CHAP. XXI. Of weights and measures, and the notes of both of them.
* 1.1EVery weight ariseth from a beginning and foundation, as it were; for as our bodies do a∣rise of the four first simple bodies or elements, into which they are often resolved: so all weights do arise from the grain, which is as it were the beginning and end of the rest. Now hereby is understood, a barly-corn or grain, and that such as is neither too dry, or overgrown with mouldiness,* 1.2 or rancid, but well conditioned, and of an indifferent bigness.
* 1.3Ten grains of these make an Obolus; two Oboli, or twenty grains make a scruple, three scruples, or sixty grains make a dram, eight drams make one ounce, twelve ounces make one pound me∣dicinal, which is for the most part the greatest weight used by Physicians, and which they seldom exceed; and it is resolved into ounces, drams, scruples, oboli and grains, which is the least weight. To express these weights we use certain notes; the pound is expressed by this note, lb. the ounce by this ℥, the dram thus ʒ, the scruple thus ℈, the obolus with the beginning letter thus obol. the grain with his beginning letter thus, g. But sometimes we measure the quantity of medicines by measures and not alwaies by weights; and therefore we express a handful by this note, m. a pugil thus, p. number thus, n. and the half part of every weight and measure is expressed by this note, ss. put after every note of the aforesaid weights and measures of the same sort, as the half pound, lb ss. the half ounce, ℥ ss. and so of the rest. Moreover, in describing the same medicament we use the notes sometimes of weights, sometimes of measures; and therefore it is to be noted that herbs, green or dry, are signed with these notes, m.p. but those which are dry and be brought to powder, with these notes, ℥, ʒ, p. Roots, by these notes. ℥. ʒ. p. m. Barks, by these notes, ℥. ʒ. Seeds, by these notes, ℥. ʒ. Fruits, by these notes, an. p. ℥. ʒ. ℈. Flowers, by these notes, p.m. ℥. ʒ. Pulses, by these notes, p. ℥. ʒ.
All other medicaments either dry or liquid, are described with these notes, lb. ℥. ʒ. ℈. obol. g.
Having expounded these things, let us come to the description of compound medicines, begin∣ning with glysters first, as the remedy which is most common and familiar, and almost chiefly ne∣cessary of all others.