Nine books of physick and chirurgery written by that great and learned physitian, Dr Sennertus. The first five being his Institutions of the whole body of physick: the other four of fevers and agues: with their differences, signs, and cures.

CHAP. XXXIV. Of Oyles and Balsomes.

BUt as for what belongs to Medicines which are exhi∣bited to the superficies of the body, * 1.1 the first amongst them are Oyles; whereof some are naturall, as Petroleum and common Oyle, which is made of ripe Olives, and Om∣phacine, which is drawne of unripe Olives; others are arti∣ficiall, which are made three manner of wayes.

1. * 1.2 For first; Unctuous juice is expressed, after which man∣ner Oyle of sweet Almonds, Pistack-nuts, Nuts, seed of Flax, Gourds, Cucumbers, Henbane, Hempe, and Oyle of Poppy is prepared; by expression also, Oyle of Yolkes of Eggs is made,

2. Secondly, Oyles are prepared by Infusion many wayes, for sometimes simple medicines are boyled with Fountaine or distilled water, and Wine, or other conveni∣ent Liquor, in common Oyle, to the consumption of the moisture, or juice; sometimes the same simples by a gentle heate are macerated in the Sun, yet it seemes more con∣venient if dryed Plants are steeped in Oyle, in Balneo Ma∣riae, twenty foure hours, afterwards the Oyle is expressed, and clarified by residence.

Thirdly, Oyles are prepared by distillation also, as is said before, amongst which some at this day are called Bal∣somes; examples whereof are to be had in the Institu∣tions.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Oyles.
• * 1.2

  How to prepare them.