Anatomia sambuci, or, The anatomy of the elder cutting out of it plain, approved, and specific remedies for most and chiefest maladies : confirmed and cleared by reason, experience, and history / collected in Latine by Dr. Martin Blochwich ...

SECT. III.

Shewing the practice of the ELDER, and Medicines belonging thereto.

VVE have considered already the nature and qualities of the Elder, and in a most short and clear way set down its Medicines. It remains we briefly shew the practice thereof, and how 'tis a safe Medicine for most Diseases that follow our frailty; and of other preparations specifick to each part. We begin with the affections of the head.

CAP. I.

Of Cephalalgia.

IN mitigating the pain of the head, and removing the distempers thereof in women, we use happily the Cake of the flowers of the Elder, left in the Vesica after the distillation of the water; it must not be burned; which being dedewed with the vine∣gar of the flowers we apply it to the head, and with the besprinkling of frech vineger, renew it. It rarifieth the skin, and by digesting the vapors. dispels them.

Some use rose cakes bedewed with the vinegar of the Elder, which where the heat is more vehement, the brain more sensible, and more offended with the piercing smell is far better.

Or,

• R. Take of recent Elder leaves two handfuls.
• Of Rose and water Lillie flowers, of each one handfull.

Being shorne and pounded, poure on them a like quantity of Elder vinegar, and the water distilled out of the flowers, press out strongly the juice; mix with it expressed two whites of eggs well beat; in which dip a double linen cloth, and apply it to the head oft in the day. The water of the flowers mixt with the white of an egg and a littile vinegar, is most com∣fortable in any Cephalalgia; chiefly in a Feaverish, being applyed to the brows, temples, and crown of the head. The vinegar by it self is fitly used in the pain that proceeds or follows drunkenness.

Or draw out with the vinegar and distilled water of the flowers, from the kernels of the Peach and bitter Almond, amilky Emulsion, wherein dip a linnen cloth, and apply it oft to the brows and crown of the patient.

Pliny saith, That the juice of the Elder helps the collections of the brain, and especailly mitigateth the tunicle wherein it is next inwrapt.

This decoction is excellent to dispel the vapours of the brain, and make one sleep soundly, if the legs and arms be soundly rubbed therewith when you go to sleep. Take six umbels of the Elder flowers when they are full, of Anise umbles, of Roman Camo∣mile flowers one handful, six Poppy∣heads with their seed; being put toge∣ther, beat them in rain water: If the evil hath its fewel from the stomach, matrix, or other parts, they are first to be remedied after that manner as is declared, particularly in each part. 'Tis enough here to have touched this Topick.

CAP. II.

Of Raving and Wakings.

THe same things are profitable here, that are set down in the remedy of the Cephalalgie; seeing it oft these riseth to forerun or accompany

maladies, adding ever to these some grainsof Opium, or a little of the seed of white Poppy, to mitigate and al∣lay the furious and fiery spirits. For example, Take of the best water of Elder flowers 4 dr. of water Lillie and Rosewater of each 2 drach. of Thebaick Opium half a scrup. of Elder Vinegar to dissolve the Opium 6 scrup. mix them for an Epithenie, wherein a double or treble linnen cloth being wet, is to be applyed warm to the brows and crown of the head.

Or in place of the Opium, an ounce of the seeds of white Poppy; and by baking according to art, make an E∣mulsion, unto which you may fitly add the white of an egg well beaten.

If the belly be bound, dissolve of the Syrup or juice of the berries, and also of the infusion of the flowers of the Elder, ounc. 3, or 4. in the water of the flowers, and give it when the Pa∣tient is dry like a Julip; for it will not only open the belly, but sweetly quiet the spirits.

When in Anno 1626. the Plague was raging in Haina, and many of the infected were troubled with head aches, ravings, and wakings; a wor∣thy man told me, he found no readier help to dissipate those venomous va∣pours, and bring sleep in his own and others bodies; then after the giving of several medicines, to bind their heads about with the flowers of the Elder.

CAP. III.

Of Melancholy, and chiefly Hypo∣condriack and flatulent.

IN Hypocondriack Melancholy 'tis profitable first of all, if the diseased be prone to vomit, to provoke it by the Oyl of the infusion of the flowers and bark of the Elder; lest by prepa∣ring and purging Medicines, those crude and excrementitious humors, which oft are gathered in the stomach be carried to the more principal parts

of the body, and augment the obstru∣ctions.

Or give of the syrup made of the sap of the buds and berries an ounce, br. 1. s. with some grains of the ex∣tract of Scammonie, and 3 guts of the Oyl of Elder flowers distilled, in the distilled water of the flowers thereof.

Or use the Clyster that is described in the 22 cap. following.

After this, the Wine which is drawn out of the berries and flowers, is not of meanest worth, for it opens obstructions, cuts gross humors, and by little and little thrusts them to the dore Moreover it refresheth the vital and animal spirits. Drink a cup full thereof each morning for a month, taking before a spoonful or two of fresh broth, or a saft egg.

That it may work more safely, you may each week mix with the use of these, once or twice, the manyfold working powder of the buds of the Elder; wich is thus prepared;

• Take of Elder buds dried in the

• shade, half an ounce.
• Of Elder Kernels Trochiscated,
• Of Sennie leaves,
• Of Christallised Elder salt, of each three drachmes,
• Of the extract of Scammonie, two drachmes,
• Of Galengale, of Macer, of each half a drachme,

Being all subtilly pulverised, distill upon them.

• Of the Oyl of Cloves,
• Of Fennicle, of each six drops,
• Of Cinnomon,
• Of Carvi, of each three drops.

Let them be mixt exactly in a Marble Morter for a Powder, whose dose is from a scruple to a drachme.

The Trochiscation, or preparation of the seeds or kernels of Elder is thus; Take one ounce of the lesser Esula, prepared as is known in infusion in Vinegar, and grosly pulverised. In∣fund it in the Spanish Wine of Peter Simons, lib. 5. let them macerate 8 days in the Sun, or in winter in the

chimny corner, the mouth of the glass being well stopped; after strain them through gray paper, and purifie them. Take the clean Arillas of the Elder berries, dry them, pulverise them, and with a sufficient quantity of the in∣fusion of Esula, make them in paste; dry it; being dryed, bedew them with the same infusion, and again work it into paste; of which from your Trochi∣sces; dry them, and keep them for your use.

And because those excrementiti∣ous humours lurking about the sto∣mach, and vicine places, and much troubling both the Physician and Pa∣tient, in all Hypocondriack Diseases, are more easily evacuate by vomit then purge, you may use commodi∣ously the oyl of the kernels of the Elder, prepar'd by bedewing them with the infusion of Antimony, as as hath been shewn in the second Se∣ction; a little after drinking warm water, vomit is pvovoked; and that obstructions may be sooner dissolv'd,

and the matter drawn out of the Meseraick veins into the intestines; besides these internal things, use this fotus.

• Take of the bar; of Elder Roots, ounce 1. s.
• Of well dried Elder flowers, M. 3.

Make a decoction in equal parts of Wine and Water; and that it may penetrate the more, add as much as you think fit of the Vinegar of the Elder; in which fomentation dip a sponge, and therewith foment the whole belly, but chiefly the left Hy∣pochondre.

See the other hereafter in the 23 Chapter of the Misenteries obstru∣ction.

For the altering of the bloud and spirrits in the true, and in the Hypo∣condriac Melancholy; after generals, the syrup of the juice of the berres, and infusion of the flowers of Elder, is praised; of each of which, in the morn∣ing fasting, every day, let the Patient take oun. 1. in the water of the flowers of Burrage.

You are likewise to take a care that the belly be kept open; which is to be done by the Syrup and the Clyster mentioned in the 2 cap.

In the Paroxisme of your Hypocon∣driac Melancholy give a spoonful of the spirit of the flowers of Elder in a draught of Malmsey, for it dissipateth the ascending vapours, and strength∣eneth the spirits.

CAP. IV.

Of the Epilepsie.

AS this is a grievous, and a disease much to be lamented; so I may say, it expects its most specifick cure, almost from the Elder.

The Cure of Children.

To Infants new-born, before you give them any thing to swallow, you may give them with great profit. a

spoonful of the syrup of the infusion of the flowers, or juice of the Elder∣berries, to evacuate that putrid, yel∣lowish, and sometime blackish water gathered in the stomach, and parts a∣bout, while the infant is in the mo∣thers belly.

For these Syrups do not only change and evacuate, but they also preserve from, and resist malignity.

Macerate a handful of Elder flow∣ers well dried in the wine, which the best sort use to wash their new-born babes in; for it consumes the humors gathered about the joynts, and com∣forts the members. This is also com∣mended, Take of the powder of the simple buds 1 drach. of the whitest Sugarcandie 1 drach. of the berries of herb Paris Number 6. pulverise them most subtilly, of which give half a scru∣ple for 9 days together, in the water of Elder flowers, or any other conveni∣ent liquor you please.

In the Paroxisme, the least spoon∣full of the spirit of the flowers given

with three or five of the seeds of Peo∣ny excorticat, is praised.

Or, of Peony excorticat 2 drach. of the best water of Elder-flowers one ounce and a half, of Linden flower∣water half an ounce.

Make an Emulsion according to art, which being edulcerate Rotalis manus Christi perlatis, give it by spoon∣fuls.

Let the Nurse sometimes take the Conserves, Syrup, or water of Elder flowers, or having taken the spirit, juice, or extract of the berries, let her provoke smell, that thereby her milk being clear of the sharper and more malignant serosities, may be the more wholsom.

I knew an infant, which being ta∣ken sometime with Epileptick fits, each day, with a great deal of crying, and pain of belly, did dung a yellow∣ish greenish matter; whom neither Clysters, nor cleansing Linctussies did any good. I counselled his mother, seeing I saw her milk more serous and

thin, that she should twice or thrice a week take the rhob, or juice of the El∣der-berries, mixt with burn'd Harts∣horns; and drink a draught of the water of the flowers above it, and pro∣voke her self to sweat in her bed, or couch: Which being done, not only the Epileptick fits, but also those pain∣full wringings of the childs belly did cease; and by little and little, the ex∣crements came to their natural form.

The cure of those that are come to age.

In those that are come to age 'tis first necessary above all things, to purge the body well.

In the Spring time macerate the bark of the roots of Elder in the whey of Cows milk, which being dulcerat with Sugar, let him each morning take a hearty draught thereof.

Or,

• Take the Polichrestick powder of the buds two scruples, or one drachme.

• Of recent Rob of the Elder, well thickned with good Sugar, as much as will make a bole.

Or take the prescribed bole; dis∣solve it in the whey of Milk, add thereto the Syrup made of Juice of the buds and berries, ounce I. mix it; prepare a draught: But if the Patient be prone to vomit, give him the oyl expressed out of the kernels.

The spirit of the flowers and berries of the Elder in, and out of the Paro∣xysm, is of great power; but it may be made more efficacious thus:

• R. Take of the middle bark of the Elder,
• Of the roots of Poeonie, of each six drachms,
• Of dried Elder leaves and buds,
• Of Lynden-tree flowers, of each one handful.
• Of Rew-seed two drach.
• Of the Berries of herb Paris, numb. 20.
• Of Jews-ears, numb. 6.

This being cut and pounded, put as

much of the spirit of the Elder there∣on, as will be a hand broad high above them, and in a hot place, and well stop∣ped vessel, macerate them eight daies; distil them in glass vessels in B. M. till they be dry; mix with them the di∣stilled spirits, the salt drawn out of its dregs, and keep it for the Anti-Epi∣leptick Spirit of the Elder.

Whereof give a whole, or half spoon∣ful to the Epileptick in the time of his Paroxisme; afterwards using it every quarter of the Moon, to dissi∣pate the Epileptick corruption by sweating; or insensible transpiration▪ and to guard the brain.

With this same, in the time of the fit, rub the nostrils, gums, and pallat, adding thereto a Grain or two of Castor.

Herein likewise excels the tincture and extract of Granorum Actes; the preparation and using of which is set down in the 31 Chapter out of Quer∣cetan.

Or,

• Take of Granorum actes scrup. 1.
• Of the berries of Herb Paris, pul∣verised, half a scrup.

Mix them, and form pils thereof, numb. 15. or being dissolved in the Anti epileptick Spirit of the Elder∣give them in the Paroxisme.

Mark by the way, That the berries of herb Paris, called by some Bear or Wolf grapes, is held by some Matrons, as a great secret against the Epilepsie: and they give them ever in an un∣equal number, as 3, 5, 7 or 9, in the water of Linden Tree flowers or of the roots of Squamaria; which I my self have found effectual in some chil∣dren. Seeing these berries are mixt with some Antidotes, especially with the Saxonian, and half a drachm of the seeds of these berries, as Matthiolus relates, being given, avail much a∣gainst long sickness, and Witchcraft, it should not seem strange to any man, that they much help in the Epilepsie, if they consider seriously the maligne

nature of the Epileptick vapor, and its enmity with the brain.

Some affirm, that the water of the flowers drawn up into the nose pre∣vails much against the Epilepsie and Vertigo. In the same affects the eyes and face are to be washed oft with this water.

Anoint gently, in the fit it self, the contracted members, with the oyl of the flowers of the first description, that thereby the Acrimony of the hu∣mors and vapors may be mitigate, that the matter may be dissipate, and the nerves comforted.

The oyl of the second and third description, or the distilled oyl, is much commended; if the palmes of the hands, and soles of the feet, if the temples of the head and nape of the neck be anointed therewith.

Amulets.

There is likewise set down a singu∣lar Amulet, made of the Elder grow∣ing

on a Sallow. If in the month of October, a little before the full Moon, you pluck a twig of the Elder, and cut the cane that is betwixt two of its knees, or knots in nine pieces; and these pieces being bound in a piece of linnen, be in a thred so hung about the neck, that they touch the spoon of the heart, or the sword-form'd Carti∣lage; and that they may stay more firmly in that place, they are to be bound thereon with a linnen or silken roller wrapt about the body, till the thred break of it self. The thred be∣ing broken, and the roller removed, the Amulet is not at all to be touched with bare hands, but it ought to be ta∣ken hold on by some instrument, and buried in a place that no body may touch it. Petraeus Nosilog. Harmon. l. 1. dissert. 6. Finkius Ench. Harm. c. 5. The cause of which is not abso∣lutely hid, seeing the Elder and its grains help this disease. These are the words of Petraeus in the mention∣ed place.

There are some that ascribe the same effect to the Bore tree, growing on the Tylia or Linden tree, seeing both by a peculiar property are anti∣epileptick; some hang a cross made of the Elder and Sallow, mutually in wrapping one another about the chil∣drens neck, Petr. Loco Allegat.

Albeit there be some that deny all specifick operation to Amulets of the Elder growing on the Sallow and Lin∣den tree, and to all other Amulets. Nevertheless their reasons are not of such weight, that they satisfie the mind of a desirous learner; 'tis not impossible that so little a piece of the Elder bound to the skin should break the force of so stubborn a disease: for though it do not draw out sensibly the vitious humors, yet it may act against the morbifick cause, and rout it some other way, by alluring, and some other way expugning those vitious humors, and that malignant Miamse, most noisom to the brain, it having in little bulk great force; which being

or removed, 'tis likely the Epilepsie will cease, though the humors re∣main; if they be not altogther corrupt: which humors are to be purged, according to the diversities of consti∣tutions, before you use such Amulets. Read Sennert. l. de Cons. & dissen. Gal &. Chymic.

Whereas they object, That in all these Amulets do not hold: This will not prove that they are not indewed with an Anti-epileptick faculty; o∣therwise many famous Medicaments should be called in question, seeing many times they are disappointed of their actings in some subjects; because it may be they are not used in fit quantity, time, or after due prepration, or some other errours are committed, which may hinder the best, and most approved Medicine to take effect; nei∣ther is it in the power alwaies of the Physician or Medicine, that the dis∣eased should be releived: some times the evil excels the cunningest art.

CAP. V.

Of the Apoplexie and Palsie.

AS preservative a against the Apo∣plexie and Palsie, the Salt of the Elder is much commended, if it be mixt with a third part of the volatile salt of Amber (which volatile salt useth to stick to the neck of the retort, in the distillation of the oyl of Amber) and given in the time of the new Moon, or full moon, in a convenient liquor, in the weight of a scruple, or half a drachme. The salt of the Elder must be first excellently Crystallized in the water of Sage, as you know.

Amwald desires that three parts of the extract of black Hellebore be mixed with the Rob of Elder; which he commends as a gallant specifick against the Apoplexie, and all noysom affections of the brain. The receit is set down in his Treatise, Panacea Am∣waldina, fol. 23.

Pulvis Tureonum Polychrestus, doth not only purge the stomach and near∣est vessel, but likewise the brain from

its gross, pituite, and serous humors, whereof give a drachme thereof when it is needful in form of a Pill.

Oxymel Samb. is likewise useful in these cold distempers of the brain; whereof give oft in the water of Sage, a little masted before purging, at least two or three ounces for the cutting and preparing that gross matter.

The Spirit likewise distilled from the Berries is excellent, if once a week, or at least each quarter of the Moon, a spoonful thereof mixt with crums of wheat bread, and a little su∣gar, for it consumes the phlegmatick humors, and drieth and comforteth the brain, and 'tis taken in place of a simple Anti-epileptick, as we have said in the former Chapter, Or.

You may prepare it new thus, only for this affection, in what quantity you please, thus;

• Take of Sage, Marjoram, Ivy Arthritica, of each two drachmes.
• Of Couslip flowers, Conval

• Lilly flowers, of each one drach. and an half.
• Of Rochet seed, two drachmes.

Which, all being cut, and grosly pul∣verised, are to be macerated in a suffi∣cient quantity of the spirit of Elder, and after eight daies to be distillid in B. M. till they be dry; for the Apo∣plectick spirit of the Elder; in a part of which Castoreum may be dissol∣ved, and oft times transcolate; of which mixture a spoonful, chiefly in the time of the Paroxisme, should be instilled, as the cause is of exigency, and with the same rub the pallat, no∣strills, crown of the head, and nuke of the neck.

Two or three drops of the oyl of the second or third description, or di∣stilled, being instilled in the ear, or a∣noynted on the pallat, after the man∣ner the spirit is thought to help the rest.

Mark, That those things we have now commended, have chief place in that Apoplexie that proceeds from pi∣tuite

or other gross humors, and is fa∣miliar to old men; but that which pro∣ceeds from depression of the scul, or inflammation of the brain, is to be cured by other Medicines, that is not our part here to handle.

Of the Palsie.

But if the Apoplexie end in a Pal∣sie of the sides, or other members, as it useth, having observed those uni∣versals, for the provision of whole bo∣dy and brain, 'tis necessary oft in the week to provoke sweat.

Half an ounce of the Apoplectick Spirit of the Elder is useful here; also two drachms of the rob of the berries in Sage water.

Or,

• Of the extract of the Rohob of the Elder, drach. 5. and an half.
• Antimony diaphoretick, most white, half a drachm.

Of which every morning give to the Paralitick, they being exactly mixt, 1 drachm in 2 or 3 ounces of the decoction of the root of the great Burdock, and command him, that

being well lapped in his bed, he swet for half an hour; and that he may sweat more freely and fully you may mix with the potion half an ounce of the Apoplectick spirit of the Elder.

Topicks.

The enervat, or hanging members are twice a day to be rubbed, first with hard sharp clothes; afterward with the spirit drawn out of the berries, and inebriate with the essence of Cepha∣lick herbs. So those gross and viscid humors that trouble the nerves, and compresse them, and stop the passage of the animal spirits, will be attenuate, and dissipate, and the stupified spirits will be raised and allured.

Nevertheless, lest by these hot, and much drying spirits, the matter it self and nevres should be hardned, you are to mix with the oyl of the infusion of the flowers of the Elder a third of the oyl drawn from the Kernels of its berries, and this will attemperate the

too too much exsiccating heat, and ne∣vertheless digest and consume the matter. In this case likewise, the decoction of the root of the Elder and Ebulus in simple water is much praised.

And seeing oft times the Palsie of the tongue, and difficulty of speaking remains, the tongue is oft times to be rub'd, and humectated with a sponge, dipped in the Apoplectick spirit of the Elder.

CAP. VI.

Of Catarrhs.

IN this the Wine prepared of the flowers and berries, is much com∣mended, because it excellently purg∣eth the body of that serous inundati∣on, of which, after you have taken a little broth, drink a cupfull in the morning.

The simple Powder of the buds of the Elder, taking a scruple thereof in a

soft egg, or in some syrup, or in a spoonful of the Oximel of the Elder in the Spring, or Harvest, for 14 daies each morning, and fasting two hours at least after it, doth mightily con∣sume the Catarrhous matter. Or instead of the Powder use the Con∣serve of the buds, mixt with the third part of the Conserve of the flowers; the Dose ounc. s.

If the body stand in need of greater evacuation, exhibit once or twice the polichrestick powder of the buds.

The salt of the Elder by it self, or mixt with the third part of the vola∣tile salt of Ambre, dose scrup. 1. is esteemed likewise the spirit of the Elders salt, taking weekly six drops thereof, or more in broth made of flesh.

Also, a spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries and flowers, taken with crums of bread and sugar.

Concerning other things, especially sweetning, which is sometimes conducible to consume the matter in

this disease, read the precedent Chap∣ter.

CAP. VII.

Of the Toothach.

SEing this disease oft flowes from defluxions, those things are to be first used that are set down in the former Chapter.

Topicks.

We will onely prescribe here To∣picks made of the Elder. Raymund Minder, in his Military Medicine, cap. 10. commends much the decoction of the roots in Wine and Vinegar, used to gargarise with, and protests that no one Medicine sooner easeth this great pain.

For Example,

• Take of the roots of Elder cut in slices, two ounces and an half.
• Of Elder, or simple Vinegar, of white Wine, of each six ounces.

Boyl them for a water to wash the

mouth, which is oft to be spit out, and renewed.

Or,

• Take of the middle Elder bark,
• Of Elder flowers, of each an handfull,
• Of Jews ears one.

Boyl them likewise in a sufficient quantity of Vinegar and Wine, and use it. Where there is a suspicion of worms in the hollow tooth, the hol∣lowness is to be filled with the spongi∣ola of the Elder; at last it is to be held hard betwixt the teeth: Like∣wise the vapor of the former decocti∣on may be received through a funnel at the mouth.

They make Tooth-pickers, and Spoons of Elder, to which they attri∣bute much in preserving from this pain. The common people take these tooth-pickers, being bloudy with pricking and picking the tooth, and glew them to the Trunk of an Elder, which is irradiated with the morning Sun beams; they pull away the bark, and cover the place with rosin of the

Pine: and thus they cure all tooth∣aches.

'Tis not apparent by what vertue this is done; when, may be, that is attributed to the incision, which ought to be attributed to the blood∣ing, or time of continuance, wherein most diseases are eased. But we leave every man to his judgement, Scal. Exerc. 183. sect. 11.

If from a defluction, the gums and cheeks do swel, anoynt them with the oyl of the infusion of the flowers of the Elder, and put the dregs or crassa∣ment of them to it, for they will di∣gest and resolve it.

CAP. VIII.

Of the Affects of the eyes.

PLaterus Tom. 2. praxeos. hath ob∣served, that Chirurgeons used to apply to sore eyes a Pill of the Elder, macerated in common, or Rose water, or other convenient, to mitigate the pain.

The water of the flowers of the El∣der, mixt with a like proportion of Rose water, wounderfully mitigateth ophthalmike pains, and strengthen∣eth the sight; into which some∣times prepared tutty in a knot is to be put, to ease the itch, and a spunge of the Elder, macerated in Pennyroyal water, to be applyed to the nuke or hollow of the neck.

This following liquor anointed on the eyelids with a feather is profi∣table.

R. Elder flowers gathered in the

month of June, before the rising of the Sun, and picked from their stalks as much as you will; beat them in a Marble Morter; and in a glass well stopped, expose them for a month to the rayes of the Sun; them let then be involv'd in a leavened Rie loaf, and baked with other bread in an oven; which being taken out and opened, you shall find an oleaginous liquor, which you must carefully preserve in another glass for your use.

The tender and recent leaves, with polent or barly meal, applyed to in∣flammations, doth mitigate them, by dissolving and digesting, as was taught before by Dioscorides; which may be used externally in Ophthalmies, gene∣ral Medicines being premised. Or ra∣ther use this Cataplasme, which did much help in a more vehement tumor of the eyelids, whereby the whole eye was hid. Make of the Mucilage of the seed of Psyllium, and Linseed, extracted by the best water of Elder flowers, of each six drachmes, add of

Elder oyl half an ounce, and as much meal of the flowers as will suffice.

Make thereof a Cataplasm.

The little spunge of the Elder ma∣cerate well in the best water of the flowers til they swell great, do wipe away gallantly the dirt and matter in those blemishes, and in all other wounds and ulcers of the eyes, imme∣diately laying thereon a tender and recent Elder leaf.

They say that the ashes thereof blown in the eye, hath consumed a beginning Panincle.

CAP. IX.

Of the Diseases of the Ears and Hearing.

FOments of the decoction of Elder, and Camomile flowers, mitigates the pain of the ears. The oyl of the infusion of the flowers may be with profit anointed; or adding the meal of the flowers, make thereof a Cata∣plasm,

which is to be applied hot to the whole region of the ears.

The difficulty of hearing, through gross humors and vapors that possess the auditory organs, is greatly helped after you have used universals, and the polychrestick buds of the Elder, by the vapor of the decoction of the roots and leaves of the Elder, made in a fit Lixive, in the which Lixive, if you add Origanum, the ears are to be oft washed, and still well dried.

The same vapor takes away the tingling, whistling, and other sounds of the ear, which are also remedied by a drop or two of the oyl of the flowers of the second or third descri∣ption, being put on a bombaceous tent, thrust in the ears, for it con∣sumes and dissipates the flatuosities, from which these arise.

Some who suspect the unctu∣osity of the oyl, use after the same manner the spirit of the flowers and berries; chiefly the apople∣ctick, which by its penetrating

force doth discuss them egregiously.

The juice prest out of the recent leaves, with a little Wine, and instil∣led in the ears, doth cleanse the filth of the exulcerate ears, and kill the worms. It doth likewise cleanse and consolidate wounds and ulcers; of which in his proper Chapter.

CAP. X.

Of the Defects of the Nose, and Smelling.

THe best Water of the Flowers of the Elder, oft drawn up in the nose, doth help the smelling, that is diminished by some great sickness.

In the exulceration of the nose by a salt defluxion, the water of the flow∣ers and bark are profitable, seeing they deterge, dry, and conglut inate.

In a greater exulceration, where the flesh is too proud, the spirit of the salt is needful, which being mixt with

the rest, it consumes the proud flesh, and hindreth further putresaction. See the Chapter of curing ulcers.

Gabel Rover doth commend the Spunges that grow on the stock of the Elder, being dryed, pulverised, and gi∣ven in a fit liquor, for staying the He∣morage of the nose.

Tragea Granorum actes, which is described in the cure of the Dyscente∣ry, is good in this case. The dose half a drachme, or two scruples, in a spoon∣ful or two of Quercetans Corralline Syrup, or in the Styptick red Wine, or in the distilled water of the Sperm of Frogs, Shepherds purse, or Purslain, &c. or make a Powder of the equal parts of Tragea, and the little sponges, which is both to be taken in the men∣tioned liquors, and lightly and easily to blown into the nostrils.

CAP. XI.

Of the blemishes of Face and Head.

IF you wash the face oft with the distilled water of the leaves and flowers of the Elder, it cleanseth and drieth up all pimples and pustles of the face.

Dispensatories affirm, that the oyl of the infusion of the flowers mundi∣fieth and makes clear the skin.

In Lentiginibus, commonly called Freckles, by signature, a decoction of the flowers in water is commended; for the flowers of the Elder are spot∣ted, Oswald Croll. de signaturis. Diosco∣rides teacheth, that the juice anointed, makes the hair black. This will be a profitable experiment to those that endeavour to make their red hair black; albeit the colour be more comely in many, than ill favour∣ed. What we must allow to those old Ruffins that are ashamed of their white locks, Galen hath taught

hath taught us, l. 1. de Compos. Medi∣cament. secund. Loc. c. 3. and this trans∣cursorily occasioned by Dioscorides his words.

Take Elder roots cut very small, ad∣ding a little of the seed of Staphis a∣griae made in a Lixive, wherein wash the head that is full of scales & lice. The same decoction heals the Tineam or Favum in children, if it be over strong and painful, dilute it with the decoction of the flowers and leaves. The pain is likewise mitigated by the anointing of the oyl of the infusion of the flowers, if after washing it be an∣ointed.

The oyl expressed out of the ber∣ries and kernels, and mixt by stirring, with a third part of Turpentine, and anointed, doth cure by drying and cleansing, all ulcers of the head, the whole Elder leaf after being applyed. Oleum Saccharo sambucinum is like∣wise commodious.

CAP. XII.

Of the Diseases of the Mouth and Throat.

THe Common Women, so soon as they suspect any Disease in the Throte of their young ones, they steep the sponge of the Elder in their drink, and when it is sweld, they therewith carefully wipe away all the filth of the pallat, gums, and tongue.

The expressed juice of the leaves mixt with simple or Elder honey, doth absterge and exsiccate egregiou∣sly all the ulcers of the gums and throat: If therewith they be anointed by a pencil, or if it be disolved in the water of the leaves and bark, and gargarised therewith.

You shall add more vertue thereto in deterging, in purifying, if you mix a little of the salt of the Elder there∣with, or dissolve the said juice in a

weaker Lixive, and use it as a Garga∣risme.

If the ulcers be more malignant, and the product of the great Pox, 'tis ne∣cessary that twice or thrice a day you rub them with a sponge or pencil dipped in the spirit of Elder berries, wherein a little of the flowers of Sul∣phur hath been dissolv'd, and immedi∣atly after wash them with the deco∣ction of the leaves, and besprinkling them with the small flower of the Elder pith.

The Tonsils being tumefied by a thin and saltish defluxion, let them be gargarised with water, or decoction of Elder flowers, wherein a little Elder∣hony hath been mixed; for licking the Rhob of the Elder, inspissated with Sugar, is commodious; which is our womens common and used Medicine▪ you may use the syrup of the juice of the berries, or infusion of the flowers, or the hony of either.

Outwardly anoint them with the oyl of Elder flowers infusion, which doth resolve it.

In the Squinancy, having first used universals, to the foresaid Garga∣rism add some leaves of Self-heal, with one or two of the sponges of the Elder, called by many Jews ear, which is a sure experiment. Lob. in Advers. Novis stirp. p. 434.

The Linctus must be the former, only add some pulverised Jews ears; or make this Eclegme; Take Jews∣ears two or three, let them sharpen an hour or two in a sufficient quan∣tity of the water of Elder flowers; then let them boyle lightly, and them in a Marble Mortar, and put them through a Setace; add unto this Musilage as much as is needful of the Syrup of the juice of the flowers and sugar, as will make a Linctus, which you may oft use; besides, it opens the belly.

Outwardly apply an Anadyne Cata∣plasm, which doth digest and resolve, made of Elder leaves, and Reddish stalks, pounded and boyled in the oyl of the infusion of Elder flow∣ers,

to the consistency of a Pulticle.

The Acetoses Syrup of the Elder, dissolved in the decoction of Barley, and given as a Julap when 'tis neces∣sary, tempereth the heat of the blood and whole body. See afterward the cure of the continued Fevers.

In spitting of blood Tragea grano∣rum actes is profitable; whereof we have made mention in the tenth Chapter, which being taken in some convenient Syrup, is to be used for a Linctus.

CAP. XIII.

Of Dyspnei and Asthma.

THat those things may be remov'd in these diseases, and expectorat, which are gathered through the pro∣per imbecility of the Lungs, use the water of the flowers, in which a third part of Elder Oximel is dissol∣ved, and as Julap twice a day drink two or three ounces thereof, it

cuts the gross matter, and facilitateth the expectoration thereof.

The same Oximel thickned with Sugar-candy, and taken off a liquo∣rice-stick like a Linctus, and swallow∣ed leasurely, worketh well in expe∣ctoration.

The Syrup of the flowers of the Juice of the Berries and Buds, &c. are wholsome taken after the same man∣ner.

The Bark of the Elder entreth that famous Oximel, Helleborat of Ges∣ner.

The spirit of the berries in a great Dispnoea is profitable, half a spoonful, or a spoonful thereof taken with su∣gar.

Use this following Asmalick, or Pneumatick Spirit, if you please.

• Take of the middle Elder bark Liquorish, well shaven, six drachms.
• Of the roots of Allacompaine, of Florentine Ireos, Of each two drachms.
• ...

• Of the whole herb Erysimum, two handful.
• Of Fennel-seed half an ounce.

Being cut, and shaked together, in∣fuse them in a sufficient quantity of the spirit of Granorum actes, in which let them stand seven days, every day twice stirring all together; afterward let them be distilled in Bal. Mar. for the Pneumatick spirit of the Elder, which in time of necessity is to be ta∣ken either by it self, or dulcerat with a little sugar, or the syrup of Violets.

Or with the same with Canary-sugar, or of Madara, prepare the oyl of the Elder-sugar as followeth. Take of this Pneumatick spirit rectified, as much as you will, mix with it half the quantity of Sugar; fire the spirit with a wax-candle, or light paper, stir it hither and thither with a knife, till all turn to a thick and oily liquor, and the flame cease of it self. Use it as an Eclegme with a stick of Liquorice by it self; or mix with an equal part of Elder Oximel, it mightily moves ex∣pectoration,

&c. 'tis profitable to a∣noint the breast in the greatest diffi∣culty of breathing with the oyl of Elder-flowers of the first description; you may mix therewith some drops of the oyl of the flowers of the third description.

In suffocating Catars, besides these abundantly declared, it availeth much, if in the time of the fit, you put a sponge dipped in Elder-vine∣gar to the nose, and therewith wet the crown of the head.

CAP. XIV.

Of Hoasting and Hoarsness.

VVOmen with great success, give to their coughing un∣quiet children, the recent Rob of the Elder, which is more liquid.

In older, the Linctus of the Oyl of Elder-sugar is profitable.

In that wild Cough, where corrupt

matter is exercat, and more corrupti∣on feared, this is much praised.

Take of the Elder-leaves recent, or dried in the shadow, M. I. boil them in a quart of Fountain, or clear River water, to the consumption of a third part; the strained drink is to be sweetned with Sugar-Candy, or scummed hony, of which every day, morning and evening, drink a warm draught.

The same is commended in hoars∣ness proceeding from a Catar, that fils the inequalities of the wind-pipe, or Arteriae Asperae.

Or where more detersion in neces∣sary for the same effect, there is a fit Lixive prepared of the ashes of the leaves with the water of the flowers, which being sweetned with sugar or hony, is to be oft taken by spoonfuls in the day. This, if any thing, will take away hoarsness, & is a great se∣cret amongst women, as the giving their own proper urine to the diseas∣ed to drink, which is loathsom to ma∣ny.

To make a clear voice, this is a se∣cret of Alexis.

Take of Elder-flowers dried in the Sun, and pulverised, of which drink a little every morning in white Wine fasting.

The Cough and hoarsness proceed∣ing from heat in feavers, is excellently remedied by a Linctus of the Syrup made of the juice of Elder-berries, with equal parts of the Syrup of Vi∣olets.

If you list, and have leasure, you may make Elder-sugar in imitation of Violet-sugar-candy, Cinnamon, or Rose-sugar; of which in these pecto∣ral diseases, hold some still to be dis∣solved in your mouth, that by little and little it may descend into Asperae Arteriae, or wind-pipe. 'Tis thus made.

Take of the best Canary-sugar lib. 6. let it melt and boil in the fragrant water of the flowers, till it acquire a fit thickness, for making up tablets: Then infuse the fresh juice pressed

from the berries, well purified, or the frequent infusion of the flowers, as vou please to have the colour, lib. 2. on a soft fire boil them to the con∣sistency of a syrup, then in a glass, or earthen pot, put sticks in order, two fingers broad asunder, and pour the liquor hot thereon, and in a warmed shop, the vessel being bound up in a thick Cotton cloth, leave it there to congeal. See more of this in the famous Botanicks Pena and Lobel p. 20. advers. Nov. Stirpium & Cas. Bau∣hine, lib. I. c. 19. de comp. Medicam.

CAP. XV.

Of the Pleurisie and Phthisis,

IN a bastard Pleurisie 'tis a very safe and us'd Medicine, if there be no fever, to provoke sweat, by taking the Rhobob Granorum actes in the wa∣ter of Elder-flowers, or Cardui bene∣dicti, seeing it ariseth from the serous

and flatulent humors that fall be∣twixt the Pleura, and intercost all muscles, &c.

In a true Pleurisie, where there is a continual fever adjoyn'd, proceed more warily: For after the use of universals, the rob, water, and spirit of Elder-flowers are not to be much feared here, seeing with success we use hotter sudorificks of the blessed and milky thistles of the simple and composed spirit of Vitriol, &c. for ma∣ny expert men acknowledge a malig∣nity in these humors, which Paracel∣sus likeneth to Auripigmentel Poy∣son which doth corrode the life like a fire. Diosc. lib. 5. c. 121.

Pectorals.

For the expectoration of the mat∣ter in the Lungs, use them that are weak, as the syrup of the flowers and berries inspissat with sugar, or Elder candied-sugar, likewise the water of the flowers inspissat, & supped down,

you may mix with these some of the Tragea Gran. Actes for the spitting of blood.

Topicks.

Externally anoint with the oyl of the infusion of the flowers with the fat of a Capon, or saltless May-butter, or foment oft the side with linnen dipt in the water or decoction of the flo∣wers and leaves of the Elder; for by ratifying the skin and parts, they di∣gest & resolve those sharp vapors and humors: Or take Elder-leaves and flowers Camomile, of each an hand∣ful; make a decoction in milde beer, which put in a Cows-bladder, and after the opening of a vein, being oft in the day applyed warm, it did won∣derfully ease a Smith in my Country, whose wife I counselled to do so.

Of the Phthisis.

In preserving and curing the Phthi∣sis,

besides other things, the decocti∣on for the wild cough, being taken by spoonfuls, and by little & little swal∣lowed, is used with success, seeing it proceeds from the ulcer of the Lungs, which requires detersion, exsiccation, and consolidation; and the leaves and flowers of the Elder mixed with a lit∣tle sugar or honey, work these effects; they think to satisfy all the indicati∣ons by this decoction. But I had rather in this case, instead of simple sugar & hony, use tabled sugar-roset, or hony∣roset strained, and mix a scruple, or half a drachm of this following pow∣der, chiefly were much arterious blood with the spittle is cast up. Take of Tragea Gran. actes drach. 1. of Jews ears dryed in a Furnace. Oculo∣rum Cancri praep. an. drach. and half, Saffron Oriental, scrup. 1. sugari ro∣sat. tabled, drach. 2. being all pulveris∣ed well, mix them together exactly; in the mean time you are to have an eye to the prime cause of this ulcer, whose knowledge is to be found else∣where.

George Amwald in his Panacea, p. 29. commends the unction of the oyl of Elder-flowers in a Phthisis.

CAP. XVI.

Of the affections of the Duggs.

SEeing the Duggs of women oft∣times, by reason of the sudden and abundant affluxion of blood, for the generating of milk, chiefly after their delivery, use to be inflamed; or as the blood is of thinner consistence, and hotter, use to have an Erysipelas, or Rose; the following receipts may sa∣fely and securely be applyed.

In Inflammations, the Caput mor∣tuum, or the cake of the flowers of the Elder with the red Vinegar thereof, in one Erysipelas, let it be bedewed with the distilled water of the leaves and flowers of the Elder, and so ap∣plied warm: For it digests and re∣solves that which hath flowed in, and

is compacted, and doth moderately by reason of the Vinegar repel the inflammation, & extinguish the heat of the blood. Anoint he hardened kernels of the dugs with the oyl of the infusion of Elder-flowers, and put the leaves of the Elder thereupon.

For the exulcerat, the lac aureum, or Golden-milk is most fitting, being made of the common or elder Lixive, and the oyl of the infused flowers and bark, mixed by hard shaking and stir∣ring together; in which linnen being dipt, and wrung afterward, is to be applied warm to the ulcers: 'Tis also profitable, for the more hasty and hap∣py perfecting of the cure, to blow on it the powder of Elder-leaves. So the ulcer, whatever it be, shall be clean∣sed, dryed and dighted; view these in their proper places.

I knew a woman, whereof I made mention in the fourth chapter; which oft being taken with the Rose in her paps, who having taken the Rob of the Elder, and provoked sweat mode∣rately

in her bed, useth to apply no other Medicine to the diseased part, but a knot of red fine linnen, wherein Elder-flowers are sewed so ingeni∣ously to avoid all the exulceration which would have ensued.

CAP. XVII.

Of Swouning and Faintness.

THe Vinegar of Elder-flowers, im∣bib'd in a sponge, recovers those, as it were, from death, that are sub∣ject to swounings and faintings upon every the lightest cause or occasion; for it excellently refresheth the spi∣rits; for which Physicians highly prize it, being mixt with other cor∣dial Epithemes.

In this alone dip linnen cloths, and apply them to the pulses of the tem∣ples of the wrists, & near the ankles.

Or make this Epitheme, where-with the face and the palms of the hands are to be washed.

• Take of the water of the flowers of the Elder, 3 ounces.
• Of Incarnation Roses, 2 ounces.
• Of the Vinegar of Elder-flowers, half an ounce.
• The Vinegar of red Berries, two dra. mix them.

Tragea Granorrum actes made after this manner, is much commended.

• Take of the Tragea of the grains of the Elder.
• Of choice Cinnamon, of each one drach.
• Of Cloves, Galangale, of the flowers of the Elder without the stalks, of of each one scruple.
• Of Sugar Rosat, of Anthosat tablets, of each two drachms and an half.

Make all into a fine powder, of which give to the diseased half a drachm in Wine, or some other convenient Li∣quor.

How Women that faint by reason of the matrical diseases, are to be help∣ed by the Medicines of Elder, I have set down in the 26 chap.

CAP. XVIII.

Of Fevers in general.

And 1. Of intermitting Fevers.

THe common people, as soon as they find the first touch of a Fe∣ver, they take the Rob of the Elder in the Vinegar, spirit, or water of the flowers thereof; and so in their beds, being well covered with cloths, di∣spose themselves for sweating, which the Physicians do not disapprove, see∣ing experience proves, that Fevers by these are many times prevented and dissipated.

This seems to be the most proba∣ble reason thereof, That that putrid filthiness is by this means discussed without delay, and the body rarified; which, if it had been left longer in the body, without doubt would have dai∣ly encreased the corruption, & given vigor to the Fever; as is learnedly

discoursed by the famous Sennert. in his Treatise of fevers. But have a care that this be only done in the begin∣nings of fevers, and in such bodies as are not full of the rubbish of corrupt humors, otherwise 'tis more safe and sound to open the parts and passages of the whole body by Emetick and Cathartick Medicines.

Emeticks and Catharticks.

The purified Oyl expressed out of the kernels of the berries, is com∣mended in strong and lusty bodies, 1 dra. or a drac. and half thereof, being taken in the broth of flesh; for it gently moveth vomit, and loosneth the belly, not without a singular good temper of the body.

For the same use, the juice expres∣sed out of the bark of the roots, are commended, being taken in the same, or a greater quantity. Bernhard Gor∣don in his Treatise of preserving mans life, biddeth us take so much, as the

half of an egg shell will contain.

Concerning the Wine made of the infusion of the bark of Elder roots, which provoketh vomit, and empti∣eth the belly of corrupt humors, read the 28 Chapter.

The Oyl made of the infus'd flowers and bark of the Elder, being drank from one ounce to three, pro∣voketh vomit, and purgeth the belly; the same alone, or in a decoction, may be given in a Clyster.

The Polych••est powder of Elder buds, doth not only purge both the biles, but also phlegm and serous hu∣mors; whereof drink in hot and ter∣tian feavers, in whey; but in cold and quartanes; in Wine a scruple, or a drachm or 4 scrules, as the strength of the diseased will admit.

Or let pils of Tragachanth be fo∣mented with this, or some syrup or musilage, so that above them the mentioned liquor be drank.

In young ones, the syrup of the juice of the berries, of the buds or bark, &c. suffice.

The commons praise this, Take a cup full of Goats milk whey, which holds about four ounces, macerate therein half an ounce of the middle bark of the Elder dried in the shadow; being strongly prest out, drink it warm in the morning,

In which a few things are to be ob∣served: That the commons are fully perswaded, and call experience to wit∣ness, that if those middle barks be pulled downward from the Tree, it emptieth the body of evil humors by purge; if they be pulled upward, it worketh by vomit.

The truth of which, as I dare not call in question seeing I know the same thing is asserted of Assarum by some Physicians; if notwithstanding it be free for me to give my opinion with∣out prejudice to others, and the truth, I believe we ought rather to ascribe the effect to the constitution and pe∣culiar property of the receivers, or to the nature of present humor. I will say nothing now of the imagina∣tion,

whereby the receivers perswade themselves, the Medicine will work downward or upward, which they endevour to help by sundry waies, by motion, compression of the belly, suppositors, thrusting their fingers in their throats, and so forth.

Nevertheless I will not deny that the bark, and whole Elder also, hath divers vertues in purging the noxi∣ous matter, by divers places; neverthe∣less I doubt that these are rather to be ascribed to the divers pulling it off the Tree, then to these causes menti∣oned, and other more weighty, which I leave to the serious consideration of the learned, and proceed.

That the stalks and leaves of the hearbs, being boyled, doth purge phlegm, is manifest out of Dioscori∣des; to which nevertheless the sprigs or sprouts are preferred, if in the Spring time, in which they are to be found, they be macerated a little in hot water, and prepared with oyl and vinegar, and be eaten sparingly

before supper, in place of a sallet; for they gently loose the belly, unlock the obstructions of the Mesentery, and being frequently eaten, deliver and preserve from contumacious feavers.

Instead of these the Conserve of buds, mixed with the Conserve of the flowers, is profitable; of which take daily an ounce, half an hour before supper, in the water of the bark.

Cutting Medicines.

In such feavers, which are leng∣thened from the cramming of the Me∣seraick veins, and from the grosness and toughness of the humor, Oxymel Sambucinum, dissolved in the distilled water of the flowers, or barly water; and daily on the intermitting daies drank an hour or two before supper is commended.

The Crystallized salt of the Elder, taken from half a scruple to a whole is profitable; also six drops of the, spirit of the same, taken in the broth

or flesh; for all these do powerfully o∣pen obstructions and cut asunder the grosness and toughness of the hu∣mor, they cleanse the bowels and ves∣sels, and both by urine and sweat dis∣sipate the feverish matter. See more in the 23 Chapter.

Before the Fit.

Internal Medicaments.

Those which are used before the Fit are of two sorts; for some of them move vomit and the belly, others pro∣voke sweat.

When in time of the fit the matter tendeth upward, which is known by the sudden straitness of the brest, by the stretching of the Hypocondriac, by nauciousness and propensity to vo∣mit, give him a spoonful or drachm and a half of the oyl pressed out of the berries kernels in warm Ale, and by putting your finger in his throat hasten the vomit.

Joseph Quercetan in his 1 Book, and 8 chapter of Dogmatick Pharmacy, asserteth that this following deco∣ction is excellent in intermitting fe∣vers, quotidan and quartan.

Take Elder-roots and bark, of each ounce 1. of Asarium drachms 3. of good Cinnamon drachm 1 and an half, boyl them in milk. This deco∣ction at one and the same time moves vomit and sedge. Let it be taken at the beginning of the fit, and rei∣terate if it be needful. If the body be evacuate, and nature encline to sweating, before the fit use these fol∣lowing.

The Rob of Elder in greatness of a Walnut, being mixed with half a drachm of the powder of the blessed Thistle, and swallowed and drinking vinegar above it, and afterwards, two hours before the fit, provoking sweat in bed, is an usual Medicine.

Or make this mixture; Take half a drachm of the extract of the rob of the Elder, and half a scruple of the salt

of the Elder; mix them, and form of them with the powder of Hearts-horn, Pills; which are to be taken in a spoonful of the syrup of the berries: two hours before the fit give the half thereof to the younger and weaker complexions.

In Fevers less hot, especially quar∣tans, two or three spoonfuls of the spirit of the Elder-berries, given be∣fore the fit, is commended.

There are some which dissolve this following powder in it before, and they cannot praise enough this Medi∣cine in more obstinate quartans, espe∣cially if the day before the fit the sto∣mach, and other vessels nutritive, be well purged by the oyl pressed out of the stones of the Elder-berries.

Take of Hearts-horn prepared, with∣out burning of the finest Antimony diaphoretick, of each half a scruple; let them be exactly powdered.

Neither is the heat of this spirit here to be feared, seeing in the same

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fevers, Galen, and other famous Phy∣sicians, prescribe Theriack, Methri∣date, Myrrh, the spirit of Wine, the water of Zedoary; for a hard knot must have a hard wedg: And experi∣ence proves, that these Medicines, be∣ing administred before the fit, do not only stop the fierceness of the fit, but likewise quite overthrow the fever; which before would neither yield to preparing nor purging Medicines; the reason is, because the feverish matter at that time is more moveable, and be∣ing prepared by nature it self, more easily followeth the course of the Me∣dicine.

Externals or Topicks.

This Topick is commended to be ap∣plied to the pulses. Of Elder & Laven∣der leaves, of each half an handful, of salt half as much. They being pounded well, incorporate them with the oyl of Elder, that they may become a paste; whereof apply one half to the

wrist of the right hand, and the other to the wrist of the left, and bind them with a rowler wet in Elder-vinegar.

Foelix Plater, in the second part of his Practice, hath this, Take of El∣der, Rue, Marigolds, and Nettle-leaves ana m. 1. let them be pounded with salt and vinegar, and let them be applyed.

A double linnen cloth dipt in the spirit of Granorum actes is applyed with a great deal of comfort to the belly, chiefly to the stomach before the fit, in a quartan; for seeing the fuel of the evil is setled in these pla∣ces, if it be not altogether routed by the application of this Epitheme, yet it will be much weakned.

To take away the shaking, and mitigate the chilness, the back-bone is to be rubb'd with the same spirit being hot.

2. Of continual and burning Fevers.

In continual and hot Tertian and burning Fevers, where the heat is more intense, and great drought tor∣menteth the Patient, make this Ju∣lap.

R. Of Fountain or River-water, lib. 3. of Elder-vinegar ounces 3. of the finest Sugar ounces 2. let them boyl together a little in a fit vessel; unto which, being warm, add one drachm of Cinnamon in powder; let them cool of themselves in a close vessel, and strain them through Hyppocrates sleeve for a Julap.

Of which give the patient oft in the day, it extinguisheth the feverish heat, cuts the gross and tough matter, cleanseth the thin and bilous, unlocks obstructions, it purgeth humors that offend through their convenient pla∣ces, and by its acceptable acidity it

sharpneth the appetite, and refresh∣eth the strength.

This same is performed by the ace∣tory syrup of the Elder, described in the next Chapter, which is to be dis∣solved in Barley-water, till it come to the consistency of a Julap.

For example, Take the sharp Elder∣syrup ounc. 3. simple Barley-water lib. 1. mixed, or Oximel of the Elder ounc. 2. clear Fountain-water lib. mix them, give four ounces or more of this, and such like, at each time; otherwise if you give less, and only once or twice a day, they rather encrease than di∣minish heat. P. Egineta lib. 2. cap. 36. for as Charcole in a Smiths Forge, be∣ing besprinkled with water, burneth more ardently; so the feverish heat is rather kindled than quenched by drinking sparingly.

That you may extinguish the in∣temperate heat, and refresh the van∣quisht strength, instead of an Epithem apply to the pulses the Vinegar of El∣der-flowers mixed with Rose-water,

and imbibed by double or treble lin∣nen cloths.

To loose without danger in these fevers the bound belly, the syrup of the juice of the berries is convenient, of which dissolve two or three ounces in the water of Elder-flowers; use it instead of a Julap, and drink it, for it gently looseth the belly, and evacua∣teth the feverish matter.

CAP. XIX.

Of the Pest and Pestilential Fevers.

IN curing and preserving from the Plague, great is the use of the El∣der. A little sponge being wet in Vinegar of the Elder, and carried in a hollow globe made of Juniper-wood, and smell it, it mightily strengthen∣eth the spirits against the impression of the infectious contagion.

Red hot bricks, being besprinkled

with this Vinegar, and a vapor raised, it doth dissipate the contagious viru∣lency, so that it cannot insinuate it self in mens houses and cloths. By what means it may be indued with an Antilemick force more efficacious, shall appear by what I will now say.

Rob of the Elder and the extract prepared of it, here are excellent: The first whereof is named by many. The Country-mans Theriack, of which each week to swallow the bigness of a Walnut, and drink above it its proper Vinegar, and so to sweat in bed, is a commonly received preservative. This may be fitly used by those who are in∣fected with the Plague, especially if you mix with it some of the anti-pe∣stilential powders; or at least drink above it three or four spoonfuls of Antilemick Vinegar of the Elder.

The same Rob chiefly it that is most recent, being spread more thickly on a shive of bread, and eaten an hour or two before your meat, loosneth the belly; in whose place you may give a

spoonful or two of the syrup of the juice of the berries.

It is enough to swallow sometimes in a morning before you go out the greatness of a pease of the extract.

Rohob, and the Extract Antile∣mick of the Elder.

• R. Roots of Tormentillae,
• Buterdock,
• Of Pimpanels,
• Of Angelica,
• Leaves of Scordium,
• Berries of Juniper, of each half an ounce.

Macerate the roots 24 hours in Elder vinegar, afterwards dry them at lea∣sure, and being powdered by them∣selves, add the leaves of Scordium, and berries of Juniper, likewise in powder; mix them all together, and with the Vinegar that remained be∣sprinkle them, and work them most exactly with a pound of Rob Sambu∣ci, in form of an opiat: Of which give

to the infected person two drachms in a convenient liquor, to provoke sweat, and thrust out the poyson from his heart. Of which also besprinkled with the spirit of Elder, you may pre∣pare the extract that is set down in the second Section and first Chapter of this Book. The dose given to the infected is one scruple or drachm in convenient liquor.

The spirit of the Elder by it self is here very powerful, both in preser∣ving, a few drops thereof being taken with a little white bread in a morn∣ing, and likewise in the beginning of the disease, a spoonful or two being taken thereof before the feverish heat be powerful.

But that spirit is far more noble, which is drawn off by an Alimbeck in the preparation of the Antilemick extract; seeing from the volatile es∣sence of those Bezoartick simples it hath carried much with it. Or at least infufe those simples in the spirit of the Elder; & being macerated therein

for a few days, let it be strained, for the Antilimbeck spirit of the Elder, whose vertues in curing and preser∣ving cannot be praised enough.

By the same Alexitaries, and chief∣ly by the roots of Angelica and Juni∣per-berries, if the red Elder-vinegar of my description be impregnat with them, it becomes Antilemick Elder-vinegar; which is not only a vehicle to other Alexipharmacal Me∣dicaments, but moreover it may be taken by it self, when the intense heat and fever will not admit of the spirit, or other more hot medicines.

Some drops of the spirit of Elder∣salt given in the broth of flesh is a preservative.

Neither is it unwholsom, if once or twice a week in the morning, an hour or two before dinner, a cup full of the wine prepar'd of the berries be taken but remember to take before it a lit∣tle broth; for it loosneth the belly, hindreth putrefaction, and by reason of the Bezoartick vertue of the ber∣ries,

it preserveth the body from con∣tagion.

At supper drink a cup full of the wine prepared of the dried berries, which strengtheneth the stomach.

A special Topick Oyl.

Some greatly commend in the Pleague this oyl.

Take the flowers of the Elder, fill therewith a Cucurbit, or a more am∣ple Glass, to the middle; strew upon them Marsh Mallows, and tops of Hy∣pericon, of each so much as only the fourth part of the Glass shall remain empty; powre thereon so much sweet clear Oyl-Olive as will cover the flowers; close exactly the mouth of the Glass sigillo hermetico, or lute it; and through all Summer or for three months set it in the Sun, that the heat of the Sun may draw the vertues out of the flowers into the oyl; then having strongly pressed the flowers, strain the oyl, and being purified by

setling, reserve it in a well closed ves∣sel; unto each ounce of which, before you use it, add a scruple of Sal Ni∣tre.

Some prepare it suddenly thus, They take the oyl of infused Elder-flowers, as much as is necessary, in it they im∣merge the flowers of the Marsh Mal∣lows and Hypericon, and boil them together in Bal. Mar. for some hours; afterwards they express strongly the flowers, and strain it; in the strained oyl they immerge recent flowers, boil them, press them, and strain them; and afterward add Nitre.

The way of using it is this; The whole body of the infected person within 24 hours is to be anointed with this oyl warm, and being wrapt in warm sheets, he is to be laid in a warmed bed to sweat; for they af∣firm that it is proved, that by this on∣ly remedy many have safely escaped the fierceness of this poison: which unction, as it is not disapproved, seeing it openeth the pores of the skin, and

by them draws out and dissipates the pestilential infection and malignity, and by consequence is used commodi∣ously, not only in the plague and pesti∣lential fevers, but also in other malig∣nant and chiefly spotted fevers: So we are to be very wary, lest in this sharp and dangerous disease, we ne∣glect to use the internal Bezoarticks & Alexiterix already mentioned; but rather ought to join them with these, that with united forces both ways, in∣ternally and externally, they may vanquish the malignity.

It seems this hath come from the Egyptians, of whom Alpinus in his 4 Book and 15 Chapter relates, that they use this medicine in pestilential fevers, in which the spots are either begun to appear, with great profit, at least once a day using this hot lina∣ment, after which, without delay, they cover the feverish with many cloths, endeavouring to draw the poi∣sonous humor from the bowels to the skin.

Comforting and Altering Medicines.

Lest the diseased in sweating alto∣gether faints, we ought to hold of∣ten to his nose a sponge dipt in the Antilemick Vinegar of the Elder; for this Vinegar doth powerfully dis∣sipate these narcotick vapours, and recreate the strength. It is likewise to be applyed to the temples with linnen cloths.

To ease the heat and thirst you are oft times to give to the diseased, in and after his sweat, some spoonfuls of the Julap which is set down in the Cure of burning fevers; or prepare this acetous syrup of the Elder, which in provoking sweat, in resisting putre∣faction and contagion, in strengthen∣ing the heart and other intrails, is far more excellent than the common ace∣tous syrup, by reason of the Alexite∣rous vertue of the Elder.

• Take clear Fountain-water lib. 3.
• ...

• White Sugar lib. 2. and an half.

Boyl them on a clear fire of Charcole, till the half be consumed, scumming them well in time of boiling: After add sharp Elder-vinegar lib. 1. and an half, boil them again on the consi∣stence of a syrup: You may, to pro∣cure a more sweet smell, in a knot of fine linnen infuse in it an ounce of Cinamon grosly powdered, and some∣times wring it.

The syrup being cold, let it be kept in a galli-pot; of which give oft some spoonfuls by it self, or dissolve it in the distilled water of Burrage, sweet Ro∣ses, Elder, Scabious, or such like.

The Cure of the Buboes and Carbuncles.

Apply to Buboes pestilential, and Carbuncles, a Plaster made of the meal of Elder-flowers and Hony, which is excellent in ripening these tumors.

Or take of the oyl more special,

which just now was set down, Of crude Hony, of each half an ounce; of Salt Ammoniac drach. 1. of the Meal of the flowers and leaves of the Elder, of each as much as sufficeth, let them all be exactly wrought, till they become like a plaster.

Some apply the feces of the flowers macerated in oyl, and press it out, which they call Stymma.

Some rost Onions under the ashes, and pound them, and mix them with the Rob of the Elder, and apply them as a Cataplasm to the risings of the skin.

Amongst other vesiccatories, which is applied happily to these contuma∣cious lumps, the famous Sennert. re∣cites these following.

Take of Mustard-seed, of middle Elder-bark, equal parts, pound them with Vinegar in form of a Cataplasm which is to be spread on a white lin∣nen cloath.

Or,

• Take of the leaves of the Elder, of Burrage,
• ...

• Of Mustard-seed,
• Of Rancide Nut-kernels, equal parts.

Let them be pounded and applied, having first anointed the place round about with Theriack.

The Apostume being open, and be∣come an ulcer, a linament made of hony and the juice of Elder-leaves is to be applied; which every day, twice a day, being put in with lint tents, it dighteth away the quittous, and mun∣difies the ulcer: the oyl pressed out of the berries kernels, and mixt with the third and fourth part of Turpen∣tine oyl, is much praised. See the rest in the Cure of Ulcers.

CAP. XX.

Of the Small Pox and Measles.

SEeing these spots and pushes de∣pend upon that putred and malign humor, which nature, troubled with it, doth expel to the skin and external parts; it is commodious to commit the whole business to nature, if she work righly and effectually.

But seeing, before they break out, a fever doth possess those tender bo∣dies, which is unknown whether it be a token of the Pox and Meazles, or of pituite putrefying in the stomach, or neighbouring parts: It is commo∣dious to give to Infants a spoonful or two of the infused flowers: For if it be the Pox, it causeth them to strike out; if it be putred pituit in the sto∣mach, it gently purgeth it.

If it be to one of riper age, give him one or more ounces, adding according to his strength, yea on the first day, &

before nature go about to expel the Pox, of the Polichrestick powder of the Elder-buds, a scruple or half a drachm, whereby nature being dis∣burdened of the sinck of the first regi∣on, more happily and easily may ex∣pel the rest, which is mixed with the mass of blood.

After this, the water of the Elder∣flowers given in spoonfuls is good: for it strengeheneth the heart, and thrusteth forth that putred and ma∣lign humor, both in children and in those that are older; it may be sweet∣ned with syrup of the berries. Which, if they come forth more slowly or sparingly, besides internals, we must use unctions; of whose matter and manner we have spoken in the for∣mer Chapter.

Alpinus testifies, that the Egyptians have none more excellent and famili∣ar in all their Pox and malignant spots than these. And our women would do well to follow their foot-steps, for∣saking old wives fables, which oft

times bring not so much help as ha∣zard. Nevertheless we are to have a care, that a little after we wipe the whole body with soft and warm lin∣nen cloths, in a warm place, free of all cold.

To quench thirst where the fever∣ish heat is more vehement, and the strength more vanquisht, use those Julaps we have mentioned in the cure of Fevers.

But if you perceive by the continu∣ed host, that the Pox hath seized on the lungs, abstain from these sharp things, and instead of them, use the syrup of the flowers or of the juice of Elder-berries, being thickned with Sugar, for a Linctus: The distilled water of the flowers of the Elder, sweetned with the same syrups, is to be used for a Julap to strengthen the intestines, and prevent a flux; mix with it Tragea granorum actes.

CAP. XXI.

Of the Diseases of the Stomach.

A Weak, cold stomach, and of hard digestion, is helped by the Spirit of Granorum actes, which doth great∣ly strengthen the same, consumes cor∣rupt phlegm, and helps concoction: being taken with a little fine white Bread and Sugar, in quantity a spoon∣ful or two.

The Stomatical spirit of the Elder.

Is more efficacious, and is this:

• Take of our Acorous roots and Gin∣ger, of each half an ounce.
• Of Mynt Crisped, one handful.
• Of Fennel-seeds and Anise-seeds, of each two drachms.

Being cut and pounded, pour upon them the spirit of the grains of the berries of the Elder, that it may be four fingers deep above them. Let them infuse

twelve or fourteen days, every day stirring them about. Afterward strain or distil from them the stomatical spirit, whose uses are many: For it is not only to be taken inwardly, as we have said; but likewise externally to be applied to the cold and weak sto∣mach with linnen; for it helps diffi∣culty of concoction, stops vomit, and mitigateth all pains and sobbings, which proceed from a cold temper or windy humor. If there be nauce∣ousness or vomit, with oppressing of the heart, and difficulty of breathing; it is suspicious that these effects pro∣ceed from tough phlegm, or some other putred humor gathered there; then give two ounces of the oil of in∣fused flowers, or bark of the Elder, with black water; and by thrusting the finger in the throat provoke vo∣mit; or give a drachm of the oil drawn out of the berries and kernels in a draught of warm Ale, & hasten vomit.

By which means any thing that's trouble to the stomach will be cast up,

which being done, give a spoonful of the stomatical Elder-spirit or simple, well sweetned with Sugar, and im∣bibed in the heart of the Rie-bread for strengthening the stomach.

That Wine which is prepared of the dried berries, as we appointed, is alto∣gether stomatical, and greatly help∣eth the weak and windy stomach; whereof you must drink oft, chiefly in time of supper a cup full or two.

Neither is it to be objected that Dioscorides says, That Elder is hurt∣ful to the stomach, seeing he speaks there of the crude and unprepared, which we acknowledge is hurtful to the stomach, as some preparations thereof likewise are; but experience it self doth attest, that this wine, and other medicines thereof, have great vertue in corroborating and comfort∣ing the stomach.

The spirit of Elder-salt, taken in six grains or more, weekly in flesh∣broth, doth cleanse the stomach, and stir up appetite.

In the burning of the stomach and Cardialgia, proceeding from hot bi∣lous humors, which hath flowed into it from other parts, or hath been in∣gendred and corrupted there, if it be needful, you may give a vomit of the oyl pressed out of the kernels. The acetous syrup of the Elder described in the 19 Chapter, is profitable; whereof give an ounce for a dose, dis∣solved in two or three ounces of Bar∣ley-water. Or make this powder:

Take of

• Tragea Granorum Actes, ounces 2.
• Oculi Cancrorum prepared dr. 1.
• Sugar rosat. intablets.
• Sugar perlat. half an ounce, mix them.

Of which give a drachm in two spoonfuls of the syrup, which we now commended.

CAP. XXII.

Of the diseases of the Intestines.

1. Of the Colick.

BEcause, besides a bare distemper, a pituitous humor, a vitrious or flatulent useth oft to be the cause of the Colick; therefore their encrease are to be cut off.

Wine prepared of the berries or flowers work this effect leasurely: Likewise the water of the bark and roots, mixt with a third part of the syrup of the juice of the buds and in∣fusion of the flowers; which won∣derfully mitigate pain; whereof take oft an hour before meat, for preser∣ving you four ounces.

Or where nature is more strong, give a half or whole drachm of the Poly∣chrestick powder of the buds in the syrup of the flowers made thin with Wine.

To dissipate wind, mitigate pain, and loosen the bound belly, use this Clyster.

• Take of Elder-leaves two handfuls.
• Of Elder-flowers and Cammomile-Roman-flowers, of each an hand∣ful.
• Of the stones of Elder-berries dryed drach. 2.

Being cut and pounded boil them in pure wine, or wine of the Elder, till the Colature come into eight ounces; add,

• The oyl of the infused flowers three ounces.
• Of Elder-hony two ounces.
• The Yeolk of one Egg; mix them, and make a Clyster, apply it hot.

The spirit of the berries is of great vertue here, because it dissipateth not only in the stomach, but in the inte∣stines also, all mescusness of pituite and other viscid humors. By its great diaphoretick vertue, it dissipateth all thin and serous humors in the inte∣stines; it warmeth by its penetrating

heat the intrails, made cold by drink, air, &c. and so taken, both inwardly, and anointed, it stilleth the huge pains that arise thence.

I know a Church-man, who by this spirit in a short time dissipateth the Collick, which is familiar to him, and upon the least occasion bred.

In place of this use the spirit of the flowers well purified from its phlegm, &c.

The distilled oyl of Elder-flowers imbibed in silk, and applied to the navel with a ventose, is a most gentle paregorick.

Whereof also give four drops in a spoonful of the spirit of flowers or berries. The spirit of Elder-salt, given in the water of the flowers, or in broth in the quantity of six, or seven, or eight drops, by his cleansing and dissipating vertue, preserving from the Collick: But if you perceive by the thirst in∣tense heat, and constitution of the pa∣tient, that these pains arise from the abundance of hot and sharp boylous

humors, or some other hot cause; you are to use these things which I have set down in the former Chapter, in the heat of the stomach; unto which add the syrup of Elder-flowers, which is either to be taken alone, or made thin with the best stilled water of Elder-flowers.

II. Of Worms.

THe Chrystaline Salt of the Elder preserveth and freeth from worms: It robs them of their nou∣rishment, kills them, and purgeth them out. The dose is, from half a scruple to half a drach or two scrup.

For those of riper years, which are troubled with worms, you are to pre∣pare in the Spring-time a dish made of Elder-buds, delivered from their bitter naucious taste, by the effusion of boyling water, with oyl, salt, and vinegar, which is to be used as a sallet before supper: For the oyl closeth the breathing places of the worms,

and maketh the belly slippery: Salt and vinegar cleanse, cut, and kill the worms. The Elder-buds do loosen the belly, purge the worms and thrust forth their fuel. That this sallet may be more pleasant, you may add some tender leaves of sorrel, which likewise resist worms. At other times the powder of the buds taken in the mor∣ning for a few days, a scruple at once in broth, is commendable.

Give to more delicate persons fre∣quently a spoonful of the syrup of the juice of the buds; with which mix half a scruple of prepared Hearts-horn. Some press out the juice of the recent leaves, and mix it with honey, or honey-roset, and give it sometimes before other meat, and by this means kill and purge out worms.

Where the stomach and intestines are furred and filled with a greater quantity of tenacious putrid pituit mucilage; give twice or thrice the Polichrestick powder of the buds in their syrup.

3. Of Lienterick and Celiaick Fluxes.

ALbeit at the first sight the Elder seem not fit for fluxes; notwith∣standing in Lienteries & Celiaick flux∣es, where the meat and drink are ei∣ther in that form in which they were received, or else half concocted, and not much altered, voided out of the body sooner than was fitting, by rea∣son of the weakness of the retentive faculty of the stomach and intestines, proceeding for the most part from a cold and humid distemper, the spirit of Granorum Actes, both simple and stomatical, is used with a great deal of profit. Therefore a spoonful or two of it is oft to be given with Rie or Wheat-bread; or being imbibed in a double linnen cloth applyed to the stomach or abdomen.

Moreover, Tragea granorum actes, & the cordial powder prepared of it, is profitable; whereof give twice a

day, viz. morning and evening be∣fore meat, a drachm in three or four spoonfuls of generous wine.

For drink in time of meat you may use wine prepared of Elder-berries dried, Cinnamon and Cloves.

4. Of the Dissentery.

IN the Dissentery, which is a blou∣dy and painful emptying of the bel∣ly. Oswald Crollius, from their signi∣ture, commends the Elder-berries; of which the Chymists, but chiefly Quercetan, in lib. 1. cap. 2. of his Dog∣matick Pharmacy, describes this Ta∣geam, communicated to him by D. VVolfius, Professor in the University of Marpurg, so often mentioned and commended by me in this Treatise.

Press the juice out of the Elder-ber∣ries when they are ripe, which is in Autumn; of which Juice and Rye-flower make paste, work it well, and thereof make little Cakes, which in a Oven are to be baked to the hard∣ness

of Bisket, that they may be redu∣ced to a subtile powder; which pow∣der is again to be imbibed in the juice and made in paste, baked and pulve∣rised as before. And this is to be done the third time.

At last, all being done, reduce it a∣gain to a subtile powder, it will keep long, and is a hid specifick against a Dissentery. Take a drachm of this, and as much of the powder of a Nut∣meg, incorporate them well with a soft rosted egg, and sup it up.

This is called Tragea granorum A∣ctes, that is, a powder of the grains of Elder. And thus far Quercetan.

Others prepare it thus: Take Rie∣bread hot out of the Oven, moisten it with the juice of Elder-berries, and bake it again in the Oven; being dry again, moysten it with the juice of Elder-berries, and do so four or five times; then reduce this bread into powder, whereof take a drachm alone or a half, with as much nutmeg-pow∣der. Of which see the famous Sen∣nert.

in the 10 Chapter of the Trea∣tise of the Dissentery. But a care must be taken that the belly be not over soon stopped, but place must be left for the evacuating of sharp hu∣mors, lest that befal which hapned to the Maid mentioned by the learned Fernel. in lib. 6. cap. 9. Pathol.

Therefore to purge the sharp hu∣mors, and mitigate the cruel pain, give two or three days before you use the Astrictive, in the morning, one ounce or one ounce and half of the syrup of Elder-flowers, prepared by three infusions in three ounces of Bar∣ley-water, or in the water of Elder-flowers. You may with profit add to this one scruple or half a drachm of white Mechoacan subtilly pulveri∣sed; for it gently purgeth and bind∣eth the belly.

After three days are past, and we have used all necessary evacuations, & clangings, and pain for the most part is ceased, then we may more safely use our Tragea; for it doth not only

restrain the belly; but together with this gives a contrary motion to these sharp and salt humors, by little and little disposing them for sweat, if it be taken twice a day, morning and evening, mixt after this manner, yet with a fasting stomach.

• R. Tragea Gran. Actes, drach. 1.
• The Spirit of the flowers of the El∣der Gutt. 35.

They being well wrought together in a Marble Mortar, pour on it by little and little;

• The water of Tormentil-roots an ounce and half.
• The Syrup of the juice of Plantain half an ounce.

Mix them and use them hot, they will dissipate the malignity by sweating and evaporation, and will bind the belly by stopping the flux of the hu∣mor.

The same things may be used in a Diarrhoea or white Flux.

5. Of Constipation or Boundness.

THe leaves of the Elder are com∣mended to those that are in health to open their womb, by Egi∣neta, and Hippocrates in his second Book of Diet.

This same is performed by the di∣stilled water of the leaves and bark, with which a third part of the syrup made of the infused flowers, or of the juice of the berries or buds, is to be mixed with it, to make them of a more pleasant taste.

The same syrups being taken alone loosneth the belly; or drink a draught of wine at your breakfast, or in the morning, having taken a little broth; or take a drachm of the powder of the buds in Plum-broth or a soft rosted Egg: Or use in the place of this the conserve of the buds. The recent Rob of the Elder spread thick upon a slice of bread, and eaten before other dish∣es, is our Wives domestick Medi∣cine,

which they use likewise in their Infants and Children whose bellies are stopt longer than ordinary; for this Juice is most pleasant and fami∣liar to children, chiefly if in time of thickning of it you do add a little Sugar, as hath been told.

VI. Of Hemmorhoides.

THere is nothing more excellent to ease the pain of the Hemmor∣hoides than a stove or fomentation made of the flowers of Elder and Ver∣basie or Hony-suckle in water or milk: for in a short time it easeth the greatest pain. I experimented this first in a Countrey Miller, then in a City Baker: which both did wonder at the sudden ease, and have great quantity of the flowers in readiness beside them, to use when necessity shall require.

The anointing with the oyl of the infused flowers, mixed with a third part of Unguent Populeon, is Ano∣dine.

• Or take of the infusion of Elder-flowers, half an ounce.
• Of Elder-kernels and Yeolks of Eggs, of each two drachms.
• Of white Wax enough making, ac∣cording to art an Unguent.

To stay the Hemmorhoides in a night a singular Cataplasm is made of Elder-leaves boiled in water, to the consistency of a Poultice, and mix∣ed with Oyl-olive spread on a scarlet cloath, and apply it warm to the Hemmorhoides: being oft renewed through the whole night, the Patient lying on his face, is commended by Alexis in his Secrets.

By what means their flux is to be stopt is set down in the stopping of the Hemmorhoides in the nose, and monthly terms, and in stopping the blood in wounds.

Mark, that for the falling of the Anus, amongst other things, the out∣most bark of the Elder is commend∣ed by Mindererus, cap. 7. M.M.

CAP. XXIII.

Of the Obstructions of the Mesentery, Liver, Milt; from whence proceed both the Jaun∣dies and Scurvy.

TO hinder and cure the obstructi∣ons, drink in the morning and the beginning of the repast, a cup full of the wine of Elder-berries, for some days and weeks; for it cutteth the thick, tartarous, serous and bilous matter, it cleanseth, evacuateth, and by opening obstructions and purify∣ing the blood, gives the body a more fresh colour; especially if once at least of the week you mix with it a half or whole drachm, according to the par∣ties strength, of the Polychrestick powder of the buds.

In these diseases this following powder is commended.

• Take of the Elder-buds dried in the shade drach. 2.
• ...

• Of Crystalline Elder-salt scrup. 8.
• Of Wormwood scrup. 4.

Make of all a subtile powder, and give a scruple, or half a drachm thereof in broth in the morning for many days, commanding him to fast four hours, and use moderate exercise. Those that are not pleased with the powder may form it into pils, with the rob or juice of the berries, & drink broth above it.

A Lixive made of Elder-ashes, pre∣pared with wine or the water of the flowers, powerfully unlocks obstru∣ctions, and attenuateth and chang∣eth bilous and tartarous humors. Whence it is a profitable Medicine in the Jaundies, some spoonfuls thereof being taken morning and e∣vening, dulcerat with sugar, hony, or Elder-hony.

Oximel Sambucinum taken in an ounce and half weight dissolved in the water or flowers of the bark is more meek and pleasant.

Or where the heat is greater, and a Fever joyned, an ounce and a half of

the acetous syrup of the Elder, dissol∣ved and given at one dose.

Some commend four or six drops of the oyl of the flowers of the second description in a spoonful of the spirit or best water of the flowers; give it twice a week, and command moderate exercise.

In this case the spirit alone, the rob and its extract are safe medicines. For whilst the sink of the belly is em∣ptied by the Polychrestick powder of the buds, they provoke sweat by their penetrating vertues, they unlock the obstructions and crammings of the Mesentery, Liver, Milt, and Gall; and cut and prepare the thickness of hu∣mors.

The yellow middle bark is com∣mended by his signature for the yel∣low Jaundies; by Crollius de Signaturis rerum. 'Tis therefore to be macerated in wine with two or three Jews ears; of which strained, drink a sound draught morning & evening. Or you must use the distilled water thereof;

or the syrup made of its juice: For be∣sides that they open the belly and e∣vacuate hurtful humors, the Medi∣cines prepared of this bark, have great vertue to open all obstructions.

Six drops of the spirit of Elder-salt taken in broth, is commended.

In the Scurvy, having premised these purging and cutting Medicines, the greatest hope of health and helps is placed in evacuating the serosities by sweating: whence Plater affirms the rob of Elder-berries or Walwort to be very convenient, adding to three ounces of these one ounce of the sy∣rup of Popie. The dose drachms 2. The extracts of these are more con∣venient and penetrating, of which give one scruple, or one drachm, in a spoonful of the spirit of Elder-flow∣ers, or of Carduus Benedictus, or of Scurvigrass; and then let him pro∣voke sweat in his bed, or in a dry Bath.

Topicks.

EXternally anoint frequently the Hypocondriacks, where those bowels are placed, with the oyl of the infused flowers; which the ordi∣nary and us'd Dispensatories affirm to cure the Jaundies, and help the stopt Liver.

In a hard and Scyrous Milt boyl the leaves of Elder in Wine and Oyl, to the consistence of a Poultice, which are to be put through a Searse or Se∣tace, then mix therewith as much of the meal made of the flowers of El∣der and Cammomile as will suffice; then apply it hot like a Cataplasm.

This Cere-cloth, or Serat, is com∣mended for mollifying and digesting scyrous tumors.

First, boil twice or thrice recent Elder-leaves in the oyl of the infusion of Elder-flowers, still pressing the leaves well, before you put in new ones. Then,

• Take of the oyl so prepared ounc. 3.
• Of the powder of tender Elder-leaves one ounce and half.
• Of Turpentine and yellow Wax, e∣nough.

Of which apply every day to the place affected some of this spread on a piece of Leather, cut like a Cowes tongue, and covered with a fine lin∣nen cloth.

The Scorbutick persons, amongst other symptoms which I have neither time nor place to mention, are trou∣bled with a pain in the soals of their feet and tops of their fingers, which the famous Sennert. affirms to be cu∣red by this:

Take of Elder-flowers two hand∣fuls, boil them in Wine, adding two drachms of sope spread on a cloth, and applied to the diseased part.

CAP. XXIV.

Of the Hydropsie, and its kinds.

1. Of Ascites.

SEeing this depends of serous hu∣mors, fallen into the Abdomen; and seeing the vertue of the Elder is to exsiccate and draw water from the belly by the consent of Dioscorides and all Physicians; there is no man that doth not perceive that the Elder is of great vertue in this disease.

Purging Medicines.

First then boil in Wine, in a close vessel, those middle barks of the El∣der, with one or two Jews-ears; swee∣ten the decoction; and for some days give it to the diseased party morning and evening to drink.

Some praise this; Take of the mid∣dle bark subtilly grated, as much as

you will, boiled in a sufficient quanti∣ty of Goats-milk, that being put through a Searse, it may acquire the consistence of a syrup or honey; of which give an ounce, or an ounce and a half, for certain days in white wine. The water of the succulent middle-bark, distilled in the Spring-time, and given with a third part of the syrup made of the juice of the buds, or roots, is used in two or three ounces weight.

Quercetan in the first book and se∣venth chapter of his Dogmatick Phar∣macy commends this purging water of the berries; Take the seeds or ber∣ries of the Elder and Ebulus, perfect∣ly ripe, which is in Autumn; out of these with a press draw out the wine or juice, shaking out the inmost ker∣nels, and mixing them with the rest, distil them.

This water, which is Cohobat thus upon the dregs, hath a notable effica∣cy in purging, & chiefly of serous hu∣mors; let it be aromatized with Cin∣namon,

Coriander prepared with the juice of Lemmons, and such like; it may be given to Hydropick persons from one ounce to two. Thus far Quercetan.

For example, R. Of the water pre∣served ounces two, Syrup or juice of the berries and buds, of each one ounce and half mixed. Of this compo∣sed water you may see more in the cited place of Quercetan.

Of the Wines we have often made mention before, chiefly in the second Section; nevertheless we will set down this of Quercetans, in his first Book and ninth Chapter, because it differs little from others; The seeds are to be prest, and the juice drawn out, which being mixed with a dou∣ble quantity of the Must of the best white wine, is to be put in a Hogshead of convenient bigness, till it be fully digested and fermented.

Note, That it is better if it be done in a close Hogshead, that is, if the Hogshead be not altogether full;

but at least the third part be left emp∣ty, and be well closed that nothing do exhale. Which being done, and the fermentation being in a moneths time finished, the hogshead is to be o∣pened, and to be filled up to the brim with wine, wrought after that man∣ner with the juice of berries in ano∣ther hogshead.

This wine doth purge all serous humors, and much helpeth Hydro∣pick persons; the dose is a cup, less or smaller as the strength of the person is.

Dioscorides writeth, that the root being boiled in wine, and given to Hydropick persons in their meat, doth help them.

Whose juice being pressed out, doth purge upward and downward like Antimony, as Mindererus wit∣nesseth in his Military Medicine, cap. 6. So that we are to use it warily, and only so much in quantity as the half of a Walnut-shell will hold, as he ho∣nestly informs.

He commends there likewise a Sal∣let made of the buds, oyl, salt, and vinegar, which we have set down in the cure of the intestine diseases. Fo∣restus lib. 19. Observat. 44. affirms, That by long experience he had learn∣ed, that the leaves of Elder being put in Hydrogogick decoctions, do ex∣cellently purge water, chiefly in the Hydropsie.

The same Forestus in the same book and 87 Observ. hath this, The bark of the root of the Elder reduced in a Succus, the dose is two ounces, in fragrant Wine. Benedic. Veronensis writes, that some give four drachms of the juice of the bark of Elder-roots. Others give for 9 days together the juice of Elder-bark-roots in a pretty quantity, or an ounce in the waning of the Moon, and so cure Hydropick persons: for it bravely purgeth wa∣ter, as the middle bark of the Elder doth likewise. Nicholas at one time gives six ounces of the decoction of middle Elder-bark: The same man

giveth two or three drachms of the juice of the Elder, and of the juice of Ebulus four drachms to an ounce. Some give the juice of the middle-bark of the Elder with Oximel. Thus far Forestus.

And this I have set down, that all may know there was great difference of the dose amongst the Ancients. Ne∣vertheless let him observe faithfully Mindererus his dose, till he know the vertues exactly of each.

Muller in his Medicinal Mysteries saith, This is the perfect cure of the Hydropsie; R. Of the juice of the re∣cent roots of the white Lilly, and of the juice of the green middle-bark of the Elder, of each one spoonful. Take it in common water or thin O∣ximel ever after three or four days: This purgeth the belly strongly. For the tumors that are left about the knees, feet, &c. lay to them the leaves of the great Bur-docks, for they draw out the water.

The Polychrestick powder of the

buds in a drachm, given in white wine sweetned with Oximel of the Elder, or syrup of the juice of the berries is commended in this disease.

Or,

• Take of the Polychrestick pow∣der of the buds four scruples.
• Of Gum of Peru of Galingale, of each half a scruple.

Make an exact mixt powder, it is to be given in what liquor you please, at two times to a patient that is not yet weak; for it powerfully evacua∣teth serous humors.

If the form of powder displease you, work it with the syrup of hony of Elder in form of Pills, or with the Rob of Elder in form of a Bole.

Hydroticks or Sudorificks.

If by these Catharticks the body be emptied well enough, then you may safely proceed to Sudorificks & Diureticks: For if we proceed other∣wise, the whole stream will be devol∣ved on the reins and ureters, where∣by

the gathering together thereof grievous symptoms will arise.

The Rob of the Elder and its ex∣tract are Sudorificks. The first where∣of given in two drachms weight is commended by the Augustans for this purpose. The second is to be in as many scruples, dissolved in the wa∣ter and vinegar of Elder-flowers for one dose.

Or where the Liver is more cold, and the urine less red, give a spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries or tincture of the Elder, made thin with the water of the flowers, and sweet∣ned with the syrup of the juice of the berries. Then in bed or in a dry Bath provoke sweat.

The spirit of the flowers is more gentle, nevertheless it excellently provoketh sweat, and dryeth strong∣ly the water of the Hydropick per∣son, especially if it be well rectified.

Diureticks, and which move Urine.

Besides those rehearsed, these that follow are Diureticks. The salt of the Elder with a third or equal part of the salt of Wormwood. The dose from a scruple to half a drachm.

The spirit distilled from the salt powerfully moveth urine, and drieth moisture; six drops thereof are to be given in broth some days.

Where the bowels are more hot, and the urine more red, which is oft∣times a deadly token in Hydropick persons, instead of these give three or four ounces of the acetous syrup of the Elder dissolved in the water of the flowers and leaves, of each half a pound; whereof four or five ounces are to be drank before meat twice a day morning and evening. The poor mans Euporist, viz. A Lixive prepared of Elder and Juniper-ashes, with one part of white wine, and three parts

of simple water, or the distilled water of Elder-flowers; whereof give a cup full twice a day to the Patient fast∣ing, and command moderate exercise for half an hour or longer, if it be pos∣sible; add to it a sufficient quantity of Sugar and Cinnamon, to make it smell and taste more sweetly.

The Experiment of Emylia, Countess of Isinburg.

And seeing we have made mention here of Diureticks, I will not pass by this Receipt of the Countess, by which alone she cured many poor people of the Hydropsie; in which, albeit much is to be attributed to the po∣tion it self, nevertheless I ascribe the chief effects of this happy Medicine to the wine prepared of the Elder-flowers and sponges, which the Hydropick use in time of their cure; therefore I have set down the whole course of the cure, as it is faithfully

communicated to all the true Sons of this noble Art, by the famous Finck, in the 26 Chapter of his Enchirid.

• Take of the old Acorns unshelled,
• Of the old roots of Parsley,
• Of white Oculi Cancrorum, of each two scruples and an half.
• Of Sugar,
• Of Cinnamon, of each one drachm.

All are to be subtily pulverised and searced.

Before the diseased person altoge∣ther lye down, first let him moisten three shives of wheat-bread in strong wine; may be it would not be beside the purpose, if before in that wine he had macerated some Elder-flowers; then presently let him sprinkle upon these shives 4 scruples down weight of that powder, and at night before he go to bed, let him eat it, and go to bed and sleep above them.

Secondly, on the day next follow∣ing, early in the morning, let him eat as many shives of bread so prepared, and fast one or two hours after.

Thirdly, on the same day at night let him eat the same preparation, eat∣ing and drinking nothing above it, and so go to sleep.

In the mean time this diet is to be observed; Let the diseased person ab∣stain from fish, swines-flesh, herbs, cheese, cold water, thin and superflu∣ous drink: Let him use wine prepa∣red after this manner, which I esteem to be the chief part of the cure.

• Take of the whole dried umbels of El∣der-flowers, three,
• Of Jews-ears exsiccate in a dry air, two,
• Of white wine two quarts; or for the use of a middle-child, one quart.

Let them stand all night in infusion, and the patient may drink thereof at his pleasure; but let him abstain from all other drink till the tumor be eva∣nished.

Mark, if the patient by this cure find not an evident alteration, & aba∣ting of the tumor, he may after a fort∣night

renew the cure; and without doubt, by divine assistance, he shall recover his former health.

Topicks.

Apply outwardly to the tumified parts a Cataplasm of the juice of the Elder incorporate with Goates-dung, which hath an eminent vertue in di∣gesting those salt & waterish humors.

Or anoint the tumified parts with the oyl of the bark and leaves, pre∣scribed before in the second place; un∣to which add this same dung to give it consistence.

The tincture drawn out of the rob and juice of the berries doth excel∣lently discuss and dry, if it be rubb'd on the belly and legs.

Or, take a sufficient quantity of the leaves and bark, boil them in a com∣mon Lixive, wherewith foment the belly and tumified parts twice a day.

The vapour of which decoction, held under the Hydropick legs, draw∣eth the serosity from thence, and discusseth it by sweat; it must be poured on hot bricks in a close vessel, that the vapour may come to the heat.

Others bid the feet and legs only to be bathed in a decoction of the leaves, wherein a handful or two of common salt hath been dissolved.

Note, that the pith of the Elder be∣ing pressed with the finger, doth pit, as Hydropick feet do; therefore the juice of the Elder, and the distilled water of Jews-ears, are profitable. Crollius de signaturis rerum, hither you may transfer the example of the Hy∣dropick and gravelly clown, as it is set down in the Chapter concerning the Stone, who was cured by the use of the pith of the Elder.

2. Of Anasarca or Leucophleg∣matia.

IN Anasarca or Leucophlegmatia, having prescribed lighter purges, you are immediately to proceed to Sudorificks and cutting Medicines, which we have set down, made of the juice, extract, and spirit of the berries, and so forth.

For by these the serosity that re∣sides in the musculous flesh, and swels the members, are discussed; and the desired heat is restored to the cold and weak members, and the intrals appointed for nutrition are opened and strengthened.

The wine of the flowers of the El∣der is excellent for ordinary drink. By which alone'tis manifest, that some af∣ter long fevers, and other chronical diseases, becoming Leucophlegmatick did in an instant untumifie: where∣fore may be that experiment of Emy∣lio the Countess were more fit to be

used in this than in the Ascites.

Note, there was a certain Citizen of Haina, who for two years being ve∣xed with a continual falling again in∣to fevers, and after that became Leu∣cophlegmatick through his whole bo∣dy, by my advice he was cured by these following; First, I desired him to use wine wherein the Elder-bark and flowers, and the tops of worm∣wood in equal parts were infused, thereby to open the obstructions of the Meseraick vessels, & to purge the serous & pituitous inundations of the first region. Of which every morning, after he had taken a little broth, he was to take a good draught. From which time, after the belly had for a few days answered the Medicine, I desir'd him to swallow a pretty spoon∣ful of Elder-rob, mixt with Hearts-horn; and having drank Vinegar of the Elder, mixed with Wine, go to sweat in bed; which being done twice or thrice, his whole body did detumi∣fie; a more lively colour, and

laudable appetite did return; neither to this day hath appeared any residi∣ty of Fevers.

While I was writing these things, a grave Matron told me this history; she was almost threescore years old, being troubled for some weeks with a white Flux of the belly, she fell into an Hy∣dropsy, so that her belly & flesh won∣derfully swelling, her strength mar∣vellously decayed; her daughters be∣ing amazed and doubtful of their mo∣thers health, they went to a Physician their kinsman, then famous in this Country, they earnestly desired his counsel & help; who, albeit he was ter∣rifi'd by her weakness proceding from her age & sickness, to use any cure; yet nevertheless through their intreaty he appointed some comfortablethings amongst which he chiefly commend∣ed the conserve of Elder-flowers, and commanded each morning half an ounce should be given her thereof, by which alone, through divine assi∣stance,

she was in a short time reco∣vered, and lived till she was fourscore years old, to the great wonder of all those that saw and heard it.

3. Of a Timpany.

SEeing of this disease the belly is so swelled of flatuosities, that it sounds like a drum, if it be beat on; and that these flatuosities do proceed from no other cause than from a weak stomach; the stomach is to be streng∣thened, and the flatuosities dis∣cussed.

These indications, a Purge being premised, if needful, are well satisfied by the spirit of Granorum Actes simple and stomatical, commended much before for a weak stomach, seeing it not only strengtheneth, but likewise by his subtile faculty penetrateth the most subtile passages of the body, and discusseth all flatuosities; chiefly if the dose of the Carminant-seeds, of Anise and Fennel-seeds, be augment∣ed:

Give every day a spoonful, and a∣noynt the belly with the same.

Or,

• Take of the Spirit of the Stoma∣tical Granorum Actes, two oun∣ces,
• Of the Elder-flowers, one ounce and an half,
• Of white Sugar Candy pulverised, one ounce: mix them.

The dose, one or two spoonfuls.

Benedict Victor Favorin. in 25 cap. of his Empyricks hath these: I saw a wonderful effect in curing the flatu∣lent Hydropsie; every morning in the dawning this drink was given to the patient,

• Take of the water of the roots of Danewort, two ounces.
• Of the Elder, four ounces, mix them.

Continue without interruption this drink for thirty days, and a wonder∣ful effect will follow. But I would ever add some of the syrup of the ber∣ries or flowers, seeing the distilled wa∣ter given alone much troubleth the fasting stomach.

CAP. XXV.

Of the Stone.

IN the Stone of the Bladder a La∣xative of the Elder Locusts, which is most useful in this and other diseases, because it only helps nature naturally to go to stool, Petraeus No∣solog. harm. diss. 40. Thes. 53.

The wine made of the flowers and berries help greatly here; for first they disburden the stomach and inte∣stines of that serous and mucid hu∣mor, whereby pure Chyle, and less impregnant with those tartarous tin∣ctures is brought to the liver. Whence it is that the serous comes not so im∣pure & muddy to the urinal passages. And besides, if any slip be committed here, and the tartarous humor be ga∣thered together in these vessels, this wine changeth them, and with the urine thrusts them out of the body: Drink it fasting in the morning, the

dose a cup full, having supt a little broth before it.

An Anodyne and Emollient Cly∣ster may be made of the decoction of the flowers and leaves of the Elder; unto every eight ounces of the strain∣ed decoction, add three or four ounces of the oil of infused Elder-flowers; if we will change more, pour this deco∣ction through the ashes of Elder-leaves a little, and mix with it, be∣sides the oyl, two ounces of Elder-hony.

The pith being cut and swallowed, is commonly much praised for mo∣ving urine, and purging those dregs. And I know a man, who being trou∣bled with the Ascites and Stone, by the perswasion of a Country-woman, used only this pith; having avoided these dregs, and much serousness dai∣ly by his urine, was cured of his Ne∣phritick pains and Hydropsie.

There are some that cutting it in thin shaves, infused it in the spirit of the berries; and after a fortnight,

press the pith strongly and strain the spirits, and give a spoonful of the Co∣lature, which they commend much.

The Lithonthryptick Elder-spirit.

Take two ounces of the Elder-pith cut as is said: put thereon as much of the spirit of the berries well rectified as will cover it. Let them stand seven days in a hot place, in ves∣sels well closed, that nothing evapo∣rate. After pressing the pith, strain hard the spirit a few times: Put into the Colature some bruised Juniper-berries, viz. two ounces. Leave it likewise for two days in infusion, in a hot place, in a close vessel: After∣ward press it again, & strain it. Again infuse as much Juniper-berries into the colature, and leave it for three days in the infusion, and again press it, and strain it, and purifie it from all the feculent grounds, as much as you are able. And so you have the stone-break spirit of the Elder indued

with the essence of Elder-pith, and Juniper-berries; which you are to keep in a stopt close glass, whose use is excellent in breaking and expelling the stone, especially if it be used as followeth.

First, the nefritick person is to purge his belly with Polychrestick powder of the buds, or with the Cly∣ster prescribed a little before; and ha∣ving anoynted his loynes with Elder-oyle, he must go into a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made of Pease-straw and Mallows▪ the flowers of Elder and Cammomile; afterward let him drink a spoonfull of this spirit in white-Wine, and stay in the Bath till he avoid the Stone. And to avoid swouning, let him hold to his nose a sponge dipt in Elder-vinegar, and let him moisten his pulses with this same vinegar, or some cordial Epithem.

This Medicine hath its original from the experiments set down in the Dutch Matthiolus, and is called a wonderfull Medicine by Muller in his Mysteries Medicinal. Neverthe∣less

this is to be preferred to that in respect of the vertues it hath from the pith, or spirit of the Elder, to break the stone.

A Stonebreak Essence, or Extract.

He that pleaseth may prepare an excellent Essence, or Extract, against stony & tartarous diseases, as follow∣eth:

• Take of the Pith of the Elder one ounce,
• Of the dryed Berries of the Elder,
• Of recent Juniper-berries, of each an ounce and half;
• Of Liquorice mundified, six drach∣mes.

The Pith and Liquorice are to be cut in small pieces, and the ber∣ries grosly powdered; being mixed, let them be infused in a sufficient quantity of Elder spirit; and let them stand in a hot place for a fortnight together, stirring each day the glass, and stopping the mouth

thereof well; that time being ended, put them in a linnen bag, and in a press press them strongly; put the strained liquor in a Cucurbit, and putting to the Alimbeck thereof, di∣stil that spirit in Balneo, till that which remains in the bottom become as thick as hony, having mixed be∣fore with it two drachms of the Ma∣gisterie or salt Ocular. Cancror. be∣ing mixed, keep them in a glass ves∣sel: whereof give from a scruple to a drachm dissolved in a spoonful of that spirit that was distilled from them, and in the water of Linaria distilled with Rhenish wine; obser∣ving those things which were pre∣scribed before in the administration of the stonebreak spirit of the Elder.

The salt of the Elder is commenda∣ble in salt & tartarous diseases, given alone or mixed with the former ex∣tract in a convenient liquor, 8 or 6 grains of the spirit of salt doth cleanse these tartarous muddinesses.

Dysuria and Ischuria.

In the difficulty of making water, and in the not making water at all, these Medicines are excellent; seeing these symptomes arise from a muddy and mucid humor, or from a glew∣ish toughness that obstructeth the urinal passages.

But chiefly the stonebreak extract of the Elder is good in this case; whereof give a scruple in the water of the flowers of Vinaria, and the dis∣eased is to be fomented about the se∣crets with the decoction of the Ra∣dish and Vinaria. Pliny saith, that the stones being drank in two ounces weight move urine.

CAP. XXVI.

Of the Affections of the Womb.

TO mollifie and open the secrets of a woman, and cure the diseases about them, it is affirmed by Diosco∣rides to be done by incession, made of the Roots of Elder boyled in wa∣ter.

1. Of the stopping of the Monethly Terms.

MAny Medicines made of the El∣der are to be used in the defect of the monethly Termes; which for the most part proceeds from a gross bloud, or tough humor, closing or ob∣structing the orifices of the Histerick veins.

First then you are to use things which open the belly, and disburthen it of that putrid filth; give them there∣fore

to drink the wine of the berries, which looseneth the belly, and ma∣keth thin the bloud and grosse hu∣mors.

The distilled water of the middle∣bark, mixt with the purging water of the berries, prepared as Quercetan di∣rects, serves for both ends: The dose is three ounces, with one ounce of the syrup of the berries, bark, or buds.

Which if you desire to be more Cathartick, add to it half a drachm, or as much as sufficeth, of the Poly∣chrestick powder of the buds.

The Elder-rob, with the powder of the white Dittany, or of Pimpinel, is the womens Medicine. Gabel Shover hath this:

• Take of ripe Elder-berries,
• Of Rosemary, of each one handful,
• Of Pimpinel-roots, half an ounce,

Boyled in a quart of strong old Wine; whereof drink a good draught warm each morning for three days, be∣fore the time of their courses, and

let them fast two houres after.

The spirit of the berries is likewise usefull, which by its subtility passes through the whole body, and through the least vessels thereof, cutting and attenuating the grosness of the hu∣mors; it may be taken the same time before the courses use to flow: The dose is a pretty spoonfull in Wine, or some distilled water; in place of the simple spirit, you may take the Hy∣sterick described hereafter in the same quantity and manner; for his vertue is great, in moving the courses.

The oyle of the second description is commendable, if two or four drops thereof be added to these spirits.

In the Scyrrous disposition of the matrix, where the cram'd humor is hardened into a Scyrrous, closing the orifice of the veins, and stopping the courses, besides these Medicines you must make incessions of the leaves and root of the Elder boyled in water, as Dioscorides commands.

Let there likewise be an oyntment

made of the oyle of the infused flowers and leaves, mixed with the fat of a hen. This same fat dissolved in the decoction of the roots and lea∣ves is to be injected into the womb.

2. Of the flowing of the Courses.

TRagea granorum actes excelleth in stopping these; whereof give half a drachm, and as much Nutmeg in a soft egg, or red Wind, singed by the quenching of red hot gold in it.

• Take of Tragea Granorum Actes half an ounce.
• Of Nutmegs, a little roasted,
• Of the roots of Tormentil,
• Of red Coral prepared with Rosewater, of each two scruples.
• Of Sugar-rosat in Tablets, six drachmes.

Let them be mixed for a Tragea; whereof take morning and evening two drachmes for a dose in the for∣mer liquors.

If the bloud be too serous and fluid; that serousness is either to be purged gently by the belly, or by weak Hydroticks by sweating; whereof we have spoken largely in another place.

Gabel Shover hath this; Give to the woman in the morning three spoonfuls of the best water of Elder∣flowers, and command her to fast three hours after.

3. Of the Suffocation of the Matrix.

SEeing this most perillous Disease dependeth from a malignant and cold air, exhaled from the womb and uterine vessels to the Midriff, Heart, and Brains, the womb is to be purged of all malignant and putrid humors, and the strength is to be corrobora∣ted.

Apply here those things which were set down in the stopping of the Courses; both because these used not

to be the least and seldomest cause of these malignant vapors; and likewise because the Medicaments purge and dissipate these uterine filths gathered upon whatsoever occasion.

A half or whole spoonful of the spirit of the flowers or berries of the Elder, greatly availeth here, both out, and in time of the fit, for both power∣fully discuss these cold and poysonous vapors, evacuate out of the utrenal sink, and vindicate the more nobler intrals from their infection, and re∣store freer breathing. Gabel Shover ta∣keth a handful of Jews-ears, and in∣fuseth them in a quart of the spirit of Wine; of the which he giveth the dis∣eased a full draught in time of her fit.

The Antiepileptick Elder-spirit, if it be used instead of the Juniper, is good; and with it anoynt the belly below the navel toward the secrets.

Or prepare for this, and such dis∣eases, this that follows.

The Histerick Spirit of the Elder.

• Take of the middle bark of the Elder, one ounce,
• Of the roots of white Dittany,
• Of round Birthwort, of each three drachmes.
• Of the dried leaves of the Elder, one handfull.
• Of red Artimesia. or Mugwort,
• Of Prrsley, of each half an handfull.
• Of the flowres of white Lillies, two drachmes.
• Of clean Jews-ears, three in number.

Being cut, infuse them in a competent quantity of Elder-sprit, that it may be a hand-breadth above them. Let them stand in infusion for ten daies; & eve∣ry day stirr them twice; afterwaad di∣still them in Balneo, foa the Histerick spirit; of which give a half, or whole spoonfull in time of the fit, and with the same anoynt the lower belly, by rubbing it in, as hath been prescribed.

Not only in the suffocation of the Matrix, which by excellency is called the Histerick passion; but also it is ex∣cellent for the stopped flowers, and other cold and moist diseases of the womb.

It helpeth likewise to expel the dead child & secondines, if after uni∣versals, and topicks, a spoonfull there∣of be given in white Wine, or some distilled water, three or four drops of the oyle of the flowers of the second description, being mixt therewith.

Extractum Granorum Actes Hystericum.

Of the ripe grains of the Elder dried in the shadow, Quercetan forms an Extract, which is a specifick Histe∣rick, and is called of the Chymists, Extractum Granorum Actes. It is thus prepared:

Gather a great quantity of the grains of the Elder well dried in the shadow; & having thrown all the rest

of the berry away, reserve the grains only; with which fill a long-necked great Cucurbit to the middle; put upon it the strong spirit of wine, made acid with the acid liquor either of Vitriol or Sulphure, that it may be three or four fingers broad above the matter; the vessel being closed, that nothing may breath out: Digest it for five or six days in B.M. till the spirit of the wine receive the tincture of a Ruby, which you shall separate by inclination, having a care that none of the dregs or troubled matter go with it.

Of which tincture not having sepa∣rated its menstruum, that is, the aqua vitae, which without any corruption or alteration will be kept long; unto which you may add a little Sugar, if you will make it have a more pleasant taste; you may give a half or whole silver spoonful to women troubled with the suffocation of the Matrix, shall be unexpectedly, and as it

were miraculously weakened, and restored to their perfect health.

Again, if you will separate from it the aqua vitae by an Alimbeck in Bal∣neo vaporoso, till the extract remain in the bottom of a most excellent red colour, whereof give a scruple for a dose in its own proper distilled water, or in other convenient waters, or in white wine, and it will become red. Thus far Quercetan.

The Uterine mixture which I used to prepare is this;

First I take the berries of the Elder dried in a flow heat of the Bake∣house; of Mugwort and of Castoreum as much as I please; I put upon each of them by themselves in a Viol some of the rectified spirits of the Elder, and draw out the essence according to art; and I purifie each one of them by themselves, and keep them in Glasses.

Afterwards,

• Take of the essence of Elder-berries six ounces.
• ...

• Of Balm-mint three ounces.
• Of Castor,
• Of the spirit of Vitriol well rectified, of each one ounce.

Being mixed, I put them in a Glass of a narrow throat, and I digest them for ten days in a warm Balneo, that they may be well united; and if any dregs be in them, they may go to the bot∣tom; from which I separate that which is clear, I strain it, and keep it in a well-stopped Glass. The dose is a little spoonful alone, and dissol∣ved in some appropriate water; but if the body be full of ill humors, I first purge it with the Polychrestick pow∣der of Elder-buds.

In place of Appendix I thought fit to joyn hereto the Medicines made of the Elder long ago, commended and commanded by our great Chieftain and Master Hippocrates, in Uterine Affections.

In the Hydropsie of the Matrix, he commendeth the fruit of the Elder, given fasting in wine, lib. 1. de morb. mulier.

He saith, this purgeth things to be purged in Child-bed; boil the leaves of the Elder, and give the water thereof to drink, ibidem.

If the womb be inflamed in child∣birth, let her sup hot the tender leaves of the Elder lightly boiled with the grossest part of recent wheat-meal, ibid.

In the same place he commands us to put into the secrets a long piece of Elder-pith, the tenderer part being shaven.

In Ulcers of the womb pound Lin∣seed and Elder-berries together, mix hony with them, and make a Pla∣ster, and use it, ibid.

Or the leaves of the Elder, and of the Lentisk, being boiled in water and strained, are to be injected warm, Lib. de natur. mulier.

The same things being likewise pounded with Muss, may be outward∣ly applied, ibid.

In a filthy ulceration of the Matrix, boyl the berries of the Elder and

Lawrel, in equal potions in wine, af∣terward inject that wine, lib. 1. d. m. m.

Or take the berries of the Elder, Anice, Franckincense, Myrrh, Wines, and inject their juices, ibid. Where∣by the courses are likewise provo∣ked, ibid.

To expel the Secondine, first apply a Foment made of the decoction of Elder-leaves, and then that which is made of Cantharides, ibid.

In very great fluxes of the courses apply a Cataplasm made of Elder and Mirtle-leaves, lib. 2. m. m.

Or boil in water the leaves of El∣der and Lentisk, and with the Cola∣ture warm wash the Matrix, ibid.

In the strangulation of the Matrix, R. Three half quarts of Oyl, and a handful of Elder-leaves; boil this, and make a fomentation therewith, or with hot shels put in it, make a Stove, placing the woman in a chair, and covering her with cloths.

Or boil the leaves of Elder and Mirtle, and in the strained water boil Barley-chaff, and make a Stove; if she can endure the heat thereof, ibid.

If the pain be vehement after her purging boil in black wine the Law∣rel and Elder-berries, and wash it therewith, ibid.

Or boil the Elder in water, and ha∣ving strained the water, put to it sweet wine, and wash therewith.

Of which, and many others, you may view Hippocrates in those Books and places mentioned.

CAP. XXVII.

Of the Arthritick Disease.

HOw stiff this Disease is, and how miserably it tormenteth the pa∣tient, is known even to children; not∣withstanding it expects ease, if not full cure; which sometimes is done by the Medicines of our Elder.

And seeing nothing is more able to preserve than that great encrease of serous humors being hindred, & those that are sprung be evacuated: Seeing from these, if not only, yet most com∣monly, Arthritick pains have their be∣ginning; as experience can testifie. These Medicines therefore that fol∣low are convenient.

Viz. The wine of the berries, of which he is to drink a cup full oft in the week, in the morning or in the beginning of dinner: But that is of most force, which we have set down in the 24 Chapter out of Quercetan.

The water distilled out of the suc∣culent bark in the Autumn, or Spring, is oft to be drank. Let it be sweetned with the third part of the syrup of the berries or buds; the dose is four ounces. That it may purge more for∣cibly, mix therewith a half or whole drachm, according to the Patients strength, of the Polychrestick pow∣der of the Buds.

Vomits are good to preserve from this disease, if it be provoked once a moneth by those that are used to it. In cure of the Arthritick, chiefly of the Sciatick or Gout, seeing vomit doth revel, and derive by the upper parts, it performs more than any down∣ward purge. Therefore you are to reiterate it two days and more, if the evil persevere.

The oyl pressed out of the kernels of the berries, and half a drachm thereof taken in the broth of Ale, doth excel in this disease. The oyl of the infused flowers or bark is good; the dose is one or two ounces in warm water.

You shall repress the Arthritick assaults, if you once or twice in the moneth sweat, having first purged the body: For the serous matter gather∣ed in the body is easily discussed by sweat; and as soon as natural or arti∣ficial sweat appears, there is great hopes of safety. See Hildanus, Centor 5. observ. 3.

Give then of the Rob of the Elder two drachms with a scruple of Harts∣horn prepared; or half a drachm or two scruples of the extract Granorum actes; or one spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries or flowers.

This is uporist of some,

• The Roots of the Elder or Walnut, half an ounce.
• Of the pulverised Kernels, drachm 1.

Let them macerate for a night in white wine, whose Colature being a little sweetened with Sugar, is to be given in the morning in bed, to pro∣voke sweat. If it be given a little be∣fore the fit, it disappoints it.

In the Spring-time the buds prepa∣red with oyl, vinegar and salt; and frequently being eaten before supper, being mixed with other Sallets, is commendable; for they gently purge the belly and purifie the blood from serosity.

The powder of the buds dried in the shadow, is good for preventing of Gouts and all Arthritick Diseases;

whereof take in the Spring-time or Harvest, for a whole month together in the morning, half a scruple in a soft egg with a little salt. Or take the Conserve of the buds alone, or mixed with the Conserve of the flowers in equal parts. The dose is the bigness of a Walnut or Chesnut, morning and evening before meat. Drink above it some of the water of the flowers, sweetned with a little of the juice of the berries.

Topicks.

A linnen cloth dipt in the distilled water of the leaves and flowers of the Elder, and applied warm, wonderful∣ly asswages the pain, unlocks the pores, digests the matter, and streng∣thens the nervous parts.

That it may more penetrate, and where the colour and heat is greater you may add in equal quantity Elder-vinegar. Where the matter is colder, and the pain longer, you may dip the

same clothes in such a liquor as this, and apply them hot.

• Take of the spirit of Elder-berries, three ounces.
• The spirit of the flowers, drach. 2.
• Of Opium of Thebes, scruples two, mix them.

By its Narcotick vertue it mitiga∣teth the pains, and discusseth the more stubborn matter, and refresheth the members.

The Goutish Anodine Water.

Quercetan in the first book and se∣venth chapter sets down this Poda∣grick water;

Take of the green leaves and flow∣ers of Elder, of each lib. 1. more or less, as you please, to make it greater or less quantity; pound them, and mace∣rate them well in B. M. then distill them in a Glass, or Copper vessel, till they be dry; with this water forment the pained place twice a day; yea you may use it constantly in that Gout,

which proceeds from hot humors. So far he.

The Oyle, wherein the roots of the Elder or Ebulus, and the leaves or fine extract from them, hath been boyled, chiefly the oyle of the Dwarf-Elder-seed, from which the seeds of the greater differ little, is much praised here. It is prepared thus; beat the ripe and clean seeds in a paste, boyle it in water, and gather the scum thereof, put it in a long Glass, in a warm place for three or four daies, till the oyle, which is greenish, go to the bottom; the same oyle pressed out of the seeds is most powerfull.

These are the words of Plater, in the second part of his practice.

Or, take oyle of infused Elder-flowers, ounces two; and of it pressed out of the kernels, half an ounce.

Being mixt, apply them warm to the grieved place. Dioscorides affirms, that the recent leaves applyed, with the fat of a Goat or Bull, doth help the Goutish.

I know a man, that whensoever he is troubled with the Gout useth only this unction; He taketh new Cream of Milk, and he mixeth with it the Powder made into fine meal, of the and leaves of the Elder, till it acquire the consistence of a Poultice, or Cata∣plasme, which being spread on a lin∣nen cloth, he applyeth it hot to the diseased part; and from this easie and simple Medicine he exspects, and ex∣periences with happy successe, great ease.

Gabel Shover, amongst others, hath this; Take the water of the Elder, and the spirit of Wine, of each ounces 2; mix them, and apply clothes moysten∣ed therein: Some take two ounces of Elder-water, and one of aqua vite, and mix them.

The same man much commendeth in pains of the joynts, and other cold defluctions, from which the resolu∣tion and Palsie of the joynts do pro∣ceed, this:

Take a good quantity of Elder-pith,

a quarter of a pint of Rhenish-Wine, and as much of your own u∣rine, being mixed, boyle them in a new pot, till half be consumed. Then anoynt the grieved place with the spirit of Wine, and rub it well in. Af∣terward apply a woollen-cloth hot, dipt in the former decoction. And when it is dry, dipt it and apply it again. And this is to be done before you go to bed.

Some praise this that follows, in Arthritick Diseases, chiefly which are hot.

A Mucilaginous Andonyne Liquor.

R. Of quick Snails, newly taken whole out of their shelly cottages; Of Elder-berries dried in the Oven, and pulverized; and of common salt, of each as much as you will; put it in the straining bag called Hippocrates sleeve, making one row upon another so oft as you please; so that the first

be of the Snails, the next of the Salt, and the last of the berries, continning so till the bag be full; hang it up in a Cellar, and gather diligently the glutinous liquor that distils out of it by little and little, even to the Muci∣lage; and being put in a stopt Glass, expose it four days to the Sun; and therewith anoynt gently the grieved part.

CAP. XXVIII.

Of the Scab, Psora, Itch, Herpes, and other Cu∣taneous Diseases.

TIs a Golden saying of our Divine Master, Aphorism 21. Sect. 1. That we carefully observe the motion of Nature and its course, and with our Medicines assist it as much as we are able.

Seeing in most of these out-break∣ings in the skin Nature doth thrust

the hurtful matter from the princi∣pal parts to the more ignoble and less principal, viz. the Cutaneous, it seem∣eth best here to use Sudorificks, and those that expel to the circumfe∣rence of the body.

Because many times a great heap of putrid humors are seated about the stomach, Mesentery, Liver, and Melt; that sink, as far as is possible, is to be emptied by Emetick and Cathartick Medicines, lest omitting and ne∣glecting this evacuation, the putrid and salt humors, by the unseasonable use of Sudorificks, being drawn out of the Jacks of the first region, be thrust into the greater and nobler veins, and so raise more dangerous damages.

Purges and Vomits.

In delicate bodies and children, the water distilled from the succulent bark, by two cohobies, and sweetned with a little syrup of the juice of the

berries, doth work this effect, being given in a few spoonfuls. Also the sy∣rup of the berries juice, being given alone, from an ounce to an ounce and half.

In those of riper age, give the purging water made according to Quercetans descripton, from two oun∣ces to three, with an ounce of the syrup of the buds or bark.

Or use twice or thrice the Polychre∣stick Powder of the Buds in Whey.

Or incorporate it with the Conserve of the flowers for a bole; or reduce it into the form of a pill, with the syrup of them, or such like; for it is a good Medicine to purge the body from salt and feculent humors.

Or take a cupful of Whey, macerate in that, half or a whole ounce of the middle bark of the Elder; the Cola∣ture being strained in the morning, let it be drank warm. The wine of the in∣fusion of the bark and root of the El∣der, subtilly grated, is good to pro∣voke vomit, and empty the belly of

evil humors; it doth this when they have infused together for a night. These are the words of Vigo in his Chirurg. part. 1. lib. 7.

Or take a drachm of the oyle pres∣sed out of the berries kernels, more or less, according to the strength of the patient; give it in a cup of luke-warm Ale.

It were likewise profitable for the Scabby, if they made a Sallet of those young buds, who in the beginning of the Spring, together with those out∣breakings and pustles of the skin, by the singular favour of Nature, as con∣temperanious, doe bud forth; being first macerated a little in hot water, with oyle, salt, and vinegar; and sometimes eaten, it purgeth the belly, and freeth the bloud from salt and serous humors.

Sudorificks.

These things being premised, that which remains yet in the skin, or

mass of blood, is to be emptied by Su∣dorificks.

The water of Elder-flowers and the clearer spirit of them may be gi∣ven even to children. For to make it of a more pleasant taste sweeten them with a little syrup of the infusion of the flowers.

These Medicines following agree to those that come to years.

• Take of the Rob of the Elder two drachms.
• Of Harts-horn burn'd and prepared one scruple.
• Of the Water of Elder-flowers three ounces.
• Of Oximel of the Elder half an ounce.

Mix them, & make a draught of them.

• Or, take of the extract of Elder-ber∣ries two scruples,
• Of Elder-salt half a scruple,
• Of the water distilled from its flowers two ounces,
• Of the Vinegar of the flowers half an ounce.

Mix them for a draught.

After taking of these sweat is to be provoked in Bath or Bed.

The Conserve of Elder-flowers with the Conserve of Cicory-flowers is commodious to change, alter, and strengthen the intrals or inward parts.

Or make this Julap, which you must use every day an hour or two before supper; or after you come from Bath or sweating, drink four ounces thereof.

• Take of the Conserve of Elder-flowers,
• Of Burrage,
• Of Cicory, of each half an ounce.

Dissolve them on a soft fire in a quart of Elder-flowers water; to the strain∣ed Colature add of the sharp Elder-syrup two ounces, mix them.

Topicks.

In a more universal, filthy, and con∣tinuing Scab, Tetter or Psora, &c. prepare this sort of Bath.

• Take of recent Elder-leaves, ten hand∣fuls,
• Six whole Umbels of the flowers,
• Of quick-sulphure, two ounces,
• Of crude-Allum, one ounce.

Boyle it in a sufficient quantity of rainwater, unto which afterward add a sixth part of the Lixive. Let the diseased every day sit once in a Bath, to provoke sweat, not neglecting in the mean time the former internals. Or where only the hands or feet are scabby, the same decoction; but in less quantity is to be prepared; wherein daily the feet and hands are to be washed; yet nevertheless you may add other things, as the roots of Sorrel, and Alacampain.

After the Bath, the exulcerate and clift places are to be anoynted, to mi∣tigate their pain, with the oyle of the infufed flowers; to which you may give a more drying and healing ver∣tue to the leaves of the Elder, subtil∣ly pulverised till it come to the con∣sistence of a Liniament.

Or, use the Liniament of Matthio∣lus, or Plater. Or this:

• Take of the oyle of the infused flowers and bark of the Elder, of each 3 drachms,
• Of washed Ceruse, one drachm, or four scruples,
• Of Wax, enough.

Make thereof a Liniament.

Those black, round, and about very red pustles, which break forth fre∣quently in the feet, chiefly of women, are oft to be washed with the water of the leaves, and mitigated with the foresaid unctions.

Mark, There was a Bakers wife in Heyna, which could not go out of dores by reason of the abundance of those Pustles, and was greatly disqui∣eted by their heat, having premised what was fitting, she used for a Topick milk, wherein the flowers were mace∣rated, in which, clothes being dipped, were applyed warm with great ease. Where the heat and redness is more intense, instead of simple milk, take

sowre or Butter-milk.

Only sweating by taking the rob of the Elder sometimes doth cure the simple Herpes by the abstersive and siccative quality.

In this the oyl pressed out of the kernels of the berries reduced in form of a Liniament with Sugar of Saturn, is much praised by some: If it be an∣ointed on the pustles, after they are opened with a needle, and cleansed from the matter, putting thereon a green leaf of the Elder, or one dried in the shadow. In an eating Herpes, having purged, sweat, and breathed a vein, this Cataplasm is commended, wherewith she-Montebanks have gained largely.

Pound in an Earthen Vessel, with a woodden Pestle, the green leaves of the Elder, adding to them in the time of pounding a little Elder-vinegar, af∣ter that manner that women make sawces of the Watercress, Sorril, and such like: Mix with this pounded and succulent matter one part of the ashes

of Elder-leaves, and two parts of the powder of the leaves, that it may be∣come like a paste or thick Cataplasm. Add to it, that it may stick the bet∣ter, a little Turpentine dissolved with the yeolk of an Egg; apply it twice a day to the ulcerous places, being first wiped with clean linnen.

Neither is this a mere new inventi∣on, for John de Vigo in the first part an 7^th. book of his Chirurg. saith, That Elder-leaves pounded with Hel∣lebore and Oximel Scillitick, doth cure Ringworms, Itches, and Scabs.

CAP. XIX.

Of the Erysipelas or Rose.

IT is usual as soon as the Rose inva∣deth, to take those Medicines whereby nature is helped to thrust the matter from the inward to the outward parts: For which end the rob with the water-vinegar of the Elder-flowers

are applyed; for learned Phy∣sitians do acknowledg that this mat∣ter wanteth not its own malignity. Wierus useth this potion:

• Of the Water of Elder-flowers, three ounces,
• Of Parsley-seed, half a drachm,
• Of T. Sigillata, half a scruple. Mix them.

There are some, that in all Erisipe∣las, even in that which followeth oft∣times the Scurvie, doe swallow this bole, and drink the water of Elder-flowers above it, to discuss the ma∣lignity by sweating.

• Take of the Rob of the Elder, two drachmes,
• Of Mineral Bezoartick six grains, mix them.
• Or, take of the extract of Elder-Rob, two scruples,
• Of Sulphurat nitrate Antimony, half a scruple, mix them.

But if the belly be bound, give the sy∣rup made of the berries juice, which looseneth the belly, and resisteth ma∣lignancy.

In more strong bodies, and where evil humors stick in the first passages, you may give a half, or whole drachm, according to the patients strength, of the Polychrestick Pow∣der of the buds.

To temper the heat of the bloud in the intrails, these things are set down in the cure of the hot feavers.

Topicks.

The Topicks here should not be cooling, repelling, or fat, which ob∣struct the pores of the skin, lest that sharp and malignant matter be thrust to more noble parts, or closed up in the diseased; whence oft times the part hath been gangrenat: For which cause the common people by all means avoid moystening of the part, & when any evil here ariseth, ascribed it to it, though not rightly; for all moysten∣ing is not to be avoided, but only that which is made of restringent, repel∣lent, & things that obstruct the pores;

but those which unlock the pores and digest the humors and consume them. Though they be liquid, they are so far from hurting that they greatly help.

John de Vigo testifieth, that the Elder hath the vertue of resolving, drying and opening, by reason of the subtilty of its parts: wherefore these following made of it may be safely used.

Shave the bark from the trunk, and apply it every day three times round about the part diseased of the Rose.

Or, R. of white Sope ounce 1. dis∣solve it in lib. 3. of the water of the flowers of the Elder, apply it warm to the diseased part, and when it drieth renew it.

Some dry them before, and apply them dry, that they may satisfie the peoples desire, that much fear moy∣sture in this disease. This is com∣mended:

• Take of the water of Elder-flowers five ounces.
• Of Theriack of Andromache one

• drachm. Mix them.

Dip linnen cloths in it, and wring them in your hand, and apply them warm to the place, and when they are dry dip them in the liquor and apply them.

Or, R. The dried berries of the El∣der ounce 1. the flowers of the same M. 1. Having pounded, cut them, boil them in lib. 2. of the simple-water, to the consumption of the third part. Add to the Colature ounces 3. of a thin Lixive; mix them: Dip a lin∣nen cloth in them, being warm, wring it a little and apply it to the part, as hath been shewn.

Taberna Montanus saith, he hath tryed, that the Rose being anointed with the Rob of the Elder doth ease and discuss it.

Lac Aureum, which is prepared of the Lixive and oyl of the Elder well stirred together, till it acquire a milky colour, is commended much; chief∣ly here when the Rose enclines to ul∣ceration and gangrenates: For by its

drying and cleansing vertue, it hin∣dereth further putrifaction and cor∣ruption; and by mixing the oyle, it mitigateth the pain, and cureth the ulcer; apply it hot.

Those that avoid all moysture, let them use clothes dipt oft in these li∣quors, and dryed; or which is com∣mon, sprinkle upon the diseased part, small bran, mixt with the like quan∣tity of the powder of Elder-flowers.

Specificks.

To prevent this disease, many wonderfully praise this following;

R. Of new Elder-flowers, or in de∣fect thereof, of those well dryed, M. 1. of Milk of a red Cow, or at least with red spots; boyle them in a close vessel, and upon a slow fire. Let him drink once, twice, or thrice, when the Moon waineth; or if they will, through every month in the year, of this cola∣ture in the morning; and they shall be afterward free of this disease. See Dr: Sennert. de febrib. lib. 2. cap. 16.

Neither is this Medicine destitute of reason; for it is probable that the fluxibility and accrimony of the bloud, being taken away by this Me∣dicine, Nature is less afterward pric∣ked by it; yea those malignant im∣pressions stampt on the liver & reins, defiling the bloud by their contagion, are altogether wiped off, by the fre∣quent use of this specifick Medicine.

An Amulet made of the Elder, on which the Sun never shined, if the piece betwixt the two knots be hung about the patients neck, is much commended; some cut it in little pieces, and sew it in a knot in piece of a mans shirt, which seems super∣stitious.

I learned the certainty of this experi∣ment first from a friend in Lipsick; who no sooner err'd in diet, but he was seized on by this disease; yet after he used this Amulet, he protested he was free; yea that a woman to whom he lent it, was likewise delivered from this disease. Notwithstanding I leave

the whole matter to other mens judg∣ments, who may easily try it, seeing there is so many secret works in Na∣ture, whose operation is evident; yet their causes are hid in such deeps of obscurity, that they cannot be search∣ed out by the sharpest sight of mens reason.

CAP. XXX.

Of Inflammations, Oedema's, and Schirrouses.

1. Of Inflammation.

DIoscorides writeth, that the green and tender leaves, being apply∣ed with polent, mitigate Inflamma∣tions.

The cakes of the flowers and leaves left after distillation, if it be wet with the oyl of infused flowers, is apply∣ed fitly to an inflammation.

Or, R. Of Elder-leaves M. 3. of

Barley polent M. 1. boiled in simple water, to the consistency of a Poul∣tice: Being put through a Serce, add of the oyl of infused Elder-flowers ounces two; of the meal of the leaves and flowers of the Elder, of each enough. Make a Cataplasm, for it digesteth, resolveth, and if the In∣flammation Apostemat ripeneth, the Aposteme being opened, cure it as an Ulcer. Of which afterwards.

2. Of an Oedema.

Its known by the cure of the Asci∣tes how the Elder helpeth Oedema∣tous tumors, chiefly in the feet. See there the fomentation for the feet made of the decoction of the leaves in a Lixive.

But seeing these fomentations are tedious, it is enough to carry the green and dry leaves of the Elder in the stockings. A great Lawyer was de∣livered by the use of this simple Me∣dicine, which he oft applied, at the

desire of a worshipful Knight of Misnea.

3. Of a Schirrus.

The cure of a Schirrus is known by cure of the obstruction of a Schirrus Melt.

There are some that say the leaves only of the Elder doth mollifie and discuss Schirrus tumors by Signa∣ture; because it groweth in dark and shadowy places: For which reason in the 23 Chapter, we set down a Splenetick Searcloth of them: Which may be fitly applyed here, the tumors being anoynted with this following.

Take of the oyle of Elder-flowers, ounce 1. of Amonick dissolved in El∣der-Vinegar, drachms 2. boyle it on a soft fire, to the consumption of the watrishness. Add white-Wax; and according to art, make an oyntment.

CAP. XXXI.

Of Wounds, Ulcers, and Contusions.

NO man that ponders well the re∣hearsed words of Dioscorides and Galen, will deny the Elders vertue to be great in these Diseases; especially in Wounds and Ulcers.

The Cure of Wounds.

The common people keep as a great secret in curing wounds, the leaves of the Elder, which they have gathered the last day of April; which, to dis∣appoint the Charms of Witches, they had affixed to their dores and windows; but seeing the Elder-leaves of themselves are found efficacious enough to heal wounds, this supersti∣tious opinion of the people is to be laughed at.

A Vulnerary Balsam.

To cure wounds safely and sud∣denly, take the green and tender El∣der leaves; stamp them; and having put a little Wine on them, wring out the juice strongly. Take of this juice, being purified, as much as you will, add thereto in equal quantity, the oyle of the infused flowers; boyle it on a clear fire, still stirring it with a Spatula, till the wateriness be con∣sumed; afterwards

• Take of oyle so prepared, four or five ounces,
• Of it pressed out of the berries kernels, two ounces,
• Of clear Venice-Turpentine, three ounces,
• Of Verdigrease, three drachms.

Being well mixed together on a slow fire with a Spattle, let them stand eight days in the Sun, or some other hot place, that the dregs may go to the bottom; from which separate

the pure Balsam; which is to be ap∣plyed hot to the wound with lint∣cotton, and the wound to be bound up with linnen clothes; it doth imi∣tate the vertue of the most precious Balsams; half an ounce of the Sugar of the Elder may be added.

A Plaster of the Balsam.

If you mollifie wax with a suffici∣ent quantity of this Balsam, and ap∣ply it according to art, it cureth wounds suddenly.

To stop a great Hemmorage.

Tragea Granorum Actes being mix∣ed with an equal part of Jews-ears, is commended in stopping of bloud.

Or make this Powder;

• Take of Tragea Granorum Actes,
• Of dryed Jews-ears, of each three drachmes,
• Of the white of an Egg dryed in the Sun, two drachmes,
• ...

• Of the pith of the Elder,
• Of the purest Gum-tragant, of each one drachm.

Pulverise subtilly every one by it self, and afterwards mix them exactly.

The Use. The bloud being drank up of a sponge, and the wound being dryed as much as is possible, put therein a sufficient quantity of the Powder; if it succeed not at first, dry the wound again with the sponge, and put in the Powder, and keep it in with torne pieces of cloath put there∣after.

The Puncture of Nerves.

In the Puncture and wounds of Nerves, the Learned Surgeon de Vigo in his seventh book, together with daily experience doth attest, that the oyle of the infused flowers is much praised.

The Oyle of the Flowers of the se∣cond description; and the Balsam, or Plaister made of the Balsam, being put thereon, worketh effectually.

The Cure of Ulcers.

Dioscorides hath taught us, that the leaves of Elder do cure deep, per∣verse, and Fistulous Ulcers.

An Uporist.

Apply then here either the juice alone, put in, being nevertheless wrung out with a little Wine or U∣rine; and afterward lay upon it the pounded leaves like a Plaster; which is a Country-remedy.

Or make this Liniament;

• Take of Elder vulnerary Balsam, one drachm,
• Of the Leaves of the Elder subtilly pulverised, one drachm.
• Of Verdegrease, two scruples,
• Of Elder-salt, one scruple.

Mix all together exactly for a Linia∣ment; of which daily you are to put some in with Tents in impure and Fi∣stulous ulcers, and a convenient Pla∣ster

above it. Injections and washings of deep and putrid ulcers, when need requireth, are to be made of the leave sand bark; which do excellently cleanse and hinder corruption. Apply them before you make a new bind∣ing, that the filth cleansed, and washed by the former Medicine, may be together with them washed out.

In those Ulcers which cast out that icor, which Paracelsus calls Synovia; the Vulnerary Balsam chiefly avai∣leth, being hot put in; seeing it drieth moderately, and keepeth the sub∣stance of the wounded part tempe∣rate. You may sprinkle afterwards above it the Powder of the dried Pith and Jews-ears, which are much praised by many.

Gabel Shover hath this R. of Elder-Pith drachms two, of Orenge-Pills scruple half; mix them for a Powder, which are either to be sprinkled in, or to be taken with a fasting stomach in a morning.

The same man taketh as many El∣der-flowers

as is needful; he fryeth them in butter and applyeth them twice or thrice.

Or, instead of a Vulnerary potion in these and other Ulcers over-flow∣ed; he giveth daily a drachm, or a drachm and half of following pow∣der in warm buttered Ale.

• Take of Elder pith three ounces,
• Of dryed Jews-ears,
• Of prepared Oculi Cancrorum; of each two ounces,
• Of Orenge-pills,
• Of Citron Pills,
• Of Nutmegs, of each one scruple.

Make a subtil Powder of all.

In dilating of Wounds and Ulcers, and in keeping Issues open, the Pith of the Elder is convenient: For while that sponge-like substance drinks in the humors, it is dilated, and so dis∣tendeth the lips of the Wounds and Ulcers.

The Cure of Contusions and Bruises.

In Contused parts, the juice of El∣der-leaves, pressed out with wine, and anoynt on the place, or linnen dipt therein and applyed, doth discuss the black bloud, and strengthens the part.

Or take of the Meal of Elder-flowers, ounces two; of Camomile and Worm∣wood-flowers, of each half an ounce; mix them with Elder-oyle, and work them together, that they may become like a Cataplasm; which is to be ap∣plyeddaily to the contused part.

To take away the marks and im∣pressions, anoynt them with oyle of infused flowers.

In intertrigoes, when the flesh, and not the skin, is infected, the unction of Plater or Matthiolus his Liniament, besprinkling it with the subtile Pow∣der of Elder-leaves, is profitable.

Or make this Magisterial Powder,

which with great commodity is sprinkled on the emunctories of new∣born babes, viz. behind their ears, in their armpits and groines:

• Take of Elder-leaves half an ounce,
• Of the flowers of the same,
• Of Red-Roses, of each two drach.

Mix them for a Powder, which being sprinkled, consumeth the moysture, and drieth the place.

CAP. XXXII.

Of Burning and Congelation.

Topicks.

DIoscorides, saith, That the green and tender leaves, being applyed with Pollent, helpeth burning.

These following are commended by Authors: first, the oyle of infused flowers and bark: secondly, the oyle of the leaves and bark fryed in butter and oyle; thirdly, the two liniaments

of Matthiolus and Plater; the receits of which are set down in the second Section in the second and fourth Chapters.

The Uses. A member being burn∣ed with fire, gun Powder, boyling water, &c. is to be easily anoynted with these warm, and afterwards to be wrapt in soft and warm linnen: For each one of them hath the vertue of rarifying the skin, of drawing out hot vapors, mitigating pain, digesting and drying of serosity, and of curing the raised blabs in ulcers, and in restoring the diseased place, as much as is possi∣ble, to its wonted beauty.

If the burning pierce more deep, so that the blabs being broken, and the skar taken a way, it degenerateth into an ulcer; besides these oyles and oynt∣ments, you must sprinkle easily and lightly every day, the powder of the leaves and pith; which doth excellent∣ly dry, and, by cleansing moderately, doth fill ulcers with flesh.

In this case oyles are more profitable

then liniaments, as will be easily found by any that use them.

This following unguent, as a singu∣lar experiment, is commended in all kinds of burning by the famous Don∣••relius, for easing pain, or quenching the force of the heat, and soon and safely curing the ulcers; also it is hap∣pily applyed to Herpes Miliaris, and other out-breakings, which come from yellow bile, or salt humors.

• Take of the middle-bark of the Lyn∣den-tree,
• Of the Elder, of each one handful,
• Of Linseed half an ounce.

The barks are to be cut in small pie∣ces, & infused together with the seed in a sufficient quantity of the water of Elder-flowers, for the space of three hours warm; then add half an ounce of sheeps dung; mix them, and boyle them in a double vessel in May-butter unsalted, washed oft in fountain wa∣ter, and at last in the water of Elder-flowers, till the humidity be perfectly consumed. Strain them: and add of

yellow wax, as much as sufficeth; mix them: and according to art make an oyntment. They are Donerelius his words.

If the ulcer become more sordid, use the things in the precedent Chap∣ter. Lac aureum drank up in Linnen clothes, and applyed, is profitable, of which we have spoken in the cure of Erysipelas.

Internals.

When many parts, or those situated next the nobler parts, are burned, and then the unnaturel heat spreadeth it self over the whole body, you are to use those things set down in the cure of the hot feaver. Or make this Ju∣lap:

• Take of the water of Elder-flowers, half a pound▪
• Of the acetous syrup of the Elder, two ounces,
• Of Hearts-Horn burned and prepar∣red, two scruples.

Mix them for two doses: for it cool∣eth the heatned spirits, it extinguish∣eth the thirst, dissipateth the Empe∣reum, and roborateth the strength.

The Cure of Congelation or Brosting.

Apply to the frosted parts, the mid∣dle bark of the Elder, or linnen moystned in their decoction. When they clif; the powder of Elder-bark, pith, and flowers, reduced to a linia∣menth with the oyle of infused flowers, in commended, the parts therewith being anoynted daily. Ap∣ply upon it linnen moystned in the Golden Milk of the Elder, for it drieth and hindreth a Gangreene. See more in the cure of Ulcers.

CAP. XXXIII.

Of Poysons.

Inflicted outwardly, or taken into the body.

IN the stinging of venemous beasts, the green leaves of the Elder being applyed, are praised, because they draw out the poyson, and dry the wound.

Dioscorides especially commends the same pounded leaves applyed to the bite of a mad dog.

George Amwald in his Panacea bids us dissolve Rob of the Elder in Vine∣gar and Wine, and rub therewith the stung or bitten place, and wash it therewith.

In the stinging of Wasps and Bees anoint the place with the oyle of the infused flowers▪ or with that which is prest out of the kernels of the berries, and put a leaf thereon; it mitigateth

the pain, and in a short time causeth the tumor to fall and evanish.

To stop the poyson of the Vipers bitings, besides these Topicks, Dios∣corides bids us boyle the roots of El∣der in Wine, and drink the Colature. He attributeth the same vertue to the berry drank in Wine.

'Tis better to use the Wine of the berries, to take two drachmes of the Rob; or as many scruples of the ex∣tract in the water of Elder-flowers, and provoke sweat.

In Philtrums, or those Potions wicked Whores use to give for love, or in other poysons taken inwardly nothing is better, then upon the suspi∣tion immediately to cast all up by vomit, that is in the stomach.

Give two ounces or three of the oyle of the infused flowers or bark of the Elder in warm Ale, and accelerate vomit.

Or, take an indifferent spoonful of the oyle pressed out of the kernels; give it in warme Ale: For by this

means all venom that is in the sto∣mach, is happily excluded, and the corrosive acrimony of the poyson is qualified; use it again, if it be needful.

Which being done, provoke sweat, that that which sticketh in the veins (for the more maligne the humor is, the more it penetrateth, and like fer∣ment, infecteth the whole bloud) must be evacuated by sweat.

Those things which were brought for the Plague, are profitable here: Rob simple, and Antilemick, their extracts, &c. of which give as much as is convenient to the age and strength of the patient, dissolved in the distilled water of Elder-flowers, of other con∣venient liquor. And seeing seldom the force of the poyson is daunted by once or twice; but rather under the subtile shew of a servant, as being o∣vercome, and obeying Natures com∣mand, by secret mines lurketh and worketh to overthrow the strength of Nature, and overcome it by little and little. Therefore the use of these

Alexitericks is not to be intermitted but to be continued, till all the poy∣son and maligne impressions that re∣main be extirpate out of the body. This mixture is profitable.

Take of the Conserve of Elder∣flowers, of the flowers of Burrage, as much as you will; mix them. Give half an ounce thereof daily, an hour or two before dinner. Drink a spoonful of the juice of the berries above it.

Give two drachmes every week of the Rob of the Elder, in the water of Elder-flowers, and provoke sweat in bed, or bath. After the sweat, the heat to be tempered with a spoonful or two of the sowre syrup of the El∣der.

This experiment is praised by many; Take of the middle Elder-bark, sub∣tilly shaven, and dry it lightly in the shadow, a little more then a handful; put on it three quarters of a pound of Goats milk, boyle it on a soft fire till the half be consumed; of whose Cola∣ture drink morning and evening.

They say that this doth absolutely out-rout all poyson given by whores and knaves, though it were given three years before. If it do not succeed at first, the patient is to use it often; and by divine assistance he shall ob∣tain the wished event.