¶ The Names.
† 1.1 Royal Satyrion, or finger Orchis is cal∣led in Latine, Palma Christi; notwithstanding there is another herbe or plant called by the same name, which otherwise is called Ricinus. This plant is called likewise of some, Satyrium Basilicum, or Satyrium regium. Some would haue it to be Buzeiden, or Buzidan Arabum, but Auicen saith Buzeiden is a woody Indian me∣dicine: and Serapio saith, Buzeiden be hard white roots like those of Behen album, and that it is an Indian drug: but contrariwise the roots of Palma Christi are nothing lesse than woody, so that it cannot be the same. Matthiolus would haue Satyrion royall to be the Digiti Citrini of 〈◊〉〈◊〉; finding fault with the Monkes which set forth Commentaries vpon Mesues Compositions, for doubting and lea∣uing it to the iudgement of the discreet Rea∣der. Yet do we better allow of the Monkes doubt, than of Matthiolus his assertion. For 〈◊〉〈◊〉 words be these; What is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Digiti Citrini? and answering the doubt himselfe, he saith, It is in figure or shape like the palme of a mans hand, of a mixt colour betweene yellow and white, and it is hard, in which there is a little sweetnesse, and there is a Citrine sort dusty and without sweetnesse. Rhasis also in the last booke of his Continent calls these, Digiti Crocei, or Saffron fingers; and he saith it is a gumme or veine for Dyars. Now these roots are nothing lesse than of a Saffron colour, and wholly vnfit for Dying. Where∣fore without doubt these words of Auicen and Rhasis, in the eares of men of iudgment do confirme, That Satyrion Royall, or Palma Christi, are not those Digiti Citrini. The Germans call it Creuts∣blum: the low Dutch, Handekens cruyt: the French, Satyrion royal.