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 WEASEL.

[illustration]

THere are divers kindes of Weasels, but in this place we do intreat of the least kinde, whose form and shape we have also here set down. It is likewise properly named of the Latines, Mustela, a Weasel, for so we were wont plainly to name those which were common and domesticall, and to adde names to those which are more seldome seen, or live in the Woods for difference sake.

The word Chol••d in Levit. 11. is translated a Weasel of all Interpreters. The Rabbins do call them Chuldah, and commonly Mustela, as David Kimhi writeth. The Chaldeans do translate it Chul∣da, the Arabians Caldah, the Persians Gurba, and Hieron. Mustela. Oach is an Hebrew word, where-upon it was once called Ochim, plurally in Isai. 13. Babylon subvertetur, & implebunt domos ••or••m Ochim, Munsterus cercopithecos vertit. That is to say, Babylon shall be overthrawn, and their houses shall be filled with Ochim, that is, Weasels, but Munsterus doth call them Munkeys. David Kimhi, and the Master of Thalmud, do call it Nemiah, that is, like to a Cat, but commonly they call it a Martin, or Firum, and Furon. The Authors of the Concordances of the Hebrewes, do interpret Koph, Circopi∣thecum, or Cephum, and Culdah, that is to say, Mustela, a Weasel, as the Jewes do think. The C〈…〉〈…〉 hath translated a Martin Ochijn. Symmachus also hath left or forsaken the Hebrew word. Aquila doth translate it Typhones, that is, a Whirle-winde, Hieronymus doth translate it Draco, that is, a Dragon.

Koah is truly interpreted to be a kinde of Lizard, or a Chamaelion; in Leviticus 11. We also read in Albertus, His, and Hyrzus, (two barbarous words) for a Weasel, which he himself doth not understand: but I have discerned or taken this signification out of the words of Aristotle: for Al∣bertus doth most unlearnedly expound Hircum a Hare, being deceived, because both the living beasts do often times remove their young ones from one place to another in their mouths. Fe〈…〉〈…〉s also doth seem to be according to Aristotle, no other thing then Gale, that is to say, a Weasill. For Feyton (saith he) it hath wit like a Fox, that is to say, in setting upon Hens or Chickins, and the other shape and form of it is Katiz, that is to say, Ictis, a Ferret. Namfitza also is even to this day called a Weasel among the Grecians. Ibanauge is also called a Weasel, Ibinuers is a little four-footed beast. Bellula also doth seem to signifie a Weasel, by a feigned word prodeeding from the French or Italians, which do call also Belettam, Balottam pro Mustela, for a Weasel, but some of the later Grecians * 1.1 do abuse it, in terming it a Cat, as I have spoken before in the History of the Cat.

Theodorus Gaza in Aristotle doth interpret it sometimes a Weasel, and other sometimes a Cat; neither can I sufficiently gather wherefore he doth so change it, seeing that the Grecians call Ca〈…〉〈…〉 for a Cat Aeluron, and the Latines Felem. Some say, that Mustela for a Weasel hath been interpreted

or declared of late dayes, being only led (if I be not deceived) with the affinity of the German word, for the Germans do call Mustela a Wisel. The Grecians do usually take to this day Mustela for a Wea∣sel, as I have read in the Oration of Suidas. A Weasel is called in Italy Donn••la, or Ballottula. It is apparent by the words of Avicen, that Donnula, and otherwise Dannula is barbarously used pro Maste∣la * 1.2 for a Weasel: Albertus and Niphus do write Damula for a Weasel, by the which word, the later Writers do very obscurely understand Dama for a Weasel, which is of the kinde of Goats living in the Woods. Damma or Dammula is a small and weak beast, (as Isidorus writeth) speaking of those that are wilde, and will not come to hand. When it doth bring forth young, it doth presently de∣vour the Seconds or those that come after birth, before they touch the earth, and yet it is a prey * 1.3 it self to other Four-footed beasts. You may also seem to take a little Dear, or a kinde of young Goat, or a Weasel, for that kinde of beast which doth devour her Seconds: But we read that neither of these do it.

The Lizard is said to devour her first litter which she littereth in her old age. We also call Domesticall Weasels, Foinos. A Weasel is called in France, Belotte, or Belotte, and Albalotis. Some as I do hear, which do inhabit about the Towns of Meta, do call them Baccal, Carolus Figuli doth in∣terpret a Weasel in French; Fovinum, or Morturellum, of which I have shewed before that there is two kindes, and also that there are Weasels living in the woods. In Spain also they are called Coma∣dreia. The people of Rhetia which speak Latine, do keep the Latine name. The Germans do call them Wisel or Wisele. Georgius Agricola saith, that it is called a Weasel by reason of the noise that it maketh. Othersome dwelling in Helvetia, do call it Hermelin, and some do call it by a corrupt word Hamlin, but those ought only to be named so which are altogether white, and are found in Winter time. But here in England it is called a Weasell, and some do write it Wesyll, or Weasyll: But the white Weasel is called Minever, by the transposition of the letters of the French word, it is called Herminne, and among the Illyrians, Kolczauna.

Some do think at this day, that the beast whose shape and form we have given for a Weasel, is the Shrew-mouse, but not rightly, for their only reason is, that the bitings of it doth poyson and harm almost in like manner. Albertus also doth write, that the Sea Weasel is called the field-Shrew, which is utterly false and untrue: For the Shrew is called among the Grecians, M••gale, male or fe∣male. They do now also commonly call Ichneumon the Indian Mouse, and othersome the fallow Deer: But Damula, or Donula, is of the Italians and some later barbarous Writers, altogether called a common Weasel, and not Ichneumon, which is a peculiar beast to the Egyptians.

Now the reason of the Latine name Mustela, Carolus Figulus is of opinion, that it is derived of Mys * 1.4 and Steli••, two Greek words, because it devoureth Mice, and both the Germans and the English de∣rive their word Steal, or Stellen, to rob or filch, from the Greek word Stellein; so that it is so called, because this Weasel is a still, and secret, stealing, and devouring beast. Calepin saith, that Mustela is quasi longior Mus. This beast is also called by Aristotle, Habeninum, and it is said, that it hunteth Moles or blinde Mice.

The Epithets hereof are, fearfull, in-creeper, and swift, and beside these I finde not any mate∣riall, * 1.5 or worthy to be rehearsed. Now concerning their outward proportion, it is as we have here described, a long and thin body, but the colour thereof varieth; for some of them are brown, and branded, some black, and some clean white, which we have shewed already to be the Ermyn: for in some places of Germany, Helvetia, and the Alpes, the Weasels in the Winter become all white. But forasmuch as there are two kindes of Weasels, one vulgar and domesticall, living in houses and Cities, and the other wilde, living in the Woods and Mountains: we finde also that they differ in colour, neither of both being constant in the same; for the domesticall Weasel is upon the back, and side sandy, red, and sometime yellowish, and alwayes white on the th••oa••, yea, sometimes as Geor. Agricola writeth, they are all white, whereat no man ought to wonder, seeing the Hares of Hel∣vetia do in the Winter time turn white: And of these white Weasels or Ermyns there are abundance in the Northern parts of Europe, where their Summers are short, and their Winters long: And these white Weasels differ nothing from the common vulgar Weasels of other colours, except that their hair stick faster to their backs; and it is observed, that in Russia the Noblest women are appa∣relled with these skins: And there is a Wood in Scandinavia (called Lanzetuoca) which is fourscore mile long, wherein are abundance of white Weasels: And the Kings tents among the Tartarians are said to be covered all over with the skins of Lyons without, and the walls to be hung with these Armins or white Weasels within; and although the price of these skins be very deer among them (for sometimes so many as are used in one Garment will cost two thousand Crowns) yet do the people earnestly seek after them, accounting it no small honour, to wear so much wealth upon their backs.

Now the reason why these beasts came to be called Armilini, is from Armilla a chain, because they did wear them in fringes about their garments like chains▪ and although that some of the Alpine Mice be all white, and likewise the Pontique Mouse, yet there must be a difference observed betwixt these Weasels which are properly called Armins, and those Mice which are so called, only by way of resemblance, as we have shewed already in their stories. And of the Pontique Mouse. I may adde thus much more, that they live in the Winter time in hollow trees, wherein they become as white as snow all over, except their tails, and are in quantity like▪ Squirrels, but in the end of May they turn somewhat red, because that then they give themselves, to copulation and generation of young ones, when they lay aside their whitenesse, and live many dayes together in care all copu∣lation,

among the green and fresh herbs, leaving behinde them such rank and unsavoury smells, as are very odious to a good sent: And it is said, that every three year their skins through abun∣dance of food grow greater and greater, to the exceeding commodity of Merchants, and Skinners in Norway, and Helsyngia.

There are certain little four-footed beasts called Lemmar, or Lemmus, which in tempestuous and * 1.6 rainy weather, do seem to fall down from the clouds, and it was never yet found, whether their beginning arose first from heaven or earth, but this is certain that as soon as ever they have fallen to the ground, some of them have been opened, and in their bowels have been found green herbs, and therefore I marvel why ever it should be beleeved that these beasts are bred of some feculent matter in the clouds; but if any man ask me from whence then have they their beginning, I answer from the earth, even as Locusts and Catterpillers, who are said in holy Scripture to be carryed to and fro with the windes, and so these beasts being destitute of naturall food in their places of ge∣neration, do advance themselves into the winde, and so are carried into other strange and un∣known Countreys, where they fall like Locusts upon every green thing, living untill they have de∣voured all, but when once they taste of new grown herbs, they perish and die, by means whereof they encrease great pestilence and corruption, but the Ar••••lins or Armins do eat and devour them.

Now the Skins of these beasts are exceeding delicate having in them divers colours, and therefore the people flea them off from their bodies, and sell them by thirty or forty in bundles, for great price; but of these skins I have said enough, both here and elsewhere. The wilde Weasels differ not from the vulgar domesticall Weasel, their foreteeth are short and not long like a Mouses, the face broad, their genital part like a Foxes, their tail short, their legs and clawes short; strong and sharp; and it is reported by Strabo, that the Weasels of Mauritania are as big as Cats, but their ga∣ping and opening of their mouth much longer, and wider. There is an Island called Dordocel〈…〉〈…〉, on the one side whereof (as Pliny writeth) there are Weasels, and through the middle there is a way over which they never passe, and on the other side there are not only not any bred, but also if they be brought into it, they die and perish, and so likewise it is reported of Beotia.

They make themselves caves and holes in the earth, rocks, and walls, wherein they lodge, into * 1.7 the which they frame two passages or doors, one into the South, the other into the North, (resembling herein the Squirrels) that so they may be free from the winde, on which side soever it bloweth, sometimes they get into stacks of Hay and straw, and there they lodge: those Weasels which live neer houses sleep not much, for they have been seen abroad all the Winter time, not only the vulgar but the Armins: neither are they unthankfull unto the Countrey men in whose houses they lodge, for they kill, eat, and devour all manner of Mice, Rats, and Moles; for because of their long, slender bodies, they are apt to creep into the holes of the earth, and narrow passa∣ges, fetching their prey from those places whither Cats cannot come; therefore in He〈…〉〈…〉tia the Countrey men nourish them more then Cats, because they destroy more vermin then Cats. The harm they do is to Hens, Chickens, and Egs, and yet some say they eat the Egs and ••et the Hens alone: they are likewise enemies to Geese, and devour their Egs; and Aelianus writeth, that if they come unto dead men, they will pull out their eyes in such manner as they do Egs, and there∣fore such Carkases are to be watched against them. Amyntat writeth, that the Shrew-mouse is con∣ceived betwixt a Mouse and a Weasel, which opinion is, not only r••diculous, but impossible, for how is it likely that a Mouse will ingender with that beast which lyeth in wait to destroy her? It is also said, that a Weasel fighteth with those Serpents that hunt after Mice, for no other cause, but to gain the prey from him.

There is nothing in this beast more strange, then their conception and generation, for they do * 1.8 not engender nor couple in their hinder parts, like other four-footed beasts, but at their ears, and bring forth their young ones at their mouth, and for this cause Aristeas writeth, the Jewes were forbidden to eat them, for this their action was an emblem of folly, and of foolish man, which can keep no secrets, but utter all that they hear (thus saith he) But we that are Christians knew other reasons why the Jewes were forbid to eat them. The Egyptians make of it another sign, for they say, that their copulation at the ear, and generation at the mouth, are emblems of speech which is first taught to the ear, and then uttered by the tongue: there be other again that hold this to be a fable: And Pope Clement writeth, that they conceive at the mouth, and bring forth a•• the ••ar. Many say, it is true of the Weasel of the Sea, but not of the Weasel of the earth, which is therefore called Collipara, and this they would confirm by another fable of Medus, whose ••ead after it was cut off, it is said to bring forth Chrysaor and Pegasus; some do alledge for this opinion, that the Crowes and the Ibis do conceive at their mouths: but this is certain, that they have plac••s of conception underneath their tails like other four-footed beasts, and therefore how it should come to passe, that their young ones should come forth at their mouths, I cannot easily leard. It may be that the opinion thereof first arose from the sight of some old one carrying her young in her mouth, for the young ones are very small like Mice, and therefore it is likely that they re∣move them to and fro, as Cats do their young ones, for they are in continuall fear, lest they should be taken and destroyed by men, or by some other enemy beast.

The dung of Weasels doth smell many times like musk, the reason whereof we have shewed your in another place, all of them in generall have a most rank and filthy savour. It is a ravening and destroying beast; and although the body of it be very small, yet is the wit and understanding of it

very great, for with singular art and subtilty it com••asseth his prey, whereupon there lyeth this history of Galanthis the maid of Alomena, as Perottus observeth out of Ovid. When Alomena was in long travel and childe-birth, it is said that the maid perceiving she was hindered by Lucina, crafti∣ly obtained not only the knowledge of the cause by Lucina, but also the remedy; whereupon she ••ased her Lady, (like a true and faithfull servant) of many pains. Lucina seeing that she was be∣guiled by Galanthis, and that her crafty wit had over-reached a Goddesse, she turned her into a Weasell, for her punishment, that as she had sinned by revealing of the counsell of the Goddess, so she should be punished to bring forth all her young ones at her mouth, as Weasels do; and for this occasion, the Domesticall Weasel like a Maid doth continually live in houses, and her colour yellowish like the hair of Galanthis: thus say they of metamorphosing and transforming.

Other some say, that when Alomena was in travail of Hercules, having indured long torments, she was delivered by the sight of a Weasel which came in her presence, and therefore the Theban Grecians do religiously worship a Weasel, for they say, that as it was nourisht by Hecate the Goddesse, so it did nourish Hercules; but herein they take Gale for Galanthis aforesaid, that is, a Weasel, for Alomenaes maid: And seeing we have begun to talk of transformations, I will adde another thing out of Stobeus, not impertinent to this common place, for he writeth in the dis∣praise of women, that the diversity of their dispositions perswadeth him that some of them are derived from one beast, and some from another: and namely those which come of Weasels, are a miserable, sullen, and sorrowfull kinde of women, to whom nothing is pleasing, delightfull, or acceptable, but having no minde to the pleasure of Venus, loathing her husband, hurteth her neighbours, robbeth her self, and devoureth consecrated and hallowed things, even after the man∣ner of Weasels, which will take a booty from the Altar: Thus saith he, which I beleive to be true in the comparison, but not in the generation or transmutation of women from Weasels.

I do marvail how it came to passe, that a Weasel was called, an unhappy, unfortunate, and un∣lucky * 1.9 beast among Hunters, for they held opinion here in England, that if they meet with a Wea∣sel in the morning, they shall not speed well that day; therefore the Grecians say Galesteir, and Al∣ciatus hath an excellent Emblem, whereby he insinuateth that it is not good to have a Weasel run upon ones left hand, and therefore adviseth a man to give over his enterprize after such an Omen. Now although I would have no wise man to stand in fear of such a superstitious conceit, yet I will subscribe his verses, more for variety and elegancy, then for truth:

Auspiciis res coepta malis bone cedere nescit: Foelici quae sunt omine facta, juvant. Quicquid ages, Mustela tibi si occurret, omitte: Signa malae haec sortis bestia prava gerit.

It should seem tha•• the beginning of this opinion did come from the punishment of a certain Generall of the Corinthians Navy, who being perjured in breaking his faith to that State, came running away from them; and they say, that afterwards he could never sleep, but that he dream∣ed Weasels came and tore his flesh from his body: At last through anguish and grief of minde, he slew himself. These things are reported by Heraclides, which whether they be true or false, are but a silly and slender foundation to build upon them a Propheticall opinion, or presage future evils; and so I will leave the morall part of the Weasel, and return again to the naturall. They have knowledge like Mice and Rats, to run out of houses before their downfall. They live in ha∣tred with the Serpent that hunteth Mice, for by eating of Rue they drive them out of houses wherein they inhabit; and this is a wonderfull work of God, that this silly beast should have the knowledge of the vertue of that herb, and not only arm her self with it, because it is hatefull to Ser∣pents, and they in no wise in nature able to abide it, but also by it to restore to life again her young ones after they are dead.

There is a poyson in Weasels which destroyeth the Cockatrice, for when the Weasel findeth the Cockatrices hole or den, she layeth her poyson in the mouth thereof, whereby two contrary na∣tures meet and fight, and the lesser overcometh the greater; and this is affirmed both by Pliny and Solinus; wherefore all manner of Cattle do fear Weasels. They hunt all manner of birds, pul∣ling out their throat as a Wolf doth a Sheeps. They will play with Hares till they have wearyed them, and then destroy them; they are in perpetuall enmity with Swine, Ravens, Crowes, and Cats, for although Cats sometimes set upon them, yet they cannot overcome them. In many pla∣ces of Italy they are nourished tame, for as Ferrets are used to fetch Conies out of the earth, so are Weasels by tying a string about their neck, to fetch young Pigeons out of Dove-cotes, and birds out of their nests. If the powder of a Weasel be given unto a Cock, Chickens, or Pigeons, it is said, they shall never be annoyed by Weasels.

Likewise if the brain of a Weasel be mingled with a rennet in Cheeses, it keepeth them from be∣ing touched with mice or corrupted with age. The flesh of a Weasel is not used for meat, but dried and preserved for medicines. The powder thereof mixed with water, driveth away Mice, by casting the gall of Stellius in a house where Weasels are gathered together, and then by Oyl of bit∣ter Almonds, or salt Ammoniak they are killed, but if one of their tails be cut off, all the residue do forsake the house. And thus much shall suffice concerning the History of Weasels, now follow∣eth the medicines arising out of their bodies.

The Medicines arising from the Weasel.

A Weasel being applyed unto those which are troubled with Agues or Quartern Feavers, doth in short time cure them. It doth also being mingled with other things make a wonderfull pleasant * 1.10 mollifying medicine for those which are troubled with the gout, or any other infirmity in the joynts, and easeth those which have a continuall ache in the head, leaving a certain matter on the top thereof, and stroaking it from the forehead to the hinder part of the head.

For the curing also of the gout, this is an excellent remedy. To take a little young whelp alive, well fatted, and a living VVeasel in nine pints of Oyl, and unto the same two or three pounds of Butter, and to boyl them together, untill the beasts be made lank or lither, and then to put your hands or feet a whole day in hot Oyl well strained. Avicenna attributeth certain things to VVea∣sels flesh only, which the classicall Authors rather ascribe to the powder of VVeasels which are * 1.11 these: to be applyed to the gout, being drunk in wine against the Failing sicknesse, and the head-ache, but it is accounted an especiall remedy against the bitings of Scorpions.

The flesh of a VVeasel being taken is a very good and effectuall preservative against all poysons. The same being taken in meat, the head and feet only cast away, doth help those which are troubled * 1.12 with wens or bunches in the flesh, being first anoynted with the blood of the same beast. The bloud of a VVeasel is very well applyed to broken or exulcerated sores in the flesh. The same vertue hath the whole body of a Weasel, boyled in wine, being in the manner of a plaister placed thereun∣to. For the expelling of the gout take a dead Weasel, and boyl him in Oyl, untill it be made li∣quid, * 1.13 then strain forth the Oyl, and mingle it with wax, fashioning the same in the form of a plaister, and this being in good order applyed, will in very short time expell it quite away.

A house Weasel is wont to be burned for divers remedies, and to be embowelled with salt, and dryed in a shade. But there are some late writers which affirm, that a Weasel is better being dryed * 1.14 or burned for the said disease, then used in the aforesaid manner, some also which are more foolish, think it best, being only salted, but it is more proper, being used in the first manner.

The bodies of creatures which are dry by nature being dryed by the sprinkling of salt upon them, are unmeet for food, for a certain man going about to salt a Hare, made it like unto a dryed VVeasel. Some have written that the flesh of a Hedge-hog dried, doth very much profit those which are troubled with an outward or inward leprosie: which if it can effect, it will more strong∣ly have a drying force or power: even as the flesh of a VVeasel being dryed, and drunk in wine, ex∣pelleth poyson. A vulgar VVeasel being kept very old, and drunk in wine, to the quantity of two drams, is accounted a present remedy against the venom or stings of Serpents.

A young VVeasel being prepared, as is before said, that is to say embowelled with salt, is of good * 1.15 force against all ill medicines. A VVeasel used in the same manner doth presently cure the bites of Serpents. A VVeasel being burnt and dryed, especially the belly thereof, is accounted an excellent remedy against the bitings of any other wilde beast. Some small part of the belly of a young VVea∣sel, to the quantity of two drams being stuffed with Coriander, and drunk in wine, is given to those that are smitten by Serpents, and is curable for them. The flesh of a VVeasel being burnt, mingled with Rue and wine, and so drunk, is very medicinable for the curing of the bites of all crea∣tures. The young whelps of VVeasels being imbowelled with salt, is very profitable for the healing * 1.16 of the deadly stinging or biting of the Spider called Phalangium.

The whelp of a Weasel doth cure the venemous bitings of the Shrew. The flesh of a Weasel being dryed, doth strongly drie and separate, by both which forces those are healed which are * 1.17 troubled with the Falling sicknesse having drunk it in wine. This vertue is also attributed unto the bloud of Weasels. A Weasel being dryed and drunk in wine, doth heal those that are troubled with the Palsie or shaking of the joynts. Concerning the powder of Weasels, there are many things read: But Galen writeth, that he never burned this creature, that he might try the excellency thereof. The bloud and powder of a Weasel are very profitable, being anoynted on those whole bodies are vext with the leprosie, according to the saying of Serenus in these verses;

—Elephanti * 1.18 Morbo adversus erit cedri de cortice succus, Mustelaeve cinis vel fusus sanguis ab illa.

The powder of a Weasel being mingled with the bloud of a young Swallow doth heal the Quinsie or Squinzie, the inflamation of the jawes, as also those which are grieved with the strangury, being either taken in bread or in drink. The same is also very effectuall for the expelling of wens or bun∣ches in the body, and healeth those which are troubled with the Falling sicknesse, being dayly ta∣ken in drink. The same diseases are both healed by this medicine, to burn a living Weasel altoge∣ther in an earthen pot, and to mingle with the powder thereof Hony, Turpentine, and Butter, of * 1.19 each a sufficient quantity, and in the manner of an Oyntment, to apply it unto the bodies of the grieved parties. The bloud of a Swallow and a Weasel are commended by some to be very con∣gruent and agreeable, but Pliny, Avicenna, and the rest of the antient writers commend the blood of a Weasel only to be very medicinable for these diseases following; namely, the Falling sickness, the Foul evil, and the head-ache.

The powder of a Weasel being mingled in water, and given to one that is mad or frenzy to drink, * 1.20 is reported by some to be very good and profitable for him, if so be that they can compell the fran∣tick person to perceive it. The powder of a Weasel is very effectuall for the expelling or taking away of the pin and web in the eyes. There is a speedy remedy for the driving away of rheum in the head, and the Catarrh swelling by rheum in the jawes, which is this, To take a Weasel upon a Thurs∣day in the old Moon, and put him alive in an unburned pot, that in the Boyling he may be torn, and dryed into powder, which powder being gathered together and well tempered with Hony, to give it to the diseased person every day in a spoon fasting, to the quantity of three drams, and it will in short space wonderfully ease him.

A Weasel being burnt, and the powder thereof wrapped in some sear-cloth which is anoynted over with the Oyl of Flower-deluces, doth help and heal all sores or impostumes proceeding from the head to the ears, being applyed thereunto. A VVeasel being beaten to powder, mingled with * 1.21 wax, and in the manner of a sear-cloth applyed unto the shoulders, doth expell all pains, aches, or griefs therein whatsoever; it doth also purge or cleanse sores very effectually, according to these Verses of Serenus following;

Obscoenos si pone locos nova vulnerae carpant, Horrentum mansa curantur froride ruborum. Et si jam veteri succedit fistula morbo, Mustelae cinere immisso purgabitur ulcus, Sanguine cum ricini, quem bos gestaverit ante.

A VVeasel being burned in an earthen pot, is very medicinable for the curing of the gout. The powder thereof being mingled with Vinegar, and in that manner thereunto applyed. The * 1.22 dust of a living VVeasel burnt, mingled with wax Rose-water, and anoynted with a Feather upon gouty legs, cureth the same disease. The brain of a VVeasel being kept very long, and throughly dried, afterwards mingled with Vinegar, and so drunk, doth very effectually cure the falling sick∣nesse.

The brains of a Camel mingled with the brains of a VVeasel, being both well dryed, and drunk * 1.23 in Vinegar, speedily helpeth those which are troubled with the disease called the Foul evill. If a horse shall fall into a suddain disease (being for the most part termed dangerous) which our Countrey-men call Raech, concerning which I have spoken in the Horse, he is cured by some Horse-coursers by a small quantity of a VVeasels skin, being about the bignesse of aforesaid golden Crown) which is given to him inwardly, whether in a potion by some horn, or cut small and mingled with chaffe, I know not. Some do give to the Horses troubled with the aforesaid disease the tail of a white VVeasel being half black, and half white, cut exceeding small in their chaffe or provender. If a Serpent or any other venemous creature shall sting or bite an Oxe, let the wounded place be stro∣ked or smoothed with the skin of a VVeasel, and it shall in short time be perfectly cured. The same they do in a manner command to be done to Horses which are so stung or bitten, rubbing the wound with a Weasels skin untill it wax hot, ministring in the mean time some certain Anti∣dote within the Horses body. There are some also which are of opinion that the skin being in the said manner applyed, is of no efficacy, but that the whole beast being cut and applyed while it is hot, will rather profit, which both in a Shrew, as also in many other creatures is manifest.

The bloud of a Weasel being anoynted upon any impostume arising behinde the ear, doth in∣stantly * 1.24 cause the swelling to cease, or being broken, doth speedily heal the sore. The same also being anoynted upon any impostumes in the head either whole or broken, doth very effectually cure them. The bloud of a Weasel being anoynted upon wens or bunches of flesh in any part of the body doth instantly expell them. The same doth also help those which are troubled with the Falling sicknesse: which disease is also cured by the whole body of a VVeasel either burnt or * 1.25 embowelled with salt. The head and feet of a VVeasel being cast away, and the body taken in any kinde of drink, doth perfectly heal those which are troubled with that pestiferous disease called S. Johns evil. The bloud of the same same beast is an excellent remedy for the expelling of the foul evil. The bloud of a Weasel being anoynted upon broken or exulcerated bunches in the flesh, doth not only mitigate the pain, but also heal the wounds. The bloud of a Weasel being anoynted upon the jawes, doth heal all pains or sores therein whatsoever. The powder and bloud of a Weasel being both mingled together, and anoynted upon the body of any leprous man, doth in short time drive away all scabs or scurfs thereon. The bloud of a VVeasel being anointed with a Plantain upon the legs or feet of any one that is troubled with the gout, doth very speedily mitigate or asswage the pain thereof. The same being anoynted upon the nervs or sinewes which are shrunk together, * 1.26 doth easily mollifie them again, and loosen the grievous pain either in the joynts or articles. The liver of a VVeasel mingled with his own brains, being both well dryed, and taken in any kinde of drink, doth very much profit those which are troubled with the disease called S. Johns evil. The liver of a VVeasel, being throughly dryed, and afterwards taken in water to drink, doth heal the disease called the Foul evil, taking hold of sense and minde together: but there must great care be had that this medicine be ministred unto the sick party, even when the disease is coming on him. The gall of a Hare being mingled with the liver of a VVeasel to the quantity of three drams, one dram of Oyl of Beavers stones, four drams of Myrrhe, with one dram of Vinegar,

and drunk in hony, or bastard wine, doth heal those which are troubled with a dizzinesse or certain swimming in the head. The liver of a Weasel is reported to be very good and medicinable for the curing of the Lethargy, or Dropsie evil. The liver of a Weasel being bound to the left foot of a * 1.27 woman, doth altogether hinder her from conception. The gall of a Weasel is a very excellent and effectuall remedy against the venom or poyson of Asps, being taken in any kinde of drink. The yard of a Weasel, Hart, or Doe, being dried, and beaten to powder, and taken in wine, or any other drink, is an excellent medicine for the curing of the bites or stings of Serpents. The yard of a Wea∣sel or Ferret, is commended for a very excellent remedy against the strangury, or disease called the Colick and stone. The stones of a male Weasel, or the secret parts of a female Weasel, is report∣ed * 1.28 by some to be very medicinable for the curing of the Falling sicknesse. The stones of a Weasel being bound unto any part of a woman while she is in travail of childe birth, doth altogether hin∣der her from her delivery. By the left stone of a Weasel being bound in a piece of a Mules hide, there is a certain medicine made, which being drunk by any woman not being with childe, causeth barrennesse, as also by women being with childe, hard and grievous pain in delivery. The efficacy or force in them, have the stones of a Weasel being cut off in the change of the Moon, and he suf∣fered * 1.29 to go away alive, being tied upon any part of a woman in the hide of a Mule. The heel of a living Weasel being taken away and bound unto a woman, doth make her that she shall not con∣ceive so long as she shall so bear it. The powder of a Dogs head dried, being put into any broken or exulcerated sores, doth eat away all the corruption or dead flesh encreasing therein. The same vertue hath the powder of Weasels dung, being used in the said manner.

The dung of Mice or of a Weasel, being anoynted upon the head, is an excellent remedy for the falling off of the hair on the head, or any other part of mans body, and doth also cure the disease * 1.30 called by some the Foxes evil. The biting of a Weasel is reported by some to be very venemous, and in his ravening or madnesse not to be lesse hurtfull then the bitings of mad Dogs. For Wea∣sels and Foxes are very often mad. But Arnoldus is of a contrary opinion, and affirmeth that the Weasel doth more hurt by his biting, then by any venom he can put forth. Others also do affirm, * 1.31 that there is venom in Weasels for this cause, that in all kinde of Weasels when they are angry, the force of their smell is so rank and strong. The best way to drive away Mice, is by scattering the powder of Weasels or Cats dung up and down, the savour whereof Mice cannot abide, but the same being made into some certain kinde of bread will smell more strongly. That the bites of a Weasel are venemous and deadly, there is an example written by Aristides, of a certain man, who being bitten by a Weasel, and ready to die, gave a great sigh, and said, that if he had died by a Lyon or Panther, it would never have grieved him, but to die by the biting of such an ignoble beast, it grieved him worse then his death. The biting of a Weasel doth bring very quick and grievous pain, which is only known by the colour, being dusky or blewish: and it is cured by Onions and Garlick, either ap∣plyed * 1.32 outward, or taken in drink, so that the party drink sweet wine thereon. Unripe Figs also mingled with the flour of the grain called Orobos, doth much profit the same. Treacle in like manner being applyed in the manner of a plaister, speedily cureth them. Garlick being mingled with Fig-tree leaves and Cinamon, and so beaten together, are very well applyed to the said bites. It cometh also to passe, that sometimes the Weasel biteth some Cattell, which presently killeth them, except there be some instant remedy. The remedy for it is this, to rub the wounded place with a piece of a Weasels skin well dryed untill it waxe hot, and in the mean time give the best Treacle to drink in the manner of an antidote. The Weasel usually biteth Cowes dugs, which when they are swollen if they be rubbed with a Weasels skin they are instantly healed.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Silvaticus.
• * 1.2

  Scopa.
• * 1.3

  Albertus.
• * 1.4

  Niphus. The etymolo∣gy of Weasels.
• * 1.5

  The epithets, colour, and se∣veral parts.
• * 1.6

  Of the Lem∣mar.
• * 1.7

  Places of their abode.
• * 1.8

  Their copula∣tion and con∣ception.
• * 1.9

  The significa∣tion of a Wea∣sels occurrence.
• * 1.10

  Ʋ••sinus.
• * 1.11

  Aetius.
• * 1.12

  Avicenna.
• * 1.13

  Theophrastus.
• * 1.14

  Dioscorides.
• * 1.15

  Galen.
• * 1.16

  Pliny.
• * 1.17

  Albertus.
• * 1.18

  Serenus.
• * 1.19

  Myrepsus.
• * 1.20

  Pliny.
• * 1.21

  Galen.
• * 1.22

  Dioscorides.
• * 1.23

  Rasis.
• * 1.24

  Archigenes.
• * 1.25

  Isidorus.
• * 1.26

  Galen.
• * 1.27

  Sextus.
• * 1.28

  Pliny.
• * 1.29

  Kiranides.
• * 1.30

  Aeginetta.
• * 1.31

  Avicenna.
• * 1.32

  Aelianus.