The general practise of physicke conteyning all inward and outward parts of the body, with all the accidents and infirmities that are incident vnto them, euen from the crowne of the head to the sole of the foote: also by what meanes (with the help of God) they may be remedied: very meete and profitable, not only for all phisitions, chirurgions, apothecaries, and midwiues, but for all other estates whatsoeuer; the like whereof as yet in english hath not beene published. Compiled and written by the most famous and learned doctour Christopher VVirtzung, in the Germane tongue, and now translated into English, in diuers places corrected, and with many additions illustrated and augmented, by Iacob Mosan Germane, Doctor in the same facultie.

The seuenth Part of this Booke speaketh of certaine Poy∣sons, and Venims, of Plants, Mettals, and Beasts. (Book 7)

THe miserable life of man is not subiect to sicknesses and diseases e∣nough, as well inwardly as outwardly, but there must be diuers ve∣nimous things to hurt and annoy the same, which are almost among all creatures, and with such hurtfull qualitie indued, that they be∣reaue men of their liues, some sooner, and some later. But God of his goodnesse hath ordained innumerable and wholesome meanes for it, and that almost in the smallest creatures, as in Herbs, Roots, Earths, and other: amongst which the simplest in sight haue otherwhiles the most vertue to resist the strongest poyson; preseruing both man and beast from death, euen as hereafter may be séene in many places, which ought to admonish vs to praise and thanke God almightie for our health, and to ac∣knowledge him to be the fountaine of all goodnesse. And to speake and treate thereof in this our Booke of phisicke we purpose to rehearse them in this seuenth Part, wherein shall be onely ad∣monished of such poysons as are knowne in Germanie, and (as one may speake) are euery day before our eyes. For what poysons are or may be found in the East, and in Aphrica, it were su∣perfluous to speake of them at this present. We will part these poysons or venims into thrée kinds: whereof the first shall be the vegetables, as Herbes, Rootes, Plants, Séeds, Iuices, and such like: the second sort are the venimous Mettals: the third sort are certaine Beasts, & what∣soeuer else commeth from them, whereby men are harmed: so that the summe of this seuenth Part consisteth in two things. First, to know all the venims wherby héede may be taken to es∣chew them. Secondly, if it so chance that any one haue taken any of them vnwittingly, or were ministred vnto him by another; how that one may helpe him, and shew how that venime might be withstood, and how to extinguish his deadly qualitie. For it is very néedfull that euery Phi∣sition or housholder be prouided with good remedies against all manner of venime, whereby he as soone as néede requireth, may haue somewhat in readinesse that he may minister against the venime so taken. For in all such causes there serueth no delay; as there be but a few venimous beasts and other, which if they be not remedied out of hand, do so infect, that afterwards they remaine irremediable, as we haue also shewed in other places.

And therefore must we match and méete with these venimous and hurtfull things, imita∣ting the first rule, if any man be poysoned by meate or drinke, then is a vomit the principallest remedie. Or if he haue receiued any venime through thrusts or biting, then must you set cups or boxes with pricking theron, scarifying or cauterizing the sound flesh about the wounds, and at the last if néed be cut off the whole ioynt or member. And those thrusts and bits are to be cured by some iniection and application, so to hinder the violence and operation of the poyson. The poyson taken inwardly is subdued through tart and sharpe wine, and other meanes: and lastly through purging, sweating, and such like, as hereafter shall be taught. Regard is also to be had of the qualitie of the venime, and of the strength of them that haue taken it; that the stron∣gest poysons may be expelled with the strongest remedies: and the smallest venimes with mild medicines and remedies. Also regard must be had to the time of the yeare, and to the age of the poysoned person. This is now briefly prefixed for a Preface, we will now procéed to the reme∣dies.

The first Chapter. All those things that are good against Poyson.

ALl that by the learned may be vsed against poyson, shall here be de∣scribed and specified; and we will shew and name those things that are well knowne, and easily gotten. For what may it profite vs to counsell any man to take the gall of an Elephant, the bloud of a Crocodile, and the Egs of a Tortoyse in the sea? First, Veriuice (which is of himselfe good alone) or a sirupe made thereof, is very good, for it withstandeth al Poyson.

The rootes of Valerian, browne Betonie, and Rue, of each a dragme, taken with wine, is also good against poyson. Conserues of Gilloflowers and their wine are also good for the same: the Beuercod, the conserues and wine of Burrage do also withstand poy∣on. In like manner also the iuice and the sirupe of Citrons, and all that is made thereof.

Carduus Benedictus leaues are also maruellous good against all venime (it is said that Frede∣ricke the Emperor was the first that brought the same herbe out of Gréece into Germanie) for the iuice, water, powder, and séed of it are all good against poyson.

Fennell seede is also much commended, Sealed earth (if it be right) is of all Phisitions ac∣compted for a noble medicine against all venime.

Peucedanus and wild Radish are also much commended.

Wine of Harts toung is also vsed for the same, albeit the auncient Phisitions do make no mention thereof.

The Conserues of Elderne flowers is also very good, and is accounted a conserue for the common people.

The Conserues of Hyssope, and the wine of the same, doth also contend with venime.

Nep, Comin, and Caraway, are more strong than the Fennell séede. Agaricus is good if a man will purge.

Angelica is of all Phisitions accounted good against all manner of venim, and recommended by the name Laserpitium.

Eringus withstandeth all venim. The Oleander which the Gréekes call Nerion and Rhododen∣dron is also commended. The long Hartwoort is also good. Rue hath an especiall efficacie a∣gainst all poyson: and in like manner the séedes of wild Rue; Rosemarie is also praised of some: the learned write not any thing thereof. Sagapenum and Serapinum is also accounted good for it.

Wormwood, and all that is made of Wormwood is maruellous good against all venime. The compounded things that are commodious against all venime, shall hereafter follow.

An exhortation for all those that are afraid to be poysoned. §. 2.

AVncient Phisitions were woont to haue an old Prouerbe, and to say, that Ve∣nime is so proud that it dwelleth commonly in Gold and Siluer: whereby they meant, that great personages that eate and drinke out of gold and siluer, are in greater danger to be poysoned, than the common people that do eate and drinke out of earthen dishes; wherefore must such high personages that are a∣fraid to be poysoned, diligently take héede of the meate and drinke that they eate, and that are drest of diuers things.

Also they must not take too much of all swéet, salt, and sower drinkes; and they must not eate too eagerly nor too hastily, and they must at all times haue great regard of the first tast of their meate and drinke.

But the most surest way is, that before the mealetide he take somewhat that may resist ve∣nim, as Figs, Rue, or Nuts: each by himselfe or tempered together. The Citrons, Rape séede,

Nepe or any of those that are described before, the waight of a dragme taken with wine, now one and then another, is very much commended. Sometimes also two Figs with a little Salt, then againe Mithridate or Treacle, and such like mo may he vse before the mealetide.

When any bodie perceiueth that he hath taken Poyson. §. 3.

BVt if one be sure and perceiue, or certainely know that he hath taken poyson, then must there be no long disputing what is to be done: for in case y^e one will be long a counselling what shall be done, then wil the venim in the mean time infect his bloud and other vital parts: wherby the partie may be neglected, and afterwards also remaine incurable. Therefore must the common meanes be vsed (as is said before) to prouoke him to vomite & cast, and that through the taking of luke warme water tempered with Sallad oyle or with swéet Butter.

There are here and there in this booke diuers remedies expressed, whereby vomiting is to be furthered, which may be vsed for this purpose, and you may séeke for them in the Table. And as soone as the patient hath vomited, then are you to cause him to haue a loose and open bodie, which may soone be brought to passe with a strong Clister, whreby the remaining sharp∣nes of the venim, that might remaine behind in the stomack, or in the bowels, might be driuen out and expelled.

The signes when one is poysoned. §. 4.

ALbeit that the signes of those that be poysoned, and the nature of the Poyson taken, or the biting of a venimous beast are diuers (as shall hereafter be more at large declared:) neuerthelesse can it not be but good and requisite to compre∣hend them all vnder one. First they get a vehement paine in the stomacke, in the belly, and in the bowels, paine of the Liuer, the kidneys, and the bladder. Often they get a hoarsnesse, gnawing and biting, shiuering, cold, dumbnesse, and conuulsion of the sinewes, féeblenesse of the pulse, the Lethargie, swimming of the head, darknesse of sight, and a shortnesse of breath, yea that they seeme to choke, great thirst, bléeding, lacke of appetite, great heat, great féeblenesse of the face, losse of vnderstanding, of might, and mo such like symptomes; yet hereby cannot sufficiently be known the nature of the poyson that hath bene taken. For example, if any man hath taken Cantharides (which are Spanish Flies) he getteth diseases in the toung, in the stomacke, and in the kidneys, the bladder is inflamed, he can scarcely make water, to wit, without infinite paine, bloud, and great sharpnesse. The Ca∣terpillars of the Firre trée called Buprestes, and the Salamandra, do also cause y^e foresaid accidents.

Item, all those that haue taken Opium do fall into a very déepe sléepe, or altogether into a maladie, that is called Lethargus, to wit, the sléepie sicknesse, they get bleake spots, they waxe sluggish, cold and stiffe, and are depriued of all their senses.

The like chanceth to them that haue taken the iuice of Mandragora, or the iuice of Hemlocke.

The Henbane séed maketh men not only foolish and raging, but as it were mad, or as if they had taken Aconitum: they be not onely choked that haue taken Aconitum, but also those that do take Toadstooles, Ceruse, Gippes, and Oxe bloud: but (as it is said) we shall hereafter further discourse and admonish at large of this matter.

Here we will most of all intreat of those poysons especially that grow, and whatsoeuer else procéedeth thereof, and adde vnto them their Latine and Greeke names.

The second Chapter. Of the venimous Plants and such like.

THe Mandragora is not otherwise called in Latin nor in Gréeke, and is by good reason placed amongst the venims, for that by her nature which is cold in the third degrée, it doth choke one: and when one taketh too much of the iuice, then causeth it a sleepe vnto death. It is also very drie, yet may with discretion the waight of one dragme be giuen thereof as néede requireth: for the learned write, that if any man be too sore frighted or feared, so that he must be cut or burnt, then must there be giuen one drag. of this roote vnto him, and he shall then fall into so déepe a sleepe, that he shall thrée or foure howers long remaine vnsensible, in which space the Chirurgian haue time enough to do their worke.

But what the Toothdrawers or Mountibankes do with this roote of Mandragora, (making the people beléeue that they grow vnder the gallowes of the vrine of the hanged theeues, ha∣uing the forme of a man) is knowne to all men.

Henbane is called of the Greekes Hyoscyamus, and at the Apothecaries Iusquiamus, which is almost as much to say, as hogs beans, and that by reason that this herbe is a deadly poyson for swine, if they be not presently well washed, and drinke much, or do eate Creuets, which haue a speciall operation against this poyson.

This Henbane is of three kinds: the one hath red flowers and blacke seede: the second hath yellow flowers and yellow seedes, and are both by their very cold nature venimous: the third hath white flowers and white seeds, and is also cold to the third degree, which of the Phisitions is very aptly vsed in some causes: but if you cannot get the white, then take the yellow, and leaue the blacke. You may make of the new seede a iuice, which is dried in the sun, but it may not be kept aboue one yeare. When you haue taken this iuice, then will it make one franticke, and as he were drunken, but by certaine medicines the same wil quickly away. You must take therefore the milke of an Asse, or in stead thereof Goats milk or Cowes milke.

Item, Hony water is very good for it, if he drinke much thereof: when you are weary therof then cease and then drinke againe afresh. Water wherein Figs were sodden, is also very good for his. Cucumber seedes or Pingles sodden in wine and so vsed, are good for this purpose. I∣tem, wine that is somewhat salted, and tempered with Barrowes grease, is also not ill.

Item, there is very commodious for it Nettle seede, Cicorie rootes, white Mustard seede, Cresses, Radishes, Onions, or Garlicke, any one of these taken with wine, and then after∣wards the patient laid to sleepe, euen as one that is drunken.

Coriander is a knowne seede, called in Latin Coriandrum, and in Gréeke Corion, or Corianon. The learned haue diuers opinions of it, Dioscorides writeth, that it is cold, but Galenus and his followers do reiect this opinion, and saith, that it is hote, or at least somewhat warming. And albeit this seede be somewhat venimous, yet may the same easily be corrected, to wit, when it hath bene stéeped in Vineger, and is dried againe, and then may it be vsed in many medicins as you may find euery where, &c. Take prepared Coriander &c. The nature of his venime is, that when one eateth too much of this séede, or drinketh too much of the iuice, then will the head be thereby so out of frame, as if a man were drunke: it maketh one hoarse, and as if he were dumb, or if he speake, yet are they but vnreuerent words. In fine, it is not without great dan∣ger: for it hath bene often found, that after the taking of the iuice death hath followed, there∣fore it is good counsell, that you vse of this a little, and but seldome: yea some will correct the Phisitions that daily vse this seede for strengthening of the head, by reason that it is much con∣trarie to the head, and noysome. Now to take away the venim of this séede, you are first to cause the patient to vomit, and that with oyle called Irinum, or in stead thereof, with oyle of Oliues, both of them taken with the warme decoction of Wormwood. Also you may fry an Eg or two in this oyle, and mixe it with pickle of salt fish, and so drinke it, or the pickle alone, well salted

Hen-broth or Goose-broth. In like sort sodden wine mingled with ley, are very good for it.

Nardus seeds or Nigella séeds, called in Gréeke Melanthion, and in latin Nigella, by reason of his blacknesse. There are foure kinds of it, two blacke, the which (by reason of their pleasant smell) are planted in the gardens: another which groweth of himselfe in the fields: the fourth sort is yellowish, and hath no difference from the black kinds. The nature of them all is hot and drie, which maketh them venemous, when one taketh too much thereof he is in danger of death. And herein is a wondrous work of nature, that contrariwise it resisteth poison, and in old time (by reason of his pleasantnesse) was baked in bread. For what diseases then this seed is good, that is shewed and taught in moe other places.

Milke thistle. This roote the Gréekes cal Chamaeleonta, for that the leaues do alter their colour after diuers sorts, according to the nature of the ground, now black, and then greene, now blew, and then yellow, and into diuers other colours: In latine this herbe is called Carduus Suarius, that is, Sowthistle, for that it killeth hogs if they eate this herbe mingled with Barley meale. In like maner it killeth Rats and Mice if they eate therof and drink not thereafter immediatly. The Apothecaries call this herbe Cardopatium. Because that this is hurtfull to the said beasts, therefore cannot it be but hurtfull to men if they eate too much thereof. And the same is mani∣fested by his nature, for that it is hot in the second degrée, and drie in the third: yet this roote is often vsed for many things, and highly commended, and that most of all against the venome of the Plague. There are two sorts, blacke and white Milkethistle, both of one nature: notwith∣standing there is here to be noted, that the blacke is to be vsed onely outwardly.

The Yewtrée do the Greekes call Smilax, and the Latinists Taxus. This tree is well knowne, he groweth prosperously in cold and shadowie places, for such is his nature. That he is placed amongst the venims, is not without cause: for it hath bene tried, that if bottels be made of it, and the wine kept therein a certaine time, it killeth a man. In like maner doth the fruite of the same tree which groweth in Spaine. Moreouer it is said, that whosoeuer sléepeth vnder the shadow of this trée, or vpon the leaues, and specially vpon his blossomes, must die, for that the whole body will be thereby ouercooled, that a man must die sodainly. His leaues are not hurt∣full for the wild beasts, but onely for such beasts as do not chew their cud, as the swine, Horses, Asses, &c. they are killed with it. It is said also, that if a copper naile be strooke into his stem or body, then will his venome vanish away. His smoake should kill Mice. And his venome will also be taken away by the same meanes that hereafter is prescribed against the venom of Hem∣locke, where you may séeke and finde the same.

Wild Cucumbers and their iuice Elaterium, whereof is so many times admonished that men must deale with it warily, and vse but a very little at one time, except it be in grieuous sicknes∣ses, as the Dropsie, and such like: the Gréekes do call this herbe Sicyagrion, which is wilde Cu∣cumbers, for that the same are like to the tame Cucumbers. When these wilde Cucumbers are ripe, and softly handled or wroong, then breake they open, wherfore you must looke to your eies, for they are hurtfull. In Latine it is called Cucumis Anguinus, Syluestris and Erraticus. The Apo∣pothecaries and common people call it a wilde Cucumber. His iuice is Elaterium: it is made as well of the rootes as of the leaues: but it is not so forcible as that which is made of the fruite. Of all medicines, there is none that continueth longer good than the same, for Theophrastus wri∣teth, that it hath bene found good and forcible 200. yeares, & it ought not be vsed vntill it be three yeares old: it is hot and dry by nature, for which cause Dioscorides doth place it amongst poisons. It is so vehement, that when a woman vseth it in pessaries it killeth the fruite. But we haue written of it also in the Introduction.

Fleawort. The Gréekes do cal the séed of this herb Psyllium, the Latinists Pulicariam, by reason that the séed is like to Fleas, or that it hindereth the bréeding of such vermin: The Apothecaries do kéepe both the Latin & Greeke names. It is (as some say) cold in the second degrée, & is measu∣rably drie and moist. Others do ascribe great cold vnto it, wherewith this following doth agree. Albeit this séed be commodiously vsed, as many places of this booke may witnesse, yet hath it ne∣uertheles his venom, to wit, when one vseth too much therof, for that it maketh the whole body cold, sluggish, féeble and vnapt. Against this may be vsed that which is prescribed for Coriander.

Crowfoote, the Gréekes do call Batrachion, the Latinists Ranunculum, that is Frogwort, either because it willingly groweth (as Frogs do) in moist places, or for that the Frogs gladly hide themselues vnder it. Some call this herbe Flammulam, by reason of his burning nature;

for being applied gréene, it doth not onely excoriate the place with paine, but also if the flowers lie long thereon, it maketh a hard escarre: The beggars haue learned this so wel, that therwith they open their legs, and make them sore, that they are lothsome to behold, to the end that there∣by they may get the greater almes. As much as appertaineth to the venome of this herbe, it is by nature hot and drie, so that it burneth not only the outward parts, but also the inward parts, when it is taken inward. The roote dried prouoketh néesing: if one hold it a good while at a tooth, it drieth so much that it falleth to peeces.

Api••strum, which the Apothecaries do call Apium risus, is also of the same nature. We call it water Crowfoote: it is with vs very sharpe, but much sharper and more venemous in the Iland Sardinia. Al that eate therof are depriued of their vnderstanding, the sinewes of their mouth and lips are so mightily conuulsed that the patient séemeth alwayes to laugh, when neuertheles he dieth: whereof that vulgar prouerbe is sproong, Sardinius risus, which is, Sardinians laughing, that is as much as when one laugheth where he had more néede to wéepe.

Now to cure this venome, you are to giue to the harmed abundance of hony water and milk to drinke, and annoint the body with some warming salue, or to put the patient into a bath of warme water, among which oyle is tempered; and in fine to vse all things for this purpose that is to be vsed for the crampe and conuulsion of the sinewes.

Nightshade do the Greekes call Strichinos or Trichnos, and the Latinists Solanum, the which name the Apothecaries haue turned into Solatrum. Hereof are foure kinds described by the lear∣ned, whereof the first is garden Nightshade, which may be eaten amongst other pot herbs. The second sort are the winter Cherries, whereof we will not write any thing. The third sort pro∣uoketh sléepe. The fourth sort maketh men mad and out of their wits, wherefore it is called in low Dutch, Dulcryut, that is, Maddingwort. The Nightshade that prouoketh sléepe, is colde in the third degree, like to Opium, whereof we will speake shortly, but it is not altogether so colde: and albeit that sometimes the root of this herb is taken for the dropsie, yet notwithstanding shal the same be forborne; for it hath often hapned, that when one hath taken too many of the berries that he thereby is become raging and mad, yea so stiffe ouer al his body, as though al his ioynts were dislocated. This stifnesse accustometh commonly to endure thrée dayes, so that some decei∣uers accustome to vse the same to bring men into a misbeléefe, as Plinie writeth. If one take the waight of a dragme of this roote, it maketh a man lusty, friendly, and causeth wonderful fan∣tasies, so that they séeme to be foolish, and to haue forgot all shamefastnes. And such as take two dragmes thereof, they wil be wholy mad & raging: and if one take half an ounce, then wil death follow; for the said Pliny writeth, that the Gréeks with such like meriments haue plaid the fooles: whereby may easily be noted, that these two species of Nightshade ought not to be vsed for any medicine inwardly. And this foresaid making mad is none other than that the Gréekes cal Do∣ryonion, which was vsed in old time for the poisoning of arrowes. The taste of this herbe is like milke, it prouoketh hoarsnesse, it hurteth the toong by his moisture, it expelleth blood by vomit, driueth out matter and filth by stoole, euen as they that haue the red or bloody flixe. Thus before those and such like accidents do appeare, you may vse these remedies following, to wit, that the patient take much Hony water, wherein Violets are sodden, and then vomit it out againe. In like maner are you to vse the milke of an Asse, Goates milke, or new warme wine, wherein An∣nis seed is tempered, or wherewith bitter Almonds are mingled. The water wherein Mussels, Crabs, and such like are sodden, is very commodious to be drunken for it, yea Mussels them∣selues eaten raw, and likewise clisters: and in fine, al that may draw the venom out of the body.

Nesingwort is of two sorts, to wit, white and blacke Néeseworts: the Gréekes call it Ellebo∣rus, and the Latinists veratrum nigrum, whereof we haue at large discoursed in the Introduction. We take this herbes name of the operation, because it vrgeth néesing. The auncient Phisitions make much a do with it, and committed many follies by it. Both these rootes are in vse, yet it is with them as with other things, that whosoeuer taketh thereof too much it is poison, and brin∣geth him into the perill of death.

These rootes are hereby knowne to be venemous, when as they are digged vp, & that the va∣por of them riseth into the face of the digger, that thereby he hath great paine in the head, & swel∣leth much: wherefore it must be digged vp spéedily, and the digger ought to stand with his back to the wind, & to eate some Garlick before, and then drinke a good draught of wine after it. Black Néesingwort killeth horses, oxen, and swine, and purgeth downewards. White Néesingwort is

not so hurtfull for cattell, and purgeth vpwards. The phisitions specially forbid that none of these rootes shal be vsed in women, old folkes, nor children, nor in them that haue a short breath.

Poppie heads, and the iuice of them, called Opium, the which is knowne with vs very well, is called of the Gréekes Mecon, and of the Latinists Papauer. Some of them haue red flowers, which are Corneroses, the which if one plant, they beare white, gray, and blacke séeds, of which the white are the best, and the blacke the worst. All their natures are cold vntill the fourth de∣grée, therefore not onely the séed, but also the whole herbe prouoketh sleepe. There is also a yel∣low sort, but the same is hot and drie by nature. And by reason of the extreame cold, is this herb numbered amongst venomes, not (if it be measurably vsed) that it bringeth any hurt with it, for that the séed thereof is baked in bread, but onely when one taketh too much thereof, and that chiefly of the blacke, which is much stronger than the white, in prouoking sleepe, for thereby is the sleepie sicknesse Lethargus caused. And of this blacke Poppie seed, or of these heads (the which grow not in this countrey, but elsewhere) is the iuice made, dried, and afterwards is called O∣pium, which is vsed in many places of this booke. But if you are to vse it inwardly, then must it (as we haue often admonished) be warily taken in hand: for if there be too much thereof giuen at once, then doth it cause a man to sléepe so long till he die: Therefore there are a number of auncient phisitions that affirme that none ought to be vsed little or much of it, to wit, inwardly; but to leaue and refuse it as a very hurtful poison. But if it happen that any haue taken thereof too much, then are you to giue vnto him salt with Oxymel to drinke, euen as is to be done when any body is poisoned with Toadstooles.

Toadstooles, do the Gréekes call Mycites, the Latinists Fungi: whereof are many kindes, and some when they are drest cannot hurt, yet at all times giue no good nourishment, for that they are hard of digestion, and are auoided downewards, as they were taken. In fine, all learned men agrée in this point, that some through a secret nature, and other through their quantitie, do kill one no otherwise than as if they were strangled with a cord or rope. Wherefore it is rather a brauery, and an intolerable lickerishnesse of them that eate the same, and put their health in danger, than any part of wisedome.

Do not we reade of the Emperor Claudius, & of whole families, that méeting together at ban∣kets, and eating of the Toadstooles, haue died instantly? We speake not here of those that eate the same moderatly, and onely for pleasure, and yet that they do no great good to those that vse them: for they augment the cholericke humors, and inflame all other bad humors of the body. One may know them hereby, that in dressing they waxe hard: they also got a venemous nature if they grow about rustie iron, or any foule thing. Item, by any venemous beasts, as Adders, Snakes, Toades, and such like, when they haue their holes thereabout, and so infect the same.

Wherefore it is to be well noted, that when any haue taken thereof, and find any hinderance of the breath, or otherwise finde himselfe ill at ease, that then the patient must immediatly be caused to vomit, whereby the poison may be cast vp; which may be done by the taking of the pic∣kle of fish and ley mingled together, or by the decoction of Marierom and Hyssope. The force of this venome may also be allayed by Hens dung taken with veneger.

Esula, all the venemous herbes that giue milke, are seuen in number, described by the ancient phisitions, and all of them are called of the Gréeks by one name, Tithymalon, and of the Latinists Herbae lactariae, as milke herbes, the Apothecaries call it Esula: of these herbes there are some spe∣cies vnknowne, wherefore we wil not waste much time in describing them: al together (yet the one more than the other) are hote in the fourth degree, and drie aboue measure; so that if one breake a sprig thereof, and holdeth the same to his toong the space of many houres, he cannot be rid of the burning. Also if you lay the powned herbe on the whole skin, then beginneth the same forthwith to inflame and burne, so that it séemeth that a cole of fire lieth thereon.

In like manner also doth this roote manifest his venome first in the digging vp, whereby the digger and also the preparer are to expect more danger than hath bin told of Néesingwort, and by reason of her great venom, is this root but seldome vsed by famous phisitions for the purging of superfluous Cholera and Melancholia, euen as you may sée in some places of this booke: but how a man shall prepare this roote, that haue you before in the Introduction.

The herbe Wolfsbane, and specially the roote, is of the ancient phisitions and Poets accoun∣ted the most venemous plant; so that when they will once talke of poison, they call it Aconiton, with which name the Gréekes and the Latinists call Wolfsbane, which is of two sorts, wherof

the one is called Pardalianches, for that it choketh the Panthers, and hath a roote, that at the end is like the tayle of a Scorpion, which is called of the Apothecaries vua versa or Lupina. The other sort is called of the Gréekes Lycoctonon, which is Wolfsbane, for that specially more than any other beasts it straightway strangleth the Wollfe, notwithstanding that it also killeth the Foxes, Swine, and all other wild beasts, if the powder of this roote be strewed vpon any thing that they come to eate. In fine, of all venomes there is none that sooner killeth and taketh out of the world, and that not onely when one taketh it inwardly, but also if one touch it: For if one touch any she cattell therewith about their members, then must they die the same day. His nature is to corrode continualy inward, and maketh the parts that it toucheth stinking. Both of these sorts grow much in Germanie in the vallies and on high hils. And verily there is ano∣ther wonder of nature with it, to wit, that this venome most mightily withstandeth all other venomes: As for example, when one taketh this Wolfesbane or Monkeshood, then must he ex∣pect none other than present death, vnlesse there be another poison before in the same body, as if one were stung before by a Scorpion.

Wolfesbane finding another poison in a mans bodie, opposeth it selfe against it after a most vehement maner, and expelleth it, yea and combateth against it no otherwise but as a warrior that omitteth all other things, and setteth onely vpon his enemie, in which strife they remaine both slaine, and the man retaineth his life. As soone as one hath receiued this poison of Wolfes bane, there commeth a swimming vpon him; chiefly if he would arise his eyes will runne, he féeleth great anguish in the breast, and in all inward parts: his breath will be short and grie∣uous, therefore it is néedfull that you endeuour to expell this poyson by vomits and Clisters. First, there is good for it sodden Marierom, Rue, Horehound, Wormewood, and Wormewood wine, Housleeke, Southernewood, Milke thistle, wilde Cypresse, and moe such like. In like manner also the right Balsame, if you giue it with the waight of one dragme with hony, or with milke, Beuercod, pepper, and Rue, of each one scruple, may be taken with wine for this purpose.

Also the rennet of a yong Kid, of a yong hare, or yong Roebucke drunken with vineger, is also very good.

The wine wherein a péece of glowing gold, a péece of siluer, or a glowing iron is quenched, is also highly commended for it. Or ley and wine, wherein a henne is sodden. Fresh broth made with Béefe, mingled with wine and drunken. The herbe of wild Cipresse is also very re∣quisite for it.

Hemlocke is well knowne euery where, and is called of the Gréekes Conion, of the Latinists and Apothecaries Cicuta, but by vs it is called Hemlocke. It killeth men, and that very extreme∣ly, if any one take of his iuice. It is a very cold herbe, and therefore very venemous. With this herbe haue the Athenians gotten the name of Tyrants, for that therewith amongst many o∣ther they murthered Socrates.

Against this poison it is very good that one do drinke much strong wine, and that betimes, before the poison passeth to the parts of life.

It is also taken to be certaine and sure, that if his iuice be tempered with wine and drunke, that there is no counsell nor helpe to be expected against it.

Outwardly the Hemlocke is to be vsed in some accidents with aduantage, as hath bene she∣wed in diuers places of this booke.

All they that receiue of this poison, their head seemeth to run round, and their sight so darke∣ned, that at last they can sée no more, they waxe hoarse, they lose their vnderstanding, the out∣ward parts waxe cold, and are conuulsed as if they had the Crampe, the pulse will be still, the breath tarieth behind, and they die miserably. Wherefore (as in all other venoms) the patient is straightway to be made to cast and vomit, to minister Clisters, and continually plie him with wine, giuing him Asses milke, Cow milke, Wormewood, and pepper, tempered with wine and Rue. Item, iuice of Mints tempered with wine, is here much commended. In like manner also Ameos, Cardamome, or Storax, the waight of halfe an ounce, Pepper with Nettle séede, and Bayberries drunke with wine. Item, Vine euict excessiuely drunken, and vomited vp againe, is against this sort of poison much commended.

Dogs bane is called of the Gréekes Ephemeron, for that it killeth a man in one day. And that we may make difference of this roote from such as are not venemous, namely from the Liri∣confansie,

we will adde Colchi••on with it, by reason of the countrey where it groweth in great abundance, and most venemous: the Latinists call the same Bulbum agrestem, and the Apothe∣caries Hermodactylum. They grow almost in all medowes in Germanie, and are swéete in the mouth, whereby the ignorant (by reason of their pleasant tast) may be easily deceiued, and al∣lured to eate thereof, whereby they are in danger of death: for as soone as they come into the sto∣mack, by and by they féele a burning & a paine ouer all the whole body, as if they had bin burnt with Nettles, they féele also a gnawing in the bowels, the stomacke will be hot and oppressed, and in time there commeth a laske after it, so that the scrapings of the bowels and bloud doth follow, and lastly death it selfe. For this are all remedies good that are prescribed against the venom of toadstooles, to wit, vomiting and clisters. It is good before the venome get the mastery to drinke water wherein is sodden Oken buds, Acornes, Pomegranate péeles, or wild Thime, and is mingled with milke. Item, you may also vse one of these iuices following, as the iuice of Cicorie, of Blackberry leafe, of Mirtles tempered with wine, the inward péeles of Chestnuts powdered and mingled amongst it is also very good. In like maner it is especiall good to drinke Marierom with Lie. And aboue all things, there is nothing better than Cow milke, or the milk of a Buffell drunken in great abundance, and held in the mouth: for if one haue such milke, it is no counsell to séeke any further for any other things.

The third Chapter. Of the venemous Mettals, and such like.

AS we haue spoken in the description of the foresaid venemous plants on∣ly of such as are well knowne in this countrey, so we will here treate of certaine mettals, and of all that commeth thereof, and teach also thereby when any body is poisoned therewith, how that venome is to be resisted.

Ceruse, the Latinists call it Cerussam, and is taught by Dioscorides that the same is made of lead by the vapor of the vineger. This art was found long ago, but now at this time it is made more easie. The Ceruse taken inwardly, is deadly. Through the taking in of Ceruse foloweth hoarsnes, cough, drouth of the tongue, coldnesse in the outward parts, losse of vnderstanding, and the members will be thereby weary, sluggish, and féebled. These accidents are to be holpen by these meanes following, as with hony water, with sodden Violets, or Mallowes water, with warme milke, with beaten séed of Sesamum sodden in wine, with Lie that is made of Vine ashes, with oyle of Marierom, or with Oleo Irino, or with water wherin Peach kernels are sodden, Pigeons egges with Frankinsense, sodden Barley and Prunes: you may giue any of these things which you wil, and as often as you will, and cast them out againe. In like maner there is good for this Scammonea sodden with Hony water.

Gips is very like vnto Chalke, for it is made of many stones by calcination, and also digged out of the earth. His nature is, that when it is made soft with water, it is immediatly altered a∣gaine into a hard stone: the same doth it also in the body of man, whereby it strangleth presently: wherefore all that is prescribed against the venome of the toadstooles, is also good for this. Item, oile that is sodden with Mallowes in stead of water, by reason that it is fat, prouoketh a slip∣pery passage for vomiting, and hindereth also the exulceration of the passages. Likewise there is also good the oile of hony water, or drie figs sodden therein and so drunken. The lie which is made with the ashes of the Fig trée is maruellous good for it: or in the place therof you may take the ashes of Oken wood, and eate Figs. Also you may vse the ashes of the Vine, and temper the same with wine, and drinke much thereof, and then cast it or vomit it out againe.

Lime and Gips are very like one to another, and they match one another with their venome. The red myne, whereby some do vnderstand the red lead, and some sinople, or mine of the quick∣siluer, Sandaraca, Auripigmentum, which is Orpiment, they are for the most part al of one nature, that they torment the intrailes with an intolerable paine; and in case that there be no remedy had for the same in time, then doth it kill him. We will also adde to the former the yellow, red, and white Ratsbane or Arsenicum. For this is commodious all that expelleth venome, abateth his sharpnesse, and looketh the belly, whereof there is much written before. The iuice of Holli∣hockes and of Mallowes is speciall good for it, by reason that they are both of them mollifying.

For this also you are to giue him a potion wherein Linséed and Rice are sodden, or Milke tem∣pered with Hony water must he drinke vnmeasurably. In like maner also all fat flesh broth.

Quicksiluer is called in Gréeke Hydrargyron, which is Water siluer, and in Latine Argentum viuum: we call it in this country Quicksiluer, and is of Plinie called a venome excéeding all other venomes. It doth also manifest the same in mans bodie, not onely taken inwardly, but also an∣nointed ouer the outside. That it is such a poison not only of the blood, but also of the venemous pocks, and of other maladies moe, as you may see and reade before in diuers places of this booke. Some do say, if one drinke it, it presently runneth though the body: but if any such thing happen, yet notwithstanding there remaineth somewhat thereof behind in the body that doth hurt the same and the intrailes. For the remedie of this poison, one must drinke much milk, and then vo∣mit it vp againe: or in stéed thereof Wormwood wine, or water wherein Smallage, the seeds of Clary, and Marierom, or Isop are sodden. For this is also very requisite small filed gold, which doth draw the Quicksiluer vnto it in a wonderful maner, as by experience may daily be séene at the goldsmiths and other, how quickly it cleaueth to the gold, and when it is warme, it mingleth it selfe with the gold, where neuertheles al other things that are cast vpon it are expelled from it, and swim on the top of it, and letteth them not fall to the bottome. There may also be well vsed against the venom of Quicksiluer al that standeth written against the litharge of gold. Further, it is wel knowne to all the world that there is no stronger venom than the Mercurius sublimatus, like as all Chirurgians and Pockmasters do find by experience, when as they do vse the same in any vlcer. How one shal prepare the litharge of siluer, Plinie doth teach the same diuersly, we wil here admonish of his poison: when the same is drunken, then doth it make in the body, & in al the intrailes, not only an anguish, but also an extreme pricking & paine, it pierceth the inward parts, by his waight it stayeth vrine, it swelleth the body, and procureth a leaden colour. When as the patient hath vomited exceedingly, then are you to giue him wine to drink with the séeds of Clary sodden in it, Myrrh, wormwood, Isop, seeds of smallage, pepper, Ligustrum, or dried pigeons dung

The fourth Chapter. Of the venomes that come of Beasts.

WHat great commodities Almightie God hath giuen vnto vs in Beasts, is sufficiently knowne vnto all the world, and the same is to be séene in the foresaid parts of this booke, and in diuers medicines. For behold, what is more base and lesse estéemed than the Earthwormes that bréede in the stinking dunghils, and also liue therein, neuertheles they are vsed in grie∣uous sicknesses both inwardly and outwardly with great good. The ve∣nemous Scorpions and Vipers are wholsome medicines against venom and other diseases, and yet moe such like, whereof one might write whole bookes, as the books of all Phisitions and Philosophers do testifie; yea it hath bene found oftentimes that the ordure of some beasts hath holpen in deadly sicknesses.

But to the contrary, there are foure little beasts not fearefull but hurtfull, against which hurts and harmes there are here very good remedies taught to defend & preserue one from them. For what is a more friendlier beast towards men than the Dog? What beast is more obedient, and can be lesse without the companie of men? Yet it is not vnknowne to all men how hurtfull and perilous the biting of a mad dog is; for if there be not presently very good remedies vsed a∣gainst it, then will the same man be mad also, and all other men that shall be bitten by the sayd mad man. Wherefore we will in this fourth Chapter speake of certaine venemous beasts and wormes, whereof we by the grace of God (in regard of the South countries) haue but a few in Germanie. Wherefore we will omit Basiliscus, Amphisibaena, Cerastes, Dipsades, and such like venemous beasts moe, which are to be found onely in Africa, and admonish of those that are knowne of vs, and adde vnto them the remedies that are requisite against their venome.

The first are the Ants or Pismires, which truly are prouident and laborious little beasts, whereof we will not here describe the nature, but will discourse so much as serueth to our pur∣pose. Then it is found, that men through their pissing feele in their skinne, the which is more greater than is the stinging of Nettles, for the place thereof swelleth. They annoy also thereby all herbes and trées. And for to driue away the same from thence, you are to

take Cowdung, and temper it with vineger, and therewith annoint the body of the trée, or take Pitch or Rosin for it. They shunne also the smoake of Brimstone, and the fume of Marierom in such sort, that thereby they forsake their holes. Some affirme the same also of Cicorie, or (that is better to be beleeued) of Esula, which herbes and the smoke of the sulphur doth not only hunt them away, but also killeth them. These Ants and their egs are also vsed in phisicke.

When as any man is stung of Bees, Waspes, or Hornets, then doth he not onely complaine of great paine and heate, but also of great swelling of the place where he is stoong, whereto you may vse this following most commodiously: Make a plaister of Linseede meale and salt tempe∣red with vineger: or stampe Hollihocke leaues and lay them moist thereon. You may also do the same with the flowers of Baulme. The same doth wild and tame Rue, the milke of new Figs, salt fish, and the pickle of the same. Item, sea water, when the place is often moistened there∣with. Take Treacle or Mithridate as big as a hempe séede, and annoint it thereon, or if you haue nothing else, then take the moist earth out of the garden, and annoint it therewith. It is said, that if one be once bitten of a scorpion, that then neuer afterwards neither Bée nor Waspe will bite him. The same is also written of the wormes that grow on Coleworts, when they are tempered with oyle, and annointed therewith. This is also worthy to be thought vpon, that when one beareth any odoriferous things, that then the Bées are the readier and gréedier to sting the same partie than otherwise. Although that there be no Cantharides or Spanish flies in Germanie, yet are they common at all Apothecaries. They are also very much vsed of the Chirurgions, and of other, as may be séene before in many places: but by reason that some most vnprouidently take the same in hand, and also will vse them inwardly, therefore cannot I con∣ceale their poison. These Spanish flies bréede of the Caterpillers or little wormes of the Figge tree, Peare trée, Fir tree, and Rose trée, &c. and when one drinketh them, then follow there after∣wards all maner of painfull symptomes, for that one may feele from the mouth euen to the neck of the bladder a sharpnesse and great exulceration: and he supposeth that he alwayes smelleth pitch, the right side swelleth inwardly, the vrine will hardly voyd, and passeth away with blood, and in going to the stoole there auoydeth the scrapings of the bowels, like to them that haue the bloudie flixe. They lie in great smart, are also féeble and impotent. The head swimmeth so much, that otherwhiles they fall to the earth, vntill at the very last they are bereft of their vn∣derstanding. And to remedy these grieuous accidents, there must be giuen to the patient Sallad oyle or some such thing to drinke for to bring him to vomit: and when this is done, then are you to minister vnto him a clister that is sodden with Rice, Hollihocke rootes, Fenegréeke, Linseed, Mallowes, and such like. If one may get the right Nitrum, then is it very commodiously vsed with Oxymel (our Salt-peter is not the right Nitrum) whereby the rest that remaine stic∣king in the stomacke and in the bowels might be washed off and expelled. Afterward you are to giue him wine and sodden Must to drinke, wherein is sodden Pingles or Cucumber séede. This may also be effected with milke or hony water: and in like maner also Goosegrease and sodden wine. There is a pappe of Barley meale to be layed vpon the swolne place, made with hony water. It is also to be noted, that at the first there must no plaister be layd thereon, for that will do more hurt than good.

When all hath bin done that is abouesaid, then are you to annoint the body with oyles that be warme by nature, and then to bathe after it, so that thereby al that may hurt the body might be drawne out. You must also sée that the patient haue alwayes a loose body. He may eate Coc∣krels, yong Buckes or Kids, and Swines flesh that is very fat: And he shall also seeth Linséede with it, for that mollifieth and dampeth the eagernesse of the poison. He shall drinke excessiuely swéete wine. The rindes of Frankinsence and sealed earth, the one or the other, the waight of a quarter of an ounce taken with Must, is also much commended. Item, there is good for it the decoction of Penniroyall. Item, Orage, stamped Rue, and the iuice of the same drunken with wine. In like maner also Cow milke that is described in the third part, the twelfth chapter, and 11. §. beginning thus, Take Gentian, &c.

But aboue all these are the Antidota good, as also both the Treacles, the Mithridate, Alexi∣pharmacon, and such like.

It hapneth also oftentimes, that the people that trauell through the countrey do vnawares drinke an horsleach, which according to the olde wont without interceasing sucketh bloud within the body: but if it remaine hanging within the throate, thou may it be seene. But when

this hapneth, then must good héede be taken that you venter not to get it out with any tongs or other things, for that commonly they leaue their téeth sticking in the flesh, whereby afterwards grow grieuous impostumes, and it booteth not thereto that they be cut off, they leaue not there∣fore their sucking: and if they fall deeper into the body, and come to hang at the mouth of the stomacke, that is easie to be knowne by their drawing. Thus for to cure this accident, he is to drinke pickle of fish, or any other salt water, holding it in the mouth, and to gargarize there∣with. Item, Angelica sodden with Béetes. Further, take Rue, séeth it in vineger, and drinke it, or hold it in the mouth, according to the place where the worme is fastened. Or take Vineger that is heated with a glowing iron, melt butter therein, and giue the patient to drinke of this vineger. For this is also very good the meale of Lupins tempered with water, and the same hol∣den in the mouth. The Woodlice are a filthy stinking vermine, neuerthelesse they are said to be good against all venome, which if they be burnt, and the fume of them receiued, they cause the Horsleaches to fall off.

The Flea is a vile troublesome and blood thirsty litle beast, which vexeth both man and beast: To driue them away or to kill them, there is no fitter meanes than that you keepe the chamber alwayes very cleanely, sprinkle it with water, and swéepe out the same cleane, for that they do grow of drie dust. Item, you may also vse these things following: Séeth Coriander in water, and therewith besprinkle the chamber, and also let the linnen be washed therein. This same driueth also lice away: yet note that of late was written of the Coriander, that thereby the head take no hurt. Item, take Coriander, wilde Thyme, séede of Tribulus aquaticus, and Elderne leaues, séeth them in water enough, and besprinkle the chamber therewith: this driueth away and killeth the fleas. The same vertue is ascribed to the smoake of Penniroyall, and the pow∣der of Rue strowed in the chamber: and all those things that may be vsed for Lice and Wood∣lice.

The Italians and other nations moe haue a minde to eate Frogges, which other nations doe abhorre: but we will disswade all the world from them, and specially such as bréede in stin∣king pondes and waters, and are dunne, which are not like the right frogges, for they prouoke a swelling of the whole body, with a bleake and yellow colour, like vnto the Hollie tree: there∣upon followeth a short stinking heauie breath, hoarsnesse, and effluxion of the naturall séede. Now then for to remedie this mischance, you must let the patient vomit mightily, and drinke ouer much wine. For this also may you giue him of the Cipers roote beaten a quarter of an ounce.

Further you are then to admonish the patient that he endeuour himselfe mightily to run, and walke much, or take some other exercise in hand, thereby to sharpen the body: and he shall bathe euery day.

We haue said before, that there is no more perillous venome than that of a mad dogge. And concerning the madnes of a dog, it is most perillous in hot times: as when the Sun entreth into Leo, to wit, in the moneths of Iuly and August; which thirtie dayes we do not only call the dog daies of the Dog star, but also for that dogs in those daies are most inclined to madnes, and then hurt men most of all: wherefore the hunters during these thirty dayes ought to giue to their hounds meate tempered with hens dung. This madnes ceaseth also of it selfe when it begin∣neth to fréeze, and that but seldome.

The signes of a mad dog are these; he wil neither eate nor drinke, and he fometh at the mouth and nose, beholdeth euery one ouerthwartly, and with a heauie looke, and biteth as well men as beasts.

If a man be bitten by him, then is there at the first no other accident perceiued, but only that the wound cleanseth it selfe, and is very painful. Afterwards there followeth thereby a maruel∣lous extremitie, which the Gréekes do call Hydrophobos, which is the feare and fright of the wa∣ter, which oftentimes in the dogges and in men is so forcible, that they come out of their wits. Notwithstanding that they feare most of all the water, yet neuertheles they throw themselues into it and drowne themselues. This feare of the water they get not all at one prefixed time, but they get chiefly the same (that neglect the bit most) about the fortieth day, some after the sixt moneth, yea some also very well a yéere afterwards.

The auncient Phisitions do write that this franticknes of the biting of mad dogs hath mani∣fested it selfe seuen yeeres after that they first were hurt by them.

They that are infected with this disease, do also get a conuulsion in all the sinewes of the whole bodie, and chiefly of the face, it will be red, and thereby cometh a great sweat, and ex∣treame féeblenesse.

Some can abide no light, and others are vexed with an intolerable headach, many houle like Dogs, and bite all others that they can come by, who will be afterwards as mad as they. The auncient Phisitions write also that they be very few that do recouer.

Yet for this hath bene found many wholesome remedies, whereof we shall speake hereaf∣ter.

There are two kinds of meanes: the one common, which is good against all bitings and stingings of all venimous beasts: the second, that is, good alone against all biting of mad dogs, if one do but presently put it in practise. But if it be deferred too long, it is vsed in vaine. First, there are some things that a body must prouide to haue alwaies in a readinesse, that the same may immediatly be adhibited.

Take for this Creuets, and burne them with as much of the rootes of Brionie to ashes; then powne them small and preserue them. Secondly, haue alwaies in a readinesse some smal beaten rootes of Gentian: and then if there be any bitten, cast in twelue ounces of strong wine, two spoonefuls of the ashes of Creuets, and a spoonefull of the foresaid rootes, and then drinke this at foure times, to wit, in the morning early.

Item, for this is also commended the shels of the Lobster if they be powdered in drinke.

Item, one other more that is made of Creuets, and is very like to the former, to wit, as her∣after followeth. Take Crduets that are taken in Iuly and August, burne them aliue to powder in a luted pot, and then giue the powder in drinke with Treacle, to wit, one dragme and a halfe with water of Scabious.

Take also two or thrée dragmes of this powder, and drinke it certaine dayes together with the water of Fumitorie.

Another: Take Gentian, and Myrrhe, of each one dragme, Ashes of Crabs a quarter of an ounce, giue thereof euery morning with wine: or if the patient be full of heate, then take foun∣taine water in stead of wine.

Item, the iuice of Balme is also very good for this; or to beate the leaues to powder and drunken with wine. In like manner one may also twice a wéeke take a dragme in waight of the great Treacle, or of the Treacle Diatessaron, be it wiih Wine or any other distilled water.

You haue also in the sixt Part, the fiftéenth Chapter, and twelfth §. a water of the great Bur, which is also wonderfull good against the biting of a mad dog.

Now a daies is much commended (and that by experience) the iuice of Quinces if one take thereof once a day thrée or foure ounces, that the same will maruellously preserue one from this venime.

And now to preserue this iuice, you must let it seeth so long by a mild fire till that the skum is separated and taken away; then you may preserue it in a glasse with a narrow mouth, and powre thereto a little Sallad oyle: it is also good for all other venimes.

It is also written that clarified Hony taken daily should preserue one that he cannot be an∣noyed with the biting of mad dogs. In like maner if one eate the Lyuer of the same made dog, that the same should preserue the bitten person from all symptomes.

The wild Roses powdered and drunken, are also found very good for it.

Besides all these foresaid remedies, one may vse things that cleanse the infected bloud, which one may do with these medicines following, if the same be drunken fourteene daies together: Take sirupe of Fumitorie, of sweet Apples, and Pomegranates, of each halfe an ounce, water of Fumitorie, Buglosse, and Cicorie of each one ounce; mingle them together and drinke it fa∣sting. Afterwards vse this purgation: take new Cassie three quarters of an ounce, confection of Hamech one quarter of an ounce, Inda one dragme, make a Bolus or bit thereof with Cinna∣mom and Sugar, swallow it downe in the morning, and fast sixe howers after it. For this is specially commended, Hiera with Coloquint: For this is also good, thicke milke, called Lac scistum, for that it looseth, and doth withstand the venime. And as soone as the bodie is purged, and after that all the foresaid remedies haue bene vsed, it is then requisite, that one think vpon the biting or wound. First the biting is not to be healed, but it must be well rubbed with

Garlicke, vineger and salt, so long till it come to bléed apace. Some bind thereon liuing hens and pullets: but looke what is written thereof in the discription of the Plague, whereas we haue spoken of the Plaguesore.

Make also a salue of the iuice of Onions, iuice of Rue, Vineger, and hony, wherewith an∣noint the wound three or foure dayes together keeping it cleane, the which will bring all things in securitie.

This doth also Garlicke fried with Butter and layd thereon. Or an onion made hollow and filled vp with Treacle, and rosted in the ashes, whereof we haue before admonished. And you may also take two handfuls of Rue, frie it twice it butter, and apply it twice a day to the wound. Others take Garlicke, Rue, salt, Frankinsence, Mirrhe, of each a like much, beaten all together, and a plaister made thereof with wine.

Take Cheruil seed, seeth it in faire water and drinke thereof, wash the wound also therewith: this is good without and within.

The powder of Verueine is also commended for it that is gathered betwéene both our Ladie dayes for to strew on the wound.

There is also good for it all Nettle waters drunken: likewise the Nettle séed stamped to grout and laid vpon the wound. The Fennel roote is vsed after the same maner. These are now things that may be vsed outwardly, and that not onely thrée or foure dayes as some suppose, but also some dayes together with other things moe.

For as we haue admonished before, this venome doth otherwhiles not appeare in a twelue month after it: as may be seene, if one be bitten with a mad dog, and handleth a Rauen within a yeare after, that the same foule will be mad, or the man will be mad againe.

It is also especiall good that the wound be annointed within and round about with Treacle or Mithridate. For this also are requisite the péeles of new Melons and Pompeons beaten and mingled with wine, and layd ouer the wound.

Item, new onions tempered with vineger, or if the same cannot be had new, then are the same to be sod, and to drinke the decoction, and lay it also on the wound, or tempered with hony and wine, and so let it lie three dayes thereon. The kernels of nuts being chewed by one fasting and layd vpon the wound, should do maruellous much good.

Or take great rootes of Smallage, séeth them in water and drinke the decoction thereof: stamp the rootes and lay them on the wound.

Item, Rue mingled with Salt; these and the like things may be vsed at the first without all daunger. But in case that the vinome of this mad beast lieth hidden and dead a while, and the patient thereby supposeth to haue escaped all perill, the which neuerthelesse yet sheweth it selfe afterwards, wherefore there are diuers that haue a manly heart, and had rather liue a painefull life, than to die a painefull death.

Of the actuall cauterie and incision.

SOme that will play surely, and will preuent all these before mentioned mischiefes, do begin this cure at the first by incision and adustion, so that they cut out the sound flesh round about the wound according to the situation of the member, and also draw out the bloud, and make the wound much wider: for how much larger the wound is, so much the better will the blood be drawne out, and the better is the wound to be handled, which is to be committed to the expert Chirurgions: but burning is better than cut∣ting for it, and it is commended to be more surer and more forcible, because the fire tameth all venomes, and letteth not the same pearce and déeper into the body; and also the wounds heale not so fast, which must be kept open so long as may be.

These things following are very requisite for to kéepe the wounds open, as all salt things, powned wilde Garlicke, iuice of Onions, and powned Wheate that is made moyst. These things make the wound wider: and after such kind of incision or adustion set on boxes, and sca∣rifie the sound flesh, that thereby the infected bloud may be sucked out. And if it be perceiued that the wound heale too fast, then must the same of necessitie be opened againe with fire, or with in∣cision, that there be no venome included. How the wounds are to be cured, that is knowne to al Chirurgions.

To conclude, this is to be added, in case that neither the easie remedies now mentioned, nei∣ther yet the incision nor adustion had bene vsed at the first, then are they to be omitted and left altogether, and not put the patient to such paine in vaine, for then cannot the venome that is spread ouer all the bodie, be drawne any more to the wound, neither be drawne out.

An order of diet for them that are bitten by a mad Dog.

ALl they that are bitten with a mad dog, must vse those things that do withstand poison, and interrupt the violence thereof, that the same penetrate not to the inward parts. For this doth first of all serue stong wine sodden throughly, and milke for his drinke: it is also good that you put into his meate, Garlicke, Onions and Leekes: let him vse Treacle and Mithridate sometimes. He shall feed euery day vpon eager and sower meates that do hinder the venome. Sweating before and after meate is also very good for him. But aboue all things is the Ellebore highly commended, if he vse the same but once in fortie dayes: for it is proued already that those that were vexed with the feare of the water, that they were only cured by the taking of Ellebore, when as they had vsed all other meanes and remedies before.

Toades are beasts well knowne, that are full of colde venome. Against this is to be vsed all that which is described against the venome of the Frogs that haunt stinking pooles.

That Lice be lothsome and filthy vermin and beasts, is knowne to the whole world, and hath sufficiently bene shewed in the first part, the third Chapter, and eighth §.

Milke that is turned doth sometimes very quickly strangle them that doe drinke the same, for that through her clotting it stoppeth the pipes of the Lights. Against this must the Whay of milke be tempered with Vineger, and giuen to the patient to drinke, and the patient compel∣led to take it. The same doth also dried Nep, and the iuice thereof. In like maner also Angelica tempered with vineger and water. Item, Thymus with wine and ley, and some ashes with it. All salt things must be shunned, for thereby will the milke be turned more. In like maner must heed be taken from vomiting, for the clots might very well strangle one.

Oxe blood is very grosse when it commeth first from the Oxe, it wil be soone hard and clotted: this stifleth a man also if he drinke therof, for it setleth it selfe at the vuula, and strangleth a man, it refrigerateth the sinewes of the throate, whereby the same is stopt: the toong will be red, and one may sée some part of the blood sticking betweene the téeth. He must also be kept from vomi∣ting, for the clotted blood remaineth in the throate. In this must the blood be resolued and the bo∣die opened. And for this are especiall good great Figs that are not very ripe, and yet full of milk, when they are giuen with vineger and water. The iuice of Beane straw with vineger, and Goosegrasse eaten, or vsed otherwise is also very good. All they that do recouer of it, do auoide much filth and other matter through their stooles, and the belly and stomacke must be often an∣nointed with Barly meale and Hony tempered together.

Catterpillers (which are the right destruction and spoyle of all plants and gardens) are also in some sort venemous, yet the one more than the other: but they that liue on the Firre trees are the most venemous. If it chanced that any body swallow one of these, then presently doth he get a great paine throughout the whole mouth, and therewith a swelling of the belly, of the toong and the stomack, with a paine in the belly, that it seemeth that his belly is full of wormes, his whole body will be burning, and getteth a great distemperature in the stomacke. This ve∣nome is to be remedied with those things that are ordained against the venome of the Spanish flies: but in the stead of Sallad oyle, the oyle of Quinces is much better.

Snakes and Adders are of diuers sorts throughout the world, and Africa, Media, Echatana, and Troglodytis, are maruellous much plagued therewith, euen as now a dayes Italy is in some places. Wherefore may Dutch men and English men account it for a blessing of God, that they cannot say as men do of Africa, that there are moe men slaine by venome than by the sword. And because this seuenth part discourseth only of poyson of venemous beasts, we wil adde here to the rest al the principallest things that are set forth by the learned against the biting of snakes and such like venemous beasts.

Wherefore we will speake first of the roote of Aron, that is, Cuckopit: when Snakes are smo∣ked therewith, then will they be all as if they were drunken, and remaine stiffe. In like maner, when this roote is beaten to powder, mingled with oyle of Bayes, annointing the place

therewith where they do vse, then will they be hunted away. This roote is also to be drunken in red wine against all venome.

If the fruite of the tree Platanus be taken with wine, then doth it withstand all stingings of Snakes and Scorpions.

Elecampane rootes drunken in Wine, are also good against the stinging of venemous beasts.

The ••oo••e of Mandr••gera is also good for it, principally if any must be cut or adusted for these venemous beasts bitings, for it bringeth the patient into a déepe sleepe, and maketh him wholy insensible, euen as before we haue taught.

If ••b••lus be set on fire, then doth the smell of the same driue away all manner of Snakes. The leaues thereof layed in Wine, and drunken thereof, are also good against all kindes of poysons.

The leaues of the Ash trée wroong out, and the iuice thereof drunken, and laid vpon the biting, withstandeth the poison of Snakes as vehemently as any thing in the world: For this tree hath such an antipathy with the venom of snakes, that the snakes shun the shadow of this trée. Plinus writeth also, that if one compasse them in one place with fire, and in another place with Ashen wood, that they had rather run into the fire than be touched with that wood. This bad worme doth also not créepe out of his winter hole, before & vntil that the Ash trée beginneth to blow, the which is a maruellous worke of nature. Moreouer, the Ash trée shal not let his leaues fall before and vntill that the Snakes be cropen againe into their holes.

Right Balsam is commended against all venome of Snakes: but by reason that we haue not the same, there are many kinds thereof distilled, wherein euery one is to vse all diligence that he can to attaine to the right Balsam as néere as he can possibly: whereof you shall find diuers de∣scriptions in the last part, where you shall also haue liuing and golden waters which are very commodious for it. And for that England and Dutchland (as is already said) are almost frée from these bad beasts: we rest contented with the easiest and best knowne things: in like maner leaue the Balsamum artificiale to the charge of the Chirurgians.

Teu••rium do the auncient Phisitions say to be the most precious remedie against the venome of Snakes, whether it be taken in drinke or layd vpon the bite. In like sort the great Teucrium, whether the same be taken greene, drie, decocted, or the iuice thereof.

Mugwort is also taken to be very good for the biting of Snakes, if the same be layd in wine, and some thereof drunken and layed vpon the wound.

Betony and all herbes of that vertue, as Gilloflowers, &c. the auncient Phisitions do write to haue such power against the biting of a snake, that if this herbe be layd round about her, she had rather be killed than créepe ouer the same herbe: for which cause the wine and conserue of this herbe are highly estéemed: so is also the powder and seedes of the same.

Beuercod is good for many things, as is sufficiently before declared in the description of o∣ther sicknesses. And amongst other it is also good against the biting of snakes, and biting of other venemous beast, if the same be mingled with other things, according to the importance of the beast that hath fo bitten. This if it be vsed in time of néed, you may take thereof halfe an ounce with wine.

Buckes and Goates haire set on fire driueth away all snakes.

Penniroyall withstandeth all snakes by nature, by reason of the sauour or smell: wherefore it is to be strewed vpon the place where as the snakes haue bitten one, and be drunken with Wine.

Purslaine eaten and applied also vpon the sore, draweth out the venome. It is also good for al other kindes of poison if one drinke the sap thereof with Wine or Hony: but the wild purslaine is the best.

The iuice of the flowers of Selfeheale drunken with Wine, should be good for all the venom of beasts.

The nuts of the great and small Cipers trées, which may be had at euery Apothecaries, stamped and drunken with Wine, are also good for this. In like manner the same Cipers herbe (which is to be found in many gardens) is very highly commended, for that it withstandeth all poison of snakes if it be drunken with wine.

Nardus séede is renowmed to driue away snakes by his smell and sauor.

Dill mingled with Rue and Swines bread, with pepper, and so giuen to eate, is good against the biting of Snakes.

Acornes are also good, to be drunken against this venome.

Hens egges hard sodden, and tempered with Cresses, are good, being layed vpon the biting of Snakes.

Verueine stéeped in wine and drunken, is very good likewise if it be layed thereupon.

The roote of Gentian is in diuers maners good against venom, as before hath bene declared, but chiefly against biting of snakes: it is commended aboue all others if one take a quarter of an ounce thereof with wine.

Pease meale tempered with vineger, drunken and laid vpon it, is also very good.

The smoke or fume of Asses lights will also driue away venemous beasts.

Venemous beasts cannot abide the smoke of Ferne, wherefore it is good that it be strewed vpon the places where they haunt.

Fennell, and specially the seede of wild Fennell drunken with wine, is much commended for it.

Haire of womens heads burnt, hath a maruellous power to driue away Snakes and Spiders.

Galbanum is a gum that driueth away all venemous wormes. The herbe Cuckowbread, the waight of a dragme drunken with wine, hath many times bene approoued.

Barly meale layd on with vineger, withstandeth venome. Some do giue the roote of Celan∣dine, the waight of thrée dragmes with wine, or make therof a salue, and lay it on the venemous biting of a Snake.

The braines of a Cocke or Capon are also good for this being vsed in meate.

The séedes of Mew is amongst other séedes most commended if the same be drunke with bitter Almonds, or the iuice of this herbe with bitter Almonds and with wine. In like maner also, if one be annointed with the oyle thereof, then doth it preserue him against the biting of Snakes.

Hares rennet is very forcible against the venome of Snakes, and also for moe other things.

Heath Erica is much commended against the venome of snakes.

Harts horne hunteth them also away through his smell.

The round and long Hartwort, the waight of two dragmes drunke with wine, or tempered with vineger and layd thereon, is also much commended.

Dogs garlicke that groweth in vineyards, is also very forcible against the venome of Snakes.

Cleuers haue also a speciall force against Snakes and their venome, if one drinke the waight of a dragme of them.

Melilot hath this nature also, that it is sayed that there was neuer séene a Snake to haue come neare this herbe. In like manner the seede of it is much commended being taken with wine.

Garlicke driueth away all snakes through his sauour and smell: it is also very good against all venemous stingings of beasts; and if one mingle it with bread and hony, then may it be ea∣ten for that intent.

Coleworts with Barly meale layed thereon, or the iuice thereof tempered with vineger and Fenegréeke seede, is also very commodious.

Corne mints do also driue Snakes away.

The dung of all foure footed beasts tempered with wine, and layed thereon, is also com∣mended.

Crabs that are caught in fresh water, and in the sea, are also very commodious for this, as we haue admonished in other places moe.

Wilde Thyme hath also great vertue for it when the leaues thereof be drunke with wine: and the smoake thereof driueth them also away.

All pickle of sallt fish is also highly praised for this vse, as hath bene taught elsewhere.

The rootes of Louage with Barly meale, or tempered with wild Baulme and layd thereon, is also very commodious.

Bayberries tempered with wine and drunken, is good against all cold venome.

Eringus the waight of a dragme drunken, tempered with water, and layed thereon, is also good.

A liue Mouse applied to the place hath a speciall vertue for to draw out the venome: howbeit Hens, Pullets and Frogges are also very commodious for it, as we haue oftentimes shewed before.

Must drunken is an vtter enemy to Snakes: so is all sodden and falsified wine.

How forcible Nuts be, not onely against snakes, but also against all venome, if one vse them with Figs and Rue, we haue oftentimes declared before.

Oleander, which the Gréekes call Rhododendron, is maruellous, for his leaues are venome to all fourefooted beasts, and yet a medicine for men against the venome of Snakes sodden with Rue in wine.

Earewaxe rubbed on the bitting asswageth the paine out of hand.

Pionie rootes, whereof there are two sorts, are both of them good for this purpose.

Pepper is for all cold poisons measurably vsed, taken for a speciall medicine, euen as we haue declared in other places moe.

Pistacies are also very good against all poison.

That Rue is good against all venome, and against the biting of snakes, we haue already said in many places.

The rennet of Faunes that die in their dams bellies, is commended to be maruellous for∣cible for it.

For this is likewise commended the Madder.

Radishes sodden with water and vineger, and layd thereon, are accounted very good.

Great Centorie, which is called Rapontica, the waight of a dragme of it giuen with wine.

The water of Larkes spurres is sayed (being drunken) to be good against the biting of all venemous beasts, if the biting be washed with it. The same is also to be vsed against the Plague.

The iuice of white water Mints a quarter of an ounce drunken with thrée or foure ounces of wine, and the biting washed therewith, is much commended.

The séedes of yellow Rapes or Turneps, and also the rootes and the herbe caried about one, will preserue him from the biting of Snakes: and if any body be bitten, then must the séed with the grease of any birds be stamped and layd theron. The séed of the common Rapes is very good against venome, being taken in the stead of Treacle.

Salt is very good against all poison.

Sugar is to be tempered with oyle, and layed thereon.

Swines bread hath a great vertue against all venome, as we haue admonished in moe other places.

The iuice of Scabious is also taken to be very good against all venome of Snakes and Scor∣pions.

The thrée sorts of Dragons do driue away all venemous beasts if one carrie the roote about him. It is also good (being drunken) for them that are bitten of them.

Léekes are also good when they are tempered with Vineger.

Mustard seed is to be mingled with vineger, and applied thereon.

They flie from the fasting spettle of man, and if they get it in their mouth, they must die thereof.

Southernewood strewed on the place where the Snakes haunt, or where fume and smoake thereof is, driueth them away. Also Southernwood is good against all venome, being taken in∣wardly and applied outwardly.

Codwort (which in Latine is called Aster) is also for this highly renowmed.

Styrax Calamita, as the sent thereof is very acceptable to all men, so contrariwise there is no∣thing that Snakes may lesse abide.

Tamariscus is good against all poison.

Woodlice (albeit they be lothsome wormes) neuertheles they are aboue all things commen∣ded of the renowmed Phisitions against the poison of Snakes, and also against all other poison.

If the venemous Snakes euer come to sent or smel the leaues or wood of Iuniper, then créep they away: they are also good against all venemous beasts.

Lysimachia is also commodious for all these things.

The iuice of Onions applied to the biting of a Snake and tempered with Hony, is very good against venome.

The Gnats that plague beasts and men with their sting in sommer, and in like manner all plants, are depelled by the smoke of Pomegranate péeles, and of Galbanum, also by the smoke of Nardus séed and Lupins.

But forasmuch as (through the grace of God) we haue no Scorpions here in England nor in Dutchland, therefore it is no great need to write much thereof, by reason that all that is writ∣ten against Snakes is also requisite for the same; yet cannot we conceale this miracle, that the Scorpions themselues are a remedie against their owne poison, if the same be beaten and layed theron, or if they be rosted and eaten. In like maner you haue their oyle, and other their vertues moe described here and there throughout this whole booke.

Spiders are wel knowne beasts, whereof there are many sorts described by the auncient phi∣sitions, which as they do differ in fashion, colour, and in weauing ther webs, so they do also differ in poison.

Albertus doth describe eight kindes of them, which we haue all here in this countrey, Some do liue by catching of Flies: others by catching of water wormes and small fishes. Some also are enemies to the Toade and Snake; for that it hath bene séene that such Spiders haue letten themselues downe by one of their threds vpon the heads of such beasts, and leaue them not before and vntill they haue killed them. Other are deadly enemies to the yong Euets, which through their spinning do bind the mouth too, and do smother them, and hale them into their nets, that thereby they might sucke out all the moisture of them, and by the diuersitie of the venemous nourishment altereth also their venemous nature, whereby the same is some∣times more forcible or more milde. Also their manner of dwelling is not all one: there dwell many in houses, other in the fields and in the hedges: some dwell willingly by the water sides, but we will not write here any more of their natures, but discouer their venomes. Of all the venomes of the Spiders, that which the Greekes call Phalangium is the most renowned, and albeit that the same is not knowne in England nor Dutchland, yet we will describe the nature of this venome, whereby one may be taught to asswage all the lesser stingings, and the harme that may come thereby, and how the same may be cured. The Greekes call this species of Spi∣ders the Wolfe, for a difference from other Spiders that are not so noisome. These Spiders are hairy, and haue a great head. The shée Spider (which onely spinneth) bringeth thrée hun∣dreth yong ones at one time, and she receiueth also the reward of her noisome fruitfulnesse, to wit, that she is killed of her owne yong ones, and afterwards sucked out, which they would also do to their father if he with might did not withstand them. If then any body be stung with this Phalangia, then wil the place of the stinging be red, neuertheles without paine or heate, howbe∣it that it yeeldeth some moisture, and as soone as there is vsed any medicine against it, then be∣ginneth the body to shake, the sinewes of the knées and the inward parts wil be féeble, and they will be conuulsed as if it were the crampe, they take a great anguish in the members, the pati∣ent can scarcely make water nor go to stoole, he getteth a sweate throughout all his body, his eyes runne and are dimme. Against this must the ashes be vsed that are burnt of the Figge trée, tempered with salt and wine, and so laid thereon. Item, Hartwort, Barly meale, and Vineger tempered to pap.

You are also to wash the sting with some water wherein Smallage was sodden. To bathe often is also very good. For this one is to take a quarter of an ounce of any of these séeds follow∣ing with wine, to wit, the séed of Southernwood, Annis seed, Hartwort seedes, the rindes of the trée Platanus, or the seede of Melilot. Item, the fruite or rinde of Tamariscus, or wild Cipers sod∣den in wine.

Some wil say if one take the iuice that is strained out of Crabs with milke and séeds of smal∣lage, that thereby the patient will immediatly be whole.

Plinius writeth of the water of Smallage, that the same hath a special vertue against the stin∣ging of the Spider.

And there may be vsed against the Spider Marierome, Nardus séede, Southernwood, Hya∣cinthum,

iuice of Mulberies, field berries, and Framboyes, being tempered with hony and wine, or each also alone.

Woodlice, albeit that they be good against diuers other venomes, yet neuerthelesse are they very lothsome to all men, shrewdly biting, and bloudthirsty, whereby they take away a bodies sweete sleepe, and spedially vexe the young children, for which there hath bene much counsell sough to driue them away.

For this is very good the smoke of the great Ferne. Item, if Horseleaches be cast on the fire, and they be fumed with it. Birchboyes set in the chamber driue them also away.

The water that we vse dayly for our necessitie hath by nature no venome in it, yet if one drinke it too colde, likewise strong Wine, and by and by after bathing, or after that one hath runne hard, then doth there ensue great paine and stitches, which diseases may be expelled tho∣rough letting of bloud and purging.

Of the wormes that bréede in the belly grow diuers diseases. In like manner also of such that grow in the fingers, in the arse-gut, in the wounds, and other places moe. What is to be done thereto, that haue we sufficiently declared elsewhere.

Thus for a conclusion of these venoms of beasts, and of the seuenth part of this booke, there is yet somewhat to be added that some account for witchery, to wit, when there is giuen to any body that which excitateth loue, by which commonly such miseries do follow, that they that receiue the same become mad and foolish, like as dayly experience doth teach vs.

Ouidius writeth that Philtra doe weaken the wits, and by their vertues they make men foolish and mad. This do we call the louers herbe, as if witchery had power to commaund one to loue another.

This witchery (or rather this poysoning) do women vse most of all, intending thereby to constraine men that they should loue them. The vngodly heathen that haue excelled therein, and chiefly the Thessalonians, haue taken great delight therein, and also strange misbeléefe, that are rather to be concealed than disclosed.

It is very difficult to ordaine any certaine remedie for it, because it cannot well be knowne (for that there be so many kinds of them) by what meanes it hath bene put in practise, so that the same must rather be iudged by the signes apparant to the eyes, than by any other signes: yet haue I found out two things described by famous Phisitions, which are very good for this purpose: but the first thereof is very strong, and is not be vsed without counsell, but the other is somewhat safer and easily approoued.

Take a Valerian roote with the herbe, fiue or sixe rootes of Gentiana Cruciata, a small handfull of the rootes of wild Cucumbers, and a quart of Wine with halfe as much water: afterwards seeth it softly about a quarter of an houre, and drinke thereof morning and euening: And you are to séeth therewith a little Cinkfoyle.

The other: Take the middlemost gréene rindes of Elderne shread small one handfull, let it drie well, afterwards séeth it in a pint and a halfe of Goates milke till about the halfe, straine it, and drinke it as aforesaid. Hereof will some say, that the same purgeth all things whatsoeuer hath bene giuen vnto any body by women to this intent, although it had bene done thrée yéeres before.

The end of the seuenth part.