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 ...

Of the MANTICHORA.

THis beast or rather Monster (as Ctesias writeth) is bred among the Ind〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉ing a treble row of 〈…〉〈…〉h beneath and above, whose greatness, roughness, and feet are 〈…〉〈…〉 his face and ••••rs like unto a mans, his eyes g••••y, and colour red, his tail like the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a 〈…〉〈…〉 of the earth, ••rmed with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sting, casting for〈…〉〈…〉 sharp pointed quils; his voyce like the 〈…〉〈…〉 or Pipe, being in course as swift as a Hart; his wildeness such as can never 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉▪ and his appetite 〈◊〉〈◊〉 especially 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the flesh of man. His body like the body of a Lyon, being 〈…〉〈…〉 both to leap ••nd to run, so as no distance or space doth hinder him; and I take it to be the same Beast which * 1.1 Avicen calleth 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ and M••••••comorion, with her tail she woundeth her Hunters, whether they come before her or behinde her, and presently when the quils are cast forth new ones grow up in their ••••om, where withal she overcometh all the Hunters: and although India be full of divers ravening ••••asts, yet none of them are stiled with a title of Anthropophagi, that is to say, Men-eaters; except only this 〈◊〉〈◊〉. When the 〈…〉〈…〉ns take a Whelp of this Beast, they all ••o 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the b••••••o••ks

[illustration]

and tail thereof, that so it may never be fit to Bring starp quils, afterwards it is tamed without peril. This also is the same Beast which is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉 about the bigness of a wilde Ass, being in legs and Hooss like a Hart, having his mouth reaching on both sides to his ears, and the head and face of a female like unto a Badgers. It is called also Martiora, which in the Persian congue signifieth a devourer of men; and thus we conclude the story of the Hyaena for her description, and her several kindes: Now followeth the medicines arising out of her several parts.

The Medicines of the Hyaena.

The Oyl in which a Fox is baked either alive or dead; doth either altogether cure and make whole those which are troubled with the Gout, if so be that the disease or sickness be green or * 1.2 new, or at the least not of too long continuance; it doth so cure them, that although it may happen to return again, yet it will be much more milde and gentle then before it had been. But the Oyl which * 1.3 proceedeth from Foxes doth nothing more drive away the forenamed disease, then that which like∣wise is got or prepared out of the Hyaena; for that hath an excellent and eminent quality of dissolving and dispersing. The flesh of the Alzabo is both hot and cold, and being baked with Oyl, * 1.4 doth very much help either men or women which have their feet Gowty, or have any pain in their joynts, which may happen or come by the occasion of cold: for it is of a slender and dissolute substance.

The vanity of the Megl, or Wise-men, which is witty in nothing but in circumstance of words, doth say, the best time to take Hyaena's, is, when the Moon passeth over the signe called Gemini, and * 1.5 that for the most part the hairs be kept and preserved. The Magi do also affirm, that the skin of an Hyaena being spread upon a sore which was bitten by a mad Dog, doth presently and without any pain cure the same. The same also being bound to that part of the head, which doth ake, will im∣mediately * 1.6 drive away the pain and grief thereof.

The same doth very effectually and speedily help them which are troubled with the Gout, or swel∣ling * 1.7 in the joynts. The flowre of Barley being mingled with the bloud of an Hyaena, and fryed or baked over the fire and so taken; doth very much asswage the wringings and wrinchings either in the guts or belly of a man or woman. If the bloud of an Hyaena being hot be anointed on them which * 1.8 are infected with the Leprosie, it will without delay very effectually cure them.

The Hyaena's flesh being eaten, doth much avail against the bitings of ravenous Dogs; but some are of opinion, that the liver being only eaten is of more force and power to cure or heal them. The nerves or sinews of an Hyaena, being beaten to small powder, and dryed and mingled with Fran∣kincense, * 1.9 together, and so drunk, doth restore fertility and plenty of seed in that woman which before was barren.

There is also for the biting of a ravenous Dog another excellent remedy, which is this, first to * 1.10 anoint the place so bitten with the fat or grease of a Sea-calf, or else to give it in drink: and then to make the operation more effectual, mingle the marrow of an Hyaena, and Oyl that cometh from the Mastick tree and Wax together, and being so applyed and anointed upon the sore, it will presently cure the same. The same marrow of the Hyaena is very good and effectual against the pain and grief in the sinews, as also for the looseness and weakness of the reins.

The marrow which proceedeth from the Chine bone of an Hyaena, being mixed with his Gall and old Oyl altogether, and so boiled until they come unto a soft temperance, and mollisying medicine, * 1.11 being anointed upon the sinews, doth expel and force away an pain of grief thereof whatsoever. The same marrow being bound unto the back of either man or woman, who are troubled with vain phantasies or dreams in their sleep, doth very speedily and very effectually help them. The fat or grease of an Hyaena being butnt, doth drive away all venemous Serpents from the place where it is so used.

The same being mingled with leaven, and so being wrought into a plaister, is a very good cure or remedy for the falling of the hair, or the disease called the Foxes evill. The left part of the brain of an Hyaena being either anointed upon the nostrils of either men or beasts, is of such vertue, that it * 1.12 will cure diseases upon them which are in a manner mortal. For the sterility or barrenness of women, the eye of an Hyaena being mixed with Licoras, and the herb called Dill, and so taken in drink, is of such force and power, that in three days it will make them fit for conception.

The teeth of an Hyaena either touched, or bound in order unto the teeth of any man or woman who are troubled with the tooth-ach, will presently ease the pain and vexation thereof. One of the great teeth of an Hyaena, being bound with a string unto any that are troubled in the night times with shadows and phantasies, and which are frayed out of their sleep with fearful visions, doth very speedily and effectually procure them ease and rest. The tooth of an Hyaena (called Alzabo) being bound upon the right arm of any one which is either oblivious or forgetful, and hanging * 1.13 down from the arm unto the middle finger or wrist, doth renew and refresh their decayed me∣mory.

The palat of an Hyaena being dryed and beaten to powder, and then mingled with Egyptian Allum, and so made hot and mixed altogether, being three times turned in any ones mouth, which hath ei∣ther sore or ulcer in it, will in small time procure them remedy and help of their vexation and trou∣ble. The flesh which groweth upon the hinder part of the neck, being burned, and then eaten or taken in drink, doth very speedily help and cure the grief and aches of the loins.

The shoulders likewise being used in the aforesaid manner, doth profit much for the healing of any who are vexed with any anguish or pain in their shoulders or sides. The lungs being dryed and taken in drink, do ease any, either man or woman which is troubled either with Colick or Stone. But being dryed into powder, and mingled with Oyl, and so anointed upon the belly; it killeth the Worms, and expelleth all aches away from the belly. The Heart being used in the aforesaid manner and taken in drink, doth ease and help all aches, pains or griefs in the body whatsoever. The white flesh being taken from the breast of an Hyaena, and seven hairs, and the genital of a Hart, being bound all together in the skin or hide of a Buck or a Doe, and afterwards hanged about the neck of a woman which is in travel, will greatly hinder her for bringing forth her childe.

If there shall be any flesh or bones of men found in the body of a dead Hyaena, being dryed and beaten to powder, and then mixed with a certain perfume, they will be very excellent to help the Gowt, or drive away the Convulsion of the sihews. The kell or caull wherein the bowels are con∣tained, being used in the aforesaid manner, and also mixed with Oyl, will be a present remedy against the burnings and inflamations of sores, botches, and Ulcers.

The chine bone of an Hyaena being bruised and beaten into small powder, and so dryed, and then mingled with the tongue and the right foot of a Sea-calf, the gall of an Ox being added thereunto, and all of them boyled or baked together, and anointed upon the hide or skin of an Hyaena; and so * 1.14 lapped about the legs or joynts of them which are troubled with the Gowt, will in short time ease the pain, and rid them altogether of the grief thereof.

The chine bone being also beaten to powder, and given in Wine to drink, is very profitable and necessary for those which are in sore travel or pain of childe-birth. The first or eighth rib of the same Beast, being beaten and mingled with a certain perfume, is very good and medicinable for sores and botches which do break through the flesh.

Their flesh also being eaten, doth quickly cure and heal the bitings or tearings of a ravenous Dog; but their liver being so used, is more effectual and speedy for the curing thereof. The liver of the aforesaid Beast is also very curable for Agues or quartern Feavers being beaten to powder, and drunk in Wine, before the augmentation or second assaults thereof. The same also is an excellent and speedy remedy for the wringings and aches of the belly, as also for that grievous and painful dis∣ease called the Colick and Stone. For the same diseases, the gall of a Sea-scorpion, and of a fish * 1.15 called Haelops, and of a Sea-crab, and of an Hyaena, being beaten to powder, and mixed together, and so drunk in Wine, is a very good and effectual cure and help. The gall of an Hyaena, by it self * 1.16 alone being rub'd or anointed upon the head of either man or woman whose hairs are fallen off, doth presently procure the hair to renew and grow again; it will also bring hair upon the eye-lids, being rubbed thereupon.

The gall of an Hyaena being mingled with Hony, and anointed upon the eyes; doth sharpen and clear the eye-sight, and expel and drive away all blemishes and small skins which cover the sight of the eye; as also the pain in the eyes called the Pin and the Web. But Apollonius Pitaneus doth say, * 1.17 that the gall of a Dog being used in the aforesaid manner, is better to cure the sight of the eyes then the gall of an Hyaena. But Pliny whom I think best to follow, and worthyest to be believed, doth * 1.18 best allow of the Hyaena's gall for the aforesaid purpose; and also for the expelling of certain white spots in the eye, which do hinder the sight thereof.

The gall of a Bear and of a Hyaena, being dryed and beaten to powder, and so mixed with the best Hony which is possible to be had, and then stirred up and down a long time together, doth help them unto their eye-sight which are stark blinde, if that it be daily anointed and spread upon the eyes for a reasonable space together: The gall of a Hyaena being baked in a cruse of Albe∣nian * 1.19 Hony, and mingled with the crooked herb Crocis, and so anointed upon the brows or fore-head of them which are purblinde, doth speedily help them; it doth also ease them which are troubled with the water or rheume which falleth in the eyes. Democritus doth also affirm, that if the brow of either man or woman be anointed with the gall of an Hyaena only, it will drive away all darkenings, and blemishes in the eyes, and expel the water or rheume thereof, and also asswage the pain or grief which may come or happen in them whatsoever it be.

The marrow which proceedeth from the chine-bone of an Hyaena, being mixed with his own gall, * 1.20 and with old Oyl, and then baked or boiled in a cruse until it come unto a temperate and mollifying medicine, and then being laid or anointed upon the sinews or nerves, who is in those parts troubled; will throughly heal and cure any default or pain which may happen thereunto. The gall of a male Hyaena being pounded or beaten, and bound about the left thigh of any woman that is barren, doth help for conception. The gall of the same Beast being drunk in Wine, to the value of a dram, with the decoction or liquor which cometh from Spike-lavender, called Oyl of Spike, is a very good remedy and help against the Tympany or swelling of the belly. The gall also being beaten and mixed with the stone called Eat-flesh, is very good and profitable for them which are troubled with the Gowt. The milt of an Hyaena is very effectual to cure and heal any pain or grief in the milt of either man or woman. The lungs being dryed and beaten to powder, and mingled with oyl, and anointed up∣on * 1.21 the loins of any one who is grieved or troubled in those places, will speedily cure the aches or griefs thereof.

The bladder of an Hyaena being drunk in Wine, is a very good and effectual remedy against the incontinency of man or womans urine, or the running of the reins. But if there be any urine in the * 1.22 bladder of the Hyaena found when he is taken, let it be poured forth into some clean vessel, and mixed

with Oyl which proceedeth from the pulse or corn of India, and so drunk up, and it will much ease and help them who are troubled in minde, and are full of care and grief. The secret parts of a fe∣male Hyaena beaten and mixed with the rinde or skin of a Pomgranate, and taken in drink, is very profitable to cure the inconveniences or pain of a womans secret parts.

The genital of a male Hyaena dryed and beaten to powder, being mingled with a certain perfume, doth cure and help those which are troubled with the Cramp, and Convulsion of the sinews. The * 1.23 feet of an Hyaena being taken, doth heal and cure those which are sand-blinde, and such as have botches and sores breaking through the skin and flesh; and also such as are troubled with inflamati∣ons or breedings of winde in their bodies, only by touching and rubbing them over.

The durt of dung which is found in the interior parts of an Hyaena, being burned, and dryed in∣to powder, and so taken in drink, is very medicinable and curable, for those which are grieved with painful excoriations and wringings of the belly, and also for those which are troubled with the Bloudy-flix. And the same being mingled with Goose-grease, and anointed over all the body of either man or woman, will ease them of any pain or grief which they have upon their body what∣soever. The dung or filth of an Hyaena also, being mingled with certain other medicines, is very ex∣cellent to cure and heal the bites and stingings of Crocodiles, and other venemous Serpents. The dung it self is also very good to purge and heal rotten wounds and sores which are full of matter, and filthy corruption.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Philes.
• * 1.2

  The medicinal properties.
• * 1.3

  Galeu.
• * 1.4

  Rasis.
• * 1.5

  Pliny.
• * 1.6

  Pliny.
• * 1.7

  Albertus.
• * 1.8

  Rasis.
• * 1.9

  Pliny.
• * 1.10

  Pliny.
• * 1.11

  Democritus.
• * 1.12

  Myrepsus.
• * 1.13

  Alberius.
• * 1.14

  Pliny.
• * 1.15

  Dioscorides.
• * 1.16

  Marcellus.
• * 1.17

  Galen.
• * 1.18

  Marcellus.
• * 1.19

  Pliny.
• * 1.20

  Marcellus.
• * 1.21

  Pliny.
• * 1.22

  Marcellus.
• * 1.23

  Dioscorides.