A breefe aunswere of Iosephus Quercetanus Armeniacus, Doctor of Phisick, to the exposition of Iacobus Aubertus Vindonis, concerning the original, and causes of mettalles Set foorth against chimists. Another exquisite and plaine treatise of the same Iosephus, concerning the spagericall preparations, and vse of minerall, animall, and vegitable medicines. Whereunto is added diuers rare secretes, not heeretofore knowne of many. By Iohn Hester, practicioner in the spagericall arte.

¶ The spagyricall Preparati∣on of Mineralles and precious stones.

And first of Gold, Chap. 1.

* 1.1 ALL medicines are taken out of thinges, minerall, animall, or ve∣getable, by preparation. Amongest the mineralls gold only is most tem∣perate and perfect, the which being brought in to thin leaues, is mini∣stred by all the Greeke and Arabian phisitions, to strengthen nature a∣gainst the passions of the hart, vnto such as are much addi∣ted to sadnes, and against all melancholy diseases, as we haue shewed in another place. Wherefore they prescribe it in their electuaries of pearles, and in laeticia Galeni (although some thinke it falsly ascribed vnto Galen) in their Antidote of Coccus baphicus, otherwise called alkermes, in Aurea Alexandrina of Nicolas Mirepsi, and in his Analeptike elec∣tuarie: In their diamargariton of Auicen his description & many other medicines, All which according to their na∣ture and qualitie do exhilerate the hart, subdue melancho∣ly and frensies, restore the spirites, and strength decayed: and this they vse to giue without any other preparation. But the Chimicall phisitions do draw out of gold a true tyn∣cture to cure the same diseases: and many other incurable greefes, specially the leprosy, canker, and other corrosiue vlcers: and so make thereof a perfect holesome medicine

which may easily bee caryed by the meseraicall veines vnto the liuer, and so vnto the hart, and through the wholl body: where as being otherwise vsed, it helpeth litle or nothing, but rather hu••teth much, because it cannot be ouercome by naturall heat: for as the fier with any heat cannot burne or consume the same, much lesse the strongest stomacke, hart, or liuer of any man what••oeuer: wherefore after this man∣ner following you shall draw forth his tyncture.

Of the tincture of Gold.

* 1.2 THe tincture of gold is his colour, so separated from the bodie, that it remaineth altogether white, and is pre∣pared thus. First ye must purge your gold by Antimony ac∣cording to art, than Amallgame it with mercury, and sette it in a furnes of reuerberation vntill it become spongious & light, and of a purple colour, & so that it cannot be brought to gold againe, out of the which yee shall draw his tyncture with Acetum alcalisatum, by digesting it in Balneo 40. dayes, being close luted with hermes seale: The which yee shall af∣terward vapour away, and circulat it with Alcoholl vini, al∣calisated, whereby his force shall be meruailously increased, for the curing of diuers and sundrie diseases, of the which tincture ʒ i. being mixed with ℥ i. of Aqua theriacalis, is taken euery morning ℈ i. fasting for the space 10. dayes. This me∣dicine is diaphoreticall purging the superfluous and noy∣some humors of the whole bodie, by sweat, the white body of gold, which is true lune fixed, the tincture being drawen away (as afore) is by an expert practisioner in few daies brought into Mercurie: which beeing precipitated by him∣selfe into a red powder 8 grames thereof is giuen in wine or Aqua theriacalis to cure the dropsie and the pox, and that on∣ly by sweat. If thou cast this Mercurie of golde vpon a due proportion of his proper sulphur, low it and digest it philo∣phically, then shalt ••hou make a most excellent medicine of all other to cure the leprosie, for it doth purify the bloud that is corrupted, and clenseth the whole body from all ex∣crements, onely by sweates, and maketh a man as it were

yong againe. There are diuers and sundrie preparations made thereof, which here I do omit for breuity sake.

Of Siluer Cap. 2.

* 1.3 SIluer which amongest all other metalles obtaineth the second degree of perfection is also temperat, and doth some way emoulate the qualities of gold, which Phisitions do minister against the same diseases especially against fren∣sies and all melancholy greefes, and to comfort the braine: It is put into the Electuary of peatles, laeticia Galeni, aurea alexandrina, and almost in all Antidotes wherein gold is v∣sed. Neither is it otherwise prepared then after the man∣ner of gold only that it is brought into thinne leaues and fi∣linges. But the spagerickes out of siluer itselfe draw an oile, wherof 2 or 3, drops are giuen with water of Betony flowers, sage, or balme, against the falling sicknes, and all diseases of the braine (as wee haue shewed) and it is thus prepared: Then Calcine fine coppell siluer with the oile of salt, so often that it can not be brought into his body againe: and thenwash the calx or powder vntill it bee sweet, and reuer∣berate it: out of the which thou shalt draw forth his proper salt in balneo, then circulate it with the spirit of wine 15. daies in a pellicane to his perfect graduation: the men∣strue being seperated in balneo, there remaineth in the bot∣tom, the oile of Lune fixed, which is the best medecine for the aforesaid purposes.

Of Jron. Cap. 3.

* 1.4 THe ancient phisitions vsed Iron especially the scalles of steele to drye, and a stringe: and for that cause they quenched steele oftentimes in water, whereby the water did gather a vehement force of drying, which being dronke did cure the splene: and the wine also wherein it is quenched doth helpe the chollike and disenterie, & is good for those that are troubled with choller, and to strengthen weake * 1.5stomackes (as Aegneta and Actius haue learnedly written)

* 1.6 for A••tius in his 14. booke reporteth that the scalles of steele brought into powder is giuē by it selfe vnto those that haue the splene especially to countriemen and such as are strong, which kind of remedie is much vsed now a daies amongest Phisicions for the curing of the same diseases: yet many of them condemne our mettalline remedies, and conclude that they are to bee reiected as most venemous: notwith∣standing the ancient Phisitions haue drawen many inwarde medicines out of mettalles, wherewith they helped many diseases, as it may be seene. Who then will disalow their due preparations, and extractions of their quintessences. Concerning Iron as it is not without byting, so by spagyri∣call preparation it looseth his corrosiue qualities, because there is a certaine sub till substance drawne out of it, or els it is brought into oile which may be ministred inwardly with more safetee and with great profite against the same disea∣ses because it may be suffered of the naturall heate, and it wil also worke kindly vpon the bodie. This Galen also doth te∣stify in his 9. boke of the properties of simple medicines 42. chap. where he speaketh of the scalles of brasse, all scalles saith he doe drie verie sore, but they differ among them∣selues, for some drie more, some lesse, because some are of a more grosse, and some of a more thinne essence, afterward he addeth: but all flakes or scalles are strongly byting, wher∣by it is euident that the matter of their substance is not thin but rather grosse, for amongest those thinges which haue that quallitye, that which is the thinnest is least byting. The Spagyrikes therefore do draw out of Iron, but especi∣ally of steele a most subtill substance, which also with the fier of reuerberation they make thinner, and thereof pre∣pare crocus martis: out of the which afterward they draw their oile which is a most excellent and no byting medicine a∣gainst the Diarrheam, lienteria, Disenteria, & flux of the liuer, a notable medicine for the stomacke, and against all is∣sues of bloud as well inward as outward, if it be mixed with conserue of Roses or Comferie, being prepared and con∣fected after this manner.

Rec. the filinges of steele, wash it often with salt water, &

then afterwarde with fresh water, then put thereon sharpe vineger that it may be couered foure fingers high, let it stād certaine daies in the sunne, powring on fresh viniger often∣times that the filings may be made subtill. This ye shall re∣uerberate a whole day in an open vessall vntil it be brought into a fine light red powder by the force of fire, the which you may vse: Then with his sharpe menstrue or the spirit of wine well prepared, you may drawe easily forth his spirite, whereof ye may make his oile, whereof one drop is giuen in a conuenient decoction, or mingled with some astringēt conserue, to the vses afore said: In this manner also is a law∣dable medecine made out of Iron: Calcine the filinges of Iron in a violent fire with the flower of sulphur vntill all the filings be come red, and till the stinking earth be vanished a∣way: reuerberat this the space of a whole day, and it will come, to a very fine purple powder, the which as I say be∣fore may be kept for your vse.

Balsamum martis. * 1.7

VPon the filinges of Iron often washed with salt water, powre sharpe vineger, that it may bee couered four fin∣gers aboue your filinges, set it vpon warme ashes eight daies euery day stirring the matter: and seperat the vineger which will be coloured red, and powring on new vineger a∣gaine. And that so long till the vineger be no more colou∣red red: which being taken away take the powder that re∣mained in the bottom, and sub lime it with a like portion of sal armoniake: the same sublimate yee shall returne againe so often vpon his feeces, and sublime againe vntill they ap∣pear of the colour of a Rubie, then cast all into scalding wa∣ter that the salt may dissolue, which done by and by put on cold water, & the feeces of Mars wil remaine in the botom, like the calxe of gold, powre away the water, and power on fresh that the balme may bee made sweat. In the aforesaid order you may make crocus veneris and balsamum veneris.

Of Coper. Cap. 4.

* 1.8 THe Phisitions doe vse copper diuersly prepared in their plasters and vnguentes for chi urgerie, viz. For Empla∣strum Apostolicum Nicolai Alexandrim, and Viride aeris, Em∣plastrum diuinum Nicolai Praepositi, unguenium Apostolorum A∣uicenae and Egyptiacum Mesue. All which do clense vehement∣ly, but not without some biting, for they are sharpe: out of the which notwithstanding by often washinges before they be mingled the sharpenes is taken away, and they be made in manner of Epulotica, medicines most apt to clense ro••ten: and hollow vlcers. The Ch••micall phisitions prepare out of the said coper other medicines against the same diseases, and to cure all eating hollow and rotten vlcers, much more excellent, which will worke without any byting or paine: Calcine therefore your copper after the common maner∣then out of that cum acida muria, being prepared and Alco∣lisated, you shall according to art draw forth his greene spi∣rit in Balneo, vntill the menstrua be no more greene, seperat it in Balneo, and that which remaineth dissolue in a moist place, and it will come to a cleere oile, which must bee cir∣culated with, vini dulcedine, that it may take awaye all the sharpnes of the menstrua, and then you shall haue a most excellent medicine to heale all the aforesaid vlcers if it be mingled with butter.

Out of coper also calcined and reuerberated with the proper menstrua of vitrioll, that it may bee couered 10. fin∣gers there is drawne a cleere blue vitrioll: they being circu∣lated together in Balneo 15. dayes. And then the menstrua being seperated by distillation in ashes: This vitryoll of co∣per being made sweete with conuenient washings, & rubisi∣ed by calcination is good to cure all maling vlcers, and to take a way the hardnes, if it be put into a fistula that is hard∣ned with a tough skinne, and to take away all prowd flesh without paine: it helpeth the flesh that groweth in the neck of the blather if it be mingled with any conuenient plaster: and put in as it ought to be with a wax candell. Misi, chal∣citis

Calcanthum vulgare. Sory, and the rest of that sort may in like maner be prepared to cure all maligne vlcers, & very effectually to clense all fistulaes without byting or paine, for by these meanes they shall loose their corrosiue quallitie, & burning nature or strength.

Of Leade. Chap. 5.

* 1.9 LEade is of a cooling quality (as Galen saith in his 9. booke of simples,) and therefore it is good for hollow, cancred, and rotten vlcers either by it selfe, or mixed with certaine other thinges, whereof Ceruse and red lead are made by art, which the phisitions vse against the inflāmation of the eies when they would refrigerate, drie, repell or binde: & ther∣of they make their vnguentes with colde waters. They are also put into vnguentum album rasis, citrinum, & diapompholygos, it is put also into plasters called by their names, as of ceruse and red lead.

These are destitute of all maner of byting, and the phisi∣tions vse them to close vp vlcers withall. Many do vse onely * 1.10a plate of leade to drie vp vlcers, other some vse burnt lead, which doth more effectuallie drie vp vlcers, and is more cō∣modious for those that are rebellious, according to Galén his iudgement. But by this praeperation following, which is better, it is made more excellent to dry and heale all ma∣ner of maligne woundes and inueterat vlcers, which pre∣paration is made after this maner following.

Take lead well calcined, out of the which with distilled vi∣neger Alcalisated and prepared as it ought to bee, y••e shall draw out the essence in Balneo, and this ye shall do so often times vntil all the lead be dissolued: and by these meanes let it be purged from his leprosie and all impurities: Then se∣perate the menstrue in Balneo, and that which remaineth in the bottom of the vessal dissolue againe in Alcoole vini tarta∣risato, and circulate all together certaine daies to take away the sharpnes of the menstrue: and by these meanes you shall make of lead a most sweete sugar and temperat, most friend∣ly to our nature, seruing for many infirmities. This in a

moist place is dissolued into oile a most excellent medicine to heale all maner of maligne vlc••rs in short space: Of the same is made a most precious balme against the paines and inflammations of the eies, so that it be first well dulcifyed & prepared. The like ye may make of tinne, whereof among the old phisicions there was no vse that I knowe of. Moreo∣uer you may so deale with tucia, litarge, the true cadmia, spodium, and pompholix: all which may be well prepared & made so gentle that without any byting they will take away the spottes and ouergrowinges of the eies, asswaging the in∣flamacions and great paines of the same, curing all vlcers without paine and close them vp.

Balsamum saturni.

* 1.11 TAke the aforesaid salt of lead being dulcerated with the spirit of wine, and circulat it 15. da••es, then seperat the menstrue by distillation, and put on fresh and circulate it a∣gaine putting thereto a fittewaight or quantity of the salt of tartar cristalline, and you shall haue a balme sweeter then sugar, which will meruellously preuaile against all maligne vlcers, and diseases of the eies.

The making oile of lead, told me of a learned D. of Germanie.

TAke leade calcined, and set it in a strong fier to vitrifie, then beate it to powder, and draw away his essence with distilled vineger, as is shewed afore, then vapor away that viniger vntill it come to the thicknes of hony, then while it is hot put it into a retort of glasse, and distill it with a gen∣tle fire, vntill ther appeare certaine white fumes, then chāge the receauer and augment the fier according to art, vntil all the fumes be come forth, the which is the oile of satu••ne. This ye shall rectify many times, the which is thus to be vn∣derstoode. Calcine, dissolue, vapour, and distill as ye did a∣fore: but if it happen that all the matter be not dissolued ye shall take that powder that remained in the bottome of your

matters and drye it in a crusible, then grinde it on a stone and dissolue it in fresh vineger, and distill and vapour as a∣fore is said: then if thou wilt make another oile thereof to beautify the face, and to drye vp olde vlcers, and to distroy fistulaes. Take the said powder after the oile is distilled from it, calcine it, and dissolue it with fresh vineger, and vapour it away to the thicknes of honye, then let it coole and one part will turne to salt being very white in the bottome, & the oile will be yellow and swim on the top the which yee shall power of into another glasse, for it is the sweete oile of sa∣turne, the which if one drop be put into faire water it wil be turned like milke, the which is vsed to beautify the face, and is called lac virginis. Then if yee will vse the salt that remained in the bottome to bewtify: take the quantity of a small nut, and dissolue it with the iuice of lemondes and there with annoint the face slightly. Also if yee rectify the said oile in Balneo, there will come forth an aqua vite more stronger then of wine, the which serueth to dissolue gold af∣ter it is throughly calcined: that being done there will re∣maine in the bottome of the glasse a white matter: hauing an oile swimming thereon of a yellowish coloure, the which being dronke is singular good against spasmus, and sincope: The first oile not being rectifyed is good to whiten scares, & cicatrises, against burnings and noli me tangere, and herpes: The rectifyed oile is good against cancres, and such like sores. This salt is by nature cold and drie, and is vsed with good successe in hot and moist bodies, where the liuer sen∣deth forth certaine vapours like fat scabbes, and viscous flegme, and such like: it helpeth all weeping woundes and vlcers in few dayes. Being mixed with oile of turpentine & annointed, it cureth conuulciones and resolutions, being mixed with oile of camomill, it dissolueth tumors, and sup∣presseth burnings & scaldings 3. or 4. graines being dronke helpeth the chollicke, being mixed with oile of roses, it coo∣leth and dryeth meruellously all heates, scabbes, and itch. &c.

Of Quickesiluer. Chap. 6.

* 1.12 THe Phisitions in times past haue made sundrie experi∣mentes of quicksiluer: but Galen doth plainly confesse, that hee neuer made any tryall of it, either by ministring it inwardly or outwardly. Paulus Aegineta writeth this of Mer∣cury in his 7 booke: Many haue giuen to drinke Mercury burned to ashes, mingled with other spices to those that haue had the chollike and paine in the bowels: latter Phisi∣tions doe vse crude Mercury to kill the wormes in children as Mathiolus reporteth in the 5. of his commentaries vpon Dios••crides out of brassauola. Many vse crude Mercury to cure the poxe and make thereof pilles which they call De barberossa: the discription whereof Rondelecius a learned man (my maister) hath shewed in his boke de morbo gallico. In outward diseases many do onely vse precipitate prepa∣red with Aqua fortis which is good to heal al maligne vlcers, especially of the pox, and that without paine if it bee well prepared. With this remedie my father (A man of godly memorie, and one that deserued well of all men for his phi∣sicke) did vse to take away the flesh of the necke of the bla∣ther, whereof when hee had shewed me the true prepa∣ration, I vsed it often with most happie successe both to cure that disease, as also the vlcer of the blather: whereof Steph. caretonus, an Appoticary famous both for learning and ex∣perience was an eye witnes. For a certaine noble man frend to vs both, which had bin sicke three yeares of a perilous vl∣cer in the necke of his bladder, by meanes of a fowle Gonor∣rhoea vnperfectly cured. At the last after long vse of Guai∣cum (whereof they say diet is made) and many remedies so often reiterated taken, and cast in, and all those by the counsaile of the learned Phisition Doctor. Isandon, this onely remedie put in by a waxe candell, or smal ••ent, within fifteen daies he was fully cured. Thus much by the way of digressiō: but to returne to Mercurie, these before named are almost all the remedies which are made thereof, sauing that it is al∣so put in ointments. And many diseases otherwise vncurable

haue enforced Phisitions (euen without the counsail of Ga∣len) to search out these properties, wherof at the length ex∣perience (the mistris of all thinges) hath made them cer∣taine. For the truth which consisteth in reason ought to be manifested vnto the sence, and experience is not perceaued but by the sence, as Galen testifyeth in his 6. book De sanitate tuenda. It is necessarie (saith hee) that those thinges which are to be thought vpon be considered by reason, and after∣ward certifyed by experience to the intent that reason by experience may be confirmed. And in the second of the same booke hee writeth thus: the force of reason sheweth the strength of the experiment. Who could otherwise prooue that the Cyaneum and Armenie stones do helpe melancho∣ly affections? Persely to hurt women with childe, and to doe no good against the fallyng sicknesse? That Harmodactiles could purge flegme out of the ioyntes? that Lapis Iudaicus and Lyncis shoulde breake the stone? that pearles should strengthen the hart, or that Napellus is so deadly a poison, saue onely that by the practise and working of the foresaid thinges it had bin proued by diuers experiences▪ In like ma∣ner by experience it is found out that Mercury is a fit reme∣die to cure many infirmities. As for example Doctor Iou∣bertus a learned man, lately tried it to be a most excellent re∣medie to cure the woundes made with shot, who thereof cō∣poseth his Triapharmacum. Neither is it to bee maruelled, when as with slender preparations it becommeth so forci∣ble, if with far better it attaineth the highest degree of per∣fection amongest medicines to cure many, and those other∣wise vncurable diseases, as well inward as outward. This ex∣cellent preparation of Mercury is hard and difficult and not onely vnknowen vnto manie Phisitions and Poticarieso••f one sort, but verie few of the spagerikes haue truely attained thereunto. For Mercurie is a flying spirit hauing a certaine arsenicall aire verie hurtfull to the bodie: whereof at length being clensed and fixed, are made so excellent medicines▪ & those so holsome: (for it is the propertie of euery perfect spirit to quicken the bodie) that it seemeth not credible ex∣cept vnto such as are cunning and experienced, I wish har∣tely

and desire earnestlye (least my iudgement may seeme different from reason) that the learned would consider the nature of these three Mercuries, the common Mercurye, the Mercury sublimate, and Mercury precipitate: I knowe that there is not any man except he be altogether ignorant, but he will affirme that the sublimate Mercurie is more ve∣nemous, then either the crude which some doe minister in pilles inwardly to kill wormes (as is aforesaid) or the pre∣cipitate: whereof Paulus Aegineta, seemeth to speake where he intrcateth of Mercurie brought into ashes, which in time past was geuen for the collike, which is made thus, or at least with sulphur. And many men at this day without any other preparation than with bare and simple washinges do giue Mercurie precipitate to cure the pox. (as Matheolus witnes∣seth) neither do we perceiue although it purge vpwarde and downeward, that it doth hurt like vnto the sublimat, where∣of halfe a scruple will kill a man. If this which is true be grā∣ted, that mercurie sublimat is stronger poison thē the crude, or pr••ecipate, how commeth it to passe (I pray you) that sub∣limation (the only purifying which al philosophers do vse) I meane this spirit exalted should get such malignitie & vene∣mous force. Some will answeare peraduenture our Auberius, that this doth not come by sublimation (by which it is cer∣taine all thinges are purifyed) but by carying with it a cer∣taine subtil sharpnes from the things that are mingled with it. Let vs then examine this, of one pound of crude mercury, another pound of crude vitrioll, and as much common salt, not armonicke (as Matheolus thinketh) mingled altogether, at a soft fire, and ground on a stone, or morter, that it might be well incorporated, and brought into a pouder, and put in to a subliming glasse, giuing fier thereto by degrees for the space of 40. howers, is made your mercurie by sublimate. If then he draw venemous quallity from the things it is ming∣led withall, of necessitie it must be from salt and vitrioll. But that common salt and vitrioll do not hurt as poison. Infinite numbers doe daily prooue the same which eate salt in their meates, and drincke vitrioll water in their baths: And ma∣ny other throughout Germany and Italie do vse the spirit

and oile of vitrioll for the curing of the falling sicknesse, the stone and asthma, with great ease and meruellous profit. * 1.13And Dioscorides speaking of vitrioll saith thus: it killeth the broad wormes in the bellie ʒ i. of it being taken inward. Be∣ing dronke with water, it helpeth against the poyson of toad∣stooles: and dissolued in water, dropped into the nose pur∣geth the head. By this it doth sufficiently appeare that so great a venemous quallitie is not in Mercury sublimat by meanes of vitrioll: much lesse it is to be thought of commō salt. Finally if so great malignitie were in it by meanes of the salte or vitrioll, because it carrieth vp the spirites with him this malignitie also would be in Mercurie precipitat, for the strong water wherwith it is made is compounded of the spirites of vitrioll and salte: with the which also the phisiti∣ons make their precipitate, which many of them doe mini∣ster without further preparation: which albeit through his great sharpnes by meanes of the spirits inclosed in the strōg water it purgeth the bodie violently, yet it is well knowen vnto many learned men at this day, that it doth not hurt as the sublimat doth. This malignity therefore in the subli∣mat commeth by how much the more it is made subtill and stronger by exaltation and flyeth with a small heate: but in the precipitate it is not so, for it is mortifyed and so fixed with that philosophilall fier the strong water, that it will suf∣fer great heat, neither can that maligne aire be sent vnto the hart (if it containe any) which by nature is easily assaulted with all poysons, because that the naturall heat cannot cause the precipitate to fume, which no violence of fier can cause to vanish away, as by certaine experiences is appro∣ued: the fixing therefore of his spirit is the true preparation that either taken inward or applied outward cānot hurt: the which many go about to do sundry wayes (I speake of them which seeke his preparation onely for phisicke) which think by powring on the water twise or thrise vpō the feces (which they call caput mortuum) and so distill it againe that the true preparation of so great a medecine may be attayned, but they are not a little deceaued, specially because they are not carefull to take away his corrosiue, or else know not how to

do it: for truly Mercury precipitat can neuer be a sufficient profitable medicine so long as the corrosiue quality taken of the strong water is ioyned with it, which is not taken away as many suppose with common washings, but with farre o∣ther preparations and dulcifyinges, which beyng vnknowen no perfect thing can be wrought, therefore ye mustworke af∣ter this order following, specially for the making of turpe∣tum that wonderfull medicine.

Rec. Calcis terrae pellucidae & fixae, Talcum well calcined, the * 1.14which calcination shall be shewed in another place, of each one pound, make of them a strong capitall lye, in the which ye shall boile one pound of Mercury, first fiue times subli∣med & euery time quickened according to art, the space of 7. howers, and so shall ye attaine vnto the perfect purging of Mercury, and the beginning of true fixing to all workes: for these calces are so fixing, that with sublimations reite∣rated vppon them at the length, the mercury shall be fixed. This mercury so prepared, dissolue with regali foetido, and proper menstrua: dissolue also by it selfe ʒ iij, of the mercury of Antimony well prepared, and ℥ i. of gold purged by anti∣mony according to art. All these dissolutions put into a bodie of glasse, and the vessell will be darkned or clowdy, set that glasse in an Athenor giuing thē soft fire vntil they wax cleare, then increase the fire, and distill away the water by alimbecke from the feces till they bee drye, powring on the water againe vpon the dead head four tymes: then put on new fixing water that the matter may be couered 4 fingers, set that to digest 2. or 3. dayes, then distill it twise or thrise vppon the feces, and toward the end giue it fier of sublima∣tion that those thinges which are not truely mortifyed, may rise and be exalted, which must be kept a part, for they serue not for our purpose: then take the dead masse, and bring it to powder, and put it in a scaruell stirring it the space of 12. howres in the second degree of the fire in a fornes of reuer∣beration vntill it come to the rednesse of a Salamander, out of the which ye shall drawe all the sharpnes and venom on this manner.

Rec. Of the sleume of vitrioll and allome ana. lb. ij. fs. di∣stilled

vineger. lb. ij. calcis terrae nostrae pellucidae ae fixae ℥ 4. sulis corneoli cristallint ℥ i. whites of egges 20. distill all these by alimbeke twice vpon the feces: put three pound of this wa∣ter to one poūd of the powder of Mercury prepared as afore, and distiil it away from the feces in alimbeke 4. times: and the last time distill it vntil the feces be dry. This done grind your powder vpon a stone, powring to it againe new fixing water, distill it againe foure times as before. Then you shal fixe and make sweate thy mercurie, by distilling from it the Alchooli vini fiue times, putting on fresh euery time. This the chyminicall phisitions call precipitate or turbith mine∣rall, by cause it purgeth grosse and slymie humours, eight graines of this is giuen with conserue of Betony, and aqua theriacalis, to cure the pox, due purgations being vsed be∣fore.

With two drammes of the extract of wild cucūbers one dramme of the extract of Hermodactiles & ℈ ss. of this pre∣cipitat is made a mixture, whereof halfe a scruple is mingled with two drammes of aquae theriacalis, and is giuen for the gout 4. or 5. times according to the age and hardnes of the disease, and the strength of the sicke bodie in the spring & Autumne. For without any greefe it doth meruellously purge the sharpe excrements, and draweth them out of the ioyntes. For to cure the dropsie there is made this compo∣sition which doth purge the sharpe excrementes and streng∣then the nutritue parts.

Rec. Of this precipitat aforesaid ℈ i. the extract of alhan∣dall and Elaterium ana. one scruple & a halfe, of the extrac∣tion of Elebori nigri, well prepered and Rhuberbe, ana one scruple the essence of red corall and yellow sanders ana. 2. scruples spiritus vitrioli i. scruple olei mafliichini and cinamo∣mi ana. halfe a scruple mingle thē with the powder of cu∣bebes, and the muslage of gumme tragagant and make it in∣to pilles. The dose is from halfe a scruple to one scruple: it must be geuen twice in a weeke, if their strength will beare it.

If it be mingled with Diaphoreticall thinges it onely pro∣uoketh sweates, and by that meanes helpeth also many

diseases: mingled alone with butter it cureth cankered and eating vlcers specially that come of the pox. Likewise the fistula and all callowes matters.

Ex triapharmaco, and the aforesaid precipitate is made a plaster, which being put into the necke of the bladder with a waxe candle or small tent as it ought, cureth the vlcers of it, and taketh away the flesh without paine or danger. The fixing water for the said turpetum is made, ex Climia, lapide Sedenegi, lapide perlato, marchasitarum sulphure rubicundo, la∣certa * 1.15viridi & rubra, halinitro, & sale aluminoso, this made af∣ter the manner of Aqua fortis: among all waters of gradua∣tion, this is the chiefest and verie fixing, if any attaine vn∣to it truely.

Of mercury also are made other medicines: for there is made of it being first prepared as it ought Amalgamy, with gold which is put into a bolts head, and closed with Hermes seall, & so being kept in a temperate fire 20. daies is brought to a yellowish fixed powder, the signe of perfection is when it will not vapour away by force of fire, neither be quickned againe in water. This medicine is Diaphoretical, and is mi∣nistred for the forenamed diseases, specially to cure the pox onely by sweates. There is also made of Mercurie a balme with the water of the calex of egge-shelles and tartar, also a most excellent oile for fistulaes, all vlcers, and callosites, this shall suffice to bee spoken of Mercurie, so that this one thing being noted, that the whole perfection of this me∣dicine consisteth in the fixing and dulcifying of it.

Of Arsenicke Chap. 7.

* 1.16 AMongest the corrosiue medicines which by the ex∣treame sharpnes of heat do distroy our naturall heate, or conuert it into fiery quallity, and by their malignant na∣ture dissolue the naturall moysture, consume all the substāce of the bodie, and cause putrifaction with stinche: the Phi∣sitions do accompt Arsenicke, sandrake, and orpiment: and therefore do iudge the vse of those medicines very perilous in chirurgery nether by any meanes necessary because they

are so venemous and contrary to our nature. This they may verie well say if they knew not their true preparatiōs, wher∣by they are made apt to cure many outward infirmities. These medecines are said to be venemous, for their maligne quallitie and sharpnes. But that euil quallity consisteth in the spirit, stinking aire, or blacke smoake which it sendeth out with a small heate, but the sharpnes is onely in the salt: This venemous and blacke smoke when it is raised by natu∣ral heate doth weake the matter of the part, corrupteth it, & oftentimes killeth, as if one had dronke poison, if it be not laide too farre from the principall partes, specially the skin being wounded, which happened to a certaine woman: and Fernelius the chiefe of phisitions of our time witnesseth, that he saw it: seeing that maligne quality is in the blacke smoke, it must be altogether fixed: for by fixing as we said before in the chapter of mercurie all the venom is taken away from the spirites, as from arsenicke, mercurie, orpiment, & others: The sharpnes is taken away by extracting the salt, which may be done by their proper washinges, as wee haue before shewed, by which reason arsenike shall not hurt, but profit much in locall medicines for poisoned woundes, the wolfe, fistula, canker and gangrena, if it be dulie prepared, fixed, and sweetned. Of which true preparation Dioscorides see∣meth secretly to intreat of, when as hee speaketh of that * 1.17metalline sandaraca, which in the beginning of the chapter he writeth to smell of sulfur. It is giuen with mulsum to those that coughe out rotten matter, and to those that are short winded, it is verie well giuen in drinke with rosen. It is ve∣rie hurtful to geue sandrake vnprepared: when as Galen doth witnes, it is of a burning quallitie, vnto whose opinion Di∣oscorides also agreeth in the sixt booke 29. chapter of simples. * 1.18Therefore it will not be amisse or hurtfull to vse arsenicke, or any other corosiue medicine being prepared in chirurge∣rie specially, the preparation therof is thus: sublime arse∣nicke 3. times with salt prepared and rubifyed vitrioll & the scalles of Iron that yee may purge it, which afterward yee shall fixe with salt peeter, giuing fyer by degrees the space of 24. howres, and it will be a masse whiter then snow. Re∣sembling

the colour of pearles, which yee shall dissolue in warme water to draw out his salt, and there will remaine in the bottome a verie white powder which being dried, ye shal fix with the like waight of olei inceratiuiex talco confecti, and set it in a fournace of reuerberation on whole day: then a∣gaine dissolue it in warme water, that the powder may re∣maine white fixed & sweet, mhich in a moist place wil turne into a fat thicke oile like buter, swaging paines: for like as arsenike not prepared, bringeth great paines, and by the maligne qualities is poison: so contrariwise by his fixing he looseth that, and worketh without paine, and is a profitable medicine for curing of poisoned woundes, if 1. ounce of it be mingled with 2. ounces of oile of mirrha.

Many also sublime arsenicke 3. times cum calce fixa & col∣chothare, then dissolue it in aqua stigia, fixatoria, ac conueniente, for that purpose distilling the water often from the feces, thā reuerberate the caput mortuum, which will come to a white powder fixed, from which the alkalie is drawen out with the alchoole of wine, and so is made sweete, the vse of this is to cure fistulaes and cankers.

Of Sulphur chap. 8.

* 1.19 SVlfur is the balme of the lunges, which the Chimist doe 3. or 4. times sublime with colcothar to purge it from his impurities, and make thereof many profitable medicines, to cure asthmatis, if sugar be mixed with it: also of the flowers of sulfur and his proper menstrua Therebinthinat, digested certaine daies in a drie heate, there is drawne out a balme like to a rubine, the menstrua being seperated, there remai∣neth a verie red oile of sulphur, which must bee circulated with vin•• distillato & alcholisato, and be this means is a balme drawne out of sulfur, whereof 3. or 4 droppes is geuen with water of Isope to those that are short winded and spitte rot∣ten matter, It healeth all manner of woundes quickly, &c.

Notwithstanding, the auncient Phisitions, seeme to haue thought that sulfure did only cure outward greefes, that it had a drawing quallitie, and was of a whot temperature, and

thin essence as Galen and Aegineta wrote, and that it was * 1.20good against venemous beastes, specially against the Sea Turtle, and Dragon, either cast on drie or mingled: yet Ga∣len seemeth to allowe the vse of sulfurie waters by these wordes. The bathes or drinking of sweet waters, is very hurt∣full to the sicke of the dropsie: But of salte sulpherie and pitchie waters is very profitable. Dioscorides, writeth that sulfur eaten with a rere egge, helpeth those that are shorte winded: But the Spagirickes haue attained to many things vnknowne to the auncient Phisitions. Finally of sulfur is al∣so madeth sower oyle by a bell, which is a very profitable re∣medie for the teeth, and cureth also cancered vlcers.

Of Vitriolle. Cap. 9.

GAlene and Aegineta, as••irmeth that vitrioll dooth moste * 1.21effectually preserue moyst flesh, if it be powdred with it: Dioscorides also writeth that the same drunken with water, helpeth against the poyson of Tode stooles, and for outward greefes it is put into Emplastrum Diachalcites, to cure vlcers: The later Phisitions make an oyle of vitrioll for the fallinge sickenesse, and other diseases▪ where of Matheolus and manie other moe make mentione: But wee make many medicines of vitrioll as his spirite, a sweete and sower oyle his Colco∣thar, Salte, and Oker. The spirit is driuen foorth by the ix a∣limbeke, powringe on againe all waies the liquor vpon the dead head: and circulating it in Balneo 8. daies, this is profita∣able against the falling sickenesse, but the fleme beeing sepe∣rated from the redde Colcothar; by force of fire there is drawne out a sower oyle, which is made sweete by circula∣ting it with the spirite of wine, and is giuen with succ••••ie water or with Ptysane in rotten agues, for with the sowrenes, it driueth away rottennes, as the sirope of the iuice of L••∣mondes doth, and putteth away obstructiones with the sub∣tilite of the partes: Wherefore it is verye effectuall to helpe the obstructions of the bowels, liuer and splene, sometime a fewe dropes of it are mingled with the conserue of the flo∣wers of Succorie, and is a medicine of a pleasaunt taste to

quench immoderate thirst, yet the ignoraunt fay that this medicine is sharpe and therefore to be reiected, but those good men are farre deceiued for it being well prepared is sweetish, and the iuice of Lemones the vse where of is allow∣ed in Phisicke; is much sowrer then it: as with the which Perles are dissolued, and vessels of tinne eaten thorowe, and that iuice giuen alone would hurt the stomacke as much as the oyle of Vitrioll, but mixed with sugar it restraineth with his sowrenes the rottennes of burning feuers, & the malig∣nite of Pestilent agues, which thing also oyle of vitriol doth without hurt of the stomacke, not by it selfe, but mixed with conuenient thinges, as many Spagiricke Phisitions at this day haue experimented, who also in outward causes, vse the vnsauery and sweetned Colcothar, to dry vp vlcers and to stanch blood.

Of Antimoni. Cap. 10.

* 1.22 NOt onely for outward greefes but also for inwarde, are medicines made of Antimoni. The chymical Phisitions drawe out of it a most excellent medicine, which they call the tincture of antimoni, for they minding to try the force of Antimoni in mans body, feared not to seeke out the secrets of it, especially when they perceiued it to bee the greatest purger of gold, and that it could driue away all impurities. By which meanes they labour to seeke out the qualities of Antimoni, that they might prooue whether it would worke the same effect in purging of mans body, as it was euident to worke in the purging of golde, at the length they obtained their desired purpose, and found out the great excellencie of this medicine: both to restore & renue the body of man, specially to cure the Mophew, the Dead euill, the Wolfe, and all maligne vlcers, for that tincture purgeth black bloud and all other viscious humors without any manifest euacu∣ationes, but onely by corrections of ill humors. Let no man thinke that I speake of Vitrum Antimonij, which many vnskil∣full doo vse now a daies with great danger, it is a noy-some medicine which by his sharpenes prouoketh the expulsiue

power, and purgeth both vpwarde and downe-warde with great vexation, the which I can by no meanes allowe. For all diseases are not cured with violence, but with fitte and conuenient purgations, For as Hipocrates saith. 1. Aphori. if such things be purged as ought to be purged it doth helpe, and they beare it easily: if not contrariwise. But all true Phi∣losophers therfore auoide these vitrifications, and not seeke their medicines or tinctures in them, vse therfore this me∣thod following.

Rec. The purest part of Antimoni, that is his Mercury, and subline it 3. times, that nothing remaine in the botome, so shall ye haue all his sulfure with his proportionate mer∣cury, which is called the true Lilly: this digest in a reuerbe∣ratory being closed with hermes seale, in degrees of the fire vntill it wax white, and afterward there appeare the collour of a Rubine. Out of the which with Alcoole glacia•• Cornioli, that it may bee couered 8. fingers▪ you shall drawe out the precious tincture which ye shal circulate in a Pellicand, to his perfect graduation and fixing.

It is fixed also Cum terra muria, and with washings the alka∣ly is drawne foorth, and there remaine the white flowers of Antimoni, which do strongly mooue sweate if you giue 3. ••s. of them with water of Cardus Benedictus, a most excellent medicine for intermitting feuers.

For outward greefes there is drawne out of Antimoni, a very reade sulfure with tartar and nite••, or onely with a lye made of quicke lime and ashes, and many waies an oyle is drawne out, all which are profitable to cure festered vlcers, these shall suffise to be spoken of vs for the preparations of metalline thinges, of the which God willinge wee will in∣treate shortly in an other booke more plainer.

Of the true preparation of Gemes and precious stones. Cap. 11.

OF sundry stones are made sundry healthfull medicines, cheefely out of precious stones, which of all Phisitiones are though according to the propertie of the whole sub∣stance,

& according to their quality do take away sounding, doo with stand corruption, to strengthen the hart, & defend it from all kinde of poison. By reason where of Electuariae A∣nalepi, Nicolai, Myrep. Diamargarit, Antidotum••e gemmis, confec∣tio ex Hiacinth & Alkermes, are prescribed vnto sicke persons in pestilent diseafes, and continuall burning feuers. Into which are put Perle, Saphires, Smarages, Granates, Iasintes, Sarda that is Corneola, Iasper and Corall, which kinde of stones may be worthely said to excell the rest, both for their temperance and for their great cleerenesse, which are nei∣ther lost nor spoiled by any heate of fire, for the onely fixa∣tion of their spirites, which may bee sufficientlie perceiued in them, for which cause in manie respectes they may bee compared with golde for the cure of diseases. Amonge the rest they be called precious stones, euen as gold among all other metalles is called the most precious. And although the quallitie of these stones are cordiall, yet euery one hath his proper and peculier vertue to cure sundry diseases: The Saphire being drunke dooth speciallie helpe them that bee stunge with a Scorpion. The lacent also doth helpe wounds of venamos beastes, and causeth sleepe. The Smarage not onely drunke but also hung about the necke, helpeth melan∣cholie diseases and striueth against the falling sicknes, as it were against an enemie. The Iasper either hung about the necke that it may touch the mouth of the stomacke, or else * 1.23borne in a ring comforteth the stomacke: which Galen wri∣teth that he made proofe.

It also helpeth to hasten the birth as Diosorides, saith: Pearles take away sounding. Corall by his bindinge dooth strengthen the stomacke and stayeth spitting of bloude. All which pretious stones the Phisitians vse against the afore∣said diseases, without anie other preparation, sauing bring∣ing them into most fine powder as Alcool, the which surelie profiteth very little for strengthening the heart, if the pure essence be not first taken out of it, which onely the Spagi∣tickes art teacheth to doe: according to which the tincture of corall is drawen out as followeth, which is said to be gi∣uen not onely to the aforesaid vses, but to purge the bloud,

and against the Morphew and Herpes, and to cure all the dis∣cases of the Matrix.

Calcine the best redde corall in a fornace of reuerbera∣tion in the second degree of the fire, lest their tincture by * 1.24the violence of the fire consume away, then grinde them vp∣on a stone very fine and put them into a glasse, with Men∣struum caeleste distillatum, cum proprio suo saccaro, that it may be couered 7. fingers highe, then lente the glasse with Hermes seale, and set it in Balneo. x. daies vntill the menstrua haue ta∣ken away all the tincture, then seperate the menst••ua in Bal∣neo, and there will remaine a precious tincture in the bo∣tome, of which a little droppe is giuen with water of succorie or fumetorie: That celestiall menstrua is the true menstrua of algemmes, which dissolueth them with true solution, and from thence is the true essence taken: and this all learned Phisitions will iudge to be more profitable for to cure the body, then the only powder of them: that menstrua dooth also make softe and dissolue the adamante stone, which contrarie to the opinion of many doth take away poyson, if vpon thē be cast the salt drawn out of the blood of a goate, and distilled togeather, reiterating the water 3. times vpon the deatheade•• let passe the preparations of the Adamant and also of the rubine, because they be stones of great price and fit onely for Kinges.

You shall also rightlie dissolue pearles with the aforesaide menstrua, but if ye wante it you shall vse Acido menstruum al∣colisato▪ * 1.25with his equall proportion of the spirit of wine also alcolisated, they doo the same also with the iuice of Lemon∣des and Barberes purified and filtred, and prepared as it ought to be, with ablutiones you shall take away the sharpe∣nes from the Pearles, if any remaine in them by meanes of the menstrua 2. or 3. graines of this essence is giuen with conuenient broth to strengthen the hart, and to re∣fresh the powers, this essence dooth resist putrification a∣bout the hart, the pestilence and poisons, & is giuen against resolution of sinewes, conuulcions frenzes, and vnto those that are waxen leane thorowe age or sicknesse. Arnoldus wri∣teth that the dissolution of pearle comforteth naturall heat,

helpeth the trembling of the hart, and properly purifieth the bloud of the hart, and many diseases are cured by them. In the same order yee may drawe out of the other aforesaide gemmes their proper essence, & may haue their true pre∣paration to cure many diseases: In this order ye shal prepare the little stones of spunges. Lapis, Iodaicus, Lincis, and Chris∣tall to breake the stone in the raines.

The quintaessence of bolearmeni & terra lemnij do mar∣uelous much good against pestilent diseases, and doo with∣stand deadly and venemous poisons that they cannot hurt. But if ye will vse them to suppresse bloud they neede no o∣ther preparation, seeing that it is the yearthes propertie to thicken and to bind, as it is of the essence to quicken, so dooth terra samia, and the stone called Hematites and Corna∣lino, which a learned Philosopher shall easilie attaine vnto.

The Spagiricall preparations of medicines, which are taken out of Animalles. Cap. 1.

* 1.26 MEdicines which are made out of Animalles, doo ob∣taine the second degree of perfection, for they haue more force then they that were wont to be prepared out of vegitables, which doo perish with lesse heate or colde, and therefore is easelie destroyed, that they scarcely profite any thing at all for the cure of diseases, especially when they are commonly prepared, among animalles man by right obtai∣neth the first place, out of whose 3. fold Mūmia, that is to say: liquid, fresh and drie, or transmarina, of the which are made sundry most whole-some medicines to cure infinite sortes of diseases. This last Mummia only was known to the auncient Phisitions, which was nothing else but mans body, laid in the * 1.27tombe inbalmed with Frankensence, Myrra, and Aloes. By which kinde of funerall the Sirians, Egiptians, Arabians, and Iewes, vsed in olde time to keepe their dead bodies from corrupting, which natiuemummia, the Greciās called Pissas∣phaltus: for they with that kind of pitch did inbalm their dead bodies, which Mummia they vsed both inwardly and out∣wardly to staie bloud, wheresoeuer it brake out, & to streng∣then

the stomacke and hart and to cure othr infinite disea∣ses, specially when the fragments of bones being cast away, the earth and flesh being drie, they tooke vp a liquor con∣creted and gathered in the hollow partes of the mans body, but at this day we want that true & natiue mummia of the auncients, and the Phisitions and Apothicaries in steede of it, vse the dried flesh and that without any preparation, all be it out of it there may be taken or drawne a certaine pure essence, which may after a sorte be compared in vertue and propertie with the true Mummia, rather then that earthlie substance or only dried fleshe, which scarcely auaileth any thinge to cure bodies, therefore thus thou shalt prepare the common Mummia.

* 1.28 Take the best Mummia broken and cut in little peeces 1. poūd, put it in a glasse with as much Spiritus vini alcolisati & tere binthinati clari menstrui ana, that it may be couered 4. fin∣gers: then shut it with hermes seale, and putrifie it in the first degree of the fire. 15. daies vntill the menstrua be of the colouer of a Rubine, the which ye shal seperat in Balneo for the said purpose againe, & in the botome thou shalt find the true tincture of mummia, the which ye shal circulate with the spirite of wine certaine daies and so thou shalt haue a more pure essence, which is most profitable to the cure of al poisons, either alone, or if it bee mixed with theriakle. A∣gainst the plague it is a most excellent medicine, that it cannot be sufficiently commended: It defendeth all bodies from corruption, and is profitablie giuen to cure Phthisis & Asthmatis, if it be mingled with the conserue of Enula cam∣pane and violets, it is also profitable against many other dis∣eases, the feces which remained are put into vnguentes to swage paines and aches. * 1.29

Now remaineth to speake of the Mummia, that the Chi∣mistes know of which are 2. sorts, fresh and liquid, which they thinke best to be thus prepared.

Rec. The pure and best liquid Mummia Alcoolis vini ana 1. poūd, mixe them well together in a glasse, and digest it in warme horse dunge or Balneo 12. daies, afterward distill it as it ought, reiterating the distillation twise againe, then digest

it againe 20. daies and distill it the third time, then leaue thy glasse in the heat of dunge or Balneo, till there be 2. essences perceiued, one of a golden colour, and the other white, let these essences bee taken forth and circulated with his like menstrue in a Pellican many daies, alwaies separatinge the feces and the impure from that which is subtill and pure, and so with reiterating his digestions and rectifications you shall haue a most excellent medicine: of this is giuen euery month in the full moone I. Scrup▪ to them that haue the fal∣ling sicknesse, it dooth mittigate that disease and driueth it away, for it is his proper Alexipharmacum, also it purifieth the bould.

* 1.30 Rec. The newest and best Mummia and cut it small, then put it into a glasse with a long necke, powring thereon the menstrua of Oliues, and close it with Hermes seale, then pu∣trifie it a month that there may bee a solution, then open the vessel and put it into a cucurbite of glasse and set in Bal∣neo, the vessell being open that the Mercurie maye flie a∣way, which it will doo with an incredible stincke, and there let it remaine tell there come foorth no stincke, and that all the Mummia be dissolued, that which is dissolued, put into another vessell and digest it in Balneo againe vntill it come to a thick oile and fatty like sirope of a duskish colour. That being done circulate all with the spirit of wine in Balneo, 20. daies then seperate the spirit and in the bottome will re∣maine a redde and sweete oile hauing the vertue of all na∣turall balmes: which dooth greatly helpe all venemous and pestilent diseases.

Take of the Mummia so prepared 2. ounces of the best Alcoole vini, 2. pound circulate them a moneth, then di∣still * 1.31awaie the menstrua, per alimbicum, then againe let it digest in a vessell closed with hermes seale, and reiterat it 3. times as is aboue said, vntill the matter abouesaid, do al∣together loose the nature of his bodie, and become a tin∣cture, which truly doth excell with such a quickning power, that there is no part wherevnto it doth not pearce. No vl∣cer or any corruption which it doth not cure, if ye giue e∣uery day twice for a certaine time foure or fiue graines of it

with a conuenient decoction.

Of the essence of mans scull. Chap. 2.

* 1.32 MAny learned men haue written that the scull of a man not buried is by a certaine propertie profitable against the falling sicknes: for which cause I thought it not amisse to set forth the true preparation of it, for I do not thinke that there is anie of the learned that doubteth, but this me∣decine rightly prepared, and brought into a thinne essence will be a great deale more effectuall and profitable to cure those diseases, chiefly if you do dilligently consider the es∣sence of the sicknes, his causes, and the remedie thereof: therefore I will intreat of the preparation, of which 1. scru∣ple will profite more then a whole scull dried and beaten to powder, whose essence is thus drawne out.

* 1.33 Rec. the scull of a man that hath not bin buried, and beat it to powder, and put it into spiritu vini saluiati, so that it may be couered 6. fingers, and set it to digest in Balneo 14. daies being close stopped, then distill it in a retort according to the maner of aqua fortis, then powre on that liquor vpon the feces or caput mort••••m againe, but first grind the feces, then putrify it 8. daies, & distil it as at the first, and that do 3 times, than circulat all together certaine dayes, that being done, then seperat the menstrua, and in the bottom thou shalt find the essence of the scull coagulated, of which yee shall geue halfe a scruple with the water of the flowers of lintre in the fit and before the fit. Or prepare it thus: seeth the scrapinges of a scull that hath not bin buried with the spirit of Mellissa, or Betony boyled, powre that decoction by it selfe, and againe powre on more fresh till there remaine no more force in the scull, then vapor away all that water in Balneo, and it will remaine in the bottom coagulated, the which it shall resolue againe, and vapour and coagulat so long till the matter remaining in the bottome may be sub∣limed with a most easie fire. This sublimat doth helpe much them that haue the falling sicknes, and looseth the belly a∣boundantly without any trauell or molestation.

Of Viperis. Chap. 3.

* 1.34 GAlen and other great phisitions haue taught vs many thinges out of Andromacus touching the preparation of vipers and their vertue for the cure of the leprosie which they had proued, chiefly that it purgeth the whole body by the skinne, out of whose flesh (the head and taile being first cut of, which are the most venemous partes, and haue litle flesh in them) being boyled in a pot with faire water, dill & salt, and putting thereto stale wheaten bread, they made pa∣stillos, the which is also put into theriakle. Out of vipers al∣so you shall make a most notable medecine against the le∣prosie, plague and all venemous woundes in this maner. In the moneth of Iune take 4 or 6. vipers, of the which yee shall cast away the taile and the head, and pull away the skinne and the intralles, but cut the flesh in small peeces, and put it in acucurbit of glasse 3. or 4. daies in the vapor of Balneo or of moist dung to driue forth the sweat. But take heede ye receaue not the air of that fume which is corrupted & vene∣mous through the vapors of the vipers, which being done powre vpon it the spirit of wine Alcolisati & terebinthinati so∣lutiui ana. that it might bee couered 8. fingers high, digest them in a vessel closed with Hermes seale in Balneo, or moist dung twelue daies, vntill all the flesh of the vipers be dissol∣ued in the aforesaid menstrua: then powre of the said men∣strua from his feeces, and vapor it away in Balneo, and it will be coagulated like a iellie, vpon the which powre againe spiritum vini cariophillatum & circulat them in a pellicane 10. daies: then seperat the menstrua, and the flesh of the vipers wil remaine excellently prepared & essentificated, with the which mingle vpō a gentle fire oleum anethi & cinamomi ana. 1 scrup. & a halfe, essentia croci & margaritarum ana. 1. scrup. then with the muslege of gum tragagant make it in pilles, or if yee will make pastillos after the olde manner with drye wheaten bread, 1. scrup. of this medicine is giuen against the leprosie, the plague and all other venemous diseases.

Of the skin of vipers, and of other serpentes being dryed

and prepared according to art is made a powder that hel∣peth very much against the woundes made by beastes or serpentes, if it be laied thereon, also to cure all cankers & maligne vlcers.

Of the preparing of hornes, and cordiall bones muske, ciuet, and castoreum. Chap. 4.

* 1.35 BOnes are either burnt or sodden with their conuenient liquor, that out of them with the spirite of wine may be gotten the pure essence, the which will bee done in the same order, as we haue written of before in the preparing of a mans scull, therefore thus shalt thou drawe out the es∣sence of the bone of the Hartes hart, which by a certaine likeliehod of substance doth strengthen mans hart, and is cheiflie profitable against the paines of mās hart, & fincope: his preparation differeth from the aforesaid, because it is to be drawen with the spirit of Celandine alcolisated with his proper menstrua. The hartes horne is vsed in stead of that bone for the said diseases, whose essence is drawē forth with Hipericonis alcoole which is giuen vnto young children that be sicke of the wormes.

The horne of the Vnicorne (which is the chiefest of al, you shall prepare in the same order: it defendeth the hart and driueth away all poisons: it is good against pestilent difea∣ses, his proper menstrua is Alcoole melissae. Ebur or Iuerie is also thus prepared, whose vertue is to de∣fend the strength of the hart, and to helpe conception. Out of Muske is also drawen a certaine precious essence cum vini spiritu terebinthinato, as with his proper dissolution, which doth strengthen and confirme the languishing partes, and helpeth the weakned powers: in like sort may you draw forh the essence of zibet.

In the like manner is the essence of Castoreum drawne forth: of the which one drop is giuen with great profit in the decoction of the flowers of rosemarie, sage, and betony a∣gainst tremblinges, conuulsions, or crampes, and all diseases

of the sinewes: it is also applyed outwardly in conuulcions, chieflie if it come of fulnesse and not of emptines: and then that which is contained in the sinues contrarie to nature must be purged, being dronke with water of penyryall, it prouoketh womens termes and casteth forth the after bur∣then, and it doth correct opium which is otherwise deadly.

The preparation of oiles out of fattes and greases. Chap. 5.

* 1.36 THe Chimistes doe draw oile out of the fat of all liuing thinges with a most gentle fire, in the which is found a greater power to extenuate, dissolue and supple, then in the onely fatte not prepared, because they be made more thin∣ner & subtiller: which opinion Galen confirmeth 11. simpl. where he intreateth of Castoreum, furthermore (saith he) because it is of the subtill partes: therefore it is more auaile∣able then the other things which do both heate and drie, as it doth, hee addeth that those m••dicines which consist of more subtil partes are more forcible then they which be of thinner although they haue both like facultie, because they penetrat and goe deeper into the parts to which they be laied on, chiefly if the partes be thick, as the sinowy parts be. I thinke there is no man if he way these wordes of Ga∣len which will not allow these extractions both of oiles and essences which we vse, and commend the vse of them in phi∣sicke. In this manner are oiles drawne out of the fat of men, of the brocke, of beares, of wolues, of hartes, cattes eeles, capons, geese, duckes, calues, hogges, and of all Marrowes, which do all resolue and supple, and are good to cure many diseases.

Out of Butter is drawne an oile in the same order, the which is Anodinum, for the saide vses and to cease all paines.

Out of waxe is made an oile to resolue, & attenuate, and is profitable against all colde greefes of the sine wes, and is made thus. Take one pound of yellow wax, and melt it, then powre it in sweet wine & wring it out with your hands,

then melt it againe, & powre it into the same wine, and this doe 4. or fiue times, then put it into a retort with an halfe poūd of calcined allome, and a handfull of sage, and distill it with a gentel fire, and there wil come forth a grosse thick oile and white, the which if it bee rectifyed three times, it will be perfect cleere, and will congeale no more.

The vertues of oile of wax experimented by Monsure le counte de Shenaus, & his brother Monsure de Argenteaw in the warres in France. This oile is of a temperat nature to be v∣sed either into the bodie or outward, and may be vsed with out all danger: it taketh away the paines of the gout if yee annoint the partes therewith, it comforteth hard sine wes, and ioynt aches, the sciatica, choppes in the lippes, breast, handes or feete, and woundes, burninges either with fire or water, if ye annoint therewith and lay thereon a plaster of the same, being put into the eare with black wool, it helpeth deafnes, it staieth haire from falling. It is also good against the winde collicke, and prouoketh vrine, if ye vse to drinke euery morning ʒ. 1. with malmesie: it preuaileth against the stitch in the side, if yee drinke thereof and annoint the parts therewith. To be short, it helpeth against all manner of in∣firmities, as hath bin diuers times prooued.

Of sundrie partes of liuing thinges. Chap. 6.

SVndrie profitable remedies are taken out of diuers parts of sundry beastes, which neede verie little preparation, notwithstanding are to be reserued in shoppes for the great vertues they haue in healing: for the Riuer Crabbe being calcined to a white ashes is commended against the biting of a mad dogge.

The eies of Crabbes calcined in a reuerberatorie are gi∣uen with good successe to them that are troubled with the stone, and expelleth all obstructions of the bowelles, of which we haue spoken of before against Aubertus.

The water of earth wormes distilled is profitable against the dropsie, and to kill wormes in children, and being boūd quicke vppon a panat••tio, they profit much.

The water of cowe dung gathered in May is good against the dropsie, and to cure all can••erd vlcers.

The powder of the worms called mille pedū is good against affectes of the eies.

Cattes pisse distilled, against deafnes.

The bones cheiflie of a wolfe dryed and brought to pow∣der, helpeth the disease in the ribbes, stitches and prickings.

Water of swallowes, against the falling sicknes.

Water of the spawne of frogges, to repell and stay all fluxes of bloud, and rednes of the face.

Coagulu•• le poris, dronke with Hidromell against the fal∣ling sicknes.

Cer••aine litle bones which are found in the sorefeete of the hare, prouoke vrine mightily if the powder bee giuen with white wine.

Orsepiae is with good successe giuen against the said disea∣ses.

The powder of the liuer of frogges dryed is very well ta∣ken against the comming of the fit of a feuer, especially the quartane.

Neither wil I let passe amongest others an especial reme∣die and experiment often proued against the stone in the raines which is prepared in this order. In March there are found in the Maw of an oxe, certaine little stones, which if they be taken with white wine, dissolueth the stone. Also in the moneth of May in the bladder of the gall of a bull is found a certaine stone, which if it bee put in white wine, it changeth it to a yellow colour like safron, changing the tast but litle: if the sicke drinke euerie day of this wine, daily powring on freshe vntill the stone be consumed: by these meanes it is manifest by experience that the stone is dimi∣nished and at length consumed.

Many other medecines are prepared of the partes of ani∣malles, which are not of themselues to be disallowed of ma∣ny ignorant, neither their preparations reiected, because they are vnknowen vnto them all, which they may easily at∣taine vnto in time, if so be they will not condemne at the first sight that which they know not, and thinke them so im∣possible

to themselues which are not able to conceaue such great thinges, which yet by searching and diligent labour of hand, not without great maruell and profit to the sicke, are proued most true and certaine to a true phisitian.

Notes

• * 1.1

  De au••••
• * 1.2

  tinctura au∣ri.
• * 1.3

  De argento.
• * 1.4

  Do ferro.
• * 1.5

  Aeginet. lib. 7. Act. li. 10.
• * 1.6

  cap. 11. & lib. 14. cap. 24.
• * 1.7

  Balsamum martis.
• * 1.8

  De Aere
• * 1.9

  De Plumbo
• * 1.10

  Gal. 9. simp.
• * 1.11

  Balsamum saturni.
• * 1.12

  Lib. 9. simp. cap. 59.
• * 1.13

  simp. ca. 60. lib. 5.
• * 1.14

  ••urpeti mi∣neralis des∣criptio.
• * 1.15

  Aqua fixa∣toria pro ••urpeto.
• * 1.16

  De arseni∣co.
• * 1.17

  simpl. 5. cap. 71.
• * 1.18

  Lib. 9. simp. cap. 53.
• * 1.19

  De sulphu∣re.
• * 1.20

  Galen. 9. Si••pli. cap. 36. Aegin. li. 7.
• * 1.21

  De vitriolo. Galen. 9. Simpli. Agineta. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 7.
• * 1.22

  De antimo∣nio.
• * 1.23

  Galen. 9. Simp. cap. 26. lib. 5. Cap. 107.
• * 1.24

  Tinctura corallorum.
• * 1.25

  Essentia margarita∣rum.
• * 1.26

  De triplici∣mumia.
• * 1.27

  De his con∣sule. strab. Auicennam & serapio. Cap. 304.
• * 1.28

  Praepara∣tio mumiae siccae.
• * 1.29

  Praep arati mummiae li∣quidae.
• * 1.30

  Praeparatio, ••nummie re∣o••ntis.
• * 1.31

  Tinctura mummiae.
• * 1.32

  De cran•••• humane.
• * 1.33

  Essentiae cranij hu∣mani.
• * 1.34

  Galen lib. de theriaca. ad pisonem Aegi. li. 7.
• * 1.35

  De corni∣bus. Moscho zi∣betta & ca∣storeo.
• * 1.36

  De pingus∣num & ex∣ungiarum praeparatto∣nibus ac o∣leis.