for that this course cannot hinder the spreading thereof; but if he will work surely after that fashion, I mean with any potential caustick medicine, let him cut from a roll of some soft emplaster that will cleave well, a piece of one ounce in weight, or thereabout, and make of it two long rolles, laying one on each side the place of the apostume appointed to be pier­ced, bringing them at each end together, for the ends of a caustick incision ought to be narrow, and the middest broad, if it be artificial; at least twice as long as broad is a good form, and rather more. Regard also that your incision be made (as near as may be) according to the length of the fibres and muscles, and alwayes that it be so made, that one end be more dependent then the other: But in Bubo's of the emunctories, it will seldom fall out so, for that you are constrained to follow the form of the tumour, which commonly lieth thwart, chiefly in venereal Bubo's in inguine, or the groine. Likewise if the tumour be full, and the Patient in great pain, you shall do him great ease by piercing the Esker in the middest, so soon as it is made, to discharge some of the matter. But note this as a general rule, never presse out the matter too forcibly, nor take too much at once out. For howsoever you may justly alledge and conceive, it is putrid and offensive matter; yet know, it con­taineth natural colour, and some spirits, and any sudden evacuation there­of will weaken and perhaps overthrow your Patient. Wherefore ex­cept some extraordinary cause urge you thereto, force not much matter from a suppurated Apostume, but leave that work to nature onely, and hinder not the due course thereof, by the foolish use of stopping the ori­fice with a tent; for so thou shalt become an enemy to thy Patient, and not onely hinder his natural help (far above thy artificial help) but al­so uncharitably thou wilt choke him up in his own excrements; which beware of. And for the furthering the fall of an Esker in an Apostume, where nature hath a breathing, it is meer folly, as I have said in other place. The longer it lyeth on, the better I like the work, and if you would use all the art you can, you cannot keep on an Esker at your will: wherefore forget that work till it be done to thy hand.

I have much (in my good will) to write of this subject, namely, of the manner of preparation, keeping, and sundry sorts of applycation of the same caustick, and divers other necessary instructions of the several uses of the same medicine in divers parts of Chirurgery, as well as in the opening of tumours, but my hast calleth me to the next: Wherefore at this time I crave pardon.

Sal Absinthii, Ge [...]ae & Nitri.

VVHat my leisure hath not here permitted me to speak of them or any Salt else, I have rehearsed in my Treatise general of [Page 48] Salt in their particular places, to which I refer the friendly Reader. The Index will guide him thereto.

Oleum Rosarum.

OYl of Roses is anodine, and doth refrigerate and corroborate, and therefore is good against hot diseases, as Erysipelas. Also with Mel Rosarum it is a good Balm for new wounds of the head, and elsewhere; and hath divers other worthy uses in Chirurgery.

Oleum Anetheninum.

OYl of Dill is anodine and comforting, it concocteth crude tu­mors, causeth sleep, mitigateth the head-ach, refresheth the wea­ried members, strengtheneth the sinews, discusseth wind, is pro­fitable for convulsions, and asswageth aches, easeth pains, and hath many other good uses.

Oleum Chamomelinum.

OYl of Chamomil resolveth moderately and calefieth, by anointing the parts grieved: is good for the Collick, stone, wearinesse, and for aches, fevers, and for all other things with the former. It is also very convenient in Glisters for all gripings and tortians of the guts, and yeeldeth great comfort to the intrails by the good odour and warmth thereof.

Oleum Lumbricorum.

OYl of Earth-worms helpeth the aches of the joynts in any part of the body, and doth strengthen and comfort well the sinews weakned and pained, and is good against convulsions and cramps; it is also a good Balme for sinews wounded.

Oleum Liliorum.

OYl of Lilies doth moderately warm and resolve, asswageth pain, mollifieth hard tumours, doth much mitigate the violence of dis­eases, and is very effectual against pains of the breast and stomack, and allayeth the inordinate heat of the reins and bladder.

Oleum Hipericonis simplex.

OYl of St. Johns wort simple is of a thin essence: it is of tempera­ment dry and anodine, healing sinews pricked or wounded. Also it is very profitable to them that have the Sciatica to anoint them against the swellings in the Temples, Belly, and Leggs through Melancholy: and it is of very good use for cold aches and convulsions, cramps burn­ings, scaldings and good to cure new wounds.

THese three several names of oyles, or different medicines, according to that Intend in the Surgeons Chest, are but one and the same me­dicine. A better balme then which, to heal new wounds, the Surgeons Mate need not desire to learn or know. Some Writers call it by the name of Oleum Hipericonis cum gummis, some, Oleum Aparici, some, Balm Artificial. The composition whereof (with the rest) shall follow.

It is best to be used in wounds, as hot as the Patient can endure it, and for the first time rather hotter. It is a sure medicine for all venemous wounds, all bitings of mad doggs, or of venemous worms, very hot applyed, and the parts about anointed therewith warm; remembring in all venemous griefs a Cordial is also requisite. In my own practice it is almost all the unctious medicine I ever use, for the curing of wounds and contusions; and I never repented my self of the use thereof. In piercing wounds and stabs it is a medicine a Surgeon may well relye on; it will not disgrace him. It is a very comfortable medicine against all pains, aches, and witherings of the outward limbs proceeding of cold causes, using it warm with good friction, and a plaister of Burgundy pitch spread on leather and applyed thereon; or rather Empl. Stipticum Paracelsi.

I speak this of practice, and I could say much more of my own experi­ence, touching the praise of this worthy medicine, if time would serve: but for this present accept of this abridgment.

Oleum Sambucinum.

OYle of Elder-flowers doth lenifie and purge the skin, is good for the obstructions of the liver, helpful for the joynts and nerves pained, the parts grieved being anointed therewith: given in gli­sters, it procureth stools, healeth the yellow Jaundise, amendeth belly­ach, and easeth the griping pains thereof.

Oleum Lini.

OYl of Linseed is anodine, cureth convulsions, mitigateth the hardnesse of the arteries, muscles, and nerves, asswageth the pain of the Hemorrhoides: and helpeth the unnatural clefts, chaps, and fissures of the fundament.

Oleum Ovorum.

OYl of Eggs clenseth the skin, taketh away the filthinesse, and all the sears thereof, occasioned by cuts or bitings, or at the least much diminisheth them, so that they can hardly be seen: it cu­reth burnings, killeth ring-worms, healeth excoriations, and is prevalent [Page 50] against any ulcer, chaps, or ill matter arising out of the flesh, either in the hands, feet, arms, leggs, or in any other part of the body.

Oleum Laurinum.

OYl of Bayes is a medicine calefying, mollifying, opening and discus­sing; it doth much mitigate the Collick, delivered into the body by glister; it is a present remedy against cold griefs of the brain, nerves, arteries and loins, the parts anointed therewith; it represseth the vio­lence of a fever, the spina dorsi, or region of the back bone anointed ther­with; it is good for the Palfie, Sciatica, the hardnesse and pains of the spleen, and is much used, as well to cure the scab and ring-worm, as the Scurvy.

Oleum Absinthii.

OYl of wormwood doth calefie and corroborate, especially the sto­mack, raiseth an appetite, concoeteth crude humours, dissipateth and disperseth wind, killeth worms, and taketh away obstructions pro­ceeding from a cold cause, the parts grieved being anointed therewith; and likewise it is good in glisters for the like occasions.

Oleum Papaverum.

OYl of Poppies cureth the intemperature of heat in the reins and fe­vers, and procureth sleep being anointed on the nose, temples, or eares; maketh lubrick, and lenifieth the sharpnesse thereof.

Oleum Petreoli.

OYl of Peter is hot and dry, and by the tenuity of the essence thereof, doth penetrate and digest all excremental matter: it is used with profit for the falling sicknesse, palsie, giddinesse of the head; and is good for many other griefs arising from cold causes.

Oleum Scorpionum.

Oyl of Scorpions is of especial use to break the stone in the reins and bladder; and Manardus commendeth it against the pestilence, all contagion and fevers, but chiefly in expelling poyson. It is likewise good to asswage the pains of the back, proceeding by distempered kidnies.

Oleum Amygdalarum dulcium.

Oyl of sweet Almonds doth lenifie the roughnesse of the breast and throat, as also the hardnesse & drinesse of the joynts, is good against the consumption of the lungs: it is also of good use to be drunk in the hectick fevers: it stayeth the cough, asswageth the heat of urine, healeth [Page 51] ulcers by injection, is very good in Colica or Iliaca Passio, to be drunk and administred in glisters.

Oleum Amygdalarum amararum.

OYl of bitter Almonds doth open obstructions, discusseth wind and vapours; but chiefly it healeth deafnesse, the hissing and pain of the ears, lenifieth the hardnesse of the sinewes, and maketh the face and hands fair, &c.

Balsamum Naturale.

NAtural Balsamum or Opobalsamum, is very good for them that are short winded, for the obstructions of the liver, and for griefs of the stomack; it helpeth the consumption of the lungs, and causeth an appe­tite: besides the excellent vertue sanative it hath, both inwardly and outwardly in the cure of wounds, it hath also many other good vertues.

Oleum Vitrioli.

OYl of Vitrial is exceeding hot and cold, mixed in waters, decoctions, sirrupes or conserves, maketh them in tast, tart or sowrish; and in colour, purple-like, delighting them that are sick of fevers; freeth ob­structions, recreateth the bowels, and is very effectual in the pestilence, falling sicknesse, palsie, and stopping of urine. See more hereof in the treatise of Salt.

Oleum sulphuris per Campanam.

OYl of Sulphur, made from the humide vapours thereof, is good to make the teeth white, to take away the morphew, cureth venereal ulcers, expelleth diseases arising from wind or cold, is good against the falling sicknesse, shortnesse of breath, evil affections of the lungs, easeth the tooth-ach, and is, being well prepared, a true cordial medicine.

Oleum Garyophilorum.

OYl of Cloves not unlike to Opobalsamum in strength, doth sweeten the breath, driveth away putrede humours, discusseth wind, open­eth the pores of the liver, digesteth cold humours, dissipateth the melancholick humours, healeth old and new ulcers, stayeth the putre­faction of the bones, and asswageth the pain of the teeth proceeding from a cold cause.

Oleum Macis.

OYl of Mace doth calefie and digest cold humours, roborate the stomack, helpeth concoction, raiseth an appetite, aud procureth many other benefits to him that useth it.

Oleum Philosophorum.

OYl of Philosophers, or of tile-stones or brick-bats, the eldest is the best: very like it is to Oleum Petreoleum: in vertue it doth attenuate and penetrate upward, digesteth and consumeth all ex­cremental matter, and is profitable for cold affections of the spleen, reins, bladder, nerves, womb and joynts; for the Lethargie, Apoplexie, and falling sicknesse, and many other the like griefs.

Oleum Anisi.

OYl of Anise-seeds prevaileth against the collick arising from wind and cold, against the Tympany, inflation, and crudity of the stomack, against the gripings and the crying of the intestines, &c.

Oleum Terebinthinae.

OYl of Turpentine is taken inwardly for shortnesse of breath, the pty­sick, against the stone, the collick, cold and windy affections of the breast: it is outwardly used for to heal sinews wounded, or troubled with any intemperature; also to fill ulcers with flesh, and knit them up, leaving no cicatrice in them.

Oleum Juniperiunm.

OYl of Juniper is commended for the cure of the morphew of the skin, it provoketh urine, and agreeth with the cure of diseases of the reins; it is good to be taken certain drops thereof against any pestilenti­al vapours; for the stone it is also good, and to be drunk certain drops against penetrating wounds.

Oleum Spicae.

OYl of Spike doth calefie, attenuate, discusse, and is very profitable to them that have the Gout proceeding of a cold cause, or to com­fort any member benummed: also it is good against the falling sicknesse and convulsions, the temples & nape of the neck, yea and the whole head to be anointed therewith, is very profitable.

Oleum Antimonii.

OYl of Antimony or Stibium, is good for them that have convulsions, or any astonishing disease, and other evil affections of the brain, four grains thereof drunk, it asswageth the pain of the gout and collick, cureth fevers, helpeth the bladder ulcerated, and wonderfully helpeth the Canker, Fistula phagedena, the fretting or eating pockes, the wolfe, and all other sorts of ulcers.

Oleum Succini Chimice.

OYl of Amber helpeth the pain in the head, resolution of the sinews and falling evil, if one dop or two be taken with water of Betony or Lavender, or in fair water: it preserveth also from poyson, and (mixed with parsley water or Malmesey) is a singular reme­dy in discussing diseases of the reins and bladder, bringing forth the stone, and opening the passages of the urine; it profiteth in the collick and strangullion. Four drops put into a little Angelica water, and so given to a woman in travel, refresheth all the weak faculties of the body, confirmeth and openeth the brain.

Oleum Absinthii Chimice.

OYl of wormwood is good for the stomack, to strengthen it, to stay vomiting, to kill worms, asswageth the pain of the teeth, and is used in agues

Oleum Origani.

OYl of Origanum cureth malancholy, helpeth the dropsie, and cu­reth the cough, the quartane fever, and the tooth▪ach.

Syrupus Absinthii.

SIrupe of wormwood is said to corroborate the stomack, help concocti­on, cause an appetite, discusse wind, open the veins, and to move urine, kill worms, &c.

Syrupus Limonum.

SIrupe of Limons is Cordial and refrigerating, and I may say cale­fying too; it doth please and profit the appetite, and comforteth all that are sick of the pestilence, continual and contagious fevers, as also all diseases on which exceeding great heat attendeth; cheareth up the heavy heart, and dispelleth sorrow therefrom, and against all obstru­ctions of the spleen it is a good help, and also well approved in the cure of the Scurvy.

Syrupus Papaverum.

SIrupe of white Poppies hath an astringent quality; it procureth fleep, helpeth the cough, hindereth the humours which distill from the head into the throat tickling, and is of precious use against the Palsie, if it be used in the beginning thereof.

Syrupus Cinamomi

SIrupe of Cynamon is commended to be very good to old men that are cold and weak, and to them whose vigour, humidity, and natural heat diminisheth: it nourisheth much, begetteth blood, and quickneth all the vitall parts.

Syrupus Rosarum simplex.

SIrupe of Roses simple doth quench thirst, especially in fevers, mitiga­teth their heat, refrigerateth the stomack and liver being very hot.

Syrupus Rosarum solutivarum.

SIrupe of Roses solutive, is used as a gentle and safe purge both to old and young, when they are molested either with burning or pestilent fevers, or any hot distemperature of the body.

Syrupus Violarum.

SIrupe of Violets doth break the acrimony of melancholy, temper­eth the heat of the bowels, bringeth down the belly by purging it, helpeth the diseases of the throat, as hoarsenesse and the dry cough, and is a chief aide to the curing inflammations of the breast, against the pleu­risic, and quencheth thirst in fevers, and is cordial.

Oximel simplex.

OXimel simple is in great use for the cure of inflammations of the lungs and throat, helpeth expectoration and difficult breathing, cutteth and attenuateth thick and slimy humours, purgeth the entrails without trouble, and is good both in cold an hot affections.

Mel Rosarum.

OR Honey of Roses, strengtheneth and cleanseth the stomack, pur­geth clammy humours, helpeth concoction with the temperate heat thereof, allayeth and stoppeth hot fluxes, the phlegmon of the mouth gums and jawes, is singular good with oyl of Roses for wounds in the head: These two (with Aqua vitae) are very good to cure wounds in joynts, where the joynt▪ water gleeteth out.

Diamoron simplex.

OR Diamoron simplex, not unlike Mel Rosarum, is profitable in Gar­garismes, against the eating ulcers of the mouth, as aforesaid, cutteth away flegme, and cleanseth the mouth and throat; and by reason of the pleasing tast thereof is the more comfortable to the diseased.

Syrupus raphani sylvestris.

OR Sirupe of wild Radish, breaketh the stone, mundifieth the reins, provoketh urine, is profitable for the Kings-evil, and is an appro­ved medicine for the Scurvy to be drunk daily.

Syrupus Prunellorum.

OR Sirrupe of Sloes, doth refrigerate and comfort the stomack, stoppeth fluxes, healeth the excoriations of the intrals. The dose may be ℥ii. at once.

Cons. Rosarum Rubrarum.

OR Conserve of Red-roses is good for the heart and head, strengthning and comforting both; as also the bowels, mitigating their heat, and stoppeth fluxions, and is much the more profitable in any grief if a few drops of oyl of vitriol be mixed therewith, but beware of too much.

Conser: Anthos.

OR Conserve of Anthos, or Rose-mary flowers is of much use in physick, because of the force it hath in comforting the brain, and corroborating the sinews, and is given with good successe for the falling sicknesse, Apoplexie, Lithargie, dead and shaking Palsie, but it will not keep long at Sea in hot Countries.

Rob. Berberies.

OR Conserve of Berberies doth refrigerate, and is astringent, it quencheth thirst, and the heat of the stomack, and bowels, it causeth appetite, removeth the waterish humour of choler, cureth the bloody flix, the flux of the liver, the often gnawing and wringing of the guts caused by choler, healeth the small pox, and resisteth drunken­nesse.

Rob. Citoniorum.

OR Conserve of Quinces doth bind, comfort the stomack, is good for choler, stoppeth all kind of bloody fluxes and helpeth digesti­on.

Conser: Luiule.

OR Conserve of wood-sorrel doth recreate and comfort the heart, removeth putride humours, refrigerateth and profiteth much in continual and contagious fevers, being very cordial; but will perish in hot Countries: great store of this herb is found in Soldanie at the Cape of Good-hope as I am informed.

Conser: Prunellorum.

OR Conserve of Sloes is of a comforting stiptick force, very profi­table to comfort a weak stomack oppressed with crudities, good against all fluxes of the belly, and also good to heal all inflamma­tions or excoriations occasioned by the same, either taken on a knife in form of a Bolus, or given in Glisters.

Electuarium Diacatholicon.

THis Electuary Diacatholicon doth purge gently all humours, it is conveniently used in fevers, and other diseases which arise from a certain evil disposition of the spleen and liver: the dose is ℥ i.

Electuarium Diaphenicon.

DIaphenicon purgeth easily and safely flegme and melancholy: it helpeth the belly-ake, chollick, continual burnings fevers, and all evils proceeding of choler and flegme: the dose is ℥ i.

Diaprunum simplex.

DIaprunum simplex is commended for a gentle laxative, not onely against continual aud hot intermitting fevers, but also against all hot diseases, and against the vices of the lungs, throat, reins and bladder: the dose is ℥ i.

Confectio Hamech.

COnfectio Hamech purgeth choler, melancholy, and salt flegme; and is therefore with great benefit used against diseases arising from the same, the Canker, Leprosie, or dry Scurfe, Madnesse, Ringworm, It­ching, Scabs and the like: the dose ʒ vi.

Electuarium de succo Rosarum

THe Electuary of juice of Roses is powerful in purging of yellow cho­ler: the dose is ℥ i.

Extract. Catholicon purgans.

THis extract is a laxative medicine (being drawn from the most excellent of vegetable laxative ingredients) fitting to be ever ready at hand in a Surgeons Chest, or else where in Surgery. The dose is small, namely, 15. grains at the most: the tast pleasant, not nauseous nor bitter at all; neither causing tortions, nor gripings in the bowells: It is a medicine that will keep good for seven years without putrefaction, the vertues whereof have been by the Author (for many years well experienced) both at Sea and Land approved of. Now for that it is the honour of every expert Artist, Cito, tutè, & jucundè sanare; that is, quickly, safely, and pleasantly to perform his scope in the comfor­ting and curing of his patient, I have therefore thought fit to recommend the use hereof to the Surgeon, to be practised by him, as well in military, as Domestick occasions.

[Page 57] And this medicine that here I commend to the reader, answereth fitly those fornamed attributes, by reason of his gentle and easie ope­ration in safe purging per secessum, or downward; It exceedeth other purgatives therein, the dose being duly observed; for it purgeth the head, the stomack, the belly and liver of all grosse offending hu­mours, either flegmatick, cholerick, or melancholy; also it purgeth watty and slimy humours, and taketh away the chollick or gripings of the bowels; and withall, it comforteth the stomack; yea, any child, or woman with child, may safely take hereof. It is best to be taken fasting in a morning, and to eat in three hours after the receipt thereof, onely the party may take drink, or rather (which were best) warm broth, or in want thereof posset drink, or beer for a need somewhat warmed; and the party that taketh it; were best he keep within his Chamber, and not to sleep in the time of the working of the medicines; but if he goeth out, urged by his necessities, being careful to keep himself warm he is in no danger thereby, although I confesse to keep in were bet­ter.

And whereas Paracelsus saith, that every good laxative medicine, ought to contain in general three operations or faculties as proper to it; namely, First, that it purge nature without offence of danger; Se­condly, that it strengthen nature being debilitated or weakned; Third­ly, that it do comfort nature; yet the said Author is of opinion, and that justly, that the excellency of purgative medicines is not alwayes to be judged of by the numbers of stools it provoketh, but much more for the Artanum thereof, or hidden specifical power it hath in the curing and rooting out of diseases, although they be inveterate.

And moreover this medicine is very safe to be given in cases of the plague, or small pox, where, and when, by advice a purge is fitting to be given.

Diatrion Pipereon.

DIatrion Pipereon doth help the stomack, and is good against bel­ching, quartans, cold, and all flatious diseases, or wounds: of the species thereof you may ℞ ℥ i. honey ℥ v; put them together being well mixed, and keep the same to give upon occasion to a weak stomack fasting, or at any time, it will warm and comfort him much: when men feel their stomacks oppressed with obstructions by reason of cold, now and then a little thereof given them will much comfort them, and pre­serve them well from fluxes of the belly.

Theriaca Londini.

THis conposition was heretofore appointed by the Doctors of the Physitions Colledge in London, as a thing very requisite, for that the price should be resonable for the poorer sort, the ingredients there­of being neverthelesse Cordial, and yet such as are easie to get. It may be used well in place of Mithridate: and in truth I had rather put [Page 58] my self upon it, as a good Cordial, being fresh made, then upon the Mithridate we buy from beyond the Seas; for it is by the Hollanders so uncharitably sophisticated that a man may fear to take it in his need: my self chanced in Holland into the house of a Bore (as they term him) to lodge, who lived by making of Mithridate and Treakel, he confessed to me, his Mithridate had but nine simples in it: he had also pewter boxes marked so artificially as no man could discover them to be other then right Venice ones.

I have appointed to the Surgeons Chest some of the Species of the London Treakel ready powdered and dry, that the diligent Surgeon at his will may compose a London Treakel at Sea; namely, by taking hony ℥ iii. and of this powder ℥ i. and heat them together, stirring them well till all be incorporated, and give it as need shall require.

Confectio Alkermis.

COnfectio Alkermis preserveth from Apoplexies arising from cold and melancholy humors, doth very much comfort the brain and heart, and is sometimes used very profitably for them that languish away through long sicknesse, and are subject to swoundings.

Electuarium deovo.

Electuarium de ovo is very much commended for prevention, and cure of the plague, and all pestilential diseases, in expelling the infection from the heart.

Mithridatum Damocratis.

MIthridate of Damocratis is in quality and vertue like to Treakel, but more hot and forcible against the poyson of Serpents, mad Dogs, wilde Beasts, creeping things, being used as a plaster or drunk; it cureth all the cold affections of the head, helpeth the melancholick, or those that are fearful of waters, them also that have the falling sicknesse, Me­grum, pain in the bowels, ears, tooth-ach, and weeping eyes, healeth the evils of the mouth and jawes being plasterwise laid to the temples; by discussion giveth ease to the troubled with the Squinancie, Apoplexie, cough, spitting of blood, Impostumes, or inflammations of the lungs, or any griefs within the body, and is good against the bloody flix, flux of the stomack, obstruction of the guts, and against wringing and tor­tions in them, being taken with aqua vitae and the decoction of bau­lastians, it remedieth convulsions and palsie, helpeth the middriffe flatus, Hypocondria, the pains of the reins and bladder, breaketh the stone, pro­voketh urine and monthly flowers, expelleth other vices of the matrix, yeeldeth a singular benefit for the Gout, profiteth not a little in quo­tidians and quartanes, or a quantity drunk in wine being first warmed, and then taken an hour before the fit.

Theriaca Andromachi.

ANdromachus Treakel doth the effects of Mithridatum Damocratis, and is also good against the hoarsnesse of the voyce, against the Jaundise, Dropsie, for wounds of the intestines, to bring forth the young birth dead, to expell and take away the Leprosie, and measles, to revive every decayed sense, to confirm wounds healed, to kill all kinds of worms, to dissipate wind, to comfort the heart and stomack, and to keep the body uncorrupt and sound.

Theriaca Diatesseron Mesuis.

THis Diatesseron is an ancient composition devised by the ancient Gre­cians, and had beginning from Avicen, and Mesues. or one of them; and according to the Greek word so named, for that it is made of four simples, viz. Gentian roots, Bay-berries, Myrrha, and Aristolachia rotan­da, four precious and very Cordial simples, full of medicinable vertues. And for that I would have it kept in time of need, I have thought meet to have ready powdred the said 4. simples together to be composed in­to a Treakel as occasion shall move thee. Onely note this, that to one ounce of the said species ℥ 3. of hony is to be added, and well mixed on the fire, and so it is ready for use. By some Writers this composition is called Theriaca ad pauperem, the poor mans Treakel.

The vertues of Diatesseron are said to be as follow.

It is good against poyson drunken, and against the bitings of vene­mous beasts or worms. It is also good against all the cold affects of the brain, as convulsions, resolutions of the sinews, morbum Comitialem, the Spasme or Cramp, the inflation of the ventricle or stomack, against defect of concoction therein, and against venemous wounds both in­wardly drunk, and outwardly applied. Also it openeth the obstructi­ons of the liver and spleen, thereby preserveth the body from the disease called Cachexia or stomacace, which is the Scurvy. Teste Pharmacopoeia Augustana, & aliis.

Dentes Elephantini.

DEns Elephantinus, or Elephants tooth hath an astringent force, hea­leth fellons, and is good for white fluxes of women, the Icteritia Flava or the yellow Jaundise, Morbus Regius, worms, and continual ob­structions.

Laudanum Paracelsi Opiatum.

IN the Treatise of the fluxes of the belly, it is handled at large, to which I refer the friendly Reader.

Diascordium.

DIascordium is helpful in fevers, as well contagious, as penstilential: good for the head-ach, and universal plague, whose dose is from half a dram, to one dram and a half, according to the occasion or strength of the Patient.

Diacodion.

DIacodion removeth subtle Catarrhes, which distill from the head to the breast, helpeth the cough, and procureth rest, the dose is from ℈ i. to ʒ i.

Pbilonium Romanum.

PHilonium Rom. magnum is given for the Pleurisie, Collick, and any in­ternal pain or grief; it causeth sleep, stayeth Haimorraea or the flux of blood in the inward parts, and sneesing, allayeth the griefs of the belly, spleen, liver, and reins, caused by cold, wind, and crude hu­mours, and taketh away the hicket: the quantity of ℈ i. is the usual dose, and it is augmented or decreased as the years and strength of the Patient is.

Philonium Persicum.

PHilonium Persicum is invented against the abundance of blood of wo­mens monthly terms, of the hemorrhoides, and for the overmuch flux of their courses, the flux of the belly, against vomiting and spitting of blood: it doth also consolidate ulcers and veins.

Philonium Tarsense.

PHilonium Tarsense is of the same facultie as Pbilonium Roma­num.

Aurea Alexandrina.

AUrea Alexandrina is effectual against the cold defluxions of the head: good for weeping eyes, the tooth-ach, and head-ach, con­sumption, collick, cough, and spitting of blood: it easeth the pain in the reins, and profiteth intermitting fevers. But the cause why I have not appointed this good composion, nor any of the three last mentioned Philoniums to the Surgeons Chest (though I know them to be good me­dicines) is, because they will not keep an East-India voyage; and Lauda­num opiale Paracelsi is sufficient for ought the other can do: Wherefore I rest satisfied therewith.

Succus Absintbii.

SUccus Absinthii, juice of wormwood is good for digestion, killeth the worms, benefiteth the stomack, and differeth much from the vertues of the herb; this being astringent, the other abstersive.

Succus Acatiae.

SUccus Acatiae is a forrein medicine, for which we use the juice of Sloes: it doth refrigerate, binde, and repell: it stayeth all fluxes of the belly, healeth excoriations of the intrals, strengtheneth much the stomack; helpeth appetite, healeth ulcerations in the intrals, either used in Gli­sters, or eaten in agelly. The dose whereof may safely be ℥ i. at one time, or 2. ℥ cannot offend: but I hold the infusion thereof, or the de­coction of it, to be the aptest medicine, because of the grossnesse of the sustance thereof.

Succus Glycirrhizae.

SUccus Glycirrhizae, or juyce of Licorice in all his qualities is tempe­rate, but exceeding in heat: somewhat it doth lenifie the throat, and mitigate the asperities of the arteries: cleanseth the bladder, and is good for the cough: moveth expectoration, and is very profitable against all vices of the lungs and throat.

Succus Limonum.

SUccus Limonum, or juyce of Limons expelling and refrigerating, clea­reth the skin of morphew, killeth handworms; and is of special use to bridle the heat of melancholy: to help sharpe and contagious fevers: is good to cause a pleasant tast in potions, &c. and Cordials. It is very cordial of it self, and the most precious help that ever was discovered against the Scurvy to be drunk at all times; for it mightily openeth all obstructions, and refresheth and restoreth nature.

Pulpa Tamarindorum.

PUlpa Tamarindorum, the pulpe or juice of Tamarinds is a medicament excellent and well approved of against Scurvy, as well for opening the obstructions of the liver and spleen, as for comforting and refreshing the blood and spirits decayed or stopped. Also, it purgeth choler: allay­eth the heat and fury of blood: cureth sharpe fevers, and the Kings evil: extinguisheth thirst, and all heat of the stomack and liver: stop­peth vomiting, and is good for the Chollick.

Pilulae Aggregativae.

PIlulae Aggregativae, so called either from the Agaricum or the aggre­gation of many vertues that are said to be therein: for they are pro­fitable for many affections of the head, stomack, and liver: they purge flegme, choler, and melancholy; and therefore are of very good use against continual fevers, and inveterate diseases. It is described by Me­sues; whose dose is from two scruples to a dram and a half. But beware of the use of these pils where the flux raigneth; for Agaricum in such bo­dies as are incident thereto, is a dangerous medicine. I speakthis of ex­perience, wherefore remember it.

Pilulae Aureae.

PIlulae Aureae, or golden pils, being in colour like aurum, or gold, be­cause of the saffron in them, they are cholagogall, attracting choler, yea, and flegme too, from the inferiour and superiour venter; and there­fore purge the head, senses and eyes, and restore the eye sight. They were first made known by Nicolaus Myrepsus, who was the first in­venter of them; their dose is like that of the pils Aggregative.

Pilulae Cochiae.

PIlulae Cochiae deriving their name from a Greek word [...], a grain (pils being formed small and round like grains of Cicers) do purge both choler and flegme from the head, the liver, and from all other parts wherein such humours are contained, and are found described, first, by Dr. Rhasis, who is their supposed Author. The dose is divers as be­fore, sometimes great, sometimes small, but ʒ i. is the ordinary dose.

Pilulae de Euporbio.

PIlulae de Euphorbio, pils of Euphorbium (receiving Mesues for their Pa­tron) are vertuous against the dropsie and Scurvy, for they calefie the stomack and intrails, purge water abundantly, prevail also in remo­ving the cause of tumours, and bring aide for the pain of the loines and gout, proceeding from too much humidity: they are effectual in the quantity of one scruple, or half a dram, and may be mixed with Pilulae Cochiae.

Pilulae Cambogiae.

PIls of Cambogia, are good to cleanse the head and refresh the sight, to purge choler, flegme or melancholy from the stomack or spleen, they open obstructions, and thereby profit well in the cure of the dropsie and scurvy, and for the cure of Icteritia flava or the yellow Jaundise, they are very good. This Cambogia is much used in Holland and Germany: and Doctor Harvey of St. Bartholomews Hospital, calleth it purging saffron, and giveth it in pils per se, in which manner given, it purgeth both wayes forcibly; but the pils here mentioned, purge onely downwards very gently, their dose is ʒ ss. their composition shall be mentioned in his due place.

Pilulae Ruffi.

PIlulae Ruffi or Pestilentiales Ruffi (subscribing to Ruffus their inventer, a famous Physition, and fitting for the pestilence and plague) do ra­ther prevent infection, then cure the infected: for by reason of the aloes the body is freed from excrements, by myrrha from putrefaction, and by Saffron the vital faculties are quickned; but infection once possessed, [Page 63] is not alwayes by such light cordials and gentle laxatives removed: their dose agreeth with that of Pilulae Aureae, they are very stomachal, for they refresh much the stomack, and in any oppressions of the stomack where gentle purging is required, they excell.

Benedicta laxativa

BEnedicta laxativa, or the blessed laxative, doth mightily open ob­structions, purgeth choler, flegme, and all clammy humours from the joynts, reins, and bladder: and is termed Benedicta, because it be­nignely looseth the belly. The dose is ʒ ii.

Pulvis Arthriticus Paracelsi.

THis is a laxative powder, made onely of four vegetables, and one Animal simplex, with the addition of sugar, to give it the more grateful tast: the dose is to ʒ i. at the utmost, besides the sugar: I can speak of the pleasure and profit I have had by this mean purging powder; I say pleasure, for that it is so pleasant and easie to be taken; and profit to me many wayes; for it is my general purging medicine, when I would purge downwards upon any repletion of the body, or ge­neral cause of evacuation downwards; and I find it indifferent in purging any offending humour, according to the commendations the Author gi­veth of it; I can no more misse this plain and harmlesse ready purge, then I can misse my Salvatory. Oswaldus Crollius, a most learned late Wri­ter, hath set down this onely purge for the cure of the Podagra, giving it this breif commendation. It purgeth safely and gently all podagrical defluctions: and in truth, whosoever shall have occasion of the use there­of, will have cause to commend it, and knowing it, will find small need of Pulvis Hollandicus or Pulvis sanctus, whose dose at sea must be at the least two drames, being nauseous and unsavoury, whereas ʒ ss. of this will do as much with great facility, and without tortions or gripings of the guts, which other compositions cause. I use to give it to strong bo­dies in white wine, to weaker in sack; but at sea for a need it may be gi­ven in fair water, and some sirupe to help the tast thereof, which nevere­thelesse is not ungrateful of it self.

Trochiscus de Absinthio.

TRochiscus de Absinthio, or of wormwood (saith Mesues) taketh away the obstructions of the stomack and liver, and intermitting or chronical fevers sprung thereof, strengtheneth the bowels, and causeth an appetite.

Trochiscus de Alhandal.

TRochisci Colocynthidos, or Alhandal (as the Arabians speak) do bring away thick flegme, and all glutinous juices from the brain, nerves, and other more remore parts, they help the collick proceeding [Page 64] from a glassie tough flegme, the Apoplexie, Squinancy, falling-sicknesse, short breathing, cold and gouty diseases, which scarce give way to com­mon medicaments, and is described by Mesues; the dose is gra. 4.

Trochisci de Spodio.

TRochisci de Spodio, saith Mesues, have their use in bilious fevers, which bring also a flux of the belly, they allay the inflammation of the stomack, liver, and continual thirst.

Trochisci de Minio.

TRochisci de Minio, or the Trochisks of Minium, consume pruod flesh, mundifie sordid ulcers, as also callous or hard flesh, and wonderfully cure fistula's▪ look more thereof in Johannes de Vigo.

Folia Senae.

FOlia Senae are hot and dry in nature, they are an excellent medica­ment for purging the belly; it scoureth away flegmatick, tough, and melancholy humours from the brain, lungs, spleen, liver, stomack and bowels, as also cleanseth the body from a dust and salt humour.

Rhabarbarum.

RHabarbarum or Ruberbe, is hot in the first degree, and dry in the se­cond, of an astringent nature, and is good for the stomack and liver, and against the bloody flix, purgeth downward chollerick humours, and therefore very profitably used against hot fevers, inflammations, and stoppings of the liver, &c. ʒ i. is the full dose.

Agaricum.

AGaricum or Agarick, is hot in the first degree, and dry in the second, purgeth flegme, freeth from obstructions, attenuateth, cleanseth, and dissipateth wind, and helpeth all diseases which spring from grosse, cold, and raw humours: the dose is ʒ i. But beware of the use thereof in the curing any fluxes of the belly.

Scammonium

SCammonium is hot and dry in the second degree, purgeth down­ward in vehement manner cholerick humours, and therefore is good against diseases arising from the same, but if it be taken either too much in quantity, out of time, place, or unprepared, it is very dangerous, excoriating the guts, provoking bloodly excrements, procuring Dysen­teria, causing wind, offending the stomack, and distempering the heart and liver: the dose is eight grains.

Aloes Cicotrinae.

ALoes the best is hot in the second degree, and dry in the third degree, removeth cold, flegmatick and cholerick humours, by purging, digesting, and driving them out: it is a soveraigne medicine for the sto­mack.

Hermodactili.

HErmodactils are hot and dry in the second degree, they do effectually draw away flegme, and other slimy humours from the Joynts, and therefore are very profitable for the Gout in the hands and feet, and the Sciatica.

Polypodium.

POlypodium is dry in the second degree; openeth the body, and bring­eth away black choler and flegme, helpeth the collick and the gri­ping of the belly, and also the obstructions of the spleen.

Cornu Cervi.

HArts-horn is to be numbred among Cordial simples in the highest place, it is given in want of Unicorns horn, and not unfitly; it comforteth the heart, is good against poyson, provoketh urine, open­eth obstructions, easeth the collick, disperseth wind, killeth worms in the body, is good against pains of the reins, or bladder, and being taken upon each occasion in liquors proper to the former griefs, it is much the better in force: Thus much is meant of Harts-horn unburned; And being burned, the powder thereof is very good against the bloody, or any other fluxes of the belly.

Euphorbium.

EUphorbium is hot and dry almost in the fourth degree; and besides his extream heat and notable acrimony, it hath a certain faculty of purging, whereby tough and cold flegme, with choler and water are taken away.

Turpethum Cathapsaris.

TUrbith is hot in the third degree, is good to purge flegme, cho [...]e­rick and thick humours from the stomack, breast, joynts, and other remote parts, and helpeth the collick and cold aches.

Mirabolanes.

MIrabolanes (whereof there are five kinds, the Citrine, Indian, Belle­rick, Chebule, and Emblick) have peculiar vertues: some purge [Page 66] choler, others melancholy, others flegme; but as they purge, so they bind again, comforting and strengthening the heart, stomack, and liver, and therefore are fit purgers of the body in dysenterie upon any occasion: their dose is ʒ ii.

Cambogiae, or Guttigambe.

CAmbogiae is a purging medicine, newly found out in the East-Indies, and thence brought, to us; it is not much unlike Stibium in working: it is already in use by divers reverend Physitians, amongst which, Dr. Har­vy useth it in Saint Bartholomews Hospital, and calleth it Crocus purgans. I find by my practice it purgeth well the head, and that it is good to open obstructions, that it is also good against the yellow Jaundise: It openeth well the spleen and liver, and purgeth more downwards then Stibium doth: the do [...]e is 12. grains. The recited Doctor giveth it in pils: my self, for that I see it purgeth the head, have mixed it with pils for the head; and I so give it, and it worketh gently downward onely.

Cassia fistula.

CAmbogiae fistula is hot and moist in the first degree, tempereth immo­derate heat, purgeth gently cholerick humours, and is good for the reins and kidnies, driving forth gravel and the stone.

Crocus.

CRocus, or Saffron, is hot in the second degree, and dry in the first, is good for the brain, quickneth the senses, cheereth the heart, causeth digestion, helpeth the diseases of the breast, lungs, and liver, it mollifieth all hardnesses, and ripeneth all tumours.

Opium

OPium is cold and dry in the fourth degree, asswageth inward pains, causeth sleep, stoppeth the flix, and requireth care in the use thereof, for otherwise it is a deadly poyson.

Radix Chyna.

RAdix Chyna, Chyne-roots, prevail much in the cure of Lues venerea, and are good for the giddinesse of the head, taketh away the pain of the stomack, and obstructions, and are profitable for the dropsie, col­lick, and gripings of the belly, moveth urine, causeth sweat, and are helpful against convulsions, the palsie, and pains of the joynts, and a sin­gular remedy against a consumption.

Sarsaparilla.

SArsaparilla is of a hot quality, causeth sweat, especially extinguisheth the heat of venereous poyson, and is good for the articular diseases, [Page 67] ulcers, and flegmatick humours, and principally it is good against the French pockes.

Sassafras.

SAssafras is of a hot and dry temperament in the second degree, commended in taking away obstructions, corroborating the in­ward parts, helping the Asthmatick and Nephretik, cleansing the reins from gravel, discussing wind, good for womens diseases; and against any kind of fluxion, and in the Morbus Gallicus or French pox, it is a good medicine.

Gnaiacum.

LIgnum Gnaiacum doth exsiccate, attenuate, open, purge, move sweat, resisteth contagion and infection, and doth wounderfully cure the morbus Gallicus, old ulcers, scabs, and ring-worms; the best use thereof is by decoction in fair water.

Cortex Gnaiaci.

COrtex Gnaiaci hath the same vertue as the Lignum Gnaiacum hath, but exsiccateth much more.

Cortex Granatorum.

COrtex Granatorum, seu malicorium, is astringent, stoppeth the laske, and bloody flux, healeth the gums moist and weak, fasteneth the teeth loose, stoppeth the bleeding of green wounds, and helpeth the cor­ruption of the stomack▪ bowels▪ and the bursting or falling down of the guts.

Liquiritia.

LIquiritia is in all qualities temperate, yet enclining more to heat, it is agreeable to the lungs and breast, rotteth flegme, moveth expecto­ration, cureth the cough, helpeth breathing, and is profitable for the reins, taking away the sharpnesse of urine, dissolveth the stone, and healeth the sores of the kidnies and bladder.

Hordeum.

HOrdeum commune (in English said to be Barley) is cold and dry in the first degree, digesteth, softeneth, and ripeneth all hard swellings, is good for inflammations, excelleth against the sorenesse of the throat, refrigerateth, comforteth, strengtheneth, is abstersive, and provoketh urine.

Hordeum Gallicum.

HOrdeum Gallicum, more used inwardly then the hordeum commune by the Physicians in medicaments, is of the same nature and vertue as the other is.

Semen Anisi.

SEmen Anisi or Anise-seed, is hot and dry in the third degree, doth discusse the windinesse of the stomack and bowels, stoppeth the bloo­dy flix, laske of the belly, moveth urine and monethly termes, breaketh and bringeth away the stone, helpeth obstructions of the liver, amend­eth the breath, and is good for the falling sicknesse.

Semen foeniculi.

SEmen foeniculi or fennel seed, is hot in the third degree, dry in the first, corroborateth the stomack, openeth the obstructions of the lungs, li­ver, and kidnies, and causeth abundance of milk in womens breasts.

Semen Cari.

SEmen Cari or Caraway seed, is of the same nature and vertue as Semen Anisi aforesaid.

Semen Cumini.

SEmen Cumini or Cummin seed, is hot and dry in the third degree, attenuateth, digesteth, resolveth, discusseth wind, dissipateth flegma­tick tumours, and is good against the chollick and tympany.

Semen Petroselini.

SSemen Petroselini or Parsley seed, is hot in the second degree, and dry in the third, is given to them that have the stone or Jaundise, as also to provoke urine.

Semen Lini.

SEmen Lini or Linseed, is hot in the first degree, temperate in moi­sture and drynesse, softeneth all cold tumours, ripeneth and brea­keth Impostumes, draweth out thornes sticking in the body, expel­leth wind, and gripings of the belly, and cleanseth the flesh from spots.

Semen Fenigraeci.

SEmen fenigraeci or Fenigrece, is hot in the second, and dry in the third degree, doth mollifie, discusse, and mundifie: helpeth cold, hard swellings, impostumes, and gout in the feet: wasteth and leni­fieth the hardnesse of the milt, mitigateth heat, is profitable for the ma­trix in women, and cleanseth the skin from many evils; as, itch, scurf, pimples, wheals, and the like.

Semen Anethi.

SEmen Anethi or Dill-seed, are hot and dry in the second degree, provoketh urine, prevail against the gripings of the belly, and infla­tions thereof, take away the Hicket, increase milk, attenuate, resolve, and digest humours.

Semen papaveris albi.

SEmen papaveris albi or white Poppy seeds, are cold and dry in the fourth degree, provoke sleep, take away subtill humours, catarrhes, rheumes distilling from the brains upon the lungs, and help the cough.

Semen plantaginis.

SEmen plantaginis or Plantane seeds, are cold and dry in the second de­gree, stop the flux of the belly, and any flux of blood, are good also for catarrhes, old and new ulcers, either of the body or mouth.

Semina quatuor frigida majora.

THe four cold seeds, named Semina quatuor frigida majora (viz. Cu­curbitae, Cucumeris, Citrulli, Melonis) are cold and moist in the second degree. The first whereof extinguisheth the fervour or heat of blood, choler, and fevers. The two following are profitable to the stomack, move urine, help the ulcers of the reins and bladder, extinguish thirst and choler. The fourth and last hath all the vertues of the former.

Semina quatuor frigida minora.

SEmina quatuor frigida minora or the four cold feeds, (viz. Lactuc [...]; Portulacae, Cichorii, Endivae) the first whereof is dry and cold in the third degree, refrigerateth the head, liver, spleen, reins, bladder, and limbs, prevaileth against the Gonorrea, and heat of Venery, moisteneth, lenifieth, slaketh thirst, and and causeth sleep, Ren. Wick.

Saccharum.

SAccharum, Sugar is hot in the first degree, looseth the belly, is con­venient to the stomack, doth cleanse, digest, take away the asperity or roughnesse of the tougne, and siccity, thirst, or drought in fevers, help­eth the reins and bladder, and is profitable for eyes dim of sight.

Amygdalae amarae.

A Mygdalae amarae or bitter Almonds, are hot in the first degree, dry in the second, they are abstersive more then sweet ones: they do [Page 70] open and purge the lungs, liver, spleen, kidnies, and passages of the reins, and bowels, and are good against spitting of blood.

Amygdalae dulces.

AMygdalae dulces or sweet Almonds, are hot and moist in the first de­gree, do extenuate, purge, and cleanse the bowels, draw spittle from the breast and lungs, are good for the cold and dry stomack, clear the skin from spots, pimples, and lentiles, stop spitting of blood, and ingen­der choler.

Uvae passae.

Vuae passae seu Corinthinae, or Currants, are hot in the first degree, or rather of a temperate quality; and by a special faculty they have, they prevail against the vices of the breast and liver, move and purge the belly, strengthen the stomack, purge the head, lenifie and cleanse the breast and lungs.

Amylum.

AMylum or white starch, is moderately hot, levigateth the parts exaf­perated, it is effectual against the defluxions of humours into the eyes, against pustles and hollow ulcers, it filleth with flesh, stoppeth spit­ting of blood, helpeth the roughnesse and sorenesse of the breast and throat, and easeth the cough: It is very good in the fluxes of the belly to be given in glisters, against inflammations and excoriations in the intrails.

Cinamomum.

CInamomum or Cinamon, is hot in the second degree, warmeth, com­forteth, concocteth, mollifieth, and wonderfully cheareth up the heart, and all the faculties of the body, as well animal, as vital and na­tural. It is very good against the fluxes of the belly.

Macis.

MAcis or mace, is hot and dry in the second degree, strengthen­eth the stomack, helpeth concoction, discusseth wind, and com­forteth the heart.

Piper nigrum.

PIper nigrum or black pepper, is hot and dry in the third degree, ex­pelleth wind, is good against all cold griefs of the breast and lungs, against poyson, agues, and squinancy, dissolveth and wasteth hard tu­mours, causeth digestion, and aromatizeth meatsr.

Cariophilli

CAriophilli or Cloves, are hot and dry in the second degree, and are Aromaticall, and beneficial to the heart and brain, help the [Page 71] liver, and stomack, make the breath sweet, good for digestion, quicken the sight, stirr up just, and take away obstructions.

Nux Muschata.

NUx Muschata, or Nutmegs are of the same complexion with Macis: helpeth the stoppings of the liver, milt, stomack, windinesse of the belly, laske, weaknesse of the kidnies, and stopping of the urine: com­forteth the heart, and aromatizeth the stomack.

Zinziber.

ZInziber, or Ginger is hot in the third degree, helpeth concoction, strengtheneth a cold and weak stomack, breaketh wind, and preven­teth sowre eructation.

Gummi Guaici.

Gummi Guaici, the gum of the Guacum hath the same vertue as the wood and bark aforesaid called Lignum Guaicum, and drunk in pow­der is approved a good remedy in Gonorraea.

Opoponax.

OPoponax, is a gum hot in the third degree, and dry in the second (if bitter, white within or yellow, fat, tender, easily dissolving, and of a strong smell, it is good) it doth mollifie, digest, attenuate or asswage, dissipate or disperse wind, and is laxative.

Of Bdellium.

BDellium doth warm and mollifie hard tumors in the throat, and dis­cusseth Hernia's in their beginnings, provoketh urine, and is good aganst the cough.

Amoniacum.

AMoniacum (a gumme so called) is hot in the third degree, hath the force of mollifying so effectual, that it dissolveth Tophoes or hard stones grown in the flesh, easily discusseth other pustles, healeth the spleen hardned, and being given in drink, taketh away many ob­structions, provoketh the monethly courses and urine, driveth out the stone, dissolveth the Kings-evil, is very profitable for aches occasioned by cold: that which is pure thereof is formed like Thus, and in tast like Castoreum.

Sagapenum.

SAgapenum, or Serapinum is hot in the third degree, dry in the second, bringeth down womens courses, is profitable against the suffocation of the Matrix, resolveth, attenuateth, dissipateth, moveth, dissol­veth, and purgeth (though slowly) thick flegme, and clammy humours: it is esteemed excellent, if clear, yellow in colour without, but white with­in, quick in tast, light in substance, and easie in dissolving.

Galbanum.

GAlbanum is hot in the second degree: it is good if it be full of drops pure like frankincense, fat, not full of sticks, strong in smell, neither moist nor dry in substance: it extracteth, discusseth, bringeth away the courses stopt, and the birth, takes away biles, hard kernels, and knots in the body, and helpeth the cough, short breathing, convulsions, and rup­tures.

Myrrha.

MYrrha, chosen, fragil or brittle, light, spendent, of little drops, bit­ter, sharp, which smelleth sweet, full of whitish veins being bro­ken, is hot and dry in the second degree: It openeth the womb, pro­cureth the courses, bringeth forth speedily the birth, and is good for the cough, stitch, flux, and bloody flix: it killeth worms, amendeth the breath▪ closeth up wounds, confirmeth the teeth loose, and stayeth the hair from shedding.

Mastick.

MAstick sweet in smell, white, spendent, brittle, old, and very dry, brought from the Isle Chio, is hot in the second degree: It help­eth concoction, stoppeth vomiting, confirmeth the power of reteining sustenance, is abstersive: it is profitable also to them that spit blood, or that are troubled with a cough, it attracteth flegme from the brain, and is good for the breath.

Gum. Ladanum.

LAdanum is hot and dry in the second degree, doth calefie, and mol­lifie: it opens the pores of the veins, keepeth the hair from falling off the head, stoppeth the laske, provokes urine: it is used seldome in the Surgeons Chest, except in making a grateful odour, as when a fume of Cinabrium is to be prepared, for the cure of the pox.

Styrax.

STyrax, Calamita & liquidus are both hot in the second degree, do mollifie, concoct, cure the cough, distillations, hoarsnesse, pose or stuffing of the head, matrix stopped, are good to procure the month­ly courses of women, cordial, exhilarating, oppose to poyson, and [Page 73] do discusse hard cold tumours the knots of the sinews, and the struma. The best commeth from Gyprus, Sidon, and Pisidia: the Calamita Styrax is yellow, fast, rosen like in glistering fragments, continuing its smell; though old; and (being dissolved) of a hony-like colour, if commenda­ble.

Belzoin.

BElzoin, called vulgarly Benjamen, is hot in the fourth degree, com­forteth the heart, and all the faculties thereof, and hath the same power as Styrax Calamita aforesaid: the reddish, cleer, full of white drops like frankincense, and of a sweat smell as Xiloaloes burned, is chosen.

Tragacanthum.

TRagacanthum, a temperament hot gum, is good for the cough, roughnes of the Artery or wind-pipe, hoarsnesse and defluxions, being taken with honey, or with Sugar, and is commended to be good for the eyes; also it is good to be swallowed down whole, or eaten in powder against the fluxe.

Pix Burgundiae, of some Pix Graeca and Colophoniae

COlophonia or Pix Graeca, is all one thing, and is a kind of Rosin of the Pine tree: it is hot and dry, cleansing and healing new wounds, mollifying hard tumours or swellings, and is very profitable against aches of the limbs, proceeding of a cold cause.

Pix.

PIx Navalis, or stone pitch, is hot and dry in the second degree: it discusseth, conglutinateth, mollifieth, maturateth, suppleth the hard­nesse of the matrix, and hard tumours, cureth ulcers, filleth them that are hollow up with good flesh, and helpeth cold aches.

Resina.

REsina is hot, mollifying, discussing and cleansing, and (being taken inwardly) is good against the cough, mendeth the breast, provo­keth urine, concocteth crude matters, looseth the belly, expelleth thē stone and gravel, and is excellent for the cure of green and fresh wounds.

Succinum.

AMbra citrina seu succinum is hot and dry, prevalent against the white flux of the wombe, flux of blood, running of the kidnies, distillations of the head, stopping of the matrix, monethly terms, dif­culty of urine; being powdered and drunk, helpeth immoderate cough, and strengtheneth the intestines, and is good to be cast on coals to receive [Page 74] the fume thereof, to comfort the Arse-gut fallen, as also to fume a ship or house in time of infectious aires, as the plague, or when general fluxes are to be feared.

Cera Citrina.

CEra Citrina, or yellow wax, doth mollifie and heat, moistneth temperately: it is good to amend the milk in the nurses breasts co­agulated, it asswageth pain, healeth wounds and ulcers, and hath com­monly a place in all good unguents and plaisters: It is a good medicine to be drunk or eaten, and so swallowed down for to cure the exulcera­tions of tht stomack or intrails in fluxes, where inward exulcerations are to be feared.

Mummia.

MUmmia is astringent, helpeth fluxes of blood, the bladder ulcerated, and the inward distempers of the yard; as also it provoketh urine, and is very good to be drunk in powder against great contusions or co­agulated blood within the body.

Sperma Ceti.

SPerma Ceti, or Spuma maris, or the spawn of the Whales, is sowre in tast, spungie and white in shew, unsavoury in smell, and weighty, having a sharp quality: It is of a cold faculty, cleanseth, and di­gesteth, and is sometimes used of women to clear the skin from spots and morphew: It is good also against bruises inwardly, taken with the for­mer, namely, Mummia, and also outwardly warm, to anoint the parts contused therewith, and a Paracelsus emplaister, or of Pix Grecum put thereon.

Sanguis Draconis.

SAnguis Draconis is cold and dry in the first degree, it is of an astrin­gent quality: it closeth up wounds, and confirmeth the weak parts, and stayeth the fluxes of outward wounds.

Lupines.

LUpines are hot and dry in the second degree, digest, make subtill and cleanse, kill worms, drive away the freckles and spots like lentils in the face, asswageth impostumations and swelling, the sciatica pain; digest consume, and dissolve Morbum Regium; ripen and open wens, botches, biles and pestilential sores.

Cantharides.

CAntharides are used outwardly to cause a blifter, and sometimes in­wardly to move urine; but so they are most dangerous, for they will [Page 75] bring the disease Priapismus upon the Patient in a violent manner: I once knew it given, but it killed the party the third day.

Camphura.

CAmphura or Camphora of a mixt quality, refrigerateth and calefieth, asswageth the pain of the head, inflammations of ulcers, wounds, cureth Erysipelas or St. Anthonies fire, is effectual against the Gouorraea, the white flowers of women, bleeding of the nose: it is also good against venoms and poysons, it preserveth the body from putrefaction, and is commended for many other vertues, for brevity here omitted.

Spodium.

SPodium an astringent simple, is cordial and good for fainting or swounding, inflammatious of the stomack, trembling, melancholy, and other affections arising thence.

Sumach.

SUmach is wonderfully astringent, dry in the third degree, and cold in the second: it is good for the Dysentery, all bloody fluxes, and womens fluxes, especially the white, and the Hemorrhoides, pre­serveth also ulcers from inflammations and exulceration.

Gallae.

GAllae or Galles are cold in the second degree, and dry in the third; they cure fluxions of the gums, help the ulcerations of the mouth, stay the fluxes menstrual, and help the mother falling down, make the hair black, consume proud flesh in wounds and ulcers, and induce a good healing to them.

Bolus verus.

BOlus Armeniae vel Orientalis verus is very dry, and astringent: it is a good medicine in resisting the fluxes of blood, helping the Ca­tarrhe, Dysentery, and ulcers of the mouth, prevailing against pestilence, and all other like infections.

Bolus Communis.

BOlus communis, common Bole, hath the same effects as the former Bolus.

Stibium.

ANtimonium, seu Stibium, used in due time and place, produeeth very good effects, wrestling well with many kinds of strong diseases: [Page 76] commonly it is given in a Tertian, as also to the troubled with collick pain, it purgeth upward and downward forcibly, and causeth sweat, it is a good medicine, given with careful respect; but it killeth many by the violence thereof, unadvisedly administred: I lament to call to mind what fearful accidents I have seen follow the use thereof; wherefore I advise the Surgeons Mate to administer it with great care. The dose (being five grains) is best taken by infusion. It cureth fevers, is good against pestilential fevers in their beginning: For it cureth such at once taking; and in any other fevers it may be given, the body being strong.

Sulphur.

SUlphur or Brimstone is hot, concocting and resolving, it profiteth the asthmatical, cough, collick, grief, and resolution of the members: taketh away itch, breaking out of all the body, cureth tetters or ring­worms, and the scurffe, and cureth rheumes and distillations: Seek further hereof in Sal, Sulphur and Mercury.

Allumen.

ALlumen, or Allum, is astringent and yet purging, mendeth putrefied ulcers, drieth the moist, consumeth proud superfluous flesh, taketh away the itch, and cureth the scab, and is very profitable in lotions for ulcerations of the mouth, throat, or else-where.

Vitriolum.

VItriolum seu Calcanthum, or Coperas, is hot, astringent and dry, kil­leth the worms of the belly, helpeth against poyson, keepeth the flesh moist and from putritude, consumeth, contracteth and and purgeth ulcers. Seek more of this subject in the Treatise of Salt.

Vitriolum Album.

SEek in the Treatise of Salt, in the end of Vitriolum for white Co­peras.

Cerusa.

CErusa or Venice seruse, refrigerateth, drieth, bindeth, extenuateth, gently represseth excrescences, and bringeth deep wounds to a skar or ciccatrice, and is very good to be mixed a small quantity at once with Plantane water, against the heat and excoriations of the yard, I mean within the passage of the yard.

Plumbum Album.

PLumbum Album, or white lead, is cold in the second degree, it is an excellent remedy against inflammations, stiffe and hard ulcers, cankers and fluxions of the articles.

Minium.

PLumbago, or red lead, hath the force of binding, mollifying, filling up hollow ulcers with flesh, bringing down proud flesh, refrigerateth, closeth up wounds, and induceth a cicatrice.

Plumbum ustum.

IS astringent, filleth up wounds, eateth away their excrescences, stayeth the rheume of the eyes, and is profitable against the ulcers of the funda­ment, hemorthoides, and their inflammations.

Lithargyrum.

LIthargyrus, or Litharg [...]rum auri & argenti, & plumbi, Litharge either of gold, silver, or lead, do all refrigerate, bind, represse, stop, fill up hollow places, cleanse, induce a cicatrice or little scar, and prevail against the galling of the thighes. The litharge of gold, of silver and of lead, are all but one thing though they are of several names. colours and differences of operations, by reason of their different preparations: they are as Minium is, all the sonnes of Saturn, and are even lead and no other thing.

Aes Viride.

AES viride, or verdigreace, hath a sharp quality, digesting, attracting, extenuating, corroding and is abstersive, stoppeth fretting and spreading sores, and eateh the callous hard flesh of fistula's, good in ulcers and Ophthalmies of the eyes. It is the rust either of copper or brasse.

Tutia.

TUtia is a gentle drier, good against the distillations of the eyes, astringent, cooling, cleansing, stopping, and filling up. It is the scum of brasse in boiling.

Arsenicum.

VVHite and yellow Arsenicum, called Arsenicum album & Citri­num, are enemies to the life of man or beast: Taken into the body, this mineral killeth any living creature, and is of a corroding qua­lity, outwardly applied, it causeth a hard crusted scab with vehement burning, eateth away superfluous flesh, and taketh away hairs. It cureeth the morphew, the skin anointed with water of the infusion thereof.

Argentum vivum.

ARgentum vivum doth corrode, kill the itch and lice, woundeth the intestines, suppresseth urine, swelleth the body, hurts the stomack [Page 78] and belly, resolveth, penetrateth and purgeth. But of this see more in the particular, Treatise of Mercury.

Mercurius sublimatus.

MErcurius sublimatus, made of Argentum vivum, is excellent against the Morbus Gallicus. This medicine truly perpared, is a laxative, a Diaphoretice, a Diauretice, a vomitive, and the best and worst corrasive medicine that can be devised. Quaere the Treatise of Mercury.

Mercurius Praecipitatus

MErcurius Praecipitatus, is very good to further digestion in ulcers evil disposed, and to dispose them to better healing, by cleansing and digesting them; and because it is Mercury or Quick-silver, I have no time for it in this place, but must refer you to my Treatise of Mercury.

Cinabrium.

CInnabaris is astringent, hot, extenuating, and hath the vertues or vices of Mercurius or Argentum vivum. It is of two kinds, either natural, which few know, or artificial, and then it is compounded of Quick-silver and Brimstone, and so is that we buy in the shops.

Flores Anthos.

FLores Anthos, or Rosemary flowers, are hot and dry in the second degree, comfort the brain, heart and memory, and other senses, amend the speech, help digestion, mollifie, cleanse, and cut away flegme.

Flores Balaustiarum.

FLores Balaustiarum, or flowers of Pomgranats, are cold and dry in the third degree, they are also astringent; close up, and stop, they cure the bloody flix, bleeding of green wounds, they are good in lotions for moist and weak gums, kill worms, and fasten loose teeth.

Rosae rubrae.

ROse rubrae or Red-roses are cold and dry in the first degree, refrige­rate, and are astringent, they purge cholerick humours downward, open, strengthen, and cleanse the liver from obstructions, comfort the head, stomack, and heart, help against consumptions, and inflamma­tions, cause sleep, and stop spitting of blood.

Flores chamomillae.

FLores chamomillae Camomile flowers are hot and dry in the first degree, provoke the monthly termes, and urine, are good against windi­nesse, [Page 79] the collick, gravel, stone, aches, fevers proceeding from obstru­ctions, cure wearied parts, also they open, loose, mollifie the hard-swol­len and stopt parts of the intrails.

Flores Melliloti.

FLores Milliloti or flowers of Mellilote, are of a dry and hot quality, digest, consume, dissolve, and maturate, prevail against all hot swel­lings, provoke urine, break the stone, asswage the pain of the kidnies, bladder, and belly, ripen flegm, and clear the eye-sight.

Flores Centaurii.

FLores Centaurii or flowers of Centory, are of a hot and dry comple­xion in the second degree, purge choler and grosse humours down­ward, open the obstructions of the liver, kill worms, cause the course of flowers, are good against the Jaundice, hardnesse of the spleen, griefs of the sinewes, clear the eyes, heal wounds, and drive forth young fruit.

Flores Hyperici.

FLores Hyperici or flowers of Saint Johns wort, are hot and dry in the third degree, break the stone, provoke urine, bring down womens flowers, stop the laske, drive away fevers, are good for burnings, and cure old and fistulated sores.

Flores Sambuci.

FLores Sambuci or flowers of Elders, are hot and dry in the third de­gree, open the belly, purge slimy slegme, and cholerick humours, and are good for hot swellings and tumours, and for the asswaging the pain of the gout.

Baccae Juniperi.

BAccae Juniperi or Juniper berries, are hot in the third degree, dry in the first, and astringent, are good for the stomack, cough, windinesse, gripings of the belly, venomous bitings, infection, contagion of the aire, help the lungs, liver, kidnies, and bladder, and provoke urine.

Baccae Lauri.

BAccae Lauri or Bay-berries, are hot and dry in the second degree, they resist poyson, help deafnesse, contracted and wearied parts, and the pain of the breast, cut of flegme, and take away the scurfe.

Farina Tritici.

FArina Tritici or Wheat flower, is hot in the first degree, stoppeth spitting of blood, distillations of subtill humours, helpeth the cough, roughnesse of the sharp artery, dissolveth tumours, and cleanseth the face from lentils and spots, appeaseth hunger and thirst, and is the princi­pal natural upholder of the life and health of man.

Farina Fabarum.

FArina fabarum or Bean meal, is cold and moist, dissolveth all swel­lings, is very good for ulcers, evils, and blastings of the genitories, and taketh away inflammations of womens paps.

Farina Hordei.

FArina Hordeacea or Barly meal, is cold and dry in the first degree, dissolveth hot and cold tumours, digesteth, softeneth, and ripeneth hard swellings, stoppeth the laske, and humours falling into the joynts, discusseth wind, is good against the scurfe and leprofie, and allaieth the inflammations of the Gouts.

Furfur Tritici.

FUrfur or Wheat bran, is good against the scurfe, itch, and spreading scab, dissolveth the beginnings of hot swellings, doth slake and swage the hard swellings of womens breasts, and the decoction thereof is singu­lar good to cure the painful exulcerations in the intrails, given by glisters, as is montioned in the cure of Dysenteria.

Farina Volatilis.

FArina volatilis or Mill dust, is used in compositions to stay fluxes of bleeding wounds.

Rosemary.

ROsemary is hot and dry in the second degree, cureth the Jaundice, and the Regius morbus or Kings-evil, comforteth the brain, memo­ry, and inward senses, and restoreth the speech lost or broken.

Menthae.

MEnthae or Mints, are hot and dry, do profit the stomack, appease the hickok, stop vomiting, cure chollerick passions, griping pain of the belly, and the inordinate course of menstruall issue, ease women in their travel of child-bearing, soften breasts swolne with milk, and keep the milk from curdding therein.

Millilotus.

MEllilotus or Mellilote, is hot and astringent, it doth asswage and mollifie hot swellings of the eyes, matrix, fundament, and genito­ries, healeth the scurfe, and putrified ulcers, dissolveth apostumes of the stomack, is good for the head-ach, provoketh urine, breaketh the stone, helpeth the pain of the kidnies, bladder, and belly, and taketh away the webbe and pearle of the eye.

Salvia.

SAlvia or Sage is hot and dry in the third degree, and somewhat astringent, stoppeth the bleeding of wounds and bloody flix, open­eth the stoppings of the liver, cureth the cough, breaketh the stone, pro­voketh urine, comforteth the heart, asswageth the head-ach, and pain in the side.

Thymum.

THymum or Thyme, is hot and dry in the third degree, is good to cleanse the breast, ripen flgme, and for the Asthma, purgeth chole­rick humours, corrupt blood, bringeth to women their natural terms, expelleth the secondine, provoke urine, discusseth wind, extenuateth cold swellings, and helpeth the cure of the falling sicknesse.

Absinthium.

ABsinthium or Wormwood is hot in the first degree, and dry in the third; it is bitter, sharp, and astringent, cleansing, purging, and com­forting, excellent to purge the stomack, liver, and reins from the chole­rick humours, and to stay the weak stomack from vomiting, cureth the Jaundice, resisteth pestilent infection, helpeth the dropsie and splene­tick, and killeth worms in the body.

Carduus benedictus.

CArduus benedictus or the blessed Thistle is very bitter, and hot, com­forteth the heart and vital parts, moveth sweat, resisteth poyson, is of much use in pestilent diseases, mitigateth the pain of the reins and sides, killeth the worms of the belly, and prevaileth against bitings of Serpents.

Melissa.

MElissa or Balm, this herb is hot in the second, and dry in the first degree, doth bring down womens termes, helpeth against venom [...] of scorpions, spiders and dogs, comforteth the head, increaseth the me­mory, and refresheth the vital faculties.

Sabina.

SAbina or Savin, is hot and dry in the third degree, provoketh urine with blood, moveth the flowers, driveth forth the secondine, living and dead birth, cureth ulcers and eating sores, aud cleanseth the skin of lentils.

Radices Altheae.

RAdix altheae or Hollihock roots, are hot and dry in the first degree, they are profitable for the gravel, stone, bloody flix, tooth-ach, Sciatica, and cough: they cure new wounds, dissolve cold tumours, wennes, hard kernels, impostumes, sores of the mother, and chaps of the fundament, are good for cramps, burstings, & trembling of the members.

Radices raphani sylvestris.

RAdices Raphani sylvestris or Horse-redish roots, are hot in the third degree, dry in the second, are good for the stomack eaten before meat, cause wind, and desire to vomit; but after meat, digest, purge flegme, provoke urine, break the stone, help the dropsie, liver, sicknesse, old congh, stopping of the reines, lithargie, collick, and hardnesse of the spleen, stay fretting, and festring ulcers, cause hair to grow, and cleanse the face from spots.

Radices Pyrethri.

RAdices pyrethri or Pellitory roots, are hot and dry in the third de­gree, good for cold diseases of the head and brain, falling sicknesse, and apoplexie, mitigate the tooth-ach chewed, bring forth much wa­terish flegme, help the resolution of the sinewes, and cause salivation or a flux of spitting

Radices Angeilcae.

RAdices Angelicae or Angelica roots, are hot and dry in the second de­gree, they do open, attenuate, digest, cut and discusse grosse hu­mours, they are adversary to poyson, help pestilent diseases, cause the flowers, comfort the heart and vital powers.

Radices consolidae majoris.

RAdix symphiti magni, seu Consolidae majoris, or Comfry roots, are hot and dry in the second degree, they do help spitting of blood, the breast and lungs, cure inward wounds and ruptures, are glutinative, mitigate hot tumours, and heal fresh wounds.

Calx viva.

CAlx viva or unslak'd lime, is hot and dry in the fourth degree, having a fiery, sharp, and burning force: it concocteth, mollifieth, dissipa­teth, and cureth corrupt stinking ulcers, very hard to be cured, and bringeth them to a cicatrice or skar.

Album Graecum.

STercus caninum, seu Album Graecum, is hot and astringent, stayeth the laske, cureth the Squinancy, helpeth the Dysenteria, and driveth away fevers that come by course, and is very good to strew the funda­ment fallen withall, for it cureth the slipperinesse thereof, and causeth it being gently put up to stay up; and being mixed and boyled with sallat­oyl to the thicknesse of an unguent, is very good to cure the painful He­morrhoides.

The Cure.

Wherein the cure of wounds in general doth consist. THe Cure of wounds is either by the help of nature or medicine: if by nature, the strife is at an end, the Artist may save a labour: if [Page 87] by medicine their cure consisteth both in the reduction of parts disjoy­ned and dislocated to union, and in consolidation and true conglutina­tion of them: therefore it shall be necessary to consider, that if any thing hinder consolidation it be removed: that reduct on be rightly and skil­fully wrought, lest the parts adjoyned fall into relaps, and that the sub­stance of the part with his natural temperament be conserved: and lastly, that the symptoms be prevented, and carefully cured as they arise.

The first intention in curing of wounds is to take away whatsoever is besides nature, as Iron, wood, lead, or ought else with fit instruments, and that without pain (if it may be) to the diseased, that consolidation may the better be effected. In wounds▪ of the head, to take away the hair, or what else might seem to hinder the good application of medicines to the grief, is the first part. Strive also to set well the veins and nerves displaced, that the beauty and due office of the member be not dimini­shed, and that it may conglutinate the easier, and being united, keep them so by Ligature, future, and other due and artificial means.

It is requisite also that the natural temperament of the part be careful­ly preserved: and that is done by a certain carefull regiment of the body, which is universal or particular.

The universal regiment consisteth in purging medicines, as Potions, Glisters, a sober and frugal dyet, abstinence from wine, venery, and all kinds of meats which may move or attenuate humours, and moderate use of good nourishing sustenance, all which helps the poor Sea-man is not capable of in long voyages.

The particular Regiment is in remedies which confirm and strengthen the natural heat of the member debilitated, and which hinder and avert fluxion: such are Unguentum Nutritum diapalma, I mean Diacalsithios dis­solved in Oyl of Roses, Ceratum Refrigerans, Rosat. Messue. Ungu. de minio, or the like.

The general accidents most to be feared that affect the wounded are Haim rrea, dolour, tumour intemperature, a fever, faintnesse of the heart, convulsions, specially where a sinew is wounded.

The cure of Ha morrea. Haimorrea, or flux of blood is stayed by medicaments astringent, fitted and applyed with convenient future or ligature; and sometimes by medi­cines caustik, either actual or potential, touched in the Treatise of am­putation or dismembring.

A Tumour is an unnatural increase, exceeding the natural state in the body, and inducing an offence of the actions of the same, the cure where­of is touched elsewhere.

Intemperature is either over much heat or cold, & his remedy is by op­posites, as namely, to too hot imtemperature (apply a cold medicament &c.

The intemperature of the Liver chiefly consisteth in oppilation or debi­lity of the faculties thereof, and is helped chiefly by wholsome nutri­ment: the lamentable want whereof at Sea, is the cause of many the grie­vous obstructions, and other evil effects in Seamens bodies: so that oft­times a good Artist shall not be able to heal a mean excoriation.

The Accidents common to the wounded heart, as is said, are swoun­ding, palpitation thereof, a hot burning fever, and many other.

[Page 88] Syncope is a solution of the spirits which forsake the heart, whose re­medy is Cordials, if God have appointed life.

A Fever is a heat in the heart more then natural, infused and dispersed through the whole body, whose cure is by purging, bleeding, and good government.

A convulsion is a dangerous disease of the brain, which often-times is a fore-runner or a messenger of death.

The diseases in the brain are either in the membranes, substance, or ventricles, and passages thereof; whose species and symptoms are many, and for the most part very dangerous, and of difficult cure: For if the sub­stance of the brain be offended, the functions thereof are impedited, whence proceedeth doting, melancholly, foolishnesse, slothfulnesse, Li­thargie, frenzie, madnesse, losse of memory, deadish sleep, giddinesse, apoplexie, Paralysis, and divers other like accidents formerly recited. And if the ventricles of the brain be wounded, then the motions and senses thereof be grieved. Wherefore for the better cure of these wounds in the brain, desiccation and cicatrization in due time is needful, either by simple medicaments, (as Spiritus vini, b [...]l [...]s Armeniae, Terra sigillata, Lithargirum, Cerusa, Tutia, Adust lead, Burnt paper, Allom water, Burnt Vitriol) or by compound medicines, (as Vng: desiccans rub: Diapompho­ligos, & Diapalma.)

Divers Acci­dents will have divers medica­ments. And as you see the accidents of the wounded are divers, so the reme­dies are not all alike: but some are general, others more peculiar

Those that are onely in the skin or flesh have no difficile cure: for oft-times Nature with some easie remedy, or a Ligature onely doth help them: but those that are compound, offending many parts, need a me­thodical and convenient order of curation, which is divers, as is said, ac­cording to the diversity of the parts affected: for if contusion or ruption be onely of the flesh under the skin, there is required consolidation by ea­sie comfortation, and desiccation; and no suppuration, which is effected onely by nourishing and preserving the natural heat or humidity of the member, as in other wounds.

But a contused wound, if it be be great, requireth purging Glisters, po­tions, or pils, phelbotomie, a wholsome dyet, perfect evacuation of the humour that commeth from the veins, and suppuration of the contused and livid flesh; which two last, are affected at the first by mean remedies; as oyl of roses and mirtles, & sometimes by a Paracelsus plaister. It will desire also suppurating medicines, fitting the greatnesse and nature of the contusion. It may be healed in the manner of an apostume; and if pu­trefaction be feard, the use of a good Lixivium, of cupping Glasses, and light scarification, is most necessary, that the humour about to putrifie may be evacuated, so shall the wound be better cured: but when the wound shall be with losse of substance, then let thy endeavour be (by re­novation and regeneration of the substance diminished, or the intempera­tureAnother note for the remo­ving of that which is be­sides nature in a wound. carefully by convenient digestive medicines to produce laudable quitture, and that the part affected be kept in his natural temperament and faculty, for thereby it doth concoct & digest the matter flowing unto it; as also consider diligently the excrements of the wounds, their substance, [Page 89] quality▪ and quantity, these will shew thee what is superfluous, not natural, and what hindereth the action and duty of nature, that it may be corrected and taken away by fit and convenient remedies. The medicaments in­carnative, or for regeneration of the flesh, are the flower of Barley, Beans, Lupines, or Orobus, Myrrhe, Aloes, with Aristolochia and Ireos, which are usedeither by themselves, or mixed with turpentine, Mel Ro­sarum, Syrupe of dry Roses, the yolk of an egg, or the like: also Basili­cum, Unguentum Incarnativum, are good incarnatives, the Emplastrum gra­tia Dei, made of juyce of herbs, the Emplaister of Betony, dissolved with Axungia porcina: and follow the general rule, Let the dry be more hu­mected, and the humid more desiccated.

How to cure venomous wounds, which are either inter­nal or external. The cure of wounds caused through the biting of venomous beasts (as mad doggs, scorpions, vipers, serpents, bees, fishes, waspes, hornets, swine, or other the like, is performed first by taking away that which is virulent, extracting, dissipating and consuming the poyson; which work requireth internal as well as external medicaments. The internal must be such as comfort and confirm the parts diseased (as Theriaca, Aurum vitae, Confectio Alkermes, Bole Armenick, Conserve of Borage, Bu­glosse, Rosemary flowers, and the like) that so the virulent vapour may be abolished, which otherwise will infect the whole body. The external must also intend to extinguish the venomous vapour (and such are cup­ping glasses and scarification, also all hot medicaments attracting, as Gal­banum, Ammoniacum, Bdellium, Emplaistrum Diachilon and divinum, a fomentation made with the herb Dragon and Mugwort boiled in wine, Triacle, Garlick, Onions, Fimus columbinus, and the like) which be­ing done, the cure shall be after the manner of other wounds of the same magnitude: but in mine own practice, I heat Balm artificial feething het, and apply it for the first dressing, if I fear venome: and if I fear a Gan­green, I use Aegyptiacum as hot as may be, and over the wound I apply a Lixivium: slender and wholesome dyet is also good, that may neither in­crease melancholy, nor heat much the blood; and abstain from bleeding, unlesse the noble parts be tainted, & then thou maist not safely purge, but rather sweat, which is best known when the animal faculties are offended.

The cure of wounds in the arteries. The wounds in the Veins and Arteries, bring with them commonly a flux of blood, which to stay is a special businesse, consisting chiefly of astringent remedies, good application, future, ligature of a vein or ar­tery, if it may be done conveniently, and sometimes caustick medica­ments; yea, incision, phlebotomy, the use of cupping glasses and ligature on the parts opposite; which three last are not alwayes to be presumed upon as safe courses, but upon need, if so be the vein or artery wound­ed be great: many things are of force put in practice, which otherwise seem very harsh. The astringents simples to make compounds, are Bo [...]e Armenick, Terra sigillata, thus, Aloes, Mastick, Myrrhe, Sanguis Dra­conis, Flower of wheat, barley, mil-dust, and divers sorts: likewise Al­lum, Vitriol, Precipitate, Mans blood dryed, and sundry more, some­time to make a ligature upon the vein, wound, or artery, which is the binding of each end thereof, being first caught and holden with some fit instruments; and tied with a sure and strong silk thre [...]: but oft-times it [Page 90] happeneth that the ends of the veins or arteries wounded cannot be found, in which case an actual caustick remedy, or a potential caustick medicament, which induceth an esker, and stoppeth and covereth the orifice of the vein, is convenient: some also lay their thumb on it so long, untill it be somewhat of its self stayed, and then bind it up, which is good in mean fluxes: I have often prevailed so. Now after that the flux of blood is stayed, let the sick party be contained in a place neither too hot nor too cold, and dark, speaking little, that the cure may be ac­complished with more ease to the patient.

The wounds made in the nerves, tendons and ligaments, whether byThe cure of wounds in the nerves and li­gaments. incision long or overthwart, a thrust profound or superficial or by contu­sion, great, little, or mean, require a good dyet, such as is, meat easie of digestion, refrigerating and causing little blood; but the choice of such things at Sea must be forborn: also that the body be kept open by Glisters, moilifying and cleansing, and (if need be) by potions easie and gentle, that the humours be not too much stirred to inflammation: blood-letting is sometimes needful, likewise anodine medicines which resolve and extract corruption by the pores of the skin, strengthen the part affected, and have an infinite, or a certain property to comfort the sinewes: such are Turpentine and the oyl thereof, oyl of Euphorbi­um, Rue, Worms, Yolkes of Eggs, Rosin, Pitch, as also a Cataplasme made of bread crums, milk, and a little Saffron, the like made of Althea roots two ounces, Mallowes and Sorrel of each an handful, flower of Beans, Lupines and Orobus, of each two ounces and an half, red Rose leaves powdered half an ounce, common honey two ounces, Cha­momile oyl one ounce, all made into a Cataplasme according to Art. But if pain and inflammation be in such wounds neer to an article or joynt, apply a cataplasme made of bread crums, with the juyce of Hyoschyami, or cool herbs, or Ung. nutritum, populeon album, or some of those, that the burning heat may be extinguished; or of oat-meal sodden in water with a little oyl: But if convulsion happen to a sinew wounded or pricked, cut off all the sinew, for if the nerve shall be wholly abscised, lesser symptomes, through impotency and deprivation of acti­on ensue, then if the middle or any part be wounded: the cure (and note it) is not so safe to sew it up together, as some think, because his adunation is uncertain.

The cure of a nerve contused. If a sinew be contused without any wound, let it be corroborated by medicaments strengthening and astringent. The cure of the wounds of the head is not alwayes to be presumed upon, though small, nor yet despaired of, though great. Consider therefore diligently whe­ther the brain it self be hurt or no; if the brain be offended, it is to be known partly by the inflammation, dolour, apostumation, retraction, convulsion or deprivation of the functions of the senses, and death also is suspected presently, or within a few dayes to follow: and if the palsie possesse the opposite part, it being sound and whole, it is doubt­ful, and the sympathie of parts will cause oft-times an abscesse in the Li­ver and Messenterium, and an intemperature of the vitall faculty, with a continual fever and death. It shall therefore be necessary for the [Page 91] wise artist to know the manner of the hurt, that he may wisely prog­nosticate the danger: for if only the Pericran. be hurt by incision, with­out any contusion, and far from the commissures or seames, it is not dangerous at all to be cured, and the cure to be wrought, is as in other wounds: but if it be much wounded by punction or contusion, and symptoms arise with a tumour in the head, then dilatation is needfull, that the contused blood which is between the Cranium and the Peri­cranium may be extracted; and let it be quickly done, so shal the symp­toms cease and the cure will be easie: but and if the offence of the Pe­ricranium be in the suture or seam, it is more dangerous, because the brain doth sympathize with it. If the Fibres passing through the su­tures of the Pericranium from Dura mater be wounded or contused, it exceeds the other in danger; therefore to resist putrefaction, let the wound be mundified: and if no fracture of the bone be (the wound appearing only in the flesh, without any offence of the Pericranium) the cure shall be as in other wounds. But if a fracture in Cranium chance,Special obser­vation if the bones of the head be br [...]ken there is required great care, namely, let the form & magnitude thereof be well considered, observing also diligently what bone it is, and in what part it is hurt, and whether the fragments are great or little, or sharp, pricking the Membranes or not, which, of what sort soever they be, they are diligently to be drawn out with as much ease as may be to the Patient; and if they cannot, being broader within then without, let the trapan be carefully used; the use whereof is touched in the book of instruments, under the name trapan. Sometimes there is onely a de­pression and then a levatory instrument wil excuse the use of a trapan, and take away the spils and fragments which are upon the membrane & the blood also which shal issue out upon the same may by a spunge be taken away: keep it likwise from cold, and of a temperate heat, and the place hurt being well cleansed, poure mel rosarum warm into the wound, or 2 parts of hony, and one part of oyl or syrup of drie roses, or common hony with turpentine, with the yolk of an eg, which are remedies mundifying, and grateful to the membranes, and ought to be applied warm, but above all others the linament of Arceus is the chief­est balsom for wounds in the head. The general remedies for wounds of the head must neither overmuch refrigerate, nor overmuch calefie, but be of a moderate or temperate calour. The general manner to pro­ceed to the cure of the wounds in the head, is as followeth.

First, let the hair be shaven away; the next, if any loose bons be, take them out; the next to be done, is, if a depression of Cranium be, strive with the elevatorie to raise it; the next is, to stay the flux of bloud if any be, leaving of the grief undressed for two daies, that the veins may knit; then inquire of the Patient if he have the benefit of nature, if not, procure him one, not many stools, and only see he have natural stools once a day, or in two daies, not by potion nor pils, but rather by glister or suppositorie. At the second opening of the wound, if occasion serve, use the Trapan, or take out any spils or bones that seem to offend, ifInstructions very needful in the bead woun­ded the second time open [...]d. they be very loose, not else; force nothing out of the wound, except the Patient his great necessity force thee thereunto; for nature is kind, [Page 92] and ready to do wondrous help in the cure of the head. For the se­cond application, have ready of the noble linament of Arceus, never sufficiently commended, and being somewhat hotter then the partie would willingly bear it, annoint the wound therewith in each place, with a little soft lint on a Probes end, leaving the said lint therein, and with plegents of lint drie fil up the orifice, & after anointing about the edges of the grief, apply a plaister, either of Emplast. Betonicae, Stipticum Paracelsi, Minium, Mellilote. or Diacalsitheos. In want of Arceus linament you may take oleum rosarum, and mel rosarum, which are not much in­ferior to the former, being warm applied; some use therewith also a di­gestive of Turpentine, and the yolk of an eg well mixed, ana alike quantitie, wherewith they spread plegents, and then dip them in the warm mel and oyl mentioned, and so apply them, which is very good and the most ancient practice in curing wounds of the head.

In want of oyl of Roses oyl of Olive will do wel, and common ho­ny for mel rosarum, though not so well: and if cause be, some Artists mix spirit of wine, or good aqua vitae with the former medicine, and it comforteth wel the brain, and very much furthereth good and speedy healing: good bowlstring, and ligatu re doe much avail to the cure of the head: also it is good to keep the partie lying and in a dark place, till the greatest danger of accidents be past, remembring withall that the overstrict keeping him in, may also be very offensive to the sick.

Let good diet strictly be observed, if occasion be, and the use of Glisters likewise upon good reasons is also to be approved; and it is good to open the Cephalike vain if the brain have been long uncove­red, or yield a spumous white and thick excrement, which seems to be a portion of the substance of the brain: likewise to purge the body, mundifie the wound, and corroborate the brain with Cordials, and fo­menttations fitting, the chiefest is good wine and hony to foment with; but I seldome use any Fomentations my self, having cured divers Fractures in the Cranium without any Fomentations at all; for the use of them at Sea, I know is troublesome and dangerous, except greatDiligent ob­servation of the accidents of a wound required. cause. Be careful also to observe the danger of thewound, according to the accidents thereof; for if it be little and superficial, it is cured as an other wound, but if it pierce the second table, it must not be passed lightly over; for if you be occasioned to use the Trapan, it is to be ap­plied the third, fourth, or fifth day after the hurt at the farthest; but the choice of the day is not material, as some suppose, where there is ap­parant necessitie, except on the day of the full of the Moon, and then there is danger more then at other times, but necessitie hath no rules,

The cure of wounds in the face, would if it were possible be done without a cicatrice, but that cannot be performed without a drie stitch with also a most artificial, & convenient binding the lips of the wound together with also a sure natural balm: wherefore I will not stand to teach the drie stitch here, for it is not proper at sea, it fits the land bet­tet. In the work of suture or stitching, take heed that the skin and flesh be not overthick which you take up with your needle, and let not your stitches be too close. A true ligature of the face is somewhat [Page 93] difficult to be performed, because of the cavities thereof, which are to be filled with linnen clothes, or tow, or lint, the better to keep the li­gature to the wound.

Where ligature is needfull. The Nose and Eare wounded require good and carefull ligature, and Emplasters that will cleave fast to the grief.

The wounds of the eyes are dangerous by reason of their affinity, as well with the Pericranium as the other Membranes of the brain, so that they are for the most part full of bitter pain, causing losse of sight: wherefore by Glisters, bloud letting, cupping Glasses, Purgations, and sober diet, the accidents are to be stayed. The medicines outwardly which I have used ever with good successe, are the artificial Balm with fine lint warm applied on the eye lids, and a Paracelsus plaster over that, and therewith I have done great cures in wounds of the eyes; but I never dropt any medicine into the eye it self.

The wounds of the neck are healed as other are, unlesse the hinder part thereof be hurt, which hath like symptomes to the brain.

If the shoulder be wounded, it is cured as other wounds, except the wound be in the joint-bone, ligaments, and nerves, which needeth a suture; and if it be overthwart, a convenient Fascia, or Ligature for the sustentation of the arm is to be carefully provided, for without good ligature those wounds do not well: For ought else their cures are common to other wounds.

The cures of the arm are sometimes dangerous, chiefly if the bone, and ligaments, or the muscles with veins and nervs be incised thwart; let the remedies therefore be such, as are proper and agreeable to the nerves; as namely, the artificiall Balm very warm applied, and a Pa­racelsus plaster with ligature fitting.

But if the hands be wounded, and the tendous ligaments, and si­newie parts thereof offended, divers abscesses in many places, with In­flammations appear sometimes, and exceeding sore: Sometimes pains arise, which may occasion the use of purgations, blood-letting, ano­dine medicaments, and a spare wholsome diet. In these cures the arti­ficiall bearing up of the arm is a chief part of the cure thereof, and keeping the hand in one even position.

The wounds of the Thorax external, suffer to be covered with flesh and to be healed as other wounds; but wounds that penetrate the in­ward patts are dangerous; namely, if any great quantitie of bloud lie in the capacitie of the Thorax, which cannot be evacuated by the wound; but if it can be evacuated there is hope, otherwise it is despe­rate▪ Also, if the blood may be extracted, and no internall part seem hurt, heal up the wound and be careful the aire get not into it; but if the external orifice be litle, and the internal great, and wide, the Mem­brane being burst, and a rib uncovered, as it oft times falleth out, it is to be judged incurable, and a Fistula will remain their continually. And if the former part of the Thorax be strook thorow even to the latter, but not thorow both, if the wound be little and slender there is some hope of cure, otherwise not, but it is commonly past cure, yet neglect not thy duty, nor despair, for God is merciful: Let thy cure be [Page 94] attempted with good diet, as is said, cly sters bleeding, syrupe of Vio­lets, and Hysop and the like, unguentum potabile drunk fasting ʒ ii. or 3 for a dose, and such local Medicines as are mentioned; but if pain or the like accident shall be in any part of the Thorax, use anodine medi­caments as well as sanative, lest pain hinder rest and overthrow all.

The outward wounds of the belly do nothing differ from the gene­rall method of other wounds, touching local, Medicines, onely in stitching they differ much, but the inward differ, as the parts offended may be divers: as namely, when the Omentum commeth out, with all hast put it into its place lest it corrupt, and the aire alter it: if it shall be put in cold, it will putrifie, and bring grievous Symptomes; it were better to make a Ligature about so much as is out, and cut it off, being careful of the guts: If the intestines passe out by a wound, the wound being very little they will hardly be reduced, unlesse they be pricked, for they will swell with wind: but if the substance of a gut be wound­ed, sow it together and consolidate, it; and if the liver, splene, stomack, kidneis, or bladder be wounded, let nature work its part, for there is small hope by art to prevail.

The wounds of the Scrotum are cured as other wounds of the si­newie parts.

The cure of the Hyppe wounded agreeth with that of the shoulder afore mentioned.

The Knee wounds also are cured as▪ other sinewie parts wounded are. The ancle, foot, and sole thereof wounded are hard of cure, be­cause there are many bones, ligaments, tendons, and finewie parts among them: they are also placed in the lowest part of the body, and therefore are subject to defluction of humours.

Of Gun-shot wounds.

VVOunds made by Gunshot are alwaies compound, never sim­ple, and are the more difficult of cure by reason of a certainWounds by Gunshot are compound. humor without the veins found neer them, inclining to coruption; the quality thereof being changed by the sudden violence of the blow. The composition of which wounds for the most part consists of loss of substance, contusion, fraction of many sinewie fibres, veins, arteries, membranes and bones; yea, often shivered into divers pieces, being inThe divers form ofwounds by Gunshot. form different, as some round, narrow, and wide, and in figure cunicu­lous, triangular, quadrangular, fistulous, &c. at the first bringing with them no Hemorrhea or flux of blood, although the veins be broken & open, the blood returning back through the fearful violence of the strok. The first curative intention of these wounds is dilatation, where by the enemy to nature may by an open orifice be expeld. The symptoms of such wounds are Hemorrea, furtive, or a stealing flux of blood trickling out by little and little, Gangrene unawares assaulting the part: also apostumation, dolour, and the like. Wherefore as an entrance to the cure, let an universall regiment of the sick be carefully obser­ved, [Page 95] namely, that as much as is possible he use wholsome aliments, such as resist putrefaction (as sowre and tart things) and which are grateful to the vital faculties: and when he eateth, let it be sparing and often: let him drink very little wine. If you fear venemous vapours may be gathered, give him of good Mithridate, Venice Triacle ʒ ss. or Diates­seron ʒ ss. These rules at Sea are not so well to be observed as at Land; wherefore let the Sea-Surgeon therein do his best: let his ordinary drink be Ptisans, or Barley water: conceal from him the magnitude of his wound, keep him loose onely with Glisters, or suppositories, let him blood if need be, and yet but a little, lest poyson or venome setled in the outward parts, be thereby drawn in back into the more noble parts: and abstain to give him remedies calefying the humour, especially at the first.

In these wounds often appear exudations of clammy humours, sup­posed by some to proceed from membranes, and sinowie Ligaments bruised and broken, being changed from sound to unnaturall and vicious: those humours are to be evacuated, or their dangers prevented by good alterative remedies; namely, abstersive medicines, as a good Lixivium, or by suppurative, mundificative, and desiccative things having faculty of confirming and strengthening the parts affected. Therefore the fear of a Gangreen being taken away, suppuration must be intended in the flesh con­tused, but if in the parts contused there be a vicious humour, and the flesh about do putrifie, in such cases it is convenient to help suppuration with all speed.

But first of all let a good Alexipharmacon or Preservative against poyson be given the sick, if you see cause; namely, a little Venice Tria­cle other Triacle on the point of as knife, if it be right and good: but if you do fear the vertue thereof to be doubtful, as often it is, give it dissolved in spirit of wine, Cinamon water, or good aquavitae, whereunto add certain drops of Oyl of Vitriol, for it exceedingly resisteth putrefacti­on. You may for a need give Mithridate, London Triacle, or Diatesseron alone: or if the party be of a cold constitution, then give him Diatrion piperion (or good Rosa solis a little. And if he be strong, after he is dressed, you may lay him to bed to sweat, and procure: him thereto by a dose of Diaphoreticon given in Triacle or Mithridate, regarding, as is said, that the sick have the benefit of a natural open body; yet not many laxative stools for fear of danger: Let care also be had of his dyet, as is said, so much as the time and place can permit. Which effected, in the next place consider by the view, of the wound, what manner of lo­cal medicaments are most fit. And for the first intention of curing, it were fit the Surgeon at Sea were never wanting of a good Lixivium, to foment the parts percussed or contused; let it be such a Lixivium as I have described in the cure of Fractures, but somewhat sharper; to which for brevity I referr the Surgeons Mate. Also have ready Ung. Aegyptia­cum, and the Caustick stone, if it may be: also the Artificial Balm, Oyl of Vitriol, a good Restrictive powder, good Ligatures of all sorts, stitching needles ready, with all other fit instruments not far off if occasion should be, as tents, splints, dorsels, spunges, clowts, [Page 96] rollers, tape, tow, lint, plaisters ready spread, and the like, that when an occasion happeneth, he might be ready to perform his duty.

The most notable differences I have ever observed betwixt wounds made with Gunshot, and other contused wounds, is onely a furrive He­morrage, and a dangerous disposition to a Gangreen; which two acci­dents warily prevented, the cure of such wounds differ nothing from or­dinary wounds contused.

In the curing of wounds of the head, as is said, Arceus Linament is the chiefest Balm: the next thereunto in common use, is Mel Rosarum & Oleum Rosarum mixed, then Honey and Mel mixed with good Sp. vini, if the party be not too hot of constitution, Unguentum Basilicon is a good healing Balm; also the Unguentum Incarnativum, or Unguentum aureum, is generally a good healing Balm; you shall find it no lesse. Ung. Necot [...]a­num is also a good healer of new wounds; but the best is the Artificial Balm. For dangerous wounds, Oyl of Terebinthine is very good; but Venice Terebinthine alone is much better; and common Terebinthine is not to be despised; and no more is the ordinary Digestive of Terebinthine and the yolk of an egg, of each a like quantity well mixed together.

And yet I would not doubt at all without all these recited medicines, to find sufficient healing medicines in the Surgeons Chest for double the occasion that can be imagined, which if time would permit me, I would write of.

Directions how to prevent pu­trefaction to great wounds incident by [...] Gunshot. And whereas putrefaction, as is mentioned, alwayes attendeth great wounds made with Gunshot, all care in time is to be had to prevent the same. Let therefore your first local application, if you fear putrefaction be Unguentum Egyptiacum mixed with Wine or Sp. Vini, or alone; being also very hot injected into the wound, or applied on lint. And if you fear it will require yet more exsiccation or cauterization, add some bumt Vitriol, and foment somewhat the outward parts of the grief with a hot Lixivium, and apply a hot stupe wet in the Lixivium, and wrung out round about the member: but if the outward parts about the wound be altered in colour, or grow either stinking or insensible, make scarifica­tion and foment well with strong hot Lixivium, and inject thereof into the wound very hot; and after such fomentation, scarification, and in­jection used, as is said, then if you yet see cause, you may use the for­mer mentioned Egyptiacum, with a hot stupe, and remove not that dressing without extraordinary cause, I mean the Egyptiacum, in lesse then 48. hours, but rather, if you have caused a good Esker. The next dressing after the Esker procured by the former dressing, it is likely you shall find digestion though imperfect, namely, durty and foul, and the wound will also be very tender and sensible, and subject to alteration by the ayre, if care be not had. Wherefore all things for your next in­tention of application being first ready, ere the wound be opened make a very short dressing, and of as gentle medicines as may be. I have used an Arceus Linament warm, and with soft lint applyed, and the edges or parts neer the wound anointed therewith, and gently filled the wound with lint, then over that a Paracelsus plaister, and moreover a large hot stupe wet in a good Lixivium, and wrung out, with also convenient, soft, and [Page 97] warm Ligature, which is a great help to healing.

The third dressing, I would leave Arceus Linament, and betake me to the Artificial Balme; which Balme I would apply warm, anointing the parts about therewith; applying also thereto some good emollient, discussing, anodine plaister; as namely, Paracelsus plaister I hold chief; next that I hold Emp. Betonica described by Arceus; then Diacalfithios, Minium, Gratia Dei, or Mellilote, any of which, as thy discretion and store affords, is proper. The rest of the Cure I refer to be proceeded in with balm and plaisters, as is said, in ordinary form: and if any loose bones be, remove them: onely force none out before their time with­out great cause: if no bones be imagined, strive not to keep the wound open, neither keep any hard tents wirhin the wound open. Many by a custome keep tents to the bo, ome of the grief so long, till they make the disease incurable: you need not be too vigilant in keeping new wounds too long open; for the fear of putrefaction being once put away, and digestion procured, and no bones to come out, the sooner you can heal, the safer. Many Surgeons also have a grosse custome of arming tents, as they term it, with precipitated Mercury, or other the like Cau­stick medicines, and put them into wounds to mundifie, and also the better to digest them, as they imagine; but I may boldly affirm, that (as is said) if neither fear of a Grangrene be, neither broken bones to be taken out, there is no cause of any Caustick medicines to applyed for the curing of a new wound at no time. And I find by practice plain, that Caustick medicaments within ulcers or fistula's have no other use but to take away a callous substance commonly in them, to alter the vicious­nesse of the humour, and dispose the grief to a good healing; which healing after followeth chiefly by the benefit of nature, together with gentle and sanative applications, for (subl [...]ta cansatollitur effectus) the cause removed, the effect ceaseth, and so fo wounds.

An admonition to Surgeons. It is a shamefull errour of many foolish Empericks still to be too busie with Caustick medicines: for how apparent is it that thereby they lame many, through ignorance? They will not see a wound incarn and red, and good flesh to grow, but straight they slander it of pride, and call it proud flesh, like their own, and then must at the fairest Precipitate, or Vitriolburnt go to work; yea, though the Patient be lame for it, or at the least the grief put back again. Truely the abuse of good Cau­stick medicines, bringeth much slander to the Art of Surgery. In the cure of Ulcers and fistula's and else where, I have noted down my opinion of the true use of Caustick medicines, to which I refer the Reader.

If therefore wounds happen with Gunshot, which give no cause to fear a Grangrene, then begin the first dressing with Balm Artificial very hot applyed, the next dressing reasonable hot, and so to the end of the cure, using emplaisters and Ligatures convenient.

Of Burnings.

Of burning by Gunpowder. Necessary Rule [...] for the Cure. BUrning by Gunpowder (which wanteth no grievous accidents) of­ten-times is incident in Arms to Souldiers and others; therefore be ready at all times with remedies fit and effectual to asswage them. And beginning thy work with Lotions, as namely, either a fomentation made with oly and water, or with a decoction of the seeds of Quinces, or of Mallowes, March-mallowes, Violets, and a little Purslaine seed; these and the like take away all the powder that sticketh in the flesh, for it hinde­reth the cure. And to asswage both the dolour thereof, and the vicious humours, Mel Saponis is an approved remedy, for it taketh the fire out: And to make it more easie for suppuration, use Anodine Medicaments (as Ceratum refrigerans Galeni, Poputeon mixt with a third part of Unguentum album, or a third part of Triapharmacon and oyl of Roses, or Oyl of Eggs, or of Roses mixt with the white of an egg, Axunglaporcina washed in the juyce of Plantane, or the juyce of Solanum, or in water; also the fat of rustie bacon washed in Rose-water, or the [...]ke. Also a decoction of wine vineger lib. i. Litharge in powder ℥s, and gently fomenting the part therewith, taketh away all pains. But to perfect the cure, let good sana­tive medicines be applyed; as the Unguentum co [...]a ignem, set down in the Chest, whose composition shall be manifest hereafter.

Observe also, if occasion be, that blood-letting be used, which is very requisite to avert fluxions, and to avoid putrefactions of humours. But abstain from purging potions, and the like at the first. With these reci­ted helps, administred in their due time and place, with also a good dyet, the Surgeons Mate shall perform much in short time, to the praise of the Almighty and his own comfort.

What the Disease called the Scurvy is.

Definition of the Scurvy, and the nature thereof. THE Scurvy is a disease of the spleen, whereby it is sometimes wholly stopped, sometimes onely distem­pered, sometimes also appearing with hard Scyrros, swellings, beginning and shewing themselves in di­vers parts of the body, but more particularly on the thighes and leggs, causing them to seem of a Leady colour, the sharpnesse of which infectious humor oft offendeth the mouth and gummes of the diseased, and causeth the flesh thereof to rot and stink.

The names of the Disease.

The divers ap­pellations there­of. THe Scurvy is called of some Cathexia universalis, of other Scele­tyrbe, and of some Stomacacen, it is a Chronical disease, not sim­ple but compound of many other diseases.

The causes of the Disease.

FIrst the Disease comes, as is said, by obstructions of the spleen, and by the thicknesse of the humour, not the multitude.

Some judicious Writers do affirm this sicknesse to come by the multitude of Melancholike humors gathered in Vena Porta, by which it is said the Milt doth draw unto it Melancholly humors, and so transporteth it from the Milt into the Ventricle.

But truly the causes of this disease are so infinite and unsearchable, as they far pass my capacity to search them all out; some men con­ceive this disease happeneth to Sea-men onely, through long being at Sea without touch at land, as it is seen in East India voyages; our men have it betwixt England, and the Cape de bon spera [...]ce, as they term it, and at their coming on the land there they presently growAire and fresh food helpeth well this disease in Sea-men. strong again, and are by the very fresh ayr and fresh food cured with­out much other help; and likewise twixt the Cape and the Indies, they are touched with it again, and as aforesaid the fresh air of that land, the next they come on and good dyet together, cureth them with small physical helps, and the same again home-ward bound. The chief cause whereof is the continuance of salt diet, either fish or flesh, as pork and the like, which is not to be avoided at sea, as I suppose by the wit of man; another cause is want of sufficient nour­ishing food, and of sweet water, and also for want of Aqua vita, wine, beer, or other good water to comfort and warm their stomackes, which by contrary winds men are two much incident unto in long voiages, howsoever the Marchants are careful, provident, and boun­tiful in that point.

[Page 162] An other cause of this disease to the ordinary sort of poor men, is want of fresh apparel to shift them with, which indeed amongst poor Sailers, especially a sort of them that are carelesse and lazy of disposition is too frequent, partly also by the not keeping their appa­rel sweet and dry, and the not cleansing and keeping their Cabins sweet, this also ingendreth and increaseth the infection. Some charge Bisket as a cause of the Scurvy, but I am not of their opinion: Some say inordinate watchings are cause therseof: Some say extream labour wanting due nourishment: Some also affirm cares and grief to be some cause thereof, others affirm the very heat of the [...] re­solving the spirits; but what shall I amplifie further? for it is [...] true that they which have all the helps which can be had for mony, and take as much care as men can devise are even by the evil disposition of the aire, and the course of nature, strook with a Scurvy, yea and die thereof at sea and land both: yet this giveth no warrant to the Sur­geon, or his Mate to leave their duties unperformed, for the bloods of those men which either by their wilfulnesse or slothfulnesse perish under their charge will surely be required at their hands.

But it is plain that this grief is a lazie foul disease with obstructions of the liver, or spleen, or of both; as also it appeareth that the head is much diseased, and that there is great obstructions in the brain, for that the eyes not onely look evil coloured, but also the gummes pu­trifie, and the teeth grow loose, and all the sinewy parts of the body bear their part in the disease, for the shrinking and withering of the sinews with the great pains the party hath, declareth no lesse.

Of the Scurvy or Scorbutum the signes.

THe signes of the Scurvy are many, as namely, a general laziness and evil disposition of all the faculties and parts of the body, saving the stomack and the appe­tite, which oftentimes is greater then ordinary with them a long time.

A discolouring of the skin as if it were fouler then ordinary, with spots darker coloured then the rest, and sometimes also darkish blew spots.

A fever at sea commonly ends in the Scurvy, wherefore by the way beware of too large purging▪ or phlebotomy, which increase oft the grief, and make it incurable: I speak this because I have no­ted there is a fault in young Surgeons of forwardnesse in taking too much blood at Sea.

Also itching or aking of the limbs are signes of the grief.

Sometimes the legs falling away, and drying the calves of the legs growing hard and dry, as also immoderate swellings of the [Page 163] legs: also the legs and thlghes discoloured into frekels, or spots of a durty brown sad colour much like the colour of a gangrenated or mortified member.

Stinking of the breath.

Great obstructions of the liver, or spleen, or both, and in the exer­cising of the bodyes, their limbs and their spirit failing them.

Shortnesse and difficulty of breathing, especially when they move themselves, but lying still finde little grief or pain.

Their eyes of a leady colour, or like dark violets.

Great swellings in the face, legs, and over all the body; paleness, or a foul pale colour in the face. Swellings of the gums, rottenness of the same, with the issuing of much filthy blood and other stink­ing corruption thence, looseness of the teeth: Also some are trou­bled with an extream costivenesse, that for 14. dayes together they go not to stool once, wherefore the Chirurgion is constrained with an Instrument to take out the excrements to avoid death, after which extreme costivenesse often followeth a great flux of blood, and a painful: also many have stoppings of the urine, or at least making lesse water in two dayes then the party drinketh in one day.

A coldnesse and stiffenesse of the sinewy parts, chiefly of the legs.

Some also have their Muscles, yea and sinews of their thighes, arms, and legs, so wasted away, that there seemeth to be left only theCertain signes of the Scurvy by the dead opened, discove­red. skin covering the bones.

Also it is manifest that divers of those which have been opened af­ter death, have had their Livers utterly rotted.

Others have had their Livers swoln to an exceeding greatnesse, some the Spleen extreamly swoln, others have been full of water, others their Lungs putrified and stunk whilst they have lived, these and divers other signs, too many for to be mentioned here, do afflict poor Sea-men, which often are past mans help, in such place and time as they happen, the Cure whereof resteth only in the hands of the Almighty. And yet to any man of judgement it may seem a won­der how a poor miserable man, coming on Land from a long Voyage even at the point of death, namely, swoln sometimes to an unreason­able greatnesse not able to lift a leg over a straw, nor scarce to breath by reason of strong obstruction, yet in a few daies shall receive the fulnesse of former health, yea with little or no medicine at all.

The Cure of this disease, as a famous Writer named Johannes Ech­thius in a Treatise De Scorbuto affirmeth, consisteth chiefly in four things, namely, in opening obstructions, evacuating the offending hu­mors, in altering the property of them, and in comforting and cor­roborating the parts late diseased.

Remedies touch­ing the Scurvy. Johannes Vierius another famous writer ascribeth the whole cure of the Scurvy to the herb Spoon-wort. One Olivar as a Sweden writer, in his fifteenth book, and fifty one Chapter, intreating of this grief attributeth the whole cure thereof to be in Absinthi [...] or worm-wood, namely, to drink much of the infusion thereof, and also of the salt of the fame: and one chief part of the cure of the Scurvy (saith he) consists in good diet, but the sea-men are injoyned to that [Page 164] onely the Ship affordeth, which the better and sounder their provi­sions of victuals are, the more their men stand to health; and the contrary not onely bringeth many diseases, but maketh the diseases which happen very hard to be cured, therefore I may spare labour in writing what broths or herbs serve best where no fresh food can beThe Chirurgions duty in this dis­ease at Sea. gotten: the Surgeon and his Mate must therefore, seeing he is at sea deprived of one principal help in that cure, namely, fresh meat and good drink, be diligent to call for such for comfortable things as are by the great care and bounty of the Marchants provided for sick men, or those which incline thereunto, whereof in each Ship is a goodI mean in the Kings service, or of the East India Company. proportion both of wine, sugar, spices and other comfortable things, and to see they have it in due time and measure: and likewise to com­plain to the Governours if they be withheld from the same, or if any man abuse himself by mis-dyet: yea and the Chirurgion ought mor­ning and evening to seek for weak and poor men in their Cabins, or so soon as they are missing at their messes to inquire for them, and to see their Cabins be sweet, and their provisions according, or to move and intreat the Master, or Governour of the Ship for redresse in such cases, for fear of a general infection. And whereas the first part of this Cure is in the opening of obstructions, it is therefore fit in the beginning of the grief to give a lenitive glyster, then the next day if the party be strong open a vein, but beware, as is said, of taking too much blood away at once, especially where the Liver is weak or stopped, and where men want good nutriment, for many evils ensue thereby. The next day following his bleeding if he can bear it, and if that his disease be with a swelling or fulnesse, give him a doss of the pills of Euphorbium or otherwise of pibula ruffi, or of Cambogia, and make him some comfortable spoon meat, such as you can make at sea; namely, an Oatmeal caudle would not be amiss of a little beer or wine, with the yolk of an egge, and a little Sugar made warm and given him to drink, or any comfortable broth made with Currants and other fruit, or Spices moderately taken▪ or with Sugar, or as the Ship can afford, a Barley water for his ordinary drink were not amiss, with some few drops of Cinnamon water therein, and also some juice or Syrupe of Lemons therein, or a few drops of oyl of Vitriol, and some Sugar, and give him in his drink by way of infusion, dryed Wormwood good store, for it is very wholesome.

Further the Chirurgion or his Mate must not fail to perswade the Governor or Purser in all places where they touch in the Indies and may have it, to provide themselves of juice of Oranges, limes, or le­mons, and at Banthame of Tamarinds: Also sometime though a man be well, a comfortable caudle made with some Wine, Spices, Sugar, and the yolk of an egge were very good; for these are helps in that case as well to prevent the disease, as also to help it when it comes.

The excellency of the juyce of Lemons, Limes, Oranges, and Tamarinds. And further experience teacheth which I have oft found true, that where a disease most raigneth, even there God hath appointed the best remedies for the same grief, if it be his will they should be discovered and used: and note for substance, the Lemmons, Limes, Tamarinds, Oranges, and other choice of good helps in the Indies which you [Page 165] shall finde there do farre exceed any that can be carried thither from England, and yet there is a good quantitie of juice of Lemmons sent in each ship out of England by the great care of the Merchants, andThe Merch­ants care for Sea-men. intended onely for the relief of every poore man in his need, which is an admirable comfort to poore men in that disease: also I finde we have manygood things that heal the Scurvie well at land, but the SeaLand medi­cines for the Scurvy [...]ad sea medicines. Chirurgion shall doe little good at Sea with them, neither will they indure. The use of the juice of Lemmons is a precious medicine and well tried, being sound and good, let it have the chief place, for it will deserve it, the use whereof is: It is to be taken each morning, two or three spoonfuls, and fast after it two hours, and if you add one spoon­full of Aqua vitae thereto to a cold stomack, it is the better. Also if you take a little thereof at night it is good to mixe therewith some sugar, or to take of the syrup thereof is not amisse. Further note it is good to be put into each purge you give in that disease. Some Chirurgeons also give of this juice daily to the men in health as a preservative,The iuice of Lemmons a good preser­vative. which course is good if they have store, or otherwise it were best to keep it for need. I dare not write how good a sauce it is at meat, lest the chief in the ships waste it in their great Cabins to save vineger. In want whereof use of the juice of Limes, Oranges, or Citrons, or the pulp of Tamarinds: and in want of all these use oyl of Vitriol as many drops as may make a cup of beere, water, or rather wine if it may be had, on­ly a very little as it were sower, to which you may also adde sugar if you please, or some syrups, according to your store and the necessitie of that disease, for of my experience I can affirm that good oyl of Vi­triol is an especial good medicine in the cure of the Scurvie, as also in many other griefs▪ the which in another place is noted. Further a de­coction of Bisket, and therein Almonds ground, adding Cinamon and Rose-water a little, and some sugar, were very comfortable now and then to be taken to refresh the stomack. And as touching the Tama­rinds brought from the Indies they are to be eaten of themselves as the substance of them is, namely, to eat them as you would prunes, and being made into conserves, eat them as other conserves, on the point of a knife sucking out the substance, and putting forth the stalkes or stones thereof; some dissolve them in wine or water, and work out the substance of them therein, and cast away the rest, taking onely that which is pure: one may use this medicine so oft as he please without danger or harm, onely if he fear a flux of the belly, or have a weakness in the reines, let him not eat too much of the Tamarinds. Also theTamarinds must be used sparingly if a flux be feared. Elect. Diatr [...] ­onpiperion. Electuarie Diatrionpiperion given each morning a little on the point of a knife fasting, and last, namely at the partie his going to bed, is a great preservative; for it doth warm and corroborate the stomack, and pre­serveth from the Scurvie, and is very comfortable to be given to any one that is diseased with the same, or subject thereto And the Theriaca Diatesseron is yet better, for it hath an especiall vertue in curing that disease. Also Venice Treakle, Mithridate, and London Treakle preserve well from this disease daily taken fasting, and so doth conserve of Roses and Berberies mixed with a little oyl of Vitrioll, and given on the point of a knife.

[Page 166] Green Ginger is also very good to comfort the stomack, and so are all sorts of Myrabolans Condite, and also all sorts of strong Cor­dial waters, but chiefly good Rosasolis and good Wormwood water, yea, and very good Aqua vitae helpeth well, Currants and Reysons of the Sun are likewise very good.

Also all kinds of Spices moderately taken are good, and so is good wine a very good preserver of the body from this disease, with also the continuance of fresh diet, which is hard to be gotten at sea, the ex­cesse of which good things is as dangerous.

The principall Laxative medicine which I would advise in this case is pills of Euphorbium wherewith the body being swoln and wa­try, you may at your pleasure make evacuation thereof: these purge also by urine very well the dosse being ʒ ss, or at the most ℈ij. These are the fitter for that disease, because they purge not alone water, but also by their great warmth, they comfort and warm the stomack and intrals.

A caveat for the dose. These I advise the Chirurgions Mate to use, as it is said, where the body aboundeth with overmuch cold and crude humiditie, but let your dosse alwayes respect the strength of the patient, for any strong purging is not good in the Scurvy: all sudden and strong evacuations are to be avoided. Also Aquilla Laxative is a very good purge in this case, namely eight or ten grains thereof taken in a cup of wine. It cureth also all worms of the body, and killeth them wheresoever they be. But if the stomack onely be oppressed with the grief in this dis­ease, I first give a dose of pills called Pillule Ruffi, namely ʒj. you shall find them to be very good.

Note further, that if any dose or any whole masse of pills in the Chest, such time as you would administer them be grown too hard, then you may dissolve them with any syrup you have, or with good honey a very little, namely one onely drop will serve to dissolve oneHow to com­pose them in a fit consistence if they be over­soft. dose at once, if the masse prove too liquid, you may roll it in some of the Pulvis Arthreticus till it be hard enough. Also the moderate use of Verjuice, Vineger, or Oxymel hath been found very good in this case.

Furthermore, if you see cause, certain dayes after you have given of any your former Laxatives, you may give a sweat to the patient in hisTo sweat is an other singular remedie. Means to pro­cure sweat. bed, namely you may give him a scruple of Mithridate, Venice Trea­kle, or London treakle, or Diatesseron, and mixe therewith if you have it eight grains of the Aurum vitae Diaphoretice, and being but ordinarily covered, he shall sweat sufficiently if he stir not too much. Also the sweating in moist bathes I confesse to be good medicines in this case, though not well to be performed at Sea for the ordinary men. And whereas one accident dangerous in this disease is extreme Costive­nesse as is mentioned, with also stopping of Vrine: the remedies for the Costivenesse, is first that you attempt to move the belly by a le­nitive glyster as is said, made rather of a slimy decoction or medicine which might leave no sharp Astringent or desiccative qualitie behind it, yea though it purge not much, for the sharp Purgers after their working cause often a more Costivenesse then was before, or by [Page 167] their violence cause a weaknesse in the stomack and intrals, whence followeth a flux, wherefore for glisters at Sea in great Costivenesse, where the Apothecaries shop and Cheapside is not at hand, make a slimy decoction of Altheae roots, or Comfery roots, or in want there­of,How to make a glyster in case of necessity for the Scurvy. of Linseeds and Fenogreek bruised, of each ℥ss. in want thereof, of Bean ℥ij. to the decoction being strained, add of species Hiera Pigra, ʒij. of salt half a spoonful, of honey as much, of oyle two spoonfuls: all these put together, let the decoction mentioned be so fitted that all may be but one wine pint, and administer it with the Siring, being of a just temper in warmth, but if you intend it not to have it purge much, leave out the species Hiera Pigra, and it will give 2. or 3. stools. You may for an ordinary glister well also take one quart of the broth from the beefe kettle, adding thereto of Linseed ʒij. Comfry roots and March mallow roots if they may be had, a small quantitie of Aniseed and Fennelseed, Ana ʒij. boyle these half an houre, then adde honey and common oyle of each a spoonful, and give one wine pint of this for a glister: but if you see it work not but come away without ex­crement, the former recited will do well, or make another stronger, namely, ad colaquintida ʒij. in the beginning of the decoction to the aforesaid decoction, provided there be no inflammation in Longanum, or intestinum, nor any excoriation, which by the Patient his com­plaint is known: this decoction being boyled, and ready to be admi­nistred, you may yet adde of the species Hiera ʒij. thereto, or of theA special ob­servation in giving these aforesaid gly­sters. Pulvis Arthreticus ʒj. rather, for it inflameth not, it were best in my opinion to strive in this disease by glisters to give but one or two stools at one time, for sharp glisters offend much. Therefore though I shew what you may doe, yet be well advised in doing of it. Also of pills of Euphorbium, have a care you give them not where there is an inflammation or inward heat in the guts, in such a case, the Aquilla For heat in the Intest [...]nes use. Aquilla Laxa­tiva. Laxativa will be a better medicine, which will both temper the in­ward heat and help to heal the intrals, and yet will purge him well, and doth not bind him again presently, and provoketh also urine ve­ry well, for Aquilla Laxativa will often cause natural loosenesse, cer­tain dayes after the taking thereof, and will purge water very much both by stool and urine: and because as is said, extreme costivenes is great hurt to the body, the Chirurgion must by his best care to the Pa­tient, seek to prevent it, both by teaching him to doe his best for his own health, and to amend the same by observing good customes and diet: by customes, namely that he fail not daily▪ once a day at the least to offer himself to stoole, and doe his best to urge some excre­ment to come, and somewhat to force his body thereunto if occasion be, and to keep one and the same houre daily as near as he can: I know by proofe it helpeth much, and for diet to use also as near as he can those things which he findeth procure an inward slipperines and loos­ness in the guts, pease, oatmeal, and rice do somewhat thereunto, pro­videdA caution. they be very well boyled, and the adding currants thereto is the better, and oyle and butter are good helps, but at land whereThe third rule ceaseth, the Marrin [...]r, [...] shore. it may be had, all kinds of fresh diet almost are good in that case, for by the leaving onely Sea diet, the body refresheth it selfe [Page 168] suddenly through benefit of nature and the fresh Aire, and easily be­commeth naturally loose, and then the difficultie is ended. The eating of East India Tamarinds is likewise a good thing in that case.

What I have written here plainly, touching mean and simple gli­sters; I would not be mistaken, as if I did it out of ignorance or dis­dain of better medicines, for I were worse then foolish if I would reject, detract or disswade from the good use of decoctions of hearbs, seeds▪ &c. with the additions of Electuaries, Laxative Syrups and the like which I have in dayly use at home upon each just occasion: yet many of the ancient Artists of worthy memorie which I could rehearse, have in former ages used for glisters onely water and salt with oyle, and some other have added honey, and it is manifest that new milk alone is a good comfortable glister with the yolke of an egge, and a little course sugar added.

And you may also many times save a labour in giving a gli [...]ter by a suppositorie, which is either to be made of a long piece of Allum scraped smooth, or of a candles end, or of a piece of hard sope, or of honey and salt sodden till it be so hard that it will break being cold, which being yet hot may be rolled and made up of the greatnesse of a finger, and administred: of any of these, I say you may make a suppo­sitorie as long and big as a finger or lesse, and thrust it up into Ano, and let the partie keep this medicine one houre at the least in his body (if he possibly can.) Further note this general rule concerning glysters,The quantitie of a glister to be regarded. let a glyster never exceed the quantitie of one wine pint, let it rather want one quarter, especially when you give it to a costive body, or a full body, he shall be much the abler and the willinger to keep it theThe true tem­per if the gli­ster to be ad­ministred. just time. Further, beware it be not too hot nor too cold, for the guts are tender parts, so hot as pisse new made, or a very little rather warmer is the true temper. But if you perceive the Intestinum rectum or Arse-gut, to be excoriated or inflamed, in such a case use no salt, nor salt broaths, nor strong Laxatives, as Euphorbium Agaricum, Hiera, Pigra, Col [...]quintida, or the like. If you find the Longanum or Arse-gutHow to deliver a glister of the Long [...]num be stopped. to be clung, or hard stopped with excrement, you may put a small greasie or oily clout on the end of your glister-pipe onely over the holes thereof, when you put it into the body, and thru [...]t it into the head of the pipe, then draw back a little your hand and deliver in your medicine, and if you see cause, and that it will not easily deliver, force it somewhat. Also when your medicine is all in, and that you would draw out your instrument again, do it quickly, and let the party turn him on his back, and he shall keep the medicine in the better. In cases of excoriations or inflammations of the intrails, in glisters useA glister for inflammation and excoriati­on in the guts. Deer suet ℥ij. for one glister, and in want thereof Axungia ovini vel porcini, I mean sheep or swines fat, and let the decoction whereof the glister is made, be onely of bran, and without any other addition, and give now and then such a glister, I mean once a day, for two or three daies, after you may add thereto some sm [...]ll astringent medicines, as Succus Acatiae ℥j. or Gales ʒij. or Balustians ℥ss. or Myrabolans, ʒiij. even as you see cause, for these help to heal the guts well.

Of Lotions.

COncerning Lotions to the mouth and throat of the diseased, they must be sharp and very astringent, I mean them especially which concern the cure of the gums in the Scurvie; if the gums therefore be swolne, that they hang over the teeth, stinke, or be putrified, they must be very well lanced or scarified, and after hard rubbed with aThe cure of the gums mu [...]h swoln, st [...]nking and putrified. linnen or wollen cloth, wrapped about the fore finger, and wet in some strong restringent or Stiptick Lotion very hot, as is the ordinary Lotion of Allum, Honey and Hearbs, adding thereto a double quan­tity of Allum, and a little Salt▪peter, or gun-powder for a need is good, and if it be not sufficiently strong, make a stronger decoction of coperas in water, adding Salt-peter with a little honey, if you have it, or Mel Rosarum, with also a little strong vineger, you may also put oyle of Vitriol a little thereto, but that it hath one evil qualitie in hurt­ing and softning the teeth, wherefore beware of it, and if you use it, do but onely touch the gummes with it once and no more, and it wil do much good: and if you please, also Aqua Fallopie is good, but because it is made with sublimed Mercurie, it is not without danger, and is also a loathsome taste to smel, and offendeth the stomack very much, but I know it to be held by many for a great secret, but as for my self for reasons rehearsed, I us [...] it not, but advise rather that which is strong either of the Coperas, Allum, or Salt-peter, for they hurt not the teeth at all as doth the oyle of Vitriol, and so doth Aq [...]a for­tis very much, or you may make a Lotion thus: ℞ Coperas, white, green or blew ℥ij. water one pound or there about, Hony one spoon­ful, boyle these to the consumption of one third or half, then take of Lapis Medicamentosus, or Salt-peter ℥ss, and if you have no Honey, take Sugar, or juice of Licorice, or Licorice boyled therein for to make it pleasant in taste, or without for a need you may well use it, or the Lapis Medicamentosus dissolved into fair water, maketh an excel­lent Lotion for the putrified gums.

Outward [...]e­medies for the S [...]urvy in ge­n [...]rall. Touching good outward remedies for the cure of this grief, bathes, Fomentations, with also good oyls and unguents, cerates, cataplasms, or empla [...]ters, are each necessary in their due times, provided they be of comfortable ingredients, namely those which minister warmth and nourishment to the diseased parts, and open the pores obstructed, all such, I say, are most fit, provided they be alwaies applied very warm, and the partie be laid and kept warm upon it. Further, if it beIf swelling grow in any part a Lixivi­um is good. Of what the Lixivium is made. a swolne member, then this following bathe to [...]oment the mem­ber, will be good, namel [...], a Lixivium made of fresh water and ashes, and being onely but reasonable sharp, (for too sharp of the ashes will over heat, yea, and excoriate) this done and cleared, boyl some hot hearbs, flowres and seeds fitting therein, such are Cammomile, Mellilote, Dill, Wormewood, Balme, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Bay-leaves, Bay-berries, Juniper▪berries, Annis-seed, Fennel, Co­ [...]iander, Carraway, Dill seeds, or the like: these ingredients, or those of them which may be had use, and let them be boyled a little therein, and either stupes of woollen or linnen clothes wet therein [Page 170] or put the ingredients into bagges after the decoction is made with them, and the place well fomented therewith, and so laid to sweat with some of the hearbs in the same bagges well wrung out and hot applied, till the next dressing. But if the disease proceed with stiffnes and hardnesse of the sinews, then forbear the Lixivium, I mean put no ashes thereto, and make the decoction of the mentioned ingredi­ents, boyled in the broth of the beef-kettle, in wine, beer, or water for a need, adding some salt; and likewise, if you have it, Linseed oyle, neats-foot oyle, sheeps-foot oyle, or oyle of Almonds, oyle of Camo­mile, Dill or earth-worms, of Bayes, of Lillies, or some one of them.

A bath of blood very good. Also where you can have it, a good bath of the blood of beasts, either cows, horses, asses, goats, or sheeps blood is exceeding good,The manner how to bathe in this bath of blood. namely, to put the legs of the Patient, yea and his body too, if it may be, into a tub made fitting, and the blood kept warm, part there­of being still kept hot on the fire, and renew therewith the bath still, as it cooleth with the warm blood, for some reasonable time, this re­storethA bath of milk and comforteth mightily the decayed spirits. Milk of it self is also good to be used in that kind where it may be had.

Of Oyles thereto.

Oyles good out­ward helps, and what they be. OYls good to anoint, which are Oleum Chamamillae, Laurini, Ane­thi or Lumbricorum, with à little Spike oyl, oyl of Turpentine, oyl of Nutmegs pressed out, oyl of Peter, oyl of Exitor, or oyl of Ju­niper,Much & hard frication very beneficiall. or one of the same mixed with them, or some good Aqua vitae, and to use strong frication with warm soft hands long continued, helpeth much.

Vnguents.

What Vnguents are herein help­full. GOod Unguents to help these griefs, in my opinion, are every warm and comforting unguent in use in the Chirurgions chest, but I have had especial trial of an Unguent, the composition whereofTwo principall Vnguents of soveraign ver­tue against the Scurvie. shall be hereafter described, which is named Contra Scorbutum, as also of the Vnguentum Populeon, I mean the same composition Valerius Cor­dus hath described, for I find it to be very good: but you may well say, how doth he contradict himself, which even now adviseth warm­ing Unguents, and presently reciteth Populeon for one, which is known to be cold, but though I have haste, let me I pray thee answer for my self in that one point, which I know to be a principal Arcanum inMany [...]edi­cines [...] shew that which in effect they are not. healing not looked into: many a medicine hath a seeming shew to be cold, and yet doth contrary effects, witnesse Quicksilver, juice of Lem­mons, Vitriol, oyl of Vitriol, Salt-peter, Allum, Sorrel, and divers others which I could recite, all which may easily be proved, either hot or cold, by their several strong operations and effects which they perform: as for example, to beginne with Quicksilver, it is affirmedWhat Quick­silver is in shew and in effect. to be extreme cold of infinite Writers, and his repercussive qualitie sheweth the same, as also in repelling and cooleth hot tumours: with also the varietie of cold diseases and contractions Podagrical [Page 171] and Chirurgicall, procured thereby to divers Artificers which work much therewith, as namely to Guilders, Foilers of looking-glasses, and the like Trades-men, which sheweth the same to be cold. It also sheweth it self to be hot diversly, as namely in that it is so extream sub­til and penetrative, so invisible to enter the body (per poros cutis) and being in the body, so volatil and busie, so caustick and corrosive, so extream Laxative, so diaphoretick, so diaveritick, so mundificative, so incarnative and so sigillative or siccatrizing, as the like medicine by the art or wit of man was never found out: juice of Lemmons was ever reputed a cold medicine, prescribed and given daily by the PhysiciansThe different vertue of the iuyce of Lem­mons. in burning and pestilential fevers, and that with good reason, and good successe even to this day, and yet to that notable, and cold, and terri­ble disease of the Scurvie, how excellent hath it been approved, how then in these two recited medicines holds the old Axiom, Similia con­servantur similibus & contraria contrariorum remedia sunt? even as true as vox populi vox Dei, or pepper is hot in the mouth and cold in the maw; if I would desire truly to cool and temper the boyling of the bloud inwardly, which I my self would take, yea were it upon the safeguard of my own life, I would take five or sixe drops of good oilA singu [...]a [...] and approved good medicine to temper the boiling of blood of Vitriol in a draught of fair water with a little sugar, a drop or two of Rose-water and as much wine vineger, mark well my words, if thou knowest not these medicines they are worth knowing, or ʒj. of saltni­ter, which is also called Lapis prunella, in the like liquor, and for want of the sugar, Rose-water or vineger of it self, or with the water onely for a need: I have often proved them so true coolers that they have stayed the Hemoragie or bleeding at the nose, the latter whereof shalTo stop bleed­ing at nose good rules. seldome fail, if you by outward means proceed rationally by apply­ing to the forehead cold and astringent things, as also to the nape of the neck: also a large spunge wet in cold water and applied to his secret parts is good, or let him hold or put his members into a boul of cold water, also binding hard the arms and legges is very good to stay bleeding at the nose; and one of the surest remedies, but last to be attempted in Hemoragie or bleeding at the nose, is to open a vein in the arm on the same side. Thus it may plainly appear that two of the recited medicines are cold: now to prove those two hot, I will not spend many words, call to mind that of Vitriol and Salt-peter Aqua fortis is made, which by his heat and penetrating force,What opposite vertues Vitri­ol, Salt-peter, and aqua for­tis have. teareth to pieces and dissolveth the strongest metals presently, devour­eth and utterly destroieth clothes woollen and linnen, or put but good oil of Vitriol into an Ulcer, or to the whole skin, and tell me halfe an houre after what a cold Fever the Patient had: or put fire toThe like in Salt-piter. crude salt niter alone and mark the conclusion, namely, it will prove it self wholly combustible, and therefore hot: as I suppose likewise the hearb Sorrel, it is a cold herb esteemed at least in the first if not in the second degree, and yet consider wel if you seek quicklie to ripen and bring to suppuration an Apostume; you shalAs also like different ope­ration in Sorrel find it a most excellent speedie remedie: I conceive therefore that it is not by his coldnesse it doth that effect, for that is not com­mon, nor rational, and therefore to conclude my digression as [Page 172] A saying of Os­waldus Crollius Ozwaldus Crollius, a late learned Writer saith in his Preface Admo­nitorie to his Booke called Bazillica Chymica, Simplicium qualitates non semper considerandae sed earum arcana, The simple and apparant qualities of Medicines are not alwayes alone to be respected, but rather their mysteries or hidden vertues.

Gods provi­dence to be ob­served in Phy­sicks operation. Thus much in difference of the temperament of some private Me­dicines working strange and severall effects, wherein the mysteries of our God in his divine providence far do excel whatsoever things else, shewing mans wisedome meer foolishnesse, wherefore to him for ever­more be praise, Amen.

Where the un­guents are to be applied. The warm Unguents are to be used where you see apparant need by reason of the coldnesse of the part, the Populeon where there is pain though no manifest sign of a hot disease appear, and doubtlesse it will work good effect to your comfort, yea though you think the disease be not cold, and therefore need a more warming Medicine, Vnguentum Dialthea is one of the best Vnguents, and Mariatum is an­other, Oleum laurini is also good, and if you list to adde some more califying oyls, take of oyl of Speek, of Terbinthine, or Petreolum, but good warm application and strong frication is the means, and warm keeping. Of medicines to be applied to the Spleen, Liver, or stomack outwardly, the unguent pectorale described is very goodWhat outward medicines the liver and sto­mack require. warm to anoint those parts, whose description with the rest you shall finde, and to lay also over the whole part agrieved the Emplastrum millilote pro splene, whose description is expressed in the Dispensatory, for want of which plaster Emplastrum cumini is good. Also the well anointing with oyle of Nutmegs, or Mace, adding a few drops of oyl of Cloves Chymicall doth [...]much comfort, keeping the grieved part extraordinary warm.

Of Ulcers in those that have the Scurvie.

THe Vlcers which happen to them which have this disease are many wayes different from the gene­rall formes and differences of ordinary Ulcers in bodies not touched with this disease, the severall definitions of all which I have here no time toTwo strange effects the Scurvie [...]use­eth, the first an Hydropicall in­flation of the whole body. amplifie. But because this disease hath two gene­rall and principall differences of appearance, namely, some men diseased with the Scurvie are swolne exceed­ingly, even as in the Dropsie: and others have their outward limbs withered, comsumed, and dried up, their sinewes shrunk and grown hard, though the Vlcers in the one and the other should be like in shew, yet doubtlesse the healing of the▪ Vlcers will be found veryA second is consumption of the body. much different, wherefore for one generall note remember that the Vlcers in the full and hydropicall bodies will require more de­siccative [Page 173] medicines, as namely the Vnguentum Diapompholigos, de mi­nio. Vnguentum album Camphoratum and the like: And the other kind the Vnguentum basilicon incarnativum, and the Arceus liniment and the like to those. Some Sea-Chirurgions have commended to me ofExperience the best prayser. their practise the use of Vesicatory medicines; namely, Cantharides in painfull swolne limbs, which I leave to the practise of others further to commend the same, my self having received it as a great secret from a Chirurgion my friend, but made no such experiences thereof my self.

Obstructions of the Liver must be removed be­fore the Vlcers can be cured. And further touching the Cure of Ulcers in this disease untill the obstructions of the Liver and Spleen be removed, those Ulcers give no place to good healing; wherefore since notwithstanding they must be carefully attended for conscience sake, I advise that all sharp and violent medicines be shunned, and all soft and anodine things applied that you know or can learn, provided they be warrantable medicines, for otherwise they not onely strive against a stream, butA Caveat. put your Patient to needlesse disquiet, and thereby increase this disease.

I have here in part shewed the Chirurgions Mate my opinion con­cerning the cure of the Scurvie, to which he may joyn his own and other mens experiences, where he can gain instructions worth fol­lowing, together with his own daily practise, which if he be wise, he may likewise set down, only let me advise the young practitioner thatHow to help the body ex­tremely bound through the Scurvy. sometimes (as my self have experienced) the Scurvie produceth such extream costiveness, as neither suppositorie, glister, or any Laxative me­dicine whatsoever will avail, but that the excrements must be drawn out of the Longanum, or the Intestinum rectum with an instrument, for they will be like dry lumps of clay, or hard Sheeps treckles, as they term them, the which instrument I have invented, and is an easie and a fit instrument, called by me Spatula Mundani, which instrument be­ing a little warmed, is then to be anointed with oyle, and so gently put into Ano to draw out the excrements, and to make way for the glister-pipe, which, when it hath cleansed some foure inches, or five inches, you may assay by a glister again. Furthermore, it sometime happeneth, that by the long remaining of the excrements in the Lon­ganum, the gut is either excoriated, or at the least inflamed. In such a case you may take notice that you forbear Salt, as is said, and all sharp heating things in your glisters, as Coloquintida, Hiera pigra, Scam­mony, Agaricum, Euphorbium, and the like; and content your self toWhat must be done for the cure thereof. A glyster. administer for the first, a glister made onely of a decoction of Bran alone, or of Mallowes, or of Comfry roots small cut, or Lintseeds bruised with ℥ij. of Deer suet, Vnguentum Diapompholigos, or as muchAquilla Laxa­tiva. Populeon or Vnguentum album, as is said, and rather if you find that help not, give a dose of Aquilla Laxativa which will purge easily with­out any offence at all, and help to heal the gut, and this course is better then by sharp glisters to purge, which will offend the gut, and after the said purge it will not be amisse if you see occasion, to give a likeThe aforesaid glister repeated glister again as before, and note that if in the glister some of the [Page 174] ingredients should be wanting, you may neverthelesse proceed with the rest with good profit, provided if you have better you use them, neither do I here intend strictly to enjoyne the Chirurgions Mate to my rule, but if he have better, let him use it, and forget mine in the Name of God.

Moreover, if the Patient his disease be in the form of a Consump­tion▪ The cure if the body be consu­med by the Scurvy. the body being dried up as it were, or with shrinking of the Si­newes: then if you intend to purge the partie, give him pils called Pillulae▪ Ruffi for the first remedy, but if he complain much of pains in his joints, then a dose of Pulvis Arthretieus will do best, or purge himwherein the vertue of A­quilla [...]axati­va consists. with Aquilla Laxativa, it is also a general good purge at all times, and almost in all cases, though best in the French Pox and Dropsie. And though I have formerly touched the forms of some Cataplasmes, yet for that there hath been much good found in the application of thisCataplasmes excellent in this case. How to make the Cataplasm Cataplasme made, being of warming, conforting and anodine me­dicines, I thought good to note it, which is as followeth ℞ the flow­ers of Cammomil, Mellilot flowers, Worm wood, also Hipericon and Balm, of each M. j. Bran M. j. ij. Linseed, Fenigreek, of each ℥ss. Com­frey and Mallow roots, of each ℥ss, Barley meal ℥ij. bruise the hearbs, and boyl these in milk, beere, or water, then adde of oyle of Cammo­mil, Dialthae, oyle of Dill, of each ℥ij, Axungiae ℥ij. apply it warm: note likewise, that where you have not all these recited ingredients, yet that you take so many of them as you have, and trie their force, for if a few will doe the businesse, as sometimes it will, it were vain and waste to use many.

Sometimes for a need you may make good use of a decoction of Bisket in Wine or Beere, which warm applied will wonderfully com­fort a weak limb, and asswage the pain, for sometimes the very good warmth with good ligature availeth much: fattie things must be for­born in some cases; namely, when the pain is sharp and quick, lestSowre things better then fatty in this disease. you cause putrifaction and suppuration of humours against your wil, yea and rather use Acetosous medicines, and Anodine sometime, also musslagy medicines are to be forborn, for like reasons: in all which cases, confer with other Writers: aske counsel of thy Elders, and keepe ever in writing thy own good observations from time to time.

A word or two to conclude for the young Chirurgions concerning the cure of this disease, when they come upon a coast where they may have some helps, let them use some one of these following, they shall find them good upon trial.

Counsel dire­cting what to be done if means may be had. ℞. Absinthiae, Juniper Berries of each M. j. Goats milk, lib. 4. boyle this together, the hearbs and berries well bruised till a third part be consumed, then strain it, and adde of Saffron in pouder ʒj. stir it on the fire till it have boyled a very little, and set it to clear, and give the sick thereof three times a day at the least, viz. morning, noon and night, this drink hath cured many in great distress: if you have no Goats milk, Sheeps milk, or for a need, Cowes milk will serve.

Another.

Another good drink. ℞. Water Cresses, Sorrel, and Wormwood, of each one handful, bruise them well, and boyle them in three quarts of Whey or new Milk, and adde thereto a little Sugar and Saffron, and let the sick drink thereof as often as he will.

Whey sodden with divers hearbs very profitable. Whey drunken of it self is very good, but better if the juyces of Scurvy-grasse, Sorrel, Coclaria, Wormwood, Watercresses, the grea­ter or lesser sort, Brooklime, Scordium, Spoonwort, water Jerman­der, or of some of them be mixed therewith, for that they are all ap­proved good medicines, and doubtlesse some of them are to be found in other Countries and Coasts, as well as in England.

Also an infusion or gentle decoction of the roots of the hearb Rha­phanae silvestris, or horse-reddish in vineger, or mixed with beere and drunk, is exceeding good, or eaten of it self with bread.

Eay-berries al­so and Juni­per-berries are good. Bay-berries, and Iuniper-berries are also wholsome boyled in Whey against this disease, for they open obstructions: likewise from these former hearbs may many other good compound medicines be made.

And generally note, that bitter and sowre medicines prevail most to the cure of this grief, amongst which sowre medicines you haveSowre medi­cines very good that are approved good thereto, these that follow as chief, juyce of Lemmons, of Limes, Citrons, and Oranges.

Oyle of Vitriol, oyle of Sulphur, spirit of Salt, vineger of Wine, and the spirit thereof: also the Syrups thereof, so many as are in use, and the rather, for that they cut away the rough and grosse [...]egme, and have power also to open obstructions. In like manner, the juice or pulpe of Tamarinds hath a great acetositie, and is found a precious remedie against this disease, the use whereof is noted already.

An observati­on. Also note further that there are few diseases at Sea happeneth to Sea-men, but the Scurvie hath a part in them, the Fluxes which hap­pen chiefly proceed from the Scurvie, and I suppose if Sea-men could be preserved from that disease, few other diseases would indanger them.

Of Diarrhoea.

DIarrhoea is a flux of the belly which is either merely watrish, or with humors and with slime mixed, for the signes of the disease are manifest, the causes too many for my leisure to note unto you, concerning the cure of Diarrhoea if you see that the Patient be strong, there is no great hast of stopping this disease, for that it is many times a benefit of Nature, whereby she avoideth superfluous, or venemous, orStop not at the first. otherwise vicious and offensive humours: but when you shal perceive that it hath continued certain dayes, and that the partie is weakned thereby, then begin the cure as followeth: First give him ℈ij, of Ru­barb dried as they use to drie Tobacco, and poudered either in wine or Carduus, or fair water, or the infusion thereof without the sub­stance,A purge and after the working thereof, a gentle glister will doe well, which may likewise leave a stiptick qualitie in the guts, but not too strong, such as hereafter shall be mentioned, and let the partie be laid to rest very warm covered, and warm clothes applied to the belly and fundament of the partie; and if that helpeth not, you may give himWarmth is very good. within three houres three or foure grains of Laudanum, and let him again incline himself to rest, and by Gods help he shall be cured: but if he have a Fever give him an opiate first, I mean the Laudanum. Good helps to the cure of this disease and all Fluxes of the belly, areLaudanum. these following, first to refrain and resist as much as is possible the motions of going to stool, not to strain or force the body being at stool, not to sit long being at stool, in rising to remember to put up [Page 178] worth the ob­serving. the fundament with a clout, and that if it may be with a warm soft clout: to sit as hot as the partie can, namely if it may be often to sit up­on an oaken board hot is very good, hot trenches, or pieces of boards heated and applied to the belly are very good, and to take the fume of wine vineger sprinkled on a hot brick, or iron, and sit over it on a close stoole is approved very good, and to sit over the fume of Franck­incenseManuall help. or Amber with a chafing dish, and a few coales in a close stoole is likewise very good: this disease in our climate for the most part by skilful Physitians and Surgeons is well and speedily cured, but in the Indies it is very hardly cured, in so much that many haveTo sit [...] died of it▪ partly by the great wilfulnesse and disorder of the Pati­ent, and by your leave also by the ignorance of the Surgeon being a thing they had not been warned of before, nor practised in, and by not having good remedies and instruments fit at hand to give men help, wherefore let young Artists have a care to these afore mentio­ned rules and medicines, not scorning them.

A fume. And among other needfull instruments for poore Sea-men in fluxes, never be unfurnished in the ship of one or two close stooles with doores to them, and Brasse pailes, that poore miserable men in their weaknesse may be eased thereon; and not to be constrained to goe to either the beak-head, or shrouds (as they term it) for that not onely increaseth the disease, but also causeth the falling down of thecare to be bad. Ano or Arse-gut, a fearful accident, except the Surgeon be very care­ful, diligent, and ready handed, in which cases all nicenesse, lazinesse, and disdainfulnesse (too much cleaving to some young men) must be laid aside, for the very omitting of his dutie, in reducing the gut fallenA dangerous accident may easily be the death of the Patient; whose bloud will cry to God for revenge. Wherefore young Artists that professe to fear the Al­mightie, ought to be compassionate to the meanest creature in this disease, as they would others should do to them in the like case, and not even otherwise.

Petrus Bayerius an ancient learned Writer, alledging Galen in his second book, de locis affectis, defineth this disease as followeth: It is, saith he, tearmed Dysenterium, whereas varietie of substances are sent out with the excrement, producing excoriation with dolour and pain, as if somewhat were shaven from the small guts, and that shaven, saithAdmonition to young Artists. he, proceedeth from the choler and turneth to ulceration of the guts and is compleat in two weeks, or proceedeth of a glassie coloured sub­stance, and hath its termination in foure weeks: or proceedeth of a Melancholy humour, and is in perfection in forty daies: first beginneth the fluxe, then followeth the excoriation, &c. But to trouble the Reader much, or my self with long definitions, either of the causes or signes of this disease, my leisure will not permit me, and the rather will I not insist thereon, for that in reading I find divers learned and reverend Writers that have entred into long discourses of the signes and causes of this grief, prescribing divers methodical rules; and yetAmbiguity im­pertinent. they conclude of the cure of Dysentery, for the most part of them with a kind of Emperical form of curing, namely, some reciting one, some another medicine for the general cure of this disease: many of [Page 179] them ending without any rational, or methodical form at all, which argueth in my opinion that it is impossible either to finde out all the causes thereof, or to prescribe any one true form for the general cure of the same, but the discreet Chirurgion must be armed with judgement in these following principles; namely, that if he perceive it to proceed by fulness of bloud or humours, to seek the health of the Patient by sundry the most rational and fittest evacuations; as name­ly,Advise to the Art [...]st. bleeding, purging, and slendernesse of diet: then also, to proceed to medicines which take away the acrimony, and heale the inward parts, then to those which are Anodine, and doe cause rest. A learned French Chirurgion named Guillemeau, writing a Treatise of thisGuillimeau his opinion. disease, in his conclusion saith as followeth: The Empericall Me­dicaments which the methodical Physitians so disdain and esteem of little worth, are those which we through our experience, and through the diuturnal use of them, have found to be most excellent, which being used with judgement, are not to be disdained, seeing that Galen Ground of Arts. himself testifieth, that the Physitian must be established on two foundations, to wit, reason and experience, whereof reason is as it were the soul of the same, which measureth and pondereth all things, and experience the body as a provident Tutour and Schoolmaster;Rubarb pray sed. wherefore seeing that experience teacheth us that Rubarb in what manner soever we administer the same, (but especially the infusion thereof) is very commodious and profitable in this disease, as likewise is Spiritus Vitrioli with Rose-water, and Plantane-water, and also be­ing administred with Cinamon▪water, saith Guillemeau, there is a su­garlike dulcor or sweetnesse extracted out of Lead, which never decei­ved thehope of the right reverend Master Duion a very learned Physi­tian, where of I have attained the best of these discourses: the tincture of Coral and of yellow Amber, extracted with Aqua vitae, is in ope­ration admirable, also Crocus Martis, or flos Surphur is being in season administred with the Conserves of Roses, Marmalet, Citron rindes,Saccbaram, Sa [...]i. with other such like things are very commodious, because among natural things I know nothing exsiccateth more, and opposeth it self more against all corruptions. To conclude, there are innumerable sorts of remedies which we must so compound, that they may have one si­militude, or one Analogy with the disease: finally, we must in extream Dysentery for the last remedy indeavour t [...]itigate the pain with narcotical things, as is the Oleum Jusqui [...] mandragorae, the cold seeds, the Philonium requies Nicolai, and many other such like compo­sitions which are unto this disease used, and which may not be admi­nistred except great judgement and advise had thereon. Thus muchwhat people most sub [...]ect t [...] this disease, and where. out of Guillimeau. This disease chiefly afflicteth Souldiers in Warres, and Sea-men in long Voyages, and namely in hot countries, chiefly when after short and hard allowances they shal happen on the sud­den to get great store of raw fruit, fresh meat, flesh or fish, or any other great change of pleasant diet, in which cases reason and judgement, as the principal helps are to be used, as for instance, this disease is incident much to such as change the place of their abode for a farre [Page 180] hotter or a far colder Countrey, but chiefly into hotter, witnesse the mortalitie through that disease which hath often befalne our Soul­diers in the wars in France, &c. As also now at Bantham, how much doth it afflict them that live there. Moreover, as is said, if it pro­ceed of repletion, evacuation, and thin diet, is the mean to proceed in the beginning of the cure thereof: if it proceed of an acrimonious fretting humor, then one of your first helps must be a present purge, if strength will bear it, namely of Rubarb, as is said in the cure of Diarrhoea, or a Decoction of myrabulans and also a good Barly-water; the second good help is a Glister, which may be proper against sharpIf the Patient want rest, give him a Glister. humors: and after to conclude the cure with a dose of Laudanum Pa­racelsi, but if the partie be in great weaknesse and want of rest, give him some comfortable glister first, next that an Opiate, I mean the Landanum one dose: you may begin in weak bodies first with Opiate medicines, in that there is most need of ease, and if you find after rest it help not, use a Glister or a purge as you see cause, for though the Laudanum at first cure not, yet it giveth rest, whereby the partie after­wards, it is likely, will be the stronger to indure cure by other reaso­sonableThe oft repeat­ing of Lauda­num r [...]quireth this caution. medicines, which done, if that answer not thy desire, thou maist return to Laudanum again and again, alwayes remembring, as is said, there be foure houres at the least distance, betwixt each dose, and if the disease proceed of heat, seek to coole the bloud by a de­coction of Plantane and cold hearbs or seeds if they be to be had, or at Sea with such medicines as are used to quench heat, and are not merely sharp, and yet Oyle of Vitriol is much commended to be taken certain dayes together in any kinde of distilled waters, either Plantane, Sorrell, Straw-berries or the like, whilest the said waters are good and sweet, or with Aqua Sparnolae, if it be at hand, also a Barley water with a little Allum or Galls in powder is singular good, so is Bole, but the finer the Bole is the better, and Terra Sigillata, Syrup of Quinces is good also in that case, and so are all the medi­cinesLaudanum laude dig­num. made of sloes, after some due evacuation, as in thy discretion thou shalt see reasonable; but to conclude, a dose of Laudanum Opi­ate, is best to finish the work, for that goeth before, or rather exceed­eth all other medicines in fluxes, for that swageth all pains and caus­eth quiet sleep which often even alone is the true perfection of theHow to restore the patient ve­ry weak by Disentery. cure. And further, if it [...] appear, that this disease have so gotten the upper hand that the [...] is grown very feeble, his bloud being wasted, appoint him [...] that may warm and comfort the stomack, namely, at land if it may be had, Broths of chickins or the like, with some Spices therein, and Egs and Sugar, and a little Rose water, but not Honey, for that increaseth gripings, and cawdles with egs, wine and spices, according to good discretion will do well, if they may beA glister a­gainst excoria­tion. had, and give him, if thou see cause, a glister, if there be fear of excori­ations in the guts, namely, a decoction of Barley or Bran, or of Bran onely with Deer suet ℥ij. let not your decoction be too slimy of the Bran, and adde if you can get it, the yolk of one egge, for egges com­fort much and swage pain, the yolk of the egge must be well beaten [Page 181] with the decoction by little and little, so taken very warm, or if the party have gripings in his guts, make this glyster following, and for want of Bran take a little wheat flowre, and with camomile, Centaury Worm-wood, St. Johns wort, or some of these, make a decoction ad­dingA glyster for grip [...]ng through Dysen­tery. also Anniseed, Fennel, Dill [...]or Cummin-seeds, or the like, or some of these at the least, adding after the boyling, some two or three spoonfuls of Rosasolis or good Aqua-vitae, or some strong cordial wa­ters, if you see there be cause to comfort and warm, and adding al­so, as is said Deer suet ℥ii. with wax ℥ss.

Another gly­ster. Also glysters of milk and egges onely are very good to swage gri­pings and pains, where they may be had; also as is said, warm cloths to the belly and fundament applyed are very good, and note still that rest procured is a principal help in curing all fluxes.

Another gly­ster. For excoriations of the guts, make a glyster with a decoction of dry Centaury, Hipericon, Worm-wood or Balm, with barly, adding of Deer suet ℥ij. and a little dried Galls in powder, or cut in slices, or succus acatiae or Cortices granatorum or dried red roses, if you have them, or Balausties, which are flowers of Pomegranats: Note what powders so ever you give in glysters, let them be exceeding finely powder'd, otherwise they are very dangerous, & fear not to administer an opiat, as I have said, provided that there be four or five hours di­stance of time twixt each dose: also you may give a dose of Rubarb, namely, ℈ii. or ʒ ss. parched and powdered fine, for so it doth best, taken either alone, or with Sanguis prunellorum one small spoonful in wine, and a little Cinamon water, or in any other convenient drink, as the prsent state of the sick shall cause thee, or for want of wine, beer or water, you may give the sicke also conserve of roses or quin­ces, after which, if cause be to give rhe Laudanum again, you may safely do it. Furthermore in this case, as also in all kind of fluxes, fu­migations are very good medicines, namely, sitting over a close stool, provided the sick be very warm kept, and not too hot, to which pur­pose a well burned brick heat very hot and put under the stool, laying two cold bricks under it, for burning the stool, and then sprinkle often the hot brick with vinegar if the disease be hot, or with vinegar and Aqua vitae mixed if it be cold, and for want of bricks some great pieces of old iron will serve, as it is already rehearsed, also a decoction of cinamon or cloves, or both together, or nutmegs set under the stool, that the warm steam of the spices may come up into the body of the patient, is very good. Note further, that where you fear a flux of the belly may follow, that you purge not the party with Coloquintida, Trochis de Alhandal, Agaricum, nor Diagredion. And remember ever when you give Rubarb, that you give cinamon, or ginger, or anni­seeds, a little there with, which correcteth the flatuous diposition thereof. If this disease of the flux shall shew it self to proceed of any contagiousnesse of the aire, as sometimes it doth, this is certainly theAll diseases proceed from God. most fearful of the rest, for although all diseases have their original from the hand of the Almighty, yet then we have all reason to call to our remembrances, the words which the Prophet David speaketh [Page 182] God must be sought unto▪ in the Psalmes, whither shall I flie from thee O my God? when therefore the aire which we are forced to receive into our bodies shall threaten us, then if ever, it is high time for Chirurgion and patient to cry un­to God for his help and mercy, and yet not to mistrust, but to use all artificial means, referring the successe to the Almighty. Wherefore in this case I hold nothing better then a good purge of Rubarb, and then to take three or four grains of Laudanum Paracelsi, then afterThe cure of a flux through the contagion of the aire. there may be given him one scruple of the best Treacle or Mithri­date, or London Treacle, or meerly Laudanum alone. You may give the party also a little Cinamon water, or Aqua Theriaculis or Carduus water laying him to rest: It were also to be confidered whether the body standeth in need of bleeding, purging, or a glyster: but when as the disease proceeds from contagious and venomous aire, and is fierce, I hold it the safest course to forbear bleeding or purging, forIf the flux be fierce and, sud­den what to be done. fear of drawing back the venome to the principal parts, and rather to fly to Alexipharmacons or Preservatives, as Venice Treacle, Mi­thridate, Diatesseron, London Treacle, or the like: And presently after, or immediately with it, as is said give a dose of Laudanum, which of it self is a perfect cordial, and a good preservative.

Many learned writers are of opinion that this disease is infectious,The flix through the aire is infe­ctious. and that the breath and excrements of the sick man may easily infect a sound man, affirming also that from putrified and diseased bowels, infections vapours do ascend and descend, and partly the rather by a kind of sympathy our bodies have each with other, but lest that opi­nion of mine uttered may perhaps offend the courage of young Ar­tists,Infection should not daunt Chi­rurgions called lawsully to the cure of any dis­ease whatsoever. whom I seek by all possible means to embolden, let them take this rule from me, in the fear of God, I hold no disease infectious to me, in that I have a lawful calling, and I am therefore bound to visit the diseased, which who so neglecteth, God will find him out with that disease or a worse. Now a word or two of such medicines as are belonging to the chest found in the ship, or at the utmost may be found in the East-Indies, or that are likely to be found there, I intend to set forth some instructions for the Chirurgions Mate: and firstThe cure of Dys­entery at sea, & of Lientery. note, I have cured many, both in Dysentery and Lientery, with bur­ned Harts-horn, or in want hereof, I have found that onely the hard bones of Beef or Pork calcined or meerly burned till they be white, for so they must be, and it may easily be done in any wood or coal­fire, being not a fire of sea-coal, and then being powdered fine, and gi­ven continually in the ordinary drinks, during the time of the sick­nesse it helpeth much, and you may assure your self, that if you take much or little of it, it can do no harm to be taken, and with some few drops of Cynamon water, if it may be had, it is the better, or a little Nutmeg and Cynamon in powder therein, also I have givenit sometime with Rosasolis and fair water mixed, of each two spoon­fuls and ʒj. of the powder of bones.

Another secret which hath cured many of the flix.

℞ Wheat flowre, and thrust it veryclose together into an end ofa [Page 183] clout, and so bind it up hard, and close like a bullet, and put it into boyling water, and boil it three hours or more, and you shall find it will be very dry and hard as chalk, and powder it, and give of this powder ʒij. or more in any liquid substance fitting, and it is a very good midicine for any flux of the belly, either white or red: this me­dicine hath been often proved, and found sure at sea and land, yet it helpeth the vertue of the medicine well, if the vehicle or menstrum you give it in be also good, namely, if you give it with some liquid medicine proper to the grief, also Crocus Martis ℈i. given in red wine, Aligant or French wine, or with beer or water for a need, adding cer­tain drops of Cinamon water, it is a very good medicine. The same also is given with Venice Treacle, or London Treacle, or good Mi­thridate is likewise very good, but to a weak person give it alone with Sugar, it will please his tast better then with other strong medicines. The cure, if the disease proceed of worms.

But if you perceive the disease proceeds of worms as often it doth, then give the patient a glyster of a decoction of Althea roots, with a little worm-wood, adding Coloquintida ʒij. where there is no great a­crimoniousA glyster. pains in the guts, but where there is great dolour in the guts, rather put some Bay-berries, namely ʒ ss. in your decoction; which decoction you may alsomake meerly of the brain, if you please, and make it not too slimy, I mean, put not too much bran or roots therein, then add, if you have it, of Aquilla Laxativa, 12. grains, Deer suet ℥ii. or three ounces, and give it stirring well the powder therein,The means to kill worms. this Aquilla Laxativa, certainly will kill any worms, and give present ease: also almost all bitter things kill worms, as Aloes, Agaricum, Co­loquintida, Worm-wood, and the like, but principally Aquilla Laxativa doth it sure, and is safe to be given, the dose by way of glyster is to 10. grains.

Mr. Edwards his medicine for the flux.

℞. red-rose water ij. spoons full, Cinamon ℥ij. Almonds of vallence ℥iiij. unblanched, the Cinamon is to be bruised and boiled in iij. pounds of water till ii. pounds be consumed, then reserve that deco­ction, and add three pounds more of fair water to the former Cina­mon and boil it as afore, reserve both the waters together, then beat or rather grind well your Almonds, and being well ground and bea­ten add thereto some little quantity of the water mentioned, grinding the Almonds therewith: and again beat the said Almonds and so of­ten beat and strain them with more of the said liquor or water till all the substance of them be in the decoction which will be in the form of an Almond milk, then add rose water ij. spoonfuls, and as much sugar as to sweeten the said drink, give the Patient thereof to drink so oft as he please.

Gluttony a cause of the Flux. Let such as fear the flix not overgorge themselves, for the ever­charging & straining of the stomack of [...] bringeth this sicknesse, chief­ly when the body is weak, as also if the food taken be crude or not well boyled or rosted, and meerly fresh without any Salt. Also the use of eating Tamarindes brought from Bantham if you use them overmuch by their acrimony may easily cause a flux, although their vertues in preserving from the Scurvy, are unreproveable and very good indeed.

[Page 184] The signs of the places aff [...]cted with the Flux. The higher towards the stomach the disease hath his beginning the more dangerous it may be adjudged. By the complaint of the sick you shall know partly in what part of the body the disease is, though not alwayes: if the small guts be in the fault there is alwayes great pain about the navil, but if it be in the gut Duodenum colon, or rectum, then the chief pain is in the lower parts of the belly, according to their places.

The causes of the Flux with the signs of death. This disease proceedeth sometimes by Apostumation of the small guts, and then it is exceeding painful before it come to a Flux, neither can any anodine glyster prevail at all to give ease till the full suppura­tion of the guts be perfected, and that the Apostume be br [...]ken.

If this disease proceed from a former great obstruction either of the liver, of the lungs, or the speen, there is small hope of life to be had.

Also when convulsions of the sinews, singultas, and vomitting, or any one of these signs, especially the two first appear, then commonly death is at hand.

One learned Writer rehearsing Hippocrates for his Author, saith, that usually before death in this disease a black or blewish spot will appear behind the left ear of the sick, which I also have seen observing it of late: you shall find Plantane water to be a very good liquor to give any dry medicine in for the flux, especially where there is any complaint ofPlantane water, and seeds, and roots, are very good for the flux. heat, or excoriation, Plantane seeds are also good, and so is a deco­ction of the roots of Plantane very good for that use, or for glysters where it may be had. The purging medicines which are called Diau­retick, or that provoke urine are also praised by Writers: but I leave them to be done with great judgement, onely if you use any medicine to cause urine, the powder of yellow Amber is a sure one, and without any manifest hot or offensive quality, so is the powder of the Sea­horse peezel and the morse tooth, of any of which if you give ʒj. for one dose you may safely do it, but ℈ is sufficient at once Oyl of Terbinthine and of Amber are good diau [...]tick medicines, and much more fotceable then the former, but not so fit in this disease but rather good to drive gravel from the kidneys, and serve well touching theThe giving of vomits require great care and a good judgement. cure of many cold and slothful diseases, as the Dropsie, Scurvy, Le­thargy, and the like. A vomitive medicine is not amiss in Fluxes whilst the party hath strength, but the young Artist may easily make an error, small in shew, which notwithstanding may quickly cost a man his life, wherefore if he attempt in such eases to cause vomit; as one principle let him have care to the true dose of his medicines; but first let us have good confideration, whether it be convenient to use any such medicine, or no, for where easier medicines will cure, never attempt greater; but mistake me not, I speak these things of love onely to children in Art, and not to grave Artists, from whom I would gladly learn my self. Further, I advise the younger Artists not to strive to stay a Flux, as is said in a full body, till nature be first un­burthened, partly by the disease, and partly by medicines fit.

But as concerning Phlebotomy rehearsed as necessary in the cure of this disease, do it not without great discretion, and judgement; [Page 185] for the Patient weakned formerly with so terrible a sicknesse, and his spirits spent bleeding by a vein, not advisedly done may suddenly overthrow and kill him, yet again I must confesse that rule holdeth not generally.

CERTAIN SIGNES, PROGNO­stications, and instructions which I hope will not be unprofitable for YOUTH concerning Fluxes

The signs pre­ceding the flux. THe Signs of the disease are alwaies manifest of themselves, the signs, afore-running or demonstra­ting of the instant disease are these following: Pain and torture of the intestines, or ventricle. Galen testifieth cap. 2. locorum affectorum, in the very beginning of a Flux, saith he, sharp choler is sent forth, wringings, and as it were off-scour­ing, or off-shavings of the intestines appear, then after there follow­eth a little blood, and then beginneth the disease Dysentery, and by the relation of the Patient it will often appear if the pain be above or below the Navil. A painful slow expulsion of the excrements of the belly with small fragments bloody and fatty do argue the higher intestines to be affected, but if the grief be lower, a pain below theThe excrements in fragments and fat there­with. Navil shall torment the Patient, then you shall see much fatnesse with fragments, and those fragments of the lower intestines will be more grosse and lesse mingled with the excrements. A Dysentery slaying popularly and killing many, may be adjudged contagious, and is thought to follow a pestilential constitution, and if in the times of a general infection by the disease Dysentery, or Lientery, a white Flux called Diarrhaea with Tenasmus appear in the Patient, that par­ty a little after shall be afflicted with the Dysentery. The Ulcers of of the small intestines are more dangerous then the ulcers ofthe grea­ter.

Difficulty of the intestines, if it proceed from a black choler is held mortal: Aph. 24. Sect. 4.

Mortal signs in the Dysentery. Long difficulties of the intestines, hunger and wearinesse are evil signes, and it is so much the worse if it be with a fever: [...]ph. 3. Sect. 6.

Every Flux especially if it be Dysenterial, happening after a long sicknesse is mortal, but chiefly if it be sudden, because it argueth a sud­den corruption of humours and great debility.

A Flux drawing to a languishing dropfie is mortal.

[Page 186] If in a Dysenteria a blew blew spot appear behind the ear, the Patient shall dye,

The Fluxes that are from the beginning waterish, and afterwards like an unguent, are evil.

In all Fluxes of the belly, and in all other diseases, of weaknesse of the appetite, inconstancy of the minde, heavinesse in sleep, imbecility of the legs, a hoarse and barking voice, a weak pulse, beating often, pains over the whole body, chiefly about the belly, blacknesse of the face, or of a deadly or leady colour, and coldnesse in all the extreme parts: theseafore-said signs foretel evil, but the signs contrary to these aforesaid are healthful.

The Hicket after an immoderate flux of the belly is mortal.

A good sign. Belching following a Flux of the belly is good, because it is a sign that nature hath received, or again begun concoction.

A bad sign. A flux of the belly which is not appeased by fit remedies, is perniti­ous.

A pestilent flux of the belly beginning with lienteria Dearrheae, or Tenasmus is worse in children then in ancient men, as experience teach­eth.

If that by the difficulty of the Intestines, the excrements come forth like peeces of flesh, it is a deadly sign, Aph. 26. Sect. 4.

Another good sign. In fluxes of the belly, changes of the excrements is a principal good sign, unlesse the change be made worser, Aph. 14. Sect. 2.

In perturbations of the belly and voluntary vomiting, if such things are purged thereby that ought to be purged, it is good: but otherwise the contrary, Aph. 25. Sect. Aph. 3, Sect. 4.

A Dysentery which proceeds from yellow choler is not altogether mortal, as Galen affirmeth in his second book of natural faculties thatGeneral rules for the cure of the flux. many are cured of it. Lientery after Dysentery is mortal: these Canons following belong to the particular cure of any flux of the belly.

1 No flux of the belly before the fourth day if the Patient be strong, is to be restrained.

2 The ulcers of the higher intestines are to be cured with medicines taken at the mouth, but those of the lower with Glysters chiefly: and if ulcers be in both, then are they to be cured both waies.

3 To such as cure a Dysentery, let astringent things be given before other meats, that they may the better be retained.

4 Hot stiptick things are good in fluxes proceeding of a cold cause: And on the contrary, if the concocting faculty shall be weak, the use of hot things is likewise good.

5 If there be a cough with flux of the belly, the Patient shall abstain from all sharp stiptick things.

6 Sweating medicines and frications with oyl of Camomil and Dill, by opening the pores, and plucking back the matter to the opposite part are good in fluxes.

7 Cupping-glasses saith Avicene applyed four hours to the belly stay the fluxes of the belly.

[Page 187] 8 All stiptick fruits by the counsel of Avicene are to be avoided in fluxes of the belly, notwithstanding Chestnuts hurt not, as the same Author affirmeth.

9 Sleep among other things is good for a flux, and so is any quiet­nesse and rest good unlesse the flux proceed from some Catarrhe or rheume.

Touching the particular cure, if the disease come of a hot cause, let there be a lentive glyster administred before the fourth day, which is this. ℞ Aqua hordei ℥xij. Mellis rosati ℥ij. mingle it, and let it be made a Glyster, twice reiterating it afterwards, let the cholerick matter be purged thus: ℞. Rosarum ru [...]earum violarum, [...]. [...]. ℥ [...]. let them boileA glyste onely one walme, and in the straining, infuse them the space of six hours, then add these things: ℞. Corti [...]es mir [...]bal: cit. ℥j. tragac. ʒij.A Purge. strain the medicine, and let it be so given: notwithstanding warily, for indeed many of our ancients did abstain altogether from purging medicines in fluxes: whereupon Avicene 41, capite 3. saith, that it is dangerous to loose the belly upon a former loosenesse.

If the matter be sanguine, and the sick of reasonable strength, you may let the lower vein be opened, to represse the acrimony of the hu­mour, to pluck back and coole the boyling of the liver, witnesse Avi­cena 4 [...]rimi chap. 20. Phlebotomy doth bind the belly very much, and amongst many is held for a great secret: for a certain man of 70. years of age labouring with the Dysenterie the space of a moneth, when no other means would help, him he was cured by let­ting of blood, yet I confesse my self should not easily do the like.

If the excrements begin to grow thicker, and the gripings begin to cease, the token is good: if in the excrements scraping as it were of the guts seem to appear, it is no token of death.

I read that the ancients used caustick Glysters of Arsenicum, aes ve­stum, Alumen & Calx vivum, but these later Pysitians use rather a­stringent and narcotick medicines as these, Cortices Th [...]ris, Masti [...]ts Boli Armeniae Sarcocollae, and the like.

The'ulcers of the small guts are worse to receive healing then those of the great guts, for the greater are fleshie, and therefore they re­ceive consolidation so much the easier. The ulcers of Jejunum, or the hungry gut are of all the worst, because it is smaller then the o­ther, and because sharpe choler doth suddenly happen into it, i [...] hath more veins in it then the rest, and is next to that noble part the liver, and further one reason of doubt is, for that medicines taken to bind and consolidate, cannot long remain therein.

In the Dysente­ry what must be refused. In the Tenasmus and the Dysentery coming after it, the patient must abstain from all sharpe, salt, and bitter things; because by using of such things, the excrements become sharpe, and cause ex­coriation.

Hot things restrain the flux of the belly because they, make the meat digest, penetrate, cause urine, and provoke sweat, which is found in the drinking moderately of pure wine, as Avic [...]ne witnesseth, be­sides [Page 188] that, it provokes sleep and helps digestion, notwithstanding it is to be abstained from in fevers, and when the flux proceeds from hot and cholerick humors.

A Dysentery proceeding from obstructions will never be cured with Astringent medicines, but rather with penetrating medicines, by ad­ding a little vinegar which openeth more forcibly then wine, and mollisieth obstructions: for if Astringent medicines be mingled with de [...]icatives, they increase the obstruction.

Although some say that in the Lienteria the meat taken in doth come forth in the same colour and quantity as it was when it was ta­ken in: this notwithstanding is to be understood that the form and colour of it is of necessity changed, but it doth not wholly alter it, for they are altered somewhat according to the majus & minus, be­cause it is an impossible thing that the nourishment being conveigh­ed thorow so many intestines, should come forth without any altera­tion at all.

There are some also which judge the Dysenteria and the Tenasmus by motion of the pulse, that the patient hath a fever if the pulse be moved swift; yet it seems to me the contrary, although there is an over heating or boyling in the blood by reason of the hot humors, the great motion of the body, want of sleep and abstinence: yet with the flux onely stayed, the fever hath an end.

It is formerly said that the ulcers of the great intestines are to be cured with Glysters, and the ulcers of the small intestines to be cured with medicines taken at the mouth: notwithstanding it profiteth to take fit medicines at the mouth for ulcers of the great intestines, andRemedies for Vices in the intestines. in ulcers of the small guts to inject glysters, which sometimes ascend to both the ventricles, as experience teacheth: and so also are ulcers in the great guts sometimes cured by medicines taken at the mouth; wherefore let no convenient helps be omitted in case of necessity.

And though Avicena saith, it is dangerous to purge the belly upon a loosenesse thereof, yet the same Avicena, Gerardus, Cremo, Serapio, Jordanus, de Turra and other later Physicians of [...]ound judgement pre­scribe in the cure of fluxes Purgative medicines; therefore they ap­point things according to the patients strength, when a DysenteriaGalen s rule if the Dysenteria proceed from humours. proceeds of mauy humours; or having and ill quality, the cure as Galen witnesseth, hath one chief and most common intention, to that which is contrary to the disposition to be taken away; Therefore let there be given Myrabolans, which in this case are most excellent, for they correct the acrimony of the humours, and strengthen the ventri­cle, and the intestines; in want whereof Rubarb may be as well gi­ven, being dried a little. But if the flux be pestilential, let the matter be purged presently by sweating, as is said, not respecting the con­coction of humours.

Touching the virtues of the Medicine.

Ozwaldus concerning Laudanum. THis Laudable medicine (saith Ozwaldus Crollius) deserveth rightly his name, although thou call it Laudanum, for in all sharp pains whatsoever hot or cold within the body or without the body, yea, even when through extreamitie of pain, the parties are at deaths doore, or almost mad with the vehemencie of the same, this preci­ous medicine giveth ease presently, yea and quiet sleep, and thatLaudanum more effic [...]ci­ous if the body be soluble. safely, but much better the body being first soluble, either by nature [Page 190] or Art, and you may give it safely, provoking first onely one stool [...] by a suppositorie, or a glister were better: in the collick with Mint­water, it easeth the gripings forthwith. In the pains and gravel of the kidnies, likewise it giveth present ease. In the plurisie it presently and safely giveth ease. In pains of the joints it is verie good. In the staying of rheumes, as tooth-ache and other like defluxions in the beginnings, it is a singular good medicine, as namely in the tooth­ache, dissolve foure graines thereof in Plantane water, and put it into the eare on the aking side, and take three grains into the body, and lie to rest, it is a sure help. In all fluxes of the belly, whether they proceed of sharp or slipperie humours, or whatsoever else offend­ing cause taken with mastick, Terra Sigillata, fine Bole, or with any other appropriate good medicine, it is exceeding sure, for it fortifieth the other medicines, and doubleth their forces, adding his own also thereto. In extream watchings and want of rest, either inwardly or outwardly taken, it is profitable if outwardly you would use it, take foure or six grains, with three drops of oyl of Nutmeggs, which is pressed out mixed together, and binde it in two little clouts, and put it into the nostrils, it will marvellously asswage pains in the head, and cause quiet rest. In the extream bleedings of the nose called He­moragie, it is an approved secret, that sixteen grains thereof divided into two pils, and thrust up into the nostrils, into each nostril one part, helpeth the same. In all kinds of Fevers it is good to be given with water of Worm-wood, or pill-wise alone, and if the heat remain af­ter sixe houres, you may give it the second time, and after that again in like time safely, not exceeding the dose: yet let your own experi­ence lead you, that where you see three grains will not cause rest, in the next potion you give one grain more, and so increase paulatim, but increase not but upon good deliberation.

In burning Fevers it asswageth thirst, and provoketh sleep chiefly in those Fevers, in which the partie seemeth to have some shew of rest, with tedious dreams and slumbrings mixed.

In the disease called Asthma, and in the Tysick, if it be used in wa­ter of Hyssope, it will preserve the diseased Patient a long time.

It conserveth the natural heat, strengthneth the spirits, repaireth strength lost: It is also effectual to be given to melancholy people which are void of reason, and are troubled with the passions of the heart. It is likewise used with good effect against vomiting, and the Hickcock proceeding of wind, faintnesse, or debilitie of the Ven­tricle.

In the superfluous defluxions of the excremental or menstrual bloud, it is an excellent remedy with Crocus Martis, or red coral.

In phrensies and madnesse, both in wardly and outwardly it is good mixed with Aqua vitae, and the temples anointed therewith.

In the falling sicknesse with spirit of Vitriol, or the quintessence of Camphire, with also oyle of Almonds, it is usually taken. The dose of this opiate medicine, is two, or three, or foure grains, if there be loos­nesse of the belly, as is rehearsed, it worketh much the better. Note [Page 191] that in some parts of the world this medicine in the mentioned dose will doe no ease, wherefore when you finde that by experience, in the next Patient give more, but not to the same Patient without great reason. It is best given in any occasion accompanied with waters orThe best way to administer it. other medicines which are most appropriate to the diseases, land parts diseased, and yet may very well be given alone in a pill, which I willingly do, for that the Patient then is least troubled with the taste thereof.

A caution re­markable. But beware you use not this medicine to any, which are feeble through a great cough being oppressed with tough phlegme and shortnesse of breath, for there it is not good: if the disease be violent, as I have said, one dose may be given after another, with six houres at the least distance, very safely, but Ozwaldus Crollius saith, within foure houres, as is said in the Cure of Dysentery.

The cause of this descripti­on of Lauda­num. In a word this Laudanum passeth all other medicines in the cure of Dysentery, for which cause I have published it to the benefit of the younger fort of Chirurgions, which adventure their lives toward the East Indies; I know it is presumption in my self and deserves blame, that I should handle medicines of this nature so copiously, for which I crave pardon from that grave and learned Societie of Physitians of London, whom of right I ought to reverence and doe: excusing my self that I have done it merely for the benefit of young Sea-Chirur­gions in the remote parts of the world, where they otherwise have used Opium in common, without understanding the danger or dose thereof, to the losse of many mens lives. It behoveth young men to be carefull to carry with them such ballance, as the beam will turn at one half of a grain, with weights and grains fitting, and to keep them warily and alwayes ready at hand for all occasions, for he is an un­worthy Chirurgion, which is at any▪time unready with such needfull instruments. This Laudanum I esteem so sufficient a medicine truelyNot [...] ▪ prepared in all causes, where an [...]piat medicine is required, that if I were upon my life to morrow to undertake a Voyage to the East-In­dies in any great Ship, I would renounce all other compositions of that kind whatsoever, rather then misse it: yet am I not ignorant of divers other good compositions of Opiat medicines in dayly use, as namely Philonium Persicum Romanum, nit. & mes Roman sen Tarcenci, Athana­sicamagna, Aurea [...]lexandrina, Trifera magna nic. Diacodion, Diascordion Laudanum ex­celleth all o­ther Opiats. and many more: before all which I onely would take the true Lau­danum Opiat Paracelsi, for when the rest had fully fermented at Sea, and were void of all their supposed vertues, which their preparers had challenged them to have had, yea and had been turnd to crawling A­nimals▪ even then and twentie years after their deaths, may any man r [...]lie upon the foresaid Laudanum, as a true medicine, which medi­cine notwithstanding, I know it is unpossible for the ChirurgionsBecause of his duration. Mate to prepare at Sea, yet for that he should be the better satisfied, when he hath occasion to use it, I thought it not a misse to set down the ingredients, with also the true form of the preparation thereof, his verbis out of Ozwaldus Crollius being one of the best I ever found or read.

Laudanum Paracelsi Laudatissimum, and the true preparation thereof.

• ℞. Opii Thebaici uncias i [...]es.
• Succi Hyoscyami debito tempore collecti, & in Sole prius inspissati unci­am unam & sem specierum Diambrae & Diamos [...]hi, fideliter dispensatarum ana uncias duaes cum dimidio mummiae transmarinae & selectae unciam sem.
• Salis perlarum.
• Gorallorum ana drachm. iij.
• Liquoris Succini Albi per Alcohol Vini extracti.
• Ossis de corde Cervi ana drachmam j.
• Lapidis B [...]zoartici.
• Unicorni animalis vel mineralis drachmam unam.
• Moschi.
• Ambrae ana scrupulum J.
• In defectu genuini auri potabilis nullis corrosivis inquinati addantur, Oleorum
  • Anisi.
  • Carui.
  • Arantiorum.
  • Citrorum.
  • Nu [...]istae.
  • Cariophyllorum.
  • Cinamomi.
  • Succini ana guttae 12.
• Fiat ex his secundum artem Chymicam, massa, sen extractum, ex que a [...] necessarios usus, possint pillulae efformari.

Observations in the preparation of this Medicine.

The time of gathering them ℞ The roots and rindes of the younger Hemlock, casting away the inward woody part thereof: the time of the gathering thereof is the Summer, the Moone being in the signe Aries or Libra, and before the full of the Moon, and if it might be done it were best to be gathe­red in the very houre the Moon is entred into one of the said signes:The preparing of the juice ex­pressed. this observed, let the juyce thereof be pressed out, and filtered, and coagulated, then set in the Sunne to harden, which done, extract the tincture thereof per spiritum vini: the Opium ought o be purged in some distilled water, as of Hyssope or the like, as Aloes is used to be purged, and after, the tincture thereof to be extracted per spiritum The prepara­tion of the Spe­cies Diambrae. vini, the tincture of the Species Diambrae is to be extracted also per spiritum vini.

The juice of Hioscyami, or Henbane with the extract of Opium min­gled, together with the spirit of wine, whereinto they are extracted before, is to be evaporated from them ere that they be mixed with [Page 193] the rest of the ingrediences. Also the opium and juice of Henbane must be digested in Chymical manner for a moneth at the least, that thereby their sulphurous, venemous, and dangerous vapours they have may be well corrected, which vapours have a yellowish froth or scumme seen in the superficial parts of them, and are very obnoxious and dangerous, which I thought not amisse to advise the studious and industrious Chymist of.

A special ob­servation. Let all the extractions be done in the true spirit of wine well recti­fied, and then the longer the extract remaineth in the digestion, the better will be your medicine.

He that intendeth any part of this composition for women, must forbeare the musk and amber-greece, and use with it rather foure grains of good castoreum, I mean in that one dose he intends to giveA dig [...]ession. the women; but in this I digress from my scope of the Sea practise, where women in long voiages are rare creatures. Wherefore to the business in hand: the feces of the opium hioscyami, specierum ambrae, &c. after their tinctures are extracted from them, are to be calcined andExtraction. brought into salt, namely by infusion in some fitting liquor, after cal­cination, with all due filteration, evaporation, and coagulation withCalcination. Cohobs convenient, and add to the rest of the composition.

And concerning the tinctures mentioned to be extracted in spiritu vini, after one moneth digestions the spiritus vini is by balneum mariae to be evaporated till the residence be almost of the thickness of hony:Evaperation. which done and gathered clean into one convenient glasse, porringer, or the like instrument, then adde the salt corallorum, perlarum Mummia beaten fine, and also the Bezar, and the cornu cervi, muscus and ambra, The ma [...]ner to fiuish the com­position. all in fine powder, and well mixed with the said extracts, then adde the aforelaid salts of the recited feces, and also the former recited oiles, all of them first mixed together with the Liquorice and Succini shaken well together in a glasse-violl with a few drops of spiritus vini, for that the said spirit of wine causeth the recited oiles well to incor­porate, which done, and that they are mixed all in one and added to the former, the Laudanum is readie, onely if you could forbear your Medicine so long that it might afterwards stand in a small Alimbeck of glasse, with a blinde head one moneth, it would be much the better.

To compose this Opiate aright is b [...]rd to a Bungler. This Medicine though it would put many that professe much knowledge in the Art of the Apothecarie to their trumps truely to prepare it, yet to an artist which is a true preparer of Medicines it is plain and pleasant to be done, and once done, it is for his whole life a sure medicine, and will do the work-master credit that useth it.

I have the rather explained this medicine for that so many grosse and dangerous compositions are daily hatched up, and uttered abroad for currant under the name of Laudanum Paracelsi opiati, to the ex­tream hazard of the lives of very many, and to the great prejudice of the Common-wealth, from the danger whereof God deliver each honest Christian. And for that the younger sort of Artists should not easily be deceived with false compositions, though I confess it is [Page 164] Marks to dis­cern the false from the true Laudanum. not possible to espie some cunning deceits which may passe in farre plainer compositions then this is, yet take these few notes following when you would buy it, for remembrances. First note, that the me­dicine is fals, if it be uneven, I mean if it have any course or grosse thing in it, so that it will not all clearly dissolve as a juice of Liquorice well made will.

Notes of the true Lauda­num. For this is an infallible rule, extracts are the pure parts of things, and will wholly dissolve, or be dissolved. Further note, that if either honie or sugar be found in the medicine, it is false.

Also if it be more liquid then the ordinarie bals of Liquorice made up in London, it is false or foolishly made, and will not keep.

Also if it retain the lothsome smell of Opium, it is not to be trusted.

Also if it be not merely of one colour, so that you see nothing of the ingredients appear at all, it cannot be good.

For assure thy self this composition truely made must be smooth, and well smelling, of such an indifferent hardnesse, that without ad­ditions you may roule it into pils, and is not greatly ponderous or heavie, but it is of an unpleasant taste, I must tell thee, and therefore I use to give it, as I have said, in a pill, except necessitie by weaknesse of the Patient when he cannot swallow a pill, urge the contrary, or that I use it in outward griefs, as to othache, &c.

Causes.

THe causes of this disease are almost one with the Chollick, both which are obstructions in the small or great guts, and proceed chiefly of three causes, as saith Dominic [...] L [...] ▪ namely

[Page 195] 1 The drinesse of the ordure, or excrements.

2 Abscessus, or a b [...]le, or a botch in the guts.

3 Thick and drie humours.

Also this disease sometimes commeth by distemperature of the aire being very cold, also by a blow or bruise upon the gut [...]lion, the inward causes may be very many, namely by drinking of poyson, or cold water, meats of hard digestion, binding of the belly, and such like.

Signes or tokens.

THe signes or tokens whereby this disease is known, are as Galen affirmeth, 7. Aphoris. 19. is an intolerable pain and wringing in the upper part of the guts, and no excrements descending downward. Sometimes it moveth heavie and sore vomits, so that the very feces are vomited upward, of which disease or grief scarce any in that kind doe escape, as Galen witnesseth, lib. 6. cap. 2. I have seen the like in aA fearfull vo­miting. Rupture by reason of a part of the gut Ilion that was fallen through the Peritoneum into Scrotum that could not be reduced, the sick vomi­ted his excrements, and died the second day. Also much watching sometimes causeth great pain in the small guts or Ilion, unrest, strongNote. Convulsions, cold in the extream parts, and if any feces be gotten forth of the fundament by any means they being put into water will swimme aloft. Item if this grief come of poyson drunke, then the Patient will suffer Tremor Cordis, soundings, debilitie of the facul­ties of the body and vomit, doe commonly goe before the pangs, and all these aforesaid signes are usually more vehement and stronger then in the Collick.

Prognostica.

VVHen the Iliack cometh with distilling or dropping of urine, the partie dieth within seven daies, Galen aphoris. 44. except an Ague happen, so that in the mean time sufficient quantitie of urine do come.

Item, vomit, the Hicket, foolishnesse or idle convulsions are evil [...] signes, Avicen upon the 7. aphor. 10.

A deadly sign. The vomiting upward of the excrements, deadly, yet young folks escape in this disease sooner then old folks.

A good sign. The Ilion, where the pain doth change from place to place, is of least danger: because it dependeth or proceedeth of winde, which is ea­sily rosolved.

Another. The breaking of winde upwards or downwards, and stinking much is evil and deadly: as also the excrements much stinking is the like.

Cure.

Promise n [...] cure. IN the cure of this disease no Physician or Chirurgion, respecting his credit, will take upon him absolutely the cure thereof, especially if the Scurvie be confirmed in the patient, but with protestation of death [Page 196] if the Patient doe vomit the feces or excrements upward, but if thePromise no cure. Scurvie be not yet confirmed in the Patient, then the cure of this disease differeth little from the cure of the Collick, and may be in­differently used, and is all one, but that onely the stronger medicines, and greater diligence is to be used in the Iliack, then in the Collick: which if it were on shore or land, much more good might be expe­cted,Observations. where aire, diet, place, and many other helps, observations, and considerations according to the qualitie of the disease, with ad­vice also of the learned Physicians observed, all which the Sea afford­eth not.

Certain brief and speedie notes for the Chirurgions Mate at his need, when neither Doctor, Chirurgion, nor Apothecarie is to be had.

Iliaca of poy­son. FIrst, if the disease come of poyson exhausted, a vomit with warm water and then warm oyle, or some fat broth is to be administred, and after a day or two some good treakle to be used.

If the cause come of crude meats remaining in the stomack, or that the disease come of crude and raw meats, a vomit is to be used.

But if there be no crude meats yet remaining in the stomack, then all means must be used to disperse the winde, and to draw the excre­mentsOf potions and glisters. downward, either by potions, glisters or such like: and first with glisters to supple the guts, and to evacuate the obstructions of the lower parts: make therefore a glister of common oyle, or Linseed oyle, and give him, or a decoction of March-mallow roots, Com­frey roots, Linseeds and Fenigreek, adding Bay-berries and oyle of Dill, and Pulvis Arthreticus, or species Hierae Pigrae ℥j, give this glister with the great Siringe, and put it up with good force, remem­bring to adde salt, one smal spoonful thereto. Also you may use Sup­positories and all other helps which are proper in the cure of the Col­lick, or a mixture of honey and salt Peter, or Niter to anoint the fundament therewith, and use foments with spunges, &c. as in theFomentations. Collick. Also Phlebotomy may be used, especially in young men, and that in Sommer, or warm Countries, and namely, where the dis­ease cometh of an Apostume, or botch: Purging potions are also good, as Pulvis Arthreticus ʒj, in wine or beere, or Aquilla Laxativa 12. grains in a pill or in beere dissolved. Moreover, Resolution of the matter is to be made with foments, with cloth or woollen stupes wet in oyle, wherein Dill, Camomill, Rew, Hollyhocks, &c. have been boyled, and applied very warm. Also Cataplasmes made of Barley-meale, Cummin, Rew, Linseed, Fenigreek, Dill-seeds, An­niseeds, Fennel-seeds, Bayberries, and the like, are very conve­nient.

Cataplasmes. Also the Patient is to sit in a Bath made of oyle and water, wherein are boyled Camomil, Mellilot, Dill, Althea, or Hollyhock, Rew, Bayberries and the like, all these are good helps.

A strange me­dicine. Nota S [...]ercus L [...]pinum is a remedie in the Iliaca passio, even as album Gracum is in the angina.

[Page 197] Also old Treacle and Mithridate are good helps for those which cannot hold their meat, and you must give them to drink the powder of Thus or Frankensence, and Cumminseeds in warm oxymel.

To conclude these brief notes, I wish the young artist in this mi­serable disease, to try by strong glysters and purges and every other good meanes which is warrantable, and not strictly to rest upon these short instructions, in cases difficult and dangerous.

Signes.

Vomiting a sign. THe signes or tokens of this passion are both generall and speciall. Generall signes are vomiting, lothing of meats, great pain, re­tention of the excrements, unrest, grief or pain in the fore-part ofCostivenesse a sign. the belly, constipation so great, that it will go neither upward nor downward.

The speciall or proper accidents that do alwayes accompany the Collick are continuall thirst, vomiting of choler, watchings, by looseContinual thirst. or cholerick, excrements, a straining or wringing pain, though not long enduring, and young persons in the Sommer are most subject to a loose collick: but the tokens or signes of the state of a cold body in old age, are slothfulnesse and lazinesse, much desire after grosse and cold meats, rawnesse Nausea, or quesinesse of the stomack, ready to cast, but cannot, Pituositie or slimie vomits, little thirst, the pain more remisse but longer continuing. Rumbling of the belly, de­siringBeware of cold drink. to drink cold water, or small drink. Longing after all man­ner of fruits, and white meats. The pain changing from place [Page 198] to place, and the feces to swimme being put in water and very many such like signes too tedious to trouble the Chirurgions mate withal atAuthority. this time. Avicenna saith, that amongst outward signs of this disease, if the patient sick of the Collick have certaine small whelks or pushes arising upon his belly, about the bignesse of a bean, ulcerating and continuing above two dayes, it is a signe the patient will die of the disease: Also when the Chollick doth not give place to Glysters, Foments, Motions Cataplasmes, and such like good remedies: you2. Authority. may then with Galen 12. Methodi Medendi, judg that biting hu­mours doe possesse the tunicles of the guts, but if the disease yeeld or give way thereto, then the matter of the disease is contained in the cavity or hollownesse of the guts.

The Collick still continuing with vomiting, cold sweats, often sobbing or the hicket, and not giving way to remedies administred, is deadly.

A pestilentiall Collick, or contagious Collick, doth almost alway kill.

A Collick with feces voyding slimy substances, though an Apo­stume be in the greatest guts, yet it is curable.

The Collick proceeding of winde is easily cured. An easie or good breathing, or taking breath is a good signe in the patient that he may be cured, but difficult breathing sheweth the contrary.

The Cure.

Method of the cure. THe manner of curing the Collick is effected by renewing and taking away the cause, and then the paine vanisheth: But to re­move the cause, many things are to be put in practise; as preparing the humours by evacuation, remission and resolution, all which re­quire some long time, and therefore other meanes are first to be used to take away the paine, or at least to mitigate the same withAnodines first. Anodine medicines, and the due application of convenient helps of warme and moist temperatures, which not helping, you must a­gaineNecrotical me­dicines if need. have recourse to Necroticall and Stupifying things, which in­deed are not to be used, but in great extremities to give the patient some present ease.

Anodine medicines are to be adminstred so well inwardly as out­wardly; as first inwardly, namely in glysters consisting of moist and fat substance, as the decoction of Camomill, Dill, Linseed, Melli­lot, Mallowes, Hollihock, Fenigreek, Bayberies, or some of these, with one ounce of the new extract of Cassia, and some suger, with Lin­seed oyle and butter administred. Outwardly, these are to be apply­ed, either Unctions, Cataplasmes, Fomentations, Baths, or some such like convenient medicines, as time and place best fitteth.

But if these should not help, then in great extremities, you are to flie yet againe to Necroticall or stupifying medicines, as namely Lan­danum Paracelsi, which exceedeth all Necroticis: or Philonium Roma­num is also a good medicine; these are onely to be used in causes pro­ceeding [Page 199] of heat, and never of cold causes; for in cold causes that were rather to confirm the disease, and yet in the judging whether the cause be hot or cold, sometimes a good Artist deceives himself. If the Collick come of winde, then you must apply warm resolving me­dicines, I mean dissolving and dispersing medicines.

Notes to be considered of by the Chirurgion in the beginning tf the Cure of the Collick.

1 FIrst, whilst the meat is yet in the crude gut, I mean before it be di­gestedA caveat. and turned into excrement, no loosing medicines are to be administred, but rather a small and spare dyet, and in the beginning to begin with mollifying glysters, and then afterwards to proceed with more sharp and stronger. But before all things, if the Patient have a full stomack, and withal queasie, after a glyster, then a vomit is princi­pallyGlysters and vomits. to be administred.

2 Secondly, Repletion or overfulnesse, as well as too much fasting is to be avoided.

3 Thirdly, no Agarick is to be used in any of your medicines for the Collick, because that cleaveth to the guts, and most bringeth terrible pain and tortions, yet Stokinus a learned Germane Writer, dothBeware of Aga­ricum. highly extol the same to be put in Glysters to give it present ease.

4 Fourthly, you must by cordials have a care to preserve the Liver, Heart, and Head, least they be hurt or offended by the vapours, andA caveat. over-much heat of the oyntments, cataplasms, and fomentations which are usually applyed to the parts agrieved.

5 Fifthly, in the beginning over vehement warmings are to be avoi­ded,A second cave­at. especially, if the Collick proceed of the dry feces; for thereby they be the more dryed▪

6 Sixthly, cold water is to be avoided, and not any waies to be per­mitted to be used to quench thirst withal, but rather let the patient use some stewed prunes, Julip of Violets, conserves, and such like; or a barly water, with a few drops of oyl of Vitriol and some licoras are good.

Specifical reme­dies. Specifical things that cure the collick are very many, as horse-dung drunk in wine, hares-dung or hen-dung drunk in Oxicratium, where such may be had. Also the powder of Harts-horn, corral, cockel-shels burnt, or swines hoofs burnt or Calcined till they be white, and such like, according to the diversity of the causes. Further in the particu­lar cures of this disease, there are very many things observed by the learned Physitians, according to the diversity of the causes, which were too much to trouble the Chirurgions Mate withal at this present as the ayre, dyet, and divers other good helps to the cure of this grief, which cannot be observed at sea, onely fish and water-fouls are to be avoided as much as may be.

The Cure. To cure the Collick which cometh by means of the feces remain­ing, and being dried up, which happeneth most commonly at the sea [Page 200] in long voyages, and especially in hot countries: there are three sundry intentions to be observed.

The first, to mollifie the feces, and supple the guts.

Secondly, in Evacuating, to discharge the belly.

Thirdly, to remove or take away the cause of exsiccation, or drying up of the feces or excrements.

The first is performed with glysters made of common oyl or but­ter, with the decoction of Mallows, Violets, Beets, &c, and by drinking oyl of sweet almonds, or a decoction of Polypodium.

The second thing which doth bring forth the mollified feces or ex­crements is Cassia fistula or Manna, or Diaphenicon, or Hiera, or sharp glysters.

The third intention curative, if it could be attained to at Sea, were to remove first the external causes of the disease; as over-warm ayre, over-salted dry meats, and small quantity of food, fasting, watching, melancholy, and the like, inwardly to help the weaknesse of the expulsive faculty, with Treakle, Mithridate, Conserva rosarum, or the like cordial helps, helping also the expulsive faculty with glysters and such like good things: For further inward remedies you may use the aforesaid glysters, or half a drachme or ʒj. of Sulphur vivum drunk in warm wine, and the belly well covered with warm clothes helpeth somewhat.

Item, Carraway seeds made warm in wine, but not boyled therein, being drunk helpeth.

Item, a glyster made of Sope and Honey is a present remedy.

Item, a bag stuffed with bran, and made very warm sprinkled a little with vineger, and applyed to the belly is good.

Item, Goats milk, or other milk, boyled with honey, and ap­plyed to the belly with a spunge, or cloth warm, in manner of a fo­ment, healeth the Collick, and driveth away worms, and ceaseth the pain.

Item, the gall of a bullock, Salgem, Aloes, common oyl, ana partes equales, mingle them and make an oyntment thereof, wherewith annoint the fundament before the fire, that looseth the belly, and bringeth forth the hard feces.

Prognistica.

Tenasmus after a Dysentery is most hard to be cured.

Necessary obser­vations. Tenasmus in a woman with child causeth oftentimes abortion, sob­bing, vexing, or the hickoke, and is very pernitious, and betokeneth much drynesse.

Tenasmus long continuing, bringeth the Collica and Iliaca Passio: or Swoonding and diseases of the head.

Tenasmus is not numbred amongst long nor sharp diseases, for that it is soon cured; and if the Patient do eat and drink well, there is no danger.

The cure.

How to cure Tenasmus pro­ceeding from cold. Tenasmus is cured by taking away the causes thereof, from whence it doth proceed; as if it come by outward cold, then let there be ap­plyed to the Ose pecken, and hippes warm, resolving fomentations and applications, as bags of millium with salt, being rosted or fried, or sacks with bran sodden in wine, or water, and so applyed as hot as may be suffered, and the fundament and parts anointed with oyles of Rew, Lillies, Bayes, Vnguentum martiatum, and such like: Alexander in his sixth Chap. and eight book saith, Tenasmus is cured with fo­ments of Fenigreek and the roots of Altheae, being boyled and inje­cted into the belly, and also the Patients hinder parts well suffumi­gated with the same decoction, the Patient being compassed about close with clothes, and so set over it, and then the fundament after­ward annointed with oyl of Roses, fresh butter, or goose grease, with wax dissolved, Bears and Capons grease, and such like.

Item, A fume of Frankencence and pitch, being cast upon burning coales, and the Patient set close over the fume, helpeth presently.

Item, To give present ease to that pain, let two bags be filled with wheaten-bran, and steeped in boyling vineger, and the Patient to sit thereon so hot as may be suffered, and to change them continually, as the one cooleth to take another.

Note that in this disease of Tenasmus, no cold things are to be ap­plyedA special in­struction in ad­ministring a glyster for Te­nasmus. at all.

Item, such glysters as are used in this disease should not exceed half a pound, and the glyster-pipe to be put into the gut not above two fingers bredth at the most in length within the gut.

The Causes.

Causes of the falling of the fundament. THe causes of this grief are too many to be named, the sign there­of is manifest, that it is a resolution or a relaxation of the muscles of those parts: whereby the gut slippeth or slideth down lower then the natural place thereof, namely, out of the body.

The cure of this grief is for the most part short, and likewise if [Page 203] the Patient at Sea be careful and go not out to the shrowds or Beak­head of the ship to stool, neither in going force the expulsive vertue of his body over much, it will not easily fall down again.

The Cure. It is cured as followeth, namely, at the first going out, use no other remedy then a warm soft clout and thy hands, and gently return it into his due place, and let the party after it is reduced, sit on a hot board, or have a very hot napkin doubled and applied to his fundament, and another to his belly: but whereas this disease for theThe cure if it proceed of the fluxes of the belly. most part proceedeth from the fluxes of the belly, in such cases you must proceed to the cure of such fluxes of the belly, and that effected you shall hear no more of this accident; but if it usually fall out, it isThe cure if it useth often to fall down. the more dangerous, then you may proceed as followeth▪ set the party over a close stoole, and fume the place as warm as he can suffer it, with a fume of Thus, Mastick, amber, rosin or pitch, or any one of these, and being fumed well and very warm, bestrew the gut fallen down with Album Gracum well powdered and fine, for this is pre­cious, though a homely medicine, but therewith this disease is cured, and many other infirmities also; but there is a great care to be had to the powdering and well searsing of the same, for that it is often full of sharp pieces of bones very dangerous: I say therefore this beingThe putting of it up. carefully prepared, and applied with warm soft clouts and warmedThe Patients help required. hands put it up, and let the party as it were endeavour to draw in his breath in the doing thereof, for it will with ease be brought up: and being thus put up, into his place, it falleth not easily out again; the same effect hath burned Harts horn powdred, or any other hard bones burned into white powder, are very good, powder of Gall-ap­ples or Gals is thereto a good medicine strewed on as the former; Pomegranate Pils powdred doth the like, and Balausties or Sumach is also good, being powdred and strewed thereon. Also a fomentati­onA Fomentation. very warm of stiptick drying things are good, as for example. ℞ fresh water, heat and quench pieces of iron or steel often therein, if it can conveniently be done: if not, onely faire water, a convenient quantity of about a quart, boyle therein the quantity of one large Gall, put to it a little Allum about ʒij. a little Succus Acatiae some ʒ ss. or lesse, cynamon if it may be had ℥ss, or pomgranate rinds ʒ j. if you have them, or Baulausties a little, and therewith foment well the part, and after fomentation let it be very gently put up to his place, but French wine or Aligant were better then water for the fomentation. Further, have a great care that whatsoever you use by way of fo­mentingA special cau­tion. or otherwise, each thing be actually very warm you apply, or they will endanger him. It will likewise not be amisse, if you adde a little good Aqua vitae or Rosa solis to your fomentation after it is boyled, especially if your decoction be water. Bean flowre is also good to strew thereon, when you go to put it up, but Album Graecum is the best thing you can use, Mastick in powder is also a very good medicine to strew thereon, use as little force, as may be in putting it up, and have ever ready a Chaffendish with fire, when you go about that work, to warm clouts, and your hands also. And [Page 204] The Patients help very need­ful and profita­ble to himself. Let the Patient beware. if you find it difficult to be reduced, let the party be set on his head and hands, with his legges abroad and it will help somewhat, but beware he stand not so too long, but rather let him rest and begin again, or kneeling on his knees and elbows is also good, onely let him remember that he draw in his breath, as I have said, for that availeth much, and let him not seek to close or draw together his fun­dament as little as he can, till the gut be reduced to his place. If upon occasion of the flix you be constrained to use confortative o [...] restrin­gentHow to prevent it in the time of the flix afflict­ing. glysters with also your Laudanum, you shall not need to fear but it will keep up: or if these things help nothing, I fear he is hardly to be cured, but they have never failed me; and so I conclude to the honour of the Almighty concerning this disease.

The Causes:

The causes thereof. THe causes thereof are divers, as namely the intemperature of the Climate, or degree of the world causing an evil habit in the bo­dies of men, when they come into such contagious aires, the evil nutriments the Sailers have at Sea, strong obstructions, the abuse of themselves in diet and customes, and divers other reasons too long to insist upon.

The Signes.

The signes. TO be breife, the signes are a strong fever, a generall and sudden distemper oft times both of body and mind at one instant, or an inclination thereto,

The Cure.

THe Cure confisteth chiefly in Cordials, Alexipharmacons or pre­servatives;The curation wherein it con­sisteth. that the animall, vitall, and naturall parts may be de­fended from the venimous danger of the disease in evacuation, and in regiment of diet, all these being as suddenly put in practise as time will serve, the disease being sudden and fierce in it self. An excellent remedy thereunto is a dose of Aurum vitae, and sweat upon it also.

Of Cordials.

A Cordial p [...]ti­on for the Cal­lenture. A Present Cordial medicine fitting to be given in the Callenture is Venice Treacle or Mithridate ℈j. London Treacle, or Dia­tesseron ʒ ss. with Syrup Limoniorum ℥ j. Plantane water or fair water, ℥iij. oyl of Vitriol six drops, or so much as to make the drink tart, and one houre or two houres after give him another dose thereof, and forthwith also let him have a suppository or glyster given him and so soone as he hath had one stoole therewith, let him blood reasonable [Page 205] largely if his strength will beare it, let him also have for his diet no other thing for two or three daies but thin broathes, pannadies or the like; and if it be thought fit to take it, after the suppository, a glyster were not amisse to be given him, namely, decoction of March Mallow roots in water, adding in the end of the decoction of Saltniter ℥iiij. of Species Hierae ʒij. Oleum Sambucae ℥ij these will coole him well and cleanse him.

And if further need of purging be, give him a dose of Aquilla Laxa­tiva, or Aquilla vitae, a dose, which in this disease hath been approved very good.

The Aquilla Laxativa is usually given in ℥iij. of Plantane or faire water with Syrupe of Violets or Lemmons ℥j. the Aquilla vitae with Conserva Rosarum, with Diatesseron Liquorice-powder or alone. If you see these courses reasonably put in practise, doe not give content, I meane the body being open, then in the name of God give him a dose of Laudanum, you shall find it often to procure perfect health with­outHis ordinary drink what it must be, and of what it is made. further help. For his drink let him have a decoction of French or commou Barley, whereunto so much Liquorice, or Succus Liquo­ricae may be added, as to make it of a grateful tast, as also for the smel, a small quantity of Rose or other vineger, and Rose water a little, and thereto so much oyle of Vitriol; as to give it a tast somewhat tart but not too much: Syrupe or juyce of Lemmons is also very fitting to be put thereto if it be to be had in any plenty. But let me advise the Chirurgions Mate in all the precedent courses, that he,Good Chiru [...]gi­on take notice. use good discretion and moderation, for over purging, bleeding, much thin diet will be very dangerous at Sea, and will surely turneTwo principal observations. your Patient unto the Scurvy: for note this for a general rule, that almost every sicknesse at Sea ends in the Scurvy: and the Scurvy 1 oft-times unlades her selfe by a flux with death attending there­on,2 without Gods mercy, and the Christian Commiseration, diligenceBy Gods mercy miseries are prevented, and Art in cu­ring blessed. and skilful hand of the Chirurgions Mate, which that he may the better be enabled in all difficult cases to practise and performe his duty, the God of all glory assist him with his grace.

Amen.

Of the kinds and differences of Salt.

TO intreat of all the kinds and differences of Salt, is a worke so difficult and long, that no man whatsoever in the whole time ofFrivolous to write of all salts. this short life, can make sufficient relation thereof, wherefore to avoid tediousnesse, I will take a shorter course: namely, I meane to doe something therein, and leave the rest for others of better capacity, that shall come after. Note therefore that there are three kinds ofThree kinds of salt. Salts in general, to wit, animal Salt, Vegetable Salt, and mineral Salt and ere I digresse or go any further, let me interpret my selfe in plaine tearmes, to young practitioners in Art, whom alone I desire to benefit.

The animal salt is understood to be that salt which proceedethThe three sals explained. from creatures that bear life, and have sense and feeling, or moving whatsoever, under which are comprehended all beasts, fish, fowl, and [Page 207] worme, &c. under the name of vegetable salts, are comprehended the salts of trees and herbs, and whatsoever else may grow by sowing or planting, or any other industry of man, as well the seed as the fruit or the plant it selfe, or any part thereof. And under the name of mineral salt is comprehended the salts of all metals, as of Saturn, Ju­ter, Mars, Sol, Venus, Mercurius, or Luna: as also the salts of all stones, with also all earths and their juyces and extractions, as likewise all other Mineral and Terrestrial salts whatsoever, without name.

Thus much in briefe for explaining the three principal kinds of Salts, each of which have a three-fold several substance contained in them, viz. A volatile salt, a fixed salt, and a Caput mortuum, named also Terra Damnata, otherwise it may be tearmed to containe a Flegme, a spirit, an oyle which againe is called, Sal, Sulphur, and Mercury, each dividable plainly and easily by Art: Some may here object, that they will draw more then three substances, each being a good medicine from any one subject, either Animal, Vegetable or Mineral, as for an instance from Mercury, you may extract infinite several medicines, inwardly, and outwardly serviceable, as namely you may have from Mercury Laxative, Vomitive, Diaphoretick Diaureticke, cordial, preservative, and sundry other needful medicines to be ministred with great safety and comfort to the diseased, as else­where of Mercury is noted: which speech may seeme very strange toAnswer. some that all these, yea and many more varieties and diversities are found in any one Mineral: but though one substance make many medicines, yet it confoundeth nothing the tria principia, for every medicine is not one principal, neither is there any principal tied toSalts good in meats, are of three sorts. to make but one medicine. But to returne being digressed, I say the kinds of Mineral salts used at tables, and for seasoning meats, are to be esteemed three in number: one kind is the Bay or Sea salt, dried meerely from salt Sea water by the heat of the Sunne. The second sort is that salt which we have from the Sea cost, or from salt Springs at home, made by decoction. The third is the salt that groweth con­crete, bard and pure in the bowels of the earthsuch is the Sal Gemmae, and this last is held the best, both in meat and medicine, it is in colour like Cheystal transparent and groweth in great quantity, in Polonia, neer the Citie Cracovia, my self having gathered of it in the Mines there.

Of the necessity of salt, and of the general utilities thereof.

The necessity of salt in all things. NO one thing which the Almighty Creator hath made for mans use, excelleth Salt: as well for the sundry and most necessary uses it hath, as also for the abundant vertues thereof, without the which, nothing which is created under the Sunne, as is said, could subsist in his kind, beauty or vigor: as for example, man the excellentest of Gods creatures without salt presently putrifieth, or at the least fallethExample▪ into some extreame disease, yea a small distemper in the Animal salt of man is able to kill the strongest man, which the simplest may in his owne reason comprehend and know. And who liveth which at some time or other hath not tasted his owne bloud, either from his [Page 208] How to discern salt in man. gums or his nose bleeding, or otherwise, whereby he is able o [...] affirm the same bloud to be salt. I think none will deny it, but if any will be so simple or obstinate, then let him taste his owne urine, and there questionlesse he need not doubt to find it salt: but without contra­diction, the whole masse of mans body is full of salt: and if thou wilt not by all this reason be perswaded to beleeve it, then search artifici­ally, and thou shalt find, yea two kinds of salt in mans bloud, and so in all other creatures which beare life and have bloud as well as man, namely, a Volative salt, and fixed salt, which salt I say wanting in the body, that living creature which wanteth, it presently putrifieth.Certain evils befalling man wanting salt. Some also we see that by a salt rheume in there eyes lose their sights, some by a sharp saltnesse in the urine, dangerous accidents ensue: some fall into the Scurvy, some have the Dropsie, some the Leprosie, with infinite other the like offences hapning by the distemper or want of the Animal salt: the examples are very common, Nihil sale & sole corporibus hominum utilius, saith Paracelsus; nothing is more profi­tableSalt preserveth from putrefacti­on. for mans body, then the Sunne and salt. It is the most precious Balsam for mans life in health, it maintaineth health and keepeth mans food from putrefaction in sicknesse, sores and aches, few medi­cines to be compared to it: Mineral salt being brought to an examen in the fire, first from it is by Art exhausted a thin Mineral Phlegma, called the Mercury or fleagme thereof: which past, then there ari­seth a most fragrant spirit which openeth Mineral bodies, aud break­eth up gold and silver to make them potable, or otherwise according to the will of the discreet Artist, in which spirits is comprehended the chiefe medicine: the residence whereof containeth the fixed salt, and the feces therof: the feces are meerely good for no use at all, that I know, and therefore of Chymists are called Terra Damnata. Pa­racelsus speaking of the necessary uses of common Mineral salt af­firmeth it to be the true Correcter of all kinds of meats, and saith further, that meat, though being of meane nutriment, yet if it be well salted nourisheth much: for he is of opinion, that whatsoever meat is either eaten without salt, or but meanly salted, turneth for the most part to the offence of man, and breedeth diseases, as the falling sick­nesseSalt helpeth di­gestion, and comforteth. and other great griefs: for, saith he, salt mightily helpeth dige­stion, and concoction, and likewise comforteth all the faculties of mans body, it is the Balsam of the earth, whereby mens bodies areSalt the Palsa­mum of the earth. preserved alive, and so of all creatures which containe bloud in them, yea and all insensible creatures also, as Vegetables and Minerals have their peculiar salt, which keepeth them in their vigor and strength from common putrefaction. Josephus Quercitanus affirmeth salt to be a spur to all medicines, both outward and inward, with which it is mixed, stining them up and quickning them, the better to performe their offices, and the longer to retaine their vertues, by preserving them from outward putrefaction of the ayre.

Temperature of Salt in general.

The tempera­ment of common Salt. COmmon salt by the most opinions of the learned writers is hot and dry, some affirme in the second degree, some in the third, this [Page 209] being spoken concerning common salt as it is used in meat and medi­cine without any further preparation: but let no man attribute to all salts one temperament, which I suppose none which is discreet will, because then he should mistake himselfe; for without all contradiction,Divers Salts di­versly qualified. no temperature can be named, but some salt may easily be proved of the same temperature, wherefore it is said concerning ordinary salts for meat used, whether they come from sea, or from salt water by decoction, or from the ground without mans Art as salt Gemm doth, or from the salt springs within the land, as our Worcester-shire salt doth: yet all those have no manifest differences in their tempera­ture, but may be said to be hot and dry, and yet according to the strength of them they may one exceede another more or lesse in degree.

But salt Peeter which is of excellent use for medicine, as also for very many needful occasions otherwise whose substance and qualityThe quality of Salt-Peeter. are wonderful being considered, yet it is apparent that the tempera­ment thereof is cold by the effects, for it doth coole the violent boyling of the bloud, no otherwise then if a man should coole fire with water, and yet his chiefest substance is spiritual, volatile, andThe substance of Salt-Peeter. combustible, if it be pure: but in truth all minerals shew themselves in operation to be specifical, and not truly to be distinguished by their heat or cold: and as for the spirit of common salt the medicinal effects thereof are cooling the bloud, quenching thirst, corroborating and refreshing the stomack, &c. the tast thereof being almost like the oyle of Vitriol, or rather like good juice of Lemmons

Further, the salts of animal and vegetable creatures may very well be said to have their several temperaments and differences, each ac­cording to his one kind, as the salt of wormwood is esteemed hot and dry like the hearb, and so of many other hearbs in like manner may be understood.

Somewhat of the healing vertues of common salt.

COmmon sea-salt, boyled in the strongest beer to the consumpti­on of three parts of the same beer, and being made salt as brine, is an excellent bath to ease the pains of the gout, as my selfe have pro­vedGood for the Gout. often. It is also good to cure the Serpigo of the hands, Tetters of hard curation. Paracelsus speaking of the vertues of salt saith as fol­loweth.Serpigo. Tetters. All those which are vexed with any disease, proceeding of grosse crudity, or natural humidity, as rheumes, itch, scurfe ring­worms, or the like noysome griefs: let them make a bath of com­mon sea-salt, and strong bear boyled together to a third part, and as warm as they can possible indure it fit in it and sweat therein and after go to a warm bed and sweat againe, and doing so sundry times they shall feele help thereby: I have had credit by it when divers greater medicines have failed me, especially in the pains of the Gout & other aches, I have done much good with it; and further, it is so harmlesse aGood for cold Aches. thing that none need to feare the use thereof: whereas many other kinds of bathing although they be good in one kind, yet hurt in ano­ther [Page 210] but this is merely harmlesse to any, provided withal, before theThe body to be purged before it be with a salt hath bathed. use of this bath, a due preparation and purgation of the body be thought upon.

Moreover, there is an ordinary Lixivium, made by expert Chirur­gions, for the healing Ulcers, which is Mundificative, Abstersive, Discussive, and very Sanative, performing much in Chirurgery, the chiefe ingrediences whereof is vegetable and mineral salts made by decoction with vulnerary herbs in faire water to a just consistence:The vertues of this Lixivium. this Lixivium in Tumors, Ulcers, Fractures, Dislocations, as also in great Contusions, Obstructions, Gangrenes, and many other like infirmities, is a very good and ready medicine, the description whereof is set downe in the cure of fractures.

The Caustick stone is made of salt. Also the causticke stone, called commonly Lapis Infernalis, is no other thing, then meerely a vegetable salt, the virtues and making whereof, is not proper in this place to be spoken of, but shall in an­other place be mentioned. Thus much at this time concerning com­mon salt.

Of Vitriol or Copperas in General: And first what is Vitriol.

VItriol called in Latine, Calcanthum, in English Copperas or Vitriol, but more commonly called Copperas, is a mineral salt which for the worth and Vertues thereof doth farre excel many other kinds of salts, so that not without great reason, that worthy Theophra­stus Pvracelsus, who had truly anatomized that salt, affirmed and often repeated that the fourth part of Physick was contained in this Mineral salt, from whence the same author also, not unfitly, doth compareA comparison between Coppe­ras and wood. it to wood, of which divers formes may be formed, and divers instru­ments also may be made for divers operations and effects, for out of this salt many substances may be extracted and prepared, and many good medicines may be compounded, quite contrary in operation, and utterly disagreeing in effects from each other; as for example, outThe divers ver­tues of Copperas both inward and outward. of this Mineral salt, medicines of great efficacy may be made, as well in purging as also sudoriferous or diaphoreticks, Cordials, Anodines, Narcotick, Stupefactive, Stipticke, Corrosive, Abstersive, Reper­cussive, Mundificative, and Sanative medicines, as also against the Epilepsie, or falling sicknesse and suffocations of the Matrix, good medicines are to be prepared thereof, and how these or some of them may be made by Art, and of their vertues, as time shall serve, by Gods helpe I have determined briefly to declare heareafter.

But I confesse I am not able to discover the fourth part of the great vertues of this worthy salt, for I daily meet with some new medicine therein worth the noting.

Of the different kinds Of Vitriol.

VItriol or Copperas we may have in England of six, or at the least of five kinds, namely Vitriolum veneris, or Copperas made of Copper, which in diseases of the head farre exceedeth others [Page 211] as writers affirme, and this kind may easily be prepared and cheape, as hereafter shall be set downe.

The next thereto in vertue is that kind of Copperas which grows in Hungaria, which to my knowledg we cannot well have in Eng­land, though some will affirme they have of it.

The third sort of Copperas that is praised is the Roman Vitriol or Copperas, in a place whereof we doe buy a kind of blew Cop­peras in London, which is not the true Roman Vitriol.

The fourth kind is brought from Gosler, a Towne in Germany neere to the City of Brunswich.

The fifth kind is commonly brought from Dansk and is somewhat yellowish.

The sixth and last, or worst, is our owne common English Cop­peras. These are all the sorts ordinarily to be bought.

Copperas of di­vers Colours. Though indeed many waies, and of many colours copperas may be made, yea and of many substances, as well from mineral stones as earthes, which if time would serve, and that it were to the purpose should be further shewed; but to be short the Copperas I would chuse for my use, is that which cometh from Gosler in Germany, it is to be had in London, and is not dear, and sufficiently good to draw a spirit or oyle from, or to make any medicine for inward uses, but for outward ordinary uses, the common sort of Copperas will serve well, and so it will do reasonable well for oyl, but not yeeld so much.

What Copperas for outward uses best. Note that the best Copperas as is said, is made of Copper, or of the Mineral of copper. Note further, that all copper and brasse will wholly be converted into Copperas, yea and turne againe into his owne first substance, namely into copper or brasse againe, though with losse. Also iron and silver will make good Copperas, so will di­vers sorts of stones and earths be converted into good Copperas, and springs neere copper mines, they doe make Copperas of, much after the manner that salt-peeter is made.

The way to make Vitriolum Veneris or Copperas of Copper, is as follweth.

℞ THin plates, or rather filings of Copper, what quantity you please, and Brimstone of each a like quantity, powder the Brim­stone, and mix it with the Copper, put these into an earthen pan un­glazed, and place them in a char-coale fire in a Chimny, and let them gently heat together till the Brimstone take fire. Then with an iron stirre it a little to and fro till all the Brimstone be consumed: then take it from the fire, and being cold cast it into a gallon or lesse quan­tity of fair water, and it will make the water green, and in taft like Copperas; poure off that green water, filter and keep it, and set the same Copper to be made dry againe on the fire, which done, mixe it with more Brimstone, and burne it, and quench it as before, con­tinuing such worke, till all the Copper be consumed and turned into a pleasant blew or green water: then mix and boyl the waters till half [Page 212] or more be consumed, and set them to cool, and being cold, if it beA note of the true height of dection. sufficiently boyled, you shall find Copperas therein; if not boyle it more, and the Copperas will appear: then take away the said Cop­peras which you find, and lay it to dry, and boyl the remainder of the water againe, and there will be more Copperas: take still the Cop­peras each time out, laying it to dry, and doing so till all be made into Copperas. This is the best kind of Copperas, it is in colour of a plea­sant blew, and is easily to be made, and will yeeld a good quantity, namely, one pound of Copper, if it be artificially prepared, will make three pounds of Copperas.

Of Phlegma Vitriol, or of the first water drawn from Copperas.

The rules in this worke. PHlegma Vitrioli is made as followeth: ℞. Copperas, put it into an Alimbecke and place it according to Art in the highest degree of B. M. namely, in a boyling water, drawing therby from it all the humidity which by B. M. will be exhausted, provided you fill your Alimbeck but two third parts full of Copperas, when ye put it to di­still.The vertues of Plegma Vi­trioli. This liquor as Angelus Salus a late Italian writer affirmeth, is good against paines of the head, proceeding from heat, namely the dose being two drachmes taken fasting for certaine dayes together. It swageth also the burning and boyling of the bloud. It strengtheneth all the bowels. It confirmeth the braine weakened with superfluous heat by the daily use thereof in the Spring time, the stomack being purged a little before. Also it maketh a moist braine temperate This first medicine of Copperas was by the Ancients not known: my self I must confesse have made no great use of this medicine, onely I have used it as a cooling water against the heat of the stomack, and some­timesThe Author his experience thereof. have found it good, as also to foment warme with it for any sudden inflammation in any outward part of the body due Evacuation first considered of. The said Author ascribeth many more vertues to this first Phelgma, or water of Copperas, which, for that I would be loth to waste time I will not trouble the Reader with.

Of the preparation of the second water of Vitriol, commonly called Spirit of Vitriol.

Rules in the work. THis first recited water being well rectified, separated, and kept a­part: then take the glasse, Alembeck mentioned, containing the Vitriol, from out of the B. M. and place it in Arena, or a furnace with sand according to Art, the Vitriol within being first made into fine powder, and distil it therein so long till all the rest of the Humidity shall be drawne from it which the B. M. had no force to exhale. This second water, you shall perceive to be a cleere and odoriferous water, onely remember that thou force not the water over strongly, but doe it by a gentle fire.

The effects. This liquor is good to purge the reines: it appeaseth inward fret­ting [Page 213] and gnawing pains, taking one drachme thereof in the morning fasting with flesh broth.

It also causeth store of urine, and moderately provoketh sweat. It ceaseth the inflammations proceeding of blows or stripes taken in warm broth, and mitigateth the pain thereof, but if your fire be too strong, your liquor will come over so strong, that your dose must not exceed ℈j. at the most: wherefore be wary thereof, for a goodA Cau [...]io [...]. medicine evil handled, may do much hurt, and so will this if you want judgement to use it. In times past they were wont to calcine Vitriol till it was red, whereby it was deprived, not onely of the first, but also of this his second moist and most spiritual substance, butHow the Anci­ents prepared this Vitriol for the spirit. that was used by them chiefly, when onely they intended to prepare the sharpest spirit, or strongest oyl of Vitriol, which strong oyl of Vitriol hath all the vertues hereafter recited and many more.

The vertues of the strongest oyl of Vitriol.

IT helpeth the infirmities of the Lights, with the water of Fennel or fumitory It cutteth away the melancholy humours from the stomack, with Balm water, and comforteth the stomack after a won­derful manner, and doth defend the whole body from inward Apo­stumes and inflammations, and therefore it is used with good successe in the Plurisie, as also in vulnerary drinks it is approved good, for it attenuateth the blood wondefully, and defendeth the parts grieved from fear of Gangrene or putrefaction of the blood: It conglutina­teth ruptures as well of bones as veins, and doth exceedingly corro­borate and comfort all the parts of mans body, and may well be num­bred as a principal amongst cordial medicines. It is also a very good medicine not onely in preventing the Scurvy taken inwardly, but al­soIt helpeth the Scurvy. in the cure of the Scurvy many waies, both inwardly taken with any comfortable wine, or with beer for need, or to make a Beverage therewith, and daily to use it in small quantity, namely, four drops for a dose In the Calenture it excelleth all other medicines taken inCalenture. Plantane, Sorrel, or any other good cooling water, or onely in fair water. Other convenient courses judiciously held, as namely, toA Caution. procure to the party by suppository, glyster or potion some looseness of body, with also phlebotomy in due season, and quantity accord­ing to judgement.

And likewise observing that a dose of Landanum is in such cases a fit help, laying the party to rest: a loosenes of the belly, I say, first had by nature or art. Moreover, for the overgrowings of the gums in the Scurvy, Vitriol or Coperas hath no fellow, namely, a strong deco­ction of Vitriol, with a little mel, or mel rosarum, and the gumsThe gums over­grown. after they are let blood well rubbed therewith very hot, helpeth well. Also if a stronger lotion be required, you may touch the rotten gums warily once with the oyl it self, but beware you touch not the whole skin with the oyl recited or strong spirit, for if you onely but rubA Caution. the teeth therewith, it is hurtful, for it will offend and much decay [Page 214] them, although I confesse it maketh them white, I have had the expe­rience thereof, as well by making black teeth white, as also in lotions for the teeth: wherefore I know that the much use thereof consu­methVlcerations of the mouth and throat. the teeth, in ulcerations of the throat or mouth that resist or­dinary cure, by other good lotions usual; touch the ulcerated part warily but once therewith, and the ulcerations will heal very fastA Caution. afterwards with any ordinary medicines and helps, remembring as cause shall require, to use due evacuations or Phlebotomy. Also this strong spirit is good for inflamations of the throat, namely, againstInflamations of the throat. Squinancy or Angina used certain drops in a fit Gargarisme or Lotion, namely, to make it somewhat sower, and then gargarize warm there­with, for it mightily quencheth inflamations, and tempereth well the blood, and being likewise a little thereof given to drink, namely, sixA Caution. drops in such a case, it is much the better, alwaies remembring that all such diseases require loosenesse of the belly, and sometimes phle­botomy.

Vlcers and fistu­la▪s. Moreover in ulcers and fistula's scarce a better medicine is found, to enlarge a strict orifice, remove a callow, or truly to correct and prepare any inveterate Ulcer to good healing, onely by touching it with lint on the end of a Probe, thereby putting the medicine to thePurging medi­cines. place where the cause is. This strong tart spirit or oyl of Vitriol is al­most generally in all purgative medicines, a notable corrective, and, as it were a good help to them to do their office, for it comforteth the whole body, and it giveth a grateful taste almost to any medi­cine.

A bad appetite. It is also good to a weak stomack oppressed with phlegme or slime, and helpeth appetite taken in conserve of roses, it hath infinite other vertues, too long here to relate, and indeed above my reach to search out.

Pestilential fe­vers. There is no medicine more precious in pestilential fevers, then this strong oyl or spirit is, my self have often used it to others in that case, and taken it my self with good successe.

The true and utmost dose is onely so much thereof, as may make the vehicle or medicine wherein you give it somewhat sower, but not too tart, for no man can say justly, give five, six, or seven drops, for that one sort is five times stronger then another: but when either your purge or other medicine is ready tobe administred, adde certain drops thereof to alter onely very little, the taste sower like, but in the Cal­lenture, strong fevers, or pestilential fevers, a greater dose may well be taken, according to discretion and judgement; but take this caveat for a farewel in the use thereof: note that if you put it into a medicine liquid, it will sink down to the bottome, so that when you give it shake it, otherwise you may leave the most of it in the glasse behinde, and when you mix it with a quantity of Barley water or Julep, whereof you intend to make many doses, deceive not your self, for if you never shake and stir it, the last dose will be unreasonable to be taken, and dangerous.

Of white Coperas.

W [...]ereo [...] and how it is made. VVHite Coperas is easily made of other kinds of Copperas, it is generally called Vitriol, or white Vitriol in English, as if it were worthy a higher or more particular name, or respect, when in truth, as white wax is made of yellow wax, by the bleaking it in the ayr, and washing it oft: so is white Coperas made of green Coperas,White Copera▪s weaker then green. and is thereby, in my conceit, the weaker, onely the superfluous hu­midity is thereby evaporated, and it begetteth a new kind and shape, in all lotions it may serve in place of the other kinds of Coperas, but to draw spirits from, it is weaker then any other coperas that I know The vertues thereof, for the eyes excel any other medi­cine..

The chief uses I have made there of, is for Collyriums or lotions for the infirmities of the eyes, namely against itchings, akings, smart­ings, defluxions, and ophthalmia's of the eyes, wherein I find it to exceed either Lapis Calaminaris, Tutia, or Camphire. The salt thereof maketh also a singular vomitive medicine, which I first learned out ofThe Salt is vn­mitive. the daily practise of that worthy and famous Physician Dr. Peter Tur­ner dwelling in St. Hellens, who highly commended it to me, and I have found it worthy his commendations in many great infirmities, the dose is from ℈ ss. to ℥ ss and ʒ jj. it is safely given.

The effects of the Salt are fo [...] the falling sick­nesse. Fevers. Stomack. It may very well be taken in Betony water with sugar, or in want thereof, in faire water with Rose-water, one spoonfull. It is good against the falling sicknesse, and in divers occasions of purging the head, also in fevers proceeding of crude and undigested humours. It Provoketh appetite. One receipt of my experience for outward infir­mities of the eyes, I will here bestow upon the Chirurgions Mate made of white Coperas, which is as followeth. ℞ Vitriolum Album in powder ʒ j one new laid egge, or sound egge, boyle the egge hard,Arecti [...] for the eyes ill affected. shell it, and cleave it through, and take out the yolke, and in place thereof put the powder of coperas mentioned, and let it so remain closed together two hours or more, then put it into a clean soft ragge, being still so closed together, and strain it hard, and a water will come out which is green in colour, keepe it in a glasse close stopped; and when occasion is, drop one drop or two at once into the grie­ved eye. It is good in many infirmities of the eyes, and it will keep seven yeers without putrifying. It cureth all itchings, smartings, im­moderate rheumes, the Ophthalmias in their beginnings, with many other infirmities happening to the eyes, and it strengtheneth well the fight. Thus much for this time of white Vitriol or Coperas.

Of burnt Vitriol.

THis is made as burnt allum is, ofany sort of coperas, and is of great use in Chirurgery, namely, to abate spungy flesh in Ulcers,The use of it▪ and also in all restrictive powder for staying of fluxes, and it helpeth well with other fitting simples to siccatrize, and also in Lotions and Gargarismes; as is said, it is of good use.

Of Liquor, or rather Mel Vitrioli.

THis Liquor, or rather honey prepared from Copperas, so called, because it is in thicknesse and colour not unlike honey; It is anThe vertue. excellent remedy against any lacrimous or weeping ulcers, or fistu­las,Whereof it is made. to stay defluxions of humours in them, for it is very astringent, and doth well fortify a weak member, it is made of calcined Vitriol infused in spirit of wine, and the tincture of the Copperas therebyOther effects. drawn out, and then spirit of wine evaporated per B M and so it is excellent for to cure rotten gummes, or any putrid or corrasive ul­cers of the throat or mouth, or elsewhere, and hath many other spe­ciall vertues, which when I set down the preparation and use of my other chymical medicines shall be further handled.

Of Colkethor or Dead-head.

The kinds. FOr want of time I here come to the last medicine of Vitriol ere I have touched the fourth part. This Colkethor is of two different kinds, the one is from the feces of Aqua fortis, and the other from copperas, after the strong oyle is extracted from it. The first is most in use amongst Chirurgions, and indeed is most fotcible, because there­inThe force or ef­fect of Colke­thor. is a great part of the fixed salt of Salt-peeter, and of Allum mixed with the Coperas; it is a medicine astringent by reason of the coperas and allum, and abstersive by reason of the Salt-peeter, and therefore it is good for to prepare stubborn ulcers to a ciccatrize. Thus for this time I conclude of Coperas.

Sal Absinthii.

SAlt of worm-wood is a cordial medicine, and is very necessary inThe dose for a pestilent fever. the Chirurgions chest. It is very good against the heat of a burning and contagious fever, ʒ ss. thereof taken in a decoction of Centaury best, or in Plantane, or faire water, to which for to amend the tast, you may adde suger a little: give the party at the least three doses ofThe dose for the Dropsie. the medicine at several times, and sweat thereon▪ you shall find it an excellent help also in the dropsy or swellings of the Scurvy, ℈ j. ther­of given first and last on a piece of tosted bread for five daies toge­ther.The quality. It is good and fit to adde a few grains thereof into every cor­dial, for it is Diaphoretick, Diauretick and partly Laxative. It is aThe dose for a Quotidian. Good for stop­ing of the urinal passages. very good medicine against a quotidian fever, ʒ j. thereof taken in Centaury-water, or rather in a decoction of Centaury, and sweat thereon. In all stoppings of urine, it is a sure good medicine taken in wine. Thus much for this time for Sal Absinthii.

Sal Gemmae.

SEarch in the differences and kinds of common Salt for Sal Gemmae.

Sal Nitri.

The purity. IS the Chrystalline salt purified from grosse Salt-peeter, knowne to be pure by that it doth contain no common salt therein, being also wholly combustible▪ of temperament, it is either hot or cold, as isThe Nature. plainly seen by his office and vertue: do I say vertue? yea and vice; both I may say, for in truth for wounding and killing salt goeth be­yond Mercury, this is the dangerous part of gun-powder, which giveth it the force of piercing to the heart, which God deliver all Christians from feeling it, and accursed be that hellish Germane MonkGermane Monk. Europs Doct rs. Sal Nitriof two sorts. which taught it first in Europe. This Sal nitri is either animal or ve­getable, or both, and may also not unfitly be tearmed mineral, grow­ing in mines, and it is every where, for every creature living may be said to have a part thereof: man and beast, I am sure hath a great partThe spacious kingdome of Sal Nitri. of it. It is a most medicinable subiect as any is in the world, and no man can live without it, for our bloud and urine hath it in it, yea, and our very excrements are mixed therewith, it is also in caves, in mountains and plains, and where not?

The inward vertue of Sal Nitri. The dose for Hemoragie. But to leave such discourse, whereto I have not appointed this little time, I say, Sal nitri in the Chirurgions chest is a worthy medicine, and the purer it is, the better it is for all uses: Touching the inward uses thereof, it is good against Hemoragia, or bleeding of a vein, whe­ther it be by the nose, or any inward vein of the body, taken ʒ j. dissol­ved in plantane or fair water.

Helpeth the Calenture. In the Calenture it is approved good to coole the boyling of the blood taken as aforefaid, the dose for a need, if the heat be great may be given every foure houres, or the party may have a barley water rather made, wherein two drachmes or more may be dissolved to drink at will, it will not offend him, onely if he take too great aThe dose. dose at once, it may cause him to vomit, but it will not hurt him. It is the best thing I do know for the furring of the mouth and the throat in fevers, the place gently washed therewith dissolved in water, it presently bringeth away all the whitenesse and furring without of­fence.Cleanseth the mouth furred, used in water. The mouth cleansed, a Lo­tion needful. It is not ungrateful of taste: but so soon as you have taken such furring away, I advise you that you have ready some gentle sanative lotion to inject, to take away the acrimony thereof, for it is abster­gent, and yet without violence or danger; you may use therefore the ordinary lotion one part, faire water two parts, and so inject to cleanse the mouth after the use thereof. I have expressed other uses of Sal Nitri proper in the cure of the Scurvy, to which I referr the Reader.

Of Sulphur in particular.

What it is. SVlphur in particular is that usual Sulphur or Brimstone which with us is common, of which Artists make divers exellent medicines, viz: Flos, Oleum, Lac, Arcanum, and Balsamum Sulphuris, as also Essen­tia Sulphuris, with many other profitable preparations.

The divers ap­pellations of Sulphur. This Sulphur or Brimstone is tearmed the Balsome of the Earth, of some others it is tearmed a Mineral Terbinthine, of other some a Rosin or Gum of the earth, and is plentiful in all the world, for if youThe plenty of Sulphur. but note for one mean instance, the Sea-coles, as we term them, which we burn, even they are full of Brimstone, whereby they kindle so soon, and burn so noysome, that were they not burned in Chim­nies, none could live and indure their Sulphurous fume. As also the Turfs in some places used for fuel, and generally all the earth is re­plenished with Brimstone.

[Page 222] Moreover note, that there is no M ttal, whatsoever it be, as is said, but contains a natural Sulphur in it, othe rwise it were no Metal, forSulpher tht Fa­ther of Metals in truth many of the ancient Writers do affirm that Sulphur is the Father of all Metals, and notwithstanding all Metals contain a part of Brimstone or Sulphur in them; yet we see Sulphur or Brimstone also to be an ordinary substance of it self without the help of any Metal to it. Further it is apparent that Sulphur or Brimstome is of many different kinds as is said, and thus much briefly of Sulphur or Brimstone.

Of Mercury in particul [...].

MErcury is a special name which wise Philosophers of ancient time have thought meet to grace Quick-silver withall, the rea­son whereof in my opinion was, for that Quicksilver is an unstable orMercury taken for Quick-silver. Quick-silver. very medicina­ble. uncertain Metalline substance fugitive, and not well any way to be made fixe or faithful, as trial will teach thee to know. And yet of Quick-silver is made many several sorts of medicines, each in their names and operations much differing, according to their virtues, seve­ral uses and effects which they perform: Sublimed Mercury is calledMercury sub­limate white Mercury. Whereof it is made. onely by the name of Mercury, and by the vulgar speech, some call it white Marcary and Markry. This corrosive medicine is made of Quick-silver, salt, and the Colcother of Vitriol only by sublimation or distil­ling them together with the Quick-silver, which Quic-silver flieth up [Page 227] to the top of the helm or head of the Still, together with the spirits of salt, leaving the substance of the salt, as also the Colcother in theThe subtile quality of Quick-silver. bottome of the glasse which is thereby said to be sublimed, yet ne­verthelesse though it seem easily to be made, let none attempt to make this medicine without good direction or experience, for there is no small danger in the working thereof, and yet it is a good medi­cine well used, and hath much helped the Surgeon in the outward cures of desperate diseases, as namely fistulaes and rebellious ulcers.

Of Precipitate,

How Precipi­tate is made. PRecipitate is also Quick-silver distilled in Aqua fortis, which by rea­son of the strong spirits contained in the violent and fierce vapors of the Aqua fortis or strong water, it is coloured red, or glistering, or yellowish, as experience sheweth▪ the vapors proceeding from this kind of preparation are also dangerous, and so are the medicines made therewith being often without due respect admīnistred, yea ℥j. of Praecipitate one dosse often Pil [...] wise by E [...]pe [...]icks. And again some others which would be esteemed more excellent for invention have this medicine a little removed. And then they style it Tur [...]th, miner­al, attributing thereto the perfect cure of the Pox▪ perswading them­selves none can do like wonders to themselves, but they are children in understanding, and know i [...] not, onely they are opinionated andThe subtilty of Mercury. bold, and more often kill or spoil▪ then heal, as their consciences know; for mercury is a fox, and will be too crafty for fools, yea and will oft leave them to their disgrace, wh [...]n they relying upon so un­certain a medicine, promise health, and in the stead of healing make their Patient worsethen before.

Of Sinabar.

Whereof Sina­brium is made, and the use and abuse thereof. SInabar which is used in fumes for the Pox, is a deadly medicine made half of quick-silver, and half of Brimstone by Art of fire, I mean by distillation: I know the abuse of these three recited medi­cines hath done unspeakable harm in the Common-wealth of Eng­land, and daily doth more and more, working the utter infamy and destruction of many an innocent man, woman, and child, which I would my wits or dilīgence knew to help, for every horse-leech and bawd now upon each tri [...]e will procure a Mercurial flux▪ yea many a pitiful one, whereby divers innocent people are dangerously deluded, yea perpetually defamed and ruinated both of their good names, goods, healths and lives, and that without remedy. Me thinks I could spend much time if I had it, even in setting down the good and bad things of quick-silver, and yet I confess I am too weak to to describe the tenth part of his wonders.

A word or two touching the foure Elements. The foure Elements are Fire, Aire, Water, and Earth. But the division which the Chymists of these times plead for touching the Elements, Josephus Quercitanus expresseth in these words following: saith he, The whole world isThe whole world contain­ed in two globes. What is com­prehended in the superiour Globe. What the inse­riour contain­eth. divided into two Globes, to wit, into the superiour Heaven, which is Aetheriall and Aery, and into the inferiour Globe which containeth the Water, and the Earth. The superiour Globe which is Aetheriall, hath in it fire, lightning, and brightnesse, and this fiery Heaven is one formall and essentiall Element; the water and earth are the other two Elements▪ so he concludes, there is but three, and with him all the Chymists of latter times subscribe, affirming that number most per­fect which agreeth with the everlasting Trinitie.

Paracelsus in a Treatise of his, called Meteorum, cap. 1. mentioning the difference betwixt foure and three Elements, hath these words. Touching fire; saith he, fire which is esteemed▪ one of the foure Ele­mente, can stand with no reason so to be: but as touching the Earth, the Water, and the Aire, they are truly Elements; for they give Ele­ment [...]o man, but as touching fire, it giveth no Element, it hath no part in the breeding of man-kind, for it is well possible for a man to be bred, and to live without fire; but neither without aire, water, nor earth can man live, for in truth from the heavens, by help of the other two Elements doth proceed Summer and Winter, cold and heat, and all nourishment and increase whatsoever without the help of fire. Therefore are the heavens the fourth Element, yea and the first, for the sacred Word sheweth us that in the beginning God made Heaven and Earth, shewing that Heaven was the first made, and in the outward heavens are included the water and earth, which▪ saith Para­celsus, may be compared to wine contained in a vessel, for wine is not gathered and prepared without a vessel first had and ready, proving also many wayes that the fire is included within the Element of Aire, and is no Element of it self. To prove the like opinion, touching the foure Elements, I could rehearse the names of many famous Writers if I had leisure, and that the occasion were worth it, but the question little concerneth the cure of diseases by young Chirurgions, where­fore I will conclude this point my self, intending neither to quarrel for to prove three, nor four, let there be four or three, either of both shall contentme.

De definitione Alchymiae.

Alchymia est ars corpora naturalia mista solvendi, & soluta coagula [...] ad medicamenta gratiora, salubriora & tutiora concinnanda.

The definition of Alchimy.

Alchimy is an Art dissolving natural congealed substances, and again congealing substances dissolved, for the more grateful, whole­some, and safe preparing of medicines for mans body.

Secunda definitio.

Oswaldus Crollius Alchymia est ars perficiendi magisterii & essentias pur as & mistas, sepa­rato corpore extrahendi.

A second definition thereof

Alchymie is an Art which produceth magisterial, and essential me­dicines from mixed bodies.

The parts of Alchymie.

Libanius. The parts thereof by ancient Writers are accounted two, namely,

• Encheriae,
• Alchymiae.

Encheriae is said to be that part which performeth the operative parts of the Art.

Alchymiae is tearmed the mixing and finishing part of the said Sci­ence.

Of the antiquary, the first inventers, and worthinesse of the ex­cellent Art of Alchymy.

IT is recorded by ancient Writers that the first inventer thereof was Tubal Cain, spoken of in the holy Scriptures, who as some Writers say, was called Vulcan, Is enim primus in metallurgia laborasse scribitur. That he did first of all men work in Metals, which is within the scope of Alchymie, and not the least part thereof.

After him as Records witnesse, Hermes also called Mercurius Tris­megistus, an Egyptian king, was a worthy Inventer or founder of Al­chymie, being famous in his daies for the transmutation of metals, whereby certain instrumental parts belonging to the hidden mystery of Alchymie bear their names, that is to say, Vas Hermetis, Pellicanus Hermetis, Sigillum Hermetis, &c. This Hermes as is said by Husius an ancient writer lived king of Egypt about the year of the world 2646. so also in the learned Mesues works is mentioned Pill. Hermat. Hiera Hermetis, &c.

The Art of it self is also called Ars Hermetis, and for the transmu­tation of metals that is also understood with Gebreus Mauritanus to have proceeded from Hermes, the which in this work the Author in­tends not at all to handle, but onely of the inventers of this Art: some writers say, the Arabians, and others the Persians, are thought to be [Page 236] the first that have prepared metals fit for medicines, and also have practised the distlling of Liquors: whence Avicen of Sansano is said to have studied Alchymie, and he maketh mention of Sublimation and precipitation. Also many other Princes and Philosophers moved thereunto no doubt de prescientia Dei, esteemed themselves exceed­ingly graced by the works they performed in that Art for the curing of many infirmities.

Amongst which one of the most famous and so most truly worthy was that excellent Philosopher for art and experience Philippus Theo­frastus Bombast, otherwise named Paracelsus, who descended from a princely family in high Germany, in the countrey or Province of Helvetia commonly called Switherland; upon whose monument, to his perpetual fame is ingraven the verses following.

And whose engraven Motto was: ‘Alterius non sit qui suus esse potest.’ And Bazillius Valentinus seconded him, who having his lights from the former exceedingly beautified the Chymick Art, by composing medicines of unspeakable worth to future ages, far exceeding their worthy predecessors as is manifest; for what comparison can there be betwixt medicines made of vegetables, decocted, contunded or mixed how artificial soever, if compared with Elixers, Quintessences, Tinctors, and like extracts of price, which are not onely dureable for many yeers without change, easie and pleasant to be received into mans body in his greatest weaknesse, but also they excel all Galeni­stical compositions for the eradicating inveterate maladies, as expe­rience more then sufficiently manifesteth. For example, suppose a sweat provoking medicine were to be used of four, six, or eight grains, being a Diaphoretick of gold, or suppose but of Sulphur in or with a fitting vehicle given, as, namely, in a little Mithridate, Conserve of Roses, that by causing a gentle sweat would extinguish a pestilential fever: were it not far easier for the sick to receive into his body then a decoction made of sudorifick herbs, as Carduus An­gelica, or Centaury with Mithridate and syrups justly composed, as in that form is usual, or that an Extract being a Catholicon purgans ten or fifteen grains whereof being extracted from a vegetable, which without any offensive nauseous taste, or bitternesse at all, doth work effectually to the desire of the Artist, suppose you it shall not be as much to the reputation of the Artist, and to the content and pro­fit of the patient, as if he had taken a dose of Diaphenicon, or con­fectio Hamech, with the usual additaments of decoctions or syrups thereunto as vehicles added.

Or that a dose of a Panchiagagon of 20. grains be not far more grateful to a sick stomack, then an ounce of Diacatholicon de succ. Ro­sarum, [Page 237] Confectio Hamech, or the like, it being daily manifest that the very sight of large doses of medicines, although good, are nauseous, and abhorred of the weak stomack, yea that many Patients will en­dure the disease rather then the medicine; whereas on the contrary true prepared Chymick medicines are not onely grateful to be recei­ved into the body, but also, as is said, far excel the others in vertue and potent operation: and whereas the Chirurgion cannot at all times advise with the learned Physician, as fitting and most requisite he should in cases of Physick, where such may be had for the health of his patient, as namely, the Chirurgion being at Sea, and upon long Voiages, or at land in the Camp or Countrey, where learned advice cannot readily be had, they have especial reason if they be men provident to be furnished with such medicines as are small of dose, and light of portage, being also such as do not putrifie, nor in one year change their accustomed natures and vertues, no nor in any Voiage how long soever: all which Chymick medicaments do well perform, yea though they be carried in ships and passe the line more then once.

Whereas few medicines made of Vegetables that are in common practise, though sound from the Apothecaries shops, will be found serviceable upon just occasion if they go but a six monethes voyage, as daily experience sheweth, and as the Reader may easily conceive: wherefore then how needful, precious, and how truly valuable such medicines be, let any indifferent person judge, that being truly made, duely administred, and their doses and uses observed and known.

A further explanation of Alchymy containing a division of Natures whole works into three parts, viz. Animal, Vege­table and Mineral.

OSwaldus Crollius a learned writer, as also Beguinus, and divers others with him of that sort do affirm that tota natura inferior sub Sole in tres partes dividitur, viz. Animalia, Vegetabilia, & Mine­ralia. The whole inferior work of Nature under the Sun is divided into these three principles, viz. into Animal, Vegetable, and Mine­ral creatures. The Animal Creatures are termed or said to be all whatsoever containeth life: the Vegetable creatures are tearmed or meant to be all that which groweth. And under the Mineral part is included all metals, stones, minerals, and whatsoever it be that nei­ther vegetateth, upon the upper face of the earth, nor liveth:and from each of these three, by learned Authors is taught, and by experience is found out, that there is again a threefold substance to be extracted, and perfectly to be made apparent in every of these creatures; and these threefold substances are called Sal, Sulphur, and Mercury: and beginning with the last first, their further definitions follow.

A brief definition of Mercury.

MErcury is a liquid substance sower, or sharp, volatile, penetrable, ayrie, and most pure, from which all nourishment proceedeth, as also all sense, motion, strength, and colour, and the keeping back old age from man, chiefly next the divine operations of God resteth therein, and it agreeth well with the elements of aire and water; for to the former it is subject upon every offered occasion to vanish into the soft aire: to the latter, in that it is very difficultly contained in any straight or certain bound, but easily in a vaste or wide capacitie. Likewise there are that define Mercury to be a liquid substance, that is Eger, Porous, alwaies moveable, often mutable, and ea [...]ily pene­trable, and a body that is most pure and heavenly, most subtile, and of a lively and spiritual substance, being the food of life, and yet a shape, that is also most mutable, concerning his several shapes of all other creatures; whereupon Phalopius tearmeth Mercury, Miraculum naturae mundo, The miracle of Nature in the world. In which de­finition, if the Reader may suppose I speak this of the vulgar Mer­cury, viz. Quick-silver, and the wonderful Imps of his production, he takes me off too short by figure. Wherefore I here conclude the definition of Mercury, and passe to Sulphur.

A brief definition of Sulpur.

SVlphur by the ancient Writers is said to be the balsam of Nature, it is sweet, oyly, and clammy, preserving the natural heat of the body, being the instrumental cause of all strength, of all increasing or generation, of all transmutation, and the fountain and well-spring of all sents both sweet and stinking: and it is compared unto fire, by reason of the flame which it easily gathers, as other gummy and oyly bodies do, and this one thing is proper to it, that it hath force of ma­king fit and conglutinating the greatest contraries; and Beguinus a famous late writer, giveth an example thereof: For, saith he, thou can [...]t never make a fit clay with water and fand, unlesse thou mingle Lyme or some other conglutinating body with it, so neither fleeting Mercury, nor fixed Sal, can by any means be forced into one sub­stance, and framed into one body, but by a band and fetter of Sulphur, which participates through the clammy and viscous substance there­of with both the natures of Sal and Mercury, and so joyneth them into one, to wit, it maketh a true accord betwixt the drynesse of Sal and the moystnesse of Mercury, by the thicknesse and viscousnesse of Sulphur, and so conjoyneth them both joyntly into one body, neither may this Sulph [...]r be taken to be meerly Brimstone, but rather which in truth it is the fatty and combuftible parts of the body, or substance from which it is drawn, be it of what quality soever.

A brief definition of Salt.

SAlt hath a body that is drie, savourie, and bitter, defending both the mixed and unmixed parts from putrefaction; it exceedeth in the faculties of dissolving, and discussing, coagulating, evacuating, and scowring; and yet from Salt is all the vertue of the two last recited principles borrowed, with their tastes, and infinite other excellent properties it have, so as the analogie of it answereth the earth, not be­cause it is merely cold and drie, for in truth Minerals generally have no certain temperaments, nor can be confined truly under the attri­butes, hot, cold, dry, or moist, for that a Mineral is an elementarie body that is of it self firm and fixed; and therefore for his operative excellencie is unsearchable, specifical, and incomprehensible, not to be limited or subjugated to any one temperament, neither to be com­prehended within humane capacitie. This may seem unto the Reader but a strange Paradox, except by a plainer definition it be explained, as namely, whether that the Salt here mentioned is [...]eally Salt, such as is commonly used for salting meat, and also to declare that Sulphur is really Brimstone, and that Mercury hath the name of Quick▪silver generally: Unto all which I answer, They are; And yet as is said, they are not merely so, [...]or that as concerning Salt, each creature hath his peculiar Salt, and each peculiar his appropriate and different facul­tie and vertue. And here I desire t [...] inform the younger men that are Chi [...]urgions, by way of digression, for their better knowledge in avoiding of dangers, that they be exceeding cautelous and warie in the inward use of all Mineral medicines, whose preparations they are not t [...]uely versed in, but chiefly of that great and wonderfull Idol Mercury, not in regard of the great good it daily doth by the judici­ous use thereof, for it is a gracious good thing; but rather I speak in respect of the great hurt and mischief it daily produceth by the abu­sive preparation and administration thereof: but for as much as Mi­neral medicines have their due denominations according to the seven Planets, it will not be impertinent for the younger sort of Chirurgi­ons, that in brief I write somewhat of the seven prime Metals ascribed to the seven Planets.

A briefe Chymicall Narration concerning the seven prin­ciple Metals, denominated according to the seven Planets.

MAny of the prime Authors of the Chymick art have, and that not unfitly, ascribed the seven principle Metals into seven Pla­nets▪ as namely, they have ascribed Gold unto S [...]l, [...]ilver to Luna, Copper to Venus, Iron to Mars, Tynne to Jupiter, Mercury to Quick­silver, and Saturn to Lead, and have nominated them accordingly; and so in generalll explanations of all the learned Chymists, they stand to this day known by the aforesaid attributes. The an [...]ient Phi­losophers Chvmists also have ascribed to each of these seven metals, or rather to the medicines made of them, a certain specificall or [Page 240] more peculiar operative power, or facultie in the curing of the diseases of some one part of mans body more then of another, and namely, unto Sol or Gold and his medicine, is ascribed a specificall facultie or hidden vertue, more exquisite in the cures of the disease of the heart, unto Luna or Silver, the cures of the infirmities of the head, and chiefly of the brain are ascribed; and to Jupiter or Tin, is refer­red the help of the diseases of the Lungs, unto Mercury, or Quick-silver, is ascribed an especiall priviledge in the cures of the disease of the Liver; unto Saturn or Lead, is appointed the healing of the in­firmities of the Spleen; Mars or Iron, is said to cure the griefe of the Kidneyes best, and unto Venus or Copper, is left to heale the de­fects of the Genitals, and this is not onely so esteemed, but also practised accordingly, and that by Authoritie of many famous Wri­ters ratified, as of Josephus Quercitanus, Tho. Muffetus, Jacobus Swingle­rus, and very many other worthy Authors in that Art, the number of which it would be tedious to repeat, in regard that all and each of these Minerals have their severall medicines proceeding, or made out of them, which although they all doe n [...]t alwayes bear the proper name of the Originall Metall from whence they proceed, yet in some sort they doe, and namely, from Sol or Gold proceedeth, Elixer vitae, Aurum Potabile, Aurum Tinctura.

And from Saturn or Lead proceedeth Oleum Saturni, lac virginis, Saccarum Saturni.

Cerusse, and many other good Sanative medicines.

And the like of the rest of the seven Minerals in use, too long to re­peat: and here as by the way you may take notice concerning Saturne or Lead, that all sorts of Lithergie, they are no other thing then Lead meerly, and to be reduced into Lead again; even so Mercury or Quick-silver, which hath these following medicines, and many other pro­fitable preparations descending from it, viz▪

• Essentiade Mercurio.
• Turbith Minerale.
• Mercurius vitae, which is vomative.
• Balsamu [...] Mercurii, a sanative.
• Mercurius Diaphoretic. provoking Sweat.
• Mercurius Diaureticus, provoking Urine.
• Mercurius Laxativus, purging per secessu [...].
• Beazor Minerale, which is different two wayes. viz.
  • Laxance,
  • Vomative.
• [Page 241] Mercurius Dulcis, Specifical in operation.
• Mercurius cum Jove,
• Lac Mercurii,
• Sublimatum, in it self Corrosive, desiccative,
• Pracipitatum, suspected to have been the death of many a man
• Aqua Mercurii ex Mercur: Sublimat: & ex prae [...]ipitat.
• Ablutio Mercurii vitae.
• Oleum Mercurial: Sinabrium: and divers other pre­parations.

And yet to all these apparantly in use may be added divers waters, oyles, liquors, &c. proceeding from this wonder of nature, Mercury; and yet neverthelesse there is scarce one of these medicines, but may be reduced or turned again in his prima substantia, that is to say, those that are really of Argent [...]m vivum into plain Quicksilver, in despite of the old wife that killed it with fa [...]ting spittle; And Sinabrium is a Dog of the same Mercurial kind, being made of Brimstone and Quick­silver sublimed together, and therefore a Coarse and far more dan­gerous medicine then the medic [...]nes of mere Quicksilver in my ap­prehension, for by the only once subliming thereof with ☿ Sulphur it begetteth a Corrosive or venemous qualitie, as all experienced Ar­tists well know Mercurius sublimate doth, and that a fierce on [...]: there­fore though some have counselled to themselves, that supposed safe but most pernitious medicine, that they have found as a rare devised secret by the mutation of Mercury into Sinabrium, let them know, be they old or young Artists, that it is a divellish, deadly, coarse medi­cine, no way safe nor fitting to enter in, or to be put into mans body. I fear I may trouble your patience in dwelling too long upon this false fellow Mercury, whom fully to discover with all his miraculous effects, especially if I should unfold all his perfidious clusions and treacheries against the poore Patients that are under his dominion, that onely subject would fill a large Volume, and yet I must ever confess, as I have said elsewhere, I have found him my good friend many times at a pinch▪ yet let no Artist that truely feareth God be too bold with him: for that Mercury (under the Rose be it spoken) is a cruel Man-slaier, and hath wounded, defamed, yea, and murthered thou­sands in corners, yea and doth play the Devil daily both in Citie and Countrie; and that under a vizard of vertue, yea and sometimes under the Rose doth it Cum privilegio Magistra [...]is, upon whose guilt­lesse corps so transferred into Abrahams bosome no earthly Jurie passeth. For it is then too late to call to mind whether Art or Nature were too blame, or by which the errour proceeded: for, under fa­vour be it spoken, sometimes it is cast upon the knave Mercury▪ which then he ever retorts it upon the Imposer: and he the Impostor, like a jugler, blames poore Venus with the cause, but how true God knoweth▪ yet she, prettie poore shamefast soul, being amazed and abashed, knowing her selfe to be a sinner, yet conceiving it un­mercifull [Page 242] that her sweet lover and friend should die by the cruell hand of a murtherer Mercury, for a little sweet pleasure; she hath no wit to lay it where truely it should be, but plead Ignoramus, conceiving yet dares not say that some of the greater Planets, as Sol, or Luna, by their gliddering shews wrought with some body that perhaps igno­rantly put that Idol Mercury by Vulcans means, to play the Dragon. And so no more of that, Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum, &c. leaving suggestions and conceits, and may be's.

We will again to our intended scope, namely, to speak of better things, concerning the secrets of the Art, and leaving the errours of Impostors with all their base and dangerous elusions and abuses, and proceed to the information of the well disposed younger artists. And in this place considering that Mercury is appointed and appropriated, as formerly is expressed, to the cure of the diseases of the Liver. I can­not but put the Reader in minde to admire the exceeding deep wise­domeProv. 7. 6. to the end. of that most prudent King Solomon, as appeareth in the Proverbs, in his description of the whorish woman, who after his setting forth of her dangerous wiles and cunning inticements for the intrapping of the foolish young man, he thus concludes: The young man goeth after her as an Oxe to the slaughter, or as a fool to the stocks, till a dart strike through his Liver; or as a bird hasteth to the snare, not knowing it is for his life: and concludes, her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. In which attributes of Mercu­vie, as aforesaid, to the healing of the Liver, it seems to me Mercury is as it were by God and Natures appointment prefigured and enjoyned for the healing of the foolish young man that had the dart strucken through his Liver; for I am confident that dart was by Solomon meant the contagious disease of the French pox, which by coitu vel contact [...], the poor fool gained by his folly from the whorish woman; for that the learned and expert artist, not onely by the pulse and the urine, but by the complaint of the Patient, yea and by his very countenance may gather his disease, and that Solomons Dart hath stricken his Liver even with the pox. For in the perfect cure whereof, the Liver is first to be rectified, for the which work I had almost said Mercury is beyond comparison, if he be well guided by the experienced artist: But if o­therwise, Mercury is a Dragon, who for healing and killing hath no fellow, as I formerly have denoted more then once. And whereas it is vulgarly alledged that Chymick medicines prepared of Minerals, and namely of Mercury, are dangerous and deadly, it is not denied but that they are so, if that by art (purū ab impuro) the pure from the impure be not separated; but this advantage the true Chymist saith he hath, that in the preparing of his medicines he can take the pure from the impure. Whereas even by the books of Hippocrates, Galen, Diascorides, and very many of the most reverend ancient Writers it is manifest, witnesse Antidotarium Mirspitium, and many other works and dis­pensatories which testifie that they themselves have not at all, so much as undertaken to separate purum ab impuro, but have made and ad­ministred many Minerall medicines being of crude and unpurified [Page 243] substances amongst the rest. Bondeletius used to give crude Mercury in pills to robust bodies to kill worms, and for the pox: and Crato a famous Physitian to three Emperors, is said to have used to admini­ster Zinabrium for the giddinesse of the head. Julius Alexandrinus, Matthrolus and Gesnerus, these all used to give crude Copperas in Fluxes, as witnesse Beguinus, and Falopius used crude filings of Iron in menstruous obstructions, also in the Jaundise; and crude Sulphur in the effects of the Lungs. The premises therefore considered, judge then if the true prepared Chymick medicines given with judgement be not far more noble and worthy in themselves then they aforesaid, and the rather to be embraced, in that it is daily manifest, that the Galenistical preparations of vegetable medicaments fail much in their ascribed or prescribed vertues, especially with our Sea Chi­rurgions, as is said in forraign parts, to the danger, yea and to the losse of many of their Patients; yet not in the least excusing of the abuses by false prepared Chymick medicines, and the harm they produce by their unskilful preparations, and the absurd administration of them, alluding whereunto divers worthy and famous Writers have menti­oned caveats, and namely, Laurentius Hofmanes, a learned German Chymist in his book entituled De vero us [...] & sero abusu medic [...]men­torum Chymicorum: he useth these words following as an instance of the danger of a false Chymick medicine.

An History. A false Chymick medicine prepared unduely, and so given (saith he) may not unfitly be compared to certain dangerous subtil Rats in India, which by nature do watch the Crocodile of those parts, which usually sleeps with his mouth wide open, and these Rats being smooth and soft in their entrance, do not awake the poor Crocodile at all, but go in at his mouth very smoothly, and easily without trou­bling him by taste, touch, or smell; yet neverthelesse, after they are got quietly into his bowels, forthwith they with their divellish sharp small teeth, begin to bite the poor Crocodile, and in a small time they do so corrode his entrals, that they make their own way out at their pleasure, by the killing the poor creature, and that if not immediately, yet by a languishing deadly disease, they perform their divellish end by perforating his entrals, and so that improvident creature dyeth.

The occasion of the aforesaid Author, his alledging this compa­rison, proceeded by reason such an Indian Rat, or rather in truth by a false Mineral medicine put into the body of a Brother of his, as he affirmed, which very smoothly went in at his mouth, but within a short time had cruelly effected the killing of the party. Also to the same purpose, one Forestus of Paris a learned Writer affirmeth upon his knowledge, that thousands of people in that city, have dyed by ta­king of dangerous, & not well prepared Mineral, & for the most part Mercurial medicines, and one Crato an ancient Writer also affirmeth, that he kept a note of above eighty persons, which to his knowledge had been killed absolutely in one year in the City where he dwelt, by one Impostor, and that by the onely giving of Turbith Mineral, [Page 244] and yet of these but very few, but become or seemed for a moneth or two, to have been well cured of their diseases, and yet after a small time they languished away and dyed, some of Consumptions, others of more fearful accidents by that most pestiferous Indian Rat, be it for Sal, Sulphur, or Mercury, unduly prepared.