The first part of the Key of Philosophie.
Wherein is contained moste exexcellent secretes of Phisicke and Philosophie, deuided into twoo Bookes.
In the firste is shewed the true and perfect order to distill, or drawe forthe the Oiles, of all manner of Gummes, Spices, Seedes, Rootes, and Herbes, with their perfect taste, smell, & vertues.
In the seconde is shewed the true and perfect order to prepare, calcine, sublime, and dissolue all maner of Mineralles, and how ye shall drawe forthe their Oiles and Saltes, whiche are moste wonderfull in their operations, for the health of mannes bodie. First written in the Germaine tongue by the moste learned Theophrastus Paraselsus, and now published in the Englishe tongue by Ihon Hester practitioner in the Arte of distillation. 1580.
AT LONDON. Printed by Richard Day, to be sold at the long Shop at the West ends of Paules.
To the righte reuerende Father in GOD, and his singular good Lord Ihon Watson, by the grace of God Bishop of Winchester, and Prelate of the right honourable order of the Garter. I. H. wisheth healthe and peace, and long life in Iesus Christ.
PRetie and pithie is the tale (my good lorde) that Plato tells in his Protagoras, and somewhat appliable to my prsent purpose, and therefore not absurd for me to sett doune, to the better preferment of my pretence. Emong other his excellent inuentions (as he is in all his thinges moste like hymself still verie diuine) he sheweth [Page] how Joue looking doune frō Heauen with a pitifull regarde, vpon the harde and vntowarde condition of men, seeyng the sondrie calamities, and infinite miseries that they were subiect vnto, while yet they liued sauage like beastes amongst beastes, euery man leadyng his life after the leuell of his owne lust: tooke order straight with his winged messenger Mercurie, to descende doune with expedition, with trauell to collecte and gather together the dispersed multitude, that so vnited they might bothe bee stronger to defende them selues from the bruite beastes their common enemie: [Page] & lincked as it were in a bodie pollique, each presented as wel with the daily viewe of his owne want, as the continuall showe of like lacke in others, might with ioynt assent and consent (as driuen by necessitie) endeuor to driue necessitie from themselues. For the spedier accomplishyng whereof, he had in charge to establishe a law, that if any amongest them weare founde vnfurnished with Iustice, and voide of shame fastnesse: the same should bee accompted as an vnprofitable Droane among labouryng Bees, and should suffer punishement accordyngly. A worthie tale, and fit so worthie a Philosopher. [Page] By the which he liuely deliuered in generall tearmes, that whiche wee daiely finde in particulare proof: to weete, no common wealth, nor societie to continewe long happie where the members & partes therof either for loue of iustice, or feare of shame are not like affectioned eche other. Now least J should seeme to allowe of this tale in speeche, and to dislike it in practise, J haue presumed by this bare translation, to testifie my forwardnesse in furtheryng her that fosters me. And yet is not my trā slatiō so bare (my good lorde) but that it carrieth in it more plainnesse to the readers, then perhapps [Page] thei shall finde in the first writer: For beside that J haue culled out their choise thynges, J haue from the same choise proined, and cut of their superfluities, I haue supplied their defectes, J haue laied open their obscuritie, and I haue shadowed their defaultes, neither yet arrogating to my self, nor derogatyng from them, but as Dies diem docet, so Experimentū experiendo confirmatur. VVhat my trauaile herein shall profite, J knowe not: but sure J am my trouble in the triall of them hath been great, my expēces large, my proofs painfull, and nothing at all herein pleasant saue onely a little knowledge that [Page] I haue gott, aboue the capacitie of the common sort, a thing sure that I value farre aboue the price that it coste me. VVhich knowledge in deede such is my grosnesse, or such the subtilnesse of the matter it self that I cā easilyer by demōstration shew it, then by declaration teach it: and therefore dare I not vnder credite warrant perspicuitie to all mē, but to those that are Filij artis. I promise more then I founde, and yet founde J more then thei hauing would willingly lose: to the residue I maie saie, that as hennes sit, but hatche not chickens in one daie: so men read, but learne not artes in one daie. To you my good [Page] Lord, whose countenance herein I craue for protection, whose iudgement and skill I appeale to for fauor, I must needes confesse thei are not written (although loth to haue them masterlesse like their master, J am ouer bolde, to shroude them vnder your winges) to you J saie thei are not written, except ouerladen with the deepe & graue misteries of higher and more heauenly Philosophie, it maie please you for delight, now and then to looke doune into the plentifull and pleasant storehouse of Nature, a matter no doubt [...] that all your whole life time [...]ue been singularly delighted [...]as most plainly do [Page] declare the singularitie, that you haue happely attained vnto in all and euery the partes of her, no lesse to your great cōtent at home, then to your like cōmendation abroad: which because I can neither praise to your desarte, nor in praisyng please your desire, I leaue to speake farther of: only desiring your good lordship with your wonted clemē cie, to accept of this small testimonie of my great good will, assuring your self, that emongst the greate number of your well willers, there is no one more duetifull then your pore
EXperiēce the daughter of Tyme, the mother of Wisedom, the rewarde of trauell, and the onely iewell of a fewe the wiser, is commonly good Reader sette out at so high a price, & valewed at so deare a peneyworth, that she hath euer moe cheapners then Chapmen, moe lookers on her, then likers of her: and yet is she bought of some, though one dram of her cost them a whole pound of repentance. To discende into the particulars, were but to tye thee to awearisome tale, and to leade thee along through a tedious Laborinth, stuft full of examples of former age: a matter alreadie so open to the viewe of the whole world, that for me to stirre farther therin, were but to sette a light Candle in the bright sunn. Onely for proof, it may please thee good Reader to admitte the instance in my self. When I began first to shake hāds with the varietie of delightes, that vnstayed [Page] youth, are commonly caried awaie with: & looking back (as it were ouer my shoulder) saw the vast Sea of sugered miseries that I had waded through: I then began to thinke it high tyme to set doune a surer compasse to direct the remnant of the course that I haue yet to runne. And although at that tyme I caried in my purse sufficient wealth to support my callyng, in my bodie sufficiēt health to maintaine my life: and these both so reasonable as might haue satisfied a reasonable man, (were not Natura hominū nouitatis auida) yet found I neither such content in the one, nor the other, as might longer cōtent me to continue in that state. But drawne on a while by this instinct or infection (I know not whither to call it) I was driuen at last by a greedy kinde of Ielosie, to enuie the store that I saw in others, in respect of mine owne penurie: and therwithall I fell into consideration how I might become one of the small nomber of those, whō the [Page] greatest number wondred at. To enter the straight path that many the learned had happely to their greate commendation perfectly troden, I saw it almoste vnpossible: vnlesse peraduenture I should get me where the Muses dwell, to Oxforde and Cambridge: and there puttyng my self a prentize seuen yeares, to the seuen liberall sciences, might afterwarde become as long iourney man I can not tell to whome: & in the end (as too many the learned do) get I can not tel what. This course yeelded so course a liking, as I soner passed ouer it, then into it: and castyng about again with my self, I was combred with a hundreth other odde crochettes, all as farre beyond the compasse of my reache, as they were shorte of the condition of my liking: till at length in the midst of this muse, I mette in my mynde with two suche Minions, as in my conceipt were the onely Paragons of the rest: the one gallant and gorgeous garnished with golde and siluer, bedect with [Page] iewelles, sole Ladie and gouernesse of all the riche Mynes and Mineralles that are in the bowelles of the yearth: the other sweete and odoriferous, adorned with flowers & hearbes, beautified with delicate Spices, sole Ladie and regent of all the pleasant thinges that growe vpon the face of the yearth. These I vowed to serue and to honour, euen to the losse of life and lim: neither haue I greatly broken promise with thē, though they haue not kept touch with me. Goodly and many golden Mountaines they promised me, mary hitherto haue scantly performed any leaden Molehilles. But howsoeuer the bargaine stande betweene them and me, I am neither disposed to accuse them, nor to excuse my self. We agreed vpon wages, and I weare their liueries: their cognisance such as it is, I beare wheare I am not ashamed to showe it: diuers and sondrie their affaires haue thei employed me in, in the whiche I haue faithfully, painfully, and chargeably [Page] applied my self, & haue attained by their instructions (to myne owne destruction almoste) many their hidden secretes as well in Metalles, and Mineralles, as in Hearbes and Spices: parte wherof I haue diligently collected together, and for non paiment of my boordwages at their hands am forced to set them with the residewe of my skill to sale, with offer to thee (good Reader) of preferment to the best thinges I haue: yet at a far easier price then they cost me, beyng no lesse my Sūma Summarum cast vp, and the foote of my accompt set doune, then the wastyng out of my former health, and the wearyng of the little wealth I had. So that what experiences soeuer I haue digged out of harde stones, blowne out from hot fire, raked out from foule ashes, with greate cost and greater trauaile, that hast thou heare in my booke to see, and in my shop to vse with greate ease at thy commaundement.
A TRVE AND perfect Order to make Oyles out of al maner of Gummes, Spices, Seedes, Rootes, and Hearbes. Whereunto is added some of their vertues gathered out of sondrie Auctors.
To make Oyle of Masticke.
TAke the purest Mastick that maie be got whiche is not mixed with Sādrake or such like, & beate it to pouder, then put it into a glasse with a long necke, and put therein as much pure Aqua vitae as will couer it three fingers high, and thē stop it close that it take no ayre, then set it in warme Horsedoung, or in a softe Balneo, vntill it be dissolued: then powre it into a glasse, and put therein asmuche Wine as you shall thinke good, and distill it with a heade, and receiuer in sande, with a small fire, and you shall receiue both oyle and water [Page] together, the whiche you shall separate one from another. Then increase your fire, and there will come foorthe another oyle whiche smelleth somewhat of the fire, and is beste to bee vsed outwardly. Ye maie rectifie it againe with a small fire, and so it will come sweete.
The vertues of this oyle. It is excellent against all colde diseases of the Mawe: It comforteth the Liuer and the Lites, and all other inwarde partes of the bodie. Beyng drounken it helpeth chose that vomit or spit blood. It consumeth and breaketh all inwarde sores. This oyle being anoynted on the bellie it stoppeth the Flixe, it stoppeth womēs tearmes, it is also good for the mother that is fallen doune, if you anoynte it therewith, and the vnderparte of the bellie. It is good for young children whose arse gutte commeth foorthe, if you annoynte it therewith, and put it vp againe. It is also good for those that are burst if you anoynte them therwith, and let them weare a trusse fitte for that purpose. It helpeth freshe woundes very quicky if you annointe them therewith, and laie thereon a clothe weate [Page] in the same. It fasteneth the teethe if you annoynte the gummes therewith. It comforceth a weake stomacke and causeth good disgestion if you annoynte it therewith.
This Oyle hath all the vertues of Masticke, but it is an hundreth tymes of more force.
¶ To make Oyle of Mirra.
TAke pure Mirra that is new and fatte, sixe ounces and putte it into a glasse with a lōg necke, and put thereon twelue ounces of pure rectified Aqua vitae, then lute the glasse fast, and set it in Horsedung vntill it bee dissolued. Then powre it into an Vrinall with a head and a receiuer, and distill awaie the Aqua vitae in Balneo, with a softe fire, and the Oyle will remaine in the bottome, the whiche straine through a fine clothe, and keepe it in a glasse. His vertues are these.
This Oyle by his naturall vertue preserueth all thynges from putrifaction that [Page] is annoynted therewith: Likewise the face and handes beyng annoynted therewith, it preserueth them in youthfull state, a long tyme. It helpeth all stinkyng sores and woundes quickly: It helpeth paines of the eares, if it be put therein. It preserueth the sight of the eyes, if you putte one or twoo droppes therein. It helpeth al paines of the Moother if it be annoynted therewith. It staieth the heare from fallyng. If any bee troubled with a Feuer, lette hym annoynte his whole bodie therewith, and laie hym doune to sweate. This Oyle drieth and consumeth all accidentes after birthe. Beyng dronke it maketh a sweete breath, and helpeth the cough, it is good against shorte winde: it helpeth the Stitche in the side if you drinke thereof one dram. It stoppeth the fluxe of the bellie. It maketh a cleane voyce: The armepittes beyng annoynted therewith, it taketh awaie the stinche from those partes. If ye mixe it with Wine and washe the mouth therewith, it will comfort the gummes and fasten the teethe. It is also good for woundes in the heade.
If thou wilte vse this Oyle to preserue [Page] any parte, you shall vse it in this order, first make a bathe with some sweete hearbes, and then holde that parte the which you wil preserue ouer the fume, that the powres maie open, then drie it with a liunen clothe, and then annoynte it with this Oyle and chafe it in: that being doen, if there remaine any yellownesse of the Oyle, ye maie washe it awaie with white Wine. This Oyle would bee occupied when you are in the Stue or Hothouse.
¶ To make Oyle of Storax liquida.
TAke the purest Storax that you can gette, and put it into a glasse with a long necke, & set it in horsedunge for a moneth, then take it forthe and distill it in an Vrinall that hath a wide mouthe, in sande, with a gentle fire, and you shall haue bothe oyle and water, the whiche you shall separate, and keepe to thy vse.
Rifius writeth in his greate booke of distillations, that this oyle hath the same vertues that the Oyle of Mirra hath: but that it is a little more hotter and pearsyng.
To make Oyle of Storax Calamite.
THis Oyle maie bee made diuerse waies, of the whiche I will shewe you the beste. Take the pureste Storax that you can finde, and beate it into pouder, then put it into a long necked glasse, & put thereon pure rectified Aqua vitae, and lute the glasse, then sette it in warme dounge, or in a softe Balneo a monethe. Then distill it in Sande with a small fire, and thou shalte haue bothe oyle and water, the whiche you shall separate. You shall vnderstande, that towardes the ende of the distillation, there will ascende a certaine matter like Manna, the whiche is pleasaunt.
The vertues of this Oyle. Three or fower droppes beeyng drunke, it comforteth the breaste and lunges, and all inward partes: it helpeth the paines of the Mother if it be drunke, and also annoynte those partes therewith. It stoppeth the rewme that falleth to the breaste and necke: This beeyng drunke, it maketh a manne merrie, and of [Page] light courage, but beware you take not to muche. If you put twoo or three droppes into the eares, it taketh awaie the syngyng in them.
To make Oyle of Beniamin.
THis is made as you made the oile of Storax Calamite, and is onely vsed in perfumyng: Some distill this Beniamine with Rose water but I thinke it will not be so perfect in smel nor so easily doen.
To make Oyle of Galbanum.
TAke the purest Galbanum that thou canst gette, and put it into a glasse, close luted: then sett it in Balneo Mariae vntill it bee dissolued, then distill it with a softe fire, and then will come forth a faire yellow oyle, thē increase the fire, and then will come forthe a red stinkyng oyle, the whiche ye shall separate.
This oyle being dronke, is good against an olde cough, and for suche as are shorte winded, and can not easily drawe their [Page] breathe, but are alwaies pantyng and breathyng. It is also verie good for suche as are broken, and brused within, and against crampes, and shrinkyng of sinowes. This oyle beeyng dronke in wine with Oyle of Mirra, is good againste all venome dronken, or shotte into the bodie with venemous dartes, or arrowes. Beeyng taken in the same order, it prouoketh womens termes, and deliuereth the dead childe. It hath the same vertue, if a perfume thereof be receiued in the secrete partes. This perfume dooeth also helpe women that are greeued with the risyng, or stranglyng of the Mother, and them that haue the fallyng sickenesse, and beeyng laied to the nauell, it causeth the Matrix or mother, that is remoued from his naturall place, to settle again. This Oyle dooeth mollifie and soften, and draweth forth thorns, splinteres, or shiuers, and cold humours, beeyng mixed with any conuenient vnguent. It is good to annoint the side against the stoppyng and hardnesse of the Milte. The perfume or sent of this Oyle, driueth awaie Serpentes from the place where it is burned: and no venemous [Page] beastes haue power to hurte suche, as bee annointed with the oyle of Galbanum, and if ye mixe this oyle with the roote of Angelica, or the seede or roote of Spondilium, and touch any Serpent or venemous beast therewith, it causeth them to dye.
To make Oyle of Sagapenum.
TAke this Gumme and dissolue it in strong wine, in Balneo Mariae, and then distill it in Sande with a gentle fire.
This Oile is good for the stitche in the side: It taketh awaie the cough that hath continued long: It helpeth the swellyng of the breast, whereby the breathe is stopped. It is very good against the crāpe: It warmeth the ioyntes, and helpeth the paines of the hippes, and all suche like diseases commyng of cold. It is good for women that haue greate paine in their childbedde, if you annoint the nosethrelles therewith: For it driueth for the bothe the quicke and the dead fruite quickly: beeyng drunke with wine it helpeth against poyson, and is also good against [Page] the bityng of an Adder: beyng putte into thee eye it taketh awaie spottes: You shal note, that women with child must take greate heede of this Oyle.
To make Oyle of Opoponax.
THis is made as is aforesaied, and his vertues are these.
If you drinke three or fower droppes with Wine, it helpeth the Cough and all impedimentes of the Milte. It helpeth also all impedimentes of the Blather, and clenseth it of all scabbes and sores: It helpeth the Stitche in the side. It causeth speedie deliuerie in women with childe. It helpeth against winde in the Matrixe, and dissolueth the hardnesse of those partes, and causeth the paine to cease.
To make Oyle of Euphorbium.
THis is made as is saied afore, and his vertues are these.
Ye shall note that this Oyle is not to bee occupied inwardly, by reason of [Page] his greate heate: excepte it bee mixed with some other thyng, as if it bee mixed with Honnie it purgeth the bellie marueilosly. It helpeth those that are troubled with obliuiousnesse, if ye annoynte the partes therwith: It draweth forthe Thornes and such like out of the fleshe: it helpeth the bityng of an Adder: It is also good for stifnesse of the ioyntes commyng of colde, if ye annoynte the partes therewith.
To make Oyle of Ambre or Succinum.
TAke Ambre and beate it to pouder, & put it into a glasse with a heade and a receiuer, and distill it in Sande with a gentle fire, and there will come forth both Oyle and water, the which ye shall separate one from another.
This Oyle beyng perfectly distilled, is good against paines of the heade, and resolution of sinnewes, and against swimmyng in the heade, and fallyng sicknesse. If ye drinke thereof thrée or fower droppes in the [Page] mornyng with Pionie water, it preserueth a manne from all poysones and pestiferous ayres, if ye annoynte the nostreilles therewith, or put it into some medicine fitte for that purpose. It is excellente against diseases of the Blather and Raines, and driueth forth the Stone, and prouoketh vrine, if ye drinke it with Malmesie, or Parcelie water, or suche like. It helpeth the Collike and chokyng of the Matrixe, if you anoynte the partes therewith. It driueth forthe the fruite, and causeth a woman to bée faire deliuered, if she drinke thrée or fower droppes, it is good against all fluxes of the heade.
To make Oyle of Amoniacum.
TAke this Gumme and put it into a glasse, close luted: and sette it in warme dunge, or in Balneo Mariae, vntill it bee dissolued, then distill it in Sande with a head and a receiuer, and thou shalte haue bothe oyle and water, the whiche ye shall separate one from an other: ye shall vnderstande that there will come foorthe more water then oyle, as I [Page] haue proued many tymes.
This Oyle helpeth the cough comming of moysture: it purgeth the breaste, and helpeth Vlcers in that place, three or fower droppes being taken in an Egge: it helpeth paines in the side, if ye annoynte it therewith. It dissolueth all hardnesse and swellynges, and taketh awaie the paines of the goute. If ye mixe this oyle with as muche Oyle of Galbanum, and a very little Oyle of Wormwood, and annoynte the Milte, it taketh awaie all the paines: beeyng mixed with Oyle of Wormwood, and annoynted in the Nauill it killeth wormes.
To make Oyle of Sarcocolla.
THis is an excellent Balsame against all woundes, and filleth them with fleshe: it purgeth all olde sores, with out paine and smarte, it breaketh hard Impostumes, it helpeth all runnyng eyes, if you vse it in a Collirie it helpeth wheales in the eye liddes: Beyng drunke with wine it helpeth the rewine that falleth to the teeth, and for that cause it is vsed of those that are [Page] troubled with aboundaunce of flegmatike humors: You shall note that this Oyle is specially vsed in freshe woundes and olde sores. This oyle is made as you made the oyle of Serapynum.
To make Oyle of Castoreum.
TAke the fattest that thou canst gette and stampe it well, then put it into a glasse, and set it to putrifie in Balneo Mariae fiue or sixe daies, then distill it with a softe fire, and thou shalte haue an excellent Olye.
This is good against all colde Crampes and Palsies, beyng mixed with Rewe and Vineger: and putte into the nosethrilles it comforteth the braine, and taketh awaie paines of the head. Beyng anoynted on the necke and also drunke with Wine, it helpeth muche those that are troubles with the fallyng sicknesse: It helpeth convulsions and paines of the sinewes, if you annoynte them therwith: beyng drunke with Pepper and Hidromell, it prouoketh womens termes and also the fruite, it warmeth colde [Page] places, it is also excellent against Appoplexia, it helpeth those that are deaffe, it moueth venery. It helpeth the Collike, and the suffocation of the Matrixe, and strengtheneth the naturall partes.
To make Oyle of Frankencense.
TAke Frankencense as muche as you will, & put it into a retorte of glasse, well luted: And put therevnto for euery poūde of stuffe, fower ounces of cleane sande, and then distill it with a gentle fire, vntill all the substaunce be come forthe, and thou shalte haue bothe water and Oyle, the whiche ye must separate.
The water is good against winde in the stomacke if it bee drunke: it is also good for choppes in the handes and feete, if ye washe them therewith, and annoynte them with the oyle against the fire, and straight waies put on a paire of gloues, and so doing thrée tymes, thei shalbe hole.
This Oyle helpeth simple woundes in three or fower daies, if ye annoynte them therewith, and laie thereon a clothe weate [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [Page] in the same, it preserueth all fleshe from putrifiyng and alteration, and taketh awaie the paine: It helpeth all aches and bruses if ye anoynte them therewith, Ye shal note that you must vse no tente where you occupie this oyle, but washe the wounde cleane and ioyne it or stitche it close together, and them laie thereon a clothe weate in thesame, for if ye fall a tentyng, ye make worke for the Surgeon.
To make Oyle of Turpentine.
TAke pure and cleane Turpentine as muche as you will, and put it into a glasse, so that three parts be emptie, and putte therein a certaine quantitie of sande, as muche as you shall thinke good, then distill it in sande with a softe fire, and there will come forthe fewer licours: The one is a cleare water, the other a cleare oyle, the th [...]de a yellowe oyle, the fowerth a dedde and stinkyng, the whiche a number of Poticaries doe sell in steade of Baulme: Ye shall note that the firste Oyle is hot, the second hotter, the thirde hottest of all, and [Page] not so good to occupie inwardly, as the first.
Falopius in his booke of secretes writeth, that this oyle wil helpe fresh woundes in fower and twentie houres, if ye anoynte them therewith, and laie thereon a cloathe weate in the same. It is good againts contraction of sinnewes commyng of colde: it prouoketh Vrine, if ye drinke one dram of the firste Oyle in white Wine: it breaketh winde in the bodie, and dissolueth the Plurisie and Pestilent Feuer: it prouoketh an appetite if ye annoynte the stomacke therwith. It helpeth against colde deseases of the Mawe, and helpeth a stinckyng breath, and the cough.
To make Oyle of Waxe.
TAke new yellowe Waxe asmuch as you shall think good, and melt it on the fire, then powre it into sweete Wine, and wring it betweene your handes, then melte it againe, and powre it into Wine againe, and this you shall doe fiue or sixe tymes at the leaste, and euery tyme you must haue freshe Wine, then at [Page] the laste you shall putte it into a retorie of glasse, well luted with his receiuer, and distill it in Sande, and there will come forthe a faire yellowe Oyle, the whiche will congele like pappe when it is colde. Ye shall vnderstande that for euery pounde of waxe, ye shall putte thereto fower ounces of the pouder of brickes into the glasse.
Raymonde Lullie greatly commendeth this oyle, approuyng it rather to be a celestiall or deuine medicine, then humaine; for because this in woundes woorketh moste miraculusly, which for his maruelouse commoditie, is not so wel to be vsed of the common Chirurgion: Because this preciouse oyle healeth a wounde be the same neuer so bigge or wide, beeyng afore wide stitched vp, in the space of aleuen daies or twelue at the most: But those are small this oyle healeth in three or fower daies, by annoyntyng onely the wounde therewith, and laiyng thereon a cloth weate in the same.
Also for inwarde diseases this oyle worketh miracles: For if you giue one dram at a tyme to drinke with white wine, it staieth the sheadyng of the heare, either on the heat [Page] or bearde, by annoyntyng the place therewith: Moreouer it is excellent in prouoking of vrine which is stopped: it helpeth stitches and paines in the loynes, if you drinke the foresaied quantitie with white Wine: It helpeth the colde goute or Sciatica, and all other greefes commyng of colde. Ye shall vnderstande, that if you rectifie this oyle it will congele no more, but then it will be to hotte to take inwardlie, for it pearceth meruelously, and is good to bee mixed with other medicines to cause them to pearce the better.
To make Quintessence of Honey.
YOu shall vnderstande that Honey is licoure rather diuine then humane, because it falleth from heauen vpon the hearbes, and is suche a swéete thing, that the like can not bee founde vppon the yearth. And this Raimonde Lullie calleth the flower of flowers, because Bees gather it vpon the flowers in the fielde. And truely it is a moste straunge thyng if wee would consider well [Page] the qualitie of honey and waxe: and therefore the wise Baruch Arabico in the Academie of Auicene did wright this sentence, Mel dētro, & olio di fuori, satisfiyng vs by this, that honey and oyle were the first two licours in the worlde. And truely it is so if we consider well, as it niaie well be proued by holie Scripture.
The order to make this Quintessence is thus. Take twoo pounde of perfect pure Honey, and put it into a greate glasse, that fower partes of fiue maie remaine emptie: Lute it well with a head and receiuer, and giue it fire vntill there appeare certaine white fumes, whiche you shall turne into water with weatyng of clothes in cold water, and laiyng them on the receiuer, and head: and thei will turne into water of a red colour like blood. When it is all distilled, keepe the glasse close shut, and let it stande till it bee cleare, and in the colour of a Rubine. Then distill it in Balneo Mariae at leaste sixe or seauen tymes, and so it will lose his red colour, and remaine in the color of golde hauyng a greate smell, and so pleasaunt that the like can not bee founde in the [Page] worlde.
This Quintessence dissolueth golde, and maketh it potable, and like wise any sorce of Iewel that is putte therein. It is of suche vertue that if any bee a diyng, and drinke two or three drammes thereof, presently he will recouer, as the Quintessence of Wine will doe. If you washe any wounde therewith, or other sore, it will heale quickly. It is also good against the Cough, Cattarre, and paines of the Milte, and many other diseases whiche I will not speake of: for but fewe, and thei were hardly, wyll beleeue the greate vertue and operation thereof.
I gaue this sixe and fortie daies vnto one that had the Palsie, and he was holpen. It helpeth also the fallyng sicknesse, and preserueth the bodie from putrefaction, so that by these you maie perceiue that it is a celestiall medicine. If therefore any vertuouse man would take a little paine, in the experience hereof, he shall doe wonderfull thinges, as many tymes I haue doen, so that the people deemed that I wrought by Inchauntment, when as in deede I did it by vertue of this licour, ministryng the [Page] same so priuiely that thei could not see it, which fell out to my greate honour, and benefite of the sicke, as you shall reade in my Thesauro della vita humana: And therefore I would wish them that professe Phisicke, and Chirurgerie to vse suche experience, whereby commeth honor and gaine to the Phisition, and profite to the patient.
To make Oyle of Lignum vitae or Guaicum.
TAke the freshest Wood that thou canst get, and make it in pouder, then putte it into a vessell of glasse well luted, and set it in horse dounge, or in Balneo to disgest, then take it forthe and distill it with a gentle fire, as thou wouldest distill, Nutmegges, and thou shalte haue both Oyle and water, the whiche thou shalt separate by them selues: then take the feres and put it into a newe earthen pot, and set it in a furnesse of reuerberatione, vntill it be burnt into ashes, then take that ashes and make thereof a lye with Fumetarie water, and when thou seste that the ashes will [Page] make the water no more sharpe, cast them awaie, and let the water settle cleare, then vapoure awaie the water with a softe fire, and in the bottome will remaine a salte, the whiche you shall dissolue and congele vntill it be cleare, and faire, as Sal atron or Entallie, then keepe it to thy vse: the water is to drinke with Wine.
The Oyle is to annoynte the sores or aches, and the salte is to pourge, and the order to vse it is thus: Either in the Poxe, the Goute, or the Palsie.
First you shall pourge the pacient well with this. Take of the salte half a scruple, Theriaca Alexandria two drammes, mixe them and giue them thereof half a scruple at a tyme: You shall giue this three or fower tymes, according to the infection of the disease, for in this salte is vertue to pourge all humours that causeth the Goute, the Palsie, and the Poxe, and such like, and the like hath not been founde, neither vomityng or purgyng. Then when the pacient is well purged, if the pacient haue any sores or holes, you shall mundifie them with this salte, and when thei are mundified, you [Page] shall dresse them twise a daie with the oyle, vntill thei be hole, but if the pacient haue no holes, you shall annoynt those places where he fealeth ache or greefe: Also euery mornyng early in his bed, and at night an houre after supper, you shall giue hym a good spoonefull of the water with remmishe wine to drinke, and let hym sweate thereon well, also he shall vse this with his meate if he will. Ye shall vnderstand that the cure lieth not in meate nor drinke, but in the medicine, and therefore keepe hym not to hungrie: but let hym haue good meate and well seasoned with salt, and let him drinke wine, and so vsing this order, thou shalte bee able to helpe the Goute, Poxe, or Palsie.
To make Oyle of Butter.
TAke newe freshe Butter as muche as you will, and put it into a retorte of glasse, well luted: and there will come forthe three licours, the whiche thou must separate.
This Oyle doeth pearce marueilously, and taketh awaie the paines of the Goute, [Page] if you annoynte them therewith: if you annoynte the handes and face therewith, it will preserue them faire: it is also good for those that are troubled with a Cattarre, if you giue them thereof an ounce fastyng, for presently it ariueth to the stomacke and mollifieth the Cattarre, in suche order as you shall spitte it forthe at the mouthe.
To make Oyle of Egges.
TAke Egges and seathe them harde, then take forthe the yelkes and stāpe them in a morter, then put them in a friyng panne, and sette ouer the fire, and continually stirre it vntill you see it tourne to oyle, then take it forthe, and put it into a canuas bagge and presse it forth. This oyle helpeth moundes with greate speede: It maketh ye haire of the haed or bearde black: it taketh awaie the paines of the Emerods, it is excellent against burnyng with fire or scaldyng with mater: you shall vnderstand this oyle maie be made very perfect by the arte of distillation without impression, as I haue proued diuers tymes.
¶ Here beginneth the Order to make Oyles of all maner of Spices and Seede.
To make Oyle of Synamon.
TAke Synamone as muche as you will, and stampe it groslie: then put it into a glas with pure Aqua vitae, and so let it stand fiue or sixe daies, then distill it with a small fire, and there will come forthe bothe oyle and water, the which you shall separate one from another, for the oyle will sincke to the bottome: some vse to distill this with Wine, and some with Rose water.
You shal vnderstande that this oyle is of a maruelous nature, for it pearceth through fleshe and bones, and is very hot and drie, and is good against all colde and moiste diseases, and in speciall for the hart and head, in so muche that if a man did lie speacheles, and could scant drawe his winde, it would presently recouer hym againe, so that his [Page] tyme bee not yet come: moste miracolous to see: and to bee shorte, this oyle is of such operation and vertue, that if a man drinke neuer so little, he shall feele the workyng in his fingers and toes with greate maruell, and therfore to be short, it pearceth through the whole bodie, & helpeth all diseases that are come through colde and flegmatique matter. This oyle is hot and sharpe: It digesteth and maketh thyne, & driueth doune womens tearmes: It helpeth women that haue greate paines and smarte in their trauell, and bringeth forthe their fruite, if you giue the paciente a little of this oyle, with oyle of Mirra in Wine to drinke, and annoynte the partes therwith. The face and handes beyng annoynted with this oyle, it driueth awaie the meseles and spottes. It warmeth the breaste, and helpeth the colde Cough: it consumeth all colde stuxes that proceede from the braine and head, and causeth quiet sleepe.
This Oyle maie bee occupied in steade of the naturall Baulme for many diseases: ye shall note that the water of Sinamone is also good against the aforesaied diseases, [Page] but yet nothyng of so muche force as the Oyle, for one droppe of Oyle will do more, then fower spoonfulles of the water, therefore thei would be vsed together.
To make Oyle of Cloues.
THis Oyle is made in this order. Take the beste Cloues that thou canst get, and beate them grosly, then put them into pure Wine into a glasse, with a long necke close luted, then set it in warme horse dounge the space of a moneth, then distill it in Sande with a softe fire, and thou shalte haue a faire Oyle, whiche will sinke to the bottome, the which you shall separate: and his vertues are these.
It strengtheneth the braine, heade, and harte, and reuiueth the spirites, it serueth against all colde diseases, it consumeth all euill fleme: Beyng out wardly applied, it hath greate vertue in healyng, and maie be occupied in steede of Baulme for woundes. One or two droppes taken in the mornyng with Wine helpeth a stinkyng breathe: It [Page] maketh the harte merrie, and cleanseth the filthinesse thereof, and openeth the Liuer that is stopped: beyng putte into the eye it cleareth the sight. It comforteth a cold stomacke, and causeth good digestion, it purgeth Mellancollie: this oyle maie be made in Manus Christi with sugar, and thei will haue the aforesaied vertue and strength.
To make Oyle of Nutmegges.
THis Oyle is made as the Oyle of Cloues, and will swimme vppon the Wine: But if you distill this againe in Balneo, it will be moste pure and suttle, and maie be kept an hundreth yeres in his perfect strength and vertue.
This Oyle beeyng dronke with Wine driueth doune womens tearmes, and also the quicke and the dead fruite: And therefore women with childe shall not occupie this oyle, vntill suche tyme as thei be in trauell with childe, and then it causeth them to be faire deliuered without paine and daunger. Beyng dronke with wine it taketh awaie all paines of the heade commyng of [Page] It comforteth the Mawe, and openeth the Liuer, Milte and Kidnes, and such like, it is excellent against beatyng of the harte, and faintnesse and soundyng, if ye drinke thereof and annoynte the region of the harte therewith: It maketh good blood, and expelleth flegmatike and mellancollie humours, and maketh a man merrie: Beyng vsed at night it taketh awaie al fancies and dreames: If any had a wounde, or had broken a ribbe within hym with a fall, lette hym drinke this oyle with any slight woūd drinke, and it will helpe hym although he were almoste deade: It is good in all filthie sores the whiche are counted vncurable: it is also preciouse for all colde diseases of the ioyntes and sinnewes: It maketh a sweete breathe: if the splene doe swell, ye shall annoynte therewith the lefte side: it helpeth all effectes in the blather if it be dronke.
To make Oyle of Mase.
THis Oyle is made as is a foresaid, and is hotte in operation, it hath greate vertue against the Collike [Page] which cōmeth of cold causes or of a rewme, desendyng from the heade: It comforteth the harte, the stomack, and the wombe, it is good in the strangurie, and al cold deseases: if ye drinke thereof three or fower droppes fastyng with a spoonfull of wine or broath, or eate twoo or three Manus Christi made therewith.
To make Oyle of Pepper.
THis Oyle is distilled as is saied afore, and is very cleare and light, and his vertues are these.
This Oyle hath more vertue then the Pepper hath in pearcyng, and specially in the Collike, and other weake places filled with fleme, if you take thereof three or fower droppes with one scruple of the ioyce of a Quince, two houres afore the fitte, after the bodie is well pourged, and let blood, it staieth also the shakyng at the first tyme, or els at the seconde, it taketh awaie the fit.
Ye shall vnderstand that this oyle is onely the ayrie parte, separated from the other Elementes. I sawe once this Oyle [Page] made of a Germaine, the whiche had the perfect taste, sauor, and smell, and was so hot on the tongue as oyle of Vitriall.
To make Oyle of Saffron.
TAke the best Saffron that thou canst get, and put it into a glasse, and put thereon pure rectified Aqua vitae, then lute the glasse fast, and set in warme horse dunge a moneth: then distill it in Balneo Mariae with a softe fire, vntill all the Aqua vitae be come forthe: then take forth the Saffron and presse it in a presse, made for that purpose, within a strong canuas bagge, and thou shalte haue bothe oyle and water, the whiche thou shalte disgeste fiue or sixe daies, and then separate them by art.
If this Oyle bee dronke with Wine it maketh a man merrie, and to haue a faire couler: if ye annoynte the temples of a man that is ouer come with drinke it will helpe hym. This oyle being annoynted on Sainct Anthonies fire it quencheth it, and preserueth the place: this oyle beyng mixed with womens milke stoppeth the running of the [Page] eyes: Beyng annoynted on the harte it maketh it merrie. The head beyng annoynted with this oyle it prouoketh sléepe, by reason whereof the auncient Doctors heretofore did vse it to suche as were mad, annoynting the temples therewith: it clenseth old sores.
To make Oyle of Anniseede.
TAke as muche Anniseede as thou wilte, and beate it grosly, then infuse it in strong Wine fower or fiue daies, and distill it in a Gourde with a head and receiuer, in sande, and there will come forthe both oyle and water: the whiche thou shalte separate.
This Oyle beyng dronke with Wine in the mornyng fastyng, maketh a man to haue a sweete breathe, if ye put a little into the nosethrilles when you goe to bedde, and annoynte the temples therewith. It taketh awaie all paines cōmyng of colde, and causeth the pacient to sléepe quietly: It is good against winde in the guttes and stomacke, and causeth the paine to cease, if ye drinke three or fower droppes and annoynte the [Page] stomacke therewith: it breaketh also fleme and causeth it to come forthe at the mouth: It prouoketh venerous actes: and driueth forthe poyson by sweate: It is moste excellent for those that are short winded, and can not fetch their breath but with great paine: It comforteth the breaste and Lunges: It breaketh the stone in the raines and blader: it is good against the bloudie flixe and pilles. If any chest be annoynted therewith, it will not suffer Mothes to breede therin.
To make Oyle of Fennell Seede.
THis is made as is aforesaied, and his vertues are these. It is moste excellent against all paines of the eyes, in so muche that if a manne viere almoste blinde it would recouer his sight againe, if he drinke thereof once a day, and drop one droppe into the eye mornyng and euenyng: It maketh a sweete breath and comforteth the head of colde humours. It comforteth the Mawe, and openeth the Liuer and Milte that is stopped: It helpeth the Dropsie and yellow Iaundies of what [Page] cause soeuer it be: In hott diseases ye must occupie it with colde waters, and in colde diseases with wine: Ex Philippos Hermanos.
This oyle as writeth Evonimus, breaketh the stone in the raines, and prouoketh menstrue and vrine: it comforteth the stomacke and breaketh winde, this Oyle maie be made in Manus Christi, with sugar and is very pleasant, and hath the self same vertue.
To make Oyle of Commin Seede.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaied, and is good against woundes that pearce the Splene: It is also moste excellent to scatter and breake all the windinesse of the stomacke, the bellie, the bowelles and Matrixe: also it is singular against gryping tormentes, and knawinges or frettinges of the bellie, not onely to be vsed inwardly, but to be put into Glisters, or to be laied to outwardly with barly meale.
This Oyle beyng dronke with Wine, is good for those that are hurt with any venomous [Page] Beastes: this oyle either eaten in Manus Christi, or dronke is very profitable for suche as haue the cough and haue taken colde, and for those whose breastes are charged or stopped. This Oyle beeyng to muche vsed, decaieth the naturall complextion & liuely colour, causing one to looke waime and pale.
To make Oyle of Caraway Seede.
THis Oyle is made in the aforesaied order, and is very good and conuenient for the stomacke, and for the mouthe: it helpeth disgestion, and prouoketh vrine: It swageth and dissolueth all kinde of mindinesse and blastynges of the inwarde partes. And to conclude it is aunswerable to the oyle of Annis seede, in vertue and operation.
To make Oyle of Dill Seede.
THis Oyle is made in the aforesaied order: This Oyle beyng eaten in Manus christi, or dronk with wine, [Page] causeth women to haue greate plentie of milke. It driueth awaie ventosite or windinesse, and swageth the blastinges and gripyng torment of the bellie. It staieth vomityng and laskes, and prouoketh vrine: It is very profitable against the suffocation or stranglyng of the Matrixe, if ye cause the woman to sitt ouer the fume of it in a close stoole, for that purpose this oyle beyng eate in Manus christi staieth the yexe or hiquet.
This Oyle doth heale hollowe & moyst vlcers, and especially in the share or priuie partes, this oyle doeth digest and resolue and swage paine, and ripeneth all rawe and vnripe humours. This oyle may not be too muche vsed inwardly, for it diminisheth the sight and the seede of generation.
To make Oyle of Percelie Seede.
THis Oyle is made in the aforesaied order, and his vertues is to open obstructions of the Liuer and Kindnes: it prouoketh menstrue, if it be dronke with conuenient licours: it causeth a good appetite and disgestion, and comforteth the stomacke: [Page] It driueth forthe the stone and grauell and prouoketh vrine, and is a remedie against all poysones: it driueth awaie all blastinges and windinesse: it is also good against the cough if it be mixed with medicines made for that purpose.
To make Oyle of Rewe or Herbegrace.
THis Oyle is made of the seede of Rewe beyng putrified in Wine.
Cardanus writeth that this oyle beyng perfectly made, is of greate vertue against poysone beyng dronke with Wine, for it causeth the pacient to auoide it by vomitte, at the first tyme that he taketh it: and at the seconde tyme it expelleth the other euill humours that are infected therewith: and at the thirde tyme it cureth the pacient & maketh hym hole: and this is doen in three or fower daies: it helpeth also all diseases of the eyes, of what cause soeuer it be, so that the apple of the eye bee not perished. The vse of this oyle to the eye is to annoynte it therewith twise a daie, or washe the eye [Page] with the water of Rewe, and droppe one or two droppes into the eye.
This Oyle beyng dronke, suffereth no poyson to remaine in manne that daie: if a man drinke thereof fastyng whiche is sore wounded, and that the other cure be had accordingly he shall easily escape. This oyle beyng dronke taketh awaie the Goute and Dropsie sprong of a colde cause: it restoreth al numbed members taken with the Palsie if you annoynte them therewith.
Cardanus also affirmeth in his seconde booke De subtilitate, that there are certaine poysones the whiche slaie with their onely touchyng, against which poyson saith he, the beste remedie is not to tarrie in any place vntill thy hande waxe hotte, but often bathe the partes with warme water, and annoynte them with Oyle of Rewe perfectly distilled.
To make Oyle of Iuie.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaied, and is good against these diseases followyng.
Against gripinges or winde in the guts: against Gonorheam and paines in the neck commyng of a Cattare: this oyle maie bee compared to Baulme, thrée or fower drops being dronk. It doth preuent the resolution of sinewes, the fallyng sicknesse, and other deseases of the braine: It preserueth the bodie from all poysone and pestilent ayres, it comforteth a colde stomacke. It staieth vomityng: it pourgeth the raines: it breaketh the stone, it prouoketh vrine: it helpeth the Collicke and paines of the guttes: It helpeth paines in the stomacke and Lunges: it is good against the Dropsie and water betwene the skinne and the fleshe: It killeth wormes: to be shorte it helpeth all sicke mē bers: by the vertue of his pearsing beeyng anoynted outwardly, it staieth consumptions: it helpeth scabbes and olde euill vlcers: it helpeth paines if the hippes, the Goute and Collicke: it helpeth the chappes in the handes and feete.
Philippus harmanus writeth that if this oyle be rectified againe, it wilbe a hundreth tymes more purer and more pearsing, for I haue seene those that could not make water [Page] in three or fower daies: and after thei haue dronke fower or fiue droppes of this oyle, and annoynted therewith the region of the blader, presently thei haue made water without any tarriyng.
This oyle is so excellent against the pestilence, that if any drinke thereof oftentymes, he shall not bee infected: although he were in the house where the Pestilence is. But if any haue the plague alreadie, let him drinke thrée or fower droppes in Wine and laie hym doune to sweate, and the next daie he shalbe well againe:
This Oyle is so excellent against poys [...]n, that if a man vse it there will no poy [...]n remaine within hym: it strengtheneth the Mawe and all in ward partes, and principally it warmeth the harte: it stoppeth the [...]odie flixe: it is also good against all deseases of the kidnes and blader: if ye drinke it with Wine it stoppeth womens tearmes: this oyle beyng annoynted from the nauell of a woman to the priuie partes and raines of the backe, it strengtheneth the Matrixe or Mother, and drieth vp the moisture therin, and prepareth it to conception.
This saied oyle of Iuneper being made vp with Sugar in Manus christi, hath the foresaied vertues.
To make Oyle of Rosemarie Flowres.
TAke Rosemarie Flowers and stampe them, then putte it into a glasse with strong wine and stop it close, then sette it in the Sunne fiue or sixe daies, and then distill it with a softe fire, and thou shalte haue bothe water and oyle, the whiche you shall separate and keepe close in a glasse, and his vertues are these.
It helpeth against al paines in the head, although thei haue continued seuen yeres: it cōforteth the memorie, and also preserueth the eyes, if you drinke thereof now and then a droppe or two, and putte another into the eyes. It helpeth those that are deaffe, if it be put into the eares, and also dronke with good Wine: It openeth all stoppinges of the Liuer and Milte, and helpeth against the Dropsie and yellowe Iaundize: it breaketh winde and helpeth the Collicke, and [Page] risyng of the Mother: it is also excellent for those that haue dronke poyson, or that are infected with the Pestilence, if you drinke therof a little and laie you doune to sweate: It comforteth the harte and cleanseth the blood, and maketh a man merrie, and causeth a good couler, and this oyle is moste excellent for those that are full of itche and scabbes. And to bee shorte, it helpeth all deseases of the bodie, that come of colde and moiste homours, although thei were neuer so euill: it helpeth the Canker and Fistelowes, and suche like.
To make Oyle of Wilde Tyme.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaied.
This Oyle beeyng eaten in Tabletes of sugar, or dronke in Wine, bringeth to women their fluxe naturall, and driueth out the stone and grauell, and prouoketh vomit: the same taken in like maner stoppeth the laske, and cureth gripynges or knawinges, & is excellent against cramps, and the contraction of sinewes.
This Oyle beeyng taken in meates or [Page] brothes, is a soueraine medicine against all poysones, and against the bitynges and stingynges of venemous beastes and Serpentes. This beyng applied vnto the forheade and temples with oyle of Roses and Vineger, swageth headache, and is very good against rauyng and frensie: the fum of this oyle driueth awaie venemous beastes.
To make Oyle of Tyme.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaied, and his vertues are these.
Three or fower droppes beeyng dronke with honied water, helpeth a painfull Cough and shortnesse of breath: it prouoketh vrine, & expelleth the secondine and dead fruite from the Matrixe: it prouoketh menstrue, and dissolueth clotted and congeled blood in the bodie: being taken with oximell and a little salte, it purgeth tough and clammie fleme, and sharpe cholerike humours, and all corruption of the blood: beyng taken in the saied maner, it is good against the Sciatica, the paine in the side and [Page] the breast: it is also good against blastinges and windinesse in the side and bellie, and of the stones and genitores: it is good for those that are fearfull, melancollie and troubled in spirite and mynde.
This Oyle beeyng often vsed, helpeth bleired eyes and paines of the same: beyng dronke in Wine, it is moste profitable for those that are troubled with the Goute, but if it chaunce that their paines bee on them, ye shall giue them fiue or sixe droppes with a dram of oximell: if ye vse this oftentymes with honey, it will clense the breaste, and ripen fleme, and causeth it to bee spitte forthe with ease: the smell of this Oyle is moste comfortable for those that haue the fallyng sicknesse.
To make Oyle of sweete Margerom.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaid, and his vertues are these.
Beyng dronke in white wine, it is moste holsome for those that beginne to fall into a Dropsie, and for such [...]s cannot pisse but drop after drop, and that [Page] with greate difficultie. It is also good for those that are troubled with griping paines and wringynges of the bellie: beyng taken in the saied order: it prouoketh womens tearmes.
If ye cōueie this oyle with oyle of bitter Almondes vp into the nosethrelles, it will pourge the head of moyst humours, & cause them to neese. It is most excellent for those that haue lost their smelling, and against all paines of the heade beeyng vsed as is aforesaied: it is good against poyson, and the stingyng of Scorpions.
To make Oyle of Sage.
THis Oyle is made in the aforesaied order: And helpeth congeled blood within the bodie, and cureth inwarde woundes and bruses, either by a stripe or fall if it be dronke with Wine: it prouoketh vrine and breaketh the stone: it comforteth the harte, and taketh awaie the head ache. It is also good for women with childe, to vse it now and then, for it closeth the Matrixe and comforteth the fruite.
This Oyle beyng often dronke causeth women to be fruitfull: If ye drinke it with Wine it helpeth the Cough, and openeth the stoppinges of the Liuer, and swageth the paine in the side: if it bee dronke with Worme wood wine, it stoppeth the bloodie flixe: It is also good against the bityng of venemous beastes, for it clenseth and helpeth them.
To make Oyle of Peniriall.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaied, and his vertues are these.
Being dronke in the Wine, it moueth monthly tearmes, bringeth forthe the secundine, the dead fruite and the vnnatural birthe: it prouoketh vrine, and breaketh the stone, especially in the Ridnies, beyng vsed with purified honey: it clenseth the lunges and breaste from all grose & thicke humors. This oyle beyng mixt with honey and Alloes, purgeth the melancholike humor and preuaileth muche against cramps, and the contraction of sinewes.
This Oyle beeyng dronke with water [Page] and vineger, staieth the inordinate desire to vomit, and the gnawyng paines of the stomacke, beeyng dronke with Wine, it helpeth the bityng of venemous beastes: it is also good against the fallyng sicknesse: the temples and nosethrelles beyng annoynted with this oyle, it taketh awie the swimmyng paines and giddinesse of the head. It is moste excellent for those that haue colde and moyst braines: it taketh awaie the paines of the Goute. The fume or smoke of this oyle beyng taken at the secrete partes with a fonell, is good againste ventosite, windinesse, and blastinges, and also against the hardnesse and stoppyng of the Mother.
To make Oyle of Mynte.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaid.
This Oyle beeyng either eate or dronke, is moste profitable for the stomack, for it warmeth and strengtheneth the same, and drieth vp all moyste and superfluous humors gathered in the same, and taketh awaie all paines therof, and causeth good disgestiō: it staieth also vomityng [Page] in those that haue a weake stomacke, being dronke with vineger, it staieth those that vomit blood, and killeth the round wormes.
This Oyle beyng dronke fower or fiue tymes with some conuenient licour, helpeth the gripyng paine and knawing in the bellie, with the Collicke, and stoppeth the inordinate courses of the menstruall issue, beyng dronke with wine, it easeth women which are to muche greeued with hard and perilous trauell in childe bearyng: beeyng dropped into the eares it taketh awaie the paine: the smell of this oyle causeth a man to be merrie.
This Oyle is singular good against the grauell and stone in the Ridnies, & against the strangurie, whiche is when one can not pisse but drop after drop, if ye vse to drinke it in Wine.
To make Oyle of Isope.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaied of Camomill. If ye vse to eate this oyle either mixed with honey, or made into Manui Christi with Sugar, it will helpe those [Page] that haue obstructions or stoppinges of the breaste, with shortnesse of breathe, it is also good against an olde dificulte & hard cough: ye must vse this mornyng and euenyng for a certaine space.
This Oyle beyng dronke with sirrupe of vineger, purgeth dounwarde tough and clammie flegme, & killeth and driueth forth wormes: it hath the like vertue if ye eate the same with figges.
To make Oyle of Radishe Seede.
TAke the seede of Radishe and stampe it small, thē take for euery pound of seede, two ounces of good Wine, then stampe it againe vntill it be mixed, then put it into a vessell of Iron or Copper, and sette it ouer the fire, and stirre it continually, vntill it be so hot as you maie suffer your hand therein, then put it into a canuas bagge, and presse it forthe, and thou shalt haue bothe oyle and water, the whiche you shall separate one from another.
This Oyle causeth good disgestion, and prouoketh vrine, the whiche is stopped [Page] through winde and ventositie: it dissolueth winde in the stomacke, and breaketh the grauell and stone in the bladder.
To make Oyle of Musterdseede.
THis Oyle is made by impression as is saied afore, and is excellent for those that haue the stone, and causeth them to auoyde grauell: it prouoketh womens sicknesses, if you annoynte the bodie and raines, and within the necke of the Matrixe, and also take it inwardly, it dissolueth the paines of the side and Moother, if you eate it with a little Sinamon and white honey mixed together.
To make Oyle of Colworte seede.
THis Oyle is made as is saied afore, and of nature is hot and windie, and is vsed much of lecherous persones, because it maketh eleuation of the yarde, and causeth thē to be lustie, beyng vsed in meates it causeth good disgestion: it preserueth armour from rustyng a long tyme: it is good against inflamations [Page] in all partes of the bodie, and is also good against wormes.
To make Oyle of Linseede.
THis Oyle is made in the aforesaied order, and is good against the Pluresie: if ye giue thereof fower ounces to drinke, for it dissolueth the impostume presently, and so preserueth life. It is good against the Emerods in the fundament. This oyle of Lineseede beeyng distilled with Frankencense and waxe, is most excellent to dissolue all contusions. With this oyle they make Vernishe.
To make Oyle of Sainct Iohns woorte or Seede.
THis Oyle is made of the seedes by impression, and is excellent to helpe woundes, because it defendeth them from alceration, and maturation, and will not suffer homours to runne thither. It is also excellent against poyson, and the pestilent feuer, all euill dispositions of the stomacke: it [Page] is good against the fluxe of the bodie and Emerods, and for all maner of scabbes. It helpeth the rupture newly doen, if you annoynte it therewith, and weare a trusse fit for the purpose, and let hym keepe his bed, and walke as little as he can for a certaine tyme: it helpeth against all maner of sores, as well olde as newe, and that it doeth by his proper qualitie, for it is neither hot nor colde, but temperate.
To make Oyle of Quinces seede.
TAke the seede of Quinces and stampe them, then put them into a Friyng pan with a little Wine, and stirre them well together, vntill it be so hot that you can scarse abide your hande therein, then put it into a canuas bagge, and presse it out in a presse, and thou shalte haue both Oyle and water, the whiche thou shalt separate.
This Oyle is excellent against all paines in the stomacke, and helpeth disgestion and dissolueth winde: It prouoketh venerous actes. It is also good against the Emerods and Fistelowes that come in the [Page] lower partes.
To make Oyle of Acornes.
THis Oyle is made as is aforesaied, and is very restrictiue and driuyng, and helpeth those that are troubled with the fluxe, if ye drinke thereof a little and annoynte the bellie therwith: you shall note that this oyle is not to be occupied muche inwardly: this oyle is excellent to make Vernishe.
In this maner ye maie make oyles out of all maner of seedes.
To make Oyle of Tartare by distillation.
TAke white Tartare beaten in pouder, fower pounde, and put it into a strong vessell of stone well luted, with a head and a receiuer, and giue it first a small fire, and then increase it according to arte, and at the last giue it extreame fire vntill all the moysture be come forthe, then put the licour in to a glasse, and distill it in Balneo, and the oyle will remaine in the bottome: the which [Page] thou shalte distill or rectifie in Sande, and then the oyle will haue the colour of golde.
It is moste excellent to cure vlcers caused of the poxe: for it taketh awaie their malice in such order, that it can hurte no more: beyng dronke with Wine, it breaketh the stone in the raines and blader, and prouoketh vrine, it purgeth vlcers.
Another waie to make Oyle of Tartare.
TAke Tartare and stampe it small, and then put it in a newe earthen pot vnglased, and set it in a Potters furnesse, or furnese of reuerberation vntill it be white, then laie it vpon a smooth stone in a moyst place, and it will turne into Oyle: the whiche is corrosiue: but one parte thereof mixed with ten partes of pure rectified Aqua vitae, healeth vlcers quickly, if ye touch them therwith: it maketh the face faire: if ye wash the haire therewith it maketh it yellowe: it taketh out blacke spottes in linen cloth, and fixeth the medicines alchimical, with diuers other vertues, the whiche I will leaue vntill [Page] another tyme.
To make Oyle of a Hartes horne.
YE shall take a Hartes horne in the moneth of August, and file it to pouder, thē boyle it in water vntill it bee sufficient, then drawe awaie the water in Balneo, and take that whiche remaineth in the bottome, and put it in a glasse with little peeces of tyles, and distill it, and thou shalt haue a faire oyle, the whiche serueth for sondrie purposes.
To distill Oyle of a Mans Excrements.
TAke the dongue of a young sanguyne childe or man, as much as you will, and distill it twise in a Limbeck of glasse. This helpeth the Canker, and mollifieth Fistelowes: comforteth those that are troubled with Allopecia.
To make Oyle of the Skull of a man.
TAke the Skull of a man that was neuer buried, and beate it into pouder, then [Page] distill awaie the fleme with a gentle fire, and putte it on againe, and distill it againe, and thus you shall doe three tymes vppon the feses, and at the laste giue it strong fire, vntill the oyle be come forthe: the whiche ye shall separate by Balneo, and keepe it close shut in a glasse. The dose is three graines, against the fallyng sicknesse. Ye shall vnderstande, that there is also a Salte to bee drawne forthe of the feses, the whiche is of greate vertue against the aforesaied deseases beyng dronke with Wine, as is aforesaied.
If any man be disposed to haue any of the aforesaied Oyles readie made, he maie haue them at Poules wharf at the signe of the Furnases, by one Ihon Hester practisioner in the arte of distillations.
THE KEY OF Philosophie.
The seconde parte.
Containyng the orderyng, & preparyng of all Metalles, Mineralles, Alumes, Salts, and such like. For Medicines both inwardly, and outwardly, and for diuers other vses.
¶ At London Printed by Richard Daie.
Cum Priuilegio.
IN this present booke welbeloued Reader, I haue taken vpō me to set forthe the trew and worthie cunning of the distillation of Mineralles, that is, of those hi [...]ges the which are founde in the Mines, as all maner of Saltes, Allomes, Vitrioll, Sulfur, Mercurie, and suche like Mettalles as Saturnus, Iupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Venus. And how you shall get the licour or moysture out of them. And all that whiche appertaineth to the health of man. The whiche I meane by the grace of God to set forthe in this booke, with a nū ber of Alchymistes preparations of the saied thinges, the whiche worketh wonderfully in mans bodie: so that it seemeth to diuers persones miraculous.
Therefore gentle Reader peruse this booke with discretion, and then if thou seest it stande to thy mynde, set thy hande to the Plough & be diligent in the worke, so that thou maiest knowe the proofe, and feele the readie commoditie thereof, for [Page] ye shall vnderstand that there is no medicine in the world that can be founde of so quicke operation as the Mineralles are, if thei be truly prepared and as I will shew you hereafter: But if thei be not well prepared thei are very hurtfull, and not to be allowed. Therefore looke that ye prepare them as I shall shewe you, and then you shall wonder at their workyng.
And although the worthie science of Alchymie is come in suche disdaine through leude persones, that it seemeth lyes and fables, and no true science: Yet that ought not to hinder or derrogate any thyng to our purpose, as long as our matter is against the abuse of it, as for example
The Alchymistes haue wrought in this worke, to the intent that they might haue of leade and copper, golde and siluer, or the meane to make them of all other simples or sleight Metalles. But whether god hath giuen them that gifte I knowe not: therefore I leaue it to the maisters of that arte. And albeit we haue seen many wonderfull thinges in that arte: yet will I not affirme that it is possible to be doen, for it [Page] seemeth vnreasonable, that a man in so shorte tyme should dooe that thing, the whiche nature doeth in many yeres. And that mē should presume to do that which God doeth onely him self, and not any of his creatures. We therfore will not affirme it to bee true or possible, nor yet denie it vtterly, or condemne it as vntruth. But we will leaue the aunswere vnto those that take it to be doen.
But here in this treatise we wil set forth that whiche we haue seene and wrought, and proued, and are experte therein. And although it bee sprong out of the arte of Alchymie, yet it is not to that intente, for it serueth not to transmute Mettalles, but it serueth to helpe those diseased bothe inwardly and outwardly: who of the common Chyrurgions are counted vncurable, and also giuen ouer of the Phisitions. Those pacients shalbe holpē through the hidden misteries and heauenly secretes of this science.
And for as muche as it is vnpossible to prepare these thinges without the arte of Alchymie: therefore we must praise this [Page] arte through our preparations aboue al other sciences, that maketh for the health of man, for thei preserue a man onely touched & afflicted with slight woundes and griefes on his bodie, and that with muche paine and muche adoe. But this arte giueth vnto man his health againe in shorte tyme, and with small paine vnto the pacient, be he neuer so desparatly sicke, and to mans thinking past cure: for I haue seene miracles therein.
And in so muche that it is all prepared with fire: the meane man calleth it Alchymia. How beit the intēt of the Alchymiste is farre from our intent. But call it what you will, it maketh not muche matter of the name. For I am sure there is nothyng in all Phisicke that ministreth either better or readier helpe to cure mans bodie, then this science of preparing Mettalles with fire rightly. I saie rightly prepared, not as the vnskilfull Apoticaries haue ordred them: or as the vnlearned Phisition haue occupied them, for the Apothecarie is no other then a seruaunt in the kitchin (as I maie tearme him) and no Maister [Page] Cooke, so long as he knoweth not these preparations, whiche I will shewe you.
In like maner it is to be thought of the Phisition that hath no skill in these preparations. For we haue seene and proued diuers tymes, that the first vapour or smoke of any Hearbe or Spice is the beste that is therein, and yet our learned Phisitions commaunde it to be boyled vntill halfe be consumed, &c. Then note if the beste flye awaie in the boyling, what strength can the medicine haue. Therefore I saie that the Phisition without this arte of preparation is little or nothyng worthe, although they take the pacientes money. For he goeth to worke blindly with a blinde leader whiche is the Apoticarie. But the Phisition that is experte in this science, and doeth prepare his medicines truely, he is to be praised aboue all other. For a man cā not buye with any money that whiche is got by long carefull trauaile. Therefore is the arte of Alkimie worthie to be praised, and the Alchymiste to be praised also, although thei attaine not to their first intentiō, yet thei haue opened the way, through [Page] the whiche this excellent cunnyng of preparation was knowne and founde, and through the which there are a number of wonderfull secretes opened, the whiche without this arte were all vnknowne, to the great hinderaunce of the sicke and diseased persones. Therfore I will not speake against it, but holde it in greate estimation to our intention, that is to the helpe of the sicke and diseased person, and to prepare the Minneralles wherewith you may doe that whiche can not be done with any other Hearbes, or simples, or Spices. And hearewith will we finish this preface, and wright of the names of the simples, the whiche are occupied in this arte.
The names of the Metalles, Simples, or Medicines of this Science.
HEre wil I welbeloued Reader, shew thee for good will that thyng whiche many haue sought with their money and labor, and yet could nere finde it: especially for that I will not haue this worthie science trodde vnder foote. Therefore we will write first of the names of the simples, and then of the names of the preparations, and what they are.
Sall Armoniack, that is a Salte so called, the whiche ye shall finde at the Appoticaries.
Sall Gemme, is stone salte, founde in the Myne as cleare as the glasse.
Sall Commune, is common Salte that we eate.
Vitriolum is greene Coperas.
Calcantum, is yellowe Coperas a Matter like Oker.
Alumen is Alum: but there are diuers [Page] kindes.
Sulfur vine is the stone whereout the other Sulfur is melted, & is greene of color.
Antimonium is a certaine Mynerall so called that ye shall finde at the Appoticaries.
Carrabe that is yellowe Ambre or Sucinum.
Tartarum, that is Argill or Wine léese.
Saturnus that is Leade.
Iupiter that is Tinne.
Mars that is Iron.
Sol that is Golde.
Luna that is Siluer.
Venus that is Copper.
Mercurie that is Quicksiluer.
The names of the preparations.
CAlcinatio that is to make any of these Metalles as it were lyme, with greate fire sometimes, and other some tyme with small fire.
Solutio that is to dissolue and make as it were liquide like vnto water, the harde or [Page] tough substaunce of any thyng.
Subblimatio that is a driuing vp, or aseution of the Mettall by force of heate into the toppe of the Limbecke, so that it maie hang in the toppe of the vessell harde and drie.
Distillatio, that is to take awaie the moysture by the heate of the fire.
Digestio that is to set the matter in hot water or in horse dongue.
Fixatio that is to sublime a matter, so long that it will sublime no more, but remaine fixte in the bottome.
There are a number of other preparations, but wee will leaue them because we haue written sufficient for our purpose alreadie.
To prepare Crocum martis and suche like which are prepared through Calcination.
CRocum martis, or Crocum veneris shalbe made in this maner.
Take the limmall of Iron, as muche as you will, and washe it with faire water so long vntill that the water runne as cleare of as it was putte on: [Page] then putte it in a glasse, and putte thereon strong vineger vntill it be couered, and let it stande so two or three daies close shut: then poure of the vineger and drie the limmall well, then putte it into a newe earthen pot with a couer, and lute it very well rounde aboute with lyme and heare mixte together: then set it in a furnase of Calcination eight daies and eight nightes, so that it may continually stande read hot, then take it forthe and grinde it on a stone, and if it grinde very smoothe without any harde matter that ye can either see or feele, then it is calcined enough: but if ye feele any harde matter, put it into the furnase againe twoo or three daies, and then grinde it againe, and this order ye shall vse vntill it bee fine as can be possible.
This Crocum martis beeyng so prepared, amongest all other medicines in the worlde, it is the moste excellent that can be found against the bloodie flixe, giuyng it in this order. Take conserue of Roses one ounce, Crocū martis one scrupple mixe thē together, and let the paciente eate it in the mornyng, and fast thereon two houres, and [Page] it will helpe him although he had had it neuer so long, or neuer so sore. It is also giuen aboue all other medicines in the latter ende of a Dropsie, and also against the fluxe of menstrue, and against bleeding at the nose, and all other fluxes. It helpeth those that spitte blood: it is excellent to stop the fluxe in woundes, and to helpe them & drie them, if ye strawe the pouder thereon, &c. Ye shall make Crocum veneris in the self same order aforesaied: but where ye tooke limmall, ye shall take the scales of Copper: and ye shall note, that when they be bothe calcined enough, they will be as red as blood. Also ye shall note, that this Crocum veneris is not to bee vsed inwardly, but onely outwardly.
Of the preparation of Alumes and Saltes.
TAke Sal Gem, or common salte, and set them in a calcinyng furnase with a small fire, vntill it bee red hot half an houre, and that it crake [Page] no more, then let it waxe colde and beate it to pouder, then put it in cleane raine water and let it melte, and lette it stande till it bee cleare, then powre it in a pot well nealed, and set it on the fire, and let it boyle till it be drie, and ye shall finde the salt on the groūd as white as snowe, the which ye shall neale once more in the fire, and then it is prepared.
The preparation of Allum.
TAke Allum and calcine it in an open vessell till al his moysture be gon, then make it red hotte, and after a while put it into an other pot with strong vineger, and set it on the fire and let it seathe drie, then sette it on the fire againe till it be red hot and as white as snowe, then keepe it to thy vse.
This is very excellent to drie vp olde sores if it be mixte with honey, and taketh awaie dead fleshe without paine, &c.
To calcine Vitrioll.
TAke Vitrioll and beate it to pouder, and put it into a new earthen pot that is vnneiled, and set it in a ouen somewhat warme till it bee drie, then couer the pot close and lute it well, that no ayre maie come forthe: then set it in a calcinyng furnase the space of two houres, so that it maie alwaies be as red as the coales, and then it will be as red as blood, then grinde it on a stone, and keepe it to thy vse.
There is no Corosiue the whiche worketh like this Vitrioll calcinated, for if ye mixe it with any Vnguēt, & lay it on a euill vlcer, it maketh an Asker the whiche in all Corosiues must be loused with fact or butter: but this Corosiue needeth not, for ye must still laie more thereon, and leue the Asker in the sore, for the vertue of this Vitrioll is so greate, that it causeth the fleshe to growe vnder the Asker, and when the fleshe is enough the Asker will fall of, and then ye shal neede nothing but to skinne it, the whiche is not commonly seene of other Corosiues: therefore I praise this for the best of all Corosiues.
To calcine Quicksiluer.
TAke Aqua fortis ℥.ij. Mercurie ℥.j. and putte them in a glasse, and set it on the fire in a scaruell with sande or ashes, till the Mercurie be dissolued, then put it into an earthen potte well glased, and set it on the fire to boyle till it be drie, and stirre it alwaies with a sticke that it maie drie the better, and when it is well dried, put it in another pot with a keuer that is very well glased within, then lute it very well that no ayre maie come forth: But ye must note that the pot must be top full, then set it in a calcining furnase with a good fire fower daies and fower nightes, then grind it to small pouder on a stone, and keepe it to thy vse. For then thou hast Mercurie calcinated, of the which we haue spoken much in our pearle of Chirurgerie.
This is excellent in all olde sores, although they be neuer so euill, for it clenseth without paine and healeth them, that is, it clenseth as long as it is needefull, and than it healeth, whiche is moste straunge to see: this eateth awaie al dead flesh, & preserueth [Page] that whiche is good and sounde, and causeth the vlceration to heale in shorte space. Ye shall note that whē we speake of Mercurie calcinated or precipitate in any place, ye shall take this.
To calcine Tartare.
TAke good Tartare that is cleare and without filthe, and stampe it to pouder, then put it in a scrauell that neuer was occupied, and set it in the calcinyng furnase, so that it maie stande but euen read hot, and there let it remaine vntil it be as white as snow through out, then take it forth and kepe it in a glasse close shut, vntill you read more how that ye shall make this Oyle.
To Calcine Tynne or Lead.
TAke Tinne or Lead and melte it on the fire, and when it is molte set it very hot, then take an Iron skummer and stirre it therewith so long, till it come to ashes, then take that ashes & wash [Page] it so long that the water runneth cleare of as ye put it on, then drie it in a calcinyng furnase till that it smoke no more, then put it into another new pot with a couer that is vnglased, and lute it very well, then set it in the calcinyng furnase againe one hole daie with a good fire, then take it forthe and ye shal finde a Calxe in maner white, but some what inclinyng to yellowe. The Time ye shal calcine in the self same manner as ye did the Leade, but when ye burne it to ashes ye must giue it greater fire, but in calcinyng it shall not neede greater fire then it was for the Leade, and so keepe your fire vntill it be as white as snow, and then it is prepared to make his oyle as we will shewe you hereafter.
To Calcine Siluer.
TAke Siluer and dissolue it in Aqua fortis, then caste a peece of Copper into the glasse where the water is with the Siluer, and straight waies poure theron a good quantitie of raine water, and then the Siluer [Page] will fall to the bottome in a Calxe: then let it stande so one night or as long as ye will, and then powre awaie the cleare water, and drie the Calxe on the fire, then washe that with warme water so long that it haue no bitter taste of the Aqua fortis, and when ye haue so done, ye shall take cō mon salte prepared as I haue shewed you before, and laie it in a Crusible the thicknes of a straw, and then laie thereon your Calx of Siluer, and couer it with the same salte againe, then lute your crusible with a couer that no ayre maie come forthe, then set it in a calcinyng furnase with a reasonable fire sixe houres long, then take it forthe and put thereon faire water, and let it seethe two or three Pater nosters, and then the salte will seethe awaie, and the Calxe will remaine sweete, the whiche ye maie proue vpon the tongue: but if it be not sweete, washe it againe till it be sweete, and then keepe it in a glasse, for it is prepared to make his Oyle.
To calcine Golde.
TAke golde and Mercurie, and make thereof amalgamie as the Golde-smithes doe vse to gilde their siluer Plate: the whiche is made thus.
Take twelue partes of Mercurie, and one parte of Golde, the whiche ye shall beate into very thinne plates, and then cut it in as small peeces as ye can, then take a Crusible and put therein the Mercurie, and set it on the fire till it beginne to smoke, then put thereto the Golde and take it from the fire, and stirre it together so long til that ye maie see no more Golde, then set it on the fire againe, and stir it so long that the Mercurie be flowne all awaie, and then ye shall finde your Golde in the crusible like sande, then take that and put thereto as much prepared salte, and grinde them together on a stone as small as is possible, then put it in a glasse, and washe it with warme water so long till that ye sée the Calxe faire and yellowe and sweete vpon the tongue, so that it taste nothyng of saltnesse, then it is prepared: and herewith will we make an ende of Calcination, and write of Sublimation..
To sublime Quicksiluer.
TAke Mercurie and washe it with vineger and salte a pretie while, then put theron very hot water and wash it therewith, till that the water ronne as cleare of as ye put it on, then drie it with a clothe and grinde it with vineger and salte againe, and washe it with warme water as ye did afore: this grindyng and washyng ye shall vse till that the Mercurie bee no more blacke, and that it bee as cleare as a glasse, then take of that Mercurie one pound, Salt prepared two pound, Sall Armoniack subblimed as I wil shew hereafter one pound, grinde these saltes together with the Mercurie, so long till that the Mercurie can not be perceaued: then put all the substaunce in a subbliaiyng vessell with his couer, the whiche hath a hole in the toppe: as I will shewe thee hereafter in the next booke, if God permit me life. Then set it in a calcinyng furnase, and giue it firste a small fire til that the moysture be flowne out through the hole of the couer of the subblimatorie, the whiche ye shall knowe by this meanes: [Page] ye shall now and then holde a knife ouer the hole of the instrument, and then if the knife he weate there is moysture in the vessell, but when ye see that the knife is still drie, stop the hole with a stopple of paper, and increase the fire a little bigger, and let it stand so fower houres long, then increase the fire yet bigger, and let it stande fower houres: then make the fire so hotte that the bottome maie be all red, and that cōtinue sixe hours, but let not your fire slake, then let it waxe colde and take that which is subblimed, and grinde it on a stone with two pound of salte prepared, and subblime it againe as ye did afore in al pointes, thē let it waxe colde, and grinde it againe with Salte prepared, and sublime it againe. This grindyng and sublimyng ye shall vse vntill the Mercurie be as cleare as Christall, & as white as snow and then it is prepared, then keepe it in a glasse till that I write more thereof.
To sublime Sulfur.
FIrst before that ye will sublime Sulfur, ye must prepare hym thus.
Take Sulfur vife and grind [Page] it to fine pouder, then searce it finely, then put it in a pan with strong vineger, and set it on the fire, and let it seethe a whole daie and a night, but ye must put therto alwaies more vineger as it consumeth awaie, and still ye must skomme of the skōme or filthe as fast as it riseth, and when it hath sodden so in vineger, ye shall seethe it two daies in the vrine of young children, and alwaies skomme of the frothe, and put therto more vrine alwaies as it consumeth. This seething and skomming ye shall continue vntill there rise no more frothe, then put it in a glasse, and washe it with warme water till all the stincke of the pisse be gonne, and that it remaine as white as any snow: thē drie it well for it is well purged, then take of that purged Sulfur half a poūd, Vitrioll calcined li. grinde these very fine together so that ye Sulfur can not be seene, then put them in a sublimyng vessell, and set it in the furnase, and giue it first a small fire till all the moysture be gonne, the whiche ye shall knowe with a knife as I shewed you afore: then stoppe the hole and increase the fire a little, and so keepe it sixe houres, then let it waxe [Page] colde and take that whiche is sublimed, and grinde it with freshe Vitrioll and sublime it againe as ye did afore: this sublimyng and grindyng with freshe Vitrioll, ye shall vse till that the Sulfur be as white as snow, and so cleare as a glasse, and then it is sublimed enough: therefore keepe it in a glasse close shut with Waxe, till that wee write more thereof.
To sublime Sall Armoniack.
TAke Sall Armoniack li. and as much limall of Iron and grinde them together on a stone, thē put them in a sublimyng vessell, and seeth it in the furnace first with a small fire, and then increase it so that the bottome of the pot maie be red hot, and so let it stande half a Sommers daie, then let it waxe cold and take that which is subblimed & grinde it on a stone, with as muche salte prepared and sublime it againe: This grindyng with new salte and subblimyng, ye shall vse so long till that it bee subblimed as white as snowe and then it is prepared: then keepe it [Page] to sublime thy Mercurie with.
To Sublime Copper, whiche is a greate secrete.
FIrst ye must calcine it with Sulfur thus.
Take plates of Copper beaten as thinne as is possible, and cut them in little peeces as bigge as a penye or there aboute, then take a crusible and put therein Brimstone beaten a finger thicke, then laie thereon a bed of these plates and couer thē with Sulfur, and then laie another bed and couer it with Sulfur againe, and this doe till that the crusible be full, then sette it in the calcinyng furnace half a daie long with a good fire, then let it waxe colde and grind it vpon a stone, then put it into Aqua fortis and let it dossolue: then distill awaie the water and make the pouder very drie, the whiche remaineth in the bottome of the glasse and grind it on a stone: with salt prepared, then put it in a sublimyng vessell, and set it in a furnase, and giue first a small fire, and then giue it a very strong fire fower [Page] and twentie houres: and then lette it waxe colde, and in the vessell ye shall finde a greene pouder light and subtill, but nothing like the Copper the whiche ye had to subblime. Then kéepe that in a glasse close shut with waxe, for there is no better medicine in the worlde then this for the Canker, the Wolfe, Fistelowes, and all such like sores, for this doth helpe them quickly: and when ye will occupie it in suche sores, ye muste strawe it thereon, and laie vpon it a wound plaister: of the which I haue writtē a number in my pearle of Chirurgerie, and it shal heale them how sore so euer they be.
To sublime Lead and Tinne.
THese two are sublimed with lesse labor then the Copper: neuerthelesse when ye will sublime them, goe to worke as thou didst with Copper, sauyng that ye maie not calcine them with Sulfur, but as I haue shewed you afore. And when it is so calcined ye shal dissolue them in this strong water following: and when it is dissolued distill the water awaie til it remaine [Page] drie: then dissolue it againe, and distill the water awaie againe, so that it remaine scant drie: then take that, and put thereto twise so muche salte prepared and sublime them together with a strong fire, and ye shall finde a white pounder subblimed in the toppe, the which serueth to the same vse that the Copper serueth for: that is in all foule Vlcerations and filthie sores, &c.
How to make the saied Aqua fortis to dissolue Lead and Tinne.
TAke salt Peter, Vitrioll Roman and Sall Armoniack, of eache one poūd beate them well together and putte them in a glasse, the whiche is very well luted: then set on the head with a greate receiuer, and lute the ioyntes well that no ayre maie come forthe, then giue it a very small fire twelue houres long, and then increase it accordyng to Arte: but take good heede that ye be not to rashe with your fire at the first, least that all the glasses flye in peeces: then keepe it to thy vse, and when ye will dissolue your Lead, ye must take for euery [Page] pounde of Lead, two pounde of water, and dissolue it cold, for otherwise it would blow the glasse in peeces.
To make Oyle of Sulfur, the whiche is a greate secrete.
THis oyle is made in this maner. First ye shall haue a bell of yearth, or a heade of glasse like the common Stilles of Tinne, the whiche ye shall hang vp by a string: then take a plate of Iron of a finger thicke, and twoo fingers broade, and make it redde hotte in the fire, then laye it vnder the bell or head, and caste thereon Brimstone, and let it burne, so that the fume maie goe within the bell, and this ye shall cōtinue possible a whole daie, afore that one droppe will fall. But when ye see it drop, then continue till ye haue oyle enough and then haste thou a greate Treasure, the whiche keepe in a glasse, for it will helpe the Poxe and all outwarde sores and Vlcerations, and also all stinkyng and filthie sores, the whiche will not bee holpe. It is also excellent [Page] againste the Rose, and againste the Pestilence, the whiche ye muste vse in this maner. Take water of Sorell, of Roses, of Cardus Benedictus of eche ℥.i. Oile of Sulfer ℈.i. mixe them together, and giue it the pacient as sone as he feeleth hym self sicke, and laye hym doune to sweate one howre, and let hym not stirre that he maie sweate the better, then drie hym well warme clothes, and let hym rest twoo howres, and then if ye haue liste to eate, let hym haue a a cullus made of a Henne in this order. Ye shall boile the Henne or Chicken so long, that the fleshe fall frō the bones, then stōpe the bones and all, and straine it with the said broth, then put thereto a good deale of Suger, and a little Wine, and lette the pacient eate it with verie little bread: and then twoo howers after, ye shall giue hym the aforesaied receipte with oile, and let hym sweate thereon twoo howers, as is saied afore, and this ye shall doe the next daie once, and by the grace of God the Pestilence shall not hurte hym. But when ye will occupie it to the Poxe, or any other filthie sores, ye shall giue it with water of Hoppes, of Cicorie, [Page] of Germander, of eche ℥.i. water of Fumetorie ℥.ij. Oile of Sulfer ℈.i. these ye shall mixe together, and let the pacient drinke it at seuen a clocke in the Mornyng, and lette hym sweate thereon twoo howers: then drie hym with warme clothes, and then at night ye shall giue hym that portion in maner as ye did before, and lette hym sweate thereon other twoo howers: and this order ye shall vse till that thei be whole, the which will bee in verie short tyme, so that it shall seme miraculous, for his sores will presētly be healed, although thei were neuer so euill.
Againste the Rose ye shall take the water of Sorell of, Purselene, and put thereto ℈.i. of oile of Brimstone, and let the pacient drinke it, and lye doune to sweate thereon, and in one daie he shalbe holpe, although he haue had it a long tyme.
To make Oyle of Ʋitrioll.
FIrst ye must haue an eathē pot, the which holdeth about a gallon, and must be aboute a foote, or fourtene ynches hie, then ye must haue a head [Page] of glasse, the which commeth iuste ouer the pot, then take Vitrioll and put it in the pot, and then sette on the head with a greate receiuer, and lute the ioyntes well, them giue it small fire, as I haue shewed you afore in the makyng of strong water, and when ye see that it will drop no more, then encrease the fire a little, and so keepe it till it drop no more, then take awaie the receiuer, and powre out the water and set it too againe, and lute it fast, then encrease thy fire by little and little, till that the fumes come forth: then keepe it bigger and bigger, so that the pot maie stande as hotte as the coales, and so keepe it till that the heade and receiuer waxe cleare againe, but in anywise slacke not thy fire: For I haue seene fire kepte a whole daie, after that the water was taken awaie, and neuer a drop fell into the receiuer, but at the laste it came apace, therfore leaue not till it bee doen. Then keepe this Oile verie close in a glasse, that the spirites flée not awaie, for when it hath loste his spirites, it is good for nothyng, but to corrod and eate awaie dead fleshe. But when this Oile hath his spirites, there is no better [Page] medecine in the worlde, against the fallyng sicknesse and Apoplexia beeyng vsed thus. Take Aqua vitae perfectly rectified, with out fleme one pinte, Oile of Vitrioll one spoonefull, mixe them and let the paciente drinke thereof euery mornyng one spoonefull, and he shalbe holpen, although he haue had it ten yeres, and fell euery hower: and for Apoplexia ye shall giue it in the saied order. But if he can not drinke it so, ye shall giue it as ye thinke good, so that he haue it in his bodie, and presently he shall mende, although he haue had it a long tyme, and were lame ouer al his body. It is also excellent good against al hot feuers in the Sommer, for it helpeth them in one daie, as I haue proued diuers tymes my self, and ye shall giue it in this order. Take Burrage water as muche as ye will, and put thereto so much of this Oile, till it bee sowre like Veriuise, and thereof let the pacient drinke asmuche as ye will, and then ye shall see the pacient holpe, and his thirst shall slake, and also his heate. This oile is also good against all foule and old sores, and to take awaie their stincke, if ye mixe it with water of Egremonie, [Page] till it bee verie sower, and then washe the sore therewith. If ye mixe more Oile with the saied water, till it bee as fower as Vineger, it takes awaie wartes if ye washe them therewith, and cause them to fall out without pain. It helpeth all scabbes if ye washe them therewith, mixt with Egremonie water as is afore saied. If ye mixe it with Borage water, Buglosse water, and Mellise water, it helpeth the beting of the harte, that hath cōtinued a long time.
¶ To make water of Mercurie, the whiche Paraselsus writeth of his booke of Chirurgerie.
TAke Mercurie that is sublimed, as I haue shewed you afore, and put it it a glasse, and set it in Furnace, and giue suche a temperate fire, that you maie hold your hand ouer it a Pater noster while and that degree of fire ye shall keepe, the space of sixe weekes, but looke that ye increase not the fire, nor yet per deminishe it: then take that Mercurie and grinde it fine, and putte it into a bagge, like vnto an Ipocras [Page] bagge, and hang it in a moiste place, and set a glasse vnder it, and the Mercurie will turne into water, the whiche kepe well: and when thou wilte occupie that water, thou shalt weate a linnen clothe therein, and laie it on suche kinde of sores, as will not bee holpe by no other kind of meanes: for it will take awaie their corosiues, and cause them to heale, although thei were neuer so il. And more ouer, because that thou shalte knowe wherefore that it serueth, ye shall note that it is good againste all Cankers, Fistilous, the Woulfe, and suche like, for it helpeth them all, though thei were neuer so euill, as Paraselsus writeth thereof in his greate Surgerie in the Chapiter of the Cancker and suche like.
To make water of Sal Armoniake.
TAke Sal Armoniake that is sublimed seuen tymes, and grinde it to pouder, then put it into a glasse, that hath a hole in the bottome on the one side, and then set that glasse in an other, and set them in a moiste Seller, and then the Sal [Page] Armoniacke will dissolue into water, and runne into the nether glasse, the whiche ye shall keepe close: In the aforesaid maner ye maie make water of Allum, the whiche is excellent to drie vp all filthie wounds, &c.
¶ The order to fixe all thynges that are fliyng.
TO fixe any thing, is to be vnderstood thus. Ye shall sublime it so ofte, that it will sublime no more, but will lye in the fire, so that the fire can not consume it, and when ye will fixe any thing, as Sulfer, Quicksiluer, or Arsnicke, or suche like, ye shall dooe it in this order: Ye shall take Mercurie sublimed, or sulfur sublimed, or Arsenicke, or such like, and put it into a submyng glasse, whiche I will shewe you diuers paterns, in the next booke god willing and set it in a furnace with a smal fire, & thē increase it according to Arte, the space of a whole daie, and thē at euening ye shal turne tha glasse and lette it sublime vp into the other ende: and this order ye shall vse with sublimyng, from one ende vnto an other, till that it will sublime no more: the whiche [Page] ye shall proue in this maner. Ye shall take a little thereof and laye it on a redde hotte coale, and looke whether it smoke or no, for if it smoke it is not fixte, but if it smoke not it is fixte. But to knowe the verie trothe, ye shall take thereof and grinde it to pouder, and then put it into a crusible, and giue it as greate a fire as though ye would melt Coper, and then if ye see that there cōmeth no smoke from it, it is fixt: but if that it smoke awaie, ye shall put it into a newe sublimyng glasse, and sublime it againe, then keepe it to thy vse, till I write more thereof: for when you haue your spirites fixt, ye haue a greate Treasure, the whiche is not to bee bought with money, & principally of Sulfer fixte, for therewith ye maie doe what ye liste, for there can no sicknesse come vnto mannes bodie, but it maie bee holpe therewith. Also Mercurie beyng fixte, is suche an excellēt medicine against the Poxe, that the like can not be found in the worlde. But ye shall note, that it mst not be occupied alone, but with other things, ye which I will shewe you in an other place. The Arsnicke and the Sal Armoniacke maie not be occupied [Page] in any wise inwardly, but onely outwardly, as ye shall heare hereafter, and especially of the Salt of Arsnicke.
To make Oile of Antimonie.
IF thou wilt make this Oile, ye muste looke diligently to your fire, least ye spoile all: then take a retoret of glasse, and lute it very well, and put therein three pounde of Antimonie, and three pounde of Sal gem calcined, beaten together, then increase thy fire accordyng to Art, three daies and three nightes, and lute thy receiuer verie well, the whiche must be of the quantitie of fiue or sixe gallons, or more, the greater the better, and then thou shalte haue an Oile as redde as blood, the whiche is not to be solde, or bought for money. For it helpeth the Canker, the Woulf Noli me tangere, and Fistulais, if ye annoint them therewith: first the deade fleshe will fall out without paine, and then it will heale, how sore so euer it bee, although it were fourtie yeres old.
In summa. It is a moste excellent Oile against all sores, and venemous Vlcers, for if ye annointe them three tymes therewith, it helpeth them, although thei were so venemous that thei did eate a hande broad in one night, as it is diuers tymes séene of the Woulf, and suche like vlcerations, that eateth so, that it séemeth that a Dogge had bitten out a greate péece. These and all other Vlcerations, the whiche will not bee holpe by any meanes, ye shall helpe them with this Oile in short tyme, so that it shall séeme merueilous to beholde.
¶ How ye maie drawe forthe salt out of all mettalles: and first out of Gold, the whiche is called sall Sapientium.
FIrst if thou wilte make Salte of Golde, thou shalt take Gold filed into pouder, and dissolue it in the afore written strong water, and when it is dissolued, ye shall boile awaie the water, till remaine drie, then thou shalt put theron faire water, and let it [Page] séeth therewith three or fower houres long, and then powre it awie, and putte more thereon and lette it seethe againe, and then powre it of againe: this powryng on and of ye shall vse till that the water haue no taste of the strong water, but is swéete: and when it is so, giue it greate fire that it maie drie well, then put it in a glasse and set it in a calcinyng furnace, and there it shall calcine a whole month long, so that it remain alwaies red hot and at one degree of fire: thē take it and grinde it on a stone, till that it bee as fine as is possible: then powre thereon good distilled vineger, and laie a couer ouer the glasse, and let it seethe in Balneo Mariae a whole daie long, puttyng thereto alwaies freshe vineger: then powre of that vineger into a glasse and put thereon more, & boyle it a whole daie as ye did afore, and this ye shall doe three tymes: then take that vineger that ye powred of, and distill it by Balneo Mariae till it remaine drie, and in the bottome ye shall finde a Salte as white as snow, the which ye shall take and put thereon more vineger, and sette it in the Balneo Mariae that it maie boyle the space of two [Page] howres, then lett it settle a whole daie, and then powre of that which is cleare, and then if there remaine any thyng in the bottome, it is not enough preparde: then ye shall disolue it in Vineger againe, and distill the Vineger againe as I haue shewed you, and ye shall finde a whiter salte in the bottome of the glasse, the whiche ye shall put in Vineger againe, and lett that boile in Balneo Mariae twoo howres, as I shewed you afore, and then lette it stande and settle, and then powre of the clearer part, and distill it in Balneo Mariae, and the Salte will remaine in the bottome as white as Snowe. But if there remaine any in the other glasse ye shall not dooe as I haue shewed you, till it be all dissolued. Then dissolue that Salt in Raine water three or fower tymes, and looke whether there remaine any Salte in the bottome vndissolued, & if there remaine none, it is well prepared, or els not, and it is called Sal Philosophorum, or Sal Sapientiae, and when it is dissolued into cleare water, ye shall distill awaie the water, that the Salte maie remaine verie drie in the bottome, the whiche ye shall keepe in a glasse [Page] close shotte: for it is an excellente Medecine againste all diseases of the bodie, for it will leaue nothing in mans bodie that shal hurt hym, but it driueth it out by sweate, and maketh the pacient sounde and whole as euer he was in all his life. It helpeth all outwarde sores, as the Canker, the Woulfe, Fistiloes, and suche like. This beyng taken inwardlie doeth helpe those outwarde deseases moste wonderfull. For it helpeth them in three or fower daies, and when ye will occupie it againste suche deseases, ye shall vse it in this order: Ye shall take a viol full of wine, and put therein twoo or three graines of that Salt, for it is sufficient for any sicke persone, for any kinde of deseases, then stoppe that Violl, and set it in warme water till the Salt bee dissolued, then giue the sicke persone thereof to drinke warme, and laye hym doune to sweate, for it will cause hym to sweate wonderfully, therefore keepe hym from the colde in any wise, for that sweate will bryng hym to healthe againe, although he were a Leper, so that it come not by Nature of his mother, for if it come by kinde, there is no helpe that I doe [Page] knowe, yet neuerthelesse this medecine can not hurt, nor yet it can not helpe hym. But other sicknesses, although they were neuer so euill or sore, it will helpe thē. It helpeth the Pestilence miraculously in one daie, and likewise the Poxe in shorte tyme, giuyng it as is aforesaied in wine, and laye thereon and sweate, and thē drie awie the sweat with warme clothes, and when thou wilte helpe any outward sore, thou shalte laye thereon a wounde plaster, and let hym drinke the saied Salte with Wine mornyng and euenyng, as is saied afore, and in short space thei shalbe holpen.
The order to distill Vineger for to make the aforesaied Saltes.
TAke good strong Renishe Wine vineger, and distill it in a Limbeck of glasse, and giue it firste a small fire till half be distilled, then take it awaie for it is nothyng worthe to our worke, then taste it on thy tongue whether it bee sharpe or no, if it be not sharpe it is not good: if not kepe that small sire till that the liquor come [Page] forthe sowre: for ye shall note that the worst of the vineger distilleth first, then distil that whiche is last with a reasonable fire vntill it bee almoste distilled, but ye maie not distill it all quite out, least it should stincke of the fire and waxe redde, for then it will not serue our purpose. Moreouer ye shall note that it maie not drop faster, but that a man maie saie a Pater noster betwene.
To drawe forth the salte of Arsnicke.
THe salte of Arsnicke is a maruelous salt, but it is sharpe and corosiue, and the order to make it is thus.
Take Arsnicke ℥.j. the whiche is fixte and dissolue it in Aqua fortis made of sale Peter and Allum, and when it is dissolued putte thereon raine water, till that it sincke to the bottome, and when it is sunck to the bottome lette it stande to settle, and then powre of that parte whiche is cleare, and put on more fresh water and let it seeth and then let it settle and powre of the water againe, and then powre one more: and [Page] this order ye shall vse till that the water come of as sweete as ye put it on, then calcine it sixe daies & sixe nightes, then powre thereon distilled vineger and seeth it in Balneo Mariae to dissolue, and at night lette it settle and waxe cleare: then powre of that whiche is cleare and put or more, and let it stand a daie to dissolue as I saied afore, and then let it waxe cleare and thē powre of the cleare partes. This ye must do three times as is saied of Golde, and then drie it very well, and put thereon faire raine water till it be dissolued, and when it is dissolued ye shall make no more fire vnder it but lette it waxe cold, and then powre the cleare partes of and distill it in Balneo Mariae till it bee drie: and then ye shall finde your salte in the grounde as white as snowe: the whiche is moste excellent againste the Canker, the Woulfe, and such like as commeth of woū des, &c. ye shall helpe them thus. Take of this falt ℈.i. and put thereto ℥.i. of Vnguentum fuscum, and therewith dresse the sores and thei will heale in shorte tyme, although they weare neuer so olde: and therefore if thou wilt vnderstande wherefore it serueth: [Page] looke in my pearle of Chirurgerie, and also in the Chirurgerie of Paraselsus.
To make Oyle of the Metalles and first of Lead and Tinne.
IF thou wilt make Oyle of these two Metalles, ye must first calcine them as I haue shewed you and then dissolue them in the aforesaied strong water, and when they bee dissolued let them stande till it be as cleare as a glasse, then distill awaie the water by a Limbecke till it remaine drie, and when it is drie, put thereon good distilled vineger and sette it in Balneo Mariae to dissolue a whole daie and let it boyle, then let it waxe colde and settle, then powre of that parte which is cleare & distill it in another glasse, and when your matter is drie, put thereon other distilled vineger, and let it seethe so long til that it be dissolued, then distill away the vineger, and then put on more vineger: this dissoluyng and distillyng ye shall vse so long till that the matter remaine in the bottome like Oyle, then put it forthe whilest [Page] it is yet warme, for when it is colde it is so tough that ye can not get it from the glasse: This oyle being so made is most excellent, for it healpeth woundes and sores in very shorte tyme: and moreouer there is no oyle amongst all the secretes of Phisicke or surgerie that healeth a wounde soner then this oyle doeth, for it helpeth them in fower and twentie houres, so that there bee no bones broke or cut, &c. There is another maner of makyng of this oyle the whiche is better, whiche we will not write of in this place.
To make Oyle of Copper, and of Crocum martis, or Iron.
THese Metalles ye must firste calcine, and then dissolue them in strong water, then putte thereon raine water till that the Mettall sincke to the bottome, then put to so muche raine water till that it haue no taste of the strong water, then drie it wel and put theron distilled vineger, and sette it in Balneo Mariae to dissolue, then distill awaie the vineger till it remaine drie, and then put theron [Page] freshe vineger, and distill that awaie till that the matter remaine drie: and this order ye shall vse till that ye matter remaine moist in the bottome like oyle. This oyle is of like vertue as the other, and therefore wee will write no more thereof in this place.
To make Oyle of Quicksiluer.
IF thou wilte make this Oyle, ye must haue Mercurie fixte or els it will not serue to our vse: therefore take that which is fixte and put it in strong water, and set it in Balneo to dissolue, and set thereon a head, and when it is dissolued let it settle, and then powre of that parte which is cleare and distill it in Balneo Mariae, and your Mercurie will remaine in the bottome, then put thereon raine water, and wash it so long that the water haue no taste of the strong water, but remaine as sweete as ye put it on: then putte thereon distilled vineger, and set it in Balneo Mariae a hole daie till that it bee dissolued, then distill the vineger awaie, and put thereon freshe, and set it in Balneo Mariae againe to dissolue, [Page] and then distill it awaie againe: and this order ye shall vse till that it remaine like an oyle in the bottome, then take it forthe and keepe it in a glasse close shut, least it should leese his strength. This oyle is of as great operation in freshe woundes as the other aforesaied are: it is aboue all other against the poxe to be vsed outwardly, for it helpeth all sores that come of the poxe, if ye anoynt the sores therewith and in the aforesaid maner: Ye maie make Oyles of all Metalles but they are not to be taken inwardly, and therefore I will shewe thee another order how you shall make Oyles of all the Metalles to vse inwardly.
¶ To make Oyle of Gold, the whiche is distilled through the helme, and is to be vsed both inwardly and outwardly.
IF thou wilt make Oyle of Golde, ye shall take his salt of the whiche we haue made mention afore, and put it in to a glasse with a lōg necke, [Page] and mixe the glasse fast with hermes sell, that is with a paire of gloyng tonges, as I will shewe you hereafter: then ye shall sette the saied glasse in a calcinyng furnace, with a fire so temperate as though it stode in the Sunne: and there ye shal let it stande eight daies, and then increase the fire other eight daies, till that ye see it beginne to waxe yellowe, and then keepe thy fire in that heate till that thou seest thy glasse all yellowe, and then increase thy fire a little till that ye see it waxe a brouner yellowe: and when ye see that, ye shal kepe it in that heate eight daies, and then if ye see it chaunge no colour increase your fire a little more eight daies, and then ye shall see it waxe red, and when it is indefferent red, ye shall increase your fire againe eight daies, till that ye see it a broune red, then ye maie giue it a greater fire for it is fixte, and no fire can consume it: and when ye haue kepte it eight daies in suche a greate heate, ye shall lette it waxe colde, and if ye will make this oyle, ye shall grinde it in fine pouder, and putte it into a stone pot, and put thereon distilled vineger and sette it in Balneo Mariae to dissolue fower [Page] daies long, then let it settle and powre of the cleare partes, and put thereon more vineger and stop the pot very close, and set it againe other fower daies in Balneo Mariae to dissolue, and euery daie ye shall stirre it twoo or three tymes with a sticke, then let it waxe colde and settle, and powre of the cleare partes, and then put thereon freashe Vineger, and sette it to dissolue againe, and let it stande and settle vntill the fifth daie in the mornyng, then let it waxe colde and settle, and then powre of the cleare partes, and if there remaine any thyng in the pottes bottome, caste it out: for it is not profitable for our woorke, then washe the potte verie cleane, and putt therein the saied Vineger that ye boiled afore, and distill it per Balneo Mariae, vntill it be drie, and ye shall finde the pouder fairer then it was afore, then put thereon freashe Vineger, and sette it to dissolue in Balneo Mariae, as is saied afore. And when it hath stoode fower daies, ye shall powre it cleare of, and looke if there remain any feces or pouder in the bottome and if there bee any, you shall powre it out, and make the potte cleane, and put therein [Page] the saied Vineger whiche ye powred of, and distill it awaie per Balneo Mariae, vntill that it remaine drie: then put thereon freshe Vineger, and dissolue it as I haue shewed you, and then powre of the Vineger and distill it againe, and this ye shall vse, vntill that you finde no more Sande in the bottome. But that it is all dissolued, and then it is prepared to make his Oile of, then distill that laste Vineger awaie per Balneo Mariae, vntill that it bee verie drie, then put it into a glasse with a head and a greate receiuer, the whiche ye must lute together verie well, that no aire maie come forthe, then giue it small fire iiij. houers long, and then increase it a little stronger, and so keepe it other fower howers, and then ye shall see certaine yellowe fumes rise vp into the head, then keepe thy fire in that degree, vntill that thou seest the head waxe read, then increase your fire a little, vntill that the head be as read as blood, then kepe thy fire in that state, vntill thou seest the couler beginne to slake. Then make thy fire greater, vntill that the bottome of the Vessell bee read, and then keepe it in that [Page] staye one hower, and then the head will seeme to bee full of Snowe. Then make the fire as greate at thou canste, vntill the head waxe cleare againe as it was at the firste. Then let it waxe cold, and thou shalt finde an Oile in the receiuer, the whiche is not to bee bought for any money: For because it helpeth all diseases in mannes bodie, bothe inwardly and outwardy: although thei bee neuer so euill, as the Pestilence, the Poxe, the Woulfe, the Canker, Consumptions, the Dropsie, and the Leper, if so bee that it came not by Nature of the Father and Mother. And the order to take it is thus: Ye shall take a potte of wine and put therein ℈. i. of this Oile, and giue the sicke thereof to drinke in the mornyng, and let hym lye in his bedde and slepe, and then thou shalte see wonders. And if so bee that the pacient bee full of euill humours, and that he shall neede pourgyng, it will cause nature to cast for the either by sweate, or vrine, or by vomite, or dounewarde, as long as the paciente shall haue neede, and then straite waies amende and waxe stronger: then if that he had eate a whole Capon [Page] and then if the pacient doe pourge no more by any of the saied meanes aforesaid, ye shal giue it hym but three daies. For if he doe purge more then one daie, it is a token that he is full of corruptiō, as of the Leprie, and the Poxe, for those are so full of corruption, so that he can not bee holpe in one daie by Nature. Therefore ye shall giue it more then three daies, that is thus to bee vnderstoode, ye shall giue it hym so long that nature purgeth no more, and that ye maie see that the paciente waxeth verie strong, for this Medecine woorketh with the helpe of Nature a long tyme after, and therefore this medecine is precious, and of too quick operatiō to giue to any sicke person where no neede is. But as for the Woulf and the Canker, and suche like outward sores, ye shall vnderstand, that there is néede of no other helpe then the aforesaied drinke, as is said afore: & ye shall laie vpon the sore a cole leafe or li [...]te, and you shall see great aboundance of foule and rottē blood and suche like come forthe: The which is scant to be beleued, and then those holes or sores will incarnace, and heale of the selues without fault.