Ioyfull newes out of the newfound world wherein are declared the rare and singular vertues of diuers and sundrie herbs, trees, oyles, plants, [and] stones, with their applications, aswell to the vse of phisicke, as chirurgery: which being wel applied, bring such present remedy for all diseases, as may seeme altogether incredible: notwithstanding by practize found out, to be true. Also the portrature of the sayde herbes, very aptly described: Englished by Iohn Frampton merchant. Newly corrected as by conference with the olde copies may appeare. Wherevnto are added three other bookes treating of the Bezaar stone, the herbe escuerçonera, the properties of yron and steele, in medicine and the benefite of snowe.

THE FIRST PART OF THIS BOKE TREATETH OF THE thinges that are brought from the Occidentall Indias, which serue for the vse of Medicine, and of the order that must be kept in taking the roote called Mechoacan, wherein are discouered great secretes of Nature, and great experiences: made and compiled by Do∣ctor Monardus, Phisition of Seuill. (Book 1)

IN the yere of our Lord God, a thousād, foure hundreth nine∣tie two, our Spaniards were gouerned by sir Christopher Colō, being naturally born in the coūtrie of Genoua, to disco∣uer the Occidētal Indias, that are called at this day, the newe world, and they discouered the first land thereof, the xi. day of October, of the said yere: & from that time vnto this, they haue discouered many & sundry Islandes, and muche firme land, as wel in that coūtrie, which they cal the new Spaine, as in that which is called the Peru, where there are manie Prouinces, many Kingdomes, and many Cities, that haue contrary and diuers customes in them, in which there haue beene founde out, thinges that neuer in these partes, nor in any other partes of the worlde haue beene seene, nor vnto this day knowen: and other thinges which nowe are brought vnto vs in greate abundance, that is to say, Gold, Siluer, Pearles, Emeraldes, Turkeies, & other fine stones of great value. Yet great is the excesse and quantitie that hath come, and euery daie doeth come, and inespecially of Golde and Siluer, that it is a thing woorthy of admirati∣on

the great number of Melons, which haue come from thence, besides the great quantity of pearles which haue sto∣red the whole world: also they doe bring f••om those partes, Popingaies, Griffons, Apes, Lions, Gerfaucons, & other kinds of Haukes, Tigers wool, Cotton wool, Graine to die colou••es with al, Hides, Sugars, Coppar, Brasill, the wood Ebano Anill: and of all these, there is so great quantity, that there commeth euery yeere, one hundred ships laden there∣with, that it is a great thing, and an incredible riches.

And besides these great riches, our Occidentall Indias doe send vnto vs many Trees,* 1.1 Plants, Hearbes, Rootes, Iuices, Gummes, Fruites, Licoures & Stones that are of great m••dicinall vertues, in the which there be founde, and haue been found in them, very great effectes that doe exceede much in value and price all the aforesayde thinges, by so muche as the corporall health is more excellent, and neces∣sary then the temporall goodes: the which thinges all the world doth lacke, the want whereof is not a little hurte∣full, according to the greate profite which wee doe see, by the vse of them to follow, not onely in our Spayne, but also in all the world.

And this is not too bee meruelled at, that it is so, for the Philosoph••r doeth say,* 1.2 that all Countries doe not yeelde Plantes and Fruites alike: for one Region yeeldeth such Fruites, Trees, and Plantes as an other doeth not: wee doe see that in Creta onely groweth the Diptamo, and the Incence onely in the region of Saba, and the Almaciga onely in the Islande of Chio, and the Sinamom, Cloues, and Peper, and other spices onely in the Islands of the Ma∣luca, and many other thinges you haue in diuers partes of the worlde, which were not knowne vntill our time, and the people of olde time did lacke them, but Time which is the discouerer of all thinges, hath discouered them vnto vs greatly to our profite, considering the greate neede that wee h••d of th••m.

And as there are discouered new regions, newe king∣domes, and newe Prouinces, by our Spaniardes,* 1.3 so they haue brought vnto vs newe Medicines, and newe Reme∣dies, wherewith they doe cure many infirmities, which, if we did lacke them, woulde bee incurable, and without anye remedy: of which thinges although that some haue know∣ledge, yet they be not common too all people, for which cause I did pretend to treate, and to write, of all things that they bring from our Indias, apperteyning to the arte and vse of Medicine, and the remedie of the hurtes and diseases that wee doe suffer and endure, whereof no small profite doeth followe to those of our time, and also vntoo them that shall come after vs: in the bewraying whereof I shall be the first, that the rather the followers may adde herevnto, with this beginning, that which they shal more knowe, and by ex∣perience hereafter finde out.

And as in this Citie of Seuill, which is the Porte and skale of all the Occidentall Indias, we doe knowe of them more, then in any other partes of all Spayne, for bicause that al things come first hither, where by better intelligence and greater experience it is learned: so doe I, with practice and vse of them this fourtie yeeres, that which I doe cure in this Citie, where I haue informed my selfe of them, that haue brought these thinges out of those partes with muche care, and I haue made experience thereof, with many and diuers persons, with all diligence and foresight possible, and with much happy successe.

Of the Anime and Copall.

THey do bring from the new Spaine 2. kinds of Ro∣sine, that be both much alike one to the other,* 1.4 the one is called Copall, and the other Anime. The Copall is a Rosine verie white, and of muche brightnesse, it is

brought in certaine great peeces, which are like too pee∣ces of Diacitron very cleare, it hath an indifferent smell, but not so good as the Anime: with this Copall, the Indi∣ans did make perfumes in their sacrifices, & so the vse there∣of was frequented in the Temples, by their Priestes.

And when the first Spaniardes went too those partes, the Priestes went out to receiue them,* 1.5 with little firepots, burning in them this Copall, and geuing to them the smoke of it at their noses: wee doe vse heere to perfume with it in diseases rising vpon coldenesse of the head, in the place of Incence, or Anime: it is hotte in the seconde degree, and moyst in the first, it is resoluatiue, and softneth by some wa∣trish partes, that it hath.

The Anime is a gumme or Rosine of a greate Tree, it is white,* 1.6 it draweth neere to the coulour of Incence, it is more oyly then the Copall is, it commeth in graines, as the Incence doeth, although somewhat greater, and beyng bro∣ken, it hath a yellowe collour, as Rosine hath: it is of a ve∣ry acceptable and pleasaunt smell, and put vppon burning coales, it doth consume very quickely.

It differeth from our Anime, that is brought from Leuante,* 1.7 which is not so white, nor so bright, insomuche that some doe say, that it is spice of Charabe or Succino, which is called Amber congeled, wherwith they doe make Beades, but it is not so, for that the Charabe is a kinde of Pitche, that is founde in the Germayne Sea, and it is ta∣ken out of the Sea in great peeces, with a dragge of Iron, so that it seemeth to come foorth of some Fountaines, into the Sea, after the maner of pitch, and beeing come foorthe vnto the colde ayre, it congeleth, for because there is s••ene in the same, peeces of stickes, & other superfluities of the Sea, cleaning vnto it, and in this they shall see the errour of them, that say that it is Gumme of Alamo; and of others, that it is of the Pinetree.

* 1.8Of our Anime Hermolaus Barbarus, a man most excel¦lently

learned doeth saie, that it is gather••d about the place where Incence is founde, and that lande or soile,* 1.9 is called Amintin and therefore the thing is called Anime.

That which is brought from the newe Spaine, is ga∣thered from certaine Trees, of a reasonable greatnesse, by way of incision, as the Incence, and Almasiga are ga••he∣red: we do vse thereof for many infirmities, and principally for the griefe of the head, and paines therof, caused of hu∣mours, or of colde causes, and for sluffyng in the head, that thereof doeth proceede, after euacuation, perfuming there∣with the chambers in the Winter season: and where as are generall infirmities, it doeth purifie and correct the Aire, and they doe perfume therewith their head kerchers, when that they doe goe to sleepe: for them that doe suffer paines in the head, and occasions thereof, it doeth profite to per∣fume the head of him that is so diseased, it doeth comforte the head vnto such as haue it debilited, or weakened, and doe suffer paines by occasion thereof: they doe put it also in plaisters, and in seere clothes, where as is neede of com∣fort, and to dissolue, especially cold humours, or windinesse: they doe vse it also in place of Incence, as well in the per∣fumes, as in the aforesaide.

It doeth comfort the braine,* 1.10 applied in the forme of a plaister, and euen so likewise the stomacke, and all partes being full of Sinewes, made after the fashion of a Sere cloth with the third parte of Waxe: it taketh out the cold of any member, whatsoeuer, being applied therevntoo for a long time, with refreshing it. It is hotte in the second de∣gree, and moist in the first.

Of the gumme called Tacamahaca.

AND also they doe bring out of the newe Spaine an other kinde of Gumme or Rosine,* 1.11 which the Indians doe call Tacamahaca, and the same name did our Spaniardes giue it, it is Rosine

taken out by incision of a tree, being as great, as a Willow tree, and is of a verie sweete smell, it bringeth foorth a red fruite, as the seede of Pionia.

* 1.12This Rosine or Gumme, the Indians doe much vse in their infirmities, chiefly in swellinges in any part of the bo∣die, wheresoeuer they bee ingendred, for that it dissolueth, ripeneth, and maruellously desolueth them. And euen so, it taketh awaie any manner of greefe, that is come of a colde cause: as humours, and windinesse: this the Indians doe vse very commonly, and familiarly. And for this effect the Spa∣niardes hath brought it.

* 1.13The colour is as the colour of Galuano, and some doe say that it is the same, it hath white partes like to Amoni∣aco, it is of a good smel, and the tast is like, insomuch that be∣ing cast vpon hotte burning coles, and giuing the smoke thereof at the nose of a woman that doth swoone, or els hath lost her feeling by suffocation of the Mother, it doeth cause her to come quickely, and easily to her selfe. And the Rosine putte to her n••uell,* 1.14 after the manner of a plaister, causeth the Mother to keepe in her place: and the vse thereof is so much amongest women, that the most parte which is spent thereof, is for this effect, for that they doe finde themselues very much eased by it, taking awaie from them all manner of chokinges of the Mother, and comforting the stomacke. Some that bee curious doe adde thereuntoo Amber and Muske, and so it is better then alone. It is alwaies fixed, without melting of it selfe, vntill that it bee al wholie wa∣sted.

And where it doeth most profite, is for to take awaie any manner of griefe, caused of colde humours and windie, and beeing applied vnto them in manner of a plaister,* 1.15 it ta∣keth them away, and dissolueth them with greate admira∣tion: it doeth cleane in such sorte, that vntill it hath done, and wrought his effect, it can not bee taken away, and the selfe same it doeth, being laide vppon swellinges, for that it

consumeth and desolueth them, and if there bee any desire to ripen them, it doeth it, and that very quickly.

It is also a remedie verified, and experimented,* 1.16 that it doeth profite much in Reumes, and Runnings, wheresoeuer they goe, for it taketh them awaie, put∣ting a small peece of linnen cloth with this Rosine, be∣hinde both the eares, or the eare on the parte which run∣neth, for that it doeth restraine the running of them: and ap∣plied vnto the temples of the head, in manner of a plaister, it doeth withholde the runnings and the fluxe, that runneth to the eyes, and to the partes of the face:* 1.17 it takethaway the tothe ache, although that the tothe bee hollowe, by putting a little of this Rosine into the hollowe, and if therewith the rotten tothe be burned, it maketh that the corruption goeth no further: and being laide after the maner of a plaister in the hollownesse of the necke, or griefe of the shoulders, it taketh away the paynes: mingled with the thirde parte of storax, and a little Amber made in a plaister, for the sto∣macke, it doeth comfort it, and causeth appetite to meate,* 1.18 it helpeth digestion, and dissolueth windines: after the same sort put vpon the moulde of the head, it comforteth, and ta∣keth away the paines thereof. In the Sciatica, or paynes of the hippes put therevnto, the effect thereof is greate:* 1.19 and likewise it is so in all paynes of the ioyntes: and in any payne of the body whersoeuer it be, chiefly if it come of cold humours, or mixt: For because with his resolution, it hath partes of binding, which doe giue a maruellous comfor∣ting in ioyntes, or in hurtes of Sinewes,* 1.20 putting that a∣lone, it doeth heale and cure them, for greate is the expe∣rience, that wee haue of it, i••genderyng foorth with matter: it taketh away an extreeme colde:* 1.21 ordinarily it is applyed to all griefes: I doe mingle therewith the thirde parte of yellowe Waxe, for that will be applied the better, and the vse thereof is so celebrated, that the people knowe no other remedy for any grief, but only the vse of this Rosine,* 1.22 so that

it bee not inflamations very hotte, and also in them after the first furie is past,* 1.23 and the fearcenesse thereof, it doth pro∣fite much for to dissolue the rest: it is hotte in the beginning of the third degree, and drie in the second.

Of the Gumme Caranna.

THey doe bring from the firme Lande, by the waie of Cartagena,* 1.24 and number de Dios, A Rosin of the coulour of Tacamahaca, somewhat cleare, and thinne, called in the Indians language, Caranna, and this woorde and name our Spaniardes haue geuen it, and it hath in maner the smel of the Tacamahaca, although it bee somewhat more strong of smell, it is very oylie, and it cleaueth fast without melting, for the clamminesse that it hath. It is a newe Medicine, and brought hither about a tenne yeeres past, and the Indians doe vse it in their infir∣mities against swellinges, and in all manner of griefes, and now in our partes it is much esteemed, for the great effects that it doth worke.

It doth profit and heale the same infirmities, that the Ta∣camahaca doth,* 1.25 but it woorketh more speedily, so that many infirmities, wherein the Tacamahaca doth not so much ef∣fect, the Caranna doth easily heale. There was one that did suffer paines in his shoulders, the w^c paines hee had suffered a long time,* 1.26 in such sort, that he could not stirre his Armes, & hauing vsed a great time the Tacamahaca, yet hee was not healed, vntil hee had put thereunto the Caranna, and there∣by in three daies he was made whole. In the griefes of the Iointes,* 1.27 and the Go••t Arthetica, it hath a maruellous ef∣fect, being applied vnto the grief, so that it be not an inflam∣mation, of very hotte humour, for it taketh it awaie, with much easinesse. In old swellinges, as well in humours as in windes,* 1.28 it dissolueth, in griefes caused by defluxe or run∣ning

of cold humours or mixed, it worketh a meruellous ••f∣fect: in all paines of the Sinowes, and griefes of the head, and griefes that thereof do proceede, it profiteth much.* 1.29 Surely, it is a medicine to dissolue and to take away griefs of great efficacie, and doth make his worke with great cer∣taintie in new greene wounds, especially of the Sinewes: it doeth much profit, and greatly in ioyntes,* 1.30 in the which I haue seene done only therewith very great workes: it is an intercepting to state the fluxe and running of the eyes, and other partes applied behinde the eares,* 1.31 and in the temples of the head. It is very fattie and oylie, and hot more then in the second degree.

And it is to be noted, that all these Rosines the Indians doe gather by way of Incision, by geuing cuttes in the Trees, of which forthwith the licour doth droppe out, and from thence they gather it.

Of the Oyle of the Figge tree of Hell.

FRom Gelisco, a Prouince in the newe Spaine, they bring an Oyle or Licour,* 1.32 that the Spaniards haue called, oyle of the Fig tree of Hell, for that it is taken from a tree that is no more nor lesse thē our Fig tree of Hel, aswel in the Leafe, as in the Fruite: it is the same that wee doe commonlie call Chatapucia, or Cherua, it is also mil∣kish as ours is, for that it is more burning in the Indias for the grosnes of the earth.

The Indians doe make this oyle, as Dioscorides doeth shewe, in the first booke, the xxx. Chapter, that is,* 1.33 do pounde the seede, & seeth it in water, and after it is sodden, then they gather the Oyle that swimmeth vppon it, with a Spoone, and this is the maner to make Oyle of fruite and Seedes, and Bowes of trees: It is verie much frequented and vsed of the Indians. As for expression or wringing out the iuice,

they doe not knowe how to doe it, for lacke of knowledge, this kind of oyle principally is better drawen out this way, than by expression.* 1.34 This Oyle hath greate vertues, as by the vse thereof hath beene seene, as well in the Indias, as in our partes, and all that I will say, is of very greate experience, and much vse thereof in many persons: it doeth heale and cure all infirmities caused of cold humours,* 1.35 and windines, it doth dissolue al hardnes with mollification, and all inflammations being windie: it taketh away all manner of paine in what parte soeuer it bee, chiefly if it come of any colde cause,* 1.36 or windines, for that in this, it maketh a mer∣uellous woorke, dissoluing greate windinesse, wheresoeuer it bee, and especially in the belly: and with this they do heale a windy Dropsie,* 1.37 & lykewyse al kinds therof, annoyu∣ting there withal the Belly, and Stomacke, taking some droppes therof with wine, or other licour appropriated, that it may auoyde the citrine water, and make the winde to be expelled: and if they doe put it in any maner Glister, or Me∣dicine, geuen so it doeth auoyde out the citrine water, and doth expell Windes with more assuraunce than any other Medicine.* 1.38 In the griefes of the Stomacke of cold humors, and windes, and Colicke, it worketh great effect, anointing therewith, and taking some droppes thereof, and principal∣ly they do this in that mortall disease called the Ileon, which is a cetrayne filthines that purgeth at the mouth. It doeth auoyde fleame principally,* 1.39 in griefes of the Iointes certain droppes of this oyle taken with the broth of some fat foule, it doeth empt away the humour that causeth the paine, it doeth heale the olde sores of the head,* 1.40 that doth yelde much matter.

A Gentleman that did vomit his meate the space of ma∣ny yeeres, did anoynt his stomack with this oyle, and there∣with did recouer & neuer v••mitted again:* 1.41 It doth vndoe O∣pilations of the inner parts of the body, & of the stomacke, & of the Mother, anoynting it therewith. And vnto yong chil∣dren

and Boyes, that cannot goe to the Stoole,* 1.42 anoynting the lower parte of the Nauill with this oyle, it doeth pro∣uoke them to the stoole: and if they haue wormes, it doeth expell and kille them, chiefly if they giue them a droppe or twoo with milke, or with some fat grosse thing. And for those that haue lost their hearing,* 1.43 it causeth it to be restored to them, with a maruellous worke, as it hath beene seene by many experiences. In griefes of Iointes, and in griefes of swellinges, so that they come not of a very hotte cause, it ta∣keth them away and doeth dissolue them: any of the mēbers beeing drawen together, and annoynted with this Oyle, they doe extende and the Sinowes are mollified with it, ta∣king away the griefe if that there bee any: it taketh away any markes or signes, wheresoeuer they bee in the face, principally, and the Morphewe which women many tymes bee troubled withall, the anoynting with this Oyle, doeth take it away, and consumeth it, not with litle contēt to them that vse it. It is hotte in the first parte of the thirde degree, and moyst in the second.

Of the Bitumē which is a kind of pitch.

THere is in the Islande of Cuba,* 1.44 certaine Fountaines at the Sea side, that do cast from them a kinde of blacke Pitch of a strong smell, which the Indians doe vse in their cold infirmities. Our people doe vse it there to pitche theyr Shippes withall, for it is well neere lyke vnto Tarre, and they doe mingle therewith Tallowe, to make it Pitch the better. I doe beleeue that this is Napta,* 1.45 which the auncient wryters doe speake of. Possidonio sayeth, that there are twoo Fountaynes thereof in Babylon, one whyte and the other blacke.

That which is brought frō the Indias,* 1.46 we do vse against

griefes of the Mother, for that it doeth reduce the Mother to her place. And if it rise on high, then put it to the Nose∣thrilles, and if it come downe to the lower partes, putting thereto a wet tent with this Pitche, it causeth it to go vp∣warde, to her place: and likewise it doeth profite, being ap∣plied to cold Infirmities, as the other Medicines do which we haue spoken of. It is hotte in the second degree, & moist in the first.

Of liquid Amber, & the Oyle therof.

FRom the newe Spaine they doe bring a Rosine that we call Liquid Amber, and one like Oyle that wee call Oyle of Liquid Amber, that is to say, a thing that wee doe most set by, and as precious as Amber, or Oyle thereof, both of them being of sweete smell & of good sauour, and especially the Oyle of Liquid Amber, which is of sa∣uour more delicate and sweete than Amber.* 1.47 A Rosine taken out by incision from certaine trees very great and faire, and full of leaues, which are like to Iuie, and the Indians doe call them Ococol. They carrie a thicke rinde, of the colour of Ashes, this rinde being cut, doth cast out the Liquid Am∣ber thicke, and so they doe gather it, and because the rinde hath a smell very sweete, they do breake and mingle it with the Rosine, and when it is burned, it hath a better smell, in so much, wheresoeuer the trees are, there is a most sweete smell through all the fields.

* 1.48When the Spaniardes came the first time, to that place where it groweth, and did feele such a sweete smell, they thought that there had beene spices, and trees thereof.

There is brought much quantitie of Liquid Amber in¦to Spaine,* 1.49 insomuch that they do bring many Pipes, and Barelles full thereof to sell for Merchaundise, for heere they raise profite thereof, to perfume in thinges of sweete

smelles, wasting it in place of Storax, for that the smoke and smell doeth seeme to be the same: and also they doe put it into other confections of sweete smelles to burne, and suche like thinges. It casteth from it so muche smell without bur∣ning of it, that wheresoeuer it be, it cannot be hidden, but doth penetrate many houses and streetes with the sweete smell, when there i•• quantity of it.

It serueth much in medicine, & doth therein greate effect, for that it healeth, comforteth, dissolueth,* 1.50 and mittigateth payne applied vnto the Moulde of the heades by it selfe, or mingled with other thinges Aromaticall, it doth comfort the braines, and taketh away the paines of any manner of griefe, proceeding of a coulde cause layed after the manner of a Playster therevnto, it doeth also mitigate, and take a∣way the paynes, & griefes of the stomake, wherein it doth a marueilous ••ffect, applied after the maner of a Stoma∣cher. For that it doth comfort the Stomake,* 1.51 and doeth dis∣solue windes, and helpe digestion, and take away rawnesse it causeth the meate to be well digested, it geueth lust to eate: it is made of Liquide Amber, spreade abroade vpon a sheeps skinne, in the forme of a breastplate, mingled with a little Storax, Amber and Muske, it is a Playster which doeth profite muche in all that I haue sayed. There is knowne of this playster very great experience, in this Citie, for the good effect that it worketh: it is hot in the ende of the second degree, and moyst in the first.

Out of this Liquid Amber, is taken the Oyle that is cal∣led the oyle of Liquide Amber,* 1.52 the which in his smel is more sweet, it is taken out of the Liquide Amber when it is newly gathered, putting it in parte where it may distill of it selfe, (the more subtill) is the perfectest and best of all.

Others there be that do presse it, because the more quan∣titie thereof may be taken out, & they bring it for merchaun∣dise, for that they vse to dresse Gloues therwith for the com∣mon people, and in this trade there is much spent.

It is vsed in Medicine for many diseases, and it is of greate vertue to heale colde diseases,* 1.53 for it healeth excellent∣ly well al partes wheresoeuer it be applied, it dissolueth and mollifieth any maner of hardnes, taking away the paynes: it dissolueth the hardnesse of the Mother, and openeth the o∣pilations thereof. It prouoketh the Monethly course in wo∣men, and it maketh soft any maner of hard thing. It is hotte welneere in the third degree.

And it is to be noted, that many doe bring this Storax very thin from the Indias,* 1.54 which is not so good, for because that they make it of the bowes of the trees, cut in peeces, and sodden, and they gather the fatnes that swimmeth vpon: and the Indians doe sell the buddes of the trees whereout the Liquid Amber is taken, made in handfulles, & doe sell it in their market places, for to put amongst their clothes, which causeth them to smell, as of the water of Angels, & for this purpose the Spaniards doe vse it.

Of the Balsamo.

THey doe bring from the newe Spayne that licour most excellent, which for his excellencie and meruel∣lous effectes, is called Balsamo, an imitation of the true Balsamo, that was in the land of Egypt, and for that it doeth such great workes, and remedie so many infir∣mities, there was geuen to it such a name. It is made of a tree greater than a Powngarnet Tree, it carrieth leaues like to Nettles: the Indians doe call it Xilo, and we doe call the same Balsamo. It is made two maner of waies, the one is by the way of incision, cutting the rynd of the Tree, which is thinne, geuing many small cuttinges, out of the which there commeth a clammish licour, of colour white, but it is little and moste excellent, and very perfect. The other fa∣shion is, whereby the Indians doe vse too take out licour of

the trees, which is a common vse amongst them is this: th••y take the bowes and the great peeces of the trees, and make them as small, as they can, and then cast them into a greate kettle, with a good quantity of water, & so boyle them vntill they see it sufficiently done, and afterwarde they let it coole, and gather vp the oyle that doeth swimme therevppon with certayne shelles, and that is the Balsamo that commeth too these partes, and that commonly is vsed: the colour therof is Alborne, which is likened to blacke, it is of most sweet smel, and very excellent. It is not conuenient, nor it ought to bee kept in any other vessel then in siluer, (Glasse or Tinne, or a∣ny other thing glassed, it doeth penitrate and doeth passe through:) the vse thereof is onely in thinges apperteining to Medicine, and it hath been vsed of long time, well neere since the new Spaine ws discouered, for that incontinent the Spaniardes had knowledge of it, because they did heale therewith the woundes that they did receiue of the Indians, being aduised of the vertue thereof by the same Indians, and they did see the saide Indians heale and cure themselues therewith.

When it first came into Spayne, it was esteemed as much as it was reason it shoulde be,* 1.55 for that they did see it make meruellous woorkes, one ownce was woorth tenne Duccates and vpwardes, and now it is better cheape: the first time that they carried it to Rome, it came to be woorth one ounce, one hundreth Duccats: & after that they brought so much and such great quantity, that it is nowe of small va∣lue: this commeth of the abundance of thinges. And when it was very deere all men tooke profite of the profite of it, and since it came to bee of so lowe a Price,* 1.56 it is not so muche esteemed beeyng the s••lfe same Balsamo, that it was then when it was woorth one hundreth Duccates the ounce. Surely if the Indias had not beene disco∣uered, but onely for the effecte, to send vs this meruellous licour,* 1.57 the labour had been wel employed which our Spani∣ardes 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

vntill the woundes be whole, and for this cause the vse ther∣of is a common medicine in all surgery for poore folkes, see∣ing that as with one medicine all effectes are wrought there∣with, that are necessary: & it is a common thing to say, that when one is hurt, let Balsamo be put therevnto, and so they doe, & it doth heale them. In the woundes of Sinewes it woorketh a meruellous effect, for that it doeth both cure & heale. It healeth better then any other medicine doeth, it re∣sisteth colde, the wounds of the head it healeth very well, not hauing the Skull broken, nor perished.

Any manner of woundes beyng freshe it doeth heale in any parte of the bodie wheresoeuer they bee, so that there be no more in it but a simple wounde. In ioyntes what manner of wounde soeuer it bee, it doeth make a maruel∣lous woorke: The vse thereof is very common in this Ci∣tie, in woundes. For that you haue fewe houses, but you haue Balsamo in them for this effect, so that in wounding of any person foorthwith they goe to the Balsamo, for with lit∣tle quantitie thereof they doe cure and heale, and many times with putting of it once euery thirde day, they finde the wounde whole. In olde sores applied by it selfe, or with any other oyntment, it doeth mundifie, and fill them vppe with fleshe.

In large feuers Paroxismales beyng layde halfe an houre before the colde doeth come, vppon the moulde of the head•• very hot, the patient being very well couered with clothes, and taking forthwith 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or sixe droppes thereof in wine, it taketh away the colde, in three or foure times doing it. It is of a sharpe sauour and somewhat bitter, wherby are seen the d••y partes and comfor••atiue that it hath: it is hot and dry in the second degree.

* 1.58I will not let to write of a certayne Hearbe, which the Conq••erours of the newe Spaine doe vse for the remedy of their wounds, and shottes of arrowes, which vnto them was a great remedie in th••ir troubles, and it was discou••red by

an Indian, which was Seruaunt too a Spaniarde called Iohn Infant. He was the first that vsed it, they did call it, and doe call it at this present day, the Hea••be of Iohn In∣fant: this hearbe is little, they gather it greene, and beate it, and so they lay it simply vpon the wound: it doth restraine and stoppe the blood, and if it be a wounde in the fl••she, it doth cause it to growe together, and heal••th it by glewing the partes. The woundes of the Sinewes, and other partes it doth comfort, mundifie, and ingendreth flesh in them vntill they be whole, and because they doe not find this hearb in all places, they bring it made into pouder, for that it woorketh the same effect as well as being greene, and the pouder, as some say, doth it better than the hearbe.

As this hearbe, so likewise haue you many other in all the other partes of the Indias, that haue the same and other properties & doe woorke meruellous effects: and to write of euery one of them particularly, it were needefull to make a greater volume, then wee doe pretende of this that we shall entreate of.

Three thinges they bring from our Occidentall Indi∣as, which at this day bee celebrated in all the worlde, and with them they haue made & doe make the greatest workes that euer were made in medicine, & there were neuer the like made, by any other medicine that vnto this day hath beene knowen, for that the nature of al three is to cure infirmities which without this remedy be incurable, and to woorke the effectes that doe seeme to bee thinges of woonder, and these are notorious, not onely in these parts, but in all the worlde: the which thinges are the wood that is called Guaiacan, the China and the Sarcaparillia. And for that it seemeth that the China doth come from Portingall, and that the Portin∣gales doe bring it from their Orientall Indias, and not frō ours, I wil say what is to be said herafter when we do speak thereof. And therefore let vs beginne with Guaiacan, as of •• remedie that first came from the Indias, and as first of the

best of all, as experience hath shewed, and the vse thereof in so many yeares.

Of the Guaiacan and of the holie Wood.

* 1.59THe Guaiacan, that is called the wood of the Indias was discouered forthwith, whē the first Indias were foūd, which was the Island of Sancto Domingo, where is great quantity thereof. There was an Indian that gaue knowledge thereof to his Mai∣ster, in this maner. Ther was a Spaniard that did suffer great paines of the Poxe, which he had taken by the company of an Indian woman, b••t his seruant being out of the Phisitions of that countrie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vnto him the wa∣ter of Guaiacā, wherewith not onely his grieuous paynes were taken away that he did suffer, but he was heal••d verie well of the euill: with the which many other Spaniardes, that were infected with the same euill were healed also, the which was communicated immediatly, with them that came from thence, hither to Seuill, and from thence it was diuul∣ged throughout all Spaine, and from thence through all the world, for that the infection was sowen abroade throughout all partes thereof: and surely for this euill it is the best, & the most chiefe remedy of as many as hitherto haue been found, and with most assuraunce, and most certeintie, it healeth and cureth the sayde disease, if they be wel handled: and this water gi••en as it ought to be, it is certaine that it healeth it most perfectly, without turning to fall againe, except the sicke man doe returne to tumble in the same bosome, where he tooke the first infection.

Our Lord God would from whence the euill of the Poxe came, from thence shoulde come the remedy for them. Since it is knowne that they came into these parts from the Indi∣as,

and first of all from Sancto Domingo. The Poxe bee as common amongest the Indians, and as familiare, as the Measelles bee vnto vs, and well neere the most part of the Indians, both men and women haue them, without making thereof any scruple, and they came first in this sorte.

In the yeere of our Lorde God 1493. in the warres that the Catholike King made in Naples, with King Charles of France, that was called Greathead, in this time sir Christofer Colon, returned from the discouerie that hee had made of the Indias, which was Sancto Domingo, and o∣ther Ilands, & he brought with him from Sancto Domingo, a great number of Indians, both men and women, which he carried with him to Naples, where the Catholike king was at that tyme, who had then concluded the warres, for that there was peace betweene the twoo Kinges, and the hostes did communicate together, the one with the other. And Colon being come thither with his Indians, the most part of them brought with them the fruite of their countrie, which was the Poxe. And the Spaniardes began to haue conuersation with the Indian women, in such sorte, that the men and women of the Indias, did infect the Campe of the Spaniardes, Italians, and Almaines, for the Catholike king had then of all these Nations, and there were many that were infected with the euill. And after the hostes com∣moned together, the fire did kindle in the campe of the king of Fraunce, of which it folowed, that in short tyme the one and the other were infected with this euill seede: and from thence it hath spred abrode into all the worlde.

At the beginning it had diuerse names:* 1.60 the Spaniards did thinke that it had beene giuen them by the French∣men, and they called it the Frenche euil. The Frenchemen thought that in Naples, and by them of the Countrie, the euill had beene giuen them, and they called it the euil of Na∣ples. And they of Almaine seing that by conuersation with the Spaniardes, they came by it, they called it the Spa∣nishe

Skabbe, and other called it the Measelles of the In∣dias, and that very truely, seing that from thence came the euill in the beginning.

* 1.61Amongest the great Phisitions of that tyme, there were sundry great opinions of the cause, and originall of the in∣firmitie. The one sorte sayde that it came of the euil me∣lancholie meates, that the hostes of necessitie had eaten, as wilde hearbes, and many gardeine hearbes, and rootes of hearbes, Asses, and Horses, and other lyke things, that ingender such lyke infirmities, corrupting and burnyng the blood. Others there were, that did attribute it to the coniunctions of Saturne and Mars, and they did apply it to the heauenly influence, and gaue thereuntoo diuers and sundry names. Some called it the Leprosie, others Swine Poxe, other Mentegra, others the Deathly euill, others Elephansia, without certaine assurance what disease it was. For they were ignoraunt that it was a newe disease, and they would reduce it to some already knowen and writ∣ten of.* 1.62 And nowe we come to our Guaiacan, whose name was giuen by the Indians, and of them very well knowen, and so they haue called it and do call it, in all the world, cal∣ling it also the woodde of the Indias. Of this woodde ma∣ny haue written and much, one sort sayeng that it was Eba∣no, others that it was a kinde of Boxe, with many other names wherby they haue named it. It is a new tree and ne∣uer seene in our partes, nor in any other of the discoueries, & as the country is newe, so is the tree a newe thing also.

* 1.63Whatsoeuer it be, it is a great tree, of the greatnesse of an Oke: it casteth out many vowes, the rinde it doth cast from it being dry, greate, and full of Gumme, the hart thereof is very great, it is well neere lyke to blacke, all is very hard as much and more then Ebano is. It casteth forth a little leafe and hard▪ and euery yeere it bringeth foorth yel∣low flowers, out of the which is ingendered a round fruite, with litle kernelles within it, of the greatnesse of a Medler:

of these Trees there is greate aboundance in Sancto Do∣mingo.

And after this they haue founde an other Tree, of the kind of this Guaiacan, in Saint Iohn de Puerto Rico, which is an other Ilande neere to that of Sancto Domingo, such an other tree as that is, sauing that it is lesse, & the body of the tree and the bowes are smaller, & it hath scarsely any harte, or if it haue any, it is very little, and that is in the body of the tree, for that the bowes haue none at all: It is of more sweete smel and more bitter then the Guaiacan, that is nowe vsed in our tyme, I meane that of Sancto Domingo, and for his mar∣uellous effectes, they call it the holy Woode, & surely with reason: for that it is of a better working then that of Sancto Domingo, which is seene by experience, but euen aswell the one & the other is a maruellous remedy, to cure the disease of the Poxe: of the which and of euery one of them a wa∣ter is made, and is taken for this infirmitie, and for many others in this forme.

They take twelue ounces of the wood made small, and twoo ounces of the Rinde of the same woodde broken,* 1.64 and they cast it to steepe in three Pottels of Water, in a newe pot, that will holde somwhat more, for the space of xxiiii. houres: and the pot being well stept, they seeth it ouer a soft fire of kindled Coales, vntill the twoo Pottels bee sodde a∣way, and one remayning. And this is to be noted at the time the water is put to it, putting therein one Pottle, they dip in a little Rodde, and doe marke howe high the water of one Pottle reacheth, and by that measure and marke they shall see when the twoo are sodde away, and the one Pottell remayneth. After the water is sodden, they set it to coole, & straine it, and keepe it in a glassed vessell, and forthwith vp∣pon the said sodden woodde, they poure foure Pottels of wa∣ter, and seeth it till one bee sodden away, and this water must bee strayned and kept apart, and it must bee taken in this forme.

After that the sicke man is purged by the counsell of a Phisition,* 1.65 let him be put into a warme Chamber, and kept from the colde and from ayre, and beeing laied in his bedde, let him take early in the morning tenne ounces of Water, of that which was first made wel warmed, and let him bee couered so that he may sweate wel, & let him kepe his sweat at the least two houres, & after he hath swet, let him be made cleane from his sweat, & take a warme Shirt, and the rest of his Linen clothes, & foure houres after he hath swette, let him eate Reasings, Almonds and Bisket, and that in reaso∣nable quantitie. Then let him drinke of the water that was made at the second tyme, the quantity that he hath need of, and of the selfe same let him drinke in the day time, & eight houres after hee hath eaten, let him returne to take the first water, and let him take other tenne ounces well warmed, and then sweate other two•• houres, and after his sweate let him bee made cleane, and then bee couered againe with warme cloathes, and one houre after hee hath swet, let him make his supper of the same Reasings, Almonds, and Bis∣ket, and drinke of the second Water. This order he must ob∣serue the first fiftiene daies, except hee haue some notable weaknesse, and in such case her must bee succoured with ge∣uing him to eate of a young Chicken, iointly, with the rest of the Diet: and in them that be leane, that cannot beare so pre∣cise Diet, it is sufficient that they take it for nine dayes, and at the end of them they may eate a little Chicken rosted, & if in case the sicke person be debilited, and that he cannot suf∣fer the Diet, let him haue from the beginning a very small Chicken, going forwarde increasing in the proces of tyme, and beeing past the 15. dayes, let him returne to purge himselfe at the sixtiene dayes end, & let him take the waight of fiue shillinges of the substaunce of Canafistola, taken out by Strayner or other thing respondent thereunto, and that day let him drinke no strong Water, but of the simple, and the next day after the Purgation, let him returne to

the aforesayde order, taking in the morning and euening the strong water with his sweatinges, and eating and drin∣king the same. Sauing that in place of a Chicken hee may eate halfe a rosted Pullet, or somwhat more, and this seconde tyme let him take it for other xx. daies, in the which tyme hee may ryse, and walke about his chamber, being apparelled and kept warme. And at the end of them, hee shall returne to purge him selfe an other tyme, and must haue a speciall care to keepe good order, and after hee hath takē the water for other fortie dayes, must keepe him∣selfe from women and from wyne especially: and in place of wyne, hee must drinke the simple water of the woodde, which if he wil not doe, then let him drinke of water sodden with Anise seede or Fenell seede, supping little at night and eating no flesh.

This is the best way that the water of the wood ought to be taken, which doeth heale many infirmities incurable,* 1.66 where other Medicines could not worke the same effect, & this water is the best remedy that is in the worlde, to heale the disease of the Poxe, whatsoeuer or of what kinde soe∣uer it bee, for that it rooteth it out for euer without any more comming againe, and in this it hath his principal pre∣rogatiue and excellencie. This water is also good for the Dropsy, for the shortnes of breath, for the Falling sicknes, for the diseases of the Bladder, and of the Raynes, for the paynes of the Ioynts, for all euils caused of cold humors, for ventositie, and other dangerous and importunate disea∣ses, where the ordinary benefites of Phisicions haue not pro∣fited. Chiefly it excelleth where the euil dispositions be, that haue proceeded at any tyme from the disease of the Poxe. There be many that with this wood haue made sundry mix∣tures, making Syropes therof, and surely with good effect. But my iudgement and opinion is, that he which shall take the water of the wood, ought to take it in the maner as is a∣boue saide, without any mingling thereof, for that by expe∣perience

it hath beene seene so to make the better woorke. This water is good for the teeth, making them white, and fastning them, by continual washing of them therewith: it is hot and dry in the second degree.

Of the China.

THe Second Medicine that commeth from our In∣dias, is a roote called the China. It seemeth that I should slaunder it, to say that the China groweth in our Occidental Indias, since commonly the Portin∣gales doe bring it from the Orientall Indias.

By this you shall vnderstande, that Syr Frauncis de Mendosa, a wor••hy Knight, when hee came from the newe Spayne and Peru, shewed to mee a greate Roote, and other little rootes, who asked mee, what rootes they were? I aunswer ••o that they were rootes of the China, but that they seemed to mee to bee very freshe.* 1.67 Hee sayde to mee, that so they were, and that it was not longe since that they had beene gathered and brought from the new Spaine. I maruelled that they had it there, for I did beleeue that in the China only it had growen: he said vnto mee, that not only there was in the newe Spaine the China, but that also wee shoulde see brought greate quantitie of Spicerie from the place which that China came from.* 1.68 And I beleued it when I saw the contract that he made with his maiestie, to bring into Spaine great quantitie of spicerie, that hee had begon to set and to plante, and I saw greene Ginger brought from thence, as also the China.

This China is a roote lyke to the roote of a cane with certaine knottes within it, whyte and some with the whyte∣nesse hath an alborne colour: it is red without, the best is the freshest, that which hath no holes, if it bee weightie, and not worme eaten, and that it haue a fatnes as if it were congeled, and it hath an vnsauery cast. This Roote doeth

growe in the China, which is the Orientall Indias neere to Siria and Sirciana. It groweth neere to the Sea, onely with the roote they helpe themselues, with the which the Indians bee healed of grieuous diseases. And therfore they haue it in great estimation: they do heale al maner of large diseases therewith: and also the sharpe diseases: especially Agues, with the Water of it, prouoking Sweats, and by this way they heale many. It prouoketh sweat maruel∣lously.

It is wel neere xxx. yeeres since that the Portingales brought it to these parts with great estimatiō,* 1.69 for to heale al manner of diseases, and especially the disease of the Poxe, in the which it hath wrought greate effectes, and the Water is giuen in this forme.

The sicke person beeing purged as is most conuenient,* 1.70 must take one of the Rootes and cut them small vnto the thicknesse and greatnes of a three penny peece, and so being cut, shall way one ounce, and cast it into a newe Pot, and thereupon shall poure three Pottels of Water, and so shall lye a sleeping there xxiiii. houres, and the Pot bee∣ing stopt, let it seeth at a soft fire of kindled Coales, vntill half be sodden away, & one Pottel & half remaine, and this is to be knowen by the order of the Measure as aforesaid, in the water of the Wood. And after that it is colde, let it bee strained and kept in a glassed vessel. There must be care ta∣ken, that it stande in some hotte or warme place neere to the fire, for that therwith it doeth preserue the vertue the better, and dureth longer tyme, before it be corrupted.

The sicke man being lodged in a close conuenient Cham∣ber,* 1.71 must take in the morning fasting tenne ounces of the sayde water, as hotte as he can suffer it, and he shall procure sweat, & keepe it two houres at the least. After the sweat hee shal bee made cleane, and shall take a Shirte, and cleane clothes, & warme them, and shall lye downe againe twoo or three houres in the bed quietly, after hee hath swet. And

afterwarde let him apparell himselfe, and beeing well warmed remayne in his Chamber, in the which he shal be kept from cold & the open ay••e, with all the pleasure of good company and conuersation: he shal eate at xi. of the clocke, halfe a Chicken sodden, or a quarter of a Henne, with a little Salt. At the beginning of dinner he shal drinke a dish∣full of Broth, and foorthwith eate of the Pullet, eating at the beginning a little, and hee shal ende with Marmelade. His drinke shal bee of the water hee tooke in the morning, for that heere is no more then one water, hee may at the be∣ginning after the Broth is taken, begin too eate Rea∣singes, without theyr little Graynes, or Prunes without theyr stones: theyr bread must bee Crustie, well baked, or Bisket. If hee will drinke in the day tyme, hee may doe so with taking of a little Conserua, and drinke of the same water, and beeing ••ight houres past his Dinner, let him lye downe in his Bedde, and take other tenne ounces of the same water, the which being hotte hee may drinke, and procure sweate: two houres after he hath sweat, let him be made cleane, and take a cleane shirte, and cleane clothes warme, and after one houre let him sup with Cōserua, Rea∣singes and Almondes, with some Bisket, and drinke of the selfe same water, and last of all eate Marmelade, vpon the which he may not drinke. Thus he may continue xxx. dayes continually, without neede of any more Purgation then the first, and hee may sit vp, so that he go wel cloathed, vsing in this tyme all content and mirth, and keeping him selfe from al that may offend him.

* 1.72After that he hath taken this water in this sort, hee must keepe good order, and good gouernement for fortie dayes continually. And hee must drinke no Wine, but water made of the China, that was before sodden, the which hee shall keepe after it is sodden, setting it to dry in a shadowie place, and that China being dry, must be kept to make water for o∣ther 40. dayes, to drinke after the taking of the first water:

seething one ounce thereof in three Pottels of water vn••il one halfe be sodden away, and this water let him drinke con∣tinually. And aboue all thinges let him keepe himselfe from women: and he must alwayes haue care, that as well in the water of xxx. dayes, as in the water of the fourty daies, that the China be steeped in the water xxiiii. houres before it be sodden.

There be many diseases healed with this water,* 1.73 al kinds of euill of the Poxe, all olde Sores, it resolueth all swel∣linges and knobbes, it taketh away the paynes of the ioyntes which they call the Arthetica Goute, and any other kinde of Goute that is in any particular member or place, and especially the Sciatica, it taketh away olde paynes of the head and of the stomake. It healeth all manner of run∣ninges of Rewmes, it dissolueth Opilations and healeth the Dropsie. It maketh a good colour in the face, it taketh a∣waie the Iaundies, and all euill complexion of the Liuer & rectifieth it, and in this it hath a greate prerogatiue. And by this meanes these infirmities are healed. It healeth the Pal∣sey & all infirmities of the Sinewes, it healeth all diseases of Urine, it taketh away Melancholy, and all infirmities comming of colde diseases. It doth comfort the stomake, it doth dissolue windes meruellously, and also Agues long and sharp, as quotidians: the taking of this water as it is conue∣nient, so doth it roote them out, and take them away. The which thing it doeth by prouoking of sweat, in this it doth exceede all other Medicines, and some will say that in Pe∣stilent Agues, by prouoking sweat it healeth them. It is dry in the second degree with very litle heate,* 1.74 the which is seene by the other waters of the wood. And as Sarcaparillia which doth heate and drie, so this doth not, nor leaueth any impres∣sion of heate.

Surely it is a notable Medicine, in the which I haue founde greate effectes for the Diseases which I haue sp••∣ken of.* 1.75

Of the Sarcaparillia.

THE Sarcaparillia is a thing brought into our partes since the China.* 1.76 It is xx. yeeres since y^t the vse thereof came to this city. It first came frō the new Spaine, & the Indians did vse it for great medicine, with the which they did heale many and diuers diseases.

It is a plant which doth cast many rootes vnder the ground, being of a yeard long, & of the colour of a cleere Tawny,* 1.77 & sometimes the rootes shoote so deepe, that to take them out all, it is needfull to dig a Mans length. It casteth foorth certaine bowes full of knottes, that quickly do drie, and we know not that they haue carried flow∣ers or fruite at all.

After that the Sarcaparillia of the newe Spayne was founde,* 1.78 there was also found in the Hunduras, an other sort that was better, and of better effectes: it is knowne to be of the Hunduras, because that it is of colour Tawnie, and gros∣ser than that of the newe Spayne, the which is white, and somewhat like to yellowe, and more small, and so the Sar∣caparillia that is most like to blacke is best.

It ought to be freshe, and in this is all the goodnes ther∣of,* 1.79 it is knowne to be fresh by not beyng Worme eaten. For that at the freshe breaking of it long wise, in the middest it maketh a running out to the end, and casteth out no dust, and the heauier it is, the better it is.

The Spaniardes did call it Sarcaparillia when they saw it,* 1.80 for the great likenes that it hath with the Sarcaparillia of these partes. I haue it for certayne, that the Sarcaparillia of these partes, and of the Indias, is all one, and the verie same that ours is. The which I haue experimented manie times, & ours worketh the effect that the Sarcaparillia of the

new Spaine doth, & it is like vnto that of the Hunduras, but it is of a bitter tast, and not very sharpe, and the water that it yeeldeth hath no more sauour then barley water hath.

The vse of this hearbe at the first did differ muche from that which is now in experiment,* 1.81 for that they gaue it as the Indians did, in the healing of their sicke folkes, and surely it did worke very great effects. But the delicatenesse of our time doth require that it should be vsed and geuen as the wa∣ter of the wood is. At the beginning they took of the Sarca∣parilla much quantitie, more then halfe a pounde, & did cut it small and breake it, and cast it into a quantitie of water, and being well wet they beate it in a Morter a good while, in suche sorte that it was made like a Iellie, and then did straine it, pressing it very well, for there came out of it the likenesse of a thicke drinke. And of that they tooke in the morning hot, one good Cup full, and then the Pacient clo∣thed him selfe well. And sweete two houres, and if in the day time they woulde drinke any thing, it should bee of the selfe same thicke drinke, so made by expression hot, and then they swete as much in the morning. This order they obserued for three dayes continually, without eating or drinking of other meate, sauing onely that thicke drinke,* 1.82 taken out by pressing or straining of the Sarcaparillia: & after this sort I gaue it at the beginning many times, and surely it wrought great effects, and many sicke people did better recouer, then they doe nowe with this other fashion.

After there was inuented an other forme and manner to geue it, and is that which is now vsed, in this sort.* 1.83 They take two ounces of Sarcaparillia, and wash it and cut it small and then they put it into a newe earthen pot, and there vp∣pon they poure three Pott••ls of water, and sette it in the water to steepe twentie and foure houres, and af••er the Pot being well stopte, it must seeth on a soft fire of kin∣dled coales, vntill the two Pottels bee sodden away, and

the one remaine, the which may be knowne by the order of the measure, that we spake of, and when it is colde, let it be strained into a glassed vessel, and vpon the selfesame Sarca∣parillia that is soddē, let there be so much water powred in a∣gayne that the pot be filled, & let it boyle a reasonable time, and kept in a vessel glassed.

Nowe the sicke Man beeyng purged, as it seemeth most conuenient,* 1.84 and placed in a warme Chamber, he must take in the morning ten ounces, of the first water of the Sarcapa∣rillia, and must sweate at the least twoo houres, and after sweate he must be made cleane from his sweate, and take a warme shirt, and warme clothes, and the like hee must doe at night, eight houres after he hath eaten his Dinner, chan∣ging his shirt and hot apparrell. He must dine at eleuen of the clocke, and suppe one houre after he hath sweat, at night eating nothing but Reasinges, Almondes, and Bisket, and drinking of the second water. Let him keepe this order fif∣teene daies, and if he be weake, geue him a little rosted chic∣ken, increasing it in processe of time, & at the least hee must keepe his bed niene dayes at the first beginning, and the rest of the time in his chamber, kept from colde, and from ayre, and on the fifteene day he must be purged, with a soft and an easie medicine, and likewise on the thirty day, in such sorte, that all the order that we haue prescribed, be kept, as in the manner of the taking of the water of the wood is already de∣clared. And likewise after the 30. da••es, he must haue good gouernment, for other fourty dayes, not drinking any wine, but simple water made of the said Sarcaparillia, and keeping himselfe from women. This is the ordinarie manner in ta∣king of the water of Sarcaparillia, which at this day is vsed. And because I haue experience of other wayes that bee of great secret, and of great effectes, I will write them heere, to the end that all the vertues which are in the Sarcaparil∣lia, may be set downe and declared, seeyng it is the Me∣dicine that is moste vsed, and that wee doe see in it so

greate and rare effectes.

I doe make a Sirupe, that many yeeres hath been cele∣brated, and had in estimation in this citie,* 1.85 and in all Spaine for that it is xxvi. yeres since I vsed it first for the disease of the Poxe, & for other infirmities: which Syrupe doth not heate nor inflame, but with great temperature, according to the graduation, woorketh his good effects. The first, for whom this thing was ordayned and deuised, was for Pantelion de Negro Ienoues, who was had in cure by many Phisitions, and hauing taken the water of the Wood, and other Medi∣cines, was well neere consumed: and with a grieuous swel∣ling sore vppon his shinne bone, and great paynes in it, hee tooke it, and was healed very well. This sirupe I haue vsed in many people for the infirmitie that the Sarcaparilla doth profite for, and the wood and for many other, and it hath a good effect in woorking by degrees: for that the drinesse of the wood is taken away, and the heate of the Sarcaparilla: and it is made in this forme.

There must bee taken two ounces of Sarcaparilla, and foure ounces of Paulo Sancto, which is the holie Wood,* 1.86 prepared as it is saide, and three Doozen of Acoseifas, a fruite of Spayne, without their stones, and two Doozen of Prunes, without their stones, and halfe an ounce of the flowres of Borage, and an other halfe ounce of Uiolettes and some graynes of Barley made cleane, that is too say, the huskes taken away. All these thinges let them bee cast into three Pottles of water and lette them bee sod∣den on a soft fire, vntill it come to one Pottell, and then let it be strayned, and vnto tenne ounces of this decoction let there be put one ounce of the Sirupe of Uiolettes. Let it be taken hotte in the morning, and at night in the order aboue sayde. In the rest of the water, keeping sweet if ther bee any, and although there come little, yet they bee healed. They may eate a little Chicken from the first day, with the rest of the diet, & drinke the simple water of the Sarcaparilla,

which is to be made with halfe an ounce of Sarcaparillia, sod∣den in foure Pott••ls of water, vntill one or somewhat more, be sodden away.

This order doeth heale all kinde of euill of the Poxe, and all the infirmities that we haue spoken of,* 1.87 that the water of the Wood doeth heale, and the China, and the Sarcaparillia. Which to repeate, it shall be too long and too prolixious, be∣cause it it is sufficiētly declared before. For surely in this sim∣ple water, and in the foresaide decoction, I haue found great effectes, a•• well in the infirmities wherein is suspected the euill of the Poxe, as in large and importunate diseases, in the which the common remedies of Phisic••e haue not profi∣ted, which although they proceeded not of the French Poxe, yet doeth it cure and heale them, as it is seene by the woorke of him that vseth it.

There is an other Sirupe to bee made of the Sarcapa∣rillia,* 1.88 which is: taking eight ounces of Sarcaparillia being broken or cutte, and seething it in foure pottelles of water, vntill three be sodden away and the one remaine, and into the water that shall remayne, to put to foure pounde of Su∣gar, and make a perfect Sirupe. And of this Sirupe too take three ounces in the morning and three at night, eating good meates, and to suppe litle, and drinke onely the sim∣ple water of the Sarcaparillia,* 1.89 and goyng abr••ade out of the house, and doyng his buisinesse. There are healed therwith many diseases without geuing any molestation in the hea∣ling of them. And this must be taken till the Sirupe bee all consumed.

Also this Sarcaparillia is taken in pouder, in this maner. They take the Sarcaparillia,* 1.90 and plucke awaie from it the heare within it, and dry it and grynde it, and then sifte it through a syue of silke, and make it in Pouder. Of this Pouder is taken in the infirmity of the Poxe, or spice of them, the weight of sixe pence, drinking it with the simple Water of the Sarcaparillia taking it in the Morning, and as

night, as much when he goeth to bedde. Hee must eate good meates, and drinke no Wine, but the simple water thereof. It shall doe well he be purged that shall begin to vse it.

And although that this pouder doth heale many diseases large and temporall, one cure it doth meruellously, which is the salte Fleume of the handes and feete, in this forme. The sicke man being purged, and also without purging, if he cannot otherwise doe, hee shall take the Pouder as it is sayde, and vpon the salt Fleume, he shall lay with a Feather,* 1.91 a little of the water of Sublimatum, delayed with Rosewa∣ter, that it be very simple, and after it is layed on all partes where the salt Fleume is, then let there be put vpon it a plais∣ter, that is called of William Ser••e••tis, or Dia Palma spread abroade thin vpon Sattin or Taffeta, too bee applied in all parts where the simple water of Sublimatum was put. This must be done euery day, for that in fifteene daies he shall be perfectly whole. This doth mundifie and incarnate, and skin without hauing need of any other medicine, ioyntly with the Pouder and the simple water of Sarcaparillia, which wee haue spoken of. This is of so great effect, and experimented, as they shall see by the worke that shall vse it, for surely they shall be whole thereby.

The vse of the water of the Sarcaparillia is so greate at this day in this forme, as is sayd,* 1.92 that it is applied in anie disease, & it is come into so much credit, that in anie maner of Reumes or runnings, or windinesse, the euill of Wo∣men, of the Mother, or any other cause or occasion whatsoe∣uer, so that it bee not in Feuers or other sharpe diseases, men take the vse of the simple Water of the Sarcaparillia: and this is at this day so put in vse, that in like sort you shall finde the simple sodden Water of Sarcaparillia in manie houses, as ordinary water in yearthen vessels, and surely it woorketh greate effectes, and doeth remedie large and importunate diseases. Trueth it is, that the persons that

bee hotte of complexion, it doeth beate them more then is conuenient, and so they cannot drinke it, and moste of all if that their Liuer be very hotte, for that it heateth too much.

In womens diseases as well of the Mother, as of colde humours, it woorketh good effectes, and doeth m••ruellously dissolue windes. And in persons that bee subiect to manie euilles, and especially of Reumes, and olde greeffes and dis∣eases caused of the euill humours, if they runne this course, with the continuance thereof, they shall receiue manifest profite and benefite, and it doeth heale all deseases whiche they neuer thought to be healed of. The complexion thereof i•• hotte and drie, well neere in the seconde degree. All these waters must be giuen in Sommer, or in the ende thereof: it is better that the season exceede in heate then in colde.

¶ Of the blood Stone, and of the Stone for the diseases of the Stone of the Kidneies and Reines.

* 1.93THEY doe bring from the new Spaine twoo stones of greate vertue, the one is called the Stone of the Bloode, and the other is a Stone for the desease of the Stone in the Kidneis and Raines, The Blood Stone is a kinde of Iasper of di∣uers colours somewhat darke, full of sprincles, like to blood, being of colour redde, of the which stones the Indians doe make certaine Hartes both greate and small.

The vse thereof, bothe here and there, is for all fluxes of blood in what partes soeuer it bee, of the Nose, or of the Menstrues, or of the Piles, and of Woundes, or of that which is cast out at the mouth. The stone must bee wette in colde water, and the sicke Man must take it in his right hande, and from time to time wette it in colde wa∣ter.

In this sort the Indians doe vse them. And as touching the Indians, they haue it for certayne, that touching the same stone, in some parte where the blood runneth, it doeth restrayne, it and in this they haue greate trust, for that the effect hath beene seene. It doeth profite also hauing it hol∣den, hanged, or tyed in the same parte where the blood runneth, so that it touch the fleshe. Of this stone wee haue seene great effectes, in staunching of blood. And some that doe suffer the Hemeroidall fluxe, haue remedied themselues with making Ringes of this stone, and wearing them con∣tinually vpon theyr fingers. And likewyse in the Menstruall fluxe of women.

The other Stone,* 1.94 which is for the disease of the stone in the Kidneies or Reines, the finest of them are like vntoo Plasma of Esmeraldes, which are lykened to greene with a Milkishe colour, the greatest are the best: they bring them made in diuers formes and fashions, for so the Indians had them in old tyme, some lyke to fishes, other like to the heads of byrds, other like to billes of Popingaies, other lyke to round Beadstones, but all pearsed through, for that the In∣dians did vse to weare them hanging for the effect to take a∣way the grief of the stone or stoma••ke: for in those twoo sick∣nesses it sheweth maruellous effects.

The chief vertue that it hath, is in the paine of the stone in the Kidneis and Reines, and in expelling of Sande and stone. In so much that a Gentleman which had one of them heere, the best of them that I haue seene, hauing laid it to his arme, it made him to expell and cast out much sande, inso∣much that many tymes hee doeth take it away, for that hee thinketh that it doeth hurte him for to voide so much, and in taking it away, hee ceaseth to voyde any from him: and when hee feeleth the paine of the stone, laying it too againe, it doeth take it away incontinent, with expelling of much Sande and small stones. I haue seene it carried to persons that haue beene afflicted with greate griefe, and

paines of the saide disease, who putting it to them, doe forth∣with expell the sande and the little stones, ••••d remain cleare thereof.

* 1.95This stone hath a property hidden, by the which meanes it woorketh great effectes, to preserue men that they fall not into the paine of the sayd disease, and after it is come to take it away, or diminish it. It doeth make the sande to bee expel∣led in great abundance, and likewyse stones. It taketh away the heate from the reines of the backe, it profiteth in griefs of the stomake, layde vnto it: and aboue all it preserueth from the sayde grief.

My Ladie the Duchesse for that shee had in short space three tymes, exceeding paynes of the stone, shee made a bracelet of them, and vsed to weare it on her arme, and si∣thence she put them to her arme, she neuer had more paynes of the Stone: and so it hath happened to many other that founde the lyke benefite, for the which these stones are much esteemed: and now they be not so soone had, as at the begin∣ning, for that the gentlemen, and rich men haue them onely, and with reason, because they do worke such maruellous ef∣fects. An other stone there is that doth heale the salt fleume, the which I knowe by hearesay only, but I haue seene none of them.

Of the VVoodde for the euils of the Reines, and of the Vrine.

ALso they bring from the newe Spaine, a certayne woodde that is lyke vnto the woodde of a Peare tree, grosse and without knottes, the which they haue vsed many yeeres in these partes, for the paynes of the Reynes and of the Stone, and for the infirmities of the Urine.

The first tyme that I sawe it vsed, may bee about xxxv. yeeres past. There was a Pilot that was sicke of the

Urine and of the Reines, and after that hee had vsed it, hee was whole and very well. And sithence that tyme I haue seene that many haue brought it from the new Spaine, and they doe vse it for these diseases following.

For them that cannot pisse liberally,* 1.96 and for the paines of the Reines, and of the stone, and for them that do pisse wi••h paine, and for them that doe pisse little. And nowe the thing hath extended vnto opilations, for that the water therof doth cure and heale them, both of the Lunges and the Liuer, and this hath beene founde within these fewe yeres, and they doe finde in it notable profite. The water is made in this forme.

They take the wood, and make it into smal peeces very shinne: and small as it is possible,* 1.97 and then put thē into faire water of the Foūtaine, & leaue it so vntil the water be soke∣ned into it: and by putting the wood into the water, with∣in halfe an houre the water doeth beginne to change it selfe into a blewe colour very cleare, and the longer that it lyeth in the water, so much the blewer it turneth, although that the wood bee of a white colour. Of this water they doe drinke continually, and therewith they vse to water their wyne, and it worketh maruellous and manifest effectes, without any alteration, so that it needeth but onely good gouernement and regiment. The water hath no more sauour then if there were nothing cast into it, for that the wood doeth chaunge nothing. The complexion thereof is hotte and drye in the first degree.

Of the Peper of the Jndias.

I Will not let to speake of the Peper that they bring from the Indias,* 1.98 which serueth not onely for Medicine, but it is otherwise most excellent, the which is knowen in all Spayne, for there is no Gardeyne, nor Orcharde, but

that it hath plentie thereof in it, for the fairenesse of the fruite that it bringeth foorth.

* 1.99It is a greate Plante, insomuch that I haue seene in this Citie some that was equall with many Trees. It doeth cast foorth the leaues greene, after the fashion of Basill of the biggest sort. And it casteth foorth certain white flowers, out of the which commeth the fruite, the which is of di∣uerse formes: some Peper is long, other rounde, others of the making of Mellons, others of Cherries, but all is at the beginning when it is not type very greene, and beeing rype very redde, and with a gracious and good col∣lour.

* 1.100All the sortes are vsed in al manner of meates and pot∣tages, for that it hath a better tast then the common Peper hath. Beaten in peeces, and cast into broth it is an excellent sauce, they doe vse it in al thinges that the aromatike spices are vsed in, which are brought from Maluco, and Calicu••. It doeth differ from that of the East Indias, for that costeth many ducates, & this other doth cost no more but to sowe it, for that in one plant you haue spice for one whole yere, with lesse hurte and more profite.

* 1.101It doeth comforte much, it doeth dissolue windes, it is good for the breast, and for them that be colde of com∣plexion: it doth heale and comforte, strengthening the prin∣cipall members. It is hotte and dry, well neere in the fourth degree.

They doe bring from diuers partes of our Indias many purgatiue Medicines,* 1.102 that haue beene found and discouered by continuance, whose workes and effectes are great: of the which I wil giue here a short relation, that it may be an en∣trance for to entreate of the roote of Mechoacan, which was our principal intent now to wryte of.

Of the Cannafistola.

THere doeth come from the Ilandes of Sancto Do∣mingo,* 1.103 and from Sancte Iohn de Puerto Rico greate quantitie of Canafistola, and it is so much, that not only all Spayne is prouided of it, but all Europe, and well neere all the worlde: for that vnto Leuant, from whence it was accustomably brought, now there goeth moe Shippes loden with it, then come with Iron from Biskeye. That which commeth from our Indias, is much better in comparison then that which is brought from the East In∣dias to Uenis, and that which the Galleons do carry from thence to Genoua, and from Genoua to Spayne, for when the Merchantes brought it hither, it could not bee good, for that it was very small, and also it was not type, and with so long tyme & continuance it became so corrupted, that it did profite little.

This of ours that they bring from Sancto Domingo and Saincte Iohn is rype, great, full, weightie, honilyke,* 1.104 and fresh. In so much that many tymes it commeth in sixtie dayes after it is gathered, and beeing freshe, it is of a gra∣tious and good tast, and not of so horrible smell, as that of Leuant is, and so it doeth his woorke farre better, & with more facilitie.

This Canafistola, and the woorke thereof is of greate securitie, it purgeth gently, without any alteration.* 1.105 And doeth auoyde principally Choller, and after Fleume, and that which is in the wayes and the Guttes. It doeth temper them much that take it, also it purifieth the blood, it doeth many good woorkes in all kinde of diseases, in espe∣cially in the paines of the Reines, and of vryne, being taken twoo houres before supper. And in reumes it doeth much profite, being taken twoo houres after Supper, and easily it doeth cure the euilles of the breast, which haue be••ne of long continuance, & griefes of the side, being taken with Syropes for the breast: and being applied outwardly with the Oyle of sweete Almondes, it taketh away the grieuous

diseases of the Lunges, and griefes of the Reynes. It is good in hotte Feuers, and vsing it continually before supper or dinner, it stayeth the ingendring of the stone, it taketh a∣way the drieth. it is moist in the first degree, it declyneth to heate, although it be little, it is dissoluatiue, it clarifieth the blood, and delayeth the sharpnesse therof, and of the red col∣lour. There haue beene in the Indias since it was discoue∣red some thereof so weightie, that one codde waieth fiue shil∣linges, being taken out by the Seene, and foure ounces in weight the whole cane.

Of the Purgatiue Nuttes.

AT the beginning when they discouered the Indias, they brought from Sancto Domingo,* 1.106 certaine Nuttes being three cornered, with the which the Indians did purge themselues, and were vnto them a familiar purgation. And afterwardes the Spaniardes, for necessi∣tie did purge themselues with them, with hazarde ynough of some of their liues, for with the vse therof, many thought to lose their liues, for that it is a strong purge. And although that it doeth make a great excesse of stooles, yet doeth it al∣so prouoke vomitte very strongly, and with much vio∣lence, with greate faintnesse and heauinesse. Afterwarde some did rectifie them by costing of them, and then they be not so violent, nor so strong, neyther woorke with so much cause of fayntnesse.* 1.107 They do purge Fleume very strongly, & after colour. It is an excellent Medicine for the Colike, it doeth dissolue windes, and putte in a glister it doeth eua∣cuate reasonably.

The maner & colour of them is as of our Nuttes, with a thinne rinde,* 1.108 of the colour of a cleare Baye, they are three cornerd, the carnell within is whyte, and sweete, inso∣much that for their sweetnesse, many haue beene m••e∣ked

therwith. The Phisitions doe call them commonly Ben,* 1.109 of which there are twoo sortes, one they call greate, and the other little. The great Ben bee these purgatiue Nuttes, the little Beu bee as great as our Peason, of the which in Italy they make that oyle of sweete smel, which they call Oyle of Ben, with the which they do annoynt their heare, and beards for dilicatenesse. Their complexion is hotte in the beginning of the third degree, and dry in the second. Their weight is of halfe a dragme vnto one, but they must bee tosted.

Of the purgatiue Pinions.

THey doe bring from the newe Spayne certain Pinions or Carnels wherewith the Indians did purge themselues:* 1.110 they be like to our Pinions, which do growe out of our trees, being great after the fa∣shiō of the wheate of the Indias, the shale is not so hard as ours is, they are some∣what more blacke, they be round, and within very white, fat∣tie, and sweete in tast. They do purge valiantly Fleame and Colour, and any maner of waterishnes, they are more easie Medicine, then the Nuts be, they do purge by stoole,* 1.111 and by vomit, and if they be tosted they doe not purge so much, nor with so much faintnes. They doe purge of their own nature grosse Humors: it is a Purgation much vsed amongest the Indians, being grounde and dissolued with Wyne, ha∣uing first taken preparatiues that do attennuate the humor,* 1.112 that a man doeth pretende to euacuate, and vsing a conueni∣ent Diet. They take of them fiue or sixe more or l••sse, confor∣mably to the obedience of the stomacke, of him that shall take them.

Ordinarily they do tost them: for so they be more gentle and lesse furious. It is needefull that hee which doeth take

them, be kept as one being purged.

They be geuen in large infirmities, and where there bee grosse humors: they be hot in the thirde degree, and dry in the seconde with some fatnes, which doeth take away some∣what of the drynes.

Of the purgatiue Beanes.

FRom Cartagena, and numbre de Dios, they bring cer∣taine Beanes lyke to the fashion of ours,* 1.113 sauing that they be somewhat lesse, and of the colour and making of ours, they haue in the middest of the Beane that doth deuide the two halues, one little thinne skinne, lyke to the skinne of an oynion.

* 1.114They doe take them from theyr shale, and from the in∣ner thinne skinne, and toste them and make them into pou∣der, and take them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wyne: and beeing made into pou∣der and mingled with Sugar, one sponeful of the pouder is taken, and vppon that a little draught of wyne. They doe purge without molestation Choler and Fleame, and grosse mixt humors. And amongst the Indians they are of great e∣stimation, for the easinesse that they haue in the taking of them. Many Spaniardes doe purge with them with much securitie, and it is a Medicine more easie and gentle than that aforesaide.

* 1.115I haue seene many that haue come from those partes, purge them therewith, and it succeedeth with them very well, and purgeth without griefe.

* 1.116But they must be aduysed that there be taken from them that little skinne that is in the middest of the twoo halfes of the Beanes. For if they take that, the strength of it is so much greater and vehement of Uomites and stooles, that they put in great hasarde him that shall take them And also they must haue care to coste them, for that it doeth prepare th••m, and delayeth much of the sharpenes, and fearsenes,

which is generall in this Medicine, and in all the rest, for that to tost them is the true preparation of them. After the ta∣king of any of the foresaide Medicines the patient must not sleepe at al: it is needful that he keep great watch being pur∣ged, and in all thinges which in a man purged may be con∣uenient.

The Beanes be geuen prepared, in Feuers being large and importunate, and in diseases of mixt humours,* 1.117 beeyng grosse and in the paynes of the ioynts, & they are an vniuer∣sall Purgation: they be hotte in the second degree, & dry in the first, there bee geuen of them from foure too sixe, tos••ed more or lesse, as the obedience and sufferance of the bellie is of him that shall take them.

Of the milke Pinipinichi.

IN all the coast of the firme land they take out a certaine kind of milke, frō little trees.* 1.118 like to Apple trees, which the Indians cal Pinipinich••, of the which cutting one bough, ther commeth forth whereas it is cut, a certayne kind of milke somewhat thicke & clammy, and taking three or foure drops therof, it doth purge valiantly by the stoole principal∣ly Cholerike Humors, and Citrine water, and it doth work with much vehemencie and force.

It must be taken in Wyne, or dried into pouder in little quantitie, for that the worke thereof is of most strength.* 1.119 It hath one property, that in eating or drinking of broth or wine or other thing foorthwith it woorketh no longer, and he that doth take it, hath need to keepe good watch, and good order, It is hot and dry in the third degree.

All these Medicines which we haue spoken of, be violent

and of great force, & they haue not beene muche vsed sithence the Mechoacan hath come, for that in it there is founde a woorke more sure,* 1.120 and vnto this not onely we, but all the In∣dians haue runne, as vnto a purge most excellent, of the which we will treate now.

Of the Mechoacan.

THe Mechoacan is a root, that it may bee about xxx. yeeres that it was discouered,* 1.121 in the prouince of the new Spain, in the Indias, of the Occean Seas, it is brought from a Country that is beyonde the greate city of Mexico, more then 40. leagues, & is called Mechoacan the which Sir Fernando Curtes did conquere, in the yeere of our Lorde, 1524. This is a countrie of much riches, of Gold and chief∣ly of siluer,* 1.122 and it is vnderstoode that in all that Countrie is, much siluer. For more then 200. leagues, here those Mynes be so celebrated, and of so great riches, that they bee called the Cacatecas, & euery day they discouer in the lande verie riche mines of siluer, and some of Golde. It is a countrie of good and holesome ayre, and doeth bring foorth health∣full hearbes for to heale many diseases, insomuch that at the time the Indians had the gouernment therof, the inhabiters there rounde about that Prouince, came thither too heale their diseases and infirmities. For the said causes, it is a coū∣trie very fruitfull, and of great abundance of bread, wilde foule, and fruites. It hath many fountaines, and some of sweet waters, which haue much abundance of fish, the Indi∣ans of that countrie are of a tauller grouth,* 1.123 & of better faces than the Borderers are, and much more healthfull.

The Principall place of that Prouince the Indians doe

cal in their language Chincicila, and the Spaniardes do cal it as they cal that Realme Mechoacan, & it is a great towne of Indians, situated neere to a lake, which is of sweete wa∣ter, abounding with very much Fish. The same Lake is in fashion of the making of an horseshoe, and in the midst ther∣of standeth the Towne, the which at this d••y hath greate trade of buying and selling, for the great Mynes of Plate that are in all that countrie.

As soone as that Prouince was gotten from the Indi∣ans,* 1.124 there went thither certain Friers of Sainct Frances order, & as in a Countrie so far distaunt from theyr naturall soyle, some of them fell sicke, amongest whom the Warden, who was the chief Fryer of the house was one, with whome Caconcin Casique an Indian Lorde, a man of great power in that Countrie, had very great friendship, who was Lorde of al that Countrie. The father Warden had a long sicknes and was brought in great danger of life: the Casique as hee sawe his disease proceede forwarde, saide that hee woulde bring him an Indian of his, which was a Phisition, with whome he did cure himself, & it might be, that he would giue him remedy of his disease. The which being hearde of the Frier, and seing the little helpe that hee had there, and the want of a Phisition, with other thinges of benefite, he than∣ked him, and desired him, that hee woulde bring him vn∣to him: who beeing come, and seeing his disease, sai••e to the Casique, that if hee tooke a pouder, that he would giue him of a roote, that it woulde heale him. The which bee∣ing knowen to the Fryer, with the desire that he had of health, he accepted his offer, and tooke the pouder that the Indian Phisition gaue him, the nexte day, in a little wyne: with the which hee did purge so much, and wi••h∣out paynes, that the same day hee was much lightned, and much more from that tyme forward, in such sort that he was healed of his infirmitie. The rest of the Fryers which were sicke, and some Spaniardes that were sicke also, did fol∣low

the father Wardens cure, & tooke of the selfesame pou∣der once or twise, & as oft as they had neede of it, for to heale them. The vse of the which went so well with them, that all they being healed, the Friers did send relation of this, to the father prouincial to Mexico wher he was, who did cōmu∣nicate it with those of the countrie, geuing to thē of the roote and comforting them that they shoulde take it, because of the good relation, that hee had from those Friers of Mechoa∣can. The which beyng vsed of many, and seeyng the mer∣uellous woorkes that it did, the fame of it was extended all abroad, so that in short time, all the Country was full of the good workes and effectes thereof, vanishing the vse of Rui∣barbe of Barberie, and taking the name thereof calling it Ruibarb•• of the Indias, as all men doe now commonly call it. And also it is called Mechoacan,* 1.125 for that it is brought from thence, & gathered in the Prouince called M••choacan. And not onely in Mexico, and in that Countrie it doth take it as the most excellent purgation, and best of all other, but also in Peru, and in all other partes of the Indias, they vse no o∣ther thing, neyther purge they with any other purge, and they take it with so much trust and easinesse, that when they take it, they thinke to haue certaynly theyr health, & so they carrie it from the newe Spayne, as Merchaundise of very great price.

* 1.126I•• is about thirty and foure yeeres past, when I sawe it heere the first tyme, when one Pasquall Catano a Genoues, came from the newe Spayne, who fell sicke at his com∣ming, and as I did cure him, at the time that I woulde purge him, he sayde to me that he brought a Ruibarbe from the newe Spayne, that was a very excellent Medicine, with the which all they of Mexico did purge themselues, saying, that it was called Ruibarbe of Mechoacan, and hee had beene purged many times therewith, and it had succeeded very well with hym, and if he shoulde take any purge, he woulde take that, of the which he had experience.

But I caused him vtterly to forsake the vse of suche like n••w Medicines, of the which there was nothing written nor knowne. And did perswade with him to purge with the Me∣dicines that we had heere, of the which there was so greate experience and knowledge, in written Authors. And he did graunt to my woordes, and purged himselfe with a purga••i∣on that I gaue him, euē as it was conu••nient for his disease. By the which although that there did followe vnto him nota∣ble lightnesse, and profite: yet hee was not cleare of the dis∣ease in such sort, but that it was necessary to purge him an o∣ther time. And when we came to the second purgation, hee woulde take none other but his owne Ruibarbe of Mechoa∣can, with the which he did purge so well, that he remayned whole, and without any disease. And although that this ••ffect did like me well, neuerthelesse I did not remaine satisfied, vntill many other that came at the same time, and fel sicke, did purge with the sayde Mechoacan, and it went verie well with them, because they were accustomed to purge therewith in the newe Spayne: and seeyng the good works and so many thereof. I began to consider of it, and to purge many therewith, geuing credite to the good effectes that it wrought.

And so with these that I did make experience of here,* 1.127 as also with the relation, and great credite of them, that came out of the newe Spayne (insomuch that the vse thereof hath spread abroade, that it is a common thing in all the worlde, and they doe purge therewith not onely in the newe Spaine, and the Prouinces of the Peru, but also in our Spayne, all Italie, Almaine, and Flaunders) I haue sent relation ther∣of, well neere to all Europe, as well in Latine, as in our natiue tongue.

The vse thereof is so muche,* 1.128 that they bring it for chiefe Merchaundise, in great quantitie, and it is solde for greate summes of monie: Insomuch that a seller of Drugges tolde me, besides that which he had sold for the Citie, he had solde

foorth of the citie the last yeere, more than ten kintalles of it, which is a thousand pound weight, so that nowe they aske for Ruibarb of the Indias, for that it is so familiar, that ther is no husband man that doeth not vse it, as a most sure me∣dicine, and of great effects, because for that kinde of pur∣gation, there is no neede of a Phisition, as being that, vnto which all men geue most credite, as a thing determined and approoued for good.

I haue talked with many of them that haue come from the newe Spayne, and in especially with them that haue beene in Mechoacan, concerning the fashion of the plant that this roote is of, and what forme and figure it hath, the which they doe bring from the Countrie, within 40. leages of beyonde Mechoacan, from a countrie which is called Co∣lima, and they haue so little care therein, seeyng that their principall intent is vnto theyr interest and gaine, that they know no more thereof, but that the Indians in Mechoacan doe sell it them, the rootes beyng drie and cleane, as hither they doe bring them, and the Spaniardes doe buy them, as a kind of Merchandise, and so send them to Spaine.

And surely in this we are woorthy of great reprehension▪ that seeyng that there are in the newe Spayne, so mani•• Hearbes, and Plantes, and other thinges Medicinable, of so much importaunce, there is not any that writeth of them, nor is it vnderstood, what vertues and formes they haue, for to accord them with ours: so that if men had a desire to search out, and experiment so many kinde of medicines, as the In∣dians doe sell in their Market places and Fayres, it would be a thing of great profite, and vtilitie to see and to knowe their propertie••, and to experiment the variable and greate effectes, which the Indians doe publishe, and manifest with great proofe amongest themselues, which they haue of them: wee of our parte without any consideration doe re∣fuse it, and suche as doe knowe their effectes, will not giue

vs relation, nor knowledge what they are, nor write the ef∣ficacie and manner of them.

And goyng too searche after the Place of the Roote Mechoacan,* 1.129 a Passenger that was come from that Pro∣uince, did aduertise me that a Fraunces Frier, that was come from that Countrie, had brought in the shippe where he came, the proper Hearbe of Mechoacan greene, in a great barrell, and with muche care, which hee brought from beyonde Mechoacan, and that hee had it in the Frierie of S. Frances of the City. And hearing thereof I did receyue greate contentment, and so I went foorthwith to the Frie∣rie, and at the doore of Infirmerie, or house for the sicke people of this Frierie, there was a thing like too halfe a Pipe, in the which there was an hearbe very greene, which they saide was the Mechoacan, that the Frier had brought from the new Spayne, not with little labour.* 1.130 It is an heath that groweth creeping vp by certaine little Canes, it hath a sadde greene colour, it carrieth certayne leaues, that the greatnesse of them may be of the greatnesse of a good Po∣renge dish, which are in compasse round, with a little point, the leafe hath his little Sienewes, it is small, well neere, without moysture, the stalke is of the colour of a cleere Tawnie. They say that it casteth foorth certayne Clusters with little Grapes, of the greatnesse of a Coriander seede which are the fruite, and doe waxe rype by the Moneth of September: it casteth out many Bowes, which doth stretche a long vppon the Earth, and if you put any thing neere to it, it goeth creeping vpon it. The Roote of the Mechoacan is vnsauerie, and without byting,* 1.131 or anie sharpenesse of tast. That which wee doe see at this present of our Mechoacan, is a roote which they bring from the new Spayne, from the Prouince of Mechoacan, made in greate and little peeces, of them cutte in peeces, of them broken with their handes. It is a white Roote, somewhat strong,

and mighty, it appeareth that the peeces be of a great roote, without any heart.

The conditions, or elections that it must haue, for to be good and perfect is: that it be freshe, which may be knowne if that it be not worme eaten,* 1.132 nor blacke, and that it be some∣what white: but the very white is not so good, and if it bee somewhat russet, so that it be the vttermost parte of the root, for that the inner parte is somewhat white. In the tasting or chewing of it, it is without sauour, or any manner of by∣ting tast.

It importeth to make his worke the better if so be that it be freshe,* 1.133 for that the fresher it is, the better it is, and the greater the peeces are, the better they are conserued. And it is true, that that which is brought in pouder, is not so good, for that it doeth putrifie, and lose much of the vertue, and ope∣ration. As also we doe see, if we make pouder, and keepe it, it doeth not make so good woorke, as when the roote is ground, and then forthwith taken. The roote beyng old doth turne blacke, and it will be worme eaten with holes, and be∣come very light. It will keepe well rouled in Sere cloth. It is gathered in the moneth of October, and it neuer loseth his leafe.

The Complection thereof is hot in the first degree, and drie in the seconde,* 1.134 for that it hath subtill partes, with some bynding, whereby it seemeth that his woorke beyng done, it leaueth the interiour Members strengthened, without debilitation and weakenesse, which the other Purgatiue Medicines doe leaue them in: but rather those that doe purge themselues therewith, doe remayne after they be purged, more strong and harde, then before they were purged. It hath no neede of rectification, for that wee doe not see in this roote any notable hurt, onely the Wine is vnto it a corroboration for the woorke, for being taken with Wine, it maketh a better worke, then with any other Licour, for that it doth not cause vomite, and it woorketh the better.

It is giuen at all tymes and in all Ages,* 1.135 it doeth his woorke without molestation, and without the accidentes that the other Medicines soluatiue are woont to procure. It is a Medicine easie to bee taken, for that it hath no euil cast. Onely it hath the sauour of that with the which it is ta∣ken, for that it is of it selfe without sauour, and so it is easie for Children, for that they may take it without feeling what it is, it is so lykewyse for persons that cānot take Me∣dicines, for it hath neyther smell nor taste. I haue pur∣ged therewith many Children, and many very olde per∣sons, & haue giuen it to men of more then 80. yeeres of age,* 1.136 and it maketh in them very sure and good woorke with no maner of alteration nor chaunge of body, and without being debilited or weakened.

This Roote doeth auoyde cholerike humors, grosse mixt, and also flegmatike Humors, of what kind soeuer they be, and humors putrified and rotten, and of both colo••rs:* 1.137 it doeth euacuate the Citrine water, of them that haue the Dropsie, with much easines. The principall respect thereof is to the Liuer, making it cleane, and comforting it, and the Members neere adioyning to it, as the stomacke and the inner partes. It doeth cure all Opilations of the same partes, and all diseases caused of them: As the Dropsie, the Iaundies, and ioyntly with his good woorke it re∣ctifieth the euill complexion of the Liuer, it d••ssolueth windinesse, and with easin••sse it expelleth it, and doeth open all the hardnesse of the Liuer, and of the Lunges, and of the stomacke. It taketh away olde griefes of t••e head, and mundifieth the brayne and t••e Sinewes, and emp••ieth out the humors that bee in the head, or p••r••es thereof. In the disease called the Lampa••ones, which is the Ringes Euill, it maketh a good woorke: in olde gri••fe•• of the head called the Megrim, and the Falling sicknesse, and in all Distillations, or olde runninges, in paynes of ••he Ioyntes, both particular and vniuersal, as in the ••ou•• Ar∣thetica,

in paynes of the stomacke, emptying the cause, and consuming windines. Also in paynes of the Uryne & Blad∣der,* 1.138 in paynes of the stone and Colicke, of what kynde soe∣uer it bee, it maketh a meruellous woorke. It cureth the paynes of women, and especially the Mother, by emptying and taking away the cause, as namely those causes which come of cold humors & windinesse, and in the griefes of the brest, as of an olde cough, & shortnes of breath, for vsing this roote oftentymes it taketh it away, and healeth it. Also in griefes of the Reynes caused of grosse Humors, for it doeth emptie and expell them.

* 1.139In griefes of the Poxe it maketh a greate worke. And it seemeth that for these griefes our Lord did ordaine it, emp∣tying the humors of them, which for the moste parte are colde, and especially when they be waxen olde of long tyme, it purgeth them, and doeth expel them without any paynes, by multiplying the taking thereof as many tymes as is necessarie, for that in these infirmities that bee olde, and of long continuance,* 1.140 one euacuation is not sufficient, but it is necessary to haue many euacuations, which may be done without daunger with this Roote: and it is not to bee mar∣uelled at, if that with one eu••cuation therewith doeth not follow the health that is wished for, but that many tymes it is needful to make often repetition, to the intent to roote vp and expel the euil, and naughtie humors, that are the cause of the saide disease.

* 1.141This roote doeth maruellously empty foorth the cause of the l••rge Feuers, and importunate, and all Feuers com∣pounded, and chiefly in olde Feuers, as Tertians, Quotidi∣ans, flegmatike, and in s••ch diseases as commonly come of opilacions, vsing thereof at the tyme that is needefull, for that in the lyke large and importunate diseases, the Phisiti∣on must not bee content with one eu••cuation,* 1.142 but with ma∣ny, digesting by little and little, and auoyding out by little and little, seeing that the auoyding out is done with such as∣suraunce

by this Medicine so blessed.

He that hath neede of it must haue a good hart,* 1.143 and with trust that it will profite him much, which hetherunto wee haue experimented, in so many, that with iust title all credit may be giuen to the good workes therof. We see with how much easines & without any accidēts, it worketh the effects that we haue spoken of. & it is looked for, that euery day will bee discouered greater matters, that may bee added vnto these.

The Rule and order that must be kept in the administra∣tion, and geuing of the Pouders,* 1.144 made of the roote of Me∣choacan, was learned of the Indian Phisition that wee haue spoken of, and since it hath beene vsed in diuers and sundrie fashions.

The first thing that is requyred of him that shal take this Pouder is, that he do prepare himself with good diet,* 1.145 & good order, keeping himselfe from all thinges that may offende health, and to vse these meates which are most conueniēt for him, & to dispose the humor that principally hee pretendeth to auoyde out, & with some Syrope, that may haue the same respect that the humor is disposed vnto the way to be prepa∣red where he may go out. And for this it is good that he take the counsel of a Phisitiō: & he must vse Glisters, if the Belly be not obedient at the least the day before he shal take it, and if by chaunce he shal neede letting blood he shall doe it with the iudgement and opinion of a Phisition. The body so pre∣pared and ready to be purged, he shal take this roote chosen as we haue said, and it must be grounde,* 1.146 making Pouder of it, of an indifferent sinenesse, and way of it the quantitie that must bee taken, as wee shall speake of, and put it into whyte Wyne, which is Sacke, as much in quantitie as is needful for to drinke, and it must be t••ken in the morning. Wyne is the best licour that it can bee taken withall, and so it is vsed generally in the Indias, for the Wyne as wee haue sayde, doeth corroborate and geue strength to these

Pouders, and because there be some that can drink no wine, in such case they may geue it in sodden water, wherein Sy∣namon hath beene boyled, or Anis or Fenell seede, and if the pure wine doe offend them, it may be delayed with any manner of Water, but the quantitie of the Wine that shall be taken, is so little, that it can••ot offende, nor molest anie person. It may be delaied with Endife, or Langdebeefe wa∣ter, and because this medicine is not geuen in sharpe Agues, but in large and temperate diseases,* 1.147 it doth heare the Wine better then any other licour.

Also they geue these Pouders with Conserua of Uiolets, and with Syrope of Uiolets, and it is a good practise: for with his colde and moysture, it doeth correct the litle heate, and drought that the Patient hath, and let them drinke vpon it Wine watered, or some water as aforesaide.

There is made of this Pouder Pilles formed with elec∣tuary of Roses,* 1.148 and surely they make a very good worke and purge well.

Also they doe put it in paste of Wafer bread, or in Marchpaines, and as it hath no euill sauour, so they doe not feele it.* 1.149 It serueth much for children and for them that can∣not take the like thinges.

The Pilles that must be made of this pouder must be ve∣ry little▪* 1.150 somewhat greater then Coriander seede, that they may dissolue the rather, and not heat, and so they work more quickly and better.

They may be geuen in the morning and at night, these pouders be receiued with most prosperous successe,* 1.151 beeing made vp with Syrope of Roses of nine infusions, mingling the quantity that thereof shal be taken in two ounces of Sy∣rope, and surely this mixture doeth make a meruellous woorke,* 1.152 for that it doth strengthen, and inforce much the worke of the pouders.

It auoydeth Cholerike, grosse and fleugmatike humors

and permixt, and the fearcenes of the blood, and so it is a greate Medicine, and of maruellous woorke: It auoydeth also most strongly the Citrine water of them that haue the Dropsie, frequenting it many tymes, giuing betweene one purge and another, that which may corroborate and make strong the Liuer: in Broth it is taken many tymes, and ma∣keth good woorke.

This Medicine or purge must bee taken in the morning early, and after it is taken,* 1.153 they may sleepe halfe an houre vppon it, before it doe purge, for that the sleepe doeth slaye the Uomit, and the natural heate shal make a better worke in the Medicine.

Hee that shall take these Pouders, if he do feare them, or any other Medicine purgatiue, and if he feare Uomit,* 1.154 may vse this one remedy, of the which I haue large experience, and is, when hee hath taken this purge or any other, let him take the Yolke of an Egge rosted hot, broken betweene his Fingers, and put into a course Linen Cloth, and so rounde let him put it into the Throate Pit, and let him holde it there, vntill that hee doe beginne to purge, for that surely, it will slaye the Uomiting and also the Fumes, that doe ryse of the purge, and this is no small content. After that hee hath somwhat slept, if hee can, at the tyme that it beginneth to woorke, let him not sleepe nor eate, nor drinke any thing, but bee in place where the ayre doe not offende him, nor with much company, for that all the intent shall bee for to purge, staying all thinges that may let the auoy∣ding out. And he shall be aduertised, that one of the greatest excellencies that this purge hath, is, that it is in the handes of the sicke person to auoyde out what quantitie of humour hee will, the which is a thing that they of olde tyme did consider much of. And waying which was surest of pur∣ging or the letting of blood, they doe not aleage any other cause more principall, than that the letting of blood is more sure. Forasmuch as in the letting of blood wee may take

out what quantity of blood we lust, & not in the purge, which once being taken, it is not in the handes of the Phisitiō, nor the sicke person to let it to doe his woorke, which quality is not in this our purge of the roote of Mechoacan, seeing that with taking of a little Broth, or eating any maner of thing, the working of it seaseth, and it worketh no more, and so it cannot exceede nor hurt the patient.

* 1.155Surely it is to be holden of much price, that there is foūde a kinde of purge with so much assurance, and that so mighti∣ly doeth his woorke, and is at the will of him that doth take it. After it hath done what to the patient seemeth good, and sufficient, then with a little Broth which hee eateth, it shall worke and purge no more.

* 1.156After that the sicke person or Phisition perceyueth that it hath made an ende of his working, and hath purged that which is conuenient, then they must giue him somewhat to eate, taking at the beginning of his Dinner a Disheful of Broth, and after a little whyle let him eate of a Hen, and in the rest let him gouerne himself as one that is purged, as wel in his drinke as in his meate, as also in the keeping that hee shall haue of his person. For that day that he doeth take it, let him take heede that hee sleepe not in the day tyme nor drinke till Supper, the which Supper shall bee light and of some good meates.

* 1.157The next daye let him take a washing Medicine, and some Conserua, and from that tyme forwarde let him keepe good order and good gouernement, in al that is conuenient for him.

And if that with once taking of these pouders, the sicke man doe not heale, nor auoyde from him that which is need∣ful for to bee voyded, hee may take it again, as many tymes as the Phisition shall see conuenient, wherein he shall haue care after that the sicke man is purged, to comfort and to al∣ter the principal members.

* 1.158And in this I can holde no precise opinion, for that there

be diuers and variable diseases, and it is needful for them to haue diuers remedies, & my intent is no more then to wryte the vse of the Roote of Mechoacan, as a thing of so greate importaunce, and of a purge and remedy so excellent, as na∣ture hath giuen vnto vs.

And if processe of tyme haue taken frō vs the true Myrre,* 1.159 and the true Balsamo, and other Medicines that they of old tyme had, of the which in our tyme there is no memorie, and with the tyme are lost: yet tyme it selfe in place of them hath discouered and giuen so many and so sundry thinges as wee haue spoken of, as our Occidental Indias do sende vs. In especially the Mechoacan, a purge most excellent and gentle, which doth his work with such assurance, being white in colour, pleasant in sauour, and in smel easie to take, with∣out any lothsomnes in working, and without that horrible∣nes, that other purges haue, and without those accidents & fayntnes that come at the tyme, that they be taken, & with∣out that disquietnesse which it maketh when it woor∣keth.

This Roote hath ouer and aboue that, which is sayde, o∣ther properties, and hidden workes, that wee doe not reach vnto, which with the tyme and vse of them shalbee knowen and discouered euery day.

The waight or quantitie that is giuen of the Pouder, made of the Roote of Mechoacan,* 1.160 is conformable to the o∣bedience of the belly, of him that shall take it. Some there be that doe purge with little quantity. I knowe a Gentle∣man of this Realme, that with the waight of halfe a Ryall, which is iii.d. doth purge very wel, and there are other that haue neede of the waight of xii.d. and others of the waight of xviii.d. And in this euery one ought to measure the quāti∣tie, as he hath his belly in obedience, more or lesse. Euen so they ought to limit the quantity conformably to the age of the Patient. For that the Childe hath neede of little, the Boye of more, and the strong man of much more, and the

Leane of lesse, and for this cause the Phisition must mea∣sure the quantitie as hee seeth it conuenient. Because to the Childe he shal giue the waight of iii. d. and to the Boy the waight of vi. d. and to the Man the waight of xii. d. which is commonly so taken, but to the Woman it is not conuenient to giue lesse then the waight of twelue pence, & in this there may be had a consideration, seeing that it is in the hande of the Phisition to take away his worke when hee doth see that it excedeth, it is better to giue a litle too much, considering that with taking of a fewe suppings of broth, if it doe exceede, the excesse may be remedied.

This is the summe which I haue vnderstoode vnto this day of the Roote, which they bring from the Prouince of Mechoacan, and when I shall know more of it, I will wryte as the tyme and the vse therof shall giue occasion.

Of the quicke Sulphur.

WHen I made an end of wryting of these last lynes, Barnadine of Burgus the Po∣ticarie,* 1.161 a man learned and expert in his arte, did shewe mee in his shop a peece of quicke Sulphur brought from our Indias, a thing most excellent as euer I sawe, and in our tyme the lyke hath not beene seene. It was bright lyke Glasse, of the colour of fine gold, taking a little of it, and casting it into the Fyre, it doeth cast from it a very greate smell of Brimstone lyke to greene smoke,* 1.162 and the peece it selfe (smelling therunto) hath no smell.

They brought it from Quito, w^t is a place in the prouince of Peru,* 1.163 from a Mine that there was founde in certayne H••lles, nere vnto the Mines of gold. And it is not in vayne that the Alcumistes doe say, that the matter of Gold, is the Quickesiluer,* 1.164 and the Sulphur, that is to say, the Quicke∣siluer

the matter, and the Sulphur the former and maker. And so this which I saw, was like to a peece of golde most fine.

They bring from Nicaraga, other Sulphur, but it is rus∣set, like to Ashes, congeled without colour or brightn••sse,* 1.165 which is found nigh vnto the Uolcan of Nicaraga, the which being cast into the fire doth cast from it the smell of Brim∣stone, but it is a peece of earth, and in nothing is like to that, of the Prouince of Quito, more then in the smell, neyther hath it that colour of Golde, nor that brightnesse that the other hath, which is of Quito.

The same beyng applyed in things, that are conuenient for medicine, worketh meruellous effectes:* 1.166 chiefly beeyng grounde, and dissolued with wine, and applied in the night to them, that haue their face redde inflamed that bee like to Lepers, vsing it certayne nightes, after they haue beene at the stoole, it taketh the rednesse away, and healeth it mar∣uellously, of the which I haue greate experience. It heale••h the Skabbes, beyng dissolued with oyle of Roses. Taking the weight of sixe pence in an Egge, it healeth the Colike. and the Palsey. It is good for the payne of the Stone, and beyng taken, it healeth the Iaunders.

It is hotte and drie excessiuely, which appeareth by the friendship, that it hath with the fire,* 1.167 for being touched with it, it inflameth, and maketh a flame. It is the principal mat∣ter, of that Diuelishe inuention of Gunpouder, which hath beene the cause of so many euils, and hurtes.

¶ Of the wood Aromatike.

ALso the sayde Barnardino de Burgus shewed mee a Wood, which to my seeming, I thought too haue beene the holy wood, that I meane of Saint Iohn d•• Puerto Rico, the which was of this manner, and

forme.

Beeyng in the house of a principal Merchant of this city, making a Medicine in a Chimney, where they did burne of that wood, the smoke that came out of the wood did smell much,* 1.168 and gaue a very sweet sauour, of the which he maruelled much, and asked from whence they had cast thither that good smell. They of the house tolde him, that the good smel was of the wood that they did there burne, and it was that which did cast that good smell. He tooke a sticke of the Wood, and from it plucked a slip of the same, which had no smell nor sauour, more than other common wood had, then he tooke a∣way a little of the rinde, and smelled vnto it, and tasted it, and he founde a sweete smell most excellent in it, and a Sa∣uour no more nor lesse then of Maces, or Nutmegges, and much more sharpe, and more sweete, and of a more plea∣sant smell and tast, then any Cinamom that is in the world, and with more liuelinesse, and sharpnesse of tast then the Pe∣per. I tasted it at the taking away of the rinde from the said wood, of the which he had a great peece of timber, and surely there is not any thing of so sweet smell and tast, of any thing which we haue that with so much pleasantnesse of smell, and with such liuelinesse seadeth forth a flauour as this did peni∣trate me, insomuche that tasting a little of it, I carried all that day the sweete smell and sauour in my mouth, beeyng meruellous, as though I had carried there a peece of Nut∣megge.

* 1.169Of this wood they saide, that a Maister of a Shippe of his, did cut a great quantitie, comming by the Hauana, and in a mountayne, they cut much of it, for the shippes prouisi∣on, and that which did remayne they carried to the Owners howse, & there wast it, as I haue said. Wherby I do cōsider howe many trees and plantes there be in our Indias, that haue great vertues for medicines, that in the fuell of the Chimney they spend wood, of sweet odoriferous sauour, the rynde of the which being made into pouder, there might bee

done very great effects with it, for comforting the heart and the stomake, and principall members, without seeking after the spicerie of Maluca, and the medicines of Arabia, and them of Persia. Seeing that in the fieldes vntilled, and in the Mountaines and Desertes, our Indias do yeeld them vnto vs, the fault is ours that we doe not follow after them, nor seeke to doe the diligence that is conuenient, for to pro∣fite our selues in these meruellous effectes, the which I trust that Time beeing the discouerer of all thinges, and good diligence and experience withall will discouer vnto vs to our greate pro∣fite.

¶ The end of the first parte. God be praysed.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Me••icines th••t our Oc∣cidentall In∣dias doe send vs.
• * 1.2

  Aristotle.
• * 1.3

  The discoue∣ry of the In∣dias.
• * 1.4

  Of the Copal.
• * 1.5

  Hi••torie.
• * 1.6

  What A∣nime is.
• * 1.7

  H••w it di••fe∣reth from ours.

  Of the con∣geled amber.
• * 1.8

  He••m••••au••.
• * 1.9

  A ••arba••ian auth••ur. A place that is call••d Ani∣mitin, where our A••ime is gathered.

  The ve••tue therof.
• * 1.10

  The comple∣xion that it hath.
• * 1.11

  Of the Taca∣mahaca.
• * 1.12

  How the In∣dians vse it.
• * 1.13

  The propertie that it hath.
• * 1.14

  Good for the diseases of the Mother.
• * 1.15

  In any man∣ner of grief.
• * 1.16

  The vertue therof.
• * 1.17

  In the tooth∣ache.
• * 1.18

  It cōforteth the stomack.
• * 1.19

  In the griefe of the h••ad. In the Scia∣tica.
• * 1.20

  In the griefe of the ioints.
• * 1.21

  In the hurtes of Sinewes.
• * 1.22

  In al griefes.
• * 1.23

  The comple∣xion therof.
• * 1.24

  Caranna.
• * 1.25

  The vertues.
• * 1.26

  It healeth an olde griefe of the shoulder.
• * 1.27

  In the griefes of the ioints.
• * 1.28

  In swellings.
• * 1.29

  In griefes of Sinewes.
• * 1.30

  In newe woundes.
• * 1.31

  It staieth the running of the eyes

  Note.
• * 1.32

  Oyle of the Figge tree.
• * 1.33

  How this oyle is made.
• * 1.34

  The vertues and effectes.
• * 1.35

  Cures in ge∣nerall.
• * 1.36

  It taketh a∣way paine.
• * 1.37

  It healeth a windy dropsy.
• * 1.38

  In griefes of the stomacke and Colike.
• * 1.39

  In griefes of the Iointes.
• * 1.40

  It healeth soares. Historie.
• * 1.41

  It vndoeth o∣pilations.
• * 1.42

  It maketh them goe to the stoole.
• * 1.43

  For thē that haue lost their hea∣ring.

  In griefes of the Ioyntes. For the mem¦bers drawen together.

  It taketh a∣way the Morphewe, markes or signes of the face.

  The cōplexiō therof.
• * 1.44

  Bitumen.
• * 1.45

  Napta.
• * 1.46

  The vertues.
• * 1.47

  What liquid Amber is.
• * 1.48

  Historie.
• * 1.49

  The vse of it.
• * 1.50

  The workes and effectes of it.
• * 1.51

  A meruel∣lous plaister.
• * 1.52

  Of the Oyle of Liquide Amber, and how it is takē.
• * 1.53

  The vse of it in medicine.
• * 1.54

  Note.
• * 1.55

  The estima∣tion that it i•• had in.
• * 1.56

  Note.
• * 1.57

  Note.
• * 1.58

  Of the berbe Iohn I••fante for wou••des.
• * 1.59

  The wood of the Indias.
• * 1.60

  The names that they gaue to th•• euil tre••.
• * 1.61

  Opinions of this euill.
• * 1.62

  Guaiacan an Indian name.
• * 1.63

  The descrip∣tion of the Guaiacan.
• * 1.64

  How the wa∣ter of the woodde i•• made.
• * 1.65

  The manner of taking it.
• * 1.66

  The diseases that this wa∣ter doth heale.
• * 1.67

  China of our Indias.
• * 1.68

  Historie.
• * 1.69

  Historie.
• * 1.70

  The manner how to giue the water of the China.
• * 1.71

  Howe it must be taken.
• * 1.72

  Note.
• * 1.73

  The disease that be hea∣led by this water.
• * 1.74

  The comple∣xion thereof.
• * 1.75

  Note.
• * 1.76

  The tyme since that the Sarcapillia, came vnto vs.
• * 1.77

  The descrip∣tion, of the Sarcaparillia
• * 1.78

  Sarcaparillia of the Hun∣duras.
• * 1.79

  The choosing of it.
• * 1.80

  Of the name.
• * 1.81

  H••w it was vsed in the beginn••••g.
• * 1.82

  Take this for three daies.
• * 1.83

  The ••••s••••on how it is now vsed and ge∣uen.
• * 1.84

  The maner how to geu•• ••t.
• * 1.85

  A Sirupe or drink of Sar∣caparilla most excellēt.
• * 1.86

  The descrip∣tion of the Sirupe or drinke.
• * 1.87

  The diseases that this drinke doeth profit in.
• * 1.88

  Another drinke of the Sarcaparillia
• * 1.89

  The diseases that this drinke hea∣leth.
• * 1.90

  Sarcaparillia in pouder.
• * 1.91

  The Salte Fleume is cu∣red herewith.
• * 1.92

  The vertue of the water of Sarparil∣lia.
• * 1.93

  Of the blood stone.
• * 1.94

  The stone for the disease of the grauel & stone in the kidnies or reine••.
• * 1.95

  A propertie hidden.
• * 1.96

  The diseases which it cu∣reth.
• * 1.97

  How the wa∣ter is made.
• * 1.98

  Of the Indiā Peper.
• * 1.99

  The descrip∣tion of the Plante.
• * 1.100

  The vse of it.
• * 1.101

  The vertues that it hath.
• * 1.102

  Note.
• * 1.103

  Canafistola.
• * 1.104

  The descrip∣tion of it.
• * 1.105

  The vertue of the Cana∣fistola.
• * 1.106

  Of the purga¦tiue Nuttes.
• * 1.107

  What these Nuttes doe purge.
• * 1.108

  The d••scrip∣tion o•• ••he N••••••es.
• * 1.109

  Ben.
• * 1.110

  The descrip∣tion of them.
• * 1.111

  How they purge.
• * 1.112

  How they bee taken.
• * 1.113

  Beanes like to ours.
• * 1.114

  How they bee t••ken.
• * 1.115

  Historie.
• * 1.116

  Note.
• * 1.117

  Their work•• and effectes.
• * 1.118

  Of the Pin••∣pinichi.
• * 1.119

  How it is ta∣k••n.
• * 1.120

  Note.
• * 1.121

  Mechoacan.
• * 1.122

  The riches and increase.
• * 1.123

  The s••••••ation of Mechoa∣can.
• * 1.124

  Historie.
• * 1.125

  Ruibarbe of the Indias.
• * 1.126

  Historie.
• * 1.127

  The vse in all partes of the Mechoacās.
• * 1.128

  The gr••ate quantity of Mechoacan that is vsed.
• * 1.129

  Historie of the Plant of Mechoacan.
• * 1.130

  The descrip∣tion of the Mechoacan.
• * 1.131

  The manner of the roote.
• * 1.132

  The electiōs of the Me∣choacan.
• * 1.133

  That it be fresh.
• * 1.134

  The comple∣ction thereof.
• * 1.135

  Easie to take and easie to work••.
• * 1.136

  It is giuen to children and olde people.
• * 1.137

  The woork•••• and effectes be meruel∣lous of this roote.
• * 1.138

  In griefes of Women.
• * 1.139

  In griefes of the Poxe.
• * 1.140

  Note.
• * 1.141

  In agewes.
• * 1.142

  Note.
• * 1.143

  Note.
• * 1.144

  The order that ought to be kept in ta∣ki••g of it.
• * 1.145

  It is conueni∣ent that there be a preparatiue for him that shal take it.
• * 1.146

  Howe these pouders shall be taken.
• * 1.147

  Otherwise to geue it.
• * 1.148

  There are made pils of it.
• * 1.149

  In Wafer bread.
• * 1.150

  Note.
• * 1.151

  When they shall be giuē.
• * 1.152

  Wh••t hu∣m••rs the M••choaca•• doth auoyde.
• * 1.153

  Whē it should be taken.
• * 1.154

  Note.
• * 1.155

  Note.
• * 1.156

  After that he hath pur∣ged.
• * 1.157

  What hee must doe the next day.
• * 1.158

  Note.
• * 1.159

  A good di∣gression.
• * 1.160

  The quantity that is giuen of it.
• * 1.161

  Quicke Sul∣phur.
• * 1.162

  As it is.
• * 1.163

  Brought frō Quito.
• * 1.164

  Note.
• * 1.165

  Euill Sul∣phur.
• * 1.166

  The thinge•• that i•• profi∣teth in.
• * 1.167

  The comple∣ction thereof.
• * 1.168

  The smell of the wood.
• * 1.169

  Histori••.