CHAP. 62. De Succino, of Amber.
PLinie saith, Amber issueth forth from trees like as Gum in Cherrie-trees, and Rosin in Pines, Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 37. Cap. 3. f. 607. But it is generally taken for a kinde of liquid Butimen, whose springs and fountaines are in the Germane Seas, and running into pieces, some greater and lesser then others, and is taken up with Iron-hooks, being soft under water, but hardning in the Aire like Corall.
The names.
In Latine Electrum, Chrysolectrum, Glessum, Resina terrae; but the usuall Latine names are Succum, Carabe, Charabe and Karabe in English 'tis called Amber.
The temperament.
Amber is hot in the first degree, and dry in the second.
The best kinde.
Although Authors mention three sorts, yet there are but two sorts in shops, the white and the yellow: the best is the whitest, and that which is most cleare, and being rubb'd will draw straws unto it, and gives a sent like Bitumen.
The duration.
It will keep good many yeares.
The inward use.
Amber strengtheneth the heart and stomach, stayeth vomiting, dryeth up moist humours in the stomach, and hinders the breeding thereof, and stayeth the flux of the belly. It is usefull in cardiack passions, and palpitations, or beatings of the heart. It recreates, or refresheth the braine, and is profitable in Rheumes, or Catarrhes, in