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¶ Of the Serpentine Cucumber, called otherwise the Wandering Cucumber: also of the Garden Cucumbers, Melons or Pompions.
MAny there be of opinion, that the Serpentine Cucumber among vs, which others call [unspec M] the wandring Cucumber, is the same that the former Cucumber which yeeldeth Ela∣terium. The decoction whereof is of that vertue, that whatsoeuer is besprinckled there∣with, no myce wil come neer to touch it. The same being sodden in vinegre and brought to the
consistence of an ointment, is a present remedie to allay the pains of gout, as wel in feet, hands; [unspec A] knees and armes, as in any other joint whatsoeuer. Also, if the seed thereof, or the fruit alone, dried in the Sun and beaten to pouder, be drunke to the weight of 30 deniers (Romane) in one hemine or wine pint of water, it asswageth the pain of the reines and the loins. Tempered with womans milke, it resolueth all sodain tumors & swellings, being applied to the grieued place. But to come againe to Elaterium, it mundifieth the matrice and naturall parts of women; but if they be with child, they must take heed how they meddle with it, for it bringeth them to a shift, yea and hastneth abortiue or vntimely birth. Good it is for al them that be short winded. As for the yellow iaundise, it cureth it, if it be but snuffed vp into the nose. Annoint or bath the face with it in the Sun, it taketh away pimples & other spots there. Many attribute al the same properties and effects to the Garden cucumbers: And in very deed, this fruit would not be de∣spised, [unspec B] in regard of the use thereof in Physicke: for first and foremost, Take Cucumber seeds as many as three fingers will receiue, stampe them with Cumin, and giue the powder in wine to them that haue the cough, for to drinke, you shall see present helpe. The same seeds taken in pouder with breast-milke, cureth those that be lunaticke and * 1.1 phranticke. Also, the weight of one * 1.2 Acetabulum, [i. much about two ounces] cureth them that haue the Dysentery or blou∣dy flix. Moreouer, being taken with a like poise or quantity of Cumin seed in mead or honyed water, it is singular good for them that reach vp filthy matter from their lungs; as also for those who haue * 1.3 weake and diseased liuers. If one drink the same with some sweet wine, it prouokes vrine: and being injected by a Clystre together with Cumin, it easeth the paine in the kidnies and reines.
As for the fruit called Pompions or Melons, being eaten as meat, they cool the body migh∣tily [unspec C] and make it soluble. The fleshy substance of them applied to the eies, assuageth their pain and restraineth their waterish and rheumatick flux. Their root healeth the * 1.4 wens or vlcers ga∣thered in manner of hony-combs: which swellings some call Cerio. Being dried, it staieth vo∣mits, so it be brought into pouder and giuen to the weight of * 1.5 foure Oboli in honyed water: but the Patient when he hath drunk it, must walke presently vp on it half a mile. The same pou∣der is detersiue and scouring, and therefore put into sope and washing-balls. As for the rind or barke thereof, it procureth vomit indeed, but it cleanseth the skin as wel as the other. The same doe the leaues of any domesticall or garden Cucumbers or Melons, if they be made into a lini∣ment. The said leaues also stamped with honey and brought to the forme of a cataplasme, cure the bloudy-fals or night-blains, but tempered with wine, they heale the bitings of dogs, as also, [unspec D] of the Millepeed, which the Creeks call Seps, a long worm with hairy feet, doing much harme to cattaile especially; for look where it biteth, the place presently swelleth and putrifieth. The very Cucumber it selfe is of a comfortable odor, and recouereth the faintings of the heart, and those that swoune. Finally, if you would make a delicate sallad of Cucumbers, boile them first then pill from them their rind, serue them vp with oile, vinegre, and honey: certain it is, they are by this meanes far sweeter and pleasanter than otherwise.
Phreniticis, some read Ne∣phri•…•…icis, and then it signifi∣eth those that haue the stone or pains of the kidnies.
15. drams.
Iocinerosi.
Melicerides.
two scruples.