Tractatus de simplicium medicamentorum facultatibus. = A treatise of the nature and qualities of such simples as are most frequently used in medicines,: both purging, and others. Methodically handled, for the benefit of those that understand not the Latine tongue. To which is added: many compound medicines for most diseases incident to mankinde: as also two alphabeticall tables, very necessary for the reader. Together with, the explanation of all hard words or termes of art, whereby the vulgar may the better understand it. / By Robert Pemel, practitioner in physick, at Cranebrooke in Kent. Licensed and enterd according to order.

The hurtfull quality.

Quick-silver is counted by most writers a dangerous Medicine to

be given inwardly, because it brings dangerous symptomes, as Cramps, and Convulsions, Lethargy, Apoplexy, Falling-sicknesse, Tremulations, Stupefaction, Torments in the bowells, and paine of the whole body; suppresseth urine, causeth the body to swell, hurts the Stomach and Belly, causeth vomiting, and brings faintnesse of the heart: Petrus Forestus de venenis Observat. 8. in Scholia, mentions an Apothecary who in stead of a glasse of water (being dry) to quench his thirst, he tooke a glasse of Quicksilver and drunke it up, and dyed thereof, and being opened, his heart was found congealed, as also his blood about his throat was congealed and frozen. The like hapned to an Ape that had Quicksilver given him in beere. Others say it is a safe Medicine, & may be taken inwardly without any danger. In a word, tis good, tis bad, it cures, it kills, according as tis used; therefore I advise the vul∣gar not to meddle too much with it, for it hath mastred mighty Gi∣ants, and fool'd the best Artists. See Fabric. Observat. Chin. Cent. 5. Observat. 13. Revodaum de Mat. Med. lib. 2. cap. 15. fol 606. 607.