The compleat herbal of physical plants containing all such English and foreign herbs, shrubs and trees as are used in physick and surgery ... : the doses or quantities of such as are prescribed by the London-physicians and others are proportioned : also directions for making compound-waters, syrups simple and compound, electuaries ... : moreover the gums, balsams, oyls, juices, and the like, which are sold by apothecaries and druggists are added to this herbal, and their irtues and uses are fully described / by John Pechey ...

S.

SAffron, in Latin Crocus.

The moderate use of it is good for the Brain. It renders the Senses brisk: It shakes off Sleep and Dul∣ness, and chears and strengthens the Heart. It concocts the Crude Hu∣mours of the Breast, and opens the Lungs, and frees them from Obstructions: And it is such an effectual Remedy for the Breast and Lungs, that it sometimes revives Consumptive Peo∣ple, when they are, in a manner, worn out. 'Tis frequently used in Faint∣ings, for Apoplexies, in the Jaundice, and for Obstru∣ctions of the Liver, in the Plague, and other Malig∣nant Diseases. 'Tis also good in an Asthma, mix'd with Oyl of Almonds. It provokes Urine, and the Courses, and hastens Deli∣very. Half a Scruple, or a Scruple at most infus'd in Canary-wine, is very ef∣fectual in the Jaundice. 'Tis much used to drive out the Small Pox; but, undoubtedly, it does many times much hurt, by infla∣ming the Blood, and occa∣sioning Frensies, and ma∣king them Flux. But you may see at large the Mis∣chiefs of hot Medicines and Methods, by Dr. Sydenham's Treatise of the Small Pox and Measles, which I trans∣lated several Years ago. Tincture of Saffron is made in the following manner: Take of Saffron two Drams, of Treacle-water eight Ounces; digest them six Days, and strain out the Tincture, and keep it close stop'd for use.

Sage, in Latin Salvia.

Tis counted very whole∣som; and therefore the Leaves are eaten in the Spring, with Butter, to purifie the Blood, and to preserve Health: But be∣cause Toads are wont to harbour under it, it ought to be well wash'd before it be eaten. And to drive them away, and other Ve∣nomous Animals, the Ita∣lians plant Rue near it, or among it. 'Tis Diuretick, and provokes the Courses. 'Tis excellent for Diseases of the Head. For the

Whites, take of Sage, Sar∣saparilla and Balaustians, each one Dram, in Broth, in the Morning, for some Days. Being given with Hony, it stops Spitting of Blood. A Palsie in the Hands has been cured by washing them with Wine▪ wherein Sage was infus'd. A Palsie of the Muscles serving for Swallowing, is cured by washing of the Mouth and Throat with a Decoction of Sage, made in Wine. The same cures the Heart-burning, taken inwardly.

Wood-Sage, in Latin Salvia agrestis.

It provokes Urine, and the Courses; and is used for the French-Pox. 'Tis a good Wound-herb, either taken inward∣ly, or outwardly appli∣ed. 'Tis excellent for the Scurvy.

Sampire, in Latin Crithmum marinum.

'Tis a very juicy Herb, it spreads much, and is about a Foot high. The Leaves are broader and shorter than those of Fennel; and they are thicker, and not so much cut; they are of a deep green Colour, and of a saltish Taste. The Stalk is as green as a Leek. The Root is thick, long, and lasting; and of a sweet, acrid and Aromatick Taste.

Sampire pickled is very palatable, and agreeable to the Stomach. It provokes Urine moderately, and opens Obstructions of the Bowels, and excites Appe∣tite.

Sanicle, in Latin Sani∣cula.

The Root is bitter, hot, white within, black without, and is fibrous. The Leaves are of a shining Green, stiff, and almost round; they are divided into five Parts, and neatly indented. The Stalk is a∣bout two Foot high, smooth, and without Knots. The Flowers are placed at the top, as it were in Umbels; they are small, and white, or a little reddish. Two Seeds succeed each Flower. It grows in Hedges and Woods, and flowers in May.

'Tis an excellent Wound-herb; and is boyl'd in Vul∣nerary

Decoctions, for out∣ward and inward Wounds, for Eruptions of Blood, for Ulcers, and the Bloody-Flux. Take of the Leaves of Sanicle, and Millefoil, each one Dram and an half; Leaves of Ground-pine one Dram, of the Species of Diatragacanth frigid four Scruples, of Sal Prunella two Scruples; make them into a Powder, and with a sufficient quantity of Luca∣tellus's Balsam, make a Mass of Pills: Take four Morning and Evening. These Pills are good for an Ulcer in the Bladder. The Starting of the Navel has been cured in many Chil∣dren, with a Cataplasm made with Wine and this Herb, and bound close on; Comfrey, bruis'd, being ap∣plied to the Small of the Back at the same time.

Savine, in Latin Sabi∣na.

The Leaves dry and heat much. Being pow∣der'd, and mix'd with Ho∣ny, and applied, cure Ul∣cers that run much; and cleanse those that are Sor∣did; and stop those that are Eating. Mix'd with Cream, they cure Chil∣dren's Scabby Heads. It forces the Courses, and causes Miscarriage: Upon which Account they are too well known, and too much used by Wenches. The Water of it takes off Spots from the Face. The Leaves of it bruis'd and applied to Children's Navels, kill Worms. The Oyl of it u∣sed to their Bellies, does the like. A Spoonful of the Juice of it, mix'd with Milk, and sweeten'd with Sugar, has been given, with great Success, to Children that have had Worms: And it is really an extra∣ordinary Medicine, and no way dangerous. 'Tis also frequently given to Horses, and other Cattel, for the same purpose. Take of the Leaves of dried Savine, of the Roots of Round Birth-wort, of Troches, of Myrrh, of Castor, each one Dram; of Cinnamon half a Dram, of Saffron one Scruple; mingle them, make a Powder: Give a Dram in Savin-water. This is used to expel a dead Child.

Savory, in Latin Satu∣reia.

'Tis hot, and acrid. It provokes Urine, and the Courses. 'Tis good to sea∣son Meats and Broths, and procures Appetite. 'Tis good for Diseases of the Breast and Womb: And it quickens the Sight. 'Tis used outwardly to discuss Tumours, and to ease the Pains of the Ears.

Meadow-Saxifrage, in Latin Saxifraga Anglica fa∣cie seseli pratensis.

It has a long, wrinkly Root, black without, white within, of a sweet and Aromatick Taste, and somewhat a∣crid. It has several Stalks, three or four Foot high, of the thickness of the Little Finger; they are round, channel'd, full of Pith, and reddish near the Earth; they are branchy from the bottom, the Branches com∣ing, at great distances, from the Wings of the Leaves. The Leaves that come from the Roots, and those on the Stalks, are smooth, and of a dull Green, and are much cut in; they are somewhat like the Leaves of Fennel. At the top are Umbrels of Flowers, they are small, and consist of five Leaves, and are of a light yellow∣ish Colour. The Seed is channel'd, and short. It smells like Parsnep. It grows in Meadows, and moist Pastures.

The Juice of it, the De∣coction, the distill'd Wa∣ter, and the Powder of the Seed, provoke Urine, ex∣pel Gravel and Wind, and ease the Cholick. Take of the Water of Pellitory, Sa∣xifrage, and Cowslips, each one Ounce; of London-Laudanum one Grain, of Diacodium six Drams; mingle them, make a Draught to be taken at Bed-time. This is used to expel Gravel.

Common Field-Scabious,in Latin Scabiosa major com∣munior.

It has many soft, hairy, whitish green Leaves, some are much jag'd, some but little; they have small Threads in them, which may be seen by breaking them. It has many round, hairy, green Stalks, two or three Foot high; they have

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hairy, green Leaves on them, deeply and neatly divided. At the top of the Stalks stand round Heads of Flowers, of a pale blu∣ish Colour, many plac'd to∣gether. The Root is white and thick, and grows deep in the Earth. It grows fre∣quently in Pastures, and amongst Corn.

The Herb boyl'd in Wine, the Juice, or the distill'd Water, cures Im∣posthumes, a Pleurisie, a Cough, and other Diseases of the Breast. 'Tis also good for a Quinsie, and the Plague: And it cures the Itch, and little Pocky Ulcers in the Fundament, and other Parts, called Rha∣gades.

Scordium, or Water-Germander, in Latin Scor∣dium.

The Stalk is an Hand high, or higher, and branchy. The Branches take Root in several pla∣ces, and so it increases much. The Leaves grow two at a Joint; they are long, wrinkly, soft, whitish, hairy, and indented; and they smell like Garlick, and taste bitter; they are like Germander-leaves. The Flowers are like German∣der-flowers; they are red.

Scordium is Alexiphar∣mick, and Sudorifick. 'Tis chiefly used in the Plague, and Malignant Diseases, and for Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen and Lungs. Outwardly applied, it cleanses Wounds and Ul∣cers, and eases the Pain of the Gout. Diascordium is made of it, and has its Name from it. Many Pe∣stilential Buboes have been broken and cured with Scordium. The Compoun∣ded Scordium-water is much in use; and is made in the following manner: Take of the clarified Juice of Goats-Rue, Sorrel, Scor∣dium and Citron, each one Pound; of London-Treacle two Ounces; infuse them three Days, and then distil them in Glass. You may give two or three Ounces at a time.

Scurvy grass, in La∣tin Cochlearia.

'Tis hot and dry, and abounds with a Volatile Salt: Upon

which Account, it renders the fix'd and crude Hu∣mours more Spiritous and Volatile. It cures those Diseases that proceed from too great a quantity of fix∣ed Salts, but especially the Scurvy; upon which Ac∣count it is call'd in English, Scurvy-grass. But, because the Parts wherein the chief Virtue of this Plant con∣sists are very Volatile, and soon dissipated by boyling, the Juice, or an Infusion of the Herb, is much more effectual than the Deco∣ction. The Scurvy is a Disease very frequent a∣mong those that live on the Sea-shore, especially in the North; and among such as feed chiefly upon Salt-fish. Solenander says, such kind of Plants grow in every Region, by the Appointment of God Al∣mighty, which most agree with the People and Ani∣mals that are there bred. Nay, he says, he could tell what were the Diseases of any Country, by seeing the Herbs that were most common in it. As, Among the Danes and Dutch, with whom the Scurvy is ve∣ry frequent, Scurvy-grass grows plentifully. Take of Conserves of Scurvy-grass, Roman Wormwood, and Fumatory, each two Ounces; of the Powder of the Winteran-bark, and of the Root of Angelica, and of Wake-Robin, each two Drams; of the Species of the three Sanders one Dram and an half, of Crabs-eyes powder'd one Dram, of Salt of Wormwood two Drams; make an Electu∣ary with a sufficient quan∣tity of Syrup of Citron-bark: Take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening, for the space of three Weeks, drinking pre∣sently after it a quarter of a Pint of the following An∣ti-scorbutick Wine: Take of the Leaves of Scurvy-grass four Handfuls, of Horse-Radish sliced four Ounces, of the Winteran-bark half an Ounce, the outward Rinds of four O∣ranges, and four Limons; put them all into a Glass well stop'd, add to them six Quarts of White-wine; keep the Bottle in a cool place, and pour the Li∣quor out as you use it.

Provide four Gallons of Small Ale, and, instead of Hops, boyl three Handfuls of Pine-tops: When the Beer has done Working in the Vessel, hang in the Ves∣sel a Canvas-bag, with three Handfuls of Scurvy-grass in it, four Ounces of the Roots of Sharp-pointed Docks prepar'd, and the Rinds of four Oranges; when it is clear, drink of it for your ordinary Beer; you must put Stones or Bullets into the Bag, to make it sink: But before you begin to take of these Medicines, you must bleed once, and purge twice. The Spirits of Scurvy-grass, Golden and Plain, as they are called, are much used by some Coun∣try-people; but they are not near so effectual as the Anti-scorbutick Wine a∣bove-mention'd; for in∣deed, the best parts of the Scurvy-grass, I mean the the Volatile Salts, fly away, and are lost, in preparing the Spirit; so that scarce any thing remains, but Flegm, and an empty Name. See Dr. Willis of the Scurvy, pag. 263. Says he there, The Virtue evapo∣rates by Boyling.

Self-heal, in Latin Pru∣nella.

The Root grows a∣wry, and has some pretty large Fibres. The Stalk is nine Inches or a Foot high, or higher, hairy, and four∣square, and creeps by Fi∣bres that come from the lower Joints. The Leaves are placed by Intervals, upon long Foot-stalks; they are like the Leaves of Mar∣joram, or Basil, but larger, and hairy; they are so fine∣ly indented about the Edg∣es, that it is scarce visible. The Flowers are purple, and are placed upon a Spike at top; the Flower varies sometimes. It grows every where among Pa∣stures, and flowers in June.

'Tis much of the same Virtue with Bugules. 'Tis used outwardly in Wounds, and often in a Quinsie, and other Diseases of the Mouth and Jaws. A Gargarism being made of the De∣coction, or distill'd Water of it.

Shepherd's-purse, in Latin Bursa pastoris.

'Tis sometimes an Hand, a Foot, sometimes three or four Foot high, or higher. It has a small, strait, white, fibrous Root; it tastes sweetish, but nauseous. The Leaves that come from the Root are oblong, and sometimes whole, but most commonly jagg'd deep, the Jags ending in an Acute Point; they are a little hairy, and have Foot-stalks an Inch long; or they are rather enlarg'd by degrees, from a narrow Beginning; for the upper∣most upon the Stalks, with a broad Basis, grow with∣out those Foot-stalks, and are not jagg'd at all; they have an Ear at each Side: From the middle of the Leaves, one, two, three, or four, or more Stalks rise, divided into Branches, pla∣ced alternately. The Top-stalks and Branches run up, as it were, into long Ears of Flowers, which are pla∣ced on small Foot-stalks, about half an Inch long: The Flowers are small and white, compos'd of four small, undivided Leaves, with Threads, bearing yel∣low Tufts. When the Flowers fall, the Foot-stalks increase to the length of an Inch, and bear the Receptacles of the Seeds, that are sharp at the Be∣ginning, and end in a large Purse, divided into two Parts; a great many small Seeds are contain'd in each Vessel; they are reddish when they are ripe.

'Tis astringent, and thic∣kens; wherefore 'tis good for Bleeding at Nose, a Tent made of Cotton, be∣ing dip'd in the Juice of it, and put up the Nostrils. 'Tis also proper in a Dy∣sentery, a Diarrhaea, and for Bloody Urine, and the immoderate Flux of the Courses. 'Tis outwardly used by the Common Peo∣ple, to heal Wounds, with good Success. 'Tis also put into Febrifuge Cataplasms for the Wrists.

Silver-weed, in Latin Argentina.

This Plant takes its Name from the soft and Silver-Down of its Leaves. The Root is sometimes sin∣gle, cover'd with a blackish

Bark, sometimes fibrous; it tastes astringent. It has many Leaves near the Earth; they are like the Leaves of Agrimony, and are deeply indented about the Edges. It sends out, on every Side, Shoots, whereby it increases won∣derfully, like Straw-berries. The Flowers are yellow, and consist of five roundish Leaves, not indented, and are placed single, on long, hairy Foot-stalks. It grows frequently near Foot-paths, and in moist Places, where the Water has stagnated all the Winter.

It cools moderately, and is very astringent: Upon which Account it cures Spitting of Blood, and the immoderate Flux of the Womb and Belly. 'Tis good for the Stone in the Kidnies; and is very use∣ful in curing Wounds and Ulcers' 'Tis much com∣mended for easing the Pain of the Teeth, and for re∣moving the Putrefaction of the Gums. 'Tis good to asswage the Heat of Fe∣vers; which it does very powerfully, being beaten with Salt and Vinegar, and applied to the Soles of the Feet, and the Arm-wrists. The Women in England use the distill'd Water of it to take off Freckles, Spots and Botches from the Face, and when they are Sun-burnt. The Root of it, which they call Moors, in Yorkshire, about Settle, are eaten by the Boys in Winter; for they taste sweet, and are as pleasant as Parsnips. Hogs dig them up, and eat them greedily. 'Tis affirm'd, that being worn in the Shooes, it will cure the Bloody-Flux, Bleeding at Nose, and all immoderate Fluxes of the Belly. Hartman says, That having used it this way, it has done good when all o∣ther Means signified nothing.

Smallage, in Latin A∣pium.

'Tis hot and dry. It incides, and opens; up∣on which Account it is rec∣kon'd among the five O∣pening Roots: It provokes Urine and the Courses, and expels Gravel: It cures the Jaundice. The Seed is reckon'd among the Lesser Hot Seeds. The use of this

Herb certainly injures those that are afflicted with the Falling-sickness: But being translated into Gardens, it becomes more gentle, and less ungrateful; for in Italy and Spain they eat the ten∣der Leaves of it, and the upper part of the Root, with Oyl and Pepper.

Sneez-wort, in Latin Ptarmica.

The Root grows awry, and is, as it were, jointed, and has many long Fibres that are pretty large; it tastes acrid, and hot. It has several brittle Stalks, a Yard high, or more, and sometime not near so high; they are divided into seve∣ral Branches, whereon are placed narrow, long Leaves, pointed, and finely indented about the Edges. At the top grow many white Flowers in a Tuft, with a yellowish Thrum in the middle. It grows in moist places, and flowers in July.

It tastes hot and acrid. The Powder of it provokes Snee∣zing. The Root chewed ca∣ses the Pain in the Teeth, by evacuating Flegm. The Herb is mix'd with Sallets, to correct cold Herbs.

Solomon's-seal, in La∣tin Polygomaton,

The Root is a Finger thick, unequal and tuberous, with a great many Fibres, and of a sweetish Taste. The Stalk is two or three Foot high, round, and smells ill if it be rub'd or cut; it is bent like a Bow. The Leaves are placed one above ano∣ther; they are large, and like the Leaves of the Lilly of the Vallies; they are nervous, and of a shining dark Green above, of a grayish Colour underneath. At the Foot of every Leaf, almost from the bottom to the top, hang long, white and hollow Flowers; and after them, small, round Berries, green at first, and bluish when they are ripe, wherein are small, stony Seeds; they are white.

'Tis Astringent, and Vul∣nerary: It stops all Fluxes; it cements broken Bones. And the Root boyl'd in Wine and drank, is excel∣lent for Contusions and Ruptures. Used outward∣ly it takes off Spots, and whitens the Skin. Four∣teen or fifteen of the Ber∣ries

purge Flegm, upwards and downwards. For the Whites, take Candied Roots of Solomon's-seal; and it is an excellent Re∣medy. 'Tis also counted good for the Falling-sick∣ness.

Sope-wort, in Latin Saponaria.

It creeps in the Ground, with small-jointed Roots. The Bark of the Root is reddish. The Stalks are three Foot high, or higher, round, smooth and reddish; they have many Joints, are full of Pith, and can scarce sustain themselves. The Leaves are placed by Pairs, at the Joints, opposite to one ano∣ther, three large Nerves running all along them; they are like Plantain-leaves; they are smooth, have a nitrous Taste, and short or no Foot-stalks at all. The Flowers are pla∣ced in Tufts, on the top of the Stalks, every one on a short Foot-stalk; they are of a pale-red Colour, sweet, and compos'd of five Leaves. The small, round∣ish Seeds are contain'd in an oblong Vessel that is thick about the Middle. It grows near Rivers, and Standing-waters. It flow∣ers in June, July, August and September.

The Root and Leaves are used in Physick, but it is but seldom. 'Tis used for an Asthma, and to pro∣voke the Courses. And a Decoction of it is much commended for the French-Pox. Outwardly applied, it discusses Tumours. Clothes are cleansed from Greasie Spots, by washing them with this Herb.

The Sorbe, or Quicken-tree, in Latin Sorbus sylve∣stris.

'Tis a Tree of a mid∣dle stature. The Bark is of a light Red, and spot∣ted. The Leaves are sharp, indented, and smooth; a∣bove green, below whitish. The Flowers are many, white▪ and sweet; and are placed in Umbels. The Berries are green at first; when they are ripe, of a darke Red; they taste ill.

The Berries yield an a∣cid Juice, which purges Water excellently well;

and is very good for the Scurvy. The Liquor which drops from the wounded Tree in the Spring, cures the Scurvy, and Diseases of the Spleen.

Common-Sorrel, in La∣tin Acetosa vulgaris.

It grows in Pastures and Mea∣dows.

'Tis cold and dry. It provokes Appetite, sup∣presses Choler, and quench∣es Thirst; wherefore 'tis frequently used in Fevers. The Juice may be mix'd with Broths, or the Leaves boyl'd in them. In Sum∣mer 'tis good Sauce for most Meats. The Roots of it dried, and boyl'd, give a delicate Tincture to the Water.

Sheep's-Sorrel, in Latin Acetosa arvensis lanceolata.

It grows in Sandy and dry Grounds.

It has the same Virtues with Common Sorrel.

Roman or French-Sor∣rel, in Latin Acetosa rotun∣difolia.

The form of the Leaf sometimes varies; be∣ing sometimes round, like Scurvy-grass, or the Lesser Celandine; sometimes, like Spinache, pointed like an Arrow; of a Sky or pale Colour, and of a delicate sharp Taste. The Stalks are bare, and above two Foot high. The little Flow∣ers are compos'd of yellow and red Threads. The Root is small, and creeps; and is less acid, and drier than the Leaves. 'Tis common in Gardens.

It has the same Virtues with the former.

Wood-Sorrel, in Latin Trifolium acetosum vulgare.

It grows commonly in sha∣dy places, in Woods and Hedges.

It has the same Virtues with the former. The Sy∣rup, the Conserve, and the distill'd Water of it are in use. The distill'd Water is used to wash the Mouth in the St. Anthony's Fire, and to cleanse Sordid Ul∣cers. 'Tis observ'd, that when it bears a great ma∣ny Flowers, the Year will

be very rainy; but dry when there is a few.

Sothernwood, in La∣tin Abrotanum.

'Tis some∣what astringent, and dis∣cusses much. It resists Pu∣trefaction and Poyson. It cures the Biting of Ve∣nomous Creatures, kills Worms, and forces Urine. It cures Hysterick Fits, and the Jaundice. The Tops of it boyl'd in Wine or Water, and sweeten'd with Hony or Sugar, do much good in an Asthma, and Difficulty of Breath∣ing; and helps Expectora∣tion. 'Tis used outwardly to strengthen Bones.

Marsh-Sparagus, in Latin Asparagus palustris.

'Tis found in many places: As, in the Marishes near Bristol, and about Harwich in Essex, &c. It differs on∣ly from the Garden-Spara∣gus by the Place of its Growth, and the Accidents that proceed from thence; for the saltness of it, and the thickness of the Leaves, and the largeness of the Berries, are to be imputed to the Sea; for the like is wont to happen to other Plants that grow near the Sea.

The Root is Diuretick, and Lithontriptick; and is one of the five Opening Roots. It opens the Ob∣structions of the Liver and Spleen, and especially of the Kidnies; and therefore it is frequently used in Diu∣retick Decoctions. The Stalks boyl'd gently, ac∣cording to Custom, and eaten, loosen the Belly, and provoke Urine; but they make it smell ill. A De∣coction of the Root drunk, relieves those that make Water difficultly, and those that have the Jaundice, and others that are afflict∣ed with Nephritick Pains, or the Hip Gout. But the frequent use of Diureticks occasions Ulcers in the Bladder.

Spatling, or White Poppy, in Latin Behen al∣bum.

The Root is woody, thick and white. The Stalks are two or three Foot high, or more, small, round, smooth and jointed, and divided into Wings at

the top. At every Joint are two Leaves, opposite to one another, like Cam∣pian, but smooth, very a∣crid and bitterish, with a certain Sweetness. The Flowers are white, or of a light Purple Colour. It grows amongst Corn.

'Tis commended for Fo∣mentations, and Sweating-baths. The Juice takes off Inflammations of the Eyes, and eases the Pain of them. The Seed purges Flegm, and is used in the Falling-sickness.

Male-Speed-well, in Latin Veronica mas supina & vulgatissima.

It creeps upon the Ground, and sends down Roots from the Joints. The Stalks are small, round, long, hairy, and jointed. The Leaves are set by Pairs at the Joints; they are hairy, and indented about the Edges; they taste bitterish and a∣crid. The Flowers are placed upon a Spike; they are compos'd of four light purple Leaves. The Seed is contain'd in small Husks, like Shepherd's-purse. It grows plentifully in dry Pastures, and amongst Heath.

'Tis Vulnerary, and Su∣dorifick. 'Tis used in Ob∣structions of the Lungs, and Spleen; for the Cho∣lick, Consumption, Plague, Wounds, and Itch. A large Dose of the Deco∣ction, taken for some time, expell'd a Stone from the Kidny of a Woman, that had been there sixteen Years. A Woman that had been barren seven Years, conceiv'd by taking the Powder of it in the di∣still'd Water of the Herb for many Days. The Sy∣rup of it is of great use in Diseases of the Lungs. One that had an incurable Ulcer in his Leg, found present Ease by dipping Rags in the Water, and applying them; for it took off the Inflammation, and all the Symptoms that ac∣companied it. One that had a Fistula in the Breast, and had used several Me∣dicines in vain, was cured by the inward use of this Water. Scabby Children have been cured by Rags

dip'd in this Water, and press'd out, and applied over the Scabs, when o∣ther Medicines would do no good: But it is conve∣nient for the Nurse to take Fumatory in Whey at the same time.

Common-Spignel, in Latin Meum.

It has some∣times one, sometimes ma∣ny Roots, above nine Inch∣es long: From the Sides of which grow most com∣monly oblique Roots, which are pretty long, of a dark brown Colour without, white within; it smells like a Parsnip, but more Aro∣matick. It has several long Stalks of Leaves, as small as an Hair; they are placed thick on both sides of the Stalk; they smell well. It has also round, stiff Stalks, like those of Fennel, but much less; they are channel'd, empty and branchy; and have Umbels of white Flowers on them, like Dill. The Seeds are large, great, and channel'd. It grows plen∣tifully in Westmorland, near Sidleberg.

It expels Wind, and forces Urine and the Cour∣ses; and is used for Mo∣ther-fits, for the Gripes, Catarrhs, and to help Ex∣pectoration. 'Tis an In∣gredient in several Com∣positions; in Treacle, and many other. Those that have vow'd Chastity must not use it, for it is a great Provocative to Venery. And it causes the Head∣ach.

Spinache, in Latin Spi∣nachia.

'Tis much used in the Kitchin. 'Tis good in Fevers; and it loosens the Belly. It cools, and moist∣ens; and is good in a dry Cough.

Spindle-tree, in Latin Euonimus.

'Tis a little, branchy Tree, or rather Shrub, eight or ten Foot high. The Suckers are of a pleasant green Colour, and the young Branches are four-square; the Wood is whitish, it has divers Branches. The Leaves are oblong, sharp, and indent∣ed. Soon after the Begin∣ning of Spring the pale Flowers come forth; they

are compos'd of four Leaves. After the Flow∣ers, come forth red Berries, divided into four parts; and in each is a white, hard Seed. The whole Tree has a strong and unplea∣sant Smell. 'Tis common in Hedges.

Three or four of the Berries vomit and purge. Women use the Powder of the Berries to kill Lice.

Spleen-wort, in Latin Asplenium.

The Root con∣sists of Capillary Threads, that are blackish and Pe∣rennial. The Leaves are many, but not a Finger long; they are placed upon short Foot-stalks; they are somewhat fat above, and downy under, and cleft, like Polypody; they are seldom an Inch broad. It grows frequently in the West, upon old Walls, viz. about Bristol, and the Stones at St. Vincent's Rock, &c.

'Tis called Spleen-wort, because it is effectual in cu∣ring Diseases of the Spleen. 'Tis chiefly used for Swel∣lings of the Spleen, for Spitting of Blood, and a Loosness. Outwardly used, it cleanses Wounds and Ul∣cers. One Dram of the Golden Powder on the Under-side of the Leaves, with half a Dram of White Amber powder'd, drunk in the Juice of Purslain, or Plantain, relieves those wonderfully that have a Gonorrhaea.

Straw-berry, in La∣tin Fragraria.

The Fruit cools and moistens. The distill'd Water of it com∣forts the Heart, purges the Blood, and cures Ulcers of the Mouth; and is good in a Quinsie, the Mouth being gargled with it. 'Tis Diuretick, and expecto∣rates. Those that are trou∣bled with hot Pushes in the Face, or a dry Itch in the Body, should take two Spoonfuls of the Water every Morning. The same quantity, at the same time, is good for those that have the Stone; for it cools the Reins, and expels Gravel. A Decoction of the whole Herb is very good for the Jaundice. Take of the

Waters of Wood-Sorrel, of the whole Citron, of Straw∣berries, each four Ounces; of the Syrup of the Juice of Citron one Ounce, of Prepar'd Pearls one Dram; make a Julap: Take four Spoonfuls three or four times a Day. This is good in Fevers, to attemperate the Blood.

Succory, in Latin Ci∣choreum.

The Root is as thick as the Thumb, and full of Milk. It has many Stalks, which are round and hairy. The Stalks of the Wild Succory are crooked, and sometimes four Foot high. The Branches at top are much divided. Some of the Leaves are cut deep, like Dandelion; others are whole, or but little indent∣ed: Those on the Stalks are placed alternately, without Foot-stalks; they are long, and end acute, and are hairy on both sides. The Flowers are blue, sometimes white, and red∣dish; many come out toge∣ther from the Wings of the upper Leaves. The whole Plant is very bitter.

'Tis counted cold by some Authors; but its bit∣ter Taste argues Heat. 'Tis Diuretick: It attenuates, and cleanses. 'Tis chiefly used in Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and for Fevers. The Water di∣still'd from the blue Flow∣ers is an excellent Reme∣dy for Inflammations and Dimness of the Eyes. The Leaves boyl'd, and eaten with Vinegar, cure a Go∣norrhaea. The Flowers of this Plant open and shut at Sun-rising and Sun-set∣ting, whether the Heavens are clear or cloudy. The Roots of Succory, the mid∣dle Bark of the Elder, the Twigs of Bitter-sweet, Wormwood, and the Roots of Sharp-pointed Dock, cure a Dropsie and Obstructions with expedition, and expel Wind. Syrup of Succory, with Rubarb, is much in use, and is an excellent Purge for Children, and is made in the following man∣ner: Take of Whole Bar∣ly, of the Roots of Smal∣lage, Fennel and Sparagus, each two Ounces; of Suc∣cory, Dandelion, Smooth South-thistle, and Endive,

each two Handfuls; of Garden-Lettice, Liverwort, Fumatory, and the Tops of Hops, each one Handful; of Venus-hair, White Mai∣den-hair, Spleen-wort, Li∣quorish, the Seed of Win∣ter-Cherry, and Dodder; each six Drams; boyl these in six Quarts of Fountain-water, till two Quarts be consum'd; strain the Li∣quor, and put in six Pounds of White Sugar; boyl it a while, then add six Oun∣ces of Rubarb, and six Drams of Spikenard, put into a Bag, which must be infus'd a while in the hot Liquor; then strain it, and boyl it to the Consistence of a Syrup. Succory-water is also in use.

Sun-dew, in Latin Ros solis.

Many Leaves come from a small, fibrous Root; they are placed on long Foot-stalks, that are hairy above; they are almost round, like an Ear-picker, a little concave, and of a pale-green Colour, with a small, red Fringe round them; they have always a Dew on them in the hot∣test Day. From the middle of the Leaves rise up two or three round, small, red∣dish Stalks, of an Hand or half a Foot high; they have no Leaves on them. It has many whitish Flow∣ers, placed one above an∣other, on short Foot-stalks. Oblong Seminal Vessels, in shape and bigness like Wheat, succeed the Flow∣ers; they are full of Seeds. It grows plentiful∣ly in Sir William Goring's Park, near Petworth, in Sussex; and in many other places.

Botanists differ about the Virtue of this Plant: Some commend it for a Consumption, the Plague-wounds, and the Falling-sickness: But others, with good Reason, forbid the inward use of it; for it is so Caustick, that being put on the Skin, it will cause Ulcers. 'Tis very injurious to Sheep, for it burns up their Lungs, and gives them a deadly Cough. Upon which Ac∣count it is called the Red-Rot. A Strong-water made with it was formerly much in use. Many superstitious

Things are reported of this Plant, which I design∣edly omit.