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. XII.

Of Spiders that are hurtful, or Phalangia.

IN Italy they know not the Phalangium, (said Pliny) It is of sundry kindes; one is great like * 1.1 to a Pismire, but much greater, with a red head; the other part of his body is black, with white spots running between. The Pismire kinde of Aetius hath a smoky body, an ash-coloured neck, and the back as it were adorned with stars. Nicander his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Aetius cals 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; the Latines call it Venator; it makes a weak wound and without pain, but yet a little venomous: it is found amongst the Spiders webs, where (like hunters) it catcheth Flies, Bees, Horse-flies, Oxe-flies, and Wasps also, and (unless you will not credit Lonicerus,) Hornets too, and it spoils all that the nets can take and hold: that this is the same with Aristotles Pulex no reasonable man will deny. It hath a broad round volubilous body, the parts about the neck have an inci∣sion;

[illustration]

and there are bred three eminences about the mouth. There is another Phalangium which Nicander cals 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Aetius 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Aelian, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; (from the likeness of it to the stone of a black Grape) it is round, and black, and shining, and globe-like, the feet are extreme short, as if they were imperfect, but it moves swiftly: it hath a mouth, but with teeth bred under the belly, and it moves with all the feet at once. Whether Aristotles Spider will bite, let the Reader judge. Tru∣ly it is not much unlike it, as Grevinus rightly conjectured. In this description, Aetius, Aelia∣nus, Plinius, do almost agree with Nicander. Aelian put long feet amiss for small feet, and affir∣med it to be only an African creature. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, were the same, unless it were distinguished by certain white stars and lines, that are fat and transparent. Only Pliny after Nicander made men∣tion of this, as if it had been unknown to Aristotle, Galen, Aetius, Aelian, Avicenna. The blewish coloured Spider is worse than all these, called by Nicander 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; going on both sides with very long and tall feet: the Scholiast adds 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is downy and high, not high downy, as Lonicerus translates it. Pliny saith hairy with black down, though I can hardly be in∣duced to believe that the blewish Phalangium is hairy with black down. Nicander calls that Phalangium 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which others call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, differing only from the red Hornet by want of wings, and is wonderful red. It is held far worse than the blew, though that by only touching doth communicate her venome, and break a crystal looking-glass (saith Scaliger) by running over it. There are two kindes of Tetragnathi, the worst is with a white line running along the middle of the head, and another across that. The milder or ash-coloured, white on the latter part, is of the same colour, and that makes very broad nets for flies on the walls. Plin. and Hermolaus. But as Aetius saith, Tetragnathus is one kinde of Phalangium, with a broad body, whitish, with rough feet, it hath two little risings in the head, one upright, the other broad, that it seems to have two mouths, and four cheeks. Aelian saith there is a great number of them about the River Arrhata in India, sometimes deadly to the Inhabitants. In harvest time they are found amongst pulse, (when they are gathered with the hands) some small Phalangia are like to Bee∣tles,

of a flame-red colour; such are those the English call Twyngs, by eating whereof cattel are oft-times killed: Phalangium breeds amongst tares, and in the Peach-tree, they call it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by Nicander and Aetius; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by Dioscorides, because it boldly strikes the heads of those that pass by it, when it descends by a thred, or fals down without it. It is a little creature in the shape of a Butterfly Phalaena: it goes horridly with the head alwaies nodding, and a heavy belly, it is of a long body and a greenish colour; it hath its sting in the top of its neck, if it light upon any man, it will especially wounds the parts about the head, as Aetius witnesseth; it is nourished in the Peach-tree leaves, and hath wings like to some Butterflies: whence the Scholiast would insinuate that this kinde of Phalangium is winged, which no man hath obser∣ved yet. Ponzettus and Ardoynus, deceived by Rabbi Moses, suppose it to be Cranocaleptes, and the Tarantula; Gilbert an English man followed this error, in the Chapter of the Tarantula. Sclerocephalus, or hard-head, little differs in fashion from the former; it hath a head as hard as a stone, and all the lineaments of its body like those little creatures that fly about candles. Scoletion is a long Spider, and varied about the head especially with some spots. There is also a kinde of Phalangium, Pliny cals it the downy Spider, with a very great head; which being cut, they say that two worms are found, which bound to women before conception in a crows skin, will keep them from conceiving: and this vertue of them will continue for a year, as Cecilius hath left it written in his Commentaries. We call the last Appulus, and commonly Tarantula, famous by that name, from the Countrey of Tarentum, where they are most fre∣quent,

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it borrows its name, we give you here the picture of it, that was bestowed upon Pennius by an Italian Merchant of happy memo∣ry; where if you paint the white places with a light brown, and the black with a dark brown, you have the true spotted Tarantula; I know no man yet that described it as it should be. Ferdinandus Ponzettus doth faign it to be only with six feet, and Ardoynus thinks the same, and saith more, that it hath a long-tail. Rhasis cals it Tarantula, Sypta, Albucasis, Alsari, Rabbi Moses, Aggonsarpa, Avicenna, Sebigi, Gilbert an English man, Tararta; for he followed Ardoynus, who made two kindes of Tarantula's, one brownish, as we have pictu∣red it: another Saffron coloured and clear, such as Egypt produceth.

Phalangium is not known in Italy, as we said out of Pliny, but now they are all almost found in the south Countrey, with great inconvenience to mowers, and hunters, as is manifest by dai∣ly experience. Ponsettus was wonderfully deceived, who in l. 3. c. 15. of the Scorpion, cals Phalangium a venomous Fly. It is a druel creature (saith Alexander ab Alexandro) pestilent to touch. In summer when the sun is very hot, their sting is venomous, at other times not. In the coldest Countreys there are many Spiders, but no Spiders called Phalangia, or if there be any, they are free from all venome and infection. Tarantulae lie hid in the chinks of furrowes that are cleft with heat, and they strike and wound with their teeth mowers or hunters that are not aware of them; wherefore the Inhabitants defend their hands and feet, when they go to mow, or to hawk or hunt, she makes her web like a net very silently, and all the little creatures she can catch, she provides for her supper. All the Phalangia bring forth in their net, (that they make thick) and they do as it were sit upon eggs in a great number, and when the young grows up it embraceth the dam and kils her, and oft times casts out the sire, if it can lay hold of him, for he helps the dam to sit, and they bring forth 300. Bellonius l. sing. obs. c. 68. observed little Phalangia in sandy grounds creeping up the Horses legs, (may be that is it the Germans call Stein spinnen) by whose continual bitings they suddenly fainted, and staggering continually they consumed. Basilius saith that there are ten kindes of Phalangia, but he describes them not. Avicenna (I know not out of what Book of Galen) divides the Spiders Phalangia in∣to the Aegyptian, the black, the bright red, that men call Raches, the white, Citron coloured, Grape coloured, Pismire-like, like Cantharis, Waspy, and mountainous. But both he, and all the Arabians describe them so foolishly (to say no more) that there can be nothing more con∣fused

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in so great a matter. Lastly, to add all the kindes of Phalangia which we have seen or read of. I shall annex the Cretian Phalangium, you have here the picture of it exactly printed. It is of colour brown and ash-coloured, a smooth body, and hairy legs: near the mouth it is fenced as it were with two hooked prickles, with which it bites and wounds. It lives as the Spiders do by Flies & Butterflies, & makes nets to catch them: she laies eggs, and fosters them under her breast, whence the young ones are thrust forth, which stick under the dams belly, till growing elder they kill her. They dig a hole fit for the bigness of their body; for as they are not every where of one colour, so they are not of the same mag∣nitude. They dwell in a cave two foot deep, and on the out∣side they cover it with straw that the dust get not in. All these venomous Spiders are naturally so, for they suck not their poyson from herbs, (as some think from

their likeness) for they do not so much as taste of them, nor yet from the malignity of their food. For they feed principally on Flies, Gnats, Bees, and they suck no ill humours from them.

Grievous symptomes follow the bitings of Pismire Phalangium, for there followes a mighty * 1.2 swelling on the part bitten, the knees grow weak, the heart trembles, the forces fail, and oft-times death succeeds. Nicander saith that the sick sleep so deeply, that they are alwaies asleep at last, and are in the same condition as those are that are stung by the Viper: Histories relate that Cleopatra set one to her breast, that she might escape Augustus without pain, nor is the wound deadly unless it be wholly neglected. Rhagium makes very small wound, and that cannot be seen, after it hath bitten: the lower parts of the eyes, as also of the cheeks wax red, then horror and fainting seize on the loyns, and weakness on the knees, the whole body is very cold & hath no heat, and the nerves suffer convulsion from the malignity of the venome. The parts serving for genera∣tion are so debilitated, that they can harly retain their seed, they make water like to Spiders, webs, and they feel pain as those do are stung with a Scorpion. From the sting of Asterion, men seem wholly without strength, their knees fail them, shivering and sleep invade the patient. The blew Spider is worst of all, causing darkness and vomitings like Spiders webs, then fainting, weak∣ness of the knees, Coma, and death. Dysderi, or Wasp-like Phalangium, causeth the same sym∣ptomes with the blew, but milder, and with a slow venome brings on putrefaction. Where the Tetragraphii bite, the place is whitish, and there is a vehement and continual pain in it, the part it self growes small as far as the joynts. Lastly, the whole body findes no profit by its nourishment; and after health recovered, men are troubled with immoderate watchings. Aetius: Nicander denies directly that the ash-coloured Tetragnathon can poyson one by biting him. The Cantharis like, or pulse Phalangium raiseth wheals, which the Greeks call 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the minde is troubled, the eyes are wrested aside, the tongue stammers and fails, speaking things im∣properly, the heart is as it were moved with fury, and flies up and down. The Vetch kinde pro∣duceth the same mischiefs, and cause Horses that devour them, and cattel to be very thirsty, and to burst in the middle. Cranocalaptes, saith Pliny, if it bite any one, death followes shortly after. But Aetius and Nicander affirm the contrary, and that the wound thereof is cured without any trouble almost at all. Head-ache, cold, vertigo, restlesness, tossings, and pricking pains of the belly follow, but they are all asswaged (saith Nicander) by fit remedies. Sclerocephalus, is like to this in form, and forces and effects the same things, as also the Scolecium. We said that the downy Phalangium drives away barrenness, if it be carried about one, but whether it be violent∣ly venomous, I know no man that hath determined it. The spotted or Phalangium of Apulia, doth produce divers and contrary symptomes according to the complexion of him that is wounded, and his present disposition. For some laugh, some cry, some speak faulteringly, others are wholly silent, this man sleeps, the other runs up and down alwaies waking; this man re∣joyceth, is merry and moves up and down, that is sad, slothful, dull; some think themselves to be Kings, and command all; some are sad, and think they are in captivity, and fettered: lastly, as men drunk are not of one quality: so are these that are mad, some are fearful, silent, trem∣bling; some are bold, clamo••ous, constant. This is common to them all, to delight in musical instruments, and to apply their mindes and bodies to dancing and leaping at the sound of them. Lastly, when by continuance of the disease and the vehemency of it, they seem next unto death, yet when they hear musick they recollect their spirits, and they dance with greater chearful∣ness every day. These dancings being continued night and day, at length the spirits being agita∣ted, and the venome driven forth by insensible transpiration they grow well. But if the Musi∣cians upon any cause do but leave off playing, before the fuel of this mischief be spent, the sick fall into the same disease that they were first oppressed with. We must admire this most, above other things, that all those that are stung with the the Tarantula, dance so well, as if they were taught to dance, and sing as well as if they were musically bred. (In Italy it was first invented, and custome hath taken it up to call such as are bitten, Tarantati, or Tarantulati.) Cardanus against faith and experience, denieth that musick can restore any that are bitten; yet we heard the same thing fell out at Basil, from Felix, Platerus, Theodore, Zuingerus, our most famous, and dear Masters, and we read the same in Matthiolus, Bellunensis, Ponzettus, and Paracelsus. And if the sweet musick of pipes could help mad horses, and pains of the hips, (as Asclepiades writes) why may it not help those are stung with a Tarantula? Some there are that assign to this dis∣ease, some I know not what small deity, as superintendent over it: they call him St. Vitus that had formerly great skill in singing, he being called upon and pacified with musick, as he is the patron of musick cures them, so that men superstitiously impute that to him, which they should do to musick and dancing. Bellonius reports that the Cretian Phalangium induceth the like mis∣chiefs, and the pain and wound of it is also cured by musick. It is no wonder the Ancients de∣scribed not these two kindes of Phalangia, because they knew them not, nor did the shew the waies how to cure their stingings. Dioscorides writes thus of the common bitings of the Pha∣langia. The symptomes that follow their bitings are commonly these: The place stung looketh red, but neither swels, nor waxeth hot, but it is something moist; when it growes cold, the whole body quakes, the hams and groins are stretched out, there is a collection made in the loins, they are often urged to make water, and they sweat with very great pain, and labour to go to the stool, and cold sweat runs down every where, and tears trickle down from their

darkned eyes. Aetius adds further: They are kept waking, they have frequent erection of the yard, their head pricks, sometimes their eyes and their legs grow hollow. Their belly is unequal∣ly stretched out with winds, and their whole body swels, chiefly their face, their gums, their tongues, and tonsils, they bring forth their words foolishly and gaping, sometimes they are trou∣bled with difficulty to make water, they are pained in their secrets, they make urine like water and full of cobwebs. The part affected is pricked and swels, (which Dioscorides denied be∣fore) and it is moderately red. So saith Aetius, from whom Paulus, Actuarius, Ardoynus, differ but little. Gal. 3. de loc. affec. c. 7. hath it thus. The bitings saith he of the Phalangia are scarce to be seen: it first affects only the skin, and from the superficies of it, it is carried by the conti∣nuity of the fibres to the brain, and into the whole body: for the skin comes from the mem∣branes, * 1.3 and they from the nerves and the brain; this is clear, because by presently binding of it on the farther parts, they are preserved from the venome that is near to them. In Zacinthus they that are bit by the Phalangia are otherwise affected, and more grievously, in other parts: their body is astonished, weakned, trembles, and is very cold: vomiting and convulsion followes, and inflation of the yard: their ears are afflicted with most cruel pains, and the soles of their feet. They use bathing for a remedy; if the party recovered go willingly into bathes afterwards, or were by chance or by craft brought into them, by the hot water the contagion passeth over the whole body, and he perceives the same mischief in the whole body. Dioscorides writes the same things in the chapter concerning Trifoly that smels like Asphaltum. The decoction of the whole plant easeth all the pain by fomentation, where Serpents have stung men, what man soe∣ver that hath ulcers and washeth himself in the same bath, is so affected, as he that was bit by a Serpent; Galen saith he thinks it is done by a miracle, Lib. de Theriaca ad Pisonom, if Galen did write that Book. But Aelian speaks more miraculously, where he affirms that may happen to those that are sound, making no mention of ulcers. And thus much for symptomes. Now for the cure.

The cure is particular or general. Physitians speak of but a few particular cures, because the * 1.4 general is commonly effectual.

But Pliny sets down a remedy against the biting of the Phalangium called Formicarium, that hath a red head: to shew another of the same kinde to him that is wounded, and they are kept dead for this purpose. Also a young Weasil is very good, whose belly is stuft with Coriander, kept long and drank in Wine. A Wasp, that is called Ichneumon, bruised and applied, drives back the venome of the Phalangium Vesparium, (saith Bellonius) not otherwise than as one living kils another, that is alive. For Ichneumon (saith Aristotle, is a small creature that is an ene∣my to the Phalangia; it often goes into their holes, and goes forth again, losing its labour. For it is a matter of great labour for so small a creature to draw forth its enemy greater than it self by force; but if he light upon his enemy preying abroad, he drags the Phalangium as easily with him as a Pismire doth a corn; and the more stifly he drawes himself back, the Wasp draws him on the more fiercely, and sparing no pains, doth bestir himself with all his might; sometimes when he is tired with too much labour, he flies away and breathes himself, and having recove∣red breath, he goes to seek for the Phalangium again, and striking him often with his sting, at last he kils him; when he hath killed him, he carries him into his own habitation on high, and there it renewes its kinde by sitting upon them. Those whom the Tarantula strikes, are helped by violent and constant motion, but Celsus on the other side commands those that are stricken by the other kindes of Phalangia, to be quiet and to move but little. But musick and singing are the true Antidote of it. Christophorus de honestis, bids presently exhibit Theriaca Andromachi. Also he gives Butter and Honey, and Saffron root with Wine. The Bezar of it are the green grains of the Mastick tree. Ponzettus lib. de venen. perswades to give ten grains of Mastick with Milk, or juice of the leaves of Mulberies, j. ounce and half. In the augmentation he cureth it with Agarick of white Briony, after sweating much they must be refreshed with cold and moist things, as with Poppy-water. Merula saith they are cured with singing, dancing, leaping, and colours; I will not contend for the first three, but I cannot see how they can be cured with co∣lours, especially when as they that are stung are blinde, or see very little. He saith also that in∣habitants and citizens are hurt by them, but strangers are safe and out of danger, which no man of a smal belief, or not very great faith can believe. Dioscorides appoints a general cure: First, scarifying must be repeated, and cupping glasses set on with a great fire. Absyrtus coun∣sels to fume the part stricken, with the shels of Hens eggs first steeped in Vinegar, and burned with Harts-horn, or Galbanum.

Then you must use scarification, and draw fouth the bloud by sucking or cupping glasses. Or, which is safest, burn the place affected with an actual Cautery, unless it were full of nerves; for then it is best to set a Cautery on the neighbouring parts. Then sweat must be provoked with clothes laid on, or rather by gentle and long walking. Lastly, to perfect the cure, you must prove by external and internal Medicaments, such as we here set down, and the most commen∣dable and most noted we mark with an Asterisk. Internal remedies out of Dioscorides: Take seeds of Southernwood, Anniseed, Cummin seed, Dill, round Birthwort, wilde Cicers, Cedar fruit, Plantain, Trifoly, seed of Minianthes, each alike, bruise them severally; the Dose of them severally is ij. drams in Wine, but if you joyn many of them together, drink iij. drams or iv. with Wine: also j. dram of the fruit of Tamarisk is effectual, with Wine. Chamepithy, and the

decoction of green Cyprus nuts with Wine. Some prove of the juice of River-crabs with Asses milk and Smallage-seed, and they promise it shall presently take away all pains. Also a Ly of the Fig-tree is drank against the bitings of the Phalangia: also it is good to dtink the fruit of the Turpentine tree, Bav-berries, Balm-leaves, the seeds of all the wilde Carrots, and of Coriander, the juice of Myrtle-berries, Ivy, Mulberry, Cabbage and Cliver-leaves, with Wine or Vinegar, one dram of the leaves of Bean Trifoly drank with Wine.

Decoction of Sparagus root, juice of Housleek, juice of Clivers with Wine. He also com∣mends a Snail bruised raw, and drank with Asses milk. * Also Balm-leaves with Nitre, and Mallowes boyled with the roots, drank often. The leaves, flowers, and seeds of the herb Pha∣langium, and the seed of Gith, the Decoction of Asparagus, Mock Chervil, and the juice of Mullberries.

Out of Galen.

Take Birthworth, Opium, of each four aurei, roots of Pellitory of Spain three aurei, make Trochis as big as a Bean; the Dose is two Trochis with three ounces of pure Wine. The ashes of a Rams hoof drank with Wine and Honey. The remedies of Diophantis, against the bitings of the Phalangia. Take Birthwort four drams, Pellitory as much, Pepper two drams, Opium one dram, make little Cakes as big as Beans, take two, with two Cyathi of the best Wine.

Another that is better. Take seeds of wilde Rue, Rocket-seed, Pellitory, Storax, quick Brim∣stone, each six drams, Castoreum two drams, mingle them, make Trochis as before with Snails bloud; the Dose is three oboli in Wine. Another. Take Myrrhe, Castoreum, Storax, each one dram, Opium two drams, Galbanum three drams, Anniseed, and Smallage of each one aceta∣bulum, Pepper thirty grains, make it up with Wine. Another. Take Myrrhe five drams, Spike of Syria six drams, flowers of the round Cane two drams and half, Cassia four drams, Cina∣mon three drams, white Pepper one dram and half, Frankincense one dram and one obolus, Costus one dram, make it up with Athenian Honey; the Dose is the quantity of a Hazel-nut with water, or with Honey and water. Apollodorus * remedies. Take wilde Cumin one aceta∣bulum, bloud of a Sea-tortoise four drams, rennet of a Hinde or Hare three drams, Kids bloud four drams, make them up with the best Wine, and lay them up; the Dose is the quantity of an Olive, in half a Cyathus of Wine. Another. Take seed of bituminous Trifoly, round Birth-wort, seeds of wilde Rue, Tare-seed dried in the Sun, each six drams, drink them in Wine, and make Cakes, four drams weight; the Dose is one Cake, Gal. 2. de Antid. where he hath col∣lected many remedies from Authors.

Out of Aetius and Aegineta.

Take quick Brimstone, Galbanum, each four drams, bitter Almonds blancht, juice of La∣serwort two drams, of Assa four drams, mingle them with Wine and Honey, and drink them, also lay them on thus. Another. Take Ameos two drams, Flower-de-luce one dram, or of St Johns wort, or bituminous Trifoly, drink them in Wine. Or take Anniseed, wilde Carriot∣seed, Cumin-seed, Gith, Pepper, Agarick, each one dram, drink it. Or take leaves of Cyprus∣tree, or the Nuts bruised in Wine and Oyl one Hemina, and drink it.

For this end he prescribes Bay-berries, the herb Scorpions grasse, Serpolet, Laserwort, Cala∣minth, Chamaepitha, by themselves, or with Rue and Pepper. Another. A bunch of Mints boyled in fresh Posca, let the sick drink two Cyathi: Also Germander, Chamaepithy, white Thorn, and Peniroyall in decoction are good. Also a Ly, and juice of Ivy with Vinegar. As∣clepiades used these. Take seed of Sphondylium dried, Calamint, each alike, bruise them, and drink often in a day two Cyathi of Wine with them. Another. Take juice of Laserwort, Dau∣cus-seed, dried Mints, Spikenard, each alike, make it up with Vinegar; the Dose is one dram: take it with Posca and Wine, four Cyathi, and presently go into a hot Bath; when Laserwort is wanting, take the double portion of pure Assa.

One that is better. * Take of Cenchryus, seeds of wilde Rue, Pepper, Myrrhe, wilde Vine, of each one dram and half, Cyprus root one dram, make a Confection; the Dose is one dram, with four Cyathi of Wine, and one Cyathus of Honey. Also the eating of Garlick is good, as also a Bath and Wine, and such things as help against Vipers stingings. Paulus repeats the same reme∣dies, and Theban Cumin, or seed of Agnus Castus or leaves of the white Poplar-tree drank in Beer are very effectual.

Out of Nicander. Rosin of the Turpentine tree, Pine or Pitch-tree, drank or swallowed, is exceeding good, which Gesner and Bellonius say they learned by experience, to be true.

Out of Avicenna. The Myrtle-tree and the fruit of it, Doronicum, Mastick, Assa foetida, Dod∣der and its root, the Indian Hazel-nut (which is Theriac for this disease) white Bd••llium, all of these drank with Wine. Take roots of Birthwort, Flower-de-luce, Spike Celtica, Pellitory of Spain, Daucus, black Hellebore, Cumin, root of Daffodil, leaves of Winter Wheat, leaves of Dogs-tooth, Pomegranate tops, Hares Rennet, Cinamon, juice of River-crabs, Storax, Opium, Carpobalsamum, of each one ounce, beat all to powder, and make Troches, the weight of one aureus, which is the Dose of them. Also give in Wine the decoction of the leaves of bitu∣minous Trifoly, of the Cyprus Nut, Smallage-seed. Moreover give to drink, Pine kernels, Aethiopian Cumin, leaves and rinde of the Plane-tree, seeds of Siler Montanum, black wilde Chiches, seed of Nigella, Southern-wood, Dill, Birthwort, fruit of the Tamarisk, for all these are very good. Also the juice of wilde Lettice and House-leek are commended.

The decoction of Cyprus Nuts, especially with Cinamon and River-crabs juice, and juice of a Goose: Also the decoction of Sparagus with Wine and water.

Another. Take Birthwort, Cumin, each three drams with hot water: An approved Theriac. Take Nigella seed ten drams, Daucus, Cumin, each five drams, Cyprus roots and Nuts, each three drams, Spipenard, Bay-berries, round Birthwort, Carpobalsamum, Cinamon, Gentian, seeds of Siler Montanum, and of Smallage, each two drams, make a Confection with Honey; the Dose is the quantity of a Nut with old Wine. Confection of Assa. Take Assa foetida, Myrrhe, Rue-leaves, each alike, make it up with Honey; the Dose is one or two drams with Wine.

Out of Absyrtus, Lullus, Albucasis, Rhasis, Ponzettus. Take white Pepper thirty grains, with a draught of old Wine, take it often. Also Thyme is given in Wine. Ab••yrtus. Drink upon it one spoonfull of Wine distilled with Balm. Lullus. Take dry Rue, Costus, wilde Mints, Pellito∣ty of Spain, Cardamum, each alike, Assa foetida one fourth part, Honey what may suffice, min∣gle all, and make it up; the Dose is the weight of an Hazel-nut in drink. Albucasis. A Hens brain drank with a little Pepper in sweet Wine or Posca. The decoction of Cyprus-nuts with Wine. A Theriac against the bitings of Phalangia. Take Tartar six drams, yellow Brimstone eight drams, Rue-seed three drams, Castoreum, Rocket-seed each two drams, with the bloud of the Sea-tortoise, make an Opiate; the dose is one dram with Wine. Another. Take Pellitory of Spain, round Birthwort, each one part, white Pepper half a part, Horehound four parts, make it up with Honey; the Dose is one dram. Another. Roots of Capers, long Birthwort, Bay-berries, Gentian root, each alike, drink it with Wine. Or drink Diassa with strong Wine, and Cumin, and Agnus Castus seed, Another. Take Nigella seed ten drams, Daucus, Cumin, each five drams, wilde Rue-seed, Cyprus Nuts, each three drams, Indian Spike, Bay-berries, round Birthwort, Carpobalsamum, Cinamon, Gentian root, seed of bituminous Trifoly, Smallage-seed, each two drams, make a Confection with Honey; the Dose is the quantity of a Nut with old Wine. Rhasis.

Out of Pliny, Celsus, Scaliger.

It is good for those that are bitten by the Phalangium to drink five Pismires, or one dram of the Roman Nigella seed, or black berries with Hypocistis and Honey. Also Marish Smallage and wilde Rue, are peculiar against the bitings of the Phalangia: Also the bloud of the Land Tortoise is good, juice of Origanum, the root of Polymonia, Vervain, Cinquefoil, the seed of Garden Onyons, all the kindes of Housleek, roots of Cyprus, Turnsole with three grains of juice of Ivy-root, in Wine or Posca; also Castoreum two drams, in Mulsum to cause vomit, or in juice of Rue to stop it. Also Agnus Castus seed two drams: Apollodorus that followed Demo∣crates,, calls a kinde of herb Crocides, by the touch whereof Phalangia die, and their force is abated; the Mat-rush-leaves next the root, eaten do profit. Pliny. Take wilde Vine-berries, Myrrhe, each alike, drink them out of one Hemina of sod Wine. Also the seed of Radish, or root of Darnel must be drank with Wine. * Celsus. But amongst many other remedies that are proved, one Antidote is due to Scaliger, who was the ornament of our world and age; the form of it is this. Take true round Birthwort, Mithridate, each two ounces, Terra Sigillata half an ounce, Flies living in the flowrs of Napellus, 22. Citron juice what may serve turn, mingle them. For saith he, against this venome or any other bitings of Serpents, Art hath scarce yet found out so effectuall a remedy. Scaliger. Juice of Apples drank, or of Endive, are the Bezar against the bitings of the Phalangium: Petrus de Albano. These are the most approved outward remedies. Five Spiders putrefied in Oyl and laid on, Asses or Horse dung anoynted on with Vinegar or Posca: Take Vinegar three sextarii, Brimstone a sixth part, mingle them, foment the place with a sponge, or a bath, the pain being a little abated, wash the place with much sea-water: some think that the stone Agates will cure all bitings of the Phalangia, and for that reason it is brought out of India and sold dear. Pliny. Fig-tree ashes with Salt and Wine, the root of the wilde Pa∣nace bruised, Birthwort and Barley-meal impasted with Vinegar, water and Honey and Salt for a fomentation. Decoction of Balm, or the leaves of it made into a Pultis and applyed; we must constantly use hot Baths. Pliny. Open the veins of the tongue, and rub the places swolne with much Salt and Vinegar, then provoke sweat diligently and warily. Vigetius. The practicall men mightily commend the root of Panax Chironia. Theophrastus. Anoynt the wound with Oyl, Garlick bruised, or Onyons, or Knot-grasse, or Barley-meal with Bay-leaves, and Wine, or Wine Lees, or wilde Rue, lay it onwith Vinegar for a Cataplasme. Nonus. Take live Brimstone, Galbanum, each four Denarii, Lybian juice and Euphorbium, each alike, Hazel-nuts pild, each two drams, dissolve them in Wine, and with wine make a Cataplasme, also inwardly it helps much. Flies bruised and laid on the part affected. Also a Barbel heals the bites of a ve∣nemous Spider, if it be cut raw and applyed to it. Galen. Anoynt all the body with a most li∣quid Oyntment with wax. Foment the part affected with Oyl, wherein bituminous Trifoly hath been soked, or with a Sponge and hot Vinegar, very often. Make also a Cataplasme of these that follow, namely, with Onyons, bloudwort, Solomons seal, Leeks, Bran boyled in Vinegar, Barley-meal, and Bay-leaves, boyled in Honey and Wine. Make them also with Rue, Goats dung with Wine, Cyprus, Marjoram, and wilde Rue with Vinegar. Asclepias his Plaister. Take seed of wilde Rue, Rocket-seed, Staves-acre, of Cenchrus, Agnus Castus, of Apples, Nuts, of leaves of Cypress, each alike, bruise all with Vinegar, and with Honey make a Plaister. Aetius. Lay the decoction of Lupines upon the place affected, the Eschar being first taken away, then

anoynt it with Goose grease, wilde Rue, and Oyl in the hot Sun or by the fire, or make a Cataplasme of Barley-pap, and broth of Lupines. Oribasius. An Indian Hazel-nut smeared on cures the bitings of the Phalangia: Oyl of Worm-wood, and the milk of Figs anoynted on, doth profit very much. Avicenna. Of hot ashes, Figs and Salt with Wine make a Plaister: Al∣so it is convenient to hide a great boll in sand or hot ashes, and by that means to sweat with Antidotes. Rhasis. Goats dung must be dissolved with the Pultesses, and laid to the part af∣fected. Kiranides. Lay on often cold Iron. Petrus de Albano. Foment the place with juice of Plantain daily. Hildegard. Oyl of artificiall Balsam is exceeding soveraign. Euonymus. A Fo∣mentation of the branches and stalks of Masterwort must be continued, or let him drink Ver∣vain with Wine, and lay it on outwardly, first bruised. Turneifer. Bruise Rue with Garlick and Oyl and lay it on. Celsus. You shall lastly finde divers such remedies in Pliny and Dioscorides, so digested into order, that they rather require our silence, than our curious, and unusefull re∣petition. Of this therefore thus far.

—Now let us see That Spider with which our mindes well agree, Who sits within the midst of's Net to watch Where the East winde blowes, it shakes, he doth catch Flies that but touch his Web, none can him match.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The difference of Phalangia and descripti∣on.
• * 1.2

  Signs of the bitings of Phalangia.
• * 1.3

  This is the sense of Galen, but not the same words.
• * 1.4

  The cure.