ABele-tree.

See Pop­lar.

Adders-tongue, in Latin Ophioglosum.

The Root has many thick Fi­bres, bound together; e­specially if it grows in good Ground. It tastes at first sweet, but leaves an Acrimony and Bitterness on the Palate. It has a tender Stalk, about an Hand high, which sustains one Leaf, that is Oyly, and without Nerves; sometimes narrow and somewhat long, some­times broad somewhat round and erect; of a sweetish and clammy taste. A two-fork'd Tongue rises from the Leaf where 'tis joyn'd to the Stalk, which grows sharp by degrees, and is a little indented. 'Tis common in Meadows, and moist Pastures. It springs in April, and fades in July.

'Tis an excellent Wound-Herb, either taken inward­ly, or outwardly applied. For Ruptures, or Bursten Bellies, Take as much of the Powder of the dry'd Leaves as will lye on a Six-pence, or less, according to the Age of the Party, in two Ounces of Horse-tail, or Oak-bud-water, sweet­ned with Syrup of Quinces. [Page 2] Use it every Morning for the space of fifteen Days. But before you enter upon the Use of this, or any other Medicine, the Gut, if it fall into the Cod, must be re­duc'd by a Chirurgeon, and a Truss must be worn to keep it up, and the Party must avoid all violent Mo­tions, and lie as much as may be in Bed, or on a Couch. Fabritius Hildanus says, That some have been cured of great Ruptures by lying in Bed, when they could be cured no other way.

The Oyl of it, made in the following manner, is full as good for Wounds and Ulcers as that of St. John's-wort: Take one handful of the Leaves, pound them in a Stone-Mortar, and boil them in a Pint of Oyl of Olives 'till they are dry; strain it, and keep it for use.

Common Agrimony, in Latin Agrimonia.

Most commonly it has but one Stalk, two or three Foot high, and sometimes much higher. 'Tis round, hairy, full of Pith, surrounded with Leaves plac'd at a distance alternately, above an Hand in length. The Leaves consist, for the most part, of four little Leaves, wing'd on both sides, and much indented all about; they have Veins, and are hairy, but the Down is not very conspicuous; they taste a little acrid, and are somewhat styptick. The Flowers smell sweet; they grow alternately to the Shaft, in a long Series; and upon the Top-branch­es, like an Ear of Corn. They are of a Saffron-co­lour, and are compos'd of five Leaves; at the Basis of every Leaf there are two Ears that embrace the Stalk. The Root is black­ish, thick, and of an astrin­gent Taste.

It cleanses and strength­ens the Blood, and opens Obstructions of the Li­ver; wherefore 'tis good in Dropsies, for an ill Habit of Body, and the Jaundice. Let those that are afflicted with these Diseases use for their ordinary Drink, Ale or Beer wherein the Leaves [Page 3] of Agrimony have been in­fus'd. For instance; Put eight handfuls of the Leaves into a Vessel containing four Gallons, drink of it when it is clear. 'Tis used outwardly in Baths and Lotions.

The Powder of the dried Leaves is much commend­ed by Riverius to prevent involuntary Urine. Take of the Powder half a Dram, of Conserve of Roses a suf­ficient quantity; make a Bolus to be taken at Bed-time, for the space of three Weeks.

Alder-tree, in Latin Al­nus.

'Tis large, and spreads much if it like the place it grows in: The Bark is brown, and the Wood red­der than Elm or Yew; the Branches are very easily broken; the Bark of the Branches is of a brownish Colour and spotted, and yellowish within, and tastes bitter and unpleasant: The Wood is white, and full of Pith: The Leaves are broad, round, and nervous, and somewhat like the Leaves of the Hasel-tree; they are indented, green, shining, and clammy. It bears short, brown Aglets, like the Beech or Birch-tree. It grows near Wa­ter.

The green Leaves of this Tree applied to Tumours, discusses them, and takes off Inflammations. Being put into Travellers Shooes, they ease Pain, and remove Weariness. A black Co­lour, like Ink, is made with the Bark of Alder, rubb'd off with a rusty Iron, and infus'd in Water for some Days. Some use it to dye.

Black Alder,in Latin Alnus nigra baccifera.

'Tis a small Tree, which sends forth many streight Twigs from the Roots, about three Yards high, of the thick­ness of the Thumb, di­vided into tender Branch­es. The outward Bark is brown, but sprinkled with Sky-colour'd Spots; which being taken off, another appears of a Saffron-colour. The Substance of the Wood is clear, and easily bro­ken; nigh the middle 'tis [Page 4] brownish, and has a great deal of Pith. The Leaves are somewhat round, and end in an obtuse Point, and are of a shining dark-green Colour. The Flowers are small and palish. The Ber­ries are first green, then red, and at last black, and of an unpleasant Taste. 'Tis often found in moist, woody Places.

The yellow and middle Bark, beaten with Vinegar, cures the Itch in a few Days.

The inward Bark, espe­cially of the Root, purges Watery Humours; for which Reason 'tis good in a Dropsie: But it ought to be dried in the Shade, be­cause when it is green it occasions Vomiting: And the Decoction of it ought to stand two or three Days before 'tis used.

Alexanders, in Latin Hippocelinum.

It has a thick Root that is white within; it smells sweet, and tastes acrid, and some­what bitter. The Stalk is above a Yard high, full, branchy, channell'd, and somewhat red. The Leaves are larger than the Leaves of Marsh-Smallage, and the Pieces rounder: They are of a deep Green; they taste sweetish, and like Garden-Smallage. It has Tufts or Umbels of white Flowers. The Seed is thick, black, and channell'd.

'Tis frequently used in Broths in the Spring-time, to cleanse the Blood, and strengthen the Stomach. The Root pickled is a good Sauce. Half a Dram of the Seeds powder'd, and taken in White-wine, pro­vokes Urine.

Angelica, in Latin An­gelica.

The Herb it self, but especially the Root and Seed, are hot and dry. It opens and attenuates, and is Sudorifick and Vulnera­ry. It moves the Courses, hastens Delivery, is good for Mother-fits, and in ma­lignant Diseases, and for the Plague; and it expels Poison. The Root of it is allow'd by all Physicians to be very cordial and Alexi­pharmick.

[Page 5] For Preservation against the Plague, the Root, in­fus'd in Vinegar, is to be held frequently to the Nose, or chew'd in the Mouth: For the Cure, Take one Dram of the Powder of the Root alone, or half a Dram mix'd with a Dram of Ve­nice-Treacle, every sixth Hour, to provoke Sweat.

The Root or the Stalks candied, are reckon'd very good, being eaten in a Morning, to prevent Infe­ction. They are also use­ful in cold Diseases of the Lungs, and take off a stinking Breath.

Apple-tree, in Latin Malus.

The English Apples being accounted the best in Europe, I will mention par­ticularly those that are most esteem'd amongst us.

Apricock-tree, in La­tin Malus Armeniaca.

The English Apricocks are better than the French or Italian, and more wholsome than the Peach. The Oyl of the Kernels is excellent for In­flammations, and Swellings of the Hemorrhoids; and for Pains of the Ears. The Kernels eaten, cure the Heart-burning.

White Arch-Angel, in Latin Laminum album.

It has many fibrous Roots, it creeps awry in the Earth like Mint; the Stalks are a Foot or two Foot high, four-square, and pretty large; but they are smal­ler near the Earth, and weak, so that they can scarce stand alone: They are empty, pretty hairy and branchy, and have a few Joints, and near the Earth seem of a Purple Colour when the Sun shines on them. The Leaves are plac'd by Pairs, opposite to one another, like Nettles; those on the Bottom-stalks are plac'd on long Foot-stalks, those on the Top-stalks on short Foot-stalks, and have a short soft Down. The Flowers encompass the Stalks at the Joints; they are white, large, and hood­ed, without rather pale than white. It flowers at the Latter End of April, or the Beginning of May.

One handful of the Herb, beaten up with Hog's Lard, and applied to King's-Evil-Swellings in the Neck or Throat, discusses them. A Conserve of the Flowers is much commended in the Whites: But the Cure of them by the following Me­thod is much safer and surer.

Bleed once, and purge thrice with two Scruples of Pill Coch. Major. Then take of Venice-Treacle one Ounce and an half, of the Conserve of the yellow Pill of Oranges one Ounce, of Diascordium half an Ounce, of Candied Ginger and Nutmegs, each three Drams; of the Compound Powder of Crabs-eyes one Dram and an half; of the outward Bark of the Pome­granate, [Page 9] of the Root of Spanish Angelica, of Red Coral prepar'd, of the Tro­chisc, de Terra Lemnia, each one Dram; of Bole-Arme­nick two Scruples, of Gum-Arabick half a Dram, with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of dried Roses: Make an Electuary. Take the quantity of a large Nutmeg in the Morning, at Five in the Afternoon, and at Bed-time; drinking upon it six Spoonfuls of the following Infusion.

Take of the Roots Ele­campane, Master-Wort, An­gelica and Gentian, each half an Ounce; of the Leaves of Roman-Worm­wood, of White Arch-An­gel, and the lesser Centory, and Calamint, each one handful; of Juniper-ber­ries one Ounce: Cut them small, and infuse them in five Pints of Canary: Let them stand in Infusion, and strain it only as you use it.

Stinking Arrach, or Or­rach, in Latin Atriplex O­lida.

'Tis easily known by its stinking Smell, which is exactly like Old Ling. It grows in Places where there is Rubbish, but it is not common. A Conserve of the Leaves, or Syrup made of the Juice, is good for Mother-fits, and Wo­men's Obstructions, the quantity of a Nutmeg of the Conserve being taken Morning and Evening, or two Spoonfuls of the Syrup at the same Times. But the following Plaster must be applied to the Woman's Navel.

Take of Galbanum, dis­solv'd in Tincture of Castor, and strain'd, three Drams; of Tacamahaca two Drams: Mingle them, and make a Plaster, and spread it on Leather, having an Hole cut in the middle.

The Woman must be also purg'd three or four times with the Pill Coch. Major, viz. Take of the Pill Coch. Major two Scruples, of Ca­stor powder'd two Grains, of the Peruvian Balsam four Drops: Make four Pills, to be taken at Five in the Morning, and let her sleep after them.

[Page 10] After purging as above directed, let the Woman take of the Conserve or Sy­rup, as before mentioned, thirty Days, drinking pre­sently after a Draught of Wormwood-Beer or Wine. Or, if she do not like the Conserve or Syrup, let her take the following Pills for the space of a Month. Take of the Filings of Steel eight Grains, of Ex­tract of Wormwood a suf­ficient quantity: Make two Pills; let her take them in the Morning, and repeat them in the Evening; and so Morning and Evening, drinking a small Draught of Wormwood-Beer pre­sently after.

Common Arsmart, in Latin Persicaria.

It has a single, small, woody, white Root, with many Fibres. It has many Stalks, a Foot or two Foot high, solid, round and smooth, branchy and jointed: When the Sun shines on them they are of a reddish Colour, otherwise of a yellow Green. The Leaves embrace the Stalks at the Joints, and are plac'd on short Foot-stalks: They are of a pale Green, not spotted, smooth: They are like Peach-leaves. The Flowers grow upon the up­per Stalks and Branches, in spiky Heads, and are very small. Some of them are useless, no Seed succeeding them; these consist of four Leaves. Others are always shut, and contain a pretty large, three-square, shining Seed that is black when 'tis ripe; and these are red without. This Plant has an acrid and biting Taste: It grows in watry Places, and Ditches.

'Tis plainly hot and dry: 'Tis chiefly used outwardly in Wounds, hard Swellings, and old Sores.

The Water of Arsmart is of great use in the Stone of the Kidnies or Bladder, a Draught of it being taken every Morning for two or three Months together. A Country-Gentleman us'd a Load of this Herb in a Year to make the Water, wherewith he cured many of the Stone. The Root or Seed put into an aching hollow Tooth, takes off [Page 11] the Pain. There is scarce any thing more effectual to drive away Flies: For, whatever Wounds or Ul­cers Cattel have, if they are anointed with the Juice of Arsmart, the Flies will not come near, tho it is the Heat of Summer.

Artichoke, in Latin Ci­nara.

The Germans and French eat the tender Stalks boyl'd, with Vinegar and Butter: And the Italians seldom boyl the Heads, but eat them raw, with Salt, Oyl and Pepper. They are said to provoke Vene­ry, to restore Nature, and strengthen the Stomach. A Decoction of the Buds pro­vokes Urine.

Asarabacca, in Latin Asarum.

It has many Heads shooting from the Roots, whereon are many smooth Leaves, every one upon a Foot-stalk by it self: They are rounder and big­ger than the Leaves of Vio­lets, and thicker; and of a darker green shining Co­lour on the upper side, and of a paler Green under­neath. Among the Leaves near the Earth are six-angled purplish Husks, that are hairy, and plac'd on short Foot-stalks; these con­tain the Seeds, that are like the Stones of Grapes. They have within a white Mar­row, that tastes somewhat acrid.

It purges violently, up­wards and downwards, Flegm and Choler. 'Tis Diuretick also, and forces the Courses: Wherefore Wenches use the Decoction of it too frequently, when they think they are with Child. 'Tis good in the Dropsie and Jaundice.

Take of the Leaves of Asarabacca six, seven, eight, or nine; bruise them, and pour upon them three Oun­ces of White-wine; strain it. Take it in the Morn­ing, or at Four in the Afternoon: Drink large Draughts of Posset-drink after every time it vomits. Or,

Take of the Pow­der of the Root one Dram, or four Scru­ples; Oxymel of Squils one [Page 12] Ounce and an half; mingle them, and take it in a draught of Posset-drink. Use Posset-drink in the Work­ing of it, as above-directed.

The Ash-tree, in Latin Fraxinus.

The Seed of the Ash powder'd, and taken in Wine, forces Urine. The Juice of three or four Leaves taken every Morn­ing, makes those lean that are fat. The Bark and the Wood dry and attenuate, and are supposed to soften the hardness of the Spleen by a Specifick Quality. The Juice of the Leaves and tender Twigs, taken in the Morning daily, in a small quantity, is said to do good in Dropsies. One Dram of the Seeds pow­der'd, and taken in Wine, is also beneficial in the Dropsie. The Salt of it provokes Sweat and Urine.

Avens, in Latin Cario­phillata.

The Root grows oblique, sending down some­times thick Fibres into the Earth. 'Tis of an Aromatick taste and Smell, like July-flowers. Several Stalks rise from the same Root, two Foot high, or higher, round, hairy, small, and full of Pith, garnish'd with Leaves plac'd alternately; they are branchy at the top. The Leaves that come from the Root are hairy and winged, small Wings being here and there joyn­ed to the Middle-rib. The Extremity of the Leaf is cut in deep. The Leaves that are on the Stalks con­sist of two Wings that are pretty large, which adhere to the Stalk at the Basis of the Foot-stalk, as if they were Ears; and they have three Jags at the End, al­most like a Bramble. The Flower does not come from the Bosom of the Leaf, but grows opposite to it, and has long Foot-stalks, and five yellow Leaves, like Tormentil. The Cup is composed of ten Leaves; five large, five small. Ma­ny yellow Threads stand round the Head, which grows into a roundish Bur, compos'd of a great many Seeds, placed thick toge­ther; each of them has a Tail that turns back at the End, whereby they stick to Clothes. It grows in [Page 13] Hedges and Bushes, and flowers in May or June.

'Tis somewhat astrin­gent; it strengthens, and discusses; 'tis Cephalick and Cordial, and resists Poisons. 'Tis chiefly used inwardly to cure Catarrhs, and for quickening the Blood when it is coagu­lated. Wine wherein the Root has been infus'd has a fine pleasant Taste and Smell: It chears the Heart, and opens Obstructions. The Root infus'd in Beer is excellent for strengthen­ing the Joints and Bowels. Two Ounces of the Root, or an Handful of the Herb, boyl'd in a Quart of Water or Posset-drink, to the Con­sumption of a fourth Part, has been us'd successfully in curing Agues, especially Tertians, being taken two Hours before the Fit, or in the Fit.

BArbery-tree, in Latin Berberis.

The Berries cool, and are astringent; they provoke Appetite, and strengthen the Stomach; and therefore the Conserve of them is frequently used in Fevers, a Loosness, and the Bloody Flux. The in­ward Bark of the Branches and Root, infus'd in White­wine, is an excellent Re­medy for the Jaundice. The Juice of the Berries, a Decoction of the Bark, or the Juice of the Leaves, mix'd with Vinegar, cure the Pain of the Teeth occa­sioned by Fluxion. The Conserve of it frequently taken, cures Inflammations of the Mouth and Throat; or the Mouth being gar­gled with some of the Con­serve, dissolv'd in Water and Vinegar.

Barley, in Latin Hordeum.

The French-Barley is much used in Fevers, and for Diseases of the Breast, and for Heat of Urine. A Pultis of Barley-meal and Butter is very Anodine, and eases painful Tumours.

Garden- Basil, in Latin Ocymum.

'Tis about nine Inches high, and has many four-square Branches that are somewhat red, and a little hairy, The Leaves are like Pellitory-Leaves, they are smooth; some are indented, some not: They have a fragrant Smell, but do not taste very well. The Flowers are white, or of a purplish Colour; they smell sweet, and are plac'd on long Spikes, in Whirls. The Seed is small, and black. The Root is woody, black and fibrous. It grows only in Gardens.

It comforts the Heart, and expels Melancholy: It cleanses the Lungs, and moves the Courses. 'Tis an Ingredient of three Com­pound-Waters in the Lon­don-Dispensatory, viz. Gil­berts-water, Briony-water, and the Celestial-water.

Wild- Basil, in Latin A­cinos.

It has but one thin Root, with but a few Fi­bres. The Stalks are one Hand high, hairy, red, four-square, branchy, tho' near the Earth they seem round. There are two Leaves at each Joint, and their Foot-stalks are con­trary one to another; they are like wild Thyme, but larger; they are indented about the Edges, are green above, underneath whitish: Their Nerves are conspi­cuous, they are plac'd up­on short Foot-stalks. The Flowers are dispos'd like a Whirl at the top of the Stalks and Branches, and shew themselves of a pur­ple Colour. The Cup is [Page 15] oblong, channell'd, big-bel­lied, but narrow at the Neck. It grows of its own accord upon chalky Hills, and on dry and gravelly Ground. It flowers in June.

The Virtue of it is not certainly known; and, in­deed, one would judge by the Smell and Taste, that it had no great Virtue, tho' Schwenckfeld says that 'tis hot and dry, and that it forces the Courses, and the Birth, and removes Melan­choly.

Baulm, in Latin Me­lissa.

'Tis reckon'd among the Cordial-Herbs. It re­moves Melancholy, and cheers the Heart. 'Tis much commended for Fainting and Beating of the Heart, and for the Palsie and Falling-sickness, and for other cold Diseases of the Brain. Put the green Leaves into Canary-wine, and drink a Glass or two at Meals, it provokes the Courses, and Child-bed-Purgations; and is good for Mother-fits, and cures a Stinking Breath. For Mad­ness, Take one Handful of the Leaves, cut them small, and infuse them in four Ounces of Brandy; add of prepar'd Pearl half a Dram; the Dose is two Spoonfuls Morning and Evening. This was counted a great Secret at Montpelier. For Melancholy, Take of the Conserve of Balm one Ounce, of the Conserve of Bugloss and Borage-flowers, each half an Ounce; of Confection of Alkermes one Dram; make an Electuary with the Syrup of the five opening Roots: Take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening for the space of a Month, be­ing first purg'd once or twice. A Maid was cur'd of deep Melancholy, and the Green-sickness, by the use of this Medicine. 'Tis us'd in Baths to comfort the Joints and Sinews; and for Diseases of the Womb. It flowers in June, July and August.

Bay-tree, in Latin Laurus.

A Decoction of the Bark, Berries and Leaves makes a good Bath for the Diseases of the Womb and Bladder. The [Page 16] Berries are very effectual against all Poison of ve­nomous Creatures, and the stinging of Wasps and Bees, and also in the Plague, and infectious Diseases; and therefore are an Ingredient in the London-Treacle. They procure the Courses; and 'tis said that seven of the Berries taken inwardly, will hasten Delivery, and expel the After-Birth. Be­ing made into an Electua­ry with Hony, they cure old Coughs, and Shortness of Breath, and stop Rheums; they expel Wind, and pro­voke Urine, and comfort the Stomach. The Oyl which is made of the Ber­ries is very useful in cold Diseases of the Joints and Nerves. The Electuary of it is frequently used in Cly­sters, to expel Wind, and to ease the Pain of the Cholick. So do the Berries themselves.

Beans, in Latin Faba.

They are the chief Diet all the Summer-time in some Places, and are certainly very nourishing. A poor Country-man, when Corn was dear, dieted his Chil­dren only with Beans dried; and they were better co­lour'd, and fatter, than o­ther Children.

The Distill'd Water of the Flowers provokes U­rine; and is much used for beautifying the Face, and taking Spots from thence. For the Gravel, make a Lee of the Ashes, strain it, and sweeten it with Sugar: Take six Ounces, with twenty Drops of Tincture [Page 17] of Cinnamon in it. One that voided Blood by Stool three or four Months, was cured by eating Red Beans boyl'd in Milk, Morning and Evening, when other Medicines would do no good. They provoke Ve­nery; but they are windy, and occasion troublesom Dreams.

Bears-foot, in Latin Helleboraster.

It grows on­ly in Gardens. The Pow­der of the Leaves kills Worms in Children: But it is a churlish Medicine.

Beech-tree, in Latin Fagus.

The Leaves of the Beech-tree bruis'd, and applied to hot Swellings, dis­cusses them. The Water contained in old and hol­low Oaks and Beech-trees, cures the Itch in Men, and Cattel when they are mangy.

White-Beet, in Latin Beta alba.

It has a woody Root, of the thickness of the Little Finger, pretty long, and white. The Leaves are of a light green Colour, thick, and succu­lent; of a nitrous Taste. The Stalk is four Foot high, or higher, small, and chan­nell'd; and has many Wings, wherein are the little Flowers, in a long Series, consisting of yellow Tufts. The Seed is round, rough and brown.

Sea-Beet, in Latin Beta Maris.

'Tis like the White-Beet, but the Leaves are smaller and greener. They are plain and equal; and have sometimes red Veins, and sometimes not. The Stalk is also less. 'Tis common in salt Marshes, and on the Sea-shore.

Beet is hot and dry, and loosens the Belly by reason of its Nitrosity. 'Tis an Errhine, especially the Root; for the Juice of it, received into the Nostrils, occasions Neezing. The young Plants, with their Roots, gently boyled, and eaten with Vinegar, pro­cure an Appetite, extin­guish Thirst, and suppress Choler in the Stomach. Beet, amongst the Ancients, was much taken notice of for its insipid Taste, Mar­tial [Page 18] reproaches it in the fol­lowing Distick.

The Juice of this Herb, drawn up into the Nostrils, powerfully evacuates Phle­gmatick Humours from the Brain, and cures invete­rate Head-aches. This is counted a great Secret by some.

Wood- Betony, in La­tin Betonica.

It grows in Bushes and Woods. The Flower is commonly pur­ple, sometimes white.

Many Vertues are attri­buted to this Plant, taken any way. Scroder describes the Vertues, in short, thus. 'Tis hot and dry, acrid and bitter. It discusses, at­tenuates, opens and cleanses. 'Tis Cephalick, Epatick, Splenetick, Thoracick, U­terine, Vulnerary, and Diu­retick. 'Tis used frequent­ly, inwardly and outward­ly, especially in Diseases of the Head. 'Tis observed, that the Faculties of the Root are quite different from the Vertues of the Leaves and Flowers; for, 'tis very nauseous in the Mouth and Stomach, and occasions Nauseousness, Belching and Vomiting: The Leaves, on the con­trary, are Aromatick, and of a pleasant Taste, and agreeable to Nature in Food and Physick. Coun­terfeit Tea, made of Sage, Betony and Ground-pine, sweetned, and drank hot, is very good for the Gout, Head-ach, and Diseases of the Nerves; and eases Pain, occasioned by these Diseases.

Common- Bilberries, in Latin Vaccinia nigra vulga­ris.

This small Bush has many green, angled Sprigs, a Foot, or two Foot high, which are hard to break. They are divided into ma­ny Branches, whereon there are many tender, green Leaves; about an Inch long, and half an Inch broad. They are sharp-pointed, smooth, and cu­riously indented about the Edges, They taste partly [Page 19] acid, and partly harsh. The Flowers are placed, each on a Foot-stalk, among the Leaves: They are of a pale-red Colour, with a Saffron-colour'd Thread in the middle; and, in form, are like a Water-Pitcher. To each Flower succeeds one Berry, like to a Juni­per-berry; which is rather of a Violet-colour when it is ripe, than black. At first tasting of the Berries they seem pleasantly acid, but they leave somewhat that is nauseous upon the Pa­late. It flowers in May: The Fruit is ripe in Au­gust, and sometimes in July.

The Berries are cooling, and astringent. They are very agreeable to an hot Stomach, and quench Thirst. They cure a Looseness, and the Bloody-Flux, occasioned by Cho­ler: And are good in the Disease called Cholera mor­bus. They stop Vomiting, and take off Feverish Heats. A Syrup made of the Juice of the Berries, is most agreeable: viz. Take of the Juice strain'd, one Pint; Fine Sugar, one Pound and an half: Boyl it to a Syrup with a gentle Fire. Take one Spoonful at a time, or mix it with three Ounces of some pro­per Water.

Birch-tree, in Latin, Betula.

The Branches of this Tree are small and flexible, and most of them hang downwards. The Bark is very various; when the Tree is young 'tis yellow, or brown; af­terwards it grows lighter. It bears long Buds, like Long-Pepper. It grows fre­quently in cold and wa­tery Places, and on moist Heaths. The slender Twigs of it were formerly used for the Magistrates Verge: Now they serve to disci­pline Boys, and to tame wild Horses, and to make Brooms, and to catch Birds with Bird-Lime, and Bands for Fagots. Fishermen in Northumberland fish a-nights by the Light of this Bark: They put it into a cleft Stick, which serves for a Candle-stick▪ and so they see how to use their Three-teeth'd Spear for killing [Page 20] Fish. In Alsatia the best Hoops are made of Birch.

The Leaves are hot and dry, cleansing, resolving, opening, and bitter: For which Reason they are of no small use in a Drop­sie, and the Itch, and the like. The Bark is Bitu­minous, and is therefore mix'd with Perfumes that are to correct the Air. The Fungus of it has an astringent Quality; upon which Account it stops Blood miraculously.

This Tree, in the Begin­ning of Spring, before the Leaves come forth, being pierced, yields plentifully a sweet and potulent Juice, which Shepherds, when they are thirsty, often drink in the Woods. Tra­gus, Helmont, Charleton, and others, commend the Virtue and Efficacy of this Liquor, and not undeserv­edly for the Stone in the Kidnies and Bladder, for Bloody Urine and the Strangury. This Tree be­gins to yield its Juice about the Middle of February, and sometimes not till the Beginning of March. Tra­gus also commends it for the Jaundice. Some wash their Faces with it, to take off Spots, and to beautifie. Dr. Needham cured Scorbu­tick Consumptions with it: He used to mix with it good Wine and Honey. Rennet infused in the Juice, preserves the Cheese from Worms, says Tragus. The Juice of Birch cures Warts, and Pimples in the Face, if it be washed with it in the Day time, Morning and Evening, and permitted to dry on.

The Greater Bistort, or Snake-weed, in Latin Bi­storta major.

The Stalks are sometimes more than two Foot high, small, smooth, and jointed at the Top; whereon are Ears of Flowers of a Flesh-colour; and being unfolded, they consist of five small Leaves, with Tufts of the same Co­lour in the middle. The Seed is brown, or almost black, and triangular. The Leaves are smaller than those of sharp-pointed Dock; above of a dark-green Colour, below gray. [Page 21] The Root represents a crooked Finger, is red, and very astringent. 'Tis com­mon in the Meadows and Pastures about Sheffeild in Yorkshire, and in several other Places of that Coun­ty. It grows also plenti­fully in some Meadows about Tamworth and Fasely in Warwickshire.

It cools and dries. The Root of it is very astrin­gent, harsh, alexipharmick, and Sudorifick. 'Tis chief­ly used to take off Vomit­ing, and to prevent Abor­tion, and the like. The Powder of the Root, mix­ed with Conserve of Ro­ses, does wonderfully stop Spitting of Blood, and the Bloody Flux, and other Fluxes. It stops the Cour­ses when they are immo­derate. The Powder sprinkl­ed upon Wounds, stops the Blood.

Take of the Roots of Bistort and Tormentil, each one Ounce; of the Leaves of Meadow-sweet, Burnet, Wood-Sorrel, each one handful; of Burnt Harts-horn two Drams; of Sha­vings of Harts-horn and Ivory, each two Drams: Boyl them in three Pints of Fountain-water, to two; add towards the End three Ounces of Red Roses; strain them. The Dose is six Spoonfuls often in a Day.

Ʋpright- Blite, in Latin Blitum erectius.

It has a red and single Root, with some small Fibres. It roots deep in the Earth if the Place be agreeable to it; otherwise it is fibrous. The Stalk is nine Inches high, channell'd, smooth, solid; sending forth many Branch­es, near the Earth longer than the very Stalks. The Leaves are plac'd some­times opposite to one ano­ther, but oftner alternate­ly. Their Foot-stalks are an Inch long, smooth, and not so frequent as in other Blites. The Leaves re­semble the Leaves of Wild-Marjoram, but they are somewhat bigger; from the Wings whereof, and from the Extremities of the Branches, come forth small purple Flowers, in Clusters. The Seed is small, and [Page 22] black. It grows plentiful­ly upon Dung-hills, in Hop-grounds, and upon fat Earth.

It mollifies, cools, and tastes insipid.

Blue-Bottles, in La­tin Cyanus.

The Root is woody, and fibrous. It has many Stalks a Foot and an half, or two Foot high; they have Angles, are hoary, and divided in­to Branches. The lower­most Leaves have sharp Jags, like Scabious, or Dan­delion; the other are long, and as broad as a Blade of Grass; and have Nerves, that run along them: They are Sky-colour'd, or whi­tish. The Flowers come from little Heads that are compos'd of Scales; they consist of little jagged Horns, and are commonly of a Sky-colour, sometimes white, or of a light red, or purple. The Seed is contain'd in the little Head of the Flower. The whole Plant tastes dry, and some­what nauseous, and has no good Smell. It grows com­monly among Corn.

The Flowers and the distill'd Water are useful for Inflammations of the Eyes, and for the Bleared­ness of them. The Juice of the Flowers distill'd, is good for putrid Ulcers. The Powder of it, taken inwardly, is very effectual in the Jaundice. The Flowers infus'd in Spirit of Wine, or in common Water, impart their Co­lour to the Liquor; and they also colour Sugar ve­ry curiously, as do the Flowers of Succory, and the like.

Borrage, in Latin Bor­rago.

'Tis very cordial; and the Flower is one of the four Cordial-Flowers. The distill'd Water, and the Conserve of the Flow­ers, comfort the Heart, re­lieve the Faint, chear the Melancholy, and purifie the Blood. This Herb is suppos'd to be Homer's Ne­penthe; by the Juice where­of, mix'd with Wine, he was wont to expel Sorrow. The Water of it is good for Inflammations of the Eyes, and for all Fevers; as is also the Conserve of [Page 23] the Flowers. The Con­serve of the Flowers mix'd with Wine, is said to open Women's Obstructions.

To chear the Heart, Take of the Conserve of Borrage-Flowers one Ounce, of the Confection of Alkermes two Drams; mix them: The Dose is the quantity of a Nutmeg▪ two Hours after Meals, drinking a Glass of Canary presently after it.

Box-tree, in Latin Bu­xus.

This Tree is always green, and full of Branches. The Bark is white and rough. The Substance of it is very hard and yellow, and very heavy, and with­out Pith. It has many Leaves; they are smooth, more obtuse than the Leaves of the Myrtle, firm, and sometimes con­cave; and, which is worth Observation, they are dou­ble: They smell pretty well, but taste ill. A great many of these Trees grow on Box-hill, near Darking in Surrey.

'Tis seldom used in Phy­sick. The Oyl drawn from the Wood, is much com­mended for the Falling-Sickness, and Pains in the Teeth. 'Tis said, the De­coction of the Wood cures the French-Pox, as well as Guiacum. 'Tis chiefly used by Turners.

For the Pain of the Teeth, drop two or three Drops of the Oyl upon a little Lint, and stop the hollow Tooth with it, and it will soon give Ease.

Bramble, in Latin Ru­bus.

The Ancients attri­buted many Virtues to al­most every part of this Plant. The Leaves, the Buds, the Flowers, and the Fruit are astringent; but the Fruit, before it is ripe, is very astringent; where­fore it is good for Vomit­ing, and all Fluxes. 'Tis good for Sore Mouths; and is commended by some for the Scurvy, and not without Reason; for, in quality and figure, 'tis like the Cloud-Berry of the Alps, which is a Specifick for this Disease; and therefore we need not charge Children [Page 24] so strictly not to eat them. They do, indeed, occasion Children's Heads to be scabby; but it is because they eat immoderately of them: And so any other Fruit would produce the same Effect. A pleasant and generous Wine may be made of the Juice of the Berries, press'd out, and fermented with a little Su­gar. A Syrup made of the Juice, is very good for Heat of Urine.

'Tis most commonly prescrib'd in Gargarisms to cure Sore Mouths: Take of Bramble-tops, of the Leaves of Columbine, Cyprus and Sage, each one Handful; boyl them in two Quarts of Water wherein Iron has been quench'd, till one is consum'd: Add, Allum, one Dram and an half; Hony of Roses, one Ounce: Make a Gargarism, where­with wash the Mouth often in a Day.

White- Briony, in La­tin Brionia alba.

The Root is as thick as ones Arm, white and fungous, of a bitter and ac [...]id Taste. It sends forth pliant Twigs, channell'd, and somewhat hairy; which spread them­selves far and wide by the help of their Tendrels, and climb up every thing that is near. The Leaves are like Ivy-leaves, but larger; they are hairy, and green. The Flowers, joyn'd toge­ther, come out of the Wings of the Leaves, and are of a whitish Colour. It grows frequently in Hedges.

It purges strongly Wa­tery and Phlegmatick Hu­mours. 'Tis proper for the Diseases of the Spleen, Li­ver and Womb; for it o­pens the Obstructions of those Parts. It drains the Water of Hydropical Peo­ple by Vomit and Stool. It provokes the Courses, helps Delivery, cures the Suffocation of the Womb, and the Asthma.

Juglers and Fortune-tel­lers make wonderful Mon­sters of this Root, which, when they have hid in the Sand for some Days, they dig up for Mandrakes; and by this Imposture these Knaves impose on our [Page 25] Common People. Con­serve of White Briony-Roots, taken twice a Day, to the quantity of a Nut­meg, for a long time, cures the Falling-Sickness, and Mother-Fits. A piece of the Root put into the Pot the Sick drinks out of, does the same. The Compound-water of Briony is most in use. I have used this Com­position that follows, with excellent Success, in Wo­men's Obstructions; and it is, undoubtedly much better in Hysterick Diseases, than the common Com­pound-water of the Lon­don-Dispensatory. Take of dried Briony-Roots, beaten to a gross Powder, two Ounces; of the Leaves of Rue, and dried Mugwort, each half a pound; Savine dried, three quarters of an Handful; of Featherfew, Cat-mint and Penny-royal, dried, each half an Hand­ful; of the fresh yellow Pill of one Orange; of Mirrh half an Ounce, of Castor two Drams, of the best Nants-Brandy one Quart: Put them into a Glass, and let them infuse six Days in warm Ashes; then strain the Liquor off, and keep it in a Glass-bottle, well stop­ped. The Dose is half a Spoonful, to be taken in three Ounces of Penny-royal-water, sweetned with Sugar, Morning and Even­ing.

The Lees of Briony, cal­led in Latin Foecula Brioniae, are made after the follow­ing manner: Take what quantity of the Roots of Briony you please, slice them, and press out the Juice; this being kept in Vessels unmov'd, will in a few Hours depose the Lees, or Foecula; which being se­parated by pouring the Water away gently, must be dried in a Glass-Vessel. They are used in a Drop­sie.

Common- Brook-Lime, in Latin Anagallis aquatica.

It grows commonly in little Brooks.

It heats and moistens moderately. 'Tis chief­ly used in the Scurvy; it powerfully expels the Stone of the Kidnies and Blad­der; it provokes the Cour­ses, [Page 26] and expels a dead Child. Outwardly appli­ed, it cures Inflam'd Tu­mours, and St. Anthony's Fire. 'Tis much of the same virtue with Water­cresses, only not so strong.

Country-people cure Wounds with Brook-lime, mix'd with a little Salt, and a Spider's Web, and applied to the Wound, wrapp'd about with a dou­ble Cloth.

Brook-lime boyld in Wa­ter, applied to blind Piles, has presently eas'd the Pain, when other Medicines would do no good. Fabri­cius says, he knew a large Ulcer that possess'd almost the whole Leg, and reach­ed almost to the Bone, was cured in a Scorbutical Person only with Brook-lime boyl'd in Beer, and applied twice a Day. But it is most commonly used inwardly to cure the Scur­vy: Take of the Juice of Brook-lime, Water-cresses and Scurvy-grass, each half a Pint; of the Juice of Oranges, four Ounces; fine Sugar, two Pounds; make a Syrup over a gen­tle Fire: Take one Spoon­ful in your Beer every time you drink.

Broom, in Latin Geni­sta.

'Tis common in San­dy and barren Grounds. It flowers at the Latter End of April. 'Tis Splenetick, Nepthritick, and Hepatick. It expels the Stone, and purges Watery Humours upwards and downwards, by Stool and Urine: Wherefore it is of great use in Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Mesen­tery: And in the Dropsie and Catarrhs, the Flowers, the Seeds, and Tops are in use.

The Leaves, the Branch­es, and Tops, boyl'd in Wine or Water, or the Juice of them, are good in a Dropsie, and all Ob­structions of the Kidnies and Bladder; for they partly purge watery and superflous Humours by Stool, and partly by U­rine: One Dram of the Seed does the same. The Flowers, when they are green, are commonly pick­led, [Page 27] and make an agreeable Sauce; for they provoke Appetite, and force Urine. The Ashes are most in use, and frequently commended in the Dropsie: Take of the Ashes of Broom one Pound, infuse them cold in two Quarts of Rhenish-Wine, adding to it half an Handful of Common Wormwood: Take four Ounces of the clear Li­quor in the Morning, at Four in the Afternoon, and in the Evening, every Day.

Broom-rape, in Latin Orobanche.

'Tis two Foot high, or more; the Stalk is streight, round and hai­ry, pale or yellowish, or brownish; whereon are Leaves that are narrow and longish, if they may be called Leaves, for they seem rather the Beginning of Leaves: They soon fade, and Flowers succeed them, which are on a Spike, like the Flowers of Orchis, but at a greater distance; they are of a dull yellow Co­lour. The Root is round and scaly, and tastes very bitter. The Flowers smell pretty well.

The Herb candied, or the Root, is of excellent use in Diseases of the Spleen, and for Melancho­ly. An Ointment made of it, with Lard, is good to discuss hard and Scirrhous Tumours.

Butcher's- Broom, in La­tin Ruscus, or Bruscus.

'Tis a Foot and an half high, and sometimes three or four Foot high: It has ma­ny tough Branches, and is full of Leaves, and they are like the Leaves of the Myrtle; they are ridged, nervous and prickly; they have no Foot-stalks; they are hard and strong, and taste bitter. At the Mid­dle of the Leaf is plac'd a small Flower, on a very short Foot-stalk. When first it rises it represents a little Bunch of small Needles; but being open'd, three lit­tle, broadish Leaves ap­pear. A round Fruit suc­ceeds the Flower, that is larger than the Berries of Asparagus; 'tis reddish and sweetish. Under the Skin of it lie two great yellow Seeds, bunching out on one side, and plain on the other: [Page 28] They are very hard. The Root is thick, oblique, and has many Fibres that are white and long, like the Fibres of Asparagus.

The Root is one of the five opening Roots. 'Tis chiefly used for Obstructi­ons of the Liver, the U­rine, and the Courses. The Syrup of the five opening Roots is much in use, and is prepar'd in the following manner: Take of the Roots of Butcher's-Broom, Fennel, Asparagus, Parsly and Smallage, each two Ounces; Fountain-water three Quarts; digest them hot, then boyl them in B. M. to the Liquor pressed out hard, and clarified, add eight Ounces of Vine­gar, and five Pounds and an half of fine Sugar; make a Syrup with a gentle Heat. The Dose is two Spoonfuls, in four Ounces of any proper di­still'd Water.

Buck-thorn, in Latin Rhamnus Catharticus.

This small Tree is common in the Hedges in some pla­ces. The outward Bark is black; there are two within, one green, the o­ther yellow: The Wood is pale, and hard. It has many Branches, that are plac'd most commonly op­posite one to another; and it has hard, ridged and long Thorns plac'd among the Leaves, the Ends of the Branches being thorny al­so. The Leaves are like the Leaves of a Crab-tree, but smaller; they are pointed, of a dark Green, indented, and nervous, and have an astringent Taste. It has many small Flowers together, of a light green Colour; each con­sists of four Leaves. The Berries succeed the Flow­ers: Great Numbers of them are plac'd at the Roots of the Thorns, up­on pretty long Foot-stalks: When they are ripe they are black, and full of green Juice. They have three or four triangular Grains, which have a blackish Bark, and a white Marrow that does not taste ill. The Taste of the Ber­ries is bitter, and astrin­gent; and the Juice has a certain peculiar Taste.

[Page 29] The Berry of this Shrub yields three sorts of Colours. Those that are gather'd in Harvest-time, and dried, and powder'd, and infus'd with Water and Allum, make a yellow, or rather a Saffron-colour; and is now in use for paint­ing of Playing-Cards and Leather. Those that are gather'd in the Autumn, when they are ripe and black, being pounded, and kept in a Glass-Vessel, af­ford a delicate Green, which is called Sap-Green, and is much used by Paint­ers. Those that remain on the Trees till the Feast of St. Martin make a red Colour. The Berries are purging, a Dram, or a Dram and an half of them being taken at a time. Some take fifteen or twen­ty of the Berries at a time: But they work so power­fully, that they are not to be given in Substance to weakly People. The Sy­rup is most in use: Take of the Juice of ripe and fresh Berries, gather'd in September, 2 Pounds, let it clear by standing; then add of Cinnamon and Nutmegs, each three Drams; infuse it in B. M. for the space of a Day; then press them out, and add a Pound and an half of White Sugar, and make a Syrup in B. M.

Bugle, in Latin Bugu­la.

The Stalk is four­square, empty, and hairy; an Hand, or half a Foot high. The Leaves are in­dented, like the Leaves of the greater Water-Brook­lime; two are plac'd by Intervals, opposite one to another; of a Violet-co­lour, or purple, or green: They taste at first sweet, afterwards bitter and a­stringent. The Flowers come out of the Wings of the Leaves, in a short hai­ry Cup, that is divided in­to five parts: They are of a Sky and changeable Co­lour, and of a sweetish Taste. The Root is small and fibrous, and tastes more astringent than the Leaves. 'Tis common in Woods, and moist Mea­dows; and flowers in May.

The Virtues are much the same with those of [Page 30] Self-heal. 'Tis Vulnerary, either taken inwardly, or outwardly applied. 'Tis us'd in the Jaundice, in Ob­structions of the Liver, and for Stoppage of Urine. An Ointment made of the Leaves of Bugle, Scabious and Sanicle, bruis'd, and boyl'd in Lard till they are dry, and then press'd out, is of excellent use for all sorts of Ulcers and Bruises, and to heal Wounds. 'Tis one of the Ingredients for the Wound-Drink of the London-Dis­pensatory, commonly cal­led The Traumatick Deco­ction.

Bugloss, in Latin Bu­glossum.

It has many Stalks coming from the same Root, about three or four Foot high, round and rough, with ridgid Hairs. 'Tis branchy at the top, whereon the Leaves grow without Foot-stalks: They are many, narrow, oblong, of a Sky-colour'd Green, not wrinkl'd, like Burrage; they end in a sharp Point, and are hairy on both sides, and equal about the Edges from the Wings of the Leaves; and sometimes at their Sides, or lower, or a little higher, the Branches rise. The Flowers come on the top of the Stalks and Branches, from a Cup compos'd of five oblong, norrow, sharp, hairy pie­ces; the Flowers are less than those of Borrage, and consist of one Leaf, of a light purple Colour; an oblong Thread grows up from the bottom of the Cup, which is encompass'd with four Seeds that are of a russet Colour and wrink­led when they are ripe. The Root lives many Years, is black without, and white within. It flow­ers in June and July, and the Summer after.

It has the same Virtues with Borrage. The Flow­ers are of great use in Me­lancholy and Hypochon­driack Diseases, and are reckon'd among the four Cordial Flowers. A Per­son was cured of the Fall­ing-Sickness by the con­stant Use of the Flowers in Wine for half a Year. Take of the Leaves of Bugloss, Borrage, Balm, [Page 31] Fumitory, Water-cresses, and Brook-lime, each four Handfuls; of July-flowers, Marrigolds, Borrage-flow­ers and Cowslips, each three handfuls; the out­ward Barks of six Oranges, and of four Limons: All being cut and bruis'd, pour upon them four Quarts of Posset-drink made with Cyder; distill them in a cold Still, and mingle all the Water. Take three Ounces Night and Morn­ing.

Bur-dock, in Latin Bardana.

It has a single, thick Root, that grows deep in the Earth; with­out black, within white. The Leaves are plac'd up­on long Foot-stalks; they are very large, green a­bove, and hairy under; they have a thick, short Down; they are not exact­ly round, but a little long­ish, and end in a sharp Point; they have short, small Prickles about the Edges, that are scarce vi­sible. The Stalk is two Foot and an half high, or higher; thick, round and hairy, and of a purplish Colour, and full of Pith; the Leaves are plac'd on them alternately, at small distances; they branch out almost from the bottom. The Flowers are plac'd on the top of the Stalks and Branches, and come out of rough Heads, or Burrs, with crooked Prickles; they are purplish; the Burs are apt to stick to Clothes. The Seed is pretty large, oblong, and of a brown Colour.

'Tis Drying, Pulmonick, Diuretick, Diaphoretick, Cleansing, and somewhat Astringent. 'Tis good in an Asthma, for the Stone, and Spitting of Blood; for old Sores, and Swellings of the Spleen, and of all other Parts in Gouty Dis­eases, wherein it is pecu­liarly proper. The Seed is an excellent Lithontripick, being powder'd, and taken in Small Beer or Posset-drink. The Leaves are applied outwardly, to old Sores, and to Burns. The Seed powder'd, and taken forty Days together, cures the Hip-Gout. 'Tis said, it provokes Venery.

[Page 32] Take of the Seeds of Bur-dock two Drams, of Wild-Carrot-Seeds one Dram, of Salt of Amber one Dram, of Oyl of Nut­megs half a Scruple, Balsa­mum Capivii a sufficient quantity; make small Pills, take four Morning and Evening. This is a good Diuretick Medicine. But the Root is chiefly us'd.

Take of the Roots of Bur-dock three Ounces, of Sarsaparilla six Ounces, of the Wood of Guaiacum three Ounces, of the Bark of the same one Ounce, of the Roots of Notty China three Ounces, of Sassaphras one Ounce and an half, of Harts-horn and Ivory, rasp'd, each one Ounce; of Red and White Sanders, and of the sweet-smelling Flag, each six Drams; of Raisins of the Sun, ston'd, one Hand­ful; of the Seeds of A­nise and Fennel, each half an Ounce: Infuse them in eight Quarts of Fountain-water for twenty four Hours in B. M. and cover the Vessel close; then boyl it with a gentle Fire, till a third part of the Liquor is is consum'd; towards the latter end of Boyling, add of the Tops of Eye-bright, Betony, dried Sage, and of the Cordial-Flowers, each one Pugil; of Woody Cas­sia half an Ounce; of Nut­megs, number two; strain it for use. Take half a Pint four times a Day.

Burnet, in Latin Pim­pinella vulgaris, sive minor.

It has a long, slender, brown Root, with some Fibres. The Stalks are a Foot, or two Foot high, angl'd, branchy, and of a light red Colour. At the top of the Branches are small Heads, from whence arise small purplish Flow­ers. The Seeds are short, and four-square. It has many long, wing'd Leaves, that lie on the Ground, which consist of several small, roundish Leaves, green above, and grayish underneath, finely indented about the edges, and set on each side of a Middle-rib. It grows commonly on chalky Ground, and in hilly Pastures.

[Page 33] 'Tis Cordial, and Alexi­pharmick. The green Herb is put into Wine, to chear the Heart; and it renders it very pleasant, by impart­ing an Aromatick Smell and Taste to it. 'Tis a good Preservative against the Plague, and other con­tagious Diseases. 'Tis al­so astringent: Of ex­cellent use in immoderate Fluxes of the Courses and Belly, and in all Hemor­rhages, and to dry and heal Wounds and Ulcers, and the Biting of a Mad Dog. The following Wa­ter was much us'd in the last London-Plague: Take of the Tops of Burnet, Rosemary, Wormwood, Sun-Dew, Mugwort, Dra­gon's Scabious, Agrimony, Balm, Carduus, Betony, the Lesser Centory, one Handful each; of the Roots of Tormentil, An­gelica, Peony, Zedoary, Liquorish and Elecampane, each half an Ounce; of the Leaves of Sage, Ce­landine and Rue, of the Leaves and Flowers of Marigolds, each one Hand­ful; cut them, and infuse them three Days in four Quarts of the best White­wine, then distil them carefully, and keep the Water for use. The Dose was four Spoonfuls.

Butter-bur, or Pesti­lent-wort, in Latin Petasitis.

First it sends forth a Stalk about nine Inches high, that is concave and downy, with narrow, sharp Leaves on it. At the top is a long, spiked Head of Flowers, of a purplish Colour. When the Flowers fade, and the Stalks die, large Leaves succeed, like the Leaves of Colts-foot, but twice or thrice as large, or larger; hook'd near the Foot-stalk; they are almost round, and indented about the Edges. The Root is thick and bit­ter, and creeps much. It grows in moist places, and near the Banks of Rivers▪ the Spike and Flower flou­rish in April.

'Tis much us'd in Pestilential Fevers. 'Tis also reckon'd good in Coughs, and for an Asth­ma. It expels the broad Worms of the Belly, and provokes Urine and the [Page 34] Courses. 'Tis outwardly applied to Bubo's, and Ma­lignant Ulcers. 'Tis us'd also to provoke Sweat, and to expel Malignity: Take of the Root of Bur-dock, Virginian Snake-weed and Contrayerva, each one Dram; of Cochinell and Saffron, each half a Dram; make a Powder. The Dose is half a Dram▪ to be taken in a proper Wa­ter.

Butterwort, or York­shire-Sanicle, in Latin Pin­guicula.

The Root has some white Fibres, that are pretty large consider­ing the smalness of the Plant. It does not grow deep. Six or seven of the Leaves lie on the Earth, and sometimes more; of a pale yellow Green; they look greasie, and shine as if they were besmear'd; in length two Inches, and in breadth about one; they are somewhat blunt at the Ends, the Edges are smooth, the upper part of the Leaf is cover'd with a very short Down, which is scarcely seen. Some Foot-stalks, about an Hand high, arise amongst the Leaves; at the top of each is plac'd one purplish Flower, of one Leaf, divided into five parts. It grows in marshy Places, and on moist Hills.

The Leaves bruis'd and applied, cure fresh Wounds. Country-People cure Chaps in Cows Dugs, and Chaps and Swellings on their Hands, by anointing them with the fat Juice of this Herb. The Welsh make a Syrup of it, wherewith they purge themselves: They also boyl the Herb in Broth for the same purpose, for it purges Flegm very briskly: They also make an Ointment of it, which is of excellent use for Obstru­ction of the Liver. The Leaves beat, and applied to Parts affected with Pain, ease the Pain. 'Tis reckon'd Vulnerary, and very good for Ruptures in Children.

CAbbage, in Latin Bra­sica.

Warts anointed with the Juice of it, are [Page 35] taken off in the space of fourteen Days. The Leaves boil'd in Wine, and applied to Ulcers, and the Lepro­sie, do much good. And so great is the Virtue of it, that the Urine of those that feed on it is very useful, and proper for curing the Fistula, Cancer, Tetters, and such like Diseases. At the Beginning of an In­flammation of the Jaws, (when we design to cool and repel) we make use of the Liquor of it. A Person so over-run with the Scurvy that he could scarce go or stand, and had Spots all over his Breast and Legs, was cured by drinking daily three Pints of Wine, wherein four handfuls of Red Cabbage had been in­fus'd, with half a Dram of Ginger, and two Drams of Cinnamon. For a Pain in the Side apply a Leaf of it, besmear'd with Butter, hot, to the Part affected, having first sprinkl'd Powder of Cumin-seed upon it. 'Tis said, Cabbage prevents Drunkenness.

Sea- Cabbage, or Cole­wort, in Latin Brasica Ma­rina.

It grows every where, almost, on the Sea-shore, in England: Our People, in such places, eat it; prefer­ring it before Garden-Cab­bage.

Field- Calamint, in La­tin Calamintha.

It springs up yearly, with many Stalks, which are two Foot high, small, four-square, stiff and hairy; they look reddish in Sunny Places; they are branchy, and bend downward. The Leaves, by Intervals, are opposite one to the other, small, hairy, with here and there a Jag; they smell as strong as Penny-royal, and almost as strong as Water-mint; they are, for the most part, triangular, of an acrid and quick Taste. The Flowers are plac'd in Whirls at eve­ry Joint, and are of a pale purple or sky-colour, and have a long Tube, with a Lip divided into three Clefts; and are plac'd up­on pretty long Foot-stalks. From the Wing of the Leaf, on each side, comes forth a common Foot-stalk, ob­long, and small, sustaining many small Flowers, with [Page 36] little, peculiar Foot-stalks. The Cup of the Flower, and the Seed-vessel, is ob­long, narrow, channel'd, and contains four Seeds, joyn'd together at the bot­tom; they are very small, and red. It flowers late, about Autumn. It grows plentifully in Ditches, and near High-ways, and on Sandy and Barren Grounds▪

'Tis hot and dry, Sto­machick and Uterine. It provokes the Courses and Urine: It opens the Liver, and cures a Cough. The Leaves relieve those that are bit by Serpents, being infus'd in Beer, or us'd out­wardly in an Ointment. A Decoction of them is good for those that are Short-breath'd, Bursten, or Grip'd: It cures the Jaun­dice, and resists Poyson. The Herbs us'd in Drink, with Salt and Hony, kills Worms. It cures an Ele­phantiasis, if it be us'd fre­quently. Take of the Leaves of Calamint, Sa­voury and Lungwort, each one Handful; one large Leaf of Tobacco, of Li­quorish slic'd two Drams; of the Roots of Elecam­pane, of Polypody of the Oak prepar'd, each two Ounces; of Currants two Ounces; of Sebestens, number fifteen; of the Seeds of Nettles one Dram and an half: Boyl them in sweet Wine diluted to a Pint and an half, with a Pound and an half of Sugar make a Syrup. Let it be taken in the form of a Lin­ctus, or a Spoonful Morn­ing and Evening. This is good for an Asthma.

Calve's-snout, or Snap­dragon, in Latin Antirrhi­num.

'Tis a very curious Plant, consisting of a small, whitish Root. The Stalks are a Foot, or two Foot high, round, and hairy. The Leaves are plac'd al­ternately; they are some­what red, and fat under, and taste a little acrid and bitterish. The little Flowers come out of the Wings of the Leaves, and they are of two Colours, partly white, and partly purple; five or seven green, hairy Leaves en­compass the bottom of them.

[Page 37] This Plant is seldom us'd in Physick, but is preserv'd in Gardens for the Beauty of its Flower. Those Things that are affirm'd of the Virtue of this Plant a­gainst Apparitions, Enchant­ments and Sorcery, are fri­volous, superstitious, and wholly fabulous.

Camomile, in Latin Chamaemelum.

There is so much Camomile in Corn­wall, that you scent it as you ride there on the Road.

It digests, loosneth, mol­lifies, eases Pain, provokes Urine and the Courses; wherefore it is much us'd in the Cholick, and for Convulsions that proceed from Wind. Among▪ all the Plants that are us'd in Baths for the Stone, none is so effectual as the Flow­ers of Camomile. 'Tis outwardly us'd in Parego­rick, Emollient and Sup­purating Pultesses, and for Clysters. The Oyl of Ca­momile softens hard Swel­lings, and discusses them, and eases the Pain. Some drink a Decoction of it for the Stone. A Person that had the Stone, and had tried many Medicines to no purpose, was wonder­fully releiv'd by the fol­lowing Remedy. I took, says he, two Handfuls of the Flowers of the Common Ca­momile, which I infus'd in a Quart of Rhenish-Wine, and digested them in hot Ashes two Hours; then I strain'd the Liquor, and ad­ded two Handfuls more of the Flowers, and digested them as before; and repeat­ed the same a third time; but the last time it must be infus'd no longer time than Asparagus or Fish are wont to be boyl'd in. It is to be no­ted, that this Decoction is render'd so salt, that one would think a good quantity of Salt had been dissolv'd in it. I took two or three Spoon­fuls of this Decoction in a small Draught of hot Wine; and by the Ʋse of this simple Medicine (God be prais'd) the dreadful Symptoms were mitigated, and the Ʋreters relaxed; so that some Stones came away by Ʋrine, with­out any great Pain. After­wards I prescrib'd the same for several Others that were [Page 38] so afflicted, who found also much Relief, especially if they were plac'd in a Bath. The Saltness he mentions in this Infusion, is very re­markable.

Two or three Spoonfuls of the Juice of Camomile, with a few Drops of Spirit of Vitriol, given in Broth before the Fit comes, ge­nerally cures Agues of all sorts.

Oyl of Camomile is made the same way that Oyl of Roses is.

Caraways, in Latin Carum.

It has a long, sin­gle Root, as thick as the Thumb, or thicker, and white. The Bulk of it is increas'd by some Fibres that grow to it, which have an Aromatick Taste, and are somewhat acrid. It has many Stalks three or four Foot high, channel'd, smooth, solid and jointed; and sometimes divided in­to Branches. The Leaves have a long-Foot-stalk that is like the Keel of a Ship, but 'tis narrow; they grow partly from the Root, and partly from the Wings of the Branches; like Leaves of Wild-Carrot, but they bear their Wings at a greater distance. The Flowers are single, small, round, whitish, or reddish. The Seed is oblong, chan­nel'd, and of an acrid and Aromatick Taste. It grows frequently in fat, pleasant and green Fields, and in Meadows that are some­times water'd.

The Seed is Stomachick, and Diuretick: It expels Wind, and helps Conco­ction; provokes Urine, and strengthens the Brain▪ 'Tis of great Use in the Cholick, and for Giddiness in the Head, and the like. 'Tis much us'd in the Kitchin; for it is baked in Bread, and mix'd with Cheese, and boyl'd in Broths. 'Tis sold in the Shop Candied. The Root, when it is tender, is as ef­fectual as the Seed, and eats more pleasantly than Parsnips. Take of the Seeds of Caraways, Co­riander and Sweet Fennel, each fifteen Grains; of White Amber one Dram; [Page 39] of the yellow Pill of Citron, of the Flowers of Rose­mary, one Dram and an half; of Nutmeg half a Dram; of the finest Sugar three Ounces; make a gross Powder of them all: Take half a Spoonful of it after Meals, to help Di­gestion.

Wild- Carrot, in Latin Daucus Offinarum.

'Tis Uterine and Diure­tick: 'Tis chiefly us'd in Obstructions of the Cours­es, in a Suffocation, for the Pain of the Matrix, and for a Flatulent Cholick, the Hickop, Obstruction of Urine, and an old Cough. The Seeds of it infus'd in Beer, and drunk, is much commended by some Mo­dern Authors, especially by Charlton, for the Strangury, and the Stone in the Kid­nies. Two Drams of the Seed infus'd in White-wine, and drunk, is good for Mother-fits. The little purple Flower of it is counted a certain Reme­dy for the Falling-Sickness. Mr. Boyle, in his Book of the Ʋsefulness of Natural Philosophy, says, That dis­coursing once with an emi­nently learned and experi­enc'd Physician of the Anti-nephritical Virtue of the Seed of this Carrot, fermented in Small Ale, he smilingly told him, That he found its Effi­cacy but too great; for, hav­ing prescrib'd it to some of his rich Patients, who were wont frequently to have re­course to him for the Stone; after the Ʋse of this Drink for a pretty while, he seldom heard of them any more. Mr. Boyle prescrib'd one Ounce and an half of this Seed to a Gallon of Ale.

Celandine, in Latin Chelidonium majus.

It has divers tender, round, light-green Stalks, with greater Joints than ordinary in o­ther Herbs; they are very brittle, branchy, and have large, tender, long Leaves, divided into many Parts, and each of them cut in the Edges; they are placed at the Joynts, on both sides of the Branches, of a dark-bluish green Colour above, like Columbines, of a pale bluish Green underneath. They are full of yellow [Page 40] Sap, which is of a bitter Taste, and strong Smell. At the tops of their Branch­es, which are much di­vided, grow yellow Flow­ers, consisting of four Leaves: After which come small, long Pods, with blackish Seeds therein. The Root is pretty large at the Head, shooting forth divers other long Roots, and small Fibres; reddish on the out­side, and full of yellow Sap within.

'Tis hot and dry: It e­vacuates Choler by Urine and Stool, and clears the Sight. A Syrup made of the whole Herb is good in the Jaundice▪ for Obstru­ctions of the Liver, Spleen and Kidnies. It cures a Tetter (called in Latin Herpes Miliaris) effectual­ly, it being anointed with the Juice. The Juice, or distill'd Water of it, out­wardly applied, strength­ens the Eyes, and cures Ulcers: But because the Juice is very acrid, it must be mix'd with those things that will abate its Acrimo­ny. A great quantity of the Juice is made use of in the Composition of Aqua Mirabilis, which is made in the following manner: Take of Cloves, Galangal, Cubeds▪ Mace, Cardamoms, Nutmeg, Ginger, each one Dram; of the Juice of Ce­lendine half a Pint, of Brandy one Pint, of White­wine three Pints; infuse them twenty four Hours, and then distil a Quart in B. M. Celendine grows in shady and rough Places, and amongst Rubbish.

The Lesser Celandine, or Pile-wort, in Latin Che­lidonium minus.

'Tis a lit­tle Plant, about an Hand's breadth, which has yearly a new Root, Leaf and Flower. The Root is in­spid, and partly round, as an Onion, and partly con­sisting of many white Fi­bres; from whence arises a small Stalk, near the Earth white, above of a light Purple; and at the bottom is a Joint, from whence a­rise two Leaves, opposite one to another, with long Stalks, that have a broad Beginning, and are of a fleshy Colour, and end nar­row and green: They are [Page 41] somewhat like Ivy-leaves, but softer, less and round­er; they shine, and are nervous, and have some­times white Spots; as also those two that arise from the Root. The Leaves up­on the Stalks are much in­dented, like the Leaves of Creeping-Ivy; and they are commonly plac'd alter­nately, and hang upon short, green Foot-stalks. At the top of the Branches is plac'd one Flower, resem­bling that of Crowfoot, consisting of eight or nine small Leaves, of a Golden shining Colour. The Cup consists of three little, short Leaves, and has in the mid­dle many yellow Threads. A little Head, cover'd with Pricks, succeeds the Flow­er, of a yellowish green Colour, compos'd of the Seeds. It flowers at the Latter End of March, or the Beginning of April; in May the Leaves and Flow­ers vanish; the Roots shoot forth the next Spring. It grows in Meadows, near Ditches, and chiefly in wet Grounds.

It cools and moistens, and is chiefly us'd for the Jaundice, Scurvy, and Bleeding of the Hemor­rhoids. Outwardly ap­plied, 'tis a Specifick for Excrescencies in the Fun­dament; and is much com­mended for Cleansing the Teeth, and for preserving them from Putrefaction.

The Lesser Centory, in Latin Centaurium minus.

The Root is small, white and woody, it creeps awry▪ 'tis full of Twigs, without Juice, and insipid: It has most commonly but one Stalk, nine Inches or one Foot high, smooth and firm. Some of the Leaves lie on the Ground, others are plac'd on the Stalk by Pairs, one opposite to ano­ther, larger than the Leaves of St. John's-wort, smooth and green. They have three great Nerves, very conspicuous, on the Under­side, running according to their Longitude. There are many Flowers joyn'd toge­ther at the top of the Stalk and Branches, but they have no Foot-stalk; they are expanded from a long Tube, into five sharp pieces, [Page 42] resembling so many Leaves, and they have five yellow Tops. The Cup of the Flower is compos'd of five narrow, acute, small Leaves, Long, starvling, little Heads succeed the Flowers, full of Seeds like Sand. It flowers in July, and is common in dry Pa­stures.

Gallen, by reason of the wonderful and great Vir­tue of this Plant, wrote a whole Book of it. 'Tis Splenetick and Hepatick, bitter without Biting: 'tis Cleansing, Opening and Vulnerary: 'Tis good in the Jaundice, in Suppression of the Courses, in the Gout, and for Worms; and is a Specifick for the Biting of a Mad Dog. The Deco­ction of it is us'd with Suc­cess in Tertian-Agues; wherefore 'tis called by some the Febrifuge-Plant. 'Tis one of the Ingredients of the Bitter Drink, so much us'd by the London-Physicians; which is made in the following manner: Take of the Tops of the Lesser Centory, of the Flowers of Camomile, each one Pugil; of the Roots of Gentian half a Scruple; of the Leaves of Sena, and Carduus-seed, each one Dram; of Salt of Worm-wood ten Grains; boyl them in a sufficient quanti­ty of Fountain-water, to four Ounces. A Decoction of the Tops of it takes off Pimples, Spots, Morphew, and other Diseases of the Skin. A Lee made of it cleanses the Hair, and makes it white. A Man almost destroy'd by the Jaundice, was cured by drinking every Morning a strong Decoction of this Herb. It will not grow in Gardens.

Common Wild Charvil, in Latin Cerefolium Silve­stre.

It has a woody, sin­gle, white Root, and very small Fibres; 'tis as thick as the Little Finger. The Taste of it is somewhat a­crid. It has sometimes one, sometimes more Stalks. They are a Cubit and an half high, or higher, round, channel'd, smooth and em­pty, and knotted with joints, plac'd at a great di­stance; and they belly out [Page 43] under the Joints. The Branches come out alter­nately, at each Joint, from the Wings of the Leaves. This is one of the Plants that are called Umbellife­rous. The Flowers are small and white, and con­sist of five Leaves, and so many white Threads. The Seeds are oblong, smooth and blackish when they are ripe, of a sweet and Aro­matick Taste. The Leaves are softer, and cut sharper than the Leaves of Parsly▪ of an Aromatick Smell and Taste, and of a pale-green Colour, and sometimes a little red. The Foot-stalks are often red, and some­what hairy. Tho' we said the Leaves grow alternate­ly upon the Stalks, yet at the top they are plac'd by Pairs: And from the Wings of these two Branches rise, which is common to most other Umbelliferous Plants. It flowers in May: Soon after the Seed is ripe it wi­thers away. It springs a­gain in the Autumn, and is green all the Winter.

Charvil (especially that which grows in Gardens) is hot and dry, and Diu­retick. It provokes the Courses, and is Lithontri­prick: It quickens the Blood, when coagulated; and disposes to Sleep.

'Tis used outwardly with great Success for the Cholick, and Obstruction of Urine: Used in Cara­plasms, it discusses Tu­mours and Clodded Blood, like Solomon's-Seal. 'Tis chiefly us'd for Swellings, and Hardness of the Paps.

Take of the Roots of Charvil, Knee-holm, Poly­pody of the Oak, of each one Ounce; of the Leaves of Water-Hemp, Agrimo­ny, of the Oak of Jerusa­lem, of Maiden-hair, and Ground-Ivy, each one Handful; of the Seeds of Bastard-Saffron one Ounce, of the Roots of Florentine-Flower-de-luce, half an Ounce, of the Seeds of Danewort five Drams, of the Root of the Sweet-smelling Flag half an Ounce; boyl them in two Quarts of Fountain-water, to the Consumption of a third part; then strain it, [Page 44] and add one Ounce and an half of Sena, and two Drams of Agarick; Me­choacan and Turbith, each half an Ounce; of Yellow-Sanders one Dram and an half, of the Roots of Lesser Galanga one Dram; boyl them in a close Vessel two Hours, then strain the Li­quor, and add two Ounces of the best Hony, clarified with the White of an Egg; make a purging Mead: The Dose is six or eight Ounces, twice or thrice a Week. This is proper in a Dropsie of the Breast.

Cherries, in Latin Ce­rasus.

Cherries, when they are fresh, loosen the Belly; but when dry, they bind: Those that are sweet, purge; but they are offensive to the Stomach. Sharp and harsh Cherries are Binding. The distill'd Water of sharp Cherries, and the Cherries themselves extinguish Fe­verish Heats, and quench Thirst, and create an Ap­petite: And, preserv'd with Sugar, they are very grate­ful to the Stomach, and reckon'd by the Women the best Sweet-Meats; but, by reason of the Abun­dance of their Moisture, they cannot be kept long.

The Decoction of dried Cherries is excellent in Hi­pocondriack Diseases; and many have been cur'd by this Remedy alone. Sweet Cherries are peculiarly good for Diseases in the Head, the Falling-sickness, Apoplexy and Palsie. A Lord that was seiz'd with an Apoplexy, and was speechless three Days, re­cover'd his Speech by take­ing Spirit of Cherries. In Stammering, and other Vi­ces of Speech, wash the Mouth often with the Spi­rit of Black-Cherries; for they are very Cephalick, and do much strengthen the Muscles of the Tongue and the Spirits design'd for their Use. The distill'd Water of sweet Black-Cherries is much com­mended, and us'd for Chil­dren's Convulsions. Take an equal quantity of this Water, and the Water of Lime-tree-flowers: The Dose is, an Ounce, or two [Page 45] Ounces, according to the Age of the Child. Wines and Potions are prepar'd of Cherries several Ways; either by Distillation, or Infusion, or by mixing Su­gar with the Juice, and fermenting it. In Italy they prepare a Potion with fresh Cherries, which they call Marasco; they drink it be­fore it ferments: 'Tis sold there in Taverns in the Summer-time, and is count­ed a good, cooling Liquor. The Oyl drawn from the Kernels, in a Press, is said to take Spots and Pimples from the Skin, by anoint­ing it: And 'tis reckon'd good for the Gout, and Stone in the Kidnies and Bladder. The Gum of Cherries, diluted with Wine, cures inveterate Coughs, quickens the Sight, and provokes Appetite: 'Tis counted also Lithon­triptick, drunk in Wine. Some, when they eat great quantities of Cherries, swal­low the Stones to prevent Surfeits, which is a vulgar Errour; for, many times they lie long in the Sto­mach, and do much hurt. The Livers of Sparrows grow very big at Cherry-time. The following Sorts of Cherries are much e­steem'd here in England, (viz.) The May-Cherry, the Duke-cherry, the Arch-Duke-Cherry, the Flanders-Cherry, the Red-Heart-Cherry, the Carnation and the Amber-Cherry, the Bleeding-heart and the Naples, the Purple-Cherry, the Black Orleance, and the common Black-Cher­ry, Luke Ward's Cherry, the Cluster-Cherry, the Dwarf-Cherry, and the Morello-Cherry.

Chesnut-tree, in Latin Castanea.

It is a great and stately Tree , as thick as an old Oak; so very large sometimes, that three Men, with their Arms extended, can scarce encompass the Trunk of it. It has many Branches, the small Twigs are of a Crimson Colour. It has a smooth Bark, spot­ted, and blackish, and sometimes of an Ash-co­lour, but chiefly the Extre­mity of the Branches: And when the Tree is young, the Wood of it is strong and lasting; but yet it bends with a Burthen, and [Page 46] cracks much in the Fire, and its Coals are soon ex­tinguish'd. It has large Leaves, about two Inches broad, and in length about five; they are thin, wrink­ly, and indented like a Saw, with many transverse Veins sticking on the Back, ex­tended from the Middle-rib that is most remarkable. Long hanging Buds pre­cede the Fruit, having yel­low Tufts. The Cups are prickly, and like a Bur; within they are hairy, and as soft as Silk: They con­tain two or three Nuts, some but one, ending sharp, from a broad Basis; they are about an Inch long, flat on one side, and bellying out on the other, and are in shape something like the Heart. The Nut is white, solid and hard, sweet and palatable; especially when it is roasted. It chiefly grows on Mountains, and Rising Grounds. There are Abundance of them in Italy, where the People that live on the Mountains eat little else. They bud at the Beginning of Spring; and soon after flower. The Fruit is ripe about the Lat­ter End of September. The good Nuts are known from the bad, by putting them in Water; for, if they are sound and good they sink, but if otherwise they swim. We in England make of this Wood Bedsteads, Chairs, Tables, Chests, and other Furniture for Houses. In some Places beyond Sea they make Bread and Frumenty of the Flower of the Nuts; but such sort of coarse Diet is no way pleasing to the En­glish, who (God be thank­ed) have Plenty of whol­som Food, and great Abun­dance of all things necessa­ry. They are either boyl'd whole in Water, or roasted on the Fire, or fry'd. In Italy the Gentry and Citi­zens roast them under Ash­es, and, having pill'd them, mix a little Sugar and Juice of Oranges or Limons with them, and so eat them for a Second Course. But, which way soever they are prepar'd, they are windy, and injurious to the Sto­mach and Head, and to those that are subject to Cholical Pains, and the Stone. The Nuts are [Page 47] astringent, and consequent­ly do good in Fluxes of the Belly, and for Spitting of Blood. They are said to be good for Coughs, being eaten with Hony, fasting: As also is an Electuary pre­par'd with the Flower of them and Hony. An E­mulsion of Chesnuts, made with the Decoction of Li­quorish, and a few White Poppy-seeds, is good for Heat of Urine.

Chick-weed, in Latin Alfine.

It cools and moist­ens moderately; upon which Account it is good for Inflammations, and a­gainst Heat, either taken inwardly, or outwardly ap­plied, as Purslan, and the Lesser House-leek. 'Tis counted good for such as are in Consumptions, and wasting Conditions. Birds that are kept in Cages are much refreshed by this Herb, when they loath their Meat.

Common-Garden- Clary, in Latin Horminum.

The Stalk is two Foot high, and higher, about the bigness of the Little Finger, four­square, stiff and hairy, and full of white Pith. The Leaves are large, hairy and whitish, very much wrink­led; from a large Basis, they end by degrees in a blunt Point; they are somewhat indented about the Edges: They are plac'd on long Foot-stalks, espe­cially the lower, which come out of the Earth; those of the Stalks are pla­ced by Pairs, opposite to one another. The Flowers are set upon long Spikes, on the top of the Stalks and Branches; they are compos'd of many Whirls, they are of a light blue Colour. The Seed is pret­ty large, and smooth, and of a brownish Colour. The Root is single, and woody, and consists of many Fi­bres. The Smell of the whole Plant is very strong, the Taste is bitter. It grows in Gardens: It flow­ers in June, or July.

Wine fermented with it is very agreeable to a cold Stomach. 'Tis also good for barren Women, and for those that are troubl'd with the Whites. The Herb [Page 48] powder'd, and applied to the Nostrils, provokes Sneazing, and cures a Ca­tarrh, and purges the Head. A Decoction of it in Wa­ter provokes the Courses, and expels the After-birth. Cakes made of it are rec­kon'd good to strengthen the Reins, and to stimulate Venery. The Musilage of the Seeds is proper for Dis­eases of the Eyes. 'Tis al­so said to be good for the Falling-sickness, and Mo­ther-fits. The Seed put into the Eyes, takes away Motes.

Cloud-berry, Knot-ber­ry, or Knout-berry, in Latin Chamamorus.

It rises up with slender, brownish Stalks, not a Foot high; set with four or five large Leaves, one above another, at se­veral winged winged Joints, each of them divided into five parts, and each of them pretty much indented, and jagg'd, rough, and, as it were, crumpled: Each of them is plac'd on a long Foot-stalk, which at the Joints have two small pie­ces, like Ears, set thereat. Every Stalk has one Flower set at the top of it, consist­ing of five roundish, point­ed Leaves, of a dark pur­ple Colour; after which follows a large Berry, like a Mulberry, of a reddish Colour when ripe, and is of a sowrish sweet Taste. The Root creeps much, and far, shooting forth small Fibres at the knotty Joints, whereby it is fastned in the Ground; and from thence divers new Stalks shoot. 'Tis said, that in Norway they have so great an Opi­nion of the Virtues of Knot-berry, for curing the Scurvy, and such like Dis­eases, that they remove their Scorbutick People to a neighbouring Island, where only such inhabit; and there they are forc'd to abide till they recover their Health; and having no other Provision allow'd them, they feed on these Berries, whereby they are infallibly cur'd within a few Days. But this sort of Remedy can be only us'd in Summer-time.

Clowns-all-heal, in Latin Panax Coloni.

It has a jointed, creeping Root; [Page 49] it bunches out. The Stalks are five or six Foot high, somewhat reddish, hairy, rough and four-square, and empty. The Leaves are placed at the Joints, by Pairs, opposite to one an­other; they are sharp, hai­ry, soft, except the Rib of the Under-side, which is reddish, and a little rough; they are indented about the Edges; they have a strong Smell, and bitterish Taste. The Flowers are spiked, and consist of seve­ral Whirls; each of them is hooded, and purplish, The Lip is of several Co­lours in the Cup of the Flower, which is short, and divided into five acute Pieces. The Seeds grow four by four, black, shining and triangular. It grows in watery Places, and near Rivers.

Our Gerard wonder­fully extols the Efficacy of this Herb, in curing Wounds. He beats it up with Lard, and applies it to the fresh Wound. A Syrup made of it, is an excellent Remedy for Hoarsness.

Col [...]y-flower, in Latin Brasica florida.

This has the same Virtues with the Common Cabbage.

Common- Colts-foot, in Latin Tussilago.

The Leaves are roundish, have many Angles, and are like Butter-Bur-leaves, but much les­ser; under whitish, above green; with a little Cotton upon them, which may be easily rub'd off with the Fingers: From the same come several Stalks, an Hand, and sometimes nine Inches high, concave red­dish, and have Cotton on them, and little Leaves, much unlike those that come from the Root; namely, long, sharp, thin, and without Foot-stalks; plac'd alternately, and press'd to the Stalk. Each of them sustain a yellow Flower, consisting of abun­dance of small Leaves. The Roots are small, and white, and creep much. The Flowers and Stalks wither soon, (but not in a Day or two, as some have said;) upon which Account, it has been supposed to have nei­ther Flower, nor Cup. [Page 50] It grows in watery Pla­ces.

The fresh Leaves are ap­plied outwardly to hot Ul­cers, and Inflammations; but being dried, are pretty acrid, and hot. The Fume of them receiv'd into the Mouth, through a Tunnel, and swallow'd down, or smoak'd in a Tobacco-pipe, is good for a Cough, Dif­ficulty of Breathing, and an Ulcer of the Lungs. A Syrup prepar'd of the Leaves, is good for the same Use. Mr. Boyle says, That the Leaves powder'd, with Saffron and Amber, and smoak'd in a Pipe, have cur'd a Consumption. The whitish Down which grows to the Root, being cleans'd from it, and wrap­ped in a Rag, and boyl'd a little in Lee, adding a little Salt-Petre, and after dried in the Sun, makes the best Tinder. Take of the Leaves of Colts-foot, Ground-Ivy, Maiden-hair, Harts-horn rasp'd, Water-Hemp, Agrimony, of each one Handful; of the Roots of Charvil, and Butcher's Broom, each one Ounce; of the Seeds of Bastard. Saffron, of Sweet Fennel-Seed, each half an Ounce; boyl them in three Quarts of Fountain-water, to the Consumption of half; ad­ding towards the End three Drams of Liquorish, and two Ounces of Raisins of the Sun ston'd, and six Ju­jubes, or three Ounces of the best Hony clarified: Make an Apozem. The Dose is four Ounces, hot, twice or thrice in a Day. This is good for Coughs.

Columbine, in Latin Aquilegia.

The Seed can­died, is commended for Obstructions of the Bowels, and for Giddiness. One Dram of the Seed pow­der'd, and taken in Wine, with Saffron, cures the Jaundice, if the Sick keep in Bed, and sweat. The distill'd Water of it dis­cusses inward Tumours, expels Poison, and eases the Gripes. The Seed of it finely powder'd, and ta­ken in Wine, helps Delive­ry: If the first Draught does not do the Business, repeat it. But it is most frequently us'd in Garga­risms, [Page 51] to cleanse the Teeth, and to cure the Scurvy, and Ulcers of the Mouth and Jaws. Take of the Leaves of Columbine two Handfuls, of White-Pep­per one Dram; boyl them in a Quart of Posset-drink till half is wasted: Make a Gargarism.

Great- Comfrey, in La­tin Cons [...]lida major.

It grows in moist and good Ground. The Root is thick, and full of Sprigs, and very clammy, and taste insipid. The Stalks are two Foot and an half high, and higher, a Finger thick, empty, hairy, and rough. The Flowers are many together, upon the Tops of the Stalks and Branches, of a pale-yellow Colour, and sometimes in­cline to a Purple. The Leaves are sharp, wrinkly, prickly, equal about the Edges, and dispos'd in no Order. The Seeds are like the Seeds of Viper-Bugloss. It grows in watery Places, or near Rivers; and flow­ers in May.

'Tis an excellent Wound-Herb, is Musilaginous and Thickning, and qualifies the Acrimony of the Hu­mours. 'Tis used in all Fluxes, especially of the Belly; and for a Consum­ption. The Flowers boyl'd in Red Wine, are very pro­per for those that make a Bloody Urine. Outward­ly applied, it stops the Blood of Wounds, and helps to unite broken Bones; wherefore 'tis cal­led Bone-set. It eases the Pain of the Gout, and cures Eating-Ulcers: Take of the Root as much as you think convenient, beat it in a Mortar till it is reduc'd to a Mass; spread it on Leather, and apply it to the Part affected. This is excellent for Abating Gou­ty Pains, and the Sciatica; and for Pains in the Arms; and has been also us'd for Venereal Pains, with good Success. Take of Com­frey-Roots half a Pound, slice them, and put them into an Earthen Pipkin, with half a Pint of Alicant, and half a Pound of Loaf-Sugar; cover it with a Paper, and bake it in an Oven, as you do Apples: [Page 52] Eat, Night and Morning, two or three Slices of the Comfrey, and take a Spoon­ful or two of Syrup pre­sently after. This was pre­scrib'd for a Lady with Child, that had her Courses immoderately, by Doctor Willis. And it has cured several others.

Sea- Coralline, in Latin Corallina.

'Tis one, two, or three Inches high, hoa­ry, and of an Ash-colour, sometimes yellowish, red­dish, or whitish. It has a­bundance of thin Branches, jointed sometimes, with small Twigs growing on the side. It smells like a Fish; the Taste also is salt­ish, and unpleasant: It cracks between the Teeth, like Sand; and is easily re­duc'd to Powder, by rub­bing it with the Fingers. It grows upon Rocks, and on Shells and Stones near the Sea-side.

'Tis not soft when under Water, as Caesalpinus writes. Being grosly powder'd, it kills and expels Worms: Half a Dram is given to Boys, not Ten Years of Age; a Dram to grown People. This is much commended for the Worms: Take of Coralline and Cal­cin'd Hearts-horn, each half a Scruple; of Virginia-Snake-weed one Scruple; make a Powder: Let the Child take a third part of it, Morning and Evening, in a small Draught of the white Decoction.

Female- Cornel, Dog-ber­ry, or Gatter-tree, in Latin Cornus foemina.

It grows commonly in Hedges. The Wood of it is so very hard, especially when it is dry, that it can scarce be cut. Some People make Oyl of the Berries, for their Lamps.

Costmary, in Latin Bal­samita mas.

The Roots grow oblique, like the Roots of Mint; they are round, and have many Fi­bres. The Stalks are two or three Foot high, chan­nel'd, branchy, and of a pale-green Colour. The Leaves are like the Leaves of Pepperwort, and of the same Colour with the Stalks; indented about the [Page 53] Edges, but seldom jagged; it has a very strong Scent, and a very bitter Taste. On the top of the Branches are Umbles or Tufts of Golden yellow Flowers, somewhat like the Flowers of Tansie. The Seeds are small, oblong and flat. It grows in Gardens.

It cures the Crudities of the Stomach, Belchings, Vo­mitings, and a Stinking Breath; the Gripes, Heart-burning, and Pain in the Head, that is occasion'd by Fumes from the Stomach: It opens Women's Obstru­ctions, and is good in the Stone. The Juice and the Seed kill Worms. 'Tis sup­posed to be peculiarly good against the Malignity of Opium, and other Poisons. It cures Wounds presently. An excellent Balsam for old Ulcers is prepar'd of this Herb and Adder's-tongue, boy'ld in Oyl of Olives; adding Wax and Rozen to bring it to a Con­sistence.

Cowslips, in Latin Pa­ralysis.

'Tis common in Pa­stures, and flowers in April.

The Leaves and Flowers are us'd amongst Pot-herbs, and in Sallets; and are ve­ry agreeable to the Head and Nerves. They are us'd in Apoplexies, Palsies, and Pains in the Joints. The Juice of the Flowers takes off Spots and Wrinkles from the Face, and other Vices of the Skin. The Water of the Flowers, the Conserve, and the Syrup are Anodine, and gently provoke Sleep; and are very proper Medicines for weakly People. The Juice of the Leaves and Flowers, mix'd with an equal quan­tity of Red-Cow's Milk, cured an inveterate Head-ach, when other Medicines would do no good. Take of Cowslip-water two Oun­ces, of the Syrup of White Poppies one Ounce, of the Juice of Limons fresh drawn, two Spoonfuls; make a Draught. This is commonly used at Bed­time, to cause Sleep.

Common-Garden- Cresses, in Latin Nasturtium hortense.

It flowers in May and June; and, when the seed is ripe, withers quite away.

[Page 54] The Herb, especially the Seed, is acrid, and hot; for which Reason it opens, at­tenuates, and cleanses. 'Tis chiefly used for the Swel­ling of the Spleen, for Ob­structions of the Courses, and to expel a dead Child. It cuts the Tartareous Mu­silage of the Lungs, and is good in the Scurvy. 'Tis outwardly used, beat up with Lard, to cure Scabs in the Head, and other Parts of the Body. 'Tis used every where in Sal­lets, with Lettice, and o­ther Herbs: It qualifies the Coldness of the Lettice, and comforts the Stomach, and promotes Concoction by its Heat. For Lethar­gies, and sleepy Diseases, there is nothing better than Cresses, either boyl'd, or eaten in Sallets. For Chil­dren's Scabs, or Scalded Heads, nothing is so effe­ctual and quick a Remedy as Garden-Cresses, beat up with Lard; for it makes the Scales fall in twenty four Hours, and perfectly cures them, if they conti­nue the Use of it.

Water- Cresses, in Latin Nasturtium aquaticum.

It grows frequently in Brooks, and watery Places. It flow­ers chiefly in July and Au­gust, and sometimes before.

'Tis much us'd in the Spring-time, in Broths, to purifie the Blood. 'Tis good in the Stone; for it provokes Urine, it opens Women's Obstructions, and relieves those that are in Dropsies.

Spirit of Water-Cresses: Take a large quantity of Water-Cresses, beat them in a Marble Mortar, press out the Juice, dissolve some Leaven with it; make an Heap, and beat them well with your Hands; then put them in a convenient Place for eight Days, after­wards distil the Spirit in B. M. The Dose is one Spoon­ful, or two in Winter-time, for Scorbutical People. The Spirit of Celandine, Brook­lime and Scurvy-grass may be made the same Way. Take of Water-Cresses and Brook-lime, each two hand­fuls; Wood-Sorrel one Handful; bruise them, and put the Juice into a Pint of [Page 55] White-wine; let it stand close stop'd till the Wine is clear: Take two Spoon­fuls of the clear Wine in your Beer, every time you drink; continue the Use of this for the space of three Weeks. This is good for an hot Scurvy.

Cross-wort, or Mug­weed, in Latin Cruciata.

It grows up in square, hairy, brown Stalks, about a Foot high; having four small, broad, and pointed; hai­ry, yet smooth; yellowish green Leaves growing at every Joint, each against the other, cross-wise. The Flowers are of a pale-yel­low Colour. Its Seeds are small, round and blackish; four, most commonly, in every Husk. The Root is very small, and full of Fi­bres, or Threads, which spread much in the Ground, It grows amongst Bushes, and in Hedges.

It dries, is astringent, and one of the chief Vul­neraries, inwardly taken, or outwardly applied. Drunk in Wine, it is good for Ruptures. It also ex­pectorates Viscous Hu­mours.

The Common Creeping Crow-foot, in Latin Ra­nunculus pratensis.

The Root has many white Fibres. The Leaves are placed up­on very long Foot-stalks, and have three Divisions, and are most like the Leaves of Smallage; they are cut in deep, and in­dented about the Edges; hairy on both sides, of a dark-green Colour, and sometimes spotted with white. It has many small Stalks, round, hairy and concave, that creep on the Ground, and send down Roots from the Joints, by Intervals. The Flowers are placed upon long Foot­stalks; they have five Leaves, are yellow, and shine as if they were var­nish'd. Many Seeds suc­ceed the Flowers; all joyn'd together, make a a Bur: They are black when they are ripe. It grows in moist Grounds.

This Sort is not at all acrid, and therefore may be applied to the Body [Page 56] without Danger. The Ger­man-Women eat them in April, when they are ten­der, with other Herbs.

Round-rooted, or Bulbous Crow-foot, in Latin Ra­nunculus bulbosus.

The Leaves and Flowers are like the former: It differs from it in these six Things; 1. The Root is bulbous. 2. The Stalks are upright, and do not creep at all. 3. The Leaves upon the upper Stalks are cut into smaller and longer Jags. 4. The Leaves of the Cup, when the Flower opens, are turn'd back to the Foot-stalk. 5. It flowers earlier. Lastly, The Heads of the Seeds are a little longer, and each Seed not prickly at the top, as is every Seed of the Creeping Crow-foot. There are o­ther Differences, but these may suffice for the Distin­ction of them. This grows every where in Pastures, and is too frequent there.

This is called Devil's Crow-foot by Tragus. Beg­gars make Soars upon their Flesh with this Plant, to move Compassion. The Water of the Root, or the Infusion made in Spirit of Wine, is praised in the Plague. The Root of it burns violently, and there­fore must be used only ex­ternally. 'Tis of excellent Use for eating down, and drying up hard Tumours. It takes off long Warts, and the like. Camerarius says, That if the Root be kept dry a Month, it becomes sweet. Nicholas Chesneaw commends the Juice of Crowfoot (I suppose he means the Bulbous) in Head-aches, which (says he) wonderfully moves the Pain, when it possesses a little Space. Chuse that Sort whose Leaves are like the Leaves of Anemony, and bites the Tongue when chewed; beat the Leaves of it in a Marble Mortar; and having applied a Pla­ster with an Hole in it, as is made use of in the Ap­plication of a Caustick, put it on the pain'd Part, and apply the Leaves, beaten, with the Juice in them, in the Hole of the Plaster; and then put another Pla­ster over, to keep them in; [Page 57] and in the spaee of two Hours it will open the Skin, especially if the Herb be gather'd in a Place where the Sun shines. Note, The Hair must be shaved, and you must take care not to apply it near the Eyes. He mentions many Observations of the Cure of the Head-ach by this Medicine. He used it in the Gout, with the same Success. A Priest, says he, that had kept his Bed three Years with the Gout, and was not able to walk, was cured by applying Crowfoot to the Part most pained, after the Manner above-mention'd. One that was seized with the Plague, and was in great danger, was cured by two Issues made in the Groin with the Leaves of Crow-foot, he having a Bubo there.

Ivy-leav'd, Water- Crow-foot, in Latin Ranunculus aquaticus, or Hederaceus al­bus.

The Stalks of it are round, solid, lie along, and are jointed; from the Joints whereof, the Plant spreads it self much, by many white Fibres. The Leaves are placed at the Joints, with pretty long Foot-stalks; they are triangular, and somewhat like Ivy-leaves; they are smooth, shining, and sometimes have a black Spot upon them. The Flowers grow on the Stalks, opposite to the Leaves; they are small, and have five sharp Leaves. The Cup is divided into five parts, and is white. An Head of Seeds succeed the Flowers, of the bigness of the common Vetch: The Seeds are not sharp. It grows plentifully in Brooks, and Ditches that have Wa­ter in them; especially on Sandy Ground.

The following Medicine is excellent for the Scurvy and Dropsie: Take of the Tops of Alder, Ivy-leav'd-Water-Crow-foot and Sage, each one Handful; infuse them one Night in White-wine, and drink the Infu­sion.

Cuckow-pintle, in La­tin Arum.

It has a Tube­rous Root, and sends its Fibres every way into the Earth. The Leaves are [Page 58] oblong, triangular, smooth at top, and shining below, and have sometimes black Spots upon them. The Taste of the Root and Leaf is very biting. The Stalk is about an Hand high, on the top whereof the naked Pestel comes out, from a long, membranaceous Sheath, and is oblong, and of a dark-purple Colour. The Ber­ries are of a Vermilion Co­lour. The Roots, when they are young, yield a Milky Juice.

The Root, especially of that which is spotted, green, or dry, taken to the quan­tity of a Dram, is an ex­cellent Remedy for Poyson, and in the Plague. Some add to it the like quantity of Treacle. The Root boyl'd, and mix'd with Hony, cures all Flegma­tick Humours of the Breast, and is good for an Asthma. It cures Ruptures, and pro­vokes Urine. Women use the distill'd Water of the Root, to beautifie their Faces; but the Juice of the Root, set in the Sun, is much better. The dried Root is an excellent Medi­cine for the Scurvy; and is full as effectual in cold Diseases of the Spleen, and Stomach; especially for Wind. The Country-Peo­ple about Maidstone, in Kent, use the Herb and Root, instead of Soap. The Compound-Powder of Wake-Robin is as fol­lows: Take of the Roots of Wake-Robin, powder'd, two Ounces; of the Roots of Sweet-smelling Flag, Pimpernel and Saxifrage, each one Ounce; of Crabs-eyes half an Ounce, of Cin­namon three Drams, of Salt of Wormwood, and Juniper, each one Dram: Make a Powder.

Cucumber, in Latin Cucumis.

The Seed of it is one of the four greater cold Seeds. It cleanses, o­pens, and provokes Urine. 'Tis frequently used in E­mulsions for Pleurisies, and the Stone in the Kidnies. The Flower of it is rec­kon'd good to clear the Skin. 'Tis generally rec­kon'd, that the Substance of Cucumber is cold and moist, and of an Excremen­titious Juice; and therefore [Page 59] to be used only by those, whose Stomachs are strong: But I, says Schroder, tho' my Stomach is not very strong, having liv'd a Seden­tary Life, have eaten plenti­fully of Cucumbers, for many Years, as long as they are in Season, and fit to eat; yet never received the least In­jury or Inconvenience by them, though I am now Sixty Years of Age. And when I was at Florence, and had a Fever there, an English Physician prescribed the Pulp of Cu­cumber in Broth for me; whereby I was much refresh­ed, and relieved. But when they are eaten raw, they must be cut into thin Slices, and sprinkled with Salt, and beat betwixt two Dish­es, so that the Watery Hu­mour may be drained from them: After add Vinegar, Pepper and Oyl to them: And being so order'd, they are very grateful to the Pa­late, and Stomach; and, undoubtedly, not unwhol­som. The small ones, pic­kled with Salt, Pepper and Vinegar, Dill and Cloves, are kept all the Year; and are very good to provoke Appetite, and cool an hot Stomach.

Wild- Cucumber, in Latin, Cucumis silvestris.

Elaterium is made of the Juice of it pressed out, and inspissated. It purges Flegm and Watery Humours, up­wards and downwards. It moves the Courses, and kills the Child in the Womb; wherefore it is seldom used; especially, for that it is accompanied with Malignity. 'Tis the most durable of all Juices, for it is supposed to conti­nue good above an hun­dred Years. A certain Em­perick cured several People of Dropsies, by giving them two Pills, of the bigness of a Vetch, made of Wheaten Flower and this Juice: Af­terwards he washed their Legs with a Lotion, made of the Stalks; and then he gave the Pills again, and so perfected the Cure.

Common- Cudweed, in Latin Gnaphalium vulgare majus.

Many small Stalks arise from the same Root, about half a Foot, or nine Inches high, upright, hoary, downy, branchy at top. It has many Leaves, disor­derly placed, downy, nar­row, [Page 60] and oblong, much less than the Leaves of Laven­der, press'd to the Stalks for the most part, where­unto they grow without Foot-stalks. Among the Leaves grow small Flow­ers, of a brownish yellow Colour. After the Flowers, come small Seeds, wrap'd in Down. It grows every where, in dry and barren Grounds.

The distill'd Water of it is of excellent use for Can­cers, especially of the Breast; for it hinders their Growth, and prevents their Breaking, Rags being dip­ped in it, and applied to them. But some dip the Leaves of Asarabacca in the Water, and apply them to Cancers. 'Tis of a dry­ing and astringent Nature. The Country-people in the West of England use the Herb infus'd in Oyl, to take off Black and Blue Bruises and Stripes. It al­so stops the Courses.

Currant-bush, in Latin Ribes.

Currants are cold and moist, and provoke Appetite, allay the Heat of the Stomach, quench Thirst; and therefore are good in Fevers. They tem­per the Heat of the Liver, and Choler; and resist Pu­trefaction.

Cypress-trees, in La­tin Cupressus.

The Wood of Cypress is very lasting: The Doors of the Temple of Ephesus were made of it, and lasted four Ages: And the Gates of St. Peter at Rome were made of this Wood, and continued sound and fresh from the Time of Constantine the Great, to Eugenius, the fourth Pope; which was about Six hundred Years. 'Tis used in making Ta­bles, and Chests, and Mu­sical Instruments, and the like. It has a very curious Smell, which continues to many Ages. The Fruit and Leaves are dry and astringent. The Decoction of the Leaves in sweet Wine, helps the Strangury, and a Cough, Short-wind­edness, Fluxes of the Belly, Spitting of Blood, and Ruptures. The Powder of the Leaves provokes Urine. The Leaves beaten with [Page 61] Figs, soften Tumours, and are good in the King's-Evil, applied outwardly. Take of the Tops of Cypress eight Handfuls, of the Whites of Eggs beaten two Pints, of Cinnamon half an Ounce; cut them small, and pour upon them four Quarts of New Milk; distil them carefully in a common Still: Take six Ounces of the Wa­ter thrice a Day. This is used in a Diabetes.

WIld English D [...]ffadil, in Latin Narcissus Anglicus.

The Root is bul­bous, composed of many Coats of a moderate Big­ness; it tastes and feels clammy, 'tis sweetish, but leaves behind it some Bit­terness. The Leaves are long▪ of a Light-green. The Stalk is an Hand or nine Inches high, channel'd, and hollow; upon the top of which is one Flower, bend­ing downward, about two Inches long, consisting of six pale Leaves. The Seed is at first broadish, and af­terwards round. It grows in several Places near Hedges, especially in moist Ground, and in Woods.

The Root is Vomitive. The Leaves bruised, are proper in an Erisipelas.

The Greater Wild White Daisies, in Latin Bellis major.

The Root is fibrous, and creeping, of an acrid Taste; sending forth many Stalks, nine Inches high, or higher, five-angled, solid, branching; and it has ma­ny oblong, fat and indent­ed Leaves, with obtuse Points. The Flowers cast forth Beams of Brightness; they are white in the Cir­cumference, in the middle yellow, and large; com­posed of many small, yel­low Flowers, divided into five little Pieces, with a small Pillar in the middle of each. The Leaves of the Cups have a blackish Fringe. It flowers in May and June. It grows fre­quently in Pastures.

The whole Herb, Stalks, Leaves and Flowers, boyl'd in Posset-drink, and drunk, [Page 62] is accounted an excellent Remedy for an Asthma, Consumption, and Diffi­culty of Breathing. 'Tis very good in Wounds and Ulcers, taken inwardly, or outwardly applied. A De­coction of the Herb cures all Diseases that are occa­sion'd by drinking cold Beer when the Body is hot.

The Lesser Daisie, or Common Wild Daisie, in La­tin Bellis minor.

It grows in Meadows and Pastures.

There is some Difference amongst Writers, about the Temperament of this Plant. Some say, it is hot and dry: Others say, it is cold and moist. But its sharp Taste argues Frigidity; and the Effects of it, Siccity. Both the Greater and the Lesser are excellent Wound-herbs. 'Tis used outwardly in Pla­sters and Fomentations, and inwardly in Vulnerary Potions; and upon that Account it is called in the Shops, the Lesser Comfrey. Women usually give the Herb and the Flower to Children, to loosen their Bellies. The Roots are used outwardly, with very good Success, in the King's-Evil. 'Tis commonly re­ported, that the Roots of the Lesser Daisie, boyl'd in Milk, and given to Whelps, hinder their Growth. Take of the Lesser Daisie, Com­frey, Marshmallows, each three Handfuls; Clivers two Handfuls, Liquorish one Ounce, half an Ounce of Anniseeds, four Nut­megs; boyl all, being shred, sliced and bruis'd, in six Pints of Water, till half is wasted; after strain it, and dissolve in it four Ounces of Sugar, and clarifie it. This is good in Ulcers of the Bladder.

Dandalyon, in Latin Dens-leonis.

It has many long Leaves, much jagged, lying on the Ground; the Middle-rib is white, and full of bitter Milk. The Root is as thick as a Little Finger, and is full of Milk. The Stalks are naked, and empty, and sometimes hai­ry: Each of them bears, at the top, a large, yellow Flower. The Down at the top is as round as a Ball, and is soon blown away [Page 63] by the Wind, or Breath. It grows commonly in Gardens, Courts and Mea­dows.

'Tis Epatick, and much of the same Virtue with Endive; and is also Diu­retick. Take of fresh Horse-dung four Ounces, of Carduus-water one Pint and an half; make an In­fusion over a gentle Fire, in a close Vessel, two Hours; then strain the Li­quor, and add to it two Ounces of the Syrup of Dandalyon, and a Dram of the Spirit of Sal-Almo­niack: The Dose is five or six Spoonfuls, three or four times a Day. This is very good in Pleurisies, and o­ther Diseases that proceed from the Clamminess of the Blood, and from its be­ing coagulated.

Dane-wort, in Latin Ebulus.

'Tis neither Tree, nor Shrub, but rather an Herb; but it is so like El­der, that it is called Dwarf-Elder. 'Tis seldom so high as a Man, but most-com­monly three Foot high, and no higher. The Stalk is green, and channel'd, and full of Pith, like Elder; which withers in Winter. The Leaves are whiter and greater than those of the common Elder, long, and broad, and cut in the Edges like a Saw. The Leaves are placed by Couples, and smell strong. The Flowers are white, tip'd with red; and grow at the top of the Stalks, in Tufts. The Ber­ries are black. The Root is long, and of the thick­ness of a Finger, not woo­dy. It spreads much, and grows commonly near High-ways, and Ditches, and Church-yards. It flow­ers in June, or July; and the Betries are ripe in Au­gust and September.

'Tis said to have the same Virtues with Elder, but they are stronger. The Bark and Seeds purge Wa­ter; wherefore they are good in Dropsies, and other Diseases arising from wa­tery Humours. The Root likewise purges very strong­ly. The Leaves of it, as well as those of Elder, ap­plied to Burns, cure them. In Diseases of the Spleen, [Page 64] Take four Ounces of the distill'd Waters of the Roots, for the space of ten or twelve Days, fasting. Take of the Roots of Dwarf-Elder, of our Flow­er-de-luce, each one Ounce and an half; of the Leaves of Soldanella, and Hedge-Hyssop, each one Handful; of the Roots of Asarabacca and Wild Cucumbers, each two Ounces; of the Lesser Galangal six Drams, of choice Jalap half an Ounce, of Elaterium three Drams, of Cubebs two Drams; slice and bruise them, and pour upon them three Pints of small Spirit of Wine Tartariz'd; digest them in a close Vessel, in a Sand-Furnace, two Days; strain it, and let it stand till it is clear: Take two or three Spoonfuls, in a proper Ve­hicle. This is an excellent Purge in a Dropsie.

Darnel, in Latin Lo­lium album.

The Root is very fibrous. The Straws are two or three Foot high, like the Wheat-straw, but a little less. They have four or five Knots, at each whereof are the Leaves; they are narrower and greener than the Blade of Wheat; they shine, and are smooth, fat, channel'd, and are spiky. The Grain is less than Wheat, and is in­cluded in a single, brown Husk. It grows too much amongst Wheat.

'Tis hot and dry: It attenuates, resolves and cleanses. Being mix'd with Malt, it makes the Beer heady: And mix'd with Bread, it occasions great Dulness. It offends the Eyes, by sending ill Va­pours into the Head. The Flower of it, mix'd with other Medicines, is com­mended by the Ancients for putrid Ulcers, the Itch, the Leprosie, the King's Evil, Gangreens, and the Hip-Gout.

Dill, in Latin Anethum.

'Tis very like Fennel, yet it differs from it in many things: The Root is an­nual; the Stalk is less, and and lower, for it is rare­ly three Foot high; the Leaves are lighter colour'd, and smell stronger, and not so pleasant; the Seed is [Page 65] broader, of an acrid Taste, and not so pleasant as that of Fennel; the Tufts of Flowers are yellow, but not so large. It grows in Gardens, and springs year­ly from its Seed: But it grows no where sponta­neously in England, as I know of.

The Herb, but especial­ly the Seed, digests, dis­cusses and ripens Tumours, increases Milk, disposes to Sleep, lessens Venery, cures Vomiting, and the Hic­kops. 'Tis said to be of­fensive to the Eyes; which seems strange to me, for that it is very like Fennel, both in Quality, and out­ward Appearance; and it expels also Wind: And Fennel is allow'd by all to be good for the Eyes. The tender Tops, and the Root, when fresh, provoke Urine, and so very good for those that are afflicted with the Stone.

Our People are wont to put the Seeds and Leaves into Pickle of Cucumbers, to better the Taste and Smell, and to correct the Coldness. Take of the Oyl of the Seeds of Dill four Drops, of Oyl of Almonds half an Ounce; mingle them for a Draught. This is excellent for the Hic­kops, when they proceed from a cold Cause.

Dittander, in Latin Lepidium latifolium.

The Root is of a Finger's thick­ness, and thicker, white, of an acrid and hot Taste, which soon vanishes. It creeps in the Earth. It has many Stalks four Foot high, sound, smooth, and full of Pith; branchy, less than the Little Finger, and co­ver'd with Sky-colour'd Dust, which may be easily wiped off. The Leaves are long and broad, but end sharp; they are smooth, fat, of a dull green Colour, and plac'd alternately; they are indented about the Edges: Those which come from the Root, and are on the bottom of the Stalk, are prop'd by long Foot-stalks. The little Flowers are plac'd on the top of the Stalks and Branches; they consist of three white Leaves; there are many [Page 66] of them. The small Seed-vessels succeed the Flow­ers; they are fat, and pointed. Gardiners dislike it, because it spreads so much.

The Women in Suffolk boyl it in Beer, to facilitate Delivery. The Herb is a­crid. The Root eases the Pain of the Teeth.

Sharp-pointed Dock, with curled Leaves, in Latin La­pathum acutum crispum.

The Root is single, and has sometimes Sprigs; it grows deep in the Earth; without brown, and with­in yellow. The Leaves are narrow and long, and of a dull colour, curl'd, and crooked about the Edges, especially near the Foot-stalks. The Flowers are small, hanging down upon long Foot-stalks, and many Whirls. The Seed is of a Chesnut-colour. It grows on untill'd Grounds, and in Courts; especially in moist Places.

Sharp-pointed Dock, in Latin Lapathum acutum.

The Leaves are shorter than the former; the Low­er grow narrow by de­grees, from a broad Be­ginning, and are less than the other. The Stalk is small, stiff, and sometimes crooked. The Whirls of the Flowers are not so thick; the Flowers are smaller, and the Seeds not half so large. It grows in moist Places, and near Wa­ter; and commonly in Ditches, and Hedges.

The Root of Sharp­pointed Dock is much commended for the Itch: And, infus'd in Beer, is excellent for the Scurvy, and the Jaundice. The Powder of the Seeds strengthen the Liver, and stop all Fluxes of the Belly.

Provide four Gallons of Small Ale; instead of Hops, boyl in it three Handfuls of the Tops of Pines, or Firr; after it has done Working in the Vessel, put into a Canvas-bag three Handfuls of Scurvy-grass, four Oun­ces of the Root of Sharp-pointed Dock prepar'd, and the Peels of four Oranges; hang the Bag in the Vessel, with something to sink the [Page 67] Bag: After it has stood a Week, and is clear, drink of it for your ordinary Drink. This is frequently used for the Scurvy, and is an excellent Diet-drink.

The Dock called Monk's-Rubarb, or Garden-patience, in Latin Hippo-lapathum.

'Tis sometimes as high as a Man. The Stalk is channel'd, and reddish; a­bove it is divided into ma­ny Sprigs. The Leaves are a Foot, or a Foot and an half broad, and point­ed; of a dull green Co­lour. The Root is thick, long, and has many Fibres, and of a Saffron-colour. The Leaves come out in March, and it flowers a­bout June.

The Root purges Cho­ler, and watery-Humours. Take of the dried Root one Dram, of Ginger one Scru­ple: Those that use it for Rubarb take a double quantity. The Root expels Gravel: Take Dock-roots prepar'd and Polypody, each one Ounce; Sena ten Drams, Rubarb six Drams, Monks-Rubarb five Drams, Yellow Sanders two Drams, Salt of Wormwood, and Scurvy-grass, each one Dram; cut and bruise them, and put them into a Glass, with Snail-water and White-wine, each one Pint and an half; stop the Glass, and set it in a Cellar twen­ty four Hours: Take six Ounces of it, or more, ac­cording as it works, every Morning. This is good for the Itch.

Dodder, in Latin Cus­cuta.

This fawning Para­site, and ungrateful Guest▪ hugs the Herb it hangs up­on, with its long Threads, and reddish Twigs; and so closely embraces it, that at length it defrauds the ho­spitable Herb of its Nou­rishment, and destroys it by its treacherous Embra­ces. It has no Leaves. The Flowers are placed thick, at several Distances, or Intervals: Each of them consists of four small, acute Leaves, that are thick, and full of Juice. This Plant has no need of a large De­scription; for it is distin­guish'd from all other Plants, by having no [Page 68] Leaves, nor Root, when it is grown up; consisting only of long Threads, by which it encompasses the neighbouring Plants, and sucks away their Nourish­ment. Upon which Ac­count the Country-people in Sussex call it Hell-weed, or The Devil's Guts. And so much for the Vices of this Plant.

'Tis suppos'd to partici­pate of the Plant it adheres to: So that which grows to Broom is reckon'd Diu­retick; that is counted moist, which sticks to Flax; that astringent, which climbs Madder; that which grows on Nettles, is very Diuretick. 'Tis hot, dry, and cleansing: It opens Ob­structions, and purges Me­lancholy; is of good use in the Itch, for the Black Jaundice, and Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen. But that which grows on Nettles is prefer'd before all the other in Physick. Take of Dodder of Thime, and of Rubarb, each one Dram and an half; of Se­na three Drams, of Yellow Sanders half a Dram, of Coriander-seeds two Scru­ples, of Salt of Wormwood half a Dram, of Celtick Spike one Scruple; infuse them in a close Vessel all Night, in four Ounces of White-wine, and Water of Apples: To five Ounces of the strain'd Liquor, add six Drams of Syrup of Dod­der of Thyme, and two Drams of Aqua-mirabilis; mingle them, and make a Potion: For those that are difficult to purge, add a Dram, or two Drams, of the Fibres of Black Helle­bore, infus'd in Vinegar. This is an excellent Purge for melancholy People.

Common Drop-wort, or Filipendula, in Latin Fili­pendula.

It has many Roots; black without, and white within. The Fibres of it are bulbous. It has many Leaves at the Roots; they are long, wing'd, and indented almost like Bur­net-Saxifrage. The Stalk is most commonly single, upright, nine Inches or a Foot high, or higher, chan­nell'd branchy, with a few Leaves on it. The Flow­ers are placed on the top [Page 69] of the Stalk, in a Tuft; they smell sweet, and are white; they consist of se­ven Leaves. Eleven or twelve Seeds, more or less, are placed in the form of a Star. It grows in Mea­dows, and Hilly Pastures.

The Root attenuates, and is somewhat astrin­gent. A Decoction of it provokes Urine, and ex­pels Gravel: It cures the Heat of Urine, and takes off the Difficulty of it. The Powder of the Root, and the Juice of it, is com­mended by some, in the Falling-Sickness: 'Tis ex­cellent for the Whites, and the immoderate Flux of the Child-bed-Purgations: The Dose is, one Dram of the Root in Wine. It also cures the Bloody Flux, and Ruptures.

Common Dove's-foot, or Crane's-bill, in Latin Ge­ranium Columbinum vulgare.

It has several small, round, pale-green Leaves, cut in about the Edges, like Mal­lows: They are placed up­on long, reddish, hairy Stalks, lying on the Ground; among which rise up two or three, or more, reddish, jointed, slender, weak and hairy Stalks, with some such like Leaves thereon, but smaller, and more cut in. It has many very small, bright, red Flowers, of five Leaves a-piece; after which follow small Heads, with small, short Beaks, pointing forth, as all other Sorts of this Kind of Herbs have.

'Tis very Vulnerary, ei­ther outwardly applied, or taken inwardly. It stops a Flux of Blood, and resolves coagulated Blood: It clean­ses Wounds and Ulcers: It expels Gravel; and eases the Pain of the Cholick. The Powder of the Root and Leaves taken, in Wine, is very effectual for curing Ruptures.

The Dove's-foot, cal­let Herb-Robert, and in La­tin Geranium Robertianum,

has the same Virtues with this above-describ'd.

Dragons, in Latin Dra­contium.

'Tis easily known, being speckl'd like a Snake. It flowers in July.

[Page 70] 'Tis hot and dry, astrin­gent, and of an acrid Taste. 'Tis something of the Na­ture of Cuckow-pint. 'Tis good in Coughs, Catarrhs, and Convulsions. The Leaves are good for Ulcers, and Venomous Bitings. The distill'd Water is good in the Plague, and Pestilen­tial Fevers. Take of Dra­gon-water, and Wood-Sor­rel-water, each four Oun­ces; of Compound-Scor­dium-water two Ounces; of Treacle-water, and Be­zoartick-water, each one Ounce; of Prepar'd Pearl one Dram, of Syrup of Gillyflowers two Ounces, of Spirit of Vitriol twelve Drops; make a Julep: The Dose is three Ounces often in a Day. This is used in the Plague.

Duck's-meat, in Latin Lenticula palustris.

This grows in Standing-waters, and is full of shining, round Leaves, green above, and black below. They are joyn'd together with white, small Threads. It often covers all the Water it grows in.

'Tis Cooling, and good in Inflammations. It also cures Children's Ruptures. An Infusion of it in White­wine cures the Jaundice infallibly, six Ounces of it being taken every Morn­ing, for nine Days, Ducks feed upon it very much.

EArth-nut, in Latin Bulbocastanum.

The Root is Tuberous, white, and solid; with small Fi­bres at the Bottom and Sides: It has a sweetish and pleasant Taste: It grows deep in the Ground. The Leaves are cut more sharp than the Leaves of Parsley. The Stalk is sin­gle, round, channel'd, with one Leaf growing to it: Most commonly, before it divides it self into Branch­es, at every Division of the Stalk a Leaf is plac'd, much more cut than those that rise from the Root. The Flowers are white, and ve­ry small. This is one of the Umbeliferous Plants; so called, because they sus­tain [Page 71] their Flowers by long Foot-stalks, in a Circle. The Seeds are small, and somewhat long, of a Ches­nut-colour. It flowers at the Latter End of May, or Beginning of June; and grows frequently in San­dy and Gravelly Pastures. When the Seed is ripe, the Superficies withers imme­diately, the Root remain­ing in the Ground.

Our Country-people eat the Root raw; but when it is pill'd, and boyl'd in fresh Broth, with a little Peper, it is pleasant Food, and very nourishing, and stimulates Venery. Being mix'd with Medicines, it helps those that spit Blood, and void a Bloody Urine.

Egglentine, or Sweet-Bryer, in Latin Rosa silve­stris odora.

It needs no De­scription, its curious Smell will not let it be un­known.

The Virtues of the Flow­ers are much the same with Garden-Roses, but more a­stringent; wherefore they are of excellent use in Fluxes of the Womb. The Fruit of it is much com­mended for its Lithontri­ptick Virtue. The Heads, when they are ripe, con­tain a Pulp of a pleasant, acid Taste, which, without doubt, is very useful in Fe­vers, and to provoke Ap­petite. The Conserve of it is commonly kept in the Shops, and is very good for the hot Scurvy, and for Spitting of Blood. The Root is good for the Biting of a Mad Dog, a sort of a Sponge grows from the Branches when they are broken or hurt, which is of a reddish Colour; which laid on the Pillow, disposes to Sleep. The Ashes of it cure the Heat of Urine, and kill Worms. Take of the Conserve of Hips, and Wood-Sorrel, each one Ounce; Con­serve of Berberies half an Ounce, Cream of Tartar one Dram; make an Ele­ctuary, with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Li­mons: Take the quan­tity of a Nutmeg thrice a Day. This is good in Fevers.

Elder, in Latin Sambu­cus.

Martin Blockwitz wrote a whole Book of the Vir­tues and Use of the Elder; the Title of it is, The Ana­tomy of the Elder. The inner Bark of the Elder purges watery Humours; where­fore it is good in Dropsies. The tender Leaves boyl'd in Wine, is likewise very good for the same purpose, and more convenient for weakly People. The in­ner Bark, applied to Burns, takes out the Fire. The Flowers discuss, mollifie and dissolve, and are Su­dorifick and Anodine. Vi­negar, wherein the Flow­ers have been infus'd, is very agreeable to the Sto­mach, and excites Appe­tite; and it cuts and atte­nuates gross and crude Hu­mours. The Berries are Alexipharmick, and Sudo­rifick. The Spirit drawn from the Berries, provokes Sweat, and therefore good in Fevers. The Wine made of the Juice of them, or the Juice mix'd with White or Rhenish-Wine, does much Good in Dropsies. The Seeds cleanse, and purge violently by Vomit and Stool. A Decoction of the middle Bark, with Syrup of Poppies, promotes Sweat. But note, That Narcoticks, mix'd with Sweating Medicines, do much provoke Sweating. For Swellings in the Feet, take of the Leaves as much as is sufficient, boyl them in Oyl, with Salt, and fo­ment them with it. In St. Anthony's Fire, a Fo­mentation is frequently u­sed, made of two Parts of Elder-water, and one of Spirit of Wine. This is commonly us'd in London, with good Success. My Father makes an Ointment of the Red-Lead-Plaster and Oyl of Elder, which he frequently uses for Burns: And I have found it very successful also in other Inflammations.

Elecampane, in Latin Helenium.

Many Leaves, long and broad, come from the Root, and bend to­wards the Earth; they are acute at both Ends, above of a pale Green, under hoary, indented about the Edges. They have short Foot-stalks, from the Centre [Page 73] whereof the Stalks rise, sometimes one, sometimes more; they are streight, hairy and reddish, five or six Foot high, with some Leaves thereon, compassing them about at the Lower Ends; they are branched towards the tops, and bear great, large Flowers, like those of our Marigold, of a Golden Colour. The Root is very thick, with­out brown, within white, and of an Aromatick Taste, and smells sweet and plea­santly, especially when dri­ed. It grows in moist Meadows, and Pastures; but it is not common. It flowers in June and July.

The fresh Root being candied, or dried, and powder'd, mix'd with Ho­ny or Sugar, is very good in a Difficulty of Breath­ing, an Asthma, and an old Cough. Being taken after Supper, it helps Conco­ction. It is also commend­ed as an excellent Preser­vative against the Plague. Being taken in the Morn­ing, it forces Urine, and the Courses. Half a Pint of White-wine, wherein the slic'd Roots have been infus'd three Days, taken in the Morning fasting, cures the Green-sickness. A Decoction of the Root, taken inwardly, or out­wardly applied, is com­mended by some for Con­vulsions, Contusions, and the Hip-Gout. The Roots boyl'd in Wine, or the fresh Juice infus'd in it, and drunk, kills and expels Worms. Wine that is eve­ry where prepar'd with this Root in Germany, and often drunk, wonderfully quickens the Sight. Ele­campane distill'd in com­mon Water, yields a Vola­tile Salt, that smells, and has the same Virtue with Salt of Harts-horn. Take of the Roots of Elecam­pane, well cleans'd from the Fibres, as much as you please; boyl them in Wa­ter till they are salt, and pulp them through a Sieve; whereof take one Part, and of Hony two Parts; boyl them to the Consumption of the Moisture. This is a Preservative against the Plague. Take of the Roots of Elecampane, Oris and Liquorish, each one Dram; [Page 74] of the Flowers of Sulphure two Drams, Hony a suffi­cient quantity to make an Electuary, Oyl of Sulphure ten Drops; make a Lin­ctus. This is good for an inveterate Cough.

Elm, in Latin Ʋlmus.

The Leaves, the Branches, and the Bark, are astrin­gent. The Leaves cure Wounds. And, rub'd with Vinegar, they are good for a Leprosie. The Bark boil­ed in Fountain-water, al­most to the Consistence of a Syrup, and the third part of Aquavitae mix'd with it, is an excellent Remedy for the Hip-Gout, if the Part affected be fomented with it before the Fire. The Water in the Bladders up­on the Leaves clears the Skin, it being wash'd with it; and it betters the Com­plexion. It helps Bursten­ness in Children, Clothes being wet in the Water, and applied; but a Truss must be kept on also. Take of the Bark of Elm six Drams, of the Root of Liquorish half a Dram, of Raisins of the Sun ston'd number twenty, of Red Roses two Pugils; boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Wa­ter, to a Pint and an half; dissolve in it of Hony of Roses, and Simple Oxymel, each two Ounces; make a Gargarism.

Endive, in Latin Endi­via.

The Root is fibrous, and full of Milk. The long, broad Leaves like on the Earth, they are like the Leaves of Lettice; some­times indented about the Edges. The Stalk is two or three Foot high, smooth, channel'd, empty, and has many Branches, and is crooked; being cut, it yields a Milk. The Flow­ers come from the Wings of the Leaves; they are Sky-colour'd, and like the Leaves of Wild-Succory. It grows in Gardens.

'Tis Cooling, and the Water of it is used in Fe­vers and Inflammations.

Eringo, or Sea-Holly, in Latin Eringium marinum.

The Roots are very long, and spread much; they have an Aromatick Taste. The Leaves are placed up­on [Page 75] long Foot-stalks; they are almost round, yet they are broader than they are long, sometimes an Hand's breadth, and more; they are thick, whitish, or gray, as is the whole Plant. The Leaves are sharp and prick­ly. The Stalk is two Foot high, and very branchy. The Heads are placed a­mongst the prickly Leaves, at the Extremities of the Branches. The Flowers are white. It has two broad Seeds joyn'd toge­ther, which are encom­pass'd by Prickles on every side.

Eringo is Epatick, Ne­phretick, and Alexiphar­mick. It forces Urine, and the Courses: It expels Wind, and eases Gripes, and cures the Jaundico. The Roots of it candied are accounted excellent Sweet-meats, and are Pro­vocatives to Venery, and are good Preservatives a­gainst the Plague, and the Contagion of the Air; and are good for Consumptive People. The Root can­died, cures a Gonorrhea, and is useful in the French Pox. And, used in the form of a Cataplasm, and applied to the Belly, it pre­vents Abortion.

Eye-bright, in Latin Euphrasia.

'Tis a small Plant, an Hand and an half high. The Root is single, and crooked; it has a few large Fibres; 'tis woody, and white. The Stalks are roundish, hairy, and, where the Sun shines, purplish. They have ma­ny Branches, which come from the Wings of the Leaves, that are longer sometimes than the middle Stalk. The Leaves are placed by Pairs, on the Stalk, opposite to one ano­ther, without Foot-stalks, and are like the Leaves of Chick-weed; they are of a deep Green, they shine, are wrinkly, indented, and hairy under, and of a fat and bitterish Taste. The lit­tle Flowers come from the Wings of the Leaves; they are white, streak'd within with purple Lines, and a yellow Spot is in the middle. The Seeds are oblong, and of an Ash-colour. It grows commonly in barren Pa­stures, [Page 76] and flowers about the middle of Summer.

Eye-bright, which Way soever it is taken, either in a Powder by it self, or in White-wine, or the Juice, or the distill'd Water, won­derfully strengthens the Eyes, and repairs a weak Sight. 'Tis applied out­wardly, being bruis'd, for Inflammations, and Dim­ness of Sight: Or the Juice is drop'd into the Eye: But especially the Water. Take of Eye-bright two Ounces, Mace half an Ounce; make a fine Pow­der: Some add to it Fen­nel-seed and Sugar. This is good for Dimness of Sight: Take one Dram of it Night and Morning; but the Body must be first well purg'd. Fabritius Hil­danus, who is an Author of the first Rank, says, That the Virtues of Eye-bright are so effectual in Weak­ness of Sight, that he had observ'd some of Seventy Years of Age to have reco­ver'd their Sight (which they had lost by long Watchings, and much Stu­dy) by the Use of it. The Oculists in England, and Beyond-Sea, use the Herb in Sallets, in Broths, in Bread, and in Table-Beer; and apply it out­wardly in Fomentations, and other External Medi­cines for the Eyes. Take of Water of Eye-bright, and Fennel, each one Ounce and an half; of White Rose-water one Ounce, Prepar'd Tutty two Drams, Camphire two Grains; mix them, drop two or three Drops into the Eye, warm, thrice a Day. This is good when the Eye is much bruis'd.

COmmon- Fennel, in La­tin Faeniculum vulgare.

It grows on hot and stony Grounds; and in England on the Sea-banks, and on Chalk-hills; as in Cornwal, and in Pemsley-Marsh in Sussex.

The Powder of the Seed, taken daily, in the Morn­ing, fasting, with Sugar, clears the Sight wonder­fully. [Page 77] The Seed strength­ens the Stomach, and takes off Nauseousness: And be­ing mix'd with Pectoral Medicines, it relieves those that are Asthmatick; and also resists Poyson. The Leaves boyl'd in Barley-water, increase Nurses Milk: And a Decoction of the Leaves and Seeds as­swages Nephritick Pains, forces Urine, and expels Gravel. The Roots pro­voke the Courses, and open Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and cure the Jaundice. The whole Herb boyl'd in Broths, is rec­kon'd good to prevent and cure Over-fatness. The tender Buds of Fennel, and the upper part of the Root, before the Stalks grow out, are used for Second Course, being prepar'd with Oyl and Pepper by the Italians, and in Savoy, Dauphiné, Pro­vence and Languedoc. We commonly use the fresh Leaves, cut small, in Pic­kle for Fish, and in Boyling them. It hinders Abor­tion. And the Roots of it boyl'd in Wine, and ap­plied to the Eye, cured a Suffusion in a Monk in the space of nine Days. Take of the Seeds of Fennel, An­nis and Coriander, each one Dram, of Carroways half a Dram, of Shavings of Harts-horn, and Ivory, each one Dram; of the Species Aromatick Rosat half a Dram, of Marjoram half a Dram, of the Cor­dial-flowers one Dram, of the Roots of Liquorish and Elecampane, each one Dram; of Ginger, Galan­gal, Nutmegs and Cloves, each half a Dram; Saffron one Scruple; beat them grosly, and add of Sugar of Roses the weight of all: The Dose is half a Spoon­ful, after Meals. This has done much Good for those that have been troubled with wind in their Sto­machs.

Hog's- Fennel, or Sul­phur-wort, in Latin Puceda­num vulgare.

The Root is thick, 'tis cover'd with a black Bark, the Substance of it is green: If it be cut, the Juice that comes out smells strong, like Pitch. The Stalk is three or four Foot high, or higher; 'tis branchy. The Umbels, or [Page 78] Tufts, are very large. The Flowers are yellow, and have yellow Threads. The Leaves are large, and di­vided into three Parts; and each Division is again divided into three other Parts. The Seeds are thin, flat and yellowish, and taste acrid, and bitterish. It grows in Marshy Ditch­es, near Shorcham in Sus­sex, and near the Thames, plentifully.

It expectorates and ex­pels Choler. 'Tis chiefly used in Diseases of the Breast, for Coughs, Wind, and Obstructions of the Li­ver, Spleen and Reins. It forces Urine, and does good in the Stone. 'Tis used outwardly in Head­aches. The Ancients rec­kon'd it was good for all nervous Diseases; as, Le­thargy, frenzy, Falling-sickness, Giddiness, Palsie, and the like. The Con­serve of it is an excellent Histerick and Pectoral Me­dicine.

Fenugreek, in Latin Foenum Graecum.

It has one thin, green, hollow Stalk, divided into Wings and Branches, not above a Foot high. The Leaves are like the Leaves of Meadow-Tree-foil, but they are rounder, and smaller; a­bove they are green, below of an Ash-colour. The Flowers come from the Wings of the Leaves, and are like those of Lupines, and are whitish. It has Pods an Hand, or an Hand and an half long, that are plac'd upon very short Foot-stalks; they are thin, nar­row, and flat; in which is contain'd the Seed, which is oblong, and almost four­square, and of a yellowish Colour, and smells sweet. The Root is small, white, single, and woody. 'Tis sown in many Places: I never found it grow Spon­taneously.

The Flower of the Seed, which is only in use, mol­lifies, digests, ripens and discusses; and is Anodine: And the Use of it is so ve­ry frequent, that there is scarce a Chirurgeon makes a Poultess without it, or its Mucilage. 'Tis also of­ten used in Emollient Cly­sters; [Page 79] for the Musilaginous Substance blunts the Acri­mony of the Humours, and keeps the Guts from Ero­sion. Take of the Seeds of Fenugreek as much as you please, boyl them in Water and Hony till they are soft; then beat them, and boyl them again with Hony: Spread it on a Cloth, and apply it for the Hip-Gout; it presently gives Ease. 'Tis very good also for the Eyes. Take of the Pulp of Sweet Apples, boyl'd to the Con­sistence of a Poultis, in a sufficient quantity of Fen­nel and Vervain-water; strain it through a Sieve, then add of the Musilage of Fenugreek-seeds, extract­ed in Rose-water, of the Blood-stone finely pow­der'd, each one Dram; of Camphire, and Prepar'd Tutty, one Scruple; of Bole-Almoniack a little, of Rose-water a sufficient quantity: Make an Epi­them for the Eyes. For Cold Swellings of the Paps, apply the Flower of Fe­nugreek-seed, mix'd with Juice of Smallage. Take of Flax and Fenugreek-seeds, beaten, each one Ounce; of ordinary Bar­ley one Pugil, of the Flow­ers of Camomile and Me­lilot, each one Pugil; of Rye-Bran two Pugils; Make a Decoction of all in Water, to half a Pint; in the strain'd Liquor dissolve the Yolks of two Eggs, Hony of Roses three Oun­ces, Brown Sugar two Ounces; mix them, and make a Clyster. This is good in the Bloody-Flux.

Common Male- Fern, in Latin Filix mas vulgaris.

It grows every where near Hedges, and in shady Pla­ces.

The Root is reckon'd in­jurious to Women, and oc­casions Barrenness, hinders Conception, and causes A­bortion. 'Tis peculiarly good for the Rickets.

Female- Fern, in Latin Filix foemina.

It grows every where on barren Grounds. 'Tis the largest of all that grows in Eng­land. The Root is bran­chy, and creeping. 'Tis very injurious to Husband­men.

[Page 80] Of the Ashes of this, and the Male-Fern, are made, with Water, Balls, especially in Warwickshire and Staffordshire; and be­ing dried in the Sun, they wash their Clothes with them, instead of Soap: But before they use them, they put them into a light Fire, till they are red hot; and then they will easily powder. This Fern is used in Sussex to burn Lime; for the Flame of it is very violent, and therefore very fit for that Use. The Root of it reduc'd into Powder, and one Dram of it taken in Water and Hony, kills the broad and long Worms of the Belly. Mounte-banks keep this as a great Secret, and use it to kill Worms. The Juice of the Root is good for Burns. Some poor People have been forc'd (in great Scar­city of Corn) to make Bread of this Root. The Ashes cast upon Stones, instead of Nitre, make Glass of a green Colour.

Flowering- Fern, or Os­mond-royal, in Latin Filix florida, or Osmonda regalis.

It shoots forth, in the Spring, divers rough, hard Stalks, half round, and hol­lowish, flat on the other side, two Foot high; hav­ing several Branches of winged, yellowish green Leaves on all sides, some­what like the Leaves of Polypody. From the top of some of the Stalks grows a long Bush of small, green, scaly Aglets, which are counted the Flowers and Seeds. The Root is rough, thick and scaly, with a white Pith. It grows in Marshy Places, and a­mongst Woods, in many Parts of England.

The Root cures Bursten Bellies, and Ulcers. It does good in the Cholick, and Diseases of the Spleen. The whitish part of the Root is very effectual for Bruises, and those that are wounded, it being boyl'd in some Liquor. 'Tis excellent in the Ric­kets, a Conserve being made of the tender Buds of it, and of Asparagus. Spleen-wort and Harts-tongue.

Feverfew, in Latin Matricaria.

It has a white Root, and many Fibres. It has many Stalks, about three Foot high, rigid, channel'd, smooth, pretty large, and full of a fun­gous Pith. It has many Leaves, but they are not plac'd orderly. Towards the top of the Stalks come forth small Branches from the Wings of the Leaves, whereon, as also on the tops of the Stalks, many Flowers are placed, upon oblong Foot-stalks, as it were in a Tuft; they are not very large; white, short, marginal Leaves en­compass the middle yellow Dish; when the marginal Leaves wither, the Dish grows large: The Colour of the Leaves is of a yel­lowish Green. The whole Plant smells strong. It flowers in June or July, and grows in Hedges, and amongst Rubbish. The Leaves are very much cut about the Edges.

'Tis much used in Dis­eases of the Womb: A De­coction of it forces the Courses, and expels the After-birth: It cures the Suffocation of the Womb: It does all a bitter Herb can do. It cures Fevers▪ Bees cannot endure it; wherefore those that a­bound with good Humours in the Body, and are most apt to be stung with Bees, may secure themselves, when they walk in Gar­dens where Bees are, by carrying Feverfew in their Hands. Take of Fever­few one Handful, warm it in a Frying-pan, apply it twice or thrice hot; this cures an Hemicrania: And the crude Herb applied to the Top of the Head, cures the Head-ach. A Deco­ction of it, with the Flow­ers of Camomile, cures Histerical Symptoms, and forces the Child-bed Pur­gations in great Abun­dance.

Fig-tree, in Latin Fi­cus.

Fresh Figs, if they are ripe, are very soon con­cocted. Galen eat no other Fruit, after Twenty eight Years of Age, than Figs and Raisins. They are Pe­ctoral, and are used by Physicians in Diseases of [Page 82] the Lungs. Some Women eat them to facilitate Deli­very: And Brandy burnt on Figs, is freqently used to cure a Cough. Figs, outwardly applied, ripen, mollifie, and attract. Be­ing beat with Leaven and Salt, they break Pestilen­tial Buboes, and other Tu­mours, in a few Days. King Hezekiah used the same Medicine, with Ad­vice of the Prophet, 2 King. 20. 7. 'Tis said that Figs, frequently eaten, breed Lice. The Juice of the Fig-tree is very biting, and may be reckon'd amongst the Causticks; and may be used to cure Warts, and other sordid Excrescen­cies of the Skin. Take of Raisins of the Sun sto­ned, one Ounce; of Se­bestens and Jujubes, each fifteen, Dates six, fat Figs eight, French-Barley one Ounce, Liquorish half an Ounce, of the Leaves of Maiden-hair, Hyssop, Sea­bious and Colt's-foot, each one Handful; boyl them in three Pints of Fountain-water, till a third part be consumed: The Dose is eight Spoonfuls thrice a Day. This is the Pectoral Decoction of the London-Dispensatory.

Fig-wort, in Latin Scrophularia major.

It has a stinking Smell, like El­der. The Root creeps a­wry, is white, and pretty thick, and branches out un­equally. The Stalk is firm, streight, four-square, hol­low and Purplish, about four Foot high, and is di­vided into Wings. The Leaf is large, sharp, indent­ed, and of a dark-green Colour. The Flowers are placed on hairy Foot-stalks, in a Five-leav'd Cup, and they are of a purple Co­lour. It grows in Hedges, and amongst Bushes fre­quently.

This, and some other Herbs, do good in the King's-Evil; but nothing has been found so effectual, as Touching: And he that, on Trial, shall find the Contumaciousness of this Disease, which frequently deludes the best Care and Industry, will find Reason of Acknowledging the Goodness of God, who has [Page 83] dealt so bountifully with this Nation, in giving the Kings of it, at least, from Edward the Confessor, down­wards, if not for a longer Time, an extraordinary Power in the miraculous Cures thereof. This our Chronicle has all along te­stified; and the Personal Experience of many Thou­sands, now living, can wit­ness the same. 'Tis also useful in Cancers, and Eat­ing Ulcers. The Powder of the dried Root, applied to the Piles, dries them up. A Dram of it taken in­wardly, expels Worms. The Water distill'd from the Root, cures a Red Face. An excellent Ointment is made of this Herb, for cu­ring the Itch: It is compo­sed as follows; In May take the Herb, with the Root, and, well wash'd and cleans'd, beat them in a Mortar; keep the Juice in a Glass, well stop'd, for a Year; and when you would prepare the Oint­ment, take of the Juice of Wax, and Oyl, equal parts, and boyl them to an Oint­ment. For the King's-E­vil make the following Pla­ster: Take one Pound of Lard, melted over a mo­derate Fire; then take of the Leaves of Fig-wort, Hound's-tongue, the Flow­ers of White Arch-Angel, and Fox-glove; cut them small, and boyl them in the Lard: Do the same three or four times, till the Oint­ment be of a deep green Colour; then add two Ounces of Turpentine, and an Ounce of Verdigrease, and a sufficient quantity of Wax and Rosin; strain it, and make a Plaster, spread on Leather, and apply it to the Part affected.

Filberd, in Latin Cory­lus sativa.

The Nut is ve­ry pleasant; but if many of them are eaten, they occasion the Head-ach, Wind in the Stomach, Loosness, and the Bloody-Flux. Hoops are made of the Branches: And Paint­ers use the Coal of it, to delineate. Gun-pow­der was made of the Coals, before the Coals of Alder were found more commodious for that Use.

Firr-tree, in Latin A­bies.

They say it grows plentifully on the Moun­tains in Scotland: But I suppose, the Tree that grows commonly there, is that which is called by skil­ful Botanists, Picea; for, that which we plant in our Gardens for the Firr-tree, is the Picea, as appears by the Characteristick Notes of the Picea; for the Cone is slender and long, and hangs downward; and the rigid and prickly Leaves encompass the Branches dis­orderly. Theophrastus says, 'tis propagated only by the Seed; and that the Cut­ting off the Tops causes it to wither and die the same Year: But we find by Ex­perience, that the Branches do not only grow, but take Root, and in time become Trees. The Rosin of it is twofold: First, Liquid, which comes from young Firr-trees: This the Shops fasly call Venice-Turpen­tine. Secondly, Dry; it is like Frankincense. Thir­ty three stately Trees of this Kind make a fair Ap­pearance, on a little Hill, near Waryton in Stafford­shire, two Miles from New­port.

The Branches and Tops are infus'd in Diet-drinks, for the Scurvy, with very good Success.

Sweet-smelling Flag, in Latin Calamus aromaticus Officinarum.

It was first observ'd by Doctor Thomas Brown, in the River Yare, near Norwich. It grows al­so spontaneously in other Parts of England, (viz.) near Hedley in Surrey, and in Cheshire. 'Tis easily known by its sweet Smell.

'Tis hot and dry. 'Tis chiefly used in Obstructions of the Courses, Liver and Spleen, and in the Cho­lick; it also provokes U­rine. The Root of it can­died, tastes very pleasant­ly, and is grateful to the Stomach. The Turks usu­ally chew it in a Morning, to prevent Contagion of corrupted Air. The Tar­tars carry it about with them, and will not drink Water, unless this Root has been infus'd in it.

Flax, in Latin Linum sati­vum.

'Tis sown in the Fields.

The Oyl is chiefly in use for Medicine. 'Tis taken inwardly in a Quinsie, Pleu­risie, Consumption and Cho­lick: Outwardly used, it mollifies hard Swellings, and eases Pains; it asswa­ges the Swellings of the Belly. Printers Ink is made of this Oyl and Lamb-black.

Purging, or Wild Dwarf- Flax, or Mill-mountain, in Latin Linum silvestre ca­tharticum.

It has a small, white, woody Root, and some Fibres. It sends forth little Stalks, that creep a little, and then rise an Hand high, or higher; they are small, jointed and reddish, branchy at the top, and bending downward. The lower Leaves are roundish, and have an obtuse Point; the upper, on the Stalks, are plac'd by Pairs, oppo­site to one another; there are many of them, they are small, and half an Inch long; smooth, and without Foot-stalks. The Flowers have five white Leaves, and are placed on small Foot-stalks. The Taste of the whole Plant is bit­ter, and nauseous. It flow­ers at the Beginning of June. It grows commonly in dry and hilly Pastures.

The whole Herb infus'd in Whitewine, for a whole Night, over hot Ashes, purges strongly Watery Humours. Take of Purg­ing-Flax one Handful, of Sweet-Fennel-seeds two Drams; boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Foun­tain-water, to six Ounces; add two Ounces of White­wine: make a purging Potion.

Marsh-Flea-bane, or Bird's-tongue, in Latin Coni­za palustris.

The Root is thick, and spreads much; sending forth hollow and crested Stalks, three Foot high, with many Joints and Branches, bearing two long Leaves at each Joint, which are indented about the Edges; green on the up­per side, and grey or wool­ly underneath. At the tops of the Stalks and Branches stand many small, yellow Flowers together, like those [Page 86] of Rag-wort. The Seeds, when ripe, fly away with the Wind. It grows in the Fen-ditches, and on the Banks, in the Isle of Ely; but not very common. It grows chiefly near Stret­bam-Ferry.

The Herb being spread under-foot, or burnt, in a­ny Place, will, as it is be­liev'd, drive away venom­ous Creatures and Fleas and kill Gnats; wherefore 'tis called Flea-bane. Some prepare an Ointment of the Root and Leaves for the Itch.

Flix-weed, in Latin Sophia Chirurgorum.

It is two or three Foot high. It has many hard, woody Branches; they are round, and a little hairy. The Leaves are cut small, like Roman-Wormwood; it tastes somewhat acrid. The Flowers are many, small, and yellowish. The Pods succeed the Flower; they are about an Inch long, and very small. The Seed is very small, and brown. The Root is white. It grows in stony and gravel­ly Places, and on Stone-Walls, and in untill'd Grounds.

A Dram of the Seed is very good for a Loosness: And not only the Seed, but the whole Herb, is com­mended for the Fluxes of the Belly, and the Bloody Flux. 'Tis used in Pla­sters for Wounds, and sor­did Ulcers. In Yorkshire they use the Seed to ex­pel Gravel, with good Suc­cess.

Common Purple- Flower-de-luce, in Latin Iris vul­garis.

The Root hang'd in Wine or Beer, preserves the Beer sweet, and im­parts a pleasant Taste and Smell to the Wine, like Rasberries. 'Tis much us'd by Bakers, to prepare Lea­ven for Wheaten Bread. Many Virtues are attribu­ted to the Root of this Plant, by the Ancient and Modern Writers; they are briefly describ'd as follows: By Schroder 'tis chiefly us'd for Coughs, Difficulty of Breathing, Obstructions of [Page 87] the Courses, and Children's Gripes. Being outwardly applied, it takes off Spots from the Skin. Mix'd with Hellebore and Hony, 'tis much used in Powders for the Hair. It cures the Dropsie, and Jaundice: Take from half an Ounce, to one Ounce and an half, of the Juice; this is com­mended in a Dropsie, to purge away the Water. A Gentlewoman cured ma­ny Hydropical People by this Juice alone: She gave four Spoonfuls of it daily, in the Morning fasting, in six Spoonfuls of White-wine.

The Yellow Water- Flow­er-de-luce, in Latin Iris palustris lutea.

It grows almost every where, in Marshy Places, and upon the Banks of Rivers.

Whether it be hot, or cold, Botanists do not a­gree; but almost all allow it very astringent, and the Taste of it confirms as much; wherefore it is com­mended for the Bloody-Flux, and other Fluxes of the Belly and Womb: And it stops Blood, and there­fore is useful to prevent the Bloody-Flux, and Bleed­ing: The Sick must have it hang'd about him▪ So that it is plain that the Apothe­caries were in a great Er­rour formerly, when they used this Root (which has quite contrary Faculties) for the Root of the Sweet-smelling Flag. The High­landers in Scotland make excellent Ink with this Root, infus'd, or a little boyl'd in Water twenty four Hours, by rubbing a white, rough Stone upon a Knife, or a piece of good Steel in it, for some Hours.

Fluellin, or Male-Speed-well, in Latin Veroni­ca ma [...].

It creeps with Twigs on the Superficies of the Ear [...]h, and sends down Roots from the Joints. These little Stalks, or Twigs, are small, round, long, hairy, and jointed. The Leaves are placed by Pairs, one opposite to ano­ther, at the Joints; they are hairy, and indented a­bout the Edges; they taste bitter, and acrid. The Flowers come forth spiked [Page 88] from the Wings of the Leaves, compos'd of four small Leaves of a deep Sky-colour, with Threads of the same Colour in the middle. The Seeds are contain'd in small Recepta­cles, like Shepherd's-purse. The Flowers consist really of one Leaf only; for, tho' they seem several, yet they are all entire at the bot­tom. It grows plentifully on dry Places, and on Heaths, in Gravelly, San­dy and Sunny Places.

A large quantity of the Decoction of it, used for some Time, cured a Wo­man of the Stone in the Kidnies; which she had been troubled with sixteen Years.

The Lesser Spiked- Fluel­lin, or Speed-well, in Latin Veronica spicata minor.

The Root grows awry, and is fibrous. The Stalk is up­right, sometimes four Inch­es, sometimes a Foot, some­times two Foot high, or higher. Those Leaves that are placed at the Joints are narrow and sharp, hairy and a little indented; they are larger at the Root. The Stalk ends in a long Spike, full of Sky-colour'd Flowers, flowering by de­grees, first the Lower, then those that are at top; when they are faded, little, long Threads remain.

'Tis Vulnerary, and Su­dorisick. 'Tis chiefly used in Erosions, and Obstru­ctions of the Lungs, and Spleen; in the Cholick, and Consumption; for the Plague, and the Itch. 'Tis of excellent use in Cleans­ing Wounds, being out­wardly applied; and for hard Swellings of the Spleen.

Purple Fox-gloves, in Latin Digi [...]alis purpurea vulgaris.

'Tis sometimes four Foot high. The Stalk is as thick as the Thumb, angled, hairy, reddish, and concave. The Root is fi­brous, and bitter. The Flowers are placed on a long Spike; they are pla­ced on short, hairy Foot-stalks, and hang down­wards; each of them has a little, sharp Leaf joyn'd to it; they are like a Tay­lor's [Page 89] Thimble; without they are of a Crimson Co­lour, except in the lower Part, which, by the mix­ture of some White, is of a Flesh-colour; they are purple also within, but in the lower Part they have some white Spots. To the Basis of the Flowers grow white or purple Threads. The Leaf is oblong, and ends sharp; hairy, and in­dented about the Edges; above of a dark Green, be­low hoary: Those that are at the Root are placed on long Foot-stalks, those on the Stalks are set disorder­ly, and there are many of them. The Cup of the Flower consists most com­monly of five Leaves: The Margin of the Flower is divided into five pieces. It delights in Sandy Ground. It varies the Flower, and is sometimes white, but ve­ry rarely.

'Tis Vomitive. The Country-people in Somer­setshire purge and vomit the Sick in Fevers with it. 'Tis very good in the Fall­ing-sickness, if you take two Handfuls of it, with four Ounces of Polypody of the Oak, and boyl them in Beer, and then drink it: For some have been cured by this Decoction that have had the Falling-sickness a­bove twenty Years, and that use to have two or three Fits every Month. But this Medicine must be given only to strong Peo­ple, for it purges and vo­mits violently. Being bruis­ed, and applied to the King's-Evil, or the Juice of it made into an Ointment, does much good. Some confide very much in the Flowers, in King's-Evil-Swellings: They put a great many into May-But­ter, and set them in the Sun: Others mingle them with Lard, and put them under Ground for forty Days; they spread the Ointment on a Cloth, and apply them to the Swel­lings, and purge every sixth Day; and, in the mean while, use continually a Decoction of the Herb Ro­bert: With the thinner part of the Ointment they anoint the Red Part of the Swelling; the thicker they use on Cloth. A large [Page 90] quantity of this Ointment ought to be provided, for sometimes it is a Year, and more, before the Cure is perfected. Tho' the Ulcers should grow larger at first, you need not be discou­rag'd; for when the Oint­ment has dried up all the Humour, the Ulcers will heal and skin. This Oint­ment is chiefly of use in moist Ulcers of the King's-Evil.

Fumetory, in Latin Fumaria.

It purges Cho­ler, and purifies the Blood, and is much used for a Le­prosie, the Itch, and other Diseases of the Skin. 'Tis likewise commended for the French-Pox. It opens Obstructions of the Liver, and cures the Jaundice. It is much used in Whey, in the Spring-time. 'Tis also good for the Scurvy. The Juice or Water of it, drop­ped into the Eyes, cures Dimness of Sight. Being mix'd with Treacle, it is good for the Plague. An Ointment made of the Juice of Fumetory, and of sharp-pointed Dock, and a little Vinegar and Hony, cures the Itch. Take of the Conserve of Fumetory, and Wormwood, each one Ounce; of the Conserve of the yellow Peel of O­ranges and Limons, each two Ounces; of the simple Powder of the Root of Wake-Robin, of Yellow Sanders, of Alloes-wood, of the Root of Capers, each one Dram and an half; of Crabs-eyes one Dram, of Salt of Worm­wood two Drams, of Sy­rup of Fumetory a suffi­cient quantity; make an Electuary: The Dose is, the quantity of a Walnut, twice a Day. This is good for the Scurvy.

GArlick, in Latin Alli­um.

'Tis hot and dry, and Alexipharmick. 'Tis used outwardly, and inwardly, in the Flatulent Cholick, the Worms, for the Plague with Vinegar, and for the Stone, and for the Cough. The Common People use it frequently, boyl'd in Milk; and there­fore [Page 91] 'tis called their Trea­cle: But the often use of it is injurious, partly by reason of the intollerable Stink; but especially, be­cause it occasions the Head-ach, and Drought; and for that it hurts the Eyes, and the Organs of all the the Senses. Zacutus Lusi­tanus relates an Observa­tion of an Old Man, who, travelling a long Way in the Snow, was taken de­sperately ill; the innate Heat of his Stomach being, in a manner, extinguish'd: And when Zacutus had tri­ed all hot Remedies to no purpose, he at length, ac­cording to Avicen's Dire­ctions, gave him Dried Garlick, mix'd with Ho­ny; and when he had used this four Days, the Man found himself better; and was quite recover'd by u­sing it a Month. And Ex­perience teaches the North­ern People the Use of this Root; for which Reason they eat it often. Garlick beat with Lard, and ap­plied to the Soles of the Feet, in the manner of an Ointment, opens the Stop­pages of the Lungs. If Garlick be applied to the Soles of the Feet, the Breath will stink of it; but the Vapours penetrating the Habit of the Body, do not occasion that Stink; but Particles of the Garlick are mix'd with the Blood, and, together with it, are brought to the Lungs, and so are emitted by Expira­tion, with the Sooty Efflu­via of the Blood. Take Cloves of Garlick pill'd, four Ounces, boyl them till they are soft, change the Water twice, pour the Water off, and put the Garlick into a Vessel; to which put Syrup of Vine­gar half a pound; stop it up close, and set it in a Skillet with Water, put Hay under the Vessel, and boyl it for half an Hour: Take four or five of the Cloves every Day, and a Spoonful or two of the Sy­rup. This is much com­mended for Coughs, and the Worms.

Wild Germander, in Latin Chamaedrys silvestris.

'Tis rooted with a great many Fibres. The Branch­es bending to the Earth, [Page 92] sometimes turn to Roots; and so by creeping it in­creases. The Stalks are sometimes two Foot high, downy, round, small, and weak; to which the Leaves grow by Intervals, opposite to one another, without Foot-stalks; they are in­dented, hairy, very green, and wrinkly; from a large Basis, they grow by de­grees pointed, but not very sharp. The Flowers come from the Wings of the Leaves, and grow like an Ear, and seem as if they had four Leaves, tho' they have really but one, for they are entire at bottom: They are of a pleasant Sky-colour, and shine, and are streak'd with deep co­lour'd Lines, and white in the Middle, where is a very small Violet-Pillar, with two Threads, sustain­ing the white Tufts. The Cup of the Flower has four Leaves. The Flow­ers are placed upon short Foot-stalks, coming from the Bosom of a small Leaf. The Seed-vessels are flat, and Twins, like those of Speed-well.

'Tis hot and dry, and somewhat bitter. 'Tis good for a Cough, at the Begin­ning of a Dropsie, for an ill Habit of Body, the Green-sickness, an hard Spleen, the Strangury, and Obstructions of the Bowels. The Garden-Germander provokes Urine and Sweat powerfully; upon which Account it is good in Fe­vers, for the Scurvy, and for the Blood when coagu­lated; but especially for the Gout, the Jaundice, and Suppression of Urine. It was commended to the Emperor Charles V. as an Arcanum for the Gout. 'Tis outwardly used for Eating Ulcers, for the Piles, the Itch, and to dry Catarrhs. 'Tis frequently used in a Decoction to open Wo­men's Obstructions. 'Tis called in Cambridgeshire English-Treacle. Take of the dried Leaves of Ger­mander, Ground-Ivy, and White Hoar-hound, each one Handful; of the Roots of Elecampane, and Floren­tine-Flower-de-luce, each one Ounce and an half; of Anniseeds bruis'd two Oun­ces, of Liquorish one Ounce [Page 93] and an half, of Raisins of the Sun three Ounces; hang all these in a Bag, in a Glass that has a large Mouth, and put three Quarts of Lime-water to it; stop it close, and set it in a cold Place; pour out the Liquor as you use it: The Dose is four Ounces thrice a Day. This is good for Catarrhs, and Ulcers of the Lungs.

Goat's-beard, in Latin Tragopogon.

Any part of this Plant being cut, yields a white Milk, which soon turns yellow, and clammy. The Root is streight, about the bigness of a Finger. The Stalks are empty, and branchy; larger and strong­er-than those of Scorzone­ra. It has many Leaves, that are like the Leaves of Leeks, which are some­times very broad, some­times long, narrow, and sharp. The Flowers are placed on the top of the Stalks and Branches, and consist of eight, nine, or ten green Leaves; they are long and sharp, above three Inches long, of a deep pur­ple or Sky-colour, and at last turn into a soft Down, to which the Seed adheres; 'tis two Inches long, round, streak'd and rough, and black when ripe.

The Root boyl'd is rec­kon'd delicate Food; 'tis also used raw in Sallets. It nourishes much, and there­fore good for Consumptive People. 'Tis used in Dis­eases of the Breast, and for a Cough, and Difficulty of Breathing. 'Tis supposed to expel the Stone, and to force Urine. The Juice of the Root, and the di­still'd Water of it, do the same.

Goat's-Rue, in Latin Galega.

It spreads a small, white Root in the Earth. The Stalks are four Foot high, or higher, channell'd, empty, and has many Branches. The Leaves are like the Leaves of a Vetch, they have a soft, little Thorn at the end of them. The Flowers are placed upon peculiar Twigs, ari­sing from the Wings of the Leaves; they grow one a­bove another, like the ma­ny flower'd Vetch, and are [Page 94] of a whitish Colour. The Pods are round, small, long, and upright, wherein is contain'd the Seed.

'Tis Alexipharmick, and Sudorifick. It expels Poy­son, and cures the Plague. 'Tis used in Children's Convulsions; a Spoonful of the Juice may be given at a time. 'Tis good for the Worms, and for the Biting of Serpents. The raw Herb, or when it is boyl'd, is also eaten in these Cases. The distill'd Wa­ter of it is used to expel Contagion, and in Chil­dren's Convulsions. The Honourable Mr. Boyle com­mends it much, from his own Experience, in curing Pestilential and Malignant Diseases. 'Tis one of the Ingredients in the London-Plague-Water. Take of the Roots of Angelica, Ma­ster-wort, Butter-bur, and Peony, each half a Pound; of Athamantick Spikenard, and of Scorzonera, each four Ounces; of Virginian Snake-weed two Ounces; of the Leaves of Rue, Rosemary, Balm, Carduus Benedictus, Scordium, Ma­rigolds and their Flowers, Dragons, Goat's Rue, and Mint, each four Handfuls; pour upon them four Gal­lons of the best Brandy, let them infuse gently in B. M. (the Vessel being close stop'd) for three Days; draw off four Gal­lons, wherein hang in a Bag half an Ounce of Saf­fron; to every Pint of this, add an Ounce and an half of Fine Sugar.

Golden-rod, in Latin Virga aurea.

The Root is brown, and has many whitish Fibres, and is joint­ed, and grows awry. The Stalks are stiff, upright, five or six Foot high, chan­nell'd, a little hairy, and full of a fungous Pith. The Leaves that come from the Roots, and those that grow on the Stalks, are placed alternately, on long Foot-stalks; and sometimes they have none at all, or very short ones: Those that are at bottom are almost an Hand's breadth, and about twice as long; but here in England they are not so long, nor so broad: The uppermost are of a dark-Green, [Page 95] hairy on both sides, and indented about the edges. The Flowers are many, and grow on the tops of the Stalks, and on peculiar Foot-stalks arising from the Wings of the Leaves; they are yellow, and at last turn into a kind of Down. It grows com­monly upon Heaths, and in Hilly Woods and Groves. It flowers in August. The Flowers sometimes vary.

'Tis an excellent Wound-herb, either taken inward­ly, or outwardly applied. 'Tis Lithontriptick, and Diuretick. Two Drams of the Powder being taken in White-wine, hot, every Morning. 'Tis very cleans­ing, and drying. 'Tis good in the Obstructions of the Bowels, and for those that are inclin'd to a Dropsie, and for stopping all Fluxes of the Womb or Belly, and inward Bleedings.

Goos-berry-bush, in La­tin Grossularia.

It loves cold Places. It flowers in April; the Fruit comes forth in May, and is ripe in June and July.

The Fruit is very agree­able to the Stomach. Be­ing boyl'd in Broth before they are ripe, they do good in a Fever. They provoke Appetite, and stop the Fluxes of the Belly. They also cure a Gonorrhea, and the Whites. They are out­wardly applied for Inflam­mations, and St. Anthony's Fire. But before they are ripe, many of them must not be eaten; for they oc­casion the Cholick, and Gripes. Wine is made of them, when they are ripe, in the following manner: The Berries being put into a Tub, they pour upon them a sufficient quantity of hot Water, and then, covering the Vessel very close, they let them stand three Weeks, or a Month, till the Liquor is impreg­nated with the Juice and Spirit of the Berries; then they draw it out, and put it into Bottles, with Su­gar, which they keep close stop'd, till the Liquor is well mix'd and ferment­ed with the Sugar; and so it becomes a generous Wine.

Goose-grass, or Cleav­ers, in Latin Aparine.

This Herb, beat up with Lard, cures the King's-Evil. The distill'd Water stops the Flux of the Belly, and is good in the Jaundice. The distill'd Water, or the Herb cut small, and boyl'd in a sufficient quantity of Wine, and drunk, is an excellent Remedy for the Stone and Gravel. The Herb dried, with the Spleen of a Calf, in a Furnace, is accounted very excellent for Tumours of the Spleen, and Hypo­chondriack Winds. Take of the Leaves of Cleavers, Plantane and Brook-lime, each four Handfuls; bruise them, and pour upon them three Ounces of Aqua Lum­bricorum, and three Ounces of Aqua Raphani Composit▪ then strain them: This is to be taken twice a Day; at Eight in the Morning, and Five in the After­noon. This is good in a Dropsie.

Groncil, or Grouncel, in Latin Lithospermum.

The Root is about the thickness of the Thumb, woody and Perennial, and has some Fibres on the Sides. It has many Stalks two or three Foot high, streight, firm, round, rough and branchy. It has many Leaves, plac'd disorderly; they are long, narrow, and end in a sharp Point, and have no Foot-stalks: Those that are at the top of the Stalks and Branches are broader, and shorter, and of a deeper Green. The little Flowers are placed on short Foot-stalks, and come from the Wings of the Leaves; they are white, and consist of one Leaf, divided into five blunt pieces. The Cup is hairy, and consists of five narrow Jags. Four Seeds succeed each Flower; they are of an Ash-colour, very hard, and look as if they were polish'd. It grows near Hedges in dry Grounds, near High-ways, and in Bushes. It flowers in May and June.

The Seed of it cleanses the Reins, and provokes Urine; breaks the Stone, and expels it. Two Drams of the Seed, or more, may be given at a time. Mat­thiolus prescribes it for Wo­men [Page 97] in Labour, in a Wo­man's Milk.

Ground-pine, in Latin Chamaepytis vulgaris.

'Tis a small Plant, of the breadth of an Hand, and rarely a­bove an Inch, or two Inch­es high. The Root is long, woody, and single. The little Stalk is round, hairy, and somewhat red near the Earth; in other Places green, inclining to a yel­low; as also are the Leaves, which are placed at small Distances, at the Knots, by Pairs, opposite to one another; they are hairy, and resemble the Claws of a small Bird; they taste and smell like Pitch and Rosin. The Flowers proceed from the Wings of the Leaves, are yellow, and have a broad Lip, divided into two parts, the Upper has red Spots instead of an Hood; they have Threads of a light Purple. The Seeds are placed in little Cups, four and four in a Rank; and they are three-square. The Tube of the Flower bellies out, and serves instead of a Seed-vessel. It grows in Till'd Grounds, but is rare in England.

It strengthens the Nerves; incides, opens, and is Diu­retick, and provokes the Courses. It expels a dead Child, and the After-birth; and works so powerfully, that Women with Child are wholly forbid the use of it, because it occasions Miscarriage. Boyl'd in Wine, or powder'd, and made into Pills, with Her­modactyls and Venice-Tur­pentine, does much Good in a Dropsie. Outwardly used, it cures Ulcers, by cleansing them, and taking off the Hardness. Take of Ground-pine and Worm-wood, each two Handfuls; of Scurvy-grass ten Hand­fuls, of Mountain-Sage six Handfuls, six Oranges sli­ced; put all into a Pye, made of two parts of Bar­ly-meal, and one of Rye; bake it, and after shred it all small; then put it into a Bag, and hang it in five Gallons of Midling Ale: After six Days, drink of it for your ordinary Drink. This was used, with ex­cellent Success, to a Person [Page 98] that was afflicted with the Gout and Scurvy.

Groundsel, in Latin Erigeron.

This grows e­very where in the Fields, and Gardens, and in Courts, too frequently, all the Year.

The Juice of the Herb taken in Beer, or a Deco­ction of it with Hony, vo­mits gently. Outwardly applied, it is good for the Inflammations of the Paps, and for the King's-Evil. 'Tis very probable that it may be useful against Worms, for Farriers use it as a present Remedy for the Botts.

HArt's-tongue, in La­tin Phillitis.

It has many black, Capillary Roots. It has six, eight, or ten long Leaves, nine Inches, or a Foot long, and about two Inches broad; of a curious shining Green above, below streak'd with small, and somewhat long, brownish Marks. The Bot­toms of the Leaves are a little bowed on each side of the Middle-rib. It smells strong, and tastes rough. It grows in moist, stony and shady Places, especially on Mountains, and in Wells and Caves. It grows in great Abundance by Wal­berton, near Arrundel in Sussex.

'Tis used chiefly in Swel­lings of the Spleen, for the Flux of the Belly, and for Spitting of Blood. Out­wardly applied, it cleanses Wounds and Ulcers. The Powder of it is of excellent use for the Palpitation of the Heart, for Mother-fits, and Convulsions, being ta­ken in Small Beer, and Posset-drink. A Conserve made of the green Leaves, is used for the same pur­pose.

Hemlock, in Latin Ci­cuta.

'Tis very cold, and supposed to be poysonous; yet it is frequently used now-a-days for Tumours and Inflammations of the Spleen. Some Physicians [Page 99] say, it is hot. Outwardly used, it is Anodine. A Ca­taplasm, or the Plaster of Hemlock, with Ammonia­cum, discusses powerfully hard Swellings, and a Gan­glion. Twenty Grains of the Powder of the Root is an excellent Diaphoretick in Malignant Fevers.

Common- Hemlock, Wild-Ciceley, or Cow-weed, in La­tin Ci [...]utaria vulgaris.

The Root is thick, long, and white, especially within: It has an acrid and Aro­matick Taste. The Stalks are three or four Foot high, or higher, as thick as the Thumb, empty, hairy, and reddish. The Leaves are like the Hemlock above­mention'd, but they are broader, and of a paler Green; they shine, and have a short Down, but it is scarce visible. The white Flowers are placed in a Circle, and each of them consists of five Leaves; the uppermost are larger than the rest. A Pair of Seeds succeed each Flower; they are long, smooth, and black when they are ripe. It grows every where in Hedges, and in Orchards, and under Trees. It springs in the Beginning of the Spring, and flowers in May. In the Spring, when the Leaves are tender, Cows eat them greedily; where­fore our Country-people call it Cow-weed.

J. Bauhinus says, he knew two Families, who think­ing they had gather'd Pars­nips, by chance found these Roots in the Winter, with­out Leaves; (for they are more like Parsnips, than the Roots of the above­mention'd Hemlock,) and having eaten a few of them, they were like to be suffo­cated; and were senseless, and mad, and just like An­ticks: He cured them with Vomits. And I remember, a whole Family, several Years ago, was strangely surpriz'd, at a Village cal­led Huntington, about two Miles from the City of Chi­chester, in Sussex, upon the like Occasion. But some affirm, that old Parsnips will cause the same Sym­ptoms; wherefore they call them Madnips.

Hemp, in Latin Canna­bis sativa.

The Seed of it boyl'd in Milk, is good for a Cough: And five or six Ounces of it taken, cures the Jaundice: An Emulsion of the Seeds does the same. The Juice of the Herb, and of the green Seed, cures Pains and Obstructions of the Ears. 'Tis suppos'd by some, that it extinguishes Venery; but the Persians use it now-a-days, fried, and mix'd with Salt, to provoke the same. The Oyl of the Seeds, mix'd with a little Wax, is excel­lent to take out the Pain and Fire in Burns. Galen reckons, that the Virtues of Hemlock and Hemp are much the same.

Common Hemp-Agri­monr, in Latin Eupatorium cannabinum.

The Root grows awry, and has large, whitish Fibres. The Stalk is five or six Foot high, streight, round, has Cotton on it, and is purplish, and full of white Pith; it has an Aromatick Smell when it is cut, and has many Wings. There are many Leaves upon the Stalks, three upon one Foot-stalk, something like the Leaves of Hemp, oblong, pointed, and indented about the Edges, and of a bitter Taste. The Flowers are placed on tufts, compos'd of five or six small purple Flowers. The Seeds, when ripe, fly away with the Down. It grows on the Banks of Rivers and Brooks, and near Stand­ing-waters. It flowers in July.

'Tis Epatick and Vulne­rary. 'Tis chiefly used for an ill Habit of Body; for Catarrhs, and Coughs; for Obstructions of Urine, and the Courses. It cures the Jaundice. Take of the Leaves of Hemp, Agrimo­ny, Hart's-tongue, Speed-well, Colt's-foot, Mouse-ear, and Sanicle, each one Handful; of the Roots of Madder and Charvil, each one Ounce; of Barley half an Ounce, of Red Vetches half an Ounce, of Raisins of the Sun one Ounce and an half; boyl them in two Quarts of Fountain-water, till half is consum'd; sweet­en it with Hony. This is used in an Empyema.

Common Hen-bane, in Latin Hyoscyamus vulgaris.

'Tis easily known by its stinking Smell. The Leaves are soft, downy, fat, and cut deep about the edges, and are plac'd disorderly upon the Stalks, which are two Foot high, branchy, thick, and cover'd with a thick Down. The Flow­ers scarce appear above the Husk, they end in five round Points, they grow one above another, are of a dull yellow Colour, some­what pale towards the Edges; they have many purplish Veins. The Seed is of a greyish Colour, and contain'd in an hard, close Husk. The Root is thick, wrinkly, white within, and brown without, and doth not stink so much as the Leaves. It grows near most High-ways, in untill'd Grounds, amongst Rubbish, and on fat Earth.

It cools and mollifies ve­ry much: It disposes to Sleep, eases Pain, and miti­gates Acrimony. 'Tis good for hot and sharp Defluxi­ons of the Eyes. It stops Eruptions of Blood, and Overflowing of the Cours­es. 'Tis applied for In­flammation of the Testi­cles, and other Parts. Take of the Seeds of Hen-bane and White-Poppy, each two Drams; Conserve of Red Roses two Ounces; make an Electuary: Take the quantity of a Nutmeg. This stops any Hemorrhage. Take of the Seeds of Hen­bane and White-Poppy, each half a Dram; of Su­gar of Roses three Drams, of Syrup of Comfrey a suf­ficient quantity; make an Electuary: Take the quan­tity of a small Nutmeg, drinking upon it a Draught of Tincture of Roses. This is good for Bleeding at the Nose, and Spitting of Blood.

Herb-Robert, in Latin Geranium Robertianum.

It grows commonly in Hedg­es. It has a small Root. The Stalks are sometimes nine Inches, sometimes two Foot high; they are hairy, knotted, reddish, especially about the Joints; they branch out. The Leaves come partly from the Root, and partly from the Joints; [Page 102] they are hairy, and are plac'd on reddish, hairy Foot-stalks, and are divi­ded almost like the Leaves of Feverfew; they smell like Parsnips when they are rub'd, and taste astringent. The Flowers are purple, and consist of five Leaves; they come from a Cup that is hairy, of a deep red Co­lour, and divided into five Parts. The Beaks are sharp-pointed.

'Tis Vulnerary. Inward­ly taken, or outwardly ap­plied, it stops Fluxes of Blood, and resolves coagu­lated Blood. It cleanses Wounds and Ulcers. It expels Gravel, and cures Cholical Pains. 'Tis also commended for Ruptures. 'Tis used outwardly in an Erisipelas, and for Ulcers of the Mouth and Paps. Country-people make a Decoction of it for Cat­tle, when they void Blood by Urine.

Holly, in Latin Agrifo­lium.

The Berries are use­ful in the Cholick, for they purge gross and pituitous Humours by Stool, ten or twelve being▪ taken at a time. This Tree is fittest to make Arbours, in the Northern Parts especially; for it will endure Cold ve­ry well, it continues always green, is very pleasant to the Sight, and will bear Sheering: It grows very slowly, so that it will not be injurious to a Garden, either by reason of its Lu­xuriant Branches, or spread­ing Roots.

Common Hony-suckle, or Wood-bind, in Latin Pe­riclymenum.

It heats and dries much: 'Tis Splena­tick, and very Diuretick. 'Tis chiefly used in an Asth­ma, and for a Cough. It dries moist and sordid Ul­cers. It cures Scabs, and other Diseases of the Skin. It helps Difficulty of Breathing, and hastens De­livery, and expels Gravel. The distill'd Water, and the Juice of it, is in use. The Leaves also are fre­quently used in Garga­risms; but some think they are too hot and acrid for such an Use.

Hops, in Latin Lupulus.

They preserve Beer, and make it more wholsom, and better tasted; and ren­der it Diuretick. Beer purges the Blood, is good in the Jaundice, and for Hypochondriack Diseases: But whether it expels Gra­vel, or generates it, is much disputed by some: They that commend it for the Stone, argue from its being hot and Diuretick: They that condemn the use of it in the Stone, say, that it makes the Fits worse; and that Ale, on the con­trary, mitigates the Pain. Besides, they say that the Stone is much increas'd in England since the use of Hops. But I agree with those that approve and commend the use of it in Beer; for the Beer is there­by render'd more agreeable to the Stomach, and pro­motes the Concoction of the Meat the better. Nor does it avail any thing, that Physicians forbid the use of Beer in the Stone, and prescribe Ale; for they do so only to lessen the Pain; for which Intention Ale is very proper, by rea­son of its Smoothness; but [Page 104] it does no way conduce to­wards the Eradicating the Disease, or Removing the Cause; but rather pro­motes the Growth of it, by its being clammy, and apt to stick to it: And it plainly appears by Mr. Graunt's Observations on the Bills of Mortality, that fewer die of the Stone, in London, since Hops were so much used, than before. The Buds of Hops, eaten in the Spring-time, being first boyl'd and butter'd, purge the Blood, and loosen the Belly, and open Ob­structions of the Liver and Spleen.

Take of Black-Soap, and fresh Hops, each two Hand­fuls; of Blue-Currants a quarter of a Pound; beat them, and mix them, and apply them to the Wrists, to cure a Quotidian-Ague.

White Hore-hound, in Latin Marrubium album.

It has a single, woody Root, with many Fibres. It has many Stalks, a Foot high, or higher; they are downy, four-square, branchy, and have many Leaves on them, two opposite to one ano­ther, at each Joint; they are roundish, wrinkly, and indented, and are placed on pretty long Foot-stalks. The Flowers are whitish, and very small; they en­compass the Stalk at the Joints, and have short Foot-stalks, or none at all. Four Seeds, joyn'd together, suc­ceed each Flower. The Smell of the whole Herb is strong, and somewhat offensive. It grows near High-ways, and amongst Rubbish.

The Juice of it mix'd with Hony, is good for those that have Coughs, and are Consumptive. The Powder of it kills Worms. Take of the Syrup of White Hore-hound two Ounces, of Oyl of Tartar per deliquium one Scruple; mix them: Let the Sick take often of it, a Spoon­ful at a time. This is ex­cellent in the Jaundice. The Tops of it infus'd in Wine, and drunk three Mornings, is good to pro­voke the Courses, and to expel the Secundine, and to strengthen the Stomach, [Page 105] and to cure an ill Habit of Body. A Conserve of the Flowers, made with Hony, and an Ounce of it taken in the Morning, for forty Days, cured a Nobleman of a Scirrhus in his Liver, when Chalybeats, and o­ther Medicines, would do no good.

Horse-tail, in Latin E­quisetum.

The Root is small, black, jointed, and creeping, and has many small Fibres arising from the Joints. It springs up with Heads somewhat like Asparagus, which grow in­to hard, rough, hollow Stalks, joynted at many places, one within another. At every Joint grows a Bush of rusty, hard Leaves, resembling an Horse-tail. At the Tops of the Stalks come forth small Catkins, like those of Trees.

'Tis very astringent, and therefore is used to cure the Whites, and Fluxes of Blood; one Dram of the Powder of it, or four Oun­ces of the Decoction of it in Wine, being taken Night and Morning. Three Spoonfuls of the distill'd Water, taken two or three Mornings, cures Bleeding, and Ulcers of the Reins and Kidnies. Outwardly applied, it cures Wounds, even when the Nerves are cut. For Ulcers of the Lungs, drink three Ounces of the Decoction made in Water, or two Ounces of the Juice, Morning and E­vening. A Dram of the Powder taken in three Ounces of Plantane-water, Morning and Evening, for some Days, is commended for a Consumption.

Great Hounds-tongue, in Latin Cynoglossum.

The Root is thick, black with­out, white within; it smells worse than it tastes, it has an odd, sweet Taste. The Stalks are about three or four Foot high; they are divided into many Branch­es. The first Year the Leaves are long, and some­what broad: The second Year, when it bears a Stalk, they are sharp and pointed, hoary, soft, and downy, and stink. The Flowers are of a sordid red Colour, divided, for some [Page 106] time, into five pieces; the Flowers and Seeds most commonly bend to one part, and each is placed on a Foot-stalk an Inch long, which has no Leaf. The Leaves grow alter­nately to the Stalks, with­out Foot-stalks. It grows commonly amongst Rub­bish, and in Fields not cultivated. It flowers in June.

It cools, and dries. 'Tis used to stop Blood, a Loos­ness, a Gonorrhaea, and Catarrhs. An Ointment made of the Juice, with Hony and Turpentine, is much commended for old Fistulous Ulcers. The Pill made of Hound's-tongue is compounded in the following manner: Take of the Roots of Hound's-tongue dried, of the Seeds of White Hen-bane, and of Opium pre­par'd, each half an Ounce; of Mirrh six Drams, of Olibanum five Drams, of Saffron, Castor, and Sto­rax Calamite, each one Dram and an half: The Roots of Hound's-tongue, the Seeds of Hen-bane, and the Castor must be all powder'd together; but the Myrrh, the Saffron, and the Olibanum must be powder'd a-part; the O­pium must be sliced small, and dissolv'd in Rose-wa­ter; afterwards you must add the Powders, and with Syrup de Stecade make a Mass: The Dose is one Scruple. 'Tis frequently used in Catarrhs, and to cause Rest.

House-leek, or Sin-green, in Latin Sedum ma­gus vulgare.

It does not grow spontaneously in Eng­land, but it is commonly sown on Houses.

'Tis very Cooling, and Astringent. 'Tis used in­wardly in Bilious Fevers, for it quenches Thirst, and moderates the Heat, the Juice of it being mix'd with Sugar. Rags dip'd in the Juice, or distill'd Water of it, and applied to any Inflammation of the Body, especially in the Frenzy, are very be­neficial. The Juice of it cures Corns and Warts. For Ulcers of the Ma­trix, [Page 107] and Urinary Passage, take of the Juice four Ounces, and one Ounce of Litharge, and the Yolks of two Eggs; rub them a long time in a Leaden Mortar; then make Appli­cation. In Fevers, when the Tongue is dry, and chap'd, dip a Leaf of it in Rose-water, and apply it to the Tongue, and re­peat it often. Take of the Juice one Spoonful, of White-wine two Spoon­fuls; mix them together; drop one or two Drops into the Eyes, and apply a double Linnen Rag, dip­ped in the same. This is good for an hot Distillation on the Eyes.

Hyssop, in Latin Hysso­pus.

'Tis hot, and acrid: It attenuates, opens, and cleanses. 'Tis chiefly used in Diseases of the Lungs. 'Tis frequently applied outwardly to remove Blood that is setled in the Eyes. A Bunch of it being boyl'd in Water, and applied hot to the Eye, is also very good for Bruises.

JAck-by-the-Hedge, or Sauce-alone, in Latin Alliaria.

It sends forth Stalks, round, channel'd and solid; small, and some­what hairy; three or four Foot high. The Root is small, woody and white; and stinks like Garlick. The Leaves are first round, like Ground-Ivy, but much larger; but soon after­wards they are a little pointed, and indented a­bout the Edges; they are of a pale Green, and smooth, and set on large Foot-stalks; the Smell and Taste of them is not so strong as Garlick; they are placed at a great di­stance upon the Stalks. Disorderly, upon the tops of the Stalks and Branches, are many whitish, small Flowers, consisting of four small Leaves, upon very short Foot-stalks; in the midst whereof are Tufts, of a Colour betwixt Yel­low and Green. The ob­long and blackish Seed is contain'd in long Cods, that are angl'd, and di­vided [Page 108] by a Membrane that has two Valves. It grows in Hedges and Ditches.

Country-people use it in Sauces. When it is green, it provokes Urine; when dry, it expels Poyson. Being boyl'd in Wine, or mix'd with Hony, it cures old Coughs. 'Tis excellent for resisting Putrefaction: Up­on which Account, the Herb it self, beat up with Hony, and the Juice boyl'd till it is thick, are put into Cata­plasms for Gangreens, and other putrid and malignant Ulcers. The Seed applied to the Bottom of the Belly, cures Mother-fits. The Seeds rub'd, and put into the Nose, provokes Sneez­ing, and purges the Head. The Herb boyl'd in Oyl and Water, and taken in­wardly, relieves Asthma­ticks. Some boyl the Leaves in Clysters for the Cholick. Nephritick Pains, and the Stone. 'Tis like true Scordium in Virtue and Smell. Fabricius Hil­danus says, he often found the Juice very good for Gangreens, And none need wonder why the Ancients, especially the Arabians, sub­stituted this Herb for Scor­dium; not for that Scor­dium was unknown to them, but because they found, in a manner, the same Virtues in this Plant. Besides, Scordium does not grow in many Regions, and so it must be had dry and obsolete; whereas this Herb grows almost every where.

White Iessamin, in La­tin Jasminum album.

The Flowers are chiefly used to perfume Gloves. The Oyl of it heals, mollifies, and opens; and is used in Con­tractions of the Limbs; and the like.

Iew's-ear, in Latin Fungus sambucinus.

It grows to the Trunk of the Elder­tree.

Being dried, it will keep good a Year. Boyl'd in Milk, or infus'd in Vine­gar, 'tis good to gargle the Mouth or Throat in Quin­sies, and other Inflamma­tions of the Mouth and Throat. And being in­fus'd [Page 109] in some proper Wa­ter, it is good in Diseases of the Eyes.

St. Iohn's-wort, in La­tin Hypericon.

It has a woody Root, that is much divided, and hath many stiff, woody, round, reddish Twigs, two Foot and an half high, or higher, and divided into many Branch­es. The Leaves grow by Pairs, opposite to one ano­ther, and have no Foot-stalks; they are smooth, and full of Holes, which may be plainly perceiv'd if you hold them up against the Sun; they taste dry and astringent, with some kind of Bitterness. At the top of the Stalks and Branches grow yellow Flowers of five Leaves a­piece, with yellow Tufts in the middle; which be­ing bruis'd, yield a bloody Juice. After the Flowers, come small, round Heads, wherein are contain'd small, black Seeds. It grows in Hedges, and a­mong Bushes.

'Tis an excellent Diure­tick and Vulnerary Herb. A Decoction of it cures Tertian and Quartan-A­gues: It stops Spitting of Blood, and expels Gravel. A Tincture of the Flowers is excellent in a Mania: And the Flowers infus'd in Spirit of Wine, kill Worms. The Compound­ed Oyl of the London-Dis­pensatory is much us'd, and is made in the following manner: Take one Pint of White-wine; of the Tops, and Flowers, and Seeds of St. John's-wort four Oun­ces; bruise them, and in­fuse them three Days in a Pint of old Oyl of Olives, in the Sun, or upon a gen­tle Fire; and then press it. Note, they must infuse in a Glass well stop'd. There must be a second and third Infusion in the same Wine. After the third Infusion, boyl it till all the Wine is, in a manner, consum'd; then strain it, and add three Ounces of Turpen­tine, and one Scruple of Saffron; then boyl it a lit­tle, and put it up for Use. This is excellent for Bruises and Aches. For Spitting of Blood, Take of the Leaves of St. John's-wort, [Page 110] Hart's-tongue, Speed-well, Mouse-ear, and Ground-Ivy, each one Handful; of the Roots of Chervil, and fresh Nettles, each one Ounce; boyl them in three Pints of Fountain-water, to two; add an Ounce and an half of Raisins of the Sun ston'd, of Liquorish two Drams, of the Byzan­tine Syrup two Ounces; clarifie them with the White of an Egg, and make an Apozem: Take four or six Ounces twice or thrice a Day, for a Month.

Iuly-flowers, in Latin Caryophyllus.

They are Ce­phalick and Cordial. The Syrup is chiefly used, and is made in the following manner: Take of fragrant July-flowers, the White be­ing cut off, one Pound; pour on them a Quart of Spring-water, and let them stand all Night; then strain the Liquor, and, be­ing gently warm'd, dissolve therein four Pounds of the whitest Sugar, without boil­ing it; and make a Syrup.

Iuniper-tree, in Latin Juniperus.

It spreads it self near the Ground. The Leaves are like the Leaves of Furze, but not so large, nor so prickly; they are always green; they are stiff, and smooth above; they are seldom an Inch long, and are very nar­row. The Branches are divided into many Twigs. The Berries are many, round, and twice as large as Pepper; when they are ripe they are blackish; they taste acrid and resinous, with a sort of Sweetness.

The Wood being burnt, perfumes the Air. The Berries are good for a cold Stomach, and are good a­gainst Wind and Gripes: They provoke Urine, and expel Poyson, and are good in Diseases of the Head and Nerves. The Oyl of Juniper is much in use; it helps the Tooth-ach, and is good in the Cholick, and against Gravel: The Dose is five or six Drops, in a proper Vehicle.

Climbing- Ivy, in Latin Hedera Arborea.

'Tis fre­quently used outwardly, upon Issues, and for Pains [Page 111] in the Ears proceeding from Matter contain'd within. The Ancients boyl'd the Leaves in Wine, and applied them to Burns, and malignant Ulcers. Some that are afflicted with the Gout apply the green Leaves to the pain'd Parts. A Pugil of the dried Flowers, taken in Wine, cures the Bloody Flux. A large quantity of the Pow­der of the ripe Berries taken in Wine, is an ex­cellent Remedy for the Plague. A Dram of the Stones taken in Wine, pro­vokes Urine, and expels Gravel. Three of the Stones powder'd, and ta­ken, with a little Saffron, in Penny-royal-water, for some Days, in the Morn­ing, scarce ever fails to move the Courses: It must be taken hot.

The Berries purge up­wards and downwards. The Oyl of the Berries, drawn by Distillation, is very good for cold Diseases of the Joints: It provokes the Courses, expels Gravel, and cures sordid Ulcers. Take one Dram of the ripe Berries, dried in the Shade, and powder'd, in a Glass of White-wine: This is very Sudorifick, and is good in the Plague, and for Pains of the Stomach.

Ground- Ivy, in Latin Hedera terrestris.

'Tis Vul­nerary, either outwardly applied, or taken inward­ly. 'Tis also Diuretick, and moves the Courses. 'Tis frequently used for Diseases of the Lungs, for Obstructions of the Kid­nies, and the Jaundice, and in Clysters for the Cholick. The People in the North put it into their Beer, to clear it; and therefore it is call'd Ale­hoof. The Juice of it drawn up into the No­strils, cures inveterate and violent Head-aches. A Tincture of the Leaves, made in Nantz-Brandy, is excellent in the Cholick. Take of the Conserve of Red Roses four Ounces, of Flowers of Sulphure four Scruples, of pure Oyl of Turpentine one Dram, of the Species of the Lungs of a Fox three Drams, of Syrup of Ground-Ivy a suf­ficient [Page 112] quantity; make a Linctus: Lick of it often in a Day, with a Liquorish­stick. This is proper to stop a Tickling Cough.

KIdny, or French-beans, in Latin Phaseolus.

They provoke Urine, and are good in the Stone, a Dram of the Powder of them being taken in White-wine. They are of easie Digestion, and excite Ve­nery.

Common Knot-grass, in Latin Polygonum mas vul­gare.

The Root is hard, woody, and single, and has many Fibres, and is of an astringent Taste. It has many Stalks; they are sometimes upright, but they oftner bend towards the Earth, or lie on it; they are above two Foot long; they are small, round, solid and smooth. The Leaves are placed alternately; they are oblong, narrow, and smooth, and are placed on very short Foot-stalks. From the Wings of the lower Leaves, at the Knots of the Stalks, come forth small Branches: And from the Wings of the Upper, two or three small Flowers together, on short Foot-stalks; they consist of five Leaves, and are of a light purple Colour. The Seeds are pretty large, triangu­lar, and of a dark Chesnut-colour.

'Tis Vulnerary, Drying, and Astringent. 'Tis chief­ly used for stopping all Fluxes. Outwardly 'tis used for Wounds and Ul­cers, and for Inflammations of the Eyes. A certain Nobleman that vomited Blood, and had used other Medicines in vain, was much reliev'd by the Juice of this, in a little Styptick Wine.

COmmon Ladies-bed-straw, in Latin Gal­lium luteum vulgare.

This Ladies-bed-straw rises up with several small, brown [Page 113] and square, upright Stalks, a Yard high, or more; sometimes branch'd forth into many Parts, full of Joints, and with several very small, fine Leaves at every one of them, little, or not at all rough. At the Tops of the Branches grow many long Tufts, or Branches of yellow Flow­ers, set very thick together, one above another; they smell pretty strong and re­sinous. The Seed is small, and black; and two, for the most part, joyn'd toge­ther. The Root is red­dish, and has many small Fibres.

The Tops of it turn Milk, like Rennet. The Herb, or the Powder of it, stops Bleeding; and is commended for Cancerous Ulcers.

Ladies-mantle, in La­tin Alchimilla.

It has a Root of the thickness of the Little Finger, or Thumb, consisting of many Fibres, that are astringent, and drying. Some thin, hairy Stalks arise, branching out about nine Inches high; upon which there are small Flowers, of a Grass-colour, placed in a Circle; each consists of eight Leaves, four large, and four small; placed alternately; in the middle whereof are little yellow Tufts. The Flow­ers grow on the uppermost Seminal Vessels; two small, shining Seeds are contain'd in each Vessel, not exactly round, but somewhat long in one part. Some of the Leaves arise immediately from the Root, with long, hairy Foot-stalks, about one Handful and an half long: Others adhere to the Stalk, by a short, or no Foot-stalk at all. As to other things, the Leaf is like a Mallow, of a Colour betwixt yellow and green, and hairy under; divided into eight or nine obtuse Angles, peculiar Nerves coming into each Angle, from the Foot-stalks; they are neatly indented about the Edges. It grows in Meadows and Pastures, especially on hilly Grounds, spontaneously. There is abundance of it in the North of England, in York­shire and Derbyshire, where [Page 114] it is commonly called Bear's-foot.

'Tis an excellent Wound-herb. 'Tis hot and dry, and astringent. It stops Bleeding, the Courses, and the Whites. The Leaves, the Tops, and the Roots are used in Vulnerary Po­tions, Powders, Plasters, and Ointments. Rags dip­ped in a Decoction of it, and applied to Women's Breasts when they are very lax, renders them hard and solid. It agglutinates in­ward Wounds, and Rup­tures. And the Decoction of it, or the Powder of the dried Herb, taken in the Decoction, or in the di­still'd Water, is excellent in curing Children's Burst­en Bellies. The Astringent Quality is chief in this Plant; by means whereof it does what it does. Take of Ladies-mantle, Sanicle, Golden-rod, Sengreen, Be­tony and Agrimony, each one Handful; Marsh-mal­lows two Handfuls; Fern, Flowers of Camomile, St. John's-wort, Mugwort, Briars, Origanum, and Tor­mentil-Leaves and Roots, each one Handful; put them into three Bags, then boyl them in the Faeces of Red Wine; and apply them one after another. These are very astringent, and of good use to stop Fluxes.

Ladies-smock, in La­tin Cardamine.

The Root is white, thick, and has many small Fibres. It has most commonly but one Stalk, upright, round, firm and smooth, and about nine Inches high, reddish near the Earth. 'Tis divided into Branches, at the top whereof are many Flowers together, of a light-purple Colour; they are large, and consist of four obtuse, veiny Leaves. The Cods are of a deep purple Co­lour, and a Finger in length, or longer; they are upright, rigid, and some­what flat. The Leaves are of two sorts; the Lower lie on the Earth, and are divided into four or five small Leaves, sticking to the Rib by Intervals; the Uppermost, on the Stalk, have no Foot-stalks; they are smooth, and divided into small pieces. It [Page 115] tastes like Water-cres­ses.

Take of the Conserve of Ladies-smock and Brook-lime, made with an equal weight of Sugar, each three Ounces; of the Species of the three Sanders, of Diar­rhod [...], Abbatis, each one Dram and an half; of Ivo­ry powder'd one Dram, of Pearl half a Dram, of Salt of Wormwood and Tama­ris, each one Dram; make an Electuary, with a suffi­cient quantity of Syrup of Coral: Take the quantity of a Nutmeg Night and Morning. This is good in an hot Scurvy.

Lavender, in Latin Lavendula.

'Tis Cephalick, and good for the Nerves; and is much of the same Virtue with Staechas. 'Tis chiefly used in Catarrhs for Palsies, Convulsions, Gid­diness, Lethargy, and the like. It provokes Urine, and the Courses, and ha­stens Delivery: And it is used for Flatulent Gripes. 'Tis used outwardly in Fo­mentations. The distill'd Water, the Conserve, and the Oyl are in use. The following Medicine is counted excellent to hasten Delivery: Take of the Seeds of Lavender half a Dram, of the Seeds of Plan­tane and Endive, each two Scruples; make a Powder: Take it in the Waters of Endive and Holly, each three Ounces. The Oyl of it kills Lice in Children's Heads, their Heads being anointed with it. The Spi­rit of it is most in use, and is, indeed, an excellent Me­dicine. 'Tis made in the following manner: Take of the Flowers of Lavender one Gallon, pour on them three Gallons of the best Brandy, and stop the Ves­sel close; let them infuse in the Sun for the space of six Days, then distil them in an Alembeck. Take of the Flowers of Sage, Rose­mary and Betony, each one Handful; of Borrage, Bug­loss, Lilly of the Vallies, and Cowslips, each two Handfuls; infuse all these Flowers, gather'd in Sea­son, in a Gallon of the best Brandy, and mingle it with the Spirit of Lavender a­bove-mention'd, adding of [Page 116] the Leaves of Balm, Fever­few, Oranges, and Lawrel-berries, each one Ounce: After sufficient Digestion, distil them again; and at length add of Orange and Citron-Peel, and the Seed of Peony, each six Drams; Cinnamon, Nurmegs, Mace, Cardamoms, Cubebs, and Yellow-Sanders, of each half an Ounce; of the Wood of Aloes one Dram; digest them twenty four Hours, strain them, then add of prepar'd Pearl two Drams; of Amber-grease, Musk and Saffron, each half a Scruple; of dried Roses, and Red-Sanders, each half an Ounce; of Yellow-Sanders, and the Bark of dried Citron, each two Drams; hang the Spe­cies in a Rag, in the Spirit above-mention'd.

Common Lavender-c [...]t­ton, in Latin Abrotanum faemina vulgare.

The Root is thick, hard and woody. The Twigs are above two Foot high; they are woo­dy, tender, and white with Down, and are divided in­to many Branches, and are encompass'd by the Leaves, which are about an Inch long, and a little indented; they have a Physical Smell, and a bitter and acrid Taste.

'Tis chiefly used in Ob­structions of the Liver and Kidnies, and to cure the Jaundice. It kills Worms. And the dried Leaves do good for the Whites.

Spurge- Laurel, in Latin Laureola.

'Tis about four Foot high, or higher. The Stalk is sometimes single, and sometimes divided in­to Branches. The Bark is whitish. The Stalk bends easily, but is hard to break. The Leaves are placed at the top of the Stalk; they are like Laurel-leaves. The whole Plant tastes hot.

Being chew'd, it in­flames the Jaws. Taken inwardly, it provokes Vo­miting; and hurts and burns the Stomach, and in­ward Parts; and there­fore, by reason of its great Acrimony, 'tis seldom pre­scrib'd by Physicians. The Powder of it infus'd in [Page 117] Vinegar, and sprinkled up­on Cancers, does good be­fore they are ulcer'd.

Leeks, in Latin Por­rum.

They have the same Virtue with Onions.

Garden- Lettice, in La­tin Lactuca sativa.

It cools the Stomach, and qualifies Choler and Heat, and dis­poses to Rest, and increases Milk, and yields good Nourishment. In Fren­zies, Madness, and Burn­ing Fevers, and the like, apply to the Temples, and the Coronal Suture, and also to the Wrists, double Rags, dip'd in Lettice-wa­ter wherein Sal prunella has been dissolv'd, viz. half an Ounce to a Pint of the Water.

Lilly of the Vallies, in Latin Lilium convalli­um.

It has a small, white, fibrous Root. The Stalk is angular, and about an Hand high. The Leaves are like the Leaves of the smallest Water-Plantane. It has small, white Bell-Flowers, of a pleasant Smell.

The Flowers and Leave are counted good in Apo­plexies, Palsies, for the Falling-sickness, and Gid­diness, and other cold Dis­eases of the Head. Take of Conserve of Lilly of the Vallies six Ounces, of the Powder of the Root of Male-Peony half an Ounce, of Humane-skull prepar'd three Drams, of the Seeds and Flowers of Male-Peo­ny powder'd, each two Drams; of Red Coral pre­par'd, of Pearl, and the whitest Amber, each one Dram; of Salt of Coral four Scruples, of the Syrup of the Flowers of Male-Peony a sufficient quanti­ty; make an Electuary: The Dose is two Drams, Morning and Evening. This is commended in an Apo­plexy.

Water- Lilly, in Latin Nymphaea.

The Roots, the Leaves, the Flowers, and Seeds of the Yellow and White Water-Lilly are used in Fluxes; especially for a Gonorrhaea, and nocturnal Pollutions. They are said to lessen Venery. The Root of the White Water-Lilly [Page 118] moderates the Flux of the Courses. Take of the Wa­ters of Purslane, Lettice, Roses and Water-Lillies, each one Ounce; of Syrup of Violets, and of Water-Lillies, each six Drams; of Sal prunella one Dram: Take this often, and it will cure the Heat of U­rine.

White- Lilly, in Latin Lilium.

The distill'd Wa­ter of it is given to Women that have hard Labours, and to expel the After-birth. The Root is com­monly used in Cataplasms to asswage Pain, and to ri­pen Tumours. The Oyl of Lillies serves for the same purpose. 'Tis said, many People in Dropsies have been cured with the Juice mix'd with Barly-flower, and made into Bread; which Bread they must use only for the space of a Month, or six Weeks.

Lime-tree, in Latin Tilia.

The Bark and the Leaves repel, and dry, and provoke Urine, and the Courses. A Mucilage of the Bark does much Good in Burns and Wounds. The Leaves rub'd, and sprinkl'd with Water, dis­cuss Swellings of the Feet. The Flowers are Cepha­lick, and smell sweet. The distill'd Water of them is frequently used for the Fal­ling-sickness, Giddiness, and Apoplexies: The Dose is one Ounce, or one Ounce and an half. Women use it to beautifie their Faces: And some take it for the Gripes. The Berries pow­der'd, are much commend­ed for the Bloody-Flux, and other Fluxes of the Belly. Being rub'd with Vinegar, and put up the Nostrils, they stop Bleed­ing at the Nose: And some of them taken inwardly, do the same.

Liquorish, in Latin Gly­cyrr [...]iza.

'Tis good for the Lungs, and the Reins. It mitigates Acrimony, and helps Expectoration, and gently loosens Children's Bellies. 'Tis chiefly used for Coughs, Hoarsness, Consumption, Pleurisie, E­rosions of the Bladder, and Sharpness of Urine. Syrup [Page 119] of Liquorish is made in the following manner: Take of Green Liquorish, cleans­ed and bruis'd, two Oun­ces; of White Maiden-hair one Ounce, of Hyssop half an Ounce; pour on them three Pints of hot Fountain-water, let them stand in Infusion twenty four Hours; strain it, and clarifie it; and with the best Hony, and Fine Su­gar, each ten Ounces, make a Syrup, according to Art.

Liverwort, in Latin Hepatica vulgaris.

The Root of it is as fine as Silk. The Leaves are a Fingers-breadth, and twice as long, or longer; above they are green, or a little yellowish; they are scaly, like the Skin of a Serpent; they have no Flowers. The Stalk is white, firm and juicy, and about four Inches long; upon which there is, as it were, a small Fungus. It grows in shady, wet places, among Stones. It tastes a little bitterish, and astrin­gent.

'Tis chiefly used in Ob­structions of the Liver and Bladder. 'Tis good in the Jaundice, for the Itch, and a Gonorrhaea. Outwardly applied, it stops Blood in Wounds.

Lovage, in Latin Le­visticum.

The Stalk is as high as a Man, thick-joint­ed, hollow, and channel'd. The Leaves are large, and divided into Wings; they are of a shining Green, and of a strong Smell. At the top of the Stalks and Branches are large Tufts of yellow Flowers. The Seed is pretty large, and flat. The Root is thick, and woody.

'Tis Alexipharmick, Di­uretick, and Vulnerary. It strengthens the Stomach, and does good in an Asth­ma. It forces the Courses, and the Monthly Purga­tions; and expels a dead Child. It opens Obstru­ctions of the Liver and Spleen; and cures the Jaundice. 'Tis used out­wardly, in Baths, and Ca­taplasms for the Womb. The Virtues of it are much the same with Angelica, [Page 120] and Master-wort. Half a Dram of the Seed provokes the Courses. The Juice of the Leaves expels the After-birth.

Lung-wort, in Latin Muscus arboreus.

It grows on old Oaks and Beeches, in dark, shady, old Woods. It has broad, grayish, rough Leaves, variously folded, crumpl'd and gash'd on the edges, and sometimes spot­ted on the upper side. It bears no Stalk, nor Flower.

'Tis Drying, and Astrin­gent. It stops Bleeding, and cures fresh Wounds. It stops the Courses, and the Flux of the Belly. The Powder, the Syrup, and the distill'd Water of it are commonly used for Diseases of the Lungs; as, Coughs, Short Breath, Consumptions, and the like. That which grows on an Oak is excellent in curing the Jaundice: Take one Handful of it, and boyl it in a Pint of Small Beer, in a Pot well stop­ped, till half is consum'd: Take thirteen Spoonfuls of it warm, Morning and Evening.

Lupines, in Latin Lu­pinus sativus.

Inwardly ta­ken, it kills Worms. But it is chiefly used outward­ly, in Cataplasms for Gan­greens, and malignant Ul­cers, and the like.

MAdder, in Latin Ru­bia tinctorum.

'Tis used in Vulnerary Potions; but whether it is Astrin­gent, or Opening, is dis­puted. They that count it Astringent, prescribe it for the Bloody-Flux, the Flux of the Courses, and of the Hemorrhoids. They that suppose it is Opening, use it in the Jaundice, for the Dropsie, and Obstruction of Urine. And perhaps it partakes of both Qualities, first Opening, and then Binding, as is the Nature of Rubarb.

White Maiden-hair, or Wall-Rue, in Latin Adian­ [...]um album.

'The Root is [Page 121] very small, consisting of ve­ry small, black Fibres. It grows upon old Walls. It has many Foot-stalks, that are small, and about half an Hand high, and blackish about the Roots, or brown; they are elsewhere green, and somewhat divided at top. From the Extremi­ties and Sides of these the Leaves grow; they are channel'd, and somewhat stiff, and indented about the Edges; the upper Part is green, the Under sprink­led with red or brown Powder, that seems fine, and tastes somewhat sowre and astringent, with a lit­tle mixture of Sweetness. It grows in Cambridgshire, on the Walls of Cherry-Hinton-Church.

It removes the Tartare­ous and Viscous Mucilage that is contain'd in the Lungs; and therefore it is good for those that have Coughs, and Short Breath; and for others that have Pains in the Side, or in the Kidnies or Bladder. It gently provokes Urine, and expels Stones and Gravel; and is of great use in Children's Ruptures, the Powder of it being given four Days together. Take of Syrup of Maiden-hair, and of Jujubes, each three Ounces; of Oyl of Flax fresh drawn two Oun­ces, of Fine Sugar two Drams; mingle them, make a Lohoch: Take half a Spoonful every other Hour. This is good for Coughs, and Pains of the Sides.

Common Mallow, in Latin Malva vulgaris.

It mollifies, eases Pain, loos­ens the Belly, mitigates Sharpness of Urine. 'Tis used outwardly, in Cata­plasms, and Fomentations, to ripen Tumours, and to ease Pain; and in Clysters, to loosen the Belly in Ne­phritick Pains. Three Ounces of the Decoction of the Leaves, or the di­still'd Water of them, with one Ounce and an half of Syrup of Violets, cure Heat of Urine presently.

Marsh- Mallows, in La­tin Althaea.

It softens, dis­cusses, eases Pain, brings Tumours to Suppuration, [Page 122] and corrects sharp Hu­mours. The Herb, the Root, and Seeds, are all good for the same purpose. 'Tis chiefly used for Dis­eases of the Bladder, and the Stone of the Kidnies; and for an Asthma, and Pleurisie. 'Tis also used in Clysters, and Cataplasms. The Syrup of Marsh-mal­lows is made in the follow­ing manner: Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows two Ounces; of Meadow-grass, Asparagus, Liquo­rish, Raisins of the Sun, and Red Chich-Pease, each one Ounce; Tops of Marsh-mallows, Mallows, Pellito­ry of the Wall, Pimpernel, Common Maiden-hair, and Mont pelier-Maiden-hair, of each of Handful; of the four Lesser and Great Cold Seeds, each two Handfuls; wash and cleanse the Roots from their Dirt, Pith and Strings, and slice them; and having boyld the Grass-Roots a quarter of an Hour, first, in eight Pints of Foun­tain-water, put into the Decoction the Roots of Marsh-mallows and Aspa­ragus, and let them boyl well for half an Hour; then add the Raisins cut, and the Chich-pease whole; when they have boyld a little while, put in the Tops of the Mallows, Marsh-mallows, Pellitory, and Pimpernel, shred, and boyl them about a quarter of an Hour among the rest; after that, add the Liquo­rish slic'd, and the Maiden-hair cut; and when they begin to boyl, put in the cold Seeds, thrust them down into the Decoction, and take the whole off the Fire, and strain them a quarter of an Hour after­wards; then clarifie the Liquor with the White of an Egg; add four Pounds of Sugar, and boyl it over a moderate Fire, to the Consistence of a Syrup. Ointment of Marsh-mal­lows is made in the follow­ing manner: Take of the fresh Roots of Marsh-mal­lows two Pounds, Flax and Fenugreek-seeds, of each one Pound; of Fountain-water eight Pints; let them infuse three Days, then boyl them gently, and press out the Mucilage; whereof, take two Pounds, of Com­mon Oyl four Pints; let [Page 123] them boyl together till the watery Part of the Muci­lage is evaporated; then add one Pound of Yellow Wax, Rosin half a Pound, Turpentine two Ounces; boyl them to the Consi­stence of an Ointment.

Vervain- Mallow, in La­tin Alcea vulgaris.

It has a woody, Perennial Root, which sends forth many Stalks, three or four Foot high, or higher; they are round, fill'd with a fungous Pith, and hairy; the Hairs are few, and long; they are cover'd with a Sky-colour'd Dust, which may be easily wiped off. The Leaves that come from the Root, and the lowermost on the Stalks, are somewhat round, and indented about the Edges, and are placed on long Foot-stalks▪ Those that are on the Stalks are placed alternately; the nearer they approach to the Top, so much shorter are their Foot-stalks; and they are cut in deeper. There are most commonly five large Jags, almost like the Leaves of Monk's-hood; they are of a dark-green Colour, and hairy, especially on the Under­side. A Flower is placed in every Wing of the Leaves, and has an hairy, four-square Foot-stalk; and there is great Abundance of them on the Stalks, and upon the tops of the Branches; they are large, and of a purple Colour, and consist of five channel'd Leaves, jointed at the bot­tom. The Cup is hairy, and divided into five Parts; under which there are three narrow Leaves, that come together when the Flower falls, and make a Recepta­cle for the Seeds, which are hairy and black when they come to maturity; joyn'd together, they represent a Cheese. It grows frequent­ly among Bushes.

'Tis reckon'd amongst Emplastick and Emollient Medicines. And as it is like, so it agrees in Virtue with the Mallow. 'Tis much commended by Em­pericks, for curing Dimn­ness of Sight. A Deco­ction of it is good for the Gripes.

The Great Maple, com­monly call'd the Sycamore-tree, tho' falsly, in Latin Acer majus.

I think it does not grow of its own accord amongst us; yet it is so frequent in Courts, and Church-yards, and about Gentlemen's Houses, that it may be well reckon'd amongst those that are ours by Adoption.

At the Beginning of spring, when the buds grow big, but before they un­fold themselves into Leaves, this Tree, being cut in the Trunk, Branches, or Roots, yields plentifully, like the Birch-tree, a sweet Liquor, fit to be drunk. Also in the Autumn, presently af­ter the Leaves fall off: And in the Winter too, when it is cold, and some­what frosty; for we have observ'd in this Tree, and in the Lesser Maple, and also in the Walnut tree, cut or bored, that after a Frosty Night, when the Sun shines clear, (if the Frost has not been too vio­lent) the Juice flows plen­tifully when the Sun has been up two or three Hours, especially about Noon. And after a long and hard Frost, just when the Frost begins to break, it flows most of all.

Garden- Marigold, in Latin Calendula sativa.

The Flowers are Cordial, He­patick, and Alexipharmick; and provoke Sweat, and the Courses, and hasten Delivery. The distill'd Water drop'd into the Eyes, or Rags wet in it, and applied to them, cures the Redness and Inflam­mation of them. Take of Conserve of Marigold-flowers two Ounces, Con­fection of Alkermes, and of Hyacinth, each two Drams; of Pearl powder'd one Ounce, of Syrup of the Juice of Citron a sufficient quantity; make a Confe­ction: Take the quantity of a Nutmeg Night and Morning. This is very Cordial, and refreshes the Spirits.

Marjoram, in Latin Majorana.

It digests, and attenuates. 'Tis good in cold Diseases of the Head, taken any way. The Pow­der [Page 125] of the dried Herb drawn up into the Nostrils, provokes Sneezing. Take of the Leaves of Marjo­ram, Rosemary and Sage, each half a Dram; of To­bacco one Dram, of White Hellebore and Ginger, each one Scruple; of Musk two Grains; make a Sneezing-powder.

Master-wort, in Latin Imperatoria.

'Tis Alexi­pharmick, and Sudorifick. It expels Wind, and is ex­cellent in the Cholick. 'Tis chiefly used for the Biting of venomous Creatures, and malignant Diseases. It helps Expectoration, and cures a Stinking Breath, and is good for Flegmatick Diseases of the Head, a Palsie, Apoplexy, and the like. Half a Spoonful of the Powder of it, taken in Wine, an Hour before the Fit comes, is said to cure a Quartan-Ague. 'Tis also counted very good for the Dropsie, and long Fevers. A piece of the Root put into an hollow Tooth, eases the Pain. 'Tis, in Shape and Virtue, much like Angelica.

Maudlin, in Latin Age­ratum vulgare.

It agrees in Virtue and Temperament with Costmary.

Stinking May-weed, in Latin Cotula foetida.

The Root is single, white, and has many Fibres. It has sometimes but one Stalk, sometimes more; they are a Foot high, round, and smooth, or with a short Down; they are full of Branches, which come from the Wings of the Leaves, and grow higher than the Stalks. The Leaves are placed alternately; they are cut into narrow and sharp Jags, and are of a pale-green Colour; they stink. Upon the top of the Stalks and Branches grow pretty large Flowers; they are placed upon long Foot-stalks, their Leaves are white, the Dish or Bottom is yellow; when the Flowers fade, the Dish grows round. It grows commonly amongst Corn, and in Till'd Grounds.

The Decoction of this Herb is used by some [Page 126] successfully for the King's-Evil.

Meadow-sweet, in La­tin Ʋlmaria.

The Fibres of the Roots are reddish, and woody. The Stalk is three Foot high, or higher, upright, angular, smooth, reddish, firm and branchy. The Leaves grow to the Stalk alternately, by In­tervals; they are broad, and wing'd, and deeply in­dented about the Edges; they are rough, hard, and crumpl'd, like Elm-leaves; above they are green, un­derneath white; they smell and taste pleasantly. Tufts of white Flowers stand thick together on the tops of the Stalks and Branches; they smell sweeter than the Leaves. The Seeds are oblong, naked, and crook­ed. It grows in moist Meadows, and on the Banks of Brooks.

'Tis Sudorifick, and A­lexipharmick. 'Tis good in Fluxes of all Kinds; for a Loosness, the Bloody Flux, the Flux of the Courses, and for Spitting of Blood; and also in the Plague. The Leaves put into Wine or Beer, im­part a pleasant Taste to it. 'Tis an Ingredient in the Milk-Water called Aqua Lactis alexiteria, which is made in the following man­ner: Take of the Leaves of Meadow-sweet, Car­duus B. and Goat's-Rue, each six Handfuls; of Mint, and common Worm­wood, each five Handfuls; of Rue three Handfuls, of Angelica two Handfuls; bruise them, and add to them three Gallons of New Milk; distil them in a cold Still.

Medlar-tree, in Latin Mespilus.

Medlars stop Vo­miting, and all Fluxes of the Belly.

Melilot, in Latin Meli­lotus.

The Root is white, small, clammy, and has short Fibres. It has many Stalks, two or three Foot high, or higher, smooth, round, channel'd, empty, weak and branchy. The Leaves are placed alter­nately, by Intervals, three on one Foot-stalk, about an Inch and an half long: [Page 127] The Leaves are oblong, smooth, indented, and most times gnaw'd about the edges, and of a dull green Colour. The Flowers are placed on long Spikes, that come from the Wings of the Leaves; they are small, and yellow. Short, hang­ing, wrinkl'd Cods succeed them, that are black when they are ripe. The Seed is yellowish. It flowers in June and July, and grows amongst Bushes, and some­times with Corn.

It digests, mollifies, and eases Pain; for which pur­poses it is commonly used in Plasters and Cataplasms. To ease the Pain in a Pleu­rifie, the following Fomen­tation has been used with good Success: Take of the Herb Melilot, and true Pellitory, each two Hand­fuls; of Betony one Hand­ful; make a Decoction, and apply it to the Breast often.

Melon, in Latin Melo.

They are cold and moist, and apt to putrifie in the Stomach, and to occasion Fevers and Gripes. The Seed is one of the Great Cold Seeds. Take of Seeds of Melons and Pumpions, each half an Ounce; of the Seeds of White-Poppy two Drams, eight Sweet Almonds blanch'd; beat them in a Marble-Mortar, and pour on them gradual­ly a Pint and an half of Barly-water; strain it, and sweeten it with Fine Su­gar; make an Emulsion. This is used to cure Heat of Urine.

Common English Mercu­ry, or All-good, in Latin Bonus Henericus.

The Root is thick, and yellowish, and has some Fibres; 'tis acrid, and bitter. It sends forth many Stalks that are chan­nel'd, partly erect, and partly supine; they have a small Down on them, and are a Foot, or two Foot high. The Leaves are tri­angular, like Orache, or Cuckow-pint; above they are smooth, under sprinkl'd with fine Flower; they are placed upon long Foot-stalks, joyn'd alternately to the Stalks; they taste somewhat nitrous. The little Flowers are placed on [Page 128] the Top-branches, in Clu­sters, on an Ear; they are yellow, and have Threads; the come out of a five-leav'd Cup; they are so very small, that the Parts of them can scarce be dis­cern'd. The Seeds are small, and black when they are ripe, and in Figure like a Kidny; they are either included in Membranace­ous Bladders, or in the Flowers. It grows in Courts, and Cross-ways, and amongst Rubbish, and also frequently with Pot-herbs. It flowers in April and May.

'Tis excellent for cleans­ing and healing sordid Ul­cers. The Leaves boyl'd with Pot-herbs, and eaten, render the Body loose. It kills the Worms that are in the putrid Ulcers of Four-footed Beasts, being bruis­ed, and applied to the Ul­cers. The whole Herb, used in form of a Cata­plasm, mitigates the Pain of the Gout; and there is no Danger to be fear'd from the Use of it in this Case; for it does not re­pel, but discusses, and di­gests; and besides, is Ano­dine: Which Qualities are rarely found in one Simple. Take of Common English Mercury, green, without the Flowers, four Hand­fuls; of Camomile and Elder-flowers dried, two Handfuls; beat them gros­ly, and boyl them in a suf­ficient quantity of Elder-water, till they are very tender; then mix with them of Gum-Caranna and Camphor, each half an Ounce; make a Cata­plasm for the Gout. Take of the Leaves of Mercury, Marsh-mallows, and Pelli­tory, each one Handful; of the Flowers of Camo­mile one Pugil; of Car­raway, Cumin-seeds, and Laurel-berries, each one Ounce; boyl them in clear Posset-drink; to twelve Ounces of the strain'd Li­quor, add three Ounces of Hony of Mercury, and two Drams of Hierapicra; mingle them, and make a Carminative Clyster. This is useful in the Cholick.

Dog's- Mercury, in La­tin Cynocrambe.

It has ma­ny small, fibrous Roots, [Page 129] that are Perennial and pli­ant, of a nauseous, sweet­ish Taste; both the Male and Female creep in the Ground; they are fill'd with an hard Nerve, like the Fibres of Hellebore. It has many Stalks, round and jointed; they have large Spaces betwixt the Joints; they are a Foot high, and without Branch­es; near the Earth they are of a purple Colour. The Leaves are placed by Pairs, upon the Joints, one opposite to another, and are two or three Inches long, (those that are be­low are much less) and are sharp-pointed, and in­dented about the Edges; they have short Foot-stalks; they have a nauseous Taste. The Foot-stalks come from the Wings of the Leaves. The little Flowers are of a greenish Colour, and con­sist of three Leaves. It grows commonly in Woods and Hedges, and other sha­dy Places.

Prevotius, in his Book of Medicines for the Poor, ranks it amongst those things that evacuate Sero­sities gently.

Milfoil, in Latin Mille­folium.

The Stalks are sometimes two Foot high, and higher; they are small, stiff, round, channel'd, hai­ry, and full of Pith, and divided at top into Twigs. Many long Leaves lie on the Ground, which are fine­ly cut into many small Parts, finer than Tansie; they are a little indented about the edges: The Leaves on the Stalks are smaller and finer near the tops, where stand Tufts of small, white Flowers, with a yellowish Thrum in the middle; of a strong Smell, but not unpleasant. The Root is woody, fibrous and blackish.

It stops Blood. 'Tis used for Bleeding at the Nose, and for all Fluxes. 'Tis out­wardly applied for Bleed­ing at the Nose, and for the Head-ach; and to heal Wounds and Ruptures.

Milk-wort, in Latin Polygala.

The Root is woody, white, of a bit­terish Taste, and somewhat Aromatick. It has many Stalks; some upright, and [Page 130] some creeping; they are about an Hand in length, and somewhat reddish. It has many Leaves, that grow alternately. The lit­tle Flowers are placed on a Spike, and are of a Sky-colour; and sometimes white, and of other Co­lours. The Leaves that grow on the Stalks are ob­long, and sharp; those that lie on the Ground are roundish. It grows com­monly in dry Pastures.

An Handful of it infus'd in Wine all Night, purges Choler by Stool very much.

Mint, in Latin Mentha.

It strengthens the Stomach, takes off Crudities, and the Hickops, stops Vomiting, and expels Wind. Two Ounces of the Water taken often stops Vomiting. Out­wardly applied, it takes off the Hardness of the Breasts, and dissolves Curdl'd Milk, and prevents the Breeding of it. The distill'd Water cures the Gripes in Chil­dren. The Smell of it strengthens the Brain, and preserves the Memory.

Take of Black-Cherry-water, and Balm-water, each three Ounces; Dr. Stephens's Water one Ounce and an half, Spirit of Mint three Drams, Confection of Alkermes two Drams, of Syrup of Mint a suffi­cient quantity; make a Julep: The Dose is five Spoonfuls. This is good for Pains of the Stomach, and for Fainting.

Misleto, in Latin Viscus.

It grows on Apple-trees, Pear-trees and Crab-trees; on Ashes and Oaks; that which grows on the Oaks is most esteem'd. It grows also on the Barberry-tree, and the Hasel.

Bird-lime is made of the Berries. The Wood is chiefly used for the Falling-sickness, and is counted a Specifick for it. 'Tis also used for Apoplexies and Giddiness: 'Tis taken in­wardly, or hang'd about the Neck. In all which Diseases 'tis reckon'd very prevalent by Ancient and Modern Physicians. The Powder of it also cures a Pleurisie, and forces the [Page 131] Courses. Some think that the Misleto that grows on the Hasel-tree is better for the Falling-sickness, and o­ther Diseases of the Head, than that which grows on the Oak. Henricus ab Steers thinks it does not grow on Hasel-trees till they are a­bout an Hundred Years old. A young Lady having been long troubled with an almost hereditary Falling-Sickness, and after having been wearied by Courses of Physick prescrib'd her by the famousest Doctors that could be procured, with­out at all mending, but ra­ther growing worse; so that sometimes she would have, in one Day, eight or ten dismal Fits, was cured only by the Powder of true Misleto, given, as much as would lie on a Six-pence, early in the Morning, in Black-Cherry-water, or in Beer, for some Days, near the Full-Moon.

Mony-wort, or Herb-Two-pence, in Latin Num­mularia major vulgaris.

It has many long, slender Branches, that creep on the Ground, with two Leaves at each Joint, opposite to one another; they are al­most as round as a Penny, but that they are pointed a little at the Ends; they are smooth, and of a yellowish green Colour; they taste dry, and astringent. From the Wings of the Leaves come forth large, yellow Flowers, two most com­monly at every Joint; they consist of five sharp Leaves. The Seed is very small, and scarce visible.

'Tis dry, astringent and vulnerary. The Flowers and Leaves beat, and ap­plied to Wounds and Ul­cers, cure them. Taken in Wine, they cure Dysente­ries, and other Fluxes, and the Whites, and inward Wounds and Ulcers, espe­cially of the Lungs. But it is most of all commended for Ruptures in Children, the Powder of it being ta­ken inwardly, or the Herb being outwardly applied.

Moon-wort, in Latin Lunaria.

It springs up with one dark-green, thick, fat Leaf, standing upon a small Foot-stalk, about an Inch [Page 132] high: But when it is in Flower it has a small, ten­der Stalk, about three Inches high. The upper part of it, on each Side, is divided into five or seven Parts, and sometimes more, resembling an Half-moon. On the top of the Stalk are many Branches of small, long Tongues, much like the spiky Head of Adder's-tongue, of a brownish Co­lour. The Root is small, and fibrous.

The Ointment of it, used to the Region of the Reins, is counted a cer­tain Cure in the Bloody-Flux.

Cup- Moss, in Latin Muscus pyxidatus.

'Tis of an Ash-colour, and like a Cup.

The Powder of it given in Posset-drink, or Small Beer, cures the Hooping-Cough by a Specifick Qua­lity: A Scruple of it must be given Night and Morn­ing. Or, Take an Ounce of the Moss, boyl it in a Quart of some Pectoral Water, till half is consu­med; then strain it, and make a Syrup with Sugar-Candy: 'Tis good for the same.

Moss of a dead Man's Scull. It being put up the Nostrils, stops Bleed­ing. 'Tis common in Ire­land. The Honourable Mr. Boyle was cured of a violent Hemorrhage by the use of it.

Mother-wort, in Latin Cardiaca.

'Tis commend­ed by some for Diseases of the Heart; but it is pecu­liarly good for Hypochon­driack Diseases. It pro­vokes the Courses and Urine, and cleanses the Breast of Flegm, and kills Worms. A Spoonful of the Powder of it taken in Wine, hastens Delivery wonderfully. A Deco­ction of it, or the Pow­der mix'd with Sugar, is very good in a Palpita­tion of the Heart, and for Hysterick and Hypochon­driack Diseases. Farriers use it, with good Success, in Diseases of Horses, and other Cattel.

Creeping Mouse-ear, in Latin Philosella repens.

It grows every where in bar­ren Pastures: It creeps on the Ground by Strings that root, and so it spreads; they contain a bitter Milk. The Leaves are like the Ear of a Mouse, with long Hairs on them; above they are green, below white; they taste dry. Pale yellow Flowers are placed on each Stalk, which is small, hai­ry, and about an Hand and an half high. It flow­ers in June and July, and sometimes in May.

'Tis very Astringent, Drying, and Vulnerary; wherefore it is used success­fully in Wound-drinks, Pla­sters and Ointments. It cures Dysenteries, and o­ther Fluxes of the Belly, and stops Vomiting, and cures Children's Ruptures, and is excellent in the Stone. Some commend it for the Jaundice, and Swel­lings of the Spleen, and at the Beginning of a Dropsie. 'Tis also commended for a Chin-cough. Take Wild-Thyme one Handful, Sas­safras sliced one Ounce, Hyssop-water two Pints and an half; infuse them on a gentle Heat for six Hours, afterwards strain it, and sweeten it with Syrup of Mouse-ear: Give some Spoonfuls of it oft in a Day. Or, Take Cup­moss powder'd one Ounce, White Sugar-candy two Ounces; make a Powder: Give one Scruple, twice in a Day, in a Spoonful of Syrup of Mouse-ear. Let the Children continue the use of these things nine Days at least, if the Cough does not go off before.

Mug-wort, in Latin Artemisia.

The Root is a­bout the bigness of a Fin­ger, and creeps awry, send­ing down sometimes large, white Fibres, of an Aroma­tick Taste, and somewhat sweet. The Stalks are four or five Foot high, of the thickness of a Finger, round, channel'd, strong, and stiff, of a purple Co­lour, and with short Down on them, and full of Pith. They have many Leaves, placed alternately; at the tops they are branchy; the Leaves have an Aromatick [Page 134] Smell, somewhat like La­vender; they are jagged, white above, hoary under­neath. The Flowers are yellowish. The Seeds are small, and inclosed in round Heads.

'Tis frequently used by Women, inwardly and out­wardly, in all the Diseases peculiar to them. Three Drams of the Powder of the dried Herb taken in Wine, is an excellent Re­medy for the Hip-Gout. The green Herb, or the Juice of it, taken in some convenient Liquor, is of great use for those that have taken too much O­pium. The Syrup of Mug-wort is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of Mug-wort two Handfuls, of Penny-royal, Calamint, Wild-Marjoram, Balm, Unspotted Ar [...]mat, Cre­tick, Dittany, Savine, Mar­joram, Ground-pine, Ger­mander, St. John's▪ wort, Feverfew with the Flow­ers, the Lesser Centaury, Rue, Betony, Vipers, Bug­loss, each one Handful; the Roots of Fennel, Smal­lage, Parsly, Asparagus, Knee-holm, Saxifrage, Ele­campane, Cyperus-grass, Madder, Flower-de-luce, and Peony, of each one Ounce; of Juniper-berries, of the Seeds of Lovage, Parsly, Smallage, Annise, Nigella, of Cubebs of the true Costus, Woody-Casia, the Sweet-smelling Flag, the Roots of Asarabacca, Pyrethrum and Valerian, each half an Ounce; hav­ing cleans'd, cut and beat these things, infuse them twenty four Hours in twelve Pints of clear Wa­ter; distil them in B. M. and draw off eight Pints of Water; put what remains in the Still into a Press, and strain it; boyl six Pounds of White Sugar in a sufficient quantity of the strain'd Liquor, clarified with the White of an Egg, to the Consistence of Tab­lets; then add the Water before distill'd, and make a Syrup according to Art, and Aromatise it with Cin­namon and Spikenard.

Mulberry-tree, in La­tin M [...]rus.

The Leaves are much used in Italy, Sicily, Spain and France, to nou­rish [Page 135] Silk-worms. The Fruit of the Black Mulberry, be­fore it is ripe, cools, dries, and is very astringent; and therefore proper for a Loosness, the Bloody-Flux the Flux of the Courses, and for Spitting of Blood; and is good for Inflamma­tions and Ulcers of the Mouth and Throat. When it is ripe it loosens the Bel­ly, quenches Thirst, and excites Appetite. The Sy­rup of it is much in use for Gargarisms; as is also Ho­ny of it. Take of Spring-water a Quart, Julep of Roses one Ounce and an half, Hony of Mulberries six Drams, Rose-Vinegar one Dram, of Spirit of Vi­triol a sufficient quantity to sharpen it: Make a Gar­garism.

White Mullein, or High-Taper, in Latin Ver­bascum album vulgare.

It has many large, woolly Leaves at the Root. It has most commonly but one Stalk, four or five Foot high, round, hairy, stiff, and full of Pith. The Flower has but one Leaf, di­vided into five obtuse Jags; they stand in a long Spike, and are commonly of a yel­low Colour. The Seed is small, and brownish. The Root is white, single, woo­dy, and sends forth some large Fibres from the Sides.

'Tis used for Diseases of the Breast, for a Cough, and Spitting of Blood, and for the Gripes. Outward­ly the Leaves and Flowers are used for easing Pain, especially of the Piles. The Leaves applied to the Soles of the Feet a few Days be­fore the usual Time of Pur­gation, gently provokes the Courses. The following Drink was prescrib'd by a learned Physician, for a Lady that was afflicted with the King's-Evil. Take of Mullein, St. John's-wort, Agrimony, and Betony, each three Handfuls; Sha­vings of Firr six Handfuls; boyl them in six Gallons of Ale. She drank of it con­stantly.

Dusty Mushrome, or Puff-balls, in Latin Fungus pulverulentus.

The Dust is very drying, and astringent. It stops Blood in Wounds, [Page 136] and dries old Ulcers, and stops the Flux of the He­morrhoids. It certainly cures Chilblains when they are broken: The Sore be­ing dried with a Rag, ap­ply the dusty Side, and let it lie on till they are well; if it chance to rub off, ap­ply it again. This I have often used, and it never fail'd me. The Dust is very prejudicial to the Eyes.

Mustard, in Latin Si­napi.

It provokes Appe­tite; is good for Mother-fits, the Falling-sickness, Lethargy, Palsie, and all other Diseases of the Head, being put up the Nostrils, or applied in the manner of a Clyster. It provokes Urine, and the Courses; and is an Incentive to Ve­nery. It cures Catarrhs, and removes Hoarsness. It loosens the Belly, and discusses Tumours. The Seed of it beat in a Mortar, and mix'd with White-wine, preserv'd the Lives of many Hundreds that were highly Scorbuti­cal, and in a languishing Condition, in a certain Town that was long be­sieg'd, and reduc'd to so great Want, that the In­habitants were forc'd to eat nasty and unwholsom Things, whereby they be­came diseased; and many died before they thought of Mustard, which grew plen­tifully in the Town-Ditch; which being used as above-said, recover'd them all. Take of Mustard-seed bruis'd two Drams, of the Roots of Garlick one Ounce, of Black-Soap two Ounces, of Black-Salt one Ounce; make a Cataplasm to be applied to the Soles of the Feet. This is useful in Fevers, to draw the Hu­mours from the Head.

Hedge- Mustard, in La­tin Erysimum.

The Root is white, woody, and sin­gle, and tastes acrid; sel­dom so thick as the Little-Finger. The Leaves are jagg'd and hairy, and like Shepherd's-purse, but they are blunt at the Ends. The Stalk is about three Foot high, hairy, and branchy. The Flowers are small and yellow, and consist of four small Leaves; they are [Page 137] placed on long Spikes, flowering by degrees. The Cods are short, scarce a Finger long, round, hairy, and grow flat to the Stalk, upon short Foot-stalks; they end sharp. It grows upon Walls, and among Rubbish, and in Hedges.

A Decoction of it in Wine is good in the Cho­lick. The Syrup of it is much in use, and is made in the following manner: Take of fresh Hedge-Mu­stard, Roots and all, six Handfuls; of the Roots of Elecampane, Colt's-foot with the Juice in it, of Li­quorish, each two Ounces; of the Leaves of Borrage, Succory, and Maiden-hair, each one Handful and an half; of the Cordial-Flowers of Rosemary, and Betony, each half an Handful; of Anise-seeds half an Ounce; of Raisins of the Sun cleans­ed two Ounces; infuse them a whole Day in Wa­ter and Mead, each two Pints and an half; of the Juice of Hedge-Mustard clarified eight Ounces; boyl them in B. M. To two Quarts of the Juice, pres­sed out hard, and clarified, add four Pounds and an half of Fine Sugar: Make a Syrup in B. M. according to Art. This is an excellent Medicine for Coughs, and other Diseases of the Lungs.

Myrtle-tree, in Latin Myrtus.

'Tis astringent. The Leaves and Berries are seldom used inwardly now-a-days; yet they may be used for a Loosness, and Spitting of Blood. The distill'd Water of the Flow­ers has a delicate Scent. The Syrup of Myrtles is made in the following manner: Take of the Ber­ries two Ounces and an half, of White and Red Sanders of Sumach, Ba­laustians of Haw-thorn-berries, and Red Roses, each one Ounce and an half; Medlars sliced half a Pound; beat them, and boyl them in eight Pints of clear Water till half is con­sum'd; strain it, and add of the Juice of Quinces, and acid Pomegranates, each six Ounces; then make a Syrup with four Pounds of Sugar; the Juices [Page 138] must be put in at last. Take of Plantane-water, and Cinnamon-water, hor­deated, each four Ounces; of distill'd Vinegar half an Ounce; of true Bole and Dragon's-blood, each half a Dram; of London-Lau­danum three Grains, of Sy­rup of Myrtles one Ounce and an half; mingle them, and make a Julep: Take five or six Spoonfuls every Night, at Bed-time. This is commended for Bleeding at the Nose.

Navel-wort, in Latin Umbilicus veneris.

It has a tuberous Root, and small Fibres. The Leaves are fat, thick and round, and full of Juice, and taste clammy. It has two or three Stalks that are half a Foot high, or higher. The Tops sometimes divide themselves into Branches. It has Flowers almost from Bottom to Top; they are hollow, like a Bell, and of a whitish Colour. The Seeds are small, like the Seeds of Purslain. It grows commonly on old Walls.

'Tis cold and moist, and somewhat astringent. 'Tis good for Inflammations, and St. Anthony's Fire. The Leaves and Roots eaten, are supposed to be good in the Stone, and to force U­rine. 'Tis also good for the King's-Evil, Kibes and Chilblains, being used in an Ointment.

Nep-Calmint, in La­tin Mentha Cattaria.

It has a woody Root. The Stalks are three or four Foot high, or higher, four­square, hairy, and reddish near the Earth, in other parts hoary; they are full of Branches, and bear at every Joint two broad Leaves, like Balm, but longer pointed, softer and whiter; they taste hot, and smell like Mint. The Flowers come from the Wings of the Leaves, on the top of the Stalks and Branches, many together, in large Tufts, and are of a light purple Co­lour.

[Page 139] 'Tis hot and dry. 'Tis chiefly used for Obstru­ctions of the Womb, for Barrenness, and to hasten Delivery, and to help Ex­pectoration. 'Tis used outwardly in Baths for the Womb, and the Itch.

Cats tear it to pieces when it is first set in Gar­dens, unless it be cover'd with Thorns; but when it has flourish'd a while they do not injure it, nor that which is sown; according to the following Rhime:

Nettle, in Latin Ʋrti­ca.

'Tis Diuretick, and Li­thontriptick. Eaten with Pot-herbs, it loosens the Belly, expels Gravel, and promotes Expectoration. The Buds are used in Broths, in the Sprin-time, to purifie the Blood. The bruis'd Herb, or the Juice, put up the Nostrils, stops Bleeding at the Nose. It does good in Putrid and Malignant Ulcers, and dis­cusses h [...]d Swellings. The Seed is Diuretick, and pro­vokes V [...]n [...]y, and is used in Diseases of the Lungs. Take of the clarified Juices of Nettles and Plantain, each six Ounces; of Aqua la­ctis Alexiteria four Ounces, of Cinnamon-water hor­deated three Ounces, of White Sugar a sufficient quantity; mingle them, make a Julep: Take four Ounces Morning and Even­ing, daily, for three Days. This is commended for Bleeding at the Nose. Oyl of Roses, or Juice of Net­tles, cures the Stings of Nettles presently.

Woody- Night-shade, or Bitter-sweet, in Latin So­lanum lignosum.

It sends forth small, woody, brittle Twigs, five or six Foot long▪ that encompass any thing that is near; others lie on the Ground. The Bark of the young Twigs is green; but the Bark of that which is old is rough and whitish without, with­in it is very green, having a Pith in the middle. The Leaves are placed alter­nately; [Page 140] they are somewhat broad, long, and pointed; with two small Leaves, or rather pieces of Leaves, at the bottom of most of them. At the Tops and Sides of the Branches come forth many Flowers; they consist of fine, narrow and long Violet-purple colour'd Leaves. The Berries are red when they are ripe, soft, and full of Juice; of a bitter, unpleasant Taste. The Root is fibrous. It grows in Hedges, near Water commonly.

'Tis said to provoke U­rine, and to be good in a Dropsie, and for the Jaun­dice. The Juice of the Leaves, says Parkinson, purges much. The Leaves are used outwardly, with good Success, in Inflamma­tions, and itching Tumours of the Hands and Feet. Take four Handfuls of the Leaves cut, and four Ounces of Flax-seed pow­der'd; make a Cataplasm with Lard; apply it hot. This asswages Tumours, and cures great Contusions.

Nipple-wort, in Latin Lampsana.

It has a white▪ single Root, with Twigs and Fibres. The Stalk is two or three Foot high, or higher, round, hairy, red­dish, concave and branchy. The Leaf is like the Leaf of South-thistle. The Flow­ers are small, and yellow. The Seed is oblong, black­ish, and a little crooked. The whole Plant being cut, yields a bitter Milk. It flowers in June and July, and grows frequently in Gardens.

'Tis reckon'd good for the Nipples, when they are sore.

OAk-tree, in Lat. Quer­cus.

The whole Oak is astringent, but especially the Bark. A Decoction of it is given for the Bloody-Flux, and for Spitting of Blood. The Acorns are Diuretick. The Water di­still'd from the Leaves of a young Oak, cures the Whites. Those that Cut for the Stone use a Bath [Page 141] made of the Bark, to heal the Wound. Galls grow on Oaks, but not in Eng­land. The best Ink is made in the following manner: Take of Galls four Ounces, of Copperas two Ounces, of Gum-Arabeck one Ounce; beat the Galls to a gross Powder, and infuse them nine Days in a Quart of Claret, set it near the Fire, and stir it daily; then put in the Copperas and the Gum, and when it has stood a Day the Ink will be fit for use. Take of the Water of Oak-buds and Plantain, each three Ounces; of Cinnamon-water hordeated, and Sy­rup of dried Roses, each one Ounce; Spirit of Vi­triol a sufficient quantity to make it pleasantly sharp: Take six Spoonfuls Morn­ing and Evening. This is good for an immoderate Flux of the Courses.

Oats, in Latin Avenae.

They dry, and are some­what astringent. When Corn is dear, poor People live chiefly on Water-gruel: And it is, indeed, very pro­per Diet for Sick and Well, and yields a good Nourish­ment. The Common-peo­ple in the North, and in Wales, make Bread of Oats, and eat no other; and no People in the World enjoy more Health, nor live longer: And, without doubt, this sort of Bread is most wholsom, tho' it is not pleasant. Beer is also made of it. Flummery is made of Oat-meal, boyl'd in Water to a Gelly: 'Tis eaten hot, being cut into Slices, and put into Milk or Beer, or into White-wine, and sweeten'd with Sugar. 'Tis an excellent Diet for weakly People. Our Physicians scarce or­der any Diet but Water-Gruel in Acute Diseases. The Meal is used outward­ly in Cataplasms, for it dries and digests moderate­ly. In the Cholick, Oats fried with a little Salt, and applied hot, in a Bag, to the Belly, gives great Ease, if the Gutts are not stuffed with Excrements; if they are, a Clyster must first be given. A Bath made of Malt-flower, Hops and Oat-straw, is much com­mended for those that are [Page 142] afflicted with the Stone; for it wonderfully mitigates the Pain, and forces away Urine, and many times the Stone too.

Onion, in Latin Caepa.

Onions are hot and flatu­lent: They are proper for those that abound with cold, viscid Humours; in whom they procure Sleep, help Concoction, and pre­vent sowre Belchings. They open Obstructions, force the Courses and U­rine, and promote insensible Transpiration. But they injure those that are Cho­lerick; they especially dis­turb their Heads, and cause troublesom Dreams, and offend their Eyes. Old Women cut a raw Onion, and infuse it in Water all Night; and the next Morning give the Water to Children, to kill the Worms, with good Success. A large Onion hollow'd, and fill'd with Venice-Trea­cle, and cover'd, and then roasted under hot Ashes, and applied (the outward Skin being pull'd off) in the manner of a Cata­plasm, mollifies effectually hard Swellings, and opens them. A raw Onion pil­led, and applied presently, with a little Salt, cures Burns, if the outward Skin is not ulcer'd; for it draws out the Fire, and prevents Blisters.

Orpine, in Latin Tele­phium.

'Tis Vulnerary, and Astringent. 'Tis chief­ly used for healing Ulcers of the Bowels, occasion'd by the Bloody-Flux; for Ruptures, and Burns. 'Tis excellent for Easing Pain, both in fresh Wounds, and old Ulcers. The Herb roasted under Ashes, and mix'd with Lard, cures Fellons.

HErb Paris, True-Love, or One-berry, in Latin Herba Paris.

The Root is small, knotted, and creep­ing. The Stalk is pretty thick, round and solid, and about half a Foot high, reddish near the Earth, green above. It has four Leaves, set directly one [Page 143] against another; they shine under, above they do not; they are somewhat like the Leaf of Night-shade, but broader. It has one Flow­er, like a Star, compos'd of four small, narrow, long, pointed Leaves, of a yel­lowish green Colour, hav­ing four other lesser Leaves lying between them. The Berry is of a black, pur­plish Colour, full of Juice, and of the bigness of a Grape; having within ma­ny white Seeds.

The Berries and Leaves are Cooling, and Drying. The Berries are used in­wardly in the Plague, and Malignant Diseases, and upon being poyson'd. The Leaves are used outward­ly in Pestilential Buboes, and other hot Tumours, and in old Ulcers.

Parsly, in Latin Petro­selinum.

The Root and Herb expel Wind, provoke Urine and the Courses, and open Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and are good in the Dropsie and Jaundice. The Seed is good for the same Dis­eases, and for an old Cough, and against Poy­son. The whole Herb, outwardly applied, dis­solves hard Tumours; and dries away Milk, being ap­plied to the Breasts. Take of Parsly-seeds three Drams, of Winter-Cherry-berries N. vi. boyl them in a Pint of Milk, and make Posset-drink: Take six Ounces at a time, sweeten'd with an Ounce of Syrup of Marsh­mallows. This is good in the Stone.

Parsly-piert, in Latin Percepier.

The Root is woody, small, and has a few small Fibres. It has many small, round, hairy Stalks, about an Hand high. The Leaves are roundish, divided into three Parts, and are deeply jag­ged, somewhat like Dove's-foot, tho' less, and hairy; they are placed alternate­ly; the lower Leaves have Foot-stalks, the upper have none at all, or those that are, are very short; above they are of a light Green, below they are whitish. The Flowers are so small, they can scarce be seen: [Page 144] And the Seed is very small. It delights in Sandy and Fallow Grounds, and a­mongst Corn.

It forces Urine violent­ly, and expels Gravel, a Dram of the dried Herb being taken in White-wine. It may be also eaten raw, as a Sallet; or pickled, and eaten in Winter, for Sauce.

Garden- Parsnip, in La­tin Pastinaca latifolia sati­va.

The Root is very nou­rishing, and palatable: It fattens, and is a Provoca­tive to Venery. It opens, attenuates, and cleanses.

Cow- Parsnip, in Latin Sphondilium.

The Root is white, and single, and grows deep in the Earth; of a sweet Taste, and some­what acrid. It has a great Nerve within. The Leaves that come from the Root are placed on long, hairy Foot-stalks; they are long and large, and deeply cut about the Edges. The Stalk is single, round, chan­nel'd, and about four Foot high. The Flowers grow in Tufts; they are white, and consist of five Leaves. It grows in moist Pastures, and near Hedges.

The Root is Emollient, and asswages Tumours. The Seed is excellent for Hysterick Fits.

Peach-tree, in Latin Malus Persica.

The Fruit has a sweet and pleasant Smell, and refreshes the Spirits. The Leaves boyl­ed in Beer or Milk, kill Worms, and expel them. The Water of the Flowers takes Spots from the Face. The Syrup is a very pro­per Purge for Children; and is made in the follow­ing manner: Take of the fresh Flowers one Pound, infuse them a whole Day in three Pints of warm Water, then press them out; add the same quantity of Flow­ers five times to the same Liquor, and infuse them as before; then add two Pounds and an half of Fine Sugar, and boyl it to a Syrup.

The Pear-tree, in La­tin Pyrus.

Pears are agree­able [Page 145] to the Stomach, and quench Thirst: But they are best baked. Dried Pears stop Fluxes of the Belly. The following Pears are most esteem'd in Eng­land: The Bon-Christien, Summer and Winter; the Butter-Pear, the Green-Bu­ry, the Violet, the Dove, the Great Musk, Amadot, Rounse­let, Messieur Jean, Great So­vereign, Blood-Pear, Wind­sor-Pear, Green-field-Pear, Dionier, Great Bergamot, Virgalous, Roshea, Red-Catha­rine, Double-flower'd Pear.

Pease, in Latin Pisum.

All sorts of Pease are win­dy, and therefore are inju­rious to all that have windy Stomachs, and are troubled with Spleen-wind. Raw Green Pease are good for the Scurvy.

Pellitory, in Latin Pa­rietaria.

It cleanses and cools. 'Tis used for the Stone, and Difficulty of Urine, and for Coughs; and in Clysters, for Pains in the Belly, Womb and Reins. 'Tis outwardly u­sed for Tumours, St. An­thony's-fire, and for Burns. Take of the Juice of Pelli­tory three Ounces, of the Juice of Limons, and Oyl of Almonds, each half an Ounce; mingle them: Take it Morning and Evening for two Days. This is good for the Stone in the Kid­nies.

Penny-Royal, in La­tin Pulegium.

'Tis used to provoke the Courses, and to help Delivery. 'Tis good for Coughs, for the Gripes, the Stone, Jaundice, and Dropsie. A Spoonful of the Juice given to Children, is an excellent Remedy for the Chin-Cough. For an Hoarsness, take six Ounces of the Decoction of it, sweeten'd, at Bed-time. The fresh Herb wrap'd in a Cloth, and laid in a Bed, drives away Fleas; but it must be renewed once a Week.

Peony, in Latin Paeonia.

The Roots and Seeds of Male-Peony are much used in Physick: They are used for Diseases of the Head, and for Obstructions of the Courses, and Child-bed-Purgations, and to ease the [Page 146] After-pains. The Roots are hang'd round the Neck, to cure the Falling-sickness. The Compounded Peony-water, and the Syrup of it, are much in use. The Compounded Water is made in the following manner: Take of the Leaves of Lillies of the Valley, fresh, one Pound; infuse them in four Gallons of Spanish Wine: Take of the Flowers of the Lime-tree half a Pound, of Peo­ny-flowers four Ounces; infuse them two Days, then distil them till they are dry in B. M. in the distil'd Water infuse two Ounces and an half of the Roots of Male-Peony; of White Dittany, and Long Birth-wort, each half an Ounce; of the Leaves of Misleto of the Oak, and Rue, each two Handfuls; of the Seeds of Peony ten Drams, of Rue three Drams and an half, of Castor two Scruples of Cubebs and Mace, each two Drams; of Cinnamon one Ounce and an half, of Prepar'd Squills three Drams, of Rosemary-flow­ers six Pugils, of Stechas and Lavender, each four Pugils; of Betony, July-flowers and Cowslips, each eight Pugils; add four Quarts of the Juice of Black-Cherries, and distil them in a Glass. The Syrup is made in the following manner: Take of the fresh Roots of both Peonies, at Full Moon, each one Ounce and an half; slice them, and infuse them in white-wine for the space of a Day; of Contrayerra half an Ounce, of Sermountain six Drams, of Elk-hoof one Ounce, of Rosemary with the Flowers one Handful, of Betony, Hyssop, Wild-Marjoram, of Ground-pine and Rue, each three Drams; of the Wood of Aloes, of Cloves, of the Seeds of the Lesser Carda­moms, each two Drams; of Ginger and Spikenard, each one Dram; of Ste­chas and Nutmegs, each two Drams and an half; infuse them warm, a Day, in three Quarts of the di­still'd Water of the Roots of Peony; boyl them to four Quarts; strain it, and add four Pounds and an half of Fine Sugar, and boyl it to a Syrup.

Pepper-wort, in Latin Lepidium.

The Root is of the thickness of a Finger, or thicker; 'tis white, it has an acrid, hot Taste; it creeps in the Earth. It has many Stalks, about four Foot high, round, smooth, and full of Pith; they are branchy, and less than the Little Finger, and are co­ver'd with a gray Powder that is easily rub'd off. The Leaves are long, broad, and end sharp; they are smooth, fat, and of a dull green Colour; they are plac'd alternately, and are indented about the Edges: Those that come from the Root, and are at the bottom of the Stalks, have long Foot-stalks. The Flowers are very small; they are white, and con­sist of four Leaves; they are placed on very small Foot-stalks. It grows near the Banks of Rivers, but it is rare.

The Leaf is acrid, and hot. The Herb bruised, and applied, cures the Hip-Gout. Boyl'd in Beer, it hastens Delivery. 'Tis commended for a Leprosie. Take of Garden-Scurvy-grass-leaves, and of the Leaves of Rocket and Pep­perwort, each six Hand­fuls; of the Roots of Sweet-smelling Flag, the Lesser Galangal▪ Zedoary, Flo­rentine, Iris, Elder, and Wake-Robin, each four Ounces; of the Winteran-Bark, and Jamaica-Pepper, each three Ounces; of Ju­niper-berries four Ounces; of Cloves, Ginger and Nut­megs, each one Ounce; bruise and cut them, and pour on them four Quarts of Rhenish-wine; distil them in a common Still, and mix all the Water to­gether: Take three Oun­ces Night and Morning. This is commended in an Anasarca.

Periwinele, in Latin Vinca per vinca.

It spreads it self much by its Twigs, that creep on the Ground. The Root is fibrous; ma­ny small, round, green, and jointed Twigs root again by Fibres that come from the Joints. The Leaves grow out of the Joints by Pairs opposite to one ano­ther, like the Leaves of [Page 148] Lawrel, but much less; they are sharp, stiff and smooth, and hang on short Foot-stalks; above they shine, and are of a deep green Colour; they taste astringent, and bitterish; below they are of a lighter Colour. The Flower is placed on a Foot-stalk that comes from the Joints, two Inches long, one Flower on one Foot-stalk: 'Tis like the Jessamine-flower in shape, and is of a Violet-colour. A Milky Line runs from Bottom to Top, through all the Jags. A forked Cod succeeds the Flower, and contains ob­long Seeds. It grows in Hedges and Ditches.

'Tis a famous Vulnera­ry. 'Tis used in Fluxes of the Belly, for Dysenteries, the Piles, Bleeding at Nose, and for Wounds with Flu­xion. 'Tis used outward­ly for Overslowing of the Courses, for Loosness and Pains of the Teeth. The Leaves of this Herb put upon Paper that will ea­sily receive Moisture, and sowed to it, with fine Flax betwixt, and per­fum'd with Frankincense, cured a Scrophulous Tu­mour in a short time, which continued obstinate under the Use of other Remedies, for the space of a whole Year.

Male- Pimpernel, in Latin Anagallis mas.

It has a white, single Root, with small Fibres. The Stalks are an Hand, or half an Hind high, four-square, smooth, encompass'd by two Leaves opposite to one another; they are placed by Intervals, and without Foot-stalks; the Under­side of the Leaf is spotted with many dark-brown Specks. The Flowers come out singly from the Wings of the Leaves, and are pla­ced upon oblong Foot-stalks, and are divided, al­most to the bottom, into five sharp Pieces, resembling so many Leaves. The Cup is also compounded of five acute Pieces. The Seminal Vessels are almost spheri­cally round; they are pret­ty large, and full of Seeds. The whole Plant has an a­crid Taste. It grows in Gardens and Fields. It [Page 149] flowers late, about the midst of Summer.

'Tis moderately hot and dry: 'Tis counted Vulne­rary, and is used inwardly and outwardly. It does much good in the Plague, being boyl'd in Wine: But the Sick must go to bed, and must be well cover'd, as soon as he has drank a moderate Draught of it, that he may sweat. A Woman cured many that were troubl'd with a Pin and Web in their Eyes with the distill'd Water of it. In a Consumption, and for Purulent Spitting, let the Sick drink every Day, Morning and Evening, twelve Spoonfuls of the di­still'd Water, mix'd with an equal quantity of Red Cows Milk, and sweeten'd with Fine Sugar: This is an approv'd Remedy. 'Tis frequently used for the Gripes of New-born Chil­dren. It also moves the Courses. Willis commends the Decoction of it as a Spe­cifick for Madness.

The Pine-tree, in La­tin Pinus.

The Bark and Leaves cool and bind; wherefore they are good in Dysenteries, and Fluxes of the Courses. A Decoction or Infusion of the Tops in Beer, or some other proper Liquor, is reckon'd very good for the Stone of the Kidnies and Bladder, and for the Scurvy, and Dis­eases of the Breast. The Nuts have a delicate Taste, and are good for Coughs and Consumptions, and for Heat of Urine. They in­crease Milk, and provoke Venery.

Plantain, in Latin Plantago.

'Tis a Vulnera­ry Herb. 'Tis used in Fluxes of the Belly, for Spitting of Blood, Run­ning of the Reins, involun­tary Urine, and for immo­derate Fluxes of the Cour­ses. 'Tis outwardly used to cleanse and heal Wounds and Ulcers. The Juice by it self, or mix'd with the Juice of Limon, is an ex­cellent Diuretick. Half a Dram of the Seeds taken daily in Broth, or in an Egg, is good to prevent Miscarriage. Take twelve Handfuls of Plantain-leaves, [Page 150] six Ounces of the fresh Roots of Comfrey; press out the Juice of the Leaves, and beat the Roots in a Stone-Mortar; mix the Roots and the Juice, and with a sufficient quan­tity of Sugar make an Ele­ctuary: Take the quanti­ty of a Nutmeg Night and Morning, This is an ex­cellent Remedy for Spitting and Vomiting Blood. Take of Plantain-water two Oun­ces, of Rubarb powder'd two Scruples, of yellow Myrobalans powder'd one Scruple, Syrup of dried Roses half an Ounce; mix them, and give it in the Morning; two Hours af­ter let some Broth be ta­ken. This is excellent for an immoderate Flux of the Courses.

Plum-tree, in Latin Prunus.

There are several Kinds of them; the Sowre bind, the Sweet move the Belly. The Electuary of Plums, called Electuari­um Diaprunum, is made of Damascenes, in the fol­lowing manner: Take of fresh and ripe Damascenes, one Hundred, boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Water till they are soft, then pulp them through a Sieve, boyl an Ounce of Violet-flowers in the Li­quor gently; then strain it, and add two Pounds of Sugar, and boyl it to a Sy­rup; then add a Pound and an half of the Pulp a­bove-mention'd, of the Pulp of Cassia and Tamarinds strain'd, and dissolv'd in a small quantity of the Li­quor, each one Ounce; boyl it again, stir it conti­nually, adding the follow­ing Powders; Sanders, Red and White, Rubarb, of each three Drams; of Red Roses, Violets, of the Seeds of Purslain, of En­dive and Barberries, of Gum-Tragacanth, and the Juice of Liquorish, each two Drams; of the Great­er Cold Seeds, each one Dram: Make an Electua­ry according to Art. This Medicine is cold and mois­tening, and good in Fe­vers.

Polypody, in Latin Po­lypodium.

The Root is rec­kon'd among Purging Me­dicines; but it purges very [Page 151] gently. 'Tis very proper in Obstructions of the Me­sentery, Liver and Spleen; for the Scurvy, and Hypo­chondriack Diseases. 'Tis generally used in Decocti­ons, with other purging Medicines. Take of the Root of Polypody of the Oak half an Ounce, of Dodder of Thyme three Drams, of Sena half an Ounce, of Tamarinds six Drams, of Coriander-seeds three Drams, of Yellow Sanders two Drams; boyl them in fourteen Ounces of Fountain-water till four Ounces are consum'd; add two Drams of Agarick, and one Dram and an half of Rubarb; strain it, and clarifie it, and add two Ounces of the purging Sy­rup of Apples: Take six Ounces once in three or four Days. This is proper for Melancholy People. Take of the Roots of Polypody, Bugloss, Scorzonera, Bark of Tamaris, and Roots of Cappars, each half an Ounce; of Spleen-wort one Handful and an half; of Agrimony, Maiden-hair, Balm, Dodder, and Tops of Hops, each half an Handful; of Flowers of Broom and Borage, each two Pugils; the Parings of four Pippins; boyl them, with a Chicken, in Spring-water, for thin Broth: Take a good Draught Morning and Evening, with fifteen Grains of Cream of Tartar dissolv'd in it, and fast two Hours after. This is good in Hy­pochondriack Diseases.

The Poplar-tree, in Latin Populus.

The Bark of Poplar, especially of the White Poplar, or Abele-tree, is used inwardly and outwardly for the Hip-Gout, for the Strangury, and Burns. Women use the Buds of Black Poplar to beautifie and thicken their Hair: They are good also to ease Pain. The Ointment is good for hot Swellings, to ease the Pain of them: And being ap­plied to the Nostrils and Temples, it disposes to Sleep. 'Tis made in the following manner: Take of the fresh Buds of the Black Poplar a Pound and an half, of the Leaves of Violets and Navelwort, [Page 152] each three Ounces; of new and unsalted Lard, clear'd from the Skin, and wash'd, two Pounds; beat them, and mingle them, and infuse them together in May; add the following Herbs bruis'd, of the ten­der Tops of Brambles, of the Leaves of Black Pop­py, Mandrake, Hen-bane, Night-shade, Lettice, House­leek Greater and Lesser, Bur-dock, each three Oun­ces; after the Tenth Day pour on them a Pint of Rose-water, boyl them o­ver a gentle Fire, stirring them continually, till all the superfluous Moisture is consum'd, then strain it, and keep it for use.

Red- Poppy, or Corn-Rose, in Latin Papaver Rheas.

The Flowers cool, and as­swage Pain, and dispose to Sleep. They are chiefly used in Fevers, for Pleuri­sies and Quinsies, and other Diseases (especially of the Breast) that need Cooling Medicines. And for im­moderate Fluxes of the Courses, the Powder, the distill'd Water, the Syrup▪ and the Conserve of them, are in use; but the Syrup is most in use, and is made in the following manner: Take of the fresh Flowers of Red Poppies two Pounds, pour upon them two Quarts of hot Fountain-water; press them out the next Day, and infuse the same quantity of Flowers in the Liquor as before, strain it, and with a quantity of Su­gar equal in weight to the Liquor, make a Syrup ac­cording to Art. Surfeit-water is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take what quantity of Brandy you please, steep a good quan­tity of Red Poppies there­in, the black Bottoms be­ing first cut off; when the Colour is extracted press them out, and put in fresh, and so do till the Brandy has a very deep Tincture; then put in Nutmegs, Cloves, Ginger and Cinna­mon, of each two Drams to a Quart of the Bran­dy; you may add some Fine Sugar if you think fit: Keep it close stop'd. 'Tis good for Surfeits, for Wind, or Illness of the Stomach.

White- Poppy, in Latin Papaver album.

The Seeds are used in Emulsions. The best Diacodium is made of the Heads and Seeds in the following man­ner: Take fourteen Oun­ces of the Heads of White-Poppies well dried, infuse them twenty four Hours in eight Pints of Fountain-water, boyl them well, then press them out, and put a Pound and an half of Sugar to the Liquor, then boyl it to a Syrup.

The Juice of Poppies thicken'd is called Opium: I mean, that which flows out of it self, the Head be­ing cut; for the Juice that is press' out is called Me­conium, which is much weaker than Opium. The Turks sow White-Poppies in Fields, as we do Wheat; and every one carries some about him in War and Peace. A certain Jew de­clar'd, that forty Camels laden with it come yearly from Paphlagonia, Cappado­cia, Galatia and Cilicia. A Turk can take a Dram at a time without any Injury. The best Opium is bitter and hot, and of a yellow Colour: It recreates the Spirits, and provokes Ve­nery. Liquid Laudanum is made in the following manner: Take of Spanish Wine one Pint, of Opium two Ounces, of Saffron one Ounce, of Cinnamon and Cloves powder'd, each one Dram; infuse them together in B. M. for two or three Days, till the Liquor has a deep Tincture; strain it, and keep it for use: The Dose is sixteen Drops. Matthews's Pill is made in the following manner: Take of Salt of Tartar, prepar'd with Niter, four Ounces; of Oyl of Tur­pentine eight Ounces; mix them, and let them stand in a moist and cold place eight, nine or ten Months, or more, till the Salt has taken up thrice its weight of Oyl, and is become one thick Mass, like Soap; in the mean time you must stir it often, and add the Oyl as it incorporates: Take of this Soap six Oun­ces, of the best Opium two Ounces, of Black and White Hellebore powder'd, and of Liquorish, each two [Page 154] Ounces; mix them exact­ly, adding as much Oyl of Turpentine as is sufficient to make a Mass for Pills, which must be kept moist with Oyl of Turpentine: The Dose is ten Grains. The Opiat-plaster is made in the following manner: Take of the Great Diachy­lon four Ounces, of Quick-silver two Ounces, of O­pium one Ounce; mingle them according to Art. This is good to ease Pain.

Primrose, in Latin Pri­mula veris.

'Tis hot and dry, and of an astringent Taste. 'Tis very good for Flegmatick and Melancho­ly Diseases, and for Flux­es of the Belly, and to strengthen the Stomach.

English- Prunes, or Plums, call'd Bullace, in Latin Pru­nus.

The White and Black are Cooling and Astringent: They are good for Fluxes of the Belly. The Flowers are Cathartick. The Gum dissolv'd in Vinegar, cures Tetters. Ropy Wine is cured in the following manner: Take the Fruit, beat and dry it in the Air; put more or less of it into the Vessel, according to the quantity of Wine; it must be well stirr'd a­bout, and then the Vessel must be stop'd up for eight or ten Days, and you will find it soon recover'd. The following Plums are most esteem'd: The Red, Blue and Amber Primordian; the Vio­let-Plum, Red, Blue and Am­ber, the Matchless, the Black and Green Damascene, the Morocco, the Barbary, the Myrobolane-Plum, the Apri­cock-Plum, the Cinnamon-Plum, the Great Mogul and Tawny-Plum, the White, Red and Black Pear-Plum, the Green Osterly-Plum, the Muscle-Plum, the Catalonia-Plum, the White and Black Prunella, the Bonum Mag­num, the Wheaten-Plum, the Cluster-Plum, the Queen-Mother-Plum, the Maiple-Plum, the Imperial-Plum, the Peach-Plum, the Pease-Cod-Plum, the Date-Plum, White, Yellow and Red; the Nutmeg-Plum, the Turky-Plum, the Prince-Plum, ripe last; the Lammas-Plum, the White Pear-Plum, and Da­mascens.

Pumpion, in Latin Pe­po.

'Tis cold, and very moist: It provokes Urine, the Nourishment of it is ve­ry small. The Seed is one of the four greater Cold Seeds.

Purflain, in Latin Por­tulaca.

'Tis cold and moist. It provokes Appetite. It cures Heat of Urine, and Running of the Reins. The Juice mix'd with Oyl of Roses, cures Burns and In­flammations. 'Tis good for Coughs, and Shortness of Breath.

QVince-tree, in Latin Malus Cydonia.

The Fruit is very agreeable to the Stomach. 'Tis astrin­gent, and cures Spitting of Blood, the Bloody-Flux, and all other Fluxes. The Mucilage of the Seeds ex­tracted with Spawn of Frog's-water, is an excel­lent Gargarism in Fevers. The Syrup of Quinces is made in the following man­ner: Take of the Juice six Pints, boyl half away, add three Pounds of Sugar, and make a Syrup: The Dose is one Ounce in some pro­per Water. Marmalade of Quinces is made in the fol­lowing manner: Pare the Quinces, cut them, and take out the Core; weigh them, and put them into cold Water; take the same quantity of Sugar, and dis­solve it with a little Wa­ter; boyl it, and take off the Scum; then put in the Quinces, and set them on a gentle Fire, close cover'd, till they are of a good Co­lour, then uncover them; then increase the Fire, and boyl them to a Jelly.

RAdish, in Latin Rapha­nus sativus.

'Tis oft­ner used in the Kitchin than for Medicine; but it is good for the Stone, and to force U­rine. It strengthens the Sto­mach, and helps Concoction.

Horse- Radish, in Latin Raphanus Rusticanus.

It pro­vokes Appetite, but it hurts the Head. It expels Gra­vel, [Page 156] and forces Urine, and is commended for Coughs; and is reckon'd a Specifick in the Scurvy. The Com­pounded Water of it is much in use, and is made in the following manner: Take of the Leaves of Gar­den and Sea-Scurvy-grass, gather'd in the Spring-time, each six Pounds; beat them, and press out the Juice; mingle with it the Juice of Water-cresses and Brook-lime, each a Pint and an half; of the best White-wine four Quarts, twelve Limons sliced, of the fresh Roots of Briony four Pounds, of Horse-Radish-roots two Pounds, of Wake-Robin-roots half an Ounce, of Winteran Bark, and Nut­megs, each four Ounces; in­fuse them three Days, and then distil them: The Dose is two Ounces. Take one Spoonful of the Shavings of Horse-Radish-roots, twelve Leaves of Scurvy-grass, twenty Raisins of the Sun stoned, put them into a Quart of Beer; let them stand close stop'd all Night, drink of it the next Day, at Meals, and at any other time. This has done much good in the Scurvy.

Common Rag-wort, in Latin Jacobaea vulgaris.

The Root has many large, white Fibres, that stick fast in the Ground. It has many times several Stalks, and some­times but one; they are round, channel'd, some­times smooth, sometimes downy, three Foot high, and sometimes higher, di­vided at the top into Branches. It has many long and large green Leaves, lying on the Ground, of a dark-green Colour, rent and torn in the Sides into many Pieces: The Leaves on the Stalks are the same. The Flow­ers are yellow, and consist of many Leaves; when they are ripe they turn in­to Down. The Seed is very small.

It cures Ulcers, Inflam­mations, and a Fistula. Be­ing applied hot to the Bel­ly, in form of a Cataplasm, it cures the Gripes.

Raspberry-bush, in La­tin Rubus Idaeus.

The Ber­ries are very cordial, and taste very well. The Sy­rup of it is very good in [Page 157] Fevers, and is made in the following manner: Take of the Clarified Juice, and of Sugar, equal Parts; make a Syrup. Take of the Syrup of Rasp-ber­ries and July flowers, each two Ounces; of the Juice of Kermes one Ounce; make a Mixture: Take a Spoonful every Morning. This is a Cordial for Wo­men before Delivery.

Rest-harrow, or Ca­mock, in Latin Anonis.

It spreads its Root far and near; they are white, and hard to break. The Stalks are woody, and three or four Foot high, round, hai­ry, and reddish; sometimes it has Prickles, and some­times not. The Flowers grow at the top, like Pease-blossoms. Small, round Cods contain the Seeds.

The Bark of the Root, and the Root it self, pro­vokes Urine, and expels Gravel, and eases the Pain of the Teeth, and opens Obstructions of the Liver, being infus'd in Wine, or boyl'd in Posset-drink, and taken inwardly for some time.

Rie, in Latin Secale.

'Tis the next Corn in goodness to Wheat. Bread made of it is black and heavy, and hard to digest; and it purges and gripes those that are not used to it; but it keeps moist long­er than Wheaten Bread. The course Flower of it put into a Cloth, and applied to the Head, cures inveterate Head-aches; and so applied, is good for Mad People.

Rocket, or Winter-Cresses, in Latin Barbarea.

It has an oblong, white, thick, Perennial Root, of an acrid Taste. The Stalks are a Cubit high, channel'd, strong, and full of Pith; with many Wings, where­in the Leaves are; lesser than those of Radish, and resembling the Leaf of Cresses at the Extremity of it, by extream Jags; they are of a dark-green Co­lour, and shine; they do not taste so quick as the Root. From the Wings of the Leaves, towards the Top-stalks, come many small Branches, whereon, as also on the Top-stalk, small yellow Flowers, con­sisting [Page 158] of four Leaves, run up into long Ears. The Cods are small, round, and about an Inch long, pressed to the Stalks, wherein are small Seeds, of a brown Colour. The whole Plant is smooth. The Flowers are placed on short Foot-stalks. It grows near Ditch­es, and Rivers, and Run­ning-waters; and some­times also on plow'd Grounds. It flowers in May and June.

'Tis acrid and hot, and much of the same Virtue with Cresses. 'Tis mix'd with Sallets, especially in the Winter-time, when Cres­ses are scarce; wherefore 'tis called Winter-Cress. 'Tis good in the Scurvy. The Juice of it is mix'd with Ointments, to cleanse sordid and impure Ulcers. The Seed is Lithontriptick, and Diuretick.

Wild- Rocket, in Latin Eruca sylvestris.

The Root is white, thick and long, and has many Stalks, with many Wings; they are channel'd, and a little hai­ry. The Leaves are cut in like Dandelion; they are smooth, and of a deep green Colour, and taste hot. The Flowers are yel­low. It has long, angled, upright Cods. The Seeds are like the Seeds of Wild Mustard; they are acrid, and bitterish. It grows up­on and about Walls, and among Rubbish.

'Tis hot and dry. 'Tis chiefly used to stimulate Venery, and for Preserva­tion against Apoplexies. Outwardly applied, it ex­tracts Splinters of Bones.

The Rose, in Latin Rosa.

There are several sorts of Roses: The Red Rose, the Damask-Rose, the Damask-Province-Rose, the Dog-Rose, the Pimpernel-Rose, the Greater Apple-Rose, the Sin­gle Cinnamon-Rose, the Dou­ble Cinnamon-Rose, the Wild Briar, or Muscovy, the Virginian Briar-Rose, the White Rose, the Musk-Rose, the Ever-green Rose, the Sin­gle Yellow Rose, the Double Yellow Rose, the Monthly Rose, the Monday-Rose, the Franc-fort-Rose, the Hungarian Rose, the York and Lancaster.

[Page 159] The Red Rose is astrin­gent, and bitter: It com­forts the Heart, and strengthens the Stomach. It cures the Whites, and an immoderate Flux of the Courses. It stops Erupti­tions of the Blood, and Fluxes of the Belly. A Decoction of it is used for the Head-ach, and Pains in the Eyes, Ears, Throat and Gums. The distill'd Wa­ter of it is Cordial, and re­freshes the Spirits. The fol­lowing Medicines are made of Red Roses: 1. The Vi­negar of Roses, which, mix'd with the distill'd Water, is good for Redness or Inflammations of the Eyes; and is used to bathe the Temples in the Head-ach, and to procure Sleep. 2. Aromaticum Rosatum; which is Cordial. 3. Con­serve of Roses; which is much in use for stopping Catarrhs, and Running of the Reins, and Fluxes of the Belly. 'Tis made in the following manner: Take of Red Roses one Pound; they must be ga­ther'd in a dry Season, be­fore they are quite spread; clip off the yellow Bottoms, beat them well in a Stone-Mortar, till they come to a Mass, like a Pulp; then add two Pounds of White Sugar, beat it with the Ro­ses till it is well mix'd; then put it into a Pot, co­ver'd only with a Paper, and let it stand in the Sun a Fortnight or three Weeks, stirring it once or twice a Week. Take of Conserve of Red Roses Vitriolated four Ounces, of the Ele­ctuary of Sassafras one Ounce, of Olibanum pow­der'd one Dram, of Diaco­dium a sufficient quantity; make an Electuary: Take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening. This is excellent for stopping Tickling Coughs. 4. The Tincture of Roses, made in the following manner, is commended for a Rheu­matism: Take of dried Red Roses one Ounce, of warm Water three Pints, of Spirit of Sulphure, or Vitriol, one Dram and an half; infuse them six Hours; to the strain'd Li­quor add half a Pound of White Sugar: Take a Draught twice or thrice a Day. 5. Strain'd Hony of [Page 160] Roses; which is good to wash the Mouth and Throat when they are sore, or any other Part. 6. Su­gar of Roses; which is good for Coughs. 7. Sy­rup of dried Roses; which is much in use, and is, in­deed, an excellent Medi­cine: It comforts the Heart, re [...]s Putrefaction and stops Fluxes of all sorts. 'Tis made in the following manner: Take two Quarts of hot Water, infuse in it half a Pound of Red Ro­ses, dried in the Sun; the next Day press it out, and with two Pounds of Sugar make a Syrup. 8. Oyl of Roses. 9. Electuary of Ro­ses. 10. Ointment of Ro­ses. Of Damask-Roses are made Syrup of Roses Solu­tive, a distill'd Water, A­loes Rosat, and Hony of Roses Solutive. The Sy­rup is much in use, and is made in the following man­ner: Take of hot Foun­tain-water two Quarts, of fresh Damask-Roses as ma­ny as the Water will con­tain; infuse them in a close Vessel twelve Hours, then press it out, and heat the Liquor again, and put the Roses in as before, and in­fuse them again; and so do three or four times, in­creasing the Quantity of Ro­ses as the Liquor increases; then add to six Parts of the Liquor, four Parts of Su­gar, and make a Syrup ac­cording to Art. It purges gently: It may be taken, from one Ounce to four. Hony of Roses Solutive is also Purging and Opening, and is often given in Cly­sters; and so is the Syrup. See Eglantine, or Sweet- Briar.

Rosemary, in Latin Rosmarinus.

The Leaves, the Flowers and Seeds are in use: They are Cepha­lick, Uterine, and proper for the Nerves. They are chiefly used for Diseases of the Head and Nerves; for Apoplexies, Palsies, Fal­ling-sickness, and Giddi­ness. They quicken the Sight, and help the Me­mory, and cure a Stink­ing Breath. They are used for the Whites, and Jaun­dice. And they comfort the Heart, and open Ob­structions of the Liver, Spleen and Womb. The [Page 161] Herb burnt, corrects the Air, and renders it whole­som in the time of a Plague. A Decoction of it in Wa­ter, taken before Exercise, cures the Jaundice. The Seed taken in Wine, does the same. The Tops of it infus'd in Wine or Beer, and taken daily, cure the Palsie, and other Diseases of the Nerves. The Flow­ers dried, and taken in a Pipe, like Tobacco, are good for a Cough and Con­sumption. The Chymical Oyl of it, taken in a pro­per Decoction, has cured many Tertian Agues: Four or six Drops are the Dose. A desperate and long Diar­rhaea has been cured with Rosemary-wine. The Queen of Hungary's Water is made of Flowers infus'd in Spirit of Wine.

Rue, in Latin Ruta.

It digests and cuts clammy and gross Humours. It expels Wind, and is a Preservative against the Plague, and other Malig­nant Diseases. It quickens the Sight, and suppresses Venery. It does good in a Pleurisie. It strengthens the Stomach, and cures the Cholick, and the Biting of a Mad Dog. It also pro­vokes the Courses, and U­rine. 'Tis used outwardly for the Biting of Serpents, for Carbuncles, and to drive away the Fits of Fe­vers. For an Epilepsie, take of the Juice of Rue one Ounce and an half, an Ounce of Oxymel of Squills mix'd. The distill'd Water of it is much in use for Hy­sterick Fits, and Uterine Diseases.

Rupture-wort, in La­tin Herniaria.

It covers the Ground with many Branches, which rise from a small Root; the Branches are round, and full of Joints. It has small Leaves, lesser than those of Thyme; they are of a yellowish green Co­lour, and of an acrid Taste. It has abundance of small, yellowish Flowers.

'Tis good for the Biting of a Viper. It wonderfully cures Ruptures, a Dram of the Herb, in Powder, being taken several times; or a Decoction of the Herb in Wine.

SAffron, in Latin Crocus.

The moderate use of it is good for the Brain. It renders the Senses brisk: It shakes off Sleep and Dul­ness, and chears and strengthens the Heart. It concocts the Crude Hu­mours of the Breast, and opens the Lungs, and frees them from Obstructions: And it is such an effectual Remedy for the Breast and Lungs, that it sometimes revives Consumptive Peo­ple, when they are, in a manner, worn out. 'Tis frequently used in Faint­ings, for Apoplexies, in the Jaundice, and for Obstru­ctions of the Liver, in the Plague, and other Malig­nant Diseases. 'Tis also good in an Asthma, mix'd with Oyl of Almonds. It provokes Urine, and the Courses, and hastens Deli­very. Half a Scruple, or a Scruple at most infus'd in Canary-wine, is very ef­fectual in the Jaundice. 'Tis much used to drive out the Small Pox; but, undoubtedly, it does many times much hurt, by infla­ming the Blood, and occa­sioning Frensies, and ma­king them Flux. But you may see at large the Mis­chiefs of hot Medicines and Methods, by Dr. Sydenham's Treatise of the Small Pox and Measles, which I trans­lated several Years ago. Tincture of Saffron is made in the following manner: Take of Saffron two Drams, of Treacle-water eight Ounces; digest them six Days, and strain out the Tincture, and keep it close stop'd for use.

Sage, in Latin Salvia.

Tis counted very whole­som; and therefore the Leaves are eaten in the Spring, with Butter, to purifie the Blood, and to preserve Health: But be­cause Toads are wont to harbour under it, it ought to be well wash'd before it be eaten. And to drive them away, and other Ve­nomous Animals, the Ita­lians plant Rue near it, or among it. 'Tis Diuretick, and provokes the Courses. 'Tis excellent for Diseases of the Head. For the [Page 163] Whites, take of Sage, Sar­saparilla and Balaustians, each one Dram, in Broth, in the Morning, for some Days. Being given with Hony, it stops Spitting of Blood. A Palsie in the Hands has been cured by washing them with Wine▪ wherein Sage was infus'd. A Palsie of the Muscles serving for Swallowing, is cured by washing of the Mouth and Throat with a Decoction of Sage, made in Wine. The same cures the Heart-burning, taken inwardly.

Wood- Sage, in Latin Salvia agrestis.

It provokes Urine, and the Courses; and is used for the French-Pox. 'Tis a good Wound-herb, either taken inward­ly, or outwardly appli­ed. 'Tis excellent for the Scurvy.

Sampire, in Latin Crithmum marinum.

'Tis a very juicy Herb, it spreads much, and is about a Foot high. The Leaves are broader and shorter than those of Fennel; and they are thicker, and not so much cut; they are of a deep green Colour, and of a saltish Taste. The Stalk is as green as a Leek. The Root is thick, long, and lasting; and of a sweet, acrid and Aromatick Taste.

Sampire pickled is very palatable, and agreeable to the Stomach. It provokes Urine moderately, and opens Obstructions of the Bowels, and excites Appe­tite.

Sanicle, in Latin Sani­cula.

The Root is bitter, hot, white within, black without, and is fibrous. The Leaves are of a shining Green, stiff, and almost round; they are divided into five Parts, and neatly indented. The Stalk is a­bout two Foot high, smooth, and without Knots. The Flowers are placed at the top, as it were in Umbels; they are small, and white, or a little reddish. Two Seeds succeed each Flower. It grows in Hedges and Woods, and flowers in May.

'Tis an excellent Wound-herb; and is boyl'd in Vul­nerary [Page 164] Decoctions, for out­ward and inward Wounds, for Eruptions of Blood, for Ulcers, and the Bloody-Flux. Take of the Leaves of Sanicle, and Millefoil, each one Dram and an half; Leaves of Ground-pine one Dram, of the Species of Diatragacanth frigid four Scruples, of Sal Prunella two Scruples; make them into a Powder, and with a sufficient quantity of Luca­tellus's Balsam, make a Mass of Pills: Take four Morning and Evening. These Pills are good for an Ulcer in the Bladder. The Starting of the Navel has been cured in many Chil­dren, with a Cataplasm made with Wine and this Herb, and bound close on; Comfrey, bruis'd, being ap­plied to the Small of the Back at the same time.

Savine, in Latin Sabi­na.

The Leaves dry and heat much. Being pow­der'd, and mix'd with Ho­ny, and applied, cure Ul­cers that run much; and cleanse those that are Sor­did; and stop those that are Eating. Mix'd with Cream, they cure Chil­dren's Scabby Heads. It forces the Courses, and causes Miscarriage: Upon which Account they are too well known, and too much used by Wenches. The Water of it takes off Spots from the Face. The Leaves of it bruis'd and applied to Children's Navels, kill Worms. The Oyl of it u­sed to their Bellies, does the like. A Spoonful of the Juice of it, mix'd with Milk, and sweeten'd with Sugar, has been given, with great Success, to Children that have had Worms: And it is really an extra­ordinary Medicine, and no way dangerous. 'Tis also frequently given to Horses, and other Cattel, for the same purpose. Take of the Leaves of dried Savine, of the Roots of Round Birth-wort, of Troches, of Myrrh, of Castor, each one Dram; of Cinnamon half a Dram, of Saffron one Scruple; mingle them, make a Powder: Give a Dram in Savin-water. This is used to expel a dead Child.

Savory, in Latin Satu­reia.

'Tis hot, and acrid. It provokes Urine, and the Courses. 'Tis good to sea­son Meats and Broths, and procures Appetite. 'Tis good for Diseases of the Breast and Womb: And it quickens the Sight. 'Tis used outwardly to discuss Tumours, and to ease the Pains of the Ears.

Meadow- Saxifrage, in Latin Saxifraga Anglica fa­cie seseli pratensis.

It has a long, wrinkly Root, black without, white within, of a sweet and Aromatick Taste, and somewhat a­crid. It has several Stalks, three or four Foot high, of the thickness of the Little Finger; they are round, channel'd, full of Pith, and reddish near the Earth; they are branchy from the bottom, the Branches com­ing, at great distances, from the Wings of the Leaves. The Leaves that come from the Roots, and those on the Stalks, are smooth, and of a dull Green, and are much cut in; they are somewhat like the Leaves of Fennel. At the top are Umbrels of Flowers, they are small, and consist of five Leaves, and are of a light yellow­ish Colour. The Seed is channel'd, and short. It smells like Parsnep. It grows in Meadows, and moist Pastures.

The Juice of it, the De­coction, the distill'd Wa­ter, and the Powder of the Seed, provoke Urine, ex­pel Gravel and Wind, and ease the Cholick. Take of the Water of Pellitory, Sa­xifrage, and Cowslips, each one Ounce; of London-Laudanum one Grain, of Diacodium six Drams; mingle them, make a Draught to be taken at Bed-time. This is used to expel Gravel.

Common Field- Scabious,in Latin Scabiosa major com­munior.

It has many soft, hairy, whitish green Leaves, some are much jag'd, some but little; they have small Threads in them, which may be seen by breaking them. It has many round, hairy, green Stalks, two or three Foot high; they have [Page] [Page 167] [...] [Page 166] hairy, green Leaves on them, deeply and neatly divided. At the top of the Stalks stand round Heads of Flowers, of a pale blu­ish Colour, many plac'd to­gether. The Root is white and thick, and grows deep in the Earth. It grows fre­quently in Pastures, and amongst Corn.

The Herb boyl'd in Wine, the Juice, or the distill'd Water, cures Im­posthumes, a Pleurisie, a Cough, and other Diseases of the Breast. 'Tis also good for a Quinsie, and the Plague: And it cures the Itch, and little Pocky Ulcers in the Fundament, and other Parts, called Rha­gades.

Scordium, or Water-Germander, in Latin Scor­dium.

The Stalk is an Hand high, or higher, and branchy. The Branches take Root in several pla­ces, and so it increases much. The Leaves grow two at a Joint; they are long, wrinkly, soft, whitish, hairy, and indented; and they smell like Garlick, and taste bitter; they are like Germander-leaves. The Flowers are like German­der-flowers; they are red.

Scordium is Alexiphar­mick, and Sudorifick. 'Tis chiefly used in the Plague, and Malignant Diseases, and for Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen and Lungs. Outwardly applied, it cleanses Wounds and Ul­cers, and eases the Pain of the Gout. Diascordium is made of it, and has its Name from it. Many Pe­stilential Buboes have been broken and cured with Scordium. The Compoun­ded Scordium-water is much in use; and is made in the following manner: Take of the clarified Juice of Goats-Rue, Sorrel, Scor­dium and Citron, each one Pound; of London-Treacle two Ounces; infuse them three Days, and then distil them in Glass. You may give two or three Ounces at a time.

Scurvy grass, in La­tin Cochlearia.

'Tis hot and dry, and abounds with a Volatile Salt: Upon [Page 167] which Account, it renders the fix'd and crude Hu­mours more Spiritous and Volatile. It cures those Diseases that proceed from too great a quantity of fix­ed Salts, but especially the Scurvy; upon which Ac­count it is call'd in English, Scurvy-grass. But, because the Parts wherein the chief Virtue of this Plant con­sists are very Volatile, and soon dissipated by boyling, the Juice, or an Infusion of the Herb, is much more effectual than the Deco­ction. The Scurvy is a Disease very frequent a­mong those that live on the Sea-shore, especially in the North; and among such as feed chiefly upon Salt-fish. Solenander says, such kind of Plants grow in every Region, by the Appointment of God Al­mighty, which most agree with the People and Ani­mals that are there bred. Nay, he says, he could tell what were the Diseases of any Country, by seeing the Herbs that were most common in it. As, Among the Danes and Dutch, with whom the Scurvy is ve­ry frequent, Scurvy-grass grows plentifully. Take of Conserves of Scurvy-grass, Roman Wormwood, and Fumatory, each two Ounces; of the Powder of the Winteran-bark, and of the Root of Angelica, and of Wake-Robin, each two Drams; of the Species of the three Sanders one Dram and an half, of Crabs-eyes powder'd one Dram, of Salt of Wormwood two Drams; make an Electu­ary with a sufficient quan­tity of Syrup of Citron-bark: Take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening, for the space of three Weeks, drinking pre­sently after it a quarter of a Pint of the following An­ti-scorbutick Wine: Take of the Leaves of Scurvy-grass four Handfuls, of Horse-Radish sliced four Ounces, of the Winteran-bark half an Ounce, the outward Rinds of four O­ranges, and four Limons; put them all into a Glass well stop'd, add to them six Quarts of White-wine; keep the Bottle in a cool place, and pour the Li­quor out as you use it. [Page 168] Provide four Gallons of Small Ale, and, instead of Hops, boyl three Handfuls of Pine-tops: When the Beer has done Working in the Vessel, hang in the Ves­sel a Canvas-bag, with three Handfuls of Scurvy-grass in it, four Ounces of the Roots of Sharp-pointed Docks prepar'd, and the Rinds of four Oranges; when it is clear, drink of it for your ordinary Beer; you must put Stones or Bullets into the Bag, to make it sink: But before you begin to take of these Medicines, you must bleed once, and purge twice. The Spirits of Scurvy-grass, Golden and Plain, as they are called, are much used by some Coun­try-people; but they are not near so effectual as the Anti-scorbutick Wine a­bove-mention'd; for in­deed, the best parts of the Scurvy-grass, I mean the the Volatile Salts, fly away, and are lost, in preparing the Spirit; so that scarce any thing remains, but Flegm, and an empty Name. See Dr. Willis of the Scurvy, pag. 263. Says he there, The Virtue evapo­rates by Boyling.

Self-heal, in Latin Pru­nella.

The Root grows a­wry, and has some pretty large Fibres. The Stalk is nine Inches or a Foot high, or higher, hairy, and four­square, and creeps by Fi­bres that come from the lower Joints. The Leaves are placed by Intervals, upon long Foot-stalks; they are like the Leaves of Mar­joram, or Basil, but larger, and hairy; they are so fine­ly indented about the Edg­es, that it is scarce visible. The Flowers are purple, and are placed upon a Spike at top; the Flower varies sometimes. It grows every where among Pa­stures, and flowers in June.

'Tis much of the same Virtue with Bugules. 'Tis used outwardly in Wounds, and often in a Quinsie, and other Diseases of the Mouth and Jaws. A Gargarism being made of the De­coction, or distill'd Water of it.

Shepherd's-purse, in Latin Bursa pastoris.

'Tis sometimes an Hand, a Foot, sometimes three or four Foot high, or higher. It has a small, strait, white, fibrous Root; it tastes sweetish, but nauseous. The Leaves that come from the Root are oblong, and sometimes whole, but most commonly jagg'd deep, the Jags ending in an Acute Point; they are a little hairy, and have Foot-stalks an Inch long; or they are rather enlarg'd by degrees, from a narrow Beginning; for the upper­most upon the Stalks, with a broad Basis, grow with­out those Foot-stalks, and are not jagg'd at all; they have an Ear at each Side: From the middle of the Leaves, one, two, three, or four, or more Stalks rise, divided into Branches, pla­ced alternately. The Top-stalks and Branches run up, as it were, into long Ears of Flowers, which are pla­ced on small Foot-stalks, about half an Inch long: The Flowers are small and white, compos'd of four small, undivided Leaves, with Threads, bearing yel­low Tufts. When the Flowers fall, the Foot-stalks increase to the length of an Inch, and bear the Receptacles of the Seeds, that are sharp at the Be­ginning, and end in a large Purse, divided into two Parts; a great many small Seeds are contain'd in each Vessel; they are reddish when they are ripe.

'Tis astringent, and thic­kens; wherefore 'tis good for Bleeding at Nose, a Tent made of Cotton, be­ing dip'd in the Juice of it, and put up the Nostrils. 'Tis also proper in a Dy­sentery, a Diarrhaea, and for Bloody Urine, and the immoderate Flux of the Courses. 'Tis outwardly used by the Common Peo­ple, to heal Wounds, with good Success. 'Tis also put into Febrifuge Cataplasms for the Wrists.

Silver-weed, in Latin Argentina.

This Plant takes its Name from the soft and Silver-Down of its Leaves. The Root is sometimes sin­gle, cover'd with a blackish [Page 170] Bark, sometimes fibrous; it tastes astringent. It has many Leaves near the Earth; they are like the Leaves of Agrimony, and are deeply indented about the Edges. It sends out, on every Side, Shoots, whereby it increases won­derfully, like Straw-berries. The Flowers are yellow, and consist of five roundish Leaves, not indented, and are placed single, on long, hairy Foot-stalks. It grows frequently near Foot-paths, and in moist Places, where the Water has stagnated all the Winter.

It cools moderately, and is very astringent: Upon which Account it cures Spitting of Blood, and the immoderate Flux of the Womb and Belly. 'Tis good for the Stone in the Kidnies; and is very use­ful in curing Wounds and Ulcers' 'Tis much com­mended for easing the Pain of the Teeth, and for re­moving the Putrefaction of the Gums. 'Tis good to asswage the Heat of Fe­vers; which it does very powerfully, being beaten with Salt and Vinegar, and applied to the Soles of the Feet, and the Arm-wrists. The Women in England use the distill'd Water of it to take off Freckles, Spots and Botches from the Face, and when they are Sun-burnt. The Root of it, which they call Moors, in Yorkshire, about Settle, are eaten by the Boys in Winter; for they taste sweet, and are as pleasant as Parsnips. Hogs dig them up, and eat them greedily. 'Tis affirm'd, that being worn in the Shooes, it will cure the Bloody-Flux, Bleeding at Nose, and all immoderate Fluxes of the Belly. Hartman says, That having used it this way, it has done good when all o­ther Means signified nothing.

Smallage, in Latin A­pium.

'Tis hot and dry. It incides, and opens; up­on which Account it is rec­kon'd among the five O­pening Roots: It provokes Urine and the Courses, and expels Gravel: It cures the Jaundice. The Seed is reckon'd among the Lesser Hot Seeds. The use of this [Page 171] Herb certainly injures those that are afflicted with the Falling-sickness: But being translated into Gardens, it becomes more gentle, and less ungrateful; for in Italy and Spain they eat the ten­der Leaves of it, and the upper part of the Root, with Oyl and Pepper.

Sneez-wort, in Latin Ptarmica.

The Root grows awry, and is, as it were, jointed, and has many long Fibres that are pretty large; it tastes acrid, and hot. It has several brittle Stalks, a Yard high, or more, and sometime not near so high; they are divided into seve­ral Branches, whereon are placed narrow, long Leaves, pointed, and finely indented about the Edges. At the top grow many white Flowers in a Tuft, with a yellowish Thrum in the middle. It grows in moist places, and flowers in July.

It tastes hot and acrid. The Powder of it provokes Snee­zing. The Root chewed ca­ses the Pain in the Teeth, by evacuating Flegm. The Herb is mix'd with Sallets, to correct cold Herbs.

Solomon's-seal, in La­tin Polygomaton,

The Root is a Finger thick, unequal and tuberous, with a great many Fibres, and of a sweetish Taste. The Stalk is two or three Foot high, round, and smells ill if it be rub'd or cut; it is bent like a Bow. The Leaves are placed one above ano­ther; they are large, and like the Leaves of the Lilly of the Vallies; they are nervous, and of a shining dark Green above, of a grayish Colour underneath. At the Foot of every Leaf, almost from the bottom to the top, hang long, white and hollow Flowers; and after them, small, round Berries, green at first, and bluish when they are ripe, wherein are small, stony Seeds; they are white.

'Tis Astringent, and Vul­nerary: It stops all Fluxes; it cements broken Bones. And the Root boyl'd in Wine and drank, is excel­lent for Contusions and Ruptures. Used outward­ly it takes off Spots, and whitens the Skin. Four­teen or fifteen of the Ber­ries [Page 172] purge Flegm, upwards and downwards. For the Whites, take Candied Roots of Solomon's-seal; and it is an excellent Re­medy. 'Tis also counted good for the Falling-sick­ness.

Sope-wort, in Latin Saponaria.

It creeps in the Ground, with small-jointed Roots. The Bark of the Root is reddish. The Stalks are three Foot high, or higher, round, smooth and reddish; they have many Joints, are full of Pith, and can scarce sustain themselves. The Leaves are placed by Pairs, at the Joints, opposite to one ano­ther, three large Nerves running all along them; they are like Plantain-leaves; they are smooth, have a nitrous Taste, and short or no Foot-stalks at all. The Flowers are pla­ced in Tufts, on the top of the Stalks, every one on a short Foot-stalk; they are of a pale-red Colour, sweet, and compos'd of five Leaves. The small, round­ish Seeds are contain'd in an oblong Vessel that is thick about the Middle. It grows near Rivers, and Standing-waters. It flow­ers in June, July, August and September.

The Root and Leaves are used in Physick, but it is but seldom. 'Tis used for an Asthma, and to pro­voke the Courses. And a Decoction of it is much commended for the French-Pox. Outwardly applied, it discusses Tumours. Clothes are cleansed from Greasie Spots, by washing them with this Herb.

The Sorbe, or Quicken-tree, in Latin Sorbus sylve­stris.

'Tis a Tree of a mid­dle stature. The Bark is of a light Red, and spot­ted. The Leaves are sharp, indented, and smooth; a­bove green, below whitish. The Flowers are many, white▪ and sweet; and are placed in Umbels. The Berries are green at first; when they are ripe, of a darke Red; they taste ill.

The Berries yield an a­cid Juice, which purges Water excellently well; [Page 173] and is very good for the Scurvy. The Liquor which drops from the wounded Tree in the Spring, cures the Scurvy, and Diseases of the Spleen.

Common- Sorrel, in La­tin Acetosa vulgaris.

It grows in Pastures and Mea­dows.

'Tis cold and dry. It provokes Appetite, sup­presses Choler, and quench­es Thirst; wherefore 'tis frequently used in Fevers. The Juice may be mix'd with Broths, or the Leaves boyl'd in them. In Sum­mer 'tis good Sauce for most Meats. The Roots of it dried, and boyl'd, give a delicate Tincture to the Water.

Sheep's- Sorrel, in Latin Acetosa arvensis lanceolata.

It grows in Sandy and dry Grounds.

It has the same Virtues with Common Sorrel.

Roman or French- Sor­rel, in Latin Acetosa rotun­difolia.

The form of the Leaf sometimes varies; be­ing sometimes round, like Scurvy-grass, or the Lesser Celandine; sometimes, like Spinache, pointed like an Arrow; of a Sky or pale Colour, and of a delicate sharp Taste. The Stalks are bare, and above two Foot high. The little Flow­ers are compos'd of yellow and red Threads. The Root is small, and creeps; and is less acid, and drier than the Leaves. 'Tis common in Gardens.

It has the same Virtues with the former.

Wood- Sorrel, in Latin Trifolium acetosum vulgare.

It grows commonly in sha­dy places, in Woods and Hedges.

It has the same Virtues with the former. The Sy­rup, the Conserve, and the distill'd Water of it are in use. The distill'd Water is used to wash the Mouth in the St. Anthony's Fire, and to cleanse Sordid Ul­cers. 'Tis observ'd, that when it bears a great ma­ny Flowers, the Year will [Page 174] be very rainy; but dry when there is a few.

Sothernwood, in La­tin Abrotanum.

'Tis some­what astringent, and dis­cusses much. It resists Pu­trefaction and Poyson. It cures the Biting of Ve­nomous Creatures, kills Worms, and forces Urine. It cures Hysterick Fits, and the Jaundice. The Tops of it boyl'd in Wine or Water, and sweeten'd with Hony or Sugar, do much good in an Asthma, and Difficulty of Breath­ing; and helps Expectora­tion. 'Tis used outwardly to strengthen Bones.

Marsh- Sparagus, in Latin Asparagus palustris.

'Tis found in many places: As, in the Marishes near Bristol, and about Harwich in Essex, &c. It differs on­ly from the Garden-Spara­gus by the Place of its Growth, and the Accidents that proceed from thence; for the saltness of it, and the thickness of the Leaves, and the largeness of the Berries, are to be imputed to the Sea; for the like is wont to happen to other Plants that grow near the Sea.

The Root is Diuretick, and Lithontriptick; and is one of the five Opening Roots. It opens the Ob­structions of the Liver and Spleen, and especially of the Kidnies; and therefore it is frequently used in Diu­retick Decoctions. The Stalks boyl'd gently, ac­cording to Custom, and eaten, loosen the Belly, and provoke Urine; but they make it smell ill. A De­coction of the Root drunk, relieves those that make Water difficultly, and those that have the Jaundice, and others that are afflict­ed with Nephritick Pains, or the Hip Gout. But the frequent use of Diureticks occasions Ulcers in the Bladder.

Spatling, or White Poppy, in Latin Behen al­bum.

The Root is woody, thick and white. The Stalks are two or three Foot high, or more, small, round, smooth and jointed, and divided into Wings at [Page 175] the top. At every Joint are two Leaves, opposite to one another, like Cam­pian, but smooth, very a­crid and bitterish, with a certain Sweetness. The Flowers are white, or of a light Purple Colour. It grows amongst Corn.

'Tis commended for Fo­mentations, and Sweating-baths. The Juice takes off Inflammations of the Eyes, and eases the Pain of them. The Seed purges Flegm, and is used in the Falling-sickness.

Male- Speed-well, in Latin Veronica mas supina & vulgatissima.

It creeps upon the Ground, and sends down Roots from the Joints. The Stalks are small, round, long, hairy, and jointed. The Leaves are set by Pairs at the Joints; they are hairy, and indented about the Edges; they taste bitterish and a­crid. The Flowers are placed upon a Spike; they are compos'd of four light purple Leaves. The Seed is contain'd in small Husks, like Shepherd's-purse. It grows plentifully in dry Pastures, and amongst Heath.

'Tis Vulnerary, and Su­dorifick. 'Tis used in Ob­structions of the Lungs, and Spleen; for the Cho­lick, Consumption, Plague, Wounds, and Itch. A large Dose of the Deco­ction, taken for some time, expell'd a Stone from the Kidny of a Woman, that had been there sixteen Years. A Woman that had been barren seven Years, conceiv'd by taking the Powder of it in the di­still'd Water of the Herb for many Days. The Sy­rup of it is of great use in Diseases of the Lungs. One that had an incurable Ulcer in his Leg, found present Ease by dipping Rags in the Water, and applying them; for it took off the Inflammation, and all the Symptoms that ac­companied it. One that had a Fistula in the Breast, and had used several Me­dicines in vain, was cured by the inward use of this Water. Scabby Children have been cured by Rags [Page 176] dip'd in this Water, and press'd out, and applied over the Scabs, when o­ther Medicines would do no good: But it is conve­nient for the Nurse to take Fumatory in Whey at the same time.

Common- Spignel, in Latin Meum.

It has some­times one, sometimes ma­ny Roots, above nine Inch­es long: From the Sides of which grow most com­monly oblique Roots, which are pretty long, of a dark brown Colour without, white within; it smells like a Parsnip, but more Aro­matick. It has several long Stalks of Leaves, as small as an Hair; they are placed thick on both sides of the Stalk; they smell well. It has also round, stiff Stalks, like those of Fennel, but much less; they are channel'd, empty and branchy; and have Umbels of white Flowers on them, like Dill. The Seeds are large, great, and channel'd. It grows plen­tifully in Westmorland, near Sidleberg.

It expels Wind, and forces Urine and the Cour­ses; and is used for Mo­ther-fits, for the Gripes, Catarrhs, and to help Ex­pectoration. 'Tis an In­gredient in several Com­positions; in Treacle, and many other. Those that have vow'd Chastity must not use it, for it is a great Provocative to Venery. And it causes the Head­ach.

Spinache, in Latin Spi­nachia.

'Tis much used in the Kitchin. 'Tis good in Fevers; and it loosens the Belly. It cools, and moist­ens; and is good in a dry Cough.

Spindle-tree, in Latin Euonimus.

'Tis a little, branchy Tree, or rather Shrub, eight or ten Foot high. The Suckers are of a pleasant green Colour, and the young Branches are four-square; the Wood is whitish, it has divers Branches. The Leaves are oblong, sharp, and indent­ed. Soon after the Begin­ning of Spring the pale Flowers come forth; they [Page 177] are compos'd of four Leaves. After the Flow­ers, come forth red Berries, divided into four parts; and in each is a white, hard Seed. The whole Tree has a strong and unplea­sant Smell. 'Tis common in Hedges.

Three or four of the Berries vomit and purge. Women use the Powder of the Berries to kill Lice.

Spleen-wort, in Latin Asplenium.

The Root con­sists of Capillary Threads, that are blackish and Pe­rennial. The Leaves are many, but not a Finger long; they are placed upon short Foot-stalks; they are somewhat fat above, and downy under, and cleft, like Polypody; they are seldom an Inch broad. It grows frequently in the West, upon old Walls, viz. about Bristol, and the Stones at St. Vincent's Rock, &c.

'Tis called Spleen-wort, because it is effectual in cu­ring Diseases of the Spleen. 'Tis chiefly used for Swel­lings of the Spleen, for Spitting of Blood, and a Loosness. Outwardly used, it cleanses Wounds and Ul­cers. One Dram of the Golden Powder on the Under-side of the Leaves, with half a Dram of White Amber powder'd, drunk in the Juice of Purslain, or Plantain, relieves those wonderfully that have a Gonorrhaea.

Straw-berry, in La­tin Fragraria.

The Fruit cools and moistens. The distill'd Water of it com­forts the Heart, purges the Blood, and cures Ulcers of the Mouth; and is good in a Quinsie, the Mouth being gargled with it. 'Tis Diuretick, and expecto­rates. Those that are trou­bled with hot Pushes in the Face, or a dry Itch in the Body, should take two Spoonfuls of the Water every Morning. The same quantity, at the same time, is good for those that have the Stone; for it cools the Reins, and expels Gravel. A Decoction of the whole Herb is very good for the Jaundice. Take of the [Page 178] Waters of Wood-Sorrel, of the whole Citron, of Straw­berries, each four Ounces; of the Syrup of the Juice of Citron one Ounce, of Prepar'd Pearls one Dram; make a Julap: Take four Spoonfuls three or four times a Day. This is good in Fevers, to attemperate the Blood.

Succory, in Latin Ci­choreum.

The Root is as thick as the Thumb, and full of Milk. It has many Stalks, which are round and hairy. The Stalks of the Wild Succory are crooked, and sometimes four Foot high. The Branches at top are much divided. Some of the Leaves are cut deep, like Dandelion; others are whole, or but little indent­ed: Those on the Stalks are placed alternately, without Foot-stalks; they are long, and end acute, and are hairy on both sides. The Flowers are blue, sometimes white, and red­dish; many come out toge­ther from the Wings of the upper Leaves. The whole Plant is very bitter.

'Tis counted cold by some Authors; but its bit­ter Taste argues Heat. 'Tis Diuretick: It attenuates, and cleanses. 'Tis chiefly used in Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and for Fevers. The Water di­still'd from the blue Flow­ers is an excellent Reme­dy for Inflammations and Dimness of the Eyes. The Leaves boyl'd, and eaten with Vinegar, cure a Go­norrhaea. The Flowers of this Plant open and shut at Sun-rising and Sun-set­ting, whether the Heavens are clear or cloudy. The Roots of Succory, the mid­dle Bark of the Elder, the Twigs of Bitter-sweet, Wormwood, and the Roots of Sharp-pointed Dock, cure a Dropsie and Obstructions with expedition, and expel Wind. Syrup of Succory, with Rubarb, is much in use, and is an excellent Purge for Children, and is made in the following man­ner: Take of Whole Bar­ly, of the Roots of Smal­lage, Fennel and Sparagus, each two Ounces; of Suc­cory, Dandelion, Smooth South-thistle, and Endive, [Page 179] each two Handfuls; of Garden-Lettice, Liverwort, Fumatory, and the Tops of Hops, each one Handful; of Venus-hair, White Mai­den-hair, Spleen-wort, Li­quorish, the Seed of Win­ter-Cherry, and Dodder; each six Drams; boyl these in six Quarts of Fountain-water, till two Quarts be consum'd; strain the Li­quor, and put in six Pounds of White Sugar; boyl it a while, then add six Oun­ces of Rubarb, and six Drams of Spikenard, put into a Bag, which must be infus'd a while in the hot Liquor; then strain it, and boyl it to the Consistence of a Syrup. Succory-water is also in use.

Sun-dew, in Latin Ros solis.

Many Leaves come from a small, fibrous Root; they are placed on long Foot-stalks, that are hairy above; they are almost round, like an Ear-picker, a little concave, and of a pale-green Colour, with a small, red Fringe round them; they have always a Dew on them in the hot­test Day. From the middle of the Leaves rise up two or three round, small, red­dish Stalks, of an Hand or half a Foot high; they have no Leaves on them. It has many whitish Flow­ers, placed one above an­other, on short Foot-stalks. Oblong Seminal Vessels, in shape and bigness like Wheat, succeed the Flow­ers; they are full of Seeds. It grows plentiful­ly in Sir William Goring's Park, near Petworth, in Sussex; and in many other places.

Botanists differ about the Virtue of this Plant: Some commend it for a Consumption, the Plague-wounds, and the Falling-sickness: But others, with good Reason, forbid the inward use of it; for it is so Caustick, that being put on the Skin, it will cause Ulcers. 'Tis very injurious to Sheep, for it burns up their Lungs, and gives them a deadly Cough. Upon which Ac­count it is called the Red-Rot. A Strong-water made with it was formerly much in use. Many superstitious [Page 180] Things are reported of this Plant, which I design­edly omit.

TAmarisk, in Latin Tamariscus.

'Tis ex­cellent for Diseases of the Spleen. A Decoction of the Bark stops the Courses, and an immoderate Flux of the Hemorrhoids: It set­tles the Teeth when they are loose, and eases the Pain of them; and is good for Ulcers of the Mouth, for the Leprosie, Itch, and other Ulcers; for Me­lancholy, the Black-Jaun­dice, and a Dropsie, occa­sion'd by an hard and ob­structed Spleen. Take of Steel one Ounce, of the Middle-bark of the Ash, Tamarisk, Roots of Ca­pers, each half an Ounce; of Sassafras, and Juniper, each six Drams, of the Roots of Elecampane, An­gelica, Galangal, Sweet-smelling Flag, each two Drams; Shavings of Harts­horn, Ivory, Yellow San­ders, each▪ three Drams; the Leaves of Wormwood, Ground-pine, Spleen-wort, Dodder, Balm, German­der, each two Pugils; the Flowers of Bugloss, Bo­rage, Scabious, Broom, each one Pugil; of Cin­namon half an Ounce; Cloves, Ginger, Mace, Nutmegs, each two Drams; beat them grosly, and pour on them two Quarts of White-wine, and infuse them in a Glass well stop­ped, in B. M. three or four Days; strain it, and take four Spoonfuls every Morn­ing. This is good for Me­lancholy, and Pains in the Stomach.

Common Tansie, in La­tin Tanacetum.

'Tis Vul­nerary, Uterine, and Ne­phritick. 'Tis used for the Worms, the Gripes, and the Stone in the Kidnies and Bladder; for Obstru­ction of the Courses, Wind, and a Dropsie. The Juice of it applied to the Hands and Feet, cure the Chaps of them, Scabby Ulcers, and the Itch. A Conserve of the Leaves and Tops re­sists Putrefaction, purifies the Blood, and opens Ob­structions. [Page 181] One was cured of an Obstinate Dropsie by the Decoction of it. Take of the Conserve of Tansie, Fumatory, Wood-Sorrel, each two Ounces; of the Compounded Powder of Wake-Robin three Drams; of Ivory, Crabs-eyes, and Coral prepar'd, each one Dram; of Yellow Sanders powder'd, and of the Wood of Aloes, each half a Dram; of Salt of Steel one Dram, of Salt of Wormwood one Dram and an half, of the Syrup of the Five Opening Roots a sufficient quanti­ty; make an Electuary: Take the quantity of a Chesnut Night and Morn­ing. This is good for the Scurvy, and to strengthen the Blood.

Tarragon, in Latin Dracunculus hortensis.

'Tis used frequently in Sallets, to correct cold Herbs, and the Crudities of them. 'Tis good for those that have cold Stomachs. It procures Appetite, and expels Wind. It provokes Urine, and the Courses, and opens Ob­structions. Being chew'd, it evacuates Flegm, and so eases the Pain of the Teeth. 'Tis also Sudo­rifick.

Teasel, Fuller's-Thistle, or Venus's Basin, in Latin Dipsacus.

The Roots of it boyl'd in Wine, cure Ul­cers of the Fundament, cal­led Rhagades, and Warts. The Water that is receiv'd in the hollowness of the Leaves, is good for Inflam­mations of the Eyes: It al­so takes off Spots from the Face, and beautifies it. Boyl'd in Wine, it purges by Urine. But Cloth-workers use it chiefly.

Dwarf-Carline- Thistle, in Latin Carduus acaulis.

The Leaves lie on the Ground, in a Circle; they are of a green Colour, and very prickly; they are cut in deep, and are hairy; they have either no Stalks at all, or but one, an Inch, or an Inch and an half high. The little Heads are oblong, and not at all prickly. The Flowers are purple. The Root is as long as the Little Finger, and has some thickish Fi­bres, and grows awry: [Page 182] 'Tis of a reddish Colour, especially within, and tastes somewhat Aromatick. It grows commonly on Hills, and in dry Places, and on Stony Grounds, on the Downs in Sussex.

'Tis Alexipharmick, and Sudorifick. It prevents and cures the Plague, if it be taken in time. 'Tis Diu­retick, and good in a Drop­sie. Philip Melancton, when he was afflicted with Hy­pochondriack Pains, used this Herb, and commended it much.

Milk- Thistle, or Ladies-Thistle, in Latin Carduus Mariae.

The Leaves have white Spots; they are long, and broad, and very prickly. The Stalk is chan­nel'd, downy, and five or six Foot high; and is divi­ded into many Branches. The Brush is so prickly, that it cannot be handled. The Root is long, and thick. It grows frequent­ly in Hedges and Ditches.

'Tis supposed to have the same Virtue with the Blessed Thistle, called com­monly Carduus. But it is oftner used in the Kitchin, than for Medicine. The Decoction of it is used with good Success, in Obstru­ctions of the Liver, of the Bowels, and of Urine; wherefore it is good in the Jaundice, for the Dropsie, and the Stone in the Kid­nies. The distill'd Water of it cures the Diseases of the Sides. 'Tis chiefly used outwardly, in Eating Ul­cers, Rags being dip'd in the Water, and applied to the Sores. The Seed is fre­quently used in Emulsions, with other Seeds, for a Pleu­risie. The tender Leaves, the Prickles being cut off, are boyl'd with Pot-herbs, and eat very well. 'Tis kept in Gardens, and is used in Sallets, and the like. Take of the Water of Ladies-Thistle ten Oun­ces, of Eratick Poppy-wa­ter three Ounces, of the Syrup of the same one Ounce, of Prepar'd Pearl one Dram; mix them: Take six Spoonfuls every fourth Hour. This Julap is used in a Peripneumonia, or Inflammation of the Lungs.

The Blessed Thistle, in Latin Carduus Benedictus.

The whole Plant is very bitter, except the Root. This Thistle was called Blessed, or Holy, for its excellent Virtues. It was sent out of India, to Frede­rick III. Emperor; tho' it was afterwards found to grow of its own accord in Europe. The Decoction of it is best. 'Tis commended for the Falling-sickness, for Giddi­ness in the Head, and Deaf­ness; also for the Cholick, for the Stone in the Kid­nies, and for the Hip-Gout. But it is chiefly prais'd for its Virtue against the Plague; either taken in­wardly, for Prevention, or to cure it by provoking Sweat; or outwardly ap­plied, to break the Buboes. Our People use it common­ly in Posset-drink, to pro­mote Sweating: And, by taking a large quantity of it, they cleanse the Sto­mach by Vomiting. There is scarce any thing better for curing Putrid Ulcers. A Woman, whose Breasts were quite consum'd by a Cancer, was restor'd to Health by the distill'd Wa­ter of it, and by sprinkling the Powder of the Leaves on the Ulcers. A Girl that took Poyson, was cured by the use of this Water, when Treacle, and other Alexi­pharmicks would do no good. 'Tis also much com­mended for the Scurvy. Take of Carduus-water compounded, and Scordi­um-water, each three Oun­ces; Treacle-water two Ounces; make a Julap: Take six Spoonfuls every sixth Hour. This is good in the Plague.

Thorn-Apple, in Latin Stramonium.

An Ointment made of the Juice of the Leaves, and Lard, is very good for Burns and Scalds. The Seed powder'd, and taken in Beer, occasions Madness for twenty four Hours. Thieves give it to those they intend to rob. And Wenches give half a Dram of it to their Lovers, in Beer or Wine. Some are so well skill'd in Dosing of it, that they can make Men mad for as many Hours as they please.

Thorow-wax, in La­tin Perfoliata.

The Root is single, white and woody, and tastes sweet. It has one small, stiff, smooth, round, channel'd, concave, jointed Stalk, a Foot, or two Foot high, of an Aro­matick Smell when it is cut or broken. The Leaves are almost oval, smooth, and bluish: Little Nerves run obliquely, from the Centre of the Leaf, to the Circumference of it. The Stalk passes through the Leaf, which is divided into Branches at top, whereon stand Tufts of small, yel­low Flowers. The Seed is small, and blackish.

The Decoction of the Herb in Wine, or the Leaves powder'd, are giv­en for Ruptures and Con­tusions. 'Tis also used for the King's-Evil, for Fra­ctures, and an Erysipe­las.

Throat-wort, in Latin Trachelium.

The Root is white, and sweet. The Stalks are three or four Foot high, or higher, about the thickness of the Little Finger; they are chan­nel'd, hairy, and purplish. The Leaves are placed al­ternately on the Stalks; they are hairy, and like the Leaves of Nettles; the Under are placed on long Foot-stalks, the Upper on short ones. The Flowers are like a Bell, and of a bluish Colour.

The whole Plant, espe­cially the Root, is astrin­gent, and drying; and therefore the Decoction of it is good to be used at the Beginning of Ulcers and In­flammations of the Mouth, and Tonsils; and for other Diseases that require astrin­gent Remedies.

Wild Thyme, in Latin Serpyllum.

It grows on Hills, and dry Grounds.

'Tis hot and dry. It forces the Courses, and U­rine. 'Tis Cephalick, U­terine, and Stomachick. 'Tis good for Spitting of Blood, and Convulsions, and for Gripes. Outward­ly applied, it cures Head-aches, and Giddiness; and disposes to Sleep.

Toad-flax, in Latin Linaria lutea vulgaris.

It creeps much, with white, hard, woody Roots. It has many Stalks, a Foot, or two Foot high; they are smooth, and bluish; they have many sharp, narrow Leaves, plac'd disorderly; they are branchy at top. The yellow Flowers are placed on a Spike, at the top of the Branches, each on a short Foot-stalk. The Seed is round. The whole Plant tastes bitterish, and a little acrid.

A small Glass of the di­still'd Water, with a Dram of the Powder of Ground-Elder mix'd with it, eva­cuates Urine powerfully in a Dropsie. The Water al­so purges by Stool, and cures the Jaundice; but especially, the Decoction of the Herb in Wine, which also opens Obstructions of the Liver. The Water or the Juice drop'd into the Eyes, cure Inflammations and Redness of them. Rags dip'd in the Water, cleanse Ulcers: And the Juice takes off Spots from the Face. Take of the Herb and Flowers a suffi­cient quantity; boyl them with Lard, till it is very green; and make an Oint­ment: When you use it, mix a Yolk of an Egg with it. This is good to take off the Pain of the Piles.

Tobacco, in Latin Ni­cotiana.

It resists Putrefa­ction, provokes Sneezing; is Anodyne, Vulnerary, and vomits. Being smoak'd, it stops Catarrhs, disposes to Rest, takes off Weariness, and suppresses Mother-fits, and is a good Preservative against the Plague. A Gar­garism of it cures the Tooth-ach, and dissolves Tumours of the Uvula. A Bath of it, or the green Leaves applied, cure a Le­prosie, the Itch, and Lice: It heals Wounds, and cleanses Ulcers, and cures Burns. The Smoaking of Tobacco strengthens the Stomach, helps Conco­ction, and gently moves the Belly: But it is not good for People of an hot Constitution. The Pain of the Teeth is cured, by stopping those that are hol­low [Page 186] with Calcin'd Tobac­co. For the Palsie, Take the green Leaves, and in­fuse them in Malaga-Wine, and rub the Parts well with it after Sweating. This is the best outward Remedy for a Palsie. A Noble­man that was extreamly fat, was reduc'd to an or­dinary Size, by chewing Tobacco; which also does good in an Asthma. 'Tis of great use in Camps, where there is, many times, Scarcity of Victuals; and Cholicks, and the like. The Fume of Tobacco blown up into the Bowels, is a most effectual Clyster in the Cholick. It also cures Mother-fits, and Fainting, being blown up­on the Matrix.

The Greater Tooth-wort, in Latin Dentaria major.

The Root is soft, white, and juicy, and con­sists of many Scales. The Stalk is about as thick as the Little Finger, nine Inch­es high, or higher, round, and juicy, easily broken, cover'd with a thin Mem­brane, and full of a juicy Pulp. It has some Mem­branaceous Ears, like Leaves, placed by Inter­vals. It has many gaping, light, purplish Flowers, that hang on short Foot-stalks. The Seed is round.

'Tis excellent for Rup­tures, for inward Wounds, and for Diseases rising from Defluxions, two Drams of the Powder being taken in Broth for forty Days toge­ther.

Tormentil, in Latin Tormentilla.

The Root is sometimes as thick as the Thumb; sometimes it grows streight, sometimes awry; it has reddish Fi­bres, and is of an astrin­gent Taste. The Stalks lie on the Ground, having ma­ny short Leaves; sometimes they grow upright, and are two Foot high; they are small, hairy, and reddish. The Flowers are small, and yellowish, and consist of four Leaves. Note, the Leaves are like the Leaves of Cinquefoil, but longer, and less dented.

It dries, and is very a­stringent; wherefore there [Page 187] is no Remedy more proper for Fluxes of the Belly and Womb, than the Roots of Tormentil. Besides, they are Diaphoretick, and A­lexipharmick; wherefore they are used in all Medi­cines for the Plague, and Malignant Diseases, espe­cially when Fluxes of the Belly accompany them. Moreover, they are mix'd with Vulnerary Potions, Ointments, and Plasters; for they cure old and pu­trid Ulcers. Half a Dram, or a Dram of the Extract of Tormentil is much com­mended for curing an Epi­demick Dysentery; Ru­barb being used before, if there be occasion. A Wo­man that was wont to mis­carry after the Second Month, was cured in the following manner: She was purg'd, and took Sage with her Meat and Drink, and as much of the following Powder as would lie on a Groat was given at a time: Take of Cochinele, Pre­par'd Pearl, and Tormen­til-roots, each one Dram; of Mastick half a Dram; mingle them, and make a Powder. The following Plaster was applied to the Loins, and the Os sacrum: Take of the purest Labda­num one Ounce and an half; of Galls, Oak-Moss, Bole-Armoniack, Cypress-Nuts, Seal'd-Earth, Mirtles, Red Roses, Dragon's-blood, and Balaustians, each half an Ounce; of Ship-Pitch two Ounces, of Turpen­tine six Ounces; make a Plaster. After the use of these things, she went out her Time, and had a lu­sty Child; and after that more.

Marsh- Trefoil, or Buck­beans, in Latin Trifolium palustre.

It grows com­monly in Marishes, and watery Places; and is much commended in the Scurvy, and for Pains in the Limbs. The Leaves are boyl'd in Beer, and it is taken twice or thrice a Day; but be­cause it is very bitter, 'tis best taken in a Syrup.

Turnep, in Latin Ra­pum.

It forces Urine, and is a Provocative to Vene­ry. The Juice and Broth wherein they are boyl'd cure Quartan-Agues. Raw [Page 188] Turneps cure the Scurvy-Roasted under Ashes, and applied behind the Ears, they cure the Head-ach, and the Pain of the Teeth. They are applied to Ul­cers of the Legs, and to Swellings of the Breast, and for Scrophulous and Scorbutick Tumours, with good Success. The Broth of them makes a good Gar­garism for Sore Mouths. Half a Dram of the Seed is used at a time to excite Venery; and in Malig­nant Diseases, to expel Ve­nom. Take of sliced Tur­neps, and of White Sugar, each half a Pound; put them into an Earthen Pot, making a Lay of one, and a Lay of the other; cover it with Paper, and bake it with Bread; when it is drawn press out the Juice, and keep it for use: Take a Spoonful Morning and Evening. This is good for Coughs, and at the Begin­ning of Consumptions.

Tutsan, in Latin An­drosaemum vulgare.

The Root is thick, woody, red­dish, and has long Fibres. The Stalks are woody, three or four Foot high, round, reddish, smooth, and crested. They have two large Leaves at every Joint, green above, whitish be­low. The Flowers are yel­low, and consist of five Leaves; they are placed on long Foot-stalks. After the Flowers, come Heads of Seeds, first greenish, then reddish, and last of a purple Colour. The Juice is reddish.

It stops Blood, and is an excellent Vulnerary Plant, taken inwardly, or out­wardly applied.

GArden- Valerian, in Latin Valeriana hor­tensis.

The Root and Herb are very Diuretick. Half a Spoonful of the Powder of the Root, before the Stalk springs, taken once or twice, in Wine, Water, or Milk, relieves those that are seiz'd with the Falling-sickness. And Sylvius rec­kons it more effectual in this Case, than the Roots [Page 189] of Male-Peony. The Leaves bruis'd, are commonly ap­plied to slight Wounds; upon which Account it is called Cut-finger. It pur­ges upwards and down­wards.

Common Vervain, in Latin Verbena vulgaris.

So many Virtues are attribu­ted by Authors, to this Plant, that it would tire one to reckon them up. 'Tis Cephalick, and Vul­nerary. 'Tis used for Ob­structions of the Liver and Spleen, and in the Stone; for Diseases of the Eyes, and Breast; for the Gripes, the Bloody-Flux, a Tertian Ague, to heal Wounds, and to hasten Delivery. 'Tis outwardly used for the Head-ach, Pain of the Teeth, Redness and Weak­ness of the Eyes, for a Quinsie, and for Swellings of the Glandules of the Jaws, for the Falling of the Fundament, for cleansing Ulcers, and for Pains of the Spleen, 'Tis reckon'd a Specifick for Pains of the Head, from whatever Cause they proceed. The distill'd Water is applied outward­ly to the Head; and four Ounces are taken inward­ly, with four Drops of Spi­rit of Salt. Forestus says, he knew Two who were cured of the Head-ach, on­ly by hanging the green Herb about their Necks, when many other Medi­cines were used to no pur­pose.

Violet, in Latin Viola.

The Leaves are cooling. The Flowers moisten, cool and mollifie. They are reckon'd among the Cor­dial-Flowers. They are chiefly used in Fevers, to abate the Heat, and to ease the Pain of the Head oc­casion'd by it; and for Coughs and Pleurises. The Seed is Lithontriptick. The Syrup is most in use, and is made in the following manner: Take of the Flow­ers of fresh Violets one Pound, of clear, hot Wa­ter two Pints and an half; keep it close cover'd, in an Earthen Glaz'd Pot, a Day; then press it out, and add to two Pints of the strain'd Liquor, four Pounds of Sugar; take off the Scum as it rises, and [Page 190] make a Syrup without boyling.

Viper's-grass, in La­tin Scorzonera.

The Root is eaten with Meat, and is as sweet as Parsnips. 'Tis much used for the Biting of Venomous Creatures, in Pestilential Fevers, for Melancholy, Palpitation of the Heart the Falling-sick­ness, Giddiness, Obstructi­ons of the Bowels, Dis­eases of the Womb, for the Jaundice, and at the Beginning of a Dropsie. Take of the Roots of Scorzonera and Angelica, each six Drams; of the Leaves of Wood-Sorrel, with the Roots, two Handfuls; of Rasp'd Hart's-horn and Ivory, each half an Ounce, of Liquorish two Drams; boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Barly-water, to one Pint and an half; to the strain'd Liquor add of Compounded Scordium-water, and of the cold Cordial-water of Saxony, each three Ounces; of Sy­rup of Rasberries three Ounces; mingle them; make an Apozem, of which take three Ounces, or four, at pleasure. This is much used in Fevers.

WAlnut-tree, in La­tin Juglans.

The outward Bark dried, vo­mits strongly: The Cat­kins are a gentler Vomit. The fresh Nuts move the Belly: The Dry are hot, and hard to digest; they increase Choler, and cause a Cough. The Juice of the outward Bark gargl'd in the Mouth, is very useful in a Relaxation of the Al­monds, and for an Inflam­mation of the Throat. A Decoction of the outward Bark of the green Nut for­ces Worms out of their Holes. The green and un­ripe Nuts candied with the Bark on, gently move the Belly, two or three being taken at Bed-time. The Tree tap'd in the Spring, yields a great quantity of Liquor, but it is not so pleasant as that of the Birch-tree. 'Tis said to be peculiarly proper for Ob­structions [Page 191] of the Courses. The Nuts being infus'd in Water till the Skin of the Kernels comes off, then in­fuse them two Days in A­qua vitae: Take two or three of them daily, in the Morning fasting, for ten Days before the usual time of their Flowing. The Oyl of the Nut, mix'd with Oyl of Almonds, is excel­lent in the Stone; two or three Ounces of it may be taken inwardly at a time. See Mr. Boyl, of Specifick Remedies, pag. 163.

Wall-flower, in Latin Leucoium luteum.

It grows every where on Walls.

The Flowers are cordial, and good for the Nerves: They ease Pain, provoke the Courses, expel the Se­cundine, and a dead Child. The Conserve of the Flowers, the distil'd Wa­ter, and the Oyl made of the Flowers by Infusion, are in use for Apoplexies, and Palsies. The Oyl is very Anodine in Wounds, and Inflammations of the Nervous Parts.

Way-faring-tree, in Latin Viburnum.

It some­times spreads much, tho' it is not high. The Wood of it is fungous and pithy. The Branches are about a Finger thick, and four Foot long, or longer. The Bark is of a dark-gray Colour; but the Bark of the Branch­es is whitish. The Leaves are somewhat like the Leaves of the Alder; they are broad, longish and thickish, and indented about the Edges; they are hairy and white, like Meal, especial­ly below. The Flowers are placed in Umbels, and smell like the Flowers of Elder; they are white, and consist of five Leaves. The Berries are first green, then red, and lastly black; they are sweet, and clammy. Some Country-people eat them. It grows commonly in Hedges.

The Leaves and Berries are dry, and astringent. They are used for Inflam­mations of the Throat and Almonds, and for the Re­laxation of the Ʋvula, and to settle the Teeth when they are loose, and also for [Page 192] Fluxes of the Belly. A Decoction of the Leaves makes the Hairs black, and prevents their fal­ling.

Wheat, in Latin Triti­cum.

The Juice of it is good to take off Spots. The Flower mix'd with Bean-shell-water, takes out Wrinkles from the Face. A Cataplasm made with Water and Oyl, and the Flower, takes off the Hard­ness of the Breast, and ri­pens Swellings. The Bran cleanses the Hands, and makes them soft and white.

Common Whitlow-grass, in Latin Parony­chia vulgaris.

It has a small, fibrous Root, and many Leaves, that lie on the Ground; they are scarce an Inch long; they are pointed, hairy, some­times green, sometimes reddish, and a little indent­ed; and taste somewhat astringent at first, after­wards acrid. It has some­times one, sometimes two or three Stalks, or more; they are round, and about an Hand high, and some­times not so much; they have no Leaves on them, but they have many little, white Flowers, which con­sist of four Leaves; they have small, flat Pouches. It grows on Walls and Houses.

Rue Whitlow-grass, in­fus'd in Small Beer, and drank for some Days, cures King's-Evil-Swellings, with­out any sensible Evacua­tion. See Mr. Boyl, of Spe­cifick Remedies, pag. 155. Take of Whitlow-grass half an Handful, fry it with Flower, and an Egg: Take it in a Morning fasting, for two Days. This cures the Whites.

Winter-cherry, in La­tin Alkekengi.

The Berries are Diuretick, Nephritick, and Lithontriptick. They are also good for the Jaun­dice; they may be either infus'd in Wine, or boyl [...]d in Posset-drink, or pow­der'd, and taken in any Li­quor. One that took eight of the Cherries every Change of the Moon, was cured of the Gout; tho' [Page 193] before, he was miserably afflicted with it. Take of Chios-Turpentine two Drams, of the Balsam of Tolu half a Dram, with a sufficient quantity of the Troches of Alkakengi; make Midling Pills: Take four at Bed-time. These Pills are good for the Stone in the Kidnies.

Winter-green, in La­tin Pyrola.

Five or six of its Leaves lie on the Ground; they are like the Leaves of a Pear; they are thick, of a dark Green, smooth, and shining above. The Foot-stalks are near an Hand long. The Stalk is nine Inches high, and an­gled, and has on it some small, sharp Leaves; and a Spike of fine, white Flowers, consisting of five Leaves. The whole Plant tastes bitter. It grows in the North, near Halifax.

'Tis an excellent Vulne­rary Herb, either taken inwardly, or outwardly ap­plied.

Woodroof, in Latin A­sperula.

'Tis divided into many Joints. The Root is small, and creeps on the top of the Earth, sending down Capillary Fibres. The Stalks are small, four­square, an Hand or nine Inches high. The Leaves are placed on the Joints, like those of Madder; they are larger than Cleaver-leaves, and of a lighter Green; they shine a little, and are a little hairy. The Stalk is divided at the top into two or three Branches, upon which the Foot-stalks sustain the little Flowers, that smell sweet, and are compos'd of four small Leaves. The Seeds are small, and very hairy, and in shape like a Kidny; they stick to the Clothes, as the Seeds of Clevers do. It grows in hilly Woods, and among Bushes. It flowers in May.

'Tis used for Obstru­ctions of the Liver, and Gall-bladder; and to cool an hot Liver. It procures Mirth, as they say, being put into Wine, and gives it a pleasant Taste; for which Reason 'tis frequently used among the Germans.

Common Wormwood, in Latin Absinthium vulgare.

It strengthens the Stomach and Liver, excites Appe­tite, opens Obstructions, and cures Diseases that are occasion'd by them; as, the Jaundice, Dropsie, and the like. 'Tis good in long, putrid Fevers, it carries off vitious Humours by Urine, it expels Worms from the Bowels, and preserves Clothes from Moths. The Juice, the distill'd Water, the Syrup, the fixed Salt, and the Oyl of it are used; but the Wine or Beer seems to be the best. It strength­ens the Stomach, creates an Appetite, opens Obstru­ctions, and provokes U­rine. The Simple Water is more Languid, and of less Virtue. The fixed Salt, if it be wholly sepa­rated from the other Parts, by the force of the Fire, differs nothing, in my O­pinion, neither in Taste nor Virtue, from the Fixed Salt of any other Plant. A Scruple or half a Dram of the Salt, accor­ding to the Strength and Age of the Sick, taken in a Spoonful of the Juice of Limon, scarce ever fails to cure Vomiting. Green Wormwood bruis'd, and mix'd with Lard, and ap­plied, cures Tumors of the Kernels of the Throat, and the Quinsie.

ACacia.

It grows in Egypt.

The Juice of it press'd from the Cods, be­fore they are ripe, or from the Flowers or Leaves, is used to strengthen the Eyes, and to take off the Inflam­mation of them; and to cure Ulcers of the Mouth and Ears; and for Chaps of the Lips. The Juice re­duc'd to a Powder, after it has been wash'd in a Decoction made with the Juice, or the Leaves or Flowers, and sprinkl'd on the Gums, and rub'd on the Teeth, fixes the Teeth when they are loose. A Dram of it dissolv'd in some Liquor, and taken every morning, stops all Fluxes of Blood. Many Women that have been almost destroy'd by an immoderate Flux of their Courses, have been cured by it. Clysters made of the Decoction of the Leaves and Flowers, and injected into the Womb, are used for the same purpose: As is also the Juice powder'd, and dissolv'd in Decoctions, and used in the same man­ner. In Fluxes of the Belly are often used Cly­sters, made in the same manner: And the Juice is frequently taken inwardly. A Decoction made of the Leaves and Flowers, and the Juice dissolv'd in it, is [Page 196] excellent for the Falling of the Womb, and Anus. A Fomentation made of the Juice, Leaves and Flowers, is very good for Weakness of the Limbs, and for Flu­xions Swellings and Inflam­mations of the Joints. Some make a Liniment of Vine­gar and the Juice of it, which strengthens wonder­fully the Joints when they are weak. The Juice pow­der'd, and well wash'd with Water, cures obsti­nate Ulcers of the Privy Parts, and of other weak Parts. The Decoction is also used to dry Pocky Pu­stules; but then Guiacum is mix'd with it. The Pow­der and Decoction of it are used for the Breaking out of Children's Heads. An­cient and Modern Physi­cians all agree, that Acacia is very astringent; and by that Means it does what it does.

Agarick, in Latin Aga­ricus.

'Tis a white Fun­gous, or Mushroom, that grows on the Larix-tree. The White, Light, and Brittle is the best.

It purges Flegm and Choler. 'Tis used for the Jaundice, and for those that are Short-breath'd; and also in the Stone of the Kidnies, in Difficulty of U­rine, and for Mother-fits; the Falling-sickness, and for the Hip-Gout. It also pro­vokes the Courses; where­fore Women with Child ought not to take it. 'Tis given in Substance, from one Dram, to two Drams; and in Infusion, from two Drams to five. But the Troches of it are most com­monly used, and are made in the following manner: Take of Agarick powder'd and sifted three Ounces; infuse it with two Drams of Ginger, in a sufficient quantity of White-wine; and make Troches: The Dose is one Dram. The Pills, in the London-Dispen­satory, of Agarick, are made in the following manner: Take of Agarick three Drams; of our Sky-co­lour'd Orris-roots, Mastick, Hore-hound, each one Dram; Turbith five Drams, Species Hiera Picra half an Ounce, Coloquintida and Sarcocol, of each two [Page 197] Drams; Myrrh one Dram, of Sapa as much as is suffi­cient to make a Mass.

Note, Sapa is Wine boyl'd till two Thirds of it are consum'd. Half a Dram of this Pill is a suffi­cient Dose: 'Tis used to purge the Breast, and to carry off Flegm. The Pill De Hiera cum Agarico is made in the following man­ner: Take of the Species of Hiera Picra, and of A­garick, each half an Ounce; of the best Aloes half an Ounce; of Hony of Roses a sufficient quantity to make a Mass: A Scruple, or a Scruple and an half may be taken at a time, made into four or six Pills. 'Tis good for Shortness of Breath, and Obstructions of the Lungs, and to pro­voke the Courses, and for Mother-fits, and in Me­lancholy Diseases, and to purge Flegm and Choler, and to open Obstructions of the Liver or Spleen, and for Diseases of the Head; but the use of them must be continu'd for the space of eight or ten Days. You may take them at Bed-time, if you eat no Supper. They are easie in their O­peration. Agarick is either Male, or Female; the Male is not used. It comes from Agaria, a Region of Sar­matia; and from thence it takes its Name. It grows also in Dauphiné in France; but the best comes from the Tridentine Woods. It grows in many other pla­ces.

Agnus Castus, or The Chaste Tree.

The Athenian Matrons, when they at­tended on the Divine My­steries of Ceres, used to lie on the Leaves of this Tree, to keep them chaste. The Seed of it, by reason of the Likeness, is called by some Eunuch's-Pepper. It sup­presses Nocturnal Imagi­nations of Venery, and cures the Incontinency of Seed. The Fruit of it re­lieves those that are bitten by Serpents; and is good for those that are troubled with the Spleen and Drop­sie. It increases Milk, and provokes Urine, and the Courses. Take of the Con­serve of Agnus Castus, of the Flowers of Water-Lilly and Violets, each half an Ounce; [Page 198] of Conserve of Red Roses half an Ounce, of the Stalks of Lettice candied one Ounce, of Prepar'd Coral two Drams; with Syrup of Violets, and of Water-Lillies, make an Opiat. This is used in the Uterine Fury. Give the quantity of a Nutmeg, Morning and Evening.

Alcali.

Every pure Salt is so called, that is without an Acid. 'Tis drawn from the Ashes, or the Calx of any Matter extracted by a Lee. 'Tis proper to all things, liquid and solid. The Word is deriv'd from Kaly, the Name of a Plant, with which Glass is made. It easily ferments with an Acid; and, together, they are the Cause of all Inte­stine Motion: Nothing grows, or increases, with­out these two. Alcali is Three-fold; viz. Volatile Alcali, which is made of Animals, viz. of Harts­horns, of Urine, and the like. Fix'd, which is extracted from the Ashes of Plants; as, from Wormwood, Tar­tar, and the like. Metal­lick and Stony; for Metals and Stones ferment with an Acid Menstruum. Mix'd Alcalies are added to these; as, Nitre, Alum, the several sorts of Vitriol, Fossile, and Sea-Sealt, and the like; which participate of Alcali, and Acid.

Almond-tree, in Latin Amygdalus.

There are ma­ny sorts of Almonds; but in Practice they are distin­guish'd only into Bitter and Sweet. The Jordan-Al­monds are most esteem'd amongst us; which are larger, longer and narrow­er, rounder and thicker, than the Valentian; and of a better Taste.

Sweet Almonds nourish much, and make the Body fat. They mitigate the A­crimony of the Humours, and increase Seed. They are good for Lean People, and for such as are Con­sumptive. But they are chiefly used in Emulsions. Take of Sweet Almonds blanch'd number Three, of the Seeds of Melon, Let­tice and White Poppies, each one Dram; of the Pulp of Barly three Drams; [Page 199] beat them in a Marble-Mortar, and pour on them a sufficient quantity of Bar­ly-water; to seven Ounces of the strain'd Liquor add five Drams of Diacodium; mingle them, and make an Emulsion. This is good in the Stone, and for Heat of Urine. Take of Sweet Almonds prepar'd, and in­fus'd in Rose-water, two Ounces; of the four Great­er Cold Seeds, of Plantain and Purslain-seeds, each one Dram; of the Seeds of Marsh-mallows and White Poppies, each one Scruple; beat them according to Art, and pour on them a suffi­cient quantity of a Deco­ction of Barly and Liquo­rish; make an Emulsion for two Doses; add to each an Ounce of Syrup of Water-Lillies, of Sal Pru­nellae half a Dram. This is good for Pleurisies, and Heat of Urine, and the like. Oyl of Almonds is good for Hoarsness, and Coughs: Take of Oyl of Almonds fresh drawn, of Syrup of Maiden-hair, each one Ounce and an half; of Sugar-candy two Drams; mix them in a Glass-Mor­tar: Make a Linctus, to be taken often with a Liquo­rish-stick. Oyl of Almonds is good in the Cholick: Take two Ounces of Oyl of Almonds, and one Ounce and an half of Man­na, mix'd together in fat Chicken-broth. This re­liev'd a Person that had the Cholick, after he had taken thirty Clysters to no pur­pose. Oyl of Almonds is very good for the Stone in the Kidnies: Take of White-wine, and Com­pound-water of Horse-Ra­dish, each one Ounce and an half; of the Juice of Limon one Spoonful and an half, of Tartar vitriola­ted one Scruple, of Oyl of Sweet Almonds one Ounce, of Syrup of Marsh-mallows two Ounces, of Nutmeg powder'd one Scruple; make a Draught to be ta­ken hot. For the Gripes of Infants, the following Me­dicine was prescrib'd by Dr. Lower: Take of Man­na two Drams, dissolv'd in two Ounces of the Aqua la­ctis alexiter; strain it, and add three Drams of Oyl of Almonds: Give half in the Morning, and the rest three [Page 200] Hours after, if it do not work. Bitter Almonds are hot and dry; they attenu­ate, open and cleanse; they are Diuretick; they open the Obstructions of the Li­ver, Spleen, Mesentery and Womb. Outwardly used, they take off Freckles. The Oyl of Bitter Almonds is more agreeable to the Ears, than any other Oyl. The Italians eat Almonds whole, before the Stones are hard, for Second Course; and they taste very pleasantly, and are very agreeable to the Stomach. They grow in Germany, Italy, and France.

Aloes, in Latin Aloe.

There are three sorts of it, viz. Succotrine, Hepatick, and Caballine. Succotrine is so called, from the Island Succotra in India. This sort is the best of all; 'tis clear and transparent, and colour'd somewhat like the Liver. It has an Aroma­tick Smell, like Myrrh; upon which Account it was formerly mix'd with Per­fumes. It has a bitter, an Aromatick, and an a­stringent Taste. 'Tis light, and yet the Substance of it is compact. Being handled in the Sun, or near the Fire, it grows soft; and when it is cold it breaks easily: Which are the Signs of the best Aloes. The Hepatick is so called, it being like the Liver in Colour and Consistence. 'Tis not so pure as the former, it is not transparent, it smells strong­er, and tastes more bitter, and is more astringent. The Caballina is more im­pure, sandy, and filthy; and fit only for Horses.

Aloes, besides its Purga­tive Virtue, is hot and dry­ing, and opens Obstructi­ons: It purges Choler and Flegm. Aloes, contrary al­most to all other Purging Medicines, strengthens the Stomach. But it is to be noted, That the frequent use of Aloes opens the Hae­morrhoidal Veins; and, to be sure, it has a Faculty of opening the Orifices of the Veins: Wherefore those that are subject to Haemor­rhages must not use it. Bartholinus mentions an Observation of one that render'd a Bloody Urine, [Page 201] by taking Aloes too often. But, outwardly applied, it is very astringent. Aloes kill and expel Worms: Be­ing mix'd with Vinegar, and the Gall of an Ox, and applied to the Navel, it does the same. It cures the Jaundice, and prevents Putrefaction. And, mix'd with Myrrh, it preserves dead Bodies a long time from Corruption. Some think the Virtue of Mum­my proceeds wholly from the Aloes, wherewith Bodies were wont to be embalm'd. The Powder of Aloes, used outwardly, stops the Flux of the Haemorrhoidal Veins. Dissolv'd in Wine, it pre­vents the Falling of the Hair. Mix'd with Medi­cines for the Eyes, called Collyria, it quickens the Sight. Mix'd with Hony, it cures Ulcers of the Privy Parts, and a Fistula, and Sore Mouths and a Stink­ing Breath. It shuts the O­rifices of the Veins, and so stops Bleeding. Outward­ly applied, it thickens and dries; and the Powder of it conglutinates fresh Wounds, and skins them soon. In prescribing Aloes, the following Cautions are to be observ'd. First, It is not to be given to those, whose Diseases proceed on­ly from a simple Intempe­ries, without Matter; for such do not want Evacua­tion, nor a Medicine that is so drying; for, instead of Evacuation, it occasions a Consumption in such: But, on the contrary; 'tis used with very good Success in those that are of a cold and moist Constitution. Se­condly, It ought not to be prescrib'd to Old People. Thirdly: It ought not to be used too frequently; espe­cially, not daily, as some order it. And Fourthly, Wo­men with Child must not take it; for it provokes the Courses powerfully. Those things which are ad­ded for the Correction of it are, Mace, Nutmegs, Cloves, Cinnamon, Spike­nard, Sweet-smelling Flag, Saffron, and the like. The Operation of it is quicken'd by washing it in a Deco­ction of Rhubarb, or in an Infusion of Roses. 'Tis said, that Mastick, Traga­canth, Bdellium, and the like, mix'd with it, pre­vents [Page 202] its opening the Ori­fices of the Veins: Or, if it be wash'd in Endive, or Succory-water, the same may be prevented. Ma­ny excellent Medicines of the London-Dispensatory are compounded of Aloes. The Pills called Pilulae Aggrega­tivae are made in the follow­ing manner: Take of Ci­tron, Myrobolans, and Rhu­barb, each half an Ounce; Juice of Agrimony, and Wormwood thicken'd, each two Drams; Diagridium five Drams; Agarick, Co­loquintida and Polypodium, of each two Drams; Tur­bith and Aloes, of each six Drams; Mastick, Red Ro­ses, Sal Gemmae, Epithimum, Annise, Ginger, of each a Dram; with Syrup of Da­mask-Roses, make a Mass for Pills: They purge Flegm, Choler and Melan­choly; they are good for a foul Stomach: The Dose is half a Dram. Pilulae A­loephanginae are made in the following manner: Take of Cinnamon, Cloves, Car­damoms the Lesser, Nut­megs, Mace, Sweet-smel­ling Flag, Carpo-balsamum, or Juniper-berries, Squi­nanth, Wood of Aloes, Yellow Sanders, Red Ro­ses dried, Wormwood, of each half an Ounce; draw a Tincture from these, in Spirit of Wine, they being first grosly powder'd: In three Pints of this Tincture strain'd, dissolve a Pound of Aloes; then add of Ma­stich and Myrrh powder'd; each half an Ounce; Saf­fron two Drams, of Bal­sam of Peru one Dram; bring it to a Mass for Pills, by evaporating the super­fluous Moisture over Ashes, or in a Bath. These Pills are good for the Head-ach, and Giddiness of the Head: They strengthen the Brain and Stomach. Half a Dram, or a Dram, may be taken at a time. Pilu­lae de Aloe lota are made in the following manner: Take of Aloes, dissolv'd in the Juice of Red Roses, and boyl'd up again, one Ounce; of Agarick tro­chiscated three Drams, of Mastick two Drams, of the Species of Sweet Dia­mosk half a Dram; with Syrup of Pale Roses make a Mass for Pills. Pilulae Aloe Rosata is made in the [Page 203] following manner: Take of Succotrine-Aloes pow­der'd four Ounces, of the Juice of Damask-Roses cla­rified, one Pint; mingle them, digest them in the Sun, or in a Bath, till the superfluous Moisture is ex­hal'd; repeat the Dige­stion and Evaporation four times; make a Mass for Pills. This purges gently, cleanses the Stomach, o­pens Obstructions, and cures the Jaundice. Half a Dram of it may be taken at Bed-time. Pilulae Cochiae minores are made in the following manner: Take of clear Aloes, of pure Scammony, and of the Pulp of Colaquintida, each one Ounce; powder them, and make a Mass with equal parts of Syrup of Worm­wood and Syrup of Buck­thorn; adding to it two Scruples of Oyl of Cloves. These Pills purge much: The Dose is a Scruple, or half a Dram. Pilulae Faeti­dae are made in the follow­ing manner: Take of A­loes, Troches of Alhandel, Opopanax, Ammoniacum, Sagapenum, Myrrh, Seeds of Rue, Dodder, of each five Drams; Scammony three Drams, of the Roots of Turbith half an Ounce, of the Lesser Spurge pre­par'd, and Hermodactyls, each two Drams; of Gin­ger one Dram and an half, Spikenard, Cinnamon, Saf­fron and Castor, each one Dram; of Euphorbium prepar'd one Scruple, of Oyl of Amber rectified half a Dram; dissolve the Gums in Juice of Leeks, strain them, then add the Powders, and mix them well; make a Mass with a Syrup made of the Juice of Leeks and Sugar. These Pills are of excellent use in Women's Obstructi­ons. Pilulae de Gutta Ga­mandra are made in the following manner: Take of the best Aloes two Drams and an half, of the Resm of Gutta German­dra a Dram and an half, of Scammony one Dram, of Gummoniacum one Dram and an half, of Tartar Vi­triolated half a Dram; with Syrup of Roses Solu­tive make a Mass. Pilulae de Hermodactylis are made in the following manner: Take of Sagapenum six [Page 204] Drams, of Opopanax three Drams; melt them in a sufficient quantity of the Juice of Coleworts, strain them, and boyl them pre­sently, to a moderate Con­sistence; then take of Her­modactyls, Aloes, Yellow Myrobalans, Turbith, Tro­ches of Alhandel, of soft and fresh Bdellium, each six Drams; of Euphorbium Prepar'd one Dram; of the Seeds of Rue and Smal­lage, of Castor and Scar­cocol, each three Drams; of Saffron one Dram and an half; with the Syrup of the Juice of Coleworts, made with Hony, make a Mass. They are used in the Gout, and in cold Dis­eases of the Joints. Two Scruples, or a Dram, may be taken at a time. Pilulae Imperiales are made in the following manner: Take of Aloes two Ounces, of Rhubarb one Ounce and an half, of Agarick, and the Leaves of Sena cleans­ed, each one Ounce; of Cinnamon three Drams, of Ginger two Drams; of Nutmegs, Cloves, Spike­nard, and Mastich, each one Dram; with Syrup of Violets, make a Mass. They strengthen the Stomach and Bowels; and are good for such as are of a cold Con­stitution. Pilulae Macri are made in the following man­ner: Take of the best A­loes two Ounces, of Ma­stich half an Ounce, of the Leaves of dried Marjoram two Drams, of Salt of Wormwood one Dram; powder them all, and make a Mass with a sufficient quantity of the Juice of Coleworts, sweeten'd with Sugar. It strengthens the Stomach, Brains, and the Nerves; and opens Ob­structions of the Liver and Spleen. Half a Dram of them may be taken at a time. Pilulae Mastichichinae are made in the following manner: Take of Mastich two Ounces, of Aloes four Ounces, of Agarick tro­chiscated, of the Species Hierae Picrae simple, each one Ounce and an half; with Syrup of Wormwood make a Mass according to Art. They purge gently, and strengthen the Head and Reins. Half a Dram may be taken at a time. Pilulae de Opopanace are [Page 205] made in the following man­ner: Take of Opopanax, Sagapenum, Bdellium, Am­moniacum, Hermodactyls, and Coloquintida, each five Drams; Saffron, Castor, Myrrh, Ginger, Woody-Cassia, White Pepper, and Yellow Myrobalans, each one Dram; Scammony two Drams, Turbith half an Ounce, clear Aloes an Ounce and an half; dis­solve the Gums in clarified Juice of Coleworts, and make a Mass with Syrup of Juice of Coleworts. 'Tis good for Palsies, and Dis­eases of the Joints. The Dose is half a Dram: They work strongly. Pilulae Ru­dii, or Extractum Rudii, are made in the following man­ner: Take of Coloquintida six Drams; Agarick, Scam­mony, the Roots of Black Hellebore, Turbith, of each half an Ounce; of Succo­trine-Aloes one Ounce; of Cinnamon, Mace, and Cloves, each two Scruples; having cleans'd the Colo­quintida from its Seeds, cut it small, grate the Agarick, powder the Hellebore, the Turbith, and the Spices grosly, and infuse them four Days in a gentle Heat, in a sufficient quantity of the best Spirit of Wine, so as it may rise five Fingers breadth above the Ingre­dients; then strain it, pres­sing it out hard, and dis­solve in it the Scammony, and the Aloes; then pour the Liquor into a Glass-A­limbeck, distil it till that which remains in the Alim­beck is as thick as Hony; afterwards pour it out, and evaporate it till it come to a Mass fit for Pills. It purges Choler, Flegm and Melancholy. Half a Dram is a sufficient Dose for a strong Man, for it works violently. Pilulae Ruffi are made in the following man­ner: Take of Aloes two Ounces, of choice Myrrh one Ounce, of Saffron half an Ounce; make them up into a Mass, with Syrup of Wormwood. They cleanse the Stomach, and are good after Surfeits, and Excessive Drinking, A Scruple, or half a Dram, or more, ac­cording to the Strength of the Patient, may be given. Pilulae sine quibus are made in the following manner: Take of Aloes dissolv'd in [Page 206] the Juice of Roses, and then dried again, fourteen Drams: of Prepar'd Scam­mony six Drams; of A­garick, Rhubarb, of the Leaves of Sena cleansed, each half an Ounce; of Wormwood, Red Roses exungulated, Violets▪ Dod­der, and Mastick, each one Dram; of Salt of Worm­wood half a Dram; pow­der the Scammony, the A­loes, the Agarick, and the Mastich a-part; add the other things, and make a Mass with a Syrup made of the Juice of Fennel and Hony. Pilulae Stomachicae cum Gummi are made in the following manner: Take of the purest Aloes one Ounce, of the Leaves of Sena cleans'd five Drams, of Gum Ammoniack, dis­solv'd in Vinegar of Elder, half an Ounce; of Ma­stich and Myrrh, each one Dram and an half; of Saf­fron and Salt of Worm­wood, each half a Dram; make a Mass with Syrup of Buck-thorn. They are good to cleanse the Stomach. Dose is half a Dram. Pi­lulae de Succino are made in the following manner: Take of White Amber and Mastich, each two Drams; of the best Aloes five Drams, of Agarick trochiscated half a Dram, of Long Birth-wort, and Calcin'd Hart's-horn, each half a Dram; Nutmegs half a Scruple; with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Wormwood make a Mass. They are chiefly used for Diseases of the Head. Half a Dram, or more, may be taken at a time, according to the Strength of the Person. Hyera Picra Simple is made in the following manner: Take of Cinnamon, Mace, the Roots of Asarabacca, Spikenard, Saffron, Ma­stick, each ten Drams; of Aloes wash'd twelve Oun­ces and an half, of Clarified Hony four Pounds three Ounces; make an Electua­ry according to Art. The Species are also kept a-part in the Shops. Tinctura Sa­cra is made in the follow­ing manner: Take of the Species of Hyera Picra one Ounce, of Canary-wine one Pint; keep them close stop­ped in a Glass, and shake it every Day, till it is deeply tinctur'd; let it stand till [Page 207] it is clear. Four or five Spoonfuls, more or less, may be taken at a time, according to the Strength of the Body. It strengthens the Stomach, quickens the Appetite, opens Obstructi­ons, and purges Choler, Flegm, and Melancholy. Pulvis Thuraloes is made in the following manner: Take of Frankincense one Dram, of Aloes half a Dram; make it of the Consistence of Hony, with the White of an Egg, when you use it; mix with it Hare-down, apply it to the Wound, and bind it on. This is frequently used to stop Bleeding.

Amomum.

It heats, dries, and is astringent. It disposes to Rest, takes off Pain. Being applied to the Fore-head, it concocts and discusses Inflammations, and the Tumour called Meliceres. Mix'd with Ba­sil, and applied, it relieves those that are bitten by Vi­pers; it cases those that have the Gout; it takes off Inflammations of the Eyes. The Decoction of it is also good in the Stone of the Kidnies, and the Gout. 'Tis mix'd with Antidotes, and Precious Ointments; and that was the chief Use the Ancients made of it. Take of the Seeds of An­gelica skin'd one Pound and an half; of Sweet Fennel and Liquorish, each four Ounces; of Raisins ston'd one Pound; of the Leaves of Mugwort and Balm, each four Handfuls; of Carduus and Penny-royal, each two Handfuls; of the Seed of Amomum four Ounces, of Milk and Wine six Quarts; distil them ac­cording to Art. This is a Prolifick Water.

Anacardium Occiden­tale, Cajou dictum.

'Tis called by some Cajou, or Cassu-tree. From the Fruit of it is press'd out a Liquor, which being duly ferment­ed, becomes Vinous, and Intoxicating. The Fruit roasted, is much better than Chesnuts, and tastes as pleasantly as Almonds. When it is raw it cannot be eaten safely; for it takes off the Skin of the Mouth, and occasions great Pain, it being very acrid and rough: [Page 208] But when Water or Wine, with a little Salt, is mix'd with it, the Acrimony is much abated, and it be­comes very palatable. It strengthens the Stomach, and helps Fermentation, and takes off Vomiting and Nauseousness. The Indians use them, being a little toasted, to provoke Vene­ry. The Juice of it stops a Loosness, and cures a Dia­betes. The Oyl of it is much used by Painters, and makes a very lasting Black. It also cures the Itch, and other Vices of the Skin. It grows plenti­fully in Malabar.

Anacardiums, or Ma­lacca-beans, in Latin Ana­cardium.

The Arabians say, that Anacardiums are hot and dry to the fourth De­gree; and that they are of a Caustick Nature, and will exulcerate the Skin, and take off Warts: But Ex­perience contradicts them. They strengthen the Brain, and Animal Spirits; and dry and heat gently. They comfort the Stomach. They are counted by all an excellent Medicine to quicken the Memory. It groweth in many Parts of India.

Anime Gummi.

'Tis two-fold, Oriental and Oc­cidental: The Occidental is the Tears, or White Re­sin of a Tree growing in New-Spain. 'Tis somewhat like Frankincense; it has a pleasant and sweet Smell: 'Tis not so clear and shi­ning as the Oriental.

The chief use of Anime Gummi is External, in cold and painful Diseases of the Head and Nerves; for Ca­tarrhs, and Flatulent Dis­eases; also for Diseases of the Joints, the Palsie, Con­tusions, and the like. 'Tis mix'd with Plasters for the same use.

Anise, in Latin Anisum.

The Seed is chiefly used; the Herb it self but rarely; and the Root of it never. It heats, dries, is Cepha­lick, Epatick, Pneumonick and Stomachick. 'Tis used for Wind in the Stomach, a Cough, and the like. 'Tis more agreeable to the Sto­mach, than any other Me­dicine [Page 209] that is used to expel Wind; it has less Acrimo­ny, and is sweeter. The Ancients extoll'd it won­derfully for a cold and moist Stomach; wherefore they used it in Pains of the Head proceeding from the Stomach, for Watchings, and a Loosness occasion'd by Crudities. It provokes Urine, and stimulates Ve­nery. 'Tis baked with Bread, and candied, and so used. It expels Wind, and cures a Stinking Breath. The Oyl of it is used a­gainst Wind, and for a Cough proceeding from a cold Cause. Anise-seed-wa­ter is good for those that are Short-breath'd, and that are troubled with Heart-burning. Heurnius says, That the Powder or De­coction of it is better in the Cholick, and Difficulty of Urine, than the Oyl; which they are to take no­tice of, that value nothing but Chimical Preparations. A Scruple of the Seed, powder'd grosly, is good for the Gripes in Children. In Flatulent Hickups let the Sick always chew the Seed. The same is good for the Cholick. Take of the double Flowers of Ca­momile thirty Handfuls, cut them, and beat them, and infuse them in five Quarts of Camomile-wa­ter, and eight Quarts of Spanish Wine mix'd, twen­ty four Hours; press them out, and infuse again twen­ty Handfuls of the Flow­ers, as before; press them out, infuse again, a third time, twelve Handfuls of the Flowers; add two Ounces of the yellow Pill of fresh Oranges, two Oun­ces and an half of the Leaves of Roman Worm­wood, Centory, Penny-royal, Wild Marjoram; of the Seeds of Dill two Ounces; of the Seeds of Annise, Fennel, Caraways, Cummin, Blessed Thistle, Mary's Thistle, each one Ounce and an half; of the Berries of Lawrel and Juni­per, each half an Ounce; of Nutmegs three Ounces; having digested them a suf­ficient time, distil them ac­cording to Art: Two or three Spoonfuls of this Wa­ter may be taken at a time, for the Cholick, and Wind in the Stomach. Take of [Page 210] the Flowers of Brimstone one Part, of Oyl of An­nise-seeds four parts; di­gest them till the Brim­stone is dissolv'd, and till the Balsam is red. This is called Balsam of Sulphure annisated. 'Tis good for Coughs, and Obstructions of the Lungs, and Con­sumptions. If the Sick hath not a Fever, five or six Drops may be taken at a time, mix'd with Sugar. The following Electuary was frequently used by Dr. Coish, who was an ex­cellent Practitioner, and a Man of good Reputation in London: Take of An­nise-seeds finely powder'd, of the Powder of Liquorish each three Drams; of the Flower of Sulphure one Dram and an half; with two Ounces and an half of the best Hony make an Electuary; to which add fifteen Drops of Balsam of Sulphure, and ten Drops of Oyl of Annise-seeds. This is excellent for Coughs, and at the Begin­ning of Consumptions: Take two Drams of it in the Morning, and at Bed-time. Balls for Colds in Horses are made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of the Powders of the Seeds or Fenugreek, Annise, Cum­min, Bastard-Saffron, Ele­campane, of the Leaves of Colt's foot, and Flower of Sulphure, each two Oun­ces; of Juice of Liquorish (dissolv'd in half a Pint of White-wine) one Ounce; of Oyl of Olives and Ho­ny, each eight Ounces; of Januen's Treacle twelve Ounces, of Oyl of Annise-seeds one Ounce; mingle them all together, and with a Pound and an half of Wheaten Flower, or as much as will suffice make Balls.

Asa Foetida, or Devil's Dung.

No Simple Medi­cine is so much in use all over India, as Asa Foetida, for Medicines, and for Sause for Meat; and they usually mix it with their Broths. They use it as a Medicine to quicken the Appetite, to strengthen the Stomach, to discuss Wind, and to excite Venery: But in Europe 'tis chiefly used inwardly, for Mother-sits, a Peripneumonia, and for [Page 211] Wounds. 'Tis used out­wardly for Swellings of the Spleen, Mother-fits, and the like. If any one is sub­ject to the Falling-sickness, let Asa Foetida be held to his Nose as soon as the Fit comes. Take of Asa Foeti­da one Ounce, of the Leaves of Rue one Handful, of the best Vinegar one Pint; boyl them in a Vessel of a narrow Mouth: Let those that are subject to Vapours and Mother-fits receive the hot Vapour of it into their Mouths and Nostrils often in a Day. Take of Asa Foetida, Castor, and Myrrh, each one Scruple; of the Faecula, or Lees of Brio­ny half a Scruple; of the Seeds of Rue, and of Saf­fron, each eight Grains; with Syrup of Mugwort make twelve Pills: Three or four may be taken at a time. But if the Patient cannot take Pills, they may be dissolv'd in Mugwort-water. These Pills are ve­ry good in Hysterical Dis­eases, and for Mother-fits. But when the Fits are very violent, the following Pills are used very successfully, and do most commonly take them off: Take of A­sa Foetida one Scruple, of Castor six Grains, of Lau­danum three Grains; make three or four Pills, let the Patient take them present­ly. The Fetid Pills, tho' they are Purging, may be conveniently given in the Fit, for they do not use to work till the Fit is over. The Dose is half a Dram. The Plant, whereof Asa Foetida is the Juice, (for it is press'd out of a Root) grows in the Persian Em­pire.

THE True, Natural Bal­sam-tree, in Latin Balsamum verum.

The Bal­sam of it, called Opobalsa­mum, has been famous in all Ages for curing of Wounds: And so effectual has it been accounted, that other Vulnerary Oyls and Ointments have taken their Names from it: And therefore Quacks and Mountebanks grace their Medicines with the Name [Page 212] of Balsam, to make them more acceptable to the Peo­ple. There are many Ob­servations of dangerous Wounds that have been cured in a short time by the use of this Balsam. It cleanseth sordid Ulcers. It doth much good in the Bi­tings of Serpents and Scor­pions, inwardly taken, or outwardly applied. Half a Dram of it taken every Morning, is good in the Plague, and a good Pre­servative against it. Two Scruples, or a Dram of it is very good in Chronical Fevers, occasion'd by crude and cold Humours, or by Obstructions of the Bow­els. It clears the Sight, and is good in Diseases of the Ears. Besides, 'tis use­ful in Convulsions that pro­ceed from Cold and Moi­sture; also for Giddiness, Falling-sickness, Palfies, and the like; for Coughs that proceed from a cold Hu­mour; for Difficulty of Breathing, and Catarrhs; for Crudities, and Wind in the Stomach; for a moist and cold Intemperies of the Womb; for Barrenness, the Whites, Difficulty of Urine, occasion'd either by Wind or Gravel. Women also make use of it to beau­tifie the Face. Lobelius wrote a whole Book of the Virtue of it. It grows on­ly in the Land of Judea.

Peruvian Balsam, in Latin Balsamum è Peru.

'Tis of great Virtue in out­ward and inward Diseases. 'Tis hot and dry. It dis­solves, digests, and discus­ses. Some Drops of it ta­ken in a Morning fasting, is good in an Asthma. 'Tis good for the Intemperies of the Stomach, and Weak­ness of the Bowels. It o­pens Obstructions, and takes off the Chilness of the Breast, and Hypochon­dra's, being anointed with a warm Hand. By rub­bing of it on the Head, it strengthens the Brain, and prevents Convulsions, and the Palsie, and strengthens all the Nerves. When a Nerve is prick'd, it takes off the Acrimony of the Sa­nies, from whence pro­ceed Pains and Convul­sions. When Animals are wounded, or bit by Ve­nomous Creatures, by In­stinct [Page 213] of Nature they rub themselves on the Bark of this Tree, and so are pre­sently reliev'd. 'Tis com­monly used by Dr. Willis, and others, in making of Purging Pills. It comes from Peru and New-Spain, in Earthen Jars. 'Tis of a very dark Colour, and of a fragrant Smell.

Balsam- Copaiba.

'Tis of the Consistence and Smell of distill'd Oyl of Turpentine. The Bark be­ing cut at Full-Moon, it di­stils in such a quantity, that in the space of three Hours it drops six Quarts. 'Tis not only excellent for heal­ing and cleansing Wounds, especially of the Nerves, and for curing the Biting of Serpents; but it is also very beneficial taken in­wardly: For three or four Drops taken in an Egg, twice or thrice in a Morn­ing, cures a Dysentery, and other Fluxes of the Belly, the Whites, and a Gonor­rhaea. The Jews experience the Salutary Virtue of it in Circumcision; for they stop the Blood, flowing from that cruel Wound, with it, which before was deadly to many of them. This Tree is wont to be much rub'd by Animals that are bit by Serpents, or hurt by Wild Beasts; to which they run for Cure by natural In­stinct. It grows plentifully in the Island called Maran­how.

Balsam of Tolu, in La­tin Balsamum de Tolu.

The Tree from whence this Balsam drops is like a small Pine-tree: The thin and tender Bark is cut when the Sun is at its full heighth: for it will not drop at all in the Night, by reason of the Cold. The Liquor flowing out is receiv'd into Spoons, made of black Wax. 'Tis of a Golden Colour, and of a moderate Consistence. 'Tis very glu­tinous, tastes pleasantly and well, and hath a curious Scent. It hath the same Virtues with the Peruvian Balsam. It comes from To­lu, and is better than that which is brought from New Spain. It heats and dries, attenuates, resolves, is vul­nerary, and purges the Breast. 'Tis chiefly used [Page 214] in an Asthma, and for a Consumption, and also for Crudities and Pains in the Stomach. 'Tis outwardly used for all Pains that pro­ceed from a cold Cause, for Defluxions upon the Eyes, the Palsie, the Weakness, Pain and Wind of the Sto­mach. Used with Nard-Oyl, it cures the Weakness of the Spleen; and is good for all Edematous Tumors, for Swellings under the Ears, and for the King's-Evil. But it is much com­mended for curing Wounds, especially if the Bones are broken; for it draws forth the Splinters. 'Tis also of good use in Wounds of the Joints, and when the Nerves are cut or prick'd, and for Contusions, and the like. Take of the Bal­sam of Tolu, of Mecha, or, for want of it, of Copaiba, of Calamite-Storax, of Belzion the best, of Oni­banum, Mastich, Myrrh, Ammoniacum granulated, Taccamhac, of Gum-Ele­mi of Chios-Turpentine, of the Roots of Florentine-Orris, each half an Ounce; of the Pectoral-water made in the following manner, one Pint and an half: Take of the Leaves of Ground-Ivy, Colt's-foot, Oak of Jerusalem, each three Pounds; Hysop, Rosema­ry, Penny-royal, Hore­hound, of each one Pound and an half; of the Roots of Elecampane and Liquo­rish, each one Pound and an half; of Florentine-Or­ris twelve Ounces, of Figs sliced three Pounds, of the best Saffron, of the Seeds Annise, and Sweet-Fennel, each half an Ounce; of Spirit of Wine five Quarts, of Fountain-water four and twenty Quarts; infuse them, and distil from a Limbeck twelve Quarts: Take, as I said, one Pint and an half of this Pecto­ral-water, and boyl the In­gredients above-mention'd in it, in a Circulatory Ves­sel, well stop'd, and placed in hot Sand for some Hours; strain it, and add a sufficient quantity of White Sugar to make a Syrup. This is excellent for Coughs, and Consum­ptions; and for the Stone in the Kidnies and Blad­der.

Balsamum de Chili,

is good for Pains that proceed from Cold or Wind. It helps Digestion, creates an Appetite, and strengthens the Stomach. 'Tis good for Ulcers in the Kidnies, Womb, Lungs, or Breast. It stops Spitting of Blood; is good for Coughs, and an Asthma, and other Diseases of the Lungs. 'Tis useful in Diseases of the Head and Nerves; as, Apople­xies, Lethargy, Palsie, Con­vulsions, and the like. It cures Bursten Bellies, and kills Worms, and expels Gravel. It cures Deafness, being drop'd into the Ear. 'Tis good for a Fistula and Ulcers; for Bruises, and Aches of the Limbs. It opens Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and pro­vokes Women's Courses. It grows in America, in the Province of Chili.

Balaustians, in Latin Balaustia.

They are the Flowers of the Wild Pome­granate; some of them are as big as a Damask-Rose, others much less. They corroborate the Stomach; are drying, binding, cool­ing, and astringent. They stop Catarrhs, a Loosness, the Bloody-Flux, a Gonor­rhaea, and the like. They settle the Teeth when they are loose, and cure Bursten Bellies. They are brought from Turky, and Spain, and some other Places. Take of the Roots of Bistort, Tormentil, of Pomegra­nate-peel, each one Ounce; of the Leaves of Plantane, Knot-grass, Shepherd's-purse, and Horse-tail, each one Handful, of Cypress-Nuts, Balaustians, Pome­granate, Myrtle, and Shu­mach, each one Ounce; boyl them in Smith's Wa­ter, and rough Wine; strain it, and make a Fo­mentation. This is a good astringent Fomentation. Ba­laustians are also an Ingre­dient of the Syrup of Myr­tles in the London-Dispensa­tory.

Bdellium.

It mollifies, discusses, opens, and clean­ses. But it is to be noted, when it is fresh, it mollifies most powerfully; when it is old, it discusses and clean­ses best. 'Tis chiefly used inwardly, for a Cough, and [Page 216] an Ulcer of the Lungs, and to expel Gravel, and to provoke Urine, and the like. Outwardly used, it discusses Hardness and Knots of the Nerves. Take of Bdellium, Gum-Ammoniacum, and Opo­ponax, each two Drams; dissolve them in White-wine, strain them, and boyl them; then add of the Confection of Hamech and Diaphoenicon, each two Ounces; of the Catholicon Duplicatum half an Ounce, of Faetid Pill two Drams; make an Opiat; of which take half an Ounce, adding to it twenty Grains of Mer­curius dulcis: Continue the use of it several Days toge­ther, and it will take off the Hardness and Swelling of the Spleen.

Bear's-breech, in La­tin Branca Ʋrsina.

'Tis one of the five Emollient Herbs. 'Tis used chiefly in Clysters, and other Pa­regoricks, of whatsoever kind they are; and most commonly in Pultises. The Roots made into Pultises, and applied, are good for Burns, and Luxations. Be­ing taken inwardly, they force Urine, and stop a Loosness. They are good for Consumptive People, and such as spit Blood, and for Contusions. It grows in Italy, and Sicily. 'Tis one of the Ingredients of the Majesterial Water of Worms, in the London-Dis­pensatory; which is made in the following manner: Take of Worms well cleans'd three Pounds; of Snails, with their Shells, cleans'd two Gallons; beat them in a Mortar, and put them into a convenient Vessel; adding of the Leaves of Stinging Net­tles, with their Roots, six Handfuls, of Wild Angeli­ca four Handfuls, of Bears-breech seven Handfuls, of Agrimony and Betony, each three Handfuls; of Common Wormwood two Handfuls, of the Flowers of Rosemary six Ounces, of the Roots of Sharp-pointed Docks ten Ounces, of Wood-Sorrel five Oun­ces, of Turmerick, of the Inner Bark of Barberries, each four Ounces, of Fe­nugreek-seed two Ounces, of Cloves powder'd three [Page 217] Ounces, of Hart's-horn grosly powder'd▪ of Ivory powder'd, each four Oun­ces; of Saffron three Drams, of Small Spirit of Wine four Gallons and an half; after they have been infus'd four and twenty Hours, distil them in Glass Vessels, in B. M. The first four Pints that distil is to be kept by it self, and is called the Spirit: The rest is called the Majesterial Water of Worms.

Benjamin, in Latin Benzoinum.

It attenuates: 'Tis hot and dry. 'Tis used for Coughs, Rheums, and Obstructions of the Lungs. It comes from Su­matra, Surat, and several other Places. Flowers and the Oyl of Benjamin are made in the following man­ner: Take an Earthen Pot, high and narrow, with a little Border round it; put into it three or four Oun­ces of clear Benjamin, gros­ly powder'd; cover the Pot with a Coffin of Pa­per, and tye it round a­bout, under the Border; set the Pot into hot Ashes, and when the Benjamin is heated, the Flowers will sublime; take off the Cof­fin every two Hours, and fix another in its place; stop up quickly, in a Glass, the Flowers you find in the Coffins; and when those which afterwards sublime do begin to appear Oyly, take the Pot off the Fire, put that which remains in­to a little Glass Retort; and fitting a Receiver to it, distil in a Sand-heat a thick and fragrant Oyl, until no more comes forth; and there will remain in the Retort nothing but a very spungy Earth. The Flow­ers are good for Asthmati­cal Persons, and to fortifie the Stomach. The Dose is, from two Grains to five, in an Egg, or in Lozenges. The Oyl is a Balsam for Wounds and Ulcers. Tin­cture of Benjamin is made in the following manner: Take three Ounces of Ben­jamin, and half an Ounce of Storax; powder them grosly, and put them into a Pottle-Matrass, half em­pty; pour upon them a Pint of Spirit of Wine; stop your Vessel close, and set it in warm Horse-dung; [Page 218] leave it in Digestion for a Fortnight; after which, fil­trate the Liquor, and keep it in a Vessel well stop'd. Some do add to it five or six Drops of Balsam of Pe­ru, to give it a better Smell. 'Tis good to take away Spots in the Face. A Dram of it is put into four Oun­ces of Water, and it whi­tens like Milk: This Wa­ter serves for a Wash, and is called Virgin's Milk. Take of Fat Ammoniacum, dissolv'd in Vinegar of Squills, one Ounce; of Ex­tract of Aloes half an Ounce, of Crystal of Tar­tar one Dram, of Myrrh, and Saffron, each half a Dram; of Mastich, Benja­min, and Salt of Ash-tree and Wormwood, each one Scruple; with Oxymel of Squills make a Mass for Pills. The Dose is, half a Dram, twice a Week; Purging being used betwixt whiles. These Pills are good for a Scirrhus of the Spleen.

Ben-Nut, in Latin, Balanus Myrepsica.

Disco­rides, and others of the An­cients, attribute many Vir­tues to it. It purges up­ward and downward, and evacuates Choler and Flegm. It has an Acrid Moisture, whereby it sub­verts the Stomach, occa­sions Nauseousness, and moves the Belly. It purges gross and clammy Flegm by Vomit and Stool; wherefore it is good for a Flegmatick Cholick. Mix­ed with Hony, it resolves hard Swellings, and the King's-Evil. Made up in­to a Pultis with Barly-Meal and Hony, it doth good in cold Diseases of the Nerves. Mix'd with Meal of Lupines, it takes off Ob­structions and Hardness of the Liver and Spleen. The Oyl drop'd into the Ear, cures Deafness, and the Noises of it. It cleanses the Skin from Spots. That which is old is better for inward use than the fresh, because by Time the Moi­sture is evaporated, which so much disturbs the Body. The like may by observ'd in the Roots and Leaves of Asarabacka; which purge violently upward and downward when they are green, by reason of such an [Page 219] Acrid Moisture; for when they are dry they lose that malignant and violent force. The same is also to be ob­serv'd in Orris; which, when green, burns and pricks violently; but when it is dry it doth not do so. The same is to be observ'd in the Roots of Wake-Ro­bin, which lose their Acri­mony when they are dry. Take Bdellium, Ammonia­cum, and Galbanum, of each equal parts; beat them in a Mortar, with the Oyl of Ben and Lillies; then add the like quantity of the Mucilage of the Seeds of Fenugreek, and Figs: Make an Ointment. 'Tis of great use in the Scirrhus.

Birth-wort, Long and Round, in Latin Aristolochia.

The Root is hot and dry. Both discuss, attenuate, o­pen, and cleanse: But the Round is of finer parts, the long of grosser: Both are Cephalick, Epatick, and Pulmonick. They are good to open the Obstructions of the Lungs, to provoke the Courses, to break inward Tumors, and to expel Poi­son. The Infusion of the long Root is frequently u­sed to cure the Itch, and to cleanse Wounds. 'Tis good for Pains in the Sto­mach, and for the Hickups. But the chief use of both is, to purge the Womb af­ter Child-birth, and to force the Courses. Take of the Roots of Round Birth-wort half a Dram, of the Leaves of dried Sa­vin one Dram and an half, of Dittany of Crete, of the Troches of Myrrh, of Asa Foetida, each one Dram; of choice Cinnamon two Drams, of White Sugar two Ounces; make a fine Powder of them all: Take two Drams in the Morn­ing, for some Days, in the Broth of Red Vetches, wherein two Drams of Cinnamon and half a Dram of Saffron have been boyl'd. Birth-wort grows every where in the Hedges, in Italy, France and Spain.

Bishop's-weed, in La­tin Ammi.

The Seed of it is one of the four Lesser hot Seeds. It incides, o­pens, and dries. 'Tis good for the Gripes, Difficulty [Page 220] of Urine, and the Biting of Venomous Creatures; and also forces the Courses. 'Tis mix'd with Blistering Plasters to prevent Difficul­ty of Urine, which usually comes upon the use of such Medicines: But the use of it, as of Cummin, are Cau­ses of pale Colour. 'Tis of excellent use for Barren­ness, a Dram of it pow­der'd, being taken in Wine, or fresh Broth, every other Day, three Hours before Meals: But it ought not to be given above four or five times. 'Tis an excel­lent Medicine in this Case, and has often been found successful. But the Hus­band must not be concern'd with his Wife on the Days she takes the Seed. To which End, and also for the Whites, an Uterine Clyster being first used, says Simon Paulus, I have given the following Pow­der to many barren Wo­men; whereby they prov'd with Child, and were freed from the Whites. The Description of the Uterine Clyster is as follows: Take of the Roots of Long and Round Birth-wort, each two Drams; of Gentian, and Zedoary, each one Dram; of Ground-Ivy, the Lesser Centory, of Birth-wort, and Rosemary, each one Handful; of Balm, and Red Mug-wort, each half an Handful; of the Lesser Cardamoms half an Ounce; cut and beat them for a Decoction for an Ute­rine Clyster. The Descrip­tion of the Powder is as fol­lows: Take of Speed-well, of the Seeds of Bishop's-weed, each half an Ounce; of the Lesser Cardamoms, of sharp Cinnamon, each two Drams; of Sugar-Candy a fourth part of the weight of all the rest: Make a Powder according to Art. Take of the Roots of Elecampane, Smallage, Fennel, and Orris dried, each one Ounce and an half; of the Roots of Va­lerian, Gentian, Asarabac­ca, Squills, each one Dram; of the inner Bark of the Elder, and Saxifrage, each six Drams; of the Leaves of Wormwood, Agrimony, Germander, Maiden-hair dried, each two Drams; of the Tops of the Lesser Centuary, and Broom-Flowers, [Page 221] each one Dram; of the Seeds of Parsley, Bi­shop's-weed, and Dill, each one Dram and an ha [...]; of Cinnamon two Dram [...] of Spikenard half a Dram; mix them together, and in­fuse them in two or three Measures of White-wine: Let the Sick drink of this Wine every Morning. This is good for a Dropsie. The Seed of Bishop's-weed is al­so an Ingredient of the Compound Syrup of Beto­ny in the London-Dispensa­tory. It comes from Ale­xandria.

Bitter-Vetch, in La­tin Orobus.

A Water di­still'd from it, breaks and expels the Stone in the Bladder. The Root of it is good against Poisons, and the Strangury. The Plant bruised, and applied hot, eases the Pain of the Side. It grows about Geneva; and frequently in the Woods in Germany.

Brazile-wood, in Latin Brazilia arbor.

'Tis a large and vast Tree; and so ve­ry thick sometimes, that three Men, with their Arms extended, can scarce com­pass it. The Wood is cold and dry; it mitigates Fe­vers; 'tis Binding, and Strengthening. Infus'd in the Cold, with Eye-water, it cures Inflammations of the Eyes. The Wood is much used for making Handles for Knives and Swords, and Drum-sticks. 'Tis very dense and pon­derous, and may be po­lish'd. Take of Sarsaperil­la, of Crude Antimony, and of the Shells of Nuts, each six Ounces; of the Roots of China one Ounce, of Brazile-wood a little, of Water nine Pints; boyl half away; the Antimony, and the Shells powder'd, must be hang'd in a Rag, so that they may not touch the bottom of the Vessel; strain it: Take a large Draught in the Morning, three Hours before Din­ner; and in the After­noon, four Hours after Dinner; and three Hours after Supper, for fifteen Days; Bleeding and Pur­ging being first used. This is commended in the Gout.

CAmel's-Hay, in La­tin Schaenanthus.

It heats, discusses, and is of fine Parts. 'Tis chiefly u­sed for Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and the like. 'Tis also used for Vomit­ing, and the Hickups; as also for Wind in the Sto­mach, for Difficulty of U­rine, and Pains of the Kid­nies, Bladder and Womb. It cures a Stinking Breath, and strengthens the Head, and discusses the Swelling of the Ʋvula, and strength­ens the Stomach, it being outwardly used in a Lotion. A Dram of it powder'd may be taken inwardly, in hot Wine; or it may be boyl'd in Water. 'Tis rec­kon'd a Specifick for Ul­cers of the Bladder. A Woman evacuated a Stone almost as big as a Walnut, which had occasion'd an Ulcer of the Bladder, and of the neighbouring Parts, by using Camel's-Hay and the Roots of Cypress. Take of the Tops of Roman-Wormwood three Drams, of Hore-hound and Rose­mary, each two Drams; of Red Roses two Pugils, of the Flowers of Camo­mile, and the Leaves of Laurel, each half an Hand­ful; of Orange-Pill, and of Sweet Wood of Aloes, each three Drams; Cy­press-roots, Camel's-Hay, and Spikenard, each half an Ounce; make a Deco­ction with two parts of the best Wine, and one part of Agrimony and Wormwood-water; foment the Region of the Liver with it, with a Spunge press'd out of Wormwood-wine. This has been used in a Drop­sie.

Camphir, in Latin Camphora.

Camphir was unknown to the Ancient Grecians: It began first to be taken notice of by the Arabians. Whether it is hot or cold, is not agreed on by Authors. The An­cients counted it cold, be­cause it extinguish'd Vene­ry, and cured Inflamma­tions of the Eyes; and for that being put upon Burns, it seem'd as cold as Snow. But Modern Physicians af­firm, 'tis hot, on the con­trary: [Page 223] Their Arguments for it are, the great In­flammability of it; its pe­netrating, Aromatick Smell, and Acrid Taste; its rea­diness to evaporate, by rea­son of the Tenuity of Parts. Which Opinion, indeed, seems most probable; for the contrary Arguments are easily answer'd. For, if it should be granted that it suppresses Venery, it doth not therefore necessarily follow that it is cold; for so doth Rue, and the chaste Tree, and the like. Yet Breynius saith, it doth not extinguish Venery: For, says he, it hath been ob­serv'd, that many who have been employ'd in purifying Camphir daily, have had many Children. And then, tho' it be of use in many Diseases that require Cool­ing, as, in Inflammations of the Eys, and Erysipelas, Fevers, and the like; yet they say, Cooling in these Cases, by this Medicine, is not per se, but per acci­dens; much in the same manner as the Inflamma­tion of a Member burnt is drawn out by the Heat of the Fire, or the Flame of a Candle, or, as by the immoderate use of Pepper, the native Heat is driven out, and is less within; and so the Body becomes cold. Some mention other Ways whereby these things may be perform'd; which I omit, partly because they are not satisfactory, and partly because it is not clear, whether Camphir doth good in these Diseases, or whether it be injurious. Camphir resists Putrefa­ction and Poisons; upon which Account it is fre­quently used in the Plague, Malignant Diseases, and Putrid Fevers. Balm-wa­ter, wherein Camphir hath been extinguish'd, doth good in Mother-fits. 'Tis most frequently used out­wardly, in cooling Epi­thems, Frontals, and Pare­goricks: And for the mix­ing of it with them, 'tis wont to be dissolv'd with the Spirit of Wine, or rub­bed with Oyly Kernels or Seeds. Camphir dissolves in Spirit of Wine present­ly, and swims upon the top of the Spirit, in form of an Oyl. Camphir is mix'd with Wash-balls, to [Page 224] smoothen and beautifie the Skin. A small quantity of it used outwardly or in­wardly, disposes to Sleep: But if it be held to the Nose frequently, it dries the Brain, and causes Watching. Camphir is reckon'd by the most learn­ed Men, and not undeserv­edly, among the strongest Alexipharmicks. It won­derfully resists Putrefaction, and repels and corrects the putrid Vapours of a cor­rupt Member: But it is to be used cautiously in vio­lent Pains of the Head and Stomach. Camphir is dis­solv'd in Spirit of Wine; and this Dissolution is cal­led Spirit of Wine Cam­phoriz'd. 'Tis good for the Apoplexy, and Hyste­rical Diseases. 'Tis also found to be of excellent use for the Tooth-ach, a little Cotton being dip'd in it, and put into the ach­ing Tooth. The Oyl of Camphir is made in the following manner: Pow­der grosly three or four Ounces of good Camphir, put it into a Matrass, and pour upon it twice as much Spirit of Nitre; stop your Vessel close, and set it over a Pot half full of Water, a little heated; stir it ever now and then, to help forward the Disso­lution, which will be fi­nish'd in two or three Hours, and then you will find the Camphir turn'd in­to a clear Oyl, which swims above the Spirit; separate it, and keep it in a Viol well stop'd. 'Tis used for the Caries of Bones, and to touch Nerves that are uncover'd in Wounds. This Oyl is nothing but a Disso­lution of Camphir in Spi­rit of Nitre; for if you pour Water upon it, to de­stroy the force of the Spi­rit, it returns into Cam­phir, as before. Of all the Resins, this is the only one that can dissolve in Spirit of Wine. Take of Vola­tile Salt of Hart's-horn two Grains, of the Majesterial Cardiac-powder six Grains, of Camphir and Cochinel, each four Grains; of Ve­nice-Treacle one Scruple, of the Aqua Coelestis a suffi­cient quantity: Make a Bolus. This is good in Malignant Fevers. Take of Camphir and Borax, [Page 225] each one Dram; of White Sugar-candy five Drams, of White Vitriol one Scru­ple; powder them very fine, and mingle them by degrees with half a Pint of Sweet-Fennel-water. This is an excellent Water for Rheums and Inflamma­tions of the Eyes, a Rag being dip'd in it, and ap­plied often on the Eye-lids. 'Tis gather'd from more Trees than one. It distils, Drop by Drop, from a great Tree, much like a Walnut-tree, in the Island Borneo, in Asia. Little Cakes of it are likewise brought out of China, but that is not so good. It must be chosen white, transparent, clean, friable, without Spot, and such as is hard to quench when once lighted. Camphir is compounded of a Sulphur and a Salt; so very Vola­tile, that it is very hard to keep any time; and it always loseth something, let it be never so closely stop'd.

Cancamum:

See Gum­mi Anime.

Canela:

See Cinna­mon.

Capers, in Latin Cap­peris.

They are brought to us in Pickle, and are frequently used for Sauce for Roast and Boil'd Meat, and for Fish. They quic­ken the Appetite, promote Concoction, and open Ob­structions of the Liver and Spleen. Lobelius says, the Biggest Capers are better than the Least. Perhaps he means the Fruit which is sometimes pickl'd, and is called Long-Capers: But now-a-days they are not used in England. It is said, that they who eat Italian Capers daily, are not trou­bled with the Palsie, nor Pains of the Spleen. They are good for the Hip-Gout, and Bursten-Bellies. They provoke the Courses, draw Flegm from the Head, and cure the Tooth-ach. Be­ing boyl'd in Vinegar, the Bark, especially of the Root, softens the Spleen when it is hard. Being ta­ken inwardly, or outward­ly applied, it provokes the Courses, cleanses Ulcers, and dries; doth good in [Page 226] the Gout, digests hard Tu­mours; it also kills Worms. Take of Oil of Lillies, and of Capers, each two Oun­ces; of the Juice of Briony and Smallage, each three Ounces; boyl them to the Consumption of the Jui­ces; then add of Ointment of Marsh-mallows and Gum-Ammoniacum, dis­solv'd in Vinegar, and strain'd, each one Ounce; of the Seeds of Daucus and Spikenard, each one Dram and an half; of yel­low Wax a sufficient quan­tity; make an Ointment: When you use it add a lit­tle Vinegar of Roses. This is commended for Obstru­ctions of the Liver. Oyl of Capers of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Bark of the Roots of Capers one Ounce; of the Bark of Tamarisk, of the Leaves of the same, of the Seeds of the chaste Tree, of Spleen-wort, and of the Roots of Cyperus, each two Drams; of Rue one Dram, of ripe Oyl of Olives one Pint, of the sharpest Vine­gar, and of fragrant White-wine, each two Ounces; cut them, and steep them two Days, and boyl them gently in B. M. and when the Wine and Vinegar are consum'd, strain it, and keep it for use. This Oyl is very proper for Hard­ness, Pain, and Obstructi­ons of the Liver or Spleen; and also for the Rickets. Capers grow in Sandy Ground, and amongst Rub­bish, at Rome, and Florence, and other Parts of Italy.

Cardamoms, in Latin Cardamomum.

They have a gentle Heat, that is very agreeable to Nature. They provoke Urine and the Courses, and open Obstru­ctions of the Liver and Spleen, and especially of the Mesentery; in which Obstructions they do Won­ders; they are also good to help Concoction. They are an Ingredient in the Com­pound-water of Worm-wood, of the London-Dis­pensatory.

Carthamus, or Ba­stard-Saffron.

The Flowers bruis'd are used instead of Sauce; and they colour the Meat of a Saffron-co­lour. [Page 227] They loosen the Bel­ly, and are good in the Jaundice. But the chief use of the Flowers is, for dying of Silks and Cloth. Some adulterate Saffron, by mixing it with these Flowers. The Seed of it bruis'd, and taken in Broth, purges clammy Flegm by Vomit and Stool; upon which Account it is rec­kon'd amongst Flegma­goges. 'Tis very good for the Breast, and is excel­lent for expelling Wind; wherefore it is very good for Cholicks, and an Ana­sarca. But it is offensive to the Stomach, and there­fore Stomachicks ought to be mix'd with it; as An­nise-seeds, Galangal, Cin­namon, and the like. The Operation of it should be quicken'd, by adding things that are acrid; as Carda­moms, Ginger, Sal Gem­mae, and the like. The Dose of it, in Infusion, is from three Drams to six. Hofmannus says, the Husk should be taken off with a Knife, tho' it be difficult; for the beating of it with a Pestle, loses the Oyly Sub­stance, wherein the Virtue lies. The Electuary, cal­led Diacarthamum, of the London-Dispensatory. Take of the Species of Diatraga­canth frigid half an Ounce, of the Pulp of Preserv'd Quinces one Ounce, of the Marrow of the Seeds of the Bastard-Saffron half an Ounce, of White Ginger two Drams, of Diagrydi­um powder'd a-part, three Drams, of White Turbith six Drams, of Manna two Ounces, of Solutive Hony of Roses strain'd, and Sugar-candy, each one Ounce; of Hermodactils half an ounce, of White Sugar, boyl'd to the Consistence of a solid Ele­ctuary, ten Ounces and an half; when it is hot, mix with it the Hony, Manna, and the Pulp of Quinces; then add the Powders, and make a solid Electuary, to be form­ed into Tablets.

Cassia Fistula Alexan­drina, in English Ordinary Purging Cassia.

The Egyp­tians use to walk in a Morn­ing where Cassia grows, especially at Sun-rising, for then the Cassia smells very pleasantly. The Pulp of Cassia purges Choler, and [Page 228] watery Humours. 'Tis good in outward and in­ward Heats. It attempe­rates the Blood, and ren­ders it more pure. It won­derfully helps Diseases of the Breast, occasion'd by a Distillation of sharp Hu­mours. The Egyptians use the Pulp, with Sugar-can­dy and Liquorish, for Dis­eases of the Bladder and Reins. And by the fre­quent use of it, they pre­serve themselves from the Stone; three Drams of it being taken three Hours before Dinner. But Fallo­pius and Fabritius Hildanus think it is not safe giving of it in Heat of Urine; for they say it increases the Disease, by drawing Wa­ter to the Part affected. Two Inconveniences at­tend the use of it: It dis­solves the Tone of the Sto­mach by its Moisture, and then it breeds Wind; wherefore it is not to be used to those that have moist Stomachs, or are Hy­pondriacal, or troubl'd with Wind, unless it be correct­ed by Carminatives, or Stomachicks; as, with Cin­namon, Mastick, or the like. But Hofmannus says, 'tis best not to use it in Hypo­chondriacal People, by rea­son of the Weakness of their Intestines. Cassia is used for all Coughs, Difficulty of Breathing, and an Asth­ma. 'Tis used outwardly in hot Pains of the Joints. Pains of the Head after Eating are best cured by taking Cassia after Eating. Cassia is made much use of in the Purging Electuaries of the London-Dispensatory. Extract of Cassia for Cly­sters is made in the follow­ing manner: Take of the Leaves of Violets, Mal­lows, Beets, Mercury, Pe­litory of the Wall, Flowers of Violets, each one Hand­ful; make a Decoction in a sufficient quantity of Wa­ter, (adding at the end the Flowers of Violets) where­by the Cassia may be ex­tracted, and the Canes wash'd within; then take of the Cassia extracted by this Decoction, and boyl'd to a Consistence, one Pound; of Brown Sugar one Pound and an half; boyl them up to an Electuary, according to Art. The Electuary cal­led Dia-Cassia, with Manna, [Page 229] is made in the following manner: Take of Da­mask-Prunes two Ounces, of the Flowers of Violets one Ounce and an half, of Fountain-water a Pint and an half; boyl them accor­ding to Art, till half is con­sum'd; strain it, and dis­solve in it, of the Pulp of Cassia six Ounces; of Vio­let-Sugar and Syrup of Vi­olets, each four Ounces; of the Pulp of Tamarinds one Ounce; of Sugar-can­dy one Ounce and an half, of the best Manna two Ounces; mingle them, and make an Electuary accord­ing to Art: 'Tis a good, cooling Purge. Cassia ex­tracted without Sena: Take of Prunes number Twelve, of the Leaves of Violets one Handful, of Barly cleans'd, and the Seeds of Annise, and of Bastard-Saffron, and of Polypody of the Oak, each five Drams; of Maiden-hair, Thyme, and Dodder, each half an Handful; of Rai­sins stoned half an Ounce, of the Seeds of Fennel two Drams, of the Seeds of Purslain and Mallows, each three Drams; of Liquorish half an Ounce; make a Decoction of these in a suf­ficient quantity of Water; in the strain'd Liquor dis­solve two Pounds of the Pulp of Cassia, and one Ounce of Tamarinds; add three Drams of Cinnamon, and one Pound of the best Sugar; boyl it to the Con­sistence of an Electuary. This is good when the Bo­dy is Feverish; for it cools, and purges gently. An Ounce and an half of it may be taken at a time. Cassia is an Ingredient in the Lenitive Electuary of the London-Dispensatory. 'Tis made in the following manner: Take of Raisins stoned, of Polypody of the Oak fresh, Oriental Sena, each two Ounces; of Mer­cury one Handful and an half; of Jujubes and Sebe­stenes, each number Twen­ty five; of Maiden-hair, of Violets, and of Barly cleans'd, each one Hand­ful; of Damask-Prunes and Tamerinds, each six Drams; of Liquorish half an Ounce; boyl them ac­cording to Art, in five Quarts of Water, to the Consumption of a third [Page 230] part; then strain them out hard: In part of the Li­quor dissolve of the Pulp of Cassia and Tamerinds, and of fresh Prunes, and of Vio­let-Sugar, each six Ounces; in the other part of the Li­quor dissolve two Pounds of fine Sugar; Lastly, add an Ounce and an half of the Powder of Sena, and two Drams of the Powder of Annise-seeds, for every Pound of the Electuary; and so make an Electuary according to Art. It cools, and purges gently. An Ounce, or an Ounce and and half may be taken at a time.

Cassidony:

See Stoe­chas.

Cassummuniar.

To give a Description of the Herb, its Place, its Growth, whether it bears any Flow­er or Seed, is not in my power; having receiv'd no Account along with it from my Brother, Factor to the Honourable East-In­dia Company. Only, thus much is most certain; 'tis a Plant esteem'd even by Princes themselves; some part of what I have being taken out of the King of Golconda's Garden, one of the greatest and wealthiest Princes in India. And the Priests, who are the Brack­mannes of the Pythagorean Sect of Phylosophers, do many and great Cures with it; for which they are much esteem'd, not only by the Natives, but also by Foreign Merchants that re­side there; the English them­selves preferring them be­fore their own Country­men, when they labour un­der those Diseases that reign in the East-Indians. They are very excellent Bota­nists, admirably skill'd in the Nature and Use of Plants; and having an extraordinary Variety of them, have improv'd Gale­nical Physick to a very great heighth. I do not understand that they are acquainted with any of the Chymical Ways, of sepa­rating the pure from the impure Parts; nor are they acquainted with the use of Minerals: But as they are nourish'd by the Product of the Earth, so they are cured by the Off-spring thereof: [Page 231] Not feeding upon any Ani­mal kill'd for their use, fearing they should eat some of their Ancestors, because they hold a Trans­migration of Souls. This Root, tho' it might serve to Aromatize their Diet, and is certainly a good Stoma­chick, yet they use it only Medicinally; and that in so homely a Way, as is be­coming such plain and sim­ple Men, unacquainted with the Confectioner's or Apothecary's Art. They cut the Root transverse, or cross-ways; and having so done, they dry it in the Sun with great Care; and when they have Occasion to use it, they grind it betwixt two Stones, adding Water to it; after the manner of Painters grinding their Co­lours: Being reduc'd here­by to the Consistence of an Electuary, they administer two or three Drams of it at a time to their Patients. As to its Qualities, 'tis mo­derately hot, and very a­stringent. It consists of ve­ry fine Parts; wrap'd up in, and tied to an Earthy Matter; and may be rec­kon'd amongst Aromata, or Spices. It exceedingly re­cruits the Animal and Vital Spirits; and may well be imagin'd to be Aperitive. By the Experience I have had of it, I find it admira­bly to agree with the Ani­mal Spirits, and a proper Remedy against their Irre­gularities. With Spirit of Wine I have drawn a good Spirit from it, and with the remaining Faeces made a very good Extract; and conceive, its Extract made with Fountain-water may be better than the Powder in the Bloody-Flux, for which it is an excellent Re­medy. The Spirit is good to mix with Cordials. It is a very good Medicine, outwardly used; and will lay Scents better than any thing yet found out. 'Tis much commended by Do­ctor John Peachie of Glou­cester, (who wrote this Ac­count of it) for Apople­xies, Convulsions, Fits of the Mother, and the like. He used to foment the Head with the Spirit, and to give inwardly the fol­lowing Medicine: Take of Cassummuniar powder'd two Ounces, of the Con­serves [Page 232] of the Flowers of Betony one Ounce; make an Electuary according to Art, with a sufficient quan­tity of Syrup of Peony: Let the Patient take the quantity of a Nutmeg thrice a Day, drinking up­on it four Ounces of the following Julap: Take of the Waters of the Flowers of the Lime-tree, and of Black-berries, each half a Pint; of the Compound Spirit of Lavender three Ounces, a sufficient quan­tity of Syrup of Peony; mingle them. He says, many have been cured of Head-diseases by this Me­dicine. Mr. Marlow, in King-street, near Guild-Hall, an excellent Apothe­cary, and a curious Man, shew'd me Cassummuniar, and confirm'd the Use and Virtues above-mention'd.

China.

'Tis good for the French-Pox, which some say, it cures, without observing a strict Diet, in a short time, and with pleasure; wherefore it is much esteem'd by the In­dians. Garsia wrote a whole Book of the Virtue and Use of this Root. 'Tis most commonly used in De­coctions; and one or two Ounces is sufficient for nine Pints of Water. 'Tis good for all Diseases that require Sweating. 'Tis u­sed in the Palsie, for Pains in the Joints, the Hip-Gout, the Gout, Scirrhous and Edematous Tumors, and for the King's-Evil. It strengthens the Stomach when weak, eases invete­rate Pains in the Head, doth good for the Stone, and Ulcers of the Bladder; cures the Jaundice, and Humoral and Windy Rup­tures. 'Tis a great Pro­vocative to Venery. And Fallopius says, Men grow fat by the use of it. The Turks, who love to have their Wives in good Case, diet them with a Decoction of this Root. Take of the Roots of China three Oun­ces, Sarsaperilla six Oun­ces, Saxifrage one Ounce, of Nephritick Wood two Ounces, of Harts-horn and Ivory rasp'd, each half an Ounce; of White Sanders half an Ounce; of the Roots of Parsly, Grass, Knee-holm, each one [Page 233] Ounce; of Liquorish two Ounces, of Dates ston'd number Six, of Caraways and Coriander-seeds, each three Drams; infuse them in seven Quarts of Foun­tain-water, boyl it accord­ing to Art, and Aromatize it with Woody Cassia. This is used for the French Pox. Take of the Roots of China two Ounces, of Sarsaperilla six Ounces, of all the Sanders, each three Drams; of Saxifrage ten Drams; infuse them in four Quarts of Fountain-water for twelve Hours, and then, adding of the Leaves of Agrimony two Handfuls, of the Leaves of Speed-well three Handfuls, of Scabious one Handful, of the Seeds of Sweet-Fen­nel and Caraways, each three Drams; of Raisins of the Sun ston'd six Ounces, boyl it to the Consumption of the third part; strain the Liquor, and use it for your ordinary Drink. This is much used in the King's Evil. China grows plenti­fully in China, and in Ma­labar, and in many other places.

Chiches, or Chich-pease, in Latin Cicer sativum.

Chich-pease are three-fold, White, Red, and Black. The Ancients commonly fed upon them, as do the Italians now at this Day. They eat them raw, as well as boyl'd; but they are best boyl'd, and when they are green, as are Pease and Beans, but they are windy. They provoke Ve­nery; they cleanse, open, incide, digest, provoke U­rine, and lessen the Stone; but they hurt the Bladder when it is ulcerated. They gently move the Belly. The Broth of them doth good in the Jaundice. A Decoction of them kills Worms, moves the Cour­ses, expels the Child, and breeds Milk. In Cata­plasms they cure the Swel­lings under the Ears, called Parotides, and Inflamma­tions of the Testicles, and Malignant Ulcers. We most commonly make use of them only in Difficulty of Urine: But Practitio­ners should take care that they do not use them too often to those that have Ul­cers in those Parts. They [Page 234] are sown every where in Italy, Spain and France. Take of the Root of Li­quorish four Scruples, of Marsh-mallows, Grass and Rest-harrow, each half an Ounce; of the Berries of Winter-Cherries, number Twenty, of Red Chick-pease four Ounces, of Cur­rants one Ounce, of the four greater Cold Seeds one Scruple, of Barly two Handfuls; boyl them in the Water of Winter-Cher­ries, Rest-harrow, Straw­berries, and Flowers of Beans, each one Pint and on half; to the strain'd Li­quor add four Ounces of the Syrup of Marsh-mal­lows. A Person that was grievously afflicted with the Stone in the Bladder, was much reliev'd by ta­king of this Decoction dai­ly, for the space of seven­teen Weeks.

Cinnamon, in Latin Cinnamomum.

The Diver­sity of the Nature of this Tree is wonderful; for, from the Bark of the Root is distill'd Camphir, and its Oyl; from the Bark of the Trunk, Oyl of Cinna­mon; from the Leaves' Oyl of Cloves; from the Fruit, an Oyl like the Oyl of Juniper, mix'd with a little of Cinnamon and Cloves. Of these is boyl'd up a fat, thick Oyl, like Wax, fit to make Plasters, Ointments, and Candles: 'Tis hard, and clear, and of a fragrant Smell. The Inhabitants use it in Oint­ments to ease Pain, but they dare not make Can­dles of it; for none are permitted to use Candles, besides the King of the Country. The Leaves of it smell more like Cloves than Cinnamon. The Bark of the Root given in a De­coction, or the Powder of it taken with Sugar and Hony, is good for a Cough. The Bark of the Twigs used in a Decoction, is good for the Wind. The same given in Powder, with hot Water, eases the Pain of the Belly, and stops a Flux arising from Cold. Our People use it success­fully, boyl'd in Milk, or Posset-drink, to stop a Loos­ness. A Decoction of it in Red Wine stops an immo­derate Flux of the Courses. [Page 235] The Juice of the Leaves given with Sugar and Pep­per, do good for Pains of the Belly, and the Flatu­lent Matter of the Reins. The Powder of the Leaves, with Sugar, are good for Giddiness; of the Head: As also are the Flowers, taken with Sugar, in cold Water. The Oyl which is drawn from the Bark of the Root hath many excellent Vir­tues: 'Tis very good in all Paralytick Diseases, being used outwardly in time. 'Tis a present Remedy for the Gout, presently asswa­ging the violent Pain of the Parts, as soon as they are anointed with it. It doth also good, taken inwardly. 'Tis also of excellent use, taken inwardly, for curing an Asthma, and other Dis­eases of the Lungs. 'Tis also good to correct the Malignity of Fevers. It forces Sweat; and is very proper to be used in Gan­grens, Mortifications, and Malignant Ulcers; for Pains of the Limbs, of the Belly, and of the Eyes; and for Tumors of the Members, proceeding from Cold and Flegmatick Hu­mours. It restores the Sense of Parts that are stupified. 'Tis good for Rheums. The Oyl of the Bark of the Tree is good for Diseases of the Stomach, and for the Gripes. The Water of Cinnamon is counted Cordial. The Oyl of the Leaves is good in the Cholick, and very pro­per in the Palsie. Cinna­mon is good for all Obstru­ctions, and for Diseases of the Breast. Oyl or Essence of Cinnamon, and its Ae­therial-water, is made in the following manner: Bruise four Pounds of good Cinnamon, and infuse it in six Quarts of hot Water; leave it in digestion in an Earthen Vessel, well stop'd, two Days; pour the Infu­sion into a large Copper Limbeck, and fitting a Re­ceiver to it, and luting close the Junctures with a wet Bladder, distil with a pret­ty good Fire three or four Pints of the Liquor; then unlute the Limbeck, and pour into it by Inclination the distil'd Waters; you will find at bottom a little Oyl, which you must pour into a Viol, and stop it [Page 236] close; distil the Liquor as before; then returning the Water into the Limbeck, take the Oyl you find at the bottom of the Receiver, and mix it with the first: Repeat this Cohobation, until there rises no more Oyl; then take away the Fire. Tincture of Cinna­mon is made in the follow­ing manner: Take what quantity of bruised Cinna­mon you please, put it into a Matrass, and pour upon it Spirit of Wine, one Fin­gure above it; stop your Matrass close, and set it in Digestion in Horse-dung four or five Days; the Spi­rit of Wine will be impreg­nated with the Tincture of Cinnamon, and become red; separate it from the Cinnamon, and after it is filtrated, keep the Tincture in a Viol well stop'd. 'Tis an admirable Cardiack; it fortifies the Stomach, and rejoyces all the Vital Parts. It may be used like Cinna­mon-water, in a little smaller Dose. Cinnamon-water is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of bruised Cinnamon a Pound and an half, Spanish Wine a Quart; infuse the Cin­namon in the Wine twenty four Hours, then distil them in a Limbeck; draw off three Pints of Strong-water, sweeten'd with Su­gar, and keep it for use. 'Tis good in a weak Sto­mach, and is Cordial. Sy­rup of Cinnamon of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the best Cinna­mon, beaten a little, three Ounces; infuse it three Days in hot Fountain-wa­ter, afterwards distil it in B. M. take a Pint of this Water; of Clarified Sugar, boyl'd over a gentle Fire, to the Consistence of Tab­lets, have a Pound: Make a Syrup. The Cinnamon-tree and the Cassia-tree seem to be the same. The Cinnamon-tree grows as commonly in the Island of Zeiland, in the Hedges and Woods, as the Hazel-tree doth in our Country; and the Inhabitants value it no more; for they commonly make Fires of it, and cut it for any common use.

Common Cinque-foil, or Five-leav'd Grass, in La­tin [Page 237] Pentaphyllum Vulgatissi­mum.

'Tis Vulnerary, and Astringent. It stops Fluxes of the Belly, Bleeding at Nose, and the Hemor­rhoids. 'Tis good for Spit­ting of Blood, and a Cough. 'Tis also commended for a Palsie, a Consumption, the Gout, and Jaundice. 'Tis also reckon'd good for the Stone, and Erosions of the Kidnies; for Ruptures and Fevers. 'Tis used outward­ly for the Eyes, when they are inflam'd, the Juice of it being drop'd into them: And also for Loosness of the Teeth, and putrid Gums. It cleanses also ma­lignant Ulcers. The A­stringent Virtue of it is most remarkable, by means whereof it does what it does. One Dram of the Powder of the Root, taken before the Fit, cures A­gues. Spon. in his Book of Fevers and Febrifuges, says, that Cinquefoil is a Plant somewhat bitter, and very astringent; whereby it strengthens the Fibres of the Stomach, relax'd by a Fever, and fixes and sweet­ens its Acid. Hippocrates used this Plant to cure Fe­vers. But, without doubt, it was more effectual in Greece, where Hippocrates liv'd, than here: For, most Plants have more Virtue in hot Countries, than in cold; especially those that are somewhat Aromatick. It has also been found by Experience, that the Roots of it cure Ulcers of the Mouth.

Citrons, in Latin Ma­lus Citria.

Every part of the Citron, the outward and inward Bark, the Juice and Pulp, and the Seeds, are of great use in Physick. The outward yellow Bark hath a curious Aromatick Smell, and bitter Taste. Being dried, it is very Cor­dial, and Alexipharmick. It heats and corroborates a cold and windy Stomach. It discusses Wind powerful­ly, concocting and digest­ing crude Humours that are contain'd in the Sto­mach or Bowels. Being chewed in the Mouth, it cures a Stinking Breath, promotes Concoction of the Meat, and is good for Melancholy. 'Tis much commended for Hypochon­driacal [Page 238] Diseases, for Va­pours, Wind, the Palpita­tion of the Heart, Obstru­ctions and Weakness of the Bowels. The Powder of the outward Bark of O­ranges and Limons is rec­kon'd good for the same. Being candied; 'tis used for Second Courses: And mix­ed with Cordial Electua­ries, 'tis used against Con­tagion. It loosens the Bel­ly; upon which Account an Electuary is made of it, called the Solutive Electu­ary of Citron; good to evacuate Flegmatick and Cold Humours. It may be also safely given when Choler is mix'd with Flegm. The Pulp or Juice, tho' it be not so acid as the Juice of Limons, yet▪ is it much more cooling than that. 'Tis very proper in Burn­ing and Pestilential Fevers, to quench Thirst, to sup­press too great a Fermenta­tion of the Blood, to re­create the Spirits, and quic­ken the Appetite. 'Tis al­so reckon'd good for a Gid­diness in the Head. The Seeds are Cord [...]l and Ale­xipharmick; are good for the Biting of Scorpions, and other venomous Crea­tures. They strengthen the Heart, and defend it from the Contagion of the Plague and Small-Pox. They kill the Worms of the Stomach and Bowels, provoke the Courses, and cause Abor­tion. They digest crude and watery Humours, and dry them up both within and without. There is a strange Story of two that were condemn'd to be de­stroy'd by Serpents; and as they were passing to Execution, by chance, a Person that had a Citron in his Hand, gave it them to eat, and soon after they were flung to the Serpents, and were much bit by them, but their Poyson made no Impression upon them, and the Men esca­ped with their Lives. Up­on this, Enquiry was made what they had eat or drunk? And a Citron be­ing the only thing that had been given them, 'twas or­der'd, one of them should eat a Citron the next Day, and that then they should be expos'd again to the Serpents: He that had eat­en the Citron escap'd, as [Page 239] before; the other soon pe­rish'd. And afterwards it was found by many Expe­riments, that Citron was good against Poyson. The Solutive Electuary of Ci­tron, of the London-Dispen­satory, is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of Citron-peel candied, of Conserve of the Flowers of Violets and Bugloss, of the Species of Diatragacanth frigid, and of Diagrydium▪ each half an Ounce; of Turbith five Drams, of Ginger half a Dram, of the Leaves of Sena six Drams, of the Seeds of Sweet-Fen­nel one Dram, of White Sugar dissolv'd in Rose-water, and boyl'd up ac­cording to Art, ten Oun­ces; beat in a Brass-Mor­tar the Turbith and Gin­ger, (being first cut small) the Sena, Fennel, and the Diagrydium must be poun­ded a-part, and must be mix'd with a little of the Powder of Diatragacanth made fresh; the Bark of the Citron must be pound­ed in a Marble-Mortar; then add the Conserves, pulp'd through a fine Sieve, and boyl'd a little in the Sugar dissolv'd; take it off the Fire, and when it is just warm put in the Powders, and last of all the Diagry­dium and the Diatraga­canth; and of this Paste make Tablets. Syrup of the Juice of Citrons, of the London-Dispensatory, is made in the following manner: Take of the Juice of Ci­trons strain'd one Pint, let it stand till it is clear; add to it of White Sugar clari­fied, and boyl'd to the Con­sistence of Tablets, two Pounds; make a Syrup by boyling of it just up, and no more. Syrup of the Bark of Citrons is made in the following manner: Take of the yellow Peel of Citrons, ripe and fresh, five Ounces; of the Grains of Kerms, or of their Juice, two Drams, of Fountain-water three Pints; infuse them all Night in B. M. strain it, add two Pounds and an half of White Sugar, and boyl it to a Syrup, accord­ing to Art, in B. M. Half of it must be without Musk; the other half must be Aromatiz'd with three Grains of Musk, tied up in a Rag.

Citruls, in Latin Ci­trullus.

The Fruit of it is cold and moist, and very fit to quench the Thirst; wherefore the Italians re­fresh themselves in Sum­mer-time with the Pulp of it. 'Tis good in Burning Fevers, and for a dry Tongue. The Seed of it is one of the Greater Cold Seeds.

Cloves, in Latin Caryo­phyllus Aromaticus.

Cloves heat and dry. The In­dians, two Days before they sell their Cloves, place a large Vessel of Water in the Room where the Cloves are; and it all soon evapo­rates, and goes into the Cloves; and so the weight of them is much increas'd. Cloves perfume the Breath; for which Reason the In­dian Women frequently chew them, and such like things. They are said to clear the Sight, and to take off Clouds from the Eyes. They strengthen the Sto­mach, and take off Vo­miting and Nauseousness. They provoke Venery, and are good for all cold Dis­eases of the Brain; as, A­poplexies, Lethargies, Pal­sie, or the like. They are used to correct the Air, by being burnt or eaten. But the chief use of them is in the Kitchin, for Sauces, and the like. They are also used to perfume Clothes, an Orange being stuck full of them, and put into the Chest to the Clothes. Some put them into Wine or Beer, and they impart to it a pleasant Smell and Taste. They are put into a Bag, or sow'd up in a Cloth, and worn upon the Stomach, to stop Vomiting, and to take off Pains of the Stomach, proceeding from a cold Cause. Some pow­der their Heads with the Powder of them, to take off Dulness and Pains of the Head. Cloves candied, taste very pleasantly, and are proper for a cold Sto­mach. Oyl of Cloves by Distillation is good for in­ward and outward use. Oyl of Cloves, per descen­sum, is made in the follow­ing manner. Take several large Drinking-glasses, co­ver them with a Linnen Cloth, and tie it round each of them, leaving a [Page 241] Cavity in each Cloth, to put the powder'd Cloves into; set a small Earthen Cup upon each Glass of these Cloves, let it stop so [...]ly, that it may suffer no Air to enter between its Brim and that of the Glass; fill the Cups with hot Ashes, to warm the Cloves, and distil down to the bottom of the Glasses first a little Flegm and Spirit, and af­ter that a clear and white Oyl; continue the Fire, until there falls no more; separate the Oyl in a Tun­nel lined with a Cornet of Brown Paper, and keep it in a Viol well stop'd. Some Drops of it are, with Cotton, put into aching Teeth. 'Tis likewise good in Malignant Fevers, and the Plague. The Dose is two or three Drops in Balm-water, or some ap­propriate Liquor. You must mix it with a little Sugar-candy, or a little Yolk of an Egg, before you drop it into the Wa­ter, otherwise it will not dissolve in the Water. I have given you this Pre­paration, to serve upon an Emergency, when you want, in haste, the Oyl of Cloves. You must only use hot Ashes to warm the Cloves, if you desire White Oyl; for, if you give a greater Heat, the Oyl turns red; and besides, a great part of it will be lost. You must also take care to lift up the Cup from time to time, to stir about the Powder. Some do dissolve Opium in Oyl of Cloves, and use this Dissolution for the Tooth-ach; they put one Drop of it into the ach­ing Tooth and it soon takes off the Pain. The Spirit of Cloves, which is made at the same time the Oyl is made, is a good Stomachick: It helps Con­coction, comforts the Heart, and increases Seed. The Dose is, from six Drops to twenty, in some convenient Liquor. Cloves grow spon­taneously in the Moloca-Islands. Those that are good are black, solid and weighty, smell well, are hard to break, and bite the Tongue much; and when they are broken their Liquor sweats out. They may be kept five Years in a temperate place.

Coccus Baphica.

See Kermes.

Cockle, in Latin Pseu­domelanthium.

It grows every where amongst Corn and Flowers, in June and July. It cures the Itch, and heals Wounds ann Fi­stula's, and stops Blood. But the Virtues of it are doubted by some: Yet Sennertus commends it in Stopping of Bleeding.

Coco-Nut-tree, in La­tin Palma Coccifera.

A Li­quor is drawn from this Tree, called Suri, which intoxicates like Wine▪ It hath a pleasant, sweet Taste. An hot Water, or Spirit, is drawn from it by Distillation. Sugar also, and Vinegar is made of it. Fine polish'd Cups, tip'd with Silver, are made of the Bark of it. The Li­quor, or Wine, is very good for Consumptions, and excellent for Diseases of the Urine and Reins. A Milk is drawn from the Kernels beat and press'd, without the help of Fire, which is very good for kil­ling Worms, eight Ounces of it being taken in a Morning, with a little Salt. The Liquor contain'd in the Kernel extinguishes Thirst, cures Fevers, clens­es the Eyes and the Skin, purifies the Blood, purges the Stomach and Urinary Passages, relieves the Breast, tastes pleasantly, and yields a great Nourishment. 'Tis said of it, that it is Meat, Drink and Cloth. Choco­let is made of it. It grows in the Spanish West-In­dies, and laste an hundred Years.

Coculus Indus.

'Tis un­certain where these Berries grow; but the chief use of them is for catching Fish, a Paste being made for them of White Flower and the Powder of the Berries: For the Fish, by eating of this Paste, become giddy and stupid, and so are easi­ly taken: But it is questi­onable whether Fish so ta­ken may be safely eaten; perhaps if they are gutted as soon as they are taken, and boyl'd, they may be eaten without hurt. A Per­son who went to buy Cu­bebs of an Apothecary, had [Page 243] these Berries deliver'd to him by a Mistake; and when he had taken not above four of them, he was presently seiz'd with a Vomiting, the Hiccups, and Faintness: But a Vomit being presently given him, he recover'd within an Hour.

Coffee, in Latin Caova.

The Decoction of it strengthens a cold Stomach, helps Concoction, and o­pens Obstructions of the Bowels, and is good for cold Tumors of the Liver and Spleen. It heats the Womb, and frees it from Obstructions: Upon which Account, the Egyptian and Arabian Women use it fre­quently. But it is most ta­ken notice of for removing Drowsiness. But tho it be so commonly used, and so very proper and effectual in some Cases; yet in other Cases perhaps it may be hurtful, or, at least, not so beneficial: For it is com­monly observ'd, that Cof­fee-drinkers are often very lean, and become Parali­tick, and impotent as to Venery. But, indeed, in most Diseases of the Head, as, for Giddiness, Head-aches, Lethargies, Catarrhs, and the like, Coffee is often used with good Success by those that are of a gross Habit of Body, and of a cold Constitution, and whose Blood is watery, their Brains moist, and their Animal Spirits dull; for, being taken daily, it wonderfully clears the Spi­rits, and dissipates those Clouds of all the Functions. But on the contrary, they who are of a thin Habit of Body, and an hot and melancholy Constitution, ought, by all means, to forbear Coffee. And be­sides, those that have but weak Spirits, or are subject to a Trembling, or Num­ness of the Limbs, ought not to drink Coffee, tho' they are afflicted with the Head-ach: Nor ought they who are subject to the Pal­pitation of the Heart. 'Tis reckon'd good in a Scorbu­tick Gout, and for the Gra­vel. The Goodness of Cof­fee chiefly depends on the exact roasting of it. Ber­nier says, there were only two Men that knew how [Page 244] to roast them right in Grand Cayro. For few know the manner and degree of Tor­rifaction; for if they are never so little over or un­der-roasted, they are spoyl­ed. Coffee is adulterated with burnt Crusts of Bread, roasted Beans▪ and the like. 'Tis commonly boyl'd in Copper or Tin-Pots, but Ear [...]hen are best for it, for it is probable that Metals too often impart something of their Substance to the Liquor. It hath been ob­serv'd that, upon Distilla­tion, a Pound of good clean Coffee, the Vessels being well luted, hath yielded four Ounces and an half of Flegm, with a little Vola­tile Spirit, mix'd with Salt; and two Ounces and five Drams of a thick, black Oyl, which being rectified, became yellow; the Caput mortuum weighed about four Ounces; so that about a fourth part evaporated, notwithstanding the Vessels were so closely cemented. Upon which, we may rea­sonably conjecture, that Coffee contains many Par­ticles that are Volatile and Penetrative; whereby it is probable it keeps Men wa­king. Many that have been very subject to Ne­phritick Pains have been cured by taking Coffee of­ten. Women use it to cleanse the Teeth. One that was seiz'd with a vio­lent Cholera, and painful Convulsions, from an In­ternal Cause, was cured in a short time, by taking a great quantity of Coffee; which was retain'd in the Stomach, when the Tin­cture of Opium, Mint-water, and the like, were vomited up. This little Tree grows only in that part of Arabia Foelix which is situated betwixt the Tro­picks: And the Arabians take such Care that it should not be planted any where else, that they de­stroy the Vegetative Virtue of the Seed, either by boyl­ing or burning it, before they will part with it out of their Hands. And they are much in the right; for they get infinite Treasure by this one Commodity: Upon which Account, at least, it may be called Ara­bia Foelix. No one can imagine how many Thou­sand [Page 245] Bushels of it are ex­ported yearly. 'Tis fre­quently used through all the Provinces of the Turkish Empire. Vestingius says, there are some Thousands of Coffee-houses in Grand Cayre. And it is as com­monly used in Africa and Barbery, and lately in Eu­rope. Certainly in England the King hath a great Re­venue by it, for I believe there may be now as many Coffee-houses in London as in Grand Cayre. Besides, in other Parts of England there is scarce a Town of Note, but hath one or more Cof­fee-houses in it.

Coloquintida, in Latin Colocynthis.

'Tis a violent Medicine: It purges thick and glutinous Flegm, and other Humours, from the remotest parts of the Body; as, from the Head, Nerves, Joints, and the like; for which reason it is commended, and is used successfully for inveterate Head-aches, an Apoplexy, Falling-sickness, Vertigo, Asthma, Cough, cold Diseases of the Joints, Flatulent Cholicks, a Drop­sie, and the like. But be­fore it is used it ought to be well powder'd, and fat and Lubricating things ought to be mix'd with it, to attemperate the Acrimo­ny of it. 'Tis an Ingre­dient of the Pill Cochiae ma­jores and minores, and of the Pill Rudii, of the Pill Eduobus, and of the Fetid Pill, and of the Pill of Her­modactils, and of some others. The Troches of Alhandel are made of it, in the following manner: Take of the Pulp of Colo­quintida that is white and smooth, and freed from the Seeds, and cut small, and well rub'd with Oyl of Sweet Almonds, and at two Days end finely pow­der'd, ten Ounces; of the Gums Arabeck, Traga­canth and Bdellium, each six Drams; infuse the Gums for three or four Days, in a sufficient quan­tity of Rose-water, till they are quite melted; and then with the said Pulp, and part of the Musilage of the Gums▪ make Troches, which must be dried in the Shade, and made up again with the rest of the Musi­lage.

Contrayerva, in Latin Drakena radix.

The Root of it is Alexipharmick. The Powder of it is an ex­cellent Remedy against all Poysons, except Sublimate: It expels Worms, and cures Agues. Clusius gave it the Name of Drakena, because Sir Francis Drake gave it him. Take of the Pow­der of the Roots of Con­trayerna, Virginian-Snake­weed, and Butter-bur, each one Dram; of Cochinelle, and Saffron, each half a Dram; mingle them, and make a Powder. The Dose is half a Dram, in a con­venient Vehicle. This is a sweating Medicine, and is proper to expel Malig­nity.

Coral, in Latin Coral­lium.

'Tis of a stony, dense Substance, and looks very fine when it is po­lish'd. 'Tis commonly be­liev'd that it is soft when it is under Water, but that is a vulgar Error; for those who fish for it say, that it is as hard and stony under Water as it is above, only it is cover'd with a soft, Mossy Bark. It hath an astringent Virtue, espe­cially when it is burnt, and reduc'd to a Powder. It stops all Fluxes of the Bel­ly, and of the Womb, and the Running of the Reins; but whether it comforts the Heart, or prevents Children's Convulsions, as 'tis said, is uncertain. 'Tis used outwardly for Ulcers, which it incarns. 'Tis also used to clear the Sight. Nurses in England hang it about Children's Necks, to promote Cutting of the Teeth; for, by reason it is soft and cold, Children love to have their Gums rub'd with it; and so the Eruption of the Teeth is render'd more easie: But we do not believe it doth conduce any thing, by an occult Quality, to the easie Breeding or Cutting of the Teeth. Tincture of Coral is much commended in Pe­stilential Fevers. Coral is prepar'd by grinding it on a Marble, to a fine Pow­der; and this is called pre­par'd Coral. 'Tis used for the Bloody-Flux, a Loos­ness, the Flux of the He­morrhoids, and the Cours­es, and for all other Di­stempers [Page 247] that are occa­sion'd by an Acrimony of Humors, this being an Al­cali that destroys it. The Dose is from ten Grains to a Dram, in Knot-grass-water, or some other pro­per Liquor. Dissolution of Coral is made in the follow­ing manner: Take what quantity you please of Co­ral, ground fine on a Mar­ble, put it into a large Ma­trass, and pour upon it as much distill'd Vinegar as will rise the breadth of four Fingers above the Matter; there will hap­pen a great Effervescency, which being over, set it in Digestion in warm Sand for two Days, stirring the Matrass from time to time; leave the Coral to settle at bottom, and decant the clear Liquor into a Bottle: Pour again so much distill'd Vinegar on the Remainder as before, and leave it two Days in Digestion; sepa­rate the clear Liquor, and continue to add more di­still'd Vinegar, and to draw off the Impregnation, until all the Coral is in a man­ner dissolv'd; then mix your Dissolutions, and pour them into a Glass-Cucur­bite, or else into an Earth­en one; evapotate in Sand two thirds of the Liquor, or till there appears upon it a very fine Skin; filtrate this Impregnation, and keep it, in order to make the Salt and Majestery, as I shall shew by and by. The Dissolution may be given for the same Purpo­ses as the Salt. The Dose is, from ten to twenty Drops, in some proper Li­quor. Red Coral is gene­rally used, because it is thought to have more Vir­tue than the rest. Maje­stery of Coral is made in the following manner: Take what quantity you please of the Impregnation of Coral, made with di­still'd Vinegar; pour it in­to a Viol, or Matrass, and drop into it the Liquor of the Salt of Tartar, made per Deliquium; a Curd will appear, which will precipitate to the bottom in a very white Powder; decant the clear Liquor, and wash your Powder five or six times with Water, dry it: It is that which is called the Majestery of Co­ral. [Page 248] Great Virtues are at­tributed to it: It fortifies the Heart, resists Poyson, stops the Bloody-Flux, and all other Hemorrhagies. The Dose is, from ten to thirty Grains, in some pro­per Liquor. Salt of Coral is made in the following manner: Take what quan­tity you please of the Dis­solution of Coral, made of distill'd Vinegar, pour it in­to a Glass-Cucurbite, or Earthen Pan, and evapo­rate in Sand all the Moist­ure; there will remain at hottom a Salt of Coral; keep it in a Viol well stop­ped. 'Tis given for the same Reason as the Maje­stery is: The Dose of it is less, being from five to fif­teen Grains. Simple Syrup of Coral of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of Red Coral four Ounces, dissolve it with the Heat of a Bath, in a Pint of the Juice of Barberries clarifi­ed; it must be put into a Matrass, well stop'd; and having digested it three or four Days, pour off that which is dissolv'd, and pour on more Juice, as before; and so proceed, till all the Coral is dissolv'd; add a Pound and an half of Su­gar to one Pint of this Juice, and boyl it gently to a Syrup in B. M. Com­pound Syrup of Coral is made in the following manner: Take of Red Coral, ground fine upon a Porphyry-stone, with a lit­tle Rose-water, six Oun­ces; of the clear Juice of Limons, freed from its Flegm in B. M. sixteen Ounces; of the clear Juice of Barberries eight Ounces, of sharp White-wine Vine­gar, and of clear Juice of Wood-Sorrel, each six Oun­ces; mingle them, and put them into a Viol, stop'd close with a Cork and a Bladder, shaking it daily till it hath digested eight Days in a Bath, or Horse-dung; then filtrate, and take of it a Pint and an half, and of the Juice of Quinces half a Pint, of Su­gar of Roses twelve Oun­ces; mingle them, make a Syrup according to Art, in a Bath, adding of Syrup of Gillyflowers sixteen Oun­ces; keep it for use. Sy­rup of Coral is very cool­ing: [Page 249] 'Tis good in Fevers, for Fluxes, the Running of the Reins, the Whites in Women, and for Spitting of Blood. Coral grows plentifully in Spain and Catalonia; sometimes the Branches of it are so large, as to weigh three or four Pounds.

Coral-tree, in Latin Arbor Corallii.

Sheaths for Swords and Knives are made of the Root of it. The Leaves powder'd, and boyl'd to the thickness of an Ointment, cure Vene­rial Buboes, and asswage the Pain of the Bones. Rub'd and applied to the Temples, they ease the Head-ach, and cure Ul­cers.

The Cork-tree, in La­tin Suber.

The Bark of it rub'd in hot Water, stops a Flux of Blood: The Ashes of it do the same. But it is chiefly used to Anchors for Ships, and for Fishing-Tackling, and to stop Bottles, In some part of Spain they make Tiles of it, to cover their Hou­ses. It grows in Spain, and in some other Pla­ces.

Costus.

It heats much, forces Urine and the Cour­ses, and is good for Dis­eases of the Womb. Half an Ounce of it taken in a proper Liquor, is good for the Biting of Vipers. It stimulates Venery, and ex­pels broad Worms, by rea­son of the Bitterness that is in it.

Cotton, in Latin Gossi­pium.

'Tis commonly used to line Clothes, to keep out the Cold: And there is no sort of Flax so soft and white as it is. As to its use in Physick; being burnt it stops Bleeding, especial­ly Wounds. The Marrow of the Seed wonderfully re­lieves those that are subject to Coughs, and Difficulty of Breathing. It increases Seed, and is a Provocative to Venery. The Oyl of the Pith of the Seed takes off Spots from the Skin. The Down fired, and put under the Nostrils, pre­vents Mother-fits. It grows in the Island of Crete, be­twixt Jerusalem and Da­mascus; [Page 250] where there are whole Fields Sown with it.

Couhage, or Cow-itch, in Latin Phaseolus Zurraten­sis.

The Bristles of the Cods occasion violent Itch­ing.

Indian Cress, in Latin Nasturtium Indicum.

The Flowers of it smell and look very pleasantly in Sal­lets. 'Tis good for a weak and cold Stomach, and for Wind. It grows in Peru.

Crown-Imperial, in Latin Corona Imperialis.

It came from Constantinople, but it grows now frequent­ly in our Gardens here in England, and flowers in April, and sometimes in March, if that Season of the Year be warmer than ordinary. The Turks use the Drops in the Flower to make them vomit: And some use them to hasten Delivery.

Cumin, in Latin Cumi­num.

The Seed of it re­solves and discusses Wind; and therefore is good in the Cholick, for a Timpany▪ and a Vertigo. Taken in Sweet Wine, it relieves those that are afflicted with a Difficulty and Heat of Urine. Boyl'd with Figs, in Wine, it cures a Cough, and cleanses the Breast. 'Tis conveniently baked with Bread, for it helps Concoction, and dissipates Wind. But the frequent use of it, in a large quanti­ty, renders the Counte­nance pale. It cures a Stinking Breath. The Chy­mical Oyl of it is excellent for Wind, and Uterine Dis­eases. An Empirick had mighty Success by pouring some Drops of it upon a Toast, and applying it to the Navel. 'Tis sown in abundance in the Island of Melita. The Plaster of Cumin of the London-Dis­pensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Seeds of Cumin, of Lawrel-berries, and Yellow Wax, each one Pound; of Rosin of the Pine two Pounds, of com­mon Rosin two Pounds, of Oyl of Dill half a Pound; mingle them, and make a Plaster. 'Tis good [Page 251] for Windy Ruptures, and the like.

Cubebs, in Latin Cu­bebae.

Cubebs are like Pep­per, and sometimes a little larger. They heat and dry. They strengthen the Sto­mach when it is oppress'd with Wind or Flegm. They purge the Breast, by carry­ing off clammy and gross Humours. They releive the Spleen, and expel Wind, and cure cold Dis­eases of the Womb. Being chew'd with Mastick often, they strengthen the Brain, and draw Flegm from the Head. Being infus'd in Wine, they provoke Vene­ry, and heat the Stomach; they cleanse the Urinary Passages, and expel Gravel from the Reins and Blad­der. They are an Ingre­dient in the Compound Spi­rit and Water of Worm-wood of the London-Dis­pensatory.

Sweet Cyperus, in La­tin Cyperus longus.

The Root of it is Stomachick and U­terine. 'Tis chiefly used in provoking Urine and the Courses. It takes off Cru­dities of the Stomach, and cures the Dropsie at the Beginning, and the Cho­lick; and cures a Stinking Breath, being chew'd in the Mouth. Being bruis'd, and boyl'd, or infus'd in Oyl, and applied to the Reins, it expels Gravel, and provokes Urine. If the Roots are powder'd, and mix'd with Hony and Sugar and a little Wine, and boyl'd together, and then cut into Slices, and infus'd in Broth, they taste like Candied Ginger. The Twigs and Roots dried in the Sun, and sprinkled with Vinegar, and beat to pie­ces, perfume Clothes. The Spanish and Italian Women use the Roots of it so pre­par'd, for Perfumes. One Dram of the Powder of the Root, with a Spike of La­vender, hastens Delivery, and expels the Secundine. Take of the Roots of Ele­campane. Sweet-smelling Flag, and Cyperus, each half an Ounce; of the Leaves of Mint, Sage, Marjoram, Calamint, and Wormwood, each half an Handful; of Cyperus-nuts, Myrtles, Galls and Balau­stians, [Page 252] each one Dram; of Red Roses one Pugil; boyl them in equal parts of Smith's Water and Red Wine, to a Quart; in the strain'd Liquor dissolve one Ounce of Salt and Allum; foment the Region of the Pubis and Perinaeum hot, Morning and Evening. This is commended for an Incontinence of Urine.

DAte-tree, in Latin Dactylus.

'Tis astrin­gent, and is used for Fluxes of the Belly, and the Whites. It stops Bleeding, and cures Wounds. The Fresh are more astringent than the Dry, but they occasion the Head-ach; and if many of them are eaten they intoxi­cate when they are dry. They stop Spitting of Blood, and are good for the Bloody-Flux. A De­coction of them is a ve­ry astringent Gargarism. Boyl'd in Wine, they take off Proud Flesh, and Cica­tris'd Ulcers. A Decoction of it makes the Hair black. And being taken inwardly, it cures Diseases of the Reins and Bladder. When they are ripe they are good for an Hoarsness and Coughs, Difficulty of Breathing, a Pleurisie, and a Peripneumonia. They are an Ingredient of the Pectoral Decoction of the London-Dispensatory. Take of Dates cleansed number Ten, of Raisins of the Sun three Ounces; boyl them in Oxycrate, afterwards beat them, and add, of Camomile-flowers, and of the Flowers of Melilot and Red Roses, each one Pu­gil; of Spikenard and Ca­mel's-Hay, each one Dram; of the Seed of Smallage and Parsly, each half a Dram; of Endive and Pur­slain, each one Dram and an half; of the Oyl of Wormwood and Roses, each one Ounce; of Barly-meal two Ounces; make a Pultis. This is used for Inflammations and Ulcers of the Liver.

Dittany of Crete, in La­tin Dictamnus Creticus.

It hath all the Virtues that Penny-royal has, but it is [Page 253] much more effectual; for it expels a dead Child, not only by taking of it in­wardly, but also by out­ward Application, and by Fume. 'Tis said, that the Goats in Crete, when they are wounded by Darts, extract them, and so are cured by feeding on it. It has, more­over, a Purgative Quality. Being applied to the Soles of the Feet, or any other Part of the Body, it draws out Thorns. It also eases the Pain of the Spleen. The Root of it tastes hot, and hastens Delivery. And so great is the Virtue of this Herb, that the Smell of it drives away Venomous Creatures, and kills them if they but touch it: But this seems improbable. The Juice of it applied to Wounds made by a Sword, or by the Biting of Venom­ous Creatures, is a present Remedy, if, at the same time it be also taken in­wardly. Hippocrates counts it the best Remedy to expel the Secundine, and a False Conception. Being taken in Wine it provokes the Courses, and hastens Deli­very so powerfully, that it ought not to be kept in the Chamber, or near where Big-belly'd Women are. A Woman that was in a de­sperate Condition by rea­son of a dead Child, was soon deliver'd by taking the Powder of the Leaves of this Herb. Take of Dit­tany of Crete one Dram, of Saf [...]ron one Scruple, of Gromwel. Annise-seed, and Misleto of the Oak, each three Drams; beat them, and infuse them twenty four Hours, and then boyl them a little in good White-wine: Give four Ounces of this Decoction at a time. This is much commended by Quercetan, for a Sup­pression of the Courses.

Dragon's-blood, in La­tin Sanguis Draconis.

'Tis a Gum, or Rosin, of a deep red Colour. Being held to the Fire, it soon melts: And if it be cast upon the Fire, it flames. If it be rub'd upon any thing, it makes it red; but it mixes difficulty with Oyl, and Water. 'Tis of an astrin­gent Virtue, and is fre­quently used in the Bloody-Flux, and for other Fluxes; [Page 254] for Spitting of Blood, and to settle the Teeth when they are loose. Gold-smiths and Jewellers make use of it for Foils for their Pre­cious Stones and Jewels: And Glasiers paint Glass red with it. Take of the Water of Orange-flowers▪ of Plantain, and of Roses, each one Ounce; of Sy­rup of Coral, or, for want of it, of dried Roses, one Ounce; of Sal Prunella one Dram, of Dragon's-blood half a Scruple; make a Po­tion. This is used for an immoderate Flux of the Child-bed-Purgations. Take of Amber and Mastich, two Drams; of Dragon's-blood, Lapis Haematitis, and Red Coral, each one Dram; of Balaustians, and the Seeds of Plantane, of Cro­cus Matis Astringent one Ounce; powder them all, and with a sufficient quan­tity of Peruvian Balsam, and Syrup of Quinces, make a Mass for Pills. The Dose is half a Dram, or a Dram, Morning, and Evening. These Pills are used for the Virulent Run­ning of the Reins: But they must be given only at the Declination of it, when there only appears a little, thin, waterish Humour, which glues the Entrance of the Ʋrethra; for, if you give them sooner, you may stifle the Matter, and so cause an Hernia Humoralis: if, after the Gonorrhaea be cured, you suspect you have not enough secur'd the Patient from the Malignity, you must purge him. Dra­gon's-blood comes from one of the Canary-Islands, called Portus Sanctus, near the Madera's.

EBony, in Latin Ebe­nus.

The Wood is as black as Pitch, and as smooth as polish'd Ivory. 'Tis good for the Diseases of the Eyes. Many sorts of things are made of it; as, Cases, Chests, Combs, Frames for Pictures and Looking-glasses, and the like. An English Man that was frequently seiz'd with Flatulent Convulsions, was cured by using a Decoction of Ebony for the space of [Page 255] forty Days; whereby he did sweat much.

White Ellebore, or Hel­lebore, in Latin Helleborus albus.

The Root of White Hellebore, which is only in use in Physick, purges ve­ry violently upward and downward; yet it may be used, says Tragus, being in­fus'd twenty four Hours in Wine or Oxymel, and af­terwards dried: Half a Dram of it, so prepar'd, may be given in Wine to Mad and Melancholy Peo­ple. But either of the Hel­lebores, says Gesn [...]r, may be used inoffensively, being boyl'd to a Syrup with Ho­ny and Vinegar; and are very useful for many Fleg­matick Diseases, especially of the Breast and Head; as, an Asthma, Difficulty of Breathing, and the Falling-sickness. They wonderful­ly purge the Belly, the U­rine, and all the Passages. In the Use of White Helle­bore two Things are chiefly to be minded: First, That the Diseases are very obsti­nate: And Secondly, That the Patient hath sufficient Strength to bear the Ope­ration. Wherefore the Root ought not to be given to Old Men, Women, or Children, or to such as are weakly, and costive in the Body: And the Hellebore ought to be well prepar'd. The old Way of giving of it was, with Horse-Radish, which they used three Ways; for, either they stuck the Roots into Horse-Radish, and continu'd them in it twenty four Hours; and afterwards, the Roots being taken out, they gave the Horse-Radish: Or they infus'd the Horse-Radish, stuck with the Roots, in Oxymel, in B. M. and gave only the Oxymel: Or, they left the Horse-Radish so prepar'd all Night, and in the Morning infus'd it in Oxymel, having first cast away the Hellebore; and then they gave the Oxymel. But Parkinson says, the best Way of preparing it is, to infuse it in the Juice of Quinces; or to roast it un­der Ashes, in a Quince. If, upon taking Hellebore, there is danger of Suffoca­tion, the eating of Quinces, or the taking the Juice or Syrup of it, is a present [Page 256] Remedy. The Root boyl'd in Vinegar, and retain'd a while in the Mouth, takes off the Pain of the Teeth. A Decoction of it made in Lee kills Lice, aad cleanses the Head from Scurf, it being wash'd with it: And mix'd with some Ointment, it does the same, and cures the Itch, and other Vices of the Skin. Made up in­to a Paste, it kills several Animals; as, Moles, Mice, Weaslles, Birds, and the like. The Powder of it blown up into the Nostrils, occasions Sneezing; where­fore it is called in English Sneez-wort. Parkinson says, the Spaniards make a Poy­son of the Juice of the Root, being fermented in an Earthen Pot; where­with they anoint their Ar­rows, that the Wounds in­flicted by them may be ren­der'd incurable. 'Tis very strange that this Poyson ta­ken into the Body should not be deadly, and yet that the Wound touch'd with it should be so. But the same may be said of the Poyson of Vipers; which being ta­ken inwardly, occasions no deadly Symptoms; but be­ing mix'd with the Blood▪ through the Orifice of a Wound, or Puncture, soon kills, unless the Party is im­mediately reliev'd by pro­per Remedies. To con­clude, both Hellebores were formerly used for Me­lancholy and Mad People, and now they are only used in great Diseases; as, for the Falling-sickness, Giddi­ness, Madness, Dropsie, Hip Gout, Convulsions, and the like. The Extract of Hellebore of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Roots of White Hel­lebore cut one Pound, of Fountain-water six Quarts; infuse them three Days, then boyl it half away, and press it out strong­ly; to the strain'd Liquor add three Pounds of Hony, and boyl it to the Consi­stence of Hony, and keep it in a Glass for use. It grows in hilly and rough Grounds, not only in Greece, and Italy, and o­ther hot Countries, but al­so in Germany.

True Black Ellebore, or Hellebore, in Latin Hellebo­rus [Page 257] niger.

It purges strong­ly melancholy Humours, and therefore consequently is a good Medicine for all those Diseases which take their Rise from thence; as, Madness, Hypochon­driacal Passion, and Ele­phantiasis, Herpes, Cancers, Giddiness, Falling-sickness, Apoplexy, and the Itch. But it is to be noted, that it ought to be given only to strong People. There is less danger in the Deco­ction of it. 'Tis corrected with Mastich, Cinnamon, Annise-seeds, Fennel-seeds, and the like. Some say, that Black Hellebore, right­ly prepar'd, is a very inno­cent Medicine; and that it may be given to Women and Children, and to weak­ly People. The Dose of it, in substance, is, from fif­teen Grains to half a Dram, or two Scruples: Those that are very strong may take a Dram. 'Tis given in Infusion, or Decoction, from a Dram to two Drams. When it is taken in sub­stance, the form of it is a Powder; as, Take of Black Hellebore two Scruples; of Ginger, Mastich, Red Roses, Cinnamon, and An­nise-seeds, each four Grains; mingle them in Broth: Chil­dren may take a Scruple. 'Tis also made up into Pills, with some convenient Sy­rup. The Virtue of the Root is wholly in the Fi­bres, and the Bark. 'Tis best corrected with Cloves. Hartman commends, for an immoderate Flux of the Courses, a Girdle made with the fresh Leaves of Black Hellebore, and worn about the Loins. Take of Black Hellebore two Scru­ples, infuse them in a suffi­cient quantity of Rose-Vi­negar, or in Whey, for twenty four Hours, then dry it, and reduce it to a Powder, and add to it of Annise-seeds and Cinna­mon, each half a Scruple; mingle them, and make a Powder. This is com­mended by Margravius, as a fit Purge for melancholy People.

Euphorbium.

'Tis a concreted Juice, that is ve­ry acrid. You must chuse that which is pure, yellow, and acrid; which being just touch'd by the Tongue, [Page 258] heats the Mouth a long while after; but it grows milder by Time; and therefore, when it is fresh, it ought to be used with great Caution. It wonder­fully purges Watery Hu­mours from the whole Bo­dy: But it is a churlish Medicine; for, besides the malignant Propriety of its Substance, it has an infla­ming Faculty. Take of Euphorbium dissolv'd in Vinegar, and thicken'd a­gain, eight Grains; of the Seeds of Purslain fifteen Grains: Make Pills with Rose-Vinegar. Or, Take of Euphorbium infus'd in Oyl of Almonds for the space of a Night, and af­terwards roasted under Ashes, in a Citron, ten Grains; of the Seeds of Lettice one Scruple: Make Pills with the Juice of Ci­tron. Or, Take of Eu­phorbium prepar'd four Grains, of Cassia fresh drawn half an Ounce; with Sugar make a Bolus. These Preparations of Eu­phorbium, Maggravius rec­kons up amongst his Fleg­magoges. But Hoffmannus is of the Opinion, that Eu­phorbium ought not to be taken inwardly. 'Tis much used for the Caries of the Bones, and for Wounds: See our Wiseman, and Fa­bricius Hildanus. But Care must be taken that it be not sprinkled upon Ulcers of the Jaws, Nostrils, Pa­late and Tongue; or upon those Places where Ten­dons or Nerves are expos'd naked; lest by velicating and biting them, it should occasion dangerous Sym­ptoms.

FIstich, or Pistachio­nuts, in Latin Nux Pi­stachia.

They are very grateful to the Stomach, whether they are eaten, or drunk in Wine. They do good for the Biting of Creeping Beasts. They are bitterish. They open Ob­structions, especially of the Liver; and also of the Breast and Lungs. They are reckon'd very Nutri­tive, and Provocatives to Venery; for which Reason they are frequently used, [Page 259] with other Restauratives, by the Spanish, Italian and French Physicians: And they so much depend upon them, that they scarce make any strengthening Medicine without them. Oyl of Pi­stachio-nuts eases inward Pains that proceed from Viscid Flegm and Wind. 'Tis also useful in Con­vulsions, and for the Pal­sie.

Fraxinella.

The Root, which, in a manner, is only used, is Cardiack, and A­lexipharmick. 'Tis a good Preservative against the Plague, taken any way; and is reckon'd good a­gainst Poyson, and the Bi­ting of Venomous Crea­tures. It kills Worms, a Dram of it being taken at a time. 'Tis used in cold Diseases of the Womb, and to force the Courses and Urine. It hastens Deli­very, expels the Secun­dine, and a dead Child, two Drams of it being ta­ken in Wine. 'Tis also good for the Gripes, and Gravel. 'Tis also mix'd with Vulnerary Potions; and is used in the Falling-sickness, and for Diseases of the Head. The Roman Women make a Cosmetick of the distill'd Water; and they also use it for Inflam­mations of the Eyes. The Cods and Flowers being touch'd, occasion Itching; and in hot Countries, burn the Skin. Take of the Roots of Fraxinella, Bi­stort, Tormentil, Master-wort, Gentian, Carline-Thistle, of both the Birth-worts, of Pentaphyllum, Zedoary, of the Greater Valerian, Contrayerva, An­gelica, Elecampane, Virgi­nian Snake-weed, of the Leaves of Carduus Benedi­ctus, Scabious, Meadow­sweet, Rue, Savin, Penny­royal, Scordium, St. John's wort, of the Bark of Ci­tron, Oranges, Cinnamon, of the Berries of Laurel, Juniper, of the Flesh of Toads, each two Ounces; of Viper's Flesh four Oun­ces, of the best Saffron half an Ounce; make of all a Powder; to which add, of the Extract of Juniper-ber­ries made in White-wine, and evaporated to the Con­sistence of Hony, a suffi­cient quantity to make a [Page 260] Confection; to which add Oyl of Rue, Amber, Cloves, Juniper, mix'd with Su­gar, each two Scruples; mingle them all according to Art, and then add to each Pound of this Confe­ction two Ounces of Ve­nice-Treacle and Mithri­date. This is the Orvic­tan, so much cried up by some.

GAlangal, in Latin Galanga major.

The Root of it is good in all Cases wherein Ginger is used; and it is wont to be candied like Ginger. It provokes Appetite, as Ca­pers and Olives do. The fresh Root of either of them, cut into Slices, is boyl'd with Flesh and Fish for the same purpose. 'Tis also eaten raw, with Oyl, Salt and Vinegar, with Fish and Flesh, to help Conco­ction. 'Tis used in the cold Diseases of Men and Beasts. 'Tis Cephalick, Cardiack, and Stomachick. It strengthens the Stomach, and takes off Sowr Belch­ing. Being chew'd in the Mouth, it discusses Wind, and cures a Stinking Breath. It does good in the Cho­lick, heats the Reins, and provokes Venery. Can­died with Sugar, it is good for cold Diseases of the Head and Nerves. It cures the Head-ach, and eases the Pain of the Limbs. 'Tis good for the Palpita­tion of the Heart, used with the Juice of Plantane. The Powder of it taken in good Wine, or Balm-wa­ter, or in the Juice of Bor­rage, cures Fainting, pro­ceeding from a cold Cause. The Germans use to give it to those that are about to be Let Blood, to chew it in their Mouths, to prevent Fainting. It grows spon­taneously in Malabar and Java.

Galbanum.

'Tis a fat Juice, but cannot be dis­solv'd with Oyl; in Water it may. 'Tis of a middle Nature, betwixt a Gum and a Resin; for it will burn like Resin, and dis­solve in Water like a Gum. 'Tis of a yellow Colour, [Page 261] and of a soft Substance, like Wax. It tastes bit­terish and acrid, and smells very strong. The chief use of it is, to mollifie and di­gest. 'Tis used inwardly to provoke the Courses, to hasten Delivery, to expel the Secundine, and a dead Child. 'Tis also outward­ly used in Child-bearing, for the Courses, for Mo­ther-fits, and for Giddiness. The Fume of it is good in the Falling-sickness, for Mother-fits, and for Faint­ing, and the like. 'Tis said by some of the Ancients, that he that washes his Hands with a Solution of it, may safely handle Serpents: But the Truth of it may be well doubted. Take of Galbanum, and choice Myrrh, each one Dram and an half; of Castor six­teen Grains; with a suffi­cient quantity of the Bal­sam of Peru: Make twelve Pills of each Dram: Give three at Bed-time, drink­ing upon them three or four Spoonfuls of Compound-Briony-water: Continue the use of these Pills thirty Days. These Pills are ve­ry proper in Hysterick Dis­eases. Take of Galbanum dissolv'd in Tincture of Ca­stor, and strain'd, three Drams; Tacamahaca two Drams; mingle them; make a Plaster to be ap­plied to the Navel. This Plaster is very proper in Hysterick Diseases. 'Tis an Ingredient of several Pla­sters of the London-Dispen­satory; as, of the Plaster of Ammoniacum, Barbarum Magnum; of the Plaster of Cinnabar, and of the Com­pound Diachylon; of the Plaster of Mucilages, of the Divine Plaster, and some others. The way to puri­fie it is, to dissolve it in Vinegar; then passing it through a Cloth, all the Moisture is to be evapora­ted away over the Fire. By this means it is cleans'd, indeed, from Straws, and some other Impurities that are contain'd in it: But then, part of its Volatile Spirits is evaporated at the same time, and in them consists its greatest Virtue; while some others are fix'd by the Acid, which always hinders the Motion of Vo­latiles. Wherefore I would never advise this Purifica­tion: [Page 262] I had rather, after chusing it as clean as may be, only powder it in a Mortar, to mix it with what may be thought fit; for, tho' there should be some little Straws in it, they would never be able to alter the nature of the Remedy, or diminish its Virtue so much, as does the Destruction of its Vo­latile Salts by the Vinegar. But because it is too moist to be powder'd, you must first cut it into little Slices, and dry it in the Sun. 'Tis a Tear of the Herb called Faerula.

Common Great Gentian, in Latin Gentiana major.

The Root of it, which is chief­ly used, is Alexipharmick. 'Tis used in the Plague, and other Contagious Dis­eases; for Obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, and the like. 'Tis good for a Dropsie, Mother-fits, Weak­ness of the Stomach, the Worms, Agues, and for the Biting of a Mad Dog. 'Tis frequently used outwardly to dilate Ulcers, and to make Issues run. The Com­pound-water of Gentian of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following man­ner: Take of the Roots of Gentian cut one Pound and an half, of the Leaves and Flowers of the Lesser Cen­tory, each four Ounces; infuse them for the space of eight Days, in six Quarts of White-wine, and then distil them in B. M. This Water is a good Preserva­tive against Ill Air, and and Contagious Diseases. It opens Obstructions of the Liver, strengthens the Stomach, creates an Appe­tite, and helps Digestion. 'Tis good for the Jaundice, and opens Women's Ob­structions. The Extract of Gentian is also much in use. The Root powder'd, and made into an Electua­ry, with Conserve of O­range-peels, and Conserve of Hips, strengthens the Stomach, creates an Appe­tite, and expels Wind, and helps Concoction.

Ginger, in Latin Zin­ziber.

It grows in all the Provinces of India. 'Tis candied green in India, and is good for Old People, and such as are cold and [Page 263] flegmatick, and for such whose Stomachs do not concoct well; especially, when it is fresh candied. 'Tis also good for Viscid Flegm of the Lungs. The Indians use the Leaves of Ginger in Broths, and for the Kitchin. They also use the Roots of it green, with Oyl and Salt, mix'd with other Herbs. Fresh Gin­ger is reckon'd by them an excellent Remedy for Cho­lical Pains, and for the Cae­liack and Lientaerick Pas­sions. 'Tis also good for long Diarrhaea's, proceeding from Cold; and also for Wind, and the Gripes, and the like. But it is to be noted, that they who are of a hot Constitution ought not to use it, whether they are sick or well; for it in­flames the Blood, and o­pens the Orifices of the Veins. But Ginger and Pepper are more used in the Kitchin, than in Phy­sick. 'Tis mix'd with purging Medicines that are strong, to correct them. It cleanses the Lungs and Stomach, strengthens the Brain, and clears the Sight when it is dulled by moi­sture. It strengthens the Sto­mach, and is mix'd with Antidotes. 'Tis an Ingre­dient in the Cardiack Sy­rup, of the Cardiack Julep of the London-Dispensa­tory.

Goards, in Latin Cur­curbitae.

It quenches Thirst, provokes Urine, lessens Seed, and extinguishes Ve­nery. 'Tis used in Meats, prepar'd in the following manner: They boyl the inner and white Substance, with the unripe and soft Seeds; afterwards they cut them small, with Onions, and boyl them with Salt and Butter; and then they are much like Headed Cab­bage cut and boyl'd: They are very good for lean Peo­ple. The Italians cut it in­to pieces, and boyl it in Broth. It tastes well, and yields a laudable Juice, and we suppose it is a conve­nient Diet for Feverish Peo­ple; for it cools and molli­fies. 'Tis much of the same Virtue with Cucumber. The fresh Leaves applied to the Breasts of Women in Child-bed, lessens the Milk. The Seeds are reckon'd a­mong [Page 264] the four Greater Cold Seeds. For Redness of the Face, Take of the Kernels of Peaches four Ounces, of the Seeds of Goards two Ounces; make an Oyl of them by Expression, where­with anoint the Face. Men­struous Women, by only looking on young Goards, kill them: But this seems fabulous.

Canary- Grass, in Latin Phalaris.

It grows as well in Spain and France, as in the Canaries. The Seed, and the Juice of the Herb, and the Leaves, taken in­wardly, are commended for Pains in the Blad­der.

Common Dog- Grass, or Couch-Grass, in Latin Gra­men caninum.

'Tis a tall Grass, sometimes four or five Foot high. It expels Gravel. Silvius says, that Sheep and Oxen that are troubled with the Stone in the Winter-time, are freed from it in the Spring by eating Grass.

Cotton- Grass, in Latin Gramen Tomentosum.

It grows in marshy and wa­tery places, and is easily known by the Cotton on it. 'Tis very astringent; and is used for making Candles, and the like.

Oat- Grass, in Latin Gramen Avenaceum.

'Tis found in May, in the Hedg­es, and narrow Ways. Tra­gus says, a Decoction of it in White-wine, used for some Days, is an excellent Remedy for the Worms in Children.

Guaiacum, in Latin Lignum sanctum.

In curing the French-Pox there is no Medicine better or surer than the Decoction of Guaiacum; for, if the Cure be manag'd as it ought, and the Decoction be taken in due time, 'tis a certain Cure for this Dis­ease. 'Tis also good in a Dropsie, for an Asthma, the Falling-sickness, for Dis­eases of the Bladder and Reins, and for Pains in the Joints, and for all Diseases proceeding from cold Tu­mors and Wind. The Spa­niards learnt the use of it from the Indians: For, a [Page 265] certain Spaniard having ta­ken the Disease from an Indian Woman, was much afflicted with Venereal Pains; and having an In­dian Servant who practis'd Physick in that Province, he gave his Master the De­coction of it, whereby his Pains were eased, and his Health restored: And by his Example, many other Sapniards were cured. So that, in a short time, this way of Cure was known all over Spain; and soon after, every where else. The Pox, that is the Dis­ease of the West-Indians, in­infected the Europeans in the following manner: In the Year 1493. in that War of the Spaniards at Naples, with the French, Columbus return'd from his first Voy­age which he had under­taken for the Discovery of the New World; and ha­ving found some Islands, he brought thence Men and Women to Naples, where His Catholick Ma­jesty was. Having then made Peace with the French King, both the Armies ha­ving free Intercourse, and Ingress, and Egress, at plea­sure, the Spaniards had first Conversation with the In­dian Women, and the In­dian Men with the Spanish Women: And then it crept afterwards into Italy and Germany, and lastly into France, and so over all the World. At first it had ma­ny Names: The Spaniards thinking they were infected by the French, called it the French-Pox: The French supposing they got it at Naples, called it the Neopo­litan Disease: And the Ger­mans thinking they receiv'd it from the Spaniards, cal­led it the Spanish Disease: But others more properly termed it the Indian Mala­dy; for from thence it first came. The Way of pre­paring this Decoction, to­gether with the Method of taking it, is as follows: Take of the Wood cut small twelve Ounces, of the Bark of it beaten two Ounces; infuse it in six Sextaries of Water, in a large Earthen Pot, twenty four Hours; the Pot must be close stop'd; boyl it with a gentle Fire, to the Consumption of four Sex­taries of the Water; when [Page 266] it is cold strain it, then put upon the same Wood eight Sextaries of Water, and boyl it to the Consumption of two: Keep it a-part. The Way of giving it is as follows: The Sick being purged according as his Physician shall think fit, he must be put into a warm Chamber, and let him go to bed in the Morning, and take ten Ounces of the first Water hot; and being well cover'd, he must sweat two Hours; then, being well rub'd, let him change his Linnen, and put on his Clothes well warm'd; four Hours after give him Rai­sins and Almonds, with Bread twice baked, where­of let him eat moderately, and drink as much as is sufficient of the Second Water: Eight Hours after he hath eaten, let him take again ten Ounces of the first Water hot, and let him sweat two Hours, and be cleansed from his Sweat as before; an Hour after the Sweat, give him the Al­monds and Raisins, and the Bread twice bak'd for his Supper, and let him drink of the Second Water. Let him observe this Method for the first fifteen Days, unless his Strength be much impair'd; for if so, he must be allow'd a roasted Chic­ken, besides the things a­bove-mention'd: Those that are weakly, and cannot bear so strict a Diet, must be al­low'd also a roasted Chic­ken after nine Days: But if the Sick be so very weak­ly that he cannot bear at all the fore-mention'd Diet, he must eat Chicken spa­ringly at the Beginning, in­creasing his Meals by de­grees. After fifteen or six­teen Days, purge with ten Drams of the Pulp of Cas­sia, or some such Medicine, and on the same Day let him drink of the Second Decoction: On the Seven­teenth Day let him return to the Method above de­scrib'd; let him take, Morning and Evening, the Water of the First Deco­ction, sweat, and be diet­ed as before; only, instead of a Chicken, let him eat half a Pullet; and towards the End, somewhat more: Let him continue the same Diet to the Twentieth Day, at which time, being well [Page 267] cloath'd, let him walk a­bout his Chamber; after­wards purge him again, and let him continue the use of the Decoction forty Days more, and let him observe an orderly Diet, and abstain from Women and Wine: But if he nau­seate the Decoction, let him drink Water wherein Annise and Fennel have been boyl'd; let him eat a small Supper, and, to be sure, let him forbear Flesh then. This Method, some think, will eradicate the worst sort of Pox: But o­thers hold, there is no other Way of curing it, when it is deeply rooted, than by the use of Mercury. The incomparable Chyrurgeon, Mr. Wiseman, mentions it frequently in his excellent Treatise of the French-Pox. Take of Guaiacum four Ounces, of the Bark of the same two Ounces, of Sar­saparilla eight Ounces, of the Wood of Saxifrage one Ounce and an half, of the Shavings of Hart's-horn and Ivory, each six Drams; infuse them all Night in ten Quarts of Fountain-water, then boyl them in a Vessel close stop'd, to the Consumption of a third part; add at the End, of the Leaves and Roots of Soap-wort two Handfuls, of the Leaves of Agrimony, and both the Speed-wells, each one Handful; of Rai­sins stoned six Ounces; of the Seeds of Sweet Fennel and Coriander, each six Drams; of Spanish Liquo­rish two Ounces; strain the Liquor, and aromatize it with a little Cinnamon, and keep it for use: The Patient commonly takes a Quart, or more, of this Drink in a Day. Take of the Leaves of Sena four Ounces, of Gummy Tur­bith and Hermodactyls, each two Ounces; of Black Hellebore, and the Pulp of Colloquintida, each six Drams; of Guaicum and Saxifrage rasp'd, each one Ounce; of the Bark of Guaiacum, and the fresh Berries of Juniper, and the outward Bark of Citrons, each half an Ounce; of Cinnamon and Cloves, each two Drams; infuse them in equal Parts of the Waters of Balm, Meadow-sweet, and Car­duus [Page 268] Benedictus, for the space of forty eight Hours; then boyl them gently, and strain out the Liquor; dis­solve in it, of Aloes-Rosat two Ounces, Diagridium one Ounce; bring it to the Consistence of an Extract, and keep it for use: The Dose is, from half a Dram to one Dram. This is a proper Purge in the French Disease. Or, Take of the Extract above describ'd two Drams, of the Gum of Guaiacum half a Scruple, of Mercurius dulcis one Scru­ple; make Pills with the Syrup of Buck-thorn: These Pills are also used for the same Disease. Distillation of Guaiacum is perform'd in the following manner: Take the Shavings of Guai­acum, fill a large Retort with them, three quarters full; place it in a Rever-beratory Furnace, and joyn to it a great capacious Re­ceiver; begin the Distilla­tion with a Fire of the First Degree, to warm the Re­tort gently, and to distil the Water which is called Flegm; continue it in this condition until there come no more Drops, which is a Sign that all the Flegm is come; throw away that which you find in the Re­ceiver, and fitting it again to the Neck of the Retort, lute well the Junctures; you must afterwards in­crease the Fire by degrees, and the Spirits and Oyl will come forth in white Clouds; continue the Fire until there comes no more; let the Vessels cool, and unlute them; pour that which is in the Receiver into a Tunnel lined with Brown Paper, and, set up­on a Bottle, or some other Vessel; the Spirit will pass through, and leave the black, thick, and very fet­tid Oyl in the Tunnel; pour it into a Viol, and keep it for use. 'Tis an excellent Remedy for Rot­tenness of the Bones, for the Tooth-ach, and to cleanse old Ulcers. It may be rectified, and may be used inwardly for the Fal­ling-sickness and Palsie, and to drive forth the After­birth: The Dose is, from two Drops to six, in some convenient Liquor. The Spirit of Guaicum may be rectified in a Limbeck, to [Page 269] separate the Impurity that passes with it: It works by Perspiration, and by Urine: The Dose is, from half a Dram to a Dram and an half. 'Tis likewise used, mix'd with Water of Ho­ny, to cleanse Inveterate Ulcers. You will find in the Retort the Coals of Guaiacum, which you may turn into Ashes by putting Fire to them: Calcine these Ashes some Hours in a Pot­ter's Furnace, then make a Lee of them with Water, filtrate it, and evaporate it in a Glass, or Earthen Ves­sel, in Sand, there will re­main the Salt of Guaia­cum; which you may make white by calcining it in a Crucible, in a strong Fire. This Salt is Aperi­tive, and Sudorifick; it may serve, as all other Al­kalies, to draw the Tin­ctures of Vegetables: The Dose is, from ten Grains to half a Dram, in some convenient Liquor. During the Distillation you must not make the Fire too strong; for the Spirits com­ing forth with a great deal of Violence, will be apt to break either the Retort or the Receiver. Tho' Guai­acum be a very dry Body, yet abundance of Liquor is drawn from it; for, if you put into the Retort four Pounds of this Wood, six­teen Ounces to the Pound, you will draw thirty nine Ounces of Spirit and Flegm, and five Ounces and an half of Oyl; there will re­main in the Retort nine­teen Ounces of Coals, from which you may draw half an Ounce, or six Drams of an Alkali-Salt. The Oyl of Guaiacum is Acrimoni­ous, by reason of the Salts it has carried along with it; and it is the Gravity of the Salts that does precipitate it to the bottom of the Wa­ter. This Oyl does good for the Tooth-ach, because it stops the Nerves with its Ramous Parts; hindring thereby the Air from en­tring. Moreover, by means of the Acrimonious Salts which they contain, they do dissipate a Flegm, which uses to get within the Gum, and causes Pain. Take of Guaiacum, cut into small pieces, eight Ounces; of Sarsaparilla six Ounces, of the Bark of Walnut-tree, [Page 270] of the Roots of Fig-wort, and of Saxifrage, each two Ounces; Herb Robert three Handfuls, of Raisins of the Sun stoned, and of Live Millepedes, each one Pound; make a Bag for four Gal­lons of New Beer. This is a Diet-drink for the King's Evil. Guaiacum grows in Hispaniola, Ja­maica, and some other Places.

Gum-Ammoniacum.

Chuse that which is with­out Sand, that is pure, yellow without, and clear within; which burns clear when it is fired, and soft­ens, and sticks to the Hands when handled, and flies in­to many shining pieces when it is knock'd with an Ham­mer: It will dissolve in Water; it smells stronger than Galbanum, and hath a bitterish Taste. It atte­nuates, and resolves, and draws violently, and moves the Belly. 'Tis chiefly used for Pains of the Gout, to resolve the viscid and thick Mucilage of the Lungs, and Mesentery; and for obsti­nate Obstructions of the Li­ver, Spleen, and Womb; and for the Stone. 'Tis used outwardly for a Scir­rhus, for the King's-Evil, and to dissolve other hard Swellings. Gum-Ammo­niack is distill'd in the fol­lowing manner: Put a Pound of Gum-Ammoni­ack into an Earthen Retort, or a Glass one, luted, big enough for two thirds to remain empty; place this Retort in a Reverberatory Furnace, and fitting to it a Receiver, begin the Distil­lation with a very little Fire, to warm gently the Retort, and drive forth, Drop by Drop, a little Fleg­matick Water; when the Vapours begin to appear, throw out that which is in the Receiver; and re-fit­ting it, and luting close the Joints, increase the Fire by degrees, and continue it until all is come forth; then let the Vessels cool, and unlute them; pour out that which is in the Re­ceiver, into a Tunnel lined with Brown Paper; the Spirit will pass through, and leave the thick, black Oyl in the Filter: Keep it in a Viol. 'Tis good for the Palsie, and Hysterical [Page 271] Diseases; the diseas'd Parts are rub'd with it: And it is given Women to smell to. Put the Spirit into a Glass-Limbeck, and rectifie it by distilling it in Sand: 'Tis a good Remedy against the Plague, and all sorts of Malignant Diseases. 'Tis used in the Scurvy, and all manner of Obstructions. The Dose is, from eight to sixteen Drops. The Spirit of all other Gums may be drawn after the same man­ner. The Plaster of Am­moniacum of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of Ammoniacum, of Bran well sifted, each one Ounce; Ointment of Marsh-mal­lows, Compound Mellilot-Plaster, Roots of Briony and Orris powder'd, of each half an Ounce; Geese, Ducks and Hens Fat, of each three Drams; of Bdel­lium, and Galbanum, each one Dram and an half; Resin of the Pine, and yel­low Wax, of each five Ounces; Oyl of Orris and Turpentine, of each an Ounce and an half; boyl the Fats and Oyl, with Mucilage of Linseed and Fenugreek, each three Oun­ces, to the Consumption of the Mucilage; strain it, and add the Wax, Resin and Turpentine, the Ointment of Marsh-mallows, with the Plaster of Melilot; when it begins to be cold, put in the Ammoniacum dissolv'd in Vinegar, then the Bdel­lium powder'd, with the rest of the Powders, and so make a Plaster according to Art. It asswages and mollifies hard Swellings, and discusses the Peccant Hu­mour: It softens the Spleen when hard, and eases the Pain of it. The Plaster of Hemlock, with Ammonia­cum, of the London-Dispen­satory is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of the Juice of the Leaves of Hemlock four Ounces, of Vinegar of Squils, and of Gum-Ammoniacum, each eight Ounces; after due Infusion, strain it, and re­duce it to the Consistence of a Plaster, according to Art: It eases Pain, and al­lays Inflammations. Am­moniacum is also used in some other Plasters of the London-Dispensatory: Take of Gum-Ammoniacum dis­solv'd [Page 272] in Vinegar one Ounce; of Ladanum and Mastich, each two Drams; of Oyl of Wormwood, and of Wax, each a sufficient quantity: This is used for an Inflammation and Ab­scess of the Liver. Syrup of Ammoniacum of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of Maudlin and Ce­trach, each four Handfuls; of Common Wormwood one Ounce; of the Roots of Succory and Asparagus, and of the Bark of the Roots of Capers, each two Ounces; make an Infusion of them for twenty four Hours: After due Prepara­tion, in three Ounces of White-wine, and of Simple Radish-water, and Fuma­tory-water, each two Pints; boyl them to a Pint and an half, let the strain'd Liquor stand till it is clear; dis­solve a-part, in four Oun­ces of the strain'd Liquor, when it is warm, two Oun­ces of Gum-Ammoniacum, dissolv'd first in the sharpest White-wine-Vinegar; boyl the rest to a Syrup, with a Pound and an half of Fine Sugar, adding the Dissolu­tion of the Gum towards the End. This Syrup o­pens Obstructions, and is good for Diseases of the Skin: An Ounce of it, or somewhat more, may be taken at a time.

Gum-Arabick, in La­tin Gummi Arabicum.

'Tis the Gum or Juice of an E­gyptian Thorn: The most transparent, and whitest, is the best. It will easily dissolve in Water; it miti­gates Acrimony, and is good for Fluxes, Coughs, and Catarrhs. Take of the Roots of the Greater Com­frey two Ounces, of the Leaves of Plantane and Mouse-ear, each one Hand­ful; of the Tops of Mal­lows and Maiden-hair, each half an Handful; of Li­quorish rasp'd half an Ounce; of Fine Flower and Gum-Arabick, of Tra­gacanth and Bole-Armoni­ack, each one Dram; of the Seeds of Lettice and Purslain, each one Dram; of the Seeds of Red Roses one Pugil; make a Deco­ction in Rain-water to one Pint and an half; strain it, and sweeten it with Sugar; [Page 273] make a Julep: Take eight Ounces every Morning, for ten or twelve Days. This is good for an Ulcer of the Reins or Bladder. Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows and the Greater Comfrey dried, each two Drams; of Gum-Arabick, and of the Gum of Cherry and Prune-tree, each one Dram; of Olibanum and Myrrh, each four Scru­ples; of the Seeds of White Poppy and Winter-Cher­ries, each one Dram and an half; of Camphyr two Scruples; powder them all very fine; and having ad­ded of Ceruss of Antimony a third part of the weight of all the rest, make a Mass for Pills with a sufficient quantity of Venice-Turpen­tine: The Dose is, one Dram, Morning and Even­ing. These are excellent Pills for the same purpose. But if the Turpentine should occasion Pain, Juice of Liquorish, dissolv'd in Pellitory-water, may be used instead of it.

Gum-Caranna.

The Indians use it for Tumors, and all sorts of Pain. 'Tis commended for those Dis­eases which Tacamahaca is wont to cure; but it is more effectual than that. 'Tis brought from Carthage. Take of Gum-Elemi and Turpentine, each half an Ounce; of Olibanum, Ma­stich and Gum-Tragacanth, each three Drams; of Bole▪ Armoniack one Ounce and an half; of the Seeds of Nigella, Myrtle and Ba­laustians, each one Dram; of Euphorbium one Scru­ple, of Amber two Drams, of Burgundy-Pitch eight Ounces, of Gum-Caranna ten Drams, of Oyl of Cloves, and Peruvian Bal­sam, each six Grains; min­gle them, and make a Pla­ster according to Art, to be applied to the Neck.

Gum-Copal.

'Tis ve­ry clear, and transparent. The Indians use it in their Sacrifices, for Perfumes: And their Priests use it so frequently in their Tem­ples, that when the Spa­niards came into those Parts first, they smelt it. 'Tis good for cold Diseases of the Head; and may serve instead of Frankincense, [Page 274] and Gum-Anime. 'Tis al­also very good for fresh Wounds. It comes from the West-Indies.

Gum-Elemi.

Tis of the Colour and Consistence of Wax; it tastes some­what bitterish, and smells like Fennel. It discusses Tumors, cleanses Sordid Ulcers, and Cicatrises them. 'Tis of excellent Virtue in Wounds of the Head, and therefore Practitioners always use it in Plasters and Ointments for Fra­ctures of the Scull, and Wounds of the Head. The Plaster of Gum-Elemi of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of Gum-Elemi four Ounces, of Re­sin of the Pine, and pure Wax, and Ammoniacum, each two Ounces; of Tur­pentine three Ounces and an half, of Malaga-Sack a sufficient quantity; boyl them to the Consumption of the Wine, then add the Ammoniacum dissolv'd in Vinegar, and make a Pla­ster. Ointment or Lini­ment of Gum-Elemi of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of Gum-Elemi, of Turpentine of the Firr-tree, each one Ounce and an half; of Old Sheep's-Suet cleans'd two Ounces, of Old Hog's-Grease, one Ounce; make an Oint­ment. 'Tis used chiefly for Wounds and Ulcers of the Head; but it is also good for Ulcers in any Part of the Body. It cleanses, and incarns, and is very agreeable to the Body.

Gum-Gotta.

'Tis a concreted Juice, of a yel­low Colour; and if it be moisten'd with Spittle, it becomes more yellow. What Plant it comes from is uncertain; but it is a great Commodity in the East-Indies. Take of Gum-Gotta eight Grains, of Con­serve of Roses three Drams, of Oyl of Mace one Drop: Or, Take of Gum-Gotta six Grains, dissolve it in a sufficient quantity of fresh Broth. It purges Watery Humours.

Gum-Lac.

'Tis a Juice of an Indian Tree, called [Page 275] Malus Indica Lusitanis. 'Tis not certainly known how it is made; for, what Gar­cias says, of its being made by winged Ants, as Bees make Hony, does not seem probable; but it rather sweats out of the very Tree, or from the Branch­es of it, at set Times, and grows to the Form we see it with the Heat of the Sun. The best comes from Pegu and Martaban. 'Tis Twofold; namely, Seed-lac, or Shel-lac: 'Tis also Factitious. It attenuates, and opens, and purifies the Blood, and provokes Sweat, and is Diuretick. 'Tis chief­ly used in Obstructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Gall-Bladder. 'Tis good in a Dropsie, for the Jaundice, an Asthma, and Impost-humes of the Lungs; to expel Malignity, and to force the Courses. The Species called Dialacca is much commended by most Physicians, and is made in the following manner: Take of Gum-Lac prepa­red, and of the Roots of Rhaponticum, each three Drams; of Schaen [...]nth, In­dian Spikenard, Mastich, of the Juice of Wormwood and Agrimony thicken'd, of the Seed of Smallage, Bishop's-weed, Fennel, An­nise, Savine, Bitter Al­monds, Cleands, Myrrh, Zedoary, the Roots of Madder, Asarabacca, of Birth-wort Long and Round, and of Gentian, of Saffron, Cinnamon, dri­ed Hysop, Woody-Cassia, and Bdellium, of each one Dram and an half; of Black Pepper and Ginger, each one Dram; make a Powder according to Art. Sealing-wax is made of Gum-Lac: The fine, hard Sealing-wax is made of fine Gum-Lac, melted in an Earthen Vessel, into which a sufficient quantity of the colour is put, and mix'd well together; then take it off the Fire, and make it up into Rolls, or Sticks. Red Wax is colour'd with choice Vermillion; Blue Wax with Blue Bice, Smalt, or Ultramarine; Green Wax with Green Bice, Verdigrease, or the like; Black Wax with Ivo­ry, or Cherry-stone-Black; Purple Wax, with Red Lake, and the like, Coarse▪ [Page 276] hard Sealing-wax is made in the following manner: Take of Shel-lac twelve Ounces; of Resin and choice Vermillion, each six Ounces; melt them, and mix them together; and when they are of a due Heat make them into Sticks. You may set a Gloss upon them, by gent­ly heating them in a na­ked Charcoal-fire, and rubbing them with a Cloth till they are cold.

Gum-Olibanum, or Frankincense, in Latin Oli­banum.

It heats, dries, and is somewhat astringent. 'Tis chiefly used inwardly, for Diseases of the Head and Breast, and for Fluxes of the Belly and Womb, and for a Cough, and Spit­ting of Blood. But the In­ternal Use of it is much disliked by some; for they say it occasions Madness. 'Tis used outwardly for [...]umes to strengthen the Head, and to stop Catarrhs. It incarns Ulcers, and cures Wounds. Mix'd with Lard, it cures Chilblains. It eases the Pain of Ulcers of the fundament, powder'd, and mix'd with Milk. 'Tis mingled with Plasters, Ointments and Balsams, to cleanse and incarn Ulcers and Wounds. But the chief use of it is in Fractures of the Scull; being powder'd, and mix'd with the White of an Egg, and applied to the Temples, it does good for an Hemicrania, and the Head-ach. Infus'd in sweet Wine, and drop'd hot into the Ears, it eases the Pain of them, and cures Ulcers in them. The Bark of Frankincense is more effe­ctual than the Frankincense it self, and is more astrin­gent. The Smoke of Fran­kincense was formerly used to take off Inflammations of the Eyes, and to stop Fluxes: But it is not used now-a-days. But the most ancient and remarkable use of it was in holy Things; for they sacrificed and per­fum'd their Temples with it: And the same use is made of it now-a-days in Christian Churches. It has been also used, which is very strange, in all Ages, and in all Nations, and by People of all sorts of Religions, to purifie the Bodies of the [Page 277] Dead. It was called Oli­banum by the Greeks, from an Assyrian Youth of that Name; who, as it is fa­bulously reported, being maliciously slain for his pi­ous Behaviour towards the Gods, was turn'd into this Shrub, called Arbor Thuri­fera. Upon which Ac­count they affirm, that no­thing is more pleasing to the Gods than the Smell of Frankincense.

Gum-Opoponax:

See Panax Herculis.

Gum-Sagapenum.

The Plant, whose Juice it is, is unknown. It opens discus­ses, attenuates and cleanses. 'Tis used for Pains of the Side and Breast, and for Ruptures. It cleanses the Lungs of thick Matter that sticks to them. 'Tis used in the Falling-sickness, and for Diseases of the Spleen, and the Palsie. It provokes the Courses; and, taken in Wine, it cures those that are bit by Venomous Crea­tures. It takes off Mo­ther-fits, being held to the Nostrils with Vinegar. 'Tis reckon'd amongst the strongest Purgers; but Me­sue says, it hurts the Sto­mach and Liver. It may be corrected with such Things as are astringent, and preserve the Tone; as, with Mastick, Spike, and the like. Schroder rec­kons the Virtues, in short, thus: 'Tis very drawing: It purges clammy, gross and watery Humours from the Stomach, Guts, Womb, Reins, Brain, Nerves, Joints, and Breast; wherefore it is good for Dropsies, Old Coughs, an Asthma, the Head-ach, Convulsions, Fal­ling-sickness, Palsie, Ob­structions and Tumors of the Spleen, for the Cholick, to provoke the Courses and the Urine: But it is not to be used to Women with Child, for it kills the Child. 'Tis good outwardly for a Pleurisie, and other Tu­mors; for it resolves and eases Pain. The Fume of it takes off a Fit of the Fal­ling-sickness; and cures the little Excrescencies on the Eye-lids, called Hordeola. Take of Gum-Sagapenum and Ammoniacum, each half a Dram; of Diagri­dium six Grains, of the [Page 278] Troches of Alhandal four Grains; make Pills with Syrup of Betony.

Gum-Sarcocolla.

'Tis so called because it aggluti­nates Flesh. 'Tis best when it is fresh, and of a palish Colour; for, when it is old it grows reddish. It has a bitter Taste, and is of a porous Substance, and easi­ly dissolves in Water. It heats and dries, and is astringent. It consolidates, glutinates, ripens and con­cocts. 'Tis chiefly used for Cicatrizing and healing Wounds. 'Tis excellent for Fluxeons, for the Albugo and Nubeculae of the Eyes, being infus'd in Woman's or Asses Milk, and mix'd with Rose-water.

Gum-Tamahaca.

'Tis much used by the Indians, in Tumors of all kinds, in any part of the Body. It wonderfully resolves, ri­pens, and discusses. It takes away all Pains proceeding from Cold and Flegmatick Humours. The Fume of of it takes off Mother-fits. 'Tis commonly applied, in the form of a Plaster, to the Navel in Hysterick Diseases. It stops all De­fluxions from the Head, being wrap'd in a Cloth, and applied behind the Ears. Being applied in the form of a Plaster to the Temples, it diverts Defluxions on the Eyes, and other parts of the Face. It cures the Tooth-ach, the Hollow Tooth be­ing stop'd with it. An ex­cellent Stomach-Plaster is made of it, and a third part of Storax, and a little Am­ber-grease; for it strength­ens the Stomach, provokes Appetite, and helps Con­coction, and expels Wind. 'Tis of excellent Virtue in Pains of the Hips, and for Diseases of the Joints, pro­ceeding from cold Hu­mours. Monardes adds a third part of Wax, to make it stick the better. This Plaster is very good for Swellings and Hardness of the Spleen.

Gum-Tragacanth.

It flows from the Root, being cut. That which is brought to us is glutinous, white, or yellow, and of a sweetish Taste. The Water where­in it is infus'd becomes [Page 279] clammy and mucilaginous. It opens Obstructions, and attemperates Acrimony. It is used in Medicines for the Eyes, and for Coughs and Hoarsness, and Distillations in a Linctus with Hony. A Dram of it being dis­solv'd, and taken in a pro­per Liquor, mix'd with Burnt Hart's-horn and a little Allum, eases the Pain of the Kidnies, and Erosions of the Bladder. 'Tis good for the Bloody-Flux▪ in Clysters. And dis­solv'd in Milk or Rose-wa­ter, it takes off Redness of the Eyes, and stops sharp Distillations on them. A Mucilage is made of it in Water, to form other Me­dicines; for instance, Tro­ches. 'Tis an Ingredient of the Syrup of Hysop of the London-Dispensatory, which is made in the following manner: Take of the Roots of Smallage, Parsly, Fen­nel, Liquorish cut, each ten Drams; of Jujebs and Se­bestians, each fifteen pair; of Raisins cleans'd one Ounce and an half; Figs, and fat Dates, of each num­ber Ten; of the Seeds of Mallows, Quinces, and of Gum-Tragacanth, tied up in a Rag, each three Drams; of Hysop mode­rately dried ten Drams, of Maiden-hair six Drams; all being prepar'd, infuse them twenty four Hours in eight Pints of Barly-wa­ter, then boyl them in B. M. and strain them out hard; to the clear Liquor add six Pounds and an half of Fine Sugar, make a Sy­rup in B. M. It corro­borates the Breast and Lungs, and is excellent for Coughs.

HEdge-Hysop, or ra­ther Water-Hysop, in Latin, Gratiola.

'Tis an excellent Remedy to purge Watery and Cholorick Hu­mours, which it draws from the most remote Parts, and evacuates them by Vomit and Stool; and by consequence must be of good use in a Dropsie, for the Yellow Jaundice, and for Pains of the Hips. It may be taken in Powder, or green, in a Decoction▪ [Page 280] But because it works so violently, it ought to be corrected with Ginger, Sal Gemma▪ Cinnamon, or the like. 'Tis very bitter, and kills Worms, and carries off the Matter occasioning them. Being bruis'd, and applied, it cures Wounds quickly. It grows in Ger­many, and Italy, and some Parts of France.

Heliotrope, in Latin Heliotropium majus.

The Herb cures Warts, being rub'd upon them. 'Tis ve­ry effectual in a Carciono­ma, and for Gangrenous Ulcers, and King's-Evil-Swellings. The Leaves sprinkled with Rose-water, and applied to the Head, ease the Pain of it. A De­coction made of the Leaves and Cummin, expels Gra­vel, and kills Worms.

Hermodactyls, in La­tin Hermodactylus.

Botanists do not agree about Hermo­dactiles of the Shops. Some say they are the Roots of Colchicum: Others deny it: And the more Learn'd and Skilful make them to be different things. Take of Hermodactiles powder'd half a Dram, of Aloes-Suc­cotrine one Scruple, of Powder of Cummin six Grains; make Pills accord­ing to Art. Or, Take of White-wine three Ounces, of Hermodactiles powder'd two Drams, of Powder of Ginger one Scruple; min­gle them, and let them stand in Infusion all Night; strain it, and add an Ounce and an half of Syrup of Betony, and make a Draught. Mag­gravius mentions these Pills, and this Potion amongst his Phlegmagoges. Plaster of Hermodactiles of the Lon­don-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Plaster called Diachalcitis eight Ounces, of Burgundy-Pitch melted and strain'd four Ounces; of White Venice-Soap, and New Yellow Wax, each three Ounces; of Butter of Oranges one Ounce; of the Seeds of Cummin and Hermodactiles, each one Ounce and an half; of the Leaves of dried Worm­wood, of the Flowers of Camomile, and of Floren­tine-Orris, each half an Ounce; powder fine those [Page 281] Things which are to be powder'd, and make a Pla­ster according to Art.

Hypocistis, or Rape of Cistus, in Latin Orobranche.

It grows from the Roots of all the Sorts of Cistus. 'Tis very effectual for all Flux­es; as, of Blood, the Fluxes of Women, and for Celiack and Dysenterick Diseases. 'Tis also good to strengthen any Part. 'Tis now-a-days prepar'd in the following manner: They beat the fresh Flowers, and press out the Juice, and thicken it in the Sun, and keep it for use. Take of Conserve of Roses, and of the Roots of the Greater Comfrey, each two Ounces; of Seal'd Earth, Bole-Armoniack, Dragon's-Blood, Red Co­ral, of the Lapis Hematites, and Troches de Carrabe, of each one Dram; of Hypo­cistis, the Grains of Kermes, and the Seeds of Plantane, each one Scruple; with e­qual parts of Syrup of Pop­pies and Myrtles make an Opiate; of which, take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening, drinking upon it a little Plantane-water. This is used for Voiding of Blood by Urine.

JAlap, in Latin Jalapium.

The Root of it is like Mechoacan, but it is co­ver'd with a black Bark, and is brownish within. It comes to us sliced from In­dia. It tastes gummy, but not unpleasant. 'Tis strong­er than the common White Mechoacan, for it purges Watery Humours better. A Dram of the Powder of it may be given at a time. The Purgative Quality re­sides in the Resin. Resin, or Magistery of Jalap is made in the following man­ner: Put a Pound of Jalap, grosly powder'd, into a large Matrass; pour upon it Spirit of Wine Alcoho­liz'd, until it be four Fin­gers above the Matter; stop the Matras with ano­ther, whose Neck enters into it; and luting the Jun­ctures with a wet Bladder, digest it three Days in a Sand-heat; the Spirit of [Page 282] Wine will receive a red Tincture, decant it, and then pour more upon the Jalap, proceed as before; and mixing your Dissolu­tions, filtrate them through Brown Paper; put that which you have filtrated into a Glass-Cucurbite, and distil in a Vaporous Bath two thirds of the Spirit of Wine, which may serve you another time for the same Operation; pour that which remains at the Bot­tom of the Cucurbite, into a large Earthen Pan, fill'd with Water, and it will turn into a Milk, which you must leave a Day to settle, and then separate the Water by Inclination; you will find the Resin at bottom, like unto Turpen­tine; wash it several times with Water, and dry it in the Sun, it will grow hard, like common Resin; pow­der it fine, and it will be­come white; keep it in a Viol. It purges Serosities: 'Tis given in Dropsies, and for all Obstructions. The Dose is, from four to twelve Grains, mix'd in an Ele­ctuary, or else in Pills. The Resins of Turbith, Scammony and Benjamin may be drawn after the same manner. If you use sixteen Ounces of Jalap, you will draw an Ounce and six Drams of Resin. You must observe to give the Resin of Jalap always mix'd with something else, that may separate its Parts; for if it be taken alone, it will be apt to adhere to the Membrane of the Intestines▪ and so cause Ulcers by its Acrimonious Quality. Moreover, Apothecaries should observe to mix it in a little Yolk of an Egg, when they would dissolve it in a Potion; for it sticks to the Mortar, like Tur­pentine, when it is moist­en'd with any Aqueous Li­quor. It may be likewise incorporated with some E­lectuary, and then it easi­ly dissolves. Twelve Grains of this Resin work as much as a Dram of Jalap in sub­stance: But I have always observ'd in my Practice, that the Powder of Jalap works better and surer than the Resin. Take of Lenetive Electuary two Drams, of the Cream of Tartar half a Dram, of [Page 283] Powder of Jalap two Scru­ples; make a Bolus with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Buck-thorn; add three Drops of Oyl of Juniper. This purges strongly Wa­tery Humours. For weak­ly People use the following Medicine: Take of Leni­tive Electuary one Dram, of Cream of Tartar half a Dram, of Powder of Jalap one Scruple, of Rubarb powder'd ten Grains; with a sufficient quantity of Sy­rup of Roses Solutive, and three Drops of Oyl of Ju­niper' make a Bolus.

Ierusalem-Artichoak, in Latin Battata Canadensis.

It frequently grows in Gar­dens here in England. The Root of it tastes well, and is eaten with Butter and Ginger, and sometimes ba­ked in a Pye: But how­ever it be dress'd, it is windy, and offensive to the Stomach.

The Iesuit's-Bark, in Latin China-China, Arbor Fe­brifuga Peruviana, Pulvis Patrum, or Pulvis Cardinalis.

A noted Merchant, and an honest Man, who liv'd ma­ny Years in Peru, and pub­lish'd an Account of this Tree, written in Italian, says, it grows in Regno Qui­tensi, in a peculiar Place; which the Indians call Lo­ca, or Loia. The Powder of the Bark, given in a due quantity, is the most cer­tain and safe Remedy for the Cure of an Ague. The incomparable Physician, Dr. Thomas Sydenham called it the only Specifick for A­gues: Says he, (treating of the Cure of Agues) When I had found the Inconvenien­ces that proceed from Eva­cuations, and well weighing the Matter, I suppos'd that Jesuit's-Powder would be the most certain Cure. And, indeed, I can truly affirm, notwithstanding the Preju­dice of the Common Peo­ple, and of some few of the Learned, that I never found any Injury by the use of it, nor can imagine any; only they that have used it a long time, are seiz'd some­times with a Scorbutick Rheumatism, but this hap­pens rarely; and when it does, 'tis easily cured by the following Medicines: Take of Conserve of fresh [Page 284] Garden-Scurvy-grass two Ounces, of Wood-Sorrel one Ounce, of the Com­pound-water of Wake-Ro­bin six Drams; with a suf­ficient quantity of Syrup of Oranges, make an Electua­ry: Take two Drams of it three times a Day, for the space of a Month; drink­ing upon it six Spoonfuls of the following Water: Take of Garden-Scurvy-grass eight Handfuls; of Water-cresses, Brook-lime, Sage and Mint, each four Handfuls; the Bark of six Oranges, of bruised Nut­meg half an Ounce; infuse them in six Quarts of Bruns­wick-Mum, distil them in a common Still, and draw off three Quarts of Water. Be­ing called to a Patient that has a Quartan-Ague, sup­pose, for Instance, on a Monday; and if the Fit be to come that Day, I do then nothing; only, to en­courage the Patient, I tell him he will have no more Fits than that. To which End, I give the Bark in the following manner, on Tues­day and Wednesday: Take of Jesuit's-powder one Ounce, make an Electuary with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of July-flowers, or of dried Roses, to be di­vided into twelve Parts; whereof, let him take one every fourth Hour, begin­ning presently after the Fit is off, drinking upon it a Draught of any Wine. But if the Patient can take Pills best, Take of the Jesuit's-powder one Ounce, with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of July-flowers, make Pills of a moderate bigness; whereof, let him take six every fourth Hour. But it is less troublesome, and full as good, that an Ounce of this Powder be mingled with a Quart of Claret, and that eight or nine Spoonfuls of it be taken at the same times above-mention'd. On Thursday, which is the Fit-day, I order nothing; be­cause, most commonly, no Fit comes then; the Re­licks of the Feverish Matter being put off by the usual Sweats which come to­wards the End of the pre­ceding Fit, carry it off; and the Provision for a new Fit being intercepted by the repeated Juice of the Pow­der, on the Days betwixt [Page 285] the Fits. But▪ lest the Ague should return again, eight Days exactly from the time wherein the Sick took the last Dose, I give the same quantity of the Powder; namely, an Ounce, divided into twelve Parts, accord­ing to the Method above-describ'd. But tho' the Re­petition of it once does ve­ry often cure the Disease, yet the Sick is not wholly out of Danger, unless his Physician repeat it the third or the fourth time, at the same distances above-men­tion'd; especially if the Blood has been weaken'd by fore-going Evacuations, or if the Patient has un­warily expos'd himself to the cold Air. But, tho' this Remedy has no Purga­tive Quality in it, yet, by reason of the peculiar Tem­per of some Bodies, it often happens, that the Sick is as violently purg'd by the use of it, as if he had taken some strong Purge: In this Case it is necessary to give Laudanum with it; and therefore I order ten Drops of Laudanum to be put in­to Wine, and to be taken after every other Dose of the Powder, if the Loos­ness continues. The above-mention'd Method cures al­so Quotidian and Tertian-Agues. But tho' Tertian and Quotidian-Agues seem wholly to intermit after a Fit or two, yet many times they appear like Continual Fevers; and there is only Remission of the Fever on the Days the Fit should in­termit; especially when the Sick hath been kept a­bed altogether, or has been punish'd with an hot Me­thod and Medicines, that are design'd to drive out the Fever by Sweat. In this Case we must lay hold of the least Remission, and give the Powder every fourth Hour; left, whilst we attend on the Fit, there should not be time enough for the Powder to work upon the Blood. But see­ing there are some that can­not take the Bark, neither in the form of a Powder, nor of an Electuary, or Pills, I give to these an In­fusion of it made in the Cold: I infuse for some time two Ounces of the Bark, grosly powder'd, in a Quart of Rhenish-wine; [Page 286] and four Ounces of the said Infusion seems to contain the Virtue of one Dram of the Powder; and because it is not unpleasant, nor does oppress the Stomach, it may be taken as often again as any other Form of this Medicine; namely, till it has cured the Ague. Sometimes it happens, that before this Disease forms it self into Regular Fits, the Sick, by reason of continual Vomiting, cannot contain the Bark in the Stomach, in what Form soever it is taken. In this Case, the Vomiting must be first stop­ped, before the Bark is given: To which End I order, that six or eight times, in the space of two Hours, the Sick take one Scruple of Salt of Worm­wood, in one Spoonful of the Juice of Limons fresh press'd out; afterwards six­teen Drops of Liquid Lau­danum, in a Spoonful of strong Cinnamon-water; and soon after, if the Vo­miting be stop'd, let him take the Jesuit's-powder. For Infants, whose tender Age can scarce bear this Remedy in any other Form, at least, so much of it as may be sufficient to cure the Disease, I prescribe the following Julap: Take of Black-Cherry-water and Rhenish-wine, each two Ounces; of the Jesuit's-powder three Drams, of Syrup of July-flowers one Ounce; mingle them, and make a Julap; give a Spoon­ful or two, according to the Age of the Child, every fourth Hour, till the Dis­ease is cured; dropping in­to every other Dose, if there be a Loosness, a Drop or two of Liquid Laudanum. As to Diet, let the Sick eat and drink what his Sto­mach craves, Summer-Fruits and cold Liquors on­ly excepted; and let him drink Wine moderately, for his ordinary Drink; by which alone I have reco­ver'd some, whose Bodies, by reason of the frequent Returns of the Ague, have always eluded the Saluti­ferous Virtue of the Bark. The Disease being taken off, all manner of Evacuations are carefully to be avoided; for the gentlest Purge, nay, a Clyster only of Milk and Sugar, will be apt to occa­sion [Page 287] a Relapse. But this excellent Bark does not on­ly cure Agues, 'tis also fre­quently used, by the best Physicians, for Continual Fevers, in the Gout, and for Hysterick Diseases, and the Fever that accompanies Consumptions, commonly called the Hectick Fever, the Bark being given in In­fusion, and sweeten'd with Syrup of Rasberries. But if, with an Hectick Fever, the Consumptive Patient be also afflicted with a Loosness, which commonly ends the Tragedy, the fol­lowing Pills are of excel­lent use: Take of the Lem­nian Earth half a Scruple, of Bole-Armoniack twelve Grains, of the Pill de Sti­race one Dram and an half, of the Jesuit's-powder half an Ounce, of Syrup of Ju­ly-flowers a sufficient quan­tity; make fourscore Pills; let him take five every six Hours, during the Loos­ness; dringing upon them seven Spoonfuls of the fol­lowing Julap: Take of the Aqua-lactis Alexiteria twelve Ounces, of Cinna­mon-water hordeated three Ounces, of Dr. Stephens's Water, and Epidemick-water, each two Ounces; of Diacodium three Oun­ces. The following Medi­cine is commended for a Consumption: Take of the Peruvian Bark one Ounce, of the Balsam of Tolu three Drams, of Cochinel one Scruple; boyl them in a Pint of Carduus Benedictus-water; strain it, and add of Syrup of Rasberries and Epidemick-water, each two Ounces: Take four Spoon­fuls twice a Day. Some adp to the Infusion of this Bark, the Lesser Centory, Wormwood, Charvil, Juni­per-berries, the Bark of the Alder-tree, Saxifrage, Salt of Tartar, and divers other Ingredients; but the Basis of all is the Peruvian Bark, the rest of the Ingredients do no great Good. Tin­cture of the Peruvian Bark is made in the following manner: Put into a Bolt-head four Ounces of good Bark, grosly powder'd; pour upon it Spirit of Wine, four Fingers high above the Matter; fit to it another Matrass, in or­der to make a double Ves­sel; lute well the Jun­ctures, [Page 288] and place your Ves­sel to digest in Horse-dung, or in a Vaporous Bath, four Days; stir it from time to time, the Spirit of Wine will load it self with a Red Colour; unlute the Ves­sels, filtrate the Tincture through Brown Paper, and keep it in a Viol well stop­ped. 'Tis a Febrifuge to be given in Agues, three or four times a Day, after the Fit; and to be continued for a Fortnight: The Dose is, from ten Drops to a Dram, in some proper Li­quor; as, in Centory-wa­ter, Juniper, Wormwood-Water or Wine. If you put new Spirit of Wine to the Matter which remains in the Matrass, and set it in Digestion, as before, you will draw more Tin­cture, but it will not be so strong as the other; where­fore you must give it in a larger Dose. Extract of Peruvian Bark is made in the following manner: Put to infuse warm twenty four Hours eight Ounces of Pe­ruvian Bark, in a sufficient quantity of distill'd Water of Nuts; afterwards boyl the Infusion gently, and strain it, make a strong Ex­pression of the Residence, put it to infuse in new Water of Nuts, boyl it and strain it as before; mix together what you have strain'd, let them settle, and decant the clear Liquor, and evapo­rate it in a Glass, or Earth­en Vessel, set in a Sand­heat, unto the Consistence of thick Hony: It has the same Virtues as the former. The Dose is, from twelve Grains to half a Dram, in Pills, or dissolv'd in Wine. Sir Robert Tabar was the first that found out the true Dose or Quantity of it for curing Agues; for he did not stand upon Scruples, but gave Drams and Oun­ces of it; and so it an­swer'd his End, and ren­der'd him and the Bark fa­mous. Being once requir'd by some Physicians to de­sine what an Ague was, he answer'd, That an Ague was a Disease that he could cure, and they could not. 'Tis to be noted, that the Bark, when it is old, is as effe­ctual to cure Agues, as when it is fresh; and, in one respect, much better; for the Purgative Quality, [Page 289] which is observ'd to be in the fresh Bark, goes off in time. Spon. in his Book of Observations, Sur les Fievres, & les Febrifuges, says, That by diligent Search he had found, that the Peru­vian Bark did not come from the Trunk or Branches, but from the Root; for he had tried some of the Bark of the Trunk and Branches, that was sent to him, and it was not at all bitter. Which Observation may be of some use to those in our World, who endeavour to find a Succedaneum for it. I, says he, have made some Trials in this Matter: The Bark of the Root of the Peach-tree is very rough, and a little bitter; upon which Account it is, undoubtedly, very proper for a Loosness, The Bark of the Roots of the Ash is also rough, and pun­gently acrid, by reason of abundance of Salt contain'd in it, which gives it its Fe­brifuge Virtue. Lastly, The Bark of the Roots of the Black-Cherry-tree is rough, and bitter; and therefore the Powder of it given in a Quartan-Ague, lessens the Fits, but does not quite take them off: Yet, says he, I do not question but that it will cure Fevers, being given or­derly, and in a due quan­tity.

Florentine- Iris, in Latin Iris Florentina.

The Root of it hang'd in Wine or Beer, keeps the Beer sweet, and imparts a pleasant Smell to the Wine, and makes it taste as if Rasber­ries were mix'd with it. 'Tis also much used by Ba­kers, to make Leaven for Wheaten Bread. Many Virtues are attributed, by Ancient and Modern Au­thors, to this Plant. 'Tis chiefly used for Obstructi­ons of the Lungs, for a Cough, Asthma, Obstru­ctions of the Courses, and for Children's Gripes. Out­wardly used, with Helle­bore and Hony, it cleanses the Skin from Spots. 'Tis frequently used in Sweet Powders, for the Hair. 'Tis also good for the Dropsie, and the Jaundice; it purges Water powerful­ly. The Juice of the Root is given for this purpose, from half an Ounce to an Ounce and an half. A [Page 290] Gentlewoman cured seve­ral People of Dropsies only by giving the Juice of this Root: She order'd them to take four Spoonfuls every Morning in six Spoonfuls of White-wine. An Ounce of the fresh Juice has been used with good Success in a desperate Obstruction of the Belly. It purges Flegm, Water and Choler: But it is now-a-days only used for Dropsies. Take of the Roots of Florentine-Iris and Hermodactiles powder'd, each six Drams; of the Plaister Oxycroceum, and of the Mucilages, each two Ounces; of the Resin of Pine one Ounce; mix them, and moisten them with Oyl of Worms, and make a Plaster: This is used for the Gout. Take of the Roots of Florentine-Iris twelve Ounces, of the Wood of Rhodim two Oun­ces, of the Leaves of Mar­joram three Drams, of Cloves one Ounce, of Li­mon-peel five Drams, of Cyperus-root one Ounce, of Sweet-smelling Flag six Drams, of Damask-Roses four Ounces, of Red Roses two Ounces; of Benzoyn, Styrax and Calamit, each one Ounce; of Labdanum half an Ounce; make a gross Powder. This is a sweet Powder, and is very proper to sprinkle amongst Clothes▪ to preserve them from the Moth. If all the aforesaid Ingredients are distill'd with Strong Beer, in a common Still, six Grains of Musk being tied up in a Rag, and hang'd in the Receiver, you will have a Perfum'd Water, that is very fit for Funerals.

Jujubs, in Latin Juju­bae.

They are moderately hot and moist: They at­temperate the Sharpness of the Blood, and are good for Diseases of the Breast and Lungs, for Coughs, Difficulty of Breathing, for Diseases of the Reins and Bladder, and for Heat of Urine. The Syrup of Ju­jubs of the London-Dispen­satory is made in the follow­ing manner: Take of Ju­jubs number Sixty, of the Flowers of Violets five Drams, of Liquorish rasp'd and bruis'd, of the Leaves of Maiden-hair, and of French-Barly, each one [Page 291] Ounce; of the Seeds of Mallows five Drams; of the Seeds of White Pop­pies, Melons, Lettice, and of Quinces and Gum-Tra­gacanth tied up in a Rag by themselves, each three Drams; boyl them in three Quarts of Fountain-water, till half is consum'd; strain it, and clarifie the Liquor, and with two Pounds of White Sugar make a Syrup. 'Tis a good, cooling Syrup, and proper for Coughs, Pleurisies, and for Ulcers of the Lungs and Bladder. 'Tis an Ingredient in the Lohoch Sanans of the Lon­don-Dispensatory, and of the Pectoral Decoction.

KErmes, or the Scar­let Oak, in Latin Ilex Coccigera.

This little Tree grows on stony Hills about Monopeliar, and in other Parts of France, and in Ita­ly: But Clusius says, it does not every where bear the Grains of Kermes; for he says, they are only to be found in those Regions which are near the Medi­terranean Sea, where the Sun shines very hot; and not always there neither; for, when the Shrub grows so big as to bear Acorns, the Kermes will not grow on it; and therefore the Inhabitants burn them up when they are about four Years old, that young ones may come in their Room, which afterwards yearly have the Grain of Kermes sticking to them, on the Branch, like small Peas, of an Ash-colour. These Grains are counted by Philosophers and Botanists, the Spurious or Excrementitious Fruit of the Scarlet-Oak only: But the learned and ingenious Dr. Martin Lister found such kind of Grains grow­ing in England, upon the tender Branches of Cherry-trees; and supposes that they are not Excrescencies, but the Work of some In­sect, for receiving as in a Nest, its young ones. The Grains serve for two Uses, for Medicine, and for Dy­ing of a Scarlet Colour. They are astringent, and are used successfully for Wounds, and wounded [Page 292] Nerves. They are also of good use to prevent Mis­carriage; and used by the Physicians of Montpeliar for sudden Accidents, and Acute Diseases; as, for an Apoplexy, Palsie, and the like. They are also used for the Palpitation of the Heart, for Fainting, and for Melancholy. The Con­fection of Kermes of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Juice of fra­grant Apples, and of the sweetest Water of Roses, each one Pint and an half; of the Syrup of the Grains of Kermes one Quart; of Sugar one Pound; boyl them almost to the Con­sistence of Hony, then take it from the Fire, and while it is hot add two Drams of Amber-Grease, cut small, and dissolv'd with some Drops of Oyl of Cinna­mon; which being well mix'd, add the following things powder'd; of choice Cinnamon, and the best Wood of Aloes, each six Drams; of prepar'd Pearl two Drams, of Leaf-Gold one Dram; mix them ac­cording to Art. The Sy­rup of Kermes, men­tion'd in making Confe­ction of Kermes, is made in the following manner: They beat the Grains in a Marble Mortar, and pulp them through a Sieve, and mix them with an equal quantity of Sugar; this they call Conserve: And by adding more Sugar, Raw Silk, the Juice of Ap­ples, and Rose-water, they make a Syrup.

LArk-Spur, in Latin Consolida Regalis.

The Juice of the Flowers, and the distill'd Water clear the Sight, and strengthen it: And some say, that looking always upon it does the same; wherefore they take care to hang it always in sight. 'Tis suc­cessfully used in Vulnerary Potions; a Decoction of the Flowers in Wine, with a Dram of Saffron, opens Obstructions.

Lead-wort, in Latin Plumbago Plinii.

It cures [Page 293] Horses when they are gal­led, and prevents Worms breeding in the Sores, be­ing bruis'd and applied.

Lignum-Aloes.

It heats and dries, and comforts all the Bowels, especially the Heart and Womb. It re­creates the Vital and Ani­mal Spirits, and therefore is good for Fainting. It kills Worms. 'Tis used fre­quently in Cordial Epi­thems. Being chew'd in the Mouth, and the Mouth wash'd with a Decoction of it, it cures a Stinking Breath. 'Tis used for Per­fumes; and being dried and powder'd, and sprink­led upon the Body, it smells well. A Dram of the Root taken inwardly, removes superfluous Humours from the Stomach, strengthens it, and mitigates the Heat of it. It eases the Pain of the Sides and Liver, and does good in the Bloody-Flux, and for the Gripes. A piece of this Wood, with the Gum sticking on it, was presented to the Royal Society, by the Honourable Mr. Boyle: It tasted just like the Wood, and the Colour of it was like pure Succotrine-Aloes. 'Tis said that a Milk flows from this Tree, which is so virulent, that if it chance to drop into the Eyes, it occasions Blindness; and if it fall upon any other part of the Body, it causes Bli­sters, and an Inflammation. The true Lignum-Aloes grows in Malacca, and in the Island Sumatra. Take of Labdanum and Mastich, each two Drams; of Lig­num-Aloes, Storax-Cala­mit, Cinnamon, and Tur­pentine, each one Dram; of Myrtles, and the Roots of Cyperus, each half a Dram; of the Juyce of Mint, and Horse-tail, ex­tracted with Red Wine, a sufficient quantity: Make a Plaster to be applied to the Region of the Pubis and Perinaeum, for an Inconti­nence of Urine.

Lignum-Colubrinum.

'Tis commended for expel­ling Poyson; the Wood, Bark and Root mix'd toge­ther, is given for this pur­pose; but the Root is best. It grows in Malabar.

Lignum-Molucense.

'Tis found in the Molucca's, and is kept in Gardens; and is so much esteem [...]d by the Inhabitants, that they will not let a Stranger see it. The Seed of it is used to catch Birds; they mix it with boyl'd Rice, and lay it out for the Birds to eat it; and as soon as they have tasted it, they fall a­sleep, and are stupid; and if they eat greedily of it, it kills them: To rouse them that are asleep, they dip their Heads in cold Water, and so they recover. The Wood reduced to Pow­der with a File, and taken inwardly, or outwardly ap­plied, expels Poysons. It cures the Biting of Vipers and Serpents, ten Grains of it being taken in Rose-wa­ter. It also cures Wounds made by poysonous Arrows. The strongest Man must take but half a Scruple of it. When it is used for Purging, the Party that takes it must make but a small Supper the Night be­fore. It purges all Hu­mours, but especially gross, clammy and melancholy Humours. 'Tis good for long Quartan-Agues, and for Continual Fevers; for the Iliack Passion, the Cho­lick, Wind, a Dropsie, and for Gravel, and for Diffi­culty of Urine; for Pains of the Joynts, a Scirrhus, and the King's-Evil. It kills all sorts of Worms, and restores lost Appetite. Ac [...]sta observ'd the great use of it in inveterate Pains of the Head, an Hemicra­nia, Apoplexy, Noise of the Ears, the Gout, and for Diseases of the Stomach and Womb, and for an Asthma. If it work too much, let the Party drink a Draught of a Decoction of Rice.

Lignum-Nepbriticum.

It comes from Countries that are moderately hot, as is Mexicana. 'Tis used for Diseases of the Reins, and for Difficulty of Urine: And the Water of it is good for Obstructions of the Li­ver and Spleen. The Wa­ter of it is made in the following manner: They cut the Wood small, and infuse it in clear Fountain-water, and keep it in the Vessel till all the Water is [Page 295] drunk; then they put on fresh Water, and so they repeat it as long as the Wood will tincture the Water: In the space of about half an Hour the Wood imparts a light Sky-colour to the Water, which grows deeper in time. 'Tis also good in Fevers, and for the Cholick. Take of Sar­saparilla six Ounces, of China three Ounces, of Sa­xifrage one Ounce, of Ne­phritick Wood two Oun­ces, of Hart's-horn and Ivo­ry rasp'd half an Ounce, of White Sanders half an Ounce, of the Roots of Parsely, Grass, Knee-holm, and Eringo, each one Ounce; of Liquorish two Ounces, of Dates ston'd number Six, of Caraway and Coriander-seeds, each three Drams; infuse them in seven Quarts of Foun­tain-water, boyl it accord­ing to Art, and Aroma­tize it with the Wood of Cassia.

Limon, in Latin Malus Limonia

Limons are more acid than Oranges or Ci­trons, and therefore it is probable the Juice is colder. 'Tis proper for all those Uses that Citron is, but it is not so effectual against Poysons; yet is it more powerful; in hot Diseases, it quenches Thirst, and les­sens Feverish Heats. The Juice of it is very proper to lessen the Stone, and to cleanse the Urinary Passages. The Syrup of the Juice of Limons is good for the Stone, and Obstructions of the Kidnies. It quenches Thirst, is used in Burning Fevers, and it strengthens the Heart and Stomach: It restrains the Efferve­scence of Choler, and is used with good Success to stop Vomiting, the Hickups, and to take off a Burning Fever. The Peel of Li­mons, as well as of Oran­ges, is candied with Sugar, for Sweet-meats; and the small ones are also candied whole, for various Uses. The distill'd Water of Li­mons, as well as of Citrons, is reckon'd an excellent Cosmetick. Secret Letters are writ with the Juice of Limons, which may be read when they are held to the Fire. The Juice imparts a curious Purple Colour to [Page 296] Conserve of Roses, or Vio­lets. 'Tis also much used to change Colours, or to fix them. For Nephritick Dis­eases, Take of the Wood of Oak rasp'd one Ounce, of Fountain-water three Quarts, of the Juice of Li­mons four Ounces; infuse them twenty four Hours upon hot Ashes, and after­wards boyl it to the Con­sumption of a third part; strain it: The Dose is six Ounces. 'Tis excellent for an hot Intemperies of the Liver, for Ulcers of the Reins, and for Heat of the Urine; but especially, it evacuates salt, viscid Flegm from the Reins and Blad­der, the Cause of Heat of Urine and Strangury. Li­mons are brought to us from Spain and Italy.

Liquid-Amber.

'Tis the Resin that flows from a vast Tree, that hath Leaves like Ivy-leaves: The In­dians call it Ocosolt. When the Spaniards first enter'd into those Parts, where these Trees grow, they call'd them Spice-bearing Trees. 'Tis much used in Physick: It heats, strengthens, re­solves, and is Anodine. It comforts the Brain, the Head being anointed with it; and cures all sorts of Pains proceeding from a cold Cause. It strengthens the Stomach, procures Ap­petite, and helps Conco­ction. Much of it is used to perfume Gloves. 'Tis good in all cold Diseases, to resolve Tumors, to open Obstructions of the Womb, to asswage the Tumors of it, and to provoke the Courses. Some cut the Wood in small pieces, and boyl it, and take off the Fat which swims at top, and sell it for true Oyl: And this is sold by some Apothecaries for Liquid-Storax.

MAce, in Latin Macis.

'Tis the Covering or the Nutmeg, and is very Aromatick, and full of much Spirituous Heat, and is therefore good for cold Diseases. 'Tis much of the same Virtue with the Nut­meg; but because its Parts [Page 297] are finer, it works more powerfully, and is more penetrative.

Mandrake, in Latin Mandragora.

'Tis Male and Female. It grows spontaneously in hot Coun­tries, as Spain and Italy, and the like, in Woods, and shady Places. Man­drakes are reckon'd a­mongst Narcotick Medi­cines. Some have que­stion'd whether the Apple of it were wholesom, or no. But Faber Lynceus, Botanick Professor at Rome. a very learned Man, and of good Reputation, says, that both the Pulp and the Seed may be safely eaten. Now, seeing the Apples of the Mandrake are fit to be eaten, and smell well, why should we seek for any o­ther Interpretation for the Hebrew Word Dudaim, which Reuben brought to his Mother Leah? And see­ing it was the Opinion of the Ancients, that the Seeds of the Mandrakes purged the Womb, 'tis very pro­bable that Rachel, knowing this Virtue of them, desir'd the Mandrakes; that her Womb being purg'd, she might be render'd capable to conceive, and to bear Children, as well as her Sister Leah, and her Maid Zilpha. The Bark of the Root, which is brought to us from abroad, especially from Italy, is Narcotick; but it is seldom used in­wardly. 'Tis outwardly used for Redness and Pains of the Eyes, for an Erisipe­las, hard Tumors, and the King's-Evil.

Manna.

The best comes from Calabria. It sweats out of the Branches and Leaves of the Ash-trees in Calabria, and grows hard by the Heat of the Sun: For Manna is not Heaven­ly Dew, or Airy Hony, as has been prov'd by un­doubted Experiments. What can be more evident De­monstration, that Manna is the Humour or Juice, di­stilling from the Trunk or Branches of the Ash-tree cut; or, What Experiment can be more certain to prove it, than what Pena and Lobelius deliver? Namely, That having cut down great Branches of the [Page 298] Larix and Ash-tree, and placed them in a Wine-Cellar, at that time of the Summer that Manna used to be gather'd in, and the next Day they perceiv'd Manna upon them. This was confirm'd to me, says Mr. Ray, when I travell'd into Italy, by many of the Inhabitants of Calabria; but especially by the learned and diligent Searcher into the Works of Nature, Doctor Thomas Cornelius, a Physi­cian; who having carefully cover'd the Branches, with Clothes wrapp'd round them often, gather'd Manna from them. Which is a Proof beyond Exception. Manna is used to loosen the Belly, two or three Ounces of it being dissolv'd in Broth or Whey. 'Tis a very gentle Medicine, and may be safe­ly given to Old Men, Chil­dren, and Women with Child. Take of Manna one Ounce and an half, dis­solve it in two Ounces and an half of Black-Cherry-water, add to it one Ounce of the Purging Syrup of Apple, Spirit of Sulphure three Drops: Half of it may be taken at a time. This is a proper Purge for Children. A Person that had the Cholick, and had taken thirty Clysters to no purpose, was releiv'd by taking an Ounce and an half of Manna, mix'd with two Ounces of Oyl of Sweet Almonds, in fat Chicken-Broth. Take of Manna half an Ounce, of fresh Oyl of Sweet Almonds a sufficient quantity to dis­solve it, add ten Drops of Rose-water; mingle it: Let Children lick of this often, to loosen their Bel­lies when there is occa­sion.

Black Master-wort, in Latin Astrantia nigra.

It purges Melancholy, like White Hellebore.

Mastick-tree, in Latin Lentiscus.

All the Parts of it are binding; the Buds, the Leaves, the Branches, the Fruit, and the Bark of the Root. A Juice is pres­sed from the Bark, the Root, and the Leaves, boyl'd in Water, or from the green Leaves bruis'd; which ta­ken inwardly, is good for a Loosness, and the Bloody-Flux, [Page 299] Fluxes of the Womb, and for the Falling of the Womb and Fundament. In short, it may be used in­stead of Acacia and Hypo­cistis. The Oyl of the Ma­stick-tree, made of the ripe Fruit, and thicken'd, cures the Mange in Cattel and Dogs. 'Tis also successful­ly mix'd in Medicines for curing the Leprosie. The Oyl of it is much com­mended for the Falling of the Hair, and for Inflam­mations of the Gums, the Oyl being held in the Mouth moderately hot. Mastick grows only in the Island of Chios, where the Inhabitants take as much care of the Mastick-tree, as other People do of their Vine-yards; for they chief­ly live by the Product of the Mastick-tree: And so great Abundance of it have they, that they pay yearly, as a Tribute to the Grand Seignior, 4 or 5000 Ducats. Mastick taken inwardly, stops the Voiding of Blood, and cures an old Cough, and is good for the Sto­mach. Two Drams of Ma­stick, mix'd with Crumbs of toasted Bread, and ap­applied hot to the Stomach, takes off Vomiting, and the Pain of the Stomach. Take of Myrrh and Mastick equal Parts, boyl them in Oyl of Camomile: This is excel­lent for inveterate Pains of the Hips. Half an Ounce of Mastick, boyl'd in three or four Quarts of Water, is used for the ordinary Drink of those that have a Loosness. The People of China, Men, Women and Children, do most com­monly hold Mastick in their Mouths, to strengthen their Teeth and Gums, and to perfume their Breath; they also bake it with their Bread, to give it a good Taste. In short, Mastick is preferr'd before all other Medicines, in those Diseases where-there is need of Binding. The best Mastick is of a light Colour, clear and transparent, sweet-scented and friable. 'Tis sometimes adulterated with Resin of the Pine-tree, and with Frankincense; but the Cheat may easily be disco­ver'd by the Smell.

Mechoacana.

It takes its Name from an Island in [Page 300] New-Spain, call'd Mechoa­can. It purges Flegmatick and Watery Humours from all Parts of the Body, espe­cially from the Head, Nerves and Breast. 'Tis good for old Coughs, the Cholick, and the French-Pox. 'Tis taken most com­monly in substance, being powder'd, and taken in a proper Liquor, especially in Wine. It is not given in a Decoction, because it has been found by Experience, that boyling destroys the Virtue of it. The Dose is, from half a Dram to two Drams. 'Tis corrected by adding a third part of Cin­namon, Annise, or Mastick. 'Tis best when it is fresh, whitish within, and of an Ash-colour without.

Mezereon.

'Tis very hot and acrid; being chew­ed in the Mouth, it burns the Jaws and Throat: But it purges Choler strongly, being corrected by infusing it twenty four Hours in Vinegar. Some correct it by infusing it in Wine, and drying it again. But the Leaves, Bark, or Berries, howsoever they are pre­par'd and corrected, are seldom used, by reason of their Malignity: Nor, in­deed, ought they to be used, but in desperate Ca­ses, or for want of safer Medicines.

Myrobalanes, in Latin Myrobalani.

There are five Sorts of them, which are comprehended in the fol­lowing Distick.

All of them cool, dry, and are astringent; as is mani­fest from their Taste, which is sharp, with a little Acri­mony. The Chebulae, Be­lericae and Emblicae purge Flegm, the Citrinae purge Yellow Choler, and the In­dae Black Choler. Being toasted, they purge a little, and bind much, like Ru­barb. Because they purge little, Physicians give other Things with them. The Dose is two or three Drams.

Myrrh, in Latin Myr­rha.

The best Myrrh is [Page 301] the cleanest, which is rough, light, and breaks easily; smells sweet, tastes bitter and hot. It heats, disposes to Rest, and is good in cold Diseases of the Head. It conglutinates, and dries. It provokes the Courses, and hastens Delivery. 'Tis good for an old Cough, and Dif­ficulty of Breathing, and for Pains of the Breast and Sides, and for a Loosness, and for the Bloody-Flux. It cures an Hoarseness, be­ing held in the Mouth, and what dissolves of it being swallow'd down. It heals Wounds of the Head, and is frequently applied to Bones when they lie naked. It was much used former­ly to preserve dead Bodies. Some say, it is good in a Dropsie. 'Tis excellent in a Gangrene, for Swellings and Wounds, especially in the Head. The Troches of Myrrh of the London-Dispensatory are made in the following manner: Take of Myrrh three Drams, of the Flower of Lupines five Drams, of the Roots of Madder, the Leaves of Rue, Wild Mint, Dittany of Crete, Cummin-seeds, Assafoetida, Sagape­num, and Opoponax, each two Drams; dissolve the Gums in Wine wherein Mug-wort has been boyl'd, or Juniper-berries; add the rest, and make Troches with the Juice of Mug-wort. They move the Courses with ease, in such as use to have them with pain, a Dram of them be­ing taken in some proper Liquor. 'Tis an Ingredi­ent in the Elixir proprieta­tis, which is made in the following manner: Take of Myrrh, Aloes and Saf­fron, each half an Ounce; of Spirit of Wine rectified ten Ounces, of Spirit of Sulphure by the Bell half an Ounce; first draw a Tincture from the Saffron, in the Spirit of Wine, by digesting of it six or eight Days; then add the Myrrh and Aloes grosly beaten, and the Spirit of Sulphure; digest them in a long Viol, well stop'd, for the space of a Mouth; stop the Viol close, and shake it often; pour off the black Tincture from the Faeces, let it stand quiet a Night, then pour it out, and decant it so of­ten [Page 302] as you find any Faeces at the bottom. 'Tis hot and dry, Stomachick and Anodine, Uterine and Ale­xipharmick. Two Drams of it will purge. It cures Tertian Agues, and is an Universal Medicine, fit for all Ages, for Men, Women and Children. It alters, evacuates, and strengthens, when you do not design Purging. The Dose is, six or twelve Drops, in Wine or Beer. Tincture of Myrrh is made in the fol­lowing manner: Put what quantity you please of good Myrrh powder'd into a Bolt-head, and pour upon it Spirit of Wine four Fin­gers high; stir the Matter, and set it in Digestion in warm Sand two or three Days, or until the Spirit of Wine is loaded with the Tincture of Myrrh; then separate the Liquor by In­clination, and keep it in a Viol well stop'd. It may be used to hasten Delivery, and to bring down the Courses; also for a Palsie, Apoplexy, Lethargy, and for all Diseases that pro­ceed from Corruption of Humours. 'Tis Sudorifick, and Aperitive. The Dose is, from six Drops to fif­teen, in some proper Li­quor. 'Tis commonly used in outward Applications, or mix'd with Tincture of A­loes, to dissolve cold Tu­mors, for Injections, and a Gangreen. Tho' Tinctures of Myrrh are daily drawn in Wine, yet the best that can be prepar'd is with Spi­rit of Wine, because this Menstruum receives the more Oyly or Balsamick Part of the Myrrh. Some use to evaporate this Tin­cture to the Consistence of an Extract, but then they lose the more Volatile Part of the Myrrh; wherefore 'tis better to use the Tin­cture, as above describ'd. Oyl of Myrrh, per deli­quium, is made in the fol­lowing manner: Boyl Eggs until they be hard, then cutting them in two, sepa­rate the Yolks, and fill the White with Myrrh pow­der'd; set them on little Sticks plac'd conveniently on purpose, in a Plate, or Earthen Pan, in a Cellar, or some such moist place, and there will distil a Li­quor to the bottom of the [Page 303] Vessel; put it out, and keep it for use: This is call'd Oyl of Myrrh. 'Tis good to take away Spots and Blemishes in the Face, applied outwardly. Myrrh is a Gummy Juice, that di­stils from a Thorny Tree, of a middle heighth, by In­cisions that are made into it. This Tree grows common­ly in Ethiopia and Arabia. The Ancients were wont to collect from the same Tree a Liquor that fell from it without Incision, which is called Stacten: 'Tis a li­quid Gum, and, it is pro­bable, has more Virtue than common Myrrh, because it is the more spirituous part which filtrates through the Pores of the Bark.

CEltick Nard, in La­tin Nardus Celtica.

It heats and dries, provokes Urine, strengthens the Sto­mach, and discusses Wind. 'Tis frequently used in Lo­tions for the Head. It grows frequently upon the Alpes.

Spike- Nard, in Latin Nardus Indica, sive Spica Nardi.

'Tis much of the same Virtue with the for­mer. 'Tis Hepatick, is good for the Jaundice, and the Stone in the Kidnies. Nard-Oyl is made in the follow­ing manner: Take of Spike-Nard three Ounces, of Marjoram two Ounces; Wood of Aloes, Sweet-smelling Flag, Elecampane, Cyperus, Bay-leaves, Indian Leaves or Mace, Squinanth, Cardamoms, of each one Ounce and an half; bruise them all grosly, and steep them in Water and Wine, of each fourteen Ounces; Oyl of Olives four Pounds and an half; perfect the Oyl by boyling it gently, in a double Vessel. It heats, attenuates, digests, and binds moderately; and is good for cold and windy Diseases of the Brain, Sto­mach, Reins, Liver, Spleen, Bladder and Womb.

True English Stinking Dead- Nettle, in Latin Ga­leopsis.

The Juice of it given with Vinegar, is good for Hemorrhoids, and takes off Warts, and discusses [Page 304] hard Tumors. A Deco­ction of it, or the Powder of the Herb, is commend­ed for Diseases of the Spleen.

Nigella.

The Seed is chiefly in use. It expecto­rates, increases Milk, and provokes Urine and the Courses. 'Tis good for the Biting of Venomous Crea­tures, and is reckon'd Spe­cifick for Quotidian and Quartan-Agues. 'Tis used outwardly in Epithems, and the like, for the Head-ach, and to dry Catarrhs. An Oyl is press'd out of it, which many ignorant Apo­thecaries use instead of Nard-Oyl. For Catarrhs and a Coriza use the follow­ing Nodulus: Take of the Seeds of Nigella toasted, of Tobacco, Storax, and Cala­mint, each one Scruple; of Amber-grease two Grains; mingle them and tie them up in a Rag; let it be of­ten held to the Nostrils. For the Recovery of Smel­ling, Take of Roman Ni­gella a sufficient quantity, powder it, and mix it with old Oyl in a Mortar; lean­ing the Head back, and the Mouth fill'd with Water, let the Party snuff some of it up into his Nostrils. Take of the Roots of Sow-bread, and of Esula, each one Dram; of the Seeds of Roman Nigella half a Dram, with a sufficient quantity of Hony make a Pessary for the Falling of the Womb. 'Tis an Ingredi­ent of the Syrup of Mug­wort of the London-Dispen­satory.

Nutmeg, in Latin Nux Moschata.

The Tree grows commonly in the Island Banda, situated near the Equator. 'Tis somewhat Astringent, is Stomachick, Cephalick and Uterine; it discusses Wind, helps Con­coction, mends a Stinking Breath, prevents Fainting, does good in the Palpita­tion of the Heart, lessens the Spleen, stops a Loos­ness and Vomiting, pro­vokes Urine, and quickens the Sight. Nutmeg is of great use in the Bloody-Flux, and other Fluxes; for it has all the Virtues necessary for a Medicine fit for these Diseases. The Oyly Substance of it de­fends [Page 305] the Guts from sharp Humours, and eases the Pain; the Aromatick Qua­lity consisting in the Airy Spirit, penetrates the No­ble Parts, and comforts them; the Earthy Part binds, dries up Ulcers, and Cicatrises them. Candied Nutmegs are used in all cold Diseases of the Head, for a Palsie, and other Dis­eases of the Nerves and Womb; besides, they are counted Cordial. They have been used to be brought many Years can­died from the Indies, and are used for Sweet-meats and Banquets. Delicate People eat the outward Bark when it is green, and they prefer it before the Nut, for it has a curious Smell, and is very agree­able to the Stomach; but it has been found by Expe­rience, that the frequent and excessive use, both of the Nuts and Bark, occa­sions Sleepy Diseases, for they are very Narcotick: Upon which Account, what Tavernier relates is not im­probable; namely, That when these Nuts are ripe▪ the Birds of Paradise flock together to the Molucca-Islands, to eat them; just as Thrushes flock to France, at the time of the Vintage; but they pay dearly for their dainty Food; for when they have eaten gree­dily of them, they are seiz­ed with a Giddiness, and fall to the Ground as if they were drunk; and when they lie on the Ground the Ants eat off their Legs. And Lobelius mentions an Observation of an English Lady with Child that long'd for Nutmegs, and eat twelve of them; upon which shew grew deli­rous, or was rather intoxi­cated; but having slept a good while, and Repelling Medicines being applied to her Head, she recover'd. The Wounds of a Soldier were soon cured by eating Nutmegs. Wedelius also commends them for curing of Wounds. John Bauhi­nus having drunk cold Wa­ter too freely on the Apen­nine Mountains, was seiz'd with violent Pains in his Bladder, and his Scrotum was swell'd with the Wind, tho' he never was bursten'd before or after; and when [Page 306] he thought he should have died by reason of the Vio­lence of the Pain, his Fel­low-Traveller gave him Nutmegs, and he eat four of them presently, and, by the Blessing of God, was freed of his Pains. Nut­megs chew'd and swal­low'd, do much good for a Palsie of the Parts that serve for Swallowing. An Oyl express'd from the fresh Nuts beat, and made hot in a Frying-pan, is good for the Gripes, and Nephri­tick Pains, being taken in­wardly in some hot Li­quor. Children's Navels being anointed with it when they are grip'd, are eas'd thereby. 'Tis also good for Pains of the Nerves and Joints proceed­ing from Cold. The Tem­ples being anointed with it, it disposes to Rest. The best Nutmeg is that which is weighty. Oyl of Nut­megs is made in the follow­ing manner: Take sixteen Ounces of good Nutmegs, beat them in a Mortar un­til they are almost in a Paste, and put them upon a Boulter, cover them with a piece of strong Cloth, and an Earthen Pan over that; put your Cloth over a Ket­tle half fill'd with Water, and set the Kettle upon the Fire, that the Vapour of the Water may gently warm the Nutmegs; when you find, upon touching the Pan, it is so hot that you cannot endure your Hand upon it, you must take off the Boulter; and putting the Matter into a Linen Cloth, take its four Corners, and tie them quickly together, put them into a Press, between a couple of warm Plates, set the Pan underneath, and there will come forth an Oyl, which congeals as it grows cold; press the Mat­ter as strongly as you are able, to draw out all the Oyl; then keep it in a Pot well stop'd. This Oyl is very Stomachick, being ap­plied outwardly, or else given inwardly. The Dose is, from four Grains to ten, in Broth, or some other convenient Liquor. This is call'd Oyl of Nutmegs by Expression, which is an Ingredient in the following Apoplectick Balsam: Take of Oyl of Nutmegs by Ex­pression [Page 307] two Ounces, Oyl of Rosemary, Marjoram, Sage, Thyme, Hysop and Angelica, each one Dram; Oyl of Cinnamon half a Dram, of Oyl of Amber half a Scruple, of Oyl of Rhodium one Dram, of the Oyl of Rue, Limons, Oranges and Cloves, each one Scruple; of Peruvian Balsam half an Ounce, of Tincture of Benzoin, of Civet, Chymical Oyl of Nutmegs, of Tincture of Cloves, each half a Dram; of Amber-grease two Drams, of Musk one Dram; put all the Oyls together, in a Glass, for use; the longer they have been mix'd, the better they are: Then take ten or twenty Drops, and grind them with the Oyl of Nut­megs half an Hour, then drop the same number of Drops as before; get up the Mixture together with a piece of Horn, or with a Knife, then let it stand two Hours to ferment, then put thirty Drops of the Oyls more to it, and grind it with the Mixture half an Hour; cover it with a Pa­per, and let it stand all Night; in the Morning grind it with the Balsam of Peru for half an Hour, then warm a Brass Mortar and Pestle, and cut or scrape in­to it your Amber-grease; add to it thirty Drops of your Mixture of Oyls grind them together for a quarter of an Hour, then add thir­ty Drops more of the Oyls, afterwards put it out on one side of the Stone, and on the other side put the Musk, mix it by degrees, with the Oyls and Amber-grease, till it be all dissolv­ed; then put to it the Ci­vet, and grind it with the Musk and Amber-grease for a quarter of an Hour; mix all by degrees with the former Composition, and ferment them two Hours, then put it up, and keep it for use. Take of Alabastrian Ointment, and of Ointment of Roses, each two Ounces; of Opium one Dram, of Saffron one Dram, of Oyl of Nutmegs one Dram; mingle them, and make an Ointment; anoint the Temples and Forehead with it: 'Tis good for the Head-ach. Take of Saffron powder'd [Page 308] two Scruples, of the Oint­ment of the Flowers of O­ranges, and of Oyl of Sweet Almonds, each one Ounce; of Oyl of Nutmegs by Ex­pression half a Dram; min­gle them, and make an Ointment: Anoint Chil­dren's Breasts, in Colds, and other Diseases of the Lungs, with this Oint­ment.

Nux Vomica.

'Tis Narcotick and Virulent, and worse than Opium. Being powder'd, and mix'd with Meat, it kills Cats and Dogs.

OAK of Jerusalem, in Latin Botrys.

The Herb powder'd, and mix'd with Hony, is good for an Ulcer of the Lungs: It provokes the Courses, and expels a dead Child. Take of this Herb, of Hedge-Mustard, and of Nettles, each two Handfuls; of Colt's-foot one Handful and an half; boyl them in a sufficient quanti­ty of Fountain-water, in B. M. to a Quart of the clear Liquor strain'd; add the Juice of Turnips par'd, and boyl'd in Fountain-water; change the Water twice, and when they are soft press out the Juice gently; add of this Juice, having clear'd it self by standing, one Pint, fine Su­gar three Pounds; boyl it to a Syrup in B. M. when there is occasion to use it.

Olive-tree.

'Tis a Tree of a moderate Bigness; it grows slowly, and lasts long, some say two hundred Years. It grows in Italy and France, and other Pla­ces. Tho' Olives, when they are ripe, are black, and taste acrid, bitter and nauseous; yet the Oyl that is press'd from them is most commonly Pellucid, and a little yellowish. It tastes sweet and pleasant; but that which is freest from Colour and Taste, is rec­kon'd the best. The Leaves of Olives cool, dry, and are astringent. They are chiefly used outwardly, for Fluxes of the Belly of the Courses, for an Herpes, and the like; and with [Page 309] Medicines for the Eyes. So great is the use of the Oyl, both for Meat and Medi­cine, that it would take up too much time to mention all. Galen, Dioscorides, Pli­ny, and others, both An­cient and Modern, have treated largely of it. One was ask'd when he was above an Hundred Years old, by what Means he kept up the Vigour of his Mind and Body: He an­swer'd, By taking Wine in­wardly, and by using of Oyl outwardly. Cardan mentions three Things which prolong Life; Milk, Hony and Oyl: But he does not mean that the Oyl should be used outwardly, but be taken inwardly with Meat. Aristotle said, that Oyl and Salt should be al­ways had in Readiness, for that they much conduced to a long Life. The best Oyl for the Recovery of Health is that which is made of Olives before they are ripe, and then 'tis call'd Omphacinum: Of this they make Ointments, and many other Compositions. Oyl of Ripe Olives is hot, and moistens moderately: The Old is hotter than the New. It mollifies, digests, is vulnerary, and loosens the Belly, an Ounce of it being taken in hot Beer. It takes off the Dryness of the Breast, cures the Gripes, opens the Urinary Passages, cleanses and heals them when they are sore. 'Tis outwardly used for Cly­sters, and hot Tumours, and the like. Mix'd with warm Water, and taken inwardly, it vomits; and therefore is used against Poysons. Schroder says, that in Westphalia they u­sually give Oyl daily, with hot Beer, to those that are wounded; and they take so much of it, that their very Sweat smells of it. A Toast dip'd in Oyl, and well moisten'd with it, and taken daily in the Morning, keeps the Bo­dy open. All sorts of In­sects being besmear'd with Oyl, die presently: The Reason is plain, for it stops the Pores whereby they breath. Oyl cleanses the Hands from Pitch, and Clothes when they are pitch'd.

Opium-seed, White of Poppies, in the First Part this Herbal.

Opium is a Tear which distils of it self, or by Incision of the Heads of the Poppies. 'Tis found frequently in Greece, in the Kingdom of Cambaia, and the Territories of Grand-Cairo in Egypt. There are three Sorts of it, the Black, the White, and the Yellow. The Inhabitants of those Countries keep this Opium for their own use, and send us only the Meconium, which is nothing else but the Juice of the Poppy-heads, drawn by Expres­sion; which is not near so good as the true Opium. The best Opium comes from Thebes, or else from Grand-Cairo. Chuse it black, inflamable, bitter, and a lit­tle Acrimonious. Its Smell is disagreeable and stupe­factive. Extract of Opium is made in the following manner: Cut into Slices four Ounces of good O­pium, and put it into a Boult-head; pour upon it a Quart of Rain-water well filter'd, stop the Boult-head, and setting it in the Sand, give your Fire by degrees; then increase it to make the Liquor boyl for two Hours; strain it warm, and pour it into a Bottle; take the Opium which re­mains undissolv'd in the Rain-water, dry it in an Earthen Pan, over a small Fire; and putting it into a Matrass, pour upon it Spi­rit of Wine, to the heighth of four Fingers; stop the Matrass, and digest the Matter twelve Hours in hot Ashes; afterwards strain the Liquor, and there will remain a Glutinous Earth, which is to be flung away; evaporate both these Disso­lutions of Opium separate­ly, in Earthen or Glass-Ves­sels, in a Sand-heat, to the Consistence of Hony, then mix them, and finish the drying this Mixture with a very gentle Heat, to give it the Consistence of Pills, or of a solid Extract: 'Tis the most certain Soporifick that we have in Physick: It allays all Pains which proceed from too great an Activity of the Humours. 'Tis good for the Tooth-ach, applied to the Tooth, or else to the Temple-Ar­tery in a Plaster. 'Tis used [Page 311] to stop Spitting of Blood, the Bloody-Flux, the Flux of the Courses, and He­morrhoids; for the Cho­lick, for hot Defluctions of the Eyes, and to quiet all sorts of Griping Pains. The Dose of it is, from half a Grain to three Grains, in some convenient Conserve, or else dissolv'd in a Julap. Those that ac­custom themselves to the use of Opium must increase the Dose of it, or else it will have no Effect on them. Helmont's Liquid Laudinum is made in the following manner: Take of Opium four Ounces, cut it into Slices, dry it in a gentle Heat; then take a Quart of the Juice of Quinces, mix one quarter of the Juice with Opium, rub it very well in a Glass-Mortar, let it dissolve as much of the Opium as it will bear; decant it off, and pour on as much more fresh Juice, rub it as be­fore; continue so doing till the Opium is dissolv'd, but keep out a little of the Juice to mix with four Spoonfuls of Yeast; then put it to the rest of the Liquor, and place it in a wide-mouth'd Glass, cover'd with Paper, in the first Degree of Heat, on a degestive Furnace, to ferment; let it continue four Days, or so long as it ferments; when it has done fermenting take it off the Furnace, and decant it from the Faeces; that which will not decant filter through Paper; then add to this Tincture an Ounce of Saf­fron, two Ounces of Cin­namon, half an Ounce of Nutmegs, and half an Ounce of Cloves; the Cin­namon and Nutmegs must be powder'd grosly; set it on the Degestive Furnace again, in the same Degree of Heat, and let it stand three or four Days; then filter your Tincture through Paper, and put it into a Cucurbite, put on an Head and Receiver; draw off half that which remains in the Cucurbite; you must filter it again, lest any Dregs should remain at the bot­tom: Put it up in a Glass for use.

Oranges, in Latin Ma­lus Aurantia.

The Nobili­ty and Gentry in England [Page 312] value the Trees much, and keep them in their Gardens for a fine Shew, and some of them bring Fruit to Ma­turity; but by reason of the Coldness of our Cli­mate, the Product is no way suitable to the Charge. They are kept in Houses in the Winter-time, to defend them from the Injuries of the Weather: But they grow in great abundance in Sicily, Italy and Spain, and in other Places. The Flowers are much esteem'd for their good Smell, which they retain a long while. The distill'd Water of them is also very fragrant, and is not only pleasant, but use­ful too against the Plague and Contagious Diseases. The Spaniards give it to Women in hard Labour, with a little Penny-royal-water. The Bark is more bitter, and therefore hotter than the Bark of Citron. Being candied, it kills the Worms in Children. It al­so strengthens the Heart and Stomach, and is good for those Diseases Citrons are prescrib'd for. The Juice is not so sharp as that of Limons or Citrons, yet it is cooling, and tastes pleasantly. It creates an Appetite, and extinguishes Thirst; and therefore is of good use in Fevers. O­ranges are excellent for cu­ring the Scurvy. The Oyl press'd out of the Bark is of a fiery quality, as will appear to any one that shall press the fresh Juice near a Candle; for the Drops, like Dew, that fly out will flame and crackle, just as if the Powder of Sulphure were flung upon the Flame. Some think that the Bark so press'd into the Eyes clears the Sight. Neck-la­ces and Bracelets, to num­ber the Prayers, are made of small Oranges that fall off; and they smell very pleasantly. The Seeds kill the Worms in Children. The Seeds being set in the Earth, little Trees spring for a Year, which are eaten in the manner of Sallets; they taste very pleasantly, and strengthen the Sto­mach, and create an Appe­tite. For the Worms, Take an Orange, bore an Hole in it, and press out the Juice; then fill it with e­qual parts of Oyl of Flax, [Page 313] the Juice of Wormwood, and Rue, adding a little Treacle, and Flower of Lupins, and let them boyl a while: Anoint the Pulse, the Temples, the Nostrils, and the Navel with this Linament, and you will find wonderful Success. Conserve of Oranges is made in the following man­ner: Take what quantity you please of the yellow Peel of Oranges, beat them well in a Stone-Mortar, and add thrice the weight of Fine Sugar; beat it up to a Conserve: This is good for a cold Scurvy, and for Pains and Wind in the Stomach. Syrup of O­ranges is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of the Juice strain'd, and cla­rified by standing, one Pint; of White Sugar clarified, and boyl'd up to the Con­sistence of Tablets, two Pounds; let it just boyl up, and so make a Syrup. O­range-water is made in the following manner: Take of the yellow Peel of half an Hundred of the best fresh and well-colour'd O­ranges, infuse them four or five Days in three Quarts of Sack and two Quarts of Nants-Brandy; put a Pound of Loaf-Sugar into it to sweeten it.

Orchis.

It heats and moistens, and tastes sweet. 'Tis chiefly used for a Pro­vocative to Venery; it comforts the Womb, and helps Conception. Take of the Salt of Satyrion half a Scruple in Malaga-Wine often, after the Flux of the Courses: This has made many Women fruitful. Diasatyrion of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Roots of Orchis three Ounces; Dattes, bit­ter Almonds, Indian-Nuts, Pine-Nuts, Fistich-Nuts, Ginger candied, Eryngo-Roots candied, each one Ounce; of Cloves, Galan­gal, Long and Black Pep­per, each three Drams; of Amber-grease one Scruple, of Musk two Scruples, of Penids four Ounces, of Cinnamon and Saffron, each half an Ounce; of Malaga-Wine three Oun­ces, of Nutmegs, Mace, Grains of Paradise, each two Drams; of Ash-tree-Keys, [Page 314] the Belly and Loins of Scinks, of Facticious Borax and Benzoin, each three Drams; of the Wood of Aloes and Cardamoms, each two Drams; of the Seeds of Nettles, Onions, and of the Roots of Avens, each one Dram and an half; mingle them, and make an Electuary accord­ing to Art, with two Pints and an half of the Syrup of Ginger preserv'd. This E­lectuary is frequently used for a Provocative to Ve­nery.

Oyster-green, or Sea-Wrake, in Latin Fucus Ma­rinus.

All kinds of Wrake cool and dry, and are good for Inflammations being u­sed fresh.

PAnax-Herculis.

This Herb being cut, espe­cially in the Root, the Juice flows out in the Summer-time, which is call'd Opo­panax. 'Tis good for Wounds: It mollifies, di­gests, discusses Wind, purges thick and clammy Flegm from the remote Parts, from the Head, Nerves and Joints. The best is yellow without, and white or yel­lowish within; it tastes ve­ry bitter, and smells strong; 'tis of a fat Consistence, dissolves easily in Water, and is light and friable. The Roots of Panax-Her­culis are good for all cold Diseases of the Breast, for Pains of the Stomach, and Obstructions of the Bow­els; for Diseases of the Reins, Bladder, Womb and Breast. They are good for Pains of the Head, Giddi­ness, the Falling-Sickness, Convulsions, the Palsie, an Asthma, for Coughs, the Jaundice. and a Dropsie▪ They expel Wind, provoke Urine and the Courses, ha­sten Delivery, and expel Gravel. A Decoction of them is good for the Hip-Gout. Take of Opopanax one Dram, of Spike-Nard powder'd half a Scruple, of Diagridium four Grains; with Syrup of Staecha's make Pills: These Pills purge Flegm.

Pellitory of Spain, in Latin Pygrethrum.

'Tis rec­kon'd an excellent Reme­dy for the Palsie of the Tongue, and Loss of Speech. The Root is very biting, and hot. Being chew'd in the Mouth, it cures the Pain in the Teeth.

Round Black Pepper, in Latin Piper Rotundum Ni­grum.

It grows in most of the Provinces of India, e­specially Malaca, Java and Sumetra. There is so much of it in those Places, that it serves the whole World. The Plant is so weak, that it cannot stand by it self; and if it has no Tree to climb upon, it falls to the Ground like Hops.

White Round Pepper, in Latin Piper Rotundum Al­bum.

There is no diffe­rence betwixt the Plants, as there is none betwixt the Vines that bring White and Red Grapes. All sorts of Pepper heat, provoke Urine, concoct and discuss, being taken inwardly; and used outwardly, they take off the Shaking Cold Fit of Agues, and are good for the Biting of Venomous Creatures. Pepper hastens Delivery, and is suppos'd to hinder Conception, be­ing applied after Copula­tion. 'Tis good for Coughs, and all Diseases of the Breast. Mix'd with Ho­ny, 'tis best for a Quinsie. It takes off the Gripes, be­ing taken with the tender Leaves of Laurel. It draws Flegm from the Head, be­ing chew'd with Raisins; and it excites Appetite, and helps Concoction. Mix'd with Pitch, it discusses King's-Evil Swellings, and is good for Cold and Crude Stomachs. There is a great difference betwixt Taking of it whole, and in Pow­der; for the Powder causes the Hickups, and inflames all the Bowels: They there­fore that take it to help their Stomachs, should swal­low it whole. And it is best to season Bak'd Meats with Whole Pepper; for when it is powder'd it sticks to the Coats of the Stomach, and occasions in some Constitutions the Heart-burning, and the Hickups. 'Tis used out­wardly [Page 316] in Gargarisms, and Sneezing-Powders. It takes off the Pain of the Teeth, and asswages the Swelling of the Uvula, and is good for cold Diseases of the Nerves. Pepper, and the Oyl of it, is mightily com­mended for Quartan-Agues, by several good Authors. Oyl of Pepper outwardly used, is an excellent Reme­medy for a Palsie. Not only the Berries, which are properly call'd Pepper, are so biting, but also the whole Plant. The Indians use Long Pepper in Ointments, for Pains of the Members proceeding from Cold, and against Poysons, and for Giddiness of the Head, Ca­tarrhs, and Dimness of Sight, with good Success. The Common Sort of Peo­ple in India use, when their Stomachs have been a long while weak, to drink Wa­ter wherein a good quanti­ty of Pepper has been in­fus'd: And they draw a very fiery Spirit from fresh Pepper, which they use for the same purpose. Pepper with a cluster'd Tail, and Long Oriental Pepper, have much the same Virtues with these describ'd. Take of Malaga-Sack three Pints, of Rue, Ginger and Long-Pepper cut, each two Drams; of Nutmegs one Dram; boyl them to the Consumption of a third part; strain it, and add two Drams of Venice-Trea­cle, and one Dram of Mi­thridate, and four Ounces of strong Angelica-water; mingle them: The Dose is, one Spoonful at a time for Preservation against the Plague, and three at a time to cure it.

Pitch, in Latin Pix.

'Tis the Resin of the Pine, of the Firr-tree, and some other Trees: which is di­still'd by Fire, and boyl'd to a Consistence. Pitch used in the manner of a Plaster, pulls up Hairs by the Roots. It mollifies, suppurates, dis­cusses Swellings, and in­carns Ulcers. Tar cures the Mange in Cattel, and their Wounds and Ulcers, and keeps the Fly from them. In Norway they use Tar that is made of the Firr, with good success in Malignant Fevers; they mix it with Beer, and drink [Page 317] it: And they count dry Pitch a present Remedy for the Gout: But the chief use of Pitch is for Shipping. Lamb-Black is nothing but the Smoak of Pitch; they that make it have Rooms that keep in all the Smoak, and so they collect it. Take of Liquid Pitch, and of the Balsam of Tolu, each twenty six Grains; of Chios-Turpentine one Scru­ple; with Powder of Crab's-eyes make a Mass, where­of make Midling-Pills; take three in the Morning, and at Bed-time, drinking upon them six Spoonfuls of the following Julap: Take of Hysop-water one Pint, of Ground-Ivy-water six Ounces, of the Tincture of the Balsam of Tolu one Dram and an half, of White Sugar-candy a suffi­cient quantity. These Pills are good in a Consum­ption.

The Plane-tree, in La­tin Platanus Orientalis Vera.

The tender Leaves boyl'd in Wine, and used in the manner of an Ointment, stops Fluxions on the Eyes. The Bark boyl'd in Vine­gar is used for Pains of the Teeth; but now-a-days it is not used in Physick. The Lord Bacon, that excellent Man, whom all the World admires, planted several of these Trees near Veru­lam.

Poley-Mountain, in Latin Polium Montanum.

It provokes Urine, and the Courses; is good for Drop­sies, and the Jaundice, and the Biting of Venomous Creatures. 'Tis an Ingre­dient in Treacle and Mi­thridate. Sylvius commends it much for the Falling-sickness, because it abounds with a Volatile Salt.

Pomegranate, in La­tin Malus Punica, sive Gra­nata.

It grows in France, Italy and Spain. The Ap­ples are reckon'd to con­tain a good Juice, that is agreeable to the Stomach; but it yields little Nourish­ment. Pomegranates, with respect to their Taste, are distinguish'd into Sweet, Acid and Vinous. The Sweet, and the Syrup of them, is used for Cronical Coughs; and a Pleurifie; [Page 318] but it is not good in Fe­vers, because it occasions Wind, and increases the Heat. The Acid are cold, and Astringent, and Sto­machick; wherefore they, and the Syrup of them, are used to quench Thirst, for Fevers, the Running of the Reins, for Ulcers of the Mouth, and the like. The Vinous are of a middle Na­ture, betwixt Acid and Sweet; they are Cordial and Cephalick, and chiefly used for Fainting, and Gid­diness, and the like. The Juice is press'd out of these Apples for the aforesaid Uses; and being ferment­ed and clear'd, is call'd Wine. The Flowers are very astringent, wherefore they are frequently used for Fluxes of all kinds. The Powder of them being sprinkled upon Ulcers, soon Cicatrises them, and cures Ulcers of the Mouth. The Bark is of the same Nature with the Flowers, and is used to tan Leather, and to make Ink, instead of Galls. A Decoction of it in Wine, taken inwardly, kills Worms, especially those which are call'd Asca­rides. The Kernels cool and bind, especially those of the Acid Apple. In short, the Flowers, the Bark, the Kernels, and the Leaves are proper where there is need of Binding. Syrup of Pomegranates of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following man­ner: Take of White Sugar a Pound and an half, of the Juice of Pomegranates cla­rified a Pint; make a Sy­rup in B. M. Caesalpinus says, that the Juice press'd from the Pomegranate, and the Peel of it, purges yel­low Choler: But this must be understood of the Sweet Apples. Take of Pome­granate-peel half an Ounce, of Red Roses two Pugils; boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Cow's Milk; in half a Pint of the strain­ed Liquor dissolve half an Ounce of Diascordium: Make a Clyster. This Dr. Sydenham commends much in a Loosness, to stop it.

Potatoes, in Latin Bat­tata.

They are boyl'd, or roasted under Ashes, and eat better than our Turnips. [Page 319] They grow in the New World, and the neighbour­ing Islands; from whence they were brought to Spain, and from thence to other Parts of Europe.

Mock- Privet in Latin Phillyrea.

The Leaves of it are astringent; and a Decoction of them cures Ulcers of the Mouth: And being taken inwardly, it provokes Urine, and the Courses. Mock-Privet is much used to make Hedges in Gardens, and is planted in Walks.

Psylium, in English Flea-wort.

It grows com­monly about Montpeliar, and in Italy. It evacuates yellow Choler, and by its Mucilage blunts the Acri­mony of the Humours; and is therefore commend­ed in a Dysentery, and the like. But it is suppos'd to be offensive to the Stomach, and occasions Faintness if it be taken often. For Pains proceeding from Inflamma­tions of the Eyes, Take of the Mucilage of the Seed of Flea-wort, and Quinces, made in Plantane and Rose-water, each one Ounce; and mix'd with five Grains of Camphire, in the White of an Egg; drop it into the Eyes. When the Pa­late, Uvula or Tongue are excoriated, Purslain or Flea-wort-water does good. Vio­lent Pains of the Head, pro­ceeding from an hot Cause, which other Remedies could not mitigate, have been happily eas'd with an Epi­them made of the Muci­lage of the Seeds of Flea-wort, extracted in Rose-water, and mix'd with a little Vinegar. Take of the Mucilage of the Seeds of Flea-wort, or of Quinces, extracted with the Water of Lettice or Roses, half an Ounce; of Syrup of Vio­lets, Limons, or Pomegra­nates one Ounce and an half; mingle them: Let the Sick take a little by In­tervals, and hold it in his Mouth. This is good for an Heat, Drought, or Foul­ness of the Tongue or Jaws.

Pulsatilla.

'Tis a Vul­nerary Herb. The distill'd Water of it is excellent for cleansing and curing [Page 320] Wounds. The Root of it is much commended by some for a Preservative from the Contagion of the Plague, and against Poy­sons, and for the Biting of Venomous Creatures, two Drams of it being taken in Wine, 'Tis also mix'd with Antidotes. But Tragus says, that the Root dried, pro­vokes Sneezing; and that, being chew'd in the Mouth raw, it evacuates Flegm. Which argues, that it is not gentle nor sweetish, as Mat­thiolus says.

COmmon Reed, in La­tin Arundo Vallatoria.

The Root of it boyl'd in Water or Wine, and taken inwardly, provokes the Courses and Urine. The Decoction of it in Wine takes off the Scurf from the Head, the Head being wash'd therewith. The green Leaves bruis'd, and applied, cures St. Anthony's Fire, and other Inflamma­tions. Reeds are strowed in the Chambers of those that have Fevers, to keep them cool. The Juice of the Root, mix'd with an equal quantity of Hony and Goat's Suet, takes off the Spots occasion'd by the Small-Pox. The Pith ap­plied to the Fore Part of the Head, and the Feet, provokes Sweat powerful­ly if the Party that uses it keeps his Bed, and is well cover'd. The Root beat, and applied, draws out Thorns from the Flesh.

Rubarb, in Latin Rha­barbarum.

It grows in Chi­na. It purges gently yel­low Choler, and clammy Flegm. 'Tis a Specifick for the Liver. It cures the Jaundice, a Loosness, and the Bloody-Flux. 'Tis rec­kon'd to purge first, and bind afterwards. 'Tis com­monly order'd to be torre­fied, but it certainly lessens the Virtue of it. For Fe­vers proceeding from Ob­structions, Take two Drams of Rubarb, or one for In­fants, slice it, and tye it up in a Rag, and infuse it in a Pint of Succory-water: The Dose is, four Ounces. You must pre [...]s the Rag [Page 321] wherein the Rubarb is eve­ry Morning. Montanus says, he cured all sorts of Fevers with this Remedy. For the Hectick Fever in Children, and to purge them upon other Accounts, Take of choice Rubarb slic'd two Drams, put it into a Glass-Bottle containing a Quart of Small Beer, or any other Liquor the Child usually drinks of; stop the Bottle close: This Medicate Beer must be used in the Day and Night, and at Meals. When it is drunk up, a Quart more must be put upon the same Rubarb: Which also being drunk off, a Quart more must be put upon it as before. After which, the Rubarb commonly loses its Virtue. But, lest the Beer first put on should be too much im­pregnated with the Cathar­tick Quality of the Rubarb, and so purge too much, 'tis best to add another Pint presently after the first is drunk; but afterwards fresh Beer must not be added, till the whole Bottle is ta­ken. Syrup of Rubarb of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following man­ner: Take of the best Ru­barb, and of the Leaves of Sena, each two Ounces and an half; of Violets one Handful, of Cinnamon one Dram and an half, of Gin­ger half a Dram, of the Waters of Bettony, Succory and Bugloss, each a Pint and an half; mix them, and let them stand warm all Night; strain the Liquor, and boyl it to a Syrup, with two Pounds of Fine Sugar; ad­ding to it, at last, four Oun­ces of Syrup of Roses So­lutive: An Ounce or more of it may be taken at a time. The Troches of Ru­barb are made in the fol­lowing manner, Take of choice Rubarb ten Drams, of the Juice of Maudline thicken'd, and of Bitter Almonds, each half an Ounce; of Red Roses three Drams, of the Roots of A­sarabacca, Madder, Indian Spike, of the Leaves of Wormwood, Annise and Smallage, each one Dram; make Troches according to Art, with Wine wherein Wormwood hath been boyl­ed, or with the Juice of Maudline clarified: A Dram of them may be taken at a [Page 322] time. Extract of Rubarb is made in the following manner: Bruise six or eight Ounces of good Rubarb, and infuse it twelve Hours warm in a sufficient quan­tity of Succory-water, so as the Water may be four Fin­gers above the Rubarb; let it just boyl, and pass the Liquor through a Cloth; infuse the Remainder in so much more Succory-water as before, then strain the Infusion, and express it strongly; mix your Impreg­nations, or Tinctures, and let them settle; filtrate them, and evaporate the Liquor in a Glass-Vessel, over a very gentle Fire, un­til there remains a Matter that has the Consistence of thick Hony; this is cal­led Extract of Rubarb: The Dose is, from ten Grains to two Scruples, in Pills, or dissolv'd in Succo­ry-water. The best sort of Rubarb is that which being broke, appears of a Nut­meg-colour within. Its Vir­tues are so many, and so great, that if they were suf­ficiently known, and Men could generally use it without that Nauseousness which too commonly at­tends it, Mankind would have infinitely less need than they have of the Art of Physick in most Cases; and Men might, perhaps, preserve themselves from most Diseases, without any other Help.

Ryce, in Latin Oryza.

It grows in East-India, and is their chief Corn. It de­lights much in moist and wet Ground, and therefore they perpetually water it; so that those that reap it are forc'd to go up to the Knees in Water. 'Tis ve­ry much eaten with Meat; so that all the Oriental Na­tions live upon it almost. 'Tis easie to concoct, and tastes very pleasantly being boyl'd in Milk, or in fat Broth. 'Tis good Food for those that are troubled with the Bloody-Flux, a Loos­ness, and the like. Some think, that the feeding up­on it often makes them fat; and therefore Lean Women eat it often, boyl'd in Milk.

SAge of Jerusalem, in La­tin Pulmonaria Maculo­sa.

'Tis commonly used with Pot-herbs. 'Tis cor­dial, and good for the Lungs. 'Tis much of the healing Nature of Com­frey. 'Tis chiefly used for Ulcers of the Lungs, and for other Diseases of them; as, a Consumption, Spit­ting of Blood, and the like. 'Tis used outwardly for Wounds. 'Tis an Ingre­dient in the Magisterial-Water of Snails of the Lon­don-Dispensatory.

Sanders, in Latin San­talum.

There are three sorts of it, White, Yellow and Red. These Woods are Epatick and Cordial. They are chiefly used for Fainting, Palpitation of the Heart, and Obstru­ctions of the Liver. They are used outwardly in Epi­thems, for Catarrhs, Head-ach, Vomiting, and for an hot Intemperies of the Li­ver. The Arabians, and most of the Modern Physi­cians, hold, that Sanders are cold: But John Bauhi­nus, and others, judge they are hot, by their Effects and Taste. Great quanti­ties of the White and Yel­low Sanders are used in In­dia; for almost all the In­habitants wash their Bodies with Water wherein they have been infus'd, having been first pounded in a Stone-Mortar, and then they suffer it to dry on: And this they do to cool their Bodies, and to per­fume them, for the Indians are much delighted with sweet Smells. Red Sanders cools and binds. White Sanders powder'd, and ta­ken in an Egg, or infus'd all Night upon hot Ashes, in Red Wine, and taken inwardly, stops the Flux. The Species of the three Sanders of the London-Dis­pensatory is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of all the Sorts of the Sanders, and Red Roses, each three Drams; Rubarb, Ivory, Juice of Liquorish, and Pur­ [...]lain-seeds, of each two Drams and fifteen Grains; of Gum-Arabick, Traga­canth, of the Seeds of Me­lons, Cucumbers, Citruls, [Page 324] Goards, and Endive, of each one Dram and an half; of Camphyr one Scru­ple; make a Powder ac­cording to Art. 'Tis used for Obstructions of the Li­ver, for the Jaundice, and for Weakness of the Sto­mach and Bowels.

Sarsaparilla.

It con­sists of fine Parts, and is Sudorifick. 'Tis a Specifick for the French-Pox, for Pains in the Limbs, and for curing Ulcers and Cro­nical Diseases that proceed from gross and clammy Humours, and for such as depend on the Nerves. 'Tis also used for the King's-Evil, and the like. Take of Sarsaparilla ten Ounces, of the Roots of China four Ounces, of fresh Roots of Female Fern three Ounces, of White Sanders two Ounces, of Harts-horn and Ivory rasp'd, each one Ounce and an half; infuse them twelve Hours in ten Quarts of Barly-wa­ter, then boyl it to the Consumption of a third part; adding towards the latter end, Raisins of the Sun ston'd half a Pound; then strain it, and add an Ounce of Fine Sugar to every Pint of the Deco­ction, and a Dram of Co­riander-seeds: Keep it in Stone-Bottles, well stop'd, in a Cellar. Take of Sar­saparilla powder'd two Ounces, of the Inner Re­sinous Wood of Guaiacum half an Ounce, of Hart's-horn burnt, and the Tro­ches of Vipers, each one Ounce; of Yellow San­ders, Tormentile and Am­ber, each half an Ounce; of Diaphoretick Antimony the weight of all the rest; make an Electuary with equal Parts of Syrup of Rasberries, and the Alter­ing Syrup of Apples: The Dose is one Dram, drink­ing upon it a Draught of the Decoction of Sarsa to provoke Sweat. The two Medicines above-mention'd are used for the Cure of the French-Pox.

Sassafras.

It grows in Florida, and in other Re­gions of America. The Decoction of the Wood of the Root and of the Bark is much used. 'Tis good for the Hip-Gout, and for [Page 325] Obstructions; and is count­ed excellent for pale Vir­gins. 'Tis much used for the French-Pox. It expels Wind from the Womb, takes off Crudities, pro­vokes the Courses wonder­fully, and cures barrenness, and makes lean People fat. Many use the Water, or Decoction of it, to prevent the Plague, and other Con­tagious Diseases. 'Tis good for Wind, and cold Diseases of the Stomach. It helps Concoction, stops Vomiting, and is very good for cold Diseases of the Breast. It cures the Head-ach, expels Gravel, takes off the Heat of Urine, cures a Stinking Breath, and stops Catarrhs. Take of Sassafras six Drams, of Sarsaparilla four Ounces, of the inner Resinous Wood of Guaiacum three Ounces, of the Bark of the same one Ounce; of the Roots of Bur-dock, Scorzonera, Con­trayerva, Tormentil, and Butter-bur, of each one Ounce and an half; infuse them in two Quarts of Small White-wine, upon hot Ashes, for twenty four Hours; then add six Quarts of Fountain-water, and boyl it half away; put in also of Annise-seeds, Sweet-Fen­nel-seeds, and Coriander-seeds, each three Drams; of Liquorish two Ounces; strain it for use. Electua­ry of Sassafras of the Lon­don-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the most fragrant Wood of Sassafras two Ounces, boyl it in three Pints of common Water till half is consum'd; to­wards the End add half an Ounce of Cinnamon grosly powder'd; strain it, and with two Pounds of Fine Sugar boyl it to a thick Sy­rup; then add of Cinna­mon powder'd one Dram, of Nutmegs powder'd half a Scruple, of Amber-grease thirty two Grains, of Musk three Grains, ten Leaves of Gold, and four Drops of Spirit of Vitriol: Make an Electuary according to Art. It opens Obstructions, stops Defluxions, helps Conco­ction, expels Wind and Gravel, and is generally good for Diseases that pro­ceed from cold, crude and thin Humours. A Dram of it may be taken at a time.

Saw-wort, in Latin Se­ratula.

'Tis called so be­cause the Leaves are in­dented like a Saw. Taken in Wine 'tis good for Rup­tures and Bruises; and a Dram of the Powder of the Root taken in hot Wine, does the same. A Decoction of it in Wine cleanses Ul­cers wonderfully, and in­carns and cicatrises them. It eases the Pain of the Piles, they being fomented with it. The Leaves and the Root beat together, and applied, cures Wounds and Bursten Bellies.

Scammony, in Latin Scammonium.

The best comes from Antioch; 'tis clear, splendid, melts easily, and breaks easily, is not very weighty; being touch­ed with the Tongue it grows milky, when it is broken 'tis yellowish; but that which we have com­monly is of an Ash-colour, and looks ill, because it is not the Liquor or Tear flowing from the Plant, but the Juice press'd out. It purges strongly Choler­ick, Watery and Sharp Hu­mours from the remote Parts, and therefore is fre­quently used for such Pur­poses: The Dose is, from six Grains to a Scruple. But it is most commonly used mix'd with some other thing. The Preparation of Scammony is in the fol­lowing manner: Put the Powder of Scammony into a Quince made hollow, co­ver'd with Paste, and baked in an Oven, or roasted un­der Ashes; take out the Scammony, and being so prepar'd, 'tis called Diagri­dium. There is another Preparation of it with Sul­phure: Take of Scammo­ny powder'd as much as you please, put it upon a Paper, hold the Paper over Live Coals whereupon Brimstone is cast, till the Scammony melts, or grows white; and this is called Sulphurated Scammony. Diagridium is an Ingre­dient in the Golden Pill, and of the Pill Cochia Major. Scammony is an Ingredient in the Pill Cochia Minor, of the Pill De Lapide Lazuli, of the Pill of Opopanax, of the Pill Rudii, and of the Pill Sine-quibus. Take of Calcin'd Hart's-horn three [Page 327] Grains, of Mercurius Dul [...]is fifteen Grains, one Drop of Oyl of Sulphure being drop'd upon it, Diagri­dium nine Grains, Cinna­mon two Grains, Spirit of Hart's-horn three Drops; mingle them, make a Pow­der to be taken in the Pap of a Roasted Apple once a Week. This is a proper Purge for Children that are troubled with Worms. Scammony is also an Ingre­dient of the Electuary of the Juice of Roses of the London-Dispensatory.

Scottish Scurvy-grass, Sea-Coal-wort, or Sea-bind-Weed, in Latin Soldanalla Marina.

The Herb is A­crid, and injurious to the Stomach; it purges vio­lently; but because of its Acrimony, 'tis boyl'd in fat Broth. 'Tis peculiarly pro­per to evacuate Water in a Dropsie: 'Tis also good in the Scurvy. 'Tis cor­rected with Cinnamon, Mace, Ginger and Annise-seeds, and the like. 'Tis given sometimes in Sub­stance, and then the Dose is, from half a Dram to a Dram. Take of the Leaves of Scottish Scurvy-grass half an Ounce, of Annise-seeds one Scruple; boyl them in Flesh-Broth for one Dose. Take of the Powder of Scottish Scurvy-grass one Dram; of Spike and Mace, each half a Scruple; min­gle them. Either of these Medicines is used to purge Water.

Sebestens, or Assyrian Plums, in Latin Myxa, si­ve Sebesten.

They grow in Egypt and Asia. They are much used in Diseases of the Lungs, for Coughs joyn­ed with Heat and Drought, for Difficulty of Breathing, a Pleuresie, a Peripneumo­nia, an Hoarsness, and for a Catarrh. They are an Ingredient in the Pectoral Decoction of the London-Dispensatory, and in the Sy­rup of Hysop.

Sena.

It grows in Sy­ria, Persia and Arabia; and from thence is carried into Egypt, to Alexandria; from whence it is brought to us. It purges Choler, Flegm, and Melancholy; but it is flatulent; and is apt to dis­turb the Stomach and [Page 328] Bowels. 'Tis corrected with Cinnamon, Galangal and Ginger. 'Tis given in Substance, from half a Dram to one Dram and an half; and in Infusion, from two Drams to five. Great Virtues are attributed to it by the Ancient and Modern Physicians. It cures the Head-ach, is good for Mad­ness, the Falling-sickness, a Palsie, and the Itch, and the like. It chears the Heart, quickens the Sight, helps Hearing, and opens Obstructions of the Bowels. Take of the Leaves of Se­na cleans'd a sufficient quan­tity, put them into a Glass-Bottle, and pour upon them so much Aqua-vitae as will rise four or five Fingers a­bove the Matter; stop the Bottle close, and let it stand for two Days: The Dose is two Spoonfuls in Broth. Sena is an Ingredient of Elixir Salutis, which is, in­deed, an excellent Medi­cine. 'Tis made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of the Leaves of Sena four Ounces, of Guaiacum, and of the Roots of Elecam­pane dried, of the Seeds of Annise, Carraways and Co­riander, and of Liquorish, each two Ounces; of Rai­sins of the Sun ston'd half a Pound; steep them in the Cold, in three Quarts of Aqua-vitae, for the space of four Days; strain it: The Dose is two, three or four Spoonfuls, more or less, according to the Age and Strength of the Patient. 'Tis excellent for the Cho­lick, and for Gravel, and many other Diseases. 'Tis sold, I believe, in most Market-Towns in England, and is made by many: And there has been very hot Disputes amongst the Pub­lishers, about the Primoge­niture of it. The Greater Compound-Powder of Sena of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Seeds of Annise, Caraway, Fen­nel, Cummin, Spike-Nard, Cinnamon and Galangal, each half an Ounce; of Liquorish and Gromel, each one Ounce; of Sena the weight of all: Make a Powder. The Lesser Com­pound-Powder of Sena of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the best [Page 329] Sena two Ounces, of the Cream of Tartar half an Ounce, of Mace two Scru­ples and an half, of Gin­ger and Cinnamon, of each one Dram and an half; Sal Gemmae one Dram; make a Powder according to Art. The Powder cal­led Dia-Sena of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Leaves of Sena, and of Cream of Tartar, each two Ounces; of Cloves, Cinnamon, Galangal and Bishop's-weed, each two Drams; of Diagridium half an Ounce: Make a Powder according to Art. The Decoction called De­coctum Senae Gerconis of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Leaves of Sena two Ounces, of the Roots of Polypody of the Oak half an Ounce, of Ginger one Dram, of Raisins of the Sun ston'd two Ounces, of Sebestens and Damask-Prunes, each in number Twelve, of the Flowers of Borrage, Violets, Red Ro­ses, and Rosemary-flowers, each two Drams; boyl them in two Quarts of Fountain-water, to the Con­sumption of half: But some Purging Syrup is usually added to this, to make it work.

Skirret, in Latin Sisa­rum.

'Tis sown in Gar­dens; but the usual Way of propagating it is, to set the lesser Roots in Februa­ry or March, before they spring; the greater being to be eaten at that time, boyl'd, and dish'd with Butter, Pepper and Salt, the middle hard Nerve be­ing first taken out. Cordus says, that it is the most wholesom Root that is eat­en. 'Tis hot and moist, and concocts easily▪ and nourishes pretty well; but it is windy, and there­fore a Provocative to Ve­nery.

Smilax Aspera.

It grows in Sicily, Italy and France every where in the Hedges. 'Tis a Succeda­num for Sarsaparilla. It cures the French-Pox, and Pains of the Joints and Nerves. It evacuates hurt­ful Humours by Sweat and Transpiration, and cures [Page 330] the Vices of the Skin. 'Tis given in Powder, or in a Decoction. Fallopius cured several of the French-Pox with it.

Virginian Snake-weed, in Latin Polyrhizos Virginia­na.

'Tis a most certain and present Remedy a­gainst the Venom of the Rattle-Snake. 'Tis also good for the Biting of a Mad Dog, and to cure a Quartan-Ague, half a Dram or a Dram of it being ta­ken just before the Fit comes. 'Tis also used in Pestilential Fevers, and al­so for the Worms in Chil­dren. Take of Virginian Snake-weed powder'd one Dram, of Coral calcin'd till it is white half a Dram; mingle them: Make a Powder. The Dose is half a Scruple, or a Scruple, twice a Day, for three Days following: The Child must drink a Decoction of Grass-Roots upon it.

Spunge, in Latin Spon­gia.

'Tis much of the na­ture of a Mushroom. It grows upon Rocks, Shells, and the Sands. It has se­veral Uses: 'Tis used in Fomentations, for it retains the Heat much longer than Clothes. Anatomists and Chirurgeons use it to suck up Blood, and to dilate Ulcers, and to keep them open as long as it is conve­nient, and to dry them. The Ancient Physicians used the Ashes of it in Me­dicines for the Eyes. Ma­ny Modern Physicians pre­scrib'd the Ashes to be ta­ken in Wine, for the space of a Month, for the Cure of a Bronchocele.

Squills, or Sea-Onion, in Latin Scilla.

It grows in Spain, and elsewhere. It incides, opens and dis­cusses. 'Tis used in Ob­structions of the Liver, of the Spleen, and for Ob­structions of the Courses and Urine; for Coughs, and the Mucilage of the Lungs. There are two Oxymels of Squills used in the Shops, Simple and Compound. They are chiefly used for Diseases of the Breast proceeding from gross Flegm. Hony of Squils of the London-Dispen­satory [Page 331] is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take a large Sea-Onion, full of Juice, cut it into small pieces, and put it into a Glass-Vessel close stopp'd, and cover'd over with a Bladder; let it stand in the Sun forty Days, twenty Days before the Rising of the Dog-Star, and twenty Days after; then open the Glass, and take the Juice which lies at the bottom, and preserve it with the best Hony. Vinegar of Squills of the London-Dis­pensatory is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take that part of the Squills which is between the outward Bark and the bottom, cut it into thin Slices, place them thir­ty or forty Days in the Sun, or in some gentle Heat; then cut a Pound of them small, with an Ivory-Knife, or a Knife made of some white Wood; put it into a Vessel with six Pints of Vinegar, set the Vessel, close stop'd, in the Sun thirty or forty Days; afterwards strain it, and keep it for use. Simple Oxymel of Squills of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following manner Take of Clarified Hony three Pounds, of Vinegar of Squills two Pints; boyl them according to Art. Compound Oxymel of Squills of the London-Dis­pensatory is made in the fol­lowing manner: Take of Origanum, Hysop, Thyme, Lovage, of the Lesser Car­damoms, and of Staechas, each five Drams; boyl them in three Pints of Wa­ter, to one; strain it, and mix with it two Pounds of Hony, of Raisins half a Pound, Juice of Briony five Ounces, Vinegar of Squills a Pint and an half; boyl it according to Art, and take off the Scum. This and the Simple Oxy­mel are good for Obstru­ctions of the Lungs, and to cleanse the Stomach. Wine of Squills of the Lon­don-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of the Roots of White Mountain-Squils, gather'd about the Rising of the Dog-Star, cut them into Slices, and let them lie a-drying a Month; put a Pound of them into a Glass, and pour upon them [Page 332] four Quarts of Old French White-wine; infuse them forty Days, and then take out the Squills. Take of Oxymel of Squills one Ounce and an half, of Vi­negar of Squills two Oun­ces; mingle them: Make a Vomit. This is a gentle Vomit. Take of the Infu­sion of Crocus Metallorum six Drams, of Wine of Squills one Ounce and an half, of Simply Syrup of Sorrel half an Ounce. This is a stronger Vo­mit. Oxymel of Squills, mix'd with Pectoral Sy­rups, is excellent to help Expectoration.

Staechas.

It grows plentifully about Montpe­liar. It heals and dries, is Diuretick and Vulnerary. 'Tis chiefly used for Ob­structions of the Urine, Liver, Spleen and Courses. It resolves Coagulated Blood, it dries Catarrhs, and kills Worms being ta­ken in Wine. 'Tis also commended for drying up sharp Defluxions of the Lungs. 'Tis used outward­ly to mollifie hard Swel­lings of the Womb, in Fo­mentations. It dries and discusses Defluxions of the Head, the Herb being burnt and smelt to. Mat­thiolus says, that the whole Herb cures all Diseases of the Brain proceeding from a cold Cause; namely, Flegmatick Fluxions, Pains of the Head, the Falling-Sickness, the Palsie, and the like. Syrup of Staechas of the London-Dispensatory is made in the following man­ner: Take of the Flowers of Staechas four Ounces, of Rosemary half an Ounce, of the Herb Thyme, Cala­mint and Origanum, each an Ounce and an half; of Sage and Betony, each half an Ounce; of the Seeds of Rue, Peony and Fennel, each three Drams, digest them a Day or two in B. M. in a sufficient quan­tity of warm Fountain-wa­ter; strain it out, and to five Pints of the strain'd Liquor add five Pounds and an half of Fine Sugar: Make a Syrup according to Art in B. M. add some Drops of Oyl of Cinna­mon. This Syrup is fre­quently made use of in Dis­eases of the Head.

Staves-acre, or Louse-wort, in Latin Staphis A­gria.

It grows in Dalma­tia, Apulia and Calabria. 'Tis violently hot, Acrid and Caustick; therefore it is used for a Masticatory. It also purges; but be­ing not a gentle Medicine, 'tis seldom used. Twelve Grains or a Scruple of the Seed purges upward and downward, and raises Sa­livation; wherefore it is very good in the French-Pox, says Sylvius: but it inflames the Jaws, and oc­casions a violent Heat in them, and brings the Pa­tient in danger of Suffoca­tion, and therefore surely ought not to be used in­wardly. Take of Mastick three Drams, of Pellitory of Spain and Staves-Acre, each two Drams; of the Roots of Angelica half a Dram, of Cubebs and Nut­megs, each one Dram; of Euphorbium one Scruple, of Wax a sufficient quanti­ty to make a Mass for Ma­sticatories.

Storax-tree, in Latin Styrax Arbor.

It grows in Italy. The Resin of Sto­rax, which is sold in the Shops is two-fold, dry and liquid. The dry is called Storax-Calamite; so called because it is put up in Reeds. And when there is only mention made of Sto­rax in prescribing, you must understand it to be the Calamite-Storax. It heats, dries, mollifies and concocts▪ is good for Di­stillations and Hoarsness. 'Tis good also for an Hard­ness and Obstruction of the Womb. 'Tis much used for Perfumes. That is best which is fat, and has whi­tish Fragments. The Red Storax of the Shops, which the Jews frequently use for Perfumes, comes from In­dia. Liquid Storax is a fat Liquor, like a Balsam; it has a strong Smell, and is of the Consistence of Ho­ny. A Storax, with the Leaves of Maple, grows in the Lord Bishop of London's curious Garden: It was brought from Virginia. The Pill of Storax of the Lon­don-Dispensatory is made in the following manner: Take of Storax-Calamite, of Oli­banum, Myrrh, and of the Juice of Liquorish thicken'd, [Page 334] each half an Ounce; of Saffron one Dram; with Syrup of White Poppies make a Mass. This is much used for Tickling Coughs proceeding from Rheums, and Defluxions on the Lungs: The Dose is fifteen Grains, or one Scru­ple, to be taken at Bed­time.

Straw-berry-tree, in Latin Arbutus.

It grows in Sicily, Italy and France, and in the West Part of Ireland. The Fruit tastes pleasantly, but not so well as Straw-berries. 'Tis offensive to the Stomach, and causes the Head-ach. A Water drawn from the Leaves and Flowers in Glass is counted an excellent Anti-dote against the Plague, and for Poysons.

Sugar-Cane in Latin Arundo Saccharina.

It grows spontaneously in both the Indies. 'Tis also planted in many other Places; as, in the Canary-Islands, Spain, Sicily, Crete and Cyprus. It loves a fat and moist Ground, and is fit to make Sugar in the space of a Year. The Juice is press'd out in a Mill, which is ve­ry sweet, but will not keep above twenty four Hours, afterwards it turns to Vine­gar: They boyl it up in great Furnaces; but it is worth noting, that if any Oyl be mix'd with it, it will never come to Sugar. Sugar is much used, both in Food and Physick. It has been suppos'd, that the immoderate use of Sugar here in England has been the Reason of the Increase of the Scurvy and of Con­sumptions amongst us: 'Tis certain that it increases the Scurvy, for by the frequent use of it the Teeth grow black and rotten, which are certain Signs of the Scurvy. Moreover, it con­tains in it a very Corrosive Salt, which appears by Di­stillation: And it is well known, that the Scurvy is occasion'd by a Fixed Salt, and cured by a Volatile Salt. But it is to be noted, that Sugar is better to be mix'd with Medicines pe­culiar to Women's Diseases than Hony, for Hony is in­jurious to the Womb. Su­gar is dissolv'd in Water, [Page 335] then filtrated, and so it is purified; afterwards the Liquor is evaporated, and it is made up into Loaves, or put up in Casks: 'Tis either Red, brown, or white, according to the Degrees of Purification. When the Sugar has been refin'd no more than above­said, it is a little fat: Now to refine it farther, it is dis­solv'd in Lime-water, and boyl'd, and the Scum is ta­ken off; when it is suffi­ciently boyl'd they cast it into Molds of a Pyramidal Form, which have Holes at the bottom to let the more glutinous part run through, and separate. 'Tis farther refin'd by boyling it with the Whites of Eggs in Water; for the glutinous quality of the Whites of Eggs does help to receive and take away the Impuri­ties that remain in the Su­gar, and the boyling drives them all to the Sides of the Vessel, in a Scum: The Li­quor is pass'd through a Cloth, and then evapora­ted to a due Consistence. Sugar-Candy is only Sugar Crystalliz'd: The Way to make it is, to boyl Refin'd Sugar in Water, to the Consistence of a thick Sy­rup; 'tis then pour'd into Pots, wherein little Sticks have been laid in order, 'tis left in a still place some Days, without stirring, and you have the Sugar-Can­dy sticking to the Sticks. Brown Sugar-Candy is made after the same man­ner. Its Sweetness proceeds from an Essential Acid Salt, mix'd with some Oyly Parts, whereof it consists; for, if you separate these two Substances, one from another, neither of the two will prove at all sweet: The Oyl alone is insipid upon the Tongue, because it makes little or no Im­pression upon the Nerve that serves for Tasting; but when the Acid is en­tirely mix'd with it, the Edges of this Acid do serve for a Vehicle to the Oyl, to make it penetrate and tic­kle superficially the Nerve, whereby the Sense of Tast­ing is produced: The Acid therefore being alone, does become incisive, and pricks the Tongue by its Edges; but when they are dull'd and blunted by the Ramous [Page 336] Parts of the Oyl, then they have another sort of Deter­mination, and can no longer pierce the Nerve of Tast­ing, but with a great deal of Tenderness and Gentle­ness. Cask-Sugar is sweeter than finer Sugar, because it contains more viscous or fat Parts, which remain the longer upon the Nerve of the Tongue: And this makes us sometimes prefer the first, as to Use, before the other. Sugar-Candy is better for Coughs than common Sugar, because, being harder, it requires a longer time to melt in the Mouth; and besides, it keeps the Breast moister than the common Sugar. Spirit of Sugar is made in the following manner: Powder and mix eight Ounces of White Sugar-Candy with four Ounces of Sal-Armoniack, put this Mixture into a Glass, or Earthen Body, whose third part only is thereby fill'd; fit an Head to the Body, and place it in a Sand-Fur­nace; joyn a Receiver to it, and lute well the Jun­ctures with a wet Blad­der; give it a small Fire for an Hour only, to heat the Vessel, then increase it to the second Degree; there will distil a Liquor, Drop by Drop, and towards the End there will rise white Vapours into the Head; increase your Fire still more, until nothing more comes forth; let the Vessels cool, and unlute them, you will find in the Receiver se­ven Ounces of a brown Li­quor that smells ill, and also a little black Oyl that sticks to the Sides; pour it all together into a Glass-Body, and having fitted to it an Head and Receiver, and luted the Joints, distil in Sand six Ounces of a ve­ry Acid Spirit, that is clear, and agreeable to the Taste, and without any Smell. 'Tis good against Gravel, and the Dropsie, and for a Loosness, and the Bloody-Flux. The Dose is, eight or ten Drops in Tincture of Roses, or the like. That which remains in the Body, after Rectification, is a Fe­tid Oyl, which may be outwardly used to cleanse old Ulcers. Melassoes, or the Hony of Sugar, are used to make Aqua-vitae; and [Page 337] they yield a strong Spirit. It has been reported, that some Brewers make Ale, in a great measure, with Me­lassoes; but if they do, it is an abominable Cheat; for they are not near so wholesom as Malt. Take of Brown or Red Sugar four Spoonfuls, of common Salt as much as will lie on a Three-pence, of Cow's-Milk one Pint; let the Milk just boyl up, dissolve the Sugar and the Salt in it; strain it. This is a Clyster, and, generally speaking, serves as well as the best, to empty the Bowels.

Swallow-wort, in La­tin Asclepias.

It grows in Germany, Italy and France. The Root of it is very Ale­xipharmick, and Sudorinick. 'Tis chiefly used for the Plague, and other Conta­gious Diseases; for Ob­structions of the Courses, for the Palpitation of the Heart, a Fainting, and a Dropsie. 'Tis also com­mended for the Stone. 'Tis used outwardly. The Flow­ers, the Roots, and the Seeds cleanse Sordid Ul­cers. 'Tis good for the Bi­ting of Venomous Crea­tures, for Ulcers of the Paps, of the Breasts, and the like.

TAmarinds, in Latin Tamarindi.

They grow in Arabia Foelix, and in the East and West-Indies. They correct the Acrimony of the Humours, purge Cho­ler, and restrain the Heat of they Blood; they cure Fe­vers, and the Jaundice, and take off the Heat of the Stomach and Liver, and stop Vomiting. The Turks and Arabians, when they go long Journies in the Summer-time, carry Ta­marinds with them, to quench their Thirst. In Pestilential and Putrid Fe­vers, Water wherein Ta­marinds have been infus'd, sweeten'd with Sugar, is a proper Liquor to drink; for it extinguishes Thirst, and cools much. Take of Tamarinds half an Ounce, of Sena two Drams, of Rubarb one Dram and an [Page 338] half; boyl them in a suffi­cient quantity of Fountain-water; to three Ounces of the strain'd Liquor, add of Manna and Syrup of Roses Solutive, each one Ounce: Make a Purging Potion. This is a good Cooling Purge, and works well. Take of Tamarinds half an Ounce, of Sena two Drams, of Rubarb one Dram and an half; boyl them in a sufficient quanti­ty of Water; to three Ounces of the strain'd Li­quor add of Manna, and Syrup of Roses Solutive, each one Ounce; of Sy­rup of Buck-thorn half an Ounce, of the Electuary of the Juice of Roses two Drams; mingle them, make a Potion: But this must be given only to strong Peo­ple. I have found by Ex­perience, that this purges, when nothing else will. 'Tis good for a Dropsie, and the Running of the Reins.

Tea, or Thee.

This Shrub grows in Japan and China. The Price varies according to the Largeness of the Leaves; and so great a difference is there in the Price, that one Pound of the best Tea is sold for more than an hun­dred Pounds of another Sort. The Goodness of it is known by the fragrant Smell of the Leaves: It smells somewhat like Hay, mix'd with a little Aroma­tick Smell. 'Tis of a green Colour, and tastes sweet, with a little bitter. It pu­rifies the Blood, prevents troublesom Dreams, expels Malignant Vapours from the Brain, takes off Giddi­ness, and the Head-ach, especially when it proceeds from Over-eating. 'Tis good in a Dropsie, for it provokes Urine very much. It dries up Rhumes of the Head, corrects the Acri­mony of the Humours, opens Obstructions of the Bowels, and strengthens the Sight; for the People of Japan use it as the only Remedy for Weakness of the Sight, and Diseases of the Eyes, whereunto they are much subject. It cor­rects Adust Humours, cools an hot Liver, and softens an hard Spleen. It keeps People wakeful, especially [Page 339] those that are not used to drink it. It renders the Body brisk, chears the Heart, drives away Fear, and takes off the Gripes, and suppresses Wind. It strengthens the Bowels, quickens the Memory, and sharpens the Wit. It pre­vents the Stone: And a Person that travell'd in Ja­pan, and made it his Busi­ness to enquire about the Stone there, could not find one Person that had the least Symptom of it, either in the Bladder or Kidnies. And it is, moreover, a Pro­vocative to Venery; it strengthens the Stomach, and is very good for Gouty People.

Christ-thorn, in Latin Palivrus.

The Root and Leaves are Astringent, they stop the Flux of the Belly, and digest and cure a Phy­ma. The Fruit is so inci­ding, that it is said to lessen the Stone of the Bladder, and to remove Excretions of the Breast and Lungs. The Seeds bruised, are commended for a Cough: and the Mont peliar-Physi­cians use them for Gravel; and the Stone. Some re­port, that these were the Thorns our Blessed Saviour was crown'd with, in Con­tempt, by the Unbelieving Jews, just before his Cruci­fiction.

Mastick- Thyme, in La­tin Marum.

It grows in many Places in Spain. By reason of its curious Smell, it is kept in Gardens in England, France and Ger­many. One Dram of the Bark of it is a present Re­medy for desperate Ob­structions of the Courses, being taken in Rough Wine every Morning.

Turbith.

It purgeth Flegm, and clammy Hu­mours, that fall on the Joints. 'Tis good in the Dropsie, for it purges Watery Humours. 'Tis brought to us from Guza­ratta.

Turmerick, in Latin Curcuma.

The Dutch boyl it with Fish, for it gives it a good Taste, and colours it yellow. 'Tis besides, an excellent Remedy for Ob­structions of the Bowels, [Page 340] viz. of the Lungs, Liver and Spleen; and also of the Mesaraick Veins, and for Nephritick Pains. 'Tis also very good for the Stone in the Kidnies and Bladder. It also opens Women's Obstructions, and hastens Delivery: But it is peculiarly good for curing of the Jaundice. In short, This Root is reckon'd the best of all Medicines for opening Obstructions. The People of China use it in Sneezing-powders, like the Roots of White Hellebore. And they make an Oint­ment with this Root, and the Powder of Sanders, and some sweet Flowers, wherewith the Men and Women anoint their Bo­dies all over: And tho' this may seem very odd to those that are unaccustom'd to it, by reason of the yel­low Colour, yet it secures them very well from the Heat of the Sun, and Fe­verish Heats, and from the vexatious Biting of Flies and Gnats. Take of the Roots of Turmerick and Madder, each one Ounce; of the Greater Celandine-Root and Herb, of the Tops of the Lesser Cento­ry, each one Handful; boyl them in equal Parts of Rhenish-wine and Foun­tain-water, to a Quart; in the strain'd Liquor dissolve two Ounces of the Syrup of the five Opening Roots; give half a Pint, Morning and Evening, hot, till the Patient recovers of the Jaundice; but Vomiting or Purging must be first used.

VIne, in Latin Vitis.

It does not deserve the Name of a Tree, be­cause it cannot stand by it self. There is as great Va­riety of them, as of Pears and Apples. Currents that are called Corinthian, do not grow now about Co­rinth; for the Inhabitants are not encourag'd to plant, or to take care of them, there being now no Sale for them; the Turks having shut up the Passage, and not suffering any great Ships to go thither, they come now from Zant, and [Page 341] many other Places. The Raisins of the Sun are very large Grapes, and in form like a Spanish Olive. They dry them after this manner: They cut cross-ways, to the Middle, the Branches they design for this use, and so they inter­cept a good part of the Nutritious Juice that should come to the Grapes; they let the Branches hang half cut upon the Vine, till they are dried by degrees, part­ly by the Heat of the Sun, and partly for want of Nourishment. Vines grow best in an hot Country; and the hotter the Country is, if it be not too hot, the sooner the Grapes are ripe. There are great quantities of excellent Wine in Spain, Italy, Sicily, and some Parts of France. They usually climb up on Trees; as, upon the Elm, and the Poplar. In Lombardy they plant them in the Corn-Fields, so near Trees, that they may climb up on them; and so they have Corn, Wine and Wood in the same Fields. The Leaves and Tendrels of the Vine bruis'd, and ap­plied, ease the Pain of the Head, and take off Inflam­mations, and Heat off the Stomach. The Tear of the Vine, which is like a Gum, (but it does not grow on our Vines) taken in Wine, is good for the Stone. The Ashes of the Tendrels mix'd with Vine­gar, cure a Condyloma, and is good for the Biting of Vipers, and Inflammations of the Spleen. 'Tis to lit­tle purpose to mention the Virtues of Wine, for there is scarce any one that is ignorant of them. The Wine called Setinum was most esteem'd by the An­cients. The Wines that are most esteem'd amongst us are, the Claret-Wine, Burgundy-Wine, common White-Wine, Frontiniack, Hermitage, and Cham­paign: These come from France. The following from Spain: Canary-Sack, Malaga-Sack, Sherry-Sack, Alicant-Wine, and Port-o-Port. From the Island of Crete is brought Red Mus­cadine. From Germany, Rhenish Wine. Wine is wholsomer than Beer, Mead, or Cyder; and, in­deed, [Page 342] than any other Li­quor. Now-a-days Rough Wines, tho' they are not so pleasing to the Palate, are counted better for the Stomach, and to help Concoction; as, Claret, and Florentine-Wine. Bac­cius wrote an excellent Book in the Year 1596. of the several sorts of Wines; it was printed at Rome, and is, indeed, worth perusing, wherein is con­tain'd all that has been wrote of the Grape by An­cient and Modern Writers, together with Observations of his own, about Greek, Italian, Spanish, French and Rhenish-Wines, with the Ways of making them; their Diseases and Reme­dies. Omphaciun is the unripe Juice of the Grape strain'd, and kept in a Vessel close stop'd: It cools and dries. It is not only used in Physick, but also with Food, in Sauces. It takes off Nauseousness, ex­cites Appetite, stops the Flux of the Belly, and mi­tigates the Heat of the Stomach and Bowels, be­ing taken inwardly. And outwardly applied, it clears the Sight, as also does Wild Apples, and cleanses them from Filth. 'Tis better for all hot Diseases than Vinegar. Sapa is New Wine, boyl'd to the Consumption of a third part. Defrutum is New Wine, boyl'd to the Con­sumption of half. Distil­lation of Wine into Bran­dy is made in the follow­ing manner: Fill with Wine half a large Copper Body, cover it with its Moor's-head border'd with its Refrigeratory, and fit to it a Receiver; lute well the Junctures with a wet Bladder, and distil with a gentle Fire about a quar­ter of the Liquor, or else until the Liquor which di­stils does not burn when the Fire is put to it; that which is in the Receiver is called Brandy. Brandy may be drawn from all sorts of Wines; but more of it may be drawn in some Countries, than in o­thers. For Example, The Wines that are made about Orleans and Paris do yield more Brandy than many others which seem to be stronger; and the Reason is, [Page 343] because those Wines that appear stronger are load­ed with a great deal of Tartar, which fixes their Spirits; whereas the other, containing but a conve­nient Portion of this Tar­tar, do leave their Spirits at greater liberty. When Wine has been drunk, there is made a Separation of Spirits in the Body, much resembling that which is made by Distilla­tion; for the Heat of the Bowels warming it, causes the Spirituous Parts to spread on all Sides, through the Pores, and some part of them to mix with the Blood, and rarefie it; from whence it comes to rejoyce the Heart, and in­crease the Vigour of the whole Body; but because these Spirits do always tend upwards, the greatest part flies into the Brain, where it quickens its Motion, and produces a certain Gaiety of Mind: But now, tho' Wine, moderately taken, is so profitable for the Fun­ctions of the Body, yet it causes many Mischiefs when it is used to Excess; for the Spirits rising in great Abundance, do cir­culate in the Brain with so much Celerity▪ that they soon confound the whole Oeconomy: And, indeed, every one knows, that a Continuations of Debauches does at last render a Man dull and stupid; that A­poplexies, Palsies, Gout, Dropsie, and a long Train of many other Diseases, are the usual Consequen­ces of Intemperance. Spi­rit of Wine is made in the following manner: Fill a large Bolt-head, with a long Neck, half full with Brandy, and fitting an Head and Receiver, lute close the Junctures; set your Bold-head upon a Pot, fill'd half with Water, to distil in a Vaporous Bath, the Spirit, which separates from the Flegm, and rises pure; continue this De­gree af Fire, until nothing more distils: Thus you will have a Deflegmated Spirit of Wine at the first Distillation. It serves for a Menstruum to a great many Things in Chymistry. Half a Spoonful of it is given to Apoplectical and Lethargical Persons, to [Page 344] make them come to them­selves: Likewise their Wrists▪ Breast and Face are rub'd with it. 'Tis a good Remedy for Burns, if applied so soon as they happen. And it is good for Cold Pains, for the Palsie, Contusions, and o­ther Maladies, wherein it is requisite to discuss and open the Pores. Spirit of Wine Tartariz'd in made in the following manner: Put a Pound of Salt of Tartar into a long Glass-Body, pour upon it four Pints of Spirit of Wine prepar'd as above; place your Vessel in Sand, and cover it with an Head, to which fit a Receiver; lute well the Junctures with a [...]et Bladder, and give it a gradual Fire, which conti­nue until three parts of the Spirit of Wine are risen; then remove the Fire, and keep this Spirit in a Viol well stop'd: It has the same Virtues as the other, but is more subtile. The Liquor that remains in the Body may be evaporated, and a Salt of Tartar got, as good as before. The Queen of Hungary's Water is made in the following manner: Fill a Glass or Earthen Cucurbite half full with Rosemary-flowers, gather'd when they are at best, pour upon them a sufficient quantity of Spi­rit of Wine to infuse them; set the Cucurbite in a Bath, and joyning its Head and Receiver, lute close the Junctures, and give it a digesting Fire for three Days; after which, un­lute them, and pour into the Cucurbite that which may have been distill'd; re-fit your Limbeck, and increase the Fire so as to make the Liquor to distil Drop by Drop; when you have drawn about two Thirds of it, put out the Fire, let the Vessels cool, and unlute them, and put the Water so distill'd into a Vial well stop'd. 'Tis good in a Palsie, Lethargy, Apoplexy, and for Hyste­rical Diseases. The Dose is, from one Dram to two. 'Tis likewise used out­wardly, for Burns, Tu­mours, Cold Pains, Con­tusions, Palsie, and in all other Cases wherein it is requisite to revive the Spi­rits. [Page 345] Ladies use to mix half an Ounce of it with six Ounces of Lilly-water, or Bean-flower-water, and wash their Faces with it. Wine, like all other Li­quors that use to ferment, grows sowr by the Disso­lution of its Tartar in a second Fermentation. This Dissolution is commonly made when, upon the Wine's going to decay, some of the more subtile Spirits are lost; for the Tartar taking their Place, fixes the rest of the Spirits which remain in the Wine, so that they can act no longe. Vinegar is made by setting Wine in some hot place, or by keeping it too long, or by exposing it to the Sun. Vinegar is frequently used in Physick, and Food. Pickle and Sauces are made of it. It excites Appetite, and pro­motes Concoction. 'Tis used in Physick to allay Feverish Heats, and to prevent Putrifaction; to cut Flegm, and Glutinous Humours, that they may be render'd thereby fitter to be expectorated. Out­wardly used, it cures the Itch, an Herpes, and the like; but it is injurious to the Nerves, and Nervous Parts: It also makes the Body lean. There is a memorable Story of a Ge­neral in the Belgick Wars, who, about the Middle of his Age, grew so very fat, that he was forc'd to have Bandage for his Belly; and finding himself grow more and more unwieldy every Day, and unfit for his Business, he left off drinking Wine, and drank Vinegar the rest of his Days; by which Means his Belly asswaged, and he was lessen'd in weight Eighty seven Pounds. Chri­stopher A Vega says, he saw three People that were hang'd, or suffocated so much, that Froth came out of their Mouths, restor'd to Life by Vinegar, and the Powder of Pepper, and Penny-royal. For Crusty, Stinking Ulcers of the Head, which Children are commonly troubled withal, and sometimes grown Peo­ple, Take of Ginger three Ounces, boyl it in sharp Vinegar and Butter, of each half a Pound, till the [Page 346] Vinegar is consum'd; then beat it into an Ointment, with Butter, and anoint the Sores with it Morning and Evening, and it will cure them in four or five Days. In the London-Dis­pensatory are the following Sorts of Vinegar: Rose­mary-Vinegar, Clove-Vi­negar, Rose-Vinegar, El­der-flower-Vinegar, Vine­gar of Squils, and Treacle-Vinegar. The Vapour of Vinegar is very proper in the Plague. Vinegar is di­still'd in the following manner: Put six Quarts of strong Vinegar into an Earthen Pan, evaporate in a Bath about a Quart, and pour that which re­mains into a Glass or Earthen Cucurbite, and distil it in a strong Sand-heat, until there remain at bottom nothing but a Sub­stance like Hony; keep this Vinegar well stop'd: Many call it Spirit of Vi­negar. Its principal Use is, to dissolve or precipi­tate Bodies. 'Tis some­times mix'd in Cordial-Potions, to resist Putrifa­ction: The Dose is half a Spoonful; 'tis mix'd with Water. And this Oxyo­rate is used to stop Hemor­rhagies, taken inwardly; and to asswage Inflamma­tions, applied outwardly. Tartar is that which is found sticking to Casks of Wine, like a very hard Stone, sometimes white, sometimes red, according to the Colour of the Wine it comes from. White Tartar is to be preferr'd before Red, because it is purer, and contains less Earth. Both one and the other are had in great Abundance in Languedoc and Provence; but the best White Tartar of all is brought out of Germany. Crystals of Tartar are made in the following manner: Boyl in a great deal of Water what quantity of White Tartar you please, until it be all dissolv'd; pass the Liquor hot through Hippocrates's Sleeve, into an Earthen Vessel, and e­vaporate about half of it; set the Vessel in a cool place two or three Days, and you will find little Crystals on the Sides, which you are to separate; evaporate again half the [Page 347] Liquor that remains, and remit the Vessel to the Cellar, as before; there will shoot out new Cry­stals: Continue doing thus, until you have got all the Tartar: Dry the Crystals in the Sun, and keep them for use. The Crystal of Tartar is Purgative, and Aperitive: 'Tis good for Hydropical and Asthmati­cal Persons, and for Ter­tian and Quartan-Agues. The Dose is, from half a Dram to three Drams, in Broth, or some other pro­per Liquor. Salt of Tar­tar is made in the follow­ing manner: Take four Pounds of good White-wine-Tartar, beat it fine, make it up in Half-pounds, in several Sheets of Brown Paper, dip them in Water, place them in the midst of a Charcoal-Fire, cover them over therewith, let the Fire burn out, you will find at the Bottom Tartar calcin'd in black Lumps; take the Tartar thus calcin'd, beat it gros­ly, put it into a Pipkin, or Iron Pot, full of Water, set it over the Fire, and let the Water boyl till half is consum'd; then take it off, and let it settle; de­cant it as clear as you can, pour on a little more Wa­ter upon the Faeces, and let it boyl, then decant it as before; taste the Wa­ter, whether it be salt, and proceed as before: Do so as long as you find the Water tastes salt; after­wards filter all the Liquor pour'd off, through Paper, and boyl it up to a Salt. Tartar Vitriolated is made in the following manner: Put into a Glass-Body what quantity you please of Oyl of Tartar made per Deli­quium, which is nothing but the exposing Salt of Tartar for some Days in a Cellar, in a wide Glass-Vessel, till it turns to a Liquor: Pour upon this Dissolution of Tartar, by little and little, Rectified Spirit of Vitriol; there will be a great Efferves­cency: Continue to drop more in, till there is no farther Ebullition; then place your Cucurbite in Sand, and evaporate the Spirit with a little Fire, there will remain a very white Salt, keep it in a [Page 348] Vial well stop'd. 'Tis a good Aperitive; and is al­so a little purgative. 'Tis given in Hypochondriacal Cases, in Quartan-Agues, King's-Evil, and in all other Diseases, wherein it is necessary to open Ob­structions, and to force U­rine. The Dose is, from ten to thirty Grains, in some proper Liquor.

WInteran-bark, in Latin Cortex Win­teranus.

It turns up in Pipes, like Cinnamon, but is larger, and thicker; of a light yellow Colour, and of a very hot, biting Taste. It comes from Nevis, An­tego, Montferrat, and o­ther Places. 'Tis Cepha­lick, and Stomachick; but the chief Use of it is for the Scurvy. Take of the Conserve of Scurvy-grass, Roman-Wormwood, and Fumatory, each two Oun­ces; of the Powder of the Winteran-Bark, and of the Roots of Angelica and Wake Robin, each two Drams; of the Species of the three Sanders one Dram and an half, of the Powder of Crab's-eyes one Dram, of Salt of Wormwood two Drams; with a sufficient quantity of the Syrup of the Bark of Citron make an Electuary. This is good for the Scurvy.

Indian Woad, or Indi­co, in Latin Glastum Indi­cum.

The Root is given in Decoction, for the Stone, and against Poy­sons. 'Tis supposed that Indico is proper for the Jaundice.

ZEdoary, in Latin Ze­doaria.

'Tis an hot and dry Root; it discusses Wind, is good for the Bi­ting of Venomous Crea­tures. It stops a Loosness, suppresses Vomiting, and is good in a Windy Cho­lick. 'Tis used now-a-days by Physicians, against the Contagion of a Pesti­lential Air, and for Hyste­rick Fits. Take of the [Page 349] Roots of Zedoary, of the Seeds of Daucus, of the Roots of Lovage, each two Ounces; of Red Myrrh and Castor, each half an Ounce; of the Roots of Peony four Oun­ces, of Misleto of the Oak, gather'd when the Moon is past the Full, three Oun­ces; pour upon them two Quarts of Feverfew-water, and half a Pint of Spirit of Wine; digest them three Days, and afterwards di­stil them: The Dose is one Spoonful, either by it self, or with some proper Wa­ter. This is used for Hy­sterick Fits.