Parasites and Their Treatment Pages:    1      2      3      4      5        Next>>

Parasites and Their Treatment During the Golden Age of Piracy, Page 3

Intestinal Worms: Treatments

If there are a lack of recommendations for treating some of the other pests found in this article, it is more than made up for by the surfeit of suggestions from the period apothecaries and surgeons for treating intestinal worms.

Photo: Calicut Medical College - A Roundworm in Removed Small Intestine
Before going on to explain how intestinal worms were treated, it should be explained how they were viewed in 17th and 18th century texts. While intestinal parasites were understood in a broad sense by period seafaring writers, differentiation between the various species of worms was not well recognized. As a result, a golden age of piracy medical text didn't even distinguish between the three broad categories of parasitic worms (or helminths) which we do today. They include: tapeworms (cestodes), flukes (trematodes) and roundworms (nematodes). Period texts usually refer to parasites found in a patient's intestinal system as 'worms' and recommended treatment as if discussing a single medical cause rather than a variety of types of them. Let's look at some of their recommendations.

We begin with a couple of medicines which were prescribed by multiple authors, giving some credence to their effectiveness as cures - absinth/wormwood, corallina, mercury, myrrh and aloes, sulfur/spirit of vitriol, tobacco and wormseed. A wide variety of other suggestions are provided by period surgeons and apothecaries. Sea surgeon John Woodall explains that "almost all bitter things kille wormes"¹, a fact that will be borne out by the following list. Apothecary Robert James agrees, noting that "in such Cases, highly bitter Medicines are required."² With that in mind, the last part of this page will focus on the worm remedies given by each of the various individual authors.

¹ John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 213; ² Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 201

Intestinal Worms: Treatments - Absinth/Wormwood

Wormwood (artemisia absinthium) was a common element in period scripts for
Photo: David Monniaux
Wild Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium)
treating intestinal worms. Seventeenth century apothecary Nicholas Culpeper explained that "Absynthium, &c. Wormwood its several sorts are all hot and dry in the second or 3d degree; the common Wormwood is tho't to be hottest", further noting that all varieties of wormwood would "kill worms"¹. Physician Robert James agrees, explaining, "It is of singular Service, both as a Preservative and Curative, in Obstructions and Infarctions of the Viscera, as also against Putrefaction, for which Reason it is proper... against Worms of the Intestines"².

In addition to the wormwood plant itself, Culpeper extols the virtues of various things made from it including distilled wormwood water³, Vinum Absinthitis (Wormwood Wine)⁴ and Oil of Wormwood⁵. Quincy also advised the use of Oil of Wormwood, explaining that it was "to be apply'd to the Belly; for its penetrating Nauseousness is reckon'd so far to get thorow [through] the Pores, as to disturb those ugly Inhabitants, and promote their Ejectment."⁶ Robert James also sings the praises of Wormwood water as a destroyer of intestinal worms.⁷

A variety of the complex prescriptions for treating worms contained wormwood. Sea surgeon John Moyle recommended two such concoctions; one, a bolus that included wormwood seeds in powdered honey⁸ and the other a powder containing powdered wormwood seeds.⁹ Fellow sea surgeon John Woodall suggests an enema containing wormwood for patients with a dysentery that "proceedes of wormes, as often it doth"¹⁰.

Photo: H. Zell - Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium) Flowers
John Quincy list two complex powders for treating worms which contain wormwood. The first was called "Pulvis Catharticus contra Vermes, A purging Powder against Worms" which contained wormwood seeds.¹¹ The second was "Pulvis Vermifugus, A Powder against Worms". ('Vermifuge' refers to a medicine that expels intestinal worms.) He explained that it "may be given from {10 grains} to {a half dram} to be continued once a day for some time."¹²

John Quincy suggested several variations of a recipe for Anthelminthicum which used wormwood in its makeup. These included "Emplastrum Anthelminthicum, A Plaster against Worms"¹³, "Cataplasma Anthelminthicum, A Pultice against Worms."¹⁴, "Enema Anthelminthicum, A Clyster to destroy Worms"¹⁵, and "Fotus Anthelminthicus, A Fomentation against the Worms", which by its "bitter offensive Steams which they send through into the Belly, so disturb those ugly Inhabitants, that they are frequently forced away by Stool."¹⁶ A variety of different ways of delivering medicines was often given by period authors so that if a patient refused one form of the medicine, the surgeon could try others.

Several other topicals were suggested by period apothecaries. Culpeper recommended "An Oyntment for the Worms" that included Wormwood flowers, leaves and oil. He explained, "The belly being anointed with it, kills Worms."¹⁷ Quincy suggested "Emplastrum Vermifugum, Plaster against Worms" which was "spread thick upon Leather, and laid broad upon the Belly; ...[and would] assist in dislodging that Slime which breeds Worms, and the Worms themselves, if bred."¹⁸ Another was "Liniment ad Lumbricos, A Liniment to destroy Worms" which was "intended to anoint all the lower Belly with, for such as are troubled with Worms... [which] may be properly used after bathing"¹⁹. James also had an "Unguentum Vermifugum. Ointment against Worms" which incorporated wormwood.²⁰

¹ Nicholas Culpeper, Pharmacopœia Londinesis, p. 17; ² Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 202; ³ Culpeper, p. 85; ⁴ Culpeper, p. 102; ⁵ Culpeper, p. 216; ⁶ Quincy, o, 368; ⁷ James, p. 637; ⁸ John Moyle, Abstractum Chirurgæ Marinæ, p. 112; ⁹ John Moyle, The Sea Chirurgeon, p. 254; ¹⁰ John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 213; ¹¹ Quincy, o, 442; ¹² Quincy, o, 441; ¹³ Quincy, o, 597; ¹⁴ Quincy, o, 600; ¹⁵ Quincy, o, 577; ¹⁶ Quincy, o, 590; ¹⁷ Culpeper, p. 156; ¹⁸ Quincy, o, 473; ¹⁹ Quincy, o, 593; ²⁰ James, p. 790

Intestinal Worms: Treatments - Corallina

Photo: JP McKenna - Coralline Red Algae (Corallina pinnatifolia) A rather curious addition to the natural medicinals prescribed to treat intestinal worms is corallina. This is a type of red seaweed that grows along rocky shores in contact with sea water which forms calcium carbonate deposits within its cells. Nicholas Culpeper identifies it as "A kind of Sea Moss: Cold, binding, drying". He further notes that some people say "it kills Worms, &c therefore by some is called Maw wormseed."¹

Fellow apothecary John Quincy gives it a little bit stronger of reputation as a worm killer, explaining that it is primarily used "as a Vermifuge [herb to remove intestinal worms and parasites] to which purpose 'tis very much commended."²

Physician Robert James gives the most explicit explanation, stating that it was "used to destroy and expel Worms from the Bowels, when reduced to Powder."³

Some of the complex medicines contain coralline including Quincy's "Pulvis Catharticus contra Vermes, A purging Powder against Worms"⁴ and "Pulvis Vermifugus, A Powder against Worms"⁵.

¹ Nicholas Culpeper, Pharmacopœia Londinesis, p. 23; ² John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, o, 110; ³ Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 299; ⁴ Quincy, o, 442; ⁵ Quincy, o, 441

Intestinal Worms: Treatments - Mercury

Liquid Mercury (Quicksilver or Hydrargyrum)
A variety of the concoctions for treating worms contained Mercury. Apothecary Robert James says that "Crude Mercury is given in Substance, to kill Worms, from a Scruple to three Drams; being first well rubbed with Sugar, in a glass Mortar, till it is dissolved into invisible Parts, adding a Drop or two of Oil of sweet Almonds, to keep it from returning to its native Form."¹

When discussing 'Quick-silver', apothecary John Quincy says, "It is recokon'd by some very extraordinary in killing of Worms, only by being boil'd in Water."² He claims to be somewhat doubtful of regular mercury's propriety as a cure, warning that he is "somewhat suspicious" of it, although "the Easiness and Cheapness of the Practice ...have brought it much more into use."³

Quincy is less guarded in recommending "Cinnabaris native, Native Cinnabar" which he explained was "is greatly loaded with
Mercury Distillation Apparatus, From Alcemia
by Peter Kerzenmacher (1570)
Mercury"⁴. Cinnabar is the most common source of mercury in nature. Cinnabar ore is crushed and roasted in a rotary furnace to separate the mercury from sulfur. It evaporates and is collected in a condensing column.⁵ Quincy explains that Cinnabar was "by many reckon'd good against Worms, and with some reason, all Mercurials tending to destroy them."⁶ His primary complaint with pure mercury doesn't seem to be with its efficacy, but rather with the advisability of giving it straight to the patient to kills worms.

There are a variety of mercury-based compounds used to treat patients for intestinal worms. Sea surgeon John Moyle gives a prescription for a mercury-based bolus of medicine that includes 15 grains of the substance combined with conserve of red roses and sulfuric acid. He recommended it "be given early in the morning, and let the Patient fast at least two hours after, and it will effectually destroy the Worms at twice taking, (if not at once.) Then the next morning following, give a Cathartic to drive out the dead Worms"⁷. Moyle explains, "By this means I remember I caused a Seaman on board to void and innumerable quantity of Worms, great and small together, twisted in a skin like a Caul [membrane], with a great deal of slimy substance about them."⁸

John Quincy recommends the use of Mercurius Sublimatus Dulcis -
Photo: David Aldridge - Mercury Sublimate
also called Mercurous chloride - particularly when treating children for worms. This is made by combining a pound of mercury sublimate with twelve ounces of crude mercury and grinding them together "in a Glass or Marble Mortar until no Quick-silver appears". This is then sublimated (changed into a vapor) and collected in a glass with the primary mass of it collected to purify the concoction. Quincy explains that the substance is sublimated three times to create mercury dulcis and three times more to produce calomel. He notes, "It is reckon'd very effectual against Worms in Children; and purges those slimy Humours, whence arise so many of their Disorders."⁹ Apothecary Robert James also suggests the use of mercury sublimatis dulcis as "an admirable Remedy for the Worms", given "fifteen Grains for Adults, and in Proportion for Children."¹⁰

John Quincy advises the use of a compound powder called "Pulvis Basilicus, The Royal Powder" which includes includes Mercurius Dulcis. Quincy says that it "ought to be well rubbed in a glass Mortar by it self first; because by the weight and minuteness of its Parts, it cannot be brought fine enough in mixture with any thing besides: and the finer it is reduc'd, its Operation is always the milder."¹¹ He suggests it for "gross-bodied" (phlegmatic) children who "are apt to breed Worms, and have large Bellies."¹² His 'Pulvis Catharticus contra Vermes A purging Powder against Worms" also contains two and a half drams of Mercurius Dulcis in addition to the wormwood mentioned previously.¹³

John Moyle notes that some surgeons advise giving one scruple of calomel in a purging pill to destroy worms, although he himself does not particularly seem to recommend this cure.¹⁴

Robert James also recommended Mercurius Præcipitatus Albus or White Precipitate of Mercury ground with three times its weight of sugar, which he explains "acts more slowly, more mildly, and safely...given in the Quantity of nine Grains to a person fasting, it purges, vomit [and] gently kills Worms"¹⁵.

¹ Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 573; ^2,3,4 John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, o, 150; ⁵ Cinnebar, Wikipedia, gathered 1/9/15; ⁶ Quincy, o, 150; ⁷ John Moyle, The Sea Chirurgeon, p. 255; ⁵ Moyle,p. 256; ⁹ Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 824; ¹⁰ Quincy, o, 255; ^11,12 Quincy, o, 438; ¹³ Quincy, o, 442; ¹⁴ John Moyle, Abstractum Chirurgæ Marinæ, p. 112; ¹⁵ Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 819

Intestinal Worms: Treatments - Myrrh and Aloes

Several authors advise the use of myrhh and aloes to treat intestinal worms; the two simples often appearing together in the more complex concoctions.

Powdered Myrrh Myrhh heated and dried and being 'Inwardly taken' kills worms according to Nicholas Culpeper. He advised that the patient "may take half a dram at a time."¹ Apothecary Robert James likewise advises Myrrh for treating intestinal worms.² Sea surgeon John Moyle advised that when treating intestinal worms for a patient who would not take internal medicines, the surgeon should "anoint the Belly or Stomach with that precious Oyl of Myrrh, and it will effectually do the work."³

Aloe is recommended by sea surgeon John Woodall due to its bitter flavor.⁴ John Quincy recognized aloes as being extremely bitter⁵ and notes that it is "good to destroy Worms and those ropy, viscid Humors, so apt to breed them"⁶. Physician Robert James advises the use of aloes, noting they are "good against Worms, both internally and externally".⁷
Photo: Wiki user Raul654 - Aloe Plant Quincy also uses aloe in his "Cataplasma Anthelminthicum, A Pultice against Worms".⁸

Several other complex medicines call for aloes in combination with myrhh. The pair are listed in Culpeper's "Oyntment for the Worms", which is made according to the instructions of the Frenchman Anutius Foesius in his Pharmacopoeia, medicamentorum omnium, first published in 1561. Culpeper explains, "The belly being anointed with it, [it] kills Worms."⁹ Similarly, John Quincy's "Emplastrum Anthelminthicum, A Plaster against Worms"¹⁰ and "Emplastrum Vermifugum, Plaster against Worms"¹¹ also contain aloes and myrhh.

Quincy's Pharmacopoeia contains a receipt for "Elixir Proprietatis, Elixir of Property" which includes myrrh, saffron and aloes. Quincy did not seem to think much of the original prescription as proposed by the apothecaries of London, noting that "tho the Ingredients are very good; but by this [prescription] no one knows how to put them together, so as to make the Medicine worth much."¹² He goes on to detail how it should be prepared. When it is properly made, he claims it "is accounted very good to destroy worms in Children, and certainly there is nothing better in keeping the Bowels clear of those slimy and viscid Humours, the Effects of Indigestion, which breeds them, than this Medicine does if frequently taken, viz. three or four Weeks together."¹³

¹ Nicholas Culpeper, Pharmacopœia Londinesis, p. 237; ² Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 375; ³ John Moyle, Abstractum Chirurgæ Marinæ, p. 112; ⁴ John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 213; ⁵ John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, o, 82; ⁶ Quincy, p. 83; ⁷ James, p. 222; ⁸ Quincy, p. 600; ⁹ Culpeper, p. 46; ¹⁰ Quincy, p, 597; ¹¹ Quincy, p, 473; ^12,13 Quincy, p, 391

Intestinal Worms: Treatments - Sulfur/Spirit of Vitriol

Sulfur and its derivative, spirit of vitriol or sulfuric acid, are sometimes suggested to treat intestinal parasites. Sea surgeon John Moyle noted that
Vitriol Recovery, Peter Schmidt (1580) "when men at Sea have been very much troubled with the Worms... [some surgeons] give [their patients] Spirit Vitriol, some drops in their drink"¹. Physician Robert James also says that spirit of vitriol "is good against Worms in the Intestines"².

James advises an interesting use of sulfur combined with mercury, By adding "equal parts of Quicksilver [mercury] purified, and Flowers of Sulphur [yellow sulfur powder] unwashed" he creates a substance called 'æthiops mineral' which he says "passes directly thro' the intestinal Tube; where it may happen to destroy Worms."³ One would hope when administering something so caustic that the physician would be a little more positive about its affects. Sea surgeon John Moyle's favored compound curative bolus for intestinal worms also contains sulfur, in the form of Spirit of Vitriol, and mercury.²

One compound medicine suggested by a period apothecary contains sulfur without mercury. Among the cures for intestinal worms listed by apothecary John Quincy was "The Countess of Warwick's Powder" which contained tartar, antimony and two ounces of "Scammony prepared with the Fumes of Sulphur"^5. The sulfur would have increased the bitterness which period authors suggested was crucial to defeating worms as we have seen.

¹ John Moyle, Abstractum Chirurgæ Marinæ, p. 112; ² Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 599; ³ James, p. 824; ⁴ John Moyle, The Sea Chirurgeon, p. 255; ⁵ John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, o, 434

Intestinal Worms: Treatments - Tobacco

Photo: William Rafti
Tobacco Leaves, Flower and Bud Tobacco is cited as a curative for intestinal worms by some period authors. When talking about the intestinal worms encountered by the natives of Brazil, Privateer Woodes Rogers noted that what the local missionaries "give against [these] Worms, is a Vomit of Tobacco-Leaves; and after that, four Lemon-Juice with those of Mint and Rue put into Milk."¹

Nicholas Culpeper is an unequivocal fan of tobacco as a type of cure-all. Among many other uses for this versatile medicine, he explains that "it is hot and dry in the second degree, and of a cleansing nature: the leaves warmed and ...applied hot to the side [of the stomach], they loosen the belly, and kill worms, being applied unto it in like manner [this I know by experience, even where all other Medicines have failed,]"² Culpeper also enthusiastically advises the use of "Unguentum Nicotiana, seu Peto. ...Or, Oyntment or Tobacco" because it helps "the worms and what not!"³

¹ Woodes Rogers, A Cruising Voyage Round the World, p. 50; ² Nicholas Culpeper, Pharmacopœia Londinesis, p. 33; ³ Culpeper, p. 226

Intestinal Worms: Treatments - Wormseed

Image: Franz Eugen Köhler
Wormseed - Aremisia Cina, From
Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen (1897)
Apothecary John Quincy points to wormseed (Artemisia cina) as a medicinal for intestinal worms. He explains that the seeds are "hot, bitter, and drying" and that they are good "against Worms; which Experience shews they are effectual in destroying."¹ Physician Robert James also suggests its use, noting, "These seeds are in great Reputation, for their Virtues in killing Worms."² Artesmia cina is a bitter Asian plant, whose dried flower heads has been the source of the vermifugic drug santonin since ancient times.³

James also calls for another type of wormseed he calls Santonicum viride or Green Wormseed. He claims it works like the regular wormseed. What this is isn't entirely clear from James' description, although it is most likely Dysphania ambrosioides - another plant referred to as wormseed which comes from the American continents. This is also known to be effective against intestinal worms.

Nicholas Culpeper uses wormseed in his "A Powder for the Worms" as the leading ingredient. Culpeper explained "I like this powder very well, the quantity, (or to write more Scholastically, the dose)  must be regulated according to the age of the Patient, even from 10 grains to a dram; and the manner of taking it by their Palate. It is something Purging."⁴ Quincy also lists wormseed among the ingredients in his "Pulvis Vermifugus, A Powder against Worms"⁵.

¹ John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, p. 110;³ Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 431; ³ Aresmia cina, wikipedia, gathered 1/12/15; ⁴ Nicholas Culpeper, Pharmacopœia Londinesis, p. 156; ⁵ Quincy, p. 441

Intestinal Worms: Treatments - Other Medicinals

There are actually a great many other ingredients that are suggested by various authors during the golden age of piracy. Most of these ingredients are simples.

Medicinals were broadly divided into two categories: simples and compounds. Simples were the basic, unadulterated ingredients of medicine while compounds contained a variety
Photo: Mehmet Karatay
Red Deer Stag, Source of Hartshorn of simple medicinal elements mixed together. In the compound prescriptions (such as the worm powders which we have seen) only some of the elements were included to eliminate the worms. Other elements were added for taste, texture and some appear to have been added for no reason at all according to the period apothecaries.

For example, when John Quincy was explaining "Pulvis Vermifugus, A Powder against Worms" he noted that the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries script contained "Harts-horn, Rhubarb, Coralline and Worm-Seed". In his commentary, Quincy opines "What the Harts-horn has to do here, cannot well be imagin'd; but the other Ingredients are good to the Purpose signified by the Title."¹ (Apothecary Robert James, on the other hand, lists "Calcin'd Hartshorn" as being used "generally recommended... for killing Worms"².)

Most of the broadly supported simple ingredients were discussed in the previous sections on this page. These 'simples' appear in nearly all of the compound medicines as was shown. This section will focus on the simples not already discussed which are only supported by one or two of the golden age of piracy period apothecaries, surgeons or physicians under study.

We begin with a variety of simples that are mentioned by two different period authors.
Photo: Edal Anton Lefterov
White Butterbur Most of these appear in the Pharmacopoeias of Nicholas Culpeper and Robert James. Butterbur (Petasites) is recommended by both Culpeper³ and James⁴. James notes that it specifically kills "the flat Worms in the Intestines"⁵. Calamintha is supported by them both⁶, with James explaining that the ancient physicians recommended it in both internal and external uses. Carlina is recommended by James⁷ and Culpeper (who calls it Chameleontis albi or Carline Thistle)⁸ for "killing Worms, in Consequence of its Bitterness."⁷ The pair suggest the use of centaurium to destroy worms⁹ along with sea surgeon John Moyle¹⁰.
Photo: Susan Crilly-Keenan
Nigella Damascena (Spikenard) Goat's rue (Galega officinalis) is suggested to be taken in a powder by Culpeper¹¹ and used as an external application by James.¹² Culpeper advises southernwood as being hot and dry in the third degree and thus effective for killing worms¹³, while James explains that it is useful because "highly bitter Medicines are required."¹⁴ Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) is suggest by Culpeper in the form of "Oyl of Spike". Culpeper explains that "; it expels worms two drops of it being taken in Wine"^15. James simply lists the raw form of spikenard for destroying worms.¹⁶ Apothecaries John Quincy¹⁷ and Robert James¹⁸ each suggest the use of powdered tin, with Quincy explaining that "with some [doctors it] is a Secret against Worms, and is particularly destructive to them. They give half a Dram of it in Conserve of Roman Wormwood made into a Bole, after the Use of Mercurials against the Joint-Worm."¹⁷

Photo: Wiki user Jacopo188 - Citrullus Colocynthis Fruit The only medicine suggested by two sea surgeons is citrullus colocythis or bitter apple. It is suggested for treating worms by both John Moyle¹⁹ and John Woodall²⁰.

It is notable that this plant is native to the Mediterranean Basin and Asia. It would likely be difficult to obtain fresh supplies of it for most European-based practitioners. It would be much simpler for a sea surgeon travelling to the East Indies to obtain, which may explain why it is mentioned by Moyle and Woodall.

That is all of the ingredients suggested to cure intestinal worms by two period authors. This
Photo: Kurt Stüber - Valerian Officinalis Flower brings us to the simple ingredients used against worms that are only mentioned by one author. Apothecary John Quincy only lists one other simple that has not already been discussed in this section for this purpose: wild valerian.

He says that it "is warm and aromatick, but somewhat of a fetid Scent."²¹ Quincy cites the work of another author, Monsier Marchant, who wrote about the herb in 1706 for the French Academy of Science. Quincy says "what is very remarkable, is, that in the two Observations he [Marchant] enlarges most upon, the Patients avoided great quantities of Worms. His custom was always to purge before he administred it."²²

Sea surgeon John Moyle also suggests the use of salt of prunella for treating worms, although he doesn't expand upon its properties.²³ Fellow sea surgeon John Woodall extols the virtues of something he calls Aquilla Laxatina, which he says "certainly will kill anie wormes, and give present ease"²⁴. What is uncertain is what this laxative actually is made from; Woodall does not say. Although he suggests some other worm-purging elements when discussing the problem, he returns to this, explaining, "but principally Aquilla Laxatina doth is sure, and is safe to be given, the dose by waie of glister [clyster or enema] it so 10 graines."²⁵

Nicholas Culpeper Nicholas Culpeper lists a number of medicines to kill intestinal worms that no other author under study cites. These include arsmart (Polygonum hydropiper)³², barberries³⁴, betony [stachys offinalis]²⁸, brimstone mixed with saltpeter³⁹, cardamoms³⁷, carduus benedicti²⁹, coronaria (Gnaphalium)³⁰, lapines³⁵, lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus)³¹, mulberry tree root²⁶, nigella seeds boiled in oil³⁸, rocketseed (eruca sativa)³⁶, green walnuts³³, zedoary [Curcuma zedoaria]²⁷, distilled water of couchgrass (elymus repens)⁴⁰, distilled water of water cresses⁴¹ and broom flower water⁴².

Robert James provides his readers with an even more impressive list of simple medicines to purge and/or destroy worms in the body which aren't discussed by
Photo:Ramin Nakisa
Bistort (Snakeweed) other writers from the period. They include Ægilops (aegilops neglecta)⁴³, antimony⁴⁴, crab apple⁴⁵, apricot seeds⁴⁶, the root of bistort (snakeweed)⁴⁷, bromus⁴⁸, root of white bryony⁴⁹, seeds of the castor oil plant⁵⁰, the root of centaurea behem (which he calls 'White Bean of the Antients')⁵¹, chickpeas⁵², convolvulaceae (which he calls "a Lavender leaved Bind-Weed")⁵³, dittany⁵⁴, dog's-tooth violet (Erythronium dens-canis)⁵⁵,
Photo:Antonio Dolcetta
Erythronium Dens-canis (Dog's-tooth Violet) elaeagnus (silverberry or oleaster)⁵⁶, the male fern⁵⁷, boiled garlic root⁵⁸ and garlic in milk⁵⁹, gratiola (which he calls hedge-hyssop)⁶⁰, helichrysum (which he also calls "Goldy Locks")⁶¹, honey⁶², hypericum (St. John's wort) taken inwardly⁶³, juniiper berry (which he calls sabina baccisera or berried savine)⁶⁴, the leaves of Leonurus cardiac (which he also calls mother wort) boiled in oils of wormwood and bitter almonds and then applied to the navel⁶⁵, powdered Seville orange peel mixed in a liquid⁶⁶, garden rue⁶⁷, sal mirabile (Epsom salts)⁶⁸, the wood of snakeweed (colubrina)⁶⁹, spearmint⁷⁰, tanacetum (which he also calls tansie)⁷¹, thyme⁷², Virginia snakeroot (or snake weed)⁷³, green vitriol (sal martis or salt of iron) diluted in 100 times its quantity of water⁷⁴ and water germander (teaucrium scordium)⁷⁵.

In addition to that long list of medicinals, James also suggests several oils made from some of those simple ingredients and "formed into Pills with Crums of Bread, and given in sufficient Dose upon an empty Stomach, the Patient refraining from all Kinds of Aliment for two Hours afterwards". These include oils of Wormwood, Carduus Benedictus, the lesser Centaury, Chamomile, and Tensey (tanacetum).⁷⁶

Ever thorough, James also adds a few rather unusual ingredients, some of which feature in his compound medicines. These include a pair of earth-based compounds. The first he called 'canal coal', "a fossile, stony, friable and
Photo:Wiki User Haplochromis - Alcyonium Digitatum black Kind of Bitumen. ...It is said to kill those Worms, which eat Vines, and hence has been applied to the Abdomen, in order to destroy Worms in the Intestines."⁷⁷ The second was chalk.⁷⁸

Two curious cattle-based worm fighters were the gall of black cattle⁷⁹ and the pulverised talus (ankle bone) of a cow drank in wine.⁸⁰

James' final suggestion for killing worms is something he calls pila marina. "This is a Species of Alcyonium [a soft coral], or a round spherical Ball, found on the Sea Coast, among Wrack [coarse, brown seaweed]. It is generally as large as a Person's Fist, but sometimes larger, sometimes less. It is lanuginous [covered with soft, downy hair], of a dark Colour, and formed by a Collection of Hairs, Sand, and other Impurities of the Sea, united by means of some glutinous Liquor [liquid]."⁸¹

The thought that you might be putting such a thing into your stomach might have scared the worms away.

^,1 John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, o, 441; ² Robert James, Pharmacopœia universalis, p. 501; ³ Nicholas Culpeper, Pharmacopœia Londinesis, p. 10; ^4,5 James, p. 399; ⁶ Culpeper, p. 22 & James, p. 268; ⁷ James, p. 278; ⁸ Culpeper, p. 4; ⁹ Culpeper, p. 86 & James, p. 284; ¹⁰ John Moyle, Abstractum Chirurgæ Marinæ, p. 112; ¹¹ Culpeper, p. 27; ¹² James, p. 323; ¹³ Culpeper, p. 17; ¹⁴ James, p. 201; ¹⁵ Culpeper, p. 254; ¹⁶ James, p. 378; ¹⁷ John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, o, 252; ¹⁸ James, p. 811; ¹⁹ Moyle, Abstractum, p. 112; ²⁰ John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 213; ²¹ Quincy, p. 170; ²² Quincy, p. 170-1; ²³ Moyle, Abstractum, p. 112; ^24,25 Woodall,p. 213; ²⁶ Culpeper, p. 29; ²⁷ Culpeper, p. 42; ²⁸ Culpeper, p. 20-1; ²⁹ Culpeper, p. 49; ³⁰ Culpeper, p. 44; ³¹ Culpeper, p. 23; ³² Culpeper, p. 25; ³³ Culpeper, p. 43; ³⁴ Culpeper, p. 25; ³⁵ Culpeper, p. 9; ³⁶ Culpeper, p. 44; ³⁷ Culpeper, p. 43; ³⁸ Culpeper, p. 41; ²⁹ Culpeper, p. 13; ⁴⁰ Culpeper, p. 84; ⁴¹ Culpeper, p. 86; ⁴² Culpeper, p. 259; ⁴³ James, p. 209; ⁴⁴ James, p. 364; ⁴⁵ James, p. 364; ⁴⁶ James, p. 237; ⁴⁷ James, p. 255; ⁴⁸ James, p. 261; ⁴⁹ James, p. 262; ⁵⁰ James, p. 420; ⁵¹ James, p. 252; ⁵² James, p. 289; ⁵³ James, p. 275; ⁵⁴ James, p. 309; ⁵⁵ James, p. 312; ⁵⁶ James, p. 312; ⁵⁷ James, p. 318; ⁵⁸ James, p. 216;⁵⁹ James, p. 218; ⁰⁰ James, p. 329; ⁶¹ James, p. 336; ⁶² James, p. 483; ⁶³ James, p. 343; ⁶⁴ James, p. 424; ⁶⁵ James, p. 277; ⁶⁶ James, p. 246; ⁶⁷ James, p. 423; ⁶⁸ James, p. 605; ⁶⁹ James, p. 357; ⁷⁰ James, p. 371; ⁷¹ James, p. 452; ⁷² James, p. 456-7; ⁷³ James, p. 440; ⁷⁴ James, p. 814; ⁷⁵ James, p. 435; ⁷⁶ James, p. 764; ⁷⁷ James, p. 540; ⁷⁸ James, p. 559

Parasites and Their Treatment Pages:    1      2      3      4      5        Next>>