A greene forest, or A naturall historie vvherein may bee seene first the most sufferaigne vertues in all the whole kinde of stones & mettals: next of plants, as of herbes, trees, [and] shrubs, lastly of brute beastes, foules, fishes, creeping wormes [and] serpents, and that alphabetically: so that a table shall not neede. Compiled by Iohn Maplet, M. of Arte, and student in Cambridge: entending hereby yt God might especially be glorified: and the people furdered. Anno 1567.

A pleasaunt Discourse with the chiefe kindes particu∣larlye of Precious Stones, Plants, Beastes, & Foules, after the order of the Alpha∣bet, neuer heretofore in Print. The first Booke. (Book 1)

Of the Adamant Stone.

THe Adamant is a Stone of Inde, small and rare, in colour like to Iron▪ but in cleare re••lection and representa∣tion of image more Christall like: It is founde in bignesse of a Walnut, and neuer aboue: It yeeldeth or giueth place to nothing, neither is it heat by yron or fire. Wherfore the Greekes call it Fickleforce, for that it can not be brought vnder. But whiles it is inuincible or can not be woonne that way: yet notwithstan∣ding with the warme and freshe bloud of the Goate, it breaketh and riueth in sunder. It dif∣fereth, from the Lode Stone for that the Ada∣mant placed neare any yron, will not suffer it to be drawen away of the Lode Stone. Dias∣corides saith that it is called the Stone of re∣consiliation

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and loue: for (saith he) that wo∣man that hath withdrawne hir loue from hir husband, by this, is brought to loue him anew: yea, it goeth furder: for it is said to giue proufe whether she be chast or no: for if she be say they, she shal whilest she is in sleepe imbrace hir hus∣band through the working of this stone, if not, she shall flie and go back from him.

Of Alabaster.

ALabaster, as saith Isidore, in his .xvj. booke and fift Chapter, is a white kinde of stone died, and bespotted among with diuers & sun∣drie colours. Hereof are made vessels to kéepe and containe all Ointments vncorrupt, wher∣in they be most purely and safely preserued. It groweth about Thebis and Damascum, and especiallye that which is whitest. But the best of this kinde is brought from Indie. It be∣ing borne about one, say some, kéepeth him in amitie and charitie with all men.

Of the Amitist:

THe Amitist also groweth in Indie: It is Princes among those Gēmes that be Pur∣ple coloured. Diascorides sayth, that there be fiue kindes thereof: but that which is Purple coloured, hée reckeneth the chiefest. His force

or vertue auaileth against drunkennesse, it ke∣peth a man waking, and driueth away ill cogi∣tations and thoughts, it sharpeth the vnder∣standing. And is also one of those sortes that is easie to engraue in.

Of Achates.

AChates is a kinde of Gemme, but black in colour, enterlined here & there with white vaines: and it is called Achates of a certaine floud of that name in Cicilie, about the which floud this Achates was first found. There is a certain kind hereof séene somtimes in Crete as Diascorides witnesseth, hauing strokes on eche side like to blew vaines. There is ano∣ther kinde in Indie bespotted on euerie parte with spottes like bloud. That of Crete is said to make a man gracious, and to bring him in fauour. That of Indie is good for the eiesight it remedieth venome, and being put into the fire is odoriferus.

Of the Stone Albeston.

ALbeston is a stone of Archadie, in yron colour, hauing gotten his name of the fire, for that it being once set on fire, can neuer af∣ter be quenched or put out: Whereof in olde time was built that kind of worke Mechani∣call,

whereas the Gentiles being once taken in sacriledge, dyed. Isidore sayth in his .xvj. booke, that in a certaine temple of Venus there was made and hoong vp such a Candlesticke, wherein was a light burning on that wise, that no tempest nor storme could put it out, & he beleueth that this Candlesticke had some∣what of Albeston beset within.

Of the stone or Gem Alabandine.

THe Gem Alabandine, as sayth Diascori∣des, had first his name of Alabanda, a coū∣trie in Asia, whose colour sayth he resembleth the Hearbe Calcedonie: but it is somewhat more rare and in colour cleare.

Of the precious stone Absistos.

ABsistos is black, maruellous waightie, be∣stroked and beset with red vaines: This being once heate, kéepeth hote seauen whole dayes after, as Isidore recordeth.

Of Amatites.

AMatites is that kinde of Gemme, that tou∣ching a mans Uesture or Garment, it ma∣keth it able to resist fire: so that it being after∣wards cast into y^e fire hath no power to burne,

but through the fires brightnesse becommeth more bright it selfe. Thus saith Isidore in his xvj. booke.

Of Argirites.

ARgirites is a kinde of Gem, that in colour and shew is like to Siluer, giuing also ap∣parance of golden coloured Grauell, his figure or forme is foure square: his vertue such as the Adamants is. The Mages suppose that it had this name of his power or abilitie in brideling and kéeping in perturbations and troubles.

Of Asterites.

ASterites is a Gem: but white, keping close within it selfe light, and sheweth it forth but little, euen as the Starre doth: but to hym that beholdeth it throughly, it sheweth him the Sunnes manifolde reflexions.

Of Astrion.

AStrion is a Gem, founde first in Indie, of verie nigh consanguinitie with the Chris∣tall, in whose Centre or middle point: as saith Diascorides, a certaine light is seene shining, without reflexion much like to the Moone. The same Author also thinketh that this light that it hath▪ it taketh of the starres, against y^e which

it is helden.

Of the Berill.

BErill is a Stone rare, but not so precious, for it alone groweth in Indie: it is founde greene like to the Smaradge. It is first found also raw and rude without eyther good looke or pleasant shewe, but afterwards it is better po∣lished of them of Indie, and they vse to polish it in maner and forme of Angle or Corner, to the intent that through y^e dulnesse of his owne colour, this maner might shew some glittring the light hauing his stay in euerie eche corner: Some say, they fashion it a•• the first, seauen cornered: and otherwise they say it shimmereth not. There is also another kinde of Berill, which of the Gréeke worde is called Golden Be∣rill, as sayth Diascorides, whose interchaūged gréene colour resembleth almost the wan and yelow colour of Golde. They say that this being borne aboute a man, and being put now and than to his eies, kepeth a man out of perill of his enimies.

Of Brasse.

BRasse is a kind of mettal, one of those seauē that are compounde of Brimstone & Quic∣siluer▪ and is called Es of the Ayres resplende∣shing:

The Brimstone that is proportionally wrought in this (as in all other Metalles) is most earthie, nothing pure, hauing his colour red and as it were burned: Quicksiluer, it hath but meanely, grosse also and nothing subtile. Yet this kinde of Mettall being well purged & scoured, sodden also and washed from all his infections may be made regular, & brought to what point you will. Of all other Metalles, this is most soundable for his shrill and harde noise: With this therfore, as that which was most plentiful in y^e former time, they eared and tilled their ground, but after that Iron and the residue of Metalles by succession were found, this kind ceassed in that and such like vses. So euen as the yeares chaūge: so also doth things themselues chaunge, as well and wisely sang the Poet.

Of Calcedon.

CAlcedon, is a kind of stone pale and wan, of dull colour, almost a meane betweene the Berill and the Iacinct. It hath three one∣ly kinds: whereof euery one of them is almost impossible to be grauen in. It being well cha∣fed and warmed will draw to it, a strawe or a rushe. It is as they say, the Lawyers and O∣rators friend, and others who pleade causes.

Of Ceraunium.

CEraunium is a stone like to the Christall, bespotted with blew, and is found in Ger∣manie: There is another of this founde in Spaine firelike and like to a flame: his suffe∣raigntie is, that being safely and chastly borne aboute a man, kepeth him safe and preserueth him from Thunder and Lightnings, likewise the house wherin he is: and is otherwise effec∣tuous to bring a man in swéete sléepe.

Of the Corall.

THe Corall groweth in the red Sea, and so long as it is and hath his being in the wa∣ters, it is a kinde of Wood, but by and by after that it is taken forth of the water and cōmeth into the ayre (and his reach) it hardeneth, and becommeth a stone. His boughes vnder the water are espied white and tender: and being by chaunce through holdefast Nets in part or parcell brought to lande, chaunge also their co∣lour and become red, and for their feeling, are as hard stones. Isidore in his .xvj. booke. The Mages reporte that it resisteth Lightninges. Therefore euen as much worth and of estima∣tion as is the precious Margaret, that, that cō∣meth from Indie, so much worth and in esti∣matiō,

likewise is the Coral w^t them of Indie. Hereof are said to be two onely kindes, the one red & the other white: this last is neuer found in bignesse & in length more than halfe a foote: that other often bigger and longer. They say that it is of power to rid vs from all diuelishe dreames and pieuish fantasies.

Of the Cornellis.

THe Cornellis is one of those sortes that be somewhat rare also, but not so precious, and is in colour red almost like to the Corall. It being hoong about the neck, or worne vpon the finger, is said, in all kinds of reasoning and disputation, to appease the partie that weareth it, and to kéepe him from childish brawlings.

Of the Carbuncle.

THe Carbuncle is a stone very precious, so called for that (like to a fierie cole) it giueth light, but especially in the night season: it so warreth with the pupill or the eiesight, that it sheweth manifolde reflexions. It hath as some say .xij. kindes: but those most precious that come nigh the Carbuncles nature: it is found in Libia.

Of the Cristall.

THe Cristall is one of those stones that shy∣neth in euerie part, and is in colour warrie. Isidore saith, that it is nothing else then a cō∣geled Ise by continuance frosen whole yeares. It groweth in Asia and Cyprus, and especially vpon the Alpes and highe Mountaines of the North Pole. It engendreth not so much of the waters coldenesse, as of the earthinesse mixt withall. His propertie is to abide nothing in qualitie contrarie to it selfe: therefore it is de∣lighted onely with colde.

Of the Chrusopasse.

THe Chrusopasse is a Stone of Ethiope, which in the day light shimmereth not, but in his qualitie lieth hid: In y^e night time when darcknesse ariseth, it then bewrayeth his owne and peculier qualitie. In the night time it is flamelike, in the day time yelow or wan.

Of the Diamond.

THe Diamond is one of those that be coun∣ted something precious, it is in colour al∣most Christallike but somewhat more resplen∣dishing, and is as good (if it be of any bignesse) as a looking glasse. Iorach calleth it an other eie: such certaintie & truth giueth it in things done in his presence.

Of the Dionise.

THe Dionise is black or rather browne, all bestrowed with bloudie strokes or vaines. It being put faith Isidore in Wines, maketh them fragrant, or wel smelling, and is thought w^t his smel or sauour to remedie dronkennesse.

Of Dracontides.

DRacontides as his name also mentioneth, is plucked forth of the heade or braine of a Dragon, which onely is in bright and fierie colour (as sayth Isidore,) as long as, it is come by, the Dragon being aliue: wherfore the Ma∣ges skilled in this point, cut it forth out of the Dragon his braine, he being by meanes cast in to sleepe. The moste bolde and aduenterous men, are said, to seeke out the lurking holes of the Dragon, and whilest that the Dragon is from home, these men bestrew his Lodge with certaine Graine, which being receiued of the Dragon, bringeth him into a deade sleepe. And whilest they haue thus brought their purpose to passe they rippe in sunder the noddle of his head to take forth the Gem, and after that sow it vp againe and so depart.

Of Dradocos.

DRadocos is a kinde of stone verie pale, yet as shimmering withall, as the Berill. It is saide to bring to a man feare of Diuels and other straunge thoughts fantasticall: It being applyed and layde vpon a dead man, looseth his operatiue vertue. Wherefore they call it, the holy stone, for that wheras Death frequenteth or taketh, it vtterly abhorreth.

Of Echites.

EChites is a stone both of Indie and Persia, which in the shore and Sea banckes of the Ocean, in the verie bosome of the Indian and Persian Sea, it is found: it is in colour Uiolet like: And there is a paire of them, Male & Fe∣male, and be most commonly found both togi∣ther in the Eagles nest, without the which the Eagle can not bring forth hir yong: and ther∣fore kepeth them, as most necessarie in this be∣halfe alwaies in hir Nest. These stones bound to a womās bodie, being with childe, do hasten childe birth. And Iorach saith, that if any man haue these or one of these, and put it vnder that mans meate or trencher that he suspecteth to be in fault of any thing: If that he be guiltie, he shall not be able through this to swallowe downe his meate: If not saith he, he may.

Of Efestides.

EFestides is in colour and Phisiognomie verie shamefast and childish, which béeing had and caried about the stomack, or heart, ke∣peth a man safe from all perill and endama∣ging. Diascorides sayth, that if it be helden a∣gainst the Sunne beames, that then it is verie firie, but being throwne into the water, it lea∣ueth boyling, & by little and little waxeth very colde.

Of Elutropia.

ELutropia is a Gemme, in colour gréene, or grassie, in part coloured and bespotted with Purple speckes & bloud coloured vaines. This is a maruellous Iugler, for it wil cause things obiect to be presented to our eies as it listeth. It being put into a Basan of water chaungeth to a mans eiesight the Sunne his beames, and giueth them a contrarie colour. Being also mooued and beaten in the ayre, maketh to ap∣peare a bloudie Sunne, and darkneth the ayre in maner of an Eclipse: and therefore it is cal∣led Eloutropia as you would say, the Sunne his enimie. There is of this name also a certaine Hearbe which Enchaunters & Witches haue oftentimes vsed, and doe vse, as also that aboue

said, whereby they haue mocked and deluded many, which by meanes and working of en∣chauntmēt, haue so dazeled the beholders eies, that they haue gone by them inuisibly.

Of Ematites.

EMatites is a stone somewhat ruddie, some∣what sanguine, found both in Affrick, in Indie and in Arabie: so named for that it re∣solueth & chaungeth oft into a bloudie colour: and is called of some stench bloud, for that it stoppeth his vent or course of flowing.

Of Enidros.

ENidros, is meane or small in bignesse, con∣tinually sweating or dropping, neither doth it for all this melt away or is lessened: of the which the Lapidare hath this note and tune as followeth.

Perpetui fletus lacrimis distillat Enidros qui velut ex pleni Fontis scaturigine manat. Distilling drops and teares full oft That Enidros the Stone doth drop: Which as out of a Fountaine full, Doth alwayes runne and neuer stop.

And here question might be moued why it doth not vanish or wax lesse, through such day∣ly flowing. The aunswere is for that his ver∣tue

or working doth bind and thicken the aire, that which is next to it, and so bringeth it to his owne nature, part by part in his order.

OfGagates.

GAgates is of the precious sort also, which was first found in Sicilie in a certain floud called Gagatus of the which it tooke his name: although that in Britannie, it is a good geast & somewhat common as Isidore saith: It hath two kindes, the one russet in colour, and the o∣ther black, this last easie to be fiered, and as smokie as Frankinsence. It being left in the place where Serpents bréede, driueth them cleane away. And Diascorides saith, that this being put into y^e drink of a Maide or Uir∣gin will easilye giue you iudgement whether that she be a true and right Mayde yea or no. For saith he, after that she hath drunke of this and doth not anone after make water, but can continue, then take hir and estéeme hir a pure Uirgin, and contrariwise, if she doe not con∣tinue and stay herein some season, iudge of hir otherwise.

OfGalactites.

GAlactites is a stone in colour ashie, in taste verie swéete & pleasant, which being pres∣sed

or grouned, yeeldeth and giueth a certaine Milkie and watrish humor, as saith Isidore: This being kept in close, and shutte vp in the mouth, desturbeth and letteth the minde. Fur∣der, it being bound to a Womans thigh, cau∣seth easie deliuerance in childe bed.

Ofthe Gem.

I Must needes before I iourney any further or hasten to other, somewhat speake of the Gem: for that we haue beene occasioned and shall be hereafter to vse it as the generaltie or notion of the name and stock in these kindes. It is called a Gem saith Isid. for that it shy∣neth and is smooth as the Gum. This hath his best beautifying in the varietie and interpla∣cing of colours, & it is called precious, for that it is rare: all things that be rare are precious. Neither is it to be marueiled why eche Gem is precious, sith that al and singuler are not with∣out their diuine vertue. Of Gemmes, some are found in the earthes vaines, & are digged vp with Metalles: some are cast vp to lande and brought thither from the Sea his bottom, and their place of generation is vnknowen: other some are bred and found in the bodies & bellies of Foules, Fishes, Creatures & Beasts of the earth, Serpents and such as creepe my∣raculously

by God & prouident nature in their maner of working tasked. But in this kinde as in al others we must take heed of Sophisti∣cation: for to discerne & iudge truely the right Gem from the counterfayted, is the significa∣tiō of a most cunning man. It hath bene séene that in stead of a Smaragde some haue had so∣phistred and counterfayted Glasse: Wherfore let not colours deceiue thée: aswell gréene to eiesight is the Glasse as the Smaragde, thou must take héede as the Poet ••iddeth, much co∣louring is there and many decei••es.

Of Gelacia.

GElacia is a Gem verie white, hauing the figure or shew, likewise the bignesse & quā∣titie of an Hailestone, and is of such excessiue coldenesse that by no meanes of fire had and applied thereto it becommeth who••e.

Of Geratites.

GEratites is a kinde of stone black, but his vertue excéedeth and is aboue his colour: If any man carrie this in his mouth close, he may tell what euerie man thinketh of him: as sayth the Lapidare. It also maketh amiable and bringeth him into others fauour that hath it about him.

Of Golde.

GOlde is the heade of all other Mettalles, and is in the chiefest degrée that Nature in∣stituted Mettals by ripenesse and perfection at the last to come vnto: but euen as by stoppes and lets, partly by such imbecilitie as is with∣in vs, and about vs, partly by enuious & cleane contrarie disposition of the Ayre and Planets in their Orbes, fighting and striuing with vs somewhile, & anone against vs: we be many of vs cut off before we come to olde age, the last degrée of Nature, so that we can not attaine to this last, through such our hinderances and im∣pediments: so there is order and wayes to or∣der in al Mettals from the first to the last, from the most vile and base, to the most precious & richest: which kinde of order and degrée euerie Mettal although it were of the rawest and ba∣sest sort, should attain to in his due time, were it not for impediments and hinderances, either of colde and barraine ground, or for lack of the Sunne his purifying and ripening, or for in∣fection of rustie and copperous Mineralles be∣ing nigh neighbour to them: or for such other stoppes, whereby they stoppe and stay, and so become grosse for lacke of their naturall and first growth and tidinesse in ripening. Isido.

sayth that it is called Golde of the Ayre for that that the Ayre being stroked shimmereth the more. It is naturall to all Mettalles that they shine and looke bright, especially being moued and helden in the light. The Hebrewes call this Mettall Ophar, y^e Gréekes Chrusos. Aristo∣tle sayth in his fourth booke of Meteores, that this kinde as all the rest procedeth and is com∣pound of Brimstone the verie subtillest and red, and Quicksiluer also as subtile, but white, and this last verie smallie and proportionally. Amongst al Mettals there is none more solide, more compact then this is: and therefore it be∣ing put into the fornace doth not euaporate (as other thinges doe) neyther doth it léese of hys waight. It is more du••tile & easie to be brought to what poynt you will then any of the other. For vpon a Stith with a Mallet it is brought into most thin leafe or plate without rupture or breaking. There is nothing to looke to so beautifull as this, neyther is their any thing so pure. The Phisitions say that it comforteth and expelleth all superfluities in the bodie, and is effectuous against the Leprosie. Likewise his leafe buried in wine maketh it auaylable against diseases & consumption of the Splene, and other perturbations Melancholike. Like∣wise Incision or Adustion done with an In∣strument

of Golde is better than of any other Mettal or matter, for it kepeth the place of vsti∣on, frée and cleare from yll smelling and ran∣coring. There is also a certaine vaine of the earth, or whether a man might call it a kinde of stone, easily digged vp and broken, hauing the verie looke and face of Golde, and of some is the stone Arsenick, & is wrought as I thinke of Arsenicum, which also they call the golden earth. But this Arsenicum is double, one ashie colour, and the other as we aboue saide, in colour like Golde. The first is vsed to me∣dicine, for it hath power to dissolue & to purge: And besides that, they say it is vsed to Oynt∣ments depilatiue.

Of the Iasper.

THe Iaspar is a Gem verie gréene, like to the Smaragde, but of a litle more grosse co∣lour. Isid. saith that this hath. xvij. seuerall kinds and he calleth it the gréene stone. That of Cypria, (saith Harmolaus) is more duskie coloured and grosse: That of Persia is like to the Ayre, for the which it is called Aerizula: That of Phrygia is purple coloured: There hath bene in auncient time séene a Iaspar in waight .xj. Ounces. There is also in the heade of the Serpent Aspis found a little stone

much like to the Iasper of maruailous vertue, which some by cutting away the first letter, haue called Aspis. It is thought to haue so ma∣ny wayes in working as it hath kindes.

Of the Iacinct.

THe Iacinct is blew, and of nigh neighbor∣hoode with the Saphire. This is a maruel∣lous turncote, for that it doth conforme it self to all settes and dispositions of the Ayre, for being helde in the cloudie and darke Ayre, be∣commeth also cloudie and darke: and béeing in the bright and cleare Ayre, becommeth also both bright and cleare. It is taken to be medi∣cinable, to giue vigor and strength to the lims, to encrease the sinewes, and to prouoke quiet and sound sléepe.

Of Iris.

IRis is a kinde of Stone Mathematicallye wrought, as being digged vp in forme sixe cornered, which at the first was found nigh the red Sea: but is now found in many places, as in Germanie, in Irelande, and in the North parts and quarters, and is of colour as cleare as the Cristall. It is called Iris for likeloode to the Rainebow, which being touched & stricken of the Sunne his beames, vnder any couert,

doth represent and shewe both the figure and colours of the Rainebow vpon the wall next to it, and that oppositely as Diascorides saith. It hath the same force and working that the Berill hath, but is not in quantitie so great.

Of Iron.

IRon in Latin is called à feriēdo Ferrum, for that through his hardnesse it stryketh, molifieth, and bringeth vnder all kind of met∣tals. This kinde according to the manifolde difference of earthes and quarters of the earth. is diuersly called. It is engendred (as Aristotle sayth) of Quicksiluer verie grosse, nothing pure, vncleane and earthie: and of Brimstone also as grosse, as vnpure, as earthie. In com∣position whereof there is more of the Brim∣stone: so that through the temperature of cold which is in the Quicksiluer, of the drought and earth, which is in the other, it is so wrought & compact on that wise. Iron through bloud tou∣ching waxeth rustie, and getting within him, can scarcely, or not at al, be rid of it, corrupting within otherwise. Rust therefore is nothing else but a defaulte and an offence in the vn∣cleannesse and impurenesse of any substaunce, whether it commeth eyther by fellowship and placing next to the earth, or through any yll

qualitie of mans bloud, or of moyst and infec∣tuous vapour. As Isidore recordeth. Of Iron Mans bloud is soonest reuenged, for that by nothing so soone, Iron is brought to his corrup∣tion. It hath a naturall amitie with the Ada∣mant, which Adamant (as we before men∣tioned) draweth it to it, and this last followeth and obeyeth. Iron being polished is very like to Brasse. There is a certaine Iron which is for the most part white, which if it be buried a certaine space in a Uessell eyther of Wine or of Milke, remedieth diseases in the Splene, & is otherwise auaileable. If you go to vse and wade no further, this kinde of Mettall is prin∣cipall amongst the rest, which thing necessitie teacheth, and is the best proufe: which we also doe approue then, when as we are cōstrayned and driuen to Weapon and Armourie: for without thys coulde wée neyther be quiet at home amongst our selues, neyther could we kéepe off, from our Countrie borders and li∣mits, other our outward enimies. Further (to stay our selues in things at home and not to seeke other) there could be no mans Arte prac∣tised, no commoditie had by occupation & sci∣ence: further, not so much as the earth could be either sowē or reaped to any increase with∣out this. Therefore in this behalfe it mought

be called all graine and fruites Nurse.

Of the stone Kaman.

KAman the stone may well be called a turn∣cote, for that it is now blacke, now white, now shamefast & blushing. And is in colours very diuerse, and therefore it is called Kama, as you would say in Greeke Kauma soone kind∣led. It is found in hote places, and especially in those that haue good store of Brimstone and be Sulphureous: as Diascorides reporteth. It helpeth sayth he the drop sie: and is easie to be engrauen and carued in.

Of Kabiates.

KAbiates is cleare coloured, very lyke to the Cristall. It is thought being borne about one to make a man eloquent, to make him ho∣nourable, and to get and win him fauour. It preserueth one also from hurtfull and vene∣mous Serpents, and cureth paine and griefe in the Maw and Splene.

Of Kalpophanus.

KAlpophanus is a kinde of stone black, yet be painted with other colours, which being caried in the month is saide to clarifie y^e voice, and to helpe them that be h••arse, as the Lapi∣dare

witnesseth.

Of Lead.

LEad saith Aristotle, commeth and ariseth of Brimstone, both grosse, vnpure, & full of dregges: and of Quicsiluer also, waterie, and in maner like to an humor. Isidore sayth, it was called Lead at the first for that at the be∣ginning with it was found forth and tried the Sea, his deapth and bottome. There are two sortes of Lead, the one white, & the other black: but the whitest is best, which kindes was first found in the Iles of the Sea Atlantike. But is now found in Lusitania and in Gallicia, & in many other places. It is found also in Mi∣neries in maner like to Grauell and Sande, which afterwardes is sodden and molten to greater quantitie in fire and fornace. That other black Lead is found most in Cātabrie, whose origine or being is after two sortes, for eyther it proceedeth of a vaine by it selfe, or else it groweth next by siluer, and ouercrosseth his vaines with it. Therfore his first lyquor run∣ning when as it is molten is almost Tin: the second, in a maner Siluer: that which is then left and remaineth (adding also to it his vaine and so entermedled) becommeth black Lead. In Indie saith Isidore, there is neyther Lead

nor Brasse of his owne, therefore it chaungeth for his owne Marchandise (as with Gemmes and Margarets) wherein it is most plentifull. In Spaine and Fraunce it is verie hardly he∣wen out: In Britannie with verie much ease. Hermes sayth, that Lead being boyled, loose∣neth al other sound bodies and weakneth their hardnesse, as also it enfeebleth the Adamant.

Of the stone Ligurius.

LIgurius, is a stone in colour lyke to Tin. It is engendred in the entrailes and priui∣ties of Lynx the wilde Beast, and is of that vertue that it draweth to it any offall of chaffe or straw. It also helpeth paine in the stomack, and bewrayeth Uenome or Poyson.

Of Lipparia.

LIpparia is a Gem brought from the Syr∣tes, sandie places and grauelled in the bor∣ders of Affrick, next towards Aegypt, whose propertie is to delight and inamour all kinde of beastes, with his looke or shew, vnto y^e sight whereof they all hastily runne. Therefore the Huntesmen for those that they can not get by course of Greyhounde, or other kinde of Dog, they vse onely to come by them by meanes of looking in this stone, with the which sight they

bring them to them, as y^e Lapidare reporteth.

Of the Lodestone.

THe Lodestone commeth from Indie, and is almost Iron colour like. It is founde most rife amongest the Trogloditas people, in the furthest part of Affrick, beyond Aethi∣opia, who are saide to dwell in Caues, and to eate Serpents flesh. It draweth Iron to it, e∣uen as one Louer coueteth and desireth an o∣ther. The common people therefore hauing sometime seene this so done by secret and vn∣knowne working, haue iudged and reputed y^e Iron liuely. There is another kind of Lode∣stone in Thessalie, that is of contrarie set and disposition, which will haue none of Iron, nor will meddle with it. But for the other that is reckned principall and best, which in colour is blew. Saint Augustine saith, that if any man put vnder any vessel eyther golden or of brasse, or holde vnder these any péece of Iron, and lay aboue the vessels or vpō them this Lodestone, that euen through the verie motion or mouing of the stone vnderneath, the Iron shall moue vp and meete with it as nigh as the vessell wil suffer at the verie top.

Of the Margaret.

THe Margaret of all Gemmes, those which be in their kindes white, is estéemed the chiefest: as Isidore consenteth, with others herein. Which kinde he will also haue thus named, for that it is founde growing in the meate of certaine shell fishes, and those of the Sea, as in the Sea Snaile, and in the greatest Oyster, and such like as haue their shell. It is engendred of a certaine heauenly dewe, which in a certaine time of the yeare, both the Sea Snaile and the Cockle doe take and drinck vp. Of the which kinde of stone certaine are cal∣led Vnions, for that by one and one, they be founde, and neuer aboue one: there be some of these also séene somtimes yellow, but the other are theverie best.

Of the Mede.

THe Mede is a precious kinde of stone only found amongst the Medes, whereof it is so named, which stone in some places there, is seene greene, in some other, black. It helpeth the Goute, mingled among with the Milke of a woman, n••w bearing a Sonne, and re∣medieth the Phrensie.

Of the Melanite.

THe Melanite is a Stone, which distilleth & droppeth that iuice which is verie swéete and honie like: wherfore it may well be called Melanite as you would say Honistone, and it is double coloured, on the one side it is gréene, on the other side yellow.

Of the Mirrite.

THe Mirrite is a Gem, both in taste and co∣lour like to Myrrhe, which being wroong & pressed hard, giueth as pleasant a smel as Nar∣dus or Spikenarde.

Of the Marble.

THe Marble by Gre••ke worde and name is interpreted gréene. There are Marbles in great and huge bignesse, and length: which are of many esteemed and had in reputation for their spottes and colours. The sorts and kinds of Marble are infinite: for not euery of them are hewen forth out of Rockes: but many be dispersed vnder the earth, as the Marble with the Lacedemonians, which is both grene and precious: So likewise that kinde of Marble which is called Ophites, which hath spottes like a Serpent, is much estéemed. Of Ophites two sortes are mentioned: the first white and soft, the other black and hard. There is ano∣ther

kinde almost Corall like, found in Asia▪ hauing certaine blottes besprent vpon it and about it proporcionally. There is also a The∣bane Marble dipped here and there, and dyed like in maner to golden droppes, and is found in a part of Aegypt. There are other kindes also which bréede and haue the very rocks to be their shop houses, as y^e Marble in Corinth, wherof whole Pillars and great Beames are made. And there is another Marble called Ca∣risteum verie gréene, hauing his name of his good looke, for that it is auayleable to their eie∣sight that engraue therein. The gréene colour hereof refresheth the eies. Marble therefore is more sounde, more faire, more profitable than any other stones are, with Lead and not with Iron (contrarie to all others wont) all stones of Marble are hewen and cut, which thing is marueilous. For neyther with Steele nor yet with Iron, neyther with Mallet nor cutting Sheares, neyther with Sawe by any force or striuing withall, it is subdued.

Of the Melochite.

THe Melochite is a gréene Gem, much like to the Smaradge, his gréene colour not∣withstanding is somwhat more thick & grosse: wherfore for his onely colour, of some it is cal∣led

gréene Malue. It groweth in Arabia, and is to feele to verie softe, and in effect verie me∣dicinable.

Of Nesorpora or Todes stone.

NEsorpora is a stone of Pontus, verie pre∣cious, marueilous white, and as they say, it is found in a Todes heade, out of the which it is plucked and taken forth, and is purified by lying a certaine space stéeping in strong wines and running water, as Diascorides beareth witnesse. In this stone is apparantly seene ve∣rie often the verie forme of a Tode, with be∣spotted and coloured féete, but those vglye and defusedly. It is auailable against invenoming.

Of Nitrum.

NItrum (as sayth Diascorides,) is a stone but nothing precious or Gem like: it is also verie white, easie to be riuen, and to looke to, it is cleare also. It is called Nitrum of Ni∣trea, a Region or Coūtrie in Aegypt. Of this stone many Medicines are made and are digh∣ted therewithall, as one principally to take, and rid out of the bodie all filth and annoyan∣ces. The dust hereof also wrought with hony doth clarifie and beautifie the face.

Of Onix or Onichus.

ONix of some Onichus, is a stone of Indie and Arabie, hauing colours all aboute it intermedled verie like to a mans naile: wher∣vpō the Greekes call our naile Onikin. That of Indie hath a colour like to fire, & is dyed with white Uaines or Zones. That of Arabie is black, yet died with white Lines or Zones. It hath many kindes as Sardonix, so called for that by cōmixture of the Onix which is white and Sardus which is red, it becōmeth but one of them both. It being borne about one, rid∣deth him of feare: and in maner of a Glasse it sheweth a mans visage, as saith Diascorides.

Of Oppalus.

OPpalus (as saith Diascorides) is a stone in colour like to vecie many, and those cleane contrarie Gems. For it representeth in some part as good a greene colour as the Smaragde: in some other part it looketh like Purple, and in another part like to a whote Cole as the Carbuncle doth.

Of Orites.

ORites is a Gem black, and in figure round. It hath diuers kinds, wherof one is greene

hauing white spottes. This being worne and hung about the neck of any woman, prohibi∣teth and letteth conception, or, and if she haue before conceyued, it hasteneth hir deliuerie, and maketh the birth vntimely and vnperfect.

Of Parius.

THe stone Parius is a kinde of the finest and most excellent Marble. This is founde in Para the Iland, wherefore it is called Parius, it is verie profitable and good to kéepe and pre∣serue all kinde of Oyntments.

Of Prassius.

PRassius, is in maner of an Onyon or Leeke verie greene, and comforteth a weake and f••eble eiesight. It is found sometime w^t bloudie drops, and sometime with drops that be white. It is nothing precious, neither in any laudable sort effectuous, but onely for a shew to the eies. Whereof the Lapidare hath this Uerse.

Vtile nil affert nisi qui viret & decet Aurum. To no purpose or kinde of good Prassius the stone doth serue But onely that with fresh greene looke, it from offence th'eine doth preserue.

Of Pirrites.

PIrrites is a kinde of stone, yealow, like to the fire his flame, and in qualitie almost all one with the fire: for the which I suppose it tooke his name, it is soone kindled and set on fire. It also sparckleth, and being hardly hol∣den & pressed in any mans hande burneth him sore or he perceiueth it. Whervpon the Lapi∣dare hath these two Uerses.

Tangi vult leuiter blanda{que} manu{que} teneri nam pressus nimium digitos tangentes adurit. The Pirrite must with easie hand And maruellous soft enholden be: For being prest and helde to hard Doth burne thy flesh or ere thou se.

Of the Pionite.

THe Pionite is a stone thought to be onely a Female, for in very short time and full quickly it conceyueth & bringeth forth his like, and is an helpe also to such as be pregnant and big with childe.

Of Panteron.

PAnteron is a stone of all colours, or at the least of the most part of them, wherevpon it is so named: for it is in some part black, in o∣ther part gréene, in other part purple, and so forth. This is saide to bolden a man, and to

make him inuincible.

Of the Quiren.

THe Quiren is a stone which is found in I∣landes and Fennes, most commonly in Lapwings Nestes: this is a betrayer of drea∣mes, and of a mans secrets when as he is in sléepe. It being put vnder his head y^e sleepeth, causeth him to speake out all that he hath in his minde in secret wise, and to himselfe onely purposed.

Of Quandias.

QVandias is a stone very vile in colour, but of much vertue as saith Diascorides▪ It is found in the Uulture his heade, and is mans friend, for it driueth from him al things that be hurtfull.

Of the Rubie.

THe Rubie is a stone which of some is sup∣posed to be found in the Crabs heade, most commonly red, yet notwithstanding somtimes found in yealow colour. It auaileth against the biting of the Scorpion and Weasell, if it be applied thereto plaister like.

Of Rhombites.

RHombites is of two sortes, the one which consisteth of Scales, hauing the likenesse of Rhombus, a figure with y^e Mathematicians foure square: hauing the sides equall, the cor∣ners crooked, whereof commeth Rhombites, This is very white as Cardane reporteth: there is another of this which hath y^e figure of narrow Rowler, but coloured and dyed with∣in and without, so that it likewise represen∣teth the figure of Rhombus.

Of the Sapphir.

THe Sapphir is Skie coloured or blew, like to the Skie in the most faire weather. It is one of the Noblest and royall sorts amongst al Gemmes, and most méete to be worne onely vpon Kings and Princes fingers. This for his soueraigntie of the Lapidare, is called y^e Gem of Gemmes. It is found most especially in In∣die, although that sometimes, otherwhere. Cardane sayth, that it is next and aboue the Adamant in reputation: fift or last in the de∣grée of those Gemmes that be noble and pre∣cious: he sayth also, it is good (if it be not o∣therwise ouerlaide) to the eiesight, and that no∣thing in the whole worlde, doth more recreate or delight the eies than the Smaradge & Sap∣phir do••. Albartus Magnus saith, that he

hath proued it twise, that with the onely tou∣ching of this precious stone, the partie so disea∣sed, hath bene rid of the grieuous sore the Car∣buncle. It is meruelously effectuous against al venome. Wherefore, if thou put a Spider into a Box, and vpon the mouth of the Box, being shut thou layest the true Sapphir and kéepe the Spyder but a verie shorte time within the same, the Spider being vanquished and ouer∣come by such mean of close vertue dieth sodain∣ly. In olde time it was consecrated onelye to Apollo: for the which they thought their bu∣sinesse in Warres and affaires at home might be the sooner ended, if through such meanes they had enriched and honoured him, who by Oracle in all things those which were waigh∣tiest made onely the aunswere.

Of the Sardye.

THe Sardye is a kind of Gemme red colou∣red: so called for that it was first founde in Sardys, (whose kindes) those especially which are more thin and cleare (for this is something grosse) haue other names: as when it is most pure and cleane, it is called Carneolus, of some (certain letters being chaunged) the Cor∣nelles. Cardane sayth, that this of all other stones is most méete to engraue in, & to make

Seales thereof, and he giueth these thrée rea∣sons: First, for that it cleaueth not or doth not holde fast to the Waxe: secondarily, for that it is easily carued, for it is but of meane hardnes. Thirdly, for that through cleare humor or va∣por it is not so soone dulled or duskied as ma∣ny other be.

Of Sardonix.

SArdonix, as the Lapidare saith, is bred and borne of the Sardye, which is the father to him, & Onix, which we before mentioned, in maner his mother. Isidore sayth, it is thrée co∣loured, black about the bottom, white in the midst, & red at the top: It is as fit for Seales as the Sardye. There be fiue kindes hereof séene in Indie. This in working maketh a man lowly and shamefast in his doings.

Of Silonite.

SIlonite the stone is séene in Persia, in co∣lour like to the Iasper, or like to a fresh and flourishing greene Herbe. It encreaseth and decreaseth euen as the Moone, taking y^e Moone herein to be his paterne or example, belike for that it consisteth of humor abundantly.

Of Siluer.

SYluer in Gréeke is called Argurion, not far from the Latine name and appellation. It is compound of the best and purest Quicksil∣uer, and of the most white Brimstone, and that which in their mixture and composition, by no meanes is burnt to red or black, as Aristotle rehearseth. Quicksiluer therefore hath this proper and peculiar to it selfe, that it doth not gather togither in maner of curd, or waxeth thick vnlesse it be intermedled with his fellow like acquaintaunce, Brimstone. Therevpon Aristotle proueth that Quicksiluer & Brim∣stone are the Elements, that is to say, the Ma∣tere and cause of beginning in all thinges li∣quable or those which melt, which are cōmonly called Mettals. Quicksiluer doth much breath forth and euaporate, whose breath or fume doth greatly hurt those, whome it apprehendeth. For it bringeth to a man the Palsie, and vn∣doeth and looseneth within him his Sinewes and Ioyntes. Without this notwithstanding, there could be no mixture, neyther in Golde, in Siluer, nor yet in any other Mettall. Siluer therefore hath these qualities peculiarly. It is cleare, it is shrill of sound, easily ductile, a mar∣ueilous preseruer of swéete balmes, the Iaspers friend, and with whome the Iasper better a∣greeth than with Gold. It is also medicinable,

for his offall or dust remedieth wounds. Fur∣ther, it taking earth, rustieth: but being newe rubbed ouer with Sande and Salte, commeth to his olde colour againe. Isidore saith, that there is thrée kinds of Siluer, Golde & Brasse: and of other Mettals. That which is grauen or by any wyse seased vppon: that which is wrought, and that which is not wrought: that which is sealed or coyned, as is Money, or goth for Money: that which is wrought and made otherwise, as is Uessell or Plate: that which is vnwrought is called a lumpe or bar of raw Mettall, of some a wedge of Mettall.

Of the Smaradge.

THe Smaradge hath his name of his excel∣lent and fresh gréene colour. For euerye thing that is grassie gréene, is properly called in Gréeke Smaron. It passeth both the leafe and bough of any Trée or plant in this his colour, and in this poynt alone triumpheth, neyther is the Sunne by his Sunne beames, any let or hinderance to this his shew. There is no grea∣ter refection to the eies than the sight of this. It being polished and dressed, sheweth a man his liuely Image, wherevpon the valiant Cae∣sar had no greater delight, than in looking on this, to sée his Warriours fight, and to behold

in the Smaragde which of them went best to worke, and was moste actiue. Isidore sayth, that there be .xij. kindes hereof, but the moste noble is found in Scithia, the next in Bactria. This stone sayth Cardane, serueth to deuina∣tion, and to tell of a certaintie, things to come, or otherwise. For that that shall come to passe, it will neuer let it sincke or slip out of minde, and that that shall not, it easily suffereth the minde to forget.

Of Sol.

SOL the Precious stone, is in colour like to the Sunne, and is called Sol, for that it giueth reflexions of Sunne beames, euen as the Sunne doth.

Of Tin.

TIn after his Greeke name, is called a deui∣der and distinguisher of one thing from an∣other, for all adulterous and counterfayted Mettals it doth betray, and setteth them seue∣rally asunder. It also discerneth Brasse & Lead from Gold & Siluer. Tin being rarely powred vppon Brasen Uesselles, maketh their sauour more pleasant, and bridleth & kepeth vnder the poysonous rust. Aristotle sayth, in his fourth booke of Meteores, y^t it is compound of Quick∣siluer

indifferent good, but of very base Brim∣stone, and therfore this kinde of Mettall is no∣thing proporcionably mixt, but al out of square compound, for the which it looketh so raw, and hath Siluer his verie colour, but not his good∣nesse. Cardane saith, that Tin descrieth and reueleth if any poyson be hid, for both it hisseth and cracketh if it be so, and also sheweth thin stripes in maner like to a bow. I haue séene it my selfe when as this kinde of Mettall being molten in the pit and but a sponefull of water being cast into, it hath floushed and leapt vp to the top of the house: but a whole Potfull of Béere or Ale being cast in, it hath not once moued, but laughed by and by. The cause I may giue that, that Cardane doth, applying it to all Mettals onely Golde excepted: for sayth he all other (onely Golde excepted) are fertile and fat. And being thus, laffe at their like, and refuse the residue. And thus much of Tin.

Of Talchum.

TAlchum the stone is like to Glasse, hauing as it were about it Hilles and Edges na∣turally set in it. This being dronken (sayth Cardane) in quantitie as big as a Walnut, doth marueylously ease and remedie paynes in the bowels.

OfTaraxippus.

TAraxippus the stone as the name giueth, doth signifie the Horse his trouble and dis∣quietnesse. It is in colour verie fierie, and it so shimmereth especially by night, that the horse casting his eyes that way, espieth his like with a fearefull looke: whereat he stampeth and sta∣reth. Cardane him selfe recordeth, what as concerning this purpose, befell in his presence and companie, three yeares before he wrote his booke de Subtilitate. I was sayth he, in Ianua, whereas I supped with the worthie and renowmed man Francis Duarde y^e Em∣perours Lieutenaunt: when as I had sup∣ped it rayned great showres, I was readie to put on my Cloke, my Hat and such Uestu∣res, so to defend me from these showres. This Duarde perceyuing I should be wet or I got home (as he is verie ciuile and curteous) lent me certaine of the best Horse he had, and of his men as many, to accompanie me. There was also present with me, and who should also go my way Lodwick Ferrare. Preparance was made: we tooke our Horse and so departed. As we should go by a certaine way hard by a cer∣taine fornace, we saw in y^e verie walles therof a fierie colour, as it were of quick and burning

Coales, which thing the Horse hauing espied, would no furder, but drew backward, & wrast∣led with vs to haue gone back, so that we could not rule them. We at the length fearing dis∣pleasure such as might befall to vs, for feare of more daunger alighted, & hauing some there to stay them, went our selues nighe & appro∣ched to the Fornace, whither when we came, we might espie a fierie colour, but nothing burning or on fire, which also cōsidering what this should be, at the last perceiued wel inough that it was this Taraxippe, that had so fea∣red vs and our Horse, and so departing, being thus deceyued, we rid another way.

Of the Topaze.

THe Topaze as Plinie sayth, is a Gem of grassie colour: although that in Germanie it is found like to Golde. It was first found in Arabie, in a certaine Ilande there: whereas the people Troglodite such as liue by Snakes flesh and other Serpents, being compelled tho∣row verie extreeme hunger: and they also bee∣ing on the water or Sea, driuē thither by tem∣pest, and so both weared and hungrie, digging vp the Rootes of certaine Hearbes, by hap and chaūce pulled vp this. This Iland afterwards was sought of Mariners and Marchants, and

was ransaked where as they founde (hauing had of them knowledge hereof) their best Mar∣chandise. After that, for those peoples sake, by whome they had so wonne and done so well, they would neuer chaunge the name hereof, but after their proper and peculiar speach cal∣led it a Topaze. For Topazein in Greeke is as much, as to finde by seeking. Plinie sayth, that it hath bene found of that bignesse and quanti∣tie that Philadelphus is saide to haue framed, and made thereof a statue or Image in length of foure Cubits.

Of the Turches.

THe Turches or Turcois, is of the common sort called Eranus. It is in colour airelike or like to the Heauens, and looketh cleare also as sayth Cardane. It is called a Turches for that it is onely found in Turkland or amongst the Turkes. This hath such vertue and hid maner in working, that it supporteth and sus∣taineth, being worne in a ring, a mā from fal∣ling of his horse, and is saide of the aboue saide Author to receyue the daunger of the fal it self, and to breake and burst in sunder, rather than the man should fall and miscarie.

The Conclusion.

OF Ydachides I néede not to write, for that I finde nothing of his prayse in other Au∣thors but this: that in manner Spherelike it hath one within an other. Neither néede I write of Zeblicū, which is found in Misaena, whereof I finde nothing else, but that it auai∣leth against venome. Neither néede I speake of Zinguites, the ashie coloured stone, which be∣ing worne about y^e neck, stencheth bloud: last∣ly of all, I haue not much to entreate of Zeni∣eth, which of some is called and reckned the stone Lazulus, whose onelye commendation is for that it purgeth Melancholy passions, and stoppeth them. But these which I haue before entreated of, I therefore entreated of, and so far forth I spake of them, as it mought somewhat moue men not to be dull or slack in the searching out of these: for that much pro∣fite cōmeth to man by them. If I should haue spoken of all kinde of stones, as well Gems as other: I suppose it would haue required large and infinite volumes. For the kinde of stones as Isidore sayth, are infinite. But these haue I gathered with good wil, and briefely. Wher∣fore gentle Reader fauour vs, and beare with vs now; as thou wilt haue vs hereafter perad∣uenture to enrich these.

FINIS.