The historie of the vvorld: commonly called, The naturall historie of C. Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland Doctor of Physicke. The first [-second] tome

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Title
The historie of the vvorld: commonly called, The naturall historie of C. Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland Doctor of Physicke. The first [-second] tome
Author
Pliny, the Elder.
Publication
London :: Printed by Adam Islip,
1634.
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Subject terms
Natural history -- Pre-Linnean works.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A09763.0001.001
Cite this Item
"The historie of the vvorld: commonly called, The naturall historie of C. Plinius Secundus. Translated into English by Philemon Holland Doctor of Physicke. The first [-second] tome." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A09763.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 22, 2025.

Pages

CHAP. IX.

¶ Of Acanus and Liquorice.

SOme there be who take Acanus for a kind of Eryngium. And they describe it to be a low herbe, and yet growing broad and large, full of prickes and thornes, and those likewise big∣ger than ordinary; being applied outwardly, wonderfull effectuall it is (by their saying) to [unspec F] stanch bloud. Others there are, who haue thought Erynge and Liquorice to be all one, but they are deceiued. Howbeit, for some resemblance that is between them, I think it not amisse to set down the description therof immediatly after these Erynges. Doubtlesse this Liquorice also is

Page 120

to be counted among these thorny plants, for that the leaues stand * 1.1 pricking vp sharp pointed; [unspec G] the same are fatty, and in handling gummy and glewie. It putteth forth many branches, and those two cubits high: it carrieth a floure in manner of the Hyacinth, and beareth fruit resem∣bling bals of the bignesse of those which hang vpon the Plane tree. The excellent Liquorice is that which groweth in Cilicia; the next for goodnesse commeth from Pontus: and hath a sweet root which only is vsed in Physick. Taken vp this is and gathered at the setting or occultation of the Brood-hen star, and is found running along in the ground in manner of the Vine root: in colour like to the Box tree. That which is duskish and somwhat black, is thought to be the bet∣ter: like as the lithe & pliable root which wil wind and turn euery way, is preferred before that which is brittle and easie to break. Great vse there is of it in those medicines which be * 1.2 held vnder the tongue, so to resolue & melt leasurely, namely, after it hath bin sodden to the thirds: [unspec H] yea, and otherwhiles boiled to the height and consistence of hony. Somtimes they vse to bruse it; and in that manner they do lay it vpon wounds, where it doth much good: as also if it be ap∣plied to all the diseases and accidents befalling to the throat and jawes. The juice of Liquorice reduced to a thick consistence, if it be put vnder the tongue, is singular for to cleare the voice. In like manner it is supposed very wholsome for the brest and liuer. And therewith (as I haue sayd before) both thirst and hunger may be slaked and allaied. Which is the cause that some haue called it Adipson: and in that regard ministred it to those persons who be fallen into a dropsie, for to preuent and take away their thirstinesse. Therfore it is thought to be a proper remedy for the diseases of the mouth, if it be either chewed, or otherwise cast and strewed vpon the vlcers therein: and so it cureth the excrescences also and exulcerations about the roots of the nailes. [unspec I] Moreouer, it healeth the excoriation & sorenesse of the bladder, assuageth the paine of the kid∣neies, cureth the swelling & aking piles, the fissures also in the seat, and finally the vlcers of the priuy parts. Some Physitians haue prescribed to drink in a quartaine ague, the weight of two drams of Liquorice, & one of Pepper, in a draught of water to the quantity of a smal pint or he∣mina: this root being chewed, staieth bleeding in a wound. To conclude, some haue written that it expelleth the stone and grauell.

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