The history of four-footed beasts and serpents describing at large their true and lively figure, their several names, conditions, kinds, virtues ... countries of their breed, their love and hatred to mankind, and the wonderful work by Edward Topsell ; whereunto is now added, The theater of insects, or, Lesser living creatures ... by T. Muffet ...

CHAP. X.

Of Land Scorpions.

[illustration]

IT is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek, from scattering its ve∣nome, or as others wil have it, because it creeps lame∣ly. Also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifies a Scorpion, or a kinde of Scorpion, whereof Nieander speaks in his Theriacks, the burning Scorpion must be pressed down when he creeps upon his feet, being a deadly creature. It is doubtful whether this be a kinde of Scorpion; it hath legs or clawes, and a sting in the tail. The Latines call it Scorpius, and Pli∣ny Scorpio; Cicero, Plautus, Varro, and Nonius, call it Nepam, which name Columella useth often. In He∣brew it is called Acrab, and Cancrab, because it pricks those that tread on it. In Arabick it is Natarab, A∣chrab, Necharab, Hacharab, Acrob. Rhasis cals it

Couches, Pandactarius, Satocollen; in Spanish it is Escorpion, or Alacram; in Italian, Scorpions, Scurrificio; in High Dutch, English, French, Brabant, it is called a Scorpion; in the Sclavonian language, Niedaradeck; in Illyrium, Istir; in Danish, Wollocow; in new Hispaniola, Alacrant.

[illustration]

But that which hath a bunch on its back and drawes the tail after it rolled up, Silvaticus cals Algararat. It is an Insect with a body of the fashion of an egg; as it were smoked all over, at the bottome a tail comes forth, joyned with many round knots, the last as it seems longer than the rest, so that only is armed with a simple or double sting, and semething bended backward toward the end: it hath eight feet, and legs sorked with claws, and strong pinsers; it hath a head as the others have, lying hid in the top of its brest, wherein you can perceive very smal and almost no eyes, that Authors do scarce mention them. All Scorpions have tails, or no tails. Some of the tailed Scorpions are fenced but with one sting, but others with two; yet they do not differ in kinde and nature. Nicander describes seven kindes of land Scorpions. The first is white and not deadly. The second (saith he) hath a red mouth, from whose sting ariseth vehement heat, feaverishness, and intolerable thirst. Aelian saith the same. The third is wan and blackish, whose sting causeth a shaking palsie, and a Sardonian laughter, and vain, like to that of fools. The fourth is of a colour inclining to green: this so soon as it hath stung a man, a cold and shivering possesseth him, so that in the hottest Summer he will suppose himself covered with frost. This kinde hath many knots between seven or nine, which is also the cause that he wounds so deep, by reason of the length of his tail. The fifth is black and blew, or of a pale colour, of a large stretched out belly, for it feeds on grass, and is unsatiable. It not only stings with the tail, but also bites with venom'd teeth. Nicander cals its poyson 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because a Bubo riseth on a man that he stings. The sixth is like to a shore sea Crab, yet not without a tail, but with a greater body and almost round, so that it represents a Crab with a tail. Matthiolus saith that he saw of this kinde some that were black, murrey and green in the County of Arcinna, not far from the River Sarcus. The seventh is like a Grampel: also it hath claws greater than that; and this kinde is produced by Crevis on the dry ground, that are entred into some hollow places to escape the Fishermen: in which places if they die or corrupt, these kinde of Scorpions grow from them: as Ovid most elegantly hath set it down:

Take off the claws of Crabs that use the shore, And from their bodies with earth covered ore, A Scorpion growes threatning with crooked sting.

Aelian cals this the flame-coloured, for it is like the Crab that becomes red with boyling. There is another kinde of Scorpion which we call Rha∣sis, and the Arabians Scorpion, for Nicander and the Greeks never saw it: it is very bunchy, and runs swiftest of them all: it hath a tail for its small body that is very great; it seems to be pale, but the sting put forth is very white: Rhasis cals it jararets; Albuchasis, Grati; Avicenna, Algeraratie. It is found in the Eastern Countreys, especially in Coz, and in Hascari, as Gordonius notes. Philosophers say that the stings of other Scorpions infuse a cold poy∣son: the Arabians say that only this one, infuseth poyson that is hot. I saw one brought sorth of Barbary, and we here give you the picture of it. The sting of all the tailed Scorpions is hol∣low, whereby they cast poyson into the wound: as Aelian reports l. 9. c. 4. To which Pliny sub∣scribes, lib. 9. cap. 37. and Nicander in his Theriacks. Yet our Galen is of another minde, lib. 6. de loc. aff. c. 5. where he speaks in these very words almost, to those who ascribed a specifical quality of hurting or helping to humours or vapours. But the sting of the Scorpion deserveth much more to be admired, which in a very short time causeth extreme symptomes; and that which is injected when it stingeth, is either very little or nothing at all, there appearing no hole in its sting: And indeed, when we sen that from the teeth pricks and stings of some creatures, fishs or plants, there is solid poyson conveyed into the wound by them; what need we fly unto secret bladders, and perchance such as were ne∣ver seen, that lie hid under the root of their stings, such as fruitful wits have rather invented, than solid judgements and those that were studious for the truth? As I said, they have all six feet, besides the clawes that are their fore-legs, as crabs have, (which I should more willingly call arms) some of them (if you look narrowly) are forked: their tail consists sometimes of 6, 7 or 9 knotted joynts: in the end of the tail is one hollow sting, two sometimes, (but that is more seldome). If it had its sting any where but in the tail (saith Aristotle lib. 4. Histor.) because it moves it self by steps, it were unuseful to sting withall: Aelian saith, that its sting is very small, and scarse visible: out of whose invisible pipe, if there be any, such a venomous spirit, or moister humour is poured in by a wound made, that is scarse perceived or sensible. It walks side-waies as Crabs do, alwaies moving the tail ready to strike, that no opportunity may be let slip. The Males are the fiercer, slenderer, longer, and more spotted on their bellies, clawes and stings. The Fe∣males * 1.1 again (as Avicenna well observes) are greater, fatter, greater bellies, and milder. The poy∣son

of the Male is also more dangerous, as Pliny thought, the Female is more gentle; but all their venome is white, unless Apollodorus deceive us. It is apparent that they which have seven or nine joints on their tails, are the most curst: many have but six, it strikes athwart and bendingly. All of them have their poyson more violent at noon day, and in Summer, when they are hot with the Sun-beams, and when they are thirsty and are unsatiable for drink. The plague of it seems in∣tolerable, and which with a heavy punishment destroys a man with a ling••ing death in three daies. Their stinging is alwaies mortal for maids, and most commonly for all women: and for men in the morning, before they have cast out their venome by some accidental stroke, and are new come forth of their holds. It is the property of Scorpions, that they will not sting the palm of the hand nor smooth parts, and no where unless they feel the hair. Scorpions, as Pliny supposeth, will hurt no living creature that wants bloud: which Dr. Wolfius of Turin a most lear∣ned * 1.2 Physician hath proved to be false: for he saw, as he reported to Pennius, a Viper shut up in a vessel with a Scorpion, and they killed one another with mutual bitings and stingings. And Aelian writes, l. 8. c. 13. that they do fight and contend with Vipers, and all kinde of veno∣mous Insects for their meat: Gesner saith it is certain that a Viper will devour a Scorpion: and from thence his bite will be the more grievous. Also Theophrastus writes that by the sting of Scorpions Serpents will dye, and not men. But Galen depending on experience, hath proved it to be false, and appeacheth it for a lie. Pennius shewes the fraud of Aelian, relating, lib. 6. c. 23. the wonderful fraud of Scorpions: but since I observed the same in Italy, I will maintain the truth of the Author, and free him of it. We know that the skill men have in that Countrey, they em∣ploy it all to escape from the Scorpions: whereupon they use sandals to defend themselves, and hang their beds on high from the ground, they place the props or supporters of their beds far from the wals, and set them in vessels full of water, and many other inventions they have to de∣ceive or to destroy the Scorpions. But the Scorpions get up to the roofs of houses, and if they can finde any tyle broken they will remove it, and one of the strongest of their Captains, (tru∣sting to the force of his claws) hangs down by this chink, and his tail hanging down, then ano∣ther upon his back comes down as by a ladder, and takes hold by the others tail, and a third takes hold of the seconds tail, and a fourth by his tail, and so the rest, until such time as by links they can reach the bed, then the last comes down and wounds one that lies asleep in his bed, and runs back again by the links of his fellowes, and so all the rest in order shift away, unlosing as it were the chain, untill they are all got up again upon one anothers backs. Also Clem. Alexan. 1. stromat. makes mention of this property. But they are not all venomous, no•• do they hurt or sting all men alike. For they do not live in Sicily, and if there be any there, yet they do no hurt; and therefore the Psilli lost their labour when they undertook to free Italy from this mischief that was a stranger to them, in hopes of gain. Plin. lib. 11. cap. 25. Aristotle writes of the same thing concerning Pharos lib. 8. Histor. c. 29. of the Island Malta, Diodorus lib. 4. cap. 3. of the Countrey Noricum, Joseph. Scaliger, exerc. 189. 5. where you shall come in no place but you shal finde abundance of them, and yet they either sting not at all, or else there is no danger unto men by it. But now in Egypt, Sicily, Africa, and Albania, they wound mortally, as we re••d in the Books of Alexander de Alexandro, Pliny, Dioscorides, Strabo. In England, Scotland, Ireland, and Gas∣cony, Scorpions cannot live, nor in the colder Islands more Northward. For though they cannot well bear the heat of the Sun by day, and therefore lie under stones all day; yet it seems they want no less heat in the night, for love whereof they come not only into chambers, but get into feather beds, and lay themselves down sometimes close to those that are asleep. Men report many things concerning the Countrey of Trent set free from the deadly sting of Scorpions by the prayer of St. Vigilius. But it is at the Readers choise to take it for a Truth or for a Fable. In Scythia it is far otherwise, for there if a Scorpion sting a Man, a Hog, or any Beast or Bird, they are certainly killed. Cardan saith that such as wound mortally are seldome bred. But Mat∣thiolus reckons up an army of desperate symptomes that happen there, especially in Hetruria, by the stingings of Scorpions, sometimes joyned with death. And Aelian l. 8. cap. 13. reports that in Aethiopia mens lives are not only endangered by the stinging of the Scorpions; but if they do but tread on their excrements, their feet blister, and they can hardly be cured. He cals these Scorpions Sibrittas, they feed on Vipers, Blind-worms, Lizards, Spiders, and other veno∣mous Insects: whence they are so forcible with poyson, and have a kinde of graduation (that I may use Paracelsus) in the use of it.

Aristotle speaks of some Scorpions in Caria that are very loving to strangers. (Aelian reports that this is about Latmus a mountain of Caria, where they are sacred to hospital Jupiter, and do not sting any stranger; or if they do, they do them no great hurt, but they kill the inhabitants presently when they sting them. A Lion whensoever he sees a Scorpion flies from him as from an enemy to his life: witness Physiologus and St. Ambrose gives credit to it. Men say that such are never stung by Wasps, Homets, or Bees, who are stung by a Scorpion. Pliny. Their Genera∣tion * 1.3 is twofold, common by Copulation, more seldome, (so far as we know of it) from Putre∣faction. Some maintain that they are not bred by copulation but by exceeding heat of the Sun. Aelian lib. 6. de Anim. cap. 22. amongst whom Galen must first be blamed, who in his Book de foet. form. will not have Nature but chance to be the parent of Scorpions, Flies, Spiders, Worms, * 1.4 of all sorts, and he ascribes their beginning to the uncertain constitutions of the Heavens, Place, Matter, Heat: but doubtless they do copulate, and they produce little worms alive (which I

have seen) they are white and like to eggs, and they sit upon them to hatch them. So soon as their young are brought to perfection by them, they are driven away by their young, as it fals out with Spiders also, (especially those are called Phalangium) and they are destroyed by their young ones in great numbers. Scorpions are fruitful creatures, for oft-times they bring forth ele∣ven. Some also suppose that they devour their young (namely Antigonus) but only one that is more cunning than the rest, which hides it self about the dams legs, and so escapes the danger of its sting and biting. This afterwards revengeth the death of all the rest, and kils its parents from above. They bring forth twice a year, namely in Spring and Autumn. The original of Scorpions from putrefaction is more rare, and it is many waies. For they are bred from Crevis corrupted, Pliny lib. 11. cap. 25. and from the carkass of the Crocodile, as Antigonus affirms, lib. de mirab. hist. cong. 24. For in Archelaus there is an Epigram of a certain Aegyptian, in these words:

The carkass of dead Crocodiles is made the seed, By common Nature, whence Scorpions breed.

Aristotle adds further, that from water Mints corrupting, Scorpions are bred. And Kiramides and Pliny say they breed of Basil. An Italian that delighted much in the smell of Basil, a Scorpion * 1.5 bred in his brain, which afterward caused most vehement, and long during tortures, and lastly death. Hollerius, lib. 1. cap. 1. of his practise. Gesner heard as much of a French maid, as he testifieth with his own hand writing. Doctor Banchinus second to none for Anatomy, reported to Doctor Pennius, that he hid Basil in a wall at Paris, and after a certain time he found two Scorpions in the same place. Chrysippus therefore not without cause, dispraised Basil to many men. There are some that maintain that if a man eat Basil the day he is stung with a Scorpion, he cannot escape death. Others say, that if a handful of Basil be bruised with ten sea Crabs or river Crabs, and be left in a place where Scorpions haunt, all the Scorpions will come about it. Pliny lib. 20. cap. 12. But Dioscorides lib. 2. 135, and lib. 32. cap. 5. saith that Crabs will kill Scorpions, if they be put to them with Basil. Albertus Magn. lib. 19. anim. cap. 18. Some are of Avicenna's opinion that they breed of corrupt wood, and are made many waies.

The place conduceth much to their generation and production. For in Hispaniola, the Canaries, Numidia, Scythia, Pescara, Barbary, Aethiopia, there are such multitudes of Scorpions, that the inhabitants are oftentimes forced to forsake their habitations: Oviedus, Thevetus, Leo Afer, Pli∣ny. The Countrey about the Lake Arrhata, in the East Indies near the River Estamenum, is so fruitful and so pestered with Scorpions, that the inhabitants not knowing what course to take, left the place to them. Aelian lib. 17. cap. 40. When you are two daies journey from Susa in Persia into Media, you shall light upon an infinite number of Scorpions, whereupon the King of Persia being to ride that way, commands the Citizens three daies before to hunt the Scorpions, and assigns a very great reward for those that catcht most of them. If he should not do so, by reason of the multitude of Scorpions lying under every stone, there could be no pas∣sage. Aelian. lib. 15. cap. 26. The East Indies, as Agatharsis testifieth, and Africa also, breeds abundance and very great Scorpions, which also wound with their stings as the others in Europe do. The Scorpions of America are the smallest of all, yet the most venomous, next to those of Africa: their poyson works so suddenly, that it immediately flies to the heart and kils the par∣ty that is stung. The people of Noricum near the Alpes, have in their Countrey many Scor∣pions, but (which is wonderful in Nature) they are all harmless, as Scaliger affirms. In Pharos also, and the Territory of Avarrium, the Scorpions (as we said before) do no hurt. In some places of Helvetia (as about Rappisvill) there are found very small Scorpions, and innocent. Gesner. So it is also in some Countreys of Germany. In new Hispaniola there are a great many Scorpions, but not very venomous; there is some pain that followes their stinging, but it is not great, nor of long continuance, and men are more hurt by the stings of Wasps or Bees: unless it were so that the Scorpions were fasting, or newly wounded. Manardus. But the Scorpions in the Island Ferrata (which is one of the fortunate Islands) and Coptum in Aegypt, cause great pain, and their Venome is mortal. In Castile a Countrey of Spain, the countrey folk oft-times whilest they plough up the ground, do finde innumerable Scorpions, clustered together like Pis∣mires, where they lye hid all the winter. Matthiolus. The colder Countreys have no Scorpions, as Gascony, England, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, and great part of Germany, or if there be any there, they are not venomous. Aelian reports a wonderful thing concerning the Priests of Isis, which in Copto, a City of Egypt, where there are abundance of deadly Scorpions, they can tread upon them, and cast them on the ground, and yet receive no harm by them. Also Psylli, a peo∣ple of Africa cannot be hurt not stung by Scorpions. For when they come to any venomous creature, it presently becomes stupid, as if it were charmed or struck dead, that it cannot move. Also all their Hogs, but not the black ones, (for if they be stung they die presently) are free from their stings. Lastly, a Scorpion nor any other venomous beast, doth not hurt a Stellio, an Asca∣labotes, a Crab, a Hawk, as Galen ad Pisonem, and our friend Gesner have observed.

They live by eating the ground, and in some places they feed on Herbs, Lizards, Blinde-worms, Whurls, Beetles, and all poysonous beasts. Aelian. But he that shall tread on the excrements * 1.6 will have his feet blistered. The Hens, Ibis, Vipers eat abundantly of them, whence Aristotle * 1.7 cals the Viper 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And they are not more fit for their food, than they are a remedy

for us. For being laid to their own wounds they made, they cure them, as is generally known. * 1.8 Also a Scorpion bruised resists the poyson of a Stellio. Pliny. Some bruise them and drink them in Wine, casting away their tails. Others lay them on burning coles, and perfume the wound, and then strew the Scorpions ashes upon it. Some binde them to the wound, being brui∣sed with salt, Linseed, and Marsh-mallowes. Against the Stone, Lanfrancus his powder: Take 20. live Scorpions, close them in a pot with a narrow mouth, and with a soft fire burn them to ashes, which is a wonderful remedy against the Stone: A Scorpion torrified and burnt to ashes and taken with bread, breaks the Stone of the bladder. Author ad Pisonem. Three Scorpions closed in a new earthen pot, and covering it with a cover well luted, with a fire made of Vine branches, bring them to ashes in an oven; the Dose is 6 grains with syrup de quinque radicibus: it wonderfully drives forth stones of the kidneys. New Authors exceedingly commend the ashes of Scorpions amongst the remedies against the Stone, and the oyl of them injected into the bladder, and anointed outwardly. Alexand. Benedictus, Aggregator, and Leonellus Faventinus out of Galen (Eu∣por. 3) teach us to burn three small Scorpions, and to give their ashes in syrup, or a decoction, or some confection proper for it, to break the Stone. And lib. 2. he bids us to mingle them with fat, being calcined, and so to exhibit them; because otherwise the Patients would abhor the eating of them, wherefore they may be given without suspicion. That Medicament of Abolaus, that Arnoldus praiseth so much, is made of the ashes of Scorpions, as you may see in 2. Breviarii cap. 18. as also the admirable syrup of the King of France against the stone, which is described in the same Book and Chapter. Rondeletius, capite de calculo, in his practise, maintains that a Scorpion is cold, and therefore to drive out the Stone we must use the compound, and not the simple oyl of Scorpi∣ons. Matthiolus teacheth to make that compound oyl, Commentar. pag. 1407. 20. But be∣fore him, Luminare Maius, made that after this manner. Take round Birthwort, roots of Gentian, Ciperus, Barks of Capers, of each j. ounce, oyl of bitter Almonds j. Kist. let them stand in the sun 30 daies; then add to it 15 Scorpions, and shutting the vessel again very close set them in the sun so many daies as before. Then strain the oyl and keep it for your use. Others prepare it thus: Take old Oyl as much as you please, put as many Scorpions into it as you can take in July (for then are they most venomous and fittest for this remedy) add to them white Dittany, leaves of Wormwood, Betony, Vervain, Rosemary, of each j. handful, set them a sun∣ning for a long time, then distil them in balneo in a Limbeck. It is called St. Bernards Oyl. It powerfully provokes urine. Anointed on the groin, it is prevalent against the bitings of Scor∣pions, how venomous soever. It drives out worms miraculously. Brassavolus. Of Oyl of Scor∣pions and Vipers tongues, is made a most excellent remedy against the plague, as Crinitus testi∣fies, 1. 7. Manardus saith that Oyl of Scorpions is now made with old Oyl, adding many medicaments thereto commended against poysons, and it is admirable in the plague, and against all venome. I know a man that having only this remedy, made no reckoning of the greatest plague; and had not only preserved himself but his servants also, whom he sent to visit people that were sick of the plague; and I know very many that escaped only by anointing themselves, having drank the most deadly poysons. So sayes Manardus. A liniment of Scorpions against the plague, and all poysons, is described by Fumanellus, lib. de cur. pest. cap. 12. A Scorpion is good also against a wound given by a Viper, saith Galen l. de simpl. Samonicus commends them highly against pains in the eyes, in these verses:

If that some grievous pain perplex thy sight, Wool wet in oyl is good bound on all night. Carry about thee a live Scorpions eye, Ashes of Coleworts if thou do apply, With bruised Frankincense, Goats milk, and Wine, One night will prove this remedy divine.

If any one troubled with the Jaundies take Scorpions bruised in Wine and Honey, Galen saith he shall quickly finde help. Kiranides, against a Quartain ague, Quotidian, or Tertian, prescribes a Scorpion put into a glass of Oyl about the wane of the Moon, and kept there; and with this Oyl anoint the whole body on the joynts, and the soles of the feet, and the palms of the hands, very well before the coming of the Ague. Plinius secundus saith, that a Quartan Ague, as the Magicians report, will be cured in three daies by a Scorpions four last joynts of his tail, toge∣ther with the gristle of his e••••, so wrapt up in a black cloth, that the sick parent may neither per∣ceive the Scorpion that is applied, nor him that bound it on. But let these superstitions pass, and we shall speak something of Antidotes against Scorpions.

First therefore of Prophylacticks. Magicians deny that a Scorpion can pass over if he be com∣passed in with a branch of Turnsole: and the herb laid upon him kils him. Pliny. A smoke made * 1.9 with Brimstone, Galbanum, and an Asses hoof, dtives away Scorpions. Rhasis. Take Scorax, Arse∣nick, Sheeps-dung, fat of the caul of Sheep, equal parts, dissolve them in Wine, and make a fume by the holes of Scorpions. If a Radish cut be put into their holes, they will not come forth. A Scorpion burnt is good, the liver of an Asse, Sandaracha, with Butter or Goats suet to make a fume. Varignana and Diophanes in Geopon. Rhasis commends the root of Elecampane carried about one. Macer writes of Monsteek thus:

Men say that Housleek hath so soveraign a might, Who carries but that, no Scorpion can him bite.

If a man anoynt his hand with an herb called Paris, or with the juice of the root, he may safely take a Scorpion in his hand, Flaminius. Grapes preserve men from the stingings of Scor∣pions, as also Filberds carried in their Purses. Aetius. Also the seed of wilde Docks either drives them away, or their stinging is not mortall. Dioscorid. Who also saith from the Africans, that Basil will do the like. Larks spur, and wilde Campions also makes them stupid and asto∣nished: The same Author. And saith he, they report, as long as any man hold Carduus in his hand, a Scorpion will not bite him, or if he do, it will not hurt him. The seed of Wood-sorrell drank, preserves one from Scorpions. Avicenna. If you lay Solomons Seal under you, it keeps off Scorpions. Isidorus. And Pliny learned from the Inhabitants of Africa, that he that carries Ra∣dish-root, or Turnsole, or a dried beast like a Lizard about him, Scorpions will not hurt him: So Dittany in smoke, or wilde Mints, or Oyl of Scorpions anoynted about their holes, will keep them from coming into the Chambers. Rhasis. But these things will kill them laid upon them: Radish-root chewed, broad leav'd Basil that growes by the water side, Mallowes leaves, black Hellebore, (but the white will quicken them when they are dying, if Pliny may be believed) Scorpions grasse, Rose-root, Basil with a red flower, the spittle of a cholerick man fasting. Rhasis, Pliny, Avicenna, Democritus in Geopon. To cure the sting and wound Guilielmus de Placentia, * 1.10 prescribes this in general, namely, to give and apply inwardly and outwardly, presently, good Theriac; then the part affected must be cut, and an actuall Cautery set to it, and the poyson drawn forth with Cupping-glasses. Galen bids binde the part above, and to cut off the parts af∣fected. Gal. 5. de loc. aff. c. 3. But since that is a very hard and cruel remedy for the patient, I thought fit to write from the Antients what remedies are cures for this wound. You shall first know the stinging of a Scorpion thus: The place is presently red and inflamed, and by turns, (as in an intermitting Ague) waxing cold, and the sick is sometimes better, sometimes worse. He sweats all over, his hairs stare upright, his whole body waxeth pale, his secrets swell, he breaks winde backwards, his eyes run with clammy tears and filth, his joynts grow hard, and he hath the falling of the Tuel, he fomes at mouth, he is drawn backwards by convulsions, and troubled with the Hickop, and sometimes great vomiting, he is quickly weary of labour, he is vexed and troubled with sense of horror, the outward parts of his body are cold, a pricking pain runs over all his skin, sometimes he thinks that hail falls upon him; for Galen asking one that was stung with a Scorpion, what he felt, (3. de loc. aff. c. 7.) he said he seemed all covered over and almost frozen with hail. Aetius addes, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or warts of the fundament like Ants; after these fainting, then swounding, and finally death. Aetius writes, that if the lower parts be stung, the groins swell presently, if the upper parts, then the Arm-pits. The wound being now known and viewed, and opened by section, and the generall cure we speak of applyed, whereof Authors are plentifull. Galen amongst outward remedies, reckons Balsamum, true Worm-wood, or the juice of black Mirtle-berries anoynted. Also he diversly commends the spittle of one that is fasting, and useth it as a Charm, lib. 10. Simpl. And he bids give inwardly the Balsam with Womans milke, the Saphire stone in Powder, Assa faetida, Scordium, Centaury the lesse, Rue, Castoreum. Out of Cassion the Phisician he commends this: Take Assa faetida, Galbanum, each alike, make it up with the decoction of Scordium, and round Birthwort. The Dose is the big∣nesse of a small Nut with hot water. Out of Andromachus he commends this, lib. de Theriac. Take Theriac two drams, Wine four ounces, mingle and drink them.

Dioscorides outward remedies applyed.

• Cyprus bruised and laid on.
• Amomum used with Basil.
• The Milk of the Fig-tree, or the juice of Sage dropt in, the Scorpion it self bruised.
• Sow-thistle beaten.
• Succory.
• Hawk-wood.
• Balm.
• Bush-flower.
• Mull-berries.
• Larks-heels.
• The flesh of a Fish called Smaris.
• The Barbel Fish cut in two.
• A Fish called Lacerta salted and cut in pieces.
• House Mice cut asunder.

Internal remedies from Dioscorides.

• Cardamonum.
• Juice of Myrtles.
• Bay-berries.
• Horse or Ass dung.
• Seed of Campions.
• Mullens.
• Chamaepitys.
• Scorpion-grasse.
• Turnsole.
• Calamint.
• Trifoly.
• Scordium.
• ...Lotus rustica.
  • applyed.
• Basil with Barley-flour.
• Wheat-meal with Vinegar and Wine.
• Marjoram with Vinegar and Salt.
• Assa dissolved in Wine.
• Sea-water.
• Quick Brimstone with Rosin and Turpentine.
• Salt with Linseed.
• Galbanum made for a Plaister.

Other External remedies out of Avicenna.

• Marjoram laid on with Vinegar.
• Root of Coloquintida bruised.
• Reed roots bruised.
• The Shell of an Indian small Nut.
• Rams flesh burnt.
• Mummie four grains, with Butter & Cows milk.
• Decoction of Ameos.
• ...

• Bran plaister-wise.
• Wine new boyled.
• Bark of Frankincense.
• The white Thistle.
• White Thorn.
• Pine kernels.
• Dates.
• Figs.
• Mountain Poly.
• Anacardi.
• Ashes of Kaly.
• Wheat Bran boyled with Pigeons dung.
• Salt of Urine.
• Oyl of Wormwood.
• Decoction of Nettles or Chamomile.
• But white Naptha is the principal remedy, laid on hot. It is also good to suck out the ve∣nome with ones mouth, unlesse it be first ul∣cerated, and then to apply such things as in∣flame, as Pellitory of Spain, and Garlick.
• Seed of sowr Dock.
• The herb Phalangium.
• Daffadil seed and flowers drank in Wine, and also Bramble flowers so taken.
• Parsnip-seed.
• Turnsole.
• Cypress boughs.
• Rue.
• Origanum.
• Loveage with black leaves.
• The juice of Dog-fennel
• Sow-thistle
  • drank.
• The Decoction of Gentian-root.
• The bark of Birthwort.
• Penniroyall.
• A broiled Scorpion eaten.
• River-crabs raw and bruised, and drank with Asses milk.
• Mans urine drank.

Internals of the same Author.

• Juice of Worm-wood with Vinegar.
• Doronicum.
• Cinamon.
• Myrrhe.
• Wilde Saffron-leaves and fruit.
• Citron-seed.
• Mummie.
• Galbanum.
• Roots of Coloquintida and Gentian.
• The Indian small Nut eaten, and the Theriac of it.
• The root of Squills eaten, is admirable against the bitings of Scorpions.
• Locusts broiled and eaten.
• Juice of Onions and of Worm-wood.
• Juice of the lesser Centaury.
• Also new boyled Wine helps much.

The Antidote of Anderam, otherwise Braz. the King of Sicily.

Take Castoreum one dram, Scordium two drams, Costmary one dram and half, Assa faetida three drams and half, make it up with Honey. The Dose is one dram and half, or two drams with wine.

Another of the same.

Take Birthwort round and long, each one aureus, Cumin-seed three drams, Assa faetida, Car∣away, Rue-seed, each two drams, Castoreum four drams, make it up with Honey. The Dose is two drams with the hot decoction of Gentian root, or Birthwort, and wine; he gave also two drams of Assa faetida, and sometimes three drams, Wood Laurell with Vinegar.

A Medicament of Andro a Greek Philosopher.

Take Rue-seed, live Brimstone, of each six aurei, Castoreum one aureus, Assa faetida one aureus and half, Pellitory of Spain, liquid Storax, of each one aureus, make it up with Ho∣ney. The Dose is half an ounce with Vinegar of the best wine.

Another excellent remedy.

Take Rue-seed one aureus, Castoreum half so much, Birthwort round and long, of each two aurei, roots of Gentian, Assa faetida, of each eight drams, (or eight aurei) make it up with Honey. The Dose is one dram and half with pure wine. The Electuary of Zeno, or Diaruta. Take Assa faetida, bitter Costus and sweet, each five aurei, round Birthwort, Agarick, each two aurei, Castoreum, Cinamon, Aloes, each three drams, roots of Orris, Sarcocolla, each one dram and half, long Birthwort, Gentian, each six drams, make it up with Honey. The Dose is three drams. He commends also the great Theriac of Andromachus, Esdras, Mithridate, and the Theriac diatesseron. The description of it is this. Take Gentian, Bay-berries, long Birth-wort, Myrrhe, each alike, make it up with clarified Honey. The Dose is one aureus with hot water. Another against the bitings of Scorpions. Take seed of wilde Rue, Aethiopian Cumin, seed of Trifolie, Minianth, each alike, with Vinegar what may suffice, make a Confection. The Dose is one aureus. Another. Take Garlick, Nuts, of each one part, Rue leaves dried, Assa faetida, Myrrhe, of each half as much, make it up with milk. The Dose is three drams. Another. Take Castore∣um, white Pepper, Myrrhe, Opium, of each alike, make Troches. The Dose is three oboli with four ounces of wine. Another. Take Opoponax, Myrrhe, Galbanum, Castoreum, white Pepper, each alike, make them up with liquid Storax and Honey. Another. Take roots of Coloquintida, of Capers, Worm-wood, long Birthwort, wilde Succory, each alike. Give children one scruple, men one dram, it is of wonderfull vertue in this disease. Another. Take green grassewort juice with Cows milk, boyl it like to an Electuary. The Dose is two aurei, they say this helps much. Another. Take Opium, seeds of white Hen-bane, make it up with Honey, and mingle it with hotter things to temper it. If any man will have more from Avicenna, he shall finde it Can. 4. Fen. 6. Tract. 3.

Externall remedies out of Rhasis.

The hot Oyl of Anacardi standing in the shell of an Egge, rubbed in, let the wounded part be

first bound, then let it loose, and anoynt it with Jesamin Oyl. The third day open a vein, but after meat and sleep. Also anoynt the place with Castoreum, Melanacardinum, and Garlick, laying on a plate of lead anoynted with Quick-silver.

Sagapenum applyed outwardly heats the wound, and a Weasels flesh laid over it.

Rub the place with a Topaz, and it will be cured.

The wound is bettered by rubbing a Flie upon it.

It may be cured with water from Radish-leaves, and Oyl of Mustard-seed, and Marjoram.

Serapio writes that boyled Butter doth good.

Internals of Rhasis.

Sweat must be procured any way, by external and internal means.

Take Nuts, and Garlick cleansed, of each alike, bruise them.

The Dose is one ounce, and an hour after let him drink wine. Others adde to this a like quantity of dryed Rue, Myrrhe, and Assa. The Dose is three drams with pure wine.

Another. Take Nigella seed one part, Assa three parts, the Dose is one Trochis, with one ounce of wine.

Another. Let him drink strong Wine till he be almost drunk, and in the morning open a vein.

Another. Take roots of Coloquintida, bark of roots of Capers, Worm-wood, long Birthwort, Endive-seed, of each alike, make a powder. The Dose is one dram, for children one scruple.

Another Theriac against the stingings of Scorpions. Take round Birthwort, roots of Gentian, Bay-berries, roots of Capers, Coloquintida, Worm-wood, Swallow-wort, white Briony, each alike, make it up with Honey.

Another. Take Myrrhe, Opoponax, Smallage, each one dram and half, white Briony, long Birthwort, Pellitory of Spain, each six drams, seeds of Rue, Gith, Trifoly, each three drams, Gum, Arabick, what may suffice, with Vinegar make Trochis. The Dose is one dram to one dram and half. Another. Take Cloves of Garlick cleansed five drams, Nuts ten drams, Assa one dram, incorporate them well. The Dose is two drams. Another. Take Gentian, Birth-wort, Myrrhe, bitter Costus, Rue, Castoreum, wilde Mints dried, Pellitory of Spain, Pepper, Gith-seed, Assa faetida, each alike, make them up with Honey, The Dose is one aureus with wine. Also the powder of Eringo root is good with hot water, and the powder of Dodder. Also one aureus of Napellus with water. Ivy and Polium with water are very profitable. If a fever come upon it, open a vein. Asses drie dung drank with wine is very helpfull. Thus much from Rhasis.

External remedies from Albucasis.

Anoynt the place with Oyl of Ben. for many dayes, or Oyl of Jasmin, grinde Euphorbium with it, and Castoreum, or else Castoreum and Garlick ground together, with old Oyl for a plaister.

A Frog cut and laid on is very good. Take old Oyl one pound, Wax four ounces, Euphorbi∣um one ounce, melt it in the Oyl, and anoynt the place with it.

Internals from Albucasis.

Let him drink hot milk from the Cow with wine or Honey. Cinquefoil-seed, and lees of wine, are Theriac in this disease, as also Rocket-seed.

Hiera Anacardina against the stings of Scorpions. Take Pellitory of Spain, Gith-seed, bitter Costus, black Pepper, Acorns, of each ten ounces, leaves of Rue, Assa faetida, roots of Gen∣rian, long Birthwort, Bay-berries, Castoreum, Cassia lignea, Mustard, Melanacardium, of each five drams, make up the powders with Oyl of Nuts, and with juice of Radish-root make it compleat. The Dose is one dram daily, it causeth sweat. The brains of a hen in drink is very usefull.

Haly Abbas brings nothing that is new, but only takes other mens prescriptions. Concern∣ing some Seals (amongst the hundred sayings of Ptolemy) and some fashions for Charms, both he and Kiranides make mention, but a Christian beleeves it not, nor are they worthy to be recorded by him.

Joannitius mightily commends a Plaister with Garlick and Butter, or to anoynt the place with Oyl of Peter, or pure juice of Leeks.

He prescribes to give inwardly of the pith of the greater Spurge four scruples, with warm wa∣ter.

Rabby Moyses prescribes one Sextula of Frankincense with Wine sufficient. Also he exhi∣bits Pigeons dung dried, and finely powdered with Butter and Honey. The Dose is two Sextulas.

Guil. de Placentia bids men give drie or green Marjoram inwardly, to drink it with mans Urine, and to apply it outwardly.

Constantinus 4. Pantechn. lib. commends Hens dung, or the heart applyed outwardly, and Pim∣pernel inwardly, taken with Wine, and powder of Gentian, Cinamon, Centaury.

Averrhois extolls Bezar stone above all, the Dose is the fourth part of an aureus.

Aristotles 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, describes a kinde of Locust that is an Antidote against the Scorpion, which eaten presently cures the stingings of Scorpions.

Serapio affirms the root of the male Coloquintida bruised and laid to the wound, that it will take away the pain. He commends inwardly Wormwood, Lettice-seed with Garlick, Mummy two grains, with the decoction of Sampire, and leaves of Laserwort.

Oribasius approves of the Lilly roots, and leaves, bruised and applyed, as also a Plaister of Vervain, and it is thus made. Take Vervain three ounces, Rosin six ounces, Wax, Pitch, of each two ounces and half, Oyl half an ounce, make a Plaister.

Inwardly he commends the ashes of River-crabs with Goats milk, or juice of Agrimony two ounces, with a draught of Wine, or the root of Dragons bruised, with wine.

Aetius commends water Calamints and Nip, which some think to be so called because it is an Antidote against Nepas, that is Scorpions. He saith, Garden-snails bruised and laid on draws forth the venome; he commends also upright and green Vervain, if it be laid on for a Cata∣plasm. Also Sheeps dung laid on with Wine. He makes also this Plaister. Take wilde Rue bruised with Vinegar one dram, Wax one dram, Pine Rosin three ounces, make a Plaister, it is admira∣ble against the stingings of Scorpions.

Inwardly, he writes that Garden Parsnips cure beyond expectation, be it eaten green or dried, and drank with Wine. Take Castoreum, Lazerwort, Pepper, of each four drams, bitter Costus, Spikenard, Saffron, juice of Centaury the lesse, of each two drams, clarified Honey what may suffice, mingle them. The Dose is the quantity of a Hazel-nut with Wine and water; it drives the Scorpions venome from any part, as Aetius proved on himself. Aegineta gives quick Brim∣stone bruised with a River-crab to drink in Wine.

Nonus bids lay on Litharge or Silver presently upon the place stung, and he commends Brim∣stone, if it be taken the quantity of an Aegyptian bean with eight grains of Pepper in Wine.

Anatolius commends this, to sprinkle Crows dung upon the stinging of the Scorpion.

Silvaticus out of Haly, commends a Want, or the greater house Mouse laid on, and out of Serapio, Pewter powdered and drank.

Orpheus commends Coral in drink, and the stone called Scorpiodes laid on with a Garlik-head.

Octavius, Areteus, Horatinus, Zoroastres, Florentinus, Apuleius, Democritus, and other Au∣thors of the Geoponica, adde but a few things to the Medicaments of the Antients, besides some old wives fables, and inchanted prints that are hatefull to God and man. Pliny tells such a ficti∣on, but no man can tell with what reason or credit: If, saith he, one that is stung with a Scor∣pion get up upon an Asse, with his face toward his tail, he shall do well, but the Asse will suffer.

Myrepsus extolls the herb Flower-de-luce, well bruised, and then drank with Wine or Vi∣negar.

Quintus Serenus writes thus, and adviseth,

These are small things, but yet their wounds are great, And in pure bodies ••urking do most harm, For when our senses inward do retreat, And men are fast asleep, they need some charm, The Spider and the cruel Scorpion Are wont to sting, witnesse great Orion, Slayn by a Scorpion, for poysons small Have mighty force, and therefore presently Lay on a Scorpion bruised, to recall The venome, or Sea-water to apply Is held full good, such vertue is in brine, And 'tis approv'd to drink your fill of Wine.

Pliny amongst outward means addeth these: Mustard-seed bruised, Pimpernel, roots of Cha∣maeleon, Sea-weeds, wilde Onions, Hares rennet, Tortoyse-gall, ashes of Hens dung, Colts-foot, and Mullen-leaves: It is exceeding good to purge the body within, very well, with the seed of wilde Cucumber, and Elaterium, and then to drink the juice of Lettice, and to drink the dried leaves and stalks in Vinegar.

Ammi drank with Linseed.	In Wine.	The seed of Hyacinth with Southern-wood.
Wilde Cumin.	Seeds of Trifoly, and Rocket.
The third kinde of Canila.	Four oboli of Agarick.
Fennel-seed.	The juice of Jelly-flowrs and Plantain.
Root of Cyprus.	The Ashes of River Frogs.
Great Saffron.	Chamaipythe.
Cresses.	The herb Nodia.
Yellow Camomil.	Seed of white Thorn.
The tender stalks of green Figs.	Flame-coloured Campions.
Bay-berries.

Arnoldus Villanovanus hath these: Herb Trinity cures the wounds of Scorpions, and kills the Scorpions themselves. Let the sick drink one spoonfull of the juice of the root of Dwarf-el∣der with Wine, and it is an infallible remedy. Take of the roots of Cappars, Coloquintida, Worm-wood, long Aristolochia, Gentian, Bay-berrles, Yellow Ben. White Briony, of each alike, make it up with Honey. The Dose is the quantity of a Nut with Wine. Another. Take seeds of wilde Rue, Cumin, Garlick, Hazel-nuts, of each one dram, leaves of dryed Rue one grain and half, Myrrhe, Frankincense, each one grain, white Pepper, Opium, each three drams, Opo∣pon••x, Galbanum, of each half a dram, make it up with Honey. The Dose is the magnitude of a Bran with Wine. John Arden an English man, (he was in his time the most skilfull Chirurgeon in England) after his long practise in England and France, he affirms he could finde nothing more safe against the sting of the scorpion, then to draw forth two or three drops of bloud hard by

the wound, and presently to anoint the wound with the same bloud. Celsus saith that those Phy∣sicians did some such thing, who were wont to keep the bloud they drew forth of the arms of those that were stung. And this shall suffice for remedies against the stingings of Scorpions.

If any man chance to be bit by Rhasis Scorpion, (which we called Bunch't-back) the first day a smal pain is perceived, but the second, straightness, heaviness, and sadness is seized on the sick; the colour of the body is divers almost every hour, and changing from green, yellow, white, and red; whence it may appear, that all the humours are infected, the place burns by the confluence of pain, and humour, swounding followes, and trembling of the heart, an acute Feaver, and swelling of the tongue, by reason of humours melted and corrupting in the brain, and falling down on the roots and muscles of the tongue: sometimes also the urine is bloudy, by reason of the acrimony of the venomous matter, and green choler is cast forth by vomit, also the guts are tormented with a sharp and vehement pain. Almost all symptomes fall upon the nerves that can happen to them. Rhasis bids cure all these things this way: First, incision being made on the place, and cupping glasses applyed, burn it with a strong actual cautery, then anoint the wound with the juice of wilde Endive, or with oyl of Roses, Barley water, juice of Apples, and with all cold things. If the belly be not soluble, make it so with a gentle Clyster, and the juice of Blites, Nitre, and oyl of Violets, and let the patient take this Theriack. Take Opopanax, Myrrhe, Galbanum, Castoreum, white Pepper, of each alike, make it up with liquid Storax and Honey. The Dose is the quantity of a Jujube: the part must be fumed with a piece of a milstone heat, and sprinkled with Vinegar. Also foment it with water of wilde Lettice. The usual Theriack. Take the rind of the root of Cappa••is, root of Coloquintida, Wormwood, round Birthwort, Hepatica, wilde Dandelion, dried, each alike; make a Powder: the Dose ••s two drams; also sowre Apples must be eaten, For pain in the belly: Let him drink oyl of Roses, with Barley water, Citrals, Gourds, also give sowre Milk. For trembling of the heart: Let him take juice of Endive, or syrup of Vinegar, or syrup of Apples, with troches of Camphire, or sowre Milk the same way. If the wound be afflicted with great pain: Lay on a Cataplasm of Bole and Vinegar: for a defensative and for a sharp remedy, lay on Euphorbium, or Castoreum, Poly root drank with water, and a Rams flesh burnt, is profitable. Theriack called Hascarina, first inven∣ted in the Province of Hascarum. Take leaves of red Roses iv. drams, Spodium ij. drams, Citron Sanders ij. drams and half, Saffron j. dram, Licorice ij. drams, seeds of Citrals, Melons, Cucumers, Gourds, Gum tragant, Spike, e〈…〉〈…〉 j. dram, Lignum Aloes, Cardamon, Amylum, Camphir, each j. dram, most white Sugar, Manna, each iij. drams, with the mucilage of Fleawort and Rose-water, what may suffice, make it up. The people of Hascarum was wont to draw bloud from the sick (saith holy Abbas) almost till they fainted: then they gave sweet milk to drink, and water di∣stilled from sowre Apples. Also they gave sowre Milk in great quantity. Thus the Arabians speak of this pestilent kinde of Scorpions that Nicander and all the Greeks were ignorant of, and that was too common in the Countrey of Hascarum. Now we will speak of Spiders.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Lib. 11. c. 25.
• * 1.2

  Lib. 19 c. 4.
• * 1.3

  Their Gene∣ration.
• * 1.4

  Nature.
• * 1.5

  L. 10. c. 12.
• * 1.6

  Their Food.
• * 1.7

  Their Use.
• * 1.8

  Their use in Physick.
• * 1.9

  Preventions against the stinging of Scorpions,
• * 1.10

  Cure-of the stingings of Scorpions.