CHAP. I. Who were the first that found out the Ʋse and Vertue of Herbs.

TO say something of the Vertue and Praise of Herbs, I think it not the least Commendation, That the first Inven­tion and Demonstration is ascribed to Idols, or Oracles; as also to Mighty Kings and Lords, not only by Pagans, but by the Hebrews and Christians.

Therefore, the more Illustrious the In­ventor is, the more we ought to esteem of the Invention.

Moly, is a Famous Herb, highly com­mended by the Poet Homer. The Idol, Mercury, commended it first to Prince Ʋlysses that he might defend himself from the Witchcraft of Circe: But not known [Page 40] in these Countries. It grows only in Arca­dia, having a round black Root, like an Onyon. It is very difficult and troublesome to dig up. Next to this, is,

Panacea, called Holy, being a Medicine proper for all Sicknesses and Diseases. This is ascribed to Chiron, Hercules, and Aescu­lapius.

To the same Hercules is also ascribed Hen-bane, and another, called Heracleon Syderion, an excellent Wound-Herb, for all Wounds made by Iron or Knife, which now bears the name of Mercury, because Mercury first shew'd the Use of it to Man­kind.

The Great Captain Achilles, hath also some Herbs after his Name, Achillea and Achilleon: And many of these Herbs are mentioned by Pliny.

There are also a great many of our own Herbs and Flowers ascribed to the Saints, which, to this day, are call'd by their Names; as, Herba Trinitatis, Rosa Virginis Mariae, Radix Spiritûs Sancti, Flores Mag­dalenoe, Herba Sancti Jacobi, Herba Sancti Christophori, Carduus Marioe, Herba Sancti Petri, Herba Sancti Laurentii, Herba Sancti Johannis, and innumerable more of them, which by us are much set by, and esteemed [Page 41] to be highly powerful, for no other Reason, then that such Holy Men first found out the Use and Vertue of them, and called them after their own Names, and blessed them.

'Tis said, That our Saviour Jesus Christ first planted Hyssop with his own Hands; tho' it is indeed ridiculous, either to talk of, or believe it. However, it adds to the Credit of Herbs, that our Fore-fathers have so highly esteem'd them, as to ascribe the Invention of the Vertue of them to the Gods and Saints; for they dedicated Esculus, to Jupiter; Laurus, to Apollo; Oleaster, to Minerva; Vitis, to Bacchus; Myrtus, to Venus; Ʋlmus, to Hercules; and such like, &c.

CHAP. II. Who first found out the Ʋse of Herbs.

HIstorians do not agree, who was the first among the Idols that found out the use of Herbs. Diodorus Siculus, one of the most Ancient Historians, saith, That Mercury was the first; others again, [Page 42] that Arabus, the Son of Apollo and Baby­lon; others, that Apollo himself, and after him Aesculapius; yet most believe that the Aegyptians were the first Inventors of this Art, from whom it derived to the Groecians, and from them, a long time after, to the Romans, in the Days of Marcus Cato the Censor.

Notwithstanding the Groecian Professors of Physick were not publickly admitted into Rome, but were Banish'd several times, because they did oft deceive the Romans, and were by them accounted a Barbarous People.

True it is, that the Physicians in those days had no great Skill in applying the Herbs aright; as Pliny in several places testifies, who calls them Arch-Butchers and Murtherers; yet (altho' they Killed their Patients) they had a Grant from the Magistrates to be paid for it.

CHAP. III. Who first Methodized the Herbs.

HOW the Herbs were brought into Order, Pliny and Strabo have suf­ficiently demonstrated, saying, That it was perform'd by Hippocrates, a Famous Man, Born in the Island Co, where it was the Custom of the Inhabitants of that Island, that all those who were cured of any Di­stemper, writ their Names, and the Medi­cines by which they were healed, in the Temple of Aesculapius, who collecting the same experimented Medicines in Writing, brought them into a perfect Method: But because, after that time, the Herbs had not the same Operations, there arose so many Opinions among the Professors, that, to this day, there is such Uncertainty in Physick, that there is scarce an Art that stands in more need of Assistance than this of Physick.

When the Babylonians were without a Physician, they carried their Sick into the publick Street, that so they might speak to, and ask every one's Advice, and espe­cially [Page 44] those who had been afflicted with the same Distemper, and been cured by Medicine.

Thus Medicine came first to light; and having the special Influence of the Heavens Calculated from the time of their Nativity, it did greatly help them; and what is said of the Poets, may be truly ascribed to our Ar­tists, Nascuntur, non fiunt; because, being Born under a particular Influence, they are more acute in the Art or Mystery, and discover many things without the assistance of others; as we see at this very day in some, who have more Knowledge in Herbs, and Na­tural Causes, than your high celebrated Physicians, &c. These things Herodotus, Strabo, Brunfells, and Matthiolus mention.

CHAP. IV. Showing, that several Herbs were dis­covered by Dreams and Visions.

PLiny saith, and it is also to be believed, That the true Knowledge of some Herbs has been revealed by the Gods in Dreams; as we say of our Prophets, who have fore-told things to come by the Re­velation of the Holy Ghost: And he cites a Story of a Soldier, who being bit by a Mad-Dog, could find no Help, till his Mother, in her Sleep, saw the Root of Wild-Roses, or Dog-Roses, which continued so fix'd in her Memory from the Vision she had the Night before, that she made use of the said Root, giving it him to drink in Goats-Milk, by which means the Soldier, her Son, was perfectly cured.

This is the approved Opinion, and, with­out doubt, it was the Spirit of God that instructed Adam and Eve, (who had also the Knowledge of Animals and Vegetables, that whatever they called them, that was their Name) and the Patriarchs, who gave the same Instruction to their Children after them.

[Page 46]We read also of Solomon, that thro the Spirit of God he had the true Knowledge of the Creation of the World, which we call, Natural Philosophy; of the Knowledge of the Heavens, and the Motion of the Stars; of Animals; of Winds, and the Thoughts of Men; as also of Herbs and Roots; which is at large described by him in the Book of Kings, viz. That he had the Knowledge of the Nature and Vertue of all Vegetables, from the Cedar of Libanus, to the Hyssop that grows upon the Wall.

CHAP. V. What sorts of Herbs were found out by Kings and Potentates.

THE Kings and Potentates, in times of Old, gave Names to Herbs, and show'd the Use of them to Mankind; and as Pliny reports, They esteem'd it a more Princely Act, than if they had gain'd a Battle over their Enemies.

Gentius, King of Illyria, first found out Gentian, the Use and Vertue of which he [Page 47] show'd to Mankind, which pleased him far better than if he had subdued an Hun­dred Cities and Countries.

Clymenes and Lysimachia were also dis­covered by Kings.

Scordium, that Noble Herb, as also Euphorbium, were first discovered by Mithridates, King of Pontus.

Artemisia was so call'd from a Queen of that Name, Wife to Mausolus.

Servilius Democritus named Hypericon; as also Avicena, Rhasis, Haly, Messias, Abra­ham, have Named others, who have had an equal Esteem with Kings and Potentates.

CHAP. VI. How, in process of Time, the Know­ledge of Herbs was Revealed to Nations and Common People.

BY the Superiors is this Art delivered to the Meaner sort, who have also discovered these wonderful Creatures of God.

First, the Scythians discovered the Vertue of the Root Scythica, or Liquorice, growing in Scocia.

[Page 48]After them the Thracians found out the Virtue of Ichneumon, which is powerful in stopping Blood, not only in a Bursten Artery, but also in Members defected.

The Vetones, in Spain, first discovered the Herb Betonica, which retains its Name from that People to this very day: And the Illyrians discovered the Iris Illyrica. Of all which you may read Pliny, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus.

CHAP. VI. Brutes have discovered many precious Herbs.

THE Brutes have also made way to the Discovery of several excellent Herbs, and those not the least, which adds to their Reputation.

And hence the Power of the Almighty is the more to be admired and adored, who hath created Physick even for Brutes, who, by means of one Herb alone, cure many Diseases incident to them.

It is also the Opinion of Ancient Phy­sicians, That if we had not some Instructi­ons [Page 49] from Brutes in Physick, as also in Nur­sing, and other things, we could never have discovered the same; as Helianus, Aristo­tle, and Pliny, declare; to cite all which here would be too tedious.

CHAP. VIII. When the Knowledge of Herbs was committed to Writing.

THE Use and Vertue of Vegetables hath been long known amongst Men; and Fathers have always in­structed their Children in it, before Cha­racters were invented: And some there are that, at this day, have no Skill in Let­ters, yet are very skilful in the Use and Vertue of Herbs and Roots, which Know­ledge they have partly from their Ance­stors, and partly by Natural Instinct, notwithstanding they have read no Books: But since Writing hath been invented, the Knowledge of the Nature and Vertue of Herbs hath been committed to Books; because the Memory of Man could not [Page 50] retain them all; and because, the same should not in Time be forgotten, but that Posterity should know the same.

In those Days Herbals were not common, nor the Knowledge of Herbs very general; for one wrote upon one, and another upon another.

We read that King Juba was the first that writ of the Vertue of Euphorbium: Mison, of Plantane: Musoeus and Hesiodus, of Polilim: Chrisippus, as also Dieuches and Cato, of Brassica: Zeno the Stoick, of Cypress: Antinomachus, of Cytisum: Marchio, of Radishes: Apuleius, of Betony: Virgil, of Ebony: Erasistratus, of Lysimachia: Homer, of Saffron, Lotus, and Hyacinthum: Hesiod, of Mallows: Archigenes, of Castor: Aristomachus, of the Vine: Asclepiades, of Chamomil.

After these succeeded others; as Theo­phrastus, Bithimus, Asolas, Heraclides, Ta­rantinus, Julius Bessus, Nisseratus, Petronius Niger, Ditotus, Cratatas Andreas, and, at last, Dioscorides and Pliny, who writ Books, and collected the Experiments made before their time.

Altho something of these, by the length of Time, is lost, yet we see still that they were more diligent in those days, than we [Page 51] are now, when few will be perswaded to read the Books of the Ancients.

I will not mention the Professors of this Art, who refuse to study the Expe­riments of the Ancients, for their better Instruction, because the Ancients Skill was not enlarged through the whole Kingdom of Vegetables, but confined to the Vertues of some few Herbs; so that one described one; and another, another: Not that Vertue which was known in the time of Adam, Enoch, Methusalem, and Solomon; but for several Hundred Years since, out of such Authors which they found per­fect.

I could say much here of Apollo, Perne, Aesculapius, Machaon, Podalirius, and also of Hippocrates, if occasion would per­mit.

CHAP. IX. Of some Wonders, Signs, and Mi­racles, effected by Herbs.

BEcause many strange things are done here upon Earth, which are the Work of God, but by Men are little set by; yet in nothing they show themselves more plain, than in Herbs, of which there are innumerable sorts, indued with innu­merable Vertues: if they were but known, and studied, as the Ancients did, we might, to this very day, also show many Miracles, as the Ancients did, not by Witchcraft and Sorcery, but by the Property and Essence of the Creatures, assisted by the Influence of the Stars.

Pliny tells us of many things which may be effected by Herbs, gathered under their proper Influences, which we account im­possible and ridiculous; but by the An­cients this Art was call'd, Magia Naturalis, and so mightily esteemed by them, that they hid it from vulgar People, and made it known only to Philosophers, and Mighty Kings: But the Sacred Art was, at length, [Page 53] (like the Holy Scripture) mightily abused, by the succeeding Idolatrous People, who mingled the same with many Superstitious Operations, Sorceries, and Black Art: There­fore the Jews, Christians, and Ancient Romans, condemned the same as a Super­stitious Art, and Diabolical; by which means the Knowledge of Nature, and Na­tural things, is hardly, and with much more Labour and Difficulty attained to.

But that it may appear what the Ancients effected with Herbs, I will give the Rea­der a Tast, that he may see, by a few Ex­amples, what the whole Family of Vegeta­bles would do, if Men knew the Use and Vertue of them.

Lotus, is a Vegetable, growing in the Island Circe, as Homer saith, indued with such force, that he who tastes of it, forgets his Native Country, Children, and all that is dear to him.

Xanthus, a Famous Historian in the days of Lot, mentions an Herb, call'd Boli, by whose Vertue, those that were slain by Dragons, were brought to Life again, and that not once, but often, as Pliny testifies.

Hence it is to be seen, that tho we do not credit the Word of God, yet it is Natu­ral, [Page 54] and no Fable, what is written in the Book of the Creation of the Tree of Life; and no doubt, but at this very day, there are several Herbs and Vegetables indued with the same Vertue, which, by reason of our Sins, we are unworthy to know.

Theophrastus writes, and Democritus also believes it, that there is an Herb, which, in former times, Josephus knew, by whose Vertue, a Wooden-pin drove into a Tree was pulled out.

'Tis said also of Betony, That if you make a Circle with it, and cast Serpents into the Circle, they will not come out, but slay one another.

We find in History, That the Scythians knew an Herb called Scythice, or Spartanaca, of which, if they did but chaw a little, they preserved themselves from Hunger and Thirst twelve days.

Also, There have been Herbs that have dried up a whole Sea; and being thrown into a violent Current, it hath stemmed it; and whoever carried it with him, wanted nothing. This Herb is call'd Aethyops.

CHAP. X. The Ancients used only Herbs, not Compositions.

NOW seeing these wonderful Vertues and Operations in Herbs, the Anci­ents used them singly, excluding all great Compositions, as in these days, of which they knew nothing in former time: These were Invented thro covetousness and igno­rance of the Nature of Herbs, which is ar­rived to that pass, that the true knowledge of Herbs is quite extinguished by reason of the Physicians, who, by leaving the true knowledge, and ancient description of Herbs, and following Avicenna and others, are fallen into such Darkness, that if it be not checkt in a few years, we shall know nothing of the ancient Practice of Phy­sick.

Here I should show the abuse of the whole Profession, and quote several Sayings out of Pliny, and other Ancients, in the behalf of simple Physick, made of Herbs and Roots; but I fear it will hinder my purpose.

CHAP. XI. When the Composition of Herbs was first Invented.

THE Composition of Herbs, Roots, Seeds, and Gums, did first begin in the days of King Mithridates and Andro­machus, who first composed the Treacle, which, in the time of Pliny, was very ri­diculous, and he in several places ridicules the same. This, in time, is grown more in Practice, till Galen; from Galen, to Avicenna, Mesue, and other Arabians, till it is arrived to the highest pitch, and followed by the most Learned Men; and he that could best mix hot and cold, dry and moist, sweet and sowre, was the best Man, and that not only of the Production of our own Coun­try, but of Arabia and India; for ours was of no Value.

It is not against the Apothecaries and Doctors that we use common and experi­mented Physick; but for the Benefit of the Sick; for, Why should not our Herbs be as good as those brought out of Asia and Africa? How did we when they were not [Page 57] brought over? and, How is it that those who use that Physick least, live longest? and those who run to the Apothecary are commonly the sickest? Tho the strange Herbs are indued with more powerful Names, they are not fit for our Cli­mate. Since God hath given us proper Wines and Fruits, and other Necessaries fit for Use, How is it that he gave us not Herbs agreeable to our Climate, that we might use them? but the contrary is true, and the true and simple Physick is easier to be had.

Several have that growing in their Gar­dens, and tread under foot, which might preserve their Life; also, more Ex­pences are saved in the time of Sickness, which gains the Love of the People, who were commonly addicted to Herbs and Vegetables; and besides, the Compounds agree not with every Nature.

CHAP. XII. Herophilus's Opinion of Herbs.

THERE was a very Learned and Experienced Man among the Phy­sicians, as may appear by Cornelius Celsus and Pliny. This Man's Opinion was, That all Diseases might be cured by Herbs, and many wonderful things effected; and those Herbs which we account most Vile, are indued with most Vertue; as Expe­rience testifies.

For, a Nobleman, as oft as he walked over a Plain where Esula grew, he was always seized with a Looseness: what Effect then may other Herbs have?

The Magick of Albertus Magnus is not to be slighted, altho he show'd many Un­truths, contrary to his Knowledge and Experience.

CHAP. XIII. At what Seasons Herbs and Roots are to be gathered.

IT is not enough that we take and use Herbs as they are described in the Herbals; but they must be gathered in their proper Season; for if this be neglected, the Herb will have but little Vertue, and may prove Antipathetick to the Distemper, and make the Disease worse.

The Apothecaries, above all, should ob­serve this particular, if they would rightly understand their Business.

The Herbs, ought to be gathered, not only when the Heaven is clear, and the Weather fair; for in fair Weather there may happen a contrary Influence of Sol, Mars, and Jupiter; as will happen in April, 1698. when Sol comes to a square of Saturn, and Opposition of Jupiter, and Jupiter to a square of Saturn: And also the time of the Year must be observed; for some are sooner, some later in Per­fection.

The Age of the Herbs is likewise to be observed; some are to be gathered before [Page 60] they Blossom; some when in their Blossom; others when they begin to seed. By reason this Observation of Age, and Time, is by many neglected, and the true Time of the Influence not truly Calculated, they have committed great Mistakes; yea, some have described several Herbs, without their Stalks and Flowers, which, nevertheless, have both Stalks and Flowers, because they gave a Description of them before they had Flowers.

The ancient Herbalists say, That who­ever will gather Herbs and Roots, must have a perfect Knowledge of the Influence of the Heavens and Stars; and also know to what Planets the Herbs are subject, and under what Constellation they should be ga­thered, even to an Hour and Minute.

These Observations (saith Otto Brunefells, a learned and experienced Physician, who lived 120 years since) the Ancients did punctually observe; and therefore they did more with the Herbs then, than we can do now. Marcilius Ficinus, above 150 years ago, in his third Book, hath writ of this; as also a very ancient Apothecary, in his Book call'd Nicholaus Proepositus's Dispen­satory; in the which may be seen, how every Herb in particular ought to be ga­thered [Page 61] and prepared; and since these, many Eminent Physicians have written of the Heavenly Influences upon Herbs, but very imperfectly, and nothing worth.

Flowers ought to be gathered before they begin to fall: Fruits, when they are ripe, and before they begin to drop: The Seeds, when they are dry, but before they begin to break.

The Juice is to be express'd, when the Herbs are green and juicie, and their Stalk young; and also the Milk of Herbs, the sweating Drops and Gums.

CHAP. XIV. Where to keep your Herbs.

THE Herbs must be clean'd from all their Dirt, and dried in the Shade, be­fore they are put up: Some tie them in Bunches, and hang them by the Wall in their Houses: Some pull the Leaves, and put them into Bags to dry them: and if this be done, according to due Order and Knowledge, as well of the Season, Day, and Hour, when they are gathered, as also [Page 62] their Names, it is a very useful thing. You must take especial Care that your Chamber be very clean, that the Herbs lie not upon the Floor, nor rot, or grow mouldy, nor dirtied by Rats or Cats; but be kept as a precious Jewel.

Flowers and sweet Herbs are to be kept in close Boxes, made of Lignum Tilioe, but so that they may keep their Scent, and not be musted.

Seeds must be wrapped in Papers, to preserve them from Mould.

All sorts of Fruits, as also Gums and Juices, must be kept in Silver, Tin, Glass, or Earthen Vessels. It is good to keep what belongs to the Eyes in Earthen Vessels; Fat and Marrows should be kept in Tin. Roots should be cut square, or round, washed clean, then string'd and dried. Wormwood, Hyssop, Savory, Southern-wood, French Lavender, and the like, must be gathered with their Seeds, and dried in the Shade.

CHAP. XV. How long Herbs will hold good.

HErbs usually hold good a Year, till they spring up afresh; some lon­ger: Both Hellebores will keep good many years, Chamoeleon 40 years, Centaury 12 years, Hogs-Fenil 5 years, Birth-wort 6 years, Briony 1 year; but the most part lose their Vertue in 3 years; and those that are gathered in due Season last longest; Celandine keeps good 3 years, Enula 2 years.

CHAP. XVI. Where the best Herbs grow.

THE best Herbs grow on Mountains, and Wildernesses, in Plains, and places whereon the Sun shines most; but those less useful, in Gardens, and Shadowy places, and places Close; also in Moist Watry places, and Church-yards, &c. therefore the Wild ones are accounted better, and more dura­ble than the Garden ones; some Herbs are esteemed according to their Country, as Iris of Illyria, and Macedonia, Cyprus rotundus of Silicia and Syria, Saffron of Coriceum, Lyceum and Cyrene; all these things are care­fully noted by Dioscorides and Pliny.

CHAP. XVII. With what Ceremonies, and in what Seasons, the Old Pagans gathered their Herbs.

THE old Pagans took great care to ga­ther their Herbs in due Season, calling upon the Spirits and Idols all the while: These Herbs had great Vertue, not from the Invocation of the Spirits and Idols, but the Devil had (by God Almighty's Permis­sion over the Pagans) such Power, as to lead them into these Superstitious Cere­monies, which we Christians do not believe; for God, by his ordinary Means, can do more than the Devil; for if we loved God, and firmly Believed in him, there would be no occasion for Ceremonies and other things, but, like Moses, we might Act, who, with a piece of Wood, made Bitter waters Sweet; and as Elias and Elizaeus, who cor­rected poysonous Victuals with a little Flour, and also made Iron swim upon the Water; and as the Apostles, in the Name of the Lord Jesus, with the Use of the Oil of Olives only, cured many Diseases. Thus much might we do at this time with our Herbs and Roots.

[Page 65]When the Pagans digg'd the Root of Tapsum, they anointed their Bodies with Oil of Olives; they chose calm Weather, otherwise their whole Body would swell.

When they gathered the Dog-Thistle, they turned off the Wind from the place, least their Eyes should be damaged.

Some sorts of Roots they gathered before Sun-rise: But Roots under the Government of Sol, they gathered when the Sun was in the Ascendant, or Mid-Heaven; for then he hath a stronger Influence on Natural things, than in any other House.

When they dug Hellebore, they drew a Circle with a Naked Sword, and the Per­son who dug it turn'd his Face to the Sun-rising, and said a short Prayer, desiring that some lucky Bird might appear to him. But when the Eagle appear'd too near to him, it fore-show'd his Death, (they frequenting those places where they dig Hellebore:) but the said Digger must first have eaten Garlick, and drank Wine, before he take out the Root.

Peony Root they digged by Night, for fear the Merula (the Guardian of that Root) should pick out the Eyes of the Digger.

They also provided against the Hawk and Sparrow-Hawk, when they gathered the Ague Herb.

[Page 66]The Root Panax, otherwise Asclepeia, could not be digg'd before they had made an Offering of several Fruits, and flung them into the Earth; and after they had made three Circles with a two-edged Sword, they dug it out.

Mandrake was also three times encircled with a Sword, the Digger turn'd himself to the West, and danced round the Circles, and utter'd several Words, not fit here to be mentioned.

To dig Iris was a great Labour; for (for three Months before they dug it) they sprinkled the Earth about it with Honey-water, as Priests do the Sepulchers in Church-Yards with Holy-Water; for, by such Sprinkling, they thought they moved the Earth to Peace; then they made several Circles about it with a Sword, and took out the Root, and held it up to the Heavens; but in all this time the Digger must keep himself chast.

When they dug Polium, they built a shade about it, because it then yielded more Power and Virtue to the Bearer.

They who burnt Pitch, while they were imploy'd in Melting, offered, and pray'd that their Work might succeed well.

[Page 67] Scribonius Largus tells more wonderful things of Verbena; for when that Herb is first found, they must make a Circle about it with their left Ear, and also lay down some Fruits to it, and the next day, before Sun-rise, they must take the Herb away with their Left-hand.

The Herb Scolopendria, is esteemed very prevalent to Women in Labour, especially if it be hung about the Neck with the Spleen of a Mule; but this Herb must be dug in the Night, when the Moon is in the Mid-Heaven. Of this you may read more in Theophrastus, Pliny, Dioscorides, Apuleius, and others.

But such natural Seasons and Ceremonies as we Christians use, are at large described in the Third Instruction, at the End of this Book.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Nature and Operation of the Herbs of Saturn.

PAstinaca, or Parsnip. If you take this Herb in an Antipathetick Influence of Saturn, and bruise it with your Hands, and out of spite lay it to a Man's Face when he sweats, it will presently cause the Leprosie; for that Saturnine Spirit that goes out of the Herb, and passeth into your Body with your Breath, presently causeth the Leprosie. I do not tell this to incourage Mischief; but to show the Harmony of Heavenly and Earthly Bodies. Therefore I will not describe the Antipathetick Influence of the Planets, by which much Mischief may be done: but the Sympathetick and useful Influence of the Planets, which I have Calculated with great Pains, Time, and Expences; as you may find in my Fourth Instruction following.

If this Saturnine Herb, Pastinaca, be cut up with a piece of Lead, sharp hard Wood, piece of an Ox's Bone, or other Saturnine thing, according to the Influence of Saturn, demonstr [...]ted in my Fourth Instruction, it is [Page 69] an infallible Remedy against the Leprosie, and other Saturnine Diseases: Altho some Herbs are more esteemed than others, yet, by the Influences, they may be exalted to an equal dignity, if they are gathered, as directed, in a strong Sympathetical In­fluence.

Staphisagria, sive Consiligo, or Staves-Acre; with the Root of this Herb a Man may catch Wolves and Foxes; and if you dig it according to direction, it preserves those that wear it about their Neck from the Plague and Pestilence.

Saxifragia being carried about the Neck, preserves from the poysonous Plague: It is also excellent against the Pains in the Pri­vities, if it be gathered, according to di­rection, in a Saturnine Influence.

Wolf-bane. This Herb is of so quick and poysonous a Nature, that it kills Wolves. Those that use it fall into Swooning-fits; for the Saturnal Spirit which is hid in the Herb, is an Enemy to the Heart, and (as a Solar Member) doth mightily disturb the same. If the Genitals of a Man be rub'd with it, it will kill him; but if it be ga­thered in an Antipathetick Influence of Saturn and Sol, and hang'd about the Neck twice, when one is taken off, another hang'd [Page 70] on, it cures Poysons, and all Saturnine Dis­eases.

Filix, or Fern. In this Herb the Spirit of Saturn is very abundant, therefore it is especially used in the Magical Art; it casts forth its Seed before it is compleatly ripe, because of the great power of Saturn; and its Nature shows Barrenness. If Men use it, it makes them Impotent. If it be hang'd about a Woman's Neck with the Spleen of an Ass, it makes her Barren; because Sa­turn and Venus are Enemies; from whence proceeds Barrenness.

Hyosciamus, or Henbane. This Herb taken inwardly causeth Sleep, and by its occult, Saturnine, Poysonous Sulphur, it makes Men as if they were Possess'd of the Devil; and Quarrelsome, as if they were Drunk. Hence saith Scribonius, He who takes it is deprived of his Senses, and is always Quarrelsome; the Cause of which, is the poysonous Antipathetick Constellation of Saturn.

Frangula, sive Arbor foetida, or Alder-Tree, delights to grow in shadowy Woods, and moist Places, therefore it is subject to Saturn. If it be used in the Influence of Saturn, it is excellent in all old Sores, and poysonous Ʋlcers.

[Page 71] Personatia, seu Lappa major, or Burdock, delights to grow in dark moist Places, and is subject to Saturn. If this Root be gathered in the Influence of Saturn, 'tis an excellent Remedy against the Tooth-Ach; for it hath in its self an excellent cooling Saturnal Salt, which takes away the Pain.

Muscus, or Moss. This delights in thick Woods and Trees, and Rocks, where the Sun cannot come. It hath a dry and slu­pifying Tast, and is subject to Saturn. If it be gathered in the Influence of Saturn, and boiled in a Lee, it prevents the falling off of the Hair, by washing the Head with it: It also fastens loose Teeth, and by its Astringent and Stiptick nature often stops the Blood in Wounds.

Helleborus niger, or Black Hellebore: This commonly uses to blossom about Christmas; the best of it is digged in High Mountains, as Saturnine Places, in the In­fluence of Saturn. Its Virtue is wonderful to Mankind, especially to Persons betrothed, and those who carry it about their Neck live to grow very old, as Saturn in a good Aspect with Jupiter gives long Life. It is also good against external Saturnine, Poy­sonous Diseases.

[Page 72] Scolopendrion, or Spleen-wort. This re­presents the Spleen in Men; it grows with­out Seed, in dark, woody Places, where the Sun cannot come; for all dark, gloomy Places, are subject to Saturn, all Dark­ness being caused by Saturn and his Stars; therefore, if it be gathered in the Influence of Saturn, it expells cold, Saturnine Phlegm wonderfully.

Tamariscus, or Tamarisk, loves shadowy Places, not much exposed to the Sun: It loseth its Seed, like the Willow, before it is ripe, and is subject to Saturn, appropriated to the Spleen, because of its Planet; there­fore if it be gathered in the Influence of Saturn, it is prevalent against the Spleen. Pliny saith, That the Wine, in which the Coals of Tamarisk are quenched, cures the Spleen.

Savine is found in thick dark Woods, and therefore is subject to Saturn; the leaves poudered in the Influence of Saturn, and put into old Ʋlcers is excellent good. The Sorcerers make much use of this Herb; for all Saturnine Vegetables are of that Nature, that if they are gathered in an Antipathe­tical Influence of Saturn, they bring all manner of mischief to Mankind.

Sena is subject to Saturn, it expells out of [Page 73] the Body all Saturnine Flegm, purifies the Blood, helps the sickly Spleen, and takes away the Quartan; 'tis excellent for such as are troubled with a malignant Saturnine Spirit in the Head.

Radix Capparis, or Capers, loves dry and Sandy places, and where Rubbish is; it opens the Bladder, expells Ʋrine, breaks the Stone in the Bladder, and expells the same; it opens the stoppage of the Spleen, and paci­fies all Melancholy Swellings.

Ruta, or Rue. This, by its subtile Vertue which it hath from the Stars, if it be ga­thered in a good Influence of Saturn, resists all Poysons, and is an excellent remedy in the time of the Plague, and because the Plague is not only occasioned by Saturn, you must therefore use with it Martial and Solar herbs, but not mixt with them; of which you may see more in the 20 and 21 Chapters.

Rue expells Melancholy, and refreshes the Heart opprest with the same, and is a use­ful Remedy in a Quartan, because the same is chiefly occasioned by Saturn, and therefore people subject to Saturn are cured by it. Nature in this Herb hath conjoyned the Sun and Saturn, for if Rue and Sage be pounded together with Vinegar and bound upon the Pulse, it cureth the Fever: you may further [Page 74] take Notice, that this Herb resists all Witch­craft, occasion'd by Saturn, for Saturn is Lord of all Witchcraft, but Sol opposes this Ver­tue in this Herb, as its Signature in its little knob shews.

Polypodium, or Polypody of the Oak, is found in desart and dark Places, as also about the Rocks; it is subject to Saturn, and is good against the Black Jaundice, Melancholy, and Quartan; it takes away heavy Dreams, occa­sioned by the black Saturnal humidity.

Bursa Pastoris, or Pouch-weed. Its Sub­stance and Signature shews it to be subject to Saturn, for the hour of its springing up was when Saturn was in the Sixth House, and is good for the swelling of the Yard, when the Antipathetick Directions of Saturn and Venus begin; this Herb, as also another Venereal Herb, gathered in good time, and hung about the Neck, is good against the same Disease.

Salix, or Willow, is appropriated to Saturn and Venus, because of its abounding Saturnine humidity which in time falls away, and there­fore loseth its Seed before it is Ripe; here Na­ture gives to understand, that if this Seed be used Antipathetically, it causeth Barren­ness. An Oyl made of the same by Chymi­cal Art, in the Antipathetical Influence of Sa­turn [Page 75] and Venus, and anoint the Secrets with it, it takes away all Venereal desire.

Solanum, or Night-shade, grows not only in shady and moist Places, but also in the highest Mountains, and is subject to Saturn and Luna. It hath a peculiar Virtue to cause Sleep, the Leaves of it laid upon the Head, take away all Pains proceeding from Heat, by reason of its cold nature: It is also good for all inward and outward In­flammations.

Cassutha, sive Coscuta, Dodder, or Wood­bine, loves to grow in fat Grounds, and is subject to Saturn and Jupiter, as his Signa­ture shows, and is good against the Stoppage of the Muscles and Veins, and, by its pene­trating Virtue, all Diseases of the Liver, as also the Yellow-Jaundice and Dropsie.

Agnus Castus takes away all Venereal Appetites.

Angelica is subject to Saturn, and expells all Saturnine Diseases.

Salvia, or Sage, is subject to Saturn and Jupiter.

Oxylapathum, or sharp-pointed Dock, de­lights in shady and mountanous Places, and therefore is subject to Saturn.

Atriplex, or Arrach, is also under Saturn, and grows in nasty Places; it makes those [Page 76] that take it pale, and augments the Black Gall.

Apium, or Smallage, is also subject to Saturn; the Worms that are found in the Stalks of Apium, who-ever eats of them are Barren.

Cupressus, or Cypress, is found in high Mountains. They blacken Hair by the Sa­turnine Colour.

Cannabis, or Hemp, is also a Saturnal Herb; he who useth much of this Seed grows Barren, and at last Mad.

Coscuta, or Dodder, loves to grow in dark places, where the Sun doth not come: It makes Hair very long, and opens the hard Spleen.

Here you must take Notice, That all Saturnal Herbs must be gathered in those Days and Hours when Saturn is strong. How it is to be done, you may see further in the Fourth Instruction, of the First Cure of the Influences: But you may always be­gin half or an hour before; but the Herb must always be gathered at that time which I have directed.

CHAP. XIX. The Explanation of some Jovial Herbs, and their Influence in general.

CLove-gilli-flowers are a Jovial Vege­table, and, according to their Nature, love temperate Places; the Root of them drawn by the Oil of Sugar, strengthens the Liver, cleanses and augments the Blood, and refreshes all Natural Spirits because of its Jovial Spirit. It quenches the Heat in hot Fevers, and restores lost Strength.

Cerasa, or Cherries, are also subject to the Influence of Jupiter. They cleanse and augment the Blood; they are opening and cooling in the Inflammation of the Liver; they are good for such as are troubled with the Yellow-Jaundice, and an Extract made of the same in a due time of Jupiter, is good in hot Fevers; for it not only cools the Blood, but pacifies inflamed Spirits.

Strawberries are also Jovial, and have the same Virtue with the Cherries: They refresh the Blood, and are good in the Yellow-Jaundice.

Balsamita, or Costmary, loves to grow towards the East, the Jovial Spirits being [Page 78] most copious in temperate Places: It cures all outward and inward Diseases, if you can get it: Outwardly apply'd toward the Liver, it refresheth the same wonderfully; and because the Liver, and also all Natural Spirits in Men, are of a Jovial Nature, therefore by Jovial Herbs they are strength­ned and preserved.

Oleastrum, or Wild-Olive: This, with its whole Substance, is Jovial, because all things that are of an Oily Substance are commonly subject to Jupiter.

Betonica, or Betony, loves to grow in Fat ground, and is of the Nature of Jupiter, there­fore it cleanseth the Blood in Men, because the Blood is subject to Jupiter, and consumes all its gross humidity; it strengthens the Liver, and opens its obstructions; it cures the Yellow Jaundice and Dropsie; if you use with it an Herb of the Sun or Moon, it resists Witchcraft, for the Jovial & Solar Herbs have a peculiar Vertue against Witchcraft; it likewise heals all Wounds and Ʋlcers.

Linum, or Flax, loves a temperate Soil, and is of a Fat and Oily substance, subject to Saturn and Jupiter; its Seed is excellent for a Consumption, it mollifies and ripens all hard swellings of the Liver, when it is used in the time of Jupiter, and outwardly apply'd.

[Page 79] Centaurium, or Centaury, shows by its light colour'd Flower, that it is of a Jovial and Martial Nature; it hath by Nature a Sul­phureous Salt, as the Gall hath in Men; therefore it is of a Bitterish Tast, and hath a particular hidden Vertue to cure the stop-page of the Gall, and expell out of the Sto­mach the Yellow-Jaundice, Fever, and Gall; it is also an excellent Wound-Herb because of its Jovial Nature.

Berberries are of a Red Colour, and sub­ject to Jupiter and Mars; for they grow upon prickly Thorns, who, by their sig­nature, represent Mars. Out of this Fruit is prepared an Excellent Medicine for the Swelling of the Throat, cooling the Inflam­mation of the Liver, and taking away the painful Heat of the Stomach.

Caryophyllata, sive Herba benedicta, or Avens, is as well a Solar as a Jovial Vege­table; it hath its yellow Flowers of the Sun, to which Jupiter of himself can give no Colour. It smells like Cloves, and is therefore call'd Caryophyllata in Latin. It strengthens the Heart, opens the Liver, and strengthens the Stomach, because it is Jovial.

Persicaria, or Arsmart, delights to grow in Ditches and moist Places, and is of a Jovial and Lunar Nature: It expells the [Page 80] Podagra, if it be gathered in a strong In­fluence, and apply'd with the Herbs of Saturn and Mars, to the Breast, Arms, and Knees.

Lychnis Coronaria, seu Rosa mariana, or Campane Rose, is subject to Jupiter, because of its light coloured Flowers: It refreshes the Liver and Blood, and is useful to those who labour under the Leprosie and Pox: It heals Wounds by Virtue of its Jovial and Heavenly Influence.

Fumaria, or Fumitory, hath a light, red Flower, but a bitter and unpleasant Tast, is of a Jovial and Saturnine Nature, as its Tast shows: It hath in it an Earthy Sulphur, therefore it is bitter, and is good for the Liver, as it is subject to Jupiter, and opens the same. It cures the Yellow-Jaundice and Dropsie, and cleanseth the Blood, which be­longs to Jupiter, especially if it be gathered on a Thursday, in the hour of Jupiter, and he well aspected, as you may see in the Months.

Tucrinum, or Orpin, represents Jupiter, by its signature, hath a bitter Tast, pro­ceeding from the Sulphureal Salt it hath in it: It opens Obstructions of the Liver, by its Jovial Nature; it cleanses the Blood, and expells all malignant Humidity by Sweat.

[Page 81] Verbascum, or Mullein, is subject to Ju­piter and Sol; for all the yellow Colours in Vegetables come from Sol. It is the best Herb that can be found for Healing of Wounds, because of its Jovial Nature, and is very useful to them who spit Blood, by reason of a broken Vein in the Lungs. The Root, as also other Jovial and Saturnal Herbs, gathered in a due Influence, (as is specified in the Months) and every one put into a bag by themselves, of their own Colour, and hung about the Neck, cure the Cough and Consumption. It also helps those that are troubled with Vapours of the Stomach, and Shortness of Breath. If a Man holds this Root in his Hand, it stops Bleeding, and cures the Bites of Scorpions; it resists all Poyson, by the Virtue of Jupiter and Sol, who both resist Poyson.

Consolida, or Comfrey, loves a fat Soil, hath a clammy Root, and is subject to Jupiter, therefore it is prevalent in all Distempers of the Lungs, as also in Spitting of Blood.

Origanum, or Wild-Marjoram, is subject to Jupiter; it smells like Galangal, which is also of the Nature of Jupiter, and is an excellent Herb against Theft and Witchcraft, if it be gathered when Jupiter is well aspected, and strong, tho with this Cau­tion, [Page 82] that the Spirits do not return to the Earth; if it be so gathered, it preserves the Bearers from all Peril, and makes them for­tunate. If it be hung in a House, it pre­serves it from all Robberies and Witchcraft.

Betula, or Birch-Tree, is as well by Form, as Tast, subject to Jupiter, therefore, by its Jovial Nature, it is excellent in all Ob­structions of the Liver, and Yellow-Jaundice; it is also good in the Consumption of the Liver. If in the Influence of Jupiter you cut the Branches of Betula, growing East­ward, where the Spirits of Jupiter are most powerful, being hung in Chambers, they are very useful; for the Jovial Spirits exhaling out of the Betula, and attracted by the Breath, penetrates presently, as all Jovials do, Jupiter having a peculiar Virtue to open the same. Its power is also great in Mad and Possess'd People, because of the hidden Jovial Spirit, and such Effects have their Original from these three, Saturn, Luna, and Mercury, and those who have in their Nativity a Conjunction or Opposition of Saturn and Mercury, and Mars coming to it with a Direction, such Persons, when the Direction falls, are of a base and devillish Nature; therefore such Persons must be cured with Solar and Jovial Herbs; but [Page 83] especially with such, as are subject to the Dominion of both Planets.

Chamoepetys, seu Iva, or Ivy, is subject to Jupiter, and hath a subtle Salt in it, and also a Sulphur; therefore it is excellent a­gainst the Gout and Sciatica, for both these Pains proceed from a Tartar that clings to the Veins and Muscles.

Amygdalus, or Almond-Tree, delights in a fat Soil, and is subject to Jupiter and Venus; the Fruit of it strengthens the Liver, makes a pure Blood, and gives good Nutriment, according to the Nature of all Jovial things and Vegetables; for all Crea­tures which have a delicious Tast, are of a Jovial and Venereal Nature. They are good in a Consumption, for they bring the Body into good Order, and refresh the Liver.

Ruba domestica, or Black-berries, are of a Jovial and Martial Nature, and are used for all inward and outward Ruptures; for they disperse clotted Blood, because Jupiter and Mars are joined in this Herb, all Ruptures being occasioned by Mars; so that they who have in their Nativity a Conjunction of Mars and Luna in the sixth or eighth House, ill aspected by Saturn, commonly are Bursten, because the noxious Planet con­joins [Page 84] himself with the Planet of the Omentum and Bowels.

Prunella, or Self-heal, is Jovial and Mer­curial. It is good in all Boils, and Sores in the Throat, and, by its Jovial Virtue, cures all inward Ruptures, and outward Wounds.

Rhubarb is of a Jovial and Saturnine Nature; its Signature shews it to be ex­cellent against the stopping of the Liver, and Muscles leading to it, both which are subject to Jupiter. It expells the Gall, and cures the Yellow-Jaundice.

Lysimachia, or Loosestrife, if it be ga­thered in a strong Influence of Jupiter, it causes the Bearer to be Belov'd, and well accepted where-ever he comes; if it be flung among quarrelling Persons, it will make them Friends; for by the subtle and hidden Jovial Spirit of this Herb, (which is directly contrary to Mars) all Martial Effects are presently extinguished.

Bugloss and Burrage, are both subject to Jupiter in Aquary, the House of Saturn. They clean the Blood from the Black Gall, and refresh the Mind.

Wheat loves a pleasant, temperate Soil, and because of its Jovial Nature, nourishes and augments the Blood.

CHAP. XX. Of the Operation and Nature of Martial Herbs.

NEttles are subject to Mars, because of their hot and burning Nature; for all that Prick and Burn are subject to this Planet, which is the hottest of all; also all hot Creatures are subject to him. The Leaves of the Nettles mollifie and dissolve all Swellings, both of the Spleen, and other Members. The Seed gathered in a good and strong Influence of Mars, keeps the Bearer from all Wounds that come from Quarrels and Blows; but if they are ga­thered in an undue Season, their Operation is contrary.

Thistles of all sorts, by their Prickles show that they are all Martial. Their Seeds and Roots are useful in the Pleurisie. The Seeds of Thistles, gathered in due Season, stop the Bloody-Flux, and the Whites.

Resta bovis, or Rest-Harrow, is Martial and Jovial: It opens the Obstructions of Liver and Gall, and cures the Yellow-Jaun­dice [Page 86] and Stone. If this be gathered in two several Influences of Mars and Jupiter, and each severally hung about the Neck, it preserves the Bearer from the Power of his Enemies and Murtherers.

Esula, seu Tithymallus, or lesser Spurge, is subject to Saturn and Mars, because of his burning and biting Nature and Vertue; (for all yellow Colours in Vege­tables have their Original from Sol) and is very powerful in all hard Swellings of the Spleen.

Rhamnus, or Buckthorn, is in the Martial Row; for all things that are Rough, Sharp, Prickly, and Burning, and do grow in dry Places, are subject to Mars, if they are gathered in due Season, and hang'd about the Neck, serve against all Martial Sick­nesses and Diseases.

CHAP. XXI. Of the Nature and Vertue of the Solar Herbs.

SAffron is a Solar Herb, and delights in Places where the Sun shines all day long; out of the same may be extracted, in the Influence of the Sun, an excellent Eye-Water; for the Eyes are subject to the Sun. He who in his Nativity hath an Op­position of Saturn and Sol, hath but weak Eyes, and great Pains in them, which are cured by Saturnal and Solar Medicines. When the central Sol is strengthened by the Spiritual Influence of the Coelestial, it resists by its occult, Solar Vertue all Poy­sons, and together with Saturnal and Mar­tial Herbs, it is an excellent Remedy against the Plague.

Carthamus, or Wild-Saffron, grows upon Gold-bearing Mountains, from whence it attracts such a strong Solar Spirit, that it colours Tin and Silver, as if they were Gilded.

Mala citria, or Limons, are of a Solar Nature, and love to grow in a hot Ground, and in Places where the Sun shines most: [Page 88] They have a particular Inclination to the Heart, in which Sol hath a particular Dominion; they strengthen and refresh the same, augment also the Vital Spirits, and clear them: These, with other Martial things, resist powerfully all Poyson: They preserve the Heart, which is the Fountain of Life; the Juice must be exprest in the Influence of Sol, and the Seed put into a yellow Bag of Taffety, and dipt into the Juice, and applyed to the Breast.

Laurus, or Bay-Tree, is subject to the Sun, therefore by its subtle Coelestial Vir­tue, together with Martial Vegetables, it resists Poyson; its Signature shows that it is an excellent Remedy against the Bites of all Poysonous Animals. The Leaves of it put into unwholsome Water make it wholsome.

The Vine is subject to Sol, and delights to grow where the Sun shines most: It augments the Solar, Vital Spirits, and re­freshes them; strengthens the Heart, and expells all Melancholy occasioned by Saturn.

Enula is of a Solar Nature, and delights in pleasant and Sun-shiny Places. The Tincture of the Flower extracted with the Oil of Sugar, in the Influence of Sol, is an excellent Remedy for the Eyes, it sharpens [Page 89] the Sight mightily: It is also good for those that have a Cough; for it dissolves the Phlegm in the Breast, and expells it by its Solar Virtue.

Hypericon, or St. Johns-wort, is subject to the Sun and Jupiter, loves to grow in plea­sant places; it cleanseth Wounds powerfully, and heals them, and is good against inward bruises of the Veins; it stops spitting of Blood, occasioned by a broken Artery; for all Jovial Herbs are of a healing Nature, therefore may be apply'd to Wounds: If it be gathered in two several Influences, as of the Sun and Jupiter, it expells all poysonous and putrefied Moisture, according to the Nature of Jovial and Solar things: It re­sists all Putrefaction by its Solar Virtue; therefore it expells all Worms, which have their Original from Futrefaction.

Fraxinus, or Ash-Tree. It strengthens the Heart by its Solar Virtue, and with Jovial and Saturnal things it resists Poyson. The Juice of this Tree apply'd in the In­fluence to the poysonous Bitings of Serpents cures them. Drinking Vessels made of this Wood make those Merry who drink out of them. It expells all Saturnal Spirits by Antipathy, and strengthens all Vital, Solar Spirits by Sympathy. Hence it [Page 90] is excellent good for all Melancholy Peo­ple.

Melissa, or Balm, belongs to the Sun and Jupiter. It hinders the Putrefaction of the Lungs and Liver; it preserves Youth, and defends Old Age: It hath also many more Virtues, because of its Solar Influence.

Flos Solis, or Sun-Flower, is an excellent Herb for the Eyes; if the Flowers be ga­thered in the Influence of Jupiter, they give the Bearer a special Authority by their Solar, occult Virtue.

Rosemary is subject to Sol and Mercury, and by the Virtue of such Constellation, it augments the Solar, Vital Spirits, as also the Animal Spirits that are of a Mercurial Nature. It strengthens the Brain and Heart, and cures all Colds in the Head, as also Apoplexy and Phrensie: It likewise resists all Putrefaction.

Corona Imperialis, or Tulip, hath all the Virtues of Rosemary.

CHAP. XXII. Of the Vertue and Force of Venereal Herbs.

SAtyrion Roots are subject to Venus, therefore by their Signature they signi­fie the Testicles, and other Venereal parts; they augment the Sperm, and cause an in­clination to Venereal Acts.

All sorts of Lilies are subject to Venus, but especially the white; for the white co­lour in Vegetables belongs to Venus; the other colour'd Lilies participate of Venus's and other Planets influences; the Roots of white Lilies gather'd in the influence of the Moon and Venus, make the Bearer accep­table among Women; the water of white Lilies clears the Face, and takes away all spots of the Skin.

Lilium Convallium, or Lily of the Vally, loves moist places, and is subject to Venus and Luna, being an excellent Remedy against the Epilepsie, Frensie, and Apoplexy, and o­ther Diseases; for the Celestial Moon forti­fies the Terrestrial in Men by its Spiritual power and vertue; it strengthens the Brain, and cures all Lunary Diseases.

[Page 92] Narcissus, or Daffodil, is subject to Venus; the Roots of it, together with other proper things, augment the Sperm; the water of it clears the Skin and Face; for Venus is Lady of all that is Beautiful, and all handsome Creatures are subject to her, and receive their Beauty from her.

Flores Nymphoe, or Water Lilies, grow in Water, and therefore are subject to Venus and Sol; they cure the Swellings of the Privities, and extinguish all extravagant and lustful desires to Venus; if they be mixt with Saturnal Herbs, they cool the Inflammation of the Liver; and if they be mixed with other proper things, they cure the Hectick Fever and Pleurisie; they also clear the Face.

Rosa, or Rose, is for the most part of a Venereal Nature; it cures the Swellings of the Yard, and is excellent in stopping the Red and White Fluxes of Women, and makes them apt to Conceive.

Ficus, or Fig, is of a Venereal and Jovial Nature, therefore its Fruit is Sweet and Delicious, which increases the Venereal Appetite.

Mala Mustica, or Sweet Apples, belong also to Venus, and have the same Effects as the Figs.

[Page 93] Hyacinthus, or Hyacinth, is Venereal, but for the most part of a Solar Nature: It makes the Bearer have an especial Love and Favour among Ladies of Quality; for Ladies are subject to this Planet. The Juice of the Root rub'd on the Skin prevents all growings of Hair.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Nature and Vertue of Mercurial Herbs.

CHamomilla, or Chamomil, is Mercurial, because of its manifold Colours; it loves dry and sandy Places, and is good for many things. It disperses all Winds and Swellings in the Body; it fortifies by the Mercurial Virtue the Animal Spirits, especially if you make a Lee of them, and wash the Head with the same: If it be mix'd and used with other proper things, it opens all inward Obstructions, and ripens the Sores of the Lungs.

Aquilegia, or Celandine, hath Sky-coloured and yellow Flowers, and is subject to Mer­cury. [Page 94] It is good for all Swellings of the Lungs and Sides, as also for all inward Hurts, for the Lungs and Sides are subject to Jupiter, therefore it ripens all the Swell­ings of the same: It opens the Obstruction of the Liver, and its Seed is good in the Yellow-Jaundice.

Faboe, or Beans, have Flowers of divers Colours, are subject to Mercury and Saturn. The use of them makes a thick and melan­choly Blood subject to Saturnal Diseases. They create great, windy Swellings, and by their gross Nature they stupifie the Spirits, and obstruct the subtle Vital ones. The Smell of the Flowers ascends into the Head, disquiets and dulls the Brains; therefore those who are Born in an Antipathetick Conjunction of Saturn and Mercury, are commonly sottish, and at last lose their Senses; but if the Conjunction or Direction of Saturn be Sympathetical, those that are Born at that time have a quick Wit, but a stammering Tongue, as hath been proved by several Persons who have had the same Direction.

Bellis, or Dasie, is subject to Mer­cury and Venus, because of its various co­loured Flowers, which consist of a very humid Salt, ex librâ & Mercuriali hu­miditate [Page 95] aquea. It is good for those that are subject to Passion, because it takes away the Gall without damaging the Liver. It is excellent in the Gout; for by its subtle Salt it resolves and takes away the Tartar which causeth this Pain. The distill'd Water takes away the Swellings of the Throat, and Blisters of the Tongue, as being Mercurial parts.

Trifolium, or Trey-foil, is of a Mercurial Nature, therefore the Bees, which are of a Mercurial and Solar Nature, love this Herb, and take most of their Honey out of it.

All Friendship amongst Creatures pro­ceeds from an Heavenly Harmony; for it often happens, that Strangers, who have never seen each other before, love one the other, because in their Nativity they have had the same Signs ascending. Experience testifies, that Snakes do not love those Places where Trey-foil grows: And History saith, That in the Island Malta there are no Snakes, because several sorts of Trey-foil grow there.

Trifolium Odoratum, or Treacle Claver, is subject to Mercury, therefore its Scent is strongest, when Mercury hath a strong In­fluence; and its strong Scent often foretells [Page 96] Rainy Weather; so do almost all sorts of Trey-foil; for when it begins to Rain, it declines its Head to the Ground, as if it were ready to shrink up; it is good for the Brains and all Animal Spirits, for it strengthens and aug­ments the same by its Spiritual Mercurial Vertue, and is good against the Epilepsie; it takes away the Colick, expells Ʋrine, and resists all Poyson.

Juniperus, or Juniper, is in its whole Na­ture subject to Mercury, and in him is the whole Mercurial Monarchy: Out of it (by Chymical Art) is Extracted excellent Re­medies in the time of Mercury, against the Dropsie, Stone, Colick, Poyson, Plague, Cough­ing, Gout, and many other Diseases, as expe­rience will shew; by its Scent and Shadow it makes Snakes fly.

Wallnuts are Mercurial, but a little sub­ject to the Moon; they represent the Brains by their Lunar Physiognomy, for the Brains are subject to Luna; therefore the Nuts, if right­ly used, fortifie the Brain, and augment the Animal Spirits. Out of the Root of this Tree is made a strong Vomit; the Juice of the green Shells of the Nuts, is good a­gainst Inflammations and swellings of the Throat.

[Page 97] Hasel-Nuts are also Mercurial; therefore the Squirrels (who are subject to Mercury) love the Tree and its Fruit. The Misseltoe of it strengthens the Brains.

Sambucus, or Elder-Tree, is wholly Mer­curial, therefore out of it are prepared many useful Medicines, especially for the Brain, and its Diseases, as also for Dropsies and Fevers. Out of the Stones of the Berries, by Chymical Art, and help of the Influence of Mercury, is prepared an excellent Oil against the Gout. Elder cures as many Sicknesses as it hath parts.

Bistorta, or Snake-weed, is excellent for the Lungs, because of its Mercurial Nature. It is also excellent against the Cough.

Pulmonaria, or Lung-wort, is Mercurial; for it represents, by its Signature, the Lungs. Saturn also claims a small share of it. It is excellent good for the Distempers of the Lungs.

Anisum, or Anise, is also under the In­fluence of Mercury. It strengthens the Brains, helps the Lungs, takes away the Cough and Phlegm from the Breast, and is good for the Hectick, and opens the Ob­structions of the Bowels.

Cubeboe, or Cubebs, are Mercurial and Lunar. They strengthen the Brain, which [Page 98] belongs to Luna, and fortifie and subti­lize the Animal Spirits. They strengthen the Memory, if they be used early in the Morning, else, by their superfluous use, they bring damage to the Brains.

Marjorana, or Marjoram, is also Mercu­rial. It augments the Animal Spirits, and is good in the Lethargy. Its Oil strengthens the Nerves, and is of excellent use, as well inward as outward.

Note, That the most Mercurial Herbs are also subject to other Planets; for if he joins with another Planet, he may be good or bad. He strengthens their Influ­ence; for Mercury is like Proteus, who makes use of all Shapes.

CHAP. XXIV. Of the Nature and Vertue of Lunar Herbs.

CAulis capitatus, or Colly-Flower, loves moist Places; it abounds with Juice; is subject to Luna, and by its Signature it represents the Head. If eaten, it causeth Vapours in the Head, and makes it moist, because of Luna, who hath Dominion over it, especially if it be boil'd with Onions, for it hath a Lunar Poyson in it. It fills the whole Body with Moisture, as all Lunar Herbs do. It is not very noxi­ous to those who are plagued with the Gall, and have a very hot Stomach. Those who are of a cold Nature ought not to use it, least, by its Lunar Humidity, it should cause a Dropsie: But the inward parts taken with the Seed in the Lunar Influence, cure the Dropsie, and other Lunar Sicknesses.

Brassica, or Cole-wort, is better than the Leaves. It is of a Lunar and Jovial Nature: It makes a clear Blood, but the Herb of it makes no good Blood, but occasions a watry Humidity, very good, or very bad, as the Moon is influenced: It moistens the Liver, [Page 100] and prevents the Inflammations, as also the Obstructions; therefore it is an excellent Diet for those that are troubled with the Colick and Yellow-Jaundice, for it corrects the Gall, and takes away its adust Phlegm, by gently Pur­ging, and keeping the Body open. The di­still'd Water is good in the Yellow-Jaundice.

Melons and Pompkins represent the Head of Men, and delight in moist Places, (are subject to Luna) as all Lunars do. The distill'd Water is good in hot Fevers; it extinguisheth all Heat, and Inflammations; it quencheth the Thirst by its Lunar Humi­dity; it pacifieth the Head-Ach, occasioned by the disorder of the Brains, and is good for those who are troubled with a hot, burning Sto­mach. If they are eaten in an undue Season, and too plentifully, they disturb the Sto­mach, and occasion the Reds and Whites, as Lunar Sicknesses.

Garlick and Onions are subject to Luna and Mars, therefore if the Roots hang in the Moon-shine, they seem fiery. If they are taken in an undue Season, they cause a Lethargy, trouble the Animal Spirits, and fill the Head with a subtle, Lunar, poysonous Vapour; but if they are corrected, they strengthen the Stomach, and the Seed of it gathered in two several Influences of Luna and Mars, resists all Poyson.

[Page 101] Mandrake is poysonous, loves humid and shady Places, is subject to Luna and Saturn: It hath a Narcotick and Anodyne Vertue, therefore when a Member is to be cut off. the Physicians use it; for it takes away all Senses. The Fruit of it taken and eaten in an undue Season causes Obstructions of the Spleen, Leprosie, Head-Ach, Melancholy, and Quartan, because of its Poyson; but if it be gathered in a due Influence of Saturn and Luna, it cures all Madness, and Melancholy; for it takes away the malignant, Saturnal and Lunar Humidity, by the Roots.

Papaver, or Poppy, is of a Lunar Nature; by its Signature it is subject to Luna; if it be gathered in a due Influence of Luna, it is very good for the Head; if it be taken in an undue Season, it cools the Head, and moistens it too much. It is good for the Epilepsie, occasioned by hot Vapours, causes Sleep, and is therefore mixt among the Narcotick Ʋnguents.

Wild-Poppies are subject to Luna and Jupiter, because of their Lunar, cooling Ver­tue, and their Jovial Spirit. They are good for the Inflammation of the Liver, and Blood, and purifie the same. The Water distill'd in due Season, is good in hot Fevers, and [Page 102] Pleurisie. The Water made in a good In­fluence of Luna and Jupiter, if a Cloth be dipt in the same, and apply'd to the Fore­head, causes a gentle Sleep, and takes away the Head-Ach occasioned by heat.

Lettuce loves moist places: It moistens the Body, because of Luna, causeth Sleep, and increaseth Milk in Women: It pacifies the Head-Ach occasioned by heat, and expells the Gall from the Stomach.

Rapum, or Rape-Root, is of a strong, Lunar Nature; therefore it fills the Body with Moisture, and gathered in an undue Season is very noxious to the Phlegmatick.

Lime-Tree is subject to Luna and Mars; its yellow Bark comes from Mars. It opens the Obstructions of Women. The distill'd Water is good for the Head, cures the Phrenzy, takes away the Cold of the Body, and easeth the Colick.

Peony-Root is subject to Luna and Jupiter, for the Flowers are Jovial. If they are gathered in the Influence of Jupiter and Luna, they take away all Obstructions of Women, and if they have them too much, they bring them into order. This Virtue is also in the Seed. It is excellent for the Head; it cures the Phrenzy, and takes away the heavy Dreams, and Incubus, if [Page 103] it be taken inwardly, or hang'd about the Neck.

All sorts of Mushrooms, are nothing but the Swellings of the Earth, occasioned by a viscous Humidity of the Earth and Trees; for Luna is Lady of all Moisture. Hence it is, that in wet Years they abound more than in dry. They give (accord­ing to the Nature of all Lunars) a pale Colour. If you eat too many, and not well pickled, they fill the Body with a watry Phlegm, and create a Dropsie, and all Lunar Distempers. He that delights to eat them must gather them in the In­fluence of the Moon, then they are Health­ful, otherwise they hurt, by reason of their Lunar Moisture. Some think that the pale coloured are the most hurtful, because they have the more Lunar Poyson in them; and the yellow better, because they have more Sulphur.

Water-Lentils are also subject to Luna, are of a cooling Nature, and also useful in all inward and outward Inflammations. They likewise cure the Head-Ach, occasioned by Heat.