THe knowledge of Simples hath alwaies beene had in such estimation amongst the Ancients, that many great Mo∣narchs both Grecians and Romans, although they were much troubled in the gouernement of their estates, haue neuer the lesse studied how to obtaine this science, and to illustrate it. For indeed it is not onely pleasant and dele∣ctable, but also very profitable and necessarie. And for this cause they haue beene much commended who haue dili∣gently Page  804 written bookes concerning plants, and concerning the vertues of them. And sure∣ly wee are not a little beholding to their diligence, by reason of the commodities that doe thereby redound vnto vs daily for the mainetenance of our health, which is the thing most to bee desired of vs in all the world. For so much then as wee haue so many goodly vo∣lumes amongst vs, that all persons may thereby with small trauell become learned in this part of phisicke, which is abundantly therein entreated of, wee will satisfie our selues to passe away this day in discoursing onely concerning the most singular herbes and rootes, which we could therein note, and as we yet doe beare in memory.

All herbes may be diuided into two kindes, one is vnder the name of pot herbes, the other of phisicke herbes: although in very truth, there is in all of them, yea in many of those which are most common, very apt and proper vertues for the aide and mainetenance of health, and healing of diseases. But omitting those which are vsed in common foode, and which are well knowne to euery man, wee will onely speake of the most excellent in pro∣pertie, in respect of their maruellous effects in the nature of men. Amongst which, although Mallowes be very common, yet are they worthy of consideration. And wee reade that the auncients did sow this plant in their gardens of deliberate purpose: for in those daies they * did eate them like other ordinary herbes. And euen to this day in Italy, they are so well ordered by the gardiners, that they will grow as big as a shrub, yea in sixe or seuen months. Wee neede not make heere a particular description of Mallowes; for there is none but knoweth them well enough: but their vertue is verie admirable: for their leaues sod, be∣ing eaten doe take away all horsenes; and being powned with sage leaues, they make a sin∣gular plaister for wounds and other inflammations: they are also very good against bitings of venemous beasts being applied with leeks & onions: and the iuice of them dropt in ones eare, appeaseth the tingling therein. Being sod rootes and all, till such time as the decocti∣on be all very thicke and clammie, they are giuen to women (to drinke) who are deliuered of their children with great difficultie; which helps them much: and the iuice drunke to the quantity of halfe a pound waight, doth profit them much. Their seed also drunke with redde wine, doth deliuer one from all desire to vomit. And their young and ten∣der stalkes being eaten with salt, vineger, and eyle (as Sparage also) are very healthfull and laxatiue. Sixe ounces of their iuice being drunke, is very good for melancholie people, and for madefolkes. In briefe the Mallow is aery profitable in many thinges, and was for that cause called by the auncients (Omnimorbia) that is to say, good against all diseases.

The wilde mallow hath no fewer properties, & was therfore called by the Greeks (Althaea)* as being singular amongst all simples, and fit for many medicines: the vse thereof being very ordinary in phisicke, and it is a common hearbe knowne by euery one. Beeing sod in wine, or in honied water, beaten, and applied alone, it is good for all wounds, against the kings euill, against wormes in the eare, impostumes, inflammation of the breast, rupture of the fundament, ventosities, and shrincking of the sinewes: for it resolueth ripeneth, breaketh and healeth. The leaues thereof incorporated with oile are good to apply to all bitings, and burnings by fire, the seede and roote of this plant haue the same operation with the leafe: but they are more subtle, and more drying and abstersiue. The seede is good against the Dysenteria, against spitting of bloud, and flux of the bellie; and so also is the decoction of the root. And both of them serue greatly for difficulty in making water for grauel in the body, and do breake the stone in the reines. I must not faile here, to remember amongst the most excellent herbs, the purple violet, for because of the admirable vertures, which it containeth. I will not speake of the rare beauty of the flower thereof, * nor of the sweete and pleasent smell thereof, though it be to hee maruailed at. But wee may affirme it to be as excellent and singular a medicine as may bee found in any part of the world. For Violets are temperate, and very good to alter and change the ill quality of hu∣mours, and to enacuate them. They chiefly purge choler, and qualifie the vehemencie thereof. They are good for paines in the head which proceede from heate: they cause sleepinesse: mollifie the pricking of the breast, and of the lungs: they are profitable a∣gainst the squinancie, against the falling of the pallat in the mouth: they chiefly serue against inflammations of the breast, and of the side: and staunch thirst. Being drie they open the liner, cause inflammations to cease, and are very fit against the Iaundise. More∣ouer, the iuice of Violets, and the sirup that is made of them, mollifie the belly, and they be good to vse in plurisies, to purge. And if any one receiue a blow vpon the head, hee shall bee kept from dizzines, and other greater inconueniences, if soone after he is stroken, Page  805 he drinke the flowers of Violets braied, and vse this drinke for some time. It is also a singu∣lar, and gentle purgation and of no lesse vertue then Cassia; if you drink so much of the in∣fusion of the rootes of Violets in white wine as you can holde in foure fingers, after they haue been beaten in a morter, beeing steeped a whole night in wine, and afterwards stray∣ned through a cleane linnen cloth, which drinke you may sweeten by putting sugar there∣in. This secret was taught me by a learned phisicion of our time, and I haue oftentimes seen the experience thereof.

Betony is likewise an hearbe that is stored with many great vertues and properties. For which cause the Italians, when they would highly praise any one, say in a common * prouerbe (Tu hai piu virtu, che non hala Betonica) Thou art endued with more vertues then Betony is. This herbe hath a small stalke, and in many places is found of a cubite in height: hauing leaues like an oake, soft, long, cutte round about, of sweete smell, great neere to the roote, and the seed therof at top of the stalke lookes like that of sauory. Now for the property of this plant, the leaues thereof brayed and laide to wounds in the head, doe presently search them and healing them from day to day, it is not long ere they for∣tifie the hurt part. Being beaten and applied to the forehead, they heale the paine of the eies, which likewise the decoction of the root doth, being sod in water, til one third part be consumed, if you wash your eies therwith. The iuice of the leaues being drunk, doth purge downewards that blood; the great abundance whereof doth dazzle and dimme the sight. Wherefore Betony being eaten doth sharpen and clarifie it. And being beaten with a ve∣ry little salt, and put into the nosthrils, it stancheth bleeding at the nose. And the warme iuice being distilled with oyle of roses, and put into the eares, doth asswage the paine of them. The vse of this herbe is very profitable for those, which are pained at the stomacke, and haue short breath, who spit corruption, who haue paine in their liuer and spleene, and are troubled with running of the reines; it prouoketh vrine, easeth the gnawing of the belly and guttes (if it proceede not from encreasing of humours) and is very good against dropsies, breaketh the stone, stayeth the spitting of blood, and taken fasting, keepeth from drunkennesse, being drunke often with wine, it healeth the iaundise, refresheth those that haue trauelled farre, sharpeneth the appetite, resisteth poisons, venims, and bitings of serpents, and all other venemous and badde beasts; beeing not onely taken inwardly, but also applied outwardly to the wounds. In summe this plant hath so many properties therein, that a very learned phisition amongst the auncients hath written a whole booke thereof.

Ceterarch hath many vertues of Betony, it groweth on walles and old ruines, and vpon * rockes, and in shady places. It hath neither stalke, nor flower, nor seede, but hath many leaues growing out of a roote, which are cut like those of mountaine Polipody, redde and hairy vnderneath, and greene aboue. The decoction of this herbe is good for all melan∣choly passions, it consumeth spleen, is profitable for those that can hardly make water, brea∣keth the stone in the bladder, and is good for them that haue the iaundise. Some bray Ce∣terach leaues, to lay them hauing bene steeped in wine vpon the spleene, which serueth well for to open it. The yealow powder which is found behinde those leaues being drunk with a little white Amber, and with the iuice of Plantaine or of Purslaine, is marueilous profita∣ble for those that are troubled with running of the reines.

Saint Iohns-woort also is a very excellent herbe. It is full of braunches of a spanne in * height, reddish, bearing a leafe like to Rue, hauing a yellow flower like to a violet; which be∣ing rubbed betwixt the fingers, yeeldeth iuice as red as blood. This plant is called Mille∣pertuis, (or thousand holes) because the leaues of it are all full of so small holes, that one can scarce see them, but onely betwixt their sight & the Sun. It beareth seed in rough, round, and somewhat long huskes. This herbe hath power to open, resolue, search, and binde againe. It heateth and drieth, and is of subtile substance; wherefore it prouoketh vrine. The seed thereof being drunke with wine, voideth the stone out of the body, and resisteth poysons, both the seed, and hearbe being eaten or taken in drinke, or outwardly applied, healeth in∣uenomed bitings. The water distilled of this hearbe when it beareth flower, is singular good for those that are subiect to the Falling sickenesse, or are troubled with the palsie; if it be giuen them to drinke. The seed being beaten into powder with the iuice of Renouée, is good against spitting of blood. It purgeth the belly: the flowers and seede also haue a marueilous vertue to heale all wounds, except such as are in the head. Wherefore the Page  806 oyle, wherein the flowers and coddes full of seede shall haue beene long time steeped in the sunne, doth heale very well all greene wounds, especially if it be mixed with Turpen∣tine. If the belly be rubbed with this oyle, it is good against the Dysenteria: and a spoone∣full thereof being drunke killeth the wormes. There is a singular baulme made of the flow∣ers thereof, with the fruit of an elme and rose buds, putting all together in a glasse bottle, and setting it in the sunne, till such time as all be so consumed that it seemeth to be putrifi∣ed: then must all be strained through a cloth, and kept so to be vsed, chiefely for hurts and wounds of the body. Now (AMANA) doe you prosecute our discourse concerning Sym∣ples.

IN the description of plants, wee finde that there is mention made of two kindes of Celondine, otherwise called (Clary) either of them indued with many vertues. That which is called great Celondine, hath a slender stalke of a cubite * long, and hath leaued branches. The leaues thereof are soft and greene, somewhat in∣clining towards a blew. The flower resembleth that of the white Violet, which buddeth out according to the order of euery leafe. It beareth long and slender coddes, made poin∣ted, wherein the seede is enclosed. This herbe is of a very abstersiue and hotte quality. The iuice thereof is very good to take out spottes, and the pinne and webbe in the eyes; but because it is very sharpe, you must before you apply it, mixe it with those things that may represse the sharpnes thereof, as namely with womans milke: beeing put into hollow teeth, it loosoneth them that they fall out. If you rubbe warts therewith, they fall off and dry vp. The decoction of the roote being drunke with annise seed and white wine, doth heale the iaundise, and is good for eating vlcers, and being chewed it asswageth the paine in the teeth. Some make report, that swallowes cause their young ones to recouer lost sight, by applying this herbe vnto them, and that for this occasion it deriued the name thereof from a Greeke word, which signifieth a swallow, as being very well known by these birds, and commodious for them. Some Alchimists say for (Chelidonium) (Celidonium) that is (the gift of heauen) vaunting that they can extract out of this herbe a quintessence, not * onely fit for their purposes, but profitable also to conserue the health of man, and to heale many diseases. Celondine the lesse is without stalke, the leaues are round and thicke, the flower yealow, hanging at a small stalke. It keepeth but a very little while: for it sprin∣geth and dieth in the Spring-time. And it is so named, because it beareth flower in that season, when swallowes come in, as also great Clarie doth. It is hot and dry in the fourth degreefull, because of the great sharpnes thereof. And therefore so soone as it is applied, it * breaketh the skin, and causeth bad nailes to fall off. The iuice thereof snuffed vp into the nose, doeth greatly purge the braine, And a gargarisme made of the decoction thereof with honie, hath the same vertue, and euacuateth all euill humours in the breast.

Cammocke (or Rest-harrow) hath also many singular properties. It is a plant well knowen by countrey-folkes, because that as well with the branches, as with the interlaced * rootes, it oftentimes stayeth the plough, mangre the oxen. It also vexeth mowers and rea∣pers much. For how thicke leather soeuer they weare, yet will this pierce through like an aul, and as with needles wherewith it is armed being ripe. This hearbe hath many branches of a span long, turned with many knots; the leaues thereof are small and slender like vnto the leaues of Lentiles, approching very neere to the forme of Rue, somewhat hairie, and of a reasonable sweet sent. The branches are full of very sharpe and strong prickles. The flower is purple enclining to white, and sometimes yealow. Amongst other properties that this plant hath, it is aboue all most singular in the roote thereof for to breake the stone in the reines, and to void it out, especially when the conduits through which the vrine passeth are stopped vp. Some that haue vsed for a verie long time, to take the powder of the peele Page  807 of this roote with wine, haue bin holpen of the stone. And according to the testimony of Mathiolus. A certaine man hauing vsed for many moneths together of the powder only of this roote, did helpe and heale himselfe of the burstnes in the cods, after that all phisitions had giuen him ouer, except they might cut him as they had concluded. The decoction also of this roote, and water that hath beene distilled, cleanseth the reines of grauell, prouo∣keth vrine, purgeth the bladder, the mouth thereof being stopt vp with clammy humours, and is singular good to open the liuer, and all vessels of sense, life and motion. To make this water, you must take fower pound of the rindes of greene rootes: and being cut small, set them asteepe in eight pounds of malmesie, or of good wine, then distil them in a glasse lim∣becke in balneo Mariae.

Wormewood is almost infinite in adimrable vertues. It produceth a braunched stalke * with whitish leaues, very much cut like those of Mugwort, small yellow flowers and round seed heaped in clusters. This plant is maruellous fit for inflammations of the liuer and sto∣macke. It is very profitable for such as are sicke of the dropsie, if they often take the leaues thereof confected in sugar. Wormewood is of restringent quality, bitter and sharpe altoge∣ther being hot, abstersiue, comfortable and drying. And therefore it purgeth downwards, and driueth into the vrine all cholericke humours. It doth most principally comfort the stomacke, and for this cause wine was made thereof called by the same name of the tops thereof is a decoction made with the roote of Dandelion, which is very good to heale the iaundise. The iuice of wormwood mixed with the kernell of a peach killeth wormes. This herbe prouoketh vrine, being taken fasting it preserueth from drunkennesse, doth sharpen the appetite: it is a soueraign remedy for those that are subiect to stuffings by eating toade∣stooles, if they drinke the iuice thereof, with vineger. Being taken with wine it is good a∣gainst poison, with milk & honie it is good to rub thē that are troubled with the squinancie. The fume of the decoction thereof easeth paines in teeth and the eares. And being made in wine of raisins it asswageth the paine of the eies if they be annointed therewith. Be∣ing laid with oyle of Roses vpon a stomacke weakned through long sickenesse, it doth fortifie it: with figges, vineger, and meale of darnell it is good against the dropsie, and for those that are grieued in their spleene. Wormwood put into chests defendeth apparell from worme eating. There is a conserue made with a pound of the tops of this plant, and with three pounds of Sugar, which may heale an olde and despaired dropsie if it bee of∣ten vsed.

Hyssop is a common plant, but worthy of great consideration, it is like a shrub sprou∣ting * many wooden branches out of the roote, of a foote and halfe high. The leaues are set euery where about the stalkes here and there, being long, hard, sweet in smell, hot in taste, and somewhat bitter. It beareth flowres one the top of the stalke of a blew colour, like eares of corne. The qualitie of Hyssop is pearcing, attenuatiue, opening, and abstersiue: and therefore it hath the vertue to heate and to purifie. Being sod with figs, water, hony, and rue, and taken in drinke: it is good for inflammations of the lungs, for an old cough, difficul∣tie of breathing, catarrhes, and for those which cannot breath except they stand still: and it is good also to kil wormes in the belly. Being beaten with salt and Cumin, it is good against biting of Serpents, if it be laid therupon with hony. It is profitable for those that are subiect to the falling sickenesse, being ministred in any sort to them. Being taken in drinke it voi∣deth fleame, and chiefely that which is in the breast and lungs. It serueth also for flegmatick maladies of the braine and sinewes not only to purge them but also to fortifie them. It dri∣ueth away ventositie, moueth appetite, prouoketh vrine, freeth from quakings and shakings of feuers, and sharpeneth the sight. It maintaineth good colour in one, and is good for the spleene, and against the dropsie, and is singular against the squinancies, being gargarised with the decoction of figs. The oile that is made of the leaues and flowers, helpeth refrige∣rated or benummed sinewes and strengthen them. In briefe the admirable vertues of this plant haue begotten this prouerbe, (Hee that eateth Hyssop shall liue but too long.) But the plenty thereof that is euery where, causeth (euen as it is with all other common things) that it is made but small account of, and is very seldome vsed in Phisicke.

Sage also is verie common, so that there is no garden but is filled therewith: yet the ver∣tue thereof is not a whit lesse, as is daily experimented, to the great profit of many. It hath * many long, square, and white branches. The leaues are like those of a Quince tree, but more long, more rough, more thicke, sharpe, strong, of good smell, and yet somewhat vnpleasant. Many make two kindes of Sage, common Sage and wilde Sage. But wee may Page  808 note that garden sage is all one with field sage: neither can much difference bee marked in them, saue in the leaues, which are thinner, whiter, and rougher in wilde then in garden sage. This plant is very singular against all cold and flegmaticke diseases in the head, and against all paines of the ioints, either beeing taken in drinke, or applied in fomentations. Wherefore it is very good for them who haue the falling disease, or are sicke of the lethar∣gy, and for those that haue their members benummed or senselesse. It is profitable against defluxions of fleame, and maladies in the breast. It is good for great bellied women to eate, which are subiect to trauell before their time, for euery light cause, for it keepeth the child in the wombe, and doth quicken it. If you giue three or foure ounces of the iuice of sage to them that spit blood, that they may drinke it fasting in a morning with hony, the blood wil presently be staied. The vse of sage in pottage; and otherwise serueth to sharpen the appe∣tite, and cleanse the stomacke being full of ill humours. In summe, when occasion is to heat, dry and binde, sage is a very good and fit medicine.

Mints likewise haue great properties, and are very common, both in gardens and fields. * Whereof though there be many kindes (for some haue small and crisped leaues, others haue the stalke and flower red, and others white (yet is there no great matter to be made of these differences, considering that one selfe same vertue resideth in all. Mints beaten, and made into a plaister doe comfort a weake stomacke. It is a soueraigne thing to restore the smell, and feeling to those that haue lost it, so that it be often held to the nose. The leaues thereof dryed, and brought into powder, kill wormes in little children. The iuice drunke with vineger, stancheth blood; with the iuice of a sower pomegranate it restraineth vo∣mitings, hickets, and the colicke passion. Mints laid vpon the forehead asswage the head∣ach, and laid vpon too tender dugs that are full of milke, it easeth the paine of them, applied with salt it is good for bitings by dogs, and with honied water it is good against paines in the eares. The water of the whole plant distilled in a glasse limbecke in a bath of hot water, and drunke to the waight of fower ounces, staieth bleeding at nose. They that loue milke, must presently after they haue eaten thereof, chew mint leaues, to hinder the milke that it doe not curdle in their stomacke, if also you sprinkle cheese with the iuice thereof, or with the decoction thereof, it will keepe from corrupting and rottennes. Now I referre to you (ARAM) the sequele of this discourse.

AMongst common herbes admirable in their properties, Thyme is worthy to * be noted. Now there are two sorts thereof, one bearing sundrie twigs la∣den with very many little narrow leaues, hauing small heads, at the toppe full of purple flowres: and the other is as hard as wood, more branched, and like vnto Sauory. In pro∣pertie it is hot, and dry in the third degree. And therefore it prouoketh vrine, doth heate and being taken in drinke doth purge the intrailes. It is good to make one spit out the ill humours of the lungs, and in the breast. Foure drams of drie Thyme puluerized, being ministred fasting to one that hath the gout, with two ounces and a halfe of honied vini∣ger, doth profit them very much: for it purgeth choler, and other sharpe humours. It is good also for diseases of the bladder: and the waight of a dramme being taken with a spoonefull of honied water, it is good for such as beginne to haue a swollen belly: for the Sciatica, and paine in the reines, in the sides, and in the breast, for inflations and stit∣ches about the forepart of the belly, for melancholy persons; for those that are troubled in minde, and are in continuall fearefulnesse, if three drams be giuen to them fasting with a spoonefull of honied vineger it will doe them much good. It is profitable also against inflammation of the eies, and vehement paines thereof, and against the gout in the feete, being taken with wine. The vse thereof is very good for them that haue but badde sight. Out of thyme there is an oyle extracted of the colour of gold, which commeth forth with the water, when the herbe being fresh and greene is distilled in a bathe of hote water. This oyle smels like a Citron, & is very tart in tast, and good for al things, which haue need to be heated. But we must note that heede must be taken, that to all the foresaid purposes black thyme be not vsed: for it corrupteth the tēperature of the person, & ingendreth choler. Page  809 And therfore that thime must be chosen, which beareth a carnation flower, and that for the best yet which beareth a white flower.

Sauory also is an herbe knowne vnto all, and hath the same properties and vertues * which thyme hath, beeing taken in such manner. There are two kindes thereof: one is like to thyme, somewhat lesse and more tender, bearing a buddefull of greene flowers enclining to purple. The other is greater and more branched, which is often founde in gardens hauing many boughes that spread about it, beeing round and woody. The leaues thereof are greater then those of thyme, somewhat strong and harder, which doe heere and there grow about the branches in bunches together, after the springing whereof there grow out little buddes enuironed with leaues, which are much lesser then the other, wher∣in grow small carnation flowers. The leaues and flowers of sauory beeing made in a gar∣land or chaplet, and set vpon the head of such as sleepe, doe waken them. Being vsed in a cataplasme with wheat meale sodde together in wine, it is very auaileable against griefe of the Sciatica. But the vse of sauory is chiefly good for healthfull persons, whether it bee in pottage, or in sauce; or otherwise. And it being dryed in the shade, and brought into pow∣der, may be vsed instead of spices, and so may thyme and marierom, with maruellous profit for health: and strange drugs that are hurtfull may be spared, as pepper and ginger are, be∣ing commonly vsed.

Marierom is so good for all persons, so that there are but few people which haue it * not, eyther in their gardens, or in earth pottes: the whole plant is odoriferous, and most profitable in phisicke. It is branched with small plyable twigges, with long whitish and hairy leaues growing about those twigges. It beareth flowers in great number on the toppe of the stalkes, and buddes of the colour of the herbe, beeing long, and composed of an heape of scales, well compact together, out of which groweth a little graine. In proper∣ty it resolueth, and is attenuatiue, opening and coroboratiue. It is excellent against all cold diseases of the head, and of the sinewes, both outwardly applyed and taken in drinke: as also for griefes in the eares, noise in them, and difficult hearing, if some of the iuice of the leaues thereof bee dropt into them. The iuice thereof also being snuffed vp into the nose, purgeth the fleame of the head, cleanseth the braine, and fortifieth it. The vse of this plant and of the decoction thereof, is good against all euill in the breast, which may stoppe the free course and recourse of breath. It is profitable for them that are diseased in the liuer, and in the spleene: not onely freeing the liuer and spleene from oppilations and stoppings; but also making them strong and sound. The decoction thereof also being drunke, is good in the beginning of a dropsie, for difficulty in making water, and for pulling in ones belly. And the leaues thereof serue against the stingings of scorpions, being laid thereupon with salt and vineger.

Rue likewise by reason of the great and exquisite properties thereof deserueth * to be remembred. This plant is alwaies greene, very thicke of iuicie leaues, many hang∣ing at one stalke of small growth, but very broad, of a darke greene colour. It produceth many little boughes and branches, and on the top yellow flowres; out of which grow lit∣tle heads diuided into foure parts, wherein small blacke seede is inclosed. This herbe is very attenuatiue, incisiue, digestiue, resolutiue, prouocatiue, and driueth out ventosities very forceably. For it is hot in the third degree, and not onely sharpe in taste but bitter al∣so: by meanes whereof it may resolue and penetrate grosse and clammy humours; and through the same qualities prouoke vrine. It doth also consist of subtile parts and is num∣bred amongst medicines, which drie greatly: and therefore it is good against inflations, as∣swaging the appetite of lust, it resolueth and freeth from all windines. The seede thereof drunke in wine, to the weight of fifteene ounces, is a singular remedy against all poyson. The leaues eaten alone fasting, or with nuts and drie figs, doe kill the power of venim, and are good against Serpents. The decoction thereof drunke is profitable against paines in the breast and in the sides, inflammation of the liuer, the gout, and shakings of agues; being eaten rawe or confected, it cleareth the sight, is good against difficultie in breathing, and against the cough: being mixed with French Cherries dried, it allaieth paines of the eies; being mixed with oyle of Roses and Vineger, it easeth the head∣ache; being brayed and put into the nose, it stancheth the bleeding thereof. The distil∣led water of it, infused into an equall portion of wine and Rose water, is soueraigne for the paine in the eies.

Parsley is ordinarie and common in all gardens, and the vse thereof great and very *Page  810 commodious for the mouth and stomacke. Neither is there any herbe more vsed in meats, and in sauces. But it hath many properties in phisicke, for which it is much to bee com∣mended. For the decoction of the leaues or rootes therof openeth the passage of vrine, and purgeth out grauell that hath long laine in the vrine conduits: it easeth the colick & paines in the raines, being vsed in manner of fomentation vpon the grieued parts. The seed ther∣of is yet of greater vertue in the foresaid effects: it serueth (being drunke) against venime of serpents, and driueth out ventosities. The often vsage of parsley doth takeaway stinking of breath, being applied in a cataplasme with crums of white bread it healeth tetters, asswa∣geth the swelling of the dugs, & for women in child bed doth diminish their milk. There is also another kind of parsley called marsh parsley, commonly named (broad smallage) which hath as much or more efficacy in phisick then the other: especially the seed therof, which hath most singular vses. Which being sharpe with great bitternes, is hotte in operation, with a pearsing vertue. Wherefore it is good for wringings in the belly, windines of sto∣macke, and for the colicke: it is singular in drinke, for paines in the sides, in the raines, and in the bladder.

Fennell doth also consist of two sorts, one is of set fennell, and the other wild fennell. * Garden or set fennell is very pleasant in taste, for the sauory sweetnes therof, and is profita∣ble being vsed in phisick. The decoction of the leaues serue greatly for paines in the reines being drunk, and prouoketh. The herbe of fennell eaten, or the seed sodden with barly wa∣ter doth make very much milke come into womens breasts. The roote braied and applied with hony, healeth the biting of dogs. The seed is excellent to suppresse wind, being taken after meales, though it be of hard digestion, and doth but badly nourish the body. But fen∣nell is most principally good, both the leaues and seed therof, to cleere the sight, and there∣fore some presse out the iuice of the leaues, and tender stalks, which they preserue & keepe for this purpose. And they do also distill the water thereof for the same vse. In the westerne part of Spaine the fennell yeeldeth a licour like vnto gum, which is of greater efficacy then the iuice thereof in medicines for the eies. Wilde fennell is sharper in taste, hath greater leaues, and groweth higher, then garden fennell. The root thereof hath a good sent, and being taken in drinke doth profit them much that hardly make water: it is good against bitings of serpents, breaketh the stone, and healeth the iaundise, which the seede thereof doth likewise. Now (ACHITOB) doe you proceede in talke concerning simples.

IT would be very hard to finde out in one plant onely more vertues and and properties, then they who haue trauelled to publish the science of simples, haue attributed to rosemary, and yet it seemeth to many that it is fit for nothing but to make garlands and nosegaies, and being so very common, is not esteemed to be of great efficacie. Indeede it is a very ordinary plant; and in Prouence it groweth to such greatnesse, that the people vse it for fire fewell like other wood: and the stocke is of such compasse, that they make tables and harpes thereof: Yet all this lets not, but it may be of admirable vertue. For it is very good against cold diseases of the stomacke, against the colicke, and casting vp of meate, by eating it either in bread, or drinking it in pow∣der * with pure wine. It is profitable for such as are diseased in the liuer or spleene: for it doth not onely heat, purifie and open, but through the restringent vertue thereof it doth also fortifie. It is very good against all rheumes, and all cold maladies, against the fal∣ling euill, numbnesse of members, the Lethargie and Palsie. It is good to wash the head, and for fomentations of the ioints. It doth sharpen the sight, sweaten the breath, and being boiled in vineger and hard wine, it staieth the rheumes that fall into the teeth and gums, if the mouth be washed with this decoction hot. The powder therof dried doth con∣solidate greene wounds, if they be washed before with wine wherein Rosemarie hath beene sodden, and then the powder be strowed on afterwards. The flowers thereof confected in sugar, are good for all things aforesaid, particularly against cold passions of the heart, a∣gainst maladies of the breast, and against the plague. The decoction of rosemary made in water, and taken in drinke doth heale the iaundise. So likewise doth the seede being drunke Page  811 with pepper and white wine. In the plague time it is good to perfume the house with this plant, for the fume thereof driueth away all aires.

Cammomell also groweth abundantly amongst corne, and in the fieldes, bearing yel∣low * flowers enuironed with whitish leaues, and is of a strong sauour. But to mollifie, re∣solue, ratifie, and loosen, this plant is of singular operation: And in this respect no medi∣cine is better for wearie folkes then a bath of cammomell. The leaues beaten, and put into white wine make a profitable drinke, to beale quotidion and quarton agues: the decoction thereof drunke healeth paines in the side: and so doth the water distilled of the flowers be∣ing gathered without leaues, beaten in a morter, and formed with oile into trochisks, af∣therwards desolued againe in oyle, if they be therewith rubbed and chafed, which are trou∣bled with feauers, from the crowne of the head to the foote, and that they presently go into bed to sweate, they shall be holpen, because of the abundant heate that goeth out of their body. Cammomill is especially good to dissolue feuers that are without inflam∣mation of any chiefe in traile, principally those which proceede from cholericke humours and thickenesse of the skinne. Being taken in drinke, or the fume thereof receiued in at the fundament, it is a great helpe to voide vrine and grauell.

The lillie is likewise very worthy of consideration. It beareth long leaues, euer greene, * smooth, and iuice; it hath a stalke of two cubits high, round, straight, euen, thicke, and strong all clad with leaues from the bottome to the top. At the top of the stalke grow three or fower little branches, out of which issue small long heads of the colour of the herbe, which in time become faire Lillies of exquisite whitenesse, crossed on the outside, and the endes turned outwards round about. At the bottome of the flower grow certaine yellow stalks, as it were dusty on the vpper side, of the fashiō of tongues, out of the midsts of which groweth one long one, hauing a round head of the colour of the herbe. There is no flow∣er so high, and it surpasseth in beauty all other whitenesse. Now for the vertue of this plant. The leaues thereof are good beeing applyed against the biting of serpents; beeing boiled they heale burnings, and confected in vineger, are good for wounds: water distilled of the flowers, are profible for women that are deliuered of child with great difficultie, and voideth out the after burthen, being mixed with safforne, and Cinamon. The oyle drawne out of those flowers is good against al cold diseases of the sinewes, as cramps, and palsies, and to mollifie al stiffenesse in the ioynts, and all hard-swollen kernels. Lillies long time sleeped in oile, being applied hot, do ripen hot imposlumes without paine, and do breake them, especially such as are in the ioynts. And the body of the roots hath the same propertie. For being boiled, and braied with hony they heale cut and lame sinewes, clense the head of scabs, and clarifie the visage, and make it smooth. The seede of Lillies also taken in drinke, serueth against the bitings of serpents. And the water that is distilled of the flowers in a lim¦becke doth take wrinkles out of womens faces, and doth beautifie them very much.

Baulme is a very odoriferous plant, and smelleth much like a Citron: the stalke and leaue * thereof are somewhat rough, and many stalkes issue out of the roote. The propertie of it is to reioyce the heart, to comfort cold and moist stomacks, to helpe digestion, to euacuate the stoppings of the conduits of the braine, to heale feeblenesse and faintnesse of heart, to fortifie it beeing weake, especially if the weakenes be such that it oftentimes breaketh ones sleepe in the night: moreouer this herbe staieth the panting of the heart, driueth away cares and sad imaginations which proceede either from the melancholie humour, or from fleame combust. It hath also a laxatiue vertue, not so feeble, but that it clenseth and purgeth the spirits, and bloud of the heart and arteries, from all melancholie vapors: which cannot do to the other parts of the body. The leaues thereof taken in drinke, or out∣wardly applied, are good against stingings of Tarantula, of Scorpions, and against the bitting of dogs: and it is good to bath such wounds with the decoction thereof. Being mixed with salt, they are profitable against the Kings euill, and mundifie vlcers: and be∣ing applyed, doe asswage the paine of gowts. They are vsed in clysters against the flux. Also the leaues taken in drinke with Niter, are very good for them that are stopped by ea∣ting toad stooles, or mushrums: and in loch for them that are troubled with shrinking vp of the belly, and breath with such difficultie, that they cannot doe it except they stand vpright.

Grasse, or Dogs-tooth is one of the commonest herbes in the field, yea euen in leane grounds. The branches thereof lye along vpon the earth, and are full of knots, out of * which, and out of the top it often sendeth new rootes. The leaues are very smal and pointed Page  812 it is maruailous in property. For the decoction thereof taken in drinke, healeth wringing in the bellie, and hard making of water, and breaketh the stone and grauell in the bladder. The root braied and applied, searcheth wounds. And the iuice of the decoction thereof may bee vsed to the same effect: which the herbe also doth, beeing beaten, and kee∣peth wounds from all inflammation: if to the decoction thereof bee put a little wine, or hony, and the third part of so much Pepper, Myrth, and Franckincense, and bee made to boile afterwards againe in some copper vessel; it is a singular remedy for the tooth-ach, and the rheume which falleth into the eies, Grasse also that hath seuen spaces betwixt the knots, is very good for the headach beeing bound about it. It likewise stauncheth bleeding at nose. The seede thereof doth greatly prouoke vrine, and bindeth the bellie, and stateth vomiting. It is special good against byting of Dragons. There is found in some places of Ger∣many a certaine kinde of grasse, which is tilled with as great care, as other corne, or pulse, because the people vseth the seede thereof in their meates, which seede they call (Mama) and they seeth it in pottage with fat meate, and finde it as good as Rice. It is smaller then millet, and very white. But it must bee beaten in a morter, to vnhuske it.

There are three sorts of Pimpernell. One groweth very great, and hath a long root, the leaues are couched round vpon the earth, beeing cut and indented about: the stalke is * square, the flowers thicke in bunches, small and whitish. The next sort is little, and hath a red stalke; the leaues small, not so much cut, and thinner dented. The third kinde is the most common, which is often eaten in sallades, and set in gardens. The root of the two first kindes (wherein all their vertue lieth) is very good for paines in the reines, and blad∣der, which are caused by the stone. For it cleereth the reines of grauell, and driueth foorth long kept vrine. The iuice also of this root being drunke with wine, is singular against all poisons, and bitings of venemous beasts. For which cause some esteeme much of this root, to be vsed against the plague. The third kinde of Pimpernell is different in vertue from the former, although they be very like in forme of leaues. For it is more restringent in taste and verie nourishing; for which cause it may be thought to be of a binding nature. Wher∣fore it stayeth the Dysenteria and other fluxes, and the vomiting of cholericke humours. It healeth wounds and vlcers, and it is of speciall vse in oyntments that are made for wounds in the head, and for cankers. Some phisitions haue much commended it in the cure of pesti∣lent and contagious feuers: affirming also that the often vsage thereof is a soueraigne preser∣uatiue against dangerous diseases. Now (ASER) do you proceede in this our treatise con∣cerning simples.

IT is wonderfull to rehearse the vertues and properties, which many affirme to vs in their writings to consist in the Solanum, whereof the Ancients made fower kindes. But I will heere make mention of two onely, which are very common, sith that the restare seldome found or neuer. The first kinde is called Night shade, which * is a small little herbe, hauing many pits in the stalke therof; out of which grow blacke leaues like to those of Basill, but a little greater. It beareth white flowers, yealow in the midsts, in fashion of a starre. The fruite thereof is round, hanging in clusters, full of a winie iuice, no lesse then Iuniper seede, wherein a small white graine is enclosed: this fruite is of diuers colours; for in some plants it is blacke, in others yealow, and in some enclining to∣wards a greene. Concerning the propertie of this plant, the iuice of the fruite thereof, as likewise of the leaues mixed with oyle of Roses, and a little vineger, is singular against the headach, when it is caused by heate. It is good for such as are franticke, if one sleepe linnen clothes therein, and lay them to the forepart of their head. In like sort may they bee applied to the forehead against hot rheumes that fall downe into the eies. It is good also to gargle it against inflammations of the throate, and falling of the pallat. It is put in ointments to heale sore and grieuous vlcers. The leaues thereof beaten with salt, and laid on a plaister, breake impostumes that grow behinde the eares. In briefe, when need is to refresh, to drie vp, or to restraine, night shade is very conuenient.

Now for the other kinde of Solanum, commonly called Alkakeng, it hath leaues like Page  813 vnto Nightshade, but broader, stronger, somewhat sharpe, and not so blacke: the stalke thereof is supple, which being growne vp enclineth towards the ground. The flowers are * white, cut of which rise little bladders as bigge as a nut. and growe sharpe: they are composed of right sides, of equall distance one from another. And they are first greene, and being ripe, red: within them they containe fruite one graine in each of them, beeing fast∣ned to the bottome of the bladder, like to the seede of a red grape, both sharpe and bitter and full of a great number of small white graines within. In this fruite also is great vertue, not onely to prouoke vrine, but also to allay the burning heat thereof. For the iuice of it being drunke with the iuice of white poppie, or of the seede of Melons, or of Gourds, or with the decoction of Mallowes, or with barly water, is maruailous singular for the scorch∣ing heate of vrine. And this plant is so contrary to adders, that laying the roote therof neere vnto them, they are sodainely surprised with so great sleepe, that they die therewith. The fruite thereof steeped in new wine is very good being laid on the eie lids. Some put it in a vessell togither with ripe grapes, which they suffer to boyle for certaine daies together, out of which they extract a very profitable wine, for such as are troubled with grauell: eua∣cuating the grauell marueilously wel, and clensing the reines being drunke to the waight of fower ounces. And the same fruite taken in the drinke healeth the iaundice.

Pellitorie is an herbe very well knowne, and hath many great properties, the leaues * thereof are rough, the stalke radde, about which are bitter graines, which are fit to lay amongst apparell. This plant hath the vertue to refresh and binde, for which cause it is sin∣gular good to heale greene wounds. For if it bee laide vpon a wound (being halfe beaten and very fresh) and be not taken off for three dayes together, there shall be no neede to vse any other medicine. The waight of three ounces of the iuice thereof being drunke, is mar∣ueilous good to free vrine that hath long beene holden: and the herbe heated vpon a tile, and sprinkled with Malmesey, and applied to the forehead, is very good for such as are troubled with grauell, and cannot make water. The iuice thereof held within the mouth healeth the toothach. The distilled water thereof clenseth and clarifieth the visage: the leaues being applied, heale burnings, swellings, and inflammations, beeing fried with fresh butter; or capons grease, and laid in a manner of a serge-cloth vpon the belly, they ease co∣licke. A cataplasme also made of greene pellitorie beaten with crums of bread, and oyle of roses or cammomell, resolueth impostumes which grow in the dugs. And being mixed with goates grease, or kids grease, it is good for gouts and fals. The iuice likewise mixed in like quantitie of white wine, and oyle of sweete almonds being newly made, alayeth the paines and torments of the stone, and dropped into the eares with the oyle of roses, it healeth the pain of them. Some minister them to gargle for inflammation in the throat. And some giue them for an old cough. It is seene by experience that this herbe is abstersiue, in so much as it is verie good to expell wormes.

Fumitory is an herbe much branched and tender, hauing very small leaues growing * here and there, of a white ashie colour, and in great number vpon euery side. The flowers thereof is purple. This plant is one of the most gentle medicines, and least annoying, that may be amongst laxatiue remedies. But it is euery where so common that none esteeme of it. It is not onely laxatiue, but doth also fortifie the inferiour members, bindeth their veines which are too loose; as also those of the stomacke, and of the liuer, and healeth feuers that proceede by choler, or through stoppings. It euacuateth the cholerike humour verie much in vrine: the seede thereof is bitter and somewhat sharpe: and it is somewhat more hot, then the herbe that is temperate: so that the whole plant is purifying, penetratiue, o∣pening and laxatiue. And because of the colde and stipticke quality thereof it bindeth, re∣strayneth and fortifieth. It doth gently loosen the bellie, it purgeth choler and burning hu∣mours. Wherefore it is good against the meazels, against cankers, and all infections of the akinne, and other maladies which doe proceede from oppilations: the iuice there∣of cleereth the sight, and causeth teares to issue euen as smoake of fume doth, whereof it seemeth to haue taken name.

Angelica is a most excellent plant, and very worthy to bee here described. It is aboue a cubit in height, it produceth a knottie stalke, crested, and full of pits, the leaues thereof are * long, and indented round about, the flowers white growing in bunches out of which sprin∣geth a little graine, and smooth like a lentill, The root is as thicke as a reddish, diuided in∣to many branches, sharpe in taste, and sweete in smell. Also there are sundry sorts thereof: for one kinde is set in gardens, another sort is wilde, and another groweth in watrie places. Page  814 All this plant is hot and drie in the second degree full, or to the beginning of the third: Wherefore it is opening, attenuating, and resoluing. It is singular against poysons: so that taken in drinke, or often chewed, it preserueth from the plague; being taken alone, it at∣tenuateth flegmaticke and clammie humours. And so doth the decoction of the roote ther∣of, which doth readily heale the cough that comes through colde: for it causeth one to spit out and voide all clammie fleame. The same decoction receiued in wine or water, hea∣leth vlcers in the interior members, dissolueth clotted blood, and fortifieth the stomacke. The roote beaten to powder is soueraigne against fainting of the heart and other passi∣ons thereof. It is singular against bitings of mad and venemous beasts; beeing laide there∣vpon with Rue, or taken inwardly: for which cause many of our moderne phisitions im∣ploy it in their counterpoisons and preseruatiues. There is giuen halfe a dram of the roote, with a dram of treacle, and the distilled water hereof, to such as haue the plague, who are constrained to sweat; and seauen howers after to resume this drinke: and by this onely coun¦terpoison some haue beene holpen. This roote chewed, and put into holow teeth asswa∣geth the paine of them. It also sweetneth the breath. Whosoeuer shall hold a little peece thereof in his mouth, or in the morning drinke two spoonefuls of wine wherein it hath bin steeped, hee shall not easily bee infected with euill aire all day after. The leaues thereof with the leaues of Rue and hony, applyed in a cataplasme, heale the bitings of mad dogs, and stingings of serpents. And beeing layde vpon his head that is sicke of an ague, it attra∣cteth to it selfe much of the heate of the ague.

Maidenhaire also is a very exquisite plant, much like vnto ferne, but with smaller leaues, * set in order heere and there one ouer against another, in fine small branches, sharpe in taste, blacke and shining. It is temperate in heate and coldnesse; and therefore it drieth, puri∣fieth, & resolueth: It is good to cause one to spit and void out of the brest and lungs, al grosse and clammy humours. It staieth the fluxe of the bellie, resolueth the kings euill, and o∣ther tumours, and being taken in drinke is singular for hardnesse of water, when one can make it but drop by drop, and it breaketh the stone. The decoction also therof is good for them that draw their breath with paine, and is profitable for the spleene, and against the the iaundise. And the herbe thereof beeing laide vpon the bitings of serpents, is a singu∣lar remedie therefore. To open also the infusion thereof made in parsley water, or in endiue water, or in broth of blacke chich pease, or in a little goats milke, is very good: & adding su∣gar thereto, it healeth inflammations of the side, and doth greatly prouoke vrine. Briefly all the vertues that Phisitions attribute to Venus haires called commonly (Capilli Veneris) agree with Maiden haire. Now (AMANA) let vs heare you choose out other plants for the subiect of your discourse.

SIth that it is not our purpose to write an entire Historie concerning simples, but onely to consider of the most excellent in their effects, me seemeth that it is sufficient for vs (so to make way to another matter) to adde to our precedent discourses, that which I intend now to speake concerning some singular plants: amongst wich I preferre Rheubarb to the first place, which is very plentifull in all India. The leaues of it are commonly two foote long, broad aboue, and so growing narrower towards the stalke, hauing a certaine cotton or (at it were) haire round about it, as is com∣monly * seene in the herbe called in French Bouillon blane.) The stalke thereof is but a foote. high, or little more, and is all greene like the leaues. In the middle thereof groweth out a very small branch, hauing certaine flowers about it that enuir on it, which are like vnto pur∣ple violets saue in colour onely, which is different being white and blew, of sharpe smell, and very vnpleasant to their nose that smell thereat. The roote is very deepe in the ground, of a foote and an halfe long, and as thicke as a mans arme, some more, some lesse; and out of it there do many small ones sprout, which (before the great one bee cut) are digged vp with the principall, to the end that it may more easily bee cleft in peeces. It is on the out side of an ashie colour, and full of yellowish iuice, while it is fresh and greene, and so clam∣mie, that in touching thereof it causeth the fingers to sticke together. Now this roote is Page  815 an excellent medicine, gentle, and without danger, wherein many singularities requi∣site in a laxatiue simple are comprised. And Rheubarb is best while it is greene, of a blac∣kish colour, some what enclining to a redde, and heauy, although it be of a rare body, and which being broken, is mixed with radde and skie colour within: and beeing chewed waxeth as yealow as Saffron. Besides it purgeth choler and fleme: it clenseth and fortifieth the stomacke and liuer, and healeth the paines and prickings of them. It clarifieth the bloud, openeth and healeth all maladies that proceede of stoppings, as the iaundise, the dropsie, smelling of the spleene, and long feauers. It is good against spitting of bloud, and stancheth it, out of what part soeuer it run. And it may be taken at all times without danger, and in all ages, yea it may be ministered to little children, and to great bellied wo∣men: although the vulgar people thinke otherwise, supposing that Rheubarb is a very vi∣olent medicine, and that Phisitions vse it but in halfe despaired maladies: which is not so.

Licorice is very worthie to bee numbred amongst the most excellent Phisicke plants. * And thereof are two kinds, one bearing fruite, and the other not: that which beareth fruite groweth abundantly in Germanie, and in the territorie of Bamberg and other places. And it is a very branchie plant, of two cubits high, beeing thicke of leaues, and fatte in man∣ner of gumme: the flowers thereof are like an Hyacinth: the fruite thereof great like plan∣tine berries, and more rough and hairie, enclosed within little cods, like those of lentiles, hairie also and full of small prickles, of yellow colour enclining to a blacke. The other kind of Licorice is very well knowne, and groweth of it selfe in many places. In vertue it is ab∣stersiue, clensing, and al•ieth the bitternesse of humours: and therefore it is very good for heate of the vrine. Beeing chewed, especially whilest it it fresh, it stancheth hunger and thirst, and retayneth that vertue for many dayes. And the iuice thereof beeing made thicke and held in the mouth, till it melt of it selfe, hath the same effect. It is good for the breast and lungs; and is therefore ministred to those who haue short breath, or are in a con∣sumption or plurisie. The iuice asswageth the prickings, not onely of the arterie of the lungs but of the bladder also: and doth excellently staunch thirst, as beeing tempered with moi∣sture, and colder then our nature. And it is to be noted, that the roote wherein lye all these properties is much better being fresh taken out of the ground, then when it is drie, and is more pleasant in taste being employed in medicines.

The Aloe is a plant, which is feenegreene in many townes in Italy, in windows, and gal∣leries: * it is kept in pots full of earth, more for pleasure to content the eie, then for vse in me∣dicine. But the licour and iuice that is pressed out of it and brought to vs, is extracted out of the Aloe that groweth in the lower Syria, and Arabia, and in the Indies, where the best is. This plant hath thick and fat leaues, with certaine little prickles here and there on all sides. The roote thereof is fat and oilie, bearing a white flower, out of which groweth a little graine, like that of Smallage. In the thicke iuice thereof prepared for medicine there is found grauel and earth, which is nothing but the setlings of pure Aloes, but the good is pure and cleane, not sophisticate, without grauel, or little stones, reddish, brittle, of a good smel, close like a liuer, & very much enclining to the colour therof, easily melting, and very bitter, that which is black, and hard to breake is worth nothing. The Aloe is profitable for many things because of the drines thereof without any sharpnes. It purgeth choler and fleame, the head, and stomacke, and is very good for paines in those parts, it quickeneth all the sences, openeth the liuer, and healeth the Iaundise. It killeth wormes in the belly, being incorpo∣rated with oxe gall, and vineger, and laid vpon the nauell. Some apply the powder thereof to wounds to seach them; it healeth vlcers, and stayeth them. It appeaseth the paine of the head, being applied to the temples, and forehead with vineger, and oyle of roses. In briefe the propertie thereof is to restraine, to drie, to prouoke sleepe, to binde the bodie, and yet to loosen the belly.

Sene hath leaues like Licorice, thicke, fat, and in taste like Beanes: the stalke thereof is a cubit high, out of which issue many branches as pliable as a leatherne thong. The flow∣ers * thereof are yealow, straked with small purple strakes; after which there grow certaine cods crooked like a sickle, wherin is inclosed a blacke seed, enclining to greene, very like to kernels in grapes. It is sowed in diuers places in Florence, and prospereth very well, espe∣cially in the territorie of the citie of Florence; but the best is brought from Alexandria in Egypt, and out of Syria. It purgeth without any annoyance, choler, fleame, and melan∣choly. It mundifieth the heart, the liuer, the brain, the spleene, the lungs, and all parts of the body, and is profitable for all the accidents of them. It openeth the inner parts, and main∣taineth Page  816 a man or woman in youth, forsloweth age, and causeth ioy of minde. The leaues thereof are good to wash the head with cammomill; for they fortifie the braine, the sinewes, the sight, and the hearing. Briefly it is a good medicine in all long diseases, and such as pro∣ceede of a melancholy humour. And therefore it is very profitable for them that r•ne, and are out of their wits: likewise for vlcers ouer all the body, for palsies, for the head ach, falling euill. It fortifieth the heart especially, beeing mixed with some other ingredient fit therefore, as namely with purple violets. It is very good in the infusion or decoction ther∣of to adde some cloues thereto, to correct a little that annoiance, which some say it doth to the stomach, and to fortifie the vertue thereof. And being mixed with some infusion of ro∣ses, or laxatiue sirup of roses, it is an excellent purge for all euill humours. There is a siruppe made of Sene, being taken greene from the plant, and mixed with infusion of roses, which is very good to that effect: and is so gentle that one many minister thereof to women with childe, and to little infants, and people of all ages.

Saffron is a common plant, and yet hath many vertues. It beareth many leaues, long, narrow, smal, full, not round, hanging downewards, thicke, and soft. The flower thereof is * skie coloured, & very faire to behold. Out of the middle therof grow certaine red threedes, big at the top: with which out of the same place almost, there grow other yealow ones in fashion like tongues. That Saffron is good, which dieth your hands with the colour there∣of, and that smelleth somewhat sharpe, and is not very brittle. In propertie it is good for feeblenesse of stomacke, and faintnesse of heart, beeing taken in some small quantitie, it preserueth from drunkennesse, and healeth the bitings of serpents, and stinging of spiders. It is restoratiue, the astriction thereof very much aiding thereto: which qualitie proceedeth from cold and earthines, although that the qualitie of heat exceede therein: in such sort a• in all the substance thereof, it is hot in the second degree, and dry in the first. But the smell thereof is naught for the head, and beeing taken too much it troubleth the spi∣rit.

Centurie is likewise worthy of great consideration, because of the properties thereof in phisicke. There be two sorts of it, one is called great Centurie, and the other is lesser Cen∣turie. * The great hath leaues like a walnut tree, long, greene like Colewoorts, indented about, a stalke of two or three cubits high. The flower thereof is blew, and the roote very big, full of iuice, sharppe with astriction and sweetenesse. The lesser sort hath leaues like rue, a square stalke, somewhat more then a span long, the flowers thereof are red, inclining to purple; and the roote is small, smooth and bitter in taste. For their properties, the vertue of great Centurie consisteth in the roote thereof, which serueth for ruptures, convulsions, difficultie in breathing, old coughes, pleurisies, and spitting of blood. It is also giuen to them that are sicke of the dropsie, of the iaundise, and are pained in their liuer, being either steeped in wine or beaten to powder, and drunke. Of the lesser, Galen hath composed an whole booke, which he dedicated to his friend Papias, concerning the great and admirable vertues therein. For it purgeth choler and fleame, for which cause the decoction thereof is good against tertian feuers; which also, and the iuice thereof helpeth stoppings and hard∣nesse of the liuer and spleene. Being drunke likewise to the waight of a dram with ho∣nie, or laide vpon the nauel, it auoideth wormes out of the belly. The leaues of this herbe, wherin, and in the flowers therof lyeth all the vertue, being applied fresh to greene wounds, search them, and heales vp olde vlcers. But now changing our talke, let vs leaue physicke plants, and say somewhat concerning those more excellent ones, which particularly serue for the nouriture of Man.

AMongst herbes and plants, wherewith men are fed and nourished, the chiefe degree is by good right assigned to Wheat, as to that graine wherof the best bread is made, which onely with water, may very well suffice for the maintenance of our life: hauing many properties also in the vse of Phisicke. Now according to the diuersitie of places wherein it groweth people doe name it; and one sort differeth from another; but wee will heere speake of that which is most common amongst vs. All Wheate hath Page  817 many very small rootes, but one leafe; and many buddes, which may diuide themselues into sundry branches. All the winter time it is an herbe, but the weather waxing milder, there springeth out of the middest thereof a small stalke, which after three or foure knots * or ioynts, beareth an eare, not by and by seene, but is hidden within a case. The stalk being made, the flower bloometh some foure or fiue daies after, and about so long en∣dureth. That past, the graine swelleth, and ripeneth in forty daies, or sooner, as the cli∣mate is in heat. The fertility of this plant is marueilous, as we behold by daily experience. For there are some places in Italy especially in the tetritory of Sienna, about the sea coasts, where there hath beene seene to grow out of one onely graine foure and twenty eares of corne, and that one bushell of seede hath yeelded an hundred. The best wheat should bee hard to breake, massiue, waighty, of the colour of gold, cleere, smooth, and kept 3. moneths, ripe, faire, and growing in a fat soile, to be the fitter to make better bread of. And the meale also must not be too much ground, neither yet too fresh, nor too long kept before it bee vsed, for if it bee too much ground, it maketh bread as if it were of branne; that which is too fresh doth yet retaine therein some heat of the milstone: and that which is kept too long will be spoiled either by dust, or by mouldines, or else will haue some bad smell. Now besides the common vse of wheat, the matter how to make it in drinke is very notable, which drinke serueth in stead of wine in those countries, where the vine cannot fructifie. For there they take wheat, and sometimes barley, rie, or oates, euery one apart, or else two * or three sorts of these graines, or else all mingled togither, and steepe them in fountaine water, or in water of the cleanest and cleerest riuer that may be chosen: or else for better in a decoction or wourt of hops; and this is done for so long time till the graine beginne to breake: then is it dried in the sunne: being dry, it is beaten, or else ground; afterwards sod∣den in water, in which it hath first beene steeped for the space of three or foure howers, putting thereto a good quantity of the flowers of hops, and skimming the decoction or wourt very well: that done, it is powred out, and put in vessels for the purpose. This drink is called Beere. And they which will haue it very pleasant to the taste after it is made, doe cast into the vessels sugar, Cinamon, and Cloues, and then stirre it very much. Some doe put cockle into the composition of beere, the more to sharpen the taste. And sith we are entred into this speech, wee will here note, that wheat doth easily conuert into * cockle: chiefly when the weather is rainy and cold, for it commeth of corne corrupted by too much moisture, or that hath beene too much wette by continuall raines in winter. It springeth first out of the ground, hauing a long leafe, fat, and rough, with a slenderer stalke then that of wheat, at the top whereof there is a long eare, hauing on all sides little sharp cods or husks, out of which three or foure graines grow together being couered with a very hard barke. The bread that hath much thereof in it doth dizzie and hurt the head, so that they which eate therof do commonly fall into a sound sleep, and their head is much troubled. It annoyeth the eies & dims the sight. Some also do make (*Amylum) of wheate, which serueth for many things. They take very cleane wheat of three moneths old, which they wet fiue times a day, and as often by night, if it be possible; being wel soaked and stee¦ped, they powre the water away, not shaking it, to the end that the thicke, and that which is like creame may not runne out with the water. After that it is verie well mollified, and the water changed, it must bee sifted, that the branne which swimmeth at top thereof may bee done away, and then must it be kneaded very hard together, casting fresh water still vp∣on it. And so must it be laid in panniers or dossers to drie, and then vpon new tiles to bee parched in the sunne, with as much speed as may be: for if it remaine neuer so little a while moyst, it waxeth sowre. The best is that which is white, fresh, light and smoothe. It hath power to mollifie in sharpe and rough things: and is good against rheumes that fall into the eyes. Beeing taken in drinke, it restraineth spitting of blood, and asswageth the sore∣nesse of the throat.

Next after Wheat, Rie is in common vse to make bread of. This plant hath many stalks smaller then those of Wheate, and blacker, as the graine is also. Meale made of Rye, is * good for plaisters to drawe. The decoction of the seed voideth wormes out of the belly, especially if Coriander seed be mixed therewith. The straw being soked in water, is good to bind instead of rush or broome.

Barley is also much vsed euery where. It beareth a bread leafe, and rougher then wheat, and hath a britler & lesser stalke of eight knots, with one only rough broad leafe vpon the * stalk. The grain is lapped in a cod, which is close shut: out of the top wherof groweth a long Page  818 and sharpe beard. The best is that which is whitest, most full, heauy, easie to boyle, not wax∣ing mouldy. There groweth a certaine kinde of it in many places; the graine whereof is easily taken out of the huske or codde, and is therefore called clensed barley. Besides, all barley drieth and cooleth, and is also abstersiue. The meale thereof boyled in honied water with figs, resolueth all inflammations and impostumes: with rosin and pige∣ons dung, it ripeneth all hard swellings: with melilot & heads of poppie; it easeth the paine of the sides: and with quinces or vineger, it appeaseth inflammations of the goute in the feete. The ashes of burnt barley is very good for burnings being laide thereupon, and ap∣plyed to flesh that cleaueth not to the bone. Conterning barley bread, besides that it lyeth heauy vpon the stomacke, it engendreth also cold and clammy humors: it nourisheth litle, causeth windines; and yet some say it is very good for them that haue the gout in their feet. There is a certen kind of drinke called Beere made of barley, which is commonly vsed in∣stead of wine in all the north countries, to wit in Germany, Bohemia, Polonia, Flanders, & * other cold countries of Europe. And if one take too much thereof, it will inebriate or make drunken as well as wine, and that for a longer time, because that beere is most grosse and materiall, and of harder digestion then wine: whereto it is so like also in force and vertue, that Aquavitae is likewise made therof. Next after barley oates are a graine very commodi∣ous. * In leafe and stalke this graine resembleth wheate; but it beareth on the top therof as it were little two legd grashoppers, hanging where the graine is enclosed: which though it seeme to be created of nature rather fit for beasts foode, then for man: yet in Germany they oftentimes eat it in good fat flesh pottage, being boiled therein after it hath bin cleansed of all filth, as is vsed in rice. Oates also in the vse of phisick do very neere approch to the quali∣ty of Barley: For being applied, it drieth, and moderately resolueth. But it is a little more cold, and somewhat more restringent in temper, so that it is good for the flux in the belly, and profitable for those that haue the cough.

We may likewise consider of Rice, which the Ancients did hold to be a kind of corne. The leafe thereof is very thicke, resembling that of a leeke. The stalke thereof is about a cubit long, knotty, bigger then that of wheate, and stronger: on the toppe of it groweth * an eare parted into little branches, on both sides whereof is the graine included, in a yea∣low huske, rough, and hauing creuises on the side, of an ouall figure, and beeing taken out of the huske it becommeth white. It groweth in some places in Italy in moist ground: but it aboundeth in Asia, Syria, and Egypt. Rice is very vsuall in meat, and nourisheth meanely, but it is made of more easie digestion, and of better tast being sod in cowes milke, almond milke, or fat flesh pottage. It is very good to giue to such as haue the laxe, and colick. The flower thereof is good in repercussiue plaisters. It staieth inflammations that rise in the dogs. The decoction of Rice also is very profitable in clisters, against laxes or fluxes, and in drinke likewise. Now to end this talke, we will say something concerning Millet, for it hath many propertierties both in food and phisick. This plant beares leaues like those of a reed * hauing a stalke of a cubite long, thicke, knottie, and rough. At the top thereof doe hang certaine hairy heads, in which the graine groweth in great abundance, beeing round, mas∣siue, yealow, and lapped in a thin skinne. In many places bread is made of this graine, and euen at Verona it is caried hote about the streets, whereof they make much account; for it hath a sweetnesse very pleasant to the taste, if it be eaten a little after it is drawen out of the ouen: but being hard, it is vnpleasant. The common people of Trent, are nourished with Millet boiled onely, eating it with milke, and it is the best food that they can get. Besides there are very good fomentations, or searge clothes made of Millet, to drie moderately, and to driue out ventosities, especially beeing mixed with salt. It is happily applied against gri∣ping in the belly caused through windinesse: but it is much better yet being mingled with flowers of Cammomill. It is commonly fried in a pan, and then put hote into a bagge, and so laide vpon the diseased parts. It hath the vertue to preserue medicines long time from moulding and putrifying, if they bee buried in an heape of Millet: yea and fresh flesh is long kept thereby in hote weather. Now to finish this dayes discourse, it seemeth good to mee (ACHITOB) that you speake of the Vine and fruit thereof, of which men make their most delicious drinke.

IT were a very superfluous to make here a long discourse concerning the Vine, and concerning the diuers qualities which are founde in this plant, of which we doe not onely receiue Grapes, a most pleasant, and delicious meate) but haue also that most exquisite drinke which wee call wine: for all the world hath so much cherished the vine, that there are few people of any condition soeuer, but can discourse sufficiently well of it, and of the nature thereof. Wee will briefely then declare that which wee shall thinke most notable therein, and chiefly in the vse of me∣dicine. * The leaues, and tender branches thereof helpe the head ach, being laid thereupon, and appease inflammations and heat of the stomacke. The iuice of them drunke serue a∣gainst Dysenterias, or fluxes, spitting of bloud, weaknes of stomack, and the corrupt appetite of great bellied women. The licour of vines, which lieth thick vpon the stock thereof like gum, being taken in drinke with wine, purgeth grauell. The ashes of the branches & stones being mixed with vineger, helpeth the hard bindings of the fundament, and is good a∣gainst the stingings and bitings of vipers, and against inflammation of the spleene, beeing laid thereupon with oile of Roses, Rue and vineger.

As grapes are the most singular fruits of Autumne; so also are they the most nourishing of all the fruites of summer, which are not to be kept; and they engender the best nourish∣ment, * especially when they be perfect ripe. But all Raisins doe not nourish after one manner: for sweet ones haue a more hot substance, and therefore they cause thirst, do swell the sto∣macke, and loosen the belly. Contrariwise, tart ones do bind, do nourish little, & are of hard digestion. Greene and sower ones are naught for the stomacke. And the bigger grapes are, the better they are, especially if they be gathered very ripe. They which are kept hanged vp are best for nourishment, because their great moisture is dried. The fresh and very ripe grape is good for burnings, if the wine thereof bee prest out betwixt ones hands vpon the hurt places. The mother of the wine or grapes being kept and mixed with salt, is profita∣ble against inflammations of the dugs & hardnes of them through too much abundance of milk. The decoction thereof clisterized, serueth greatly for dysenterias or fluxes. The stones or seeds haue a restringent vertue, & are profitable for the stomacke. Being parched and beaten into powder, it is good to eate with meate against the fluxe, and weaknes of sto∣macke. Dry grapes or raisins haue yet greater vertues and properties in the vse of Phisicke, and especially they which are sweetest, and of most substance, as they of Damascus, of Cypres, and of Candia. The meate of them being eaten is good for the cough, for the throate, the reines and the bladder: being eaten with their stones, they serue a∣gainst Dysenterias. Being boiled in a platter with Sugar and flower of Millet, of Bar∣ley, and an egge, they purge the braine: being reduced into a plaister, with flower of Beanes and Cumin, they appease inflammations. Besides, the nourishment of Raisins is so distributed through the body according as their nature is, sweet to the sweet, sowre the sowe, meane to them that participate with both qualities; and the sweete, full and * fat raisins doe nourish more then the sharpe and leane. They which are without stones, either by nature or arte, if they be sweet, they are so depriued of all astriction, so that they bee maruellous lenitiue. And therefore are they most fit for paines of the breast, for the cough, for sore throates, for maladies in the reines and bladder, and are good for the liuer.

But wee may not heere forget to make mention of the fruite of the wilde Vine commonly called in French (Lambrusque) because of the admirable properties there∣of. The grapes of it are gathered and put to dry in the shade: they are of a restringent vertue, good for the stomake, and prouoke vrine: they binde the belly, and stay spit∣ting of bloud.

Now must wee speake of Wine which is made of the Raisin, and grape produced *Page  820 by the vine. Concerning it many affirme that it is the most sweet licour of all others, the principall aide, and chiefe proppe of humane life, the chiefe restorer of the vitall spirits, the most excellent strengthener of all the faculties and actions of the body, reioicing and comforting the heart very much: and for these causes they say that the Ancients haue cal∣led that plant which beareth the fruit, out of which we receiue this wine (Vitis quasi Vita) life. But yet wee must not deceiue our selues by so many praises attributed to wine, con∣sidering that the vse thereof by the least excesse that may be, doth bring so many euils vp∣on man, that they cannot be numbred, nor sufficiently bewailed. But being vsed tem∣perately, we must confesse, that it is a thing of greatest efficacy in the world, to nourish and strengthen the body. For it engendreth very pure bloud, it is very quickly conuerted into nourishment, it helpeth to make digestion in all parts of the body, it giueth courage, purgeth the braine, refresheth the vnderstanding, reioiceth the heart, quickeneth the spirits, prouoketh vrine, driueth out ventosities, augmenteth naturall heate, setneth them who are in good health, exciteth the appetite, purifieth the troubled blood, openeth stop∣pings, conuaieth the nouriture throughout the wholebody, maketh good colour, and pur∣geth out of the body all that which is therein superfluous. But it wine bee taken without great mediocrity and temperance, it doth by accident refrigerate the whole body. For the naturall heate thereof by too much drinke remaineth choaked, euen as a little fire is quen∣ched by a heape of wood cast thereupon. Besides wine is hurtfull for the braine, for the marrow of the backebone, and the sinewes grow out of it. Whereby it falleth out, that this principall part beeing hurt, there succeede in time, great and dangerous ma∣ladies thereupon, to witte, the apoplexie, the falling euill, the palsie, shakings, numb∣nesse of members, conuulsions, giddines of the head, shrinking of ioynts, the incubus, the catalepsia, lethargie, frensie, rheuems, deafenesse blindnesse, and shrinking of mouth and lippes. Moreouer wine immoderately drunke corrupteth all good manners, and dis∣cipline of life. For this is that makes men quarrellers, wranglers, rash, incensed, furious, dice∣players, adulterers, homicides, in a word addicted to all vice, and dissolution. Besides, it is to be noted, that wine is fitter for old people then for them of other ages: for it modera∣rateth and maintaineth the colde temperature of auncient folkes, which haue come vpon them for many yeeres. But it should not bee sufferable (if wee follow the counsell of the el∣ders) * for children and young folkes to drinke thereof, till they attaine to the age of twen∣ty yeeres. For otherwise it is as much as to put fire to fire. And yet if wee would follow the counsell of the Sages, it should not bee drunke at all, except in certaine indispositions which might happen to the body, according as the vse was in times past in Greece, namely, at Athens, where wine was onely solde in Apothecaries shops, as Aqua vitae now is. But aboue all, heede must bee taken that in the great heate of the yeare, wine bee not drunke that is cooled by snow, yce, or very cold water, as wee see by great cu∣risitie done among vs. For it greatly hurteth the braine, the sinewes, the breast, the * lungs, the stomacke, the bowels, the spleene, liuer, raines, bladder, and teeth. And therefore it is no maruell, if they which ordinarily vse it, are in time tormented with the colicke and paine of the Stomacke: also with conuulsions, palsies, apoplexies, difficulty in breathing, restrainement of vrine, stoppings of the inward members, the dropsie, and many other great and dangerous diseases.

It resteth for conclusion of this discourse, that wee say somewhat concerning wine di∣stilled through a Limbecke in a bathe of water, which the Sages haue called for the admi∣rable vertues thereof (Water of Life.) For to make which: Take of the best wine a certaine quantity according to the vessell wherein you will distill it, and that fill to the third part of the pot or body: then couer it with the head thereof very well closed, so that no vapour may issue out, set it vpon the furnace ouer a moderate fire, in such sort that the wine boile not. And to haue very good Aqua vitae, you must distill it foure or fiue times and more: for the more it is rectified, the perfecter it will bee. And in the first distillation it is sufficient to receiue the tenth part of the wine put into the Limbecke: for the second the halfe; for the third another moitie or lesse: so that the oftner you distill the lesser you haue, but better alwaies. Now you may know whether Aqua-vitae haue attained to full perfection, by these signes: [If it arise to the like quantitie of water, or very neere, as the li∣quor put in: if being lighted or set on fire it burne all alway, & leaue not any marke of moi∣sture in the bottome of the vessel: if a cloth being dipt therin, & lighted, wil not burne at al: Page  821 if a droppe of oyle being cast therein sinke to the bottome, and if a drop of this water spilt in the palme of your hand, doe presently consume and euaporate.] Now the vertues and properties of this Aqua-vitae, are very many. For as it preserueth from all corruption those things which haue beene steeped therein, so all corruption beeing done away, it keep∣eth repaireth, maintaineth, augmenteth, and prolongeth the life of those that receiue it. And it doth not onely preserue the naturall heate, and maintaine it in vgour, but it also regenerateth the vitall spirit; quickeneth and warmeth the stomacke, sharpneth the braine and vnderstanding, cleereth the sight, repaireth the memory, especially if they vse it, who are of a cold tempes, being subiect to rawnes of stomacke, windines, and other cold mali∣dies. Thus then haue we declared enough concerning the plants and fruits which the earth produceth for the commodiditie of man. Wherefore, we will tomorrow consider of the di∣uersity of terrestrial creatures created to the same end, that we may be the more induced to glorifie him, from whom we receiue all these benefits.