which lies the way to Atlas the most fabulous mountaine of all Africk For writers haue giuen out that this hill arising out of the very midst of the sea sands mounteth vp to the skie all rough ill fauored and ouergrowne on that side that lieth to the shore of the Ocean vnto which it gaue the name and yet the same is shadowie full of woods and watered with veines of spouting Springs that way which looketh to Africke with fruitfull trees of all sorts springing of the own accord and bearing one vnder another in such sort that at no time a man can want his pleasure and delight to his full contentment Moreouer that none of the inhabitants there are seene all day long all is still and silent like the fearfull horror in desert wildernesse and as men come neerer and neerer vnto it a secret deuotion ariseth in their hearts and besides this feare and horrour they are lifted vp aboue the clouds and euen close to the circle of the Moone Ouer and besides that the same hill shineth oftentimes with many flashes of fires and is hanted with the wanton lasciuious Aegipanes and Satyres whereof it is full that it resoundeth with noise of Haut-boies pipes and fifes and ringeth againe with the sound of tabers timbrels and cymbals These be the reports of great famous writers to say nothing of the labors and works both of Hercules and Perses there and to conclude that the way vnto it is exceeding great and not certainely knowne Bookes there were besides of Hanno a great captain and commander among the Carthaginians who in the time of the most flourishing state of Carthage had a charge and commission to discouer and suruey the whole compasse of Africk Him most of the Greeks as well as our countreymen following among some other fabulous stories haue written that hee also built many cities there but neither memoriall vpon record nor any token of them at all is left extant Whiles Scipio Aemylianus warred in Africk Polybius the writer of the Annales receiued of him a fleet who hauing saled about of purpose to search into that part of the world hath put thus much downe in writing that from the said mountaine West toward the forrest ful of wild beasts which Africk breedeth vnto the riuer Anatis are 485 miles And from thence to Lixus 205. Agrippa saith that Lixus is distant from the streights of Gades 112 miles Then that there is an arme of the sea called Saguti Also a towne vpon the promontory Mutelacha Riuers Subur and Sala Moreouer that the hauen Rutubis is from Lixus 313 miles And so forward to the Promontorie of the Sun The port or hauen Risardir the Gaetulians Autololes the riuer Cosenus the nation of the Scelatites and Massalians The riuers Masatal and Darat wherein Crocodiles are ingendred Then forward that there is a gulfe of 516 miles inclosed within the promontory or cape of the mountain Barce running along into the West which is called Surrentium after it the riuer Palsus beyond which are the Aethiopians Perorsi at their back are the Pharusi Vpon whom ioine the midlanders to wit the Gaetulianders But vpon the coast are the Aethyopian Daratites the riuer Bambotus ful of Crocodiles Hippopotames i. Water-horses From which he saith That there is nothing but mountains all the way as far as to that which we call Theon-Ochema The gods chariot Then in sailing nine daies and nights to the promontorie Hesperium he hath placed the mountain Atlas in mid-way thereof which by all other writers is set downe to be in the vtmost marches of Mauritania The first time that the Romans warred in Mauritania was in the time of prince Claudius Emperor at what time as Aedemon the freed seruant of king Ptolomaeus by C. Caesar slaine went about to reuenge his death for as the barbarous people retired and fled back certaine it is that the Romans came as far as to the hill Atlas And not only such Generals as had bin Consuls and were of the Senatours degree and calling who at that time managed and conducted the wars but knights also and gentlemen of Rome who from that time had gouernment and command there tooke it for an honor and glory that they had pierced and entred into Atlas Fiue Romane Colonies as wee haue said be in that prouince and by that common fame and report there may seeme to lie a thorow faire thither But that is found for the most part by daily experience most deceiueable of all things else because persons of high place and great worth when they are loath to search out narrowly into the truth of matters sticke not for shame of ignorance to giue out vntruths and neuer are men more credulous and apt to beleeue and be deceiued than when some graue personage fathereth a lie And verily I lesse maruell that they of gentlemens degree yea and those now of Senators calling haue not come to the certaine knowledge of some things there seeing they set their whole affection and mind vpon nothing but excesse and riot which how powerfull it is and forcible is seen by this most of all when forests are sought out far and neere for Iuory and Citron trees when all the rocks in Getulia are searched for Murices and Purpurae shell fishes that yeeld the purple crimson colour Howbeit the natural inhabitants of that country do write That in the sea coast 150 miles from Sala there is the riuer Asana that receiueth salt water into it but hath in it a goodly faire hauen and not far from it another fresh riuer which they call Fut from which to Dyris for that is the name in their language of Atlas by a generall consent are 200 miles with a riuer comming betweene named Vior And there the speech so goeth are to be seene the certain tokens of a ground somtimes inhabited to wit the reliques of vine yards and date tree groues Suetonius Paulinus a Consull in our time who was the first Roman leader that for certaine miles space went ouer Atlas also hath reported verily as touching the height thereof that with the rest and moreouer that the foot thereof toward the bottom stand thick and ful of tail woods with trees therein of an vnknown kinde but the heigth of them is delectable to see to smooth and euen without knots the leaues branches like Cypresse and besides the strong smell they yeeld are couered all ouer with a thinne downe of which with some help of Art fine cloath may be made such as the silk-worm doth yeeld That the top and crest thereof is couered ouer with deepe snow euen in Sommer time Moreouer that he reached vp to the pitch of it at the tenth daies end went beyond it as far as a riuer called Niger through wildernesses ful of blacke dust where otherwhiles there stood out certaine cliffes and craggie rocks as they were scortched and burnt and that those places by reason of partching heat were not habitable
it be sodden in wine and the decoction thereof vsed But if the guts be diseased any waies the rennet of red Deere is very effectuall sodden with Lentils and Beets and so eaten with meat Likewise the ashes of the haire of an Hare boiled with hony Also to drink Goats milk sodden with Mallowes and a little salt put thereto is good for the said infirmities but if the rendles be mixed therewith the opperation wil be the better Of the same vertue is Goats suet taken in any warm supping with this charge that the Patient drinke presently vpon it cold water Moreouer it is said that the ashes of a kids hanch hath a wonderfull vertue to souder the rupture whereby the guts are falne downe Likewise Hares dung sodden with hony and taken euery day to the quantity of a Beane is a medicine for a rupture so soueraigne that it hath bin knowne to cure them who were past all hope of remedy Much commended also is the decoction of a Goats head sodden haire and all together The disease called Tenesmos which is a desire to go often to the stoole without doing any thing is cured by drinking of Asses and Cowes milke All the sort of worms bred in the guts the pouder of Harts horn taken in drink doth expell There be as I said before certaine bones found among the excrements of a Wolfe which if they be hanged about the arme do cure the Collicke if this regard were had before that they neuer touched the ground As for Polea whereof I made mention before which is the first ordure of an Asses fole it is singular good in that case Likewise the pouder of a Sows dung taken in the decoction of Rue sodden in water with Cumin is singular for the collicke Finally the ashes of a yong Harts horne while it is new come vp and tender incorporat with the shell fishes of Barbary stamped shels and all together and so taken in a draught of wine is highly commended for the passion of the cholicke CHAP. XV. ¶ For the dolorous torments of the bladder for the stone and grauell The remedies for the infirmities of the members of generation of the fundament and the share THe vrine of a Bore helpeth those who be tormented with the paine in the bladder and the stone yea and the very bladder of the Bore eaten as meat is singular good in that respect Howbeit if the one and the other were permitted to be confected before in smoake you should see a greater operation Now the said bladder ought to be first sodden then eaten and if a woman be troubled with the said griefs she is to chuse the bladder of a wild sow There be found also in the liuers of Swine certain little stones or els hard callosities like vnto stones and white of colour such as we may see daily in our tame swine which being beaten into pouder and drunk in wine do expell the stone and grauell within our bodies And verily the Bore feeleth himselfe so far forth charged with his own vrine that vnlesse hee be deliuered thereof before he is not able to flie before the chase but suffereth himselfe to be taken as if he were inclosed and fast bound within net and toile and they say that his vrine doth burne him within The kidnies of an Hare kept vntill they be dry then made into pouder and drunk in wine doe thrust forth the stone In the pestle and gammond both of a swine there be certain ioint whirlbones as I haue said before which if they be sodden do yeeld a broth that is very good for the easie passage of vrine Likewise the reins of an Asse dried pulverized giuen in pure wine of the grape do cure the diseases of the bladder The surots or rugged werts in horse legs the corns about their houf called Lichenes drunk either in simple wine or meath for the space of 40 daies together do expel the stone and grauell engendred in the body the ashes also of an horse houfe taken in wine or water is good in that case In like maner Goats dung drunk in honied wine is singular for those accidents but especially that of the wilde Shamois is much more effectuall Moreouer the ashes of Goats haire is thought to auaile much in these diseases As touching the botches and carbuncles which arise in the priuie members the brains and bloud of a Bore or Sow are thought to be proper remedies for them and say there be some cankerous or corroding vlcers in those parts the liuer of a Bore or swine burned in a fire made principally of Iuniper wood together with the Papyr reed and Arsenicke doth heale the same so doth the ashes of their dung Or els take a Cow or Oxe gall and Aegyptian Allum wrought and incorporat together with Myrrh to the consistence of honey Beets also sodden yea and their flesh boiled in wine and so applied as a cataplasme In case they be running sores the suet and marrow of a calfe boiled in wine or Goats tallow tempered with hony and the iuice of the brier are reputed to be soueraign Now if the said sores spread farther stil it is said that their dung incorporat with hony or vineger doth much good as also butter and nothing els simply applied to the grieued place If the cods do swell the suet of a calfe made into a liniment with sal-nitre put thereto keepeth downe the tumour Of the same operation and effect is the dung also of a Calfe boiled in vineger Such as cannot hold their vrine but that it passeth from them against their wills finde great helpe by eating of a Bores bladder rosted or broiled And verily the ashes of a Bores or Sowes cleyes is singular good against the involuntary shedding of vrine if a cup or drinke be spiced therewith for the patient to take Likewise the bladder of a Sow burnt and giuen to drink serueth well in this infirmitie so doth the bladder of a kid or the lungs in that manner vsed Furthermore it is said That the brains of an Hare taken in wine is singular to helpe this infirmity Semblably the stones of an Hare broiled and eaten or the rennet in the Hares maw incorporat with Goose grease in Barley groats The kidnies besides of an Asse reduced into pouder and drunk in pure wine of the grape The Magitians haue a deuise by themselues and they affirme That for to hold ones vrine it is passing good to drink the ashes of a Bores pizzle in sweet wine but they instruct the patient withall to make water in a dogs kenel and in so doing to say these words I do this because I would not pisse my bed as the dog doth his couch Thus much for the incontinency of vrine Now if one be pent and would gladly void vrine let him take theâ—… bladder of a Swine so that it neuer touched the ground and apply the same to the share for it will prouoke the water to passe But
by boeufe suet the pouder of frank incense reduced into a liniment But kibed heels are best healed with the ashes of lether burnt especially if it were an old shoe Again if the feet haue bin wronged by strait shoes take the ashes of a goats skin tempered with oile As for the painfull swelled veins named in Latin Varices there is a soueraign cataplasm to assuage their griefe made with the ashes of calues dung boiled with lilly roots a little hony put therto the same is singular for al impostumat inflammations that tend to suppuration This medicin is good also for the gout in the feet for all diseases of the ioints if so be the said dung came from an ox calf The ioints if they haue gotten a sprein by any rush find remedy by the dung of bore or sow if it be laid to hot in a linnen cloth The dung also of a calf that yet sucks neuer did eat grasse hath the same effect euen as goats dung boild with hony in vineger the raggednes of nails haue a proper remedy of calues dung of goats treddles likewise if there be red Arsnick or Orpinent mixed therwith As touching werts there is not a better thing to take them away than the ashes of Calues dung tempered with vineger or the durt that is made by the vrine of an Asse For those that be subiect to the falling euill it is singular good to eat the genetoirs of a bear or to drinke the stones of a Bore either out of Mares milk or plain water also the vrine of a bore mingled with oxymell But more effectuall in operation is that vrin which hath bin suffered to dry as it lieth in the own bladder The stones likewise of a sow which are taken from her when she is splaied if they be kept vntill they be dried and so brought into pouder are excellent in this case taken in the milk of a sow with this charge that the patient abstain from wine for certain daies together both before and after the receiuing of this medicine For this infirmity also they vse to giue the lungs of a hare poudred or kept in salt with a third part of frankencense in white wine for 30 daies together Also the rennet or cruds found in the maw The braines of an Asse first dried in the smoke within certain leaues drunk to the weight of half an ounce euery day in honied water or the ashes of the said beasts houfe taken to the quantity of 2 spoonfulls daily for a months space are appropriat medicines for this malady In like manner their stones preserued dry and reduced into pouder serue to spice their drink whether it be the milk of Asses which is the best or shere water the pellicle wherein the yong fole was lapped in the dams womb specially if it were a male that was foled is of great force to withstand this disease if the patient do but smell thereto when the fit is comming Some giue counsell to eat the heart of a black he asse together with bread but in any wise it must be done abroad in the open aire and when the moon is but one or two days old at the most Others prescribe to eat the flesh there be againe who aduise to drink their bloud dilaied with water for 40 daies together Some take horse stale mingling it with smiths water fresh out of the forge for the said purpose with the said drink cure those that be lunatick mad at certain seasons Mares milk is ordinarily giuen with good successe to those that be troubled with the falling euill so are the rugged werts growing vpon horse legs to be drunk in oxymel And to this effect the Magitians would haue a dish of meat made with goats flesh rosted against a funeral fire where some dead corps is burnt who ordain besides their tallow and buls gall of each an equall weight to be sodden and then to be put vp again into the bladder or burse of the said gall that it touch not the ground in any case and being thus prepared the patient forsooth must drink it in water standing vpon the dore fill and vnder the very lintell thereof Now if you would know whether a man be subiect to this sicknes or no do but burn before him either a Goats or Stagges horne the very smoke or fume thereof will bring the fit vpon him if he be tainted therewith Concerning those that be suddenly taken with a dead palsie of the one side of their body it is said that the vrin of an Asse-fole incorporat with Spikenard into the form of a liniment is very good for them if the inunction therewith be vsed For the jaundise Harts horn burnt and reduced into ashes is a very proper medicine so is the bloud of an asse fole drunk in wine Likewise the dung of an asses fole which came first from it after it was foled giuen to the quantity of a bean in a draught of wine cureth the iaundise within three daies The same operation and effect there is in the first ordure that a colt maketh after it is come into the world If any bone be broken or brused there is not a more present remedy than the ashes of a cheek either of a wild bore or tame swine In like maner their lard sodden tied round about the broken bone doth consolidat and souder it again wondrous soon And verily if there be any ribs in the side broken the soueraigne and only remedy commended is goats dung tempered with old wine for it openeth draweth and healeth the fracture throughly As touching feuers the feeding vpon the venison of red Deere driueth them all away as I haue before shewed but more particularly if it be any of these Typicke and Periodicall agues which be intermittent and return by fits there is not a better thing if we may beleeue Magitians than to take the right eie of a wolfe salt it and so tie it about the necke or hang it fast to any part of the patient Of these feuers there is one called a quotidian which the Greeks name Amphemerinos from it by their saying a man shal be throughly rid in case he let an asse bloud in the eare vein and drink three drops thereof iust in 3 hemines of water But against the Qâ—…artan ague the Magitians giue order to weare about the neck or hanging to the arme cats dung together with the claw or toe of a scriche Owle but so as they may not fall off nor bee remoued before seuen fits be past Now tell me I pray you what was he that could find out this secret first Gladly would I learne what reason there is in this mixture and why an owles claw or toe was chosen aboue all other for this purpose Certes there be some of them yet more modest than their fellows and they haue giuen out That the liuer of a Cat killed in the wane of the
the blond of a lizard but this must be don whiles both the children and the party who hath the doing thereof be fasting CHAP. IX ¶ Receits for the gouts of feet and hands and generally for the pains or diseases of ioints what soeuer THe tried grease of vnwashed wooll incorporat with womans milk and white lead is a very proper liniment to mitigate the pain of the gout so is the liquid dung of sheep when they run out behind Their lights likewise or a rams gal incorporat with their suet Some split mice and lay them hot to the place also the bloud of a weazil reduced into a liniment with Plaintain and the ashes of a weazill burnt aliue tempered with vineger and rose water and brought into a thin liniment so that the place affected maybe dressed with a feather Others temper wax and oile of roses together And there be again who vse dogs gal for this purpose but in any wise the hand must not touch it but the place ought to be annointed with a feather likewise hens dung and the ashes of earthworms mixt with hony with this charge that this cataplasme be not vndone or remoued before the third day Howbeit it is thought better by some to apply the same ashes with water but by others to vse vineger in measure and with moderation together with 3 cyaths of hony hauing before hand annointed with oile rosat the gouty feet It is said moreouer that to drink broad snails is a singular medicine to take away the gout of the feet or the pain of any other ioint the manner wherof is to stamp 2 at a time and drink them in wine some apply the same in a liniment with the juice of the herb Parietary Others content themselues to bruise them and so to incorporat them into a cataplasme with vineger Many are of opinion that the gout may be cured if the patient vse oftentimes to take the salt which together with a Viper was calcined in a new earthen pot as also that it is very good to annoint the feet with Vipers grease And they affirme constantly of a Kite that hath bin kept long dried if the patient reduce it into pouder and drink thereof in water as much as three fingers will well take vp it cureth the gout throughly But if the feet be full of bloud and swollen withall they vse Nettles thereto Some there be that take the yong feathers of a Kite so soon as they put forth and stamp the same with Nettles to a liniment The very dung likewise that these foules do meut serueth in stead of a good liniment to annoint the painful gout in any joint whatsoeuer so do the ashes of a weazill or of shell-snailes burnt or calcined and incorporate either with Amydum or gum Tragacanth If a man haue gotten a rap or rush vpon any joint there is not a better thing for to cure it than copwebs some chuse for this intention those which be wouen by the spiders of ash colour like as to vse the ashes of Pigeons dung with parched barly groats and white wine In any dislocation of joints the most present remedy that is knowne is sheepes suet tempered with the ashes of of womens haire burnt This suet likewise serueth well to bee applied with allum to the kibes of the heels so do the ashes of a dogs head or of mice dung But in case there be any vlcer there not yet putrified adde wax thereto and it will skin vp and heale the same and the like effect is wrought by the light ashes of criquets burnt and tempered with oile or els with the ashes of the wild wood-mice mixt with hony of earth-worms also incorporat with old oile lastly many apply therto the snails that be found naked without their shels And verily the ashes of such snails burnt aliue heale all sores of the feet howbeit if the feet be galled but lightly excoriated there is not a better thing for them than the ashes of hens dung or pigeons dung incorporat with oile If the shoo hath rubbed off the skin or fretred any part of the foot the ashes of an old shoo-sole are singular good to heal the same so are the lights of a ram or lambe The pouder of a caples teeth is a soueraigne and speciall remedy for the seet if there ouse out any matter from vnder the nailes The bloud of a green lizard healeth the galls vnder the foot yea and cureth throughly the sore feet both of man and beast if they be dressed therewith As for the corns and agnels which arise about the feet it is good to besmeare them with the vrine of Mule or mulet together with the mire in the very place where they staled also with sheeps dung The liuer or bloud of a greene lizard applied vpon some flocke to the place or vpon a locke of wooll Some vse in that order earth-wotmes stamped with oile or the head of the star-lizard Stellio incorporat in oile with a like quantity of Agnus Castus Last of all others take Pigeons dung sodden in vineger and lay the same to the place Touching werts of what sort soeuer they be there is not a more proper thing to make them fall off than to bathe them well with the vrine durt and all of a dog where he lately pissed or to apply thereto a salue of dogs dung ashes and wax it is not amisse also to lay to them sheepes dung or to rub them wel with Mice-bloud new killed or to apply a Mouse split along the mids aliue the gall likewise of an Vrchin the head of a lizard or the bloud or lastly the ashes of a lizard calcined the old slough of a snake also Lastly hens dung incorporat with oile and salnitre If all these medicines fail begin the cure new with Cantharides incorporat with wilde grapes called Vvae taminae this is a corrosiue wil eat them out but when they be thus fretted exulcerat the cure must be followed with those appropriat means which I haue set downe before in the healing of vlcers CHAP. X. ¶ Medicines appropriate for diuers and sundry diseases which possesse the whole body REturne we now to the cure of those maladies which are incident not to this or that member but to the whole body First and foremost the Magitians say that the gall of a blacke dog a dog I say and not a bitch is a singular countercharme and preseruatiue against all sorceries inchantments and poisons which may indanger a whole house in case there be a perfume made therewith to purifie the aire thereof yea and to hallow and blesse it against all such dangers The like effect say they we are to look for if the walls of the said house be sprinckled or striked with the bloud of the said black dog with this charge To burne vnder the threshold or dore sell at the entry of the said house the genitall member of the same dog Men may maruell
there was not that vse of them in physick as at this present for now adays if folk be amisse or il at ease straightwaies they run to the bains and bath for remedy And in truth those waters which stand vpon brimstone be good for the sinews such as come from a veine of alume are proper for the palsie or such like infirmities proceeding from resolution of the nerues Moreouer they that hold of bitumen or nitre such as be the fountains Cutiliae be potable and good to be drunke and yet they are purgatiue To come to the vse of natural bains and hot waters many men in a brauery sit long in a bath and they take a pride in it to indure the heat of the water many hours together and yet is there nothing so hurtfull for the body for in truth a man should continue little longer in them than in ordinary artificiall bains or stouphs and then afterwards when he goeth forth hee is to wash his body with fresh cold water not without some oile among Howbeit our common people here thinke this to be very strange will not be brought to to it which is the reason that mens bodies in no place are most subject to diseases for the strong vapours that steme from thence stuffe and fil their heads and although they sweat in one part yet they chil in another notwithstanding the rest of their bodies stand deep within the water Others there are besides who on the like erronious conceit take great joy in drinking a deal of this water striuing avie who can poure most of it downe the throat I haue my selfe seen some of them so puffed vp and swolne with drinking that their very skin couered and hid the rings vpon their fingers namely when they were not able to deliuer again the great quantity of water that they had taken in Therefore this drinking of much water is not good to be vsed vnles a man do eftsoons eat salt withall Great vse there is and to good purpose of the mud which these fountains do yeeld but with this regard that when the body is besmeared and bedawbed outwardly therwith the same may dry vpon it in the Sun Well these hot waters be commonly full of vertue howbeit this is not generall That if a spring be hot by and by we should think it is medicinable for the experience of the contrary is to be seen in Egesta of Sicily in Larissa Troas Magnesia Melos and Lipara Neither is it a sure argument of a medicinable water as many are of opinion if a piece of siluer or brasse which hath bin dipped therein lose the colour for there is no such matter to be seene by the naturall baths of Padua neither is there perceiued in them any difference in smell from others Concerning Sea waters the same order and mean is to be obserued especially in such as bee made hot for to help the pains and infirmities of the sinews and many hold them good to souder fractures of bones yea and to cure their bruises and contusions likewise they haue a desiccatiue vertue wherby they dry rheumaticke bodies in which regard men bath also in sea water actually cold Moreouer the sea affoor deth other vses in diuers and sundry respects but principally the aire therof is wholsome for those who are in a phthysicke or consumption as I haue beforesaid and cureth such as doe reach or void bloud vpward and verily I remember of late daies that Annaeus Gallio after that he was Consull tooke this course namely to saile vpon the sea for this infirmity What is the cause think ye that many make voiages into Aegypt surely it is not for the aire of Egypt it self but because they lie long at sea and be sailing a great while before they come thither Furthermore the vomits also which are occasioned at sea by the continual rolling and rocking of the ships neuer standing stil are good for many maladies of head eies and brest and generally they doe cure all those accidents for which the drinking of Ellebore serueth As for sea water to be applied simply of it selfe vnto the outward parts physitians are of opinion that it is more effectual than any other for to discusse resolue tumors more particularly if there be a cataplasme made of it and barly meale sodden together it is singular for the swellings behind the ears called Parotides They mingle the same likewise in plasters such especially as be white and emollitiues and if the head be hurt and the * brain touched and offended it is soueraigne to be infused into the wound It is prescribed also to be drunke for albeit the stomack take some offence and hurt thereby yet it purgeth the body well and doth euacuat melancholick humors and black choler yea and if the bloud bee cluttered within the body it sendeth it out one way or other either vpward or downeward Some haue ordained it to be giuen for the quartan feuer others aduise to saue and keep it a time for to serue the turne in case of Tinesmes which are vnordinat strainings at the stoole to no effect also for all gouts and pains of joints and in very truth by age long keeping it forgoeth al that brackish tast which it had at the first Some boile it before but all in generall agree in this To vse for these purposes that sea water which was taken out of the deep far from the land such as is not corrupt with any mixture of fresh water with it and before their patients do drink it enjoyne them to vomit and then also do they mingle with it either vineger or wine for that purpose They that giue little thereof and by it selfe appoint radishes to be eaten presently vpon it with honied vineger or oxymell for to prouoke the patient to vomit againe Moreouer they vse otherwhile to minister a clystre made of sea water first warmed verily there iâ—… not a better thing than it for to bath and foment the cods withall if they be swelled either with ventosities or waterish humors Also it is much commended for kibed heels if they be taken before they are broken and exulcerat and in like manner they kill the itch cure scabs tettars and ringwormes Sea water serueth wel to wash the head to rid it of nits and filthy lice yea and reduceth black and blew marks in the skin to the fresh and liuely colour againe In all these cures after the vse of salt-water it is passing good to foment the place affected with vineger hot Ouer and besides it is thought to be very wholsome and good against the venomous stings of serpents and namely of the spiders Phalangia and scorpions Semblably it cureth those that be infected outwardly with the noysome saliuation or spittle of the Aspis called Ptyas but in these cases it must be taken hot furthermore a perfume made with sea-water and vineger is singular for the head-ach If it be clysterized hot
kept in salt giuen in wine to drinke do stir and prouoke the appetite vnto venerie Moreouer to feed vpon the fishes called Erythrines ordinarily at the table to hang about the necke the liuer of the frog called Diopetes or Calamita within a little piece of a cranes skin or the jaw tooth of a Crocodile fastened to any arme either els the Sea-horse or the sinewes of a Toad bound to the right arme incite greatly to wantonnesse and lecherie Put a toad within a piece of a sheeps skin newly flaied and let one weare it tied fast about him he shall forget all loue and amitie for euer The broth of froggs boiled in water do extenuat the scuruie thicke roufe in the farcins or mange of horses and make way that they may be bathed and anointed and verily it is credibly affirmed that if they be cured after this manner the scab will neuer returne againe The expert midwife Salpe affirmeth for certain That doggs will not barke if there be giuen vnto them in a morcell of bread or gobbet of flesh a liue frog In this discourse of Water and the things concerning it somwhat ought to be said as touching Calamochnus which otherwise in Latine is named Adarca it groweth about small canes or reeds and is engendred of the froth of sea water and fresh water together where they both meet and are intermingled a causticke qualitie it hath in regard whereof it entreth into the compositions called Acopa which serue for lassitude and those that are benummed with cold It is emploied also in taking away the pimples or spots in womens faces like to lentils As for Reeds and Canes this is their very proper place also wherein they should be treated of And to begin with that reed or cane called Phragmitis which is so good for mounds hedges the root thereof greene gathered and punned is singular for dislocations and the paine of the backebone if the place affected be annointed with it incorporat in vinegre But the rind of the Cyprian cane which also is named Donax burnt into ashes is singular for to recouer haire againe where it was shed by occasion of sicknesse and to heale old vlcers The leaues also serue very well to draw forth any spills pricks or arrow heads that sticke within the flesh yea and to extinguish S. Anthonies fire As for the floure or downe of their catkins if it chance to enter into the eares it causeth deafenesse The blacke liquor resembling inke which is found in the cuttle-fish is of that force that if it be put to the oile of a lamp burning Anaxilaus saith it will drown and put out the former cleare light and make all those in the room to looke like blackamores or Aethiopians The hedge frog otherwise called a toad boiled in water and giuen to swine among other draffe to drinke cureth all their diseases and of the same effect are the ashes of any other frogs besides Rub a piece of wood with the fish called Pulmo Marinus it will seem as though it were on a light fire in so much as a staffe so rubbed or besmeared with it may serue in stead of a torch to giue light before one CHAP. XI ¶ That there be of fishes and other creatures liuing in the Sea one hundred seuentie and six seuerall and distinct kinds HAuing thus treated before sufficiently of the natures and properties of Fishes and such creatures as the water doth yeeld it remaineth now for a finall conclusion to present vnder one view all those fishes name by name which are engendred and nourished not only in those mediterranean and inland arms of the sea which for many a mile take vp a great part of the continent and firme land but also in that vast and wide ocean without the main bounded as it were limited onely by the compasse and circumference of the heauen and those namely as many as be knowne may be reduced all into 176 kinds a thing which cannot be done either in the beasts of the land or foules of the aire For how is it possible to decipher particularize the wild beasts and foules of India Aethyopia of the desarts and of Scythia which we are not come to the knowledge of seeing we haue found so many different sorts in men of whom wee haue some notice and intelligence to say nothing of Ta probane and other Islands lying within the Ocean whereof so many fabulous reports are deliuered certes there is no man but hee must needs confesse and agree to this that it was not possible in this historie of Nature to comprise all sorts of creatures which the earth aire do yeeld Howbeit those that are bred in the Ocean as huge and vast as it is may be comprehended vnder a certaine number a wonderfull matter that we should be better acquainted with those considering how Nature hath plunged and hidden them in the deepe gulfes of the maine sea To begin then with the greatest monsters and beasts that this vnruly Element of the water doth breed we find therin the sea-Trees Whirlepooles greater Whales Priests Tritons i. sea Trumpetters Nereides i. Meremaids Elephants sea Men and Women Wheeles sea Tuns or Pipes Rams and smaller Whales accompanying the bigger Besides other Rams that resemble the ordinary shape of fishes Dolphins and the sea Calues or Seales whereof the Poët Homer writeth so much Furthermore the sea Tortoises which serue for roiot wantonnesse and excesse the Beuers which are so much in request among Physicians As for the Otters albeit a kind of Beuers they are yet because I neuer heard that they came into the salt water I make no great reckoning of them for my purpose is to rehearse those only which inhabit or haunt the sea moreouer the sea Dogs the Curriors Posts or Lacquies of the sea the horned fishes the Swordfish or Emperour of the sea and the Sawfish Ouer and besides those which liue indifferently in the sea the land the riuer to wit the water Horses and the Crocodiles others again that ordinarily keepe in the sea and yet come vp into the riuers but neuer land to wit the Tunies as well the growne Thunnies as the yonger sort Thunnides or Pelamides The Siluri the blacke Coracini and Perches As touching those that neuer came forth of the sea the Sturgeon the Guilthead the cod the Acarne Aphya Alopecias the Yeels and Araneus The billowing fish Box Batis Banchus Barrachus and Belone with all the kind of those which wee call Needle fishes and also Balanus The sea Rauen Corvus and Cytharus all the sorts of the Chrombi the Carpe Chalcis and Cobio Callarius of the Cods kind but that it is lesse Colias whether it be Parianus of Parium the Colony or Sexitanus so called of a city in Granado or Baetica a fish resembling Lizards of which and of the young Tunie Pelamis both bred in Moeotis being chopped and cut into pieces
Vlcers Fistulaes how to be kept open 191. c Fistulous sores in the secret parts how healed 136. k. See Priuities Fistula betweene the angle of the eye and the nose how it is to bee cured 125. e. 146. m. 286. g. it is called Aegilops 235. a Fistulaes how they are bred in any part of the bodie 262. h Fits cold and shaking in an ague how to be put by 57. d 61. b. 143. a. 162. h. 260. â— 313. a. 314. i. 316. l. Fits otherwise of chill cold how to be cased 57. f. 61. a. 67. d See more in cold Fiue-finger or fiue-leaued grasse See Cinquefoile F L Flags what hearbe See Xiphion Flancke diseased how to be cured 37. e. 40. k. 54. i. 275. e Flatuositie See Ventositie Cn. Flauius for what demerit he was created Aedile curule and Tribune of the Commons 457. a. b Flax the wonderfull power thereof 1. d. e. f the plant thriueth apace 2. h. the seed how it is sowne how it commeth vp and groweth 2. i Flax of Spaine 3. a. b Flax of Zoela 3. c Flax of Cumes ibid. Flax of Italy 3. d spinning of Flax what manner of worke 4. k Flax how to be dressed hetchelled spun beaten wouen c. 4 k. l Fleawort the hearbe descriBed 233. c. the diuerse names it hath ibid. the nature and vertues ibid. Fleas how to be killed 60. l. 63. c. 120. l. 124 m. 186. h against the breeding of Fleas 387. f Fleagme viscous sticking in the chest and throat how to be cut and dissolued 46. g. h. 64. l. 73. c. 74. g 107. d. 121. e 122. h. 130. i. 167. d. 173. e. 183. c. 198. i. 200. i. 206. i 246. g. i. 257 a. 277. b. 329. b. Fleagme and fleagmaticke humors how to be purged downward 72. h. 75. c. 140. h. 150. h. 170. g. 172. h. 182. h 185. c. 186. g. 198 l. 218. i. 250. l. m. 251. a. b. 252. h. l 281. b. 288. g 291. b. Flemmings vsed Flax and made linnen in old time 2. l Flesh ranke and proud in vlcers how to be repressed 50. m 61. b. See more in Vlcers and Excrescence Flesh meat how it may be kept fresh and sweet all Summer long 71. a how it is preserued from maggot and corruption 342. i Flexumines at Rome who they were 461. a Flint stone where it is cut with the saw 588. i Flory of Painters what it is 531. b Flos-Salis i. Sperma Ceti 416. k Flos or floure of Antimonie what it is 474. g Floures that bring tidings of the spring 92. g Floure-de-Lis root medicinable 87. d Floure-de-Lis where the best groweth ibid. d. e Floure-de-Lis of Illyricum of two sorts ibid. e Floure-de-Lis called Rhaphantis and why so ibid. why it is named Rhizotomus ibid. the ceremonious manner of taking vp the root 87. e. f Floure gentle surpasseth all floures for pleasant colour 89. a. the description and nature thereof ibid. why it is called Amaranthus ibid. b Spring Floures 92. g Summer Floures ibid. k Autumne Floures 92. l Floures of hearbes different 19. f Floures and their varietie 79. e. f Floures differ in smell colour and iuice i. tast 86. l Floures in Aegipt why they sent not well 87. b what Floures be employed in guirlands 89. e Flux of the stomacke or laske called Caeliaca passio how to be staied 39. e. 43. d. 49. d. 55. c 59. d 66. h. k. 68. h. 73. d 76. g. i. 106. l. 108 g. 111. a. 122. g. 124. k. 128. l. 139 f 144. i. 147. b. 148. h. i. 163. e. 164. g. l. 151. f. 153. c. f 156. g. 158. g. i. 165. b. e. 167. f. 168. g. 172. l. 174. k 177. c. f. 178. k. 188. l. 192. h. 195. e. 196. g. m. 197. e 216. h. 249. a. 250. g. 285. d. 289. c. 219. d. 307. c 318. l. 332. g. 331. b. c. d. e. f. 352. h. i. 353. b. c. 382. l m 422. l. if it be inueterat and of long continuance 418. k. Flux called Lieuterie how staied 165. e. See Laske Flies where they are not at all 95. b. how to be killed 220 g. Flies witlesse creatures 364. k. they flie like clouds out of the territorie of Olympia at a certaine time ibid. vpon what occasion ibid. their heads bloud ashes c. yeeld medicines ibid. F O Foemur Bubulum what hearbe 282. g Fole-foot the hearbe why called in Greeke Asarum 86. g Fole-foot another herbe called in Greeke Chamaeleuce aâ—d in Latine Farfugium 199. a. the description ibid. the vertues that it hath ibid. b why called Bechion and Tussilago 246 i. two kindes of it ibid. wild Fole foot a direction to find water 246 i. the description thereof ibid. the second Fole-foot called Saluia described ibid k Fome of a Dog and Horses mouth how they were liuely painted by chance and fortune 542. l Fome of water medicinable 414. h Food of light digestion 141. b Forke fish See Sea-Pussin Formacei what walls they be 555. b Fortune or Chance accounted a goddesse 270. l Fortuna huiusce diei 497 d. a temple for her at Rome ibid. Forum of Rome spread with caltraps 5. e. and why ibid. paued with fine workes in colours ibid. Forum of Augustus Caesar at Rome a sumptuous building 581. f. what Caesar paid for the plot of ground where this Forum stood 582. g Founderie i. the feat of casting images and workes of mettall so excellent that it was ascribed to some of the gods 487. c. an ancient art in Italy 493. e a Fountaine purging and clensing of it selfe euerie ninth yeare 411. b Fountaines which be naturally hot doe engender salt 414. m. Fountaines yeelding diuerse sorts of water some hot some cold others both 401. c Fountaines yeelding water not potable for beasts but medicinable onely for men ibid. d Fountaines giuing names to gods goddesses and cities ibid. Fountaines standing vpon diuerse minerals ibid. Fountaines of hot waters able to seeth meats ibid. e. Licinian Fountaines hot rising out of the sea ibid. red fountaines in Aethyopia 402. m. the vertues of them ibid. a Fountaine yeelding water resembling wine 403. e a Fountaine casting vp an vnctuous water seruing in stead of oyle to maintaine lampes ibid. f a Fountaine seething vp with water of a sweet smell 407. b the reason thereof ibid. number of Foure forbidden in some cases 305. f Fox greace gall and dung effectuall in Physicke 324. h Fox pizzle medicinable ibid. k Fox tongue medicinable 325. d Fox taile described 99. b Foxes how they may be kept from Geese Hens and Pullaine 342. k F R Fractures or bones broken how to be knit and soudered 58. k. 119. d. 183. a. 200. l. 233. b. 275. f. 335. e. 394. k. l 412. k. Freckles how to be scoured out of the face 140. m. 161. b. e 168. k. 173. c. 174. l. 175. b. 308. g. 314. k. See more in Face and Visage Fresh water at sea how Saylers may haue at all times 413.
the Elements 6. Of the seuen Planets 7. Concerning God 8. The nature of the fixed starres and Planets their course and reuolution 9. The nature of the Moone 10. The eclipse of Sun and Moone also of the night 11. The bignesse of starres 12. Diuerse inuentions of men and their obseruations touching the coelestiall bodies 13. Of Eclipses 14. The motion of the Moone 15. Generall rules or canons touching planets or lights 16. The reason why the same planets seeme higher or lower at sundry times 17. Generall rules concerning the planets or wandring stars 18. What is the cause that planets change their colours 19. The course of the Sunne his motion and from whence proceedeth the inequalitie of daies 20. Why lightenings be assigned to Iupiter 21. The distances betweene the planets 22. The harmonie of stars and planets 23. The geometrie and dimensions of the world 24. Of stars appearing sodainly 25. Of comets or blasing stars and other prodigious appearances in the skie their nature situation and sundry kinds 26. The opinion of Hipparchus the Philosopher as touching the stars fire-lights lamps pillars or beames of fire burning darts gapings of the skie and other such impressions by way of example 27. Strange colours appearing in the firmament 28. Flames and leams seene in the skie 29. Circles of guirlands shewing aboue 30. Of coelestiall circles and guirlands that continue not but soone passe 31. Of many Suns 32. Of many Moones 33. Of nights as light as day 34. Of meteors resembling fierie targuets 35. Astrange and wonderfull apparition in the skie 36. The extraordinarie shooting and motion of stars 37. Of the stars named Castor and Pollux 38. Of the Aire 39. Of certaine set times and seasons 40. The power of the Dog-star 41. The sundrie influences of stars according to the seasons and degrees of the signes 42. The causes of raine wind and clouds 43. Of thunder and lightning 44. Whereupon commeth the redoubling of the voice called Echo 45. Of winds againe 46. Diuerse considerations obserued in the nature of winds 37. Many sorts of winds 48. Of sodaine blasts and whirle-puffs 49. Other strange kinds of tempests storms 50. In what regions there fall thunderbolts 51. Diuers sorts of lightnings and wonderous accidents by them occasioned 52. The obseruations of the Tuscanes in old time as touching lightening 53. Conjuring for to raise lightning 54. Generall rules concerning leames and flashes of lightning 55. What things be exempt and secured from lightning and thunderbolts 56. Of monstrous and prodigious showres of raine namely of milke bloud flesh yron wooll bricke and tyle 57. The rattling of harnesse and armour the sóund also of trumpets heard from heauen 58. Of stones falling from heauen 59. Of the Rain-bow 60. Of Haile Snow frost Mists and Dew 61. Of diuers formes and shapes represented in clouds 62. The particular propertie of the skie in certaine places 63. The nature of the Earth 64. The forme and figure of the earth 65. Of the Antipodes and whether there bee any such Also as touching the roundnesse of the water 66. How the water resteth vpon the Earth 67. Of Seas and riuers nauigable 68. What parts of the earth be habitable 69. That the earth is in the mids of the world 70. From whence proceedeth the inequalitie obserued in the rising and eleuation of the stars Of the eclipse where it is wherfore 71. The reason of the day-light vpon earth 72. A discourse thereof according to the Gnomon also of the first Sun-dyall 73. In what places and at what times there are no shadows cast 74. Where the shadows fall opposite and contrary twice in the yeare 75. Where the dayes bee longest and where shortest 76. Likewise of Dyals and Quadrants 77. The diuers obseruations and acceptations of the day 78. The diuersities of regions and the reason thereof 79. Of Earthquakes 80. Of the chinks and openinst of the earth 81. Signes of earthquake toward 82. Remedies and helps againg eatthquakes comming 83. Strange and prodigious wonders seen one time in the earth 84. Miraculous accidents as touching earthquake 85. In what parts the seas went backe 86. Islands appearing new out of the sea 87. What Islands haue thus shewed and at what times 88. Into what lands the seas haue broken perforce 89. What Islands haue bin ioyned to the continent 90. What lands haue perished by water and become all sea 91. Of lands that haue settled and beene swallowed vp of themselues 92. What cities haue beene ouerflowed and drowned by the sea 93. Wonderfull strange things as touching some lands 94. Of certaine lands that alwaies suffer earthquake 95. Of Islands that flote continually 96. In what countries of the world it never raineth also of many miracles as well of the earth as other elements hudled vp pell mell together 97. The reason of the Sea-tides as well ebbing as flowing and where the sea floweth extraordinarily 98. Wonderfull things obserued in the sea 99. The power of the Moone ouer Sea and land 100. The power of the Sun and the reason why the sea is salt 101. Moreouer as touching the nature of the Moone 102. Where the sea is deepest 103. Admirable obseruations in fresh waters as well of fountaines as riuers 104. Admirable things as touching fire and water ioyntly together also of Maltha 105. Of Naphtha 106. Of certaine places that burne continually 107. Wonders of fire alone 108. The dimension of the earth as well in length as in breadth 109. The harmonicall circuit ond circumference of the world In sum there are tn this boooke of histories notable matters and worthy obseruations foure hundred and eighteene in number Latine Authours cited M. Varro Sulpitius Gallus Tiberius Caesar Emperour Q. Tubero Tullius Tiro L. Piso T. Livius Cornelius Nepos Statius Sebosus Casius Antipater Fabianus Antias Mutianus Cecina who wrote of the Tuscane learning Tarquitius L. Aquila and Sergius Paulus Forreine Authours cited Plato Hipparchus Timaeus Sosigenes Petosiris Necepsus the Pythagoreans Posidonius Anaximander Epigenes Gnomonicus Euclides Ceranus the Philosopher Eudoxus Democritus Crâ—…sodemus Thrasillus Serapion Dicearchus Archimedes Onesicritus Eratosthenes Pytheas Herodotus Aristotle Ctesius Artemidorus the Ephesian Isidorus Characenus and Theopompus ¶ IN THE THIRD BOOKE ARE COMPREHENded the Regions Nations Seas Townes Hauens Mountains Riuers with their measures and people either at this day known or in times past as followeth Chap. 1. Of Europe 2. The length and breadth of Boetica a part of Spaine containing Andalusia and the realme of Grenado 3. That hither part of Spaine called of the Romans Hispania Citerior 4. The Prouince Nerbonencis wherin is Dauphine Languedoc and Provance 5. Italie Tiberis Rome and Campaine 6. The Island Corsica 7. Sardinia 8. Sicilie 9. Lipara 10. Of Locri and the frontiers of Italie 11. The second gulfe of Europe 12. The fourth region of Italie 13. The fifth region 14. The sixth region 15. The eighth region 16. Of the riuer Po. 17. Of Italie beyond the Po counted the eleuenth
leaven also of making past bread and when Bakers were first knowne at Rome Of sieves serces and bulters and of sodden wheat or frumentie 12. Of pulse 13. Of Rapes and Navewes in the Amiternine tract 14. Of Lupines 15. Of Vetches and Ervile 16. Of Fenigreeke of Messelline or dredgecorne of Mung-corne or Bollimong for provander of Clauer or three-leafed grasse called Medica and of another Trefoile named Cytisus 17. The faults and diseases in corne graine and pulse and their remedies what corne or pulse ought to be sowne with respect to the ground 18. Of prodigious tokens obserued in corne The skill of ploughing the ground the divers sorts of culters shares in the plough 19. The seasons of the yere fit to till plough the ground The manner of putting oxen in the yoke for the plough 20. Of breaking clods or harrowing of another kinde of tilling the earing or second tilth or stirring the ground And cutting the corne 21. The manner of tilling and husbanding land 22. Examples of diuers grounds of such as are wondrous fertile of a vine that beareth grapes twice in the yeare The difference of waters 23. The qualitie of the ground or soile of compost or dunging lands 24. The goodnesse of choise seeds the manner of good sowing how much seed of any corn an acre will take to be well sowne The seasons of seednesse 25. The obseruation of the stars for their apparition or occultation their rising and setting as well for day as night 26. A recapitulation and briefe summarie of all things belonging to husbandrie What is to bee done in the field euery moneth of the yeere 27. That husbandmen should not so much regard the signe or the stars as the fit season of the time for seednes The rising or fall the apparition or occultation of planets obserued in some hearbes Of the rising and setting of stars 28. Of medows how they are to be repaired and brought into hart of sith-stones hooks sickles and sithes the time of sowing corne and what fixed starres are of power about that time 29. Of the seasons and times to be marked as well in summer as winter what remedy for barraine and leane ground 30. Of the haruest of wheat of chaffe how to keepe corne 31. Of vintage and autumne and the constitution thereof 32. What regard is to be had in the moon and her age in husbandrie ture 33. The consideration of the winds for agricul 34. The bounds limits bawks and waies to be obserued in cornefields 35. Signes whereby a man may prognosticat the disposition of the weather In summe there be contained in this book of notable matters stories and obseruations two thousand and six hundred Latine Authors alledged in this booke Massurius Sabinus Cassius Hemina Verrius Flaccus L. Piso Cornelius Celsus Turannius Graccula D. Syllanus M. Varro Cato Censorius Scrofa Sarsennae both father and sonne Domitius Calvinus Hyginus Virgill Trogus Ouid Graecinus Columella Tubero L. Aruntius who wrote in Greeke of Astronomie and Caesar Dictator who likewise wrote of the same argument Sergius Paulus Sabinus Fabianus M. Cicero Calphurnius Bassus Atteius Capito Manlius Sura and Actius who compiled a booke called Praxidica Forreine Authours Hesiodus Theophrastus Aristotle Democritus K. Hiero K. Philometor K. Attalus K. Archelaus Archytas Xenophon Amphilochus of Athens Anaxipolis of Thasus Aristophanes the Milesian Apollodorus the Lemnian Antigonus the Cymaean Agathocles of Chios Apollonius of Pergamus Aristander the Athenian Bacchius the Milesian Bion of Soli Chaerea of Athens Chaeristus likewise the Athenian Diodorus of Priene Dion of Colophon Epigenes of Rhodes Evagoras the Thasian Euphronius the Athenian Andration Aeschrio and Lysimachus who wrote all three of Husbandrie Dionysius that translated the works of Mago and Diophanes who drew the same into an Epitome Thales Eudoxus Philippus Callippus Dositheus Permeniscus Meliton Criton Oenopides Zeno Euctemon Harpalus Hecataeus Anaximander Sosigenes Hipparchus Aratus Zoroastres and Archibius ¶ THE NINETEENTH BOOKE CONTAINETH a discourse of the nature of Flax and other wonderfull matters Chap. 1. The sowing of Line seed diuers kinds of flax how it is dressed of naperie napkins of linnen that will not burne nor consume with fire and when curtains were deuised at Rome about the theatres 2. The nature of a kind of broom called Spart when it came to be vsed first how it is to be ordered dressed what plants both spring and also liue without roots 3. Of Mysy and of Mushroms of Tadstoles or Mushromes that bee broad and without a taile called Pezici of Laserpitium and Magydaris of Maddir and the Fullers root Radicula i. Sopeweed 4. The manner of dressing and trimming gardens also the ordering and due placing of other plants good for to be eaten ouer and besides corn and the fruit of trees shrubs 5. The nature the sundry sorts and the stories of many plants that grow in gardens 6. Of the roots leaues floures and colours of garden hearbes 7. How many daies it will be after the seeds of herbes be sowne or their slips set ere they come vp the nature of seeds how herbes are to be sown or set and in what course and ranke which herbes are but one of a kinde and which they be that haue many kinds 8. The nature of such garden herbes as are good for the pot or to make sallads and to season meat withal their kinds to the number of 46 with their stories descriptions 9. Of Fennell and Hempe 10. The diseases and maladies that annoy gardens the remedies against the same as also how to kill ants caterpillers and gnats 21. What seeds be more or lesse able to endure any hardnesse or injurie and which they be that salt waters are good for 22. The manner of watering gardens what herbes they be which beeing transplanted and removed prooue the better and finally the juice the sweet sauours and relishnes of garden-herbes In summe here are comprised memorable things stories and obseruations a thousand one hundred fortie and three Latine Authours cited M. Actius Plautus M. Varro D. Syllanus Cato Censorius Hyginus Virgil Mutianus Celsus Columella Calphurnius Bassus Manlius Sura Sabinus Tyro Licinius Macer Q. Hirtius Vibius Rufus Cesennius who wrote Sepurica i. a treatise of Gardening Castritius likewise and Firmius who both twaine made a worke of the same matter and last of all Petreius Forreine Writers Herodotus Theophrastus Democritus Aristomachus Menander who wrote a booke intituled Brochresta i. of things profitable for our life and diet and Anaxilaus ¶ THE TWENTIETH BOOKE COMPRISETH medicines out of those Simples which are set and sowed in Gardens Chap. 1. Of the wild Cucumber and the juice therof Elaterium 2. Of the Cucumber as wel that which wande reth groweth abroad called Anguinum as that of the garden also of the Pompion 3. Of the wild gourds and the Rape or Naves 4. Diuers sorts of Navewes of the wild Radish of the garden Radish and the Parsnep or Carot 5. Of Staphylinum
a planet and bones broken 17. Against Melancholic and those whose braines bee troubled with fansies the lethargie dropsie wild fire or tetter and the paines or ach of the sinewes apt remedies 18. To staunch bloud to cure vlcers or old sores cankers and scabs 19. Medicines appropriat to womens diseases 20. Strange and wondrous things obserued in sundry beasts In summe here be reported medicines stories and obseruations to the number of a hundred eightie and fiue Latine Authours alledged M. Varro L. Piso Fabianus Verres Antias Verrius Flaccus Cato Censorius Servius Sulpitius Licinius Macer Celsus Massurius Sextius Niger who wrate in Greeke Bythus the Dyrrhachian Ophilius the Physitian and Granius the Physitian Forreine Writers Democritus Apollodorus who wrate a book entituled Myrsis Miletus Artemon Sextilius Antaeus Homer Thcophrastus Lysimachus Attalus Xenocrates who wrote a booke called Diophros and Archelaus likewise that wrote such another Demetrius Sotira Elephantis Salpe and Olympias of Thebes fiue women and midwines Diotimus Iolla Miction of Smyrna Aeschines the Physician Hippocrates Aristotle Metrodorus Icacidas the Physitian Hesiodus Dialcon Caecilius Bion the authour of the booke Peri Dynamaean Anaxilaus and king Iuba ¶ IN THE XXIX BOOKE ARE CONTAINED medicines from other liuing creatures Chap. 1. The first beginning and originall of the Art of Physicke when Physicians began first to visit Patients lying sicke in their beds the first Physitians that practised the cure of sick persons by frictions ointments baths hot-houses c. Of Chrysippus and Erasi stratus their course and manner of practise of Empiricke Physicke of Herophilus and other famous Physitians how often the Art and state of Physicke hath altered the first professed Physician at Rome when it was that hee practised what opinion the ancient Romans had of Physicians finally the imperfection and faults in that Art 2. The medicinable vertues and properties obserued in wooll 3. The nature of eggs and the vertues thereof good in Physicke 4. Remedies in Physicke receiued from doggs and other creatures that are not tame but wild also from foules and namely against the stings of the venomous spiders Phalangia 5. Of the Ostrich greace and the vertues therof of a mad dog also remedies had from him a lizard geese doues and weasils 6. Medicines against the falling of the haire and to make it grow againe to kill nits to recouer the haire of the eye-lids to cure the dimnesse and rednesse and generally all diseases and accidents of the eyes as also the swellings and inflammations in the kernils vnder the eares In sum there be medicines and other things worth obseruation in this booke to the number of fiue hundred twentie and one Latine Authors alledged M. Varro L. Piso Verrius Flaccus Antias Nigidius Cassius Hemina Cicero Plautus Celsus Sextius Niger who wrote in Greeke Caecilius the Physician Metellus Scipio Ovid the Poet and Licinius Macer Forteine Authours Philopater Homerus Aristotle Orpheus Democritus Anaxilaus Physitians Botrys Apollodorus Archidemus Anaxilaus Ariston Xenocrates Diodorus Chrysippus the Philosopher Horus Nicander Apollonius of Pytane ¶ IN THE XXX BOOKE ARE CONTAINED medicines for liuing creatures such as were not obserued in the former Booke Chap. 1. The beginning of the black Science Art magicke when it began who practised it first and who were they that brought it into request and reputation Also the rest of the medicines taken from beasts 2. Sundrie kinds of Magicke the execrable and cursed parts plaid by Nero and of Magicians 3. Of Wants or Mouldwarps of liuing creatures as well tame as sauage which affourd remedies and those are digested in order according to the diseases 4. How to make the breath sweet against mols and spots disfiguring the face remedies for to cure the diseases of the throat and chaws 5. Against the Kings euill and namely when the swelling is broken and doth run to ease the pain of the shoulders the heart and the parts about it 6. For the diseases of the lungs and liver also to cure the casting and reiection of bloud vpward 7. Remedies for the bloudie flix and generally for all diseases of the bellie and the guts 8. For the gravell and stone for paines of the bladder for swelling of the stones and the groine of apostems or swellings in the kirnels and emunctories 9. Against the gout of the feet and paines of other ioynts 10. Remedies against many diseases that hold the whole bodie 11. Against the jaundise the phrensie fevers and dropsie 12. Against the wild fire carbuncles fellons or vncoms burnes scaldings and shrinking of the sinews 13. To staunch bloud to allay swellings in wounds also to cure vlcers greene wounds and other maladies diverse remedies all taken from liuing creatures 14. To cure womens secret maladies and to helpe conception 15. Many receits and remedies huddled together one with another 16. Certaine miraculous things obserued in beasts In summe this booke sheweth vnto vs medicines and memorable obseruations 54. Latine Authors cited M. Varro Nigidius M. Cicero Sextius Niger who wrate in Greeke and Licinius Macer Forreine Writers Eudoxus Aristotle Hermippus Homer Apion Orphens Democritus and Anaxilaus Physicians Botrys Horus Apollidorus Menander Archimedes Ariston Xenocrates Diodorus Chrysippus Nicander Apollonius Pitanaeus ¶ THE XXXI BOOKE SHEWETH MEDICINES gathered from fishes and water creatures also it deliuereth vnto vs strange and wonderfull things as touching the Waters Chap. 1. Admirable matter obserued in the waters 2. The difference of waters 3. The nature and qualitie of waters how to know good and wholesome waters from them that be naught 4. The reason of some waters that spring on a suddain so likewise cease and giue ouer 5. Many historicall obseruations of waters 6. The manner of water conduits and how to draw them from their heads when and how waters are to bee vsed which naturally are medicinable how farre forth navigation or sailing vpon the salt water is good for the health medicines made of sea water 7. Divers kinds of salt the preparing and making thereof together with the vertues medicinable of salt and other considerations thereto belonging 8. Of the fish Scamber or the Mackrell of fish pickle of Alex a kind of brine or fish sauce 9. The nature of Salt and the medicines made of it 10. Sundrie sorts of Nitre the handling and preparation thereof the medicines and obseruation to it pertaining 11. The nature of Spunges This booke comprehendeth medicines and notable obseruations 266. Latine Authours alledged M Varro Cassius of Parma Cicero Mutius Cor. Celsus Trogus Ovid Polybius and Sornatius Forreine Writers Callimachus Ctesias Eudicus Theophrastus Eudoxus Theopompus Polyclitus Iuba Lycus Apion Epigenes Pelops Apelles Democritus Thrasillus Nicander Memander the Comicall Poet Attalus Sallustius Dionysius Andreas Nicreatus Hippocrates Anaxilaus ¶ IN THE XXXII BOOKE ARE CONTAINED other medicines behind from fishes and water creatures Chap. 1. Of the fish Echeneis his wonderfull propertie of the Torpedo and the Sea-hare maruellous things reported of the red sea 2. The naturall industrie
Moreouer all tides in the main Ocean ouerspread couer and ouerflow much more within the land than in other seas besides either because the whole and vniuersall element is more couragious than in a part or for that the open greatnesse and largenesse thereof feeleth more effectually the power of the Planet working forcibly as it doth far and neere at liberty than when the same is pent and restrained within those streights Which is the cause that neither lakes nor little riuers ebbe and flow in like manner Pythias of Massiles writeth That aboue Brittain the tide floweth in height 80 cubits But the more inward and Mediterranean narrow seas are shut vp within the lands as in an hauen How beit in some places a more spacious liberty there is that yeeldeth to the power and command of the Moon for we haue many examples and experiments of them that in a calm sea without wind and saile by a strange water onely haue tided from Italy to Vtica in three daies But these tides and quick motions of the sea are found to be about the shores more than in the deep maine sea For euen so in our bodies the extreme and vtmost parts haue a greater feeling of the beating of arteries that is to say the vitall spirits Yet notwithstanding in many firths and armes of the sea by reason of the vnlike risings of the planets in euery coast the tides are diuers and disagreeing in time but not in reason and cause as namely in the Syrtes And yet some there be that haue a peculiar nature by themselues as the Firth Taurominitanum which ebbeth and floweth oftner than twice and that either in Euboea called likewise Euripus which hath seuen tides to and fro in a day and a night And the same tide three daies in a moneth standeth stil namely in the 7 8 and 9 daies of the moons age At Gades the fountaine next vnto the chappell of Hercules is inclosed about like a well the which at sometimes riseth and falleth as the Ocean doth at others againe it doth both at contrary seasons In the same place there is another spring that keepeth order and time with the motions of the Ocean On the banke of Betis there is a towne the wells whereof as the tide floweth do ebbe and as it ebbeth do flow in the mid times betweene they stirre not Of the same qualitie there is one pit in the towne Hispalis all the rest be as others are And the sea Pontus euermore floweth and runneth out into Propontis but the sea neuer retireth backe againe within Pontus CHAP. XCVIII ¶ Maruels of the Sea ALl seas are purged and scoured in the full Moone and some besides at certaine times About Messala and Nylae there is voided vpon the shore certaine dregges and filthinesse like to beasts dung whereupon arose the fable That the Sunnes oxen were there kept in stall Hereunto addeth Aristotle for I would not omit willingly any thing that I know that no liuing creature dieth but in the reflux and ebbe of the sea This is obserued much in the Ocean of France but found onely in man by experience true CHAP. XCIX ¶ What power the Moone hath ouer things on Earth and in the Sea BY which it is truly guessed and collected that not in vaine the planet of the Moone is supposed to be a Spirit for this is it that satisfieth the earth to her content shee it is that in her approch and comming toward filleth bodies ful and in her retire and going away emptieth them again And hereupon it is that with her growth all shell-fish wax encrease and those creatures which haue no bloud them most of all do feele her spirit Also the bloud in men doth increase or diminish with her light more or lesse yea the leaues of trees and the grasse for sodder as shall be said in conuenient place do feele the influence of her which euermore the same pierceth and entreth effectually into all things CHAP. C. ¶ Of the power of the Sun and why the Sea is salt THus by the feruent heate of the Sun all moisture is dried vp for wee haue been taught that this Planet is Masculine frying and sucking vp the humidity of all things Thus the broad and spacious sea hath the taste of salt sodden into it or else it is because when the sweet and thin substance thereof is sucked out from it which the firie power of the Sun most easily draweth vp all the tarter and more grosse parts thereof remaine behinde and hereupon it is that the deep water toward the bottom is sweeter and lesse brackish than that aboue in the top And surely this is a better and truer reason of that vnpleasant smacke and taste that it hath than that the sea should be a sweat issuing out of the earth continually or because ouermuch of the dry terrence element is mingled in it without any vapour or else because the nature of the earth infecteth the waters as it were with some strong medicine We finde among rare examples and experiments that there happened a prodigious token to Denis tyrant of Sicily when he was expelled and deposed from that mightie state of his and this it was the sea water within one day in the hauen grew to be fresh and sweet CHAP. CI. ¶ In like manner of the Moones Nature ON the contrary they say that the Moone is a planet Foeminine tender nightly dissolueth humors draweth the same but carieth them not away And this appeareth euidently by this proofe that the carkasses of wilde beasts slain she putrifieth by her influence if she shine vpon them When men also are sound asleepe the dull nummednesse thereby gathered she draweth vp into the head she thaweth yce and with a moistening breath proceeding from her enlargeth and openeth all things Thus you see how Natures turn is serued and supplyed and is alwaies sufficient whiles some stars thicken and knit the elements others againe resolue the same But as the Sun is fed by the salt seas so the Moone is nourished by the fresh riuer waters CHAP. CII ¶ Where the Sea is deepest FAbianus saith that the sea where is deepest exceedeth not fifteen furlongs Others againe do report that in Pontus the sea is of an vnmeasurable depth ouer against the Nation of the Coraxians the place they call Bathei Ponti whereof the bottome could neuer bee sounded CHAP. CIII ¶ The wonders of Waters Fountaines and Riuers OF all wonders this passeth that certain fresh waters hard by the sea issue spring forth as out of pipes for the nature of the waters also ceaseth not from strange and miraculous properties Fresh waters run aloft the sea as being no doubt the lighter and therefore the sea water which naturally is heauier vpholdeth and beareth vp whatsoeuer is brought in Yea and amongst fresh waters some there be that flote and glide ouer others As for example in the lake Fucinus the riuer that runneth into it in Larius Addua
runneth onely in the Spring The lake Sinnaus in Asia is infected with the wormewood growing about it and there of it tasteth At Colophon in the vault or caue of Apollo Clarius there is a gutter or trench standing full of water they that drinke of it shall prophesie and foretell strange things like Oracles but they liue the shorter time for it Riuers running backward euen our age hath seen in the later yeres of Prince Nero as we haue related in the acts of his life Now that all Springs are colder in Summer than Winter who knoweth not as also these wonderous workes of Nature That brasse and lead in the masse or lumpe sinke downe and are drowned but if they be driuen out into thin plates they flote and swim aloft and let the weight be all one yet some things settle to the bottome others againe glide aboue Moreouer that heauie burdens and lodes be stirred and remoued with more ease in water Likewise that the stone Thyrreus be it neuer so big doth swim whole and intire breake it once into pieces and it sinketh As also that bodies newly dead fall downe to the bottome of the water but if they be swollen once they rise vp againe Ouer and besides that empty vessels are not so easily drawne forth of the water as those that be full that raine water for salt pits is better and more profitable than all other and that salt cannot be made vnlesse fresh water be mingled withall that sea-water is longer before it congeale but sooner made hot and set a seething That in Winter the sea is hoter and in Autumne more brackish and salt And that all seas are made calme and still with oile and therefore the Diuers vnder the water doe spirt and sprinkle it abroad with their mouthes because it dulceth and allaieth the vnpleasant nature thereof and carrieth a light with it That no snowes fall where the sea is deep And whereas all water runneth downeward by nature yet Springs leape vp euen at the very foot of Aetna which burneth of a light fire so farre forth as that for fiftie yea and an hundred miles the waulming round bals and flakes of fire cast out sand and ashes CHAP. CIIII. ¶ The maruailes of fire and water iointly together and of Maltha NOw let vs relate some strange wonders of fire also which is the fourth element of Nature But first out of waters In a citie of Comagene named Samosatis there is a pond yeelding forth a kinde of slimie mud called Maltha which will burne cleare When it meeteth with any thing solide and hard it sticketh to it like glew also if it be touched it followeth them that free from it By this meanes the townesmen defended their walls when Lucullus gaue the assault and his souldiers fried and burned in their owne armours Cast water vpon it and yet it will burne Experience hath taught That earth onely will quench it CHAP. CV ¶ Of Naphtha OF the like nature is Naphtha for so is it called about Babylonia and in the Austacenes countrey in Parthia and it runneth in manner of liquid Bitumen Great affinitie there is betweene the fire and it for fire is ready to leap vnto it immediatly if it be any thing neere it Thus they say Media burnt her husbands concubine by reason that her guirland annointed therewith was caught by the fire after she approched neere to the altars with purpose to sacrifice CHAP. CVI. ¶ Of places continually burning BVt amongst the wonderfull mountaines the hill Aetna burneth alwaies in the nights and for so long continuance of time yeeldeth sufficient matter to maintaine those fires in winter it is full of snow and couereth the ashes cast vp with frosts Neither in it alone doth Nature tyranize and shew her cruelty threatning as she doth a general consuming of the whole earth by fire For in Phoselis the hil Chimaera likewise burneth and that with a continuall fire night and day Ctesias of Gnidos writeth that the fire therof is inflamed and set a burning with water but quenched with earth In the same Lycia the mountaines Hephaestij being once touched and kindled with a flaming torch do so burne out that the very stones of the riuers yea and the sand in waters are on fire withall and the same fire is maintained with raine They report also that if a man make a furrow with a staffe that is set on fire by them there follow gutters as it were of fire In the Bactrians countrey the top of the hill Cophantus burneth euery night Amongst the Medians also and the Caestian nation the same mountaines burneth but principally in the very confines of Persis At Susis verily in a place called the white tower out of fifteene chimnies or tunnels the fire issueth and the greatest of them euen in the day time carrieth fire There is a plaine about Babylonia in manner of a fish poole which for the quantity of an acre of ground burneth likewise In like sort neere the mountaine Hesperius in Aethyopia the fields in the night time do glitter and shine like stars The like is to be seene in the territorie of the Megapolitanes although the field there within-forth be pleasant and not burning the boughes and leaues of the thicke groue aboue it And neere vnto a warme Spring the hollow burning furnace called Crater Nymphaei alwaies portendeth some fearefull misfortunes to the Apolloniates the neighbours thereby as Theoponpus hath reported It increaseth with showers of raine and casteth out Bitumen to be compared with that fountaine or water of Styx that is not to be tasted otherwise weaker than all Bitumen besides But who would maruell at these things in the mids of the sea Hiera one of the Aetolian Islands neere to Italy burned together with the sea for certaine daies together during the time of the allies war vntill a solemne embassage of the Senat made expiation therefore But that which burneth with the greatest fire of all other is a certaine hill of the Aethyopians Thoeet Ochema and sendeth out most parching flames in the hottest Sun-shine daies Lo in how many places with sundry fires Nature burneth the earth CHAP. CVII ¶ Wonders of fires by themselues MOreouer since the Nature of this onely element of fire is to be so fruitfull to breed it selfe to grow infinitely of the least sparks what may be thought will be the end of so many funerall fires of the earth what a nature is that which feedeth the most greedy voracitie in the whole world without losse of it selfe Put thereto the infinit number of stars the mighty great Sun moreouer the fires in mens bodies those that are inbred in some stones the attrition also of certain woods one against another yea and those within clouds the verie original of lightnings Surely it exceedeth all miracles that any one day should passe not al the world be set on a light burning fire since that the hollow firy glasses also set opposit against
this day both the Arabian Embassadors and also our merchants that come from thence say it is from the sea shore 125 miles In such â—…ort that it cannot be sound in any place of the world again where the earth hath gained more nor in so short a time of the water by reason of the store of mud brought down with riuers And the more maruell it is that considering the sea floweth and the tide riseth far beyond this towne yet those made grounds are not beaten back and carried away againe In this very towne I am not ignorant that Dionysius the latest of our moderne Geographers was born whom Augustus the Emperor sent of purpose beforehand into the East countries to discouer those parts and record faithfully in writing whatsoeuer he there found for the better aduertisement of his elder son who was vpon his voiage and expedition of Armenia to war against the Parthians and Arabians Neither haue I forgotten that in my first entrance into this worke in hand I made some protestation to follow those who had written of their owne countries as men lightly most diligent and of best intelligences in that behalfe Howbeit in this place I chuse rather to follow our martiall captaines that haue warred there and report me also to K. Iuba who hath written certain books to C. Caesar Caligula as touching the occurrences in the Arabian voiage CHAP. XXVIII ¶ Arabia Nomades Nabataei and Omani Tylos and Ogyris two Islands ARabia commeth behind no country in the world for largenesse and greatnesse especially reaching out in length a mighty way For it beginneth at the fall and descent of the mountaine Amanus ouer-against Cilicia and Comagene as we haue before said where it is peopled with many nations brought from thence thither by Tigranes the great to inhabite that quarter and in old time descended naturally and reached as far as to our sea the Aegyptian coast as we haue shewed yea and extendeth into the midland parts of Syria to the mountain Libanus where the hils reach vp to the very clouds vpon which bound the Ramisians then the Taraneans and after them the Patami As for Arabia it self being like a demie Island runneth out between two seas the red and the Persian by a certain artificiall workmanship of nature framed according to Italy in likenesse of forme and bignesse yea and lieth along the sea coasts in manner of Italy And more than that it regardeth the same quarter and line of heauen without any difference at all This tract thereof for the rich seat it hath is named Foelix i. Happy The nations therein dwelling from our sea-coasts to the desarts of Palmyreum wee haue treated of already Therfore ouerpassing them we will discourse of the rest forward Now then the Nomades those robbers that so lie vpon the Chaldaeans trouble them the people called Scenitae as we haue beforesaid do confine vpon And euen they also make no certain place of abode and habitation but are called Scenitae of their tabernacles and booths which they make of haire clothes and encamp vnder them when where they list Being past them you meet with the Nabataeans in the vale who inhabite a towne there named Petra little lesse than 2 miles large inuironed with steep mountains round about which cut off al the aduenues to it and besides hauing a riuer running through the midst thereof Distant it is from Gaza a town scituat vpon our coast in Syria 600 miles and from the Persian gulfe 122. And here at this town meet both the port high waies to wit the one which passengers trauell to Palmyra in Syria and the other wherein they go from Gaza Beyond Petra and the vale thereof you enter into the Omanes country which reached somtime as far as to Carax and inhabited 2 famous towns built by queen Semiramis namely Abesanius and Soractia But now all is but a wildernesse Then come you to a town named Forath scituat vpon the riuer Pasitigris and subiect to the king of the Caracins or Zarazins to which towne there is much resort from Petra as to a shire towne and from thence to Charax they may passe with the tide when the water ebbeth for the space of 12 miles But they that come by water out of the Parthian kingdom meet with a village called Teredon lower than the place where Euphrates and Tigris meet together in one Where the Chaldaeans inhabit the left hand coast of the riuer and the Nomades called Scenitae the right Some writers affirm that as ye saile and row vpon the riuer Tigris yee passe by two other townes distant far asunder the one called Barbatia in times past and afterwards Thumata which our merchants that trafficke in those parts auouch to be ten daies saile from Petra and is vnder the king of the Characenes and the other Apamia scituat in the very place where Euphrates the riuer so swelleth ouer his bankes that he ioineth with Tigris in one confluent And therefore the Apamians at what time as the Parthians are about to make inrodes and inuade their territorie set open the sluces and breake vp the wharfes and banks that keepe these two riuers asunder and so impeach their enterprise by the ouerflow and inundation of the waters Now being past Charax we will discourse of the other coasts of Arabia namely that which first was discouered and declared by Epiphanes And to begin with the place where sometime the mouth of Euphrates was When you are once past it you meet with a riuer of salt brackish water and the promontory or cape Chaldonum where the sea is more like a deep pit or whirlepoole than a sea for 50 miles Vpon this coast you find the riuer Achana and beyond it desarts for 100 miles vntil you come to the Island Ichara Then sheweth it selfe the gulfe or arme of the sea named Capeus vpon which inhabit the Gaulopes and Chateni Beyond them another creeke called Gerraicus and the towne Gerrae vpon it fiue miles large fortified with turrets made of great huge stones squared of salt minerall Fifty miles from the sea side is the region Attene and ouer-against it the Island Tylos as many miles from the shore with a town in it bearing the name of the Island much frequented by merchants for the plentie of pearles that there be sold and not far from it there is another somewhat lesse not past 12 miles from the cape of the foresaid Tylos Beyond these there are discouered by report certaine great Islands but as yet they haue not bin landed vpon by our merchants As for this last Island it containeth as they say 112 miles and an halfe in circuit is far from Persis but no accesse there is vnto it but only by one narrow gutter or channell Then sheweth it selfe the Island Asgilia And in these parts likewise are other nations namely the Nocheti Zurachi Borgodi Cataraei and Nomades and withall the riuer Cynos Beyond that as K.
or crier pronounced noon when standing at the hall or chamber of the councell he beheld the Sun in that wise betweene the pulpit called Rostra and the Grecostasis which was a place where forrein embassadours gaue their attendance but when that the same sun inclined downeward from the columne named Moenia to the common gaole or prison then he gaue warning of the last quarter of the day and so pronounced But this obseruation would serue but vpon cleere daies when the sun shined and yet there was no other means to know how the day went vntill the first Punicke war Fabius Vestalis writeth that L. Papyrius Cursor 12 yeres before the war with Pyrrhus was the first that for to do the Romans a pleasure set vp a sun-dyall to know what it was a clocke vpon the temple of Quirinus at the dedication thereof when his father had vowed it before him Howbeit mine aurhor sheweth not either the reason of the making of that diall or the workman ne yet from whence it was brought nor in what writer he found it so written M. Varro reporteth that the first diall was set vp in the common market place vpon a columne neere the foresaid Rostra in the time of the first Punicke war by M. Valerius Messala the Consull presently after the taking of Catana in Sicily from whence it was brought thirty yeares after the report that goeth of the foresaid quadrant and diall of Papyrius namely in the yeare after the foundation of the city 477. And albeit the strokes and lines of this Horologe or diall agreed not fit with the houres yet were the people ruled and went by it for an hundred yeares saue one euen vntill Q. Martius Philippus who together with L. Paulus was Censor set another by it framed made more exquisitly according to Art And this piece of work among other good acts done by the Censor during his office was highly accepted of the people as a singular gift of his Yet for all this if it were a close and cloudy day wherein the Sun shone not out men knew not what it was a clocke certainly and thus it continued fiue yeres more Then at last Scipio Nasica being Censor with Laenas made the deuise first to diuide the houres both of day and night equally by water distilling and dropping out one vessell into another And this manner of Horologe or water-clocke he dedicated in the end within house and that was in the 595 yere from the building of Rome Thus you see how long it was that the people of Rome could not certainly tell how the day passed Thus much concerning the Nature of man let vs returne now to discourse of other liuing creatures and first of land-beasts THE EIGHTH BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS CHAP. I. ¶ Of landbeasts The praise of Elephants their wit and vnderstanding PAsse we now to treat of other liuing creatures and first of land-beasts among which the Elephant is the greatest and commeth neerest in wit and capacitie to men for they vnderstand the language of that country wherin they are bred they do whatsoeuer they are commanded they remember what duties they be taught and withall take a pleasure and delight both in loue and also in glory nay more than all this they embrace goodnesse honestie prudence and equitie rare qualities I may tel you to be found in men and withal haue in religious reuerence with a kinde of deuotion not only the stars and planets but the sun and moon they also worship And in very truth writers there be who report thus much of them That when the new moon beginneth to appeare fresh and bright they come downe by whole heards to a certaine riuer named Amelus in the desarts and forests of Mauritania where after that they are washed and solemnly purified by sprinckling and dashing themselues all ouer with the water haue saluted and adored after their manner that planet they returne again into the woods chases carrying before them their yong calues that be wearied and tired Moreouer they are thought to haue a sense and vnderstanding of religion conscience in others for when they are to passe the seas into another country they wil not embarke before they be induced thereto by anoath of their gouernors and rulers That they shall returne again and seene there haue bin diuers of them being enfeebled by sicknesse for as big and huge as they be subject they are to grievous maladies to lie vpon their backs casting and flinging herbes vp toward heauen as if they had procured and set the earth to pray for them Now for their docility and aptnesse to learne any thing the king they adore they kneele before him and offer vnto him garlands and chaplets of floures and green herbes To conclude the lesser sort of them which they call Bastards serue the Indians in good stead to eare and plough their ground CHAP. II. ¶ When Elephants were put to draw first THe first time that euer they were knowne to draw at Rome was in the triumph of Pompey the Great after he had subdued Africke for then were two of them put in geeres to his triumphant chariot But long before that it is said that Father Bacchus hauing conquered India did the like when he triumphed for his conquest Howbeit in that triumph of Pompey Procilius affirmeth That coupled as they were two in one yoke they could not possibly go in at the gates of Rome In the late solemnity of tournois sword-fight at the sharp which Germanicus Caesar exhibited to gratifie the people the elephants were seen to shew pastime with leaping keeping a stir as if they danced after a rude and disorderly manner A common thing it was among them to fling weapons darts in the aire so strongly that the winds had no power against them to flourish also before hand yea and to encounter and meet together in fight like sword-fencers and to make good sport in a kinde of Moriske dance and afterwards to go on ropes and cords to carry foure together one of them laid at ease in a litter resembling the maner of women newly brought a bed last of all some of them were so nimble and well practised that they would enter into an hall or dining place where the tables were set full of guests and passe among them so gently and daintily weighing as it were their feet in their going so as they would not hurt or touch any of the company as they were drinking CHAP. III. ¶ The docilitie of Elephants THis is knowne for certaine that vpon a time there was an Elephant among the rest not so good of capacity to take out his lessons and learn that which was taught him and being beaten and beaten again for that blockish and dull head of his was found studying and conning those feats in the night which he had bin learning in the day time But one of the greatest wonders of them was
them hornes but some are nott but in those which are horned a man may know their age by the number of the knots therein more or lesse and in very truth the nott shee goats are more free of milke Archelaus writeth that they take their breath at the eares and not at the nostrils also that they be neuer cleare of the ague And this haply is the cause that they are hotter mouthed and haue a stronger breath than sheepe and more egre in their rut Men say moreouer that they see by night as well as by day therefore they that when euening is come see nothing at all recouer their perfect sight again by eating ordinarily the liuer of goats In Cilicia and about the Syrtes the people clad themselues with goats haire for there they shere them as sheep Furthermore it is said that goats toward the Sun-setting cannot in their pasture see directly one another but by turning taile to taile as for other houres of the day they keep head to head range together with the rest of their fellowes They haue all of them a tuft of haire like a beard hanging vnder their chin which they call Aruncus If a man take one of them by this beard and draw it forth of the stock all the rest will stand still gazing thereat as if they were astonied and so wil they doe if any of them chaunce to bite of a certaine hearb Their teeth kill trees As for an oliue tree if they doe but lick it they spoile it for euer bearing after and for this cause they be not killed in sacrifice to Minerua CHAP. LI. ¶ Of Swine and their natures SWine goe a brimming from the time that the Westerne wind Fauonius beginnes to blow vntill the spring Aequinoctiall and they take the bore when they be eight months old yea in some places at the fourth month of their age and continue breeding vnto the seuenth yeare They farrow commonly twice a yeare they be with pig foure months One sow may bring at one farrow twenty pigges but reare so many she cannot Nigidius saith that those pigs which are farrowed ten daies vnder or ten daies ouer the shortest day in the yeare when the sun entreth into Capricorn haue teeth immediatly They stand lightly to the first brimming but by reason that they are subject to cast their pigs they had need to be brimmed a second time Howbeit the best way to preuent that they doe not slip their young is to keepe the bore from them at their first grunting and seeking after him nor to let them be brimmed before their ears hang downe Bores be not good to brim swine after they be three yeres old Sowes when they be wearie for age that they cannot stand take the bore lying along That a sow should eat her own pigs it is no prodigious wonder A pig is pure good for sacrifice 5 daies after it is farrowed a lamb when it hath been yeaned 8 daies and a calfe being 30 daies old But Gornucanus saith That all beasts for sacrifice which chew cud are not pure and right for that purpose vntill they haue teeth Swine hauing lost on eie are not thought to liue long after otherwise they may continue vntill they be fifteen yeares old yea some to twenty But they grow to be wood and raging otherwhiles and besides are subject to many maladies more most of all to the squinancie and wen or swelling of the kernels in the neck Will ye know when a swine is sick or vnsound pluck a bristle from the back and it will be bloudie at the root also he will cary his neck atone side as he goeth A sow if she be ouer-fat soone wanteth milke and at her first farrow bringeth fewest pigs All the kind of them loue to wallow in dirt and mire They wrinkle their taile wherin this also is obserued that they be more likely to appease the gods in sacrifice that rather writh turn their tailes to the right hand than the left Swine wil be fat and wel larded in sixtie daies and the rather if before you begin to frank them vp they be kept altogether from meat three daies Of all other beasts they are most brutish insomuch as there goes a pleasant by-word of them and fitteth them well That their life is giuen them in stead of salt This is known for a truth that when certaine theeues had stolne and driuen away a companie of them the swinheard hauing followed them to the water side for by that time were the theeues imbarged with them cried aloud vnto the swine as his manner was whereupon they knowing his voice learned all to one side of the vessel turned it ouer and sunke it tooke the water and so swam againe to land vnto their keeper Moreouer the hogs that vse to lead and goe before the heard are so well trained that they wil of themselues goe to the swine-market place within the citie from thence home againe to their maisters without any guid to direct them The wild bores in this kind haue the wit to couer their tracks with mire and for the nones to run ouer marish ground where the prints of their footing will not be sene yea and to be more light in running to void their vrine first Sowes also are splaied as well as camels but two daies before they be kept from meat then hang they by the fore-legs for to make incision into their matrice and to take forth their stones and by this means they will sooner grow to be fat There is an Art also in cookerie to make the liuer of a sow as also of a goose more daintie and it was the deuise of M. Apicius namely to feed them with drie figges and when they haue eaten till they bee full presently to giue them mead or honied wine to drink vntill they die with being ouercharged There is not the flesh of any other liuing creature that yeeldeth more store of dishes to the maintenance of gluttonie than this for fiftie sundrie sorts of tastes it affordeth whereas other haue but one a peece From hence came so many edicts and proclamations published by the Censors forbidding and prohibiting to serue vp at any feast or supper the belly and paps of a sow the kernels about the neck the brizen the stones the womb and the fore-part of the bores head and yet for all that Publius the Poet and maker of wanton songs after that he was come to his freedom neuer by report had supper without an hogs belly with the paps who also to that dish gaue the name and called it Sumen Moreouer the flesh of wild bores came to be in great request and was much set by in such sort as Cato the Censor in his inuectiue orations challenged men for brawne And yet when they made three kinds of meat of the wild bore the loine was alwaies serued vp in the mids The first Romane that brought to the table a whole bore at once
with two finnes of a side sixtie cubits long of color blew and of that hew take their â—…ame and be called Cyonoeides He saith moreouer that they be so strong that when the Elephants come into the riuer for drinke they catch fast hold with their teeth by their trunks or muzzles and mauger their hearts force them downe vnder the water of such power and force they are The male Tunies haue no finnes vnder their bellies In the spring timâ—… they goe out of the great Mediterranean sea and by whole flotes and troupes enter into Pontus for in no other sea doe they bring forth their young Their young frie which accompanie their dams when they are lightened of their burden into the sea againe in the autumne are called Cordylae Afterwards they begin to call them Pelamides and in Latine Limosae of the mud wherein they are kept and when they be aboue one yere old then they be Tunies indeed so called These Tunies are cut into pieces whereof the nape of the necke the belly and the flesh about the canell bone of the throat are most commendable for meat but these parcels only when they be fresh and new killed and yet then will they rise in a mans stomacke and make him belch sower The other parts being full of good meat and oleous withall are laid in salt and so put vp in barrels and kept And these pieces of the Tunie thus conduit and powdred are called Melandrya cut in slices like to oke shingles for all the world The worst pieces of all others be those that are next the taile because they are not fat but the best is that which is toward the throat howsoeuer in other fishes the taile-peece is in greatest request as being most stirred exercised As for the yong Tunies called Pelamides they are diuided cut into parcels that be named Apolecti but when they be cut peece-meale into certain squares those pieces are named Cybia All kind of fishes grow exceeding soon to their bignesse and especially in the sea Pontus the reason is because a number of riuers bring fresh water into it in some sort make it sweet and namely in it there is one called Amia which grows so fast so euidently that a man may perceiue how it waxeth from day to day These fishes together with the old Tunies and the young called Pelamides enter into great flotes skuls into the sea Pontus for the sweet food that they there find and euery companie of them hath their seuerall leaders and captaines and before them al the Maquerels lead the way which while they be in the water haue a colour of brimstone but without like they be to the rest The Maquerels serue the market well in Spaine and furnish the fish shambles namely when as the Tunies repaire not into their seas As for the sea Pontus there enter into it few or no rauenours that haunt and deuoure fishes vnlesse it be the Seales little Dolphins The old Tunies when they come into it chuse the right side vpon the coast of Asia but go forth at the left And this is the reason therof as it is thought For that they see better with their right eie yet the sight of either of them is very good Within the channell of the Thracian Bosphorus by which Propontis ioyneth to the sea Euxinus in the very streight of the Firth that diuides Asia from Europe neer to Chalcedon vpon the coast of Asia there standeth a rocke exceeding white and bright withall which is so transparent and shining from the verie bottome of the sea to the top of the water that the Tunies affrighted at the sodaine sight thereof to auoid it goe alwaies amaine in whole flotes toward the cape ouer against Bizantium which cape therupon beareth the name of Auricorum And therefore it is that the Bizantines make great gaine by fishing for them whereas the Chalcedonians haue a great misse of that commoditie and yet the arme of the sea or frith betweene them is not past halfe a mile or a mile at the most ouer Nost they euer wait for the North wind that together with the tide they might with more ease passe cut of Pontus Howbeit the onely taking of them at Bizantium is when they return again into Pontus In Winter the Tunnies stirre not nor raunge abroad but looke wheresoeuer they are then found to be there they take vp their Winter herbour and make their abode vntill the spring Aequinoctiall about mid-March Many times they will accompanie the ships that saile thereby with full winde and it is a wonderfull pleasant sight for the sailers to see them from the sterne how for certaine houres together and for the space of some miles they will follow and attend vpon the poupe be the wind neuer so good nay although they strike at them with the trout-spear sundry times or lance at them some three-tined instrumenr yet will they not be chased away nor skared These Tunnies that thus wait vpon the ships vnder saile some cal Pompili Many of them passe the Summer-time in Propontis and neuer enter into Pontus Soles likewise vse the same manner and yet yee shall haue many Turbots there Neither shall a man finde the Cuttil there although there be good store of Sea-cuts or Calamaries Moreouer of stone fishes such as liue among rocks the sea Thrush the sea Merleâ—…nd the purple shel-fishes are not to be found where Oysters notwithstanding are in great abundance For all such Winter in the Aegaean sea called now Archipelago Of them that enter into the sea Pontus there is none staies there but goes forth again saue only the shell fish called the Saredane or Trichia for I thinke it good in such diuersitie of fishes names seeing that one and the self same fish is in many countries called diuersly to vse the Greeke name for the most of them These fish I say alone go vp the riuer Ister and out of it they passe againe by certain issues and conduits vnder the ground and so descend into the Adriatick sea and euermore a man shall see this kind of fish comming down thither but neuer mounting vp again out of that sea The right fishing for the Tunnies the only taking of them is from the rising of the star Vergiliae to the setting of Arcturus All the winter time besides they lie hidden in the deep at the bottom of pits and gulfes within the sea vnlesse they come forth to take their pleasure in some warme season or otherwhiles when the Moon is at the full They grow sometime so fat that their skins will not hold but they are ready to cleaue and burst withall The longest time that they liue is 2 yeres and not aboue Moreouer there is a little creature or vermine made somwhat like a Scorpion as big as a spider which vsually will set her sharpe sting vnder the finne both of the Tunnie and also of the sword-fish which
hanches That which is ingendred and brought forth is as it were some little mites of blackish â—…esh which they call Tadpoles or Polwigs shewing no good form but that they haue some shew of eies only and a taile Some few daies after their feet are framed then parts their taile in twain which serueth for their feet behind And a strange thing it is of them after they haue liued some 6 months they resolue into a slime or mud no man seeth how afterward with the first rains in the Spring returne again to their former state as they were first shapen no man knows after what sort by a secret and vnknown way incomprehensible notwithstanding it fals out ordinarily so euery yere As for the Limpins Muskles and Scallops they breed of themselues in the mud and sands of the sea Those which are of an harder coat as the Pourcelanes and Purples of a certain viscous and slimy substance like a muscilage As for that little fry resembling small gnats and flies of the sea they come of a certaine putrifaction and sowernesse of the water as the Apuae which are the groundlings and Smies of the some of the sea set in an heat chafed after some good shewer They that are couered with a stony shell as Oisters breed of the rotten and putrified slime mud of the sea or of the some that hath stood long about ships or stakes and posts set fast in the water and especially if they bee of Holme wood Howbeit it hath bin found of late in Oister pits that there passeth from them in stead of Sperm a certain whitish humor like milk As for Yeels they rub themselues against rocks and stones and those scrapings as it were which are fretted from them in time come to take life and proue snigs and no other generation haue they Fishes of diuers kinds engender not one with another vnlesse it be the Skate and the Raifish and of them there commeth a fish which in the forepart resembleth a Ray in Greek hath a name compounded of both Rhinobatos Other fishes there be that breed indifferently on land and sea according to the warme season of the yeare In Spring time Scallops Snailes and Horsleeches do engender and by the same warmth quicken and come to life but in Autumne they turn to nothing The Pike Sardane breed twice a yere like as al stone fish the Barbels thrice as also a kind of Turbit called Chalcis i. the Shad the Carp 6 times the Scorpenes and Sargi twice namely in Spring and Autumne Of flat broad Fishes the Skate only twice in the yere to wit in Autumne and at the setting or occultation of the star Vergiliae The greatest number of Fishes ingender for 3 moneths April May Iune The Cods or Stockfishes in Autumne The Sargi Crampfishes Squali about the equinoctiall Soft skinned Fishes in the spring and the Cuttel in euery month The spawn of this Fish which hangeth together like a cluster of grapes by the means of a certaine blacke glew or viscositie like inke the Milter doth blow and breath vpon before it can bee good for otherwise it commeth to no proofe The Pour-cuttles engender in Winter and in the Spring and then bring forth a spawne crisped and curled as it were like the wreathing branches and tendrils of a vine branch and that in such plenty that when they are killed they are not able to receiue and containe the multitude of their egs in the concauitie or ventricle of their head and belly which they bare when they were great They hatch them in fifty daies but many of them proue addle and neuer come to good there is such a number of them The Lobsters and the rest with thin shels lay egge after egge and sit vpon them in that manner The female Pourcuttle one while sitteth ouer her egs another while she couereth the cranie or gutter where she hath laid them with her clawes and arms enfolded crosse one ouer another lattise wise The Cuttle laieth also vpon the dry land among the reeds or els wheresoeuer she can find any sea-weeds or reits to grow by the 15 day hatcheth The Calamaries lay egs in the deep which hang close and thick together as the Cuttles do The Purples Burrets and such like do lay in the Spring The sea Vrchins are with egge euery full moone in the winter time and the winkles or cocles are bred in the winter likewise The Crampfish is found to haue 80 young at once within her and hatcheth her tender and soft egs within her bodie shifting them from one place of the wombe to another In like manner do all they which are called Cartilagineus or gristly By which it commeth to passe that fish alone both conceiue with egge and yet bring forth a liuing creature The male sheath-fish or riuer whale Silurus of al others only is so kind as to keep and looke to the egs of the female after they be laid many times for fifty daies after for feare they should be deuoured of others Other females hatch in three daies if the male touch them The Horne-beaks or Needle-fishes Belonae are the only fishes which haue within them so great egs that their wombe cleaueth and openeth when they should lay them but after that they be discharged of them it groweth together and vniteth againe A thing vsuall as they say in Blind-wormes The fish called Mus-Marinus diggeth a gutter or ditch within the ground and there laieth her egs and the same she couereth ouer with earth and so lets them alone for 30 daies then she commeth and openeth the place again findeth her egs hatched and leadeth her little ones to the water CHAP. LII ¶ Of fishes wombes THe shel-fishes Erythini Chanae haue their wombs or matrices As for that fish which in Greeke is called Trochos i. the top is thought to get it selfe with yong The frie of all water creatures at the first see not CHAP. LIII Of the exceeding long life of fishes IT is not long since that we heard of one fishes memorable example which proued the long life of fishes There is a faire house of retreat and pleasure called Pausilupum in Campaine not far from Naples where as Anneus Seneca writeth there died a fish in the fish-pooles of Caesar 60 yeres after that it had bin put in by Pollio Vedius and there remained two more of that age and of the same kind which liued still And since wee are come to make mention of fish-ponds me thinks I should do well to write somwhat more thereof before I giue ouer this discourse of fishes and water creatures CHAP. LIV. ¶ Of Oyster pits and who first deuised them THe first that inuented stewes and pits to keep oysters in was Sergius Orata who made such about his house in Baianum in the daies of L. Crassus that famous oratour before the Marsians war And this the man did not for his belly and to maintain gourmandise
before but only sing plain song and keep them to one tune And more than so they change their colour in processe of time and last of all when winter comes be no more seene Tongued they are not like other birds with a thin tip before They begin to breed with the first in the prime of the Spring and commonly lay six egs The Gnatsnapper Ficedula a bird somwhat like vnto the Nightingale doth otherwise for at one time it changeth both colour form and song They haue not that name Ficedulae properly but in the Autumne as one would say fig-feeders for when that season is once past they be called Melancoryphi i. Black-heads In like sort the bird which is named Erithacus i. Robin or Redbrest in winter the same is Phoenicurus i. Red-taile all summer long The Houpe or Vpupa as Aeschilus the Poet saith changeth also her hew voice and shape This is a nasty and filthy bird otherwise both in the manner of feeding and also in nestling but a goodly faire crest or comb it hath that will easily fold and be plaited for one while shee will draw it in another while set it stiffe vpright along the head As for the bird Oenanthe it also for certain daies lieth close and vnseen namely when the Dog-star ariseth it is hidden but after the occultation therof commeth abroad sheweth her selfe a strange thing that in those daies it should do both Last of all the Witwall or Lariot which is all ouer yellow being not seen all winter time appeareth about the Sun-steads CHAP. XXX ¶ Of the Merles ABout Cyllene in Arcadia and no where els ye shall find white Merles or Ousles And Ibis about Pelusium only in Egypt is blacke in all places else of Aegypt white CHAP. XXXI ¶ The kind of birds breeding and hatching ALl singing birds saue only those that are excepted before lightly breed not nor lay their egs before the spring Aequinoctiall in mid-March or after the Autumnall in mid-September And those that they hatch before the Summer Sunstead i. Mid-Iune hardly come to any perfection but after that time they do well enough and liue CHAP. XXXII ¶ Of the Halcyones or Kings-fishers and the daies good for nauigation which they shew Of the Sea-guls and Cormorants ANd in this regard especially namely for breeding after the summer Sunstead the Halcy ones are of great name and much marked The very seas and they that saile thereupon know well when they sit and breed This very bird so notable is little bigger than a sparrow for the more part of her pennage blew intermingled yet among with white and purple feathers hauing a thin smal neck and long withall There is a second kind of them breeding about the sea side differing both in quantitie and also in voice for it singeth not as the former doe which are lesser for they haunt riuers sing among the flags reeds It is a very great chance to see one of these Halcyones neuer are they seen but about the setting of the star Virgiliae i. the Brood-hen or els neere Mid-summer or Mid-winter for otherwhiles they will flie about a ship but soone are they gone againe and hidden They lay and sit about Mid-winter when daies be shortest the time whiles they are broody is called the Halcyon daies for during that season the sea is calme and nauigable especially in the coast of Sicilie In other ports also the sea is not so boisterous but more quiet than at other times but surely the Sicilian sea is very gentle both in the Streights and also in the open Ocean Now about seuen daies before Mid-winter that is to say in the beginning of December they build and within as many after they haue hatched Their nests are wonderously made in fashion of a round ball the mouth or entrie thereof standeth somwhat out and is very narrow much like vnto great spunges A man cannot cut and pierce their nest with sword or hatchet but breake they wil with some strong knock like as the dry some of the sea and no man could euer find of what they be made Some thinke they are framed of the sharpe pointed prickes of some fishes for of fish these birds liue They come vp also into fresh riuers within-land and there do lay ordinarily fiue egges As touching the Guls or Sea-cobs they build in rocks and the Cormorants both in them and also in trees They vsually lay foure egs apiece The Guls in summer time but the Cormorants in the beginning of the spring CHAP. XXXIII ¶ The industrie and wit of birds in building their nests Of the Swallow the Argatilis Cinnamologi and Partridges THe Architecture and building of the Halcyones nest hath put me in mind of other birds dexteritie in that behalfe and surely in no one thing is the wit of silly birds more admirable The swallows frame their nests of clay earth but they strengthen and make them fast with straw In case at any time they cannot meet with soft and tough clay for want thereof they drench and wet their feathers with good store of water and then bestrew them ouer with dust Now when they haue made and trimmed their bare nest they floore it in the bottom within and dresse it all ouer with downe feathers or fine flox as well to keep their egs warm as also that their yong birds should lie soft In feeding of their little ones they keepe a very good order and euen hand giuing them their pittance and allowance by course one after another Notable is their care in keeping them neat and cleane for euer as they meut they turne the excrements out of the nest but be they once growne to any strength and bignesse they teach them to turne about and lay their tailes without Another kinde there is of Swallowes that keep in the country villages and the fields which seldom nestle vnder mens houses and they likewise build of the same matter as the former do namely of clay and straw but after another fashion for their nests are made turning all vpward with the hole or mouth that leadeth vnto it stretched out in length streight and narrow but the capacitie within is very large in such sort as it is a wonder to see how prouident skilful they should be to frame them in this manner so handsome conuenient to couer their yong ones so soft again for their couch and bed In the mouth of Nilus neere Heraclea in Aegypt there is a mightie banke or causey raised only of a continuall ranke and course of Swallows nests piled one vpon and by another thicke for the length almost of halfe a quarter of a mile which is so firme and strong that being opposed against the inundations of Nilus it is able to breake the force of that riuer when it swelleth and is it selfe inexpugnable a piece of work that no man is able to turne his hand vnto In the same Egypt neere vnto the
be looked vnto that ye begin to set an hen after the change of the moon for if you set her in the wain the eggs will be addle and neuer come to be chickens The warmer the weather is the sooner will she hatch therefore it falleth out that in summer ye shal haue her abroad with her brood vpon the nineteenth day in winter many times it will be 25 daies first If it thunder while she is broody the eggs will be addle yea and if the hen chance but to heare an hawke cry they will be marred The remedie against thunder is to put an iron nail vnder the straw of the hens nest or els some earth newly turned vp with the plow Ouer and besides there be some egs that will come to be birds without sitting of the hen euen by the worke of Nature only as a man may see the experience in the dunghills of Egypt There goeth a pretty jeast of a notable drunkard of Syracusa whose manner was when hee went into the Tauerne to drinke to lay certaine egges in the earth and couer them with mould and he would not rise nor giue ouer bibbing vntill they were hatched To conclude a man or woman may hatch eggs with the very heate only of their body CHAP. LV. ¶ The Auguries and presages of Egges LIvia Augusta the Empresse wife somtime of Nero when she was conceiued by him went with that child who afterwards proued to be Tiberius Caesar being very desirous like a yong fine lady as she was to haue a jolly boy practised this girlish experiment to foreknow what she should haue in the end she tooke an egge and euer carried it about her in her warme bosome and if at any time she had occasion to lay it away she would conuey it closely out of her owne warme lap into her nurses for feare it should chill And verily this presage proued true the egge became a cocke chicken and she was deliuered of a sonne And hereof it may well became the deuice of late to lay egges in some warme place and to make a soft fire vnderneath of small straw or light chaffe to giue a kinde of moderate heate but euermore the eggs must be turned with a mans or womans hand both night and day and so at the set time they looked for chickens and had them It is reported besides of a certaine Poulter who had a secret bâ—… himselfe whereby he could tell surely and neuer misse which egge would be a cocke chicke which a hen also of many hennes that he kept which was euery hens egge if hee did but see it We haue heard moreouer that when a brood hen chanced to die the cocks that vsed to tread her were seen to go about with the chickens one after another by turnes and to do euerie thing like to the very hen indeed that hatched them and all that while to forbeare once to crow But aboue all it is sport alone to see the maner of an hen that hath sitten vpon ducks egs and hatched them how at the first she will wonder to haue a teem of ducklings about her and not acknowledge them for her owne but soone after shee will clucke and call this doubtfull brood to her very carefully and diligently but at the last when she perceiues them according to their kind to take the water and swim how she will mourn and lament about the fish-poole that it would pitty ones heart to see them what moane they will make CHAP. LVI ¶ Which be the best hens A Man shall know a good and kindly hen by her comb when it is strait and vpright otherwhiles also double crested also by the pinion feathers blacke the vpper plume reddish Such a hen will be red also about her head and bill and haue an odde toe to her feet yea and somtime that od one to lie crosse ouerthwart the other foure In case of sacrifices and religious vse they are not thought good nor allowable that haue beck and feet yellow For diuine seruice and secret mysteries celebrated in couert to the goddesse Ops the black are allowed for good There is also a dwarfish kind of hens i. grig hens that are extraordinarie little and yet fruitful a thing not seen in any other kind of fowle they lay and misse not but seldom sit they on any egs and if they do it is hurtfull for them CHAP. LVII ¶ The maladies that hens be subiect vnto and the remedies THat which troubleth all the kind of them is a certain distillation of a phlegmaticke humor which causeth the pip the most of all between haruest time and vintage The cure is to keep them hungry long fasting also to let them lie or perch in a smoky place especially where the fume is made of Bay leaues and the herb Sauin It is good moreouer to draw a little quill or feather through their nosthrils acrosse and to remoue or shift it euery day As for their meat let it be some cloues of garlicke shred among their corne or else let their meat be well infused or steeped in water wherein an owle hath washed and bathed her selfe or else sodden with the seed of Bryonie or the wilde white Vine besides such other medicines as are daily in vse CHAP. LVIII ¶ The manner how fowles do conceiue and what number of yong ones commonly they hatch DOues haue this propertie by themselues to bill one another and kisse before they tread They lay for the most part two egs Thus Nature hath disposed that some should breed often and few others should hatch many together at once The Ringdoues or Quoists and Turtles ordinarily lay three egs and lightly they sit and hatch but twice a yere and that is if their first brood come not to perfection but miscarried and was not reared vp And albeit they lay three egs yet they neuer hatch but twain the third that is addle they call in Latine Vrinum The female Ringdoue sits euer from noon vntil the next morning the male makes vp the rest of the day House-doues breed euermore one cock pigeon and another hen The male is hatched to day and the female tomorrow In that kind they sit both the cock all day and the hen by night and vsually vpon the 20 day they hatch They lay within fiue daies after they be troden and in summer time verily you shall haue them in the space of two months bring three paire of pigeons for then they vse to hatch by the 18 day and presently they conceiue again So that a man shall oftentimes find new laid egs euen amongst the young pigeons and otherwhiles it is seen that whiles some are ready to fly others peep newly out of their shel and these yong birds within fiue moneths will lay themselues Now the nature of these hen doues is if they want a cock to tread one another and hereof they come to lay barren egs wherof nothing will be ingendred and such the Greeks call
the taste I am besides of opinion that they be deceiued who thinke that bees gather not of Oliue trees For we see it ordinary that there be more casts and swarmes of Bees where Oliues grow in greater abundance These pretty creatures hurt no fruit whatsoeuer They will not settle vpon a floure that is faded and much lesse of any dead carkasse They vse not to go from their hiue about their busines aboue 60 paces if it chance that within the precinct of these limits they finde not floures sufficient out goe their spies whom they send forth to discouer forage farther off If in this expedition before they come home againe they be ouertaken by the night they couch vpon their backes for feare lest their wings should be ouercharged with the euening dew and so they watch all night vntill the morning CHAP. IX ¶ Those that haue taken a speciall pleasure in Bees SVch is the industrie of this creature that no man need to wonder at those two persons who delighted so much in them that the one namely Aristomachus of Soli for threescore yeares lacking but twaine did nothing else but keep bees and Philiscus the Thasian emploied the whole time of his life in Forrests and Desarts to follow these little animals whereupon hee was surnamed Agrius And both these vpon their knowledge and experience wrote of Bees CHAP. X. ¶ The order that they keepe in their worke THe manner of their businesse is this All the day time they haue a standing watch ward at their gates much like to the corps de guard in a campe In the night they rest vntill the morning by which time one of them a waketh and raiseth all the rest with two or three big hums or buzzes that it giues to warn them as it were with sound of trumpet At which signall giuen the whole troupe prepares to flie forth if it be a faire and calme day toward for they doe both foresee and also foreshew when it will bee either windie or rainie and then will they keepe within their strength and fort Now when the weather is temperate which they foreknow well enough and that the whole armie is on foot and marched abroad some gather together the vertue of the floures within their feet and legges others fil their gorge with water and charge the downe of their whole body with drops of such liquor The yonger sort of them go forth to worke and carry such stuffe as is beforenamed whiles the elder labor build within the hiue Such as carry the floures abouesaid stuffe the inner parts of their legs behind and those Nature for that purpose hath made rough with the help of their forefeet those again are charged full by the means of their muffle Thus being full laden with their prouision they return home to the hiue drawne euen together round as it were in a heap with their burden by which time there be three or foure ready to receiue them and those ease and discharge them of their lode For this you must thinke that they haue their seuerall offices within Some are busie in building others in plaistering and ouercasting to make all smooth and fine some be at hand to serue the workemen with stuffe that they need others are occupied in getting ready meat and victuals out of that prouision which is brought in for they feed not by themselues but take their repast together because they should both labour and eat alike and at the same houre As touching the maner of their building they begin first aboue to make arch-work embowed in their combs and draw the frame of their work downward where they make two little allies for euery arch or vault the one to enter in by the other to go forth at The combs that are fastened together in the vpper part yea and on the sides are vnited a little and hang all together They touch not the hiue at all nor ioin to it Sometime they are built round otherwhiles winding bias according to the proportion of the hiue A man shll find in one hiue hony combs somtime of two sorts namely when two swarms of bees accord together and yet each one haue their rites and fashions by themselues For feare lest their combs of wax should be ready to fal they vphold them with partition wals arched hollow from the bottom vpward to the end that they might haue passage euery way to repaire them The formost ranks of their combes in the forefront commonly are built void and with nothing in them because they should giue no occasion for a theefe to enter vpon their labours Those in the backe part of the hiue are euer fullest of hony and therefore when men would take out any combes they turne vp the hiues behind Bees that are emploied in carrying of hony chuse alwaies to haue the wind with them if they can If haply there do arise a tempest or a storm whiles they be abroad they catch vp some little stony greet to ballance and poise themselues against the wind Some say that they take it and lay it vpon their shoulders And withall they flie low by the ground vnder the wind when it is against them and keep along the bushes to breake the force thereof A wonder it is to see and obserue the manner of their worke They mark and note the slow-backs they chastise them anon yea and afterwards punish them with death No lesse wonderful also it is to consider how neat and clean they be All filth and trumperie they remoue out of the way no foule thing no ordure lieth in the hiue to hinder their businesse As for the doung and excrements of such as are working within they be laid all on a heap in some by-corner because they should not goe far from their worke and in foule weather when otherwise they haue nought to do they turn it forth Toward euening their noise beginneth to slacke and grow lesse and lesse vntill such time as one of them flieth about with the same loud humming wherewith she waked them in the morning and thereby giueth a signal as it were and commandement for to go to rest much after the order in a camp And then of a sudden they are all husht and silent CHAP. XI ¶ Of the drone Bees THe houses and habitations that Bees build first are for the Commons which being finished they set in hand with a pallace for their king If they foresee that it will be a good season and that they are like to gather store of prouision they make pauilions also for the Drones And albeit they be of themselues bigger than the very bees yet take they vp the least lodgings Now these drones be without any sting at all as one would say vnperfect bees the last fruit of such old ones as are weary and able to do no more good the very later brood increase and to say a truth no better than slaues to the right bees indeed And
that of their beards if the haire be cut it grows not again at the cut end but springs from the root It growes apace in some sicknesses and most of all in the consumption of the lungs and in old age yea and vpon the bodies of the dead In lecherous persons the haire of their head browes and eie-lids with which they came into the world doe fall more early than in others but those that spring afterward grow sooner again if they be cut and shauen The wooll and haire that foure footed beasts do beare is more course and thick by age but it comes not in such plenty as before And such haue alwaies their backe well couered with haire and wooll but their bellies bare Of Kine and Ox hides sodden there is made glew but the Bulls hide hath no fellow for that purpose Man only of all males hath euident paps in his breasts other creatures haue little nipples only in shew of teats Neither hath all females teats in their brests but only such as are able to suckle their yong none that lay egs haue paps nor any haue milk vnles they bring forth their yong liuing and yet of all fowles I must except the Bat alone As for the ilfauored Scritchowles called Stryges I think they be but tales that go of them namely That they will giue milk out of their brests to yong infants True it is all men agree in this That the manner was in old time to vse in cursing and execration the terme of Strix but what bird it should be I suppose no man as yet knoweth CHAP. XL. ¶ Notable obseruations in liuing Creatures as touching their paps SHee Asses are much pained with the ache of their vdders when they haue foled and therefore after six moneths they will not giue them any more sucke whereas mares doe suckle their colts a whole yeare almost Those beasts which be whole hoofed and haue not aboue two yong at once haue all of them two paps and no more and those in no other place else but between their hinder legs Such as be clouen footed and horned likewise haue them in that place but Kine haue foure teats Ewes Goats but two apiece Such beasts as be very fruitful and bring many yong and likewise whose feet are parted into toes these haue many nipples or teat heads all along their belly disposed and set in a double course as namely Sowes of which those of the better sort haue 12 the common sort but tenne Also Bitches after the same maner Some beasts haue 4 teats in the mids of their belly as Panthers some twain and no more as the Lionesse The Elephant alone hath twaine vnder his shoulders or legs before and those not euident in the breast part but short thereof and lying hidden as it were within the arm-pits And generally none that haue their feet diuided into toes haue vdders behinde vnder their hin legs A Sow at euery farrow giues the formost nipples to those pigs that come first and so in order as they be farrowed and those teats be they that are next to her throat and highest Euery pig knowes the own pap and will take it and no other when it comes first into the world and thereof it is nourished If a pig be taken from the sow the milk of that pap wil dry vp presently or returne backe and the pap it selfe fall flat to the belly Also if it chance that but one sucking pig be left that pap alone wil do the part and let down milke which Nature first appointed for that one pig She Beares haue foure paps apiece Dolphins haue no more but two teats and nipples in the bottom of their belly and those not very apparant to the eye nor streit and direct but lying somwhat aside and byas and no beast besides giueth sucke as it runneth but she To conclude Whales Wirlepooles and Seales nourish their yong with their vdder and teats CHAP. XLI ¶ Of Milke and of what milke Cheese cannot be made THe milk that comes from a woman before she hath gon 7 months with child is not good but from that time forward it is wholsome because the infant may liue and do well after that terme Many are so frim and free of milke that all their breasts are strut and full thereof euen as far as to their arm-holes Camels giue milke vntill they be great with yong again and their milke is thought to be most sweet and pleasant in tast if to one measure thereof you put three of water A Cow hath no milke ordinarily before she hath calued The first milke that she giueth downe is called Beestins which vnlesse it be delayed with some water will soon turn to be as hard as a pumish stone She Asses are not so soon with yong but they haue milke in their vdders but if they go in good and battle pasture it is not good their yong foles should suck their milke in two daies after for the very tast thereof is enough to kil them and this disease that comes of Beestins is called Colostratio The milk that those giue which haue teeth in both chawes is not good to make cheese of because it will not cruddle Camels milke of all others is thinnest and Mares milke next to it Asses milk is holden for to be thickest and therefore they vse it in stead of renning to turn milke and gather curds thereof It is thought also to be very good for to make womens skin faire and white Certes the Empresse Poppaea wife to Domitius Nero had alwaies wheresoeuer she went 500 she Asses milch in her train and in their milke she bathed and washed her whole body as in an ordinary bain supposing that thereby her skin was not only whiter but also more neat smooth and void of riuels All sorts of milke will thicken with fire and turne into whey with cold Cowes milke maketh more cheese than Goats milk by twice as much almost although you take no more of the one than the other The milke of those that haue aboue foure paps is naught for cheese but theirs is better that haue but twain The rennet of an hind-calfe or Leveret and a Kid is much commended But especially of a Leveret or Rabbet which also is medicinable for the flux of the belly a thing to be obserued in them alone of all creatures that are toothed in both chawes A wonder it is that barbarous nations liuing of milke haue for so many hundred yeares either not knowne or else not regarded the benefit of cheese and yet they vsed to thicken their milk into a kind of pleasant soure curd in manner of a Sellibub and to charn butter thereof which is the skum and cream of milke much thicker than that which is called whey To conclude I may not let passe That Butter hath the vertue and properties of oile insomuch as forrein and barbarous nations do anoint their children therewith as we also do ours CHAP. XLII ¶ Cheeses of
faire water together with the seed in a brasen vessell is made that medicine or composition which is called Lycium A bush there groweth likewise vpon mount Pelion like Pyxiacantha i. the Berberrie bush whereof is made a counterfeit Lycium In like manner the root of the Asphodill with an Oxe-gal Wormewoot Frankincense and the mother and lees of oile wil do the same but the best Lycium and most medicinable is that which doth yeld a great froth or scum The Indian merchants do send it ouer in bags made of the skins either of Camels or Rhinocerotes In some parts of Greece they name the very bush whereof this Lycium is made Pyxacanthum Chironium CHAP. VIII ¶ Of Macir Sugar and the trees of the region Ariana THe Macir likewise is brought out of India A reddish bark or rind it is of a great root and beareth the name of the tree it selfe but the form of that tree I know not how to describe This rind sodden in hony so condit as a Succade is a singular good medicine for those that be troubled with the Dysentery or bloudy-flix as for sugar there is of it in Arabia but the best comes out of India A kind of hony it is gathered and candied in certaine Canes white this is like gum Arabick and brittle between a mans teeth The graines hereof when they are at the bigst exceed not a filberd nut and serue only for physick In the realm of Ariana which confineth and boundeth vpon the Indians there is a certain thorny plant so ful of sharp pricks that it is comberous to them who come about it which yeeldes a precious liquor issuing out thereof like to Myrrhe In the same prouince there grows a pestilent venomous shrubbe called Rhaphanus bearing leaues like the bay tree which with their fragrant smell train horses thither to eat thereof but they are so good for them that they left not Alexander the Great scarce one horse of all his Cauallerie they died so fast of that food at his first entrance into the countrey The like accident befell to him also among the Gedrosians In like manner there is another thornie plant by report in that region leaued like the Laurell the iuice and liquor whereof if it be sprinckled or dashed in the eies of any liuing creature whatsoeuer puts them quite out and makes them blind Moreouer they haue an herb there of a singular pleasant sauor but couered all ouer it is with little venomous serpents their sting is present death Onesicritus reports That in the vales of Hircania there be trees like fig-trees which the Hircanians call Occhi out of which there distils or drops hony euery morning for the space of two houres CHAP. IX ¶ Of Bdellium and the trees growing by the Persian gulfe NEere to these parts lies Bactriana wherin is the most excellent Bdellium The tree that bears it is black of the bignesse of an Oliue with leaues like an Oke and the fruit resembleth wild figs and is of the same nature The gum thereof some cal Brochos others Malachra and there be again that name in Maldacon Howbeit when it is blacke and brought into roles or lumps they giue it another name and call it Hadrobolon But indeed the right Bdellium when it is in the kinde should be cleare as yellow as wax pleasant to smell vnto in the rubbing and handling fatty in taste bitter and nothing soure Being washed and drenched with wine as they vse it in sacrifices it is more odoriferous There is found of it in Arabia India Media and Babylon As for that which is brought out of Media they call it Peraticum this is more tractable and gentle in hand more crusty and bitter than the rest But the Indian Bdellium is the moister and more gummy this is sophisticated with Almonds wheras the other kinds be made counterfeit with the bark of Scordastus a tree that yeelds the like gum But this trumpery and deceit is found by the smell colour weight taste and fire And let this one word for all serue as a generall rule to proue all such drugs and spices by The Bactrian Bdellium when it is in the fire yeeldeth a dry and smoky fume and hath many white markes in it resembling the nailes of ones fingers besides it hath his just poise and weight that it ought to haue neither more nor lesse for as it should not be ouer weighty so it may be too light Commonly the price goeth after this rate to wit three deniers a pound Vpon these regions aboue-named confineth Persis whereas the red sea which we named in our Geographie the Persian gulfe floweth at certain tides far into the land and in these sands and downes are to be seen diuers trees of strange natures for when the tide is past you shal see at a low water some trees with their roots bare as if they were eaten with the salt water a man cannot tell whether they were brought thither with the tide or left in the ebbe but surely the naked roots seem to clasp take hold of the barren sands as if they were Polype fishes should cling to any thing And yet the same when the sea floweth again notwithstanding they be beaten vpon with the waues stand fast and stir not Again at some high water and spring-tide they be couered all ouer with water and by good arguments it is euident to the eie That nourished they be with the roughnesse of the surging sea-water Their heights is wonderfull and fashioned they be in forme of an Arbut tree the fruit without-forth like to Almonds but the kernels within be writhed CHAP. X. ¶ The Trees of the Island Tylos within the Persian sea Moreouer of those trees that beare Wooll or Cotton WIthin the same gulfe of Persia there lieth an Isle full of woods to the East side euen vpon that coast which is ouerflowed with the tide Euery tree within is equall in bignesse to the fig-tree the blossoms that they carry are so sweet as it is wonderful vnspeakable the fruit like a Lupine yet so rough prickly as no beast will gladly touch it In the highest part and knap of the same Island there be trees bearing wooll but not in such sort as those of the Seres for whereas the leaues of those do carry a downe or cotton these are altogether without and barren thereof and but that they be somewhat lesse they might seeme to be vine leaues Howbeit they beare a fruit at the last like Gourds in fashion and as bigge as Quinces which when they be full ripe do open and shew certain bals within of down whereof they make most fine and costly linnen clothes CHAP. XI ¶ Of the Gossampine trees as also of other Cotton or Bombase trees whereof clothes be made In what manner diuers trees do yeeld their fruit THere is a lesser Isle named Tylos ten miles from the other where be trees called Gossampines which yeeld more cotton than those
and relish of the salt water naturally of it selfe Neither is the wine that comes from the hil Tmolus in any regard as a wine to be drunke alone but it serues as a sweetcuit to mingle wiith other wines that be hard for thereby their greene verdure wil seeme more mild and pleasant yea and withall to haue their ripeage for no sooner is it tempered therwith but they tast presently elder than they be Next to these in goodnes follow in their course the wines of Sycione Cypres Telmessus Tripolis Berytus Tyrus and Sebennys As for this wine last rehearsed it is made in Aegypt a countrey much renowned for three kinds of grapes there to wit Thasia Aethalos and Peuce Next in price account be these following the Hippodomantian the Mystick Cantharite the Gnidian wine of the first running and vnpressed also that of Catacecaumene a region so called for that it seemeth all burnt of Petra and Mycone As for the wine Mesogâ—…es it is knowne to make head-ach neither is the wine of Ephesus holesome and healthfull because it is sophisticated with a kind of cuit halâ—… sodden called Defrutum and sea-water As for the wine of Apamea by report it comes very neare to a kind of Mede and will very well agree withall like as Praetutium in Italy For otherwise this is the property in generall of al sweet wines that they will not well sort together be good still Touching the wine Protagium it is now grown out of remembrance and yet the Physicians of Asclepiades his sect and schoole gaue praise vnto it next the Italian wines The learned Physician Apollodorus in his treatise that he compiled of good wines which he recommended vnto King Ptolomaeus for to drinke as meet for the health of his person for default of Italian wines then vnknown highly praised the wines in Pontus principally that which is called Naspercenties next to it the Oroeotik the Oeneates that of Leucadia of Ambracia and which he preferreth aboue all the rest the wine of Peparethus and yet he said that there went the lesse name and opinion of it because after sixe yeares it loseth the strength and pleasant tast that it had CHAP. VIII ¶ Seuen kinds of salt wine THus far forth haue we discoursed of the very floure of good wines according to the regions where naturally they come of the grape Now are we to treat of wines compounded And first among such wines is that which they call Biaeon an inuention of the Greeks which aboue all others is most esteemed and great reason for deuised it was for the cure of many maladies as we shall shew hereafter in our treatise of Physick The making wherof is in this manner Take grapes gathered somwhat before they be ripe let them lie to drie and parch in the hot Sunne for three daies and be turned duly thrice a day vpon the fourth day presse them forth for wine put the liquor vp in barrels and so let it worke in the Sun How beit hereto they put a good quantity of salt sea-sea-water But this deuise was learn'd first of a false theeuish knaue who hauing robbed his maister and drunk vp a good deale of his wine filled vp the vessel again and made just measure with sea-water White wine if it be ordered in this sort is called Leucochrum by the Greekes but in other nations the like wine so made is named Tethalassomenon As for Thalassites it is a kind of wine so called for that the vessels when the wine is new tunned be cast into the sea and there let to remaine for a time by which means the wine will soon seeme old and readie to be drunke Furthermore Cato also here among vs hath shewed the way how to make the Greekish Wine Coum of our owne Italian Wine but aboue all he hath set down an expresse rule to let it first take the maturitie and perfection 4 yeres in the Sun As for the wine of Rhodes it is much like to that of Coos But the Phorinean wine is more salt than the wine of the Isle Coos Finally all transmarine or beyond-sea wines are thought in seuen or six yeares at the least to come vnto their middle age CHAP. IX ¶ Fourteene sorts of sweet wines ALwaies the sweeter that they be in tast the lesse fragrant odoriferous they be the thinner and smaller that they be the more euer they smell to the nose Of wines there be four principall colours white yellow red and blacke As for Psythium and Melampsythium they be certaine kinds of cuit hauing a seuerall tast apart by themselues not resembling wine indeed And for Cicibelites made in Galatia it tasts alwaies like new wine so doth Halyntium in Sicily For as touching Syraeum which some call Hepsema we in Latine Sapa i. Cuit it is a meer artificiall thing the deuise of mans wit and no worke of Nature namely when new wine is sodden away a third part for when it boiles to the halfe we then call it Defrutum And in very deed all these be inuentions to sophisticate and counterfeit honie But those before named retaine the naturall tast of the grape and the soile whereof they doe consist Next to these cuit-wines of Candie those of Cilicia Affrick Italy and the prouinces confronting therupon are held for the best Certain it is That they be made of one grape which the Greekes call Stica and we Apiana i. the Muscadell and of another named Scirpula the which haue been suffered a long time to hang in the Sunne vpon the Vine vntill they be scorched and parched or else ouer the vapor of scalding oile Some there be that make them of any sweet grapes whatsoeuer so that they be let to concoct before in the Sun vntil they be white and drie so farre forth as little lesse than half of their weight be consumed which done they stamp them and so gently presse them Then looke how much liquor they haue pressed foorth so much pit water they put to the cake that is pressed that thereof they may haue a cuit of a second running But they that be more curious take vpon them to make a daintier cuit dry the grapes in maner aforesaid but they take forth the stones and graines within they strip them also from the steeles and railes that they hung by and so after they be well drenched and infused in some excellent wine vntill they be swelled and plumpe they presse them And certainly this fashion is simply the best of all others Put to the cake thereof water as before and after the same manner yee shall haue a cuit of a second sort Now there is a kind of wine which the Greeks call Aigleuces that is to say always sweet like new wine of a middle nature between the common simple wine and the sweet and this commeth not vnto it by kind but by heed taken in the boiling for it is not suffered to seeth and work and this
Daucus or yellow Carot Sauge Panace Acorus or Galangal Conyza or Cunilago Thyme Mandragoras and Squinanth More such wines there were yet which the Greeks called Scyzinum Itaeomelis and Lectispagites but as they be growne now out of vse so the manner of making is vnknown As touching wines made of trees shrubs their maner was to seeth the berries of the green wood of both the Cedars the Cypres the Bay Iuniper Terebinth Pine Calamus and Lentisk in new wine In like maner the very substance of Chamelaea Chamaepithys and Germander Last of all the floures also of the said plants serue to make wines namely by putting into a gallon of new wine in the vat the weight of ten deniers or drams of the floures CHAP. XVII ¶ Of Hydromel and Oxymel i. Honied water and Honied vineger THere is a wine called Hydromel made of water and hony onely but to haue it the better some do prescribe rain water and the same kept fiue yeares for that purpose Others who are more wise and skilfull herein do take raine water newly fallen and presently seethe it vntill a third part be boiled away then they put therto a third part also of old hony in proportion to it and so let them stand together in the Sun for forty daies together from the rising of the Dog-star Others after they haue remained thus mingled and incorporate together ten daies put it vp reserue it close stopped for their vse and this is called Hydromel which being come to some age hath the very tast of wine no place affords better than Phrygia Moreouer Vineger was wont to be tempered with hony See how curious men haue bin to try conclusions in euery thing which they called Oxymel and that in this manner Recipe of hony ten pounds or pints of old vineger fiue pints of sea salt one pound of rain water fiue Sextares i. a gallon within one quart boile them al together at a soft fire vntil they haue had ten plawes or walmes which done poure them out of one vessell into another and so let the liquor stand and settle a long time vntil it be stale All these wines compositions thus brued Themison an Author highly renowned hath condemned and forbidden expressey to be vsed And to say a very truth it seems that the vse of them was neuer but in case of necessity vnlesse a man would beleeue and say that Ipocras spiced wines those that be compounded of ointments are Natures work or that she brought forth plants and trees to no other end but that men should drink them down the throat Howbeit the knowledge surely of such experiments be pleasant and delectable vnto men of great wit and high conceit whose noble spirits cannot be at rest but euer inuentiue and searching into all secrets Now to conclude this point certain it is and past all question that none of all these compositions vnles it be those which come to their perfection by age and long time will last one yeare full out nay most of them will not keep good one moneth to an end CHAP. XVIII ¶ Certaine strange and wonderfull sorts of wine WIne also hath prodigious and miraculous effects for by report in Arabia there is a wine made which being drunk will cause barren women to beare children and contrariwise driue men into madnes But in Achaia principally about Carynia the wine makes women fall into vntimely trauell nay if a woman great with childe do eat but the verie grapes they will slip the fruit of their wombe before their time and yet both grape and wine differ not in tast from others They that drinke the wine comming from the cape Troezen ate thought vnable for generation It is reported that the Thasiens do make two kinds of wine of contrarie operations the one procures sleep the other causeth watching Among them there is a vine called Theriace the grape whereof as also the wine cureth the stings and biting of serpents as it were a most especiall Treacle As for the vine Libanios it carrieth the odour and smell of Frankincense and therefore is vsed in sacrifices to the gods But contrariwise another named Aspendios is vtterly condemned for that purpose and no wine thereof is imployed at the altar they say also that no fowle will touch the grapes thereof There is a kind of grape in Egypt which they call Thasia exceeding sweet it is and looseth the belly But contrariwise there be in Lycia that binde as much and cause costiuenesse The grapes Ecbolides in Egypt if they be eaten cause women with child to be deliuered before their time Some wines there be that as they lie in the very cellar will turn and proue soure about the rising of the Dog-star but afterward wil recouer their verdure and become quick and fresh again In like maner there be wines which vpon the sea will change howbeit the agitation thereof causeth those Wines which endure it to the end to seem twice as old as they be indeed CHAP. XIX ¶ What Wines they be that may not be vsed in sacrifices and what waies there are to sophisticate new wines FOrasmuch as our life stands much vpon religion and diuine seruice wee are to vnderstand That it is held vnlawfull to offer vnto the gods before sacrifice the Wine of any vine that hath not bin cut and pruned or that hath bin smitten or blasted with lightening or standing neere to a jebbit or tree whereon a man hath hanged dead or the grapes whereof haue bin troden by men whose legs or feet haue been wounded neither is that wine allowable for this purpose which hath bin pressed and run from the refuse of grape stones and skins once bruised and crushed in the presse or last of all if the grapes haue bin filed by any ordure or dung fallen from aboue thereupon Moreouer Greeke Wines are reiected from this holy vse because they haue water in them Furthermore the vine it self is holden good to be eaten namely when the burgens and tendrils be first sodden and afterwards preserued and kept in vineger brine or pickle Ouer and besides it were very meet and conuenient to speake also concerning the manner of preparing and ordering of wine seeing that the Greeks haue trauailed in that point seuerally and reduced the rules belonging therto into the form of an Art and namely Euphronius Aristomachus Coniades Hicesias are therein great professors The Africans vse to mitigate and allay the tartnesse of their wines with plastre yea and in some parts of their country with lime The Greeks contrariwise do fortifie and quicken them with clay with pouder of marble with salt or sea water and in some places of Italy they vse to the same effect the shauings and scrapings of stone-pitch Also it is an ordinary thing in Italy and the prouinces thereto confining for to condite their new wines to season them with rosin yea and in some places they mingle therewith the lees of
blacke Masticke which is engendred in Pontus and is like to Bitumen and therto adde the root of Iris or the floure de luce and oile For this is found by experience That if the vessells be sered with wax the wines therin will not hold but turne soure quickly Moreouer we daily see that better it is to put vp wine into those vessels wherin vinegre hath been kept afore than into such as had dulcet or honied wine Cato sets downe a receit to trim and concinnate wine for that is the very tearme which he vses in this manner Take of lie ashes sodden with cuit boiled to the halfe one fortieth part temper it with a pound and a half of penniroyall or salt and otherwhiles with marble braied beaten into pouder among He makes mention also of brimstone but rosin he names with the last But aboue al he wills to refresh and renue the wine when it now begins to come to maturity and perfection with new wine which he calls Tortivum and I take it that he means that which ran last out of the wine-presse which he prescribeth also to be put vnto new wines for to get them a fresher color as the very tincture of wine and so it wil be also of a more fattie substance and goe down more glib and merrily See see how many deuises of medicines and slibber sauces the poore wine is forced to endure and all to please our pallat our eye and other sences and yet ywis we marueâ—… that it is so hurtfull to our bodies Well would you haue an experiment to know when wine is going or enclining to be dead and soure dip therein a thin plate of lead if it change color take it for a signe that it is in the way of decaying Of all liquors wine hath this propertie to vinew to pal into change in vinegre But a thousand medicines it doth affoord and books of Physick are full thereof Moreouer wine lees being dried will serue as a match to keep fire and without any other fewell to feed it ye shall haue it burne and flame of it selfe The ashes thereof is of the nature of Nitre and hath the same vertues and in this regard somewhat more for that it is found to be more fattie and vnctuous CHAP. XXI ¶ Of wine-cellars NOw when wine is made and tunned vp in maner aforesaid there is as great difference and diuersitie in the bestowing of it in cellars They of Piemont about the Alpes doe put vp their wines in woodden barrels bound well with hoopes for warmth and moreouer if the winter be very cold they make fires in their cellars or butteries to keep them for being frozen I will tell you a strange wonder yet true and to be verified not by hearesay but plain eiesight There were seen vpon a time whole heaps huge lumps of wine congealed into ice by occasion that the hoopes of the hogsheads burst that contained the wine and this was held for a prodigious token For indeed wine of it owne nature will not congeale and freeze only it will lose the strength and become apalled in extremitie of cold In warmer climats and more temperat they fil their wines into great stands and steanes of earth which they set into the ground either ouer the head all whole or else by halfe deeper or shallower according to the situation temperature of the region Likewise they giue the wine open aire in some places whereas in other they keep it close within house in tauernes and cellars And thereto belong these and such like rules First that one side of the wine-cellar or at leastwise the windows ought to stand open to the North or to the East in any wise where the Sunne riseth at the time of the Aequinoctiall Item that there be no muckhils nor priuies neer no roots of trees nor any thing of a strong and stinking sauor for that wine is of this nature to draw any smell very quickly into it and aboue all Fig trees as well the wild as the tame be hurtfull to wine-cellars Item as touching the order of placing the wine-vessels they ought to stand a pretty distance one from another for fear of contagion for that wine is alwaies most apt to catch infection very soon Moreouer it matters much of what proportion and fashion the pipes tubs and such vessels be made Those with great bellies and wide mouths are not so good Also they must be nealed with pitch presently vpon the rising of the dog-star afterwards doused and washed all ouer either in the sea or else salt water then to bee seasoned and strewed with vine ashes or cley and being scoured they ought to sweeten them with a perfume of Myrrhe which were good to be done also to the very cellars oftentimes Furthermore if the wines be weak and smal they had need to be kept in tubs and hogsheads let downe within the ground but the strong and mighty wines may lie aboue ground in the open aire Prouided alway that wine vessels be neuer filled top full but the void part that is left and stands aboue the wine would be thoroughly dightwith thicke wine made of withered grapes or sodden wine to the halfe and saffron mingled withall yea and old pitch together with cuit Thus also ought the lids and bungs of the vessels to be ordered with an addition besides of mastick and pitch In the deep of Winter they must not be vnstopped and opened in any case vnlesse the weather be faire and cleare Neither when the wind is Southerly or the Moon in the full This also is to be noted that the floure or mantle which the wine casts vp to the top is good when it is white if it be red it is a very bad signe vnlesse the wine it selfe be of that color Moreouer if the vessels be hote or the lids do sweat it is no good signe Note also that the wine which soone begins to mantle and cast vp a floure incontinently or to veeld another smell than the own wil not continue long good As for the cuits whether they be sodden to the half or the thirds they ought to be boiled made when the skie is without a Moon that is to say in the change and vpon no day else Moreouer the decoction must be in leads and not in coppers with walnuts among to receiue al the smoke which otherwise might infect the cuit In Campaine they let their best wines lie abroad in vessells euen in the open aire to take the Sun the Moone raine and wind and all weathers that come and this is thought to bee best for them CHAP. XXII ¶ Of auoiding Drunkennesse IF a man marke and consider well the course of our life we are in nothing more busie and curious nor take greater paines than about wine as if Nature had not giuen to man the liquor of water which of all others is the most wholsom drink and wherwith all other creatures are wel contented
to gather an oile thereof the manner is to seeth the seeds in water the oile wil swim aloft and so it is scummed off But in Egypt where there is abundance thereof they neuer vse any fire or water about it only they corn it well with salt and then presse out the oile which is very fulsome and naught to be eaten good only for lamps The oile of Almonds which some cal Metopium is made of the bitter Almonds dri'd stamped and reduced into a masse or lumpe which being sprinkled and soked with water and then beaten againe in a mortar is put into a presse or mill and the oile drawne therout There is an oile made also of the Bay together with the oile of ripe oliues ready to drop from the tree Some take the Bay berries only and thereout presse oile de-Baies others vse the leaues and nothing els and there be againe who with the leaues take also the rind of the Bay berries yea and put thereto Storax Calamita and other sweet odors Now for this purpose the Laurell with broad leaues growing wild and bearing blacke berries is the best Like vnto this oile is that which they make of the blacke Myrtle and the broad leafed kind thereof is the better the berries of it ought to lie infused first in hot water and afterwards to be boiled Some seeth the tenderest leaues that it hath in Oile-Oliue and then presse them forth Others put the leaues first in the oile then let them stand confected in the sun and there take their ripening After the same manner is the oile made of the garden Myrtle but that of the wilde which hath the smaller seed is the better and this Myrtle some call Oxymyrsine others Chamaemyrsine and some againe name it for the smalnesse Acaron for short it is and full of little branches Moreouer there be oiles made of the Citron and Cypresse trees likewise of wall nuts which they call Caryinon also the fruit of the Cedar named Cedrelaeon Semblably of the graine called Gnidium to wit the seed of Chamelaea and Thymelaea well elensed and stamped In like manner of the Lentisk As for the oile Cyprinum how it should be made of the Egyptian nut and of Ben for to serue perfumers hath bin shewed before The Indians by report do make of Chest-nuts of Sesame seed Rice The people Ichthyophagi as they liue by eating fish only so they make oile of fishes And in case of necessity otherwhiles men vse to draw an oile out of the berries of a Plane tree also beeing steeped in water and salt which serues for lamp oile Yea and there is an oile made of the wild vine Oenanthe as we haue said already in the treatise of Ointments As touching the oile which the Greeks call Gleucinum it is made with new wine and oile-oliue boiled at a soft fire Others there be that let the wine consume all into oile and without any fire at all do compasse the vessell wherein this composition is made with the cake and the refuse of grapes when they be pressed and couer it all ouer for the space of 22 daies so as twice a day they be all mixed throughly together Some there be who put therto not only Majoram but also the most precious and exquisite odors that they can meet withal and our common fencing-halls and places of publick exercises be perfumed with these sweet oiles and do smell of them but such they be as are the cheapest of all other Ouer and besides there is made an oile of Aspalathus sweet Calamus Balme Iris or Flour-de-lis Cardumome or grains of Paradise Melilot French Nard Panace Marjoram Elecampane and the root of Cinamon taking all these and letting them lie infused in oile and so pressing out the iuice thereof So is oile Rosat made of Roses the oile of Squinanth of the â—…eet rush which is most like to the Oile Rosat Likewise of Henbane Lupines and the Daffaâ—… the Egyptians get great store of oile out of Raddish seed or the grasse called Gramen which is Dent-de-chien or Quich-grasse and this oile they call Chortinon After the same manner the Sesame-seed doth yeeld an oile as also the Nettle which in Greeke they call Cnecinon or rather Cnidinum As for the oile of Lillies it is made in some places where they feare not to let it stand abroad in the aire infused to take both Sun and Moon-shine yea and frosty weather They that inhabit between Cappadocia and Galatia do compound a certain oile of herbes growing among them which is a soueraigne remedy for sinewes either wounded or otherwise grieued and they callit Selgiticum it is much in effect like to that oile which is made in Italie of Gums by the people Eguini Now for the oile of Pitch which they call Picinum it is made of the vapors and smoke that arise from Pitch whiles it boileth and receiued in fleeces of wooll spread ouer the pots mouth wherein the said Pitch is sodden which fleeces afterwards are well wrung and the oile is pressed out thereof The best oile is that which commeth from the Brutian or Calabrian pitch the same is most fat of all others and fullest of Rosin The colour of the oile is reddish Vpon the coasts and maritime parts of Syria there is an oile engendereth of it selfe which the Greeks call Elaeomeli a fatty and greasie substance it is thicker than honey and thinner than Rosin of a sweet tast issuing out of trees and is onely medicinable and good in Physicke As touching old oile it serues in right good stead for sundry sorts of maladies It is thought also very singular for to preserue Iuory from putrefaction for this is certaine that the image of Saturne at Rome is full of oile-oliue all within CHAP. VIII ¶ Of the lees or dregs of Oile-oliue called Amurca CAto hath highly commended aboue all the lees of Oile-oliue for he would haue the barrels hogsheads and other vessels which hold oile to be therewith besmeared that they should not drink vp the oile He deuised also that the threshing floors should be wrought and tempered with oile lees that they might not chawn gape nor no Ants breed within the chinks and cranies thereof Moreouer he thinks it very good that the mortar plaister and parget vsed about the wals of corn barns as also their floors should be well sprinkled and tempred with the said lees yea and the presses and wardrobes where apparell is kept ought to be rubbed therewith to keep out mothes worms spiders and such vermine that do hurt to cloths He affirmeth besides that is good against certain diseases of four-footed beasts as also to preserue trees yea and excellent for inward vlcers of a mans body but especially those of the mouth Being sodden it is singular good as he saith for to annoint and make gentle and supple all bridle reins leather thongs shooes and axletrees of carts and wagons likewise to keepe all vessels of brasse from
is the best of all others And the next to it in goodnesse is the Lentiske rosin called Mastich CHAP. XII ¶ Of the Pitch Zopissa which is scraped from ships and of Sapium Also what trees are in request for their timber IT would not be forgotten that the Greeks haue a certaine Pitch scraped together with wax from the ships that haue lien at sea which they Zopissa so curious are men to make experiments and try conclusions in euery thing and this is thought to be much more effectuall for all matters that pitch and rosin are good for by reason of the fast temperature that it hath gotten by the salt water For to draw rosin out of the * Pitch-tree it must be opened on the Sun side not by giuing a slit or gash in the bark but by cutting out a peece therof so that the tree may gape and lie bare two foot at the most and from the earth this wound to be at least a cubite Neither doe they spare the entire bodie and wound of the tree as they do in the rest for there is no danger therof considering that the very chips of the wood being cut out are ful of liquor and do serue to make pitch But the nearer that the said ouerture or hole is made to the earth the better is the rosin that issues forth for if it be higher it is better When this is don all the humor afterwards runneth to the vlcer ot incision aforsaid from euery part of the tree The like it doth in the Torch pine When it hath left running to the first hole there is a second likewise made on another side and so still is the tree opened euery way vntill at length tree and all is hewn downe and the very pith and marrow thereof serueth for Torch wood to burne Semblably in Syria they vse to plucke the barke from the Terebinth yea and they pill the boughes and roots too for Terpentine howsoeuer in other trees the rosin issuing out of those parts is not counted good in Macedonie the manner is to burne the male Larch but the roots onely of the female for to draw out pitch Theopompus wrate that there is found in the territorie of the Apolloniats a kind of minerall pitch called Pisâ—…asphaltum nothing inferiour in goodnesse to the Macedonian The best pitch in all countries is that which is gathered from trees standing vpon the North wind and in places exposed to the Sunne-shine As for that which commeth from shadowie places it is more vnpleasant to the eie and carieth besides a strong and stinking sauor If it bee a cold and hard winter the pitch then made is the worse there is also lesse store of it nothing is it so well coloured Some are of opinion That the pitch issueth in more abundance out of trees in the mountaines also that it is better colored sweeter in tast more pleasant also in smelâ—… namely while it is raw pitch-rosin and as it runneth from the tree but if it be boiled it yeelds lesse plentie of pitch than that which commeth of trees in the plain and runneth all into a thin liquor in manner of whey yea and the very trees themselues are smaller But both the one and the other as wel the mountain pines and pitch-trees as those of the plaines yeeld not so much pitch in a faire and drie season as when the weather is rainy and full of clouds Moreouer some there be of these trees that yeeld forth fruit which is their rosin the very same yere that immediately followeth their incision others two yeares after yea and some again in the third yeare As for the incision or open wound that is made it filleth vp with rosin for neither doth it souder or vnite in manner of a skar ne yet closeth the barke againe for in this tree being once diuided it will neuer come together and meet Among these trees some haue reckoned one kind by it selfe named Sapium because it is replanted and groweth of some of the sions or imps of the said trees in maner as hath been shewed before in our treatise of nut-kernells The neather parts of which tree they call Teda i. Torch-wood whereas indeed this tree is no other than the Pitch-tree brought to a more mild and gentle nature by transplanting As for that which the Latines call Sapinus it is nothing else but the wood or timber of these kinde of trees being hewed or cut downe as well herafter declare in place conuenient CHAP. XIII ¶ Of the Ash foure kinds thereof THere be many trees besides that Nature hath brought forth only for their wood and timber and among them the Ash which of all others growes most plentifully in euery place A tall tree this is grows round bearing leaues set in maner of feathers or wings much ennobled by the praise and commendation that the Poet Homer giueth it as also for the speare or launce of Achilles made thereof And in very truth the wood serueth right well for many vses As for the timber of the ash growing vpon the forrest Ida in Troas it is so like the citron wood that when the barke is off a man may hardly discerne the one from the other insomuch as the merchants and chapmen are deceiued therewith The Greekes haue made two kinds of the Ash the one runneth vp tall and euen without a knot the other is lower more tough and hard and withall of a more browne and duskish color and the leaues resemble the Lawrell In Macedony they haue an Ash which they cal Bumelia which of all other is the tallest and biggest the wood thereof is most pliable and bending Others haue put a difference betweene Ashes according to the places for that of the plaine and champion countrey hath a more curled or frisled graine than the other of the mountaines but contrariwise the wood of this is more compact and harder than the other The leaues of this tree according to the Greeks are hurtfull venomous and deadly to Horses Mules and such laboring garrons but otherwise to beasts that chew the cud they be harmlesse Howbeit in Italy if horses c. do brouse of the leaues they take no harme thereby Moreouer they be excellent good and nothing so soueraigne can be found against the poison of serpents if the juice therof be pressed forth and giuen to drinke or to cure old vlcers if they be applied and laid thereto in manner of a Cataplasme nay so forcible is their vertue that a serpent dareth not come neare vnto the shadow of that tree either morning or euening notwithstanding at those times it reacheth farthest you may be sure then they will not approch the tree it selfe by a great way And this am I able to deliuer by the experience which I haue seene that if a man doe make a round circle with the leaues thereof and enuiron therwith a serpent and fire together within the serpent will chuse rather to go into the
Figge tree hath gotten some strength and is growne to sufficient bignesse for to beare a graffe which ordinarily is at three yeares end or at the vtmost when it is fiue yeares old the head thereof must be cut or sawed off and then the branch or bough of the Oliue beforesaid being well clensed and made neat and the head end thereof as is beforesaid thwited and scraped sharpe howbeit not yet cut from the mother stocke must bee set fast in the shanke of the Figge-tree where it must bee kept well and surely tied with bands for feare that thus beeing forced and graffed arch-wise it start and flurt not out againe and returne vnto the owne Thus beeing of a mixt and meane nature betweene a branch or bough growing still vnto the Tree and yet laied in the ground to take new root and an Impe or Sion graffed for the space of three yeares it is suffered to feed and grow indifferently betweene two mothers or rather by the meanes thereof two motherstocks are growne and vnited together But in the fourth yeare it is cut wholly from the owne mother and is become altogether an adopted child to the Fig-tree wherein it is incorporat A pretty deuise I assure you to make a Fig tree beare Oliues the secret whereof is not knowne to euery man but I my selfe do conceiue and see the reason of it well enough Moreouer the same regard and consideration aboue rehearsed as touching the nature of grounds whether they be hot cold moist or dry hath shewed vs also the manner of digging furrows and ditches For in watery places it will not be good to make them either deep or large whereas contrariwise in a hot and dry soile they would be of great capacity both to receiue and also to hold store of water And verily this is a good point of husbandry for to preserue not only yong plants but old trees also for in hot countries men vse in Summer time to raise hillocks and banks about their roots and couer them all therewith for feare lest the extreme heat of the Sun should scoreh and burne them But in other parts the manner is to dig away the earth and to lay the roots bare and let in the wind to blow vpon them The same men also in winter doe banke the roots about and thereby preserue them from the frost Contrariwise others in the winter open the ground for to admit moisture to quench their thirst But in what ground soeuer it be where such husbandry is requisit the way of clensing tree roots and ridding the earth from them is to dig a trench three foot round about And yet this must not be don in medows forasmuch as for the loue of the Sun and of moisture the roots of trees run ebbe vnder the face of the earth And thus much verily may suffice in generall for the planting and graffing of all those trees that are to beare fruit CHAP. XX. ¶ Of Willow and Osier plots of places where reeds and Canes are nourished also of other trees that be vsually cut for poles props and stakes IT remaineth now to speake of those trees which are planted and nourished for others and for Vines especially to which purpose their wood is vsually lopped to serue the turne Among which Willowes and Oisiers are the chiefe and to be placed in the formost rank and ordinarily they loue to grow in moist and watery grounds Now for the better ordering of the Oisier the place would be well digged before and laid soft two foot and a halfe deep and then planted with little twigs or cuttings of a foot and a halfe in length and those prickt in or else stored with good big sets which the fuller and rounder they be in hand so much better they are for to grow and sooner will they proue to be trees Betweene the one and the other there ought to be a space of six foot When they are come to three yeares growth the manner is to keepe them downe with cutting that they stand not aboue ground more than two foot to the end that they might spread the better in bredth when time serues be lopped shred more easily without the help of ladder for the Withie or Osier is of this nature that the nearer it groweth to the ground the better head it beareth These trees also as wel as others require as men say to haue the ground digged laid light about them euery yere in the month of April And thus much for the planting and ordering of Oisier willowes which must be emploied in binding and winding As for the other willow which affoordeth big boughs for poles perches and props those may be set likewise of twigs and cuttings and trenched in the ground after the same manner These lightly euery fourth yere will yeeld good poles or staues for that purpose would they then be ordinarily cut and lopped If these trees become old their boughs by propagation may still maintain and replenish the place to wit by couching them within the ground after they haue lien soone yeare and taken root by cutting them clean from the stocke-father An Oisier plat of one acre stored thus will yeeld twigs sufficient for windings and bindings to serue a vineyard of fiue and twenty acres To the same purpose men are wont to plant the white poplar or Aspe in manner following First a piece of ground or a quarter must be digged and made hollow two foot deep and therin ought to be laid cuttings of a foot and a half in length after they haue had two daies drying but so as they stand one from another a foot and a handbreadth be couered ouer with mould two cubits thick As touching canes and reeds they loue to grow in places more wet and waterish than either the Willows and Oisiers aboue said oâ—… the Poplars Men vse to plant their bulbous roots which some call their oilets or eies in a trench of a span depth and those two foot and an halfe asunder These reeds do multiplie and increase of themselues if a plot be once planted with them after the old plants be extirped destroied And surely this is found now adaies to be the better and the more profitable way euen to commit all to Nature rather than to gueld and weed them out where they seem to grow ouer thick as the practise was in old time for the maner of their roots is to creepe one within another and to be so interlaced continually as if they were twisted together The fit and proper time to plant and set these canes or reeds is a little before the calends of March to wit before the oilets or eies aboue said begin to swell They grow vntill mid-winter at which time they wax hard which is a signe that they haue done growing and this is the only season also for to cut them Likewise the ground would be digged about them as often as vines The order of planting them is two
steal therof If Figs doe the like there would be oile lees cast vpon them Other trees when they are amisse or doe mislike ought to be drenched with wine lees and Lupines if they be set about their roots will helpe them The water also or decoction wherein Lupines were sodden poured about the roots of Apple trees or such like doth them much good If it happen to thunder about the feast Vulcanalia Figs will fall from the tree The remedy thereof is to strow the plots before with Barley straw Would you haue hastie Cherries Lay lime to the roots of the tree it will cause them to ripen their fruit speedily Of al fruits these hastie Cherries would be plucked and gathered as they ripen to the end that those which be left behind may thriue and grow big and faire CHAP. XXVIII ¶ Many and sundrie medicines seruing for trees to wit remedies against venomous vermine and Pismires likewise against all hurtfull beasts SOme trees there be which are the better for wrong and injurie done vnto them yea and if they be pinched or bitten they shoot vp the rather as Date trees and the Lentisks for euen the very salt water nourisheth them And true it is that ashes hath the like nature and vertue that salt how beit more mild and gentle Hereupon it comes also that Fig trees vse to bee strewed therewith yea and to be wet with the juice of Rue to the end that neither their fruit should proue worm-eaten nor their roots putrisie and rot Moreouer if vines be too full of moisture and apt to bleed ouermuch it is an ordinary thing to pour salt water to their roots Also in case their grapes be apt to fall folk vse to take ashes and be sprinckle them with vinegre and so to be smear the roots therwith or els with red Orpiment in case the grapes be giuen to putrifaction Say that vines be barren and will not bear grapes their roots ought to be wel drenched and dawbed with sharp vinegre and ashes incorporat together But what if a vine bring not her fruit to ful maturity before it begin to wax drie and to wither the superfluous wood ought to be cut away about the root and the cuts together with the small strings or beard of the root to be wet and soked in sharp vineger and stale chamber-lee and then they should be well couered and stopped with a kind of mortar made therewith and often digged about As for Oliues if they make shew of smal increase their roots must be bared and laid open to the cold in winter for by this manner of chastisement they will amend and do far better In all these remedies proceed we must according to the course of the yere for somtime the season requireth that the meanes should bee sooner vsed and otherwhiles later Some plants there be that fire is good for and namely canes and reeds for if they be burnt they will come vp again the thicker and more smooth As for Cato hee hath certain compound medicines for trees distinct by sundry measures by him prescribed for he hath ordained to the roots of the greater trees an Amphore but of the lesse an Vrna only of Oile dregs with an equall quantity of water all which being tempered together he would haue to be poured by little little to the roots but they ought before to be digged about and laid bare And for the Oliue he addeth moreouer that the roots should haue a bed of litter or straw made before and then vsed acordingly In like manner also would the fig tree be serued but especially at the roots of it there should be raised a bank of old earth for by that means it wil come to passe that the green figs will not fall they will beare more plenteously and the fruit be more smooth and pleasant To preuent in like maner that the worme Convolvulus bred not in a vine hee appointed two gallons of oile dregs or lees to be boiled first to the thicke consistence of hony and then afterwards to take a third part of the slime Bitumen and a fourth part of brimstone and seeth all together again in the open aire for within dores there would be some danger of setting the house a fire With this mixture if a vine be well annointed about the ioints and vnder their hollow arm-pits he assureth vs that there will no such worme breed therein Some content themselues to perfume vines onely with the smoke of this composition so as it be done on the winde-side that it may carry the fume directly to them and this should be continued for three daies together Many are of opinion that wine being mingled with like quantity of water because alone of it selfe it is hurtfull is as good for this purpose as the oile dregs aboue said which Cato hath prescribed Another kind of vermin or worme there is that gnaweth the tender buds or burgeons of the vine and the same is called Volvox to preserue vines from this harmefull creature men are wont to take their vine-hooks when they be newly ground and sharpned then to scoure them with a Beauers skin and with them to prune the vines or else after they be pruned to annoint them with bears bloud Moreouer Ants or Pismires make foule work otherwhile among trees If you would driue them away daub the stock or butt end with red Sinopre and Tar rempered together Or do but hang vp any fish neere by and all the Pismires wil leaue their former haunt and gather about it Others make no more adoe but stampe Lupines with oile and therwith annoint the roots Many there are who kill both them and Mouldwarps with oile dregs Also against Palmer-worms or Caterpillars and to keepe Apples from rotting they giue order for to annoint the top twigs and branch ends of trees with the gal of a green Lizard But more particularly against the said caterpillars they would haue a woman whiles her monthly sicknes is vpon her to go round about euery tree by it selfe barefooted and barelegged vnbraced and vnlaced and her haire hanging about her eares Moreouer to preserue trees from wilde and noisome beasts that none of them come neare to bruise and marre their green spring they doe appoint to be spreint their leaues with greene Cow or Oxe shearne and water together betweene some showers that the rain may wash away the malice and hurtfull quality of the medicine A wonder to see how inuentiue men are to deuise remedies for euery mischiefe for many you shal haue who be verily persuaded that there are certain charms inchantments to driue away the haile But for mine own part I thinke it meere mockery to set downe the very words although Cato hath done it before me Who also speaketh of another spell for dislocations or members out of ioint an accident happening to trees which he would haue to be ioined close within the clift of canes The same writer hath permitted
commeth out of the Balear Islands for a Modius of that wheat yeeldeth in bread 30 pound weigâ—… yet otherwhiles it falleth out in some kinds of wheat being blended two sorts together 〈◊〉 namely that of Cyprus and Alexandria whereof neither exceed little or nothing more than 20 pound weight to the Modius that the bread made thereof will arise to the ordinary proportion for the Cyprian wheat is not bright but brown and duskish and therefore makes a blacke kind of bread in which regard the Alexandrian wheat which is faire and white is mixed with it and so both together do yeeld in bread 25 pound weight The wheat of Thebes addeth a surplusage thereto of one pound As for the maner of working and kneading dough I like not their fashions who take sea water for that purpose as most do that inhabit the sea coasts thinking thereby to saue the charge of salt for I hold this very hurtfull and dangerous Neither doe I thinke that vpon any other cause mens bodies are made more subiect to maladies than by this means In France Spain when the Bruers haue steeped their wheat or frument in water and masht it for their drink of diuers sorts as heretofore hath bin shewed they take the skum or froth that gathereth aloft by the working of the wort and vse the same in stead of leuen for to make their bread which is the reason that their bread is lighter and more houved vp than any other Moreouer there is great difference in wheat by reason of the straw or stalk that bears it for the thicker that it is and more full the better is the corne taken to be The Thracian wheat is inclosed and well clad as it were with many tunicles and coats throughly prouided by that means and good cause why to resist the excessiue cold of that climat which gaue the Thracians iust occasion also to cast about and deuise to haue a kind of wheat that remaineth vpon the ground not aboue three moneths by reason that the snow ouerspreadeth the face of the earth all the year â—…esides and verily this kinde of corne is come into other parts of the world and lightly within three moneths after it is sowed you shall haue it readie to bee reaped A practise well knowne all the Alpes ouer and in other cold and winterly regions where by report of the inhabitants this kind of corne doth wondrous well and none prospereth better or groweth more ranke than it Ouer and besides there is another kind of wheat that putteth vp from euery root one stalk and no more in any place whatsoeuer the manner is to sow it in no ground but that which is light and it neuer misseth Also about the Thracian gulfe there is wheat that within 40 daies after the sowing will be ripe and therupon it is called the Two-month wheat And would you heare a wonder there is no wheat more weighty than it and besides it yeelds no branne at all In Sicilie and Achaia both there is great vse thereof and namely among the mountainers of those two countries Much seeking also there is after that corne in the Isle Euboea about Carystus See how much Columella was deceiued who thought that there was not to be found so much as any kind of three months wheat whereas it is plaine that such hath beene of old and time out of mind The Greeks also haue a proper name for it and call it Trimenon Furthermore it is reported that in the countrey Bactriana there is some corne of that bignes that euery graine is full as much as one of the eares of ours But to returne againe to our husbandry of all spiked corne Barley is sowed first but I purpose to set down the very just time and season apropriat to each kind according to the seueral nature of euery sort which may meaning also is to declare Mean while I canot omit that there is among the Indians barley both sowne and also wild whereof they make the best bread that they haue As for vs Italians to say a truth we set most store by rice wherof being husked and cleansed we make grotes like for all the world to those which other men besides doe make of barley husked The leaues verily that this graine Rice doth beare be pulpous and fleshy resembling Porret or Leeks but that they be broader the stem groweth a cubit high the floure is of purple colour and the root round like a jem or pearle Barley husked was the most ancient meat in old time as may appeare by the ordinarie custome of the Athenians according to the testimonie of Menander as also by the addition or sirname giuen to sword-fencers who vpon their allowance or pension giuen them in barly were called Hordearij i. Barley-men The ordinarie drie grout or meale also Polenta which the Greeks so highly commend was made of nothing els but of barley and the preparing thereof was after sundrie waies The manner that the Greeks vsed was first to steepe the barly in water and giue it one nights drying the morrow after they parched or fried it and then ground it in a mill Others there be who when it is well fried and parched hard besprinckle it once againe with a little water and then dry it before it be ground There are some again who take the ears of barley when they are green beat driue the corn out and while it is fresh and new cleanse it pure which don they infuse it in water and while it is wet bray it in a mortar then they wash it well in osier paniers and so let the water run from it and beeing dried in the sun they pound or stamp it againe and beeing throughly husked and cleansed grind it into meale as is aforesaid Now when it is thus prepared one way or other to twenty pound of this barley they put of Line seed three pound of Corâ—…ander seed halfe a pound of salt about two ounces and two drams and after they haue pearched them all well they blend them together and grind them in a quem They that would haue this meale to keep long put vp into new earthen vessels al together both floure and bran But in Italy they neuer vse to steep or soke it in water but presently parch it and grind it smal into a fine meale putting thereto the former ingredients and the graine of Millet besides As for bread of Barley so much vsed of our forefathers in old time the posterity that liued after found to be naught and condemned it in such sort as they allowed it for prouender only to feed their beasts and cattel with But in stead therof came vp the vse of husked barly to be sodden for grewell so highly commended as a most nutritiue and strong meat and withal passing wholesome for mans bodie insomuch as Hippocrates who for skill and knowledge was the prince of all Physicians hath written one whole booke in the praises
remuneration were giuen of Far which they called Adorea as hath beene said before Moreouer that the Romans for a long time liued of a kinde of batter or gruell made of meale sod and not of bread is very euident by old records and Chronicles for euen at this day such thick gruels or pottage be called Pulmentaria in Latine And Ennius a most antient poet when he would expresse the famin of a city that had endured long siege reporteth that the parents took by force from their chiâ—…dren their sops notwithstanding they cried pitteously for very hunger Moreouer euen in our time wherein we liue the sacred and ceremonious feasts by vs obserued in memorial of our birth daies and natiuitie standeth much vpon furmenty gruel fritters and pan-cakes It seemeth also that our gruels and such like pottage were as much vnknown to Greeks as their Polenta or dried groats were strange to vs here in Italy There is no corn more hungry and greedy of nourishment than Seed wheat or that draweth more vertue and fat out of the earth for nutrimentâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…ouching the winter grain called in Latine Siligo I may be bold to say it is the daintâ—… 〈◊〉 â—…st delicate wheat that is for whitenesse mildnesse and lightnesse It agreeth wel with 〈◊〉 â—…untries such as Italy is and that part of Gaul called Comata i. Lumbardy Beyond tâ—…â—…s also in Sauoy only and the territorie of the Meninians it will endure and hold the owâ—… 〈◊〉 well Mary in other parts of that countrey within two yeares it turneth into the common 〈◊〉 The only remedy therefore is to chuse forth the heauiest and weightiest cornes and them 〈◊〉 sow CHAP. IX ¶ Of Pastry of Grinding and of Meale THe best manchet bread for to serue the table is made of the winter white Wheat Siligo and the most excellent works of pastrie likewise are wrought thereof And yet in Italie it passeth all the rest in case that of Campain bee blended with another sort which doth grow about Pisâ—… for the Wheat of Campaine is redder but this of Pisae whiter and more weighty it is if it come from a chalky ground or haue chalk mingled among Moreouer this is the ordinary proportion that of the very pure corn of Campain wheat which they cal guelded i. wel husked and clensed a measure named Modius should yeeld four Sextars or quarts of fine meale but of the vulgar and common grain which is not so guelded 5 sextars and half a Modius besides of bolted floure and for a courser houshold bred which they call the second bread 4 sextars of meale and as many of brans Also of the Pisane wheat one Modius should yeeld fiue sextares of good meale and the rest equall to the former As for the Clusine and Aretine wheat in euery Modius it answereth again six sextars of meale that is to say one more than the rest otherwise they be all alike Now if you list to range and boult it for cork flower to make bread ye shall haue of manchet 16 pound of course houshold bread three and halfe a Modius of brans But this proportion doth not alwaies hold for it altreth according to the good or bad grinding vpon the mill for that which is ground dry rendereth againe more meale but if it be wet or be sprinckled with salt water it maketh the fairer meale and fuller of fine flower and then shall ye haue more go away in brans As for the word Farina in Latine i. meale it is deriued of Far which in old time was the best finest red wheat as may appeare by the very name that it carieth Finally a Modius of meale comming of the French Siligo called Blancheen or Ble-blanch maketh in bread 22 pound weight but of our Italian 3 or 4 pound more in bread pan-baked for what corn soeuer it be there must be allowance of two pound vantage ouer and aboue for ouen-baked bread CHAP. X. ¶ Of the meale called Similago of the white flower Siligo Of other sorts of Meale and of the maner of baking THe best meale of that kind which they call in Latine Similago is made of the common wheat If the corne come out of Africk it yeeldeth ordinarily for euery Modius half so much in ordinarie meale and fiue sextars besides of flower called Pollen for that is the Latine tearme which they vse in the finest of the common wheat Triticum proportionable to that which in the other winter wheat Siligo they call Flos. And great vse herof there is in copper-smiths forges and in work-houses where paper is made Ouer and besides of courser grodgeons for brown bread foure sextars and as much of brans Moreouer the ordinarie proportion goeth thus that of one Modius of the fine meale Similago there should be made 122 loues of bread that a Modius of the pure flower of Siligo should yeeld 117. As touching the price thus it goeth commonly in the market one yere with another when corn is at a reasonable and indifferent rate A Modius of down-right meale is worth 40 Asses but if the meale be sifted and ranged from the grosse brans vntill it be Similago it will cost eight Asses more and if it be boulted yet finer to the nature of the fine flower Siligo the ouer-deale in the price wil be double Another distinction or difference there was known of this proportion when a Modius comming of wheat of Similago was seen to answer 17 pound in bread and as much of Wheat flower called Pollen thirtie pound and foure ounces besides for second houshold bread two pound and a halfe and of the coursest or brownest as many and six Sextars ouer and aboue of brans But to return to our winter white wheat called Siligo it neuer ripens kindly all together as other corn doth and for that it is so tender and ticklish as that no corn wil lesse abide delay and tarry on worse great heed must be taken thereof for so soone as any is ripe presently the seed sheds and falls out of the eare Howbeit lesse danger is it subiect vnto whiles it standeth in the field than other kindes of wheat for it beareth alwaies an vpright spike or eare neither wil it hold and retain that mildew which blasteth corn so much and turneth it into black pouder As for that kind of corn which they call Arinca it maketh the sweetest bread the grain it selfe is more fast ful than the fine red wheat Far it carieth a bigger eare and is besides more ponderous and weighty Seldom is it seen that a Modius of this grain maketh full 16 pound In Greece they haue much ado with it to thresh it cleane and falter it from the huls and eiles For which cause Homer saith that they were wont to giue it as prouender to horses and such labouring garrons and the very same it is which he calleth Olyra Howbeit this corn in Aegypt goeth out easily vnder the flaile is
he contained in long and flat according to the forme and figure of the seed which they hold Pease by themselues haue a long round cod in forme of a Cylinder The Pulse called Phasâ—…oli i. Kidney Beans vse to be eaten cod and al together These may be set or sowne in what ground you list from the Ides of October to the Calends of Nouember Finally all kinds of Pulse so soone as they begin to ripen are to be gathered or plucked hastily for stay neuer so little they leape out of their cods and shed and being once fallen they lie hidden in the ground like as the Lupine also CHAP. XIII ¶ Of Rapes or Neuewes of Amiternium Turneps NOw let vs proceed and passe to other matters and yet in this discourse it were meet to write somwhat as touching Rapes or Nauews The Latin writers our countreymen haue slightly passed by and touched them only by the way The Greeks haue treated of them somwhat more diligently and yet among pot-hearbes and worts growing in gardens whereas indeed according to good order they would be spoken of immediatly after Corne or Beanes at least wise considering there is not a plant of more or better vse than is the Rape or Nauew First and formost they grow not only for beasts of the earth and the Foules of the aire but also for men For all kinds of Pullen about a Farme-house in the countrey doe feed vpon the feed thereof as much as of any thing else especially if they be boiled first in water As for four-footed beasts they eat the leaues thereof with great delight and wax fat therewith Last of al men also take as great pleasure and delight in eating the leaues and heads of Rapes or Nauewes in their season as they do of young Coly-flories Cabbages or any tender crops of hearbs whatsoeuer yea when they are faded flaggie and dead in the Barn they are esteemed better than being fresh and green As for Rapes or Nauewes they will keep long and last al Winter both within the ground where they grew and being well wintered they will continue afterwards out of the earth lying abroad euen almost till new come so as they yeeld men great comfort to withstand hunger and famin In Piemont Lombardie those countries beyond the Po the people make the most account of gaine by gathering Rapes next to wine vintage and corne haruest It is not choise and daintie of the ground where it will grow for lightly it wil prosper where nothing els can be sowed In foggy mists hard frosts and other cold weather it thriues passing wel and grows to a wonderfull bignes I haue seene one of their roots weigh aboue fortie pounds As touching the handling and dressing of them for our table there be many waies and deuises to commend and set them out Preserued they may be till new come specially condite with sharp and biting Senuie or Mustard seed Moreouer our Cooks know how to giue them six other colours besides their owne which is pure and naturall they haue the cast to set euen a purple hew vpon them And to say a truth there is no kind of viands besides that being thus painted colored hath the like grace The Greeke writers haue diuided them by the sexe and therby made two principal kinds therof to wit the male and the female Nay more than that out of one and the same seed according as it is sowed they can make male or female whether they please For if they sow thicke and chuse therto a hard and churlish ground it will proue of the male kind Also the smaller that the seed is the better it is esteemed But of al Rapes male or female three especiall sorts there be no more For some roots spread flat and broad others are knit round like a ball the third sort that runs downe into the ground with a long root in manner of a Raddish they cal the wild Rape or Nauew this bears a rough lease and ful of angles or corners the juice that it yeelds is sharp hote and biting which being gathered in haruest time reserued mundisieth the eies and cleareth the sight especially being tempered with brest-milke If the weather be cold they are thought not only to thriue in bignesse of the root but also to prooue the sweeter whereas contrariwise in a warm season they run vp all to stalke and leafe The best simply are those that grow in the Nursine territory For they are sold by the weight and euery pound is worth a Roman Sesterce yea and otherwhiles twaine if there be any scarcity of them Next to these in goodnes be those that come out of Algidum Thus much of Rapes Navews As for the Turneps of Amiternum they be in a manner of the same nature that the Rapes aforesaid cold they loue as well Sown they are before the Calends of March foure quarts of their seed will take vp a whole acre of ground The best Husbandmen and such as are more exquisite in their practise of Agriculture giue order That the ground for Turneps should haue fiue tilthes whereas Rapes or Nauewes are content with foure but both the one and the other had need of a soile well inriched with dung or compost By their sayings also Rapes will prosper the better and come vp thicker if they be sowed in their huls chaffe and all together Moreouer they would haue the seeds-man to be naked when he sowes them and in sowing to protest that this which he doth is for himselfe and his neighbors and withall to pray as he goeth The proper season for the seednesse of them both is between the feasts of the two gods to wit Neptune and Vulcan To conclude there is a subtill and curious obseruation that many go by and do hold namely this To marke how many daies old the Moon was when the first snow sel the winter next before for if a man do sow Rapes or Turneps within the foresaid compasse of that time the moon being so many daies old they will come to be wondrous great and increase exceedingly Men vse to sow them also in the Spring but then they make choise of moist and hot grounds CHAP. XIIII ¶ Of Lupines AFter Rapes and Turneps the Lupines haue greatest vse and serue to be raunged next for that they indifferently serue both men and also all foure footed beasts that be houfed either whole or clouen Now for that the stalke is very shittle in mowing and therefore flyeth from the edge of the syth the onely remedie therefore that the mower may catch it is to goe to worke presently after a good shower And verily there is not a plant growing vpon the earth I meane of such as are sowne of seed more admirable than the Lupine in regard of the great amity and sympathie betweene the earth and it Looke how the Sun keepeth his course in our Horizon aboue so doth it turne and go withall insomuch as the
Husbandmen of the countrey go by no other clocke to know how the day passeth in close and cloudie weather than this obseruation Moreouer it hath three seasons of blowming it loueth the earth well but yet willingly it would not be couered ouer with mould for this is the onely seed that is sowne vpon ground without any ploughing or digging it would grow to chuse in a most grauelly drie and sandy soile and in no case can it abide any tending or husbandry about it so affected is it to the earth that cast it vpon any rough ground among bushes leaues briers and brambles it will chit and spurt neuerthelesse neuer lin til it take root within the earth If Lupines be sowed either in vineyards or vpon corne lands they inrich the same and make the ground better as we haue before written and so little need haue they of dung that they stand in stead of the very best To say a truth there is no graine lesse chargeable to be sowne than it nay there is none costeth nought at all but it for it needeth not so much as to be brought into the field and why it soweth it selfe presently in the same field where it grew and sâ—…edding as it doth of the own accord a man neuer needs to cast and throw it vpon the land as other corne It is first sowne and last gathered and lightly both these seasons fall out in the moneth of September for if the Seed-nes preuent not the winter so as it may haue good root before it commeth it will be in danger of the cold Ouer and besides if it chance to lie bare and vncouered aboue-ground left carelessely without any keeping and that no raine come vpon it presently for to driue it into the ground it is safe enough and catcheth no harme for so bitter it is that no liuing creature will touch it and yet for the most part the husbandmen bestow a light furrow vpon it and so couer it verie shallow If the ground be fast and heauie it loueth that â—…est which standeth vpon a red clay And for the maintaining and inriching of this kind of soile it must be turned vp or eared after the third flouring but in case it be grauelly or sandy it wil serue to do it after the second Chalkie grounds onely and myrie it hateth and therein it wil not grow As bitter as otherwise it is yet if it be steeped and soked in hot water it is mans meat also Moreouer one Modius or pecke of Lupines is sufficient for to satisfie and feed an Oxe or a cow at a time and this kind of prouender will make beasts strong and healthfull Moreouer the meale of Lupines applied to the bellies of yong children that haue the wormes is a singular remedy For the good keeping of Lupines all men agree that they should be laid vp in some chimney or smokie place especially for if they lie in a moist roome there be certain little worms that wil nibble off and eat the tip or nauill that it hath and by that meanes marre it for euer sprouting againe Finally if Lupines be eaten downe by beasts while they be greene in the leafe the ground where they grew must presently be ploughed vp CHAP. XV. ¶ Of Vetches and Eruile VEtches also do manure and fat the ground where they be sowed neither be they chargeable or stand the husbandman in much they be sown with one tilth otherwise there needs no harrowing nor weeding there is required no mucking onely they would be couered with mould and the clods broken for sowing of vetches there be three sundry times first about the setting of the star Arcturus that by the moneth of December it may get a good head for to be eaten with beasts and it is generally holden that being sowne in this season it will bring the best seed for say it be eaten downe then it will carry the burden neuerthelesse the second Seednesse is in Ianuarie the last in March and being then put into the ground it will run vp most to blade and yeeld the best forrage for cattell Of all seeds that are cast into the earth it loueth drought most it can brooke also shadie places well enough The chaffe that commeth of the seed thereof is excellent good and better than any other in case it were ripe when it was gathered It robbeth vines of their nourishment if it be sowed neere those trees wherto vines are wedded in somuch as a man may see euidently how they languish As touching Eruile it asketh no great hand or trauell about it yet thus much more attendance it requireth than Vetches for that it must be weeded and grubbed about the roots Besides this kind of Pulse is of great vse in Physick for Augustus Caesar was cured of a disease that he had and recouered his health by the means of Eruile as himselfe reporteth in some of his letters now extant Moreouer fiue Modij or pecks of Eruile sown is sufficient to maintain and find a yoke of oxen As for that which is sowne in March it is hurtfull forage men say for kine and oxen as also that which is sowne in Autumne maketh beasts heauie and stuffed in the head but that which is put into the ground in the beginning of the Spring is harmlesse CHAP. XVI ¶ Of Foenigreeke of Rie of Dredge of the prouender corne or Bolimong Ocymum of Spanish Trefoile or horned Clauer-grasse called in Latine Medica of the shrub Trifoile named Cytisus FOr the sowing of Silicia or Siliqua otherwise called Foenigreeke there needs no more but to scarrifie or scrape it lightly vp with a furrow not aboue foure fingers breadth deepe for the lesse cost and husbandry that is bestowed about it and the worse that it is vsed the better it prospereth and yeeldeth greater increase a strange thing to be spoken and seldom verified That Negligence should be any waies profitable and yet herein it prooueth true That which is called Secale and Farrago in Latine i. Rie needeth no more adoe but to be harrowed the clods well broken There is a kinde of Secale or Rie which the people called Taurines dwelling vnder the Alpes doe call Asia it is simply worst of all other and good for nothing but onely to driue away hunger plentifull enough this corne is and yeeldeth good increase but the straw is slender blacke it is and of an vnpleasant colour howbeit exceeding weightie and ponderous they vse to mingle the red wheat Far therewith and make thereof a Mascelline to allay the bitternesse thereof and yet for all that the bread which it maketh is most vnsauorie to the mouth and ill for the stomack It wil come vp in any ground whatsoeuer and bring forth a hundred fold ordinarily neither doth it eat the ground out of heart but rather maketh it more battle and serueth in stead of compost or mucke As for that kind of dredge of farrage which commeth of the refuse and light corne purged
232. h. why they be called in Latine Cuniculi ibid. i Connies haire employed for cloth ibid. k Connies admit superfoetation ibid. Connies vndermine a towne 212. g Connies with double liuers at Grenada in Spaine 342. g Cookes in price 246. l Conopas a dwarfe 165. c Conuolvulus a worme that breedeth in a Vine 547. b how it is remedied ibid. Cophantus a hill in Bactriana burning by night 47. c Coracinus the best fish in Aegypt 246. m Coracini fishes 245. b Corellius his graffing 520. l Cordi what they be 226. l Corfideus his recouery from death 184. l Cordylae sishes a kinde of Tunies 243. c Cordum what kinde of hey 596. g Corke tree 461. e. the barke thereof ibid. the vse it is put vnto ibid. Cornei who they be 166. i Corneill tree how it beareth 473. c. the wood how to be employed 490. h Corneill berries preserued 449. k Corne offered to the gods in Numa his time 546. d Corne parched for sacrifice ibid. e Corne sowing grinding and kneading who deuised 187. e Corne gaue names to families in Rome 550. h Corne giuen as a reward to worthy warriorrs ibid. Corne cheape at Rome 551. b Corne diuided into two generall heads Fourment and Pulse 557. c Corne of all sorts when it commeth after it is sowne ibid. e Corne how it beareth head and carieth seed 558. g Corne spiked what leafe it beareth ibid. m Corne spiked bloweth at once 559. a Corne differing in ripening ibid. a. b Corne differing in stalke and eare ibid. Corne how to he threshed and cleansed ibid b. c Corne how it differeth in weight ibid. c. d bread-Corne doth degenerate into Oats 574. g Corne in the field how to be preserued and kept from field-mice 576. g Corne how to be sowne respectiue to the soile ibid. k Corne growing vpon trees 577. b Corne how to be laid vp for store 603. a. b. what corne will keepe best ibid. d. c. how corne may be kept sweet and good long ibid. e. cutting of corne after diuerse sorts 602. h Coronets Murall 456. i. Uallare ibid. Nauale ibid. Rostrate ibid. k Coronets how they came first 456. l Coromandae a sauage sort of people 156. g. without speech ibid. toothed like dogs ibid. Corus wind 22. l Coos Island 323. a Cosei wormes bred in okes 539. c. they be daintie meat ibid. Costus a spice 384. h. the kindes and price thereof ibid. Cotinus what tree 468. h Cotton trees See Gosampine Cotton trees in Aethyopia 395. a C R Crab-fishes their nature 252. k. l Crab-apples 438. m Crab-trees bearing twice a yeare 474. m Crabs onely foure-footed among fishes 351. l Croesus his sonnes vntimely speech 353. e. it was prodigious ibid. Cranes how they flie 281. c Cranes tamed very plaifull ibid. f Cranes a daintie dish 282. g Crapula what it is 464. k Crapula what mixture it is and what effects it worketh 424. h. Crassus Agelastus was neuer knowne to laugh all his life time 166. h Crassiuenium a kinde of Maple 466. m Crater Nymphaei a hollow burning furnace and vnfortunate to the Apolloniates 47. d Craterus Monoceros a most excellent Hunter or Hawker 294. k. Creatures that lie hidden in the earth at times haue no bloud at all 346. h Creatures are not all hairie that bring forth quicke young ibid. m. Creatures none of them haue an odde foot 351. e Creatures which onely be round ibid. Creatures whole houfed their legs grow not in length ibid. f what creatures will not liue nor breed within some countries 234. g Creatures hurtfull to strangers and none else ibid. h Creatures without bloud haue no liuers 341. d C. Crispinus Hilarius his traine of children and issue in lineall descent liuing 162. m Critobulus healed king Philip his eie 174. m. his reward ibid. Crocodile of the riuer 337. a. moueth the vpper iaw ibid. Crocodiles male and female sit by turnes 302. h Crocodiles wilie and industrious 346. l Crocodiles their description 208. m. they haunt both land and water 209. a Crocutae what kinde of beasts and their nature 206. g Cromes a kinde of fish 245. a Crotalia what pearles 256. g Crow a subtill bird 276. h. shee feedeth her young being fledge ibid. i a Crow taught to speake 294. k C T Ctesias of Gnidos 47. b Ctesiphon framed Dianaes temple at Ephesus 175. b C V Cuckow reckoned a Hawke 275. b. his time of appearance ibid. killed by his owne kinde ibid. Cuckowes lay in other birds nests and why 275. c they deuoure the young birds of their nource 275. d young Cuckowes fat and delicate meat ibid. Cuckow checketh the idle husband that is behind hand with his worke 593. b Cucus a tree 390. k Cuit wine Melampsithium Psithium 416. l Cuits of sundry sorts 416. m. 417. a Culeus the biggest measure of liquors that was among the Romanes 606. g Countries the varietie and diuerse disposition therof 36. m Curites towne 40. m Curtius a noble knight of Rome 443. f Cusculium what it is 461. a Cutting of corne after diuerse sorts 602. h Cuttle fish 256. g. their nature 250. g C Y Cybia quarters of Pesaurides 243. d Cycae certaine Dates 388. g Cyclopes monsters of men 154. g Cychramus what bird 283. a Cyneas his merrie scoffe at a Uine that bare hard wines 405. b. his memorie 168. g Cynae trees 363. f Cynobatos 401. i Cynosura what kinde of addle egge 301. c Cyonoides water-serpents 243. b Cynocephali a kinde of Apes or Monkies 232. g Cypresse tree will not be dunged nor watered 544. i it is worse for good Physicke ibid. Cypresse trees beare ordinarily thrice a yeare 475. a Cypresse tree described at large with the properties thereof 479. c. consecrated to Pluto and why ibid. Cypresse tree good to make vinets and borders 479. d Cypresse woods gainefull to the Lord. ibid. c Cypresse trees loue the Isle Candy best ibid. Cypresse wood faire and shining 491. d Cypresse tree Rosin 424. g Cyprinum oyle 376 g. 382 h Cypros an Aegiptidn tree 375 f Cyprus Island 48 k. ioined sometimes to Syria 40 〈◊〉 the compasse and length thereof 110 m Cyrene the description thereof 94 k. famous and why ibid. Cytisus highly commended for feeding sheep and other cattell 400 l. m. it encreaseth nurses milke 401. a. b. c how it is to be planted and ordered ibid. c D A DAbula what they be 386 g Dactyli certaine grapes 405 f. why so called ibid. Daffodill floureth thrice and sheweth three seasons of plowing 592 h Daphnoeides Isocinnamon 374 g Daphnoeides 453 a Daphnitis 452 m Date trees their sundrie kindes 384 m. 385 b Dates how they be imploied ibid. Of a date tree and other plants prospering vnder it a wonder incredible 581 d Date trees described 385 c. d Distinguished by sects euidently ibid. d Iacke Dawes See Choughs Dates how they are to be set 385 e Daemaenetus turned into a Wolfe 207 d Date in Aegypt 374 l Dates conceiue by the
of one leuell 337. a Horses teeth wax white by age 338. h. their age knowne by their teeth ibid. a Horse where he is worth a talent of gold 148. h Horses where they are thought to haue no gall 341. d Horde arij who they be 561. c Horminum a kinde of graine 565. b Hortensius wept for the death of a Lamprey 261. d Hornets are not vniforme 322. h. they die when Winter is come ibid. c Hornes of a Hart kept as monuments in India 324. a Hornes of Actâ—…on and Cippas fabulous things 331. b Hounds See dogs Hound-fishes their nature 263. c a House in the country how to be seated 554 House leeke medicinable for all maladies incident to corne 565. e. Houfes of what beasts will heale being cut 351. 〈◊〉 of Houfes a discourse ibid. H V Huboles or Houps gon so soon as they haue hatched 284. i a filthie bird 287. a ill Husbandry censured by the Censors 550. i to be a good Husbandman a credit ibid. Husbandrie in old time by whom it was performed 551. f by whom in later daies 552. h Husbandrie a Prince-like profession and studie ibid. i Husbandry studied by what kings 552. i Husbandry professed of what warriors ibid. bookes of Husbandrie written by Mago saued by the Senate of Rome and translated into Latine by D. Syllenus 552. k Husbandmens outworkes after the fall of the leafe 589. e the Husbandrie in Aegypt about sowing and reaping of corne 577. d. 〈◊〉 Husbandmens worke in Winter Interuali what they bee 590. g. h. their workes in the Interuall of the Spring what they be 591. e. their workes in the Spring according to Cato ibid. M. Uarro a writer of Husbandry 553. b Husbandry workes presently vpon the Spring Aequinox 593. b. Husbandry workes in the Summer Solstice 594 Husking of corne 565. c Husbandry after the Summer Solstice 594. i Husbandrie at the entring of Autumne 605. d H Y Hyades what starres and why so called 562. l Hyaene change their sects 212. i Hyades starres called otherwise Suculae 19. e Hybandia Island 40. k Hybridae what they be 232. c Hylas a great writer of Augurie by the nature of birds 277. e. Hypelate 496. c Hyphear what it is 476. g Hyphear 496. c. the properties it hath ibid. Hyperborei people so called blessed liuing long 84. i strange reports of them ibid. I A IAcke Daw. See Chough I B Ibis inuented the clyster 210. k Ibes destroy serpents 284. m. where they be blacke where white 287. b I C Ichneumones a kinde of Waspe 322. h Ichneumon the nature of it 208. k. his combat with Aspis ibid. he killeth the Crocodile 209. a Ichthyophagi people that feed of fish and swim naturally in the sea 145. a I D Ides of March fatall to Caesar. 591. b Idoll of the Meremaid where honoured 103. b. the names thereof ibid. I L Ilex See more in Holme the Mast of Ilax 458. m. 100. i Ilium and all the tract thereabout sometime main sea 39. e I M Imaus a mountaine 154. h Imageures famous 175. d Imperfections incident to corne sowne 574. g. h. i I N Incendiaria a bird vnluckie 277. b. the reason of the name ibid. Incense See Frankincense India full of strange and miraculous things 155. d India by whome discouered 152. b. the force of that nation ibid. the long continuance of their kingdome ibid. sixtie riuers therein 125. c Indian trees vnnamed 361. b a hundred twentie nations of India lacking twain 125. c the nation of Indians described beyond Nilus 126. k India bringeth forth all things bigger than other 155. d the reason thereof ibid. Indians subiect to no diseases 155. e. engender with beasts 157. a. Indian sea fishes bigger than others 235. b. c Indus the riuer 106. l. receiuing into it sixtie other riuers ibid. more of this riuer 127. c Infants borne before the seueth moneth neuer liue 158. k knowne oftentimes to want the passages of nosthrils and eares 336. l Infants toothlesse not to be burned in a funerall fire 164. l Infants how they lie in the mothers wombe 304. i. they sleepe much and dreame how they be formed there â—…ow they come forward afterwards 164. h Inoculation See Graffing in Scutcheon Inning of corne after sundry sorts 602. l Insects how winged 326. i. how they be offensiue ibid. Insects do breath and sleepe 311. c. none haue teeth 327. a hauing legs go not directly ibid. how engendred 329. d what they be why so called 310. i. they haue no bones 345 a. they haue no taile saue onely scorpions 327. a Inuentors of sundry things 187. c. deinceps I O Ionian characters first vsed generally 190. k Iordan riuer the praise thereof 100. m. c. Iouis Barba a plant good for arbors in gardens 468. k I R Ireland the description thereof 86. k Irio what kinde of graine 565. b I S Isidorus a writer 48. i Isidos-Plocamos 402. i Isis the Planet Venus 6. i Isocinnamum 374. g Islands that newly appeare out of the sea and the reason thereof 39. f when Islands haue sprung vp 40. g what Islands haue ioined to the maine 40. k Islands in the Gaules Ocean 86. i Islands in the Ocean 88. k I T in Italy lightenings be common and why 25. d I V Iuba a king memorable for learning 92. i Iugerum See Acre Iudiciall court of Capitol matters who first inuented 189. a Iu iubes what fruit 437. f Iuncus Odoratus See Squinanth Iunipers 489. a Iuno the Planet Uenus 6. i Iuno Lacinia 48 g Iupiter Planet his colour 13. c. to him lightenings are attributed 14. g Iupiter Lycaeus and his chappell 75. b Iupiter Olympius and his chappell 74. i. famous for the games there vsed ibid. Iupiter Cassiopeâ—…s his temple 79. d Iulius Caesar Dictatour his singular parts 168. k Iurie renowmed for Date trees 384 m. the description thereof 100. l. how diuided into ten gouernements ibid. Iuie vnwilling to grow in Asia 480. h. employed in solemnities to Bacchus ibid. i. an enemie to other plants 480. i male and female ibid. k. both male and female of three sorts 480. k Iuie Nysia Bacchica ibid. l Iuie Erythranos 480. l Iuie Chrysocarpos ibid. Iuie wood of a wonderfull propertie te trie wines delaied with water 481. e. Iuie garland the first 456. m K E KErnils in fruit different 447. e of the Kell in man and beast 343. c K I of Kidnies 343. d. c Kidnies are in all fourefooted beasts that bring their young quicke ibid. e Kindnesse naturall examples thereof 174. g Kings fishers See Halciones Kine and Buls how they engender 302. m King of Taprobane how he is chosen 130. m. he may be deposed condemned and put to death the manner of his execution 131. a. b King of bees described 318. m. exempt from labour ibid. Kinning in an egge what it is 298. h in Boeufes Kine haue bigger voices than Buls 353. e Kites reckoned among Hawkes 275. e. their nature
naturally into the world with their heads forward 304. i Querquetulana a gate in Rome 462. g Quinces why called Cydonia 436. g Quinces of diuers kindes ibid. h. how to be kept and preserued 440. i Quincius Cincinnatus sent for from the plough to be Dictatour of Rome 552. g Quintiana Prata 552. g Quisquilium See Cusculeum R A RAdij what oliues 429. c Radish keepeth away drunkennesse 242. l Ragged apples 438. l Raine food of trees 500. i Raine in midsummer nought for vines ibid. k Raine in Winter most in season for plants 501. b Raine at the same time helpeth not all trees ibid. Raine by night better than by day 501. e Raine how it is caused 20. k Raine strange and prodigious of milke bloud brickes tyles c. 27. f. 28. g Raine not at all in some lands 42. h Raine water saued for ordinary vse to drinke 146. m Raine-bow sheweth what weather 612. m Rainebow the nature and reason thereof 28. l. m Ram-fish his manners 262. h Rams and their nature 226. m Rams generally armed with crooked hornes 331. c Ranke corne how to beremedied 576. Rankenesse hurtfull to corne 482. g Rapes and their vse 570. i. k. their plentifull commoditie they grow euery where ibid. k Rapes male and female 570. l Rapes of three sorts 570. m wilde Rapes medicinable 571. a Rapes with what ceremonie to be sowne ibid. b Raspis described 485. f the floures of Raspis medicinable ibid. Ratumena the gate of Rome and whence it tooke that name 222. g Rats of Pontus their nature 216. m a Rat sold for two hundred sesterces 233. a Rauens taught to speake 293. f Rauens their properties 276. i. how they conceiue with young ibid. k a Rauen saluted the Emperour 294. g. solemnely interred ibid. h. his death reuenged by the people of Rome ibid. Rauens employed by an hawker 294. k a Rauen made shift to drinke at a bucket ibid. l Ray killeth wheat 575. a R E Red Deere See Stags Red sea why so called 134. g Reeds of strange bignesse 155. e Reeds where they grow 524. m. they multiplie and encrease of themselues 515. a Reeds and Canes to be set before the Calends of March. ib. Reeds cease to grow at mid-winter ibid. alwaies to be cut in the wane of the Moone 525. b Reeds employed to many vses 482. g Reeds vsed to calfret ships ibid. h Reeds serue Easterlings for arrowes ibid. f Reeds of Italie compared with those of Candie and Picardie for making of shafts ibid. k. l Reeds differ in leafe 483. c what part of the Reed sittest for euery pipe 484. i Reeds for Faulconers poles ibid. Reeds for angle-rods ibid. Reeds for vine pearches ibid. Reeds and canes how to be planted ibid. k Reeds how to be killed 557. a Reremice See Bats Refrivae or Refrinae 569. b Region in Thessalia how it grew to be cold 503. d Attilius Regulus slew a monstrous serpent 199. d Religious reuerence in the knees of men 350. h Remedie against stinging of scorpions 325. c Remedies of trees common and proper 546. l Remedies against sundry maladies in corne 575. c Rennet of a Rabbet medicinable for the flux of the belly 346. k. Report of Hercules and Pyrene or of Laturne is fabulous 51. f Residence vpon land 555. a R H Rhaphanus a venomous shrub 362. l Rhododendron a beast 205. e Rhododendron See Oleander Rhemnius Palaemon an excellent good husband 411. d Rhinoceros what beast it is 205. e his fight with the Elephant ibid. horned in the nose 133. e Rhododaphnis See Oleander Rhodes Island 40. g R I Ricinis 433. f. why so called ibid. Rice corne described 561. b. c. and the vse thereof ibid. Rie 572. l Riuer-horse in some sort his owne physitian 346. l Riuers of a wonderfull and strange nature 45 a. b a Riuer warme in Winter and exceeding cold in Summer 545. a R O Robin Redbreast 287. a Rocke of stone of a strong and wondrous nature 42. h Rockes in Syria burne corne 503. e Royall ointment what it is 383. b Roiot and excesse of Romane Senatours 91. f Romanes kinde and good one to another in old time 4. g Romanes trafficke into India 133. b Romanes excell all nations in all kinde of vertues 176. h Rome diuided into quarters according to woods adioyning 461. f Rooke See Crow Root of an oke taking an acre in compasse 477. e a Root of a rape weighing foure hundred and one pound 570. l. how dressed for the table ibid. how preserued coloured artificially ibid. Roratio a blasting of vines after their blouming 540. i Rosat oile in great request 382. g Rosin trees of six kindes 462. h R V Rubigo in corne what it is 598. i Rubigalia a festiuall holiday 600. g Rue discouered by the Weasill 210. m Rumbotinus a tree 405. b S A SAba Sabota the proper place for frankincense 366 g Sabis a god 368. g Sabines called Sevini and why â—…65 a Sacrifice young beasts when they be in their season 230. g Sagunt a child being borne presently returned into his mothers wombe againe 158. g Saltpeter earth good for plants 503. c Salt cannot be made without mingling of fresh water 46. k Salamander his description and nature 305. e Salamander not distinguished by sex 305. d the Salmon fish 247. a Sallowes See Willowes Samara what it is 468. g Samosatis a citie in Comagene 46. m Sambri people where fourfooted beasts haue no ears 146. k Sandalum what corne 559. d Sandalides Dates 387. d Sangualis what bird 274. h Sapa what it is 416. l Sapa in Aethiopia what it signifieth 147. b Sap of trees See Alburnum Sapium what it is 465. d Sapinus what it is ibid. Sapinus in trees what it is 488. l Sarcocolla a tree and gum 391. d Sarcling what it is and of what vse 580. k Sardis the capitall citie of Tydia 107. e Sardane a shel-fish 244. i Sargus what fish 246. h Sari a shrub 400. k Sarpedon his letters written in papyr 394. l Saturne what he is and nature and motion thereof 5. f Saturne causeth raine c. 19. e Saturne colour 13. c Satyres their shape 96. i Satyres haunt mountaines in India 156. g Satyres what they are 156 g Sauces how they be dangerous 355. e Sauine how it is helped in growing 516. i Sauorie or Cumlabubula found in the land Tortoise 210. l Sauromates eat but one meale of meat in three daies 154. i Sauours different in fruit 449 d Sauce called Garum Sociorum 246. k S C. Scallops 253. d Scallop fish like to the sea vrchin 256 h Scarus a kinde of fish 245. f Scaurus Consuil found out a vaine obseruation of lightening 27. c Scenitae people why so called 139. f Sceptrum See Erysisceptrum Schoenus what measure it is 366. h Sciotericon a diall and the finder out thereof 36. k Scienae fishes 244. h Scincus bred in Nilus 209. b. the vertues thereof in Physicke ibid. in sundry
on it bestow his seed with muck and mould heaped thereupon the roots will grow so big as to fill vp the said hole full Howbeit in briefe Radishes are best nourished and maintained in salt grounds and therfore with such kind of brakish waters they vse to be watered which is the reason that in Aegypt there are the sweetest and daintiest Radishes in the world for that they are bedewed and sprinckled with Nitre And verily it is thought that they will lose all their bitternes whatsoeuer if they be corned or seasoned with salt yea and become as if they were sodden and condite for be they boiled once they proue sweet and serue to be eaten in stead of Nauewes And yet Phisicians giue counsell and prescribe That they should be eaten raw in a morning with salt when a man is fasting for to gather into the stomack the sharp humors and excrements that charge the belly entrails and thus taken they are of opinion that it is a good preparatiue to vomit and to open the passages well for to auoid those superfluities They giue out also That the juice of Radish roots is singular good and necessarie for the midriffe and the praecordiall parts about the heart and namely that nothing else but it was able to cure a Phtisicke or vlcer of the lungs wich had setled deep and taken to the heart The experiment and proofe whereof was found and seen in Aegypt by occasion that KK there caused dead bodies to be cut vp and anotomies to be made for to search out the maladies whereof men died It is reported that the Greeks as they be otherwise vaine in al their actions so highly preferred the Radishes before other meats in regard of theigo od nourishment that wheras in an oblation out of the garden-fruits to be offered vnto Apollo in his temple at Delphos they dedicated the Beet in siluer and the Rape or Turnep in lead they presented a Radish in beaten gold A man may know hereby that Manius Curius the great General of the Romane armie was not that countreyman borne whom the Samnite Embassadors when they brought to him a great present of gold vpon condition to surcease arms which he meant to refuse and not accept at their hands found rosting of a Rape or Turnep root at the chimney fire according as we find in the Annals and Chronicles of the Roman history To come again vnto our Radishes Moschian the Greek writer so highly esteemed this root that he compiled one whole booke of the Radish and nothing els Indeed Radishes are thought excellent good with meats in Winter time howbeit they alwaies wear and marre their teeth who eat of them and yet I assure you they wil polish Iuorie which is nothing els but the Elephants tooth Between a Vine and a Radish there is by nature a secret enmitie and exceeding great hatred in somuch as if Radishes be sowed neere vnto her she will writh and turne away sensibly from them Touching other sorts of cartilage or pulpous plants in the garden wherof I haue before spoken they be all giuen to run much to pith and to be of a more woodie substance A man would maruell therefore that they should all tast so strong and sharpe as they doe Of which there is one kind of wild Parsnep growing of it selfe which in Greek is called Staphylinas A second sort is set of a plant with the root and sowed of seed either in the prime of spring or els in Autumne howsoeuer Hyginus would haue them to be put into the ground in Februarie August September and October and that the plot where they are to grow should be digged and delued very deep This root beginneth to be good at the first yeres end but better it is if it be two yeres old howbeit both the one and the other is counted wholsommer in Autumn than at any other season of the yeare especially boiled and serued vp betweene two platters and yet dresse them so well as you can they will not be rid of that strong ranke and churlish smacke which it hath As for Hibiscum it differeth from the Parsnip aforesaid onely in this That it is more slender and smaller rejected altogether from the table and condemned for no good meat howbeit medicinable and vsed much by the Physitian A fourth kind there is beside resembling also the Parsnip which our countreymen the Latines name the French Parsnip but the Greekes Daucus i. the yellow Douke or Carot which they haue subdiuided into foure speciall sorts The Skirwirt root or white Parsnip which indeed would be written among other Physicke plants was likewise in great name and credit by the meane of the foresaid Emperour Tyberius who was very earnest to haue them yearely brought out of Germanie and euer he would cal for them at his own table And indeed about Gelduba a castle situat vpon the riuer Rhene in Germanie there was an excellent kind of them that grew to be passing faire from whence he was serued whereby it appeareth that this plant loueth cold regions well These roots haue a string in manner of a pith or sinew running all the length thereof which the cooke vseth to take forth after they be sodden yet for all that there remaineth still in them a great deale of bitternesse howbeit being wel tempered delaied with a sauce of mead or honyed wine and so eaten with it euen the same bitternesse turneth to a good and pleasant tast The greater Parsnip Pastinaca hath the like nerue or string aforesaid such only I mean as are a yere old The right season to sow the Skirwirt or Parsnip Siser is in these moneths to wit Februarie March Aprill Aegust September and October The Elecampane hath a root shorter than the Skirwirts or Parsnips aforesaid but more musculous and fuller as it were of brawn bitterer also in which regards if it be taken simply alone it is aduerse and contrarie to the stomack but joined confected with some sweet things among it is very holsom And many deuises haue bin practised with it to take away that harsh and vntoward bitternesse which it hath wherby it is become toothsome and pleasant enough for some there be who stamp it drie and so reduce it into a pouder then they mix it with some sweet liquid syrrup and being thus tempered serue it vp Others seeth it in water and vinegre mingled together and so keepe it condite Infused also it is many waies and afterwards either preserued in cuit or incorporat with hony in manner of a conserue or els with dried Raisons of the Sun or last of all with faire and fat Dates Moreouer diuers there be who after another sort make a confection therof namely with Quinces with Soruises or Plums mixing therwith one while Pepper another while Thym. And I assure you this root thus confected as is aforesaid is singular good for faintings and especially quickneth the dulnes and defect
of the root that being thus nipped and lipped as it were they might nourish the body of the plant not distract and suck away the humor which is the nutriment of the whole This is notable and wonderfull in the Porret that ioying liking as it doth in muck and fat ground yet it cannot abide watery places Howbeit in these we must be ruled by the property of the ground which is al in all the principal leeks be in Egypt the next are those of Ortia Aricia Of the cut Porret or vnset Leeks be two kinds the one runneth mightily into a green blade and the leafe thereof hath very conspicuous euident cuts this is that the Apothecaries vse so much the other hath a more pleasant and yellowish leafe and the same rounder the gashes or cuts wherof are smaller not so apparent to the eie The voice goeth generally it is reported That Mâ—…la a knight or gentleman of Rome by his place Procuratour vnder Tiberius the Emperor being for some misgouernment in that office brought into question and accused thereupon sent for peremptorily to make his personal apparance dispairing vtterly of life tooke the weight of three Roman siluer deniers in the iuice of Leeks and dranke it off whereupon he died incontinently without any paine or torment at all It is commonly said That if a man take a greater dose or receit thereof it will do no harm nor any danger will insue thereupon As touching Garlick it is held for certain That it is a soueraigne medicine for many griefs and maladies especially such as are incident to the country peasants and rusticall people who hold it to be as good as a Treacle The Garlike head is couered and clad all ouer with certaine very fine and thin pellicles or membranes which may be parted and diuided one from another vnder which you shall see it compact and ioined as it were together of many cloues in maner of kernels and those also inclosed each one apart within their seuerall skins Of a sharp and biting tast it is The more keen and eager also you shall find it as it hath more of those cloues afore said in one head The aire that comes from it is as offensiue as that of the onion maketh their breath as strong who eat it howbeit sodden if it be it is euery way harmles the difference and diuersity of Garlick ariseth first from the circumstance of the time whereby you shall see a kind of hasty Garlick that in 60 daies will be ripe and come to perfection then in quantity for some grow bigger in the head than other And of this sort is that which wee call in Latine Vlpicum and the Greeks some the Cyprian Garlick others Aphroscorodon so much commended in Africke that it is held for the most principall dish of meat that a Husbandman of the countrey can eat and bigger it is than our common Garlick Being brused and braied in a morter together with oile and vineger it is wonderfull to see what a fome and froth will arise therof and to what an height it wil swell thereby Some gardeners there are who forbid to set either this Vlpicum or the common Garlick in any euen flat and leuell bed but to put them in little hillocks in maner of hop hils raised in forme of castles or turrets three foot distant one fromanother Now wheresoeuer these cloues be set in hill or plain they ought to lie foure finâ—…rsbreadth a sunder And this would not be forgotten That so soon as they shew three leaues once they would be sarcled and the mould raised from about them for the oftner they be thus serued and laid bare the fairer heads they will bring When they begin to grow big and come to their full maturity the stalks that they run vp vnto must be troden downe and moulded ouer and this is to preuent that they should not be ouer-rank in blade In cold countries it is thought better and more profitable to set them during the spring than at the fall of the leafe Moreouer if you would haue Garlicke Onions and such like not to smel strong and stink so as they do the common opinion rule is that they should not be set or sown but when the moon is vnder the earth nor yet be gathered and taken vp but in her coniunction with the Sun which is the change But Menander a Greeke writer saith That there needs none of all these ceremonies for the matter for if a man would not haue his breath stink with eating of Garlick let him do no more quoth he but take a Beet root rosted in the embers and eat it after it shall extinguish that hot and strong sauor and cause the breath to continue sweet There be who thinke that the fittest time of setting both the common Garlick also the greater kind named Vlpicum is between the two set and ordinary feasts Compitalia Saturnalia As for the vulgar Garlick it commeth vp also of seed but slowly and late it will be first ere it attaine to the full proofe for the first yere it getteth a head no thicker than Leeks the next yeare after it begins to diuide into cloues and in the third it is consummate and grown to perfection and such vnset Garlick some are of opinion to be fairer and better than the rest Howbeit Garlicke indeed should not be suffered to bol and run vp to seed and therfore the blade therof ought to be wreathed that it may gather more and stronger in the head and that the cloues afterwards might be set in stead of seed for increase Now if a man haue a desire that both Garlick and Onions may be kept long for his prouision their heads must be dipped and wel plunged in salt water warm by this means indeed last they will longer without spurting and be better for any vse wee shall put them to saue only to be set and replanted in the ground for barren will they be and neuer prosper And yet diuers there are who thinke it sufficient at the first to hang them in the smoke ouer quick and burning coles as being persuaded that this will serue wel enough to keep them from growing for certaine it is that both Garlicke and Onions will put foorth blade aboue ground and when they haue so done come to nought themselues as hauing spent all their substance and vertue Some are of this mind that the best preseruing of Garlick as well as of Onions is within chaffe There is a kind of Garlicke growing wild in the fields of the own accord which they call in Latine Alum i. Crow Garlicke which being boiled that it should not grow they commonly throw forth in corn fields for the shrewd and vnhappy foules which lie vpon the lands and eat vp the seed new sown for presently as any of those birds tast thereof they wil be so drunke and astonied therewith that a man
Hempe for goodnesse is that of Mylasium But if you goe to the talnesse there is about Rosea in the Sabines countrey Hempe as high as trees As touching the 2 kinds of Ferula I haue spoken of them in my discourse of forrain plants the seed of Ferula or Fennell-geant is counted good meat in Italie for it is put vp in pots of earth well stopped and will continue a whole yeare And of 2 sorts is this preserued Compost to wit the stalks and the Bunches whiles they be knit round and not broken spread abroad And as they cal these knobs which they doe condite and keep Corymbi so that Ferula which is suffered to rise vp in stem for to beare such heads they tearme Corymbias CHAP. X. ¶ The maladies incident to Garden hearbes The remedies against Pismires Canker-wormes and Gnats THe hearbes of the garden be subject to diuerse accidents and namely diseases as well as corne and other fruits of the earth For not onely Basill by age degenerats from the owne nature into wild creeping Thyme but Sisymbrium also into Calaminth The seed of an old Cole-wort will bring forth Turneps and contrariwise sow the seed of an old Rape Turnep you shall haue Coleworts come vp of it Cumin if it be not kept neat and trim with much cleansing wil begin to decay at one side of the stalk beneath and dy Now hath Cumin but one onely stalke and a root bulbous in manner of an Onion it groweth not but in a light and leane soile Otherwise the peculiar disease appropriat to Cumin is a kind of skurf or scab Also Basil toward the rising of the Dog-star waxeth wan and pale And generally there is not an hearb but will turne yellow if a woman come neere vnto it whiles she hath her monthly sicknesse vpon her Moreouer there be diuerse sorts of little beasts or vermine engendred in the garden among the good hearbs And namely vpon the Nauewes you shall haue gnats or flies in radish Roots cankerwormes and other little grubs likewise in Lectuce and beet leaues And as for these Beetworts last named you shal see them haunted with snails as well naked as in shels In Leeks moreouer or Porret there settle other speciall vermine that be noisome to them seuerally but such are very soone caught by throwing vpon those hearbes a little dung for it will they gather to shroud and hide themselues Furthermore Sabynus Tyro in his booke intituled Cepuricon which he dedicated to Mecoenas writeth That it is not good to touch with knife or hooke Rue Winter Sauerie Mint and Basill The same Author also hath taught vs a remedy against Emmets that do not the least mischiefe to gardens when they lie not to haue water at command and that is this to take sea mud or oose and ashes together to temper a morter of them both and therewith to stop their holes But the most forcible and effectuall thing to kill them is the hearb called Ruds or Turn-sol Some are of opinion that the onely meanes to chase these ants away is with water wherin the pouder of a semi-brick or halfe-baked tile is mingled And particularly for to preserue Nauewes it is a singular medicine for them to haue Feni-greek sowed among as also for Beets to do the like with Cich pease for this deuise wil driue away the Cankerworm Bvt say that this practise was forgotten that the foresaid hearbs be alreadie come vp what remedie then Mary euen to seeth Wormwood and Housleek which the Latines call Sedum the Greekes Aiezoon and sprinckle the decoction or broth therof among them Now what manner of hearbe this Housleeke is I haue shewed you alreadie It is a common speech that if a man take the seed of Beets and other pot-hearbes and wet them in the juice of Housleeke otherwise called Sea-green those hearbes shall be secured against al these hurtfull creatures whatsoeuer And generally no Cankerwormes shall do harme to any herbage in the garden if a man pitch vpon the pales about a garden the bones of a Mares head but he must bee sure it was of a Mare for a horse head will not serue It is a common saying also that if a riuer Crab or Craifish be hung vp in the mids of a garden it is singular for that purpose Some there be who make no more but touch those plants which they would preserue from the said vermin only with twigs of the Dogge berie tree and they hold them warished and safe ynough Gnats keep a foule stir in gardens where water runneth through especially and wherin there be some small trees growing but these are soone chased away by burning a little Galbanum CHAP. XI ¶ What garden seeds be stronger which be weaker than others Also what plants prosper better with salt water NOw as touching the change and alteration in seeds occasioned by age and long keeping some there be that are firme and fast which hold their owne wel as namely the seeds of Coriander Beets Leeks garden Cresses Senvie or Mustard seed Rocket Saverie and in one word all such as be hot and bite at the tongues end Contrariwise of a weaker nature are the seeds of Orach Basil Gourds and Cucumbers Generally all summer seeds last longer than winter and the Chibbol seed least of any other will abide age But take the strongest and hardiest that may be you shall haue none good after foure yeares I mean only for to sow And yet I must needs say â—…hat Saverie seed wil remain in force aboue that time Radishes Beets Rue and Saverie find much good by being watered with salt water for to these especially it is holsome physick against many infirmities and besides it is thought to giue them a pleasant and commendable tast yea and it causeth them to be more fruitfull As for all other hearbes they sind benefit rather by fresh water And since we are light vpon the mention of waters those are thought best for this purpose which are coldest and sweetest to be drunk Standing waters out of some pond such also as are conueyed into gardens by trenches and gutters are not good for a garden because they bring in with them the seeds of many a weed But aboue all other raine waters comming in white shoures from heauen be they that nourish a garden best for these shoures kill the vermin also which are breeding therein CHAP. XII ¶ The maner of watering Gardens What Herbs will proue the better by removing and replanting Of the juices and sauors that garden Herbes affourd THe best time of the day to water gardens is morning euening to the end that the water should not be ouerheat with the Sunne Basill only would be watered also at noon And moreouer some think that when it is new sown it will make hast to come vp very speedily if it be sprinkled at the first with hot water Generally all herbs proue better and grow to be greater when
they be transplanted but principally Leeks and Nauews nay this remouing and replanting of them is the proper cure of many sorances for from that time forward subiect they will not be to those iniuries that vse to infest them and namely Chibbols Porret or Leeks Radish Parsly Lectuce Rapes or Turneps and Cucumbers All herbs which by nature grow wild lightly haue smaller leaues and slenderer stalks in tast also they be more biting and eagre than such of that kinde as grow in gardens as wee may see in Saverie Origan and Rue Howbeit of all others the wild Dock is better than the garden Sorrell which the Latines call Rumex This garden Sorrell or soure docke is the stoutest and hardiest of all that grow for if the seed haue once taken in a place it wil by folks saying continue euer there neither can it be killed do what you will to the earth especially if it grow neere the water side If it be vsed with meats vnlesse it be taken with Ptisane or husked Barly alone it giueth a more pleasant commendable tast thereto and besides maketh it lighter of digestion The wild Dock or Sorrell is good in many medicines But that you may know how diligent and curious men haue been to search into the secrets of euerie thing I will tell you what I haue found contriued in certaine verses of a Poet namely That if a man take the round treddles of a goat and make in euery one of them a little hole putting therein the seed either of Leeks Rocket Lectuce Parsly Endiue or garden Cresses and close them vp and so put them into the ground it is wonderfull how they will prosper and what faire plants will come thereof Ouer and besides this would be noted that all herbs wild be drier and more keen than the tame of the same kind For this place requireth that I should set downe the difference also of their iuice and tasts which they yeeld and rather indeed than of Apples and such like fruits of trees The tast or smack of Saverâ—… Origan Cresses and Senvie is hot and biting of Wormwood and Centaurie bitter of Cucumber Gourds and Lectuce waterish Of Maâ—…oram it is sharp only but of Parsly Dill and Fennell sharpe and yet odorant withall Of all smacks the salt tast only is not naturall And yet otherwhiles a kinde of salt setleth like dust or in manner of roundles or circles of water vpon herbs howbeit soon it passeth away and continueth no longer than many such vanities and foolish opinions in this world As for Panax it tasteth much like pepper but Siliquastrum or Indish Pepper more than it and therfore no maruel if it were called Piperitis Libanotis smelleth like Frankincense Myrrhis of Myrrh As touching Panace sufficient hath been spoken already Libanotis commeth naturally of seed in rotten grounds lean subiect to dews it hath a root like to Alisanders differing little or nothing in smell from Frankincense The vse of it after it be one yeare old is most wholsome for the stomacke Some terme it by another name Rosemary Also Alisanders named in Greeke Smyrneum loueth to grow in the same places that Rosemary doth and the root resembleth Myrrh in tast Indish Pepper likewise delighteth to be sowed in the same maner The rest differ from others both in smell and tast as Dil. Finally so great is the diuersitie and force in things that not only one changeth the naturall taste of another but also drowneth it altogether With Parsly the Cooks know how to take away the sourenesse and bitternesse in many meats with the same also our Vintners haue a cast for to rid wine of the strong smell that is offenfiue but they let it hang in certain bags within the vessels Thus much may serue concerning garden herbs such I mean onely as be vsed in the kitchen about meats It remaineth now to speake of the chiefe work of Nature contained in them for all this while we haue discoursed of their increase and the gain that may come thereof and indeed treated we haue summarily of some plants and in generall termes But forasmuch as the true vertues and properties of each herb cannot throughly and perfectly be known but by their operations in physick I must needs conclude that therein lieth a mighty piece of work to find out that secret and diuine power lying hidden and inclosed within and such a piece of worke as I wot not whether there can be found any greater For mine own part good reason I had not to set down and anex these medicinable vertues to euery herb which were to mingle Agriculture with Physick and Physicke with Cookerie and so to make a mish-mash and confusion of all things For this I wist ful well that some men were desirous only to know what effects they had in curing maladies as a study pertinent to their profession who no doubt should haue lost a great deale of time before they had come to that which they looked for in running thorough the discourses of both the other in case wee had handled altogether But now seeing euery thing is digested ranged in their seueral ranks as well pertaining to the fields as the kitchen and the Apothecaries shop an easie matter it will be for them that are willing and so disposed to sort out each thing and fit himselfe to his owne purpose yea and ioine them all at his pleasure THE TVVENTIETH BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS The Proeme SInce we are come thus far as to treat of the greatest and principall work of Nature we will begin from hence-forward at the very meats which men put into their mouthes and conuey into their stomacks and vrge them to confesse a truth That hitherto they haue not well knowne those ordinarie means whereby they liue And let no man in the mean time thinke this to be a simple or small piece of knowledge and learning going by the base title bare name that it caries for so he may be soon deceiued For in the pursute and discourse of this argument we shall take occasion to enter into a large field as touching the peace and war in Nature we shall handle I say a deep secret euen the naturall hatred and enmitie of dumbe deafe and senselesse creatures And verily the main point of this theame and which may rauish vs to agreater wonder admiration of the thing lieth herin That this mutual affection which the Greeks call sympathie wherupon the frame of this world dependeth and whereby the course of all things doth stand tendeth to the vse and benefit of man alone For to what end else is it that the element of Water quincheth fire For what purpose doth the Sun suck and drink vp the water as it were to coole his heat and allay his thirst and the Moon contrariwise breed humors and engender moist vapors and both Planets eclipse and abridge the light one of the other But
onely vpon the head allaieth by report the ach thereof More than it it is said That the very sent of Pennyroiall preserueth the brain from the offence that may come by the distemperature either of heat or cold yea and from the inconuenience of thirstinesse insomuch as whosoeuer haue two branches or sprigs of Pennyroiall put into his ears shall feele no accessiue heat though they continued in the Sun all the day long Peniroiall being applied in form of a liniment together with Barly groats and vinegre assuageth all grienous paines watsoeuer Howbeit the female of this kind is thought to be of greater operation euery way than the male Now hath this female a purple floure that you may know it thereby from the other for that of the male is white The female Penyroiall taken in a mash made with salt and barley groats in cold water staieth a kecklish stomack and keepeth it from the inordinat desire and many offers to cast In the same manner also it easeth the paine of the breast and belly Likewise the gnawings of the stomack it ceaseth being taken in water as also immoderat vomits it represseth with vinegre and barley groats Being sodden in hony with a little nitre among it cureth the maladies of the guts If one drinke it with wine it causeth abundance of vrine and if the said wine be made of the Amminean grapes it expelleth the stone and grauell yea and all things els which may engender inward pains If it be taken with honey and vinegre it prouoketh womens termes and quieteth them when they lie gnawing and fretting inwardly yea and sendeth forth the after-burden The same setleth the mother and reduceth it into the right place It expelleth also the dead child within the mothers body The seed of Peniroial if it be smelled vnto is singular good to recouer their tongue againe who be speechlesse for the falling sicknesse also it is giuen in a cyath of vinegre If it fortune that one must drink vnholesome waters the seed thereof reduced into pouder and strewed therupon correcteth all the malice thereof If the same be taken in wine it slaketh the itch in the bodie proceeding of hot and salt humors The seed of Pennyroiall mingled with salt vinegre and honey if it be wel rubbed into the bodie comforteth the sinewes in case of cramps and convulsions and particularly helpeth those who with a crieke are forced to carrie their necke much backeward The decoction therof is a soueraigne drinke against the sting of Serpents and particularly of Scorpions if it be bruised and taken with wine especially that which groweth in drie places Moreouer Penyroiall is held to be very soueraigne for the cankers or vlcers in the mouth and as effectuall to stay the cough The floures of Penyroial that be fresh and new gathered if they be burnt make a singular perfume to kill fleas Among many good receits that Xenocrates hath left vnto vs we find this for one namely That a branch of Pennyroiall wrapped within wooll and giuen to the patient for to smell vnto before the fit come of a tertian ague driueth it away as also if it be put vnder the couerlet of the bed and the Patient laid vpon it it doth no lesse For these purposes abouenamed the wild Penyroiall is of most efficacie This hearbe resembleth Origan and hath smaller leaues than the Penyroiall of the Garden some giue it the name of Dictamnus If it chance that either sheepe or goats do tast thereof it prouoketh them presently to blea whereupon certain authors changing one letter for another in Greeke call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 This herb is so hot and ardent that if any part of the body be rubbed or annointed therewith it will rise into a blister If one haue taken a through-cold and thereby gotten a cough Physitians haue prescribed to vse frictions therewith before the Patient go into the bain for to sweat Also their direction is to do the like before the cold fits of agues as also in case of the crampe and torments of the guts Wonderfull good it is in all kinds of gout If it be taken in drinke with honey and salt it is singular for those who be diseased in the liuer as also for the lights for it opens their pipes and dischargeth them of the flegme that stuffed them so as they may reach vp and voyd the same with ease The decoction thereof with some salt is excellent good for the splene and the bladder yea and for all ventosities and shortnesse of breath Semblably the iuice prepared and dressed in maner a foresaid bringeth the mother into the naturall place and serueth as a countre-poison against the Scolopendre both of the sea and the land as also for the pricke of the scorpion especially against the biting of man or woman The root thereof being applied fresh and green is maruellous good to represse rank vlcers to consume the proud flesh about them The same being dry and so applied reduceth skars to their fresh colour and beautie of the faire and whole skin Thus much of Penyroyall of the garden and the field Great conformitie there is in operation between Peny-royal and Nep for being both boiled in water vnto the composition of a third part they discusse and shake off the cold in Ague fits which causeth the Patient to shake and besides are of validitie to bring downe womens monethly sicknesse In summer time they asswage the extremitie of heat Nep also is powerful against serpents for the smoke and perfume of this herbe they canot abide but will fly from it which is the cause that such as be afraid of serpents strew Nep vnder them in the place where they mean to repose and sleepe Being bruised and applied to the running fistulous vlcers between the nose and the greater corner of the eye it is counted a soveraign remedie Also being fresh gathered and mixed with a third part of bread and so temperat and incorporat with vinegre to the form of a liniment it cureth the head-ach The juice thereof being instilled into the nosthrils whiles the Patient lieth vpon his back stancheth bleeding at the nose The root also together with Myrtle seed in warm wine cuit and so gargarised helpeth the Squinancie As touching wild Cumin it is an herb exceeding small putting forth foure or fiue leaues and not aboue and those indented like a saw but the garden Cumin is of singular vse in physicke but principally for the pain in the stomack It dispatcheth the grosse vapors arising from flegme it dissolueth also vento sities if it be either bruised and eaten with bread or drunk with water and wine in which sort it asswageth the wringing torments and other pains of the guts how beit it maketh folke look pale as many as drink of it Certes by that deuise namely by ordinary drinking of Cumin as it is reported the schollers and followers of Porcius Latro that famous and great Rhetorician
wholsome to the belly than the other but the meale as wel of the one as the other doth heale the running sores scales of the head howbeit the wild better than the rest Moreouer these ciches are taken to be good for the falling sicknesse the swellings of the liuer and the sting of Serpents They procure womens termes and prouoke vrine and especially the grain it selfe rather than the leafe The same are singular for tettars and ring-worms for inflammations of the cods for the jaundise dropsie But all the sort of them be hurtfull to the bladder and kidnies especially if they be exulcerat For gangrenes and those morimall vlcers called Cacoethe they be better in case they bee tempered with honey Some there be who for to be ridde of all kinde of Warts take as many Cich-pease as there be warts and with euery one of them touch a wart and that vpon the first day after the change of the Moon which done they tie the foresaid Pease or Ciches in a little linnen â—…ag and fling them away backward behind them and they are persuaded that the warts will be gone by this means But our Latine Physitians are of opinion That the blacke ciches which be called Ram-ciches should be well and throughly sodden in water and salt of which decoction they prescribe vnto the patient for to drinke two cyaths in difficulty of making water for to expell the stone and rid away the jaundise Their leaues and stalks of straw being sodden in water ouer a good fire yeeld a decoction which beeing vsed as hot as may be suffered doth mollifie the callosities hardnesse growing about the feet so doth a liniment also made of the very substance it selfe stamped and applied hot The Columbine ciches sodden in water are thought to lessen and shorten the shaking fits in tertian and quartan agues The black cich-pease being beaten to pouder with halfe the quantity of gall-nuts and incorporat with sweet wine cuit called Passum and so applied cureth the vlcers of the eyes As touching Eruile somewhat I haue said already touching the properties thereof when I made mention of it among other kinds of pulse And indeed the old writers haue attributed as great power vertue vnto it as to the Colewort Being laid to with vineger it cureth the hurts that come by the sting of serpents or the teeth of man crocodile There be writers of approued authority who assirm for certain That if a man doe eat Eruile fasting euery day it will diminish and wast the swelling of the spleen The meale of Eruile as Varro reporteth taketh away the spots and moles of any part of the body And in truth this pulse is singular to represse corrosiue and eating vlcers but aboue all it is most effectuall in the sores of womens brests applied with wine it breaketh carbuncles Being torrified and incorporat with hony and reduced into an electuarie or bole and so taken as much as an hazell nut it amendeth the suppression or difficulty of voiding vrine dissolueth ventosities openeth obstructions and helpeth other accidents of the liuer the prouocations and proffers to the stoole without doing any thing reuiueth those parts that mislike and feele no benefit or nutriment of meat which they cal in Greek Atropha In like manner it cureth shingles ring-worms and tettars if it be first sodden in vineger so applied and not remoued vntil the fourth day If it be laid too with hony it keepeth biles from suppuration A fomentation made with the decoction thereof in water helps kibed heels the itch And it is generally thought That if a man drink it euery day next his heart vpon an empty stomack it will make the whole body looke with a better and more liuely colour Contrariwise the common opinion is That it is not good to be eaten ordinarily as meat for it moueth to vomit troubleth the belly lieth heauy vpon the stomack and fumeth vp into the head it breedeth ache and heauinesse in the knees But if it haue lien many daies in steepe after that imbibition of water it becommeth more mild and is a most wholsom prouender for horse and oxen The green cods of Eruile before they waxe hard if they be stamped with their stalkes and leaues together do colour and die the hairs of the head blacke As touching wild Lupines they be inferior to those which come of seed in all respects but only in biternesse And verily there is not a thing more commendable wholsome and light of digestion than white Lupines if they be eaten dry They are brought to be sweet and pleasant by hot ashes or scalding water Beeing eaten at meales vsually they make a fresh colour and chearfull countenance Bitter Lupines are very good against the sting of the Aspides Dry Lupins husked clensed from their skins applied to black mortified vlcers ful of dead flesh with a linnen cloth between reduce them to a liuely colour and to quick flesh again The same sodden in vineger discusse the kings euill and the swelling kernels impostumations behind the ears The broth or collature of them being sodden with Rue and Pepper may be giuen safely although it were in an ague to those that bee vnder thirty yeares of age for to expell the wormes in the belly As for young children who haue the wormes it is good to lay Lupines to their bellie whiles they be fasting All others are to take them torrified either by way of drink in a kind of wine cuit or els in electuary after the maner of a lohoch The same do giue an edge to the stomacke and quicken the appetite to meat The meale or pouder of Lupines wrought with vineger into a dough or paste and so reduced into a liniment and vsed in a bain or stouve represseth and keepeth down all wheales and itching pimples which are ready to breake forth and of it selfe is sufficient to drie vp vlcers It bringeth to the natiue and liuely colour al places blacke and blew with stripes Medled with Barly groats it assuageth all inflammations For the weaknesse of the huckle bone the haunch and loins the wilde Lupines are counted more effectual than the other A fomentation with the decoction of these wild Lupins maketh the skin more smooth and beautifull taking away all spots and freckles But if the same or garden Lupines be boiled to the height and consistence of hony they do clense the skin from black morphew and the leprosie These also if they be applied as a cataplasme do break carbuncles bring down or els ripen the swelling kernels named the kings euil and other biles and botches which of their nature be long ere they gather to head Boiled in vineger they reduce places cicatrized to their naturall colour and make them look faire white again But if they be throughly sodden in rain water of the collature that passeth from them there is made an abstersiue and scouring lie in manner of sope most excellent for
those fruits of the earth aboue named but displeased rather and taking scorne that such plants which grow farther from the Cope of Heauen and began long after trees to come vp and shew themselues should seeme to haue so many vertues hath likewise furnished the fruits hanging vpon her trees with their properties and those of no small operation and effect in Physicke And in truth if we consider and weigh the cause aright she it was that affoorded to mankinde the first food from those her trees inducing vs thereby to lift vp our eies and looke to Heauen-ward yea and she giueth the world to vnderstand that if Ceres and Flora both should faile she with her goods only were able euen still to sustaine and feed vs sufficiently And to beginne with the Vine which ought by right to be ranged in the highest ranke of all those plants that beare the name of Trees This bountifull Ladie not satisfied herein that shee had done pleasure vnto man in furnishing him with â—…oble perfumes odours and delicate Ointments by meanes of the grape verjuice the Vine-floure Oenanthe and namely the wilde Vine Massaris in Africke according as I haue discoursed more at large heretofore hath therefore bestowed vpon Vines those medicinable vertues in greatest measure and withall vsed these remonstrances vnto men in this manner Call to minde quoth shee how many benifits and pleasures thou receiuest at my hands Who is it but I that haue brought forth Wine that sweet juice of the Grape Who but I haue giuen thee Oyle that daintie liquour of the Oliue From mee come Dates and Apples from mee thou haste all Fruits of such varietie that vnpossible it is to number them Neither doe I deale by thee as dame Tellus doth who bestoweth nothing vpon thee without labour and sweat of thy browes nothing I say but before it doth thee any good requireth tillage by Oxe and Plough thrashing with flaile vpon the floore or trampling of beasts feet vpon the mow and then the Mil-stones to grinde it Such adoe there is and so long a time first before thou canst enioy the benifit thereof for thy food But contrariwise whatsoeuer commeth from mee is ready at hand there needes no intreating of the Plough nor any great labour and industrie to haue and inioy my fruits for they offer themselues of their owne accord yea and if thou thinke much of thy paines to climbe or to put vp thy hand and gather them loe they are readie to droppe downe and fall into thy mouth or else to lie vnder thy feet See how good and gracious Nature hath beene vnto vs herein and â—…ow shee hath strouen with her selfe Whether she should profit or pleasure man more yet I take it that she affected Commoditie rather than Delight For to come vnto the vertues and properties of the vine The very leaues and tender burgeons thereof applied with barley groats do mitigate the paine of the head and reduce all inflammations of the bodie vnto the due temperature The leaues alone of the vine laid vnto the stomack with cold water allay the vnkinde heats thereof and with barley meale are singular for all gouts and diseases of the ioints The tendrils or young branches of the vine being stamped and applied accordingly drie vp any tumors or swellings whatsoeuer Their iuice iniected or poured into the guts by a clystre cureth the bloudy flix The liquour concreat which is in manner of a gumme issuing from the vine healeth the leprie and all foule tettars scabs and manges in case the parts affected were prepared and rubbed before with salniter The same liquor or gumme is likewise depilatorie for if the haires be often annointed with it and oyle together they will fall of but the water especially that sweateth out of greene vine branches as they burne hath a mightie operation that way insomuch as it will fetch off Warts also The drinke wherein young vine tendrils haue lien infused is good for those who reach vp and spit bloud as also for women who beeing newly conceiued and breeding childe haue many swawmes come ouer their heart and be â—…ft soones subiect with faintings The vine barke or rinde likewise the dried leaues stanch the bleeding in a wound yea and doe consolidate and heale vp the wound it selfe The iuice drawne out of the white-Vine beeing stamped greene and Frankincense together take away shingles ring-wormes and such like wilde-fires if it bee applied thereto The ashes of the vine-stocke vine-cuttings and of the kernels and skinnes of grapes after they be pressed applied with vineger vnto the seat or fundament cure the piles swellings fissures chappes and other infirmities incident to that part but incorporate with oile-Rosat Rue and vineger they helpe dislocations burnes and swellings of the spleene The same ashes strewed with some aspersion or sprinckling of wine vpon S. Anthonies fire without any oyle doe cure the same as also all frets and galls betweene the legges and besides eat away the haire of any place The ashes of vine-cuttings besprinckled with vineger are giuen to drinke for the diseases of the spleene so as the Patient take two cyaths thereof in warme water and when hee hath drunke it lie vpon the spleene side The very small tendrils of the vine whereby it climbeth catcheth and claspeth about any thing being punned and taken in water staieth and represseth vomiting in those whose stomacks vse ordinarily to be kecklish and soone to ouerturne The ashes of vines tempered with old hogges grease is singular to abate swellings to cleanse fistulous vlâ—…ers first and soone after to heale them vp cleane likewise for the paine of sinewes proceeding of cold and for contraction and shrinking of the nerues also for bruises being applied with oyle Moreouer they eat away all excrescence of proud flesh about the bones beeing tempered mith vineger and niter and last of all mixed with oile they heale the wounds made by scorpions or dogs The ashes of the vine-barke alone cause the haire to come againe in a burnt place How grape veriuice should be made when the grapes are young and nothing ripe I haue shewed in the Treatise of Perfumes and Ointments It remaineth now to discourse of the medicinable vertues thereof and first to begin withall It healeth all vlcers that happen in moist parts and namely those of the mouth Tonsils or Almond-kernels on either side of the throat and of the priuie members the same is soueraigne for to clarifie the eie-sight it cureth the asperitie and roughnesse of the eie-lids the fistulous vlcers in the corners of the eies the clowdes ar silmes that shadow and couer the sight the running sores in any part of the body whatsoeuer the corrupt and withered cicatrices or scars and the bones charged with purulent and skinny matter Now if this veriuice bee too tart and eager it may be delaied with honey or wine-cuit and so it is good for bloudy flixes and the exulceration of the guts for those who
strength of our viands meats but also many other things for the very hard rocks which otherwise it was vnpossible to cleaue before with the violence of fire soone breake and giue way when vinegre is poured aloft This singular gift moreouer it hath that no liquor in the world giueth a better tast to our meats and sauces or quickneth them more than vinegre doth for which purpose if it be ouersharp and strong there is a means to mitigat and dull the force thereof either with a tost of bread or some wine again if it be too weake and apalled the way to reuiue it againe is with Pepper or the spice Laser but nothing moderateth it better than salt And to knit vp and close this discourse of vinegre I cannot forget nor ouerpasse one rare and singular accident that befell of late M. Agrippa in his later days was much troubled and afflicted with a grieuous gout of his feet and being not able to endure the intollerable paines therof took counsell of a certaine leaud leech some bold and venterous Emperick who made great boast of his deep skill and admirable knowledge for the Emperour Augustus Caesar whose daughter he had espoused he made not acquainted with the matter who gaue him counsell to bath his legs with hot vinegre and to sit therein aboue his knees at what time as his disease tormented him most true it is indeed that he was eased of his paine by this means for he lost the very feeling of his feet Howbeit Agrippa chose rather to be paralyticke in some sort and to want both vse and sence of his legges than to abide the extremitie of his gout CHAP. II. ¶ Of vinegre Scylliticke Of Oxymel Of the double cuit wine Sapa The lees of wine dregs of vinegre and of the foresaid cuit THe vinegre of Squilla or sea-Onions called Scillinum the elder it is and longer kept the more is it esteemed This vinegre ouer and aboue the other vertues of common vinegre before rehearsed hath this property To helpe the stomacke in case the meats lie souring and corrupting therein for no sooner doth a man tast thereof but it dispatcheth and riddeth away the foresaid inconuenience moreouer it is good for them that are giuen to vomit fasting in a morning for it hardeneth the throat the mouth of the stomacke which is ouer sensible knitteth the same It causeth a sweet breath confirmeth the flesh about the gums fasteneth the teeth which are loose and maketh a bodie look with a fresh and liuely color Being gargarized it draweth away and doth euacuat those grosse humors which caused hardnesse of hearing and openeth the auditory passages of the ears and so by consequence clarifies the sight of the eies Soueraigne it is besides for those who haue the falling sicknesse and who are troubled in mind by occasion of melancholy It cureth the turning and dizzinesse of the braine the suffocation or rising of the mother It helpeth such as be sore and bruised with dry blowes such as are falne headlong from high places and thereby haue cluttered bloud gathered within their bodies as many also as haue the infirmity or weaknesse of sinews or otherwise be diseased in the kidnies howbeit offensiue it is to those that haue any vlcer either within or without Touching the syrrup Oxymel Dieuches saith That the auncients in old time prepared and tempered it in this manner They tooke of honey ten pounds of old vinegre fiue hemines of bay salt one pound of Sauerie three ounces of sea water fiue sextars These together in a kettle they did set to boile and let them haue tenne walms ouer the fire then they lifted the pan from the fire poured this liquor out of one vessell into another so kept it for their vse but Asclepiades comes after disproueth all the maner of this composition and withall condemneth the vse thereof for the physicians before his time feared not to prescribe it to be drunk euen in feuers and yet both he and all do confesse and agree that this was a good drink against the venomous serpent called Seps also for them who were poysoned with Opium i. the juice of Poppey or with the gum Ixia which commeth from the hearb Chamaeleon Moreouer they all commend it to be gargled hot for the squinancy for the paine and deafnesse of ears for the accidents and infirmities of the mouth and throat like as at this day we vse in all these cases the sharpe brine or pickle called Oxalme which if it be made of salt and new vinegre that is fresh and quick it is better in operation As for the cuit named in Latine Sapa it commeth neere to the nature of wine and in truth nothing els it is but Must or new wine boiled til one third part and no more do remain this cuit if it be made of white Must is counted the better Vse there is of it against the flies Cantharides and Buprestes against the worms breeding in Pine trees named thereupon Pityocampae against Salamanders and generally all those beasts whose sting or tooth is venomous If a woman drink thereof together with scallions or such bulbs it sendeth downe the after-burden and expelleth the dead infant out of the womb And yet Fabianus mine author saith That it is no better than a very poison if a man drink it fasting presently after he is come out of the bain A consequent and appendant to these foresaid things is the lees of wine that is to be considered according to the wine from whence it commeth and verily the lees of wine are so strong that oftentimes it ouercommeth and killeth those who go downe into the vats vessels wherin the wine is made But to know and preuent the daunger thereof this experiment is found namely to let down a candle into the said vat for so long as it will not abide light but goe out still daungerous it is for a man to enter into those vessels And yet wine lees without any washing at all goe into the composition of many medicines Take wine lees a certaine quantity and of the floure-de-lis or Ireos root a like weight concorporat them together into a liniment singular it is to annoint the small pocks and such like cutanean eruptions The same either drie or wet may be applied with very good successe to the places stinged with the venomous spiders called Phalangia to the inflammations also of the genetoirs or priuy members to the paps or any other part of the body whatsoeuer Now for the better preparing therof it ought to be sodden in wine together with barley meale and the pouder of frank incense which done to be burned and so dried And to know whether it be sufficiently sodden or no make this triall If you touch it neuer so little at your tongues end and so tast therof when it is throughly cold it will seeme to bite and burne it if it haue had sufficient boiling as it ought but
three deniers weight of the root and drinke the same in three cyaths of sweet wine she shall be quickly deliuered and brought to bed the same drink sendeth forth the after-birth and prouoketh womens monthly terms Daphnoides or the wild Lawrell or call it by any other of those names before rehearsed hath many good vertues it purgeth the belly if you take the leafe either green or drie to the weight of three drams with salt in hydromel or honyed water being chewed it draweth downe flegmatick and watery humors The leaf also moueth to vomit and is offensiue to the stomack The berries likewise be purgatiue if a man take fiue or ten of them at once CHAP. IX ¶ Of the tame or gentle Myrtle tree planted Of Myrtidanum and the wilde Myrtle OF garden Myrtles the white is not so medicinable as the black the fruit or berries of the Myrtle help those that reach vp bloud taken with wine they put by the danger of venomous mushrums chew them in your mouth your breath will be the sweeter for it two daies after It appeareth by the Poet Menander that the good-fellows Synaristeusae were wont to eat Myrtle berries the weight of one denier in wine is good for the bloudy flix If they haue a little siuering or waulm ouer the fire in wine they make a good water or liquor to cure vntoward vlcers to heale especially such as be in the extreame parts of the body Of them and barley groats there is made a cataplasme for bleered eies for the fainting also and trembling of the heart being applied to the left pap or breast In like manner the same being vsed with pure vndelaied wine is singular for the prick of scorpions for the infirmities of the bladder the head-ach and the apostemations betweene the angle of the eies and the nose if they be taken before they yeeld filthy matter and so they cure other tumors or swellings and if their pepins or kernels be taken forth and then incorporat with old wine they be singular for the small pocks and meazles The juice of Myrtle berries bindeth the belly but prouoketh vrine A liniment also is made thereof with wax for the said pox and meazles also against the sting of the venomous spiders Phalangia The said juice doth colour the haire blacke Of the same Myrtle there is an oile made more lenitiue and mild than the iuice or liquor aboue-named yet there is a wine of Myrtles more kind gentle than it which wil neuer ouerturn the brain or make one drunk The same if it haue lien and be stale bindeth the belly and staieth a laske it strengtheneth the stomack also and represseth vomits it assuageth the griping pains in the guts and restoreth appetite to meat the pouder of drie Myrtle leaues restraineth sweats if the body be strewed therwith though it were in a feuer The same pouder is good for the feeblenesse of the stomack and the flux from thence proceeding it reduceth the matrice into the right place when it beareth down out of the body it cureth the infirmities of the seat healeth running scalls and vlcers warisheth S. Anthonies fire and the shingles being vsed thereto in some fomentation retaineth and staieth the haires ready to shed scoureth away dandruffe drieth vp wheals pocks and meazles and last of all skinneth burnes and scaldings The pouder entreth into those vnguinous or oleous plasters which the Greeks call Liparas And such a kind of plaster in like manner as the oyle of these Myrtle berries is most effectuall in those sores which light vpon moist parts as for example the mouth and the matrice The leaues in substance beaten to pouder and tempered with wine are a counterpoison against venomous mushrums but incorporat with wax into a liniment they do ease the gout of any joints and driue back rifings and impostumations The same leaues boiled in wine are giuen to drink for the bloudy flix and the dropsie VVhen they be dried and brought into pouder they serue to cast and strew vpon vlcers also to restraine any bleeding They scoure away freckles and such like spots of the skin they heale the rising ouergrowing and parting of the skin about the naile roots also whitflaws chilblanes piles swelling bigs in the fundament the accidents befalling to the cods filthy maligne and morimall vlcers and last of all burns applied in manner of a cerot For the ears running with filthy matter there is good vse of the leaues burnt also of their juice and decoction The same are likewise burned to serue for certain antidots or counterpoisons In like manner to the said purpose the tender sprigs of the Myrtle with the floure vpon them are gathered and calcined within an ouen in a new earthen pot well couered and close luted after which they be reduced into pouder and mixed with wine The ashes of the leaues burnt healeth burnes To keepe the share or groine from swelling although there be an vlcer there it is sufficient if the party haue about him a shoot or branch only of the Myrtle prouided alwaies that it touched neither yron nor the earth As touching Myrtidanum how it is made I haue shewed already Applied vnto the matrice or natural parts of a woman either by way of fomentation or liniment it doth much good And much better if it be made with the bark leafe and berry of the Myrtle Moreouer of the softest leaues braied and stamped in a mortar there is a juice pressed forth by pouring green wine by little and little among and otherwhiles raine water which is vsed much for the vlcers and sores of mouth seat matrice and belly to dye the haire black to wash and bath the arm-holes with to scoure away spots and freckles and in one word when and wheresoeuer there is need of astriction The wilde Myrtle or Oxymyrsine called also Chamaemyrsine differeth from the ciuill and gentle Myrtle in the rednesse of the berries and the smal growth The root is highly esteemed for boiled in wine and so taken in drink it cureth the paine in the raines the difficulty of vrine especially when it is thick and of a strong sauor The jaundise also it helpeth and cleanseth the matrice if it be brought into pouder and mixed with wine The yong and tender buds eaten after the manner of Sperage crops with meat first rosted in the embers the seed likewise taken in wine oile or vineger break the stone The same seed stamped and drawne with vineger and oyle rosat allaieth the head-ach but in drink it cureth the jaundise Castor called Oxymyrsine with the sharp prickie leaues like the Myrtle and wherew i th beesomes be made by the name of Ruscus and saith it hath the same properties Thus much for planted trees and their medicinable vertues proceed we now forward to the wild THE TVVENTY FOVRTH BOOK OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS The Proeme CHAP. I. ¶ Medicinable vertues obserued in wild trees NAture
that sacred and blessed mother of all things willing and desirous that man whom she loueth so well should find euery place stored with proper and conuenient remedies for all maladies incident vnto him hath so disposed of her workes and taken that order that the rough woods and forrests euen the most hideous parts of the earth and fearfull to see vnto bee not without their plants medicinable Nay the very wilds and desarts are enriched and furnished therewith insomuch as in euerie coast and corner of the world there may be obserued both sympathies and antipathies I meane those naturall combinations and contrarieties in those her creatures From whence proceed the greatest miracles which are to bee seene in this round Fabricke and admirable frame For first and formost the Oke and the oliue tree beare such mutual rancor and malice as it were and are so stiffely bent to war one with another that if a man replant one of these trees in the trench or hole from whence the other was taken vp it wil surely die Also if an Oke be set neare vnto a walnut-tree it wil not liue The Colewort and the Vine hate one another to the very death in such sort that if a Vine stand neare vnto it a man shall sensibly perceiue the same to shrinke away and recule backward from it and yet this wort which maketh the Vine thus to retire and flie if it chance to grow ouer-against Origan or Cyclamine will soone wither and die Moreouer it is commonly said That trees in the forrest fully grown which haue stood many a yeare and namely such as are ready to be fallen and laid along for timber proue harder to be hewed and sooner wax dry if a man touch them with his hand before hee set the edge of the axe to their butt And some say that pack-horses asses and other labouring beasts which haue Apples and such like fruit aload wil quickly shrinke and complaine vnder their burden yea presently run all to sweat carry they but a very few to speak of vnlesse the said fruit wherewith they are to be charged be first shewed vnto them Asses finde great contentment and good by feeding vpon Fenel-geant or Ferula plants and yet to horses garrons other beasts of cariage and draught they are present poison if they eat them which is the cause that the Asse is a beast consecrated vnto the god Bacchus as well as the foresaid plant Ferula Ouer and besides see the admirable operation in Nature the very insensible and liuelesse creatures yea the least that be meet euery one of them with some contrary thing or other which is their bane and poison for as our cooks know well enough the inner bark of the Linden tree sliued thin into broad flakes and fine boulted floure together doe drink and suck vp the salt of viands ouermuch poudered and make it fresh again Likewise salt giueth a good rellish to any meat that is ouer sweet and tempereth those that haue a lushious and wallowish tast If water be nitrous brackish bitter put some fried barly meale into it within two houres and lesse it will be so well amended and sweet that a man may drink thereof and this is the reason that the said Barly meale is put ordinarily in those strainers and bags through which wines do passe that thereby they may be refined and drawn the sooner Of the same operation also and effect there is a kind of chalke in the Island of Rhodes and our clay here in Italy will do as much Thus you see what enmity discord there is in some things Contrariwise we may obserue in others how wonderfully they accord and agree together for pitch will dissolue spread and be drawne out with oile being both as they are of a fatty nature oile alone will incorporat and mingle well with lime they hate water the one as well as the other Gums are sooner dissolued and more easily tempered with vineger than with any thing els ink with water besides an infinit number of other such that I shall haue occasion to write of continually in their due places And indeed this is the very ground and foundation of all our Physick For to say a truth Nature ordained at the first such things and none but such for to be the remedies of our diseases which we feed liue daily vpon euen those which are soon found and as soon prepared which be ready at hand common euery where and cost vs little or nothing at all But afterwards the world grew to be so full of deceit and cousenage that some fine wits and nimble heads deuised to set vp Apothecary shops promising and bearing vs in hand that euery man might buy his life and health there for mony Then anon a sort of compositions mixtures and confections were set on foot then there was no talk but of strange and intricat receits and these were bruited abroad for the only medicines of wonderfull and vnspeakable operations So that now adaies wee vse no other drugs but those that come from Arabia and India And if a man aile neuer so little or haue the least push or wheale about him he must haue some costly Physick forsooth for it a plaster that came from as far as the red sea whereas in truth the right remedies appropriat for euery maladie be no other than such as the poorest man that is feedeth vpon euerie night ordinarily at his supper But if we went no farther than to the garden for medicines and sought after herbs shrubs and plants only for to cure our sicknesse or maintain our health certes there were not a baser occupation in the world than the profession of Physick and Physitians would be nought set by but will you haue the truth To this passe are we come the old world we haue bidden farewell vnto the antient manners and rites of Rome citie are dead and gone our state is growne so much in greatnesse as there is no goodnesse left Our victories and conquests be these and nothing else which haue vanquished subdued vs for subiect we must acknowledge our selues to strangers and forraine Nations solong as Physicke one of their Arts is able to command our commanders and ouerrule our Emperors But the discourse of this matter in more ample manner I will reserue to some other time and place CHAP. II. ¶ Of Lotos AS touching the herbe Lotos the Aegyptian plant likewise of that name as also of another tree about the Syrtes so called I haue written sufficiently in their due places as for this Lotos which our countrymen call in Latine the Greekish Bean hath a property for to bind and knit the flux of the belly with the fruit or berries which it beareth The shauings or scrapings of the wood therof boiled in wine and so taken inwardly cure the bloudy flix and exulceration of the guts represse the immoderat flowing of womens moneths help the dizzinesse and swimming of
oile of Roses or with Nard it is good to be infused or dropped into ears that run with matter the very persume alone or smell thereof is good to raise them who are taken with the epilepsie or falling sicknesse also to recouer women lying as it were in a trance or dead vpon a fit of the mother to bring them again who are gon in a swoune If a woman fall to trauell before her time it is good to fetch out that vntimely fruit of hers if it be loth to come away either by way of cataplasme or suffumigation The same effect it hath if the branches or small roots of Ellel oâ—…e be well annointed therewith and so put vp as a pessary The smoke of it frying in the fire as I said before driueth serpents away and more than so serpents will not come neere to them that are besmeared with Galbanum And say that one be strucken with a scorpion a plaster of Galbanum will heale the wound If a woman haue bin long in labor of childbirth and cannot be deliuered let her drinke in one cyath of wine as much Galbanum as the quantity of a Bean she shal fall to her busines and be deliuered anon The same is a good medicine to reduce the mother into the right place if it be vnsetled or turned If Galbanum be taken in wine with Myrrhe it sendeth out the dead infant in the mothers womb Also with Myrrh and wine it is good against all poisons and especially those which be called Toxica Incorporat Galbanum with oile and Spondylium together it will kill any serpents if they be but touched therewith Howbeit there is an opinion of Galbanum that in difficulty of vrine it is not good to be vsed CHAP. VI. ¶ Of Gum Ammoniack of Storax Spondylium Spagnos Terebinth Chamaepitys of Pituysa of Rosius of the Pitch tree and the Lentiske SInce we are fallen into the mention of Gums it will not be amisse to treat of Ammoniack being as it is so like in nature as I haue said to Galbanum for it hath vertue to mollifie to heat discusse and dissolue Vsed in collyries it is a proper medicine to clarifie the eiesight and serueth wel to take away the itch the spots or cicatrices the pin and web also of the eies It allaieth the tooth-ach but more effectually if it be set a burning the sume receiued into the mouth Taken in drink it helpeth those who hardly fetch and deliuer their winde It cureth the pleurisie Peripnewmony or inflammation of the lungs the infirmities of the bladder pissing of bloud the swelled spleen and the Sciatica And in that manner it easeth the belly and maketh it soluble Boiled with the like weight of pitch or wax and oile rosat together and so reduced into an ointment it is good for all gouts and especially that which lieth in the feet It ripeneth the biles called Pani if it be applied to them with honey and fetcheth away any corns by the roots In which sort it doth soften any hardnesse Incorporat with vineger and Cyprian wax or els with oile osat it maketh an excellent plaster for to mollifie the hard spleen Moreouer if it be reduced into an ointment with vineger oile a little sal-nitre it is singular to annoint those that haue a lassitude or wearinesse vpon them Touching Storax and the nature thereof I haue said enough in my Treatise of strange and forrame trees But ouer and aboue the qualities or properties before required I take that for the best Storax which is fattest pure and cleane and whereof the pieces or fragments do break white This drug cureth the cough the sorenesse of the throat and the accidents of the brest it openeth the obstructions of the matrice mollifieth the hardnes therof Whether it be taken inwardly in drinke or outwardly applied it prouoketh womens fleurs moueth to the siege I reade in some authors that if one drink Storax Calamita in small quantity it will procure gladnesse and mirth of heart but if it be taken in greater quantity it breedeth heauinesse of the mind Instilled or poured into the eares it riddeth away all the singing therin and in a liniment it resolueth the wens called the Kings euill and the nodosities of the sinews Soueraign it is against those poisons which burt by meanes of their coldnesse and therefore it is good for them that haue drunk the juice of Hemlock Likewise of Spondylium a kind of wild Parsnep or Madnep I haue spoken thereof heretofore together with Storax An embrochotion made of it to be infused vpon the head is excellent for such as be in a frensie or lethargy also to cure the inueterat pains of the head Taken in drink with old oile it helpeth the infirmities of the liuer the jaundise the falling sicknesse the straitnesse of breath whereby one cannot take his winde but sitting vpright and the rising or suffocation of the mother in which cases a suffumigation thereof is good This Spondylium is effectual to mollifie the belly and make the body soluble Reduced into a liniment with rue it serueth fitly to be applied vnto vlcers that spread and eat as they go The juice of the floures is of great effect if it be poured into the ears that run with filthy matter but when this juice is a pressing or drawing forth it had need to be kept well couered for feare of flies and such like which are very greedy thereof and loue a-life to settle vpon it The root of Spondylium or a piece therof scraped if it be put in maner of a tent into a fistula eateth away all the hardnes and callositie thereof Being dropped into the ears together with the juice it is exceeding good for them The root giuen alone in substance cureth the jaundise the infirmities of the liuer matrice If the head be all ouer annointed therewith the haire will curle and frizle Concerning the sweet Mosse called of the Greeks Sphagnos Sphacos or Bryon growing as I haue shewed before in France it is good for the naturall parts of women to sit ouer the decoction of it in manner of a bath likewise if it be mingled with cresses and so stamped together in salt water it serueth well to be applied as a cataplasme to the knees and thighs for any tumors or swellings in those parts Taken in wine with dry per-rosin it causeth one most speedily to make water Stamped with Iuniper and drunk with wine it doth euacuat the aquosities in the dropsie The leaues and the root of the Terebinth tree applied in form of a cataplasme are good for the collection of humors to an impostumation A decoction made with them doth comfort and fortifie the stomack In case of head-ache of stopping and difficultie of vrine it is passing good to drink the seed or grains of the Terebinth tree in wine The same gently easeth and softeneth the belly it prouoketh also carnal lust The leaues of
pains of the lims and for those that be plucked with the cramp in case the grieued parts be wel rubbed therewith in the sun which they know well enough who buy slaues and sell them for gain after they haue trimmed and set them out for sale for they especially are very curious to annoint their bodies al ouer with this Terpentine for to loosen the skin when they be hide-bound lank and carrion lean to giue more liberty and space for euery part to receiue nutriment and so to make their bodies seeme fat and faire liking Next vnto the right Terpentine is the rosin of the Lentiske Tree this hath an astringent or binding qualitie but of all others it prouoketh vrine most all the rest doe mollifie the belly and make it soluble concoct and digest all crudities stent the inueterate cough and draw downe all the superfluous burdens of the matrice for which purpose last named their fume receiued by a suffumigation is very effectuall They are more particularly as good as a counterpoison against the venomous gum Ixia growing vpon the plant Chamaeleon Incorporat with buls tallow and hony they cure the biles called Pani and such risings in the flesh The Lentisk rosin is singular good for to lay euen and streight the haires of the eie-lids when they grow into the eies In fractures and broken bones it is most necessary as also for the ears running with filthy matter likewise to kil the itch in the priuy members Finally the per-rosin of the Pine tree is a most soueraigne medicin to cure all the wounds of the head CHAP. VII ¶ Of Stone-pitch of Tarre of Pitch twice boiled of Pissasphalt or Mummie of Zopissa of Torch-wood and the Lentiske FRom what tree Pitch commeth and the sundry waies of making it I haue declared heretofore also that there be two principall kinds thereof to wit the thick or fast Pitch and the thin or liquid of the former sort the best for vse in Physick is the Brutian Pitch for that being of all others fattiest fullest of gum it yeeldeth a twofold commodity both for medicines and also to trim and rosin wine-vessels for which purposes that which inclineth to a reddish yellow is counted the chiefe But whereas some do say moreouer that the better Pitch commeth from the male tree I cannot conceiue what they should mean thereby neither doe I think it possible to discerne any such difference True it is that Pitch by nature is hot a good incarnatiue a speciall and particular property it hath against the venom inflicted by the sting or tooth of the horned serpent Cerastes if it be made into a cataplasme with fried barly groats and being applied with honey it healeth the squinancy cureth catarrhs and restraineth sneezing with oile of roses it serueth well to be poured into running ears out of which there doth oose filthy matter or being applied in manner of a liniment with wax it is passing good it healeth the il-fauored tettars called Lichenes and it looseneth the belly licked or let downe leisurely in maner of a loch it is a good means to void and reach vp from the brest tough fleame and to annoint the tonsils or almonds in the mouth with it and hony together is a proper medicine being in that manner prepared and vsed it clenseth vlcers and if it be incorporat with raisins and swines grease it doth incarnat and fill them vp again with new flesh carbuncles also it doth mundifie so doth it sores that begin to putrifie gather corruption but if they be such as spread be corrosiue withal then there would be an addition of the Pine tree bark or brimstone Some haue prescribed for the consumption of the lungs and a cough of long continuance to drinke the quantity of one cyath in Pitch The fissures and chaps as wel about the seat as in the feet it cureth for the flat biles named Pani it is very good as also to take away the rough nails that be so troublesome The very odor or perfume thereof helpeth the hardnesse of the matrice and setleth it again being either faln down or turned out of the due place likewise it helpeth such as be surprised with the lethargy Moreouer if it be boiled in the vrine of a yong boy vnder 14 yeares of age with barly meale it is a good maturatiue and bringeth the wennes called the Kings euill to suppuration As for dry pitch or stone pitch it helpeth much to make the haire grow again where it is shed by some disease The Pitch called Brutia or of Calabria boiled in wine to a waulm or two with the fine floure of the bearded wheat Far and so applied in a cataplasm as hot as may be suffered is singular good for womens paps Concerning liquid Pitch or Tar as also the oile which they cal Pisselaeon and how it is made I haue already written at large Some boile it a second time and then they name it Palimpissa With this liquid Pitch it is good to annoint the squinzy that groweth inwardly as also the uvula within the mouth the same is singular for the pain in the ears to clarifie the sight to clense the mouth furred as it were so as it hath no tast of meat likewise for those who are short winded for women who are diseased in their matrice to ripen rid away old coughs and to ease them that can doe nothing but spit reach out of the chest for spasmes cramps shaking and trembling moreoouer it helpeth them whose heads or bodies are drawn backward it cureth palsies and any pains or griefs of the sinews There is not a better thing to kill either the mange in dogs or the scab and farcines in horses asses and such like trauelling beasts Moreouer as touching Pissasphalt which is of a mixt nature as if pitch and Bitumen were mingled together it groweth naturally so in the territory of the Apolloniats yet some there be who make an artificial pissasphalt and meddle the one with the other and hold it for a remedy to cure the farcins and scabs of cattell as also when the young sucklings doe hurt the teats of their dams Of this kind that is best which is of it selfe and come to maturity and perfection the same in boiling swimmeth aloft Zopissa is that Pitch which as I said heretofore is scraped from ships and is confected of wax well soked in the salt water of the sea the best is that which commeth from ships that haue bin at sea and made some voiages it goeth into emollitiue plasters for to resolue the gathering of impostumes As for Taeda or Torch-wood if it bee sodden in vineger it maketh a singular collution for to wash the teeth withall when they ake Let vs come now to the Lentisk tree the wood the seed or fruit the bark and gum therof do prouoke vrine and bind the belly a fomentation made with their decoction is excellent good for eating and corrosiue vlcers
root of Panaces especially that which is called Chironia if it be chewed in the mouth assuageth the tooth-ach so doth the iuice thereof if there be a collution made therewith The root of Henbane hath the like vertue if one chew it with vineger as also of Polemonia or sauge de bois for which purpose it is passing good to chew the Plantain root or to wash the mouth and teeth with the iuice or decoction thereof boiled in vineger And the very leaues of Plantain be singular for the pain of the teeth yea though the gums were putrified with rank corrupt bloud or in case there owsed or issued out of them filthy bloudy matter And the seed of Plantain cureth the impostumations of the gums albeit they gathered to suppuration and ran matter Moreouer Aristolochia doth knit and consolidat the gums yea and fasteneth the teeth in the head For these infirmities of gums and teeth the root of Veruain is highly commended if it be chewed or if it be boiled in wine or vineger and the mouth washed with that decoction The roots of Cinque-foile sodden likewise either in wine or vineger to the consumption of a third part worke the same effect But looke that before you boile them they be wel rinced and washed either in sea water or salt water at the least and when you vse this collution see you hold the liquor or decoction in your mouth a long time But some there be who thinke it better to rub the teeth with the ashes of Cinquefoile burnt leaues root and all Moreouer the root of Mullen or Taperwort sodden in wine maketh a singular collution for the teeth Likewise if the teeth be washed with the decoction of Hyssop or the iuice of Harstrang together with Opium or Poppie iuice much good and ease will insue thereupon As also by the iuice of a Pimpernell root and the rather of that which is counted the female if the same be conueighed vp into the nosthril of the contrary side to the tooth that aketh There is an herb called Groundswel which the Greeks name Erigeron and we the Latines Senecio they say if a man make a circle round about it with some instrument of yron and then dig it out of the ground and therewith touch the tooth that is pained three seueral times and between euery touching spit vpon the ground and then bestow the said herb root and all in the very same place where he drew it so as it may liue and grow again the said tooth shall neuer ake afterwards This Groundswell is an hearbe much like in shape vnto Germander as soft also and tender as it the small stalkes or braunches whereof incline to a reddish colour and it loueth to grow vpon tiled houses or VValles The Greekes imposed that name Erigeron because in the Spring it looketh hoarie like an old gray beard in the top it diuideth it selfe into a number of heads betweene which there commeth forth a light plume much like vnto Thistle-downe VVhich is the reason that Callimachus calleth it Acanthius and others Pappos But in the farther Description of this Hearbe it seemeth that the Greekes agreed not for some haue sayd that it is leafed like to Rocket others to an Oke but that they bee much lesse There bee VVriters also who hold the root to bee good for nothing in Physicke and there bee againe that commend it to bee singular for the sinewes besides some others are of opinion That it strangleth and choaketh as many as drinke it Contrariwise certaine Physitians prescribe it for the Iaundise to bee taken in Wine for all the diseases likewise of the bladder and against the infirmities of the Heart and Liuer And they assure vs That it scoureth the Reines or Kidneies of all grauell In case of the Sciatica they haue ordayned it to bee drunke to the weight of a dramme with Oxymell presently after some exercise by walking giuing out that there is not a better thing in the World for the gripes and torments of the guts if it be taken in sweet wine cuit esteeming it a singular herbe for the griefe of the midriffe and precordiall parts about the heart if it be eaten with meat in a sallad with vineger and in regard of these manifold commodities they sow and nourish it in their gardens for to be alwaies ready at hand And some authours I find who haue made a second kind thereof but they haue not described what manner of herbe it is only they appoint it to be giuen in water against the sting of serpents and to be eaten for the falling sicknesse For mine own part I will set down the vse thereof in some cases according as I haue found it by experience to work in the practise here at Rome The plume or downe which it beareth if it be stamped and reduced into a liniment with Saffron and a few drops of cold water and so applied cureth the inordinat flux of waterish humors into the eies The same dried and parched against the fire or otherwise fried with some cornes of salt and laid to the swelling wens called the Kings euil healeth them The May-Lillie called in Greeke Ephemeron is leafed like vnto the Lillie but that the leaues be lesse the stem is semblable and equall vnto it vpon which it beareth a blew floure The seed which it carrieth is nothing medicinable One single root it hath of a finger thickenesse which is soueraigne for the teeth if it be cut and minced small and afterwards sodden in vineger for a collution to wash the teeth with it warme The very substance also of the root is singular good to confirme the teeth standing loose in the head and to be put into those that be hollow and worme eaten Moreouer the root of Celendine is good for the teeth if it be bruised or stamped and so with vineger held in the mouth If teeth be rotten and corrupt the black Ellebore is singular to be put into their concauities And both of them as well the blacke as the white serue in a collution to strengthen and keep them fast in their sockets if they be boyled in vineger As touching the Tazill which is called in Latine Labrum Veneris it grows in riuers and waters within the heads or burs which it beareth there is found a little worme or grub which for the tooth-ache they vse to binde about the teeth or to put it in their holes and close them vp with wax But when that herbe is pulled out of the ground great heed must be taken that it touch not the earth The herbe Crowfoot is called in Latine Ranunculs in Greeke Batrachion whereof be foure kindes The first beareth leaues like vnto Coriander but that they be farter and as broad as those of the Mallow of a swe rt colour the stalke is whitish or grisled and slender the root also white it groweth ordinarily along great rode waies especially in cold shadowie moist places The second is
or poole it would draw the same dry and was of power by touching onely to open lockes or vnbolt any dore whatsoeuer Of Achoemenis also another herb they made this boast That beeing throwne against an armie of enemies ranged in battel array it would driue the troups and squadrons into feare disorder their ranks and put them to flight Semblably they gaue out and said That when the king of Persia dispatcâ—…ed his Embassadors to any forrein states and Princes he was wont to giue them an herb called Latace which so long as they had about them come where they would they should want nothing but haue plenty of all that they desired besides a number of such fooleries wherewith their bookes bee pestered But where I beseech you were these herbs when the Cimbrians and Teutons were defeated in a most cruell and terrible battell so as they cried and yelled again What became of these Magitians and their powerfull herbs when Lucullus with a small army consisting of some few legions ouerthrew and vanquished their owne kings If herbs were so mighty what is the reason I pray you that our Romane captaines prouided euermore aboue all things how to be furnished with victuals for their camp and to haue al the waies and passages open for their purveâ—…ours In the expedition of Pharsalia how came it to passe that the souldiers were at the point to be famished for want of victuals if Caesar by the happy hauing of one hearbe in his campe might haue injoied the abundance of all things Had it not bin better think ye for Scipio Aemilianus to haue caused the gates of Carthage to flie open with the help of one herbe than to lie so many yeres as he did in leaguer before the city with his engins ordinance to shake their wals batter their gates Were there such vertue in Ethiopius aforesaid why do we not at this day dry vp the Pontine lakes and recouer so much good ground vnto the territory about Rome Moreouer if that composition which Democritus hath set downe and his bookes maketh prayse of to be so effectual as to procure men to haue faire vertuous and fortunat children how happeneth it that the kings of Persia themselues could neuer attaine to that felicity And verily wee might maruell well enough at the credulity of our Ancestors in doting so much vpon these inuentions howsoeuer at the first they were deuised and brought in to right good purpose in case the mind and wit of man knew how to stay and keepe a meane in any thing els besides or if I could not proue as I suppose to doe in due place that euen this new leech-craft brought in by Asâ—…lepiades which checketh those vanities is growne to farther abuses and absurdities than are broched by the very Magitians themselues But this hath beene alwaies and euer will bee the nature of mans mind To exceed in the end and go beyond all measure in euery thing which at the beginning arose vpon good respects and necessary occasions But to leaue this discourse let vs proceed to the effects and properties remaining behind of those herbs which were described in the former booke with a supplement also and addition of some others as by occasion shall be offered and presented vnto vs. Howbeit to begin first with the remedies of the said Tettars so foule and vnseemly diseases I mean to gather a heape of as many medicines as I know appropriat for that malady notwithstanding I haue shewed alreadie of that kind not a few Well then in this case Plantaine stamped is very commendable so is Cinquefoile and the root of the white Daffodill punned and applied with vineger The young shoots or tender branches of the fig-tree boiled in vineger likewise the root of the Marsh-Mallow sodden with glow in a strong and sharpe vineger to the consumption of a fourth part Moreouer it is singular good to rub tettars throughly with a pumish stone first to the end that the root of Sorrell stamped and reduced into a liniment with vineger might be applied afterwards therupon with better successe as also the floure of Miselto tempred incorporat with quick-lime the decoction likewise of Tithymale together with rosin is much praised for this cure but the herb Liuerwort excelleth all the rest which therupon tooke the name Lichen it groweth vpon stony grounds with broad leaues beneath about the root hauing one stalke and the same small at which there hang downe long leaues and surely this is a proper herb also to wipe away all marks and cicatrices in the skin if it be bruised and laid vpon them with hony Another kind of Lichen or Liuerwort there is cleauing wholly fast vpon rockes and stones in manner of mosse which also is singular for those tettars being reduced into a liniment This herb likewise stancheth the flux of bloud in green wounds if the juice be dropped into them and in a liniment it serueth well to be applied vnto apostumat places the jaundise it healeth in case the mouth and tongue be rubbed and annointed with it and hony together but in this cure the Patients must haue in charge To bathe in salt water to anoint themselues with oile of almonds and in any case to abstain from all salads and pothearbs of the garden For to heale tettars the root of Thapsia stamped with hony is much vsed As for the Squinsie Argemonia is a soueraigne remedy if it be drunk in wine Hyssop also boiled in wine and so gargarized likewise Harstrang with the rennet of a Seale or Sea-calse taken both of them in equall portion moreouer Knot-grasse stamped with the pickle made of Cackrebs and oile and so gargled or els but held only vnder the tongue Semblaby the juice of Cinquefoile being taken in drink to the quantity of three cyaths this juice besides in a gargarisme cureth all other infirmities of the throat And to conclude with Mullen if it be drunk in water it hath a speciall vertue to cure the inflammation of the amygdals or almond kernels of the throat CHAP. V. ¶ Receits for the scrophules ar wens called the Kings-euill for the paines and griefes of the singers for the diseases of the breast and namely for the Cough PLantaine is a soueraigne herb to cure the Kings euill also Celendine applied with honey and hogs lard so is Cinquefoile The root of the great Clot-bur serueth for the same purpose if it be incorporat with hogs grease so that the place after it is annointed therewith be couered with a leafe of the said Bur laid fast vpon it in like manner Artemisia or Mugwort also a Mandrage root applied with water is good for that purpose The broad leafed Sideritis or Stone-sauge being digged round about with a spike of yron and taken vp with the left hand and so applied vnto the place cureth the kings euill prouided alwaies that the Patients when they be healed keep the same herbe still by them
nature thereof is to soften to drie to concoct and to procure sleep it retaineth the haire of the head being giuen to shed and maintaineth the same blacke still that it turne not hoary wholsom it is for the eares if it be instilled into them with Hydromel that is to say mead or honied water or els with oile Rosat It cleanseth the skin of dandruffe and when it seemeth to pill and withall healeth the running scals of the head if salt be mixed therewith And being taken with Storax Calamita it cureth an inueterat cough but most proper it is for those who belch soure and strong Moreouer Chondris which also is called bastard Dictamnum is a great binder of the belly so is Hypocisthis named by some Orobathion much resembling a green or vnripe Pomegranat This plant growes as I haue said vnder Cisthus whereupon it took the name Both kinds of it for twaine there be to wit the white and the red being dried in the shade stay a lask if they be drunk in thick austere or green wine the iuice only is vsed in Physick the which is astringent and desiccatiue and the red kind is of the twaine more appropriat for the staying or drying vp of rheumes which if it be drunke to the weight of three oboli is soueraigne for them that reach and raise vp bloud Either drunke or clysterized with Amyl it cureth the bloudy flix The like effects hath Veruaine giuen in water yea and in Amminean wine if the Patient haue no ague hanging vpon him with this proportion that there be the quantity of fiue spoonefulls of the herb put to three cyaths of wine Moreouer the herb Lauer which loueth to grow in brooks and riuers being either condite and preserued or els sodden allaieth the wrings of the belly Water-speeke or Pondweed called in Greek Potamogeton is singular good for the dysentery or bloudy flix for the flux also which proceedeth from a weak stomack This herb beareth leaues like to Beets but that they be lesse only and more hairy or furred with a downe A little it beareth aboue the water and hath a peculiar property which is refrigeratiue and astringent the leaues alone be medicinable those be good for the morimals in the legs for cankerous and corroding vlcers if they be applied in a cataplasme with hony or vineger Castor the Physitian describeth this herb Potamogeton after another sort namely with a small slender long leafe like vnto horse-haires putting forth a long stem likewise and the same smooth growing also in waters He vsed with the root of this herb to cure the Kings euill and heale all hard tumors This Potamogeton hath an aduersatiue nature to Crocodiles also and therfore they who hunt after them carry this herbe ordinarily about them In like maner Achillea stoppeth a lask And the same effects worketh Statice an herb running vp commonly in seuen stems in the top bearing buttons or heads resembling Roses Ceratia beareth but one leafe and hath a knotty and great root which is good to be eaten for to cure the lask occasioned by the feeble stomacke and the bloudy flix proceeding from the vlcer of the guts Lions-paw commonly called Leontopodion by some Leuceoron by others Dorypetron and Thorybetron hath a root which bindeth the belly and yet notwithstanding purgeth choler if it be taken to the weight of two denarij Roman in mead or honied water This herbe groweth in light and lean champian grounds It is said that if the seed thereof be taken in drinke it causeth strange visions and fantasticall dreames Harefoot which the Greekes name Lagopus drunke in wine bindeth the belly but if the Patient be in an ague it would be taken with water beeing applied and bound vnto the share it represseth the tumors and risings in those parts an herbe this is growing vsually among corne Many there be who for the dangerous bloudie flixe that is thought incureable commend highly aboue all other her bes Cinquefoile in case the Patient drinke the roots thereof boiled in milke and the like opinion they haue of Aristolochia in case there be taken of the root to the weight of one victoriat in three cyaths of wine Now this would be noted by the way that in these cases of astringency and binding all the medicines before named which are to be taken warme ought to be heat with a gad of steele quenched in the liquor Thus much of those Simples that bind the belly Contrariwise the juice of Centaury the lesse is a purgatiue if a dram thereof bee taken in one hemine of water together with some few cornes of salt and drops of vineger for it doth euacuate choler The greater Centaurie commonly called Rhapontick stilleth the wrings and griping paines of the belly Betonie maketh the body loose and soluble taken to the weight of foure drams in nine cyaths of Hydromell or Mead. In like manner Euphorbium is laxatiue so is Agaricke if two drammes thereof be drunke in water with a little salt or to the weight of three oboli in mead or honied water Sowbread also named by the Greeks Cyclaminos taken inwardly with water or put vp by suppositories prouoketh to the seege so doth a suppository made with the root of Chamaecissus Take a good bunch or handfull of Hyssope seeth it in water with a little salt to the consumption of a third part it serueth to euacuat fleagme if it be but applied as a liniment to the belly or stamped and incorporat with oxymel and salt in which maner vsed it driueth worms out of the body The root of Harstrang purgeth both flegmatick and cholerick humors also Pimpernel taken in mead is a good purgatiue so is Epithymum which you must take to be the floure of a kind of Thyme that resembleth Sauery here is the difference only that this floure is of a grasse green colour but that of the other Thyme is white Some call this Epithymum Hippopheon a simple not very wholsome for the stomack ne yet good to prouoke vomit howbeit singular to appease the wringing paines in the belly and to carminate or dissolue ventosities The same may be taken also by way of lohoch or liquid electuarie confected with honey and sometimes with the Ireos root for the stuffing and other imperfections of the breast Epithymum looseneth the belly if it be taken from foure drammes to six with honey a little salt and vineger Some Herbarists describe Epithymum otherwise namely that it groweth without any root and that it resembleth a little smal string or thread like vnto haire of a red colour which if it bedried in the shade and drunke in water to the weight and measure of halfe an acetable purgeth downeward fleagme and choler both Nemphar taken in some hard astringent or wine gently purgeth the belly Also Pycnocomon is laxatiue an herb this is like vnto Rocket but that the leaues be thicker in substance and grow more thin it
there be who drink the same for to purge both vpward and downward for otherwise an enimy it is to the stomack in which potion if there be put some salt it doth euacuat fleagme but with salt petre it voideth cholerick humors If the patient haue a mind to purge by seege he shal do wel to drink the juice of Tithymall in water and vineger mingled together but if he be disposed to vomit it is better to drink it in cuit or mead The ordinarie dose is three oboles thereof in a potion But the better way is to take the figs prepared as is beforesaid after meat and euen so taken in some sort the juice doth sting the throat and set it on fire For to say a truth of so hot a nature it is that alone of it selfe being applied outwardly vnto any part of the body it raiseth pimples and blisters no lesse than fire in which regard it is vsed for a caustick or potentiall cauterie the second kind of the Tithymall is knowne by the name Myrsinites which others call Caryites The reason of the one name is this for that it beareth sharp pointed and prickie leaues in manner of the Myrtle but that they be somwhat more tender and the same groweth in rough places like as the former The bushy heads or tufts of this Tithymall would be gathered when Barly beginneth to swell in the eare so they be let to take their drying in the shade 9 daies together for in the Sun they wil be withered in that space The fruit which this plant beareth doth not ripen all together in one season but some part thereof remaineth against the next yere and the said fruit is called the Tithymal nut which is the cause that the Greeks haue imposed vpon it that second name Caryites The proper time to gather and cut down this herb is when corn is ripe in the field and ready to be reaped or mowed Which beeing washed must afterwards be laied forth a drying so they vse to giue it with two parts or twice as much of black Poppie yet so as the whole dose may not exceed one acetable This Tithymall is nothing so strong a vomitory as the former no more be the rest whereof I will speak anone Some there be who giue the leaues also with black poppy after the foresaid proportion the very nut or fruit it selfe alone in mead or cuit or els if they put any thing thereto it must be Sesama and truely in this maner it sendeth flegmatick chollerick humors away by seege This Tithymal is singular for the sores in the mouth But for cankerous and corrosiue vlcers indeed which corrode deep into the mouth it is good to chew and eat the same with honey The third kind of Tithymall is called Paralius or Tithymalis This herb puts forth round leaues riseth vp with a stalk a span or hand full high the branches be red and the seed white which ought to be gathered when the grape beginneth to shew blacke vpon the vine And being dried and made into pouder is a sufficient purgation so it be taken inwardly to the measure of one acetable the fourth kind is named Helioscopium the leaues wherof resemble Purcellane and from the root it puts forth 4 or 5 small vpright branches which be likewise red and half a foot high the same also be ful of juice or milk This herb delighteth to grow about town sides bearing a white seed wherin Doues Pigeons take exceeding great pleasure which also is ordinarily gathered when the grape maketh some shew of ripening It took this name Helioscopium for that it turns the heads which it beareth round about with the Sun Halfe an acetable thereof taken in Oxymel purgeth choller downeward And in other cases vsed it is like as the former Tithymall named Characias The fifth men call Cyparissias for the resemblance that the leaues haue to those of the Cypresse tree it riseth vp with a double or threefold stem and loueth to grow in champian places of the same operation and vertue it is that Helioscopium and Characias beforenamed The sixth Tithymal is commonly called Platyphyllos although some name it Corymbites others Amygdalites for the resemblance that it hath to the almond tree there is not a Tithymal hath broader leaues than it which is the reason of the first and vsuall name Platyphyllos it is good to kil fish it purges the belly if either the root leaues or iuice be taken in honied wine or in mead to the weight of foure drams a speciall vertue it hath to draw water downward from all other humors The seuenth is called commonly Dendroides and yet some giue it the name Cobion others Leptophyllon ordinarily it is found growing vpon rocks and of all others carrieth the fairest head likewise the stems be reddest and the seed sheweth in most plenty the effects be all one with those of Characias as touching the plant called Apios Ischas or Rhaphanos-agria i. the wild Radish it putteth forth two or three stalkes like bents or rushes spreading along the ground and those be red and the leaues resemble rue the root is like an onion head but that it is larger which is the reason that some haue called it the wild Radish this root hath a white fleshie substance within but the skin or rind thereof is blacke it groweth vsually vpon rough mountains and otherwise in faire greens full of grasse The right season to dig vp this root is in the Spring which being stamped and strained they vse to put in an earthen pot where it is permitted to stand look what it casteth vp and swimmeth aloft they scum off and throw away the rest of the iuice thus clarified purgeth both waies if it be taken to the weight of one obolus a half in mead or honied water and in that maner prepared it is giuen to those that be in a dropsie the ful measure of one acetable the pouder also of the root dried is good to spice a cup for a purgation and as they say the vpper part of the root purgeth choler vpward by vomit whereas the nether part doth it by seege downward Now for the pains and wrings which oftentimes torment the poorebelly all the kinds of Panaces and Betony are singular to assuage and allay them plain vnlesse they be such as are occasioned by crudity and indigestion As for the iuice of Harstrang it dissolueth ventosities for it breaketh wind vpward and causeth one to rift so doth the roots of Acorus also carots if they be eaten in a salad after the maner of Lettuce For the infirmities proper to the guts namely the worms there breeding Ladanum of Cypresse is soueraigne to be taken in drinke in like maner the pouder of Gentian drunk in warm water to the quantity of a bean Plantain likewise hath the same effect if there be taken of it first in a morning to the quantity of 2
to that of the Iuy saue that the berries containing the same be soft This herb delighteth in shady cool rough and watery places Beeing giuen to the full quantity of one Acetabulum it is singular for the inward maladies which be proper to women The wild Vine called by the Greeks Ampelos-Agria is an herbe as I haue sufficiently described already in my Treatise of Vines planted and wel ordered by mans hand which putteth forth hard leaues of Ash-colour long branches and winding rods clad with a thicke skin and the same be red resembling the floure Phlox which in the chapter and discourse of Violets I called Iovis Flamma and a seed it beareth much like vnto the graines within a Pomegranate The root boiled in three cyaths of water and two cyaths of the wine comming out of the Island Coos is a gentle emollitiue of the belly and maketh the body soluble in which regard it is giuen with good successe to such as be in a dropsie A very good herb for women as well to rectifie the infirmities of the matrice as also to scoure and beautifie the skin of their face Moreouer for the sciatica it is good to stamp it leafe and all and to annoint the grieued place with the juice thereof As for Wormewood there be many kindes thereof One is named Santonicum of a city in France called Saints another to wit Ponticum taketh that name of the kingdome Pontus where the sheep feed fat with it which is the cause that they be found without gall neither is there a better Wormwood than it much bitterer than that of Italy and yet the marow or pith within of that Ponticke Wormwood is sweet to ours Meet and requisite it is that I should set down the vertues and properties thereof an herb I must needs say as common as any and most ready at hand howbeit few or none so good and wholesome to say nothing of the especiall account which the people of Rome make of it about their holy sacrifices and solemnities for in those festiuall holydaies named Latinae at what time as there is held a great running with chariots for the best game he that first attaineth to the goale and winneth the prise hath a draught of VVormwood presented vnto him And I beleeue verily that our forefathers and ancestors deuised this honourable reward for the good health of that victorious chariottier as judging him worthy to liue still And in truth a right comfortable herb it is for the stomack and doth mightily strengthen it In which regard there is an artificiall wine that carieth the strength and tast thereof named Absinthites according as I haue shewed heretofore moreouer there is an ordinary drinke made of the decoction of Wormwood boiled in water for the right making whereof take six drams weight of the leaues and sprigs together seeth them in three sextars of raine water and in the end put thereto a small quantity of salt which done the liquor ought to stand a day and a night afterwards to coole in the open aire and then is it to be vsed Certes there is not a decoction of any herbe of so great antiquitie as it and knowne to haue beene vsed so long Moreouer the infusion of VVormewood is in great request and a common drinke for so we vse to call the liquor wherein it lay steeped a certain time Now this would be considered that be the proportion of water what it will the said infusion ought to stand close couered for three daies together Seldome or neuer is there any vse of wormewood beaten to pouder ne yet of the juice drawn by way of expression And yet those that presse forth a iuice take the Wormwood when the seed vpon it beginneth to swell and wax sull and being newly gathered let it lie soking in water three daies together but if it were drie before to steep it a whole seuen night which done they set it ouer the fire in a brasen pan with this proportion namely ten hemines of the herbe to fiue and fortie sextars of water and suffer it to boyle vntill a third part of the liquor be consumed after this the decoction must run through a strainer with hearbe and all well pressed then ought it to be set vpon the fire againe and suffered to seeth gently and leisurely to the height or consistence of honey much after the order of the syrrup made of Centaurie the lesse But when all is done this juleb or syrrup of VVormewood is offensiue to the stomack and head both whereas that decoction first aboue-named is most wholsome for astringent though it be and binding the mouth of the stomack aloft yet it doth euacuat choler downward it prouoketh vrine keepeth the body soluble and the belly in good temper yea and if it be pained giueth great ease the worms ingendered therein it expelleth and being taken with Seseli and Celticke nard so there be a little vineger put thereto it dispatcheth all ventosities in the stomacke and cureth women with child of that inordinat desire and strange longing of theirs it clenseth the stomack of those humors which cause lothing of meat bringeth the appetite againe and helpeth concoction if it be drunke with Rue Pepper and salt it purgeth it of raw humors crudities occasioned by want of digestion In old time Physitians gaue wormwood for a purgatiue but then they tooke a sextar of sea water that had bin kept long six drams of the seed with three drams of salt and one cyath of hony and the better will this purgation worke in case the poise of salt be doubled but it would be puluerized as fine as possibly may be to the end that it might passe away the sooner and worke more easily Some vsed to giue the weight beforesaid in a gruell of Barley groats with an addition of Peniroyall others against the Palsie and others againe had a deuise to put the leaues of wormwood in figs and make little children to eat them so that they might not tast their bitternes Wormwood being taken with the root of Floure-de-lis dischargeth the brest of tough fleagme and clenseth the pipes For the iaundise it would be giuen in drinke raw with Parsley or Maidenhaire Supped hot by little and little in water it breaketh wind and resolueth ventosities and together with French Spikenard it cureth the infirmities of the liuer and taken with vineger or some gruel or els in figs it helpeth the spleen giuen in vineger it helpeth those that haue eaten venomous Mushrums or be poisoned with the gum of Chamaelion called Ixia In wine if it be taken it saueth those who haue drunk Hemlock it resisteth the poison inflicted by the sting of the hardishrow the sea dragon and scorpions It is holden to be singular for the clarifyng of the sight if the eies be giuen to watering it represseth the rheum or flux of humors thither so it be applied with wine cuit and laid vnto contusions and the skin
blacke and blew vnder the eies with hony it reduceth the place to the natiue colour againe The vapour or fume of the decoction of wormwood receiued into the eares assuageth their paine or if they run with corrupt matter it is good to apply the same reduced into pouder and incorporat in hony Take three or foure sprigs of wormwood one root of Nardus Gallicus boile them in six cyaths of water it is a soueraigne medicine to drinke for to prouoke vrine and bring downe the desired sicknesse of women or beeing taken simply alone with hony and withall put vp in a pessarie made with a locke of wooll it is of speciall operation to procure their monthly terms with honey and sal-nitre it is singular for the Squinancie it healeth chill-blanes if they be bathed with the decoction thereof in water applied vnto fresh or green wounds in a cataplasme before any cold water come vnto them it healeth them and besides in that manner it cureth the scals in the head being incorporat with Cyprian wax or figges and so applied to the flankes or hypochondrial parts it hath a particular vertue by it selfe to helpe their griefes Moreouer it killeth any itch Howbeit this would be noted that wormewood in no case must be giuen to those that haue an ague Let a man or woman vse to drinke wormewood they shall not be sea-sicke nor giuen to heauing as commonly they be that are at sea If wormewood be worne in a trusse to the bottome of the bellie it allayeth the swelling in the share The smell of wormewood procureth sleepe or if it be laid vnder the pillow or bolster prouided alwaies that the patient be not ware of it Either basted within cloaths or strewed vpon them it keepeth away the moth If one rub his body therewith and oile together it driueth gnats away so doth the smoke therof also when it burneth If writing inke be tempered with the infusion of wormewood it preserueth letters and bookes written therewith from being gnawne by mice The ashes of wormewood burnt and incorporate with oile Rosat to an ointment coloureth the haire of the head black There is yet another kinde of Sea-wormewood which some call Seriphium and excellent good is that which groweth about the city Taphositis in Aegypt Of this wormewood it is that the priests of Isis in their solemne marches and processions vse to beare branches before them The leaues be somewhat narrower than those of the former and the bitternesse not altogether so much An enemy it is to the stomacke howbeit the belly it loosneth and chaseth worms out of the guts for which purpose it is good to drink it with oile and salt or else the infusion therof in a supping or grewell made with the floure of the three moneth corne To make the decoction of wormwood well there would be taken a good handfull of wormwood and sodden in a sextar of water to the consumption of the one halfe CHAP. VIII ¶ Of stinking Horehound of Mille-graine or Oke of Ierusalem of Brabyla Bryon Bupleuros Catanance of Calla Circaea and Cersium of Crataeogonon and Thelygonum of Crocodilium and Cynosorchis of Chrysolachanon Cucubalon and Conserua STinking Horehound which some Greeks call Ballote others Melamprasion i. Black Horehound is an herbe tufted full of branches the stems be black and cornered the leaues wherwith they be clad and garnished are somewhat hairy resembling those of sweet or white Horehound but that they be bigger blacker and of a stinking sauor but the leaues stamped and applied with salt be very effectuall against the biting of a mad dog also if they be wrapped in a Colewort or Beet leafe and so rosted vnder the embers they are commended for the swelling piles in the fundament This Horehound made into a salue with honey clenseth filthie vlcers Botrys is an herb ful of branches and those of a yellowish colour and beset round with seed the leaues resemble Cichorie Found it is commonly growing about the banks of brookes and riuerets Good it is for them that be streight winded and cannot draw their breath but sitting vpright The Cappadocians call it Ambrosia others Artemisia As for Brabyla they be astringent in manner of Quinces More than so I find not any Author to write thereof Bryon no doubt is a Sea-herbe like in leaues to Lettuce but that they be riuelled and wrinkled as if they were drawne together in a purse no stem it hath and the leaues come forth at the bottom from the root it groweth ordinarily vpon rockes bearing out of the sea and ye shall find it also sticking to the shels of certaine fishes especially such as haue gathered any mud or earth about them The herbe is exceeding astringent and desiccatiue by vertue whereof it is a singular repercussiue in all impostumes and inflammations of the gout especially such as require to be repressed or cooled Touching Bupleuros I read that the seed thereof is giuen against the sting of serpents and that the wounds inflicted by them are to bee washed or somented with the decoction of the herb putting thereto the leaues of the Mulberrie tree or Origan Catanance is a meere Thessalian herb and growing no where els but in Thessalie and forasmuch as it is vsed only in amatorious matters and for to spice loue drinks withall I meane not to busie my selfe in the description therof howbeit thus much it would not be amisse to note for to detect and lay open the folly and vanities of Magitians namely that they went by this conjecture onely that it should be of power to win the loue of women because forsooth when it is withered it draweth it selfe inward like a dead Kites foot For the same reason also I will hold my tongue and say neuer a word of the herb Cemos Cala is of two sorts the one like to Aron which loueth to grow in toiled and ploughed grounds the time to gather this herb is before it begin to wither the same operation it hath that Aron and is vsed to the like purposes the root thereof is commended to be giuen in drink for a purgation of the belly and to prouoke the monethly termes of women the stalkes boyled leafe and all together with some pulse or other into a pottage and so taken cure the inordinate prouocations to the stoole and streinings therupon without doing any thing The second kind some call Anchusa others Rhinochisia the leaues resemble Lettuce but that they be longer ful of plume or down the root red which being applied with the floure of barly groats healeth shingles or any other kind of S. Anthonies fire but drunke in white wine cureth the infirmities of the liuer Circaeum is an herb like to winter Cherry or Alkakengi but for the flours which are black the seed small as the graine of Millet and the same groweth in huskes or bladders resembling little hornes the root is halfe a foot long forked
the other skin about them But with brimstone it cureth the raggednesse of the nails it staieth likewise the haire of the head which is giuen to shed also if it be mixed with a fourth part of gall-nuts it healeth the vlcers in a womans head but if it be well smoked it helpeth to preserue the haires of the eie-lids An ounce weight thereof boiled in one hemine of old wine vntill there be three ounces and no more of the whole remaining is giuen an ounce at once to those who are in a phthysick Some appoint a little hony to be put thereto The same together with Quick-lime reduced into a liniment is singular for the biles and impostumes called Pani as also for felons and the hard tumors of womens paps it serueth besides to cure inward ruptures and convulsions spasmes crampes and dislocations Being applied with white Ellebore it healeth corns agnels fissures chaps and callosities But incorporat with the pouder of a saltars pot-shard it heales the swelling impostumes behind the ears as also the wens called the Kings euil being ordered in like manner If the body be well rubbed and annointed therwith in the baine or hot-house it taketh away all itch red pimples wheals rising in the skin Moreouer prepared after another sort to wit with old oile together with the stone called by the Greekes Sarcophagus beaten to pouder adding thereto the herb Cinquefoile stamped in wine either with Quicklime or with ashes and so reduced into a liniment it is very good for those that be troubled with the gout Thereof also is made a singular plaster against inflammations in this wise Take of the said grease the weight of fourscore and fiue pound of white litharge of siluer one hundred pound weight mix them both together As for Bores grease if there be a liniment made of it and rosin it is thought to be excellent good for to anoint therwith vlcers that be corrosiue and giuen to spread farther In old time men vsed it most about the axletrees of their carts and wagons anointing them therwith that the wheels might turn about more easily whereupon it took the name Axungia And being emploied in this maner it serueth for a medicin to cure the vlcers of the seat priuy members seruing to generation by reason that it is mixed and coloured with the rust of the yron incorporat into it The antient Physitians made most account alwaies of the said hogs grease by it selfe which was plucked from the kidnies for after it was clensed from the strings veins and skins they washed it often and rubbed it well in rain water which done they sod it in new earthen pots shifting it out of one into another many times and beeing thus tried and clarified they kept it for their vse Howbeit all are agreed that when it hath taken salt it is a greater emollitiue it heateth also discusseth and resolueth more yea being washed in wine it is much better than otherwise As touching the fat or grease of a Wolfe Massurius writeth that in old time it was esteemed before any other had the price aboue all And he saith that new wedded wiues were wont vpon their mariage day to anoint the side posts of their husbands houses therwith at their first entrance to the end that no charms witchcrafts and sorceries might haue power to enter in thus much of grease Look what vertue grease hath the same be sure is the suet and tallow endued with which commeth from those beasts that chew cud and although it may be handled dressed otherwise yet in force it is nothing inferior But what talow soeuer it be the best way of pre paring it is after the skins or veins be rid away to wash it first either in sea water or salt brine and then within a while to stamp it in a mortar eftsoons sprinkling it with sea-sea-water after which it ought to be sodden in many waters vntill it haue lost all the sauor rank tast that it had and then at last by setting it in the Sun continually it wil be reduced to a perfect whitenesse moreouer this is to be noted that the best suet is that which groweth about the kidnies But say that old tallow is called for and to be vsed in any cure it ought first to be melted and then anon to be well and often washed in fresh cold waters which done it must be liquified a second time casting and pouring thereupon eftsoons the best odorifeorous wine that may be gotten after which maner they vse to seeth it again and again and neuer giue ouer vntill the rank smell and sent thereof be clean gone and verily many are of opinion that particularly the fat of Buls Lions Panthers and Cammels ought thus to be ordered and prepared As for the vses properties of these Pomonades I will treat thereof in conuenient place Concerning marrow it is a thing common to all creatures like as the fat abouesaid All the kinds thereof are emollitiue and incarnatiue they dry also heat the body The best marrow simply is that of Deere as well red as fallow next to it in goodnesse is calues marrow and then in a third rank follow kids and goats marrow Prepared they ought to be and dressed before Autumne when they be new and fresh washed and dried in the shadow But afterwards they must be melted again and run through a finer sercer or pressed through linnen strainers which done they should be put vp in earthen pots and set in a cold place But of all those things which are generally to be found in euery liuing creature the gall is that which is of greatest efficacy in operation for power it hath naturally to heat bite cut draw discusse and resolue The gall of smaller beasts is taken to be more subtill and penetratiue than that of the greater and therfore supposed to be the better for to go into eie-salues Buls gall is thought to haue a speciall faculty aboue all others principally in setting a golden colour vpon skins brasse What gall soeuer it be in the preparation therof for any vse regard must be had that it be taken fresh and new and then the orifice of the burse or bag wherein it is contained ought to be tied fast with a good round pack thred thus being bound vp close it must be cast into boiling water and there remain halfe an hour within a while after so soon as it is dried out of the Sun it ought to be preserued and kept in hony The gal of horses only is vtterly condemned reputed as a very poison which is the cause that the arch-Flamin or principall sacrificer is forbidden by law expressely to touch an horse notwithstanding that in Rome it is an ordinary thing to sacrifice euen horses publickly and not their gall alone but also their bloud is corrosiue by nature and putrifactiue The bloud of Mares milke likewise vnlesse they be such as were neuer couered nor bare
stop a lask and knit the belly for the flux proceeding from the imbecilitie of the stomacke for the dysenterie or bloudy flix for the ventosities and inflation of the belly for ruptures the straining vpon the seege without doing any thing for the wormes in the guts and for the cholique TO stay the running out and extraordinary loosnesse of the belly these medicines following be conuenient Imprimis the bloud of a stag Item the ashes of an harts horne the liuer of a bore fresh and without any salt at all taken in wine likewise the liuer of a sow rosted or of a male goat sodden in one hemine of water the crudled rennet in a hares maw drunk in wine to the quantity of a cich-pease or in water in case the patient haue an ague Some there be who put gall nuts thereto others content themselues with Hares bloud alone sodden with milke Also the ashes comming of horse dung drunke in water the ashes of that part of an old bulls horne which groweth next to the head strewed into a draught of water In like manner Goats bloud sodden vpon coles A Goats skin or fell haire and all boiled together yeeldeth a decoction which is good in this case to be drunke Contrariwise to loose the belly the runnet found in a Colts maw the bloud of a femal goat or els hermarrow or liuer are thought conuenient laxatiues Item a plaster made with a wolues gal together with the juice of a wild Cucumber and applied to the nauil Also a draught either of Mares or Goats milke taken with salt and hony The gall of a she-Goat is good for this purpose if it be taken with the iuice of Sowbread and a little Allum But some there be who think it better to put thereto salnitre and water Buls gall stamped and incorporat with Wormwood made into a round ball and so put vp in stead of a suppositorie will giue a stoole and make the body soluble Butter eaten in any great quantity is good for those who haue a flux occasioned by the weaknesse of the stomack and a dysenterie or bloudy flix so is a Cowes liuer the ashes of an Harts-horn taken to the quantity of as much as three fingers will comprehend in a draught of water likewise the rennet of an Hare wrought in dough for to make bread or if the patient do voyd bloud withall the same ought to be incorporat in parched Barley meale The ashes of a Bores Sowes or hares dung is good to spice a warme potion of wine in these infirmities Moreouer an ordinary Veale broth as it is commonly giuen is counted one of the remedies for these kind of fluxes abouenamed whether they come of feeble stomacke or exulcerat guts But if the patient drink Asses milk for this purpose it will be the better if hony be put thereto Furthermore the ashes of an Asse dung taken in wine is as effectual in operation as the rest for both diseases As also the first ordure of the Asse fole which we termed Polea in the former chapter The cruds or rennet of an horse fole maw called by some Hippace is soueraign for such lasks yea though the patient did shere bloud vpon the stoole The ashes also of horse dung and the pouder of Horse teeth is said to be singular yea and Calues milk sodden and so drunke But if the flux do proue to be a dysentery Physitians giue aduise to put therto a little hony if gripes come thick they prescribe the ashes of Harts horn or buls gall tempered with Cumin seed and the fleshy substance of a Gourd to be laid in maner of a cataplasme to the nauill The tender cheese curd of Cowes milke clysterized is passing good both for the stomack flux and also for the bloudie flix In like fort the butter made of Cows milk taken to the quantity of foure hemins with two ounces of right Terpentine either in the decoction of Mallowes or oile of Roses The suet of a Calfe or beasts tallow is likewise an ordinary remedy in these cases But diuers there be who seeth the marrow forth as well of the one as the other with meale wax and a little oile yet so as the broth be clear that it may be supped off Their marrow also is vsually incorporat in the past whereof bread is made and so taken with great successe Goats milke sodden vntill the halfe be consumed is reputed also a proper medicine And in case the guts besides be wrung griped there would be put thereto a little vnpressed wine of the first running called Mere-goutte howbeit some there be who think it sufficient for to appease the torments of the wombe to drinke Hares rennet but once in a draught of wine warm but the wiser sort and those that deale more warily think it good withall to make a liniment of goats bloud incorporat with barley meale and rosin therewith to anoint the belly And they also aduise their patients for any violent flux of the belly whatsoeuer to apply thereto soft cheese but if the flux be from the stomack or dysentericall they prescribe old cheese to be grated and giuen to the patient in wine with this proportion that in 3 cyaths of wine there be a third part of cheese Goats bloud boiled with this marrow is singular good for the dysentery or bloudy flix The liuer of a female goat rosted is a soueraign medicine for the fluxions of the stomack but it were better if the male Goats liuer were taken in drinke after it hath bin sodden in some green and austere wine or with oile of Myrtles reduced into a cataplasme and so laid to the nauill some seeth the same in water from six sextars to one hemine and put Rue thereto Others rost the milt of a goat male or female it skilleth not and vse it for the same purpose or else they take the suet of a buck goat with bread that hath bin baked on the harth vnder the embers But aboue all they hold that the suet taken from the kidnies of a she goat so drunk alone by it selfe is a singular remedy for these infirmities but they inioin the patient presently therupon to drink a little cold water Yet there be others who ordain the same suet to be boiled in water with fried barly groats Cumin Dill and vineger mixt all together And they giue order to such as haue the stomack flux to anoint their bellies with Goats dung sodden with honey And for both these fluxions as well from the stomack as the vlcer of the guts they prescribe the rennet of a Kid to the quantity of a Beane for to be drunk in Myrtle wine also a pudding made of the bloud thereof which kind of meat we call in Latine Sanguiculus Moreouer for the dysenterie they ordaine to iniect into the guts by a clystre Buls glue resolued in hot water For any ventosities Calues dung is holden to be singular good for to resolue them if
counsell to eat also a dogs head Others seeke after the wormes that breed in the carkasse of a dead dog and hang the same fast about the necke or arme of the party that is bitten or els they lap within a cloath some of the menstrual bloud of a woman and put it vnder the cup or pots bottome out of which the patient drinketh And there be some againe who burn the haires of the same mad dogs taile and conueigh the ashes handsomely in some tent of lint into the wound Moreouer it is commonly said That as many as haue a Dogges head about them no other Doggs will come neere to do them any harme In like manner if a man carry a dogs tongue in his Shooe vnder his great toe there will no Dogges bay or barke at him If hee haue about him a weazils taile which hath beene let goe againe after it was cut away There is to be found under the tongue of a mad dog a certaine slimy and grosse spittle which being giuen in drinks to those that are bitten keep them from the feare of water which symptome the Greeks call Hydrophobia but the best and most soveraigne remedy of all other is the liver of the same dog that in his madnesse bit any body eaten raw if possibly it may be if not yet sodden or boiled any way or else to cause the Patient for to sup the broth that is made of the same dogs flesh There is a certaine little worme in dogs tongues called by a Greeke name Lytta which if it be taken out when they be young whelpes they will never after proue mad nor lose their appetite to meat The same worme giuen to such as are bitten with a mad dog preserueth them from beeing mad but with this charge that before they take the same it must be carried three times about the fire Also the braines of a Cocke Capon or Hen is singular good against the biting of a mad dog but if one haue eaten the same the vertue thereof indureth but for that yeare onely and no longer It is commonly said that the crest or combe of a Cocke well bruised and stamped and so laid in manner of a cataplasme to the place bitten is very effectuall to cure it as also the grease of a goose incorporate with honey Furthermore some there be who vse to salt the flesh of dogs which haue bin mad and so keepe it to giue in meat vnto those who chance to be bitten by others There be who take some young whelpes male or female according to the sex of dog or bitch that hath bitten any one and presently drowne them in water causing the Patient to eat their liuers raw The yellow or reddish doung of a cock or a hen dissolued in vineger and applied to the sore is singular good The ashes also of an hardy-shrewes taile provided alwaies that the shrew were let go aliue so soone as she was curt-tailed Moreouer a piece of clay taken from a swallows nest made into a liniment with vineger or the ashes of young swallows newly hatched and burnt the old skin also or slough which a snake vseth to cast off in the spring time stamped with a male crab-fish and with wine brought into a Cataplasme be all especiall remedies for the biting of a mad dog As for the skinne or spoile of a snake if it be put alone in a chist presse or wardrobe among cloaths it will kil the moth But to come again vnto a mad dog his poison is so strong that whosoeuer do but tread upon his vrine especially if they have any sore or vlcer about them they shall sensibly feele hurt therby Now what remedy is there for such None better than the dung of a caple well wet and tempered with vineger and the same laid very hot within a fig to the foresaid sore These may seeme to some men strange things monstrous but lesse will they wonder hereat when they shall heare and consider that a stone which a dog hath taken vp with his mouth and bitten wil cause debate and dissention in the company where it is and yet this is held for a certain truth insomuch as it is growne into a common prouerbe and by-word when we perceiue those that dwel in one house together to be euermore jarring and at variance one with another to say You have a dog-bitten stone here among you Againe whosoever maketh water in the same place where a dog hath newly pissed so as both vrines be mingled together shall immediatly find a coldnesse and astonishment in his loines as folke say That kinde of Lizard which of some Greeks is called Seps of others Chalidicum hath a venomous tooth howbeit the same worme or serpent taken in drinke cureth the bit which it selfe inflicted If wilde Weazils haue empoisoned any body let the patient take a large draught of the broth of an old Cocke he shall finde it to bee a very soueraigne remedy therefore but aboue all it is most effectuall against the poison of the herbe Aconitum but then it must be given with a litle salt among Against the poison of venomous Tadstoles and hurtfull Mushromes hens doung I meane that part alone which is white sodden with Hyssope or honied wine is singular good for it represseth and killeth the malice thereof And the same otherwise keepeth downe ventosities and stuffing of the stomacke ready to choke one Whereat I cannot chuse but maruell much considering that if any other living creatures do tast never so little of the said dung but man or woman onely they shall be exceedingly vexed with winde in the belly and other grievous wrings and torments The Sea-hare is knowne to be venomous but goose bloud taken with an equall quantity of oile is a soueraign counterpoison for it Of this bloud incorporat with the best Terra Sigillata of the Island Lemnos and the juice of the S. Mary thistle called Bedegnar there be excellent trochischs made weighing fiue drams apeece which are vsually kept in a readinesse for to bee drunke in three cyaths of water as a counterpoison and countercharme against all venomous confections and divellish sorceries for which purpose serveth also a yong sucking Weazill prepared in manner aforesaid The rennet in a lambs maw likewise is passing good for any such indirect means wrought by poison or witch craft like as the bloud of ducks and mallards bred in the realm of Pontus and therefore their bloud is ordinarily kept dry in a thicke masse and as need requireth is dissolued and giuen in wine but some think that the bloud of the female duck is better than that of the mallard or drake Semblably the gesier of a storke and the rennet or read of a sheep is thought to be singular good for any poisons whatsoeuer The broth or decoction of Coleworts boiled with Rams mutton hath a peculiar vertue against the Cantharides Ewes milke also drunke warm availeth much against all poisons vnlesse it
it inflameth and setteth the beast into a great heat wherupon it swelleth vntill it burst againe So corrosiue it is as I haue said before that being incorporat with goats sewet and so reduced into a liniment it takes away the tettars called Lichenes that be in the face The bloud of a vuitur i. ageire tempered with the root of white Chamaeleon I mean the herb so called and the rosin of cedar heales the leprosie so that this liniment be couered with colewort leaues Of the same effect are the feet of locusts braied in a mortar and incorporat with goats tallow The greace of a cock capon or hen wel stamped wrought with an Onion is singular to scoure the spots and specks of the visage also the hony wherin a number of bees were stifled and killed is proper for the said purpose But aboue all the greace of a swan is commended both for to cleanse the skin of the face from all flecks and freckles and also take away wrinkles As for the markes remaining after the cauterie or hot yron there is no better means to take them out than a plastre of pigeons dung and vinegre If the rheume cause the mur the pose or heauinesse in head I find a pretie medicine to rid it away by kissing only the little hairie muzzle of a mouse As touching the uvula and paine of the throat they may be both of them eased and cured with lambs ordure which passeth from them before they haue bitten grasse dried in the shade The juice or slimie humor that shel-snails yeeld when they be pricked through with a pin or needle is singular good in a liniment for to be applied vnto the uvula prouided alwaies that those snailes do hang after in the smoke The ashes that come of swallows calcined burnt it likewise very soueraign being laid to the grieued place with hony and in that sort prepared it serueth also for the inflammation and swelling of the tonsils or amygdals of the throat For the said tonsils and other accidents of the throat a gargarisme of ewes milke is right soueraigne There is a certain creeper called a Cheeslip which if it be bruised or stamped is good for the said infirmities so is pigeons dung gargarised with wine cuit or applied outwardly with sal-nitre dried figs. If the throat be troubled with hoarsnesse occasioned by rheume or catarrhe the foresaid shel-snailes do greatly mitigat the same infirmitie being first sodden in milke all saue the earthy or muddy substance which they must be cleansed from and then giuen in wine cuit to the patient for to drink Some hold opinion that the snails found in the Isle Astypalaea are the best of all other for this purpose but principally the abstersiue substance that is sound in them The cricquet called Gryllus doth mitigat catarrhs all asperities offending the throat if the same be rubbed therewith also if a man doe but touch the amygdals or almonds of the throat with the hand wherwith he hath bruised or crushed the said cricquet it will appease the inflammations thereof To come now vnto the Squinancie a goose gall incorporat with the juice of the wild cucumber and hony together is a most speedie and present remedy for it also the brains of an owle and the ashes of a swallow drunk in water wel and hot is good for the said disease But for this medicine we are beholden to the Poët Ouid. Note that when I speak of any medicine for what maladie soeuer made of swallows the yong wild ones are alwaies the better and more effectuall in operation and those you may know easily by the fashion of their nests where they do build But if you would haue the best indeed the young ones of that kind which are called Ripariae passe al the rest for medicinable vses for so they are commonly named which build in the holes of banke sides Howbeit some there be who assure vs that we shal not need to feare that disease for a yeare together if we do but eat any young swallow it skills not of what kind soeuer it be Now the order of calcining them from their ashes is to strangle them first so to burn them in their bloud within an earthen vessell and the ashes thus made is vsually giuen either wrought in past for bread or else to be drunk and some there be who mingle withall the like quantity of the ashes which come of weazils And this kind of medicine thus prepared they giue in drink euery day against the kings euill and falling sicknesse Moreouer swallowes kept and condite in salt are passing good for the Squinancie taken in drinke to the weight of a dram at a time and it is said thet their very nest giuen in drinke cureth the said maladie It is a common opinion that a liniment made with the creepers called Sowes or Multipedes is most effectuall to cure the said Squinancie And some there be who aduise to take one and twenty of these worms stamped and to giue them in one hemine of mead or honied water for the said disease but they must be conceiued downe the throat by a pipe or tunnell for if this medicine touch the teeth once it will do no good It is said moreouer that if one drinke the decoction of mice sodden with veruaine it is a soueraign remedy for that disease as also that a leather thong made of a dogs skin put thrice about the necke will doe the deed And some there be who in this case vse pigeons dung mixed with oile and wine As touching the cricks of the nerues or sinewes that serue the nape of the necke as also for the cramps that draw the head backward they say that a twig or branch of a vine taken out of a puttocks nest and carried about one hanging to the necke or arme is a speciall remedie for the abouenamed accidents CHAP. V. ¶ Medicines for the Kings euill that is broken and doth run for the paines lying in the shoulders as also for the griefe of the bowels about the midriffe and precordiall parts THe bloud of a weazill is good for the wens called the king euill when they be exulcerat do run so is the weazill it selfe sodden in wine and applied prouided alwaies that they run not by occasion of any launcing or incision made by the Chirurgions hand And it is commonly said that to eat the flesh of a Weazill is effectuall for the cure So are the ashes of a Weazil calcined vpon a fire made of Vine-twigs if they be incorporat with Hogs grease Item Take a green Lizard and binde it to the sore but after thirty daies you must do so with another this will heale them Some make no more ado but in a little box of siluer keep the heart of a Weazil wear it about them If women or maids be troubled with the kings euil it were good to make choise of old shel-snailes and to stamp
ashes of shell-snailes with Line seed and Nettle seed putting thereto some hony and this cure they continue vntill the patient be throughly whole It is said moreouer That a green Lizard taken aliue and hanged so in a pot iust before the dore of the patients bedchamber with this charge that euer as he goes in and out he touch the same with his hand will worke the same effect The ashes of a scritch-owls head reduced into an vnguent with oile is good for this purpose so is the honey wherein Bees were stifled and lastly a spider but especially that which they call Lycos The heart of the bird called a Houpe is highly commended for the pain of the sides Also the ashes of shell-snailes boiled in Ptisane or husked Barley water and some in this case apply the same otherwhiles in a liniment onely without any thing else The ashes of a dogs head I meane the bare skalpe or skull onely dying enraged and mad is good to spice a cup of drinke withall for this disease If the loines be pained it is said That the starre-Lizards called Stellions comming from beyond sea sodden in wine together with the seed of black Poppie to the weight of halfe a denier is very good so the decoction be drunk howbeit this care must be had that the head be cut off first and the garbage taken forth The green Lizards are good meat in this case if they be dressed accordingly and their feet and head cut away so are shell-snailes braied shels and all together and sodden in wine with fifteen grains of pepper Some vse the feet and legs of an Aegle in this disease pulling them away backeward from the knees and the right foot they apply fast to the paine of the right side but the other if the contrary side be grieued The many-foot Sowes or Cheeslips which I called before Oniscos help the same pains if they be taken to the weight of halfe a denarius in two cyaths of wine To conclude with the Sciatica the magitians giue order to put an earth-worm in a treene or wooden dish which hauing bin cleft was stitched vp again with iron wier or bound with a plate or hoope of yron then to lade vp some water therwith and in it to wash rince the said worme very well and then to enterre or burie the same again in the very place from whence it was digged forth which done to giue the said water anon to the patient for to drinke out the said wooden dish and this they hold to be a wonderfull medicine CHAP. VII ¶ Remedies for the dysenterie or bloudie flix And generally for all diseases of the belly THe decoction of a leg of mutton sodden in water with Line seed is singular good for to be supped off to stay a bloudie flix So is old Cheese made of Ews milke and sheeps suet sodden together in some austere wine The same is singular for the Sciatica passio and an old cough The starre-Lizard Stellio which breeds beyond sea being flaied garbaged and dressed for meat so that the head and feet be taken away and so sodden and eaten is commended also in this case Moreouer it is said That two snailes and one Hens egg stamped the one as wel as the other with their shels and afterwards gently sodden in a new earthen pot with some salt two cyaths of wine cuit or else with the juice of Dates 3 cyaths of water giuen to the patient to drink who is tormented with the dysentery or bloudy flix wil bring great alleuiation of the said disease It is thought also That the ashes of the said shell-snailes calcined if they be taken in wine with a little rosin are soueraign therfore As touching naked snails without any shels they be found plentifully in Affrick Passing good they be for the bloudie flix if 5 of them be burnt and calcined together with halfe a denier weight of Acacia 2 spoonfuls of their ashes taken in Myrtle wine or some other austere astringent wine and a like quantity of hot water Some there be who in this sort vse all the snailes of Barbary Others thinke it better to take fiue of the said snailes of Affricke or rather as many of the broad and flat sort and to clysterize them for the dysenterie But if the flux be exceeding vehement then they put thereto of Acacia the quantitie of a beane It is said moreouer That the spoile or slough of a serpent boiled with oile rosat in a vessell of tinne is singular for the Dysenterie and Tinesme to be injected by a clyster Or if it be sodden in any other vessell yet with an instrument or pipe of tin it is to be conueighed into the fundament that the tiwill thereby may be annoinied The broth of a Cocke cureth these infirmities but if it be of an old Cocke it is the more effectuall And yet if the said broth be any thing saltish it stirreth the bellie prouoketh to the seege The inward skin of an Hens gisier broiled and giuen with salt and oile doth mittigat and appease the wrings caused by the flux of the stomacke But then this regard must be had before That neither the Hen haue any corne giuen her nor the patient feed vpon any graine some time before Pigeons dung being burnt and the ashes taken in drinke is of great effect and vertue in these cases The flesh of a Quoist or Stock-doue sodden in vinegre is good both for the bloudie flix and also for the loosenesse proceeding from the imbecilitie of the stomacke The Thrush or Mauis rosted with Myrtle berries is soueraigne for the dysenterie so is the Merle or black-bird In which respect great account also is made of the honey boiled where in bees were killed Of all the paines that be the Iliacke passion is most sharpe and grieuous to be endured But it is said That the bloud of a Bat torne and plucked in peeces aliue is very good against it yea and if the bellie be annointed therewith it easeth the torment thereof But to come againe vnto the flux of the bellie shell-snailes prepared and made in manner aforesaid for those that be short winded are singular good for to stop the same and to knit the bodie So are their ashes if they were burnt and calcined aliue taken in some austere or astringent wine The liuer of a cocke rosted together with the skin of the gisier which ordinarily the cooke casteth away dried and kept and so taken with a little of the juice of Poppy mixed with it is of great power to remedy these accidents others take the same skin whiles it is new and fresh which they broil and torrifie for to be giuen in wine to drink A Partridge broth yea and the gisier of the bird alone beaten to pouder and taken in some grosse and a stringent wine is singular to stay a flux of the belly The wild Ring-doue or
nest of swallows and Cricquets infused and dissolued in hot water are commended for this purpose Some helpe themselues with the gisier of Ossifragus dried others vse the decoction of Turtles dung boiled in honied wine or els the broth of the Turtle it selfe Furthermore for the difficulty of vrine it is wholsome to eat blacke birds or Metles boiled with Myrtle berries or Grashoppers fried in a pan to drink the sows or Cheeslips called Oniscoi folke make it not strange to do themselues good But if there be pain in the bladder it is said That the broth made of Lambs feet is soueraigne If the body bee bound or costiue a Cocke-broth causeth it to be soluble and the same doth withall lenifie the acrimony of humors that cause the foresaid griefe of the bladder The dung of Swallows likewise procureth loosnesse of belly in case it be tempered with hony to the forme of a suppositarie and so put vp Touching the infirmities incident to the seat the tried grease of vnwashed wooll whereunto some adde Tutie and oile of Roses the ashes also of a dogs head are soueraign medicines the slough likewise which a serpent hath cast applied with vineger is good in case there be chaps and fissures in that part Likewise the ashes of dogs dung which looketh white incorporat with oile of Roses this receit they say was the inuention of Aeculapius and is besides most effectuall to take away werts The ashes of Mice dung Swans grease the tallow of Oxe or Cow are helpfull for this infirmity If the tuill or gut Longaon be ralaxed and hang forth it is good to annoint the same with the moisture issuing forth of shel-snails that is pricked through with a pin or needle for it driueth it back again to the right place If the seat be galled it is thought that the ashes of the wood-Mouse tempered with hony cureth the same or els the ashes of an Vrchin together with the brains of a Bat Allum and the grease tried out of vnwashed wool wil skin it againe In like manner Pigeons dung with hony for the swelling blind haemorrhoids or piles called Condylomata there is a proper remedy namely to rub the place with a spiders body after the head and legs be cast away Against the acrimony and sharpnesse of humors that they should not fret and burne those parts there is a faire liniment made with Goose grease incorporat with Barbary wax white lead and oile rosat So is the fat of a Swan These medicines also are said to heale the haemorrhoids that run For the pain of the Sciatica it is thought that raw shell-snailes bruised are good if they bee taken in Amminean wine and pepper also a greene lizard eaten as meat without the feet garbage and head so is the starre-lizard Stellio but thereto ought to be put the weight of three oboli of black poppy seed For ruptures inward spasmes and convulsions it auaileth much to take sheeps gal with brest milk In case the priuities haue an itch a fretting humor vpon them or if some offensiue werts arise in those parts the dripping or grauie that commeth from a rams lights rosted doth much good if the place be therewith annointed As touching other accidents which happen to those parts the wooll of a ram calcined and reduced into ashes euen with all the filthinesse that is therein is thought to be very good so that the ashes be applied to the affected place with water The sewet of the kell of a mutton but especially that which groweth to the kidnies incorporat with the pouder of a pumish stone and salt is much commended in this case also greasie and vnwashed wooll soked in cold water is good to be applied to the place the flesh moreouer of a mutton calcined so as the ashes be incorporat with water Item the ashes of a mules houfe and the pouder of caples teeth braied puluerized if the grieued place be strewed therewith To come lower to the infirmities of the cods the pouder of the bones of a dogs head without any flesh vpon it puluerised is singular therfore If it fal out that one of the genitoirs be relaxed hang down lower than his fellow it is good to annoint the same with the waterish slime and some that commeth from shel-snails so they say it is an excellent remedy if there be any foule and malignant vlcers in those parts running with filthy matter the ashes of a dogges head fresh killed are singular to heal the same so are the little broad and flat shel-snails bruised and incorporat with vineger if either the same or the ashes be applied thereto also the honey wherein bees haue been killed mixt with rosin the naked snailes likewise which bred as I said in Barbarie in case they be stamped incorporat with the pouder of Frankincense the white of an egg with this charge that the said cataplasme be not taken off in 30 daies by which time it will be ready to fall away of it selfe Some in stead of frankincense put the bulbous roots of small onions or scallions For those who be troubled with the waterish rupture it is thought that the star-lizards Stilliones be wonderfull good in case their head feet and guts bee taken forth and the rest of the body rosted but the patient had need to eat of this meat often and so it helpeth those who cannot hold their water The like opinion there is of dogs grease incorporat with Alume de plume if the patient take thereof to the quantity of a bean as also the snailes of Barbary burnt flesh shell and all so as the patient drink their ashes Furthermore it is said that the tongues of three geese rosted and eaten is a speciall remedy for this infirmity and Anaxilaus is he that deuised this receit Touching the biles called Pani sheepes tallow incorporat with salt torrifacted is singular good to breake them but mice dung with the fine pouder of frankincense orpiment or red Arsenicke is as proper to resolue them likewise the ashes of a lizard and the lizard it selfe split aliue and applied hot thereto In like maner cheeslips or sows stamped and incorporat with the right terpentine to the quantity of a third part so brought into a cataplasme Some there be who to shell-snailes punned adde the common bole-armoniack Also the ashes of the void shels only alone without the snailes mixt with wax are of a resolutiue and discutient facultie In like manner a liniment made either of pigeons dung only or els incorporat with barly meale or oatmeale The flies called Cantharides mixed with quicklime are a good potentiall cauterie and open such biles as well as the Chirurgians launcet The botches or swellings in the share a liniment made with the small shel-snailes and hony doth assuage and mitigate Finally to keepe down the veins from swelling which be called Varices it is good to anoint the legs of children with
all if immediatly after it hath bin so kept she stept ouer it A perfume made with a snake long kept and dried procureth the desired sicknesse of women The old slough of a snake which she hath cast applied vnto the loines of a woman that is in labour helpeth her to better speed but it must be remoued presently after that she is deliuered Many vse to giue it vnto women with child for to be drunk in wine with frank incense for being taken otherwise it causeth abortion The rod or wand whereby one hath parted or taken off a frog or toad from a snake helpeth women that be in trauell of childbirth And a liniment made with the ashes of the vnwinged Locusts called Tryxalides hony tempered together helpeth forward their monthly purgations The spider likewise that commeth downe spinning from aloft hanging by her fine thred which she draweth in a length if she be caught with the hollow of the hand bruised applied accordingly worketh the same effect but take the same spider winding vp her yearne and returning back to her nest vpward it wil worke contrariwise stay the fleurs of women The Aegle stone called A tites because it is found in an Aegles nest preserueth holdeth the infant still in the mothers womb to the ful time against any indirect practise of sorcery or otherwise to the contrary If a woman be in hard labor of childbirth put a Vultures quill vnder her feet it will helpe her to a more speedy deliuerance Great bellied women as it is well knowne found by proofe ought to be very chairy and to beware of rauens egs for if they chance to goe ouer one of them they shall fall to labour presently and slip an vntimely birth with great danger of their life It seemeth to many that the meuting of an Hawke drunke in honied wine maketh women which were barren before to be fruitfull Certes the grease of a goose or swan doth mollifie any hard tumors schirrhs and impostumations of the matrice and secret parts Goose grease mixt with the oile of roses and Ireos preserueth womens brests after they be newly brought to bed In Phrygia and Lycaonia it is found by experience that the fat of the Bistard or Horn owle is verie good for greene women lately deliuered if they be troubled with the pricking or shooting paines of their brests but for women that are in danger to be suffocated with the rising of the mother they haue a liniment also made with the beetils or worms called Blattae The ashes of Partridge egs calcined mixed with brasse ore called Cadmia and wax and so reduced into a cerot preserueth womens brests plumpe and round that they shall not be riueled or flaggie and it is thought that if a woman make three imaginary circles round about them with a partridge egg they shall continue knit vp and well trussed and not hang downward ilfauoredly let a woman vse to sup them off she shall be both a fruitfull mother of many children and also a good milch nurse for to reare them vp Also it is a generall receiued opinion that if womens paps be anointed all ouer with goose grease it will allay the griefe and paine thereof likewise there is not a better thing for to dissolue and scatter Moon-calues and such like false conceptions in the wombe or to mitigate the scurfe or manginesse incident to that member than to apply to those parts a liniment made of punaises bruised or stamped to the purpose Bats bloud hath a depilatorie facultie to fetch off haire and lett the growing thereof howbeit sufficient it is not alone to worke that feat in boies cheeks and chins whom we would keep smooth and beardlesse except the place be rubbed afterward with the seed of rocket or hemlock and in this manner if they be dressed either no haire at all will come vp there or els it wil neuer be but soft down it is thought that their brains also wil work the same effect Now these brains be of two sorts to wit red and white howbeit some giue counsell to mingle with the said brains both the bloud and the liuer Others there be who seethe in 3 hemines of oile a viper vntill her flesh be throughly sodden and as tender as may be hauing before rid her from all her bones and it they vse for a depilatorie but first they plucke vp all those haires by the roots which they would not haue to grow any more The gall of an vrchin is a depilatorie especially if it be mixed with the brains of a Bat and goats milke Item the ashes thereof simply mingled with the milk of a bitch of her first litter so that the haires which we would not haue to come againe be plucked vp or if those places be anointed therewith where neuer yet grew any none shall spring there afterwards The same effect by report hath the bloud of a tick that was taken from a dog and finally the bloud or gall of a swallow CHAP. XV. ¶ Many Receits handled together disorderly one with another for sundry maladies IT is said that Ants eggs stamped incorporat with flies likewise punned together wil giue a louely black colour to the hairs of the eie-browes also if a woman be desirous that her infant should be born with black eies let her eat a rat while she goes with childe To preserue the haire from being gray and grisle anoint them with the ashes of earth-worms and oile oliue mixt together If sucking babes be wrung or gnawne in the belly by reason of some cruddled milk which they draw from their nurses or doth corrupt so in their stomack it is good to giue them in water the rennet of a yong lambe to drink but in case this accident commeth by cailling of the milk they vse to giue vnto them the said rennet in vineger for to discusse the same For the paine that they abide in toothing the brains of an hare is soueraigne to anoint their gumbs withall It falleth out that yong infants many times be tormented with an vnnaturall heat and burning of their head called Siriasis for to ease and cure them thereof they vse to take the bones that are found in dogs dung and to hang them about their necks or arms Yong infants are subiect to ruptures and descents of the guts in which case it is good some say to apply a greene lizard vnto their bodies whiles they lie asleepe and to cause it to bite the place but then afterward the said lizard must be tied fast to a reed and hung vp in the smoke for look how it decaieth and dieth by little and little so shall the rupture knit and heale again The foamie moisture that shel-snails yeeld if childrens eies be anointed therewith doth not onely rectifie and lay streight the hairs of the eie-lids which grow crooked into the eies but also nourisheth causeth them to grow The ashes of burnt shell-snailes reduced
into a liniment with kincense and the white of an egg doth in the space of 30 daies cure those that are bursten bellied In the little horns of shell-snails there is found a certaine hard substance resembling grit or sand which if it be hanged about a youg infant is a means that it shall breed teeth with ease The ashes of snail shels when the snails are gon incorporat in wax and applied to the seat of the fundament putteth backe the end of the tiwill that is fallen down and ready to hang out of the body but you must not forget to mingle with the said ashes the bloudy substance that is let out of a vipers brains when her head is pricked The braines of a viper if they be put in a little fine skin worn by a yong child helpeth it to breed teeth without any great pain for the same purpose serue also the teeth of serpents so they be chosen the biggest that are in their heads rauens dung wrapped in wool and hung to any part of yong infants cureth the chin-cough Some things there remain as touching this argument which hardly methinks I should not handle seriously deliuer in good earnest howbeit since there be diuers writers who haue put them down in writing I must not passe them ouer in silence They are of opinion and doe giue order to cure the rupture and descent of the guts in little children with a lizard but how first it ought to be of the male kind which is taken for this purpose and that may soone be knowne if vnder the taile it haue one hole and no more then there must be vsed all means possible that the said lizard do bite the tumor of the rupture through a piece of cloth of gold cloth of siluer or purple which done the said lizard must be tied fast within a new cup or goblet that neuer was occupied so set in some smoky place where it may die If little infants pisse their beds a readie way to make them containe their water is to giue them sodden mice to eat If there be any suspition of sorcerie witchcraft or inchantment practised for to hurt young babes the great horns of beetles such specially as be knagged as it were with smal teeth are as good as a countercharm and preseruatiue if they be hanged about their necks There is as they say a little stone within the head of an ox or cow which they vse to discharge and spit out when they be in danger of death the same if it be taken out of one of their heads which is suddenly stricken off before the beast be ware therof hanged about an infants necke or other part of the body is wonderful good for breeding of teeth Semblably they prescribe their brains to be caried about them in like maner for the same purpose also the little bone or stone found in a naked snails back Moreouer the anointing of childrens gumbs with the brains of a yong sheepe is singular good and effectual to cause them to breed their teeth with facilitie like as goose grease instilled with the juice of basil into their ears cureth the infirmities therof There be in many prickly herbs certain rough hairy worms which if they be hung about the necks of yong infants do presently cure them if haply there were any thing in their meat that stucke and lay hard in their stomack for they wil cause them to puke it vp To prouoke sleep there is not a better thing than the tried grease of vnwashed wool with some myrrh be it neuer so little infused dissolued in two cyaths of wine or els incorporat with goose grease and wine of myrtles for which intent they vse to take the bird called a Cuckow and within a hares skin tie it to the patient or els to bind the bil of a yong heron to the forehead within a piece of an asse skin and they are of opinion that the same bill alone is as effectuall so it be well washed in wine contrariwise the head of a bat dried and hanged about the neck keeps one from sleep altogether A lizard drowned to death in the vrin of a man disableth him from the vse of venery who drank the liquour whereof that vrine came and no maruel for why the magitians repose a great thing in a lizard in loue matters The excrements of snailes which resemble dung as also the dung of pigeons tempered in a cup of wine and giuen to drink coole fleshly lust The right lobe or side of a vultures lungs prouoke men to Venus sports if they cary it about them enwrapped within a cranes skin In like maner the yelks of fiue pigeons egs incorporat with swines grease to the weight of one denier Roman and so supped off work the same effect Some eat sparrowes vsually for this purpose or sup their egs Also there be who carry about them the right stone of a cock inclosed fast within a piece of leather made of a rams skin and to good effect if all be true that magitians say who affirm also that those women who are anointed with a liniment made of the ashes of the bird Ibis incorporat with goose grease and the oile Ireos shal if they be conceiued with child go out their full time and they say that whosoeuer be anointed with a liniment made of the stones of a fighting cocke and goose-grease shall haue but little mind to performe the act of generation or if the same be tied vnto any part of them within a piece of leather made of a rams skinne In like manner it is said that the stones of any other dunghill cock are of the same effect if together with the bloud of the said cock they be but laid vnder ones bed If one pluck the haires out of a mules taile while the stallion couereth her and bind the same together in a wreath or knot apply them to the legs or loins during the act of generation they will cause women to conceiue whether they will or no. Whosoeuer maketh water vpon the very place where a dog hath lift vp his leg and pissed so as both vrines be mingled together folke say he shall find himselfe therby more vnlustie to the worke of Venus A wonderfull thing it is if it be true which they report likewise of the ashes of a star-lizard or Stellion that if the same be enwrapped within some lint or linnen rag held in the left hand it stirreth vp the heat of lust but shift the same into the right hand it wil coole one as much Moreouer that if one put vnder the pillow where a woman laies her head a few flockes or locke of wooll soked well in batts bloud it wil set her on to desire the company of a man or if she do take a goose tongue either in meat or drink The old skin or slough that snakes do cast off in the Spring whosoeuer drinketh in his ordinary
purified againe is subiect no more vnto putrifaction And as for cesterne waters the Physicians also themselues confesse That they breed obstructions and schirrhosities in the bellie yea and otherwise be hurtfull to the throat As also that there is not any kinde of water whatsoeuer which gathereth more mud or engendreth more filthie and illfauoured vermine than it doth Neither followeth it by and by that all great riuer waters indifferently are the best no more than those of any brooke or the most part of ponds and pooles are to bee counted and esteemed most wholesome But of these kinds of water wee must conclude and resolue with making destinction namely That there be of euery sort thereof those which are singular and very conuenient howbeit more in one place than in another The kings and princes of Persia bee serued with no other water for their drinke but from the two riuers Choaspes and Eulaeus onely And looke how farre soeuer they make their progresse or voyage from them two riuers yet the water thereof they carry with them And what might the reason be therefore Certes it is not because they be riuers which yeeld this water that they like the drinke so well for neither out of the two famous riuers Tygris and Euphrates nor yet out of many other faire and commodious running streames doe they drinke Moreouer when you see or perceiue any riuer to gather abundance of mud and filth wote well that ordinarily the water therof is not good nor wholesome and yet if the same riuer or running streame bee giuen to breed great store of yeeles the water is counted thereby wholesome and good ynough And as this is a token of the goodnesse so the wormes called Tineae engendered about the head or spring of any riuer is as great a signe of coldnesse Bitter waters of all others bee most condemned like as those also which soone follow the spade in digging and by reason that they lie so ebbe quickly fill the pit And such be the waters commonly about Troezen As for the nitrous brackish and salt waters found among the desarts such as trauell through those parts toward the red sea haue a deuise to make them sweet and potable within two houres by putting parched barley meale into them and as they drinke the water so when they haue done they feed vpon the said barly grots as a good and wholsom gruel Those spring waters are principally condemned which gather much mud and settle grosse in the bottome those also which cause them to haue an il colour who vse to drink thereof It skilleth also very much to mark if a water staine any vessels with a kinde of greene rust if it be long before pulse will be sodden therein if being poured vpon the ground it be not quickly sucked in and drunk vp and lastly if it fur those vessels with a thicke rust wherein it vseth to be boiled for all these be signes of bad water Ouer and besides it is a fault in water not only to stink but also to haue any smack or tast at all yea though the same be pleasant and sweet enough and inclining much to the rellice of milk as many times it doth in diuers places In one word would you know a good and wholsome water indeed Chuse that which in all points resembleth the aire as neere as is possible At Cabura in Mesopotamia there is a fountaine of water which hath a sweet and redolent smel setting it aside I know not any one of that qualitie in the whole world againe but hereto there belongs a tale namely that this spring was priuiledged with this extraordinary gift because queen Iuno forsooth sometimes bathed and washed her selfe therein for otherwise good and wholesome water ought to haue neither tast nor odor at all Some there be who iudge of their wholsomnesse by their ballance and they keep a weighing and poising of waters one against another but for all their curiositie they misse of their purpose in the end for seldom or neuer can they find one water lighter than another Yet this deuise is better and more certain namely to take two waters that be of equal measure and weight for looke whether of them heateth and cooleth sooner the same is alwaies the better And for to make a trial herof lade vp some seething water in a pale or such like vessel set the same down vpon the ground out of your hand to ease your arm of holding it hanging long in the aire and if it be good water they say it will immediatly of scalding hot become warm and no more Well what waters then according to their sundry kindes in generalitie shall we take by all likelihood to be best If we go by the inhabitants of cities and great towns surely wel-water or pit water I see is simply the wholsomest But then such wels or pits must be much frequented that by the continual agitation and often drawing thereof the water may be more purified and the terren substance passe away the better by that means And thus much may suffice for the goodnesse of water respectiuely to the health of mans body But if we haue regard to the coldnesse of water necessarie it is that the Wel should stand in some coole and shadowie place not exposed to the Sun and nathelesse open to the broad aire that it may haue the full view and sight as it were of the sky And aboue all this one thing would be obserued and seen vnto that the source which feedeth it spring and boile vp directly from the bottom and not issue out of the sides which also is a main point that concerns the perpetuitie thereof and whereby we may collect that it will hold stil and be neuer drawn dry And this is to be vnderstood of water cold in the owne nature For to make it seem actually cold to the hand is a thing that may be done by art if either it be forced to mount aloft or fal from on high by which motion and reuerberation it gathers store of aire And verily the experiment hereof is seene in swimming for let a man hold his winde in he shall feele the water colder by that means Nero the Emperor deuised to boile water when it was taken from the fire to put it into a glasse bottle and so to set it in the snow a cooling and verily the water became therby exceeding cold to please and content his tast and yet did not participate the grossenesse of the snow nor draw any euill qualitie out of it Certes all men are of one opinion that any water which hath been once sodden is far better than that which is still raw Like as that after it hath been made hot it will become much colder than it was before which I assure you came first from a most subtil and witty inuention And therefore if we must needs occupy naughty water the only remedy that we haue to alter the badnesse
all the corne vpon the ground The like also fell as often in Egypt for the rain that fel caused all the washes arising from the riuer Nilus which watred the grounds to be bitter whereupon insued a great plague and pestilence to the whole region It chanceth many times that presently vpon the cutting and stocking vp of Woods there arise and spring certaine fountaines which beforetime appeared not but were spent in the nourishment of the tree roots as it fell out in the mountain Haemus when as Cassander held the Gallogreeks besieged for when the woods thereupon were cut down to make a palaisad for a rampier presently there issued forth springs of water in their place Moreouer it hath bin oft times known that by occasion of spoiling some hils of the wood growing therupon the springs haue met altogether in one streame and done much hurt in sudden ouerflowing the vaile beneath whereas the trees before-time had wont to drink vp digest and consume all the moisture wet that fell and fed the said waters And verily it auaileth much for the maintenance of water to stirre with the plough and to till a ground thereby to break vp and loose the vppermost callositie and hide as it were of the earth that kept it clunged and bound Certes it is recorded for a truth that vpon the rasing and destroying of Arcadia a towne so called in Creet wherby the place was dispeopled all the fountaines waxed dry and the riuers in that tract which were many came to nothing but six yeares after when the said town was re-edified euen as the inhabitants fell to earing and ploughing any grounds within their territorie the foresaid fountains appeared again and the riuers returned to their former course CHAP. V. ¶ Divers historicall obseruations touching this point MOreouer Earthquakes as they discouer sometimes new springs and sources of water so otherwhiles they swallow them vp that they are no more seene like as it hapned as it is well knowne 5 times about the riuer Pheneus in Arcadia And in manner abouesayd there issued forth a riuer out of the mountaine Corycus so soone as the peisants of the country began to break it vp for tillage But to return again to the change and alteration of waters wonderfull they must needs be no doubt when there is no euident cause thereof to be knowne as namely in Magnesia where al the hot waters of the bains suddenly became cold without any other change besides of the tast also in Caria where standeth the temple of Neptune the riuer which was knowne before to be fresh and potable all on a sudden turned into salt water Ouer and besides is not this a strange miracle that the fountain Arethusa in Syracuse should haue a sent or smell of dung during the solemne games and exercises at Olympia But there is some probable reason to be rendred hereof Because the riuer Alpheus passeth from Olympus vnder the very bottom of the sea into that Island of Sicily where Syracuse standeth and so commeth to the foresaid fountain The Rhodians haue a fountain within their Chersonese which euery ninth yere purgeth it self sends out an infinit deale of ordure and filthines And as the tast smell of waters do alter so their colours also do change as for example there is a lake in the country of Babylon which euery summer for the space of 11 daies looketh red and Borysthenes also in the summer time runneth with a blewish colour like violets or the sky and yet a most pure and subtill water it is of all other which is the reason that it swims aloft and floteth naturally vpon Hypanis the riuer In which two riuers there is another maruell reported That all the while a Southern wind bloweth the riuer Hypanis is discerned aboue it But there is one argument more besides that proueth the water of Borysthenes to be passing light thin for that there arise no mists out of it nay it is not perceiued to yeeld any exhalation or breath at al from it To conclude they that would seem to be curious and skilfull in these matters do obserue and affirme That generally all waters grow to be heauier after that mid-winter is once past CHAP. VI. ¶ The maner of water-conduits How and when those waters which naturally are medicinable ought to be vsed Also for what diseases it is good to saite and take the aire of the Sea The vertues and properties of sea waters as touching Physicke IF a man would convey water from any head of a spring the best way is to vse pipes of earth made by potters art and the same ought to be 2 fingers thick and one jointed within another so as the end of the vpper pipes enter into the nether as a tenon into a mortaise or as a box into the lid the same ought to be vnited and laid euen with quicklime quenched and dissolued in oile The least leuell for to carry and command water vp hill from the receit is one hundred foot but if it be conueyed but by one canel and no more it may be forced to mount the space of two Actus i. 240 foot As touching the pipes by means whereof the water is to rise aloft they ought to be of lead Furthermore this is to be obserued That the water ascend alwaies of it self at the deliuerie to the heigth of the head from whence it gaue receit if it bee fetched a long way the worke must rise and fall often in the carriage thereof that the leuell may bee maintained still As for the pipes ten foot long apiece they would bee if you do well Now if the said pipes of lead be but fiue fingers in compasse ordinarily they should weigh sixty pound if they be of eight fingers size they must carry the weight of one hundred pound but in case they bear a round of 10 fingers their poise would be at the least 120 pound and so the rest more or lesse according to this proportion Those pipes be called properly in Latine Denariae the web or sheet whereof beareth ten fingers in breadth before it be turned in and brought to the compasse of a pipe like as Quinariae when the same is halfe so broad Moreouer this is to be obserued That in euery turning and twining of an hill the pipe ought of necessity to be fiue fingers round and no more for to represse and breake the violence of the water in the current Likewise the vaulted heads which receiue and contain water from all the sources meeting together musâ—… be of that capacity as need requireth And since I am falne into the treatise and discourse of fountains I wonder much at Homer that he hath made no mention at all of hot springs and yet otherwise throughout his whole poëme hee bringeth in oftentimes those who bathed and washed in hot baines But it may verie wel be that the reason therof is because in those times
it allaieth the wrings and grindings of the belly yea and staieth the violent motions of cholericke humors working vpward and downward Those that be once chaufed and set into an heat with sea water shall not so easily feele cold againe When womens paps are ouergrowne and so exceeding great that they meet and kisse one another there is not a better thing to take them downe than to bath in a tub of sea-water the same also may serue to amend the griefe of the bowels and precordiall parts yea and to restore those that be exceeding leane and worn away The fumes and vapors of this water boiling together with vineger are soueraign for those that be hard of hearing or troubled with the head-ach Sea water hath this especiall property that of all things it scoureth away rust of yron soonest The scab that annoieth sheepe it healeth and maketh their wooll more soft and delicat But what meane I to say thus much of sea water knowing as I do full well that for those who dwell far vp into the maine and inhabit the inland parts all this may seem needlesse and superfluous And yet there hath bin means deuised to make artificiall sea-water wherewith euery man may serue his own turn when he will In which inuention one wonderfull thing is to be seen namely if a man put more than one sextar of salt to foure of water the nature of the water will be so soone ouercome that salt shall not dissolue nor melt therein but if you mingle one sextar of salt just with foure sextars of water you shall haue a brine as strong as the saltest water that is in the sea but to haue a kind most mild brine it is thought sufficient to temper the foresaid measure of water with 8 cyaths of salt and this water thus proportioned is very proper for to heat the sinewes without any fretting of the skin at all There is a certain compound sea water kept in manner of a Syrrupe which they call Thalassomeli made of Sea-water hony and raine water of each a like quantity Now the foresaid sea-water they fetch for this purpose out of the very deep and this composition they put vp in earthen vessels well pitched or varnished and reserue it for their vse An excellent purgatiue this is for besides that it clenseth the stomacke without any hurt or offence therof the tast and smell both are very pleasant and delectable As touching the mead called Hydromell it consisted in times past of rain water well purified and hony a drink ordained and allowed onely to sick and feeble persons when they called for wine as being thought lesse hurtfull to be drunke howbeit rejected it hath bin these many yeares and condemned for by experience it was found at length to haue the same discommodities that wine but farre short it was of the good and wholesome qualities of wine Moreouer forasmuch as sea-faring men and saylers be many times at a fault for fresh water and thereby much distressed I think it good to shew the means how to be prouided for the supply of this defect First and foremost therefore if they spread and display abroad certaine fleeces of wooll round about a ship the same will receiue and drinke in the vapours of the Sea and become moist and wet withall presse or wring them well you shall haue water fresh enough Item let downe into the sea within small nets certain pellets of wax that be hollow or any other void and empty vessels wel closed luted they will gather within them water that is fresh and potable for we may see the experience hereof vpon the land take sea-water let it run through cley it will become sweet and fresh But to proceed vnto the other medicinable properties of water let there be any dislocation in man or beast by the swimming in water it matters not of what kind it be the bones wil very quickly and with great ease be reduced into joint againe It falleth out many times that trauellers be in feare and danger of some sicknesse by change of waters and such especially as they know not the nature and quality of To preuent this inconuenience they drink the water cold which they doubt and suspect so soone as euer they be come out of the baine for then they shall find it presently As touching the mosse which is found in the water soueraigne it is for the gout in case it be applied outwardly mix oile thereto and reduce it into the forme of a cataplasme or liniment it easeth the paine and taketh down the swelling of the feet about the ankles The fome froth that floteth aboue the water causeth warts to flie off if they be well rubbed therewith The very sand likewise vpon the sea shore especially that which is small and fine the same burnt as it were with the heat of the Sun is a soueraigne remedy to dry vp the watery humors in a dropsie if the body be couered al ouer therewith and to that purpose it serueth also for rheums and catarrhs Thus much may suffice concerning water it self it remaineth now to treat of such things as the water yeeldeth In which discourse begin I wil as my order and manner hath bin in all the rest with those matters which be chiefe and principall and namely salt and spunges CHAP. VII ¶ The sundry kinds of salt the making thereof the vertues medicinable of salt and diuers other considerations respectiue thereto SAlt is either artificiall or naturall and both the one and the other is to be considered in many and diuers sorts which may be reduced all into 2 causes for salt commeth either of an humor congealed or els dried In the gulfe or lake of Tarentum the salt is made of the sea water dried by the heat of the summer Sun for then you shall see the whole poole converted into a masse of salt and verily the water there is otherwise very low ebbe and not aboue knee high The like is to be seen in Sicily within a lake called Cocanicus as also in another neare to Gelas but in these the brims sides only about the banks wax dry and turn into salt like as in the salt-pits about Phrygia and Cappadocia But at Aspenchum there is more plenty of salt gathered within the poole there for you shall haue the same turn into salt euen the one halfe to the very mids In which lake there is one strange and wonderful thing besides for look how much salt a man taketh out of it in the day so much ordinarily will gather againe by night All the salt of this sort is small and not growne together in lumpes Now there is another kinde of salt which of the owne accord commeth of sea-sea-water and it is no more but the fome or froth which is left behind sticking to the edges of the banks or to rocks Both the one the other become thick and hard in manner and form
of a candied dew howbeit that which is found in the rocks is more quicke and biting than the other There is besides of salt naturall a third distinct sort from the former for in the Bactrians country there be two great and huge lakes which naturally do cast vp a mighty quantity of salt the one lieth toward the Scythians and the other bendeth to the Arians country like as neere to Citium a city in the Isle Cypros and about Memphis in Aegypt they draw forth salt out of lakes and afterwards dry the same in the sun Moreouer there be certain riuers which beare salt and the same congealed aloft in their vpper part in manner of yce and yet the water runneth vnderneath and keepeth the course wel enough As for example about the sluces and straits of the mount Caspius and thereupon they be called the Riuers of salt as also in other riuers of Armenia and about the Mardians countrey Moreouer Oxus and Othus two riuers passing through the region Bactriana carry ordinarily downe with them in their streame great peeces and fragments of salt which fall from the mountaines adjoining vnto them There are besides in Barbary other lakes and those verily thicke and troubled which ingender and beare salt But what will you say if there bee certaine Fountaines of hote Waters which breed Salt And yet such bee the Baynes or Springs called Pagasaei Thus far forth haue I proceeded in those kinds of salt which come of waters naturally There are besides certain hils also which are giuen by nature to bring forth salt and such is the mountain Oromenus among the Indians wherein they vse to hew salt as out of a quarry of stone and yet the same groweth still insomuch as the kings of that country make a greater reuenue by far out of it than either by their mines of gold or the pearles which those coasts do yeeld Furthermore it is euident that in Cappadocia there is salt Minerall digged out of the earth and it appeareth plainly that it is a salt humor congealed within And verily they vse to cut it out of the ground after the maner of glasse stone in lumps and those exceeding heauy which the peasants commonly call crums of salt At Carrhae a city of Arabia all the walls thereof as also the housen of the inhabitants be reared built of hard stones and the same be laid by Masons worke and the joints closed and soudered by no other morter but plain water K. Ptolomaeus at what time as he incamped about Pelusium a city of Egypt and cast vp a trench to fortifie the same found such a mine or quarrey of salt as these which was a president to others afterward to sinke pits betweene Aegypt and Arabia euen in the waste and dry quarters where vnder the delfe of sand they met with salt After which manner also they practised to dig in the desart dry sands of Africk and found more as they went euen as far as to the Temple and Oracle of Iupiter Ammon And verily they might perceiue this salt to grow in the night season according to the course of the Moone As for all the tract and country of Cyrenae famous it is and much spoken of for the salt Ammoniacum so called by reason that it is found vnder the sands In colour and lustre it resembleth that Alume de Plume which the Greeks call Schistos It groweth in long lumps or pieces and those not transparent the tast is vnpleasant howbeit this salt is of good vse in Physicke The clearest thereof is taken for the best especially when it wil cleaue directly into streight flakes A strange and wonderfull nature it hath if it be right for so long as it lyeth vnder ground within the mine it is passing light in hand and may be easily welded take it forth once and lay it abroad aboue ground a man would not beleeue or imagine how exceeding heauy it is But surely the reason thereof is evident for the moist vapors contained within those mines where it lieth beare vp the said pieces of salt and are a great ease to those that deale therwith much like as the water helpeth much to the stirring and managing of any thing within it be it neuer so weighty Well this Ammoniacke salt is corrupted and sophisticate as well with the pit salt of Sicily called Cocanicus as also with that of Cypresse which is wonderfull like vnto it Moreouer neare Egelasta a city in high Spaine there is a kind of sal-gem or Minerall salt digged the peeces or lumps wherof are so cleare as a man may in a maner see through them and this hath of long time bin in great request and of such name as the Physitians giue vnto it the price and praise aboue all other kinds But here is to be noted that all places where salt is found are euer barren and will beare no good thing els And thus much may bee said concerning salt that commeth of the own accord As touching salt artificiall made by mans hand there be many kinds thereof Our common salt and whereof we haue greatest store is wrought in this manner first they let into their pits a quantity of sea-sea-water suffering fresh water to run into it by certain gutters for to bee mingled therewith for to help it to congeale whereto a good shower of raine auaileth very much but aboue all the Sun shining therupon for otherwise it wil neuer dry harden About Vtica in Barbary they vse to pile vp great heaps of salt in manner of Mounts which after that they bee hardened bay- and seasoned in the Sun and Moone scorne all raine and foule weather neither will they dissolue insomuch as folke haue enough to doe for to break and enter in with pick-axes Howbeit in Candy the Salt is made in the like pits but of sea-Sea-water onely without letting in any fresh water at all Semblably in Aegypt the Sea it selfe ouerfloweth the ground which as I take it is already soked and drenched with the water of Nilus and by that means their Salt is made After the same manner they make salt also out of certain wels which are discharged into their Salt-pits And verily in Babylon the first gathering or thickening of the water in their salt-pits is a certain liquid Bitumen or Petroleum an oleous substance which they vse in their lamps as we do oile and when the same is scummed off they find pure salt vnderneath Likewise in Cappadocia they do conuey and let in water out of certain wels and fountaines into their Salt-pits In Chaonia there be certaine Springs of saltish water which the people of that countrey doe boile and when it is cooled againe it turneth into Salt but it is but dull and weak in effect and besides nothing white In France and Germany the maner is when they would make salt to cast sea-sea-water into the fire as the wood burneth In some parts of Spain there be
salt springs out of which they draw water in maner of that brine which they cal Muria But thoseverily of France and Germany be of opinion that it skilleth much what wood it is that serueth to the making of such fire Oke they hold the best as being a fewell the simple ashes whereof mixt with nothing els may go for salt And yet in some places they esteeme Hazell wood meeter for this purpose Now when the said wood is on fire and burning they poure salt liquor among wherby not only the ashes but the very coales also will turne to be salt But all salt made in this sort of wood is black I reade in Theophrastus That the Islanders of Imbros were wont to boile in water the ashes of reeds and canes vntill such time as there remained little moisture vnconsumed and that which was left they vsed for salt The brine or pickle wherein flesh or fish hath bin kept salt if it be boiled a second time vntil the liquor be spent and consumed returneth to the own nature and becommeth salt again Certes we find That the salt thus made of the pickle of Pilchars or Herings is of all others most pleasant in tast As touching the salt made of sea-sea-water that of the Isle Cypres and namely that which comes from Salamis is commended for the best But of poole salt there is none comparable to the Tarentine and Phrygian especially that which they cal Tatteus of the lake Tatta and in truth both these kinds of salt be good for the eies The salt brought out of Cappadocia in little earthen pipes hath the name to make the skinne slick and faire but for to lay the same plain and euen and make it look full and plump without riuels the salt which I called Cittieus hath no fellow And therefore women after they be newly deliuered of child vse to annoint and rub their bellies with this salt incorporat together with Gith or Nigella Romana The driest salt is euermore the strongest in tast the Tarentine salt is taken for to be most pleasant and whitest withal Otherwise the whiter that salt is the more brittle it is and readier to crumble and fal to pouder There is no salt but raine water wil make it sweet and fresh The more pleasant it wil be delicat to the tast in case the dew fal therupon but Northeast winds ingender most plenty therof In a Southerly constitution of the weather and namely when the wind is ful south you shall see no salt ingendred The floure of salt commonly called Sperma-Ceti is neuer bred but when the Northeast winds do blow The salt Tragasaeus wil neither spit crackle leap nor sparkle in the fire no more will Acanthius so called of a towne of that name neither doth the fome of salt nor the gobbets and fragments ne yet the thin leaues or flakes thereof The salt of Agrigentum a city in Sicily will abide the fire and make no sparkling put it into water it will keep a spitting and crackling Great difference there is in salt in regard of the colour At Memphis i. Caire in Egypt the salt is of a very deep red but about the riuer Oxus in Bactriana more tawny or inclining to a russet And the Centuripine salt within Sicily is purple About Gela in the same Island the salt is so bright and clear that it wil represent a mans face as in a mirroir In Cappadocia the Minerall salt which they dig is of a yellow Safron colour transparent and of a most redolent smell For any vse in Physicke the Tarentine salt was in old time highly commended aboue the best after which they esteemed most all the sea salts and of that kind the lighter and that which especially is of the nature of fome for the eies of horses and Boeufes they made great reckoning of the Tragasaean salt and that of Granado or Boetica in Spaine For dressing of viands and cates for to be eaten also with meat the better is that salt which sooner melteth and runneth to water That also which by nature is moister than others they hold to be better for the kitchin or the table for lesse bitternesse it hath and such is that of Attica and Euboea For to pouder and keep flesh meat the dry salt quicke at tongues end is thought to be meeter than other as we may see in the salt of Megara Moreouer there is a certain confite or condited salt compounded also with sweet spices aromaticall drugs which may be eaten as a dainiy kind of gruel or sauce for it stirreth vp and whetteth appetite eat the same with any other meats insomuch as amongst an infinit number of other sauces this carrieth away the tast from them all for it hath a peculiar smatch by it selfe which is the cause that the pickle Garum is so much sought after for to giue an edge to our stomack not only we men are solicited moued by salt more than by any thing els tooâ—…r meat but muttons Boeufes and horses also haue benefit therby in that respect they feed the better giue more store of milke and the cheese made thereof hath a more dainty and commendable taste by that means And to conclude all in one word the life of mankind could not stand without salt so necessary an element if I may so say it is for the maintenance of our life that the very delights pleasures of the mind also are expressed by no better term than Salt for such gifts and conceits of the spirit as yeeld most grace and contentment we vse in Latine to call Sales All the mirth of the heart the greatest cheerfulnesse of a lightsome mind the whole repose contentment that a man findeth in his soule by no other word can be better shewed Moreouer this terme in Latine of Sal is taken vp and vsed in war yea and diuers honours and dignities bestowed vpon braue men for some worthy seruice go vnder this name and be called Salaries And how highly our ancestors accounted therof it may appeare by the name of that great port-way or street Salariae so called because all the salt that went into the Sabines country passed that way Moreouer it is said that Ancus Martius K. of Rome was the first that erected the salt-houses and gaue vnto the people a congiary or largesse of 6000 Modij of salt And Varro writeth That our ancestors in times past vsed salt ordinarily in stead of an houshold gruell for they were wont to eat salt with their bread cheese as may appeare by the common prouerb that testifieth so much But most of all we may gather in what request and account salt was in sacrifices and oblations to the gods by this that none are performed and celebrated without a cake of meale and salt Furthermore where salt is truly made without any sophistication it rendereth a certain fine and pure substance as it were the most subtill cinders of
ashes which as it is lightest so none is so white as it There is that also which is called the Floure of salt altogether different from salt as being a kind of dew of a moister nature resembling safron in yellow colour or els inclining rather to a sad red or russet colour and is as a man would say the rust of falt the strong vnpleasant smell likewise which commeth neere vnto that of the pickle Garum bewraieth that it is a distinct thing from salt as well as from the froth thereof This Floure of salt came first from Aegypt and it seemeth as though it floted vpon the riuer Nilus were carried down the stream thereof And yet there be some fountains which doe beare and put vp the same vpon which it swimmeth aloft Of this kind the best is that which yeeldeth a certain fatty and vncteous oyle for this you are to think that salt is not without a kinde of fattinesse wonderfull though it be This floure of salt is sophisticated commonly coloured with red ocre or els many times with potshards reduced into pouder but this deceit may be quickly known and found by water for if it be a false and artificiall colour water will wash it off wheras the true floure of salt indeed will resolue by nothing but by oile and verily the Apothecaries confectioners of sweet oiles and ointments vse it most of all for the colour sake when they would giue a fresh liuely hue to their compositions Being put vp in any vessell it seemeth white hoarie aloft but the middle part within is as I haue said more moist ordinarily As touching the properties of this flour of salt by nature it is biting hot and hurtfull to the stomack it moueth sweat and looseth the belly taken in wine water good also it is for to enter into those ointments which are deuised for lassitude and wearinesse and by reason of the abstersiue faculty that it hath fit for sope and scouring bals Nothing so effectuall to cause the haire to fall from the eie-lids As for the residence or grounds therof setling in the bottom of the pot where this floure is kept they vse to shog and shake the same together to bring it again to the colour of Safron Ouer and besides there is in salt-houses another substance like brine which in Latine is called Salsugo or Salsilago altogether liquid salter in tast than sea-water but in strength far short of it and different and yet is there one kind more of an exquisit and dainty liquor in manner of a dripping called Garum proceeding from the garbage of fishes and such other offall as commonly the cooke vseth to cast away as it lieth soking in salt so as if a man would speak properly it is no other but the humor that commeth from them as they do lie and putrifie In old time this sauce was made of that fish which the Greeks called Garon Where by the way this commeth to my mind that if a woman sit ouer the perfume or suffumigation of the head of this fish whiles it burneth it is of power to fetch away the afterbirth that staieth behind when the child is borne CHAP. VIII ¶ Of the fishes called Scombri Of fish pickle and the fish sauce namedin old time Alex. NOw adaies the most dainty and exquisit Garum is made of the fish called Scomber and that in new Carthage where there groweth such store of Spart or Spanish broome and namely in the stews and ponds by the sea side where fishes are kept salted In times past and yet it beareth the name of the Allies sauce as their Garum so costly and so much in request that every 2 gallons thereof might not be bought much vnder the price of a thousand sesterces Certes setting aside sweet perfumes odoriferous ointments there was not a liquor almost in the world that began to grow vnto a higher rate reckoning insomuch as some places and people carried the name thereof and were innobled thereby And verily in all Mauritania Granade in Spaine and Carteia the inhabitants lie in wait to fish for these Scombri and to take them as they enter out of the Ocean into the straits of Gilbretar and all for this Garum being indeed good for nothing els The city Clazomenae in Asia the townes Pompeij Leptis are much renowned for this sauce like as Antipolis Thurij and of late daies Dalmatia for their pickle The grosse grounds or dregs of this sauce before it be strained purified and fully finished is called Alex euen the very defect imperfection therof Howbeit of late time men haue gone in hand to make the said Alex or Garum of one kind of fishes apart by themselues which otherwise are good for little or nothing of all others be smallest this fish we in Latin call Apua the Greeks Aphye for that it is engendered of raine and showers In the the territory of Forojulium the fish whereof they make this sauce they call Lupus But in processe of time Garum arose to excesse both in price varietie of vse insomuch as there grew an infinit number of diuers kinds for one sort there was of Garum that in colour resembled old honied wine and became so cleare and sweet withall that it might wel enough haue bin drunk for wine another kind there was which our superstitious votaries vse for to keep themselues chaste continent the Iews also in their holy sacrifices imployed the same especially that which is made of skaly fishes In like manner the other sauce Alex is come to be made of Oisters sea Vrchins sea Nettles Crab fishes Lobstars and the liuers of sea Barbles In sum thus wee haue deuised a thousand waies to dissolue salt with the consumption of the substance of fish and all to procure appetite to meat and to content the belly Thus much I thought good to note cursarily as touching those sauces which are so greatly longed after in the world the rather for that in some sort they serue in the practise of Physick for the grosse liquor or sauce Alex healeth the scab in sheep if the skin be scarified or skiced and the same Alex poured therupon Also it is singular against the biting of a mad dog or the prick of the sea dragon the same likewise serues to soke linnen wreaths to be laid in wounds or tents made of lint to bee put into sores As for Garum it healeth any fresh burne if a man drop it vpon the place without naming it or saying that it is Garum good it is besides for the biting of mad dogs but especially for the Crocodiles tooth as also for running vlcers which be either corrosiue or filthy Of wonderful operation effect besides for the sores of the mouth and ears as also for their pains The pickle Muria likewise or that salt liquor that commeth from salt-fish called in Latin Salsugo is astringent biting discussiue and
drying singular for to cure the dysentery or bloudy flix yea though there were an eating vlcer within the guts for the Sciatica and inueterat fluxes of the stomack it is soueraign and to conclude those that dwell far from the sea in the midland parts of a country vse to bath and foment themselues with it in lieu of sea water CHAP. X. ¶ The nature of Salt and the medicinable vertues thereof SAlt by nature standeth much vpon fire yet an enemy it is and contrary vnto fire it flieth from it eating and consuming al things whatsoeuer astringent it is desiccatiue binding and knitting It keeps from putrifaction bodies that be dead and causeth them to indure so a world of yeares In physick it is held for mordant burning caustick and mundificatiue It doth subtiliat extenuat and dissolue Contrary it is to the stomack and serueth not but only to prouoke appetite With origan hony and hyssope it is singular against the sting of serpents and more particularly of the horned serpent Cerastes if it be applied with origan cedar-rosin pitch or hony Being drunk with vineger it helpeth those that be pricked with the Scolopendre and applied as a liniment with oile or vineger and a fourth part of line seed it is good against the sting of scorpions also with vineger alone for the sting of hornets or wasps such like Incorporat with calues tallow it serues much to cure the migrim skals in the head small pocks measels werts which begin to breed also for the accidents of the eies to wit the excrescence of superfluous flesh in those parts or the turning vp of skin about naile roots of fingers or toes Bu principally for the eyes and therefore it entreth into collyries and eie-salues Howbeit for these purposes aboue named it is thought that the salt named Tattaeus of the lake Tatta is most commended as also the other lake like it called Caunites If the eies be bloud shotten or look black and blew vpon some stripe apply salt with an equal weight of Myrrh with hony or els with Hyssop hot water with this charge to foment or bath the place afterward with a kind of salt brine But aboue all Spanish salt would be chosen for this effect it is also good against cataracts and suffusions of the eies if it be ground with milke vpon some touch-stone whetstone or hard porphyrit marble More particularly it is singular for the black bloud gathered in the eies if it be folded within a little linnen cloth so applied but the same ought to be dipped eftsoons in hot water and so the place to be oft times patted withall For the cankers or sores in the mouth it is good to lay salt vpon fine lint In case the gumbs be swelled it were not amisse to rub them therewith Being beaten and reduced into small pouder it serueth for the roughnesse of the tongue Moreouer it is said That whosoeuer hold euery morning vnder his tongue while hee is fasting a little salt vntill it be melted hee shall by that meanes preserue his teeth from being worm-eaten or rotten The same incorporat in raisins without stones and in boeuf suet with a little origan leuen or bread is soueraign for the leprosie fellons tettars ringworms and the wild scab But in all thâ—…se accidents the salt of Thebais in high Egypt is most commended and of this they make choice also to kil the itch A gargarism or collution therof with hony is passing good for the inflammation of the amygdals and the uvula There is no kind of salt but it helpeth the squinancie and the rather if it be vsed inwardly with oile and vineger so as at the same time it be applied without the throat also in a liniment with tar If a cup of wine be dressed therewith it softneth the belly being costiue The same also taken in Wine chaseth out of the body all worms and any hurtful vermin besides Held vnder the tongue it inableth them that haue bin weakned with some long disease and newly recouered to indure the heate of bains or stoues the longer Singular it is for the grief of the sinues but in the practise and vse of this receit it would be obserued especially that there be applied about the shoulders and reins of the back sachels or bags full of salt and the same made hot oftentimes in seething water for so it easeth the pain Being giuen in drink or laid to exceeding hot in the said bags it asswageth the collique and other wrings in the belly yea and the sciatica Beaten small and applied in manner of a cataplasme with meale honey and oile it is soueraigne for the gout in the feet Where I may not forget the obseruation of this soueraign receit which putteth vs in mind that there is nothing better for the whole body of such especially as be subiect to the gout than salt and Sun together For thus we see That our fishers at sea ordinarily haue bodies as hard and tough as horne A principall thing this is therefore to be nominated and set downe for the gout in the feet But salt moreouer takes away cornes of the feer and kibes in the heels Being chewed in the mouth and so applied or els with oile it healeth any burn or skald and keeps the skin from rising into blisters With vineger and hyssop it cureth S. Anthonies fire and all vlcers that be corrosiue It heals likewise cankerous sores if it be applied with wild vine grapes Reduced into fine pouder and laid to with barly meale it is souerain for vlcers corrosiue such as be called Wolues and do eat deep to the very bone so there be laid ouer the same and the part affected a linnen cloath well soked and bathed in wine A proper remedy it is for the jaundise and riddeth away the itch occasioned thereby if the patient be rubbed all the bodie ouer with it oile and vineger against a good fire vntill hee doe sweat But with oile alone it serues for those that feel themselues weary Many physitians haue cured those that be in a dropsie with salt and haue ordained to rub their bodies with oil salt together who are in an ague for to auoid the extremitie of heat and they hold opinion That there is not a better thing to dispatch an old cough than to be licking euer and anon of salt They haue giuen order also by way of clistre to minister salt vp into the body for the Sciatica To apply the same also to eat away proud or dead flesh in any vlcers Being lapped within a linnen cloath and applied to the biting of Crocodiles it is souerain so that the place affected were well patted withal and pressed hard before Moreouer good it is to be taken in honied vineger against the dangerous Opium Brought into a cataplasme with honey and meale it is of great effect to rectifie any dislocation of bones which be out of joint and in
that sort it taketh downe all tumors or swelling bunches A collution or fomentation therewith allayeth the tooth-ache and a liniment also made with it and Rosin worketh the same effect For all these accidents beforenamed the some of salt found sticking to rockes or floting vpon the sea water is thought to be more conuenient than any other salt But to conclude any salt whatsoeuer it is serueth well for those medicines that be ordained either to take away lassitudes or to enter into those sope balls that are to polish the skin and to rid it from wrinkles If either a boeufe or mutton be rubbed with salt it will kill the skab or mange in them for which purpose also they giue it vnto the sayd beasts for to lick and more particularly it is spurted out of ones mouth into horses eies Thus you see what may be said as touching salt CHAP. X. ¶ Of Nitre and the sundry kindes thereof The manner of making Nitre The medicines and obseruations to it belonging I May not put off the treatise concerning the nature of Salnitre approching so neer as it doth to the nature of salt and the rather am I to discourse of it more exactly because it appeares euidently that the physitians who haue written thereof were altogether ignorant of the nature and vertues of it neither is there any one of them who in that point wrote more aduisedly than Theophrastus In the first place this is to be noted That among the Medians there is a little Nitre ingendred in certain vallies which in time of drought became all hoary grey therwith and this they call Halmirrhaga There is found also some of it in Thracia neere vnto the Citie Philippi but in lesse quantitie and the same all fouled and bewraied with the earth this they name Agrion In times past men haue practised to make Nitre of oke wood burnt but neuer was there any great store of it made by that deuise and long it is since that feat was altogether giuen ouer As for waters fountains of nitre there be enow of them in many places howbeit the same haue no astringent vertue at all But the best Nitre is found about Clytae in the marches of Macedonie where there is most plenty thereof and they call it Chalastricum White and pure it is and commeth neerest to the nature of salt And verily a lake or meer there is standing altogether vpon nitre and yet out of the midst thereof there springeth vp a little fountain of fresh water In this lake there is ingendred Nitre about the rising of the Dog-star for 9 dayes together then it stayeth as long and beginneth fresh againe to flote aloft and afterward giues ouer Whereby it appeareth that it is the very nature of the soile that breedeth it for knowne it is by experience That if it cease once neither heat of Sun nor shoures of rain wil serue or do any good Besides there is another wonderful propertie obserued in this lake that notwithstanding the foresaid spring or source do seeth and boile vp continually yet the lake neither riseth nor ouerfloweth But during those nine daies wherein it is giuen to yeeld Nitre if there chance to fall any shoures they make the nitre to taste the more of salt And say that the North-East winds do blow the while the Nitre is nothing so good and cleere by reason of the mud mingled withall which those winds do raise Thus much of Nitre naturall As for artificiall Nitre great aboundance there is made of it in Egypt but far inferiour in goodnesse to the other for brown and duskish it is and besides full of grit and stones The order of making it is all one in manner with that of salt sauing onely that in the salt houses they let in sea water wheras into the boiling houses of Nitre they conuey the water of the riuer Nilus Whiles Nilus doth rise and flow you shal haue the said nitre-pits or workhouses dry but as it falleth and returneth again toward the channel they are seen to yeeld a certaine moisture which is the humor of nitre and that for the space of forty daies together with no rest or intermission between as there is about Clytae in Macedonie abouesaid Moreouer if the weather be disposed to rain during that time they imploy not so much of Nilus water to the making of Nitre Now so soon as the said humor beginneth to thicken presently they gather it in all hast for feare it should resolue again and melt in the nitre pits In this nitre as well as in salt there is to be found between whiles a certaine oleous substance which is held to be singular good for the farcin and scab of beasts The nitre it selfe is laid vp and piled in heaps where it hardeneth and continueth a long time But admirable is the nature of the lake Ascanius and of certaine fountaines about Chalcis where the water aboue and which floteth vppermost is fresh and potable but all beneath and vnder it toward the bottome is nitrous The lightest of the Nitre and the finest is reputed alwaies the best and therefore the some and froth therof is better than any other part And yet for some vses the grosse and foule substance is very good and namely for the setting of any colour vpon cloth and especially the purple die As touching the vertues of nitre it selfe how it is imploied many wayes I wil write in place conuenient But to return againe to our nitre pits and their boiling houses there be of them very faire and goodly in Aegypt In old time they were wont to be about Naucratis and Memphis only but those at Memphis were nothing so good as the other for there the nitre lying vpon heapes groweth to the hardnes of a stone insomuch as by this means you shall see mountaines thereof like rockes Of this nitre they vse to make certain vessels to vse in the house and many times they melt it with sulphur boyle it ouer the coles for to giue a tincture vnto the said vessels look also when they would keep any thing long they vse this stone-nitre Moreouer there be in Aegypt other nitre pits also out of which there issueth a reddish kind of nitre resembling the color of the earth from which it sweateth and ooseth out As for the fome of nitre which is commended for the best of all the antient writers were of opinion that it could not be made but when the dew fell at what time as the nitre pits were if I may so say great bellied and ful of nitre within but not ready to be deliuered thereof and therefore if they be neare as it were to their time there can no such froth be gathered notwithstanding the dew do fall Others there be of this minde that the said vppermost coat or crust aloft is ingendred by reason of the fermentation of the sayd nitre but the modern Physitians of late daies haue thought and
and water and if the gout be hot they would be laid to soked in water only The same spunges ought for the dissoluing of hard callosities to be wet with salt water against the sting or prick of scorpions with vinegre In the cure of wounds spunges may be vsed in stead of vnwashed greasie wooll somtimes applied with wine and oile and somtimes also with the said wooll this only is the difference That such wooll doth mollifie wheras spunges do restrain and smite back and yet a facultie they haue to fetch out and sucke away the filthy excrements attyr and quitter that gather in sores and wounds They may be bound about the body of those that haue a dropsie either drie or else wet in warme water or vinegre according as need requireth either to goe gently to worke or to couer and dry the skin Ouer and besides good it is to apply spunges to those accidents and infirmities of the body which require euaperation namely if they be well soked and throughly wet in hot water and then pressed and strained between two tables or bords After which manner they are good to be laid to the stomack and in a feauer against extremitie of heat For those that be troubled with the oppilation or hardnes of the spleen there is not a more effectual remedy than to apply spunges to the place affected wet in oxycrat or vinegre water together like as for shingles and S. Anthonies euill with vinegre only But in this application of them consideration must be had that they couer the sound parts also round about as well as the other Spunges wet in vinegre and cold water staunch any flux of bloud If there be any place of the skin blacke and blew vpon a fresh or new stripe lay thereto spunges well drenched in salt water changing them often one after another and it shall recouer the naturall colour againe in which order they bring down the swelling of the cods and allay their paine Being hacked and cut small they serue to good purpose for to be laid to the biting of mad dogs so that eftsoones and euer and anon they be wet and refreshed with vinegre cold water or hony good store one with another The spunges of Africke or Barbarie being burnt or calcined doe make soueraigne ashes for to be drunke with juice of vnset leeks in cold water so there be put vnto a draught thereof a quantitie of salt by such as cast or reach bloud vpward at the mouth The same ashes reduced into a liniment either with oile or vinegre and so applied as a frontall to the forehead driue away tertian agues These African spunges haue this peculiar qualitie to discusse any tumors if they be applied to them well soked in oxycrat or water and vinegre mixed together The ashes of any spunges whatsoeuer burnt together with pitch staunch the bleeding of any wound and yet some there be who in this case burn those only with pitch which are of a grosse and loose making and not so compact as the rest Moreouer for the accidents of the eies spunges are many times burnt and calcined in an earthen pot vnbaked and the ashes which come thereof do much good also vnto the pilling and asperitie of the eie lids the excrescense of flesh and whatsoeuer in those parts needeth astriction or otherwise to be vnited sowdred or incarnat and for these effects it is much better to wash the said ashes Furthermore spunges in friction and rubbing of crasie bodies may well stand in stead of currying combs and course linnen cloaths besides they serue right handsomely and fitly to couer and defend the head against the extreame heat of the Sun Moreouer the ignorance of our Physitians is the cause that all spunges be reduced to two only kinds to wit vnder the name of Affrican which be of more tough and firme substance and the Rhodiacke which are softer and therefore meet for fomentations At this day the tendrest and most delicat spunges are found about the walls of the citie Antiphellus And yet Trogus writeth that about Lycia the softest spunges called Penicilli do grow in the deep sea and namely in those places from whence other spunges beforetime had been plucked and taken away Finally Polybius doth report that if spunges be hung about the tester or seeling of a bed ouer sicke persons they shall take the better rest and repose all night for it Now is it time for me to returne vnto Beasts of the Sea and other creatures liuing and bred in the waters THE XXXII BOOKE OF THE HISTORIE OF NATVRE WRITTEN BY C. PLINIVS SECVNDVS The Proem ¶ Medicines taken from liuing creatures of the Sea HAuing so far proceeded in the discourse of Natures historie that I am now arriued at the very height of her forces and come into a world of Examples I cannot chuse but in the first place consider the power of her operations and the infinitenesse of her secrets which offer themselues before our eies in the Sea for in no part else of this vniuersall Frame is it possible to obserue the like majestie of Nature in so much as we need not seeke any further nay we ought not to make more search into her diuinitie considering there cannot be found any thing equall or like vnto this one Element wherein she hath surmounted and gone beyond her owne selfe in a wonderfull number of respects For first and formost Is there any thing more violent than the Sea and namely when it is troubled with bloustring winds whirlpuffs stormes and tempests Or wherein hath the wit of man beene more emploied seeke out all parts of the whole world than in seconding the waues and billowes of the Sea by saile andore Finally Is there ought more admirable than the inenarrable force of the reciprocall tides of the Sea ebbing and flowing as it doth wherby it keepeth a current also as it were the streame of some great riuer CHAP. I. ¶ Of the fish Echeneis and her wonderfull propertie Of the Crampe-fish Torpedo and the Sea-hare The wonders of the Red sea THe currant of the Sea is great the tide much the winds vehement and forcible and more than that ores and sails withall to helpe forward the rest are mighty and powerfull and yet there is one little sillie fish named Echeneis that checketh scorneth and arresteth them all let the winds blow as much as they will rage the stormes and tempests what they can yet this little fish commandeth their fury restraineth their puissance and maugre all their force as great as it is compelleth ships to stand still A thing which no cables be they neuer so big and strong no ankers how massie and weightie soeuer they be sticke they also as fast and vnmouable as they will can performe Shee bridleth the violence and tameth the greatest rage of this vniuersall world and that without any paine that she putteth her selfe vnto without any holding and putting backe or by any
liuer of a Dolphin and fry or torrifie it in an earthen pan vntil there come from it a kind of grease in manner of oile therwith annoint the patients in the cases abouesaid If women desire to be rid of the foule frectles spots and morphew that do injury vnto their beautie if they would looke young and haue their skin plumpe and void of all riuels let them take the ashes of Burrets and purple shels calcined incorporat the same with honey into the form of a liniment within one weeks space if they ply it with annointing they shal see the effect thereof namely the skin cleare and neat euen and smooth without wrinkles the cheekes not hollow but faire and full Mary vpon the 8 day they must not forget to foment and bath the place with the white of an egge wel beaten Among the kinds of Burrets called Murices are to be ranged those shell-fishes which the Greeks some call Colycia others Corythia shaped in the shell like to the rest in manner of a turbant but that they be far lesse howbeit more effectuall for that besides the other properties abouenamed this speciall gift they haue to maintaine a sweet breath As for the fish or glue called Ichthyocolla it hath vertue to lay the skin euen without riuels and to make it rise and appear firm but then it ought to boile in water the space of 4 houres afterwards to be stamped strained and wrought to the liquid consistence of hony and no more Thus prepared it must be put vp into a new vessell neuer occupied there kept When time serues to vse it to euery 4 drams weight thereof proportion two of brimstone of Orchanet as much of litharge of siluer 8 drams put them all together and stampe them with some sprinkling of water among Herewith let the face bee annointed and after foure houres wash it off againe For the spots and pimples in the face called Lentils as also for all other deformities the ashes of Curtill bones are thought singular if the skin be rubbed therewith and the same consume the excrescence of proud and rank flesh like as they dry vp any moist and rheumaticke vlcers CHAP. VIII ¶ Diuers receits set downe disorderly one with another for sundry maladies ONe Frog boiled in fiue hemines of sea-water is singular to cause the scurfe of the mange or wild scab to fall off but sodden so long it must be vntill the decoction bee risen to the height of hony There is ingendred in the sea also that which is called Halcyoneum made as some thinke of the nests of the birds Halcyones and Ceyces but as others suppose of the filthy some of the sea thickened and indurat and according to the opinion of some it proceedeth from the muddie slime or a certaine hoary dry scum or froth of the sea Foure kinds there bee of it The first of an ash colour thick and massie of a quick and hot smell The second is soft and more mild fauoring in manner like to sea weeds The third resembleth the whiter kinde of checquer worke in marquettry The fourth is more hollow and fuller of holes in maner of a pumish stone in that respect resembleth a rotten spunge inclining much to the colour of purple and this is simply the best called also by the name of Halcyoneum Milesium yet in this kind the whiter that it is the worse it is to be liked The property of them all in generality is to exulcerat and mundifie Vsed they are being torrified euen without any oile Wonderfull is their operation if they bee tempered with Lupines and the weight of two oboli in sulphur for to take away the wilde scab or leprosie the foule tettars Lichenes and the pimples or spots of the skin called Lentils Halcyoneum also is commonly emploied about the scars or thick filmes appearing in the eyes Andreas the Physitian vsed much the ashes of a sea-crab incorporat with oile in curing the leprosie Attalus occupied as vsually the fat of a fresh Tuny new taken for the healing of vlcers The pickle of Lampreies together with the ashes of their heads calcined and brought into a liniment with hony healeth the kings evill And many are of opinion that to prick the wennes named the Kings euill aforesaid with the small bone or pricke that sticketh in the taile of that sea fish which is called Rana marina with this gage and rule of the hand that it wound not deep is very good for that disease but the same must be done euery day vntil they bee throughly cured and whole Of the same operation is the sharp prick in a Puffen of the sea-hare also applied to them so as neither the one nor the other be suffered to lie long to the place but bee soone renewed Also the shelly skin of the sea-Vrchin stamped to pouder and brought into a liniment with vineger as also the ashes of the sea Scolopendre incorporat with honey and the riuer craifish either puluerized or calcined and the dust or ashes thereof likewise tempered with honey are good to be applied to the same disease Wonderfull effectuall be the bones also of the cuttill fish beaten to pouder and with old swines grease brought into the form of a liniment and in this manner they apply this medicine to the tumors behind the ears like as the liuers of the sea fish Scarus Moreouer the sheards of such earthen vessels wherin salt fish was pouderd kept beaten to pouder tempered with old swines grease the ashes also of Burrets shels incorporat in oile serue in right good stead for the swellings behinde the eares and the tumours or wennes called the kings euill The stiffe cricke in the neck is mollified and made pliable againe so as it may turne which way a man would haue it with drinking of one dram weight of those creepers or insects which be called sea-lice and yet some take for the same Castoreum in honied wine adding thereto a little pepper and drinke this composition in the broth of frogs boiled in oyle and salt After which manner many Physitians cureth the crampe that draweth the neck backward the generall convuision also that stretcheth the body so as if it were of one piece and other particular spasmes and cramps of any part so there be some pepper put thereto The ashes of salt Cackerels heads burnt and reduced into a liniment with honey discusse and resolue the Squinancy cleane like as the broth of frogs boiled in vineger and the sayd broth is singular also for the inflammation of the tonsils The Creifishes of the riuer dried and beaten to pouder then put into water so as there be to euery one a hemine of water make a good liquor to gargarize withall for the squinancy The same also drunke in wine or hot water worke the like effect The sauce made of Maquerels called Garum put with a spoon vnder the uvula and there held a while putteth it
truth sodden with sorrel or docks and parsley they force womens months to come downe speedily if the broth be drunke and withall bring plentie of milke into nurces breasts If women haue an ague and the same accompanied with head-ach much twinkling or inordinat palpitation of the eies it is thought they shall find much good by drinking them in some hard and austere wine Castoreum taken inwardly in honyed wine is singular to helpe forward womens monethly purgation the same being held to their nosthrils with vinegre and pitch to smell vnto or put vp beneath in manner of a suppositorie after it is reduced into the forme of trochisques helpeth them when by rising of the mother they are in danger of strangulation For to bring away the after-bitth it auaileth much also for women to drinke the said Castoreum with Panaces in foure cyaths of wine as also it is certaine that whosoeuer take the weight of three Oboli thereof shall auoid the danger that may come to them by extremitie of cold Moreouer if a woman great with child chance to goe ouer a place where lieth Castoreum or to step ouer the Beuer it selfe which is the beast that beareth it she shal be deliuered before her time yea she shall be in great danger vpon her deliuerance if the same be but born ouer her where she lieth A wonderfull thing it is that I read of the crampfish Torpedo namely That if it be taken while the moone is in the signe Libra and be kept for three daies together abroad in the open aire so often afterwards as it is brought into the roume where a woman is in trauell of childbirth she shall haue easie and speedie deliuerance In this busines also it is thought expedient that the prick which a Puffin or Forkfish hath in the taile be applied and tied fast to the nauell of a woman prouided alwaies that if it be taken forth of the fish aliue and then the same fish be let goe againe and throwne into the sea I read in some writers of that which they call Ostracium to be the same that others name Onyx but call it what you will a suffumigation made thereof is of wonderfull effect to ease the pain and griefe of the matrice I find that it hath the smell of Castoreum and if it be burnt together therwith in a perfume the more good will ensue as also that the ashes thereof calcined heale all inueterat vlcers and such as are morimals and scorne any ordinary cure And verily the same authors doe report that for carbuncles cancers and such vntoward sores as arise sometimes about the priuities of women the most present assured remedy that is to heale them is the female Sea-crab stamped after the full of the moone with the finest powder of salt called the floure thereof and water together and so reduced into the forme of a salue or liniment The bloud gall and liuer of the fish Tunie ether taken fresh or old kept be all of them depilatories for they fetch away hair and hinder it from growing the liuer therof punned and together with the rosin or oile of cedar incorporat and kept in a leaden box hath the same effect This was the deuise that the famous midwife Salpe had for boies to make them beardlesse and appeare alwaies young and to set them out the better for sale Of the same operation is the fish called Pulmo Marinus the Sea-hare likewise I meane the bloud and gall of them both and as for the said Sea-hare being but stifled killed in oile it is as effectuall The ashes of the Sea-crab and Scolopendre both the Sea-nettle a fish so called incorporat with vinegre squillitick the brains of the crampfish Torpedo tempered with alume be all depilatories if the place be anointed therewith the morrow after the moon is at the full The bloudy moisture that coms from the little frog which I described heretofore in the cure belonging to eies is the strongest depilatorie that is and worketh most effectually in case the part be dressed therwith while it is fresh and new and the frog it selfe dried and stamped and anon after boiled in three hemins of vinegre till one of them be consumed or in oile after the same manner in some brasen pan is a sure medicine to take away haire and hinder the comming vp of it againe In the same measure of liquor some put fifteene frogs and make thereof an excellent depilatorie like as I haue said already among the remedies appropriat to the eies Moreouer horsleeches torrified in some earthen pan and brought into a liniment with oile worke the same effect in the hairs the very perfume or smoke which they cast as they be burnt or torrified killeth Punaises if they either flie or be brought into the aire thereof Furthermore diuers haue beene knowne to vse Castoreum and hony in a liniment for many daies together as a notable depilatorie But in vsing any depilatorie whatsoeuer this one point is generally to be obserued That the haires be first pulled vp by the roots in any place where they would not haue them to grow To come now vnto the gumbs of children and their breeding of teeth the ashes of dolphins teeth mixed with hony is a soueraign medicine yea or if you do but touch their gumbs with a dolphins tooth all whole as it is the effect thereof is admirable the same hanged about their necks or tied to any part of the body riddeth them of sodain frights wherunto infants are much giuen Of the same effect is the tooth also of a dogfish As for the vlcers or sores incident to their eares or any other part of their body the broth of riuer creifishes thickned with barly meale heales them For other diseases also of breaking out a liniment made of them and oyle incorporat together in a mortar is singular good if they be anointed all ouer therwith Touching the hot distemperatures and inflammations of the head wherto little babes be much subject a spunge actually cold applied to the place and oftentimes wet is a good meanes to cure the same but a frog turned inside outward hath no fellow if it be bound fast vnto the head for they say that it may be found all drie vpon the head with drawing the heat so forcibly to it A Barble drowned in wine or the fish called a Rochet or also two Eeles likewise the fish named the Sea-grape putrified in wine do infuse this vertue into the foresaid wine That whosoeuer drinke thereof shall haue no mind afterwards to any wine besides but fall into a dislike and loathing thereof The stay-ship Echeneis the skin of a Sea-horse forehead especially toward the left side wrapped within a little linnen cloth and so hanged about one or the gall of a liue Crampe-fish applied vnto the genitall members in manner of a liniment be all means to coole the wanton lust of the flesh contrariwise the flesh of riuer Creifishes powdred and
lees beneath and as the one is an excrement cast vp from a matter whiles it is purging it selfe so the other is the refuse or grounds thereof after it is purged and setled Howbeit many there bee who make but two kindes of this fome or litharge the one * Steresitis as it were solid and massiue the other * Peumene as one would say puffed vp and full of wind As for the third named Molybdaena they reckon as a thing by it selfe to be treated of in the discourse or chapter of lead Now the litharge abouesaid ought for the vse that it is emploied about for to be prepared in this manner first the lumps aforesaid are to be broken into small pieces as big as Hasel nuts and set ouer the fire againe thus when it is once red hot by the blast of bellows to the end that the coles and cinders might be separated one from another there is wine or vineger cast vpon it both to wash also withall to quench the same Now if it be Argyritis to the end it may look the whiter they vse to break it to the bignes of beans and giue order to seeth it in water within an earthen pot putting thereto wheat and barly lapped within pieces of new linnen cloth and suffer them to boil therwith till they burst which done for six dayes together they put it in mortars washing it thrice euery day in cold water and in the end with hot and so at length put to euery pound of the said Litharge the weight of one Obolus of Sal-gem The last day of all they put it vp into a pot or vessel of lead Some there be who seeth it with blanched beans and husked barly and after that dry it in the sun others think it better to seeth it with beans and white wool vntill such time as it colour the wooll no more black then they put thereto Sal-gem changing eft soones the water and dry it for the space of forty daies together in the hottest season of the Summer There be again who think it best to seeth it in water within a swines belly and when they haue taken it forth rub it wel with sal-nitre and pun it in mortars as before with salt Ye shall haue them that neuer bestow seething of it but only beat it with salt and then put water thereto and wash it Well thus prepared as is beforesaid it serueth for collyries and eie-salues in a liniment also to take away the foule cicatrices or scars the pimples and specks likewise that mar the beauty of women yea our dames wash the haire of their head withall to make it clean and pure And in very truth Litharge is of power to dry mollifie coole and attemper to clense also to incarnat vlcers and to asswage or mitigate any tumors Being reduced into the vnguents or plaisters aforesaid and namely with an addition of rue myrtles and vineger it is singular for S. Anthonies fire Semblably being incorporat with oile of myrtles and wax into a cerot it healeth kibed heeles CHAP. VII ¶ Of Vermilion and of what estimation it was among the old Romans the first inuention thereof Of Cinnabaris the vse thereof in Pictures and in Physicke The sundry sorts of Minium or Vermilion and how it is to be ordered to serue painters THere is found also in siluer mines a mineral called Minium i. Vermilion which is a colour at this day of great price and estimation like as it was in old time for the antient Romans made exceeding great acount of it not only for pictures but also for diuers sacred holy vses And verily Verrius alledgeth and rehearseth many authors whose credit ought not to be disproued who affirm That the maner was in times past to paint the very face of Iupiters image on high and festiual daies with Vermilion as also that the valiant captains who rode in triumphant maner into Rome had in former times their bodies coloured all ouer therewith after which manner they say noble Camillus entred the city in triumph And euen to this day according to that antient and religious custom ordinary it is to colour all the vnguents that are vseâ—… in a festiuall supper at a solemne triumph with Vermilion And no one thing doe the Censors giue charge and order for to be done at their entrance into office before the painting of Iupiters visage with Minium The cause and motiue that should induce our ancestors to this ceremony I maruel much at and canot imagin what it should be True it is and well known that in these daies the Aethiopians in generall set much store by this colour and haue it in great request insomuch as not onely the Princes and great Lords of those countries haue their bodies stained throughout therewith but also the images of their gods are â—…ainted with no other colour in which regard I am moued to discourse more curiously and at large of all particulars that may concerne it Thcophrastus saith that 90 years before Praxibulus was established chiefe ruler of the Athenians which falls out iust vpon the 249 yere after the foundation of our city of Rome Callias the Athenian was the first that deuised the vse of Vermilion and brought the liâ—…ely colour thereof into name for finding a kinde of red earth or sandy grit in the mines of siluer and hoping that by circulation there might be gold extracted out of it he tried what he could do by fire and so by that means brought it vnto that fresh and pleasant â—…e that it hath which was the first original of Vermilion Hee saith moreouer That euen in those daies there was found Minium in Spain but the same was hard and full of gritty sand Likewise among the Colchi in a certaine â—…ock inaccessible by reason whereof the people of the country were constrained by shooting at it to shake and driue it down howbeit the same was but a bastard Minium But the best simply saith he was gotten in the territorie of the Cilbians somewhat higher in the country than Ephesus in sum That the said Minium or Vermilion is a certaine sandy earth of a deepe scarlet colour which was prepared in this order first they pun and beat it into pouder and then washed it being thus puluerised Afterwards that which setled in the bottom they washed a second time In which artificiall handling of Minium this difference there is that some make perfect Vermilion of it with the first washing others thinke the Vermilion of that making to be too pale and weake in colour and therefore hold that of the second washing to be best And verily I wonder not that this colour was so highly esteemed for euen beforetime during the state of Troy the red earth called Rubrica was in great request as appeareth by the testimony of Homer who being otherwise spary enough in speaking of pictures colours yet commends the ships painted therwith The Greeks call our
occupying and vsing to the hand bright-shining and as one would say tamed made gentle and pliable It would not be forgotten also to euery 100 pound weight of the said melted ore to mix 12 pound and a halfe of Tin But to haue a kinde of Brasse mettall that is most tender and soft there must bee giuen vnto it that mixture or temperature which is called Formall namely by putting thereto of ordinarie lead a tenth part and of Tin a twentieth part and by that means especially it taketh that colour which they call Grecanicke The last temperature is that which in Latine they call Ollaria as â—…e would say the pot-brasse for it taketh the name of that vessell whereto it is most emploied and this is by tempering with euery hundred pound weight of brasse 3 or four pound weight of argentine lead or tin To Cyprian brasse or copper if you put lead you shall haue that deep red or purple colour which giueth the tincture to the robes that statues are pourtraied with Moreouer this is to be noted that the more you do scoure any vessels of brasse the more are they subject to rust and sooner will they gather it than if they were neglected and not medled withall vnlesse they be well annointed with oile It is said that a vernish made of tarre is singular for to preserue and saue any brasse from rust To conclude brasse hath serued many a yeare ago for the perpetuity of memorials and registers as we may see by those brasen tables here in Rome wherin be cut and ingrauen all our publick laws and constitutions CHAP. X. ¶ Of Cadmia or Brasse ore and the medicines wherein it is vsually employed THe mines and veins of brasse ore do many waies furnish vs with medicines a good proofe whereof this may be that any vlcers be soonest healed there but the most medicinable of all minerals that belong to brasse mettall is Cadmia artificial And verily there is a kind of Cadmia made in the furnaces where siluer is fined of a whiter colour and lesse ponderous but nothing comparable to that which commeth from the brasse furnaces And sundry sorts there be of Cadmia for the very stone of which they make brasse is called Cadmia and as it is necessary for founders so it is of no vse at all in Physick Now is there a Cadmia besides which is made in the furnaces and so called but the reason thereof is far different and this kinde of of Cadmia commeth of the finest and thinnest part of the ore or matter in the furnace cast vp aloft by the flame blast sticking to the roofe or sides of the furnace higher or lower according to the proportion of the lightnesse that it carrieth more or lesse The finest and the floure as it were of Cadmia is found in the very mouth of the furnace whereas the flames do striue to get forth the Greeks call it Capnitis for that it is smokie and burnt and for the exceeding leuity thereof resemble flying cinders That which is more inward and hangeth downe from the coping and vauted roofe of the furnace is the best and in that respect because it hangeth so as it were by clusters they giue it the name Botryitis heauier this is than the former but lighter than those that follow after As for the colour thereof it is in two sorts that which you see of a dead hew like ashes is the worse whereas the red is the better the same also is brittle and will soone crumble small for eie-salues and collyries reputed soueraign A third kind of Cadmia sticketh by the way to the sides and wals of the furnace for by reason of the heauinesse and ponderosity it was not able to mount vp to the bending roofe of the furnace this the Greeks call Placitis and well it may be so named for a crust rather it is than a scaly substance break it you shal find many colours in it and this Cadmia for to heale scabs and scurfe as also to cicatrice or skin a sore is better than the former Out of this kinde there proceed other twaine to wit Onychitis which in the outside is after a sort blewish but within it resembleth the flecks or spots of the onyx stone and Ostracitis blacke throughout of all the rest most foule and grosse howbeit fittest for wounds Generally that Cadmia of what kinde soeuer is best which is found within the furnaces of Cypros this the Physitians doe burne a second time with pure coles and when it is calcined and turned to ashes they quench it with Amminean wine if they meane to prepare it for plasters but with vineger for scabs and scurfe Some there be who after it is stamped grosse burne or calcine it in an earthen pot then wash it well in a mortar and afterwards dry it Nymphodorus taketh the very stone or the ore as it lieth in the mine the heauiest and most compact that may be found which he burneth among coles and after it is sufficiently burnt quencheth it in wine of Chios he beateth and punneth it then again anon he driueth or boulteth it through a linnen cloth and grindeth it finer in a mortar this done soon after he steepeth and soketh it wel in rain water and that which setleth in the bottom he stampeth and this he doth vntill such time as it be like ceruse or white lead and wil not crash between the teeth The same maner of preparing vseth Iôllas but he chuseth the purest and brightest stone that he can get The medicinable operations of Cadmia bee to drie to heale throughly to stay fluxes to cleanse the filthinesse in the eyes and to scoure the pin and web to extenuate any roughnesse and in one word to worke all those effects which I shall attribute hereafter to Lead Furthermore brasse it selfe may be burnt and being so prepared it serueth for all those purposes beforenamed ouer and aboue it cureth the pearls films and skars in the eies if it be incorporat with milk it healeth the vlcers in the eies the same likewise they vse to grinde vpon hard stones after the manner of the Aegyptian collyrie taken as a lohoch inwardly with hony it causeth vomit Now as touching copper the manner is to burn it in vnbaked earthen pans with the like weight of brimstone but all the breathing holes of the furnace ought to be well closed and luted vp where they must stand vntill such time as the said pans be throughly baked hard some put salt thereto others in stead of brimstone take alumne and there be againe who vse neither the one nor the other but sprinckle it well with vineger onely when it is thus calcined they pun it in a morter of Thebaick marble and then wash it in rain water Howbeit this first lotion of it maketh it but weak and of small effect and therefore it had need of a second washing in a greater quantity of water and to be braied againe therein and
than wine Calcine the same or torrifie it you shal find it more effectuall in all operations aforesaid As for Sory that which is brought out of Aegypt is counted best and farre better than the Cyprian Spanish or African neuerthelesse some hold that which commeth from Cypresse to bemore appropriat to the cure of the eies But of what country soeuer it be the principall is that which to smell vnto is of the rankest and most stinking sauour the same also in the bruising will grow black and be vncteous or fatty and such lightly is hollow in manner of a spunge A minerall this is altogether hurtfull to the stomack and so contrary vnto the nature of it that to some the very smell thereof is enough to ouerturne it and to cause vomit and especially the Aegyptian Sory is of this operation That which commeth from other nations when it is broken or braied shineth againe Touching Mysy it is of a more hard and stony nature than Sory but good it is for the tooth ache if either it be held in the mouth or a collution be made therewith to wash the teeth and gums also it healeth the grieuous and irke some sores of the mouth yea though they grow to be cancerous and corrosiue The manner is to burne and calcine it vpon coles of fire as Chalcitis Some neuerthelesse haue written that Mysy is engendred by the means of a fire made with pine wood in the hollow veins or mines of brasse ore and they hold that the cinders or ashes of this pine fewell being mingled with the yellow greines or floure of the said mettall is that which begetteth Mysy But the truth is of the foresaid stone or ore it is ingendered naturally howbeit a thing it is by it selfe gathered distinct and separat from it apart and the best is that which is found in the mines and forges of Cypresse You shall know it by these signes break it for crumble it will there appeare within it certain sparks shining like gold and in the braying or stamping it runneth into the nature of a sand or earth like vnto Chalcitis This Mysy is the Minerall that they put to gold ore when it is to be tried and purified To come vnto the medicinable vertues thereof being infused or powred into the eares with oile of roses it cureth the running with matter the same being applied in a frontal within wool to the head easeth the ach thereof it doth extenuat also and subtiliat the asperities of the eies such especially as be inueterat and haue continued long but soueraigne it is found to bee for the inflammation or swelling of the tonsils for the squinancy and all impostumat sores growne to suppuration For which purpose prepared it would be in this wise and after this proportion Take of it 16 drams seeth the same in one hemin of vineger with some addition of hony vntil it begin to yeeld and relent and in this manner ordred it serueth in cases aforesaid but whensoeuer need requireth to mollifie the violence thereof and make it more mild it were good to wet it with some sprinckling of hony If there be a lotion or fomentation made with it in vineger it doth consume and eat away the hard callositie in fistuloes and fortifieth greatly the collyries or tents to be made thereof and put it into the concauity of the sore it serueth also for the colyries that be eie-salues it stancheth bloud represseth the malice of fretting humors in corrosiue vlcers and such as do putrifie the excrescence of proud or ranke flesh it taketh downe and consumeth a peculiar property it hath to cure the accidents of the members of generation in men and withall stoppeth the immoderat flux of the moneths in women As concerning Vitrioll which wee call in Latine Atramentum Sutorium â—…i Shooe-makers blacke the Greeks haue fitted it with a name respectiue vnto brasse and by a neere affinity therunto call it Chalcanthum and verily there is not a mineral throughout all the mines of so admirable a nature as it is There haue been found in Spaine certaine pits or standing pooles containing a water of the nature of Vitrioll they vsed to seeth the same putting thereto of other fresh water a like quantitie and poure it into certaine troughs or broad keelers of wood ouer these vessels there be certaine barres of yron or transoms ouerthwart lying fast that they cannot stirre at which there hang downe cords or ropes with stones at the end stretching them outright that they reach to the bottome of the sayd decoction within those keelers to the end that the viscous substance of the water may gather about those cords which you shall see sticking fast thereto in drops congealed in manner of a glasse and it doth represent as it were the forme of grapes and that is Vitrioll Being taken forth and separated from the cords aforesaid they let it dry for the space of thirtie dayes In colour it is blew and carrieth with it a most pleasant and liuely lustre so cleare as a man would take it to bee transparent glasse Of this being infused in water is made that blacke tincture which Curriers and Coruiners occupie in colouring of their leather This Vitrioll is ingendred many waies of the copperesse vein within the mine being hollowed into certaine trenches out of the sides whereof you shal see in the middest of Winter when it is a frost certaine ysickles depending as the drops destilled and grew one to another whereupon this kind of Vitrioll they call Stalagmias and a purer or clearer thing there is not But look what part thereof is whitish of colour but not transparent and the same inclining to the wall floure or white violet the same they call Leucoion There is a Vitrioll likewise made artificially in receits and concauities digged of purpose in the stonie mines of Coperose by occasion of raine water there congealed which had been conueighed into them and gathered a viscous slime or mud in the passage Also there is a cast to make it in maner of salt by letting fresh water into such hollow receptacles and permitting the same to ferment in the sun when he is at the height and full strength of his heat in the summer vntil it be gathered and hardened as salt And therefore some there be who make two sorts of Vitrioll to wit the Naturall or Minerall and the Artificiall this that is made by the industry and art of man is paler than the other and looke how much the colour is abated so much inferior it is in goodnesse The Cyprian Vitrioll is thought best to be imploied in Physicke For to expell the wormes out of the belly it is giuen vnto the patient to the weight of one dram in honey after the manner of an electuary If the same be dissolued and conueyed vp into the nosthrils it purgeth the head In like manner it purgeth the stomacke in case it be taken in hony or honied water
renowned by a painters shop of his painting where he deuised a prentice boy blowing the coles to kindle a fire Phalerion pourtraied Scylla transformed into a monstrous Meeremaid Simonides got credit by the picture of Agatharrhus who woon the best game at running and of the goddesse of Memory named Mnemosyne Simus took pleasure in painting a yong boy lying asleep in a waulke-mill or Fullers worke-house another sacrificing vnto Minerva at the feast Quinquatrus and of the same mans doing there is an excellent picture of Nemesis representing Iustice and Reuenge Theodorus drew one snetting his nose and the same painter represented in a table how Orestes murdered his owne mother Clytemnestra and Aegysthus the Adulterer that kept her The warre of Troy hee depainted in many seuerall tables and these hang in the galleries of Philip at Rome Of his handy-worke is lady Cassandra the Prophetesse which is to bee seen in the Chappell of Concord Also Leontium the courtisane belonging to Epicurus and his followers was of his painting like as king Demetrius musing and standing in a deepe studie As for Theon the painter hee described with his pensill the madnesse of Orestes and pourtrayed Tamyras the Harper or Musitian Tauriscus made one table representing a man flinging a coit and another resembling queene Clytemnestra He pictured also a little Pan whom he called Panniscus in manner of an Anticke Polynices also making claime to his kingdome and marching in warlike manner to recouer the possession thereof againe and last of all signieur Capaneus who lost his life in skaling the walls of Thebes And here commeth to my minde one notable example as touching Erigonus which I cannot passe with silence This Erigonus seruant somtime to Nealces the Painter and employed onely in grinding colours profited so much by seeing his master worke that he became a Painter himselfe and left behinde him an excellent workeman of his owne teaching Pausias brother to Aegineta the Imageur But one thing more there is of rare admiration and worthie to be remembred That the last peeces of excellent Painters and namely such tables as bee left vnperfect are commonly better esteemed than those that bee fully finished as wee may see by the Raine-bow or Iris which Aristides was entered into the two brethren Castor and Pollux begunne by Nicomachus the Picture of Medea killing the children that shee had by Iason which Timomachus was in hand with and the Venus that as I sayd before Apelles liued not to make an end of for in these and such like imperfect tables a man may as it were see what traicts and lineaments remayne to bee done as also the very desseignes and cogitations of the Artificers and as these beginnings are attractiue allurements to mooue vs for to commend those hands that began such Draughts so the conceit that they be now dead and missing is no small griefe vnto vs when wee behold them so raw and fore-let But to come againe vnto our Painters therebe more yet behinde and those of verie good regard in their time howbeit I will runne them ouer sleightly and as it were passing and glauncing by them namely Aristonides Anaxander Aristobulus the Syrian Arcesilas the sonne of Tisicrates Corybas Apprentice to Nicomachus Carmanides to Euphranor Dionysodorus the Colophonian Diogenes who followed the Court of King Demetrius Euthymedes Heraclides the Macedonian Mydon of Solae brought vp vnder Pyromachus the Imageur Mnasithemus of Sicyone Mnasithemus the sonne of Aristonides who was Apprentice likewise vnto him and Nessus the sonne of Abron Polemon of Alexandria Theodorus of Samos and Stodius all three trayned vp vnder Nicosthenes and Xenon of Sicyone who learned his Craft of Neocles Moreouer women there were also excellent Paintresses to wit Timarete the daughter of Nicon who made that excellent pourtraiture of Diana at Ephesus a most antique picture Irene the daughter of Cratinus the painter who learned vnder her father drew the picture of a yong damosell which is at Eleusine Calypso of whose workemanship there is the picture of an old man and of Theodorus the juglar Alcisthene painted a dauncer and Aristarete both daughter and apprentise to Nearchus made proofe how well she had profited by the picture of Aesculapius And M. Varro saith That when he was a yong man there was at Rome one Laela a Cyzecene borne who passed her whole life in virginity and she was skilful both in painting with the pensill and also in enamelling with hot steele in yuorie her delight was principally in drawing women and yet there is a Neapolitane of her pourtraying in a faire long table last of all shee took out her owne counterfeit at a mirroir or looking glasse This one thing is reported of her that no painter had a quicker hand or went faster away with his worke than she and look what pictures soeuer came out of her hands they were so artificially done that they did out-sell a great deal the works of Sopylos and Dionyfius the most famous painters in that age notwithstanding their pictures and tables were so faire as that they take vp whole cabinets and wel was he before that her pictures came abroad who could be furnished out of their two shops There was yet one paintresse more to wit Olympias howbeit I heare no great matter of her but this onely that she taught Autobulus the art of painting To come now to painting by the means of fire I find this agreed vpon by all that practised it was in old time but two waies only that is to say with wax and in yuorie with a little steele or punching yron vntill such time as they fell to paiâ—…ting ships also with wax and fire and in this third sort the manner is to vse great pensils or brushes dipt in wax molten ouer the fire and this kind of painting ships is so fast and sure that neither sun will resolue nor salt water eat and fret ne yet wind and weather pierce and chinke it Moreouer iu Aegypt they haue a deuise to staine cloths after a strange and wonderful maner They take white clothes as sailes or curtaines when they haue bin worne which they besmeare not with colours but with drugs that are apt to drinke and take colour when they haue so don there is no apparence in them at all of any dye or tincture These clothes they cast into a lead or cauldron of some colour that is seething and scalding hot where after they haue remained a pretty while they take them forth againe all stained and painted in sundry colours An admirable thing that there being in the said cauldron but only one kind of tincture yet out of it the cloth should be stained with this and that colour and the foresaid boiling liquor change so as it doth according to the quality nature of the drugs which were laied vpon the white at first And verily these stains or colours are set so sure as they can neuer be washed off afterwards thus the scalding
the very memoriall of him in these very terms calling his excesse that way Patinarum paludes i. platters as broad as pools And verily saith he that platter of Vitellius came nothing behind another which Cassius Seuerus reproched Asprenas withall whom he accused bitterly and said that the poison of that one platter had killed an 130 persons who had tasted thereof Furthermore there are certaine townes that are in good account by reason onely of this vessell made therein and namely Rhegium and Cumae The priests of Cybele the mother of the gods who are called Galli vse to gueld themselues with a sheard of Samian earth and they be of opinion that if it be done with any thing els they shall die thereof if we may beleeue M. Caelius who whetted that tongue of his which shortly after was in that sort to be cut out against Vitellius which turned to his great reproch and infamie for that himselfe euen then railed vpon Vitellius in so bad termes and lost his tongue for his labour But to conclude what is it that Art and the wit of man hath not deuised for there is a means found to make a strong kind of mortar or cement by the broken sheards of potters vessell if the same be ground into powder and tempered with lime and the ordering of it in this manner causeth it to be more firme and last the longer and such they call Signina And hereby also men haue found out certain durable pauements of that kind CHAP. XIII ¶ The varietie of sundry kinds of earth of the dust or sand of Puteoli and of other sorts of earth which will harden as a stone OVer besides the cement aboue named there be other percels that the earth it self doth affoord fit to be laid in pauing worke for who can sufficiently wonder at this namely That the worst part of it which thereupon is callled dust and sand as it were the very excrement thereof should be of that nature vpon the side of the hills of Puteoli as being opposed against the waues of the sea and continually drenched drowned therwith should become a stone so compact and vnited together as it were into a rock that it scorneth all the violence of the surging billows which are not able to vndermine and pierce the same but hardeneth euery day more than other euen as if it were tempered with the strong cement of Cumes Of the same property is the earth within the country about Cyzicum onely this is the difference that not the dust or sand there but the earth it selfe cut out into what parcels you will in case it be drenched in the sea water a certaine time is taken forth againe a very hard stone The same by report happeneth about the citie Cassandria as also about Gnidos in a fountaine of fresh water wherein if earth do lye within the space of eight moneths it will turne to be a stone Certes all the way as a man goeth from Oropus as farre as to Aulis what ground soeuer is beaten vpon by the water changeth into rockes and stones There is found also in Nilus a certaine sand whereof the finest part differeth not much from that of Puteoli before said not in regard that it is so strong as to breake the force of the sea-sea-water to beat back the waues but to subdue and crush the bodies of our yong gentlemen and therefore serueth well in the publicke place of wrestling for those that be giuen to such exercises and for this purpose verily was it brought from thence by sea to Patrobius a slaue lately infranchised by Nero the Emperor I reade also that Leonatus Cratus and Meleager who were great captains vnder Alexander the Great and followed his court were wont to haue this sand carried with them with other baggage belonging to the camp But I mean not to write any more of this argument no more verily than of the vse of earth in those places where our youth annoint their bodies against they should wrestle wherein our youths addict themselues so much to the exercise of the body that they haue spoiled themselues otherwise and lost the vigor of the mind CHAP. XIIII ¶ Of mudwalls of Bricke walls and the order and manner of making them WHat shall we say See we not in Africke and Spaine both certain walls of earth which they cal Formacei of the forme and frame that is made of planks and boords of each side between which a man may say they are rather infarced stuffed vp than otherwise laid and reared orderly but I assure you the earth thus infarced continueth a world of yeres and perisheth not checking the violence of raine winde and fire no mortar and cement so stiffe and strong There are yet to be seene in diuers parts of Spaine the watch-towers of Anniball the high turrets and sconces also reared vpon the tops of hils made all of earth and hereof we haue our turfes which naturally are so proper not only for the rampiers and fortifications of a camp but also for wharfs banks and buttresses to breake the violence and inundation of riuers As for the manner of making walls by dawbing windings and hurdles with mud and clay also of rearing them otherwhiles with vnbaked bricke who is so ignorant that he knoweth it not howbeit for to make good brickes they ought not to be made of any soile that is full of sand and grauell much lesse then of that which standeth much vpon grit stones but of a greyish marle or whitish chalkie clay or at leastwise a reddish earth but in case wee bee forced to vse that which is giuen to be sandy yet we must chuse that kind of sand which is tough and strong The best season to make these bricks or tyles is in the spring time for in the mids of Summer they will cleaue and be full of chinkes but if you would haue good brickes for building they ought to be two yeares old at the least Now the batter or lome that goeth to the making of them ought to be well steeped and soked in water before it be fashioned into bricke or tyle Brickes are made of three sizes the ordinarie bricke that we vse is called Didoron which carrieth in length one foot and a halfe and in breadth a foot a second sort is named Tetradoron i. three foot long and the third Pentadoron of three foot and nine inches in length for the Greeks in old time called the span or space of the hand from the thumbe to the little fingers end stretched out Doron which is the reason that gifts and rewards be called in their language Dora for that they were presented by the hand You see therefore how according to the length that they carrie either of foure or fiue spans they haue their denomination of Tetradora or Pentadora for the breadth is one and the same in them all to wit one foot ouer Now there beeing this difference in the size in Greece
it be tempered with hony it healeth the cankers or sores in the mouth wheals and itch it likewise cures in any part of the body but this inunction must be vsed in a baine and regard ought to be had of it in the proportion namely that there be two third parts of hony to one of alume The ranke smell of the arme-holes it doth allay and represseth sweat and the stinke therof it is taken in pills for the obstructions and schirrosities of the spleene and in that sort it driueth away an itch sendeth forth corrupt bloud by vrine made into an vnguent with Sal-nitre and Nigella Romana it healeth the bleach or scabs Of alume that is thick hard and massiue there is one kind which the Greeks call Schistos and the nature thereof is to cleaue along into certaine filiments or threads like haires of a greenish colour which is the reason that some haue giuen it rather the name of Trichitis howsoeuer it be named it commeth of a certaine marquesit stone wherupon also they call it Chalcitis so as it may be counted a very sweat of the said stone gathered together or congealed into a some This kind of alume is exiccatiue howbeit not so good as the other to represse any offensiue humors in the body but surely it is singular for the ears either infused or applied as a liniment it helps also the sores of the mouth if a man let it melt together with the spittle or moisture of the mouth for eyesalues likewise it serues fitly among other ingredients and is very appropriat for the accidents befalling to the secret parts of either sex as well men as women but before it be vsed it would be boiled vpon a pan ouer the fire till it giue ouer to melt There is another sort of alume that is weaker in operation which the Greeks call Strongyle and this likewise is found of two sorts the one is hollow and light in manner of mushroms easie to be melted in any kind of liquor and this is altogether rejected as good for nothing the other is hollow also and light in manner of a pumish stone full of holes too but resembling the pipes rather of spunges the same is round in forme and enclining to a white colour a certaine vnctuositie or fattinesse it carrieth with it apt to breake and crumble and yet without sand neither will it colour and staine the fingers blacke in the handling this must be calcined by it selfe vpon cleare burning coales vntill such time as it be reduced into ashes But would you know the best and principall alume of all the sorts that are it is that no doubt which as I haue said before is brought out of the Island Melos and therefore called Melinum Certes there is not an Alume more astringent nor more proper to harden none more firm and thicke than it It doth subtiliat the roughnes of the eies and being calcined it is the better for to represse the fluxion of humors into the eies and in the same sort prepared it killeth the itch in any part of the body generally whersoeuer it is applied outwardly it stauncheth bloud being vsed in a liniment with vinegre vnto any place where the haire hath been plucked vp it causeth that which commeth again to be but soft and in maner of a downe There is no kind of it but the same is exceeding astringent wherupon it took the name in Greek In regard of which stypticitie they are all very good for the accidents of the eies Alume incorporat with some grease or fat is singular to represse the flux of bloud very proper also for the red gum incident to children and in some sort staieth such vlcers as tend to putrifaction yea it drieth vp the breaking forth of wheales and pushes With the juice of the Pomgranat it is good for the infirmities of the eares in which sort it doth amend the ruggednesse of the nailes the hardnesse and nodocitie of cicatrices or skars the excressence and turning vp of the flesh about the naile roots and the kibes of the heeles With vinegre or calcined with the like weight of gall nuts it is excellent for cankers and inflammation of such vlcers as be corrosiue Tempered with the iuice of Beets or Coleworts it cleanseth the leprosie Incorporat with two parts of salt it healeth those sores which are giuen to eat and spread farther and mingled with water it riddeth away nits lice and such vermine breeding in the head in which manner it healeth burnes and sealds But with pitch and the floure of Eruiles it scoures away dandruffe and scurfe in any part of the body In a clystre Alume is soueraigne for the bloudie flix It serueth likewise for the uvula in the mouth and the inflammation of the Amygdales In one word for all those purposes which I haue said other sorts of Allume are good for we must alwaies thinke that the Alume brought from Melos is the best and most effectuall As touching other vses besides Physicke wherein it is emploied necessarily and namely in dressing of skins and colouring wooll of what reckoning it is I haue shewed already It remaineth now to treat of all other kinds of earth respectiuely as they serue in the vse of Physicke CHAP. XVI ¶ Of the diuerse sorts of earth to wit of Samia Eretria Chia Selinusia Pnigitis and Ampelitis together with their medicinable properties FRom the Isle Samos there be brought two kinds of earth whereof the one is called by the Greekes Syropicon the other Aster As for the former the commendation of it is to be fresh light and cleauing to the tongue The other is white and of a more compact constitution but both the one and the other before they be vsed ought to be calcined and washed Some there be who preferre the former but both be very good for those that spit bloud They enter into emplaistres which are deuised and made for to exiccat and they are mingled also with eie-salues Touching the earth Eretria distinguished it is likewise by two kindes for some there is of it white other of ash colour and this for Physick is held to be the better It is known to be good if it be soft in hand and if vpon a piece of brasse it draw a line of purple colour What power it hath and how it is to be vsed in Physicke I haue shewed already in my discourse of painters colours But this is a general rule in all kinds of earth for I will put it off no longer that are to be washed First to let them lie well steeped in water then ought the same to be dried in the Sun which done it ought once againe to be braied in water and let to rest vntil they be settled that they may be digested and reduced into trochiskes But for the burning and calcining of these earths it ought to be done in certaine pots and eftsoones followed and plied with shaking and stirring Among
the sorts of earth that be medicinable there is reckoned that which commeth from Chios the same is white hauing the same effects that the earth of Samos but our dames vse it most for to embellish beautifie the skin To which purpose the earth of Selenus likewise is emploied White this earth is as milke and of all others will soonest resolue in water which if it be tempered with milke serues to whiten and refresh the pargetting and painting of wals The earth called Pignitis is very like vnto Eretria beforenamed only it is found in greater clots or pieces otherwise is glutinous The same effects it hath that Cimolia howbeit somewhat weaker in operation There is an earth called Ampelitis which resembleth Bitumen as neer as may be The triall of that which is good indeed is if in oile it be gentle to be wrought as wax and if when it is torrified it continue still of a blacke colour It entreth into medicines and compositions which are made to mollifie and discusse but principally it serueth to beautifie the eie-browes and to colour the haire of the head blacke CHAP. XVII ¶ Sundry sorts of chaulkes for to scoure clothes and namely the Tuckers earth Cimolia Sarda and Vmbrica Of the common chaulke and of Tripolium OF Chaulks there be many kinds of which Cimolia doth affoord two sorts and both pertinent to Physick the one is white the other inclineth to the colour of Roset Both the one and the other is of power to discusse tumors and to stay distillations if they be vsed with vineger They do keep downe biles and emunctories and swellings behind the eares the foule tettars also and other offensiue pimples and pushes they represse applied in the forme of a liniment incorporat therewith salt-petre salnitre and put vineger thereto it is an excellent medicine to allay the swellings of the feet with this charge that this cure be done in the Sun and that after six houres the medicine be washed off with salt water Put thereto the cerot Cyprinum it is singular good for the swelling of the genetoirs This Fullers earth Cimolia is of a cooling nature and being vsed in the forme of a liniment it staieth immoderat sweats the same taken inwardly with wine in the baine or hot-house restraineth the breaking forth of pimples The best of this kind is that which commeth out of Thessalie It is to be found also in Lycia about Bubon There is ouer and besides another vse of this Cimolia or Tuckers cley towit in scouring clothes As for the chaulke Sarda so called because it is brought out of Sardinia it is employed only about white clothes for if they be moteley or pied coloured it is of no vse Of al kinds of Cimolia it is the cheapest and of basest account yet that of Vmbria is of more price and that which they call Saxum in Latine and is our ordinary white chaulke this property it hath that with lying in water it groweth this is commonly bought therefore by weight whereas the other is sold by measure As for the foresaid earth of Vmbria it serueth only for to polish and giue a glosse to clothes for why should I scorne or thinke much to handle this matter also seeing there is the expresse law or act Metella prouided for Fullers the which C. Flaminius and Lu. Aemylius when they were Censors proposed vnto the people for to be enacted so carefull were our predecessors to take order for all things To come then to the mysterie of Fullers craft First they wash and scour a piece of cloth with the earth of Sardinia then they perfume it with the smoke of brimstone which done they fall anone to burling of it with Cimolia prouided alwaies that it be the right and haue the natiue colour for if it be sophisticat it is soone knowne by this that it waxeth blacke and wil chaune and cleaue if it come after sulphur and if it be the true Cimolia it doth refresh and giue a cheerefull hew to precious and rich colors yea it setteth a certain glosse and lustre vpon them if they were made duskish sad by the smoake of sulphur But in case the clothes be white then the common chaulke is better to be vsed presently after the brimstone for hurtfull it is to other colors In Greece they vse in stead of Cimolia a certaine plastre which they haue from Tymphe Yet is there another kind of chalke or white cley named* Argentaria for that it giueth a glistering siluer color to clothes Howbeit one sort more there is of chalk which of all others is most base and least esteemed this is that chalke wherwith our auncestours in old time ordained to whiten the cirque in token of victory wherewith also they vse to marke the feet of those slaues which were brought ouer from beyond sea to be bought and sold in the markets such an one somtime was that Publius the deuiser of riming and wanton jestures vpon a stage such another was his cousin germaine Manilius Antiochus the Astrologer yea and Taberius Erotes the excellent Grammarian whom all three our great grandfathers saw in that manner brought ouer in one and the same ship CHAP. XVIII ¶ Who they were in Rome and of whom enfranchised that of slaues rise to be mightie and of exceeding wealth BVt what meane I to stand vpon those who had learning to commend and bring them into some state of credit and honour Haue not the same forefathers of ours seene in the like plight standing within a cage with a marke of chaulke vpon their feet and a locke about their heeles Chrysogonus the slaue to Sylla Amphion to Qu. Catulus Hero to Lu. Lucullus Demetrius to Pompey Auge the bondmaid to Demetrius though she was thought to be the base daughter of Pompey Hipparchus the slaue of Antonius Menas and Menecrates of Sex Pompeius and an infinite sort of others whom I cannot reckon vp and yet they all being by their masters enfranchised became wonderfull rich by the bloudshed and goods of Romane citizens in that licentious time of proscriptions Well this was the marke of slaues set out by companies in the market to be sold and this is the opprobrious and reprochful note to twit those by that in their fortunes are growne insolent And yet we in our daies haue knowne the same persons to climbe vnto the place of highest honour and authority insomuch as we haue seene with our owne eies the Senat by commandement from Agrippina the Empresse wife to Claudius Caesar to decree vnto enfranchised slaues the robes of Pretours with the badges and ornaments to that dignity belonging yea and such to bee sent againe as it were with the axes and knitches of rods decked with Lawrell into those countries to gouerne from whence they came at first poore slaues with their feet chalked and marked for the market CHAP. XIX ¶ Of the earth of Galata and Clupea of the Baleare earth and Ebusitana OVer and
asswage their paine The Amiant stone is like Alume being put into the fire loseth nothing of the substance a singular propertie it hath to resist all inchantments and sorceries such especially as Magitians do practise As for Gaeodes the Greeks haue giuen it this significant name because it containeth inclosed within the belly a certaine earth a medicine soueraigne for the eies as also for the infirmities incident as well to womens paps as mens genitoirs The stone Melitites hath that name because if it be bruised or braied it yeeldeth from it a certaine sweet juice in manner of honey the same being incorporat in wax is good to cure the flegmatick wheales and other pushes or specks of the body it healeth likewise the exulceration of the throat applied with wool it takes away the chilblanes or angry bloudifalls called Epinyctides also the griefe of the matrice it easeth in the same manner The Gete which otherwise we call Gagates carrieth the name of a towne and riuer both in Lycia called Gages it is said also that the sea casteth it vp at a full tide or high water into the Island of Leucola where it is gathered within the space of twelue stadia and no where els black it is plaine and euen of an hollow substance in manner of a pumish stone not much differing from the nature of wood light brittle and if it be rubbed or bruised of a strong sauor Looke what letters are imprinted in it into any vessel of earth they will neuer be got out again whiles it burneth it yeelds a smel of brimstone but a wonderful thing it is of this jeat stone that water will soone make it to flame and oile will quench it againe in burning the perfume thereof chaseth away serpents and recouers women lying in a trance by the suffocation or rising of the mother the said smoke discouereth the falling sicknesse and bewraieth whether a yong damsell be a maid or no being boiled in wine it helpeth the tooth-ache and tempered with wax it cures the swelling glandules called the Kings euil They say that Physitians vse this â—…et stone much in their sorceries practised by the means of red hot axes which they call Axinomantia for they affirme that being cast thereupon it will burn and consume if what we desire and wish shall happen accordingly As for Spunges I mean by them in this place certain stones found in Spunges and the same also do ingender naturally within them Some there be who cal them Tecolithos because they are good for the bladder in this respect that they breake the stone being drunk in wine As concerning the Phrygian stone it beareth the name of the country where it is ordinarily found and it groweth in hollow lumps in manner of a pumish stone the order is to steep it well in wine before it be calcined and in the burning to maintain the fire with blast of bellows vntil it wax red then to quench it again in red wine continuing this course three times being thus prepared it is good only to scoure cloth and make it ready for the Dier to take a colour CHAP. XX. ¶ Of the red Bloud-stone Hoematites and the fiue sorts thereof also of the blacke sanguine stone called Schistos THe bloud-stone Schistos and Hoematites both haue great affinitie one with another As for the bloud-stone Hoematites a meere mineral it is and found in mines of mettal being burnt it comes to the colour of Vermilion the manner of calcining it is much after that of the Phrygian stone but wine serueth not to quench it Many sophisticate it with Schistos and obtrude the one for the other but the difference is soon known for that the right Hoematites hath red veins in it and besides is by nature fraile and easie to crumble of wonderful operation it is to help bloud-shotten eies the same giuen to women to drink staieth the immoderat flux that followes them they also that vse to cast vp bloud at the mouth find helpe by drinking it with the juice of a pomgranat in the diseases likewise of the blader it is very effectual and being taken in wine it is souerain against the sting of serpents In all these cases the bloud-stone Schistos is effectual but weaker only it is in operation and yet among these sanguine or bloud-stones those are taken for the best and most helpfull which in colour resemble saffron such haue a peculiar resplendant lustre by themselues This stone being applied to weeping and watery eies with womans milk doth them much good and is soueraign also to restrain and keep them in if they be ready to start out of the head And this I write according to the mind and opinion of our modern writers But Sotacus a very antient writer hath deliuered vnto vs fiue kinds of bloud-stones besides that Hoematites called Magnes or the Load-stone among which he giues the chiefe prize and principall praise to the Aethiopian for that it is so souerain to be put into medicines appropriat to the eies as also into those which for their excellent operation be called Panchresta A second sort he saith is called Androdamas black of colour and for weight and hardnesse surpassing all the rest whereupon it took that name and of this kind there are found great store in Barbary He affirmeth moreouer That it hath a qualitie to draw vnto it siluer brasse and iron and for triall whether it be good or no it ought to be ground vpon the touch called Basanitis for it will yeeld a bloudy juice the which is a right soueraign remedie for the diseases of the liuer The third kind of bloud-stone he maketh Arabick for that it is brought out of Arabia as hard it is as the other for hardly will there any juice come from it though it be put to the grindstone and the same otherwhile is of a Saffron colour The fourth sort he saith is called Elatites so long as it is crude but being once calcined it is named Miltites a very excellent thing for burns and scaldings and in all cases much better than any ruddle whatsoeuer In the fift place he reckons that which is called Schistos this is held to be singular for repressing the flux of bloud from the hemorrhoid veins But generally of all these bloud stones he concludes thus That if they be puluerised and taken in oile vpon a fasting stomack to the weight of 3 drams they be right soueraign for all fluxes of bloud The same author writes of another Schistos which is none of these Hoematites and this they call Anthracites and by his saying found there is of it in Africk black of colour which if it be ground vpon a whetstone or grindstone with water yeelds toward the nether end or side thereof that lay next the ground a certaine blacke juice but on the other side of a saffron colour and he is of opinion that the said juice is singular for those medicines appropriat to the
therupon but these braue painted floors were put downe when pauements made of stone and quarrels came in place the most famous workman in this kind was one Sosus who at Pergamus wrought that rich pauement in the common hall which they cal Asaroton oecon garnished with bricks or small tiles enealed with sundry colours and he deuised that the worke vpon this pauement should resemble the crums and scraps that fel from the table and such like stuffe as commonly is swept away as if they were left stil by negligence vpon the pauement Among the rest wonderfull was his handiworke there in pourtraying a Doue drinking which was so liuely expressed as if the shadow of her head had dimmed the brightnesse of the water there should a man haue seen other Pigeons sitting vpon the brim of the water tankard pruning themselues with their bils and disporting in the Sunshine The old paued floors which now also are much vsed especially vnder roofe and couvert howsoeuer they came from barbarous countries were in Italy first patted and beaten downe with heauie rammers as we may collect by the verie name it selfe Pauement which comes of Pavire i. to ram downe hard As for the manner of pauing with smal tiles or quarrels ingrauen the first that euerwas seen at Rome was made within the temple of Iupiter Capitolinum and not before the third Punicke war begun But ere the Cimbrian wars began such pauements were much taken vp in Rome and men tooke great delight and pleasure therein as may appeare sufficiently by that common verse out of Lucilius the Poët Ante Pavimenta aeta emblemata vermiculata c. Before the Pauements checker-wrought in painted Marquettry c. As touching open galleries and terraces they were deuised by the Greeks who were wont to couer their houses with such And in truth where the country is warme such deuises doe well howbeit they are dangerous and deceitfull where there is store of rain and frost But for to make a terrace so paued necessary it is first to lay two courses of boords or plankes vnderneath and those crosse and ouerthwart one the other the ends of which planks or boords ought to be nailed to the end they should not twine or cast atoside which done take of new rubbish two third parts and put thereto one third part of shards stamped to pouder then with other old rubbish mix two fiue parts of lime and herewith lay a couch of a foot thicknesse and be sure to ram it hard together Ouer which there must be laid a coator course of mortar six fingers bredth thick and vpon this middle couch broad square pauing tiles or quarrels and the same ought to enter at least two fingers deep into the said bed of mortar Now for that this floore or pauement must rise higher in the top this proportion is to be obserued that in euery ten foot it gain an inch and a halfe After which the pauement thus laid is to be plained and polished diligently with some hard stone and aboue al regard would be had that the planks or boorded floor were made of oke As for such as do cast or twine any way they be thought naught Moreouer it were better to lay a course of flint or chaffe between it and the lime to the end that the said lime might not haue so much force to hurt the bourd vnderneath Requisit also it were to put vnderneath round pebbles among After the like maner be the spiked pauements made of flat tiles shards And here I must not forget one kind of pauing more which is called Grecanicke the manner wherof is thus The Greeks after they haue well rammed a floore which they mean to paue lay therupon a pauement of rubbish or else broken tile shards and then vpon it a couch of charcoale well beaten and driuen close together with sand lime and small cindres well mixed together which done they do lay their pauing stuffe to the thicknesse of halfe a foot but so euen as the rule and souare will giue it and this is thought to be a true earthen paued floore of the best making But if the same be smoothed also with a hard slicke stone the whole pauement wil seem all black as for those pauements called Lithostrata which be made of diuers coloured squares couched in works the inuention began by Syllaes time who vsed thereto small quarrels or tiles at Preneste within the temple of Fortune which pauement remaines to be seen at this day But in processe of time pauements were driuen out of ground-floores and passed vp into chambers and those were seeled ouer head with glasse which also is but a new inuention of late deuised for Agrippa verily in those baines which he caused to be made at Rome annealed all the potterie worke that there was and enamelled the same with diuers colours whereas all others be adorned only with whiting no doubt he would neuer haue forgotten to haue arched them ouer with glasse if the inuention had bin practised before or if from the wals partitions of glasse which Scaurus made vpon his stage as I said before any one had proceeded also to roofe chambers therwith But since I am fallen vpon the mention of glasse it shall not be impertinent to discourse somewhat of the nature thereof CHAP. XXVI ¶ The first inuention of glasse and the manner of making it Of a kind of Glasse called Obsidianum Also of sundry kindes of Glasse and those of many formes THere is one part of Syria called Phoenice bordering vpon Iurie which at the foot of the mount Carmell hath a meere named Cendeuia out of which the riuer Belus is thought to spring and within fiue miles space falleth into the sea near vnto the colony Ptolemais This riuer runneth but slowly and seemeth a dead or dormant water vnwholesome for drinke howbeit vsed in many sacred ceremonies with great deuotion full of mud it is and the same very deepe ere a man shall meet with the firm ground and vnlesse it be at some spring tide when the sea floweth vp high into the riuer it neuer sheweth sand in the bottom but then by occasion of the surging waues which not only stir the water but also cast vp scoure away the grosse mud the sand is rolled too and fro and being cast vp sheweth very bright and cleare as if it were purified by the waues of the sea and in truth men hold opinion That by the mordacity and astringent quality of the salt water the sands become good which before serued to no purpose The coast along this riuer which sheweth this kind of sand is not aboue halfe a mile in all and yet for many a hundred yeare it hath furnished all places with matter sufficient to make glasse As touching which deuise the common voice and fame rnnneth that there arriued sometimes certain merchants in a ship laden with nitre in the mouth of this riuer being landed minded to seeth their
418. l Salt for the kitchen which is best 416. k. l Salt artificiall how it is made 415. d. of sea water ib. out of certaine springs or wels ibid. e. f Salt Spring 416. g Salt for the table which is best 416 k. l Salt made by fire 416. g Salt blacke ibid. Salt made of ashes ib. of fish pickle or brine ibid. h Salt water for what garden seed it is good 33. b poole-poole-Salt which is best 416. h sea-sea-water Salt which is best ibid. the nature and temperature of Salt 418. l in what seasons and constitutions of weather Salt engendreth most 416. i Salt not sparkling in fire but in water 416. i Salt of sundry colours 4â—… 〈◊〉 stoure of Salt 417. b c. the properties thereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how sophisticated 〈◊〉 the nature of Salt 418 〈◊〉 Sales in Latine what they signifie 416. m. 417. a Salaries what they be 417. a Salaria Uia a street why so called ibid. Salustius Dionysius a famous Physitian 440. g Salutio a surname or addition to the family of the Scipioes 523. d Samian earth of two kinds 559. d Samian stone 591. a. good to burnish gold good also in Physicke ibid. Samolus an herbe with what ceremonious circumstances to be gathered 193. f Samothracia what they be 458 i Samothracia a pretious stone why so called 629. d Sampier what herbe 236. k. the description 254. k the manifold vses that it hath 254. l Sampier Sauage 256. l Sand of the sea shore for what medicinable 414. i Sand vsed to slit and saw marble with 572. h. i. k Sand for mortar which is good 594 k Sand of Puteoli of a wonderfull nature 554. l Sand of Nilus wherfore vsed at Rome elsewhere 555 a Sandaracha a painters colour artificiall 528. k Sandaracha artificiall how made 530. g the right colour and the price ibid. Sandaracha naturall where it is found 520. m. which is best ibid. the qualities thereof ibid. Sandaresos a kind of gem 617. d Sandaser and Sandareson 617. c Sandastros a kind of gem or pretious stone of the baser sort 617. c. called by some Garamantites ib. the description thereof and why it is much regarded by the Chaldaeans 617. d. male and female ibid. Arabian and Indian ibid. which Sandastros is best 617. e how Sandastros Sandaser Sandareson and Sandaresos be distinguished ibid. Sandauer 416. k Sandix minerall a painters colour 528. k Sandix artificiall how made 530. g the price of Sandix 530. h Sandix Virgil tooke to be an herbe 530. g Sandragon a colour of painters 528. i Sangenon a kind of Opal 614. l Sanguis Draconis or Sandragon what it is 476. g how it is sophisticated 476 i Sanguin-Rod what plant 189. b the medicinable vertues that it hath ib. Santerna See Borax of goldsmiths the vertues medicinable that it hath 509. c Sapa See Cuit Samphire a pretious stone 620. l diuers sorts and which be best ib. hard to be cut ib. which be the male ib. Sapron what it is 318. l Sarcion a fault in gems 612. m Sarcocolla what it is 197. c the medicinable vertues thereof ibid. Sercophagus a stone why so called and the nature thereof 587. d. Sarda or Sardoine a pretious stone called the Cornalline 615. b. it is the one halfe of Sardonyx 616. g Sardoins or Cornalines seale fairest of any other 618. h they be found much about Sardeis and thereupon tooke their name ibid. from India there came Sardoins of three sorts 618. h their seuerall differences ibid. male and female 618. i in what regard this stone is accepted ibid. Sardachates a pretious stone 623. e Sardonyx of K. Polycrates 601. a Sardonyx a pretious stone highly esteemed by Scipio Africanus 615. a. why so called ibid. Sardonyches blind which they be 615. b Sardonyches the best to seale withall ibid. Sardonyches of sundry kinds Arabicke Indian Armenian 615. b. c. d Sardonyches artificiall 613. e Sarmeus wrote first of Horsemanship and therefore pourtraied on horsebacke in brasse by Demetrius 505. f Sata what they are 6. g Saturns well 404. i Satyrion what it signifieth 257. d Satyrion an herbe 257. a. b. 226. l. the description ibid. Satyrus a great architect 575. c Satyrus a writer in Naturall Philosophie 615. a Sauce fleame what cureth 128. b Savorie the herbe described 30. k Sauge an herbe 246. k. the description and medicinable properties thereof 142. k Sauge de Bois an herbe See Polemonia Savine a plant of two sorts 193. c the names that it hath ibid. vsed in Physicke for Cinamon 193. d Saurites a preiious stone 629. d Sauroctones an image of Praxiteles his making why so called 500. l Sauros and Batrachos two excellent workemen See Batrachos Saxifrage one of the names of Maiden-haire and whereupon 127. b Saxum the ordinarie white chanlke 560. i Sayles for ships of purple and other colours 5. c Sayling into Aegipt wherefore wholesome 412. l Sayling vpon the seas for what diseases good 303. d against Sayling and navigation an inuectiue 1. f 2. g. h. c. S C Scales See Dandruffe Scall of the head how to be cured 52. g. 56. i. 43. f. 52. i 59. d. 60. g. 72. g. 104. g. 105. e. 127. c. 133. c. 141. b 142. l. 147. b. 155. f. 157. e. 158. m. 161. b. f. 163. b 177. f. 178. g. 180. g. 191. c. 196. h. 201. c. 207. f 232. l. 249. e. 277. d. 287. e. 306. i. 324. h. 341. d 353. a. Scalds with seething water how the fire may bee taken forth and the place kept from blistering 351. e See Burns Scalops medicinable 438. k good to cleanse the bladder 444. h Scammonie an herbe 251. b the iuice of this herbe ibid. c how it is drawne and to be chosen 251. d how to be vsed in purging ibid. e how sophisticated and discerned ibid. petie Scammonie what herbe 199. 〈◊〉 how it is eaten and what effect it worketh ibid. Scandix the herbe 130. g a base woort ibid. Scarites a pretious stone 630. i M. Scaurus his excesse in marble pillers vncontrolled 563 b his sumptuous building compared with Nero and Caligula 583. d. e Sceletyre what disease 112. k See Stomacace Scepsius a Philosopher and writer in Physicke 308. k Schista what onions 20. h Schista what egs 352. k Schiston what kind of milke 317. c the making of it ibid. the vertues thereof ib. Schistos a kind of Alume 558. h Schistos a stone of saffron colour 367. d Schistos a kind of bloudstone 590. g the vertues medicinable ibid. i Schytanum what it is 471. b Sciatica the gout in the hucklebone what medicines itâ—… cured with 50. i. 56. k. 74. i. 105. c. 108. g. 134. m 141. d. 155. d. 161. c. 180. g. k. 185. a. 186. k. 188. h 190. k. 192. k. 199. a. 219. e. 224. k. 238. m. 248. i 255. e. 263. c. 271. d. 273. c. 274. k. 275. a. b. 276. i 281. c. 284. k. 287. c. f. 289. d. 290. k. 291. b.
33. c Waters brackish how to be made fresh and sweet 176. i drinke of Water how it nourisheth 152. g offence by vnwhole some waters how to be helped 60. l Waters running how to be diuided that the same may bee seene bare 316. h Water how to be laden out of pits where it commeth vpon the pioners 469. a good Waters from bad how trauailers may discerne and know 414. g Waters change their colour at certaine times 411. c Waters when heauiest ib. Water maintained and cherished by ploughing of the ground 410. l Water creatures are medicinable 400. l Waters some coldin the Spring others in the Dogge daies 409. e. f. Water a powerfull element 400. l. m. 401. a. b Water suspected how it may be altered and made good 407. e. of well VVaters or pit waters 407. c Waters where they be exceeding hot actually 404. h Waters deadly 405. a. b Water faire to sight yet hurtfull both to man and beast 405. b. Waters growing to a stonie substance 405. b. c. d Water cold what operation it hath 407. f Waters of a corrosiue and fretting qualitie 405. c Water how it may be made most cold actually 407 d e standing VVaters condemned 405. f a discourse what VVater is best 406. g Waters which are knowne to be cold ibid. m Waters which are to be reiected 406. g. 407. a Waters salt and brackish how they may be soone made potable 407. a Water ought to haue no tast at all ib. b Water best which commeth nearest to the nature of aire 407. b. Waters not to be tried by the ballance 407. c how the triall is to be taken ibid. Watery humors what medecines purge downeward out of the body 108 g. 110 m. 130 l. 149 b. 174 g. 181. c 182 g. 185 c e. 186 g. 190 g. 252 g. 253 a. 281 b c 284 i. 442 l. Wax how it is made 96. g Wax Punica therbest 96. h Wax of Pontica ib. Wax of Candic ibid. Wax of Corsica ibid. the white wax Punica how it is wrought ib. best for medicines ibid. i how wax may be made blacke ib how it may be coloured ibid. how wax may be brought to any colour ibid the vses of wax 96. k the properties of Wax 137. a b Wax contrary in nature to milke ib. i W E Wearie vpon trauell or otherwise how to be refreshed 64. m 66. l. 121. e. 160. k. 161. e. 173. d. e. 180. k. 187. c. 289. b 319. d. 400. g. 419. e. 422. i. 624. h. how to be be preuented 266. i Weazils armed with rue against they should fight with serpents 56. m Weazils how they are brought together from far 316. g Weazils of two kinds 533. e Weazils fetides their gall is both a poyson and also a countrepoison ibid. Weazils flesh medicinable ibid. Weazils wild be venomous 363. e what remedy therefore ibid. Wens called Ceria by what means cured 37 c. 167 a 168 k. Wins named Melicerides how to be cured 73 d. 107 a Wens Stratomata how cured 265. c Werts what meanes to take away and cause to fall off 55. d 58 h. 105 d. 108 g. 125 h l. 127 e. 142 m. 146 i 166 l. 168 h. 185 b. 198 m. 218 k. 266 h. 280 l 302 k. 307 b. 335 a. 370 k. 386 l m. 414 h. 448 h 470 k. Werts beginning to breed how repressed 418. m Wertwals what doth cure 75. c Wesand appropriat remedies therefore 167. c See Throat against the enuie of the Wesps sting 40. h. 56. m. 63. f. 71. c 106. k. 153. b. 166. l. 173. b. 361. d. 418. m. W H VVhales and such other fishes fat how emploied by merchants 427. c Wheales angry small pocks and such like eruptions how to be cured 46. k. 70 g. 140. i. l. 161. c. 173. f. 174. k 178. g. 183. b. 187. c. 219. f. 317. d. 320. h. 337. a. 421. e 443. b. 437. d. 558. i. 559 b. 589. b. Wheazing in the chest how helped 134. l. 154. g Whey of cows milke for what medicinable 318. i Whelpes or young puppies sucking were thought fine meat at Rome 355. b they serued there for an expiatory sacrifice ib. they made a dish of meat at their solemne feasts 355. c VVhet stones of sundry kinds 593. a which be vsed with water which with oyle 593. a. b Spanish VVhite See Ceruse burnt Spanish VVhite or Ceruse naturall 529. e VVhites in women how repressed 516. h. See more in VVomen VVhite flaws about the nailes how to be healed 75. c. 105. d 141. a. 147. b. 158. k. 160 g. 174. l. 177. f. 272. k. 300. l 516. h. VVhite stones 588. i W I VVild-fires and such like fretting humors how to be extinguished 72. g. 75. b. 106. i. 124. h. 146. k. 157. e. 265. d 287. b. 529. b. VVildings or crab apples and their nature 164. i Wild-vine called Ampelos Agria described 149. b. 276. h the vertues ibid. VVild-vine Labrusca 149. b VVild white vine Ampeloleuce 149. c the root hath many vertues 149. d herbe VVillow See Lisimachia Willow or Withie what medicinable vertues it hath 186. l VVillow yeeldeth a juice of three kinds 186 l VVine of Bacchus what 403. a VVines how they may be soone refined and made readie to draw 176. 〈◊〉 See more in VVyne for co cleanse and discharge the VVindpipes being stuffed appropriat remedies 133 e. 148 k. 194 g. 277 b. 329. e Windpipes enflamed and exulcerat how to be cured 140. l. 328. i. for all infirmities of the Windpipes conuenient remedies 122 g. 134 k. 138 m. 170 h. 289 e. how a horse will proue broken Winded 342. h. i broken Wind in horses how to helped 246. h holding of the Wind in what cases good 305. d shortnes of Wind by what medicines it may be helped 37. a 39 c. 44 g. 52 g. 56 h. 57 d. 58 h. 61 b. 65 c. 70 g. 73. a 104 h. 105 d. 107 e. 109 a. 127. c. 144 i. 150 g. 154. g 162 g. 164 g. 167 c. 173 b. 180 g k. 183 e. 192. l 193 a. 200 l. 201 f. 247 a b d. 248 h. 263 d. 274 g 289 d. 329 c. 359 c. 381 a. 422 k. 432 i. 442. h. 521. a 556 m. 557 d. what mooueth to breake Wind vpward 237. a. 253 e 277 b. 290 k. Winter-cherrie why called Versicaria 112. h the description thereof ibid. Wisards prophets and Phisicians put downe by Tiberius Caesar 374. g Wit helped by some water 403. e bereft of Wit how to be cured 52 l. 260 l. 306. k. l Withwind an herbe and the floure thereof described 84. l Withie See Willow Witchcraft condemned by Pliny 213. c Witchcraft and enchantments forbidden expressely by the lawes at Rome 296. h Witchcraft and sorcerie auaile not nor be of force where no regard is made thereof 296. g against the practise of Witches good preseruatiues 108. m 300 g. W O Woad an herb the properties medicinable that it hath 45. c bodies of
pain of the belly and the kidnies for the stiffenesse and starknesse of the lims the grieuance also of the sinews it serueth well in a clystre lay it to the tongue with bread it is soueraigne for the palsie or resolution of the sinews it helpes those that be short-winded if they take it in a Ptisan or with husked barly The floure of nitre incorporat in Galbanum and the rosin called terpentine of each an equall weight and reduced into a lohoch so as the patient swallow down the quantity of a Bean at once cures an old cough Burn or calcine nitre temper it afterwards with liquid pitch or tar and giue it to drink it cureth the squinancy The floure of nitre incorporat with the oile Cyprinum makes a pleasant liniment to annoint the body withal in the Sun for the gout or any paine of joints drunk in wine it doth exterminat and driue away for euer the jaundise it scattereth and discusseth ventosities it stoppeth bleeding at the nose if the patient receiue into the nosthrils the vapour of it out of boiling water mixed well with alume it riddeth away an itch foment or bath the arme pits duly euery day therewith in water it correcteth the ranke smell thereof Make a liniment or cerot of nitre and wax tempered together it healeth the vlcers occasioned by fleam after which maner it is good also for the sinews Being injected by a clystre it helpeth the flux of the belly proceeding from a feeble stomack Many Physitians haue giuen direction to annoint the body all ouer with sal-nitre and oile before the cold fits of agues which ointment serueth likewise for the leprosie and the vnseemly spots or freckles that blemish the skin To sit in a tub of nitre within the bains therwith to bath the body is a soueraigne thing for those that haue the gout be in consumption and either draw backward with the crampe or stretched and plucked so strait and stiffe therewith that they seem all of one entire piece Sal-nitre if it bee boiled together with sulphur turneth to be as hard as a stone CHAP. XI ¶ The nature of Spunges MAny sorts there be of Spunges according as I haue shewed already more amply in my treatise of water-beasts and those especially of the Sea and their seuerall natures howbeit some writers distinguish them after another manner into male and female for some of them they haue thought to be of the male sex to wit those which haue smaller pipes or concauities and those growing thicker and more compact whereby they sucke vp more moisture and these our delicat and dainty people die in colours and otherwhile giue them a purple tincture Others they count of the femal sex namely such as haue bigger pipes the same running throughout one continuity without interruption Of the male kind some be harder than others which they call Tragos the pipes whereof are the finest and stand thickest together There is an artificiall deuise to make spunges look white to wit if the softest and tendrest of them be taken whiles they be fresh in summer time and so bathed soked wel in the some of salt after which they ought to be laid abroad in the moon-shine to receiue the thick dew or hoary frosts if any fall with their bellies vpward into the aire I meane that part whereby they cleaue fast to rocke or sand where they grew that therby they may take their whitening That spunges haue life yea and a sensible life I haue proued heretofore for there is found of their bloud settled within them Some writers report that they haue the sense of hearing which directs them to draw in their bodies at any sound or noisemade and therwith to squize out plenty of water which they contained within neither can they easily be pulled from their rocks and therefore must be cut away wherby they are seen to shed a deale of bloud or that which resembleth bloud very neer Many do prefer the Spunges growing in places exposed to the North-wind before any other neither doe any hold and maintaine longer in any place their owne breath as Physicians doe hold who affirme that for this regard they be good for our bodies namely if wee entermingle their breath with ours by application for which purpose the fresher taken and the moister they be the better they are thought but this their operation is lesse perceiued in case they be wet in hot water and so applied likewise if they be soked in any vnctuous liquor or bee laid vpon any part of the body anointed This also is obserued by them that the thickest of them to wit such as haue the least pipes sticke not so hard to a place as others As touching the softest and finest spunges called Penicilli if they be applied vnto the eies after they haue beene soked in honyed wine they do allay and bring down any swelling in them The same are abstersiue and singular good to clarifie and cleanse the eies that be giuen to bleerednesse but those I say ought to be of the finest and softest kind For to stay the violent flux of rheumaticke humors into the eies there is nothing better than to apply spunges of any sort with oxycrat that is to say vinegre and water but with vinegre alone actually hot they be singular for the head-ach and otherwise any spunge that is fresh gotten doth discusse mollifie mitigat Old spunges do conglutinat and souder any wounds There is a generall vse of all spunges to wipe and mundifie any place to foment and bath withall to keep off the aire also and to couer it after fomentation vntill another medicine be made ready for to be laid on fresh Moreouer they be desiccatiue therfore if they be applied to rheumatick and moist vlcers and namely in old folke they dry vp the superfluous humors that find a way thither neither is there any thing so fit for to foment a fracture or green wound as spunges Also when any part of the body is cut off or dismembred what is so handsome to suck and soke away the bloud quickly that the cure may be throughly seen the order thereof as a spunge Furthermore spunges themselues serue to be laid to wounds somtime drie and somtime dewed or sprinkled with vinegre one while wet in wine anotherwhile moistened with cold water and all to defend them from inflammation but if they be bathed in raine water and so applied to members new cut they will not suffer them to swell and impostumat They are besides laid vsually to the sound parts where no skin is broken if there be any hidden and secret humor that runs vnder the place and puts it to paine and trouble such as needeth to be discussed or resolued also to impostumes if they be first annointed with boiled hony In like manner for the paine of the joints they are proper to be applied one while wet in vinegre with salt another while dipped in vinegre
kinds 19. d Roots lying hidden all winter season 13. d Root of an herbe broken within the ground thirty foot long 214. g. Roots lesse effectuall if the herbes be suffered to seed 291. f Ropes made of rushes and other matter 7. a Rose bushes how to be set or planted 84. h Roses graffed ibid. the Rose bush and the Rose described 83. a vse of Roses 83 b the medicinable vertues of Roses ib. Roses serued vp with viands ibid. the best Rose 83. d Roses their seuerall parts and names to them 102. h their distinct vertues ibid. Rose of Praeneste 83. 6. of Capua Miletum Trachiniae and Alabanda ibid. Rose Spineola 83. c Rose Centifolie why so called 83. d Rose Campion 83. c Greeke Rose ibid. the Rose Graecula ib. Rose Mosceuton ibid. Rose Coroneola 83. f where the best Roses grow ib. Rose of Campaine 84. g Rose bushes how to be ordered 84. h Rose leaues how to be dried 162. l. m. their vertues ibid. hastie Roses flouring all winter long 84. g Roset oile odoriferous 83. b Roset wine 102. h Roset oyle ibid. Rose juice medicinable 102. i. k Rose of Iericho See Amomum water Rose See Nenuphar Rosemary called Libanotis 34. g Rosemary of two kinds 193. a in Rosemarie what Cachrys is ibid. Rosat a rich painters colour 528. i how it is made of Tripoly or goldsmiths earth died 530. l. m Roset of Puteoli the best and why 531. a the price of Roset ibid. Rosins of sundry kinds 182. h Rosins dry of Pine and Pitch trees 182. h the medicinable vertues of all Rosins ibid. i. l of what trees the Rosins be best 182. k. l of what countries and places the Rosin is best 182. k Rosins how to be dissolued for plaisters and outward medecins 182. k. how for potions ibid. Rostra the publicke place of orations at Rome why so called 491. a Rowing vpon the water for what diseases good 303. d R V Rue killed with the touch of a menstruous woman 308. m Rue a medicinable herbe 56. k the juice of Rue taken in great quantitie is poyson ib. what is the remedy ibid. Rue stolne thriueth best 23. e when and where to be sowne 29. a. b Rue giuen in a largesse at Rome 29. b Rue and the Fig-tree sort well together ibid. Rue doth propagat and set it selfe 29. c the weeding of Rue is trouble some ib. how that may be helped 56. i Rue a counterpoyson for Libard-baine ibid. Rue male and female 57. b Rue killeth the infant newly conceiued 58. k. l Rubbing of the body maketh for health 303. d hard and sost worke diuers effects ib. See more in Frictions Rubie a pretious stone 616. h why Rubies be called Apyroty ibid. Rubies of diuers sorts ibid. Rubies of India ib. of the Garamants or Carchedonij ibid. Rubies of Aethiopia and Alexandria 616. i Rubies Alabandines or Almandines why so called ibid. Rubies male and female with their descriptions 616. i. k Rubies Amethystizontes which they be 616. i Rubies Syrtitae what they are ibid. Rubies of India called Lithizontes 616. k Rubies Orchomenian ibid. m Rubies Troezenian ib. Corinthian 617. a Rubies of Marsils and Lisbon 617. a Rubies are much sophisticated 617. a. how the fraud is discouered 617. b Rubie minerall called Anthracites ibid. b Rubies of other sorts ibid. f Rubrica a red earth or ruddle in great request in Homers time 476. g Ruddle or Rubrica a painters colour 528. i Rubrica of Lemnos counted the best and most medicinable 528. m. Ruddle for carpenters which is best 529. b Rumax what herbe 73. b Running of the reins how it may be staied 72. i. 130. k Ruptures inward spasmes and convulsions how to be helped 167. f. 272. l. 385. a. 444. h Rupture when the guts be falne downe how cured 444. h. i Rupture waterish called Hydrocele how to be healed 385. c Ruptures in young children bursten what remedies 397. e. f 398. h. against all Ruptures in generall good medecins 39. e. 41. d 44 k. 48 g. 58. i. 64 k. 72 l. 75 b. 103 b. 108 k. 123 a d 128 i m. 129 c. f. 130 l. 138 h. 142 h. 150 g. 154 g 162 h. 178 m. 179 a f. 180 g. 186 k. 198 i. 199 c. 248 h 254 g h i. 263 d. 264 g. 275 c. 283 e. 286 m. 289 c 290 i. 313 c d. 320. g. 332 h. 398 g. Ruscus an hearb 111. a. the vertues thereof ibid. bow it is to be prepared for medicins ibid. of Rushes or Rishes diuers kinds and their vses 100. k Rust of yron how it is soonest scoured away 413. c Rust of yron medicinable 516. g S A SAbine stone how it will burne of a light fire 588. l Sacall the same that Ambre 606. k Sacopenum a physicall herbe 30. l. called Sagapenum 67. d the vertues which it hath ibid. Sacrificing mans flesh when forbidden at Rome 373. f Saffron a medicinable spice 104. m Saffron the hearb and floure 86. g how to be set ib. where is the best ibid. the manner of choosing Saffron 86. h. i how it is vsed 86. k the manner of the growing 99. c Sagda a pretious stone 629. d Sagitta what herbe 110. h Sagmina what they are 115. d Salin Crystall what it is 605. a Salads of herbs commended 12. i. k Salamanders poyson with what medecins repressed 56. m 121. c. 150. l. 157. c. 160. k. 318. h. 358. m. 432. h. k 434. i. Salamander of all serpents most dangerous 358. k. l he destroieth whole nations at once ibid. by what meanes ibid. his venome is Narcoticke and extreame cold ibid. of Salamanders swine feed without danger 385. l whether his body do extinguish fire or no 359. a Salicastrum what plant and why so called 149. c. the vertues thereof ibid. Salij the priests what chaplets of floures they wore 82. g Siliunca an herbe described 82. h the vse thereof ibid. 105. f Salâ—…gem 415. d Salow See Willow Sal Theriacus or Theriacalis a kind of medicinable salt 366. l. m. Salpe a learned and expert midwife who wrote of Physicke 300. k Sal-petre 421. b. how the best is knowne ibid. c Salsugo or Salsilago what it is 417. d Salt seasoneth viands 176. i Salt be it naturall or artificiall proceedeth of two causes 414. i. Salt in what places made by drying in the Sun ibid. k Salt an houshold gruell 417. b Salt Spanish for what infirmities it is most medicinable 419. a. Salt compounded for to get an appetite 416. l Salt mountains 415. a Salt minerall ib. walls and houses built of Salt ibid. Salt for Physicke which is best 416. k Salt growing sensibly in the night season 415. b Salt best for poudring or seasoning meat 416. l Salt Ammoniacke 415. b. why so called ib. the description ibid. it is medicinable 415. c light within earth heauie aboue ground and the reason why ib. how it is sophisticat ib. pit or poole Salt 415. c the manifold vses of Salt in Physicke