A CATALOGUE OF SIMPLES IN THE NEW DISPENSATORY. (continued 2)

Culpeper.] Extracts have the same virtues with the waters they are made from, only the different form is to please the palates of such whose fancy loathes any one particular form.

This Bezoar water strengthens the heart, arteries, and vital spirits: It provokes sweat, and is exceeding good in pestilential fevers, in health it withstands melancholy and consumptions, and makes a merry, blithe, chearful creature. Of the extract you may take ten grains at a time, or somewhat more, if your body be not feverish, half a spoonful of water is sufficient at a time, and that mixed with other cordials or medicines appropriated to the disease that troubles you.

Aqua et Spiritus Lambricorum, magistralis. Or Water and Spirit of Earthworms.

College.] Take of Earthworms well cleansed, three pound, Snails, with shells on their backs cleansed, two gallons, beat them in a mortar, and put them into a convenient vessel, adding stinging Nettles, roots and all, six handfuls, wild Angelica, four handfuls, brank Ursine, seven handfuls, Agrimony, Bettony, of each three handfuls, Rue one handful, common Wormwood two handfuls, Rosemary flowers six ounces, Dock roots ten ounces, the roots of Sorrel five ounces, Turmerick, the inner bark of Barberries, of each four ounces, Fenugreek seeds two ounces, Cloves three ounces, Hart’s-horn, Ivory in gross powder, of each four ounces, Saffron three drams, small spirits of Wine four gallons and a half, after twenty-four hours infusion, distil them in an alembick. Let the four first pounds be reserved for spirit, the rest for water.

Culpeper.] ’Tis a mess altogether, it may be they intended it for an universal medicine.

Aqua Gentianæ compositæ. Or Gentian Water compound.

College.] Take of Gentain roots sliced, one pound and a half, the leaves and flowers of Centaury the less, of each four ounces, steep them eight days in twelve pounds of white Wine, then distil them in an alembick.

Culpeper.] It conduces to preservation from ill air, and pestilential fevers: it opens obstructions of the liver, and helps such as they say are liver-grown; it eases pains in the stomach, helps digestion, and eases such as have pains in their bones by ill lodging abroad in the cold, it provokes appetite, and is exceeding good for the yellow jaundice, as also for prickings or stitches in the sides: it provokes the menses, and expels both birth and placenta: it is naught for pregnant women. If there be no fever, you may take a spoonful by itself; if there be, you may, if you please, mix it with some cooler medicine appropriated to the same use you would give it for.

Aqua Gilbertii. Or Gilbert’s Water.

College.] Take of Scabious, Burnet, Dragons, Bawm, Angelica, Pimpernel, with purple flowers, Tormentil, roots and all, of each two handfuls, let all of them, being rightly gathered and prepared, be steeped in four gallons of Canary Wine, still off three gallons in an alembick, to which add three ounces of each of the cordial flowers, Clove-gilliflowers six ounces, Saffron half an ounce, Turmerick two ounces, Galanga, Bazil seeds, of each one dram, Citron pills one ounce, the seed of Citrons and Carduus, Cloves of each five ounces, Hart’s-horn four ounces, steep them twenty four hours and then distil them in Balneo Mariæ: to the distilled water add Pearls prepared, an ounce and a half, red Coral, Crabs eyes, white Amber, of each two drams, Crabs claws, six drams, Bezoar, Ambergrease, of each two scruples, steep them six weeks in the sun, in a vessel well stopped, often shaking it, then filter it, (you may keep the powders for Spicord. temp.) by mixing twelve ounces of Sugar candy, with six ounces of red Rose-water, and four ounces of spirit of Cinnamon with it.

Culpeper.] I suppose this was invented for a cordial to strengthen the heart, to relieve languishing nature. It is exceeding dear. I forbear the dose, they that have money enough to make it themselves, cannot want time to study both the virtues and dose: I would have gentlemen to be studious.

Aqua cordialis frigida Saxeniæ.

College.] Take of the juice of Borrage, Bugloss, Bawm, Bistort, Tormentil, Scordium, Vervain, sharp-pointed Dock, Sorrel, Goat’s Rue, Mirrhis, Blue Bottle great and small, Roses, Marigolds, Lemon, Citrons, of each three ounces, white Wine Vinegar one pound, Purslain seeds two ounces, Citron and Carduus seeds, of each half an ounce, Water Lily flowers two ounces, the flowers of Borrage, Bugloss, Violets, Clove-gilliflowers, of each one ounce, Diatrion Sentalon six drams: let all of them, being rightly prepared, be infused three days, then distilled in a glass still: to the distilled Liquor add earth of Lemnos, Siletia, and Samos, of each one ounce and an half, Pearls prepared with the juice of Citrons, three drams, mix them, and keep them together.

Culpeper.] It mightily cools the blood, and therefore profitable in fevers, and all diseases proceeding of heat of blood; it provokes sleep. You may take half an ounce at a time, or two drams if the party be weak.

Aqua Theriacalis. Or Treacle Water.

College.] Take of the juice of green Walnuts, four pounds, the juice of Rue three pounds, juice of Carduus, Marigolds, and Bawm, of each two pounds, green Petasitis roots one pound and a half, the roots of Burs one pound, Angelica and Master-wort, of each half a pound, the leaves of Scordium four handfuls, old Venice Treacle, Mithridates, of each eight ounces, Canary Wine twelve pounds, Vinegar six pounds, juice of Lemons two pounds, digest them two days, either in Horse-dung, or in a bath, the vessel being close shut, then distil them in sand; in the distillation you may make a Theriacal extraction.

Culpeper.] This water is exceeding good in all fevers, especially pestilential; it expels venomous humours by sweat; it strengthens the heart and vitals; it is an admirable counter-poison, special good for such as have the plague, or are poisoned, or bitten by venomous beasts, and expels virulent humours from such as have the venereal disease. If you desire to know more virtues of it, see the virtues of Venice Treacle. The dose is from a spoonful to an ounce.

Aqua Brioniæ composita. Or Briony Water compound.

College.] Take of the juice of Briony roots, four pounds, the leaves of Rue and Mugwort, of each two pounds, dryed Savin three handfuls, Featherfew, Nep, Pennyroyal, of each two handfuls, Bazil, Dittany, of Crete, of each one handful and a half, Orange pills four ounces, Myrrh two ounces, Castoreum one ounce, Canary Wine twelve pounds, digest them four days in a convenient vessel, then still them in Balneo Mariæ: About the middle of the distillation strain it out, and make an Hysterical extraction of the residue.

Culpeper.] A spoonful of it taken, eases the fits of the mother in women that have them; it potently expels the afterbirth, and clears the body of what a midwife by heedlessness or accident hath left behind; it cleanses the womb exceedingly, and for that I fancy it much, take not above a tasterful at a time, and then in the morning fasting, for it is of a purging quality, and let pregnant women forbear it.

Aqua Imperialis. Or Imperial Water.

The College.] Take of dried Citron, and Orange pills, Nutmegs, Cloves, Cinnamon, of each two ounces, the roots of Cypress, Orris, Florentine, Calamus Aromaticus, of each one ounce, Zedoary Galanga, Ginger, of each half an ounce, the tops of Lavender and Rosemary, of each two handfuls, the leaves of Bay, Marjoram, Bawm, Mints, Sage, Thyme, of each one handful, the flowers of white and Damask Roses fresh, of each half a handful, Rose-water four pounds, white Wine eight pounds, let all of them be bruised and infused twenty four hours, then distil them according to art.

Culpeper.] You must distil it in a bath, and not in sand: It comforts and strengthens the heart against faintings and swoonings, and is held to be a preservative against consumptions and apoplexies. You may take half a spoonful at a time.

Aqua Mirabilis.

College.] Take of Cloves, Galanga, Cubebs, Mace, Cardamoms, Nutmegs, Ginger, of each one dram, Juice of Celandine half a pound, spirits of Wine one pound, white Wine three pounds, infuse them twenty-four hours, and draw off two pounds with an alembick.

Culpeper.] The simples also of this, regard the stomach, and therefore the water heats cold stomachs, besides authors say it preserves from apoplexies, and restores lost speech.

Aqua Protheriacalis.

College.] Take of Scordium, Scabius, Carduus, Goat’s Rue, of each two handfuls, Citron and Orange pills, of each two ounces, the seeds of Citrons, Carduus, Hartwort, Treacle, Mustard, of each one ounce, the flowers of Marigolds and Rosemary, of each one handful, cut them, and bruise them grossly, then infuse them in four pounds of white Wine, and two pounds of Carduus water, in a glass, close stopped, and set it in the sun of bath for a fortnight, often shaking it, then distil it in Balneo Mariæ. Let the two first pounds be kept by themselves for use, and the remainder of the distillation by itself: Lastly, mix one ounce of Julep of Alexandria, and a spoonful of Cinnamon water with each pound.

Culpeper.] Aqua Protheriacalis, signifies a water for Treacle, so then if you put Diascoridum to it, it is a water for Diascoridum; well then, we will take it for a general water for all physick.

Aqua Caponis. Or Capon Water.

College.] Take a Capon the guts being pulled out, cut in pieces, the fat being taken away, boiled in a sufficient quantity of spring-water in a close vessel, take of this broth three pounds. Borrage and Violet-water, of each a pound and a half, white Wine one pound, red rose leaves two drams and an half, the flowers of Borrage, Violets and Bugloss, of each one dram, pieces of bread, hot out of the oven, half a pound, Cinnamon bruised, half an ounce, distil it in a glass still according to art.

Culpeper.] The simples are most of them appropriated to the heart, and in truth the composition greatly nourishes and strengthens such as are in consumptions, and restores lost strength, either by fevers or other sickness: It is a sovereign remedy for hectic fevers, and Marasmos, which is nothing else but a consumption coming from them. Let such as are subject to these diseases, hold it for a jewel.

Aqua Limacum Magistr. Or Water of Snails.

College.] Take of the juice of Ground Ivy, Colt’s-foot, Scabious, Lungwort, of each one pound and a half, the juice of Purslain, Plantain, Ambrosia, Paul’s Bettony, of each a pound, Hog’s blood, white Wine, of each four pounds, Garden Snails, two pound, dried Tobacco leaves eight, powder of Liquorice two ounces, of Elecampane half an ounce, of Orris an ounce, Cotton seeds an ounce and a half, the greater cold seeds, Annis seeds of each six drams, Saffron one dram, the flowers of red Roses, six pugils, of Violets and Borrage, of each four pugils, steep them three days warm, and then distil them in a glass still, in sand.

Culpeper.] It purges the lungs of flegm and helps consumptions there. If you should happen to live where no better nor readier medicine can be gotten, you may use this.

Aqua Scordii composita. Or Compound Water of Scordium.

College.] Take of the juice of Goat’s Rue, Sorrel, Scordium, Citrons, of each one pound, London Treacle, half a pound, steep it three days, and distil it in sand.

Culpeper.] A tasterful taken in the morning, preserves from ill airs.

Aqua Mariæ.

College.] Take of Sugar Candy a pound, Canary Wine six ounces, Rose Water four ounces; boil it well into a Syrup, and add to it Imperial water two pounds, Ambergreese, Musk, of each eighteen grains, Saffron fifteen grains, yellow Sanders infused in Imperial water, two drams; make a clear water of it.

Aqua Papaveries composita. Or Poppy Water compound.

College.] Take of red Poppies four pounds, sprinkle them with white Wine two pounds, then distil them in a common still, let the distilled water be poured upon fresh flowers and repeated three times; to which distilled water add two Nutmegs sliced, red Poppy flowers a pugil, Sugar two ounces, set it in the sun to give it a pleasing sharpness; if the sharpness be more than you would have it, put some of the same water to it which was not set in the sun.

Aqua Juglandium composita. Or Walnut Water compound.

College.] Take of green Walnuts a pound and an half, Radish roots one pound, green Asarabacca six ounces, Radish seeds, six ounces. Let all of them, being bruised, be steeped in three pounds of white Wine for three days, then distilled in a leaden still till they be dry.

TINCTURES.

Tinctura Croci. Or Tincture of Saffron.

College.] Take two drams of Saffron, eight ounces of Treacle water, digest them six days, then strain it.

Culpeper.] See the virtues of Treacle water, and then know that this strengthens the heart something more, and keeps melancholy vapours thence by drinking a spoonful of it every morning.

Tinctura Castorii. Or Tincture of Castoreum.

College.] Take of Castoreum in powder half an ounce, spirit of Castoreum half a pound, digest them ten days cold, strain it, and keep the Liquor for Tincture.

Culpeper.] A learned invention! ’Tis something more prevalent than the spirit.

Tinctura Fragroram. Or Tincture of Strawberries.

College.] Take of ripe Wood-strawberries two pounds, put them in a phial, and put so much small spirits of Wine to them, that it may overtop them the thickness of four fingers, stop the vessel close, and set it in the sun two days, then strain it, and press it but gently; pour this spirit to as many fresh Strawberries, repeat this six times, at last keep the clear liquor for your use.

Culpeper.] A fine thing for Gentlemen that have nothing else to do with their money, and it will have a lovely look to please their eyes.

Tinctura Scordii. Or Tincture of Scordium.

College.] Take of the leaves of Scordium gathered in a dry time, half a pound, digest them in six pounds of small spirits of Wine, in a vessel well stopped, for three days, press them out gently, and repeat the infusion three times, and keep the clarified liquor for use.

So is made Tincture of Celandine, Rest-harrow, and Rosa-solis.

Culpeper.] See the herbs for the virtues, and then take notice that these are better for cold stomachs, old bodies.

Tinctura Theriacalis vulgo Aqua Theriacalis Ludg. per infus. Or Tincture of Treacle.

College.] Take of Canary Wine often times distilled, Vinegar in which half an ounce of Rue seeds have been boiled, two pounds choice treacle, the best Mithridate, of each half a pound; mix them and set them in the sun, or heat of a bath, digest them, and keep the water for use.

Tinctura Cinnamoni, vulgo, Aqua Clareta Cinnam. Or Tincture of Cinnamon.

College.] Take of bruised Cinnamon two ounces, rectified spirits of Wine two pounds, infuse them four days in a large glass stopped with cork and bladder, shake it twice a day, then dissolve half a pound of Sugar Candy by itself in two pounds of Rose water, mix both liquors, into which hang a nodule containing, Ambergris half a scruple, Musk four grains.

Tinctura Viridis. Or a green Tincture.

College.] Take of Verdigris, half an ounce, Auripigmentum six drams, Alum three drams, boil them in a pound of white Wine till half be consumed, adding, after it is cold, the water of red Roses, and Nightshade, of each six ounces.

Culpeper.] This was made to cleanse ulcers, but I fancy it not.

Aqua Aluminosa Magistralis.

College.] Take of Plantain and red Rose water, of each a pound, roch Alum and Sublimatum, of each two drams; let the Alum and Sublimatum, being in powder, boil in the waters, in a vessel with a narrow mouth till half be consumed, when it has stood five days, strain it.

PHYSICAL WINES.

Vinum Absynthitis. Or Wormwood Wine.

College.] Take a handful of dried Wormwood, for every gallon of Wine, stop it in a vessel close, and so let it remain in steep: so is prepared wine of Rosemary flowers, and Eye-bright.

Culpeper.] It helps cold stomachs, breaks wind, helps the wind cholic, strengthens the stomach, kills worms, and helps the green sickness.

Rosemary-flower Wine, is made after the same manner. It is good against all cold diseases of the head, consumes flegm, strengthens the gums and teeth.

Eye-bright Wine is made after the same manner. It wonderfully clears the sight being drank, and revives the sight of elderly men: A cup of it in the morning is worth a pair of spectacles.

All other Wines are prepared in the same manner.

The best way of taking any of these Wines is, to drink a draught of them every morning. You may, if you find your body old or cold, make Wine of any other herb, the virtues of which you desire; and make it and take it in the same manner.

Vinum Cerassorum Nigrorum. Or Wine of Black Cherries.

College.] Take a gallon of Black Cherries, keep it in a vessel close stopped till it begin to work, then filter it, and an ounce of Sugar being added to every pound, let pass through Hippocrates’ sleeve, and keep in a vessel close stopped for use.

Vinum Helleboratum. Or Helleborated Wine.

College.] Take of white Hellebore cut small, four ounces, Spanish Wine two pounds, steep it in the sun in a phial close stopped, in the dog days, or other hot weather.

Vinum Rubellum.

College.] Take of Stibium, in powder, one ounce, Cloves sliced two drams, Claret Wine two pounds, keep it in a phial close shut.

Vinum Benedictum.

College.] Take of Crocus Metallorum, in powder, one ounce, Mace one dram, Spanish Wine one pound and an half, steep it.

Vinum Antimoniale. Or Antimonial Wine.

College.] Take of Regulus of Antimony, in powder, four ounces, steep it in three pounds of white Wine in a glass well stopped, after the first shaking let the Regulus settle.

Culpeper.] These last mentioned are vomits, and vomits are fitting medicines for but a few, the mouth being ordained to take in nourishment, not to cast out excrements, and to regulate a man’s body in vomiting; and doses of vomits require a deeper study in physic, than I doubt the generality of people yet have; I omit it therefore at this time, not because I grudge it my country, but because I would not willingly have them do themselves a mischief, I shall shortly teach them in what diseases vomits may be used, and then, and not till then, the use of vomits.

Vinum Scilliticum. Or Wine of Squills.

College.] Take of a white Squill of the mountains, gathered about the rising of the dog star, cut it in thin pieces, and dried for a month, one pound, put it in a glass bottle, and pour to it eight pounds of French Wine, and when it hath stood so four days, take out the Squill.

The virtues of this are the same with Vinegar of Squills, only it is hotter.

PHYSICAL VINEGARS.

Acetum distillatum. Or distilled Vinegar.

College.] Fill a glass or stone alembick with the best Vinegar to the third part, separate the flegm with a gentle fire, then encrease the fire by degrees, and perform the work.

Acetum Rosarum. Or Rose Vinegar.

College.] Take of red Rose buds, gathered in a dry time, the whites cut off, dried in the shade three or four days, one pound, Vinegar eight sextaries, set them in the sun forty days, then strain out the Roses, and repeat the infusion with fresh ones.

After the same manner is made Vinegar of Elder flowers, Rosemary flowers, and Clove-gilliflowers.

Culpeper.] For the virtues of all Vinegars, take this one only observation, They carry the same virtues with the flowers whereof they are made, only as we said of Wines, that they were better for cold bodies then the bare simples whereof they are made; so are Vinegars for hot bodies. Besides, Vinegars are often, nay, most commonly used externally, viz. to bathe the place, then look amongst the simples, and see what place of the body the simple is appropriated to, and you cannot but know both what Vinegar to use, and to what place to apply it.

Acetum Scilliticum. Or Vinegar of Squils.

College.] Take of that part of the Squill which is between the outward bark and the bottom, cut in thin slices, and placed thirty or forty days in the sun or some remiss heat, then a pound of them (being cut small with a knife made of ivory or some white wood) being put in a vessel, and six pounds of Vinegar put to them; set the vessel, being close stopped, in the sun thirty or forty days, afterwards strain it, and keep it for use.

Culpeper.] A little of this medicine being taken in the morning fasting, and walking half an hour after, preserves the body in health, to extreme old age, (as Sanius tried, who using no other medicine but this, lived in perfect health till one hundred and seventeen years of age) it makes the digestion good, a long wind, a clear voice, an acute sight, a good colour, it suffers no offensive thing to remain in the body, neither wind, flegm, choler, melancholy, dung, nor urine, but brings them forth; it brings forth filth though it lie in the bones, it takes away salt and sour belchings, though a man be never so licentious in diet, he shall feel no harm: It hath cured such as have the phthisic, that have been given over by all Physicians: It cures such as have the falling sickness, gouts, and diseases and swellings of the joints: It takes away the hardness of the liver and spleen. We should never have done if we should reckon up the particular benefits of this medicine: Therefore we commend it as a wholesome medicine for soundness of body, preservation of health, and vigour of mind. Thus Galen.

Acetum Theriacale, Norimberg. Or Treacle Vinegar.

College.] Take of the roots of Celandine the greater, one ounce and a half: the roots of Angelica, Masterwort, Gentian, Bistort, Valerian, Burnet, white Dittany, Elecampane, Zedoary, of each one dram, of Plantain the greater one dram and a half, the leaves of Mousear, Sage, Scabious, Scordium, Dittany of Crete, Carduus, of each half an handful, barks and seeds of Citrons, of each half a dram, Bole Amoniac one dram, Saffron three drams, of these let the Saffron, Hart’s-horn, Dittany, and Bole, be tied up in a rag, and steeped with the things before mentioned, in five pints of Vinegar, for certain days by a temperate heat in a glass well stopped, strain it, and add six drams of the best Treacle to it, shake it together, and keep it for your use.

Acetum Theriacale. Or Treacle Vinegar.

College.] Add to the description of Treacle water, Clove-gilliflowers two ounces, Lavender flowers an ounce and a half, Rose, and Elder flower Vinegar, of each four pounds, digest it without boiling, three days, then strain it through Hippocrates’ sleeve.

Culpeper.] See Treacle Water for the virtues, only this is more cool, a little more fantastical.

DECOCTIONS.

Decoctum commune pro clystere. Or a common Decoction for a Clyster.

College.] Take of Mallows, Violets, Pellitory, Beets, and Mercury, Chamomel flowers, of each one handful, sweet Fennel seeds half an ounce, Linseeds two drams, boil them in a sufficient quantity of common water to a pound.

Culpeper.] This is the common decoction for all clysters, according to the quality of the humour abounding, so you may add what Simples, or Syrups, or Electuaries you please; only half a score Linseeds, and a handful of Chamomel flowers are added.

Decoctum Epythimi. Or a Decoction of Epithimum.

College.] Take of Myrobalans, Chebs, and Inds, of each half an ounce, Stœchas, Raisins of the sun stoned, Epithimum, Senna, of each one ounce, Fumitory half an ounce, Maudlin five drams, Polipodium six drams, Turbith half an ounce, Whey made with Goat’s milk, or Heifer’s milk four pounds, let them all boil to two pounds, the Epithimum excepted, which boil but a second or two, then take it from the fire, and add black Hellebore one dram and an half, Agerick half a dram, Sal. Gem. one dram and an half, steep them ten hours, then press it strongly out.

Culpeper.] It purges melancholy, as also choler, it resists madness, and all diseases coming of melancholy, and therefore let melancholy people esteem it as a jewel.

Decoctum Sennæ Gereonis. Or a Decoction of Senna.

College.] Take of Senna two ounces, Pollipodium half an ounce, Ginger one dram, Raisins of the sun stoned two ounces, Sebestens, Prunes, of each twelve, the flowers of Borrage, Violets, Roses, and Rosemary, of each two drams, boil them in four pounds of water till half be consumed.

Culpeper.] It is a common Decoction for any purge, by adding other simples or compounds to it, according to the quality of the humour you would have purged, yet, in itself, it chiefly purges melancholy.

Decoctum Pectorale. Or a Pectoral Decoction.

College.] Take of Raisins of the sun stoned, an ounce, Sebestens, Jujubes, of each fifteen, Dates six, Figs four, French Barley one ounce, Liquorice half an ounce, Maiden-hair, Hyssop, Scabious, Colt’s-foot, of each one handful, boil them in three pounds of water till two remain.

Culpeper.] The medicine is chiefly appropriated to the lungs, and therefore causes a clear voice, a long wind, resists coughs, hoarseness, asthmas, &c. You may drink a quarter of a pint of it every morning, without keeping to any diet, for it purges not.

I shall quote some Syrups fitting to be mixed with it, when I come to the Syrups.

Decoctum Trumaticum.

College.] Take of Agrimony, Mugwort, wild Angelica, St. John’s Wort, Mousear, of each two handfuls, Wormwood half a handful, Southernwood, Bettony, Bugloss, Comfrey the greater and lesser, roots and all, Avens, both sorts of Plantain, Sanicle, Tormentil with the roots, the buds of Barberries and Oak, of each a handful, all these being gathered in May and June and diligently dried, let them be cut and put up in skins or papers against the time of use, then take of the forenamed herbs three handfuls, boil them in four pounds of conduit water and two pounds of white Wine gently till half be consumed, strain it, and a pound of Honey being added to it, let it be scummed and kept for use.

Culpeper.] If sight of a medicine will do you good, this is as like to do it as any I know.

SYRUPS.

ALTERING SYRUPS.

Culpeper.] Reader, before we begin with the particular Syrups, I think good to advertise thee of these few things, which concern the nature, making, and use of Syrups in general. 1. A Syrup is a medicine of a liquid body, compounded of Decoction, Infusion, or Juice, with Sugar or Honey, and brought by the heat of the fire, into the thickness of Honey. 2. Because all Honey is not of a thickness, understand new Honey, which of all other is thinnest. 3. The reason why Decoctions, Infusions, Juices, are thus used, is, Because thereby, First, They will keep the longer. Secondly, They will taste the better. 4. In boiling Syrups have a great care of their just consistence, for if you boil them too much they will candy, if too little, they will sour. 5. All simple Syrups have the virtues of the simples they are made of, and are far more convenient for weak people, and delicate stomachs.

Syrupus de Absinthio simplex. Or Syrup of Wormwood simple.

The College.] Take of the clarified Juice of common Wormwood, clarified Sugar, of each four pounds, make it into a Syrup according to art. After the same manner, are prepared simple Syrups of Betony, Borrage, Bugloss, Carduus, Chamomel, Succory, Endive, Hedge-mustard, Strawberries, Fumitory, Ground Ivy, St. John’s Wort, Hops, Mercury, Mousear, Plantain, Apples, Purslain, Rasberries, Sage, Scabious, Scordium, Houseleek, Colt’s-foot, Paul’s Bettony, and other Juices not sour.

Culpeper.] See the simples, and then you may easily know both their virtues, and also that they are pleasanter and fitter for delicate stomachs when they are made into Syrups.

Syrupus de Absinthio Compositus. Or Syrup of Wormwood compound.

College.] Take of common Wormwood meanly dry, half a pound, red Roses two ounces, Indian Spikenard three drams, old white Wine, juice of Quinces, of each two pounds and an half, steep them a whole day in an earthen vessel, then boil them gently, and strain it, and by adding two pounds of sugar, boil it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] Mesue is followed verbatim in this; and the receipt is appropriated to cold and flegmatic stomachs, and it is an admirable remedy for it, for it strengthens both stomach and liver, as also the instruments of concoction, a spoonful taken in the morning, is admirable for such as have a weak digestion, it provokes an appetite to one’s victuals, it prevails against the yellow iaundice, breaks wind, purges humours by urine.

Syrupus de Acetosus simplex. Or Syrup of Vinegar simple.

College.] Take of clear Water four pounds, white Sugar five pounds, boil them in a glazed vessel over a gentle fire, scumming it till half the water be consumed, then by putting in two pounds of white Wine Vinegar by degrees, perfect the Syrup.

Culpeper.] That is, only melt the Sugar with the Vinegar over the fire, scum it, but boil it not.

Syrupus Acetosus simplicior. Or Syrup of Vinegar more simple.

College.] Take of white Sugar five pounds, white Wine Vinegar two pounds, by melting it in a bath, make it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] Of these two Syrups let every one use which he finds by experience to be best; the difference is but little. They both of them cut flegm, as also tough, hard viscous humours in the stomach; they cool the body, quench thirst, provoke urine, and prepare the stomach before the taking of a vomit. If you take it as a preparative for an emetic, take half an ounce of it when you go to bed the night before you intend it to operate, it will work the easier, but if for any of the foregoing occasions, take it with a liquorice stick.

Syrupus Acetosus compositus. Or Syrup of Vinegar compound.

College.] Take of the roots of Smallage, Fennel, Endive, of each three ounces, the seeds of Annis, Smallage, Fennel, of each one ounce, of Endive half an ounce, clear Water six pounds, boil it gently in an earthen vessel till half the water be consumed, then strain and clarify it, and with three pounds of Sugar, and a pound and a half of white Wine Vinegar, boil it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] This in my opinion is a gallant Syrup for such whose bodies are stuffed either with flegm, or tough humours, for it opens obstructions or stoppings both of the stomach, liver, spleen, and reins; it cuts and brings away tough flegm and choler, and is therefore a special remedy for such as have a stuffing at their stomach.

Syrupus de Agno Casto. Or Syrup of Agnus Castus.

College.] Take of the seeds of Rue and Hemp, of each half a dram, of Endive, Lettice, Purslain, Gourds, Melons, of each two drams, of Fleawort half an ounce, of Agnus Castus four ounces, the flowers of Water Lilies, the leaves of Mints, of each half a handful, decoction of seeds of Lentils, and Coriander seeds, of each half an ounce, three pounds of the decoction, boil them all over a gentle fire till two pounds be consumed, add to the residue, being strained, two ounces of juice of Lemons, a pound and a half of white sugar, make it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] A pretty Syrup, and good for little.

Syrupus de Althæa. Or Syrup of Marsh-mallows.

College.] Take of roots of Marsh-mallows, two ounces, the roots of Grass Asparagus, Liquorice, Raisins of the Sun stoned, of each half an ounce, the tops of Mallows, Marsh-mallows, Pellitory of the Wall, Burnet, Plantain, Maiden-hair white and black, of each a handful, red Cicers an ounce, of the four greater and four lesser cold seeds, of each three drams, boil them in six pounds of clear Water till four remain, which being strained, boil into a syrup with four pounds of white sugar.

Culpeper.] It is a fine cooling, opening, slipery Syrup, and chiefly commendable for the cholic, stone, or gravel, in the kidneys or bladder.

Syrupus de Ammoniaca. Or Syrup of Ammoniacum.

College.] Take of Maudlin and Cetrach, of each four handfuls, common Wormwood an ounce, the roots of Succory, Sparagus, bark of Caper roots, of each two ounces, after due preparation steep them twenty-four hours in three ounces of white Wine, Radish and Fumitory water, of each two pounds, then boil it away to one pound eight ounces, let it settle, in four ounces of which, whilst it is warm, dissolve by itself Gum Ammoniacum, first dissolved in white Wine Vinegar, two ounces, boil the rest with a pound and an half of white sugar into a Syrup, adding the mixtures of the Gum at the end.

Culpeper.] It cools the liver, and opens obstructions both of it and the spleen, helps old surfeits, and such like diseases, as scabs, itch, leprosy, and what else proceed from the liver over heated. You may take an ounce at a time.

Syrupus de Artemisia. Or Syrup of Mugwort.

College.] Take of Mugwort two handfuls, Pennyroyal, Calaminth, Origanum, Bawm, Arsmart, Dittany of Crete, Savin, Marjoram, Germander, St. John’s Wort, Camepitis, Featherfew with the flowers, Centaury the less, Rue, Bettony, Bugloss, of each a handful, the roots of Fennel, Smallage, Parsley, Sparagus, Bruscus, Saxifrage, Elecampane, Cypress, Madder, Orris, Peony, of each an ounce, Juniper Berries, the seeds of Lovage, Parsley, Smallage, Annis, Nigella, Carpobalsamum or Cubebs, Costus, Cassia Lignea, Cardamoms, Calamus Aromaticus, the roots of Asarabacca, Pellitory of Spain, Valerian, of each half an ounce, being cleansed, cut, and bruised, let them be infused twenty-four hours in fourteen pounds of clear water, and boiled till half be consumed, being taken off from the fire, and rubbed between your hands whilst it is warm, strain it, and with honey and sugar, of each two pounds, sharp Vinegar four ounces, boil it to a Syrup, and perfume it with Cinnamon and Spikenard, of each three drams.

Culpeper.] It helps the passion of the matrix, and retains it in its place, it dissolves the coldness, wind, and pains thereof: it strengthens the nerves, opens the pores, corrects the blood, it corrects and provokes the menses. You may take a spoonful of it at a time.

Syrupus de Betonica compositus. Or Syrup of Bettony compound.

College.] Take of Bettony three handfuls, Marjoram four handfuls and a half, Thyme, red Roses, of each a handful, Violets, Stœchas, Sage, of each half a handful, the seeds of Fennel, Annis, and Ammi, of each half an ounce, the roots of Peons, Polypodium, and Fennel, of each five drams, boil them in six pounds of river water, to three pounds, strain it, and add juice of Bettony two pounds, sugar three pounds and a half, make it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It helps diseases coming of cold, both in the head and stomach, as also such as come of wind, vertigos, madness; it concocts melancholy, it provokes the menses, and so doth the simple Syrup more than the compound.

Syrupus Byzantinus, simple.

College.] Take of the Juice of the leaves of Endive and Smallage, of each two pounds, of Hops and Bugloss, of each one pound, boil them together and scum them, and to the clarified liquor, add four pounds of white sugar, to as much of the juices, and with a gentle fire boil it to a Syrup.

Syrupus Byzantinus, compound.

College.] Take of the Juices so ordered as in the former, four pounds, in which boil red Roses, two ounces, Liquorice half an ounce, the seeds of Annis, Fennel, and Smallage, of each three drams, Spikenard two drams, strain it, and to the three pounds remaining, add two pounds of Vinegar, four pounds of Sugar, make it into a syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] They both of them (viz. both Simple and Compound) open stoppings of the stomach, liver, and spleen, help the rickets in children, cut and bring away tough flegm, and help the yellow jaundice. You may take them with a Liquorice stick, or take a spoonful in the morning fasting.

Syrupus Botryos. Or Syrup of Oak of Jerusalem.

College.] Take of Oak of Jerusalem, Hedge-mustard, Nettles, of each two handfuls, Colt’s-foot, one handful and a half, boil them in a sufficient quantity of clear water till half be consumed; to two pounds of the Decoction, add two pounds of the Juice of Turnips baked in an oven in a close pot, and with three pounds of white sugar, boil it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] This Syrup was composed against coughs, shortness of breath, and other the like infirmities of the breast proceeding of cold, for which (if you can get it) you may take it with a Liquorice stick.

Syrupus Capillorum Veneris. Or Syrup of Maiden-hair.

College.] Take of Liquorice two ounces, Maiden-hair five ounces, steep them a natural day in four pounds of warm water, then after gentle boiling, and strong straining, with a pound and a half of fine sugar make it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It opens stoppings of the stomach, strengthens the lungs, and helps the infirmities of them. This may be taken also either with a Liquorice stick, or mixed with the Pectoral Decoction like Syrup of Coltsfoot.

Syrupus Cardiacus, vel Julepum Cardiacum. Or a Cordial Syrup.

College.] Take of Rhenish Wine two pounds, Rose Water two ounces and a half, Cloves two scruples, Cinnamon half a dram, Ginger two scruples, Sugar three ounces and a half, boil it to the consistence of a Julep, adding Ambergris three grains, Musk one grain.

Culpeper.] If you would have this Julep keep long, you may put in more sugar, and yet if close stopped, it will not easily corrupt because it is made up only of Wine, indeed the wisest way is to order the quantity of sugar according to the palate of him that takes it. It restores such as are in consumptions, comforts the heart, cherishes the drooping spirits, and is of an opening quality, thereby carrying away those vapours which might otherwise annoy the brain and heart: You may take an ounce at a time, or two if you please.

Syrupus infusionis florum Cariophillorum. Or Syrup of Clove-gilliflowers.

College.] Take a pound of Clove-gilliflowers, the whites being cut off, infuse them a whole night in two pounds of water, then with four pounds of sugar melted in it, make it into a Syrup without boiling.

Culpeper.] This Syrup is a fine temperate Syrup: it strengthens the heart, liver, and stomach; it refreshes the vital spirits, and is a good cordial in fevers; and usually mixed with other cordials, you can hardly err in taking it, it is so harmless a Syrup.

Syrupus de Cinnamomo. Or Syrup of Cinnamon.

College.] Take of Cinnamon grossly bruised, four ounces, steep it in white Wine, and small Cinnamon Water, of each half a pound, three days, in a glass, by a gentle heat; strain it, and with a pound and a half of sugar, boil it gently to a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It refreshes the vital spirits exceedingly, and cheers both heart and stomach languishing through cold, it helps digestion exceedingly, and strengthens the whole body. You may take a spoonful at a time in a cordial.

College.] Thus also you may conveniently prepare Syrups (but only with white Wine,) of Annis seeds, sweet Fennel seeds, Cloves, Nutmegs, Ginger, &c.

Syrupus Acetositatis Citriorum. Or Syrup of Juice of Citrons.

College.] Take of the Juice of Citrons, strained without expression, and cleansed, a pound, Sugar two pounds, make it into a Syrup like Syrup of Clove-gilliflowers.

Culpeper.] It prevails against all diseases proceeding from choler, or heat of blood, fevers, both pestilential, and not pestilential; it resists poison, cools the blood, quenches thirst, cures the vertigo, or dizziness in the head.

College.] After the same manner is made Syrups of Grapes, Oranges, Barberries, Cherries, Quinces, Lemons, Woodsorrel, Mulberries, Sorrel, English Currants, and other sour Juices.

Culpeper.] If you look the simples you may see the virtues of them: they all cool and comfort the heart, and strengthen the stomach, Syrup of Quinces stays vomiting, so doth all Syrup of Grapes.

Syrupus Corticum Citriorum. Or Syrup of Citron Pills.

College.] Take of fresh yellow Citron Pills five ounces, the berries of Chermes, or the juice of them brought over to us, two drams, Spring Water four pounds, steep them all night, boil them till half be consumed, taking off the scum, strain it, and with two pounds and a half of sugar boiled it into a Syrup: let half of it be without Musk, but perfume the other half with three grains of Musk tied up in a rag.

Culpeper.] It strengthens the stomach, resists poison, strengthens the heart, and resists the passions thereof, palpitation, faintings, swoonings; it strengthens the vital spirits, restores such as are in consumptions, and hectic fevers, and strengthens nature much. You may take a spoonful at a time.

Syrupus e Coralliis simplex. Or Syrup of Coral simple.

College.] Take of red Coral in very fine powder four ounces, dissolve it in clarified juice of Barberries in the heat of a bath, a pound, in a glass well stopped with wax and cork, a digestion being made three or four days, pour off what is dissolved, put in fresh clarified juice, and proceed as before, repeat this so often till all the coral be dissolved; lastly, to one pound of this juice add a pound and a half of sugar, and boil it to a Syrup gently.

Syrupus e Coralliis compositus. Or Syrup of Coral compound.

College.] Take of red Coral six ounces, in very fine powder, and levigated upon a marble, add of clarified juice of Lemons, the flegm being drawn off in a bath, sixteen ounces, clarified juice of Barberries, eight ounces, sharp white Wine Vinegar, and juice of Wood-sorrel, of each six ounces, mix them together, and put them in a glass stopped with cork and bladder, shaking it every day till it have digested eight days in a bath, or horse dung, then filter it, of which take a pound and a half, juice of Quinces half a pound, sugar of Roses twelve ounces, make them into a Syrup in a bath, adding Syrup of Clove-gilliflowers sixteen ounces, keep it for use, omitting the half dram of Ambergris, and four grains of Musk till the physician command it.

Culpeper.] Syrup of Coral both simple and compound, restore such as are in consumptions, are of a gallant cooling nature, especially the last, and very cordial, good for hectic fevers, it stops fluxes, the running of the reins, and the Fluor Albus, helps such as spit blood, and such as have the falling-sickness, it stays the menses. Half a spoonful in the morning is enough.

Syrupus Cydoniorum. Or Syrup of Quinces.

College.] Take of the Juice of Quinces clarified six pounds, boil it over a gentle fire till half of it be consumed, scumming it, adding red Wine three pounds, white sugar four pounds, boil it into a Syrup, to be perfumed with a dram and a half of Cinnamon, Cloves and Ginger, of each two scruples.

Culpeper.] It strengthens the heart and stomach, stays looseness and vomiting, relieves languishing nature: for looseness, take a spoonful of it before meat, for vomiting after meat, for both, as also for the rest, in the morning.

Syrupus de Erysimo. Or Syrup of Hedge-mustard.

College.] Take of Hedge-mustard, fresh, six handfuls, the roots of Elecampane, Colt’s-foot, Liquorice, of each two ounces, Borrage, Succory, Maiden-hair, of each a handful and a half, the cordial flowers, Rosemary and Bettony, of each half a handful, Annis seeds half an ounce, Raisins of the sun stoned, two ounces, let all of them, being prepared according to art, be boiled in a sufficient quantity of Barley Water and Hydromel, with six ounces of juice of Hedge-mustard to two pounds and a half, the which, with three pounds of sugar, boil it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] It was invented against cold afflictions of the breast and lungs, as asthmas, hoarseness, &c. You may take it either with a Liquorice stick, or which is better, mix an ounce of it with three or four ounces of Pectoral Decoction, and drink it off warm in the morning.

Syrupus de Fumaria. Or Syrup of Fumitory.

College.] Take of Endive, common Wormwood, Hops, Dodder, Hart’s-tongue, of each a handful, Epithimum an ounce and a half, boil them in four pounds of water till half be consumed, strain it, and add the juice of Fumitory a pound and a half, of Borrage and Bugloss, of each half a pound, white sugar four pounds, make them into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] The receipt is a pretty concocter of melancholy, and therefore a rational help for diseases arising thence, both internal and external, it helps diseases of the skin, as Leprosies, Cancers, Warts, Corns, Itch, Tetters, Ringworms, Scabs, &c. and it is the better to be liked, because of its gentleness. It helps surfeits exceedingly, cleanses, cools, and strengthens the liver, and causes it to make good blood, and good blood cannot make bad flesh. I commend this receipt to those whose bodies are subject to scabs and itch. If you please you may take two ounces by itself every morning.

Syrupus de Glycyrrhiza. Or Syrup of Liquorice.

College.] Take of green Liquorice, scraped and bruised, two ounces, white Maiden-hair an ounce, dryed Hyssop half an ounce, steep these in four pounds of hot water, after twenty-four hours, boil it till half be consumed, strain it, and clarify it, and with Honey, Penids, and Sugar, of each eight ounces, make it into a Syrup, adding, before it be perfectly boiled, red Rose Water six ounces.

Culpeper.] It cleanses the breast and lungs, and helps continual coughs and pleurisies. You may take it with a Liquorice stick, or add an ounce of it or more to the Pectoral Decoction.

Syrupus Granatorum cum Aceto; vulgo, Oxysaccharum simplex. Or Syrup of Pomegranates with Vinegar.

College.] Take of white sugar a pound and a half, juice of Pomegranates eight ounces, white Wine Vinegar four ounces, boil it gently into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] Look the virtues of Pomegranates among the simples.

Syrupus de Hyssopo. Or Syrup of Hyssop.

College.] Take eight pounds of Spring Water, half an ounce of Barley, boil it about half an hour, then add the Roots of Smallage, Parsley, Fennel, Liquorice, of each ten drams, Jujubes, Sebestens, of each fifteen, Raisins of the sun stoned, an ounce and a half, Figs, Dates, of each ten, the seeds of Mallows and Quinces, Gum Tragacanth tied up in a rag, of each three drams, Hyssop meanly dryed, ten drams, Maiden-hair six drams, boil them together, yet so, that the roots may precede the fruits, the fruits the seeds, and the seeds the herbs, about a quarter of an hour; at last, five pounds of water being consumed, boil the other three (being first strained and clarified) into a Syrup with two pounds and a half of sugar.

Culpeper.] It mightily strengthens the breast and lungs, causes long wind, clears the voice, is a good remedy against coughs. Use it like the Syrup of Liquorice.

Syrupus Ivæ arthriticæ, sive Chamæpityos. Or Syrup of Chamepitys.

College.] Take of Chamepitys, two handfuls, Sage, Rosemary, Poley Mountain, Origanum, Calaminth, wild Mints, Pennyroyal, Hyssop, Thyme, Rue, garden and wild, Bettony, Mother of Thyme, of each a handful, the roots of Acorns, Birthwort long and round, Briony, Dittany, Gentian, Hog’s Fennel, Valerian, of each half an ounce, the roots of Smallage, Asparagus, Fennel, Parsley, Bruscus, of each an ounce, Pellitory of Spain, an ounce and a half, Stœchas, the seeds of Annis, Ammi, Caraway, Fennel, Lovage, Hartwort, of each three drams, Raisins of the sun two ounces, boil them in ten pounds of water to four, to which add honey and sugar, of each two pounds, make it into a Syrup to be perfumed with Sugar, Nutmegs, and Cubebs, of each three drams.

Syrupus Jujubinus. Or Syrup of Jujubes.

College.] Take of Jujubes, Violets, five drams, Maiden-hair, Liquorice, French Barley, of each an ounce, the seeds of Mallows five drams, the seeds of white Poppies, Melons, Lettice, (seeds of Quinces and Gum Tragacanth tied up in a rag) of each three drams, boil them in six pounds of rain or spring water till half be consumed, strain it, and with two pounds of sugar make it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It is a fine cooling Syrup, very available in coughs, hoarseness, and pleurisies, ulcers of the lungs and bladder, as also in all inflammations whatsoever. You may take a spoonful of it once in three or four hours, or if you please take it with a Liquorice stick.

Syrupus de Meconio, sive Diacodium. Or Syrup of Meconium, or Diacodium.

College.] Take of white Poppy heads with their seeds, gathered a little after the flowers are fallen off, and kept three days, eight ounces, black Poppy heads (so ordered) six ounces, rain Water eight pounds, steep them twenty-four hours, then boil and press them gently, boil it to three pounds, and with twenty-four ounces of sugar boil it into a Syrup according to art.

Syrupus de Meconio compositus. Or Syrup of Meconium compound.

College.] Take of white and black Poppy heads with their seeds, fifty drams, Maiden-hair fifteen drams, Jujubes thirty, the seeds of Lettice, forty drams, of Mallows and Quinces tied up in a rag, a dram and a half, Liquorice five drams, water eight pounds, boil it according to art, strain it, and to three pounds of Decoction add Sugar and Penids, of each one pound, make it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] Meconium is nothing else but the juice of English Poppies boiled till it be thick: It prevails against dry coughs, phthisicks, hot and sharp gnawing rheums, and provokes sleep. It is an usual fashion for nurses when they have heated their milk by exercise or strong liquor (no marvel then if their children be froward) then run for Syrup of Poppies, to make their young ones sleep. I would fain have that fashion left, therefore I forbear the dose; let nurses keep their own bodies temperate, and their children will sleep well enough, never fear.

Syrupus Melissophylli. Or Syrup of Bawm.

College.] Take of the Bark of Bugloss roots, an ounce, the roots of white Dittany, Cinquefoil, Scorzonera, of each half an ounce, the leaves of Bawm, Scabious, Devil’s-bit, the flowers of both sorts of Bugloss, and Rosemary, of each a handful, the seeds of Sorrel, Citrons, Fennel, Carduus, Bazil, of each three drams, boil them in four pounds of water till half be consumed, strain it, and add three pounds of white sugar, juice of Bawm and Rose Water, of each half a pound, boil them to a Syrup, the which perfume with Cinnamon and yellow Sanders, of each half an ounce.

Culpeper.] It is an excellent cordial, and strengthens the heart, breast, and stomach, it resists melancholy, revives the spirits, is given with good success in fevers, it strengthens the memory, and relieves languishing nature. You may take a spoonfull of it at a time.

Syrupus de Mentha. Or Syrup of Mints.

College.] Take of the juices of Quinces sweet and between sweet and sour, the juice of Pomegranates sweet, between sweet and sour, and sour, of each a pound and a half, dried Mints half a pound, red Roses two ounces, let them lie in steep one day, then boil it half away, and with four pounds of sugar boil it into a Syrup according to art: perfume it not unless the Physicians command.

Culpeper.] The Syrup is in quality binding, yet it comforts the stomach much, helps digestion, stays vomiting, and is as excellent a remedy against sour or offensive belchings, as any is in the Dispensatory. Take a spoonful of it after meat.

Syrupus de Mucilaginibus. Or Syrup of Mussilages.

College.] Take of the seeds of Marsh-mallows, Mallows, Quinces, of each an ounce, Gum Tragacanth three drams, let these infuse six hours in warm Decoction of Mallows, white Poppy seeds, and Winter Cherries, then press out the Mussilage to an ounce and an half, with which, and three ounces of the aforesaid Decoction, and two ounces of sugar, make a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] A spoonful taken by itself, or in any convenient liquor, is excellent for any sharp corroding humours be they in what part of the body soever, phthisicks, bloody-flux, stone in the reins or bladder, or ulcers there: it is excellent good for such as have taken purges that are too strong for their bodies, for by its slippery nature it helps corrosions, and by its cooling helps inflammations.

Syrupus Myrtinus. Or Syrup of Myrtles.

College.] Take of Myrtle Berries two ounces and an half, Sanders white and red, Sumach, Balaustines, Barberry stones, red Roses, of each an ounce and a half, Medlars half a pound, bruise them in eight pounds of water to four, strain it, and add juice of Quinces and sour Pomegranates, of each six ounces, then with three pounds of sugar, boil it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] The Syrup is of a very binding, yet comforting nature, it helps such as spit blood, all fluxes of the belly, or corrosions of the internal parts, it strengthens the retentive faculty, and stops immoderate flux of menses. A spoonful at a time is the dose.

Syrupus Florum Nymphæ simplex. Or Syrup of Water-Lily flowers, simple.

College.] Take of the whitest of white Water-Lily flowers, a pound, steep them in three pounds of warm water six or seven hours, let them boil a little, and strain them out, put in the same weight of flowers again the second and third time, when you have strained it the last time, add its weight of sugar to it, and boil it to a Syrup.

Syrupus Florum Nymphæ compositus. Syrup of Water-Lily flowers compound.

College.] Take of white Water-Lily flowers half a pound, Violets two ounces, Lettice two handfuls, the seeds of Lettice, Purslain, and Gourds, of each half an ounce, boil them in four pounds of clear water till one be consumed, strain it, and add half a pound of red Rose water, white sugar four pounds, boil it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] They are both fine cooling Syrups, allay the heat of choler, and provoke sleep, they cool the body, both head, heart, liver, reins, and matrix, and therefore are profitable for hot diseases in either, you may take an ounce of it at a time when your stomach is empty.

Syrupus de Papavere Erratico, sive Rubro. Or Syrup of Erratic Poppies.

College.] Take of the fresh flowers of red Poppies two pounds, steep them in four pounds of warm spring water, the next day strain it, and boil it into a Syrup with its equal weight in sugar.

Culpeper.] The Syrup cools the blood, helps surfeits, and may safely be given in frenzies, fevers, and hot agues.

Syrupus de Pilosella. Or Syrup of Mousear.

College.] Take of Mousear three handfuls, the roots of Lady’s-mantle an ounce and an half, the roots of Comfrey the greater, Madder, white Dittany, Tormentil, Bistort, of each an ounce, the leaves of Wintergreen, Horsetail, Ground Ivy, Plantain, Adder’s Tongue, Strawberries, St. John’s Wort with the flowers, Golden Rod, Agrimony, Bettony, Burnet, Avens, Cinquefoil the greater, red Coleworts, Balaustines, red Roses, of each a handful, boil them gently in six pounds of Plantain Water to three, then strain it strongly, and when it is settled, add Gum Tragacanth, the seeds of Fleawort, Marsh-mallows and Quinces, made into a Mussilage by themselves in Strawberry and Bettony Water, of each three ounces, white sugar two pounds, boil it to the thickness of honey.

Culpeper.] It is drying and healing, and therefore good for ruptures.

Syrupus infusionis florum Pæoniæ. Or Syrup of the infusion of Peony flowers.

College.] It is prepared in the same manner as Syrup of Clove-gilliflowers.

Syrupus de Pæonia compositus. Or Syrup of Peony compound.

College.] Take of the Roots of both sorts of Peony taken up at the full Moon, cut in slices, and steeped in white Wine a whole day, of each an ounce and an half, Contra Yerva half an ounce, Siler Mountain six drams, Elk’s Claws an ounce, Rosemary with the flowers on, one handful, Bettony, Hyssop, Origanum, Chamepitys, Rue, of each three drams, Wood of Aloes, Cloves, Cardamoms the less, of each two drams, Ginger, Spikenard, of each a dram, Stœchas, Nutmegs, of each two drams and an half, boil them after one day’s warm digestion, in a sufficient quantity of distilled water of Peony roots, to four pounds, in which (being strained through Hippocrates’ sleeve) put four pounds and an half of white sugar, and boil it to a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It helps the falling-sickness, and convulsions.

Syrupus de Pomis aiterans. Or Syrup of Apples.

College.] Take four pounds of the juice of sweet scented Apples, the juice of Bugloss, garden and wild, of Violet leaves, Rose Water, of each a pound, boil them together, and clarify them, and with six pounds of pure sugar, boil it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] It is a fine cooling Syrup for such whose stomachs are overpressed with heat, and may safely be given in fevers, for it rather loosens than binds: it breeds good blood, and is profitable in hectic fevers, and for such as are troubled with palpitation of the heart, it quenches thirst admirably in fevers, and stays hiccoughs. You may take an ounce of it at a time in the morning, or when you need.

Syrupus de Prasio. Or Syrup of Horehound.

College.] Take of white Horehound fresh, two ounces, Liquorice, Polipodium of the Oak, Fennel, and Smallage roots, of each half an ounce, white Maiden-hair, Origanum, Hyssop, Calaminth, Thyme, Savory, Scabious, Colt’s-foot, of each six drams, the seeds of Annis and Cotton, of each three drams, Raisins of the sun stoned two ounces, fat Figs ten, boil them in eight pounds of Hydromel till half be consumed, boil the Decoction into a Syrup with honey and sugar, of each two pounds, and perfume it with an ounce of the roots of Orris Florentine.

Culpeper.] It is appropriated to the breast and lungs, and is a fine cleanser to purge them from thick and putrified flegm, it helps phthisicks and coughs, and diseases subject to old men, and cold natures. Take it with a Liquorice stick.

Syrupus de quinq. Radicibus. Or Syrup of the five opening Roots.

College.] Take of the roots of Smallage, Fennel, Parsley, Bruscus, Sparagus of each two ounces, spring Water, six pounds, boil away the third part, and make a Syrup with the rest according to art, with three pounds of sugar, adding eight ounces of white Wine Vinegar, towards the latter end.

Culpeper.] It cleanses and opens very well, is profitable against obstructions, provokes urine, cleanses the body of flegm, and is safely and profitably given in the beginning of fevers. An ounce at a time upon an empty stomach is a good dose.

Syrupus Raphani. Or Syrup of Radishes.

College.] Take of garden and wild Radish roots, of each an ounce, the roots of white Saxifrage, Lovage, Bruscus, Eringo, Rest-harrow, Parsley, Fennel, of each half an ounce, the leaves of Bettony, Burnet, Pennyroyal, Nettles, Water-cresses, Samphire, Maiden-hair, of each one handful, Winter Cherries, Jujubes, of each ten, the seeds of Bazil, Bur, Parsley of Macedonia, Hartwort, Carraway, Carrots, Gromwell, the bark of the root of Bay-tree, of each two drams, Raisins of the sun stoned, Liquorice, of each six drams, boil them in twelve pounds of water to eight, strain it, and with four pounds of sugar, and two pounds of honey, make it into a Syrup, and perfume it with an ounce of Cinnamon, and half an ounce of Nutmegs.

Culpeper.] A tedious long medicine for the stone.

Syrupus Regius, alias Julapium Alexandrinum. Or Julep of Alexandria.

College.] Boil four pounds of Rose-water, and one pound of white Sugar into a Julep. Julep of Roses is made with Damask Rose water, in the very same manner.

Culpeper.] Two fine cooling drinks in the heat of summer.

Syrupus de Rosis siccis. Or Syrup of dried Roses.

College.] Make four pounds of spring water hot, in which infuse a pound of dried Roses, by some at a time, press them out and with two pounds of sugar, boil it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] Syrup of dried Roses, strengthens the heart, comforts the spirits, binds the body, helps fluxes, and corrosions, or gnawings of the bowels, it strengthens the stomach, and stays vomiting. You may take an ounce at a time, before meat, if for fluxes; after meat if for vomiting.

Syrupus Scabiosæ. Or Syrup of Scabious.

College.] Take of the roots of Elecampane, and Polypodium of the Oak, of each two ounces, Raisins of the sun stoned an ounce, Sebestens twenty, Colt’s-foot, Lungwort, Savory, Calaminth, of each a handful and an half, Liquorice, Spanish Tobacco, of each half an ounce, the seeds of Nettles and Cotton, of each three drams, boil them all (the roots being infused in white Wine the day before) in a sufficient quantity of Wine and Water to eight ounces, strain it, and adding four ounces of the Juice of Scabious, and ten ounces of sugar, boil it to a Syrup, adding to it twenty drops of oil of sulphur.

Culpeper.] It is a cleansing Syrup appropriated to the breast and lungs, when you perceive them oppressed by flegm, crudites, or stoppings, your remedy is to take now and then a spoonful of this Syrup, it is taken also with good success by such as are itchy, or scabby.

Syrupus de Scolopendrio. Or Syrup of Hart’s-tongue.

College.] Take of Hart’s-tongue three handfuls, Polypodium of the Oak, the roots of both sorts of Bugloss, bark of the roots of Capers and Tamerisk, of each two ounces, Hops, Dodder, Maiden-hair, Bawm, of each two handfuls, boil them in nine pounds of Spring water to five, and strain it, and with four pounds of white sugar, make it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] It helps the stoppings of melancholy, opens obstructions of the liver and spleen, and is profitable against splenetic evils, and therefore is a choice remedy for the disease which the vulgar call the rickets, or liver-grown: A spoonful in a morning is a precious remedy for children troubled with that disease. Men that are troubled with the spleen, which is known by pain and hardness in their left side, may take three or four spoonfuls, they shall find this one receipt worth the price of the whole book.

Syrupus de Stœchade. Syrup of Stœchas.

College.] Take of Stœchas flowers four ounces, Rosemary flowers half an ounce, Thyme, Calaminth, Origanum, of each an ounce and an half, Sage, Bettony, of each half an ounce, the seeds of Rue, Peony, and Fennel, of each three drams, spring water ten pounds, boil it till half be consumed, and with honey and sugar, of each two pounds, boil it into a Syrup, which perfume with Cinnamon, Ginger, and Calmas Aromaticus, of each two drams tied up in a rag.

Syrupus de Symphyto. Or Syrup of Comfrey.

College.] Take of roots and tops of Comfrey, the greater and lesser, of each three handfuls, red Roses, Bettony, Plantain, Burnet, Knot grass, Scabious, Colt’s foot, of each two handfuls, press the juice out of them all, being green and bruised, boil it, scum it, and strain it, add its weight of sugar to it that it may be made into a Syrup, according to art.

Culpeper.] The Syrup is excellent for all inward wounds and bruises, excoriations, vomitings, spittings, or evacuation of blood, it unites broken bones, helps ruptures, and stops the menses: You cannot err in taking of it.

Syrupus Violarum. Or Syrup of Violets.

College.] Take of Violet flowers fresh and picked, a pound, clear water made boiling hot, two pounds, shut them up close together into a new glazed pot, a whole day, then press them hard out, and in two pounds of the liquor dissolve four pounds and three ounces of white sugar, take away the scum, and so make it into a Syrup without boiling. Syrup of the juice of Violets, is made with its double weight of sugar, like the former.

Culpeper.] This Syrup cools and moistens, and that very gently, it corrects the sharpness of choler, and gives ease in hot vices of the breast, it quenches thirst in acute fevers, and resist the heat of the disease; it comforts hot stomachs exceedingly, cools the liver and heart, and resists putrefaction, pestilence, and poison.

College.] Julep of Violets is made of the water of Violet flowers and sugar, like Julep of Roses.

Culpeper.] It is cooling and pleasant.

PURGING SYRUPS.

Syrupus de Cichorio cum Rhubarbaro. Or Syrup of Succory with Rhubarb.

College.] Take of whole Barley, the roots of Smallage, Fennel, and Sparagus, of each two ounces, Succory, Dandelyon, Endive, smooth Sow-thistles, of each two handfuls, Lettuce, Liverwort, Fumitory, tops of Hops, of each one handful, Maiden-hair, white and black, Cetrachs, Liquorice, winter Cherries, Dodder, of each six drams, to boil these take sixteen pounds of spring water, strain the liquor, and boil in it six pounds of white sugar, adding towards the end six ounces of Rhubarb, six drams of Spikenard, bound up in a thin slack rag the which crush often in boiling, and so make it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] It cleanses the body of venemous humours, as boils, carbuncles, and the like; it prevails against pestilential fevers, it strengthens the heart and nutritive virtue, purges by stool and urine, it makes a man have a good stomach to his meat, and provokes sleep. But by my author’s leave, I never accounted purges to be proper physic in pestilential fevers; this I believe, the Syrup cleanses the liver well, and is exceeding good for such as are troubled with hypocondriac melancholy. The strong may take two ounces at a time, the weak, one, or you may mix an ounce of it with the Decoction of Senna.

Syrupus de Epithymo. Or Syrup of Epithimum.

College.] Take of Epithimum twenty drams, Mirobalans, Citron, and Indian of each fifteen drams, Emblicks, Belloricks, Polypodium, Liquorice, Agrick, Thyme, Calaminth, Bugloss, Stœchas of each six drams, Dodder, Fumitory, of each ten drams, red Roses, Annis-seeds and sweet Fennel seeds of each two drams and an half, sweet Prunes ten, Raisins of the sun stoned four ounces, Tamarinds two ounces and an half, after twenty-four hours infusion in ten pints of spring water, boil it away to six, then take it from the fire and strain it, and with five pounds of fine sugar boil it into Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] It is best to put in the Dodder, Stœchas and Agarick, towards the latter end of the Decoction. It purges melancholy, and other humours, it strengthens the stomach and liver, cleanses the body of addust choler and addust blood, as also of salt humours, and helps diseases proceeding from these, as scabs, itch, tetters, ringworms, leprosy, &c. A man may take two ounces at a time, or add one ounce to the Decoction of Epithimum.

Syrupus e Floribus Persicorum. Or Syrup of Peach-flowers.

College.] Take of fresh Peach-flowers a pound, steep them a whole day in three pounds of warm water, then boil a little and strain it out, repeat this infusion five times in the same liquor, in three pounds of which dissolve two pounds and an half of sugar and boil it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It is a gentle purger of choler, and may be given even in fevers to draw away the sharp choleric humours.

Syrupus de Pomis purgans. Or Syrup of Apples purging.

College.] Take of the juice of sweet smelling Apples two pounds, the juice of Borrage and Bugloss of each one pound and an half, Senna two ounces, Annis seeds half an ounce, Saffron one dram, let the Senna be steeped in the juices twenty-four hours, and after a boil or two strain it, and with two pounds of white sugar boil it to a Syrup according to art, the saffron being tied up in a rag, and often crushed in the boiling.

Culpeper.] The Syrup is a cooling purge, and tends to rectify the distempers of the blood, it purges choler and melancholy, and therefore must needs be effectual both in yellow and black jaundice, madness, scurf, leprosy, and scabs, it is very gentle. The dose is from one ounce to three, according as the body is in age and strength. An ounce of it in the morning is excellent for such children as break out in scabs.

Syrupus de Pomis magistralis. Or Syrup of Apples magisterial.

College.] Take of the Juice and Water of Apples of each a pound and an half, the Juice and Water of Borrage and Bugloss of each nine ounces, Senna half a pound, Annis seeds, and sweet Fennel seeds, of each three drams, Epithimum of Crete, two ounces, Agarick, Rhubarb, of each half an ounce, Ginger, Mace, of each four scruples, Cinnamon two scruples, Saffron half a dram, infuse the Rhubarb and Cinnamon apart by itself, in white Wine and Juice of Apples, of each two ounces, let all the rest, the Saffron excepted, be steeped in the Waters above mentioned, and the next day put in the juices, which being boiled, scummed, and strained, then with four ounces of white sugar boil it into a Syrup, crushing the saffron in it being tied up in a linen rag, the infusion of the Rhubarb being added at the latter end.

Culpeper.] Out of doubt this is a gallant Syrup to purge choler and melancholy, and to resist madness.

Syrupus de Rhubarbaro. Or Syrup of Rhubarb.

College.] Take of the best Rhubarb and Senna of each two ounces and an half, Violet flowers a handful, Cinnamon one dram and an half, Ginger half a dram, Bettony, Succory and Bugloss Water of each one pound and an half, let them be mixed together warm all night, and in the morning strained and boiled into a Syrup, with two pounds of white sugar, adding towards the end four ounces of Syrup of Roses.

Culpeper.] It cleanses choler and melancholy very gently, and is therefore fit for children, old people, and weak bodies. You may add an ounce of it to the Decoction of Epithimum or to the Decoction of Senna.

Syrupus Rosaceus solutivus. Or Syrup of Roses solutive.

College.] Take of Spring Water boiling hot four pounds, Damask Rose leaves fresh, as many as the water will contain; let them remain twelve hours in infusion, close stopped; then press them out and put in fresh Rose leaves; do so nine times in the same liquor, encreasing the quantity of the Roses as the liquor encreases, which will be almost by the third part every time: Take six parts of this liquor, and with four parts of white sugar, boil it to a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] It loosens the belly, and gently brings out choler and flegm, but leaves a binding quality behind it.

Syrupus e succo Rosarum. Or Syrup of the Juice of Roses.

College.] It is prepared without steeping, only with the juice of Damask Roses pressed out, and clarified, and an equal proportion of sugar added to it.

Culpeper.] This is like the other.

Syrupus Rosaceus solutivus cum Agarico. Or Syrup of Roses solutive with Agarick.

College.] Take of Agarick cut thin an ounce, Ginger two drams, Sal. Gem. one dram, Polipodium bruised two ounces, sprinkle them with white Wine and steep them two days over warm ashes, in a pound and an half of the infusion of Damask Roses prescribed before, and with one pound of sugar boil it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] It purges flegm from the head, relieves the senses oppressed by it, provokes the menses, purges the stomach and liver, and provokes urine.

Syrupus Rosaceus solutivus cum Helleboro. Or Syrup of Roses solutive with Hellebore.

College.] Take of the bark of all the Myrobalans, of each four ounces, bruise them grossly, and steep them twenty-four hours in twelve pounds of the infusion of Roses before spoken, Senna, Epithimum, Polypodium of the Oak, of each four ounces, Cloves an ounce, Citron seeds, Liquorice, of each four ounces, the bark of black Hellebore roots six drams, let the fourth part of the liquor gently exhale, strain it, and with five pounds of sugar, and sixteen drams of Rhubarb tied up in a linen rag, make it into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] The Syrup, rightly used, purges melancholy, resists madness.

Syrupus Rosaceus solutivus cum Senna. Or Syrup of Roses solutive with Senna.

College.] Take of Senna six ounces, Caraway, and sweet Fennel seeds, of each three drams, sprinkle them with white Wine, and infuse them two days in three pounds of the infusion of Roses aforesaid, then strain it, and with two pounds of sugar boil it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It purges the body of choler and melancholy, and expels the relics a disease hath left behind it; the dose is from one ounce to two, you may take it in a Decoction of Senna, it leaves a binding quality behind it.

Syrupus de Spina Cervina. Or Syrup of Purging Thorn.

College.] Take of the berries of Purging Thorn, gathered in September, as many as you will, bruise them in a stone mortar, and press out the juice, let the fourth part of it evaporate away in a bath, then to two pounds of it add sixteen ounces of white sugar, boil it into a Syrup, which perfume with Mastich, Cinnamon, Nutmegs, Anni-seeds in fine powder, of each three drams.

SYRUPS MADE WITH VINEGAR AND HONEY.

Mel Anthosatum. Or Honey of Rosemary Flowers.

College.] Take of fresh Rosemary flowers a pound, clarified Honey three pounds, mix them in a glass with a narrow mouth, set them in the sun, keep them for use.

Culpeper.] It hath the same virtues with Rosemary flowers, to which I refer you, only by reason of the Honey it may be somewhat cleansing.

Mel Helleboratum. Or Honey Helleborated.

College.] Take of white Hellebore roots bruised a pound, clear Water fourteen pounds, after three days infusion, boil it till half be consumed, then strain it diligently, and with three pounds of Honey, boil it to the thickness of Honey.

Mel Mercuriale. Or Honey of Mercury.

College.] Boil three pounds of the juice of Mercury, with two pounds of Honey to the thickness of Honey.

Culpeper.] It is used as an emollient in clysters.

Mel Mororum, vel Diamoron. Or Honey of Mulberries.

College.] Take of the juice of Mulberries and Blackberries, before they be ripe, gathered before the sun be up, of each a pound and a half, Honey two pounds, boil them to their due thickness.

Culpeper.] It is vulgarly known to be good for sore mouths, as also to cool inflammations there.

Mel Nuceum, alias, Diacarion et Dianucum. Or Honey of Nuts.

College.] Take of the juice of the outward bark of green Walnuts, gathered in the dog days two pounds, boil it gently till it be thick, and with one pound of Honey, boil it to the thickness of Honey.

Culpeper.] It is a good preservative in pestilential times, a spoonful being taken as soon as you are up.

Mel Passalatum. Or Honey of Raisins.

College.] Take of Raisins of the sun cleansed from the stones two pounds, steep them in six pounds of warm water, the next day boil it half away, and press it strongly, and with two pounds of Honey, let the expressed liquor boil to its thickness.

Culpeper.] It is a pretty pleasing medicine for such as are in consumptions, and are bound in body.

Mel Rosatum commune, sive Foliatum. Or common Honey of Roses.

College.] Take of red Roses not quite open two pounds, Honey six pounds, set them in the sun according to art.

Mel Rosatum Colatum. Or Honey of Roses strained.

College.] Take of the best clarified Honey ten pounds, juice of fresh red Roses one pound, set it handsomely over the fire, and when it begins to boil, put in four pounds of fresh red Roses, the whites being cut off; the juice being consumed by boiling and stirring, strain it and keep it for use.

Culpeper.] They are both used for diseases in the mouth.

Mel Rosatum solutivum. Or Honey of Roses solutive.

College.] Take of the often infusion of Damask Roses five pounds, Honey rightly clarified four pounds, boil it to the thickness of Honey.

Culpeper.] It is used as a laxative in clysters, and some use it to cleanse wounds.

College.] After the same manner is prepared Honey of the infusion of red Roses.

Mel scilliticum. Or Honey of Squils.

College.] Take one Squil full of juice, cut in bits, and put it in a glass vessel, the mouth close stopped, and covered with a skin, set in the sun forty days, to wit, twenty before and after the rising of the dog star, then open the vessel, and take the juice which lies at the bottom, and preserve it with the best Honey.

College.] Honey of Violets is prepared like as Honey of Roses.

Oxymel, simple.

College.] Take of the best Honey four pounds, clear Water and white Wine Vinegar, of each two pounds, boil them in an earthen vessel, taking the scum off with a wooden scummer, till it be come to the consistence of a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It cuts flegm, and it is a good preparative against a vomit.

Oxymel compound.

College.] Take of the Bark of the Root of Fennel, Smallage, Parsley, Bruscus, Asparagus, of each two ounces, the seeds of Fennel, Smallage, Parsley, Annis, of each one ounce, steep them all (the roots being first cleansed and the seeds bruised) in six pounds of clear Water and a pound and a half of Wine Vinegar, the next day boil it to the consumption of the third part, boil the rest being strained, with three pounds of Honey into a liquid Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] First having bruised the roots and seeds, boil them in the water till half be consumed, then strain it and add the Honey, and when it is almost boiled enough, add the Vinegar.

Oxymel Helleboratum. Or Oxymel Helleborated.

College.] Take of Rue, Thyme, Dittany of Crete, Hyssop, Pennyroyal, Horehound, Carduus, the roots of Celtick, Spikenard without leaves, the inner bark of Elders, of each a handful, Mountain Calaminth two pugils, the seeds of Annis, Fennel, Bazil, Roman Nettles, Dill, of each two drams, the roots of Angelica, Marsh-mallows, Aron, Squills prepared, Birthwort, long, round, and climbing, Turbith, English Orris, Costus, Polypodium, Lemon pills, of each an ounce, the strings of black Hellebore, Spurge, Agerick, added at the end of the Decoction, of each two drams, the bark of white Hellebore half an ounce, let all of them being dried and bruised, be digested in a glass, or glazed vessel close stopped, in the heat of the sun, or of a furnace, Posca, made of equal parts of Water and Vinegar, eight pounds, Sapa two ounces, three days being expired, boil it little more than half away, strain it, pressing it gently, and add to the liquor a pound and a half of Honey Roses, wherein two ounces of Citron pills have been infused, boil it to the thickness of Honey, and perfume it with Cloves, Saffron, Ginger, Galanga, Mace, of each a dram.

Oxymel Julianizans.

College.] Take of the Bark of Caper roots, the roots of Orris, Fennel, Parsley, Bruscus, Chicory, Sparagus, Cypress, of each half an ounce, the leaves of Harts-tongue, Schænanth, Tamarisk, of each half a handful, sweet Fennel seed half an ounce, infuse them in three pounds of Posca, which is something sour, afterwards boil it till half be consumed, strain it, and with Honey and sugar clarified, of each half a pound, boil it to the thickness of Honey.

Culpeper.] This medicine is very opening, very good against Hypocondriac melancholy, and as fit a medicine as can be for that disease in children called the Rickets.

College.] Oxymel of Squills simple, is made of three pounds of clarified Honey; Vinegar of Squills two pounds, boil them according to art.

Culpeper.] It cuts and divides humours that are tough and viscous, and therefore helps the stomach and bowels afflicted by such humours, and sour belchings. If you take but a spoonful in the morning, an able body will think enough.

Oxymel Scilliticum compositus. Or Oxymel of Squills compound.

College.] Take of Origanum, dried Hyssop, Thyme, Lovage, Cardamoms the less, Stœchas, of each five drams, boil them in three pounds of Water to one, strain it and with two pounds of Honey, Honey of Raisins half a pound, juice of Briony five ounces, Vinegar of Squills a pound and a half, boil it, and scum it according to art.

Culpeper.] This is good against the falling-sickness, Megrim, Head-ache, Vertigo, or swimming in the head, and if these be occasioned by the stomach as many times they are, it helps the lungs obstructed by humour, and is good for women not well cleansed after labour, it opens the passage of the womb.

Syrup of Purslain. Mesue.

College.] Take of the seeds of Purslain grossly bruised, half a pound, of the juice of Endive, boiled and clarified, two pounds, Sugar two pounds, Vinegar nine ounces, infuse the seeds in the juice of Endive twenty-four hours, afterwards boil it half away with a gentle fire, then strain it, and boil it with the sugar to the consistence of a Syrup, adding the Vinegar towards the latter end of the decoction.

Culpeper.] It is a pretty cooling Syrup, fit for any hot disease incident to the stomach, reins, bladder, matrix, or liver; it thickens flegm, cools the blood, and provokes sleep. You may take an ounce of it at a time when you have occasion.

Compound Syrup of Colt’s-foot. Renod.

College.] Take six handfuls of green Colt’s-foot, two handfuls of Maiden-hair, one handful of Hyssop, and two ounces of Liquorice, boil them in four pints, either of rain or spring water till the fourth part be consumed, then strain it, and clarify it, to which add three pounds of white sugar, boil it to the perfect consistence of a Syrup.

Culpeper.] The composition is appropriated to the lungs, and therefore helps the infirmities, weaknesses, or failings thereof as want of voice, difficulty of breathing, coughs, hoarseness, catharrs, &c. The way of taking it is with a Liquorice-stick, or if you please, you may add an ounce of it to the Pectoral Decoction before mentioned.

Syrup of Poppies, the lesser composition.

College.] Take of the heads of white Poppies and black, when both of them are green, of each six ounces, the seeds of Lettice, the flowers of Violets, of each one ounce, boil them in eight pints of water till the virtue is out of the heads; then strain them, and with four pounds of sugar boil the liquor to a Syrup.

Syrup of Poppies, the greater composition.

College.] Take of the heads of both white and black Poppies, seeds and all, of each fifty drams, Maiden-hair, fifteen drams, Liquorice, five drams, Jujubes, thirty by number, Lettice seeds, forty drams, of the seeds of Mallows and Quinces, (tied up in a thin linen cloth) of each one dram and an half, boil these in eight pints of water till five pints be consumed, when you have strained out the three pints remaining, add to them, Penids and white sugar, of each a pound, boil them into a Syrup according to art.

Culpeper.] All these former Syrups of Poppies provoke sleep, but in that, I desire they may be used with a great deal of caution and wariness: such as these are not fit to be given in the beginning of fevers, nor to such whose bodies are costive, yet to such as are troubled with hot, sharp rheums, you may safely give them: The last is appropriated to the lungs; It prevails against dry coughs, phthisicks, hot and sharp gnawing rheums, and provokes sleep. It is an usual fashion for nurses when they have heated their milk by exercise or strong liquor then run for Syrup of Poppies to make their young ones sleep. I would fain have that fashion left off, therefore I forbear the dose: Let nurses keep their own bodies temperate, and their children will sleep well enough.

Syrup of Eupatorium (or Maudlin.) Mesue.

College.] Take of the Roots of Smallage, Fennel, and Succory, of each two ounces, Liquorice, Schænanth, Dodder, Wormwood, Roses, of each six drams, Maidenhair, Bedeguar, or instead thereof, the roots of Carduus Mariæ, Suchaha or instead thereof the roots of Avens, the flowers or roots of Bugloss, Annis seeds, sweet Fennel seeds, Ageratum, or Maudlin, of each five drams, Rhubarb, Mastich, of each three drams, Spikenard, Indian leaf, or instead of it put Roman spike, of each two drams, boil them in eight pints of Water till the third part be consumed, then strain the Decoction, and with four pounds of sugar, clarified juice of Smallage and Endive, of each half a pound, boil it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It amends infirmities of the liver coming of cold, opens obstructions, helps the dropsy, and evil state of the body; it extenuates gross humours, strengthens the liver, provoake urine, and is a present succour for hypocondriac melancholy. You may take an ounce at a time in the morning, it opens but purges not.

Honey of Emblicks. Augustanus.

College.] Take fifty Emblick Myrobalans, bruise them and boil them in three pints of water till two be consumed, strain it, and with the like weight of Honey, boil it into a Syrup.

Culpeper.] It is a fine gentle purger both of flegm and melancholy: it strengthens the brain and nerves, and senses both internal and external, helps tremblings of the heart, stays vomiting, provokes appetite. You may take a spoonful at a time.

ROB, OR SAPA: AND JUICES.

Culpeper.] 1. Rob, or Sapa, is the juice of a fruit, made thick by the heat either of the sun, or the fire, that it is capable of being kept safe from putrefaction. 2. Its use was first invented for diseases in the mouth. 3. It is usually made, in respect of body, somewhat thicker than new Honey. 4. It may be kept about a year, little more or less.

Rob sive Sapa, simplex. Or Simple Rob, or Sapa.

College.] Take of Wine newly pressed from white and ripe Grapes, boil it over a gentle fire to the thickness of Honey.

Culpeper.] Whenever you read the word Rob, or Sapa throughout the Dispensatory, simply quoted in any medicine without any relation of what it should be made, this is that you ought to use.

Rob de Barberis. Or Rob of Barberries.

College.] Take of the juice of Barberries strained as much as you will, boil it by itself (or else by adding half a pound of sugar to each pound of juice) to the thickness of Honey.

Culpeper.] It quenches thirst, closes the mouth of the stomach, thereby staying vomiting, and belching, it strengthens stomachs weakened by heat, and procures appetite. Of any of these Robs you may take a little on the point of a knife when you need.

Rob de Cerasis. Or Rob of Cherries.

College.] Take of the juice of red Cherries somewhat sowerish, as much as you will, and with half their weight in sugar boil them like the former.

Culpeper.] See the virtue of Cherries, and there you have a method to keep them all the year.

Rob de Cornis. Or Rob of Cornels.

College.] Take of the juice of Cornels two pounds, sugar a pound and an half, boil it according to art.

Culpeper.] Of those Cornel trees are two sorts, male and female, the fruit of the male Cornel, or Cornelian Cherry is here to be used. The fruit of male Cornel, binds exceedingly, and therefore good in fluxes, and the immoderate flowing of the menses.

Rob Cydoniorum. Or Rob of Quinces.

College.] Take of the clarified juice of Quinces, boil it till two parts be consumed and with its equal weight in sugar boil it into a Rob.

Miva vel Gelatina Eorundem. Or Jelly of Quinces.

College.] Take of the juice of Quinces clarified twelve pounds, boil it half away, and add to the remainder, old white Wine five pounds, consume the third part over a gentle fire, taking away the scum (all you ought) let the rest settle, and strain it, and with three pounds of sugar boil it according to art.

Culpeper.] Both are good for weak and indisposed stomachs.

College.] Rob of sour Plums is made as Rob of Quinces, the use of sugar is indifferent in them both.

Rob of English Currants is made in the same manner, let the juice be clarified.

Culpeper.] The virtues are the same with Rob of Barberries.

Rob Baccarum Sambuci. Or Rob of Elder Berries.

College.] Take of the juice of Elder Berries, and make it thick with the help of a gentle fire, either by itself, or a quarter of its weight in sugar being added.

Culpeper.] Both Rob of Elder Berries, and Dwarf-Elder, are excellent for such whose bodies are inclining to dropsies, neither let them neglect nor despise it. They may take the quantity of a nutmeg each morning, it will gently purge the watery humour.

College.] In the same manner is made Rob of Dwarf-Elder, Junipers, and Paul’s Betony, only in the last, the sugar and juice must be equal in weight.

Succus Glycyrrhizæ simplex. Or Juice of Liquorice simple.

College.] Infuse Liquorice Roots cleansed and gently bruised, three days in Spring Water, so much that it may over-top the roots the breadth of three fingers, then boil it a little, and press it hard out, and boil the liquor with a gentle fire to its due thickness.

Culpeper.] It is vulgarly known to be good against coughs, colds, &c. and a strengthner of the lungs.

Succus Glycyrrhizæ compositus. Or Juice of Liquorice compound.

College.] Take of the water of tender Oak leaves, of Scabious, of each four pounds, English Liquorice scraped and bruised two pounds, boil them by degrees till they be soft, then press out the liquor strongly in a press, to which add three pounds of juice of Hyssop, and dry it away in the sun in a broad earthen vessel.

Culpeper.] The virtues are the same with the former.

Succus Pronorum Sylvestrum. Or Juice of Sloes, called Acacia.

College.] Take of Sloes hardly ripe, press out the juice, and make it thick in a bath.

Culpeper.] It stops fluxes, and procures appetite.

College.] So are the Juices of Wormwood, Maudlin, and Fumitory made thick, to wit, the herbs bruised while they be tender, and the juice pressed out and after it be clarified, boil over the fire to its just thickness.

LOHOCH, OR ECLEGMATA.

Culpeper.] Because this word also is understood but by few, we will first explain what it is. 1. The word Lohoch is an Arabick word, called in Greek Eclegma, in Latin Linctus, and signifies a thing to be licked up. 2. It is in respect of body, something thicker than a Syrup, and not so thick as an electuary. 3. Its use was against the roughness of the windpipe, diseases, and inflammations of the lungs, difficulty of breathing, colds, coughs, &c. 4. Its manner of reception is with a Liquorice stick, bruised at the end, to take up some and retain it in the mouth, till it melt of its own accord.

Lohoch de Farfara. Or Lohoch of Coltsfoot.

College.] Take of Colts-foot roots cleansed eight ounces, Marsh-mallow roots four ounces cleansed, boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, and press the pulp out through a sieve, dissolve this again in the Decoction, and let it boil once or twice, then take it from the fire, and add two pounds of white sugar, Honey of Raisins fourteen ounces, juice of Liquorice two drams and an half, stir them stoutly with a wooden pestle, mean season sprinkle in Saffron and Cloves, of each a scruple, Cinnamon and Mace, of each two scruples, make them into a Lohoch according to art.

Culpeper.] It was invented for the cough.

Lohoch de Papavere. Or Lohoch of Poppies.

College.] Take white Poppy seeds twenty four drams, sweet Almonds blanched in Rose Water, Pine-nuts cleansed, Gum Arabick and Tragacanth, of each ten drams, juice of Liquorice an ounce, Starch three drams, the seeds of Lettuce, Purslain, Quinces, of each half an ounce, Saffron a dram, Penids four ounces, Syrup of Meconium three pounds, make it into a Lohoch according to art.

Culpeper.] It helps salt, sharp and thin distillations upon the lungs, it allays the fury of such sharp humours, which occasion both roughness of the throat, want of sleep, and fevers; it is excellent for such as are troubled with pleurises to take now and then a little of it.

Lohoch e Passulis. Or Lohoch of Raisins.

College.] Take of male Peony roots, Liquorice, of each half an ounce, Hyssop, Bawm, Hart’s-tongue, or Cetrach, of each half a handful, boil them in Spring Water, and press them strongly, and by adding a pound of Raisins bruised, boil it again, pressing it through a linen cloth, then with a pound of white sugar, make it into a Lohoch according to art.

Culpeper.] It is very good against coughs, consumptions of the lungs, and other vices of the breast, and is usually given to children for such diseases, as also for convulsions, and falling-sickness.

Lohoch e Pino. Or Lohoch of Pinenuts.

College.] Take of Pine-nuts, fifteen drams, sweet Almonds, Hazel Nuts gently roasted, Gum Arabick and Tragacanth, powder and juice of Liquorice, white Starch, Maiden-hair, Orris roots, of each two drams, the pulp of Dates seventeen drams, bitter Almonds one dram and an half, Honey of Raisins, white Sugar-candy, fresh Butter, of each two ounces, Honey one pound and an half, dissolve the Gums in so much Decoction of Maiden-hair as is sufficient; let the rest be mixed over a gentle fire, and stirred, that so it may be made into a Lohoch.

Culpeper.] The medicine is excellent for continual coughs, and difficulty of breathing, it succours such as are asthmatic, for it cuts and atenuates tough humours in the breast.

Lohoch de Portulaca. Or Lohoch of Purslain.

College.] Take of the strained Juice of Purslain two pounds, Troches of Terra Lemnia two drams, Troches of Amber, Gum Arabic, Dragon’s-blood of each one dram, Lapis Hematilis, the wool of a Hare toasted, of each two scruples, white Sugar one pound, mix them together, that so you may make a Lohoch of them.