liquid extract of Granorum Actes You shall find another extract taken out of Quercetan in the third Section and 26 Chapter II. WINES Take the Elder Berries cleaned of their stalks beat them in a stone mortar or earthen vessel with a wooden pestle till all the Kernels be well bruised with this succulent matter fill the 8 10 or 12 part of a little barrel as you will have it of more or less efficacy fill up the rest with Must or new Wine that they may work together Some boyle equal parts of this succulent matter and Must together till the consumption of a third part of the whole on a slow fire then straining it through a thin linnen cloth they put it as is said in a greater quantity into a Barrel put Must thereon and so suffer them to work Quercetans receipt thereof is set down in seat 3. cap. 24. This is an excellent way R. Of Elder Berries well dried in an Oven lib. 1. Cinnamon the strongest and sharpest unc 3. Caryophill Aromatic ounc 1. and an half Being all grosly pulverised sow them loosly in a knot put them in a vessel that holds twelve English quarts or thereabouts fill up the rest with the best and most fragrant white Wine and place it a fortnight or above in a Wine Cellar which is to be used in time of repast for t is an excellent stomachical drink most delicious in colour taste and smell III. The Spirit and Water Take the ripe berries express the juice at least break them together and let them stand in a wood vessel till they begin to ferment and that they may work the sooner some add a little of the yiest of beer or wine some add none but keep the same process D. Finck keeps in the extracting of the Spirit of black sweet Cherries Enchiridii c. 6. After the fermentation let them be distilled in a Vesica and rectified acording to Art The rectification is best accomplished first in a Vesica and then in Balneo where in place of a Concurbit use a long-necked Viol then the most spiritous part will de abstracted the phlegm beating again the sides of the Viol will again fall down Others prepare it thus Take the ripe berries of the Elder dryed in the weak heat of an oven being pulverised grosly with a third part of Barley meal with them being well mixed put them in an Oken Barrel and put boyling water on them in which some hops have been before macerated stop the Vessel close and suffer them to ferment some four or five days To hasten the fermentation and digestion add some dreggs of Wine or Beer as we have said before distill and rectifie it But the first way is preferred deservedly by most as more simple and pure The Purging water as it is extracted by Quercetan and others out of the berries is set down sect 3. c. 24. IV. The Syrup and Tragea The Syrup is thus prepared Take of the juice extracted from the new gathered ripe berries and clarified lib. 1. Sugar clarified lib. 1. boyl it a little on a soft fire in a double Vessel or in Bal. Mar. to the consistency of a liquid Syrup You shall find the Tragea Granorum Actes or the Tragea of the Bore-tree-berries set down in the 22 cap. of the third sect V. Oyle drawn out of the Stones or Kernels Take the grains or stones of these berries left in the cloth after the juice is strained from them wash them well and dry them in the aire bedew them with odoriferous white-Wine and then in a press strongly squeeze out the oyle of them as you do out of the seeds of the flaxes or line rocked Poppy or Henbane and such like that being purified by residency keep it for your use in a glass for 't is an excellent Vomitive and a good Balsam in externals The Dose to take it inwardly is a drachme or a drachme and a half in hot ale or some other convenient liquor This Oyl may be more Hematick and Cathartick if instead of the Wine the Kernels be bedewed with Malago wherein Crocus metallorum hath been infused and then Oyl expressed out of them which in the same dose will be much more effectual CAP. II. Of the Medicines made of the Flowers of the Elder 1. CONSERVES TAke the fresh flowers pull them in little pieces and to each ounce of them add two ounces of the whitest Sugar incorporate them well together in a Marble Morter with a woodden pestle Expose it afterward in a Glass or earthen Vessel to the Sun for some dayes it being thus prepared reserve it for your use II. The SYRUP and HONEY Take of the recent Flowers lib. 1. let them macerate 12 hours in lib. 6. of warm fountain water having exprest and strained the liquor put in again recent flowers yea do it the third time Add four ounces of the whitest Sugar to each five ounces of the liquor that is last strained boyle them up to a Syrup according to art But if in place of the Sugar you add the same quantity of Honey and boyle it to a fitting consistence you have Mel Sambucinum which is commended by some III. The WATER and SPIRITS There is sundry wayes of distilling Waters from Herbs and Flowers set downe by Wecker Euonimus Quercetan and others this is the easiest Takes as many of the Flowers of the Elder as you list put a sufficient quantity of warm water thereon let them marcerate a night and then distill them per Vesicam That which distilleth first is excellent the next is worse beware then thou urge them not too much poure the water on fresh flowers distil them the second time yea reiterate it the third time so you shall have water fit for the uses set down afterward in the practice for that which is extant in the Apothecaries shops is nothing but meer phlegm not worthy the name of distilled water No wonder then the sick so seldom find the wished and expected fruits therof If from a part of this water in a long necked Viol in a soft Balnean heat you extract the more spirituous part in quantity about the twelfth part thereof you will have a most fragrant and penetrating Spirit Or prepare the Spirit as Quercetan hath set down in lib. 1. Pharm Dogm restitut cap. 7. and D. Sennertus way Inst. Med. lib. 5. part 3. sect 3. cap. 5. is it not much different The Cake which remains in the Vesica after the distillation of the water called of the Chymists Caput Mortuum is not to be thrown away but to be reserved for the uses set down in the Practice IV. The VINEGAR and OXIMEL Pour upon the fresh or half withered flowers of the Elder the Vinegar of white Wine let them stand in a close stopped glass Vessel in the Sun or some other hot place that the Vinegar more exactly may draw out the vertue of the flowers let the flowers remain in the Vinegar till it have drawn out fully
of the Elder it cleanseth and drieth up all pimples and pustles of the face Dispensatories affirm that the oyl of the infusion of the flowers mundifieth and makes clear the skin In Lentiginibus commonly called Freckles by signature a decoction of the flowers in water is commended for the flowers of the Elder are spotted Oswald Croll de signaturis Dioscorides teacheth that the juice anointed makes the hair black This will be a profitable experiment to those that endeavour to make their red hair black albeit the colour be more comely in many than ill favoured What we must allow to those old Ruffins that are ashamed of their white locks Galen hath taught hath taught us l. 1. de Compos Medicament secund Loc. c. 3. and this transcursorily occasioned by Dioscorides his words Take Elder roots cut very small adding a little of the seed of Staphis agriae made in a Lixive wherein wash the head that is full of scales lice The same decoction heals the Tineam or Favum in children if it be over strong and painful dilute it with the decoction of the flowers and leaves The pain is likewise mitigated by the anointing of the oyl of the infusion of the flowers if after washing it be anointed The oyl expressed out of the berries and kernels and mixt by stirring with a third part of Turpentine and anointed doth cure by drying and cleansing all ulcers of the head the whole Elder leaf after being applyed Oleum Saccharo sambucinum is likewise commodious CAP. XII Of the Diseases of the Mouth and Throat THe Common Women so soon as they suspect any Disease in the Throte of their young ones they steep the sponge of the Elder in their drink and when it is sweld they therewith carefully wipe away all the filth of the pallat gums and tongue The expressed juice of the leaves mixt with simple or Elder honey doth absterge and exsiccate egregiously all the ulcers of the gums and throat If therewith they be anointed by a pencil or if it be disolved in the water of the leaves and bark and gargarised therewith You shall add more vertue thereto in deterging in purifying if you mix a little of the salt of the Elder therewith or dissolve the said juice in a weaker Lixive and use it as a Gargarisme If the ulcers be more malignant and the product of the great Pox 't is necessary that twice or thrice a day you rub them with a sponge or pencil dipped in the spirit of Elder berries wherein a little of the flowers of Sulphur hath been dissolv'd and immediatly after wash them with the decoction of the leaves and besprinkling them with the small flower of the Elder pith The Tonsils being tumefied by a thin and saltish defluxion let them be gargarised with water or decoction of Elder flowers wherein a little Elder-hony hath been mixed for licking the Rhob of the Elder inspissated with Sugar is commodious which is our womens common and used Medicine you may use the syrup of the juice of the berries or infusion of the flowers or the hony of either Outwardly anoint them with the oyl of Elder flowers infusion which doth resolve it In the Squinancy having first used universals to the foresaid Gargarism add some leaves of Self-heal with one or two of the sponges of the Elder called by many Jews ear which is a sure experiment Lob. in Advers Novis stirp p. 434. The Linctus must be the former only add some pulverised Jews ears or make this Eclegme Take Jews-ears two or three let them sharpen an hour or two in a sufficient quantity of the water of Elder flowers then let them boyle lightly and them in a Marble Mortar and put them through a Setace add unto this Musilage as much as is needful of the Syrup of the juice of the flowers and sugar as will make a Linctus which you may oft use besides it opens the belly Outwardly apply an Anadyne Cataplasm which doth digest and resolve made of Elder leaves and Reddish stalks pounded and boyled in the oyl of the infusion of Elder flowers to the consistency of a Pulticle The Acetoses Syrup of the Elder dissolved in the decoction of Barley and given as a Julap when 't is necessary tempereth the heat of the blood and whole body See afterward the cure of the continued Fevers In spitting of blood Tragea granorum actes is profitable whereof we have made mention in the tenth Chapter which being taken in some convenient Syrup is to be used for a Linctus CAP. XIII Of Dyspnei and Asthma THat those things may be remov'd in these diseases and expectorat which are gathered through the proper imbecility of the Lungs use the water of the flowers in which a third part of Elder Oximel is dissolved and as Julap twice a day drink two or three ounces thereof it cuts the gross matter and facilitateth the expectoration thereof The same Oximel thickned with Sugar-candy and taken off a liquorice-stick like a Linctus and swallowed leasurely worketh well in expectoration The Syrup of the flowers of the Juice of the Berries and Buds c. are wholsome taken after the same manner The Bark of the Elder entreth that famous Oximel Helleborat of Gesner The spirit of the berries in a great Dispnoea is profitable half a spoonful or a spoonful thereof taken with sugar Use this following Asmalick or Pneumatick Spirit if you please Take of the middle Elder bark Liquorish well shaven six drachms Of the roots of Allacompaine of Florentine Ireos Of each two drachms Of the whole herb Erysimum two handful Of Fennel-seed half an ounce Being cut and shaked together infuse them in a sufficient quantity of the spirit of Granorum actes in which let them stand seven days every day twice stirring all together afterward let them be distilled in Bal. Mar. for the Pneumatick spirit of the Elder which in time of necessity is to be taken either by it self or dulcerat with a little sugar or the syrup of Violets Or with the same with Canary-sugar or of Madara prepare the oyl of the Elder-sugar as followeth Take of this Pneumatick spirit rectified as much as you will mix with it half the quantity of Sugar fire the spirit with a wax-candle or light paper stir it hither and thither with a knife till all turn to a thick and oily liquor and the flame cease of it self Use it as an Eclegme with a stick of Liquorice by it self or mix with an equal part of Elder Oximel it mightily moves expectoration c. 't is profitable to anoint the breast in the greatest difficulty of breathing with the oyl of Elder-flowers of the first description you may mix therewith some drops of the oyl of the flowers of the third description In suffocating Catars besides these abundantly declared it availeth much if in the time of the fit you put a sponge dipped in Elder-vinegar to the nose and therewith wet the crown of the head
all the vertue from them which you may easily know by its fragrant smell and golden colour After strain the Vinegar and reserve it for your use An excellent and red Vinegar may be prepared of the flowers and juice of the branches which is frequent in France as Lobell and Pena witness in their Advers stirpium nov p. 434. Take instead of the juice of the branches the berries of the Elder dryed in the slow heat of an Oven or Furnace and upon them put the Vinegar of the flowers well purified by straining and subsidency which being impregnant with the shining transparent purple I pour it off and put on new still so long as they are able to give it a purple tincture The sowre Syrup of the Elder is described sect 3. c. 19. The Oximel of the Elder which Quercetan in Pharm Dogm restit lib. 1. c. 10. mentioneth is thus prepared Take of Honey scummed well lib. 1. Of Elder Vinegar lib. 5. Of Simple water or water of Elder Flowers lib. 1. Being mixt put them in a Cucurbit and let them be boyled in Balneo to a fit consistence You may use here the simple Vinegar either of the flowers or that which is by the infusion of the berries of a purple die as it shall please the phancy of the Physician or his Patient V. WINF Take of the Umbels of the Elder dryed in the shadow as much as you will which being pulled in little pieces put them in a knot of fine thin linnen with some little clean white stones to make the knot sink throw it into a vessel full of Must let the wine work Some bid take a pound of the flowers rightly dried and picked off their stalks to 60 Congions or 70 Gallons of Wine and promise after the working of the Wine it shall be of an excellent Muscadel taste and smell Mark that whatsoever Apples or fruits are covered and wrapped in the flowres of the Elder Tree shall acquire a taste and smell much like Muscadel Pears VI. The OYLE 1. Take as much as you will of the fresh flowers beaten put them in a Vessel of glass pour on them a sufficient quantity of clear Sallet Oyle macerate them in the Sun or some other hot place for 15 dayes then decoct it in a double vessel strain the flowers cast them away put in fresh ones proceed as you did before reiterate your practice the third time and having strained it keep it in a convenient vessel Mark that those gross dregs of the flowers and of all other things that are macerate in Oyle and strained from it is called of the Physicians Stymma which take notice of now that you may remember it when 't is mentioned hereafter 2. The following Oyl of the flowers is commended of many Take a Cucurbite or Glass of middle capacity fill a third part thereof with Elder flowers gathered in a clear pure day put so much Malvatick Wine thereon that the third part at least of the glass may remain empty having stopped the mouth well expose it to the Sun a fortnight then putting the whole matter in a glaspot on a slow fire of Charcole heat it a little then strain it with great force into another clean vessel above which within a little while you shall see a yellowish Oyl to swim which by a funnel or separatory you are to separate from the rest of the liquor according to art The liquor that remaineth will serve for the maceration of fresh flowers which you are to reiterate sometimes and in divers vessels seeing at one time you will get but little Oyl 3. The Oyl is prepared by distillation after the manner Sennerte and others prepare the Oyl of Roman Cammomile flowers and of other sweet smelling flowers thus Take the flowers of the Elder dryed betwixt two linen cloaths in the aire being pulled in little pieces put them in an earthen vessel or large Cncurbite to every pound of flowers add an ounce and half of common salt and having a span high covered them with warm water leave them in digestion ten dais or more after distill them in Vesica and according to art separate the Oyl from the water CAP. III. Of the Medicines of the Buds or Breakin gs of the Elder I. The POWDER TAke as much as you will of the buds or first breakin gs forth of the leaf of the Elder being dryed in the shadow pulverise them either keep this Powder by it self or mix it with equal parts of Sugar The many Medicinal Powder of the Buds is described sect 3. cap. 3. II. The CONSERVE Take the fresh tender buds smally cut lib. 5. of the purest Sugar lib. 1. upon a slow Charcole fire mix them well together with a stone pestle and expose them in an earthen pan eight days to the Suns rayes III. The SYRUP Take of the Juice prest out of these first buds and breaking of the Bore-tree out of the tree and ground and by subsidency purified from the dregs lib. 11. of fine white Sugar lib. 1. s or q. s let them be concocted with a slow balneal fire to the consistency of a Syrup which being aromatised with half an ounce of choice Cinnamon and two drachmes of Cloves is to be reserved in a glass vessel CAP. IV. Of the Medicines taken from the Leaves middle Bark Roots Pith and Spunge I. The WATER Take the fresh leaves of the Elder and they being grosly beat or cut fill the half of a Vesica with them and put a sufficient quantity of warm water on them macerate them therein for a night and distill them put the distill'd water on fresh leaves distill them again After the same manner of the green and succulent bark water is prepared There are some that of the succulent roots pith and spunges by themselves or mixed together doe distill waters which they much commend in Hydropsies which first are to be well shred and macerated a night inconvenient liquor that their vertues may be more easily drawn out of them II. The SYRUP As of the Juice of the Buds so from the Juice of the middle bark or roots a Syrup may be prepared for the nicer sort if a sufficient quantity of Suger be put to the juice well clarified and on a soft fire boyled to a syrup and after the same manner aromatised These syrups indeed are esteemed less efficacious then the crude juices seeing in their boyling they lose something of their Cathartick faculty which Fernele observed Nevertheless they are more safe and less noysom to the stomach and the rest of the intrals Therefore their dose is according to their strength to be augmented III. OYLES and LINIMENTS 1. An useful Oyl is prepared of the middle bark macerated in old clear let Oyl and expressed as was spoken in the Flowers 2. Of the Bark and Leaves prepare them thus Take of the middle Bark and Leaves equal parts fry them in May Butter and Linsed Oyl or in any one of these with a soft
juice of the green middle-bark of the Elder of each one spoonful Take it in common water or thin Oximel ever after three or four days This purgeth the belly strongly For the tumors that are left about the knees feet c. lay to them the leaves of the great Bur-docks for they draw out the water The Polychrestick powder of the buds in a drachm given in white wine sweetned with Oximel of the Elder or syrup of the juice of the berries is commended in this disease Or Take of the Polychrestick powder of the buds four scruples Of Gum of Peru of Galingale of each half a scruple Make an exact mixt powder it is to be given in what liquor you please at two times to a patient that is not yet weak for it powerfully evacuateth serous humors If the form of powder displease you work it with the syrup of hony of Elder in form of Pills or with the Rob of Elder in form of a Bole. Hydroticks or Sudorificks If by these Catharticks the body be emptied well enough then you may safely proceed to Sudorificks Diureticks For if we proceed otherwise the whole stream will be devolved on the reins and ureters whereby the gathering together thereof grievous symptoms will arise The Rob of the Elder and its extract are Sudorificks The first whereof given in two drachms weight is commended by the Augustans for this purpose The second is to be in as many scruples dissolved in the water and vinegar of Elder-flowers for one dose Or where the Liver is more cold and the urine less red give a spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries or tincture of the Elder made thin with the water of the flowers and sweetned with the syrup of the juice of the berries Then in bed or in a dry Bath provoke sweat The spirit of the flowers is more gentle nevertheless it excellently provoketh sweat and dryeth strongly the water of the Hydropick person especially if it be well rectified Diureticks and which move Urine Besides those rehearsed these that follow are Diureticks The salt of the Elder with a third or equal part of the salt of Wormwood The dose from a scruple to half a drachm The spirit distilled from the salt powerfully moveth urine and drieth moisture six drops thereof are to be given in broth some days Where the bowels are more hot and the urine more red which is oft-times a deadly token in Hydropick persons instead of these give three or four ounces of the acetous syrup of the Elder dissolved in the water of the flowers and leaves of each half a pound whereof four or five ounces are to be drank before meat twice a day morning and evening The poor mans Euporist viz. A Lixive prepared of Elder and Juniper-ashes with one part of white wine and three parts of simple water or the distilled water of Elder-flowers whereof give a cup full twice a day to the Patient fasting and command moderate exercise for half an hour or longer if it be possible add to it a sufficient quantity of Sugar and Cinnamon to make it smell and taste more sweetly The Experiment of Emylia Countess of Isinburg And seeing we have made mention here of Diureticks I will not pass by this Receipt of the Countess by which alone she cured many poor people of the Hydropsie in which albeit much is to be attributed to the potion it self nevertheless I ascribe the chief effects of this happy Medicine to the wine prepared of the Elder-flowers and sponges which the Hydropick use in time of their cure therefore I have set down the whole course of the cure as it is faithfully communicated to all the true Sons of this noble Art by the famous Finck in the 26 Chapter of his Enchirid. Take of the old Acorns unshelled Of the old roots of Parsley Of white Oculi Cancrorum of each two scruples and an half Of Sugar Of Cinnamon of each one drachm All are to be subtily pulverised and searced Before the diseased person altogether lye down first let him moisten three shives of wheat-bread in strong wine may be it would not be beside the purpose if before in that wine he had macerated some Elder-flowers then presently let him sprinkle upon these shives 4 scruples down weight of that powder and at night before he go to bed let him eat it and go to bed and sleep above them Secondly on the day next following early in the morning let him eat as many shives of bread so prepared and fast one or two hours after Thirdly on the same day at night let him eat the same preparation eating and drinking nothing above it and so go to sleep In the mean time this diet is to be observed Let the diseased person abstain from fish swines-flesh herbs cheese cold water thin and superfluous drink Let him use wine prepared after this manner which I esteem to be the chief part of the cure Take of the whole dried umbels of Elder-flowers three Of Jews-ears exsiccate in a dry air two Of white wine two quarts or for the use of a middle-child one quart Let them stand all night in infusion and the patient may drink thereof at his pleasure but let him abstain from all other drink till the tumor be evanished Mark if the patient by this cure find not an evident alteration abating of the tumor he may after a fortnight renew the cure and without doubt by divine assistance he shall recover his former health Topicks Apply outwardly to the tumified parts a Cataplasm of the juice of the Elder incorporate with Goates-dung which hath an eminent vertue in digesting those salt waterish humors Or anoint the tumified parts with the oyl of the bark and leaves prescribed before in the second place unto which add this same dung to give it consistence The tincture drawn out of the rob and juice of the berries doth excellently discuss and dry if it be rubb'd on the belly and legs Or take a sufficient quantity of the leaves and bark boil them in a common Lixive wherewith foment the belly and tumified parts twice a day The vapour of which decoction held under the Hydropick legs draweth the serosity from thence and discusseth it by sweat it must be poured on hot bricks in a close vessel that the vapour may come to the heat Others bid the feet and legs only to be bathed in a decoction of the leaves wherein a handful or two of common salt hath been dissolved Note that the pith of the Elder being pressed with the finger doth pit as Hydropick feet do therefore the juice of the Elder and the distilled water of Jews-ears are profitable Crollius de signaturis rerum hither you may transfer the example of the Hydropick and gravelly clown as it is set down in the Chapter concerning the Stone who was cured by the use of the pith of the Elder 2. Of Anasarca or Leucophlegmatia IN Anasarca or Leucophlegmatia
cold and poysonous vapors evacuate out of the utrenal sink and vindicate the more nobler intrals from their infection and restore freer breathing Gabel Shover taketh a handful of Jews-ears and infuseth them in a quart of the spirit of Wine of the which he giveth the diseased a full draught in time of her fit The Antiepileptick Elder-spirit if it be used instead of the Juniper is good and with it anoynt the belly below the navel toward the secrets Or prepare for this and such diseases this that follows The Histerick Spirit of the Elder Take of the middle bark of the Elder one ounce Of the roots of white Dittany Of round Birthwort of each three drachmes Of the dried leaves of the Elder one handfull Of red Artimesia or Mugwort Of Prrsley of each half an handfull Of the flowres of white Lillies two drachmes Of clean Jews-ears three in number Being cut infuse them in a competent quantity of Elder-sprit that it may be a hand-breadth above them Let them stand in infusion for ten daies every day stirr them twice afterwaad distill them in Balneo foa the Histerick spirit of which give a half or whole spoonfull in time of the fit and with the same anoynt the lower belly by rubbing it in as hath been prescribed Not only in the suffocation of the Matrix which by excellency is called the Histerick passion but also it is excellent for the stopped flowers and other cold and moist diseases of the womb It helpeth likewise to expel the dead child secondines if after universals and topicks a spoonfull thereof be given in white Wine or some distilled water three or four drops of the oyle of the flowers of the second description being mixt therewith Extractum Granorum Actes Hystericum Of the ripe grains of the Elder dried in the shadow Quercetan forms an Extract which is a specifick Histerick and is called of the Chymists Extractum Granorum Actes It is thus prepared Gather a great quantity of the grains of the Elder well dried in the shadow having thrown all the rest of the berry away reserve the grains only with which fill a long-necked great Cucurbit to the middle put upon it the strong spirit of wine made acid with the acid liquor either of Vitriol or Sulphure that it may be three or four fingers broad above the matter the vessel being closed that nothing may breath out Digest it for five or six days in B.M. till the spirit of the wine receive the tincture of a Ruby which you shall separate by inclination having a care that none of the dregs or troubled matter go with it Of which tincture not having separated its menstruum that is the aqua vitae which without any corruption or alteration will be kept long unto which you may add a little Sugar if you will make it have a more pleasant taste you may give a half or whole silver spoonful to women troubled with the suffocation of the Matrix shall be unexpectedly and as it were miraculously weakened and restored to their perfect health Again if you will separate from it the aqua vitae by an Alimbeck in Balneo vaporoso till the extract remain in the bottom of a most excellent red colour whereof give a scruple for a dose in its own proper distilled water or in other convenient waters or in white wine and it will become red Thus far Quercetan The Uterine mixture which I used to prepare is this First I take the berries of the Elder dried in a flow heat of the Bake-house of Mugwort and of Castoreum as much as I please I put upon each of them by themselves in a Viol some of the rectified spirits of the Elder and draw out the essence according to art and I purifie each one of them by themselves and keep them in Glasses Afterwards Take of the essence of Elder-berries six ounces Of Balm-mint three ounces Of Castor Of the spirit of Vitriol well rectified of each one ounce Being mixed I put them in a Glass of a narrow throat and I digest them for ten days in a warm Balneo that they may be well united and if any dregs be in them they may go to the bottom from which I separate that which is clear I strain it and keep it in a well-stopped Glass The dose is a little spoonful alone and dissolved in some appropriate water but if the body be full of ill humors I first purge it with the Polychrestick powder of Elder-buds In place of Appendix I thought fit to joyn hereto the Medicines made of the Elder long ago commended and commanded by our great Chieftain and Master Hippocrates in Uterine Affections In the Hydropsie of the Matrix he commendeth the fruit of the Elder given fasting in wine lib. 1. de morb mulier He saith this purgeth things to be purged in Child-bed boil the leaves of the Elder and give the water thereof to drink ibidem If the womb be inflamed in child-birth let her sup hot the tender leaves of the Elder lightly boiled with the grossest part of recent wheat-meal ibid. In the same place he commands us to put into the secrets a long piece of Elder-pith the tenderer part being shaven In Ulcers of the womb pound Linseed and Elder-berries together mix hony with them and make a Plaster and use it ibid. Or the leaves of the Elder and of the Lentisk being boiled in water and strained are to be injected warm Lib. de natur mulier The same things being likewise pounded with Muss may be outwardly applied ibid. In a filthy ulceration of the Matrix boyl the berries of the Elder and Lawrel in equal potions in wine afterward inject that wine lib. 1. d. m. m. Or take the berries of the Elder Anice Franckincense Myrrh Wines and inject their juices ibid. Whereby the courses are likewise provoked ibid. To expel the Secondine first apply a Foment made of the decoction of Elder-leaves and then that which is made of Cantharides ibid. In very great fluxes of the courses apply a Cataplasm made of Elder and Mirtle-leaves lib. 2. m. m. Or boil in water the leaves of Elder and Lentisk and with the Colature warm wash the Matrix ibid. In the strangulation of the Matrix R. Three half quarts of Oyl and a handful of Elder-leaves boil this and make a fomentation therewith or with hot shels put in it make a Stove placing the woman in a chair and covering her with cloths Or boil the leaves of Elder and Mirtle and in the strained water boil Barley-chaff and make a Stove if she can endure the heat thereof ibid. If the pain be vehement after her purging boil in black wine the Lawrel and Elder-berries and wash it therewith ibid. Or boil the Elder in water and having strained the water put to it sweet wine and wash therewith Of which and many others you may view Hippocrates in those Books and places mentioned CAP. XXVII Of the Arthritick Disease HOw
Chapter CAP. VII Of the Toothach SEing this disease oft flowes from defluxions those things are to be first used that are set down in the former Chapter Topicks We will onely prescribe here Topicks made of the Elder Raymund Minder in his Military Medicine cap. 10. commends much the decoction of the roots in Wine and Vinegar used to gargarise with and protests that no one Medicine sooner easeth this great pain For Example Take of the roots of Elder cut in slices two ounces and an half Of Elder or simple Vinegar of white Wine of each six ounces Boyl them for a water to wash the mouth which is oft to be spit out and renewed Or Take of the middle Elder bark Of Elder flowers of each an handfull Of Jews ears one Boyl them likewise in a sufficient quantity of Vinegar and Wine and use it Where there is a suspicion of worms in the hollow tooth the hollowness is to be filled with the spongiola of the Elder at last it is to be held hard betwixt the teeth Likewise the vapor of the former decoction may be received through a funnel at the mouth They make Tooth-pickers and Spoons of Elder to which they attribute much in preserving from this pain The common people take these tooth-pickers being bloudy with pricking and picking the tooth and glew them to the Trunk of an Elder which is irradiated with the morning Sun beams they pull away the bark and cover the place with rosin of the Pine and thus they cure all tooth-aches 'T is not apparent by what vertue this is done when may be that is attributed to the incision which ought to be attributed to the blooding or time of continuance wherein most diseases are eased But we leave every man to his judgement Scal. Exerc. 183. sect 11. If from a defluction the gums and cheeks do swel anoynt them with the oyl of the infusion of the flowers of the Elder and put the dregs or crassament of them to it for they will digest and resolve it CAP. VIII Of the Affects of the eyes PLaterus Tom. 2. praxeos hath observed that Chirurgeons used to apply to sore eyes a Pill of the Elder macerated in common or Rose water or other convenient to mitigate the pain The water of the flowers of the Elder mixt with a like proportion of Rose water wounderfully mitigateth ophthalmike pains and strengtheneth the sight into which sometimes prepared tutty in a knot is to be put to ease the itch and a spunge of the Elder macerated in Pennyroyal water to be applyed to the nuke or hollow of the neck This following liquor anointed on the eyelids with a feather is profitable R. Elder flowers gathered in the month of June before the rising of the Sun and picked from their stalks as much as you will beat them in a Marble Morter and in a glass well stopped expose them for a month to the rayes of the Sun them let then be involv'd in a leavened Rie loaf and baked with other bread in an oven which being taken out and opened you shall find an oleaginous liquor which you must carefully preserve in another glass for your use The tender and recent leaves with polent or barly meal applyed to inflammations doth mitigate them by dissolving and digesting as was taught before by Dioscorides which may be used externally in Ophthalmies general Medicines being premised Or rather use this Cataplasme which did much help in a more vehement tumor of the eyelids whereby the whole eye was hid Make of the Mucilage of the seed of Psyllium and Linseed extracted by the best water of Elder flowers of each six drachmes add of Elder oyl half an ounce and as much meal of the flowers as will suffice Make thereof a Cataplasm The little spunge of the Elder macerate well in the best water of the flowers til they swell great do wipe away gallantly the dirt and matter in those blemishes and in all other wounds and ulcers of the eyes immediately laying thereon a tender and recent Elder leaf They say that the ashes thereof blown in the eye hath consumed a beginning Panincle CAP. IX Of the Diseases of the Ears and Hearing FOments of the decoction of Elder and Camomile flowers mitigates the pain of the ears The oyl of the infusion of the flowers may be with profit anointed or adding the meal of the flowers make thereof a Cataplasm which is to be applied hot to the whole region of the ears The difficulty of hearing through gross humors and vapors that possess the auditory organs is greatly helped after you have used universals and the polychrestick buds of the Elder by the vapor of the decoction of the roots and leaves of the Elder made in a fit Lixive in the which Lixive if you add Origanum the ears are to be oft washed and still well dried The same vapor takes away the tingling whistling and other sounds of the ear which are also remedied by a drop or two of the oyl of the flowers of the second or third description being put on a bombaceous tent thrust in the ears for it consumes and dissipates the flatuosities from which these arise Some who suspect the unctuosity of the oyl use after the same manner the spirit of the flowers and berries chiefly the apoplectick which by its penetrating force doth discuss them egregiously The juice prest out of the recent leaves with a little Wine and instilled in the ears doth cleanse the filth of the exulcerate ears and kill the worms It doth likewise cleanse and consolidate wounds and ulcers of which in his proper Chapter CAP. X. Of the Defects of the Nose and Smelling THe best Water of the Flowers of the Elder oft drawn up in the nose doth help the smelling that is diminished by some great sickness In the exulceration of the nose by a salt defluxion the water of the flowers and bark are profitable seeing they deterge dry and conglut inate In a greater exulceration where the flesh is too proud the spirit of the salt is needful which being mixt with the rest it consumes the proud flesh and hindreth further putresaction See the Chapter of curing ulcers Gabel Rover doth commend the Spunges that grow on the stock of the Elder being dryed pulverised and given in a fit liquor for staying the Hemorage of the nose Tragea Granorum actes which is described in the cure of the Dyscentery is good in this case The dose half a drachme or two scruples in a spoonful or two of Quercetans Corralline Syrup or in the Styptick red Wine or in the distilled water of the Sperm of Frogs Shepherds purse or Purslain c. or make a Powder of the equal parts of Tragea and the little sponges which is both to be taken in the mentioned liquors and lightly and easily to blown into the nostrils CAP. XI Of the blemishes of Face and Head IF you wash the face oft with the distilled water of the leaves and flowers
CAP. XIV Of Hoasting and Hoarsness VVOmen with great success give to their coughing unquiet children the recent Rob of the Elder which is more liquid In older the Linctus of the Oyl of Elder-sugar is profitable In that wild Cough where corrupt matter is exercat and more corruption feared this is much praised Take of the Elder-leaves recent or dried in the shadow M. I. boil them in a quart of Fountain or clear River water to the consumption of a third part the strained drink is to be sweetned with Sugar-Candy or scummed hony of which every day morning and evening drink a warm draught The same is commended in hoarsness proceeding from a Catar that fils the inequalities of the wind-pipe or Arteriae Asperae Or where more detersion in necessary for the same effect there is a fit Lixive prepared of the ashes of the leaves with the water of the flowers which being sweetned with sugar or hony is to be oft taken by spoonfuls in the day This if any thing will take away hoarsness is a great secret amongst women as the giving their own proper urine to the diseased to drink which is loathsom to many To make a clear voice this is a secret of Alexis Take of Elder-flowers dried in the Sun and pulverised of which drink a little every morning in white Wine fasting The Cough and hoarsness proceeding from heat in feavers is excellently remedied by a Linctus of the Syrup made of the juice of Elder-berries with equal parts of the Syrup of Violets If you list and have leasure you may make Elder-sugar in imitation of Violet-sugar-candy Cinnamon or Rose-sugar of which in these pectoral diseases hold some still to be dissolved in your mouth that by little and little it may descend into Asperae Arteriae or wind-pipe 'T is thus made Take of the best Canary-sugar lib. 6. let it melt and boil in the fragrant water of the flowers till it acquire a fit thickness for making up tablets Then infuse the fresh juice pressed from the berries well purified or the frequent infusion of the flowers as vou please to have the colour lib. 2. on a soft fire boil them to the consistency of a syrup then in a glass or earthen pot put sticks in order two fingers broad asunder and pour the liquor hot thereon and in a warmed shop the vessel being bound up in a thick Cotton cloth leave it there to congeal See more of this in the famous Botanicks Pena and Lobel p. 20. advers Nov. Stirpium Cas Bauhine lib. I. c. 19. de comp Medicam CAP. XV. Of the Pleurisie and Phthisis IN a bastard Pleurisie 't is a very safe and us'd Medicine if there be no fever to provoke sweat by taking the Rhobob Granorum actes in the water of Elder-flowers or Cardui benedicti seeing it ariseth from the serous and flatulent humors that fall betwixt the Pleura and intercost all muscles c. In a true Pleurisie where there is a continual fever adjoyn'd proceed more warily For after the use of universals the rob water and spirit of Elder-flowers are not to be much feared here seeing with success we use hotter sudorificks of the blessed and milky thistles of the simple and composed spirit of Vitriol c. for many expert men acknowledge a malignity in these humors which Paracelsus likeneth to Auripigmentel Poyson which doth corrode the life like a fire Diosc lib. 5. c. 121. Pectorals For the expectoration of the matter in the Lungs use them that are weak as the syrup of the flowers and berries inspissat with sugar or Elder candied-sugar likewise the water of the flowers inspissat supped down you may mix with these some of the Tragea Gran. Actes for the spitting of blood Topicks Externally anoint with the oyl of the infusion of the flowers with the fat of a Capon or saltless May-butter or foment oft the side with linnen dipt in the water or decoction of the flowers and leaves of the Elder for by ratifying the skin and parts they digest resolve those sharp vapors and humors Or take Elder-leaves and flowers Camomile of each an handful make a decoction in milde beer which put in a Cows-bladder and after the opening of a vein being oft in the day applyed warm it did wonderfully ease a Smith in my Country whose wife I counselled to do so Of the Phthisis In preserving and curing the Phthisis besides other things the decoction for the wild cough being taken by spoonfuls and by little little swallowed is used with success seeing it proceeds from the ulcer of the Lungs which requires detersion exsiccation and consolidation and the leaves and flowers of the Elder mixed with a little sugar or honey work these effects they think to satisfy all the indications by this decoction But I had rather in this case instead of simple sugar hony use tabled sugar-roset or honyroset strained and mix a scruple or half a drachm of this following powder chiefly were much arterious blood with the spittle is cast up Take of Tragea Gran. actes drach 1. of Jews ears dryed in a Furnace Oculorum Cancri praep an drach and half Saffron Oriental scrup 1. sugari rosat tabled drach 2. being all pulverised well mix them together exactly in the mean time you are to have an eye to the prime cause of this ulcer whose knowledge is to be found elsewhere George Amwald in his Panacea p. 29. commends the unction of the oyl of Elder-flowers in a Phthisis CAP. XVI Of the affections of the Duggs SEeing the Duggs of women oft-times by reason of the sudden and abundant affluxion of blood for the generating of milk chiefly after their delivery use to be inflamed or as the blood is of thinner consistence and hotter use to have an Erysipelas or Rose the following receipts may safely and securely be applyed In Inflammations the Caput mortuum or the cake of the flowers of the Elder with the red Vinegar thereof in one Erysipelas let it be bedewed with the distilled water of the leaves and flowers of the Elder and so applied warm For it digests and resolves that which hath flowed in and is compacted and doth moderately by reason of the Vinegar repel the inflammation extinguish the heat of the blood Anoint he hardened kernels of the dugs with the oyl of the infusion of Elder-flowers and put the leaves of the Elder thereupon For the exulcerat the lac aureum or Golden-milk is most fitting being made of the common or elder Lixive and the oyl of the infused flowers and bark mixed by hard shaking and stirring together in which linnen being dipt and wrung afterward is to be applied warm to the ulcers 'T is also profitable for the more hasty and happy perfecting of the cure to blow on it the powder of Elder-leaves So the ulcer whatever it be shall be cleansed dryed and dighted view these in their proper places I knew a woman whereof I made
mention in the fourth chapter which oft being taken with the Rose in her paps who having taken the Rob of the Elder and provoked sweat moderately in her bed useth to apply no other Medicine to the diseased part but a knot of red fine linnen wherein Elder-flowers are sewed so ingeniously to avoid all the exulceration which would have ensued CAP. XVII Of Swouning and Faintness THe Vinegar of Elder-flowers imbib'd in a sponge recovers those as it were from death that are subject to swounings and faintings upon every the lightest cause or occasion for it excellently refresheth the spirits for which Physicians highly prize it being mixt with other cordial Epithemes In this alone dip linnen cloths and apply them to the pulses of the temples of the wrists near the ankles Or make this Epitheme where-with the face and the palms of the hands are to be washed Take of the water of the flowers of the Elder 3 ounces Of Incarnation Roses 2 ounces Of the Vinegar of Elder-flowers half an ounce The Vinegar of red Berries two dra mix them Tragea Granorrum actes made after this manner is much commended Take of the Tragea of the grains of the Elder Of choice Cinnamon of each one drach Of Cloves Galangale of the flowers of the Elder without the stalks of of each one scruple Of Sugar Rosat of Anthosat tablets of each two drachms and an half Make all into a fine powder of which give to the diseased half a drachm in Wine or some other convenient Liquor How Women that faint by reason of the matrical diseases are to be helped by the Medicines of Elder I have set down in the 26 chap. CAP. XVIII Of Fevers in general And 1. Of intermitting Fevers THe common people as soon as they find the first touch of a Fever they take the Rob of the Elder in the Vinegar spirit or water of the flowers thereof and so in their beds being well covered with cloths dispose themselves for sweating which the Physicians do not disapprove seeing experience proves that Fevers by these are many times prevented and dissipated This seems to be the most probable reason thereof That that putrid filthiness is by this means discussed without delay and the body rarified which if it had been left longer in the body without doubt would have daily encreased the corruption given vigor to the Fever as is learnedly discoursed by the famous Sennert in his Treatise of fevers But have a care that this be only done in the beginnings of fevers and in such bodies as are not full of the rubbish of corrupt humors otherwise 't is more safe and sound to open the parts and passages of the whole body by Emetick and Cathartick Medicines Emeticks and Catharticks The purified Oyl expressed out of the kernels of the berries is commended in strong and lusty bodies 1 dra or a drac and half thereof being taken in the broth of flesh for it gently moveth vomit and loosneth the belly not without a singular good temper of the body For the same use the juice expressed out of the bark of the roots are commended being taken in the same or a greater quantity Bernhard Gordon in his Treatise of preserving mans life biddeth us take so much as the half of an egg shell will contain Concerning the Wine made of the infusion of the bark of Elder roots which provoketh vomit and emptieth the belly of corrupt humors read the 28 Chapter The Oyl made of the infus'd flowers and bark of the Elder being drank from one ounce to three provoketh vomit and purgeth the belly the same alone or in a decoction may be given in a Clyster The Polychâ—est powder of Elder buds doth not only purge both the biles but also phlegm and serous humors whereof drink in hot and tertian feavers in whey but in cold and quartanes in Wine a scruple or a drachm or 4 scrules as the strength of the diseased will admit Or let pils of Tragachanth be fomented with this or some syrup or musilage so that above them the mentioned liquor be drank In young ones the syrup of the juice of the berries of the buds or bark c. suffice The commons praise this Take a cup full of Goats milk whey which holds about four ounces macerate therein half an ounce of the middle bark of the Elder dried in the shadow being strongly prest out drink it warm in the morning In which a few things are to be observed That the commons are fully perswaded and call experience to witness that if those middle barks be pulled downward from the Tree it emptieth the body of evil humors by purge if they be pulled upward it worketh by vomit The truth of which as I dare not call in question seeing I know the same thing is asserted of Assarum by some Physicians if notwithstanding it be free for me to give my opinion without prejudice to others and the truth I believe we ought rather to ascribe the effect to the constitution and peculiar property of the receivers or to the nature of present humor I will say nothing now of the imagination whereby the receivers perswade themselves the Medicine will work downward or upward which they endevour to help by sundry waies by motion compression of the belly suppositors thrusting their fingers in their throats and so forth Nevertheless I will not deny that the bark and whole Elder also hath divers vertues in purging the noxious matter by divers places nevertheless I doubt that these are rather to be ascribed to the divers pulling it off the Tree then to these causes mentioned and other more weighty which I leave to the serious consideration of the learned and proceed That the stalks and leaves of the hearbs being boyled doth purge phlegm is manifest out of Dioscorides to which nevertheless the sprigs or sprouts are preferred if in the Spring time in which they are to be found they be macerated a little in hot water and prepared with oyl and vinegar and be eaten sparingly before supper in place of a sallet for they gently loose the belly unlock the obstructions of the Mesentery and being frequently eaten deliver and preserve from contumacious feavers Instead of these the Conserve of buds mixed with the Conserve of the flowers is profitable of which take daily an ounce half an hour before supper in the water of the bark Cutting Medicines In such feavers which are lengthened from the cramming of the Meseraick veins and from the grosness and toughness of the humor Oxymel Sambucinum dissolved in the distilled water of the flowers or barly water and daily on the intermitting daies drank an hour or two before supper is commended The Crystallized salt of the Elder taken from half a scruple to a whole is profitable also six drops of the spirit of the same taken in the broth or flesh for all these do powerfully open obstructions and cut asunder the grosness and toughness of the humor they cleanse the
bread into powder whereof take a drachm alone or a half with as much nutmeg-powder Of which see the famous Sennert in the 10 Chapter of the Treatise of the Dissentery But a care must be taken that the belly be not over soon stopped but place must be left for the evacuating of sharp humors lest that befal which hapned to the Maid mentioned by the learned Fernel in lib. 6. cap. 9. Pathol. Therefore to purge the sharp humors and mitigate the cruel pain give two or three days before you use the Astrictive in the morning one ounce or one ounce and half of the syrup of Elder-flowers prepared by three infusions in three ounces of Barley-water or in the water of Elder-flowers You may with profit add to this one scruple or half a drachm of white Mechoacan subtilly pulverised for it gently purgeth and bindeth the belly After three days are past and we have used all necessary evacuations clangings and pain for the most part is ceased then we may more safely use our Tragea for it doth not only restrain the belly but together with this gives a contrary motion to these sharp and salt humors by little and little disposing them for sweat if it be taken twice a day morning and evening mixt after this manner yet with a fasting stomach R. Tragea Gran. Actes drach 1. The Spirit of the flowers of the Elder Gutt 35. They being well wrought together in a Marble Mortar pour on it by little and little The water of Tormentil-roots an ounce and half The Syrup of the juice of Plantain half an ounce Mix them and use them hot they will dissipate the malignity by sweating and evaporation and will bind the belly by stopping the flux of the humor The same things may be used in a Diarrhoea or white Flux 5. Of Constipation or Boundness THe leaves of the Elder are commended to those that are in health to open their womb by Egineta and Hippocrates in his second Book of Diet. This same is performed by the distilled water of the leaves and bark with which a third part of the syrup made of the infused flowers or of the juice of the berries or buds is to be mixed with it to make them of a more pleasant taste The same syrups being taken alone loosneth the belly or drink a draught of wine at your breakfast or in the morning having taken a little broth or take a drachm of the powder of the buds in Plum-broth or a soft rosted Egg Or use in the place of this the conserve of the buds The recent Rob of the Elder spread thick upon a slice of bread and eaten before other dishes is our Wives domestick Medicine which they use likewise in their Infants and Children whose bellies are stopt longer than ordinary for this Juice is most pleasant and familiar to children chiefly if in time of thickning of it you do add a little Sugar as hath been told VI. Of Hemmorhoides THere is nothing more excellent to ease the pain of the Hemmorhoides than a stove or fomentation made of the flowers of Elder and Verbasie or Hony-suckle in water or milk for in a short time it easeth the greatest pain I experimented this first in a Countrey Miller then in a City Baker which both did wonder at the sudden ease and have great quantity of the flowers in readiness beside them to use when necessity shall require The anointing with the oyl of the infused flowers mixed with a third part of Unguent Populeon is Anodine Or take of the infusion of Elder-flowers half an ounce Of Elder-kernels and Yeolks of Eggs of each two drachms Of white Wax enough making according to art an Unguent To stay the Hemmorhoides in a night a singular Cataplasm is made of Elder-leaves boiled in water to the consistency of a Poultice and mixed with Oyl-olive spread on a scarlet cloath and apply it warm to the Hemmorhoides being oft renewed through the whole night the Patient lying on his face is commended by Alexis in his Secrets By what means their flux is to be stopt is set down in the stopping of the Hemmorhoides in the nose and monthly terms and in stopping the blood in wounds Mark that for the falling of the Anus amongst other things the outmost bark of the Elder is commended by Mindererus cap. 7. M.M. CAP. XXIII Of the Obstructions of the Mesentery Liver Milt from whence proceed both the Jaundies and Scurvy TO hinder and cure the obstructions drink in the morning and the beginning of the repast a cup full of the wine of Elder-berries for some days and weeks for it cutteth the thick tartarous serous and bilous matter it cleanseth evacuateth and by opening obstructions and purifying the blood gives the body a more fresh colour especially if once at least of the week you mix with it a half or whole drachm according to the parties strength of the Polychrestick powder of the buds In these diseases this following powder is commended Take of the Elder-buds dried in the shade drach 2. Of Crystalline Elder-salt scrup 8. Of Wormwood scrup 4. Make of all a subtile powder and give a scruple or half a drachm thereof in broth in the morning for many days commanding him to fast four hours and use moderate exercise Those that are not pleased with the powder may form it into pils with the rob or juice of the berries drink broth above it A Lixive made of Elder-ashes prepared with wine or the water of the flowers powerfully unlocks obstructions and attenuateth and changeth bilous and tartarous humors Whence it is a profitable Medicine in the Jaundies some spoonfuls thereof being taken morning and evening dulcerat with sugar hony or Elder-hony Oximel Sambucinum taken in an ounce and half weight dissolved in the water or flowers of the bark is more meek and pleasant Or where the heat is greater and a Fever joyned an ounce and a half of the acetous syrup of the Elder dissolved and given at one dose Some commend four or six drops of the oyl of the flowers of the second description in a spoonful of the spirit or best water of the flowers give it twice a week and command moderate exercise In this case the spirit alone the rob and its extract are safe medicines For whilst the sink of the belly is emptied by the Polychrestick powder of the buds they provoke sweat by their penetrating vertues they unlock the obstructions and crammings of the Mesentery Liver Milt and Gall and cut and prepare the thickness of humors The yellow middle bark is commended by his signature for the yellow Jaundies by Crollius de Signaturis rerum 'T is therefore to be macerated in wine with two or three Jews ears of which strained drink a sound draught morning evening Or you must use the distilled water thereof or the syrup made of its juice For besides that they open the belly and evacuate hurtful humors the Medicines prepared of this bark
stiff this Disease is and how miserably it tormenteth the patient is known even to children notwithstanding it expects ease if not full cure which sometimes is done by the Medicines of our Elder And seeing nothing is more able to preserve than that great encrease of serous humors being hindred those that are sprung be evacuated Seeing from these if not only yet most commonly Arthritick pains have their beginning as experience can testifie These Medicines therefore that follow are convenient Viz. The wine of the berries of which he is to drink a cup full oft in the week in the morning or in the beginning of dinner But that is of most force which we have set down in the 24 Chapter out of Quercetan The water distilled out of the succulent bark in the Autumn or Spring is oft to be drank Let it be sweetned with the third part of the syrup of the berries or buds the dose is four ounces That it may purge more forcibly mix therewith a half or whole drachm according to the Patients strength of the Polychrestick powder of the Buds Vomits are good to preserve from this disease if it be provoked once a moneth by those that are used to it In cure of the Arthritick chiefly of the Sciatick or Gout seeing vomit doth revel and derive by the upper parts it performs more than any downward purge Therefore you are to reiterate it two days and more if the evil persevere The oyl pressed out of the kernels of the berries and half a drachm thereof taken in the broth of Ale doth excel in this disease The oyl of the infused flowers or bark is good the dose is one or two ounces in warm water You shall repress the Arthritick assaults if you once or twice in the moneth sweat having first purged the body For the serous matter gathered in the body is easily discussed by sweat and as soon as natural or artificial sweat appears there is great hopes of safety See Hildanus Centor 5. observ 3. Give then of the Rob of the Elder two drachms with a scruple of Harts-horn prepared or half a drachm or two scruples of the extract Granorum actes or one spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries or flowers This is uporist of some The Roots of the Elder or Walnut half an ounce Of the pulverised Kernels drachm 1. Let them macerate for a night in white wine whose Colature being a little sweetened with Sugar is to be given in the morning in bed to provoke sweat If it be given a little before the fit it disappoints it In the Spring-time the buds prepared with oyl vinegar and salt and frequently being eaten before supper being mixed with other Sallets is commendable for they gently purge the belly and purifie the blood from serosity The powder of the buds dried in the shadow is good for preventing of Gouts and all Arthritick Diseases whereof take in the Spring-time or Harvest for a whole month together in the morning half a scruple in a soft egg with a little salt Or take the Conserve of the buds alone or mixed with the Conserve of the flowers in equal parts The dose is the bigness of a Walnut or Chesnut morning and evening before meat Drink above it some of the water of the flowers sweetned with a little of the juice of the berries Topicks A linnen cloth dipt in the distilled water of the leaves and flowers of the Elder and applied warm wonderfully asswages the pain unlocks the pores digests the matter and strengthens the nervous parts That it may more penetrate and where the colour and heat is greater you may add in equal quantity Elder-vinegar Where the matter is colder and the pain longer you may dip the same clothes in such a liquor as this and apply them hot Take of the spirit of Elder-berries three ounces The spirit of the flowers drach 2. Of Opium of Thebes scruples two mix them By its Narcotick vertue it mitigateth the pains and discusseth the more stubborn matter and refresheth the members The Goutish Anodine Water Quercetan in the first book and seventh chapter sets down this Podagrick water Take of the green leaves and flowers of Elder of each lib. 1. more or less as you please to make it greater or less quantity pound them and macerate them well in B. M. then distill them in a Glass or Copper vessel till they be dry with this water forment the pained place twice a day yea you may use it constantly in that Gout which proceeds from hot humors So far he The Oyle wherein the roots of the Elder or Ebulus and the leaves or fine extract from them hath been boyled chiefly the oyle of the Dwarf-Elder-seed from which the seeds of the greater differ little is much praised here It is prepared thus beat the ripe and clean seeds in a paste boyle it in water and gather the scum thereof put it in a long Glass in a warm place for three or four daies till the oyle which is greenish go to the bottom the same oyle pressed out of the seeds is most powerfull These are the words of Plater in the second part of his practice Or take oyle of infused Elder-flowers ounces two and of it pressed out of the kernels half an ounce Being mixt apply them warm to the grieved place Dioscorides affirms that the recent leaves applyed with the fat of a Goat or Bull doth help the Goutish I know a man that whensoever he is troubled with the Gout useth only this unction He taketh new Cream of Milk and he mixeth with it the Powder made into fine meal of the and leaves of the Elder till it acquire the consistence of a Poultice or Cataplasme which being spread on a linnen cloth he applyeth it hot to the diseased part and from this easie and simple Medicine he exspects and experiences with happy successe great ease Gabel Shover amongst others hath this Take the water of the Elder and the spirit of Wine of each ounces 2 mix them and apply clothes moystened therein Some take two ounces of Elder-water and one of aqua vite and mix them The same man much commendeth in pains of the joynts and other cold defluctions from which the resolution and Palsie of the joynts do proceed this Take a good quantity of Elder-pith a quarter of a pint of Rhenish-Wine and as much of your own urine being mixed boyle them in a new pot till half be consumed Then anoynt the grieved place with the spirit of Wine and rub it well in Afterward apply a woollen-cloth hot dipt in the former decoction And when it is dry dipt it and apply it again And this is to be done before you go to bed Some praise this that follows in Arthritick Diseases chiefly which are hot A Mucilaginous Andonyne Liquor R. Of quick Snails newly taken whole out of their shelly cottages Of Elder-berries dried in the Oven and pulverized and of common salt of each as
much as you will put it in the straining bag called Hippocrates sleeve making one row upon another so oft as you please so that the first be of the Snails the next of the Salt and the last of the berries continning so till the bag be full hang it up in a Cellar and gather diligently the glutinous liquor that distils out of it by little and little even to the Mucilage and being put in a stopt Glass expose it four days to the Sun and therewith anoynt gently the grieved part CAP. XXVIII Of the Scab Psora Itch Herpes and other Cutaneous Diseases T Is a Golden saying of our Divine Master Aphorism 21. Sect. 1. That we carefully observe the motion of Nature and its course and with our Medicines assist it as much as we are able Seeing in most of these out-breakings in the skin Nature doth thrust the hurtful matter from the principal parts to the more ignoble and less principal viz. the Cutaneous it seemeth best here to use Sudorificks and those that expel to the circumference of the body Because many times a great heap of putrid humors are seated about the stomach Mesentery Liver and Melt that sink as far as is possible is to be emptied by Emetick and Cathartick Medicines lest omitting and neglecting this evacuation the putrid and salt humors by the unseasonable use of Sudorificks being drawn out of the Jacks of the first region be thrust into the greater and nobler veins and so raise more dangerous damages Purges and Vomits In delicate bodies and children the water distilled from the succulent bark by two cohobies and sweetned with a little syrup of the juice of the berries doth work this effect being given in a few spoonfuls Also the syrup of the berries juice being given alone from an ounce to an ounce and half In those of riper age give the purging water made according to Quercetans descripton from two ounces to three with an ounce of the syrup of the buds or bark Or use twice or thrice the Polychrestick Powder of the Buds in Whey Or incorporate it with the Conserve of the flowers for a bole or reduce it into the form of a pill with the syrup of them or such like for it is a good Medicine to purge the body from salt and feculent humors Or take a cupful of Whey macerate in that half or a whole ounce of the middle bark of the Elder the Colature being strained in the morning let it be drank warm The wine of the infusion of the bark and root of the Elder subtilly grated is good to provoke vomit and empty the belly of evil humors it doth this when they have infused together for a night These are the words of Vigo in his Chirurg part 1. lib. 7. Or take a drachm of the oyle pressed out of the berries kernels more or less according to the strength of the patient give it in a cup of luke-warm Ale It were likewise profitable for the Scabby if they made a Sallet of those young buds who in the beginning of the Spring together with those out-breakings and pustles of the skin by the singular favour of Nature as contemperanious doe bud forth being first macerated a little in hot water with oyle salt and vinegar and sometimes eaten it purgeth the belly and freeth the bloud from salt and serous humors Sudorificks These things being premised that which remains yet in the skin or mass of blood is to be emptied by Sudorificks The water of Elder-flowers and the clearer spirit of them may be given even to children For to make it of a more pleasant taste sweeten them with a little syrup of the infusion of the flowers These Medicines following agree to those that come to years Take of the Rob of the Elder two drachms Of Harts-horn burn'd and prepared one scruple Of the Water of Elder-flowers three ounces Of Oximel of the Elder half an ounce Mix them make a draught of them Or take of the extract of Elder-berries two scruples Of Elder-salt half a scruple Of the water distilled from its flowers two ounces Of the Vinegar of the flowers half an ounce Mix them for a draught After taking of these sweat is to be provoked in Bath or Bed The Conserve of Elder-flowers with the Conserve of Cicory-flowers is commodious to change alter and strengthen the intrals or inward parts Or make this Julap which you must use every day an hour or two before supper or after you come from Bath or sweating drink four ounces thereof Take of the Conserve of Elder-flowers Of Burrage Of Cicory of each half an ounce Dissolve them on a soft fire in a quart of Elder-flowers water to the strained Colature add of the sharp Elder-syrup two ounces mix them Topicks In a more universal filthy and continuing Scab Tetter or Psora c. prepare this sort of Bath Take of recent Elder-leaves ten handfuls Six whole Umbels of the flowers Of quick-sulphure two ounces Of crude-Allum one ounce Boyle it in a sufficient quantity of rainwater unto which afterward add a sixth part of the Lixive Let the diseased every day sit once in a Bath to provoke sweat not neglecting in the mean time the former internals Or where only the hands or feet are scabby the same decoction but in less quantity is to be prepared wherein daily the feet and hands are to be washed yet nevertheless you may add other things as the roots of Sorrel and Alacampain After the Bath the exulcerate and clift places are to be anoynted to mitigate their pain with the oyle of the infufed flowers to which you may give a more drying and healing vertue to the leaves of the Elder subtilly pulverised till it come to the consistence of a Liniament Or use the Liniament of Matthiolus or Plater Or this Take of the oyle of the infused flowers and bark of the Elder of each 3 drachms Of washed Ceruse one drachm or four scruples Of Wax enough Make thereof a Liniament Those black round and about very red pustles which break forth frequently in the feet chiefly of women are oft to be washed with the water of the leaves and mitigated with the foresaid unctions Mark There was a Bakers wife in Heyna which could not go out of dores by reason of the abundance of those Pustles and was greatly disquieted by their heat having premised what was fitting she used for a Topick milk wherein the flowers were macerated in which clothes being dipped were applyed warm with great ease Where the heat and redness is more intense instead of simple milk take sowre or Butter-milk Only sweating by taking the rob of the Elder sometimes doth cure the simple Herpes by the abstersive and siccative quality In this the oyl pressed out of the kernels of the berries reduced in form of a Liniament with Sugar of Saturn is much praised by some If it be anointed on the pustles after they are opened with a needle and cleansed from the matter
flowers is applyed fitly to an inflammation Or R. Of Elder-leaves M. 3. of Barley polent M. 1. boiled in simple water to the consistency of a Poultice Being put through a Serce add of the oyl of infused Elder-flowers ounces two of the meal of the leaves and flowers of the Elder of each enough Make a Cataplasm for it digesteth resolveth and if the Inflammation Apostemat ripeneth the Aposteme being opened cure it as an Ulcer Of which afterwards 2. Of an Oedema It s known by the cure of the Ascites how the Elder helpeth Oedematous tumors chiefly in the feet See there the fomentation for the feet made of the decoction of the leaves in a Lixive But seeing these fomentations are tedious it is enough to carry the green and dry leaves of the Elder in the stockings A great Lawyer was delivered by the use of this simple Medicine which he oft applied at the desire of a worshipful Knight of Misnea 3. Of a Schirrus The cure of a Schirrus is known by cure of the obstruction of a Schirrus Melt There are some that say the leaves only of the Elder doth mollifie and discuss Schirrus tumors by Signature because it groweth in dark and shadowy places For which reason in the 23 Chapter we set down a Splenetick Searcloth of them Which may be fitly applyed here the tumors being anoynted with this following Take of the oyle of Elder-flowers ounce 1. of Amonick dissolved in Elder-Vinegar drachms 2. boyle it on a soft fire to the consumption of the watrishness Add white-Wax and according to art make an oyntment CAP. XXXI Of Wounds Ulcers and Contusions NO man that ponders well the rehearsed words of Dioscorides and Galen will deny the Elders vertue to be great in these Diseases especially in Wounds and Ulcers The Cure of Wounds The common people keep as a great secret in curing wounds the leaves of the Elder which they have gathered the last day of April which to disappoint the Charms of Witches they had affixed to their dores and windows but seeing the Elder-leaves of themselves are found efficacious enough to heal wounds this superstitious opinion of the people is to be laughed at A Vulnerary Balsam To cure wounds safely and suddenly take the green and tender Elder leaves stamp them and having put a little Wine on them wring out the juice strongly Take of this juice being purified as much as you will add thereto in equal quantity the oyle of the infused flowers boyle it on a clear fire still stirring it with a Spatula till the wateriness be consumed afterwards Take of oyle so prepared four or five ounces Of it pressed out of the berries kernels two ounces Of clear Venice-Turpentine three ounces Of Verdigrease three drachms Being well mixed together on a slow fire with a Spattle let them stand eight days in the Sun or some other hot place that the dregs may go to the bottom from which separate the pure Balsam which is to be applyed hot to the wound with lintcotton and the wound to be bound up with linnen clothes it doth imitate the vertue of the most precious Balsams half an ounce of the Sugar of the Elder may be added A Plaster of the Balsam If you mollifie wax with a sufficient quantity of this Balsam and apply it according to art it cureth wounds suddenly To stop a great Hemmorage Tragea Granorum Actes being mixed with an equal part of Jews-ears is commended in stopping of bloud Or make this Powder Take of Tragea Granorum Actes Of dryed Jews-ears of each three drachmes Of the white of an Egg dryed in the Sun two drachmes Of the pith of the Elder Of the purest Gum-tragant of each one drachm Pulverise subtilly every one by it self and afterwards mix them exactly The Use The bloud being drank up of a sponge and the wound being dryed as much as is possible put therein a sufficient quantity of the Powder if it succeed not at first dry the wound again with the sponge and put in the Powder and keep it in with torne pieces of cloath put thereafter The Puncture of Nerves In the Puncture and wounds of Nerves the Learned Surgeon de Vigo in his seventh book together with daily experience doth attest that the oyle of the infused flowers is much praised The Oyle of the Flowers of the second description and the Balsam or Plaister made of the Balsam being put thereon worketh effectually The Cure of Ulcers Dioscorides hath taught us that the leaves of Elder do cure deep perverse and Fistulous Ulcers An Uporist Apply then here either the juice alone put in being nevertheless wrung out with a little Wine or Urine and afterward lay upon it the pounded leaves like a Plaster which is a Country-remedy Or make this Liniament Take of Elder vulnerary Balsam one drachm Of the Leaves of the Elder subtilly pulverised one drachm Of Verdegrease two scruples Of Elder-salt one scruple Mix all together exactly for a Liniament of which daily you are to put some in with Tents in impure and Fistulous ulcers and a convenient Plaster above it Injections and washings of deep and putrid ulcers when need requireth are to be made of the leave sand bark which do excellently cleanse and hinder corruption Apply them before you make a new binding that the filth cleansed and washed by the former Medicine may be together with them washed out In those Ulcers which cast out that icor which Paracelsus calls Synovia the Vulnerary Balsam chiefly availeth being hot put in seeing it drieth moderately and keepeth the substance of the wounded part temperate You may sprinkle afterwards above it the Powder of the dried Pith and Jews-ears which are much praised by many Gabel Shover hath this R. of Elder-Pith drachms two of Orenge-Pills scruple half mix them for a Powder which are either to be sprinkled in or to be taken with a fasting stomach in a morning The same man taketh as many Elder-flowers as is needful he fryeth them in butter and applyeth them twice or thrice Or instead of a Vulnerary potion in these and other Ulcers over-flowed he giveth daily a drachm or a drachm and half of following powder in warm buttered Ale Take of Elder pith three ounces Of dryed Jews-ears Of prepared Oculi Cancrorum of each two ounces Of Orenge-pills Of Citron Pills Of Nutmegs of each one scruple Make a subtil Powder of all In dilating of Wounds and Ulcers and in keeping Issues open the Pith of the Elder is convenient For while that sponge-like substance drinks in the humors it is dilated and so distendeth the lips of the Wounds and Ulcers The Cure of Contusions and Bruises In Contused parts the juice of Elder-leaves pressed out with wine and anoynt on the place or linnen dipt therein and applyed doth discuss the black bloud and strengthens the part Or take of the Meal of Elder-flowers ounces two of Camomile and Wormwood-flowers of each half an ounce mix them with Elder-oyle and work them
together that they may become like a Cataplasm which is to be applyeddaily to the contused part To take away the marks and impressions anoynt them with oyle of infused flowers In intertrigoes when the flesh and not the skin is infected the unction of Plater or Matthiolus his Liniament besprinkling it with the subtile Powder of Elder-leaves is profitable Or make this Magisterial Powder which with great commodity is sprinkled on the emunctories of new-born babes viz. behind their ears in their armpits and groines Take of Elder-leaves half an ounce Of the flowers of the same Of Red-Roses of each two drach Mix them for a Powder which being sprinkled consumeth the moysture and drieth the place CAP. XXXII Of Burning and Congelation Topicks DIoscorides saith That the green and tender leaves being applyed with Pollent helpeth burning These following are commended by Authors first the oyle of infused flowers and bark secondly the oyle of the leaves and bark fryed in butter and oyle thirdly the two liniaments of Matthiolus and Plater the receits of which are set down in the second Section in the second and fourth Chapters The Uses A member being burned with fire gun Powder boyling water c. is to be easily anoynted with these warm and afterwards to be wrapt in soft and warm linnen For each one of them hath the vertue of rarifying the skin of drawing out hot vapors mitigating pain digesting and drying of serosity and of curing the raised blabs in ulcers and in restoring the diseased place as much as is possible to its wonted beauty If the burning pierce more deep so that the blabs being broken and the skar taken a way it degenerateth into an ulcer besides these oyles and oyntments you must sprinkle easily and lightly every day the powder of the leaves and pith which doth excellently dry and by cleansing moderately doth fill ulcers with flesh In this case oyles are more profitable then liniaments as will be easily found by any that use them This following unguent as a singular experiment is commended in all kinds of burning by the famous Donâ—relius for easing pain or quenching the force of the heat and soon and safely curing the ulcers also it is happily applyed to Herpes Miliaris and other out-breakings which come from yellow bile or salt humors Take of the middle-bark of the Lynden-tree Of the Elder of each one handful Of Linseed half an ounce The barks are to be cut in small pieces infused together with the seed in a sufficient quantity of the water of Elder-flowers for the space of three hours warm then add half an ounce of sheeps dung mix them and boyle them in a double vessel in May-butter unsalted washed oft in fountain water and at last in the water of Elder-flowers till the humidity be perfectly consumed Strain them and add of yellow wax as much as sufficeth mix them and according to art make an oyntment They are Donerelius his words If the ulcer become more sordid use the things in the precedent Chapter Lac aureum drank up in Linnen clothes and applyed is profitable of which we have spoken in the cure of Erysipelas Internals When many parts or those situated next the nobler parts are burned and then the unnaturel heat spreadeth it self over the whole body you are to use those things set down in the cure of the hot feaver Or make this Julap Take of the water of Elder-flowers half a pound Of the acetous syrup of the Elder two ounces Of Hearts-Horn burned and preparred two scruples Mix them for two doses for it cooleth the heatned spirits it extinguisheth the thirst dissipateth the Empereum and roborateth the strength The Cure of Congelation or Brosting Apply to the frosted parts the middle bark of the Elder or linnen moystned in their decoction When they clif the powder of Elder-bark pith and flowers reduced to a liniamenth with the oyle of infused flowers in commended the parts therewith being anoynted daily Apply upon it linnen moystned in the Golden Milk of the Elder for it drieth and hindreth a Gangreene See more in the cure of Ulcers CAP. XXXIII Of Poysons Inflicted outwardly or taken into the body IN the stinging of venemous beasts the green leaves of the Elder being applyed are praised because they draw out the poyson and dry the wound Dioscorides especially commends the same pounded leaves applyed to the bite of a mad dog George Amwald in his Panacea bids us dissolve Rob of the Elder in Vinegar and Wine and rub therewith the stung or bitten place and wash it therewith In the stinging of Wasps and Bees anoint the place with the oyle of the infused flowers or with that which is prest out of the kernels of the berries and put a leaf thereon it mitigateth the pain and in a short time causeth the tumor to fall and evanish To stop the poyson of the Vipers bitings besides these Topicks Dioscorides bids us boyle the roots of Elder in Wine and drink the Colature He attributeth the same vertue to the berry drank in Wine 'T is better to use the Wine of the berries to take two drachmes of the Rob or as many scruples of the extract in the water of Elder-flowers and provoke sweat In Philtrums or those Potions wicked Whores use to give for love or in other poysons taken inwardly nothing is better then upon the suspition immediately to cast all up by vomit that is in the stomach Give two ounces or three of the oyle of the infused flowers or bark of the Elder in warm Ale and accelerate vomit Or take an indifferent spoonful of the oyle pressed out of the kernels give it in warme Ale For by this means all venom that is in the stomach is happily excluded and the corrosive acrimony of the poyson is qualified use it again if it be needful Which being done provoke sweat that that which sticketh in the veins for the more maligne the humor is the more it penetrateth and like ferment infecteth the whole bloud must be evacuated by sweat Those things which were brought for the Plague are profitable here Rob simple and Antilemick their extracts c. of which give as much as is convenient to the age and strength of the patient dissolved in the distilled water of Elder-flowers of other convenient liquor And seeing seldom the force of the poyson is daunted by once or twice but rather under the subtile shew of a servant as being overcome and obeying Natures command by secret mines lurketh and worketh to overthrow the strength of Nature and overcome it by little and little Therefore the use of these Alexitericks is not to be intermitted but to be continued till all the poyson and maligne impressions that remain be extirpate out of the body This mixture is profitable Take of the Conserve of Elder-flowers of the flowers of Burrage as much as you will mix them Give half an ounce thereof daily an hour or two before dinner Drink a spoonful of the juice of the berries above it Give two drachmes every week of the Rob of the Elder in the water of Elder-flowers and provoke sweat in bed or bath After the sweat the heat to be tempered with a spoonful or two of the sowre syrup of the Elder This experiment is praised by many Take of the middle Elder-bark subtilly shaven and dry it lightly in the shadow a little more then a handful put on it three quarters of a pound of Goats milk boyle it on a soft fire till the half be consumed of whose Colature drink morning and evening They say that this doth absolutely out-rout all poyson given by whores and knaves though it were given three years before If it do not succeed at first the patient is to use it often and by divine assistance he shall obtain the wished event The Conclusion THese things Courteous and kind Reader I thought fit to set down of the Elder and the use thereof and Medicines Those Dishes which may be prepared of the flowers and berries at that time when they are to be had in great abundance green for the preventing of many diseases seeing they are well known to Cooks by daily experience To what diseases they agree is known by what is said If there occur any thing here which doth not please you it is your part favourably to construct it and to withhold the censure till you try all things more exactly in the infallible ballance of reason and experience I leave for praise nor crave For praise enough I have If not contemned by thee Courteous Reader I be If those things that are omitted obscure or not rightly delivered be by thy more pollisht judgment added illustrated and corrected thou shalt deserve infinite favours from me and all those honorers of Medicine and Nature For nothing can be more happy then to know much and we are to learn that we way know Neither at any time was there any of such qualified reason but things age and use will afford-him some new objects some new observations So that what thou thoughtst thou knewst thou unknowst and despisest that upon thy tryal which thou didst most trust For there was never any thing more unrighteous then an unjust man which holds and believes nothing right but what he fathers Farewel and what ere thou art favour these endeavors and together with me in this wonderful and unexhaustible variety of things devoutly admire and piously worship the unsearchable depths of Divine Wisdom and Goodness FINIS