Thesaurus & armamentarium medico-chymicum, or, A treasury of physick with the most secret way of preparing remedies against all diseases : obtained by labour, confirmed by practice, and published out of good will to mankind : being a work of great use for the publick / written originally in Latine by ... Hadrianus à Mynsicht ...; and faithfully rendred into English by John Partridge ...

SECT. XXV. Of Decoctions. (Book 25)

Decoctum Catarrhaie, or a Decoction for a Catarrh.

TAke clear Fountain water nine pound, clarified Honey five pound, Sage, Origanum, Marjaram, Hyssop and Rosemary, of each an ounce. Boil it to the consumption of the third part, and then strain it, and to the strained Liquor add roots of Elicam∣pane, Coltsfoot and Florentine Flower-de luce, of each six drams; seeds of Roman Nettles, Carduus, Anise and Fenil, of each half an ounce; Maidenhair, spotted Lungwort, Scabious and Horehound, of each two drams; the Cordial Flowers, and flowers of Coltsfoot and wild

Poppy, of each a dram. Let these macerate 24 hours, and then add Cubebs, Cinamon, Nutmegs, Cardamoms the less, white Ginger, Galangal the less, Cloves, of each a dram. Then let them boil once, and so put them into some glass Vessel, and let it there stand a whole day, and make a clear Decoction according to Art.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It is very effectual in Ca∣tarrhs falling from the Head upon the Breast and the parts thereabouts. The dose is a good draught at a time, or the Patient may drink so much daily, as his thirst requires.

Decoctum Cosmeticum, or a Beautifying Water.

Take Venetian Borax, white Sugar Candy and subli∣mated Mercury, of each two drams. Let them be finely pulverized and tyed up apart in a linen Rag, and boiled in four pound of May-dew gathered off from the Wheat, till the Mercury be dissolved, and in the strained Liquor while warm, dissolve two drams of Camphire, then filter it, and keep it for use.

Virtue and Use. It is only applied outwardly to the spots of the Face, which it takes away, and leaves the Skin white and clean: But in using of it, take heed lest it touch the Eyes or Teeth.

Decoctum Arthriticum, or a Decoction for the Gout.

Take small Raisons eight ounces, shavings of Guaja∣cum eight ounces, roots of China an ounce, roots of Li∣quorish and water-Acorus, of each half an ounce; Ci∣namon and the lesser Galangal, of each a dram. Let them be cut and bruised, and then infused 24 hours in ten pound of Barley-water; afterward boil them over a gentle fire to the consumption of the third part, and make a clear Potion according to Art.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. I use this happily in all Ca∣tarrhs and running Gouts, proceeding from a destil∣lation

of cold Humors, especially where the sick is very dry, I also ordinarily give it in ill Habits and Dropsies for their common drink; for it roborates and drys the body of all its superfluity. The Patient cannot well erre in the dose, but let him drink at his pleasure.

Decoctum Pectorale subacidum, or a Pectoral Decoction a little tart.

Take Fountain-water two pound and a half, Virgin Honey two pound, the best Wine Vinegar a pound and a half. Boil it over a gentle fire, till it comes to four pound, in which infuse small Raisons three ounces, seeds of Carduus and Roman Nettles, of each an ounce; roots of Elicampane, Florentine Flower-de-uce and Colts∣foot, of each half an ounce; Maidenhair, Scabious and Hyssop, of each two drams; Dates, Iujubes and Figs, of each eight; flowers of Coltsfoot, Violets, Borage and Bugloss, of each a dram. Let them macerate twenty four hours, and then boil them over a gentle fire to the consumption of one part, at last strain it through Hippocrates sleeve, and aromatize it with a little Ci∣namon.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It attenuates thick humors in the Phthisick, Asthma, Cough, and other Pecto∣ral diseases, it cuts the tough, softens the hard, and brings forth the unprofitable humors, it also resists Putrefaction. The dose is from half an ounce to an ounce.

Decoctum Pectorale subdulce, or a sweetish Pectoral Decoction.

Take small Raisons and white Sugar Candy, of each four ounces; roots of Liquorish, Coltsfoot and Florentine Flower-de-luce, of each an ounce; spotted Lungwort, Pauls Betony, Harts-tongue, Maidenhair and Hore∣hound, of each an ounce; seeds of Myrtles, Anise and

Fenil, of each three drams; flowers of Chamomil, Marsh∣mallows, Bugloss, Liverwort, lesser Centaury and Violets, of each a dram and a half; Dates, dryed Figs, Iujubes and Sebestens, of each eight. Let them be cut and bruised, and infused 24 hours in four pound of Hy∣dromel, two pound of the water of the Juyce of Scabious distilled, then boil them to the consumption of the third part, and about the end of the Deco∣ction let it be aromatized with Galangal the less, Ci∣namon, Cardamoms the less, and white Ginger, of each a dram; Oriental Saffron half a dram. Then strain it through Hippocrates sleeve, and make a clear Po∣tion, which edulcorate with white Sugar Candy.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It relieves those troubled with Asthma's, distempers of the Liver, Pleurisies, Coughs, &c. and the continual use of this Decoction for some time cures the Consumption: For it facili∣tates the Spitting, mundifies the Breast, heals the Ulcers of the Lungs, &c. nay, and it opens the ob∣structions of the Liver and Spleen also. The dose is morning, noon and night from two ounces to three.

Decoctum Rad. Chinae Pectorale, or a Pectoral Decoction of the Roots of China.

Take the best and heavy roots of China cut cross into little round and thin pieces three ounces. Infuse it in water of Scabious, Coltsfoot and Pauls Betony, of each two pound. Let them stand in infusion 24 hours in a glazed Vessel in a warm place, well covered with Cloaths; then add Bugloss an ounce, roots of Liquorish and Elicampane, of each half an ounce; seeds of Cud∣wort and Fenil, of each two drams. Mix them, and boil it to the consumption of the half, and towards the end of its boiling aromatize it with a dram and a half of Cinamon, let it cool by degrees, and strain it through Hippocrates sleeve, and make a clear Po∣tion

of it, which edulcorate with Syrup of Violets four ounces.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. The use of this Decoction doth not only give ease in the Catarrh, Asthma, and Pectoral diseases, but also rectifies the whole Body; and hath a singular force in curing Ulcers of the Lungs: But it ought to be considered, whether the Patient hath a Feaver or not; for if he hath a Fea∣ver, he must abstain from the use of this Decoction. It is given twice in the day for sweating; but in the Cure it is used to be made of the Diaphoretick wood: and for his ordinary drink at dinner and sup∣per, he may use the following Decoction of Raisons.

Decoctum Passulatum, or a Decoction of Raisons.

Take small Raisons four ounces, Barley husked three ounces, roots of the best China, Liquorish and Scorzo∣nera, of each half an ounce; Cinamon two drams, flow∣ers of Violets dryed a scruple. Boil them in six pound of Fountain-water to the consumption of the third part, then let it be strained and clarified with the Whites of two Eggs, and make a clear Potion of it.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. Let the sick use this Deco∣ction at Meals for his ordinary drink; for it hath a certain singular faculty in curing the distempers of the Thorax and Liver; for by lenifying and deter∣ging, it gives great ease in the vices of the Lungs. The dose is a good draught at a time.

Decoctum Citri, or a Decoction of Citrons.

Take Citrons (rind and pulp cut into thin round pie∣ces) three or five, white Sugar four ounces, Fountain-water six pound. Boil it to the consumption of the third part, then strain it, and the Decoction being clear like Wine, keep it for use.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. We do usually appoint this for a common drink to those who are sick of the

Plague, Epidemical diseases, burning Feavers, Cho∣lerick diseases, Inflammations, small Pox and Mea∣zles, Stone, immoderate Thirst, Cholera, &c. be∣cause it curiously cools and moistens the Heart, Sto∣mach, Liver, Spleen, Reins, and also comforts the other Bowels that are hot and impaired, and pre∣serves them from putrefaction. The dose is a good draught at a time; but for delicate Palates, it is pre∣pared without the rind of Citrons, and so prepared it is more palatable. And a little Wine being mix∣ed with it, may prove an honest excuse to prevent drunkenness.

Decoctum Hepaticum, or a Decoction for the Liver.

Take the stalks of Spanish Lettice preserved three oun∣ces, roots of Succory and Scorzonera preserved, of each an ounce and a half; seeds of Melons bruised and Cur∣rans, of each an ounce; the Liver of a Wolf half an ounce, flower of white Epatice, Violets, Succory and water-Lilies, of each a dram; species Diarrhodon Ab∣batis, Triasantalon, of each tyed up in a Nodulus half a dram. Let all be boiled in six pound of Barley∣water to the consumption of the half, and being strained, clarifie it with the Whites of Eggs; after∣ward add the juyce of acid Pomegranates and Citrons, of each six ounces; Syrup of blue Violets vitriolated four ounces, Cinamon water half an ounce. Mix them, and make a clear Decoction.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It is of great power and use in contemperating the heat of the Heart and Liver; for it cools and comforts, and is good to lenifie the Breast and Lungs, and to humect the Praecordia's. The dose is from three ounces to four, or a good draught.

Decoctum Spleneticum, or a Decoction for the Spleen.

Take leaves of Sena and Sea Coleworts, of each an ounce; roots of Cappars, Fenil, Grass, Flower-de-luce and dwarff Elder, of each three drams; Rhubarb, Dod∣der, species Diarrhodon Abbatis, of each two drams and a half; Maidenhair, Hyssop, Harts tongue and Betony, flowers of the lesser Centaury, Hops and white Liverwort, of each a dram. Let them be cut and bruised, and then infused 24 hours in water of Scurvy-grass, Fumitory, Sorrel and Pauls Betony, of each eight ounces. Afterward boil it according to Art, and make a clear Decoction, in which dissolve Cream of Tartar six drams: that being dissolved, add these Syrups following, i. e. Syrup of Scurvy-grass, of Suc∣cory simple, of Fumitory and Agrimony, of each an ounce; Spirit of Salt corrected half a dram. Mix all.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. This Decoction is excellent in the Obstruction, Tumor and Scirrhus of the Spleen; also in the Scurvy, rectification of the Blood, ill disposition or inclining to a Dropsie. The dose is every day from two ounces to three.

Decoctum Antictericum, or a Decoction for the Iaundice.

Take Southernwood half an ounce, Goose dung colle∣cted in the Spring, and tyed up in a Nodulus three drams, roots of Celandine, Turmerick, Rhubarb and Zedoary, of each a dram and a half; Nutmegs and Bay-berries ••u••ked, of each a dram; seeds of Cummin and Anise, of each half a dram; Oriental Saffron and white Lilies, of each ten grains; the best white Wine four pound. Boil all to the consumption of the third part, and make a clear Potion.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. Let him that is sick with the Jaundice drink a draught of this Decoction warm

every morning for six days together, and it perfectly cures the yellow Jaundice. But the poorer sort may instead of Wine use good clear Beer or Ale, and be as effectual.

Decoctum Ficuum, or a Decoction of Figs.

Take fifteen fat Figs, Raisons two ounces, Harts-horn and pulp of Tamarinds, of each an ounce; roots of Li∣quorish and Mock-chervil, of each half an ounce; Bar∣berries two drams, seeds of Carduus and Fenil, of each a dram and a half. Make a Decoction in Barley wa∣ter, and being strained, clarifie it with the White of an Egg, then take of this Liquor a pound and a half, Syrup of the juyce of Citrons four ounces. Mix them for use.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It safely and without any danger expels and drives forth the small Pox and Meazles, and curbs the malignity of them. The dose is often in the day from one spoonful to two; but if the Belly were too loose, add Gum Tragacanth in the place of Pulp of Tamarinds.

Decoctum contra Mictionem Sanguinis, or a Decoction against Pissing of Blood.

Take roots of Liquorish an ounce, seeds of white Poppy and Myrtle-berries, of each half an ounce; Acorns and Acatia, of each two drams; Pauls Betony, Maidenhair, Ceterach, Sage and Burnet, of each a dram and a half; flowers of red Roses a dram, and of wild Poppy a scruple. Boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain-water, so that two pound may remain, which edulcorate with Syrup of the Juyce of Violets for use.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It is a very good Medicine for those who piss blood; for it doth quickly and without any trouble take away the affect, and cure it really. The dose is morning and evening from two ounces to three or four.

Decoctum Satyriacum.

Take seeds of Ashen-keys an ounce, Boletus cervinus, Bulls pizzle, Venetian Borax, of each half an ounce; roots of Pellitory and Aron, of each three drams; long Pepper, Castor, Ginger and Canamon, of each two drams; Cloves, the lesser Cardamoms and Cubebs, of each a scru∣ple. All being cut and bruised, let them be put into a new clean glazed Vessel, and pour upon it a suffi∣cient quantity of Malmsey Wine, and let them boil in a Vessel well luted according to Art.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. He that would be presently and powerfully armed for the Sports of Venus, let him drink a little draught of this Decoction morning and evening.

Decoctum contra Herniam Intestinalem, or a Decoction against the Rupture of the Bowels.

Take seeds of Thorough-leaf and Cummin, of each an ounce; roots of Aron fresh dryed, roots of water-Acorus, Tormentil and great Comfry, of each half an ounce; the herb Perwincle, Sanicle, Winter-green, gol∣den Rod, Mouse-ear, Rupturewort and Orpine, of each two drams; red Roses, Balaustines, the lesser Galangal and Cloves, of each a dram. Let them be cut and bruised, and boiled in a sufficient quantity of the best white Wine to the consumption of the third part, and make a clear Decoction according to Art.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. Internal Balsams being gi∣ven with it, cure the Rupture without any trouble, and is in this case a singular Experiment. The dose is a good draught morning and evening.

Decoctum contra Uteri Haemorrhagiam, or a Deco∣ction against a Plux of Blood from the Womb.

Take roots of Succory an ounce, roots of Tormentil, Avens, Liquorish and Plantane, of each half an ounce;

Gum Arabick, Elder-berries dryed, Harts-horn, Co∣riander prepared, of each three drams; Shepherds-purse, Bloodwort, Burnet, Sorrel, Horstail, Rosemary, of each two drams; grains of Mastich a dram and a half, red Roses dryed, Nutmegs, of each a dram. Make a De∣coction in a sufficient quantity of Water of Millefoil and white Wine to twenty four ounces, and in the clear strained Liquor dissolve four ounces of Syrup of the Juyce of Quinces.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It is a Secret in the unmea∣surable purgation of the Terms, and the continual destillation from the Womb. The dose is morning and evening from three spoonfuls to four, or a little draught.

Decoctum contra Menses suppressos, or a Decoction against the suppression of the Terms.

Take Cinamon an ounce and a half, roots of red Mugwort, Smallage, Asparagus and Fenil, of each half an ounce; Venetian Borax, Bay-berries husked, Iuniper∣berries, of each three drams; Centaury and Savin, of each two drams; Motherwort, Maidenhair, Nep, Pen∣nyroyal, Calamint, Mother of Thyme, of each a dram and a half; flowers of Chamomil and Bugloss, Oriental Saffron and Mace, of each a dram. Boil all (but the Saffron, Mace and Cinamon) in a sufficient quantity of good old Wine to the consumption of the third part, and then at last add the Species, and make a clear Decoction according to Art, which edulcorate with Syrup of the Juyce of Mugwort and Maiden∣hair.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. This Decoction is approved by often Experience; for it wonderfully and potent∣ly brings down the Terms, the retained Secundine and dead Child (if not rightly disposed for birth)

it brings away without danger. The dose is morning and evening at going to bed a moderate draught drunk warm, and continue it so long till the Terms appear.

Decoctum contra Scabiem, or a Decoction against the Itch and Scab.

Take Agrimony, Origanum and Pauls Betony, of each half an ounce; roots of Elicampane, Scorzonera and Swallow-wort, of each two drams; Cinamon and Mace, of each a dram. Boil them in four pound of the best Beer to the consumption of the half, and make a clear Potion.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. Universal Remedies premi∣sed, and the Body being duly purged, it certainly drives forth the Itch and cures it. The dose is mor∣ning and evening a good draught at a time warm.

Decoctum Vulnerarium, or a Vulnerary Decoction.

Take Ladies mantle, red Beets, Winter-green, Sa∣nicle, Periwincle, golden Rod, seeds of Angelica, of each equal parts. Let the Herbs be cut small, and the seeds of Angelica bruised only, and let them be well mixed one with another, then take * 1.1 half an ounce of this mixed Powder tyed up in a linen Rag, and boiled in two pound of Rhenish Wine in Balneo, and make a clear Decoction.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It cures all Wounds and Blows in what part of the body soever they are, and expels Iron, Wood, Lead, and other such things. And it consolidates and heals more in a week, than other vulnerary Potions do in a month, and is such an Experiment, that all Chirurgions deservedly ought to receive it with both hands, and with a thankful

mind. The dose is morning, noon and night two or three spoonfuls warm.

Decoctum Ligni Guajaci, or a Decoction of Guajacum.

Take shavings of Guajacum a pound, the bark of it four ounces, roots of China two ounces, Sarsaparilla and Sassafras, of each an ounce. Infuse it according to Art in sixteen pound of clear Fountain-water for 24 hours, and then boil it in a new glazed Pot close co∣vered to the consumption of one half, and let this serve for a Sudorifick. Afterward boil it again in twelve pound of Barley water to the consumption of one third, and keep this for ordinary drink. And to this last Decoction you may add a few Raisons, and aromatize it with Cinamon, if you please.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. This Decoction hath a most admirable faculty in the French Pox, and chiefly in those who are full with Ulcers, which loathsom dis∣ease this Decoction cures. Of this first Decoction the Patient may take one good draught warm in a morning, and another two or three hours before supper, and let him drink of the second Decoction as often as he pleaseth in the day besides.

Another of Lignum Sanctum, or the Holy Wood.

Take Lignum Sanctum a pound, the bark of it four ounces, Sarsaparilla two ounces, Sassafras an ounce. Let them digest 24 hours in sixteen pound of Fumitory∣water, and then distil them in an Alembick, and in the distilled Liquor boil Raisons four ounces, roots of Liquorish and China, of each an ounce; seeds of Fenil and Anise, of each half an ounce; the herbs Betony and Succory, of each two drams. Let it be strained accord∣ing to Art, and keep the strained Liquor for use.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It drys, attenuates, expur∣gates, and provokes Sweat; and therefore doth re∣sist

Putrefaction and Contagion. It amends the vices of the Brain, cures the Pox, strengthens the Liver, opens the Spleen, and is very good in the Scirrhus thereof. It is of good use in the Dropsie. It heals malignant Ulcers, and cures the Leprosie and Ele∣phantiasis, &c. The dose is a good draught at a time twice a day given warm.

Dococtum adstringens, or an astringent Decoction.

Take roots of Tormentil and Snakeweed, of each an ounce; dryed Quince six drams, seeds of Docks and seeds of Roses, of each two drams; dead Nettles with their red flowers a dram and a half, Nutmegs, Cinamon, the lesser Galangal and Cloves, of each a dram; Sebestens nine. Boil these according to Art in three pound of Plantane to the consumption of one third, and in the clear strained Liquor dissolve one dram of Camphire, and if you please edulcorate it also with Miya of Quinces.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It is an experienced Medi∣cine in Dysenteries and other Fluxes of the Belly; and it also cures divers Haemorrhages. The dose is a good draught in a morning fasting.

Decoctum Polypodii purgans, or a purging Decoction of Polypody.

Take roots of Polypody of the Oak and Raisons stoned, of each two ounces; Carthamus seeds and Barley, of each an ounce and a half; Liquorish half an ounce, Hys∣sop, Scabious, Coltsfoot and Germander, of each a dram; Iujubes fifteen, fat Figs six, and Dates cleansed from their skin four. Boil them in so much Whey, that there may remain about twenty one ounces, and about the end of the Decoction add Leaves of Sena three ounces, Troches of Agarick three drams, seeds of Fenil and Anise, of each a dram and a half. Let them

stand over the fire a while, but not boil much, then make a clear Potion according to Art.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. We happily use it in the Asthma, Phthisick, Pleurisie, and other Pectoral dis∣eases. The dose is from four ounces to five; and the body being purged, let the Patient drink our Pe∣ctoral Decoction called Subacidum or Subdulce, as oc∣casion serves.

Decoctum Galli antiqui farcinati, or a Decoction of an old Cock stuffed.

Take Polypody an ounce and a half, Carthamus seeds an ounce, Cinamon three drams, leaves of Sena, white Turbith and Orange peel, of each two drams; white Gin∣ger, the lesser Galangal and Mace, of each a dram; species Diacymini and Dianisi, of each half a dram; and one Bay-berry. The Species being mixed and put in a linen Rag, let them be put in when the Cock is almost boiled enough.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It is very useful in the Co∣lick, when it proceeds from a thick, flatulent and flegmatick Cause.

Decoctum Sanguinem mundificans, or a De∣coction to cleanse the Blood.

Take Citrine Myrobalans an ounce, flowers of Vio∣lets dryed a dram, Prunes nineteen, Sebestens and Iu∣jubes, of each eight. Boil them in water of the flow∣ers of Acatia to three ounces, in which dissolve of our potable Scammony a scruple, Oyl of Cinamon and Aniseeds, of each a drop. Mix them, and make a draught for one dose.

Virtue and Use. It purgeth Choler of both kinds, Flegm and other Humors: It also mundifies the Blood, and keeps the body laxative in Feavers.

Decoctum Senae, or a Decoction of Sena.

Take elect Sena three drams, acid Tartar a dram,

Fumitory water warm four ounces. Let them infuse all night, and in the morning let them boil a little, yet so, as that the Tartar may be throughly dissolved, and in the strained Liquor, while it is warm, dissolve of the best Manna six drams. Again strain it, and then add Cinamon water a dram, Elaeosaccharum of Ci∣trons ten grains. Mix them, and make a purging draught for one dose to be given warm.

Virtue and Use. It is a good Purge for the whole Body; for it opens the obstructions of all the Bowels, and mundifies the blood. But in the first place it purgeth Choler both black and yellow, and Flegm also. It cleanseth and strengthens the Head, Brain, Heart, Lungs, Liver, Spleen, and all the Senses of the Body, and carrieth off all that offends them: It retardes Age, increaseth Youth. Moreover it is an excellent Medicine in all chronical, tartarous, and melancholy diseases, as the Epilepsie, Dotage, Deli∣ria's, Heach-ach, Gout, Elephantiasis, Scabs, Pustles, Itch, and all other vices of the Skin. It is also pro∣fitably given to Women with Child and to Children and Men of all ages; for it purgeth modestly with∣out any molestation: But for Children and young Patients half, or a third part of it, is sufficient.

Decoctum Senae cum Rhabarbaro, or a Deco∣ction of Sena with Rhubarb.

Take elect Sena two drams, the best Rhubarb and acid Tartar, of each a dram; of Fumitory water warm four ounces. Let them infuse all night, and in the morning let them boil a little, enough to dissolve the Tartar; afterward, the expression being made, and in the strained Liquor while warm, dissolve of the best Manna six drams. Again strain it, and then add Cinamon water a dram, Elaeosaccharum of Aniseeds ten grains. Mix them, and make a purging draught

for one dose, which is to be taken warm.

Virtue, Use, and Dose. It purgeth Flegm and both kinds of Choler chiefly from the Stomach, Liver and Spleen, &c. It mundifies the Blood, opens all Obstructions, and cures all Affects thence proceed∣ing, as Jaundice, Dropsie, Tumor of the Spleen, putrid and continual Feavers, pains of the Hypo∣chonders, &c. Let no man wonder at the small dose of Sena in this Prescript; for four drams of Se∣na infused in four ounces of Fumitory water, do not purge more than two drams macerated in the like quantity, because the water doth extract as much as it can, and leaves the rest: therefore two drams of Sena are sufficient to quicken other things in four ounces of Water.

Decoctum Rhabarbari, or a Decoction of Rhubarb.

Take of the best Rhubarb a dram and a half, red Roses dryed half a dram, roots of Liquorish sliced, and flowers of Marsh-mallows, of each a scruple. Let them be cut and bruised, and infused all night in three oun∣ces of Plantane water warm, in the morning strain it, in the strained Liquor dissolve of the best Manna half an ounce, Elaeosaccharum of Nutmegs ten grains, Spirit of Vitriol four drops. Mix them for one dose, and give it warm in the morning for a draught.

Virtue and Use. It is very effectual in all Fluxes of the Belly: it gives one or two motions, and by those it expels the cause of the bloody Flux.

Annotation. Many use Rhubarb torrefied, which is an evil practice, because it consumes the virtue of it, and the terrene part only remains, and so makes it more stiptick.

Decoctum Violatum purgans, or a purging Decoction of Violets.

Take leaves of Sena two ounces, Fenil seeds and acid

Tartar, of each half an ounce; dryed Violet flowers, and the best Rhubarb, of each a dram and a half; white Ginger and Cinamon, of each a dram; Galangal the less and Cloves, of each half a dram. Let them infuse all night in Fumitory water warm, in the morning boil them a little, and afterward strain it, and take of the clear strained Liquor ten ounces, Syrup of Succory with Rhubarb and Syrup of the juyce of Violets, Syrup of the juyce of Sorrel and Oxysaccharum simple, of each an ounce. Mix them and make a Potion, which divide into four equal parts for four doses.

Virtue and Use. It is good in Tertian and Quoti∣dian Feavers, &c. and gently purgeth all humors that offend, it is likewise an excellent Remedy for the Stone. And is given in the running Gout, Scur∣vy, Sciatica, and such like diseases, and is to be con∣tinued four mornings successively.

Decoctum Nucis Cupressi, or a Decoction of Cyprus Nuts.

Take Cyprus Nuts, Turkish Galls, of each eight oun∣ces; filings of Iron prepared with Vinegar, Roch Alum, of each four ounces; medicinal Stone and Pomegranate peel, of each an ounce and a half. Let them be brui∣sed and mixed, and boiled according to Art in a suf∣ficient quantity of red Wine or Plantane water.

Virtue and Use. It is applied outwardly, and doth extenuate and consume all superfluous Carnosities, &c. The way of using is to wet a Sponge in it warm, and having squeezed it, bind it upon the part.

Decoctum Nigrum, or a black Decoction.

Take crude Alum a pound, green Vitriol half a pound, Turkish Galls four ounces, Verdigriese and white Tartar, of each two ounces. Mix them, and boil them in eight pound of Wine Vinegar to the consumption of one half; then add of Spirit of Wine rectified a pound.

Again let them be mixed and filtred, and then kept for use.

Virtue and Use. A linen Rag wet in it and applied to the part, drys and heals old Venereal Ulcers in any part of the body, and takes away other Deflu∣xions and Excrescences of evil flesh, and roborates and mundifies the part affected. It also perfectly cures Wounds and Bruises in other Creatures.

Notes

• * 1.1

  I suppose there may be a mistake in that half ounce, which is but a little to boil in two pound of any Men∣struum.