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 Names.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the Name which the Greeks give unto this Herbe, which is the last in the forementioned verse, and is so called, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 à coagulando because it doth as it were condense the generative faculty by its heat and dry∣nesse, and is therefore said to abate carnal lust; Yet Schola Salerni maketh a difference between men and women: for they say.

Ruta viris coitum minuit, mulieribus auget.

Because the nature of Women is waterish and cold, and Rue heateth, and dryeth; therefore (say they) it stirreth them more to carnal lust; but it dimi∣nisheth the nature of men which is of temperature like unto the air, which is hot and moist. Dioscorides saith, that what we call Ruta montana, was in his time called Moly montanum; and the root of the Assyrian wild kind Moly, for the likenesse thereunto, being black without and white within. And Ruta in Latine, of Ruo, for the violent fierce vapours it sendeth forth, causing itching bli∣sters, &c. In English, Rue, Herbe Grace, and Herb of Grace for the many good uses it may be put to; It is without doubt a most wholesome herb, though bitter and strong: and could dainty Palates brook the taste and use thereof, it would work singular effects, being skilfully and carefully applyed.