Zoologia: or, The history of animals as they are useful in physick and chirurgery.: Divided into four parts; the [brace] first treateth of the more perfect terrestrial creatures. Second third fourth of birds. fishes. insects. / By John Schroder, Dr. of physick.

About this Item

Title
Zoologia: or, The history of animals as they are useful in physick and chirurgery.: Divided into four parts; the [brace] first treateth of the more perfect terrestrial creatures. Second third fourth of birds. fishes. insects. / By John Schroder, Dr. of physick.
Author
Schröder, Johann, 1600-1664.
Publication
London :: Printed by E. Coates, for R. Royston at the Angel in Ivie-lane, and Rob. Clavel, at the Stags-head near St. Gregories in St. Pauls-church-yard,
1659.
Rights/Permissions

To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.

Subject terms
Animals
Vivisection
Surgery, Experimental
Zoology
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A94253.0001.001
Cite this Item
"Zoologia: or, The history of animals as they are useful in physick and chirurgery.: Divided into four parts; the [brace] first treateth of the more perfect terrestrial creatures. Second third fourth of birds. fishes. insects. / By John Schroder, Dr. of physick." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A94253.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 17, 2024.

Pages

Page 1

The First Classis Of the more perfect TERRESTRIAL ANIMALS. (Book 1 (land animals))

I. Agnus, the Lamb.

OF which these are medicinable;

  • 1. The lungs both new and also dryed.
  • 2. The gall.
  • 3. The wooll.
  • 4. The bones burnt to ashes.
  • 5. The Runnet.

Their Vertues.

1. The lungs preserve the feet from inflamation occasioned by the shooes, (laid on, see further con∣cerning the Sheep.)

2. The gall is given against the Falling sickness.

3. The wooll (with the skin) helpes the Squinsie, and mollifies other tumors of the neck (applyed thereto.)

4. The bones burnt to to ashes consolidate wounds, even such as are of a more difficult consolida∣tion.

5. The Runnet prevailes against poison, against curdled milk, and venomous bitings, (drunk with Vinegar.)

Page 2

II. Alces, the Elk,

IS a cloven footed Animal, in shape like a Hart, but greater, by nature fearfull, and subject to the falling sicknesse.

Of this we have in Physical use,

  • 1. The hoof.
  • 2. The sinews.

Their vertues.

1. The hoof is famous for its specificall vertue a∣gainst the falling sicknesse, both by preventing and al∣so curing it, and that as well inwardly taken, as out∣wardly used: Inwardly is given its powder, and the preparations subjoyned. Outwardly a piece of it is inclosed in a Ring, and is worn on the fourth finger, so that it look towards the palm of the hand. In like manner it is 1. held in the hand; 2. is applyed to the pulse; 3. is put into the left ear; 4. is hanged about the neck that it touch the skin.

The Dose 10. grains to 20. and above.

N. 1. It is known by the pleasant smell, which it gives in fumigation.

N. 2. Authors report that every Animal of this kinde, is not troubled with the Epilepsie, nor all en∣dued with the same property, but according to their age, sex, time, and also in regard of the hoof it self they differ very much. The hoof of the female hath not this faculty but of the male only, not young but grown to full age, and at that time when he begins to be moved with the desire of venery (between the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin, and her Na∣tivity.) Some attribute more to the hinder hoofs then to the former, and some to the right foot (which is more common) others to the left. Some would

Page 3

have these hoofs at the aforesaid season to be cut off from the Animal while he is living. Andr. Bacc. l. de Alce.

2. The nerves are tyed about members subject to the Crampe.

Preparations of the hoofs.

1. The hoofs prepared after the ordinary or com∣mon manner.

2. A Magistery is made after the common manner with Vinegar (others chuse rather the spirit of Salt) and with oyl of Tartar.

N. This Magistery represents almost the colour of ashes.

3. Some distill a water of the marrow of the Brain, and account it a secret against the Epilepsie. See fur∣ther in the Chapt. concerning Man▪

4. It will yield an oyl, water and a volatile Salt after the common manner.

III. Aper, the Bore.

HE eats Acorns, Beechen nuts, Chesnuts, roots of Fern, Angelica, and such like.

Their Coition is in the beginning of Winter, their Parturition in the Spring.

These of this Animal are in Physicall use;

  • 1. The grease.
  • 2. The tooth.
  • 3. The Genitals.
  • 4. The gall.
  • 5. The dung.
  • 6. The urine.

Their vertues in particular.

1. The wilde Bore as he is very like to the tame and domestick, so he hath the same vertues but stronger. Hence the grease is received into the Weapon Salve. It is commended specially in mitigating the pains of

Page 4

the sides, and in mollifying the matter thereof. It stayes the voiding of bloud (drunk in Vinegar or Wine) It is good for parts broken and taken with the Crampe (if drunk in Vinegar) It cures members dislocated (drunk with Vinegar of roses.)

2. The tooth or tuske is given specifically in the Pleurisie. It cures the Squinsie (anointed or used with oyl of Line seed.)

The Dose is one Dram.

3. The Genitals and testicles conduce to the weak∣nesse of Venery, and Prolification.

4. The gall dissolveth the Evill.

5. The dry dung (drunk) is supposed to stay the casting up of the bloud, which it also doth perform, being outwardly applyed.

6. The urine specifically breaks the stones of the bladder and drives them out.

Preparat.

1. The tooth prepared after the common man∣ner.

2. Of it also may be made a Magistery, by dissol∣ving it in distilled Vinegar, and precipitating it with Spirit of Vitriol or oyl of Tartar.

N. The Tusk of the Bore is very mucilaginous, and therefore its preparation often waxeth hard in the bottom This hardening that they may prevent, they use to set it to the fire a little while and burn it.

3. Some distill a water of the bloud with cooling and moistning herbs, and highly commend it in an Atrophy.

Page 5

IV. Asinus, the Ass,

IS a slow beast, melancholick, of long life, (living 30. years) foaling the twelfth moneth.

Of which these are medicinable;

  • 1. The hoof.
  • 2. The bloud.
  • 3. The milk.
  • 4. The urine.
  • 5. The dung.
  • 6. The grease.
  • 7. The skin.

The vertues.

1. The hoof in the Falling sickness is accounted no∣thing inferiour to the Alce's. (It is given every day for a moneth, to half a dram.)

Outwardly the ashes thereof are commended for dissolving the Evill, and healing kibed heels (anoin∣ted with oyl) for Consolidating the chaps of the skin, dissolving Apostumes, taking away the nail or web of the eye (dropped in with womans milke) ex∣cluding the dead birth (in a fume) raising up the Epileptick and Hysterick (by the smell.)

2. The bloud moves sweat. The bloud extracted from behind the ears, or out of the ear, and recei∣ved in a linnen cloth, and the infusion of that cloth taken, is said to mitigate the fiercenesse of the melan∣cholick humour, and to drive away diseases ef∣fected by witchcraft. Some use the same to a Quo∣tidian.

The bloud of the foal of an Asse cures the Jaundise.

3. The milk nourishes and strangely absterges. Hence it is profitable in a Consumption, in diseases of the ventricle, in an Abscesse of the kidneys, stone of the bladder, and ach of the gowt, for it maketh the belly

Page 6

soluble, abstergeth the urinary passages, provoketh womens flowers.

Outwardly used, it strengthens the gummes, miti∣gates the pains of the gowt (the dung made with it into a Cataplasme) and procures a pleasant paleness to the face (if anointed.)

It is given from 4 ounces to 10.

4. The urine properly heals the diseases of the kidneys, and also the scab, (mud wall moystned with the urine is applyed) Warts and callous parts, the Atrophy of members, and Palsie, and Gowt-aches, &c.

For example.

Take the urine of an Asses foal, the hoof of a she Asse burnt into ashes, knead them together, and add some grease of an Asse with a little Indian Spike for the better smell. Let it be made into an ointment.

5. The grease makes skars all of the same colour.

6. The dung stayeth bleeding, drunk or burnt, or applyed like a Plaister, or applyed to the no∣strils

7. The skin in lieu of a Feather-bed, is said to drive away the frighting of children.

V. Bos, the Bull or Cow,

IS an Animal commonly known, living twenty years naturally. Their Coition, for the most part is in the middle of the Spring, or in the Au∣tumn.

This Animal supplies us with these medici∣nables.

    Page 7

    • 1. The horn.
    • 2. The gall.
    • 3. The liver.
    • 4. The milt.
    • 5. The bloud.
    • 6. The marrow.
    • 7. The tallow.
    • 8. The oyl of the feet
    • 9. The hoofs.
    • 10. The urine.
    • 11. The dung.
    • 12. Little stones.
    • 13. The milk▪
    • 14. Butter.
    • 15. Cheese.
    • 16. The pistle.
    • 17. The bones.

    1. The horn is seldom used, yet have I seen the powder thereof given against the Epilepsie. It is also used in a fume to correct the contagious aire.

    2. The gall of a Bull is preferred before the gals almost of all four-footed beasts: Specially it cures the noise and dolour of the ears (mixed with Wo∣mans or Goats milk, and put in with Cotton:) it moves the belly (in a Glyster.)

    3. The liver is seldom used, in stead whereof the liver of a Calf to corroborate the liver, for the most part is used in decoctions.

    4. The milt is of chief use in Decoctions and ex∣tractions, for softning of the milt and suppression of the flowers of women. Some apply it outwardly to the milt.

    5. The bloud inwardly taken brings singular help to those that have the Boudy-flix, and to internal voi∣ding of bloud. Outwardly it disperseth and molly∣fyeth tumors, and cleanseth the spots of the face (if anointed therewith.)

    6. The Marrow hath the next place after Harts and Calves marrow. Besides the general vertues (anoin∣ted with wine) it refreshes trembling members, and helps hard sinews.

    7. The tallow besides the general vertues is speci∣ally used to the Excoriation of the bowels, and Tenes∣mus,

    Page 8

    as also Ulcers and chaps of the lips, it cures Gowty and schirrous affects.

    N. The best is taken from the kidneys.

    8. The oyl of the feet is commonly used in mollify∣ing tumors, in mitigating aches, and in the dislocation of the joynts.

    9. The hoofs burnt into ashes, plenty of milk (being inwardly taken) in like manner they are used to drive away malignant air (in a fume.)

    N. Mice are driven away by the fume of the hoofs.

    10. The urine mitigates the pains of the ears (if it be dropped in with myrrh.)

    11. Cows dung cools and dryes moderately, disper∣ses notably, mitigates pains. It is applyed with good successe to Burnings, Inflamations, the Gowt, the stingings of Bees and Wasps. In a fume it hinders the falling down of the matrix.

    N. The common people tun it up in drink for those that have a burning Fever, or are tormented with the Colick, or give them to drink the juyce pressed out, and that with good successe.

    12. The little stone taken out of the maw (in March) or out of the bladder of the gall (in May) cures the Jaundise; specifically lessens and wastes the stone (if drunk with wine) it performes the same if dayly it be put into the wine which is for his drink, till it be altogether wasted.

    Quercetan.

    The stone of the gall made into powder is an excel∣lent Errhine.

    13. Cows milk is thick, it nourishes well, and is good for the pain of the kidneys and bladder, it helps the Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Tenesmus, and the excoria∣tion of the bowels (being drunk.)

    Page 9

    N. 1. Milk hurts the Splenetick, Hepatick, those that are subject to the Epilepsie, Vertigo, Fever, and Head-ach. And this is generally to be observed con∣cerning milk.

    N. 2. Cream with Camomil, Water-cresses, and Juniper-berries boyled in milk, help mightily the Scorbutick aches (in a Cataplasme.)

    14. Butter heals moderately, mollifies, digests, mi∣tigates, dissolves, loosens, is good for the dimness of the eyes, (put into them) &c.

    15. Cheese new and soft, mitigates the aches of the Gowt, and the heat of the Liver, helps the standing forth of the Navill of Infants (applyed on the place.)

    16. The pisle of a red Bull helps those that are troubled with the Bloudy-flix (made in powder and used.)

    N. 1. It is believed to make women averse from venery.

    N. 2. The spermatick vessels burnt, stay the flux of bloud.

    N. 3. This is the medicine of the Jews in the cir∣cumcised. Forest. in Chirurg.

    17. The bones are used of some for the strength∣ning of the bowels, and driving away the Epi∣lepsie.

    Preparat.

    1. A water, called The water of all flowers, is distilled in Balneo M. or out of ashes in the Spring or May, of the fresh dung of a Cow feeding on herbs Hence there also comes an oil.

    The vertues.

    It cools, dissolves, it is used inwardly in the Co∣lick, the inflammation of the Kidneys, suppression of Urine, Fevers, &c.

    Outwardly it is applyed on pained places, as

    Page 10

    abovesaid; it is also commended against cancrous Ulcers, &c.

    2. A water of the bloud is made (in May) in Balneo M.

    The vertues.

    It mightily mitigates the Gowt.

    3. The Decoction of the milt of an Ox is thus made; Take the whole milt of an Ox or Cow cut into pieces, one ounce of Cinamon grossely beaten, half an ounce of Cloves, two drams of Saffron, white Wine or Malmesey as much as is sufficient, put all into a capacious glasse, which being well covered must boyle 24 hours in a very hot Balneó M. untill the milt be boyled into very little bits, and there remain a great quantity of broth excellently boyled, and most fragrant.

    The vertues.

    This is a proper medicine for the hardnesse and obstruction of the milt and suppression of the flowers in Women.

    The dose 4 ounces, continuing 4 or 5 dayes when the flowers used to flow. Quercetan.

    4. The extract of the milt of an Ox.

    N. Crollius,

    Takes the milt of a young Ox, cuts it into thin slices, infuses it a few dayes in spirit of wine essenti∣ficated with Myrrhe, afterward he dryes it in the aire, then according to art extracts the essence there∣of with spirit of Wine, and for the more efficacy addes a few drops of the distilled oyl of An∣gelica.

    The vertues.

    It dispatches the obstructions of the milt, and pro∣vokes the flowers in Women.

    The dose one scruple in some proper water.

    N. It may fitly be dryed in an Oven.

    Page 11

    5. The oyl of Butter.

    6. The tincture of the gall of a Bull.

    Take the gals of Buls dryed leasurely in the sun, then extract the tincture with spirit of wine.

    The vertues.

    It is a most excellent beautifying medicine pro∣curing miraculously a most pleasant whiteness.

    It is anointed on the place and suffered to remain three or four dayes, so that they expose not them∣selves to the air, then let it be washed off with the water of the flowers of Beans, Water-lillies, or Knot-grasse, and the like. Hartman.

    VI. Bubulus, the Buffle,

    IS like to an Ox in figure and nature, yet greater and more cruell, and black of colour.

    Of which in Physick and Chirurgery we have,

    • 1. Horns and hoofs.
    • 2. Tallow and dung, &c.

    The vertues.

    1. The horns and hoofs cure the Cramp (a ring made thereof worn on the finger or toe)

    2. The suet and the dung hath the vertues of the Oxes, &c.

    Preparat.

    The extract of the liver of the Buffle, is made after the same manner that the extract of the milt of the Ox is.

    N. It is accounted more excellent if the proper salt extracted out of the Caput mortuum be mixed with it.

    The vertues.

    It is of the same use with the extract of the milt of the Ox, but more efficacious.

    The Dose is also the same. Hartman.

    Page 12

    VII. Bufo, the Toad.

    THere is a very great Antipathy betwixt Toads and Spiders; if a Toad be set under a Spider▪ she presently descends with might and force to destroy him.

    In Physicall use are,

    • 1. Toads themselves.
    • 2. The Toad stone.

    1. Toads are dryed in the air being thrust tho∣row the head or neck, and being dryed, are kept for use.

    The vertues.

    Though a Toad be a venomous and abominable Animal, yet shuns it not Physical practice; and that both inwardly, and also outwardly.

    A certain Hydropick man despairing of recovery, used the powder of Toads, by which he experimen∣tally found that the waters were vented by the urine, and he beyond all hope attained his health. Petraeus in Nosolog. Wierus in Observat.

    The Dose half a dram.

    N. I allow of a lesse quantity.

    Outwardly a Toad is applyed to biles (a little in∣fused in Vinegar) to draw out the venom (which it so well performs, that it swels with the venom so attracted to it) it is an ingredient in Amu∣lets ordained for driving away contagious aire.

    By certain experience, it stayes bleeding at nose (if it be applyed behind the ears of it self, or be kept in the hand to grow warm, or put under the arm-pits, or appended to the neck.)

    The same is the ashes or powder reported to do (sprinkled on the place affected.)

    Page 13

    (Applyed on the kidneys) it is said to drive out by urine the intercutall water (tyed to the navill) it draweth back and restraineth hysterick fluxes (ap∣plyed to the soles of the feet) it is thought to help the diseases of the head and heart, the Phrensie and Fevers.

    2. The Toad-stone is like a bubble of water, hol∣low on one part, and convex on the other, of a dark pale colour, sometime black, white (which is better) green, of divers colours.

    N. They are found in the fields, yet others affirm that they are bred in the heads of old Toads which live among brambles, and bushes, and thorns, but the greatness of some of them disswade me from giving credit to this opinion.

    The vertues.

    It is commended as a Soveraign remedy against the Plague and poison. Yea some affirm that those who wear it, are safe from poison, and that by gentle rubbing it disperseth swellings occasioned by venomous beasts, and drawes away all poyson. Caspar Baubin. de lap. Bezord. cap. 3.

    N. This stone is said to change its colour, and to sweat when a poysoned cup is present.

    Preparat.

    1. Amulets of divers descriptions.

    The ashes of a Toad (a Toad burnt) cures invo∣luntary pissing arising from the tearing of the neck of the bladder (hanged about the neck.) Observat. Henr. ab Heer. 18.

    2. The powder is made by only rubbing, whereby Toads very well dryed are brought into powder.

    N. I had rather have Toades burnt to ashes.

    3. Salt may be drawn out of Calcined Toads, and be used in lieu of the powder in the Dropsie.

    The Dose to grains iij &c

    Page 14

    4. Simple Oyl of Toads.

    Take living Toads in number three or four, boyl them one hour in two pounds of Oyl Olive, strain it, and keep it for use.

    The Vertues.

    It is very highly commended in cleansing the spots of the face, morphew and other affects or invete∣rate Ulcers (by the spotted signature the Toad is judged to avail against spots) it is to be anointed every day once.

    N. I would prefer spotted Frogs.

    5. The compounded Oyl of Toads.

    Take Oyl of Sheeps feet as much as you will, let it boyl with Sulphur powdered, till it become a red Oyl; then let the Sulphur be separated from the Oyl, into which while it is as yet hot, let Toads be put and suffocated, and after pressing out distilled.

    The Vertues.

    It is most excellent in digesting tumors in the Dropsie.

    VIII. Canis, the Dog.

    IN medicine are used of this Animal,

    • 1. The whole dog.
    • 2. The head.
    • 3. The grease.
    • 4. The gall.
    • 5. The bloud.
    • 6. The dung:
    • 7. The urine.
    • 8. The tooth.
    • 9. The skin.
    • 10. The hair.

    The Vertues.

    1. The whole living Whelp laid on the belly, asswages the pains of the Colick, bathing in the Decoction of Whelps, and the grease gathered from this Decocti∣on, comforts Paralytick members.

    Page 15

    2. The head, viz. the brain pan burnt to ashes, dry∣eth Ulcers, heals the diseases of the fundament, chaps, and the swelling of the testicles.

    Inwardly used, it cures the Jaundise.

    3. Dogs grease is hotter than the rest, and it is in∣wardly used in cleansing and consolidating wounds and Exulcerations, and in a Consumption and dissol∣ving clotted bloud from a fall.

    Outwardly it is good in asswaging the aches of the Gowt, and of the ears; driving away the nits of the head, recovering hearing, helping the Scab and Itch.

    4. The gall of a black Whelp wonderfully cures the Epilepsie, (being new and drunk with Vinegar, or given in powder.)

    Outwardly it cleanseth the spots of the face (anointed with the dung of a Calf) it helps white specks of the eyes (anointed with Honey).

    5. The bloud is commended against the poyson of Witches, and it is said to be drunk with successe against the biting of a mad Dog, and against poy∣son.

    6. The dung (called Album Graecum in shops) dries, cleanses, disperses, opens, breaks Apostumes, cleanses Exulcerations, and therefore profits in a Dysentery, Colick and the like.

    Outwardly it helps the Squinsie (blown into the throat) malignant Ulcers (sprinkled on them) it softens hard tumors (in playster) it draws forth Hy∣dropick waters (anointing the belly) it puts away Warts, (the ashes applyed of themselves, or with the Oyl of Roses.)

    N. That is accounted best, which is gathered in July, the Dog being fed with bones, it being white, pure, and not stinking.

    7. The urine helps Warts, cleanses the running Ulcers and skales of the head.

    Page 16

    8. The ashes of the teeth (anointed with Honey or Butter on the Mandibles) facilitates the Toothing of children, asswages the Tooth-ach, (being mixed in Gargarisms.)

    9. The skin prepared mitigates the Itch of the hands, and mollifies the contracted sinews (Gloves worn.)

    10. The hair cures the bitings of Dogs (applyed on the place.)

    Preparat.

    Balsom of Whelps compound,

    Is made of Whelps strangled in white Wine and boyled with Nervall herbs, Oyls and Rosin into a Balsom.

    This heals contracted members, mitigates the Sci∣atick and Arthritick aches.

    IX. Caper, the Buck Goat,

    IS a Beast chearful, swift, proud, quick of hearing, greedy, &c. subject to Feavers, Plague, and the like, whereof we have in medicine,

    • 1. The horn.
    • 2. The bloud.
    • 3. The milt.
    • 4. The marrow.
    • 5. The tallow.
    • 6. The milk.
    • 7. Little stones.
    • 8. The dung.
    • 9. The urine.
    • 10. The bladder.
    • 11. The caule.
    • 12. The skin.
    • 13. The Gall.

    The vertues.

    1. The horn, as also the hairs we use in fumes in the time of the Plague, as likewise to raise up the Lethargick and Epileptick.

    Page 17

    2. Goats bloud is accounted Alexipharmacal, it obstructs, it is good for the Dysenterick, dissolves concreted bloud (dryed and given) wasteth the Stone.

    Outwardly it ripens tumors.

    N. They feed at home for a moneth a Goat of a middle age (about four years old) giving him no∣thing but herbs proper for breaking the Stone, then they kill him when the Sun is entred into Cancer, and dry in an Oven the arterious bloud, casting away the corrupt or mattery parts. Vid. Disp. Ag. & Norimb.

    Of Goats bloud no lesse than of other kinds of bloud may be made, a Spirit, Oyl (which is highly commended against the Stone) and a Salt: but ex∣cellent above the rest is an Antipodagrical Balsom of the bloud, which as in manner of making, so in ver∣tues agrees with that made of the bloud of an Hart. Vid. suo loco.

    N. Some of this make a Tincture most excellent against the Stone and concreted bloud.

    3. The milt: They bind the milt of a she Goat upon the milt of the Patient for a day, and the next day they hang it in the Sun, or to the heat of an Oven, as much as it shall be dryed, so much do they affirm the milt of the Patient to be lessened. Thesaur. Pauperum. Petr. Hispan.

    4. Goats marrow is sharper and dryer then the rest, and therefore more effectual.

    5. Goats suet or tallow disperseth most forcibly, helps the Gowt, easeth the Strangury (put into the Navil) mitigates the pain of the Hemroids (in a Suppository.)

    6. Goats milk nourisheth and cleanseth, it is very good for those that are in a Hectick Feaver, Con∣sumptive and grown decayed.

    The Whey thereof is more excellent then other

    Page 18

    Wheys, it openeth, cleanseth, divideth, it is laxative, whereupon it is frequently received into infusions for purging of Melancholy.

    7. The little stones found in the ventricle and gall are commended for their Diaphoretick and dissolving vertue.

    8. The dung heateth, dryeth, cleanseth, digesteth, openeth, and is of a sharp operation.

    The use thereof is in hard tumors of the milt and other parts, in swelling of the Almonds and Botches, in consolidating desperate Ulcers (strained with old Wine and applyed) in the Dropsie (it is applyed on the belly) in the Sciatica: being burnt it is of a more thin substance, and is available to all affects which need cleansing, as to Alopecia, Tetter, &c.

    Inwardly it helps the Splenetick, it is used like∣wise in the Jaundise, in the suppression of the flow∣ers, and the like diseases.

    9. The urine of a Buck Goat is commended above all other for breaking of the Stone and moving of Urine (drunk hot as it comes from the Goat.)

    It is useful also in the Dropsie, &c. distilled.

    10. The urinary bladder dryed and powdered is said properly to heal the incontinencie of urine.

    The Dose one Dram.

    11. The caule mitigateth the fierce and boyling spirits (applyed hot) it is profitable in the Colick, Madness, &c. besides it moves the Urine obstructed (applyed on the belly.)

    12. The skin asswageth the Diarrhoea (the decocti∣on thereof drunk) stayeth bleeding, and chiefly of the nosthrils (the ashes of the hairs sprinkled)

    N. A Kid is a young Goat not above six moneths old; as it hath the same nature, so the same vertues with the Goat, which notwithstanding are weaker in respect of its tender age.

    Page 19

    13. The gall cures a Quotidian (with bread.)

    The white of an Egge and oyl of Bay made into a Pultise and applyed to the belly.

    X. Capra Alpina seu Rupicapra, the wilde Goat, or Rock goat;

    IS a kinde of wilde Goat, like to the tame in great∣nesse and figure, loving the high mountains, fee∣ding on mountainous herbs that grow out of the gravell, and especially the black root of Do∣ronicum.

    Of which these are medicinable;

    • 1. The bloud.
    • 2. The tallow.
    • 3. The liver.
    • 4. The gall.
    • 5. The dung.
    • 4. The stone.

    Their vertues.

    1. The new bloud cures the Vertigo (if drunk.)

    2. The suet helpes the Consumption and ulcera∣tion of the lungs (taken with milk.)

    3. The liver stayes the flux of the belly (the pow∣der taken.)

    4. The gall helps the spots of the eyes and Nycta∣lopia, viz. night-blindness.

    5. The dung wasteth and driveth out the stone.

    6. A stone is wont to be found in the chest above the ventricle (as Bezoar is found) of a different greatnesse, the greatest as big as a walnut, black and of a very pleasant smell, when it is broken.

    Experience teacheth the vertues hereof to be excel∣lent against malignant Fevers, Poysons, Plague, and the like, from whence they called it Germane Bezoar.

    The Dose is from 15. grains to 20.

    For prevention 4. or 5. grains may be the Dose.

    Page 20

    XI. Capricerva Orientalis, the Eastern Goat,

    IS a beast of Persia, and the East-India, partly like to a Hart, partly to a Goat.

    From this we have the Orientall Bezoar-stone, which is found in the said Animal (and chiefly in a part above the Ventricle, also in the ventricle and other internall cavities) of a different shape, ovall, round, and hollow within (the middle containing chaffe, hairs, or the like) of a smooth and shining out∣side, the substance compact after the manner of onyons, it is also of a different colour (for the most part blackish green, sometime more purely green, pale, ash-coloured, yellowish, of the colour of hony, &c.) of no smell, of a different greatnesse, and weight, most being lesse than a Walnut, sometime somewhat bigger.

    N. There are also adulterated or false stones, made of pieces of stones and pitch artificially joyned toge∣ther, as also of Chalk, the ashes of Snails shels, dry bloud, and the lesse Bezoar stones powdered, and made into a body with a proper liquor.

    It is also made of Vermilion, Antimony, and Mercury compact and tincted, &c. by the help of fire, which are brought into use not only without profit, but with losse and detriment.

    The notes or markes of its goodnesse every where observed of Authors are;

    1. The form, differing from the form of the kidneys, or a Pidgeons egge, smooth on the out∣side, which is a signe of a fictitious or false stone.

    Page 21

    2. The structure or frame, with many thin plates like onions lying one upon another, and all of them smooth, light, and shining; which notwithstanding others do disallow.

    3. The hollow or middle, without all Heterogeneal matter, except powder.

    4. The weight, lighter then others, heavyer then some.

    5. Mixing with lime, that is, if the stone moistned and rubbed on a wall, die it with a green colour (if the stone anoynted with quick lime (with which water is mixed) grow yellow a little after, if the stone rubbed on paper coloured with chalk make a green line: if the powder mixed with quick lime represent a pale green (which notwithstanding cannot be true concerning all.)

    6. Friability and dissolution in water, which not∣withstanding cannot but be proper to the false stone.

    7. Liquation; that is, if a hot needle may be thrust into it.

    8. Disparity of the fragments boyled with morter or earth (viz. in hardness.)

    9. Tryall or Experience.

    Verily there is very great caution to be used in judging of the stone, neither is it meet to determine any thing for certain, concerning the goodnesse of it, without the concurrence of the marks. Yet the Per∣sian stone is accounted the best.

    The vertues.

    It strengthneth, it provokes sweat, it is Alexiphar∣macal, and therefore is profitable in the Vertigo, Epilepsie, swooning, palpitation of the heart, the Jaundise, Colick, Dysentery, Wormes, Stone, sup∣pression of the flowers, hard child-birth, Melancholy. But chiefly in the Plague, malignant Fevers and poy∣sons.

    Page 22

    It may also be outwardly applyed in the Kings-evill, that is opened in an ulcerated Cancer, and the like.

    The Dose from 3 grains to 12.

    XII. Capricerva Occidentalis, the Western Goat,

    IS a beast of Peru, like to the former, with horns, feeding on wholesome herbs.

    The Occidentall Bezoar stone growes together in thin coats in the same places of the beast, as the former, without any heterogeneall thing contained in the middle cavity; it is greater for the most part than the Orientall, rough on the outside, of an ash colour, white, black, or dark green (which is best.)

    N. They are accounted better, which are taken out of the mountainous Beast.

    The vertues.

    It hath the same vertues with the Oriental, but yet is inferiour to it in goodnesse. It is found to be profita∣ble in the passions of the heart, in poysons, Fevers, Plague, Quartane ague, whose symptomes it mitigates, Melancholy, in inveterate diseases, Wormes, Epi∣lepsie, and the like. Neither lesse is it good outward∣ly in venomous wounds (sprinkled on Monard.)

    The Dose greater than of the Oriental, from 6 grains to 20.

    N. This it hath peculiar, that it also a little moves the belly.

    N. 2. There is brought a Bezoar stone out of New-Spain, but somewhat weaker then that of Peru.

    Page 23

    XIII. Capreolus, the Roebuck,

    IS a Beast representing a Hart in body, having little hornes, fearful, pleasant, cheerfull, most swift in running, quick of sight as well by night as by day.

    Of which we use in medicine,

    • 1. The flesh.
    • 2. The runnet.
    • 3. The liver.
    • 4. The gall.
    • 5. The milt.
    • 6. The dung.

    Their vertues.

    1. The flesh in meat is good for the Diarrhoea and Dysentery.

    2. The runnet is good for the same (drunk in Wine.)

    3. The liver is supposed to repair the sight of the eyes (eaten, drunk, outwardly fumed or instilled) it stayeth bleeding, chiefly at the nose (the ashes blown up.)

    4. The gall cleanseth the spots of the face (anoyn∣ted) cureth the white speckes, spots, and other dis∣eases of the eyes (put in with honey) hindereth the ringing of the ears (instilled with oyl of Roses) assawgeth the Tooth-ach (after the same manner.)

    5. The dung cures the Jaundise (drunk.)

    N. In the vertues of other parts it agreeth with Goats, but yet they are stronger.

    Page 24

    XIV. Castor, the Bever,

    IS an Amphibious Animal, living on fishes, and fruits, and barks of trees.

    Whence we have in Physicall use,

    • 1. The grease.
    • 2. The testicles.
    • 3. The skin.

    The vertues.

    1. The grease is specially good for the nerves and womb, for the Epilepsie, Palsey, Convulsion, Apoplexie, &c.

    2. The testicles are called Castoreum. These being cut off and well purged are dryed in the shade, and there are kept hanged up. They continue seven years uncorrupted.

    N. 1. Castoreum is adulterated, 1. By Gum Ammo∣niack, which mixed with the bloud of a Bever and Castoreum, is made into a littie bladder and dryed. 2. The kidneys of a Bever is put into a bladder and dryed.

    But to finde out this fraud, these markes of diffe∣rence must be observed.

    1. The genuine testicles arise both from one be∣ginning.

    2. The adulterate or counterfeit testicles are for the most part greater.

    3. The genuine testicles are of an unpleasant smell, strong, sharp biting and of bitter tast, of a brittle substance. Moreover the black and rancid is to be avoided.

    The vertues.

    It heateth in the third, dryeth in the second degree, openeth, disperseth winde, strengthneth the sinews

    Page 25

    and nervous parts and the head, stirreth up the animall drooping spirits, resisteth poyson, pro∣voketh sneezing, it is anodyne, and moves Wo∣mens courses; from hence it is profitable in the Lethargy, Apoplexie, Epilepsie, Palsie, Verti∣go, trembling of the members, defluxions to the joynts, suffocation of the matrix, the Co∣lick both inwardly and outwardly used. More∣over it helpeth the noise of the ears, and diffi∣culty of hearing (put into the ear) and the tooth∣ach.

    N. 1. In the suffocation it is used divers wayes, it is applyed to the nostrils, tyed under the arme pits put into the Navill.

    N. 2. It correcteth the malignity of Opium.

    N. 3. The skin helpeth the Gowty and Paralytick (prepared and worn.)

    Preparat.

    1. The Oyl of Bever infused. Vide Disp. August. & Norimberg.

    2. The distilled Oyl.

    Take Castoreum as much as thou wilt, dissolve it in Vinegar, or infuse it in Wine or its spi∣rit, then distill it with a gentle fire in a glasse Retort.

    N. 1. Rectifie it with Vinegar.

    N. 2. The same proceeding may be in this, as in the Philosophers Oyl, imbibing red hot bricks, &c.

    N. 3. The Electuary called Diacastoreum. Vide Dispenstor.

    4. The extract is made after the common man∣ner with spirit of wine rectified.

    N. Others extract it with Vinegar, which being again abstracted, they do it again with spirit of Wine.

    Page 26

    Quercetan useth a convenient distilled water, as of Balm, Marygolds, Piony, and like Antepileptick and Cephalick herbs, and infuseth it in B. M. 4. or 5. dayes.

    The Dose from 5. grains to 12.

    XV. Catus Domesticus, the House Cat,

    IS a lustful Animal, quick of sight.

    Whence we have in use,

    • 1. The grease.
    • 2. The bloud.
    • 3. The head.
    • 4. The dung.
    • 5. The skin.
    • 6. The secondine.

    The vertues.

    1. The grease of a lib'd Cat, heateth, mollifyeth, discusseth, and wonderfully helpeth the griefs of the joynts.

    N. The grease of a wilde Cat is best.

    2. Three drops of the bloud (out of the vein of a male Cat under the tail) cure the Falling sick∣ness (drunk,) also the bloud (drawn from the ear) anoynted upon the Shingles is not without successe.

    3. The head of a black Cat burnt to powder, is a most excellent remedy for the diseases of the eyes, pin, web, specks, &c. if it be blown thereinto three times a day; as writeth Misal∣dus.

    N. The poyson, which is attributed to Cats, re∣mains in the head alone and brain, in no other part of the body, as that which is made meat of many.

    Page 27

    4. The dung (with as much mustard, and anoyn∣ted with Vinegar) cures the shedding of the hair, and helps the Gowt.

    5. The skin is worne to warm the stomach and contracted joynts.

    6. They hang the secundine about the neck for the diseases of the eyes. They prefer that of a Cat that first hath young, and also black.

    XVI. Catus Zibethinus, the Civet Cat,

    IS a strange beast, brought to our Coasts, and is of some nourished for delight and plea∣sure.

    Civet, which is his excrement (or sweat) concrete together betwixt the testicles, is wrapped in a bladder, out of which being cut is the Civet taken.

    The vertues.

    It is hot, moist, and anodyne, it is used fre∣quently in the Colick (anointed upon the navil) in the belly-ach of Infants, in the suffocation of the matrix (applyed to the matrix or the hollow∣nesse of the navil.)

    Page 28

    XVII. Cervus, the Hart,

    IS a beast of a very long life (living 100 years) most swift in running, casting his horns yearly in April, goeth to rut in August and September; and the female brings forth young the eighth moneth after.

    From him we borrow for Physical practise,

    • 1. The horn.
    • 2. The skin.
    • 3. Bone of the heart.
    • 4. Pisle.
    • 5. The testicles.
    • 6. The bloud.
    • 7. The teares.
    • 8. The marrow.
    • 9. The tallow.
    • 10. The huckle bone.
    • 11. The stone.

    Their vertues in particular.

    1. The crude horn and unprepared resisteth putre∣faction, correcteth malignity, provoketh sweat, strengtheneth mans Balsome, whereupon the use of it is profitable in the Measels, Small Pocks, putrid and malignant Feavers, and other diseases where there is need of sweating, (it may be boyled in De∣coctions, or infused in Infusions, because given in substance, it is in a manner cast out crude or un∣changed.)

    N. That is commended which is gathered betwixt the two Lady days, viz. betwixt the 15. of August, and the 8. of September.

    Preparation of the horn.

    1. Harts horn burnt, till after blacknesse it be∣come white.

    2. Harts horn prepared is made of the burnt, which is made smooth and small with some cordial water according to Art.

    Page 29

    The vertues.

    By its drying force, it resists putrefaction, it stayes fluxes of the belly, kills Worms, moves sweat, and it is a medicine very fit for Infants.

    The Dose from a scruple to a dram and more.

    3. Harts horn Philosophically calcined thus: The horns are hanged or put in the head, or upper part of a Bladder, which is filled with some quantity of water, then is there a fire put under, that the va∣pour being lift up by the force of the fire piercing the horns, may by little and little make them friable and white.

    N. It is a work almost of three days.

    It moves sweat, and helps malignant diseases.

    The Dose to half a dram.

    4. A Magistery. The rasped horns are dissolved in Vinegar, precipitated with Oyl of Tartar, or Vitriol, and made sweet by washing with water, then being dryed are kept for use.

    N. 1. Others dissolve them with Spirit of Niter, which being again abstracted, they sweeten the Ma∣gistery left in the bottom. In the abstraction of the Spirit of Niter there is heed to be taken, lest the flame, which may easily happen, bring losse; therefore they proceed more warily, who on four ounces of the dissolution pour one measure of Fountain water, and filter it, and having filtred it, if need be, do preci∣pitate it by instilling Oyl of Tartar.

    N. 2. Others dissolve them with Aqua fortis, pre∣cipitate them with Spirit of Vitriol, and sweeten them.

    N. 3. The Magistery precipitated with Oyl of Tar∣tar, is yellow, on the contrary with any mineral Oyl, as of Vitriol, is white.

    5. Gelly. Take shavings of Harts horn, digest them a while in common or some proper distilled

    Page 30

    water, then boyl them and filter the liquor hot, and make it into gelly.

    6. The liquor or Spirit which is drawn by a Retort luted, with the force of fire.

    7. The Oyl.

    N. See the description of the true Oyl of Harts horn in Kesler.

    8. The Volatile Salt.

    Some digest the Salt of Harts horn fixed two ounces, with one ounce of Spirit of Wine, rectified twelve days, and then abstract the Spirit of Wine to the half, and keep the remainder under the notion of the tincture of the Salt of Harts horn.

    The Dose from 5 grains to 10.

    The Extract of Harts horn is made by pouring upon the branches of the horns, a proper water, and extracting the Tincture by a Menstrual digestion.

    9. Water of the new horns of a Hart.

    Take the tender horns of a Hart, having a bloudy juyce in them, cut them into pieces, and distil them in Baln. M. or B. V. by themselves, or with a little good Wine until all the liquor be exhausted.

    The vertues.

    It is most profitable in burning malignant Fevers.

    The Dose half a spoonful by it self, or with some proper water. Hartman.

    10. The Oyntment of Harts horn anodyne.

    Take a Harts horn cut into small pieces, let it be put into a kettle full of Wine, boyl it to the con∣sumption the of Wine, then casting away the grosser part of the horn, let the remainder be rubbed with thy hands, and add to it Oyl of Southernwood, Hype∣ricon, Dill, Scorpions, Earth-worms, Nuts, Bays, Rue, Spike, Savine, of each half an ounce, Mans grease one ounce and half, Castor two drams, Niter

    Page 31

    one dram and half, Euphorbium one dram, mix them according to Art for an Oyntment.

    The vertues.

    It is very profitable in the most grievous pains of the Scurvy and Colick, as also in the Paralytick and Gowty, and other torments.

    2. The hide, of it is made a girdlde which women use to gird their hips, and restrain the passions of the womb.

    3. The bone of the Hart (there is a concourse of Arteries in the Bases of the Hart, which with age, and especiall in the time of their pride becomes harder and turn into a bone) it is especially good for the heart, and preserves it from malignity, it keeps the birth, and wonderfully helps those with childe.

    4. The pisle is diuretick, provokes Venery, helps the Dysenterick and pained with the Colick (it is used both in powder and in decoction, yea it is good to give the water, wherewith the pisle is washed.)

    5. The dryed testicles drunk in Wine stir up Ve∣nery.

    6. The bloud fryed in a frying pan stayes the Dy∣sentery and Caeliack flux. It is also efficacious against poyson. It is commended in pain of the hip and side (boyled with Oyl).

    Preparat.

    Although out of Harts and Goats bloud, there may no lesse be drawn a Spirit, Oyl, and the like, than out of mans bloud; yet into Physical use chiefly come

    A Balsome Antipodagrical prepared after the man∣ner which is given concerning Mans bloud.

    N. Of the said Animals, if the inwards, viz. the lights, hart, and liver, be cut into pieces and infused in the bloud, their more excellent Essence is together drawn.

    Page 32

    The vertues.

    It is of very good use in mitigating the Gout (anoynted) in contractions of what cause soever they arise, because by the vertue of the Salt, it hath a great faculty of resolving. Gluchr.

    7. The tears, viz. filth found in the corners of the eyes as hardened wax, of a smell somewhat grievous but at length fragrant (it is commonly called a stone) dry, bind, corroborate, move sweat, and are there∣fore highly commended against poyson and infectious diseases, and are said to contend even with the Bezoar in vertue.

    Moreover they are profitable in the hard travail of child, and their vertue of late hath been found to drive out the dead child.

    The Dose 3. 4. grains, vid. Casp. Bauhin. in his book of Bezoar, the 8. and 9. chapter.

    8. The marrow is most to be commended of all, and excelleth above the rest in malignant Ulcers, and also in Ulcers of the legs.

    9. The tallow is commended above others in molli∣fying tumors, astringing wounds, it healeth kibes, and mitigateth pains.

    Preparat.

    The distilled Oyl is made after the common manner.

    The vertues.

    It mollifies, it is a very great lenitive in the Gowt, once or twice anoynted on a day.

    10. Talus the pastern bone is profitable to the Dys∣enterick.

    11. The stone found in the heart, stomach, or in∣testines, is said to agree with the Bezoar in vertues: but chiefly the stone taken out of the matrix is re∣ported to be preservative to a woman with child, that she miscarry not.

    Page 33

    N. 1. All things are accounted the best which are gathered from an Hart in his lust, which is about the beginning of September.

    N. 2. The tayl of an Hart is poysonous.

    XVIII. Cochlea, the Snail.

    THose have the preheminence, which live in open places, and in Vineyards, and on sweet herbs, ga∣thered before the rising of the Sun.

    N. River Snails have the same vertues, but are seldom used. They are generated of the mud of the earth, they live on dew and divers herbs; they hate the Quayl and Heron, to whom they are made a prey and for food. There is an Antipathy betwixt them and Lizards, and Apes, for these so fear the presence of Snails, even their shells, that they crouch together, and for fear vent their excrements.

    In Physical use are,

    • 1. The whole Snails.
    • 2. The shells.
    • 3. The fat.
    • 4. The slime.

    The vertues.

    1. Snails cool, thicken, consolidate, mitigate, they are profitable to the nerves and lungs, and therefore they are inwardly used against the Cough, Consumpti∣on, spitting of bloud, and other diseases of the lungs, and they are also used against the heat of the liver, and pain of the Colick.

    Outwardly applyed they ripen and break Biles (called Anthraces) (either alone, or with the gall of a Bull) they consolidate wounds, chiefly of the nerves, they heal Ulcers, (especially of the legs) they miti∣gate gowty inflamations; they make the belly of the Hydropick, and the watery Rupture of those

    Page 34

    that are bursten to decrease, (beaten with the shells and applyed), they restrain bleeding (applyed to the forehead): the froath of Snails laid to the fire with∣out water, is said to help Fistula's.

    2. The shells powdered are given to those that have the Stone, they dry and consolidate the chaps of the hands.

    3. The fat (in boyling broth swimming on the top when it is cold) healeth the rednesse and pain of the eyes, it intercepteth the defluxions to the eyes (ap∣plyed to the forehead with the white of an Egge.)

    4. The slavering slime (which when they are prick∣ed, they afford) is emplastick and glewing, intercep∣ting the flowing of humors to the eyes (in a Fron∣tall.)

    Preparat.

    1. The distilled water of the flesh in May or Octo∣ber, in B. M. is reported to help the Consumptive, and to strengthen the Liver.

    Outwardly applyed it beautifieth the face.

    2. The ashes of Snails dry and thicken, dry up the chaps and roughnesse of the skin, stay the Si∣novia.

    3. The liquor of Snails.

    Take red Snails, cut and mix them with equall weight of common Salt, and put them into Hip∣pocrates his sleeve, that in a cellar they may fall into liquor: which is good to anoint gowty and pained parts, and to root out Warts being first pared with a Penknife.

    Page 35

    XIX. Cuniculus, the Coney,

    IS a little creature, fearfull and very fruitfull.

    Of this we have in use,

    • 1. The whole burnt.
    • 2. The grease.
    • 3. The brain.

    The vertues.

    1. The whole Coney burnt, cures the Qinsie (anoin∣ted with Costmary.)

    2. The fat is profitable for the joynts and the hard sinews.

    3. The brain is believed to resist poyson, other∣wise answering to the brain of the Hare.

    XX. Elephas, the Elephant,

    IS a very rare beast, of a long life, gentle and do∣cible.

    His teeth are only used in Medicine, vulgarly called Ivory.

    The vertues.

    It cools and dryes, moderately binds, cuts, strengthens the inward parts, stayes the whites. It is good for the Jaundise; it chaseth away Worms, it is good for inveterate obstructions; it takes away the pains and weakness of the stomach; it heals the Epi∣lepsie; drives away Melancholy, resists rottenness and poysons; It is used rasped in infusions, and the pow∣der is given in substance.

    The Dose half a dram.

    Page 36

    Preparat.

    1. Burnt Ivory called Spodium, and to distinguish it from the Minerall Spodium, Spodium of Ivory.

    2. Trochilces of Spodium, vid. Dispensat.

    N. Some commend Ivory for fruitfulness, yet seeing the beast is of a small issue and slowly brings forth (going with young two years) it is ima∣gined rather to conduce to barrenness, and the retention of the birth, then to advance concep∣tion.

    XXI. Equus, the Horse.

    WHence in Physicall use we borrow,

    • 1. The bloud.
    • 2. The runnet.
    • 3. The milk.
    • 4. The dung.
    • 5. Lichenes.
    • 6. The testicles▪
    • 7. The fat of the neck.
    • 8. The hoofs.
    • 9. The hairs.
    • 10. The foam.
    • 11. The teeth.
    • 12. The stone.

    Their vertues in particular.

    1. The bloud (some would have it to be of Mares having been covered with the Stallion) is mixed with Causticks.

    2. The runnet is specially good for the Celiack, and Dysenterick.

    3. The milk is accounted good for the Epileptick, Consumptive, those that Cough, and the Asthma∣tick.

    4. The dung outwardly restrains breaking out of blou (as well raw as burnt) expels the dead childe, and the secundine (in a fume.)

    Inwardly it is taken in the Colick, and suffocation

    Page 37

    of the matriz, and in like manner in expelling the dead childe and afterbirth.

    N. That is best, which is of a Horse fed with Oats not gelded.

    5. Lichenes (callous excrements growing on the legs of Horses) are chiefly commended against the suffocation of the Matrix (a fume made below) as also against the Falling-sicknesse and the Stone (the pow∣der drunk.)

    Preparat.

    The extract of these is made of them dryed, with spirit of Wine, or some other appropriate spirit.

    The Dose from 5 grains to half a scruple.

    N. Hartman makes the Menstruum of Balm and Wine of each three pounds, which he distils by a Retort in ashes upon two ounces of Amber and Jet, with a fire hot in the end, then he useth the water separated from the Oyl.

    6. The testicles are a most present Remedy to expell the secundine (made into powder) they are also com∣mended in the Colick.

    The fat of the neck is fitly anointed on weak joynts.

    8. The hoof expels the dead birth (in fume) it drives away Lice (in fume.)

    9. The hairs restrain the flux of bloud.

    10. The foam of the mouth, drunk three dayes, cures the Cough, abates the heat of the jawes.

    N. Cold water falling out of the mouth of a stoned horse, when he drinks in a river, and sudden∣ly taken in a platter helpes sterility (drunk once and again.)

    11. The teeth first growing are said to facilitate childrens toothing (hung about the neck) they whiten the teeth (the ashes rubbed on them.)

    Page 38

    12. The stone (called Hippolithus) found in the ventricle or bowels of some horses, as it is like to the Occidental Bezoar in figure and structure, so in vertues.

    XXII. Erinaceus, the Hedg-hog,

    IS a Beast set with pricks, in the winter it is hid in the hollow of trees, eating mice, walnuts, apples, pears and the like.

    Hence in use we have,

    • 1. The Hedg-hog it self.
    • 2. The liver.
    • 3. The grease.
    • 4. The ventricle.

    Their vertues.

    1. The Hedge-hog (boyled or made into ashes and drunk) helps those that pisse against their will, it is grateful to the stomach, and moveth the belly and urine.

    Outwardly annointed it helps the shedding of hair.

    2. The liver or the body also dryed and taken with Oxymel is a help to the disease of the Kid∣neys, it cures the Cachexy, Dropsie, Convulsi∣ons and Leprosie. It dryes up the fluxes of the belly.

    3. The grease most happily cures Ruptures.

    4. The inner coat of the stomach is commended a∣gainst the Colick (taken.)

    Page 39

    XXIII. Homo, Man and Woman.

    HEnce we have in Medicine, either from the parts of the living body of a man,

    • 1. The hairs.
    • 2. The nails.
    • 3. The spittle.
    • 4. The ear-wax.
    • 5. Sweat.
    • 6. Milk.
    • 7. The Flowers.
    • 8. The after-birth.
    • 9. The urine.
    • 10. The ordure.
    • 11. The seed.
    • 12. The bloud.
    • 13. The stones.
    • 14. The Membrane compassing the head of the Infant.

    Or from the parts of the dead body of a man,

    • 1. The whole corps or flesh.
    • 2. The skin.
    • 3. The fat or grease.
    • 4. The bones.
    • 5. The skull.
    • 6. The mosse of the skull.
    • 7. The brain.
    • 8. The gall.
    • 9. The heart.

    The vertues of these follow.

    I. The hairs are commended for the growth of hairs (the liquor from thence distilled and anointed with honey) for the Jaundise (the powder drunk) for members out of joynt (the ashes anointed with Sheeps suet) for bleeding of wounds.

    N. Some for a Quartain take the hair of the pati∣ent, and mixing them with other hairs dispersed on the body, put them into an egge, and having boyled it hard, cast it to be devoured of birds, by which means they would have the Quartain cured.

    Preparat.

    It is distilled by it self in a Retort in sand with no very strong fire.

    Page 40

    II. The nails move vomit (taken inwardly both in powder and infusion) they are said to draw away the waters of the Hydropick (cut from the hands and feet, and tyed to the navill.)

    N. 1. Some to cure the Fever put the parings of the hands and feet into an egge, and lay it to be carryed away of the birds. Others wrap the same in wax, and fasten it to the gate in the morning before the rising of the sun. Others binde them on the back of a living Crevise, and then commit it to the river.

    N. 2. For recovering the strength they put the hairs and nails into the root of a Cherry tree, and cover the wound with dung.

    Preparat.

    Take the parings of the nails in powder one dram, Wine one pound, infuse them till they become muci∣laginous; then filter it, and having added one ounce of spirit of Wine, keep it for use.

    The Dose from one dram to 6 or an ounce.

    III. The spittle of a man fasting is commended a∣gainst the venomous bitings of Serpents, mad-dogs, and the like.

    IV. Ear-wax is accounted a most present Remedy for the Colick (if taken in drink.)

    Outwardly it cures the stinging of Scorpions, con∣glutinates wounds, clefts and chaps of the skin.

    V. Sweat is good against the Evill, if mixed with the herb and root of Mullein it be wrapped in a leaf, and made hot in the ashes, be applyed.

    VI. The milk refrigerates, mitigates, ripens and helps the redness of the eyes.

    Preparat.

    1. The vitriolated water of milk.

    Take milke and white Vitriol of each a like, di∣still

    Page 41

    them that the Phlegme may only ascend, the sharper spirits left behind.

    The vertues.

    It wonderfully helps the redness of the eyes and other inflamations.

    2. The butter. It is an excellent eye-salve.

    VII. The menstruous bloud being dryed is commen∣ded inwardly for the stone and Epilepsie.

    Outwardly it appeases the Gowt (anointed with beasts tallow) it is also said to profit in the Plague, Apostemes, and Carbuncles (a linen cloth applyed which was moistned in Vinegar, or Rose-water im∣pregnated with the menstruous bloud.) It extinguishes Erysipelas, and cleanses the spots of the face

    N. 1. That menstruum is commended, which breaks out the first time.

    N. 2. For restraining the immoderate flux of the flowers, some put a cloth imbrued in the menstruous bloud at a certain time into the root of a Cherry tree opened in the bark, and they again cover up the wound.

    VIII. The secundine (or in stead thereof the navil of the childe) is much commended for the taking away of the strumes of the throat (calcined and every day given in water of Sothernwood to half a dram, the moon decreasing) for the Epilepsie and restraining Philtres, for expelling the mole and birth, and also for killing Animals, which through witchcraft are in man.

    Hartman commends it against spots, marks, or moles from the mother. Others against the pain of the Colick (worne in stead of an Amulet.)

    IX. Ʋrine heateth, dryeth, resolveth, cleanseth, discusseth, mundifyeth, resisteth putrefaction, and therefore is of speciall use inwardly in the obstructi∣on of the Liver, Milt, Gall, preserving from the

    Page 42

    Plague, Dropsie, Jaundise. Moreover urine of the husband drunk, is said to facilitate the hard tra∣vell.

    Outwardly it dryeth the scab, resolveth tumors, mundifyeth wounds though venomous, prevaileth against the Gangrene, looseth the belly (in a Glyster) cleanseth the scales of the head (mixt with Niter) restraineth Feverish paroxysmes (applyed to the pulse) healeth exulcerated ears (the urine of a boy dropped in) helpeth the redness of the eyes (dropped in) takes away the trembling of the joynts (in a loti∣on) discusseth the swelling of the Uvula (gargled) mi∣tigateth the pains of the Milt (made into a poultise with ashes.)

    Preparat.

    1. A spirit volatile, a salt volatile.

    Take the Urine of a boy (twelve years old,) who drinks good wine. Distill it in an Alembeck in a hot Baln. M. then by cohobation distill it again upon the feces, and there shall come a spirit of urine mixed with its phlegm, which separate from the phlegm if thou please, and thou shalt have the spirit. This if thou elevate in the viall thou shalt ob∣tain a most white salt.

    The vertues.

    It is accounted of very great force to expell the Stone (drunk with a proper liquor) but it stincks grievously.

    N. 1. It is most famous for the blew tincture of the Emarald, to whose preparation it is a menstruum (with the phlegme.)

    N. 2. Libanius rectifies it, and applies it to the Gowty, Asthmatick and to those that are trou∣bled with the Stone. He injects is into the bladder by a syringe (but it is impregnated first with the essence of such as break the Stone; as for ex∣ample,

    Page 43

    of the Crystal, stone of the Lynx and the like.)

    2. Another way a fiery Spirit of Urine or Vo∣latile Salt.

    Take the urine of a boy that drinks Wine, as much as is sufficient, let it evaporate with a very gentle fire, to the consistence of a syrup; put this in a vial with a very long neck, and distil it in a cold air (that it may be condensed in the Alembeck) in ashes or sand, and there will come forth a Spirit like snow heaving up it self, coagulable by cold, but easily melted by a little heat. Oswald.

    N. 1. If thou joyn this Spirit to its purified salt, elixiviated out of the feces, and make it volatile by some cohobations, thou hast an excellent Menstruum to draw Vitriol out of Metals, and specially out of Luna.

    N. 2. The same Spirit (of Salt) very well puri∣fied by dissolutions and coagulations, if (for 8 days) thou digest in Baln. vapor. it will be dissolved: the dissolution if thou again shalt moysten with Spirit of Wine (8 days) thou art made partaker of a Men∣struum fit for dissolving Sol.

    3. A Spirit by putrefaction;

    Take the urine of a childe (twelves years old) that drinks Wine, a great quantity, set it into Horses dung, or Baln. M. 40 days to putrifie, then de∣cant it from the faeces, and distil it by an Alembeck (or bladder) in sand so long till all the moisture be drawn away by distilling, this humidity cohobate three times from its Caput mortuum. At length it being distilled in a Cucurbite, with a long neck, set it to the heat; yet so, that the Alembeck may always be cold, so there ascends a spirit like Crystal with∣out any moisture, rectifie the Crystals by dissol∣ving them in rain water distilled, and by distilling

    Page 44

    them in a Vial as before, six times, always pouring on new rain water distilled; afterward digest the Crystals in an Hermetical vial, shut 15 days, with a gentle fire, until they change into a most clear liquor.

    N. 1. Sennertus from the Urine defecated after the said manner, by distilling, draws at least a fourth or sixth part, it being sublimated after the said manner, with a gentle heat in a glasse, with a long neck.

    N. 2. Others distil the Urine putrified in a Cu∣curbit, whose orifice they stop with a threefold pa∣per imbrewed ith Oyl, or a Spunge moistned in like manner, by which the fiery Spirit of the Urine only may passe.

    N. 3. Because Urine by distilling doth easily boyl over, thou must warily use the fire.

    N. 4. Some to correct the stench (which also by the aforesaid manner is in some manner corrected) pour on the Spirit of Wine, and again abstract it with a gentle fire; and they do it often, always pouring on new Spirit of Wine: but the Salt of Urine by this means corrected, deserves to be called not the simple Salt of Urine, but rather the Magi∣sterium, that is, Salt of Urine impregnated with Salt of Wine. See concerning these distillations Hartman in his Prax. and upon Crollius, Sennertus in his Instit. kesl. in his first book and second chapter, fourth book, and twenty fourth chapter, &c.

    The vertues.

    It is an excellent Anodyne in aches (if rubbed on with some convenient liquor) it opens also the tartareous obstructions of the bowels and Mesentery, whence the use of it might be great in the Scurvy, Hypochondriack, Cachexy, yellow and black Jaun∣dise; it wasts the stone of the kidneys and of the

    Page 45

    bladder, and mitigates the pains arising from thence, &c. The same Salt if it be dissolved in spirit of Vi∣triol, and again distilled in sand, there comes a li∣quor most efficacious in the Epilepsie. The same spirit very well purified (dissolving it often in rain water, and distilling it) and joyned with spirit of Wine, of each alike, dissolveth Sol, whence is po∣table Sol.

    4. The Antepileptick Spirit of Urine is made of Urine, and twice as much Vitriol digested and distilled.

    N. Quercetan. Of the signature of things describes it in many words, and by the same labor draws it in Baln. M.

    1. An Ophthalmick Phlegm (first coming out).

    2. An Antipodagrick.

    3. By a Retort, an Icy spirit, i. e. coagulable, which he highly commendeth to open the obstructi∣ons of the liver, and milt, to provoke urine and dis∣solve the stone; as also to allay Inflamations and Gangrenes.

    5. The Magistery of Urine;

    Take Urine putrified (as already said) and cleared from the dregs, distil it with a gentle fire out of B. M. until all the phlegm be come forth, then cease, and rectifie the Spirit out of a Vial with a long neck, so shalt thou have a Volatile salt; which ga∣ther, and the phlegm cast away. Distil the remain∣der out of sand, and there shall ascend a Volatile salt out of the Colcothar; elixiviate the fixed salt, and coagulate it to drynesse, and being mixt with thrice as much clay, and made into balls (after the balls be dryed) distil by a Retort (as the spirit of Salt is distilled) upon this spirit pour the former spirit by drops on the Volatile Salt, until the crack cease, then give fire of Sublimation in sand, and there

    Page 46

    shall be sublimed a most excellent Salt of Urine, and pleasant to the sight.

    The vertues.

    This Sublimate works more efficaciously then the former, by cutting the Tartar of the whole body, and expelling it by sweat, urine, or the belly: it cures many diseases arising from thence, or at least eases them, as are Atrophy, &c. it preserves also from the pain of the Stone (if it be taken every moneth before the new Moon)

    The Dose 7. 8. 9. 10. grains in a convenient li∣quor.

    The dayly use thereof may be continued for some time.

    6. The Oyl of Ludus;

    That is to say, of the tartareous matter, which sticketh to the Chamber-pot, is made by calcining and by dissolving in a moist place.

    The vertues.

    It is excellent to dissolve the Stone.

    The Dose is one scruple.

    X. The ordure mollifies, procures matter, and is Anodyne. It is of notable use to mitigate dolors from Incantations (applyed on the place) to procure mat∣ter in Plague sores, to cure the Squinsie (dryed, powdered, and anointed on with Honey) to remedy the Inflamations of wounds. Moreover, it is inwardly used of many in the Squinsie (burnt and given to drink) in Fevers to prevent the fits (taken in the manner). The Dose two drams in the Epilepsie (which as the report is, the first ordure of an In∣fant dryed and powdered, and given for many days, doth pull up by the roots.)

    Preparat.

    1. The distilled water is made with the Oyl with one and the same labour.

    Page 47

    The vertues.

    It is said to cure the nayl or web of the eye, and other diseases of the white of the eye, (one or two drops instilled) to procure a good colour to the face, to beget hairs, to cure corroding Ulcers and Fistulaes, and to take away the skars of the hands.

    It is accounted inwardly to profit those that have the Falling-sickness and the Dropsie, it drives out the Stone of the reyns and bladder, and helps the bitings of a mad Dog, and of venomous beasts.

    2. The Oyl.

    Take the ordure of a young man (not a boy) as much as you will, let be it dryed in the air, or in an Oven, with an easie fire; then distil it by an Alem∣beck first with a gentle fire, so there shall come forth a phlegm, and at length with the white Spirits an Oyl; let both be rectified by B. M.

    Poterius makes it thus.

    Take a great quantity of mans ordure, let it pu∣trifie of it self, and be turned into certain little creatures, and then let it passe almost into air. This ordure thus prepared, distil out of a Retort, first with an easie fire, after with a stronger, so there shall come forth an Oyl and water.

    N. The strong smell of both is taken away by re∣peated rectifications and cohobations.

    The vertues.

    It helps sores of the Head, Erysipelas ulcerated, Tetters (anointed), it easeth pains of the Gout, it cures and mortifies the Cancer.

    Inwardly it cures the Jaundise.

    3. The Western Civet is nothing else but ordure brought to a sweetnesse by digestion, by which it re∣sembles Civet.

    XI. The seed or sperm; we finde this used of many,

    Page 48

    not only to unloose the bewitched ligature of Ve∣nus, but also thereof a Magnetick Mumy made, by which the heat of love is procured. Moreover from hence doth Paracelsus feign his homunculus, or little man.

    XII. The bloud (fresh and drunk hot) is said to avail against the Epilepsie, if being drunk there be used a more violent motion and swift pace to the breaking out of sweat. It stays all bleeding (drunk new, or made into powder.) Moreover out∣wardly it heals the eruption of bloud, especially at the nostrils (the powder put up, or the fresh bloud anointed on the fore-head, that there it may be dryed)

    N. 1. The drinking of the bloud requires great caution, because it not only brings a Truculency to the takers, but also the Epilepsie.

    N. 2. The bloud of a child-bed woman heals the running scab (being fresh, and anointed once or twice with the secundine.)

    Preparat.

    1. The water distilled is made with one labour with the Oyl.

    The vertues.

    It is profitable in Consumptive and withered bo∣dies; (an ounce drunk and rubbed on the members) it is good in cleansing and healing Fistulaes, and cool∣ing burnt places.

    N. There is also distilled a water of bloud, and wo∣mans milk, of each a like quantity, and it is com∣mended for taking away the spots of the skin.

    2. The Oyl distilled.

    Take a great quantity of young mens bloud (extra∣cted in the Spring) Alcohol, of Wine one third part, the vials wel closed, digest in Horses dung 40 days, then

    Page 49

    distill it in an Alembeck out of ashes, and with the water there comes forth an Oyl, rectifie both, the water by M.B. the Oyl by a Retort out of ashes, di∣stilling it 9 or 10 times.

    The vertues.

    It is very much commended for rooting out the Epilepsie (if half a scruple thereof be taken every day for a whole moneth, beginning at the new of the Moon, and afterward every new Moon once in a year a scruple) for the Palsey, Apoplexy, Lungs ulcerated, Pleurisie.

    N. The distillation of mans bloud is not found ordered after the same manner.

    For some distil it fresh and as yet hot, and that two ways of it self, and without addition, and with some part of spirit of Wine rectified mixt with it.

    Others distil it not fresh and new, but either dryed or digested for some time: some make the digestion of the bloud alone (adding a little salt) others of the bloud with spirit of Wine rectified.

    The Anatomy of bloud affords first a water, 2. A Spirit, that is, water rectified. 3. An Oyl, that is, a thicker liquor. 4. A Volatile Salt. 5. A fixed Salt: but we mention only the more usual.

    3. The Oyl rectified.

    Take the bloud of a healthful young man drawn from a vein in May, receive it in a Cucurbit, that only a fourth part be filled, then let it be kept in the vessel being shut, in an indifferent heat, that by the swelling of the bloud, the whole Cucurbit may be filled, then let the Distillation be made, and first comes forth a water (of no great vertue unless that being more fully wrought, it is used of some to extract the Salt) let the rest be driven out b a Retort in ashes, the joynts well closed. Let that which is distilled be poured again upon the feces,

    Page 50

    and cohobation be made nine times, that a red co∣lour may follow.

    N. In distilling, observe that thou burn not the feces with too much fire, and bring them to a coal; and therefore thou must only distil them to dry∣nesse.

    The vertues.

    It is accounted of very great force to refresh the sick.

    4. An Antipodagrical Balsome, or Oyl of Mans bloud Alcasitated: It is made after the same man∣ner.

    Take mans bloud, while it is hot, one measure, putrefie it 9 days, then distil it out of sand by de∣grees; first with an easie fire, then with a stronger by a Retort, and there shall come forth a red Oyl and stinking, the Volatile Salt sticking to the joynts of the neck. Rectifie the Oyl by the Colcothar out of a Cucurbit with the heat of sand, distilling it often from the fresh Colcothar; at length dissolve the Salt in this corrected Oyl, and keep it for use.

    The vertues.

    It is of wonderful force in the Gout, anoynted twice or thrice a day for six days together. It ap∣peaseth the pain, the tumor and rednesse vanishing away.

    N. Of like vertue is the Balsom drawn from the bloud of Goats and Harts, in which it is requisite to add the bowels, viz. the lights, heart and liver.

    5. An Antepileptick spirit.

    Take the spirit of mans bloud dephlegmated and rectified three times, two pounds Infusion of Laven∣der flowers (in Wine) two pounds, mingle and di∣still tem in B. M. to the half, repeat it thrice, then add Spirit of Wine rectified two ounces, and keep it for use.

    Page 51

    The vertus.

    It cures the Apoplexy, Palsie, Asthma, &c.

    N. Beguïnus hath other preparations of Mans bloud, which may be seen in the Author.

    6. An Alexiterian Mummy of life,

    Is the bloud of a lusty and healthful man dryed with a gentle fire, impregnated with the Spirit of Limons, and Spirit of Vitriol, and with a little myrrh made into Trochisces.

    The vertues.

    It is very efficacious in curing Carbuncles.

    The Dose half a dram in water of Cinamon drunk in the morning fasting.

    7. The Arcanum of mans bloud, see it in Faber his Myrothec. the 8 chapter. Bylnick. of the nature of Spagyr. n. 66.

    XIII. The stone dissolves Tartar, viz. the stone in all parts, and causes it to be driven out, and there∣fore it helps all obstructions.

    The Dose of the powder one dram.

    Preparat.

    1. A Crystalline salt,

    Take the stone very well calcined (that the hard∣nesse be softned) boyl it in water, and it will be dissolved into a certain coloured water. Then the filtrature being evaporated, there remains the salt in the bottom, which calcine again if you please, and dissolve it in boyling water, coagulate it and set it to Crystallize.

    N. The calcination may be ordered diversly, some calcine it with Niter 6 hours, some with Sulphur and Niter, others with twise as much of beechen coals.

    Sennertus calcines the stone powdered with a circu∣lar fire, then reverberatory, and at length with bee∣chen coals, (in a potters furnace,) Instit. lib. 5. p. 3, s. 3. cap. 5.

    Page 52

    2. Oyl or liquor,

    It is made if the Salt be dissolved in the moist air.

    The Dose from 6 grains to 10.

    N. Sennertus calcines it with Niter, then extracts the Salt with Spirit of Wine, and the Spirit of Wine being separated he sets the Salt to melt.

    3. The Essence or Elixir.

    Take the Salt of the stone crystallized, volatize it with Spirit of Wine, then abstract with a gentle heat the Spirit of Wine, and the Oyl remains.

    The Dose from 5 grains to 10.

    XIV. The Membrane which covers the head of some children, is said to have very great vertue against the pain of the Colick.

    Of a Carcasse or Dead Man.

    I. The whole carkasse or flesh in shops comes under the name of Mumy.

    This dissolves coagulated bloud (two drams taken) and it is said to be good for purging the head, pun∣ction of the milt, cough, puffing up of the body, the courses obstructed, and other affects of the womb, and the like.

    Outwardly, it is used in consolidating wounds.

    N. Mumy commonly signifies four things;

    1. The Mumy of the Arabians, which is a concrete liquor, sweating in Sepulchres out of carkasses con∣dited with myrrhe, Aloes and Balsome.

    2. Of the Egyptians, which is a liquor from car∣kasses condited with Pissalphaltum, for with this the carkasses of the meaner rank, being preserved are to be sold.

    3. Pissalphaltum counterfeit, i. e. Bitumen mixt with Pitch, which they sell for Mumy.

    4. A carkasse in the sand scorched with the heat of the Sun. It happens, that in the land of the

    Page 53

    Hammonians, which is betwixt the land of Cyrene and Alexandria, the heaps of sands heaved up by the whirl∣wind over-whelm the heedlesse travellers, whence their carkasses are scorched with the burning heat of the Sun.

    5. To these may the Mumy of the more modern be added, which is thus made: Let there be chosen the carkasse of a red hair'd man (because in such the bloud is accounted thinner, and in that respect the flesh more excellent) int re, new, without ble∣mish, about 24 years of age, killed by a violent death (not a disease) hang it in the beams of the Luminaries by day and night, when the weather is clear. Of this cut the musculous parts into little pieces, and sprinkle them with the powder of Myrrh and a little Aloes; afterward imbibe it by infusion in Spirit of Wine for some days, then let it be hanged up 6 or 10 hours, and be again imbibed with Spirit of Wine: at length let the pieces dry be∣ing hanged in a dry air and shady place; then is it like to flesh hardened with smoak without stench.

    N. Of these kindes of Mumy now rehearsed, al∣though I derogate not from the former, if they can be had from sound bodies, especially the first, which yet I scarse believe is brought to us: not∣withstanding I affirm, the two latter are to be pre∣ferred before the other, as in whom we are free from the fear which Renodeus intimates, affirming the Mumy of the shops to be nothing but the juyce of a rotten carkasse pressed out and thickned, and therefore sold to the great hurt of man-kinde.

    Preparat.

    The common medicines in which the Mumy of the shops is an ingredient, do every where occur. And they are.

    The powder for a fall or bruise, Athanasia the

    Page 54

    great, the Balsom of Peter de Ebano, the sympathe∣tick oyntment, the black Emplaister called of the Apostles, The Cerot, for those that are bursten, Lauda∣num, Opiat, &c.

    Besides the lesse common are,

    1. The tincture or extract of Mumy. Quercet.

    It is made of common Mumy extracting it with spirit of Wine, and Turpentine of each a like quanti∣ty, and again separating the menstruum to the con∣sistence of honey.

    The vertues.

    It is Alexipharmacal, and very much resisteth rot∣tenness, it is also commended for the diseases of the breast, the Asthma, Consumption, &c.

    N. The remaining feces are very Anodyne.

    2. The Tincture or Elixir of Mumy. Croll.

    It is made of the Mumy of the more modern, with the spirit of Wine, or spirir of Elder.

    N. Of this Crollius makes Treacle of Mumy, which takes of the tincture of Mumy half a pound, Treacle of Andromach 4 ounces, oyl Olive mumiated 2 ounces, salt of Corall, and Pearl, of each 2 drams, sealed earth 2 ounces, Musk one dram, digest them a moneth.

    The vertues.

    It is commended against all poysons and infections, it preserves from the Plague taken the quantity of a scruple, and cures it taken the quantity of a dram, or a dram and half.

    N. In poysons it may be given with oyl of sweet Almonds to provoke vomit.

    3. The Tincture Alcolisated or Elixir of Mumy.

    Take Mumy (mans flesh dryed) cut into thin slices, powre upon it the spirit of Turpentine, and set it in an Hermetical vessell close stopt for a moneth to putrefie. Poure some spirit of Wine rectified upon

    Page 55

    the expression received in beasts bladders. Put it in a blind Alembeck upon a gourd, the joynts very well fenced, so that the gourd being set into cold water, the sand and coals about the Alembeck may do their office with a gentle heat, by the benefit whereof the liquor or Quintessence in a very subtle manner, with the spirit of Wine fals through the bladder. The remaining matter is to be reverberated and by sub∣limation to be brought into salt, and at length to be united with the Quintessence by the means of cir∣culation, after it be separated from the spririt of Wine by B. M. which being finished the Quintessence of the Mumy may further be digested with the treacle and the musk, and so kept in the form of an Elixir.

    The vertues.

    It is a present Remedy both of the plague, as also of other venomous medicines or things.

    N. There is a report of a tincture of Mumy of its four elements separated from themselves by course, and again joyned together, which who desires to see, may in Tetzel in Med. Diastat.

    4. Another tincture or secret of Mans flesh.

    1. The rectified spirit of Wine is powred upon Mans flesh for four dayes, the spirit of Wine being decanted, the same is again moistned.

    2. The spirit of Salt at severall times that it may drink up a great quantity thereof, then dry it, thou hast the flesh seasoned very profitable.

    3. From this extract the Tincture with Spirit of Wine, brought by the force of digestion to the high∣est fragrancy. Defecate it by circulation, ex∣tract the Salt from the feces calcined, and that being cleared, mingle it with the tincture and ex∣tract it.

    Page 56

    5. Oyl Olive mumiated.

    Take Mumy first prepared (or hardned) cut it into pieces and digest it with Oyl Olive in an Hermetical vessell close shut for a moneth. Then powre it into a glasse gourd, and let the Mercury exhale in B. M. un∣till no stench come forth, and all the Mumy be dissol∣ved. Digest the solution 20 dayes, with spirit of Wine, afterward abstract the same, and there remains a red and odoriferous oyl.

    N. Quercetan takes fresh Mumy.

    The vertues.

    It hath all the vertues and properties of natu∣rall Balsom; it is good in venomous and pestilent affects.

    6. An Oyl exalted.

    Oyl after the said manner prepared, may be fur∣ther exalted if it be digested with spirit of Wine, and the spirit of Wine again abstracted, and so repeated 3 or 4 times.

    The vertues.

    This tincture or exalted Oyl of Mumy, is said to excell with such a reviving faculty, that there is not a past which it pierceth not, no Ulcer, no corrupti∣on which it cures not if you give thereof dayly twise for some continuance of time 4 or 5 grains with a convenient decoction.

    N. Libavius to the fresh flesh cut into pieces, addes a little salt and spirit of Turpentine, infuses it in a close vessell, strains it and suffers the stink to exhale the vessell being open, afterward he distils it by a Retort, or a straight Alembick, and adding musk and spirit of Wine he digesteth it.

    7. The divine water.

    Take a whole carkasse with the bone, flesh, bowels (of one kild by a violent death) let it be cut into pieces very small, and all the parts of the body so

    Page 57

    pounded, that nothing remain unmixed, then distill it two times.

    The vertues.

    Some extoll this divine Water for its Magnetick vertue.

    As thus.

    They mingle some drops of bloud (3 or 9) drawn from some patient with a part (a dram) of the said water, and they set it to the fire, if the bloud and water be mixed together, they promise health with∣in a short space (24 hours) but if they shall remain unmixt, they affirm death to follow shortly. For want of the bloud they proceed in the same manner with the excrements, urine, ordure, sweat, corrup∣ted matter or the like, which yet they use in a grea∣ter Dose.

    II. The skin is commended in hard labour and diseases Hystericall (if the belly be bound therewith) in the withering and contraction of the joynts (if gloves be made thereof and worn.)

    III. The fat or grease corroborates, discusses, as∣swages pains, removes shrinkings, mitigates the hardnesse of skars, fils the pits left after Smal∣pox.

    Preparat.

    A Liniment, mingle the grease with spirit of Vitrioll, whence is left a certain clammy sub∣stance.

    The vertues.

    It is piercing, and is used in Blastings.

    IV. Mans bones do dry, discusse, binde, stay all fluxes, and are profitable in Catarrhes, flowing of the Menstrues, Dysentery, Lientery. Moreover they mi∣tigate the aches of the joynts.

    N. 1. It is usuall to mix them with purging me∣dicines.

    Page 58

    N. 2. The teeth pluckt out of the jaw of one dead, are used and commended against diseases by Witchcraft (in fume) and to pull out worm-eaten teeth (if they be often touched therewith.)

    Preparat.

    1. The powder or ashes made after the com∣mon manner by calcination in a Potters furnace.

    2. The bones prepared are made after the com∣mon manner, by making them smooth with a con∣venient water.

    3. The Magistery may be made after the common manner.

    4. The Oyl is made by Distillation in a Re∣tort.

    The Vertues.

    It discusses, it is anodyne, and therefore an excel∣lent medicine against the Gowt.

    V. The marrow of the bones, is chiefly commended against the shrinking of members.

    VI. The skull is found to prevail against the dis∣eases of the head, and namely the Epilepsie, whence it is that it entreth many Antepilepticall compo∣sitions.

    The triangular bone of the temples is very much commended as a specificall Remedy against the Epi∣lepsie.

    Preparat.

    1. The skull calcined is made after the common manner in Potters furnace.

    2. The skull prepared, is made of the calcined with an Antepileptick water, as of water of the Linden tree.

    3. The Magistery of the skull is made after the common manner, dissolving it in some acid spirit, as of Vitrioll, and precipitating it.

    The Dose a scruple or half a dram.

    Page 59

    4. The compound Magistery or essentificated spirit of the skull, is made if with the acid liquor, Oyl or volatile salt, there be joyned the fixed salt drawn out of the dead head, and afterward be di∣gested and united together in ashes for a Philosophi∣call moneth.

    The vertues.

    It is Antepileptick, whose vertues far exceed ordi∣nary Antepilepticks.

    5. The Oyl is made by distilling the bruised skuls in a Retort, there comes forth an oyl and a volatile salt.

    N This vulgar Oyl in shops is uncorrected, but it were better to rectifie it with spirit of Wine.

    The Dose from 4 grains to 6.

    6. The Volatile salt is gotten by the same labour with the Oyl.

    7. The extract or tincture of the skull,

    Take 2 or 3 skuls grossely beaten, digest them 14 dayes, and cohobate them with spirit of Juniper or Sage powred 4 or 5 fingers high, infuse them in a viall with a long neck very well joyned in B. V. 12, 13, or 14 dayes, then presse them very strongly through a presse, and there will come forth a red oyly liquor, strain it and abstract it in B. V. to the con∣sistence of Sapa or Rob.

    The vertues.

    This extract digested, and perfectly purifyed is to be carefully kept as a pretious treasure against the Epilepsie.

    The Dose half a scruple to a scruple, with its proper sublimated water.

    8. The extract or gelly of Theophrastus.

    Take the filings of the skull, digest them with spirit of Wine (saged) 15 dayes, then distill it in a

    Page 60

    Retort (and having infused them 15 dayes) cohobate 3 times, at length circulate 5 or 6 dayes, and the spi∣rit of Wine being separated in B. M. keep the essence which will be like Rennet.

    The Dose 5 or 6 grains daily.

    VII. The Ʋsnea of the skull (i. e. the mosse growing on the skull of one slain, and exposed to the air) is very astringent.

    And it is of great use in staying every flux of bloud, as of the nose (put in.)

    N. 1. Some affirm that the Mosse holden in the hands like a charm stayes all bleeding.

    N. 2. There growes also upon other bones laid in the air a certain Ʋsnea, which some account inferi∣our, but it is found by experience to have also a great power of astringing.

    The Ʋsnea of the skull enters the Composition of the Sympathetick or Magnetick oyntment.

    VIII. Of the brain are made,

    1. The spirit of Mans brain called the golden water.

    Take the brain of a young man (not 24. years old) healthfull, kild by a violent death, with all the mem∣brains, arteries, veins, and sinews, with all the mar∣row of the back bone, bruise them and upon them powre of Cephalick waters (flowers of the Linden, Peony, Betony, Black-cherry, Lavander, Lilly, Con∣vall, chiefly Diaphoretick in acute diseases) as much as is sufficient to 4 or 5 fingers height, leave it for a time, afterward distill it by Cohobes, out of the cal∣cined feces, draw the Salt, which after joyn with the spirit, and keep all carefull.

    The vertues.

    It is accounted a notable Antepileptick.

    The Dose from one scruple to 4.

    Page 61

    N. Of the brain of an Alce in like manner may an excellent Antepileptick be prepared.

    2. Oyl of the brain.

    Mingle with the substance of the brain some com∣mon Salt, and distill it by a Retort of glasse in sand.

    The vertues.

    It is also an excellent Antepileptick, and very much comforts the head.

    N. Almost the whole substance of the brain may be brought to Oyl, then there is little Salt to be ex∣pected.

    3. An Antepileptick water.

    Take of mans brain 3 pounds, water of Lilly Convall, of Lavander, of primrose, of Malmesey, of each three pounds, let them stand in infusion 5 dayes and be then distilled in B. M.

    IX. Of mans gall is made an extract with spirit of Wine, which dropped into the ear wonderfully helps deafness.

    X. The heart helps the Epilepsie (dryed and given.)

    And these are the medicines taken from Man, which the straightnesse of an Epitome would give leave to describe; he that desires more at large, may finde plenty in Authors. Daniel Berker hath written a whole Treatise thereof.

    Page 62

    XXIV. Lepus, the Hare,

    IS a very fearfull creature and fruitfull, engendering at any time.

    Whence we have many medicinals,

    • 1. The ashes of a Hare.
    • 2. The head.
    • 3. The eye.
    • 4. The bloud.
    • 5. The lungs.
    • 6. The brain.
    • 7. The heart.
    • 8. The liver.
    • 9. The gall.
    • 10. The kidneys.
    • 11. The testicles.
    • 12. The matrix.
    • 13. The rennet.
    • 14. The ancle-bone.
    • 15. The fat.
    • 16. The dung.
    • 17. The hairs.

    Their vertues.

    1. The ashes is made of a whole Hare burnt (that is best which is taken in the spring) or of the whole skin incinerated. It is a most excellent medicine in the Stone.

    The Dose to one scruple and half dram or dram.

    It cures also shedding of hair, and kibed heels.

    N. Laurenburg calcines not the Hare, but cuts off the head and dryes it in a pot in an Oven, and useth the powder.

    2. The head helps the shedding of the hair (the ashes anoynted with honey) whitens the teeth (the ashes in Dentifrices.)

    3. The eyes of a Hare taken in March, are good for hard travell in childe-birth, drives out the mole and secundine (dryed with pepper) without any com∣pression, and applyed on the crown of the head, that the pupill may touch the crown.

    Page 63

    4. The bloud anoynted cures the diseases of the skin of the face, as pimples and the morphew (rosted) it stayes Dysenteries and Celiack purging, it breaks the stone.

    5. The lungs help those that are troubled with sighing. It is also said to cure the Epilepsie (seasoned with brine and dayly eaten with Myrrhe for a moneth, it cures kibes (applyed.)

    6. The brains rubbed on the gums of Infants fa∣cilitates their toothing, mends the trembling mem∣bers (rosted and eaten.)

    7. The heart is said also to cure the Epilepsie (used as the lungs) to ease the pains of the womb (the powder taken) in speciall manner to cure the Quartain (cut into three parts and generall evacu∣ation having gone before a third part drunk in the beginning of three fits every time.)

    8. The liver stops the flux of the belly and helps the Liver-grown.

    9. The gall is an excellent Ophthalmick, and Odontalgick medicine.

    10. The kidneys and testicles are given to those that are troubled with the Stone (dryed) they further conception (taken after the termes) they help invo∣luntary pissing.

    11. The Testicles free from the incontinency of urine, help the diseases of the bladder, conduce to conception (powdered and taken.)

    12. The matrix in like manner conduces to con∣ception (dryed and taken after the terms.)

    13. The Rennet disperseth congealed bloud, helps conception (after the termes applyed on the Matrix with Butter) but being drunk it kils the childe, drives away the Epilepsie, &c.

    N. That is most excellent which is taken before the young have tasted any other thing but the Mo∣thers milk.

    Page 64

    14. The little bone of the ancle is commended a∣gainst gravel, the Colick, Epilepsie and the throwes in childe-bearing (powdered and taken.)

    N. The same is affirmed of the vertebres of the tail.

    15. The fat outwardly applyed, especially if it be old, excels with so great force of drawing, that it will draw out darts fastned in the skin. Moreover it breaks apostumes, heals the tooth-ach (applyed be∣hind the ears.)

    16. The dung is said to help those that are troubled with the Stone (the ashes given) it helps the Dysentery (being drunk) heals burnings (apply∣ed on the place.)

    17. The hairs are mingled with liniments for stay∣ing of bloud.

    XXV. Lupus, the Wolf,

    IS a beast adventurous, greedy, ravenous, not un∣like to a Dog.

    In medicine there is use made of,

    • 1. Teeth.
    • 2. Heart.
    • 3. Liver.
    • 4. Bowels.
    • 5. Grease.
    • 6. Bones.
    • 7. Ordure.
    • 8. Skin.

    Their vertues.

    1. The teeth inclosed in silver are proper for chil∣dren to rub their gums withall, they cause the teeth when they are ready to break out, to ap∣pear, being bound to them they hinder their frighting.

    Page 65

    2. The heart is accounted profitable for those that are lyable to the Falling-sicknesse (rosted and powdered.)

    3. The liver helps the diseases of the liver, the Hydropick and Consumptive, and those that cough, (dryed and used.)

    4. The bowels or intestines are chiefly given against the Colick, which also they are said to drive away, if tyed about one; this is also reported of the skin.

    The Dose of them dryed and powdered is one dram.

    5. The grease is of no lesse vertue then Dogs grease, it heats, digests, cures the diseases of the joynts, helps the blearednesse of the eyes (if rubbed therewith.)

    6. The bones are good against the Pleurisie, and also stroaks and prickings.

    7. The dung helps the Colick (given one dram, or tyed about the arms or thighes with a band made of the wooll of a sheep torn in pieces of a Wolf, or of the skin of an Hart.)

    8. The skin of a Wolf is commended against the Colick (a bed coverlet made thereof, or a girdle, whose hairs may touch the belly.)

    Preparat.

    1. An Oyl is made of a Wolf boyled in Oyl.

    The vertues thereof are to mitigate the pain of the Gout.

    2. The Essence of the bloud of a Wolf is efficaci∣ous to dissolve clotted bloud.

    Page 66

    XXVI. Lynx.

    HEnce are medicinal,

    • 1. The fat.
    • 2. The nayl of the foot.

    1. The grease is good for the Paralytick joynts, or troubled with the Cramp, or out of joynt.

    2. The nayl is set in gold or silver, and is worn against the Falling-sicknesse, the Cramp or Convul∣sion.

    N. That is best, which is on the right foot in place of the thumb.

    XXVII. Moschius, S. Moschi Capreolus,

    IS an outlandish Beast not much unlike to a Doe, common in the Kingdom of Cathai Pegu (under the great Cham) and as others write, in Egypt and other places; it loves the Alpes, feeds on Spikenard, and other odoriferous herbs.

    N. It is carryed into Italy, but without profit, for it neither affords Musk, nor is it long of life.

    Moschus, Musk,

    Is an excrement inclosed in a bag, grown about the navil, while that beast is pricked with the heat of venery. It rubs this bag, while it pains it, against the stones or boughes of trees, and so breaks it, causing the matter therein contained to flow forth and stick to the stones, then by the heat of the Sun being further concocted, it becomes Musk of a most sweet smell.

    Page 67

    N. Some gather the Musk, cutting the bag, and lay it in the ayr; but as this is lesse digested than the former, so is it inferior to it in goodnesse. It is adul∣terated many ways, but whosoever knows that which is pure and perfect, may easily finde out the Impo∣sture, from the smell and tast; and also from the weight. Many try the Musk whether it be right af∣ter this manner: They put a weight of it examined by the skales upon the lip moistned, then a little af∣ter they weigh it again, which if it be carryed up, they account it right and good; if otherwise, spurious and adulterate.

    The vertues.

    It heats in the second degree, dryes in the third; it attenuates, disperses; it is cordial, and Alexiphar∣macal and Cephalical.

    It is of special use in all passions of the heart, in the palpitation thereof (drunk and anoynted) for it refresheth the vital spirits, and raiseth them: it is used in the affects of the head and sinews arising from cold and grosse humors, as also in the Co∣lick, &c.

    Outwardly used, it wipes off the thin spots of the eyes, and dryes up moyst defluxions; it stirs up Venery, restores decayed hearing (put into the Ears with Cotton.)

    The Dose 4 or 5 grains.

    N. Because by its sweet odour it moves the Ma∣trix, it is lesse conveniently given to women liable to the suffocation of the Matrix, but on the con∣trary with more benefit is it anointed upon the se∣crets to draw down the womb.

    Page 68

    XXVIII. Mulus, Mula, the Mule,

    IS a beast of long life, bred on a Mare and an Asse, and therefore barren.

    In medicine are used,

    • 1. The hoof.
    • 2. Ʋrine.
    • 3. The dung.
    • 4. The dung.
    • 5. The liver, &c.

    1. The hoof in fume stays the too much flowing of the terms; the ashes drunk, makes one barren; anoynted, helps shedding of hair.

    2. The urine with its own mud or gravel, cures the corns of the feet.

    3. The dung stayes the flowing of the terms, and helps the Dysentery (burnt, beaten, sifted, and drunk) It helps the pain of the milt.

    4. The heart, liver, kidneys, womb, testicles, foam of the mouth, every one of these is said to cause ste∣rility.

    XXIX. Mus, the Mouse.

    THE Mouse is a little Beast, very well known, of a short life, very venereous.

    In use are,

    • 1. The Mouse it self.
    • 2. The dung.

    The vertues.

    1. A living Mouse cut asunder and applyed, draws out pricks, darts, arrows, &c. cures the biting of Scorpions; draws out the poyson. The ashes cure involuntary pissing by night (drunk) helps the shed∣ding of hair (anoynted) heals an old cough, (the ashes) see Forest.

    Page 69

    2. The dung moves childrens bodies, (given to the quantity of 3. 4. 5. 6. grains; or put up in a Sup∣pository) it is useful in Clysters and Supositories, it helps the shedding of the hair, cleanseth the scales of the head (anoynted) breaks the stones of the Kidneys and Bladder; it takes away the swelling of the Fundament, and Warts of all sorts, and the Piles, (the ashes boyled with Wine and applyed).

    Mus araneus, the Shrew,

    Is a special experiment for the diseases of the fun∣dament, burnt and anointed with Goose grease.

    Mus Alpinus, the Alpine Mouse,

    Is a Beast inhabiting in the highest Alpes, almost exceeding a Coney in greatnesse, sleeping all the Winter.

    The fat is commended as good for the sinews and joynts contracted, stiffe, &c.

    Mus major, a Rat.

    N. It is said to carry poyson in its tayl.

    The vertues.

    The dung of Rats, to the number of 9 swallowed, are accounted of some women a singular experiment, whereby they endevour to help the obstruction of the terms.

    Page 70

    XXX. Ovis, the Sheep,

    IS a tame beast and fearfull.

    In medicine from hence we have,

    • 1. The brain.
    • 2. The gall.
    • 3. Oesypus.
    • 4. Lana succida.
    • 5. Suet.
    • 6. Lungs.
    • 7. The Caul.
    • 8. The dung.
    • 9. The piss.
    • 10. The bladder.
    • 11. Head and feet.
    • 12. Lice.

    Their vertues.

    1. They say that the brain of a Ram is good in driving away immoderate sleep in Epidemick dis∣eases (they fry the brain, and with fat make it into a cake, adding thereto Cinamon, Nutmeg, and then use it) It facilitates toothing (annoynted with honey.)

    2. The gall (in wooll and applyed on the navill of infants) looses the belly, heals an outward Canker (anoynted) helps mattery ears (dropped in with wo∣mans milk.)

    3. Oesypus (the grease of moyst wooll commonly called Isopus humida) is thus made.

    Moist greasie wooll from the neck, bellies and thighes of Sheep are infused 6, 7, or 8 houres in boy∣ling water, then is it again made hot and stirred with a stick untill it hath sent all its grease into the water. This water (the wool removed) is stirred ve∣ry much with a woodden stick, or is powred from on high out of one vessell into another that it foam, so the filth thereof sticking to the foam may be separated. Let this cleansing be used, till no more foam arise. Let the gathered fat or grease be washed

    Page 71

    in pure water (others prefer sea-water) and wrought with the hands till it be white, and no more infect the water, and put on the tongue is light∣ly astringent. And all these ought to be done in the hot sun.

    The vertues.

    It mollifies, dissolves, heats, easeth pains, it is good for those that are dislocated, bruised, and the like.

    4. The greasie wooll is gathered in summer from the neck and thighes, which is soft and full of sweat.

    The vertues.

    It heats, softens, mitigates, it is very good for those that are bruised, beaten and dislocated (applyed with Vinegar, Oyl, Wine) Being burnt, it hath an heating, drying, sharp, biting and discussing faculty, and therefore it helps moist and soft tumors, and in∣veterate Ulcers. It restrains Excrescences, brings Ulcers to a skar, heals Fistulas, and suppurated ears (put into them.)

    5. The suet given in red wine, stayes bloud, cures the Diarrhea, Dysentery, and the tormenting pain of the belly in a Clyster.)

    6. The lights, (as also the fleshy bowels of other beasts) applyed unto the head, mitigate the pain and heat thereof, and bring to quietness the unruly spirits.

    They are of great use in the Frensie, watch∣ings, &c.

    7. The Caule (hot) cures the Colick (apply∣ed.)

    8. The dung hath a cooling, drying, opening and discussing quality.

    It is of very great use in the Jaundise (taken with parsley.)

    Outwardly it is good in the swelling of the milt,

    Page 72

    in great warts, corns, tumors of the skin, &c. in like manner it is confortative in burnings (powdered and sprinckled.)

    9. The urine (of a black or red Sheep) taken drives away the water between the skin (The same it doth being distilled.)

    The Dose 5 or 6 ounces.

    10. The bladder (as of a Goat) burned and used, helps those that pisse against their will.

    11. The head and feet of a Weather very well boy∣led in fountain water, helps a Consumption and shrinking of sinews (in a bath.)

    12. The lice are said to do excellently in the cure of the running Gowt (taken in number 9.)

    XXXI. Ranunculus Viridis, the Green-frog,

    IS a kind of an earthen Frog, lesse then others, very green in colour, loving bushes and sharpe places.

    In use are,

    • 1. The Frog.
    • 2. The bloud.

    The vertues.

    1. It agrees in vertues with the Water-frog, and its ashes sprinkled on wounds is said wonderfully to restrain bleeding.

    2. The bloud is especially commended for a philtre to procure love.

    Page 73

    XXXII. Rhinoceros,

    IS a beast as great as a Bull, like in shape to a Boar, having one horn on his snout, black, a cubit long, and spired, resembling the horn of a Buffe, solid without hollowness.

    N. He is said to have another little horn on the back, of the same colour with the former.

    The vertues.

    It is commended against poyson, infection and other diseases having need of sweat, and may be used for want of the Unicorns horn, in stead thereof.

    It is given in powder to half or a whole scruple.

    XXXIII. Serpens, a Serpent,

    IS a most subtle beast, casting his skin every year twice, viz. in the Spring and Autumn, resting a∣sleep in the Winter in the earth, chiefly under the roots of trees (Birch, Hasle) most hurtfull to man.

    N. The name of Serpent is generall compre∣hending under it many species of Serpents, but in this place we understand the common sort distinguish∣ed from Vipers, &c.

    N. 2. They are best which are gathered in the beginning of the Spring, when they cast their skin, yet not immediately after their coming forth out of their Winter dens.

    Page 74

    In medicinall use are,

    • 1. The whole ones burnt.
    • 2. The fat.
    • 3. The skin.
    • 4. The gall.

    The vertues in particular.

    1. The whole ones burnt, viz. the flesh, heart, bones and liver, are Alexipharmacall, and have a sudorifick quality (not venomous.)

    They are of especiall use outwardly in all veno∣mous and malignant diseases, as the Plague, Fever, Leprosie, and the like. Moreover Cardan brags of it as a secret, that the Consumptive, and those that have the French disease are holpen chiefly by the use of Vipers, if the flesh boyled be eaten, the broth drunken and the grease anointed on the spine and joynts. Neither is there cause that thou shouldest so much fear the internall use of Serpents, for thou mayest take the flesh, the skin pulled off the gall, tail, and bowels cast away, and use it in stead of meat.

    N. 1. The head is rejected because it is very veno∣mous, the tail is cast away not because it is veno∣mous, but because it only consists of bones, the bladder with the gall is rejected because it is the nearest receptacle of venomous matter, which thence by two passages is carried to the sockets of the teeth in which it becomes more full of spirit and more strong in effect, in so much that if any be pricked with the teeth of a Viper though dead long before, he is infected with the poyson; otherwise the gall, with which being new Dogs do die, but they eat it dryed without harm; we use not the bowels or puddings, because of the excrements or egges sticking thereto, otherwise these being cast away they may become usefull without harm.

    N. 2. According to some if thou keep asunder the heart and the liver, thou hast gotten a most preti∣ous

    Page 75

    medicinall treasure: but thou art mistaken if thou perswade thy self to have any thing of virtue distinct from the flesh and bones; in like manner thou art deceived if (as the common opinion is) by swallowing down the serpentine powder (or of the heart, newly extracted and as yet moving it self) thou imagine thy self free from the stingings of Serpents.

    2. The Fat softens strumes, cures the redness and spots of the eyes, sharpens the sight, asswages the pains of the Gowt.

    3. The skin is thought to facilitate child-bearing (tyed to the belly or loynes) and to asswage tooth-ach (in Gargarisms) It cures Tetters (made into pow∣der and applyed) helps shedding of hair, and makes hairs to grow (anointed.)

    4. The gall applyed on the stingings of Serpents, drawes the poyson to it. The same they affirm of the head applyed or laid to the place.

    Preparat.

    1. The powder.

    The powders of Serpents are of so many composi∣ons that every Mountibank imagines something pro∣per to himself. But what need is there of any compo∣sition, for Serpents unbowelled neither need to be corrected nor acuated, their force and vertue being sufficient, their fleshy and bony substance safe enough (the heart, liver, tongue, flesh, bones no whit ve∣nomous) if the whole Serpent be burnt, it exhales out the venomous quality (I would cast away the head) neverthelesse I will add one or two prepara∣tions.

    1. Take a Serpent cased (the bowels, head and tail cast away) wash and dry him, then powder him with the vertebres of the back, keep the powder for your use.

    Page 76

    The Dose from half to a dram.

    2. Take living Serpents (neither bowelled nor flayed) cast them into a pot covered, and boyl them at an easie fire, that all the fat and moisture may be wasted (without burning) then let them be made into powder.

    N. The former is the better, for in this there is fear lest the venomous parts have not sufficiently ex∣haled.

    Of this is made 2 An Animall compound Bezo∣artick.

    Take the powder of Serpents two ounces, root of Valerian, Angelica, Pimpinell, Rue, of each one dram, make them into powder, and mingle them with it.

    The Dose from one to two scruples or more.

    N. 1. The only powder is good against quick Spi∣ders, and arsnick, but not to cure the Plague by the experiment of Ʋntzer.

    N. 2. Out of the dryed flesh, is extracted the tincture with spirit of Wine, or with spirit of Juniper which is better.

    XXXIV. Sus, a Swine,

    IS a beast very flegmatique and moist, obnoxious to many diseases, as hoarsenesse, Squinsie, Strumes, Fever, Measels.

    N. There is no beast more like to man in the in∣ward parts then a Swine.

    Hence we borrow,

      Page 77

      • 1. Gall.
      • 2. Lungs.
      • 3. Grease.
      • 4. Bones.
      • 5. Huckle bone.
      • 6. Dung.
      • 7. Bladder.

      The vertues.

      1. Diascorides writes that a Swines gall is used a∣gainst the Ulcers of the ears, and all other with good successe. It hinders the growing of hair with Swines fat, of each a like, and one third part of sharpe Vine∣gar and oyl of Almonds, of each a like digested and anoynted.

      2. The lungs wonderfully profit, applyed to gal∣lings by shoes.

      3. The grease heats lesse, and therefore is used in cooling oyntments, it asswageth the old griefes of the loins and joynts (anoynted with ashes of bean straw or lime)

      Lard boyled and tyed about conglutinates happily the fractures of bones.

      N. 1. The grease of an old Swine, or which is seasoned with salt, is hotter and more efficacious then that which is taken out of young pigs, and is unsalted. So is old grease sharper then new.

      N. 2. Some use only Boars grease in lieu of the sympathetick oyntment.

      4. They say that the bones hung about the neck helps the Quartain. Believe thou that hast tryed it.

      5. The huckle bone is commended against fractures of bones, as also Colick and pains of the head (burnt and used.)

      6. The dung mollifies, discusses, is profitable in the Itch, Wheales and Cornes of the feet and other hard swellings (applyed hot) it heals the stingings of venomous creatures (boyled with Vinegar) it stayes bleeding at the Nose (mixed with water and anoynted)

      Page 78

      7. The bladder helps those that pisse against their will (boyled or burnt, and used) it performs the same, applyed on the secrets. It is said to provoke Urine. Pliny.

      Preparat.

      1. Divers oyntments are made of the grease, as oyntment of Roses, Pomatum.

      2. A water for an Atrophy,

      Is made of the bloud purged from the strings, and distilled in B. M. with bechicall cooling and moystning herbs.

      XXXV. Talpa, a Mole,

      IS a beast very quick of hearing, having this as a peculiar thing, that it cannot live but under the earth.

      Into Physical use are brought,

      • 1. The Mole it self.
      • 2. The heart.
      • 3. The bloud.

      The vertues.

      1. The ashes thereof helps the Leprosie, Evils and Fistulaes, (anoynted with the white of an egge, or honey.)

      Inwardly drunk with Ale or Wine, it cures the running Gowt, and the Evill.

      The Dose 10 grains taken dayly.

      2. The heart cures bursting (dryed, powdered and used for 3 or 4 dayes, viz. every day one.)

      N. It is best which is taken in May.

      The new bloud anointed, adornes baldnesse with hairs.

      Page 79

      N. It is a vulgar opinion, that if any compresse a Mole in his hand till she die, he shall be free from a Fever that year. Moreover in the fit of a Fever holden in the hand, it is thought to restrain the fits.

      XXXVI. Taxus, a Badger,

      IS of two sorts, dog-like, having feet like dogs feet, and Swine-like, imitating Swine in the feet.

      Hence to be used are,

      • 1. The whole Badger made into ashes.
      • 2. The Bloud.
      • 3. The Grease.

      The vertues.

      1. The whole Badger burnt to ashes is given with successe to those that are diseased in the lungs, and spit bloud.

      2. The bloud made into powder, is said to be good for the Leprosie, and being distilled helps the plague.

      3. The grease is the chief in shops, which as it is a little grosser, so it is a little hotter and of more efficacy then Swines grease. It helps the pain of the kidneys rising from the stone (anoynted or given in Clyster) It mitigates the heat of Fevers, helps the contraction and weakness of the members (with grease of a Fox or wilde Cat.)

      Page 80

      XXX. Vipera, the Viper,

      IS a kinde of Serpent bringing forth her young alive, more venomous then common Serpents, lurking in Winter in Rocks, or covered with earth.

      N. 1. Some make the name of a Viper general, and attribute it to every kinde of Serpents, yet here in particular is it used for that which the Italians call Marassi, though as yet it be a question, whether Italian Vipers be the same with the Vipers required of our Elders for Treacle.

      N. 2. It is accounted proper to Vipers alone to bring forth a living brood, whence they are called in Latine Viperae quasi Viviparae.

      N. 3. Not the whole Viper is venomous and dead∣ly, but only the head and gall; the rest, as the flesh, liver, bones, are void of poyson. See above of the Serpent.

      1. Those are best which are females gathered in the Spring, after that for some time they have been out of their Winter quarters, and in some measure refreshed with food.

      2. The young females (not great with young) which when the parts which ought are taken away, are moved long, and which live in dry and mountain∣ous places. For their vertues, see in the description of Serpents. For verily the vertues there rehearsed, above other kindes of Serpents Vipers obtain. Besides these, some commend the head of a Viper against a bastard Quinsie (hung about the neck.)

      Preparat.

      1. Oyl of Vipers.

      Take of the black Vipers 3 pounds, of Oyl of Se∣sama,

      Page 81

      one Sextary and a half, let them be boyled in a glased vessel with a narrow mouth well stopt, (lest the vapor exhale) till the flesh fall from the bones, then when they are cold, let them be laid up.

      N. Others by descent draw it out of Vipers with∣out the head, tayl, &c.

      The vertues.

      It cleanseth the skin, heals Tetters and other dis∣eases of that sort.

      2. Theriacal Salt. See August. Dispensatory, & Que∣cetan.

      3. Trochisces of Vipers. See the Dispensatory.

      N. 1. Some have made Treacle of the blinde worm, and with very good successe have given it once or twice in the time of the Plague to provoke sweat.

      N. 2. There may also be made Vipers Wine (that is, in which Vipers are killed) famous against the Le∣prosie (drunk.)

      4. Thou shalt finde another excellent powder in Poterius his Pharmacop.

      5. The Essence of Vipers in Myroth. Fabri.

      Salt of Vipers Volatile, Oyl, Spirit and Salt fixed, Let dryed Vipers be cut into pieces, and lightly bruised together with the heart and liver, be put into a Retort armed till it be filled. Distil them into a vessel with a large receiver by degrees. It af∣fords a phlegm and spirit, the Volatile Salt sticks to the sides of the Receiver and the neck of the Retort, and at length comes a fetid and grosse Oyl, which is to be separated with a paper, let the Salt taken out be purified by subliming it in a large Vial in sand, with a moderate fire, left any waterinesse follow the Salt, which useth to happen when the fire is in∣creased. The sublimed parts of this Salt are of a more piercing odor then the rest, and therefore must be kept in an Alembeck very well closed.

      Page 82

      It is a medicine very piercing, driving away putri∣faction, resolves all Fevers and Quartanes, if it be given to drink one or two hours before the fit in a proper liquor, which may somewhat blunt, not de∣stroy its Acrimony, as in Emulsions of seed of Melons or sweet Almonds, adding a part of Rose-water or Cinamon, and white Sugar.

      The Dose from 6 grains to half a scruple.

      It is fixed as the Salt Volatile of the Microcosme, except that in stead of the proper spirit of the fixed Salt (which is little in Vipers, and is drawn out of the dead head) is taken the Spirit of common Salt.

      The vertues.

      Thus fixed it is an unchangeable medicine going over all the body: for it resolves all excrements, and cleanseth them clean like Sope, in what place soever they stick, not assimilated, that they may easily and conveniently be repulsed from the matter, either by sweat, insensible transpiration, or which for the most part happens, by Urine. Therefore in every melancholick Gowt, the Stone of the reyns and bladder, all obstructions of the bowels, and rot∣tennesse, it is a most present remedy: In decayed strength it reacheth to the parts affected, it comforts nature, helps by purging it, and resolving the excre∣ments contrary to nature.

      The Dose from half to a whole scruple.

      The Essence of Vipers.

      Take the livers and hearts of Vipers, in number 100, dryed and bruised with Spirit of Wine, re∣ctified 3 or 4 days, digest and extract them ac∣cording to Art. The Distillations being joyned, adde (to one pound of the Essence) one ounce of Volatile Salt, half ounce of the fixed. Digest them that they may be very well united, one or two

      Page 83

      moneths, and thou shalt have the chiefest medicine that can be expected from Vipers.

      N. These medicines are very usual in Italy, and are said to be used with good successe and applause of the people.

      XXXVIII. Vitulus, a Calf.

      WHence in medicine are,

      • 1. The Marrow.
      • 2. Dung.

      The vertues.

      1. The marrow is next in goodnesse to the Harts, it hath vertue to mollifie hard and schirrous bodies, whether the hardnesse happen to the muscles, or tendons, or ligaments. Moreover pessaries are made thereof, softning the womb.

      2. The dung helps an Erysipelas (new and anoynt∣ed.)

      XXXIX. Unicornis, the Unicorn,

      IS said to be a Beast not unlike to an Horse, in respect of his body, with cloven feet, having an horn in his fore-head.

      In medicine the Horn is used, which may be di∣stinguished from Ivory by the threads or fibres which are more subtle. It is also more solid and more heavy, in other things it is like unto Ivory.

      The vertues.

      It is Sudorifick, Alexipharmacal and cordial, hence it is that it is commended good against poysons, in∣fectious

      Page 84

      diseases, &c. It is also accounted profitable in the Epilepsie of Infants.

      The Dose from 4 grains to half a scruple, sometimes a whole scruple and more.

      XL. Ursus, a Bear,

      IS a cruel Beast, catarrhous, phlegmatique, with a weak head, most strong loyns, lascivious. It is at enmity with Hrts, Asses, Lyons; it sleeps certain weeks together.

      Whence we use,

      • 1. The fat.
      • 2. Gall.
      • 3. The Eye.

      The vertues.

      1. The fat heats, resolves, mollifies, discusses, &c. It is chiefly used in the shedding of the hair, (anoynted with a burnt Mouse) it helps the aches of the Gowt, the swellings behinde the ear and other tumors (made into a playster with Bulls suet and Wax, of each a like quantity) it heals the Ulcers of the thighes and legs.

      N. 1. In the Rupture Enterocele and the falling out of the womb, it is an ordinary medicine of wo∣men (anoynted on the back, viz. on the os sacrum.)

      N. 2. It is fit to observe, that in the external use of this fat, it makes hairs white.

      2. The gall is inwardly commended against the Falling-sicknesse, Asthma and the Jaundise. Out∣wardly against Cancrous and creeping Ulcers, (anoynted) against the Tooth-ach, dimnesse of the Eyes, &c.

      N. In Finland, where there is plenty of Bears, it is ordinary for the common people to give the gall dryed as a Panacea, and by sweat ensuing thereon, I

      Page 85

      have heard that many diseases have been cured.

      3. The right eye taken out, dryed and hanged about the neck of Infants, is said to drive away the frighting wherewith they are vexed in sleep.

      Some say that the eye of a Bear tyed to the left arm heals a Quartane.

      XLI. Vulpes, the Fox,

      IS a very crafty Beast, in a manner partaker of the nature of the Dog.

      In medicinal use are,

      • 1. The grease.
      • 2. The lungs.
      • 3. The liver.
      • 4. The gall.
      • 5. The milt.
      • 6. The skin.
      • 7. The bloud.
      • 8. The whole Fox.
      • 9. The dung.

      The vertues.

      1. The grease helps Convulsions, Contractions, Tremblings, &c. (anoynted) the pain of the ears, wounds of the head, and shedding of hair.

      2. The lungs consolidate, cleanse, and from hence they are good against the diseases of the lungs, and straitnesse of the breast (dryed and taken.)

      3. The liver helps the Hepatick and Splenetick (used as the lungs.)

      4. The gall helps the Haw of the eyes (anoynt∣ed)

      5. The milt heals the hardnesse and swelling of the milt (laid on or applyed to it.)

      6. The hairy skin is successefully applyed on cold members and troubled with the Gowt.

      7. The bloud dryed and powdered heals the Stone of the reyns and bladder. The same is the fresh

      Page 86

      bloud reported to do better (drunk to the quantity of a cyath, or anoynted on the belly, privities, groins, and reyns.)

      8. The whole Fox or the flesh burnt is commended against the diseases of the breast.

      A Fox boyled very well in water or Oyl healeth the diseases of the sinews, Convulsions, and aches of the joynts (if the place affected be therewith bathed.)

      9. The dung cures the ruggednesse of the skin (anoynted with Vinegar.)

      Preparat.

      Oyl of Foxes. See the Dispensatory.

      Looch of Foxes lunges. See the Dispensatory.

      The lungs prepared, or washed and dryed.

      The End of the First Classis.
      Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem? Please contact us.