Cochlearia curiosa: or The curiosities of scurvygrass. Being an exact scrutiny and careful description of the nature and medicinal vertue of scurvygrass. In which is exhibited to publick use the most and best preparations of medicines, both Galenical and chymical; either for internal or external use, in which that plant, or any part thereof is imployed. Written in Latine by Dr. Andreas Valentinus Molimbrochius of Lipswick. Englished by Tho. Sherley, M.D. and physitian in ordinary to His present Majesty.

THE CURIOSITIES OF SCURVYGRASS,

CHAP. I. Of the Name of Scurvygrass.

PLants were produced by the Great and Good God, for the health of Men, and according to the diversity of circumstances, they are allotted different Names. Some derive their Names from their Inventors, or Fin∣ders out; So Artemisia or Mugwort was so called from Artemisia, wife to Mausolus, King of Caria, who adopt∣ed this Herb to her self. Gentian from Gentius King of Illyricum, who first found out its virtues in his Wars. Lysimachus, or Loose-strife from Ly∣simachus, Son of Agathocles of Mace∣don, Telephium, Orpine, from Tele∣phus

King of Mysia. Nymphaea Wa∣ter-Lillies, from the Nymphs, or Fairies, who first discovered it, or because it loves to grow in watrish places. Teucrium, Germander, from Teucrus (Son of Scamander, King of Troy, a Cretian) as Pliny e will have it. Nicotiana, Tobacco, from Iohn Nicott, a Counseller to the King of France, who discovered it in the year 1560. Mercurialis, Mercury or Dog-nettles, from the god Mercury, whose invention accor∣ding to f Pliny it was.

2. Many derive their Names from their Vertues and Qualities, in which they excel others: as Hepatica or Li∣verwort, because it heals the Liver. Herba Paralysis, Cowslip or Primrose, because it prevails against the Palsie. Acorus, Aromatical Reed, or sweet smelling Flag, because 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. pupillis medetur: it is profitable a∣gainst dimsightedness. Narcissus; Daffadil, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from its power of stupifying; not, as the Poets fable from the youth Narcissus, who fell in love with himself, Scro∣phularia, or Figwort, because it is be∣lieved

to cure the Scrophulas, swel∣ling of the throat, or Kings-Evil. Polygala, Milkwort, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it can produce much Milk. Vrtica Nettles, ab urendo, from burning, by reason it raiseth blisters in the skin, as fire doth. Saponaria, Sopewort, because it may be used instead of Sope to cleanse linnen cloath. Moly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from its remov∣ing diseases. Gelatophylus, seu Apium Risus, or Water Crow-foot, because it moves laughter. Centaurium, Cen∣tury, from its vertue in many diseas∣es, was thought worthy to derive its name a centum aureis, from an hun∣dred Crowns. The Germans esteem this Plant so pretious, that they call it Tausandgulder Kraut, that is, thou∣sand Gelder herb, altho g Pliny writes, that it derives its name from Chiron the Gentaur. Potentilla, wilde Tansie, from its great Vertues, as if one said potens, or powerful; it is al∣so called Argentina, chiefly from the silvery shining of its leavs being dry∣ed; it is called Anserina, Goosegrass, because Geese delight to eat it in wa∣try Meadows. Trachelium, Throat∣wort

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the throat in those diseases 'tis commended and therefore also Cervicaria, Neck∣wort, and Vulvaria. Also from its external form, Campanula, Bell-flower, or Canterbury Bells. Also Lepidium, Dittander, because it doth take off the spots and Scurse from the Face, (by some called Lepidas.) Sinapi, Mustard, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from hurting or offending the eyes. Na∣sturtium, Water-cresses, as it were, wring by the Nose, provoking by the Acrimonious sent of its seeds to Snee∣zing. Lactuca, Lettice, from increa∣sing Milk, and abounding with it. Lapathum, Dock, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from emptying, because the Decoction of it emptieth the Belly.

III. Many Plants gain their Name from the place of their growth. So Nardus from Naardo, a City of Syria, terminated by the River Euphrates, Colchicum, or Medow-saffron, because it grows in plenty at Colchis, a City of Asia near Pontus. Cyticus, a kind of shrub that generates much Milk, and grows in a place called Cythinus, as Pliny h saith. Thapsia, a sort of

Ferula, great Spanish scorching Fen∣nel, because it is found in Thapsus, an Island of the same name, Dioscordius. i Helenium, Elecampane, because the best is in S. Hellens Island, Brittanica, a sort of Bistort, a Snake-weed which grows on the Sea shore, opposite to Brittany. Henricus Patraeus k. Li∣gusticum, Lovage, because it grows plentifully in Liguria in Italy. So al∣so Ruta Muracia, Wall-Rue, because found on Walls. Caltha Palustris, Fenny Marigolds, because they grow in marshy and wet places. Parietaria, Pellitory of the wall, which springs forth of walls; from whence it is called by Celsus l. Herba Muralis, the Herb of the Wall. Alsine, Chick∣weed, quod 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; that is, it loves dark and shady places.

IV. Others are named from their taste: as Acetosa, Sorrel, Acetocella, Wood-sorrel, from their having an acide or four taste. Centory the less, from its too much bitterness is called Fel-Terrae, or Gall of the Earth. Pyre∣thrum, Pellitory of Spain, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from fire, from the fiery heat of its Root, which is felt upon the

tongue. Eruca, Rocket, which by pricking bites the tongue.

V. They are named from their Sent: as Caryophyllata, Avens, or herb Bennet, because its root being pluckt up in the Spring time, doth smell A∣romatically like Cloves, called Ca∣ryophillus-Geranium Moschatum, & Iva Moschata, Cranes Bill, and Cham∣cepitis, smell like Musk. Camphora∣ta, stinking Ground-pine rubbed be∣twixt the fingers, gives a smell like Campher. Allium, Garlick, some de∣rive its name from exhaling a stinking smell, and therefore write it Alium: There are also who will have it deri∣ved from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to leap forth, be∣cause it grows suddenly. Alliacia, Jack by the hedge, by reason its leaves bruised small betwixt the fin∣gers, smell of Garlick. So also Scor∣dium; water Germander, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from Garlick whose sent it breaths. Liba notis, the herb Frankincense, from its smell of Frankincense. Spon∣dilium; so called from an Insect of that name, of a stinking smell. A∣triplex faetida, stinking Orach; 'tis called also Vulvaria futuaria, stinking

Wort, from its unpleasing and stink∣ing smell.

VI. From their colour: Ornitho∣galum, star of Bethlehem, from its milky colour, like that to be seen in the Wings and Eggs of Hens. Lu∣teola; Dyers Weed, with which they colour Woollen Cloth yellow. Ni∣gella, Fennel flower, from the black colour of its seeds. Iris, Flower de Luce, from the similitude it hath to the colours of the Rainbow. Chry∣santhemum, Corn Marigold, because its flower shines with a golden splen∣dour. Tripolium, Sea starwort, as it were grey thrice, or three aged, whose flowers change colour thrice a day, according to Dioscorides m. In the morning it is white, at noon purple, and in the evening 'tis of a light red colour. Virga Aurea; Golden Rod, from its golden flowers. Cyanus, blew bottle, because of its Sky-coloured flowers.

VII. From some living Creatures, to whom they are either friendly or disagreeable. Pulegium, Penny-royal, because the flowers of it being burnt, when they are fresh do kill Fleas.

Tragoriganum; Goats Marjoram, which is pleasing to Goats. Melissa; Balm, called also Apiastrum, because Bees are delighted with it. Chelidonium; Celandine, because it was first found by the Swallow, called in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which recovers the sight of his blind young ones with it, or as o∣thers will have it, because this herb flourisheth when the Swallows come, and withers when they depart. Psyl∣lium; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Flea-wort, that is, it hinders the generating of Fleas in those houses in which it is kept green. Conyza; Fleabane, because it catches 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Fleas by its glewish or slimy substance. Apocynum, Dogs bane because it kills dogs. Anonis, Rest∣harrow, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it helps Asses; for many suppose Asses do willingly tumble upon it to rub their backs against its prickles.

VIII. From the Time: so Ane∣mone, Anemony, a sort of Crows-foot is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the wind, because it never opens its flower but when the wind blows, from whence it is called Herba ventis, wind-herb. Also Primula veris, Primrose. Crocus

Vernus, Saffron of the Spring. Viola Martia, March Violets, because they flourish at these times. Ocymum, Ba∣sil, by reason it grows slowly, or by little and little.

IX. Many have their names from their outward shapes, or form; as Sagitta, Arrow head, Sagittary, from a Dart. Nummularia, Money-wort. Digitatis, Fox-glove, or Finger-wort. Auricula Vrsi, Bears Ear. Orchis sue Satyrion & Cynoforchis; Dogs-stones. Pes Anserinus, Goose foot. Pes Lepo∣ris, Harcs foot. Pes Leonis, Lyons foot. Brancha Vrsina, Bears Breech. Buglossa, Bugloss, or Oxe Tongue. Cynoglossum, Hounds Tongue: and so Cyperus, Cyperus, or Galingal, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so called from the shape of its Root, which resembles a small Ves∣sel, or little Box. Equisitium, Horse∣tail, because its leaves are like Horse hair. Asphodelus, or Hastula Regia, Asphodil, Female Daffodil, or King Scepter▪ because, when it is in its flow∣er, it resembles the Scepter of a King. Kyris, stinking Gladdon, from the likeness of its leaves to a Razor. Serratula, Little Saw, from its leaves

being small jagged. Tragopogon, Goats Beard, from the long hair or wooll branching out of the top of it; where∣fore in Latine 'tis called Barba Hirci, and Barba Capri, because in some measure it resembles the Beard of a Goat. Pirola; Winter-green, from the similitude its leaves have with those of a Pair-tree. Lunaria, Moon∣wort, from its Husk or Cod, repre∣senting the form of the Moon. Dra∣contium, Dragons, by reason of its purple spots in its stalk, which are like to a Dragons▪ Thlaspi, Treacle Mustard, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to bruise, because its fruit appears as if it were bruised. Beta, Beet, for that it is of the figure of the Greek Letter β, whilst it is full of seed: And so also our COCHLE∣ARIA, Scurvygrass, because its leaves are turned up, and hollowed round, nearly expressing the outward shape of a Spoon; so that its leaves resem∣ble a little Spoon, not very hollow: from the same reason the Germanes name it Loffelkraut, according to n Schvenckfelt, who calls it Schar∣bockskraut, without doubt from its excellent virtue against the Scurvy,

from whence the Danes call it Ski∣orbugsurt, Steeurt. Simon Paul. o The Hollanders and Frieslanders Lepelcrunt p. the English Scurvy∣grafs, and Spoonwort, &c. it is called Herb aux escu eillieces, as Casper Pil∣leter q.

Notes

• e

  Plin. lib. 25. c. 5.
• f

  Plin. lib. 25. cap. 5.
• g

  Plin. lib. 29 cap. 4.
• h

  Plin lib. 130. cap 24.
• i

  Dioscor lib. 4 c. 151.
• k

  Dissertat. Harmnn 38. Sect. 24. p. 289
• l

  Cels. lib. 2. cap. 33.
• m

  Diosc l. 4. cap. 135.
• n

  Schv. lib, 2. de stirp. siles. p. 262.
• o

  Sim. Paul. Quadri par•••• Clas. 3. p. 267.
• p

  Tabernemont l. 2. Herb. p. 116
• q

  Synonym. Plant. p. 115.