Adam in Eden, or, Natures paradise the history of plants, fruits, herbs and flowers with their several names ... the places where they grow, their descriptions and kinds, their times of flourishing and decreasing as also their several signatures, anatomical appropriations and particular physical vertues together with necessary observations on the seasons of planting and gathering of our English simples with directions how to preserve them in their compositions or otherwise : ... there is annexed a Latin and English table of the several names of simples, with another more particular table of the diseases and their cures ... / by William Coles ...

The Signature and Vertues,

The Snowy whitenesse of the white Lilly, being altogether of the same colour, with Milk, as some sign that this Plant is to be appropriated to the Paps, especi∣ally if we regard their Originall, which though it be altogether fabulous, yet cer∣tainly hath some mystery to this purpose included therein. For if a Womans Breast be so grievously swollen, that there is no other way, but to break it, the Roots of the white Lilly boyled in Milk, with Leaven, till they be tender, and applyed hot,

morning and evening, will do it effectually: after which an handful of Parsley, stamped with a peece of fat Bacon, and the yolk of an Egg, and applyed, will heal it. Besides, if the Paps which are afflicted with curd••ed Milk in them, be an∣nointed with the Oyl of Lillies, it dissolveth it; but there must be a care, that it touch not the Nipple. The Root roasted, and well mixed with the Oyl of Roses, doth soften the hardness of the Matrix, and provoketh the Courses in Women, being layd thereupon. The same stamped with Honey, gleweth together Sinews that be cut in sunder, consumeth and scoureth away the Ulcers of the Head, call∣ed Achores, and likewise all scursinesse of the Head and face, and is good to be laid to all dislocations, or places out of Joynt. The same stamped with Vinegar, the Leaves of Henba••e, or the Meal of Barley, cureth the tumors and Apostumes of the privy Members; it bringeth the hair again upon places that have been burned, or scalded, if it be mingled with Oyl or Grease, and the place anointed therewith. The same roasted in Embers, and stamped with Leaven of Rye-bread, and Hogs-grease, breaketh pestilentiall Botches, and ripeneth Apostumes in the Flanks, coming of Venery and such like: the same mixed with Oyl of Roses, cu∣reth Wild-fire, and burnings, and closeth wounds and Ulcers, and is good also to be laid upon the bitings of Serpents. The same boyled in Vinegar, and applyed, cureth Co••ns. The Roots boyled in honyed water, and drunk, driveth forth by the Seige, all corruption of▪ blood, as Pliny saith. The Seeds are good to be taken against the biting of Serpents, and expelleth the poyson of the Pestilence, causing it to break forth in blisters, in the outward part of the skin, being taken in Wine, or the Roots stamped and strained with Wine, and given to drink for two or three dayes together. The Juyce tempered with Barley-Meal, and baked in Cakes, and so e••ten ordinarily for a moneth or six weeks together, with Meat and no other Bread for that time, cureth the Dropsie, as it is said. The distilled water being taken, is said to cause easie and speedy deliverance, and to expell the A••••er-birth. The same water is used in Diseases of the Lungs, shortness of breath, the Cough, &c. Being mixed with Camphir, and Oyl of Tartar, ti is used to beauti∣fie the Face. The Oyl made of the Flowers, is good to supple, mollifie, and di∣gest; excellent to soften the Sinews, and to cure the hardnesse of the Matrix. Take of Sorrel, and Marsh Marigold, of each an handful, white Lilly Root a dram, bruise them, and roast them in Embers, in a Dock-Leaf, and bind it hot to the place af∣fected with a Felon, and it will cure it. The red Lilly Roots, when the other are not to be had, may be applyed outwardly, for any of the purposes before mentio∣ned; but for their inward use, I find them not commended. The Mountain Lil∣lies, the red Lilly of Constantinople, the Persian Lilly, and the Crowns-imperiall, are nourished in Gardens, more for their beautiful shape▪ than for any Physical use that I read of.