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 Vertues and Signature.

A decoction of Figs is good for the Cough Lungs and throat, as also against shortnesse of breath, especially if it be boyled with Hyssop and Liquorish, they are good for the Reins and Bladder; and to recover a good Colour to them that by long Sicknesse have lost it, and useful also in the Dropsy, Falling-Sick∣nesse, Quinsie, and for the infirmities of the womb where cleansing is required: they expell all superfluous humours from the inward parts to the circumference and therefore usefull to Expell Pox, Measells, and such like venemous matter to the skin. Figs stamped with salt, Rue, and the kernels of Nuts, withstand Poyson and corruption of the Air. They are best fasting, or when the Stomach is empty. Toasted Figs are good for women to hasten, and facilitate the Birth. Figs bruised and applyed with Barly Meal, and the powder of Fennygreek seed do mollify the hard tumours and Kernells under the Throat and Ears, and else∣where by Signature; as also the hardnesse of the Muther; and if some Leaven and Salt be put to them, it breaketh Plague sores; and, it may be, was the same that cured Hezekiah. They are also mixed with Copperas against old sores of the Legs, and all other foul running Ulcers: being boyled in Wine with Worm∣wood, and then applyed with Barly Meal to the bellies of them that have a Dropsie, helpeth them very much; and beaten with Salt applyed, taketh away the Itch and Scab, and the ashes of the wood made up with Hogs Grease and apply∣ed, healeth Kibes and Chilblaines. Figs bruised with Fennygreek, and Vinegar easeth the Hot Gout of the Feet. A Fig, slit and toasted, doth oftentimes ease the Tooth-ach being applyed. The milk that issueth out from the Leaves or Branches when they are broken off being dropped upon Warts, takes them away. The decoction of Fig Leaves doth also avail much to do away any other malady

that in••ects the hands, by Signature; the Leaf being commonly divided into five parts, as the hand into five fingers; and because the hand is a place full of joynts it hath therefore been applyed to the Joynts that have been pained, and found e••fectual. The same is likewise excellent good to wash sore heads withall; neither is there scarcely a better remedy for a Leprosy then it is; it clears the ••ace also of the Morphew, and the body of white Scurffe, moist Scabs, and running sores: If it be dropped into old fretting Ulcers, it cleanseth out the moisture and bringeth up the flesh: and because the green leaves are not to be had in win∣ter, an Oyntment may be made of them in the Summer for the same purpose. The Juyce being put into an hollow Tooth easeth the pain, and is an effectuall Remedy for pain and noise in the ears, and also for deafnesse if it be dropped into them. A Syrup made of Fig leaves taken inwardly, dissolves congealed Blood caused by bruises or falls, and helps the bloody Flux; An oyntment made of the Juyce of Hogs grease, is as excellent a Remedy for the biting of a mad Dog, or any venemous Creature, as any is. A Syrup made of the leaves or green fruit, is excellent good for Coughs, Hoarseness or shortnesse of Breath, and all diseases of the Breast and Lungs. Some say that the Fig Tree as well as the Bay tree is never hurt by Lightning; as also that a Bull, if he be never so mad being tyed to a Fig tree will become tame and gentle, and that it prospereth the bet∣ter if Rue be set neer unto it. The blew Fig is no doubt of the same operation with the white to all purposes, but the fruit commeth most to maturity with us, and is eaten as a pretty Junket with Salt and Pepper, for unlesse they be so eaten, or some Wine drunk after them to digest them, they passe not quickly out of the Stomach, but putrifie therein; and do sometimes put the party eat∣ing them in danger of a Feaver. Dry Figs also immoderately eaten do engen∣der Crude and windy humours in the Body, and soon corrupt in the Stomach, whereby they cause Itch, Scab, and breed Lice also. They hurt such as have the Cholick and windy diseases, and that have hot Livers and Cholerick Sto∣machs; they are best for old Phlegmatick persons, and in cold and moist seasons. They are commonly eaten with Almonds, and so they cleanse the Breast and Lungs the better, by a special Vertue they have; Two or three Figs slit, and laid all night in Aqua Vitae, are very good for those that are pursy, and short winded if taken in the morning.