John Woodall's Medicine Chest Ingredients: 1 2 3 4 Next>>
John Woodall's Medicine Chest Ingredients, Page 4
The Medicines in Woodall's Medicine Chest - Top Left
The image below contains hotlinks for each named medicine that will take you to the part of the page that explains what the medicine was for according to Woodall and how it was concocted. Where Woodall doesn't explain a medicine, I have used information from other period authors. However, the focus is on Woodall's prescriptions.
Top Layer of John Woodall's Medicine Chest, Left, from the surgions mate (1639)'
Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Basilicon.
Photo: Mattes
(Unguentum Basilicum) {oils, resin & lard1}
Rx: "Take white Wax, Pine Rosin, Heifers Sewet, Greek Pitch, Turpentine, Olibanum, Myrrh, of each an ounce, Oyl five ounces; Powder the Olibanum and Myrrh, and the rest being melted, make it into an Oyntment according to Art."2
Uses: "This Unguent doth digest and incarne wounds and ulcers, and will also prepare and bring to superation [cause to form pus] an Aposteme either hot or cold, being somewhat thicke spread on towe [lint], or lether and applied thereto: it also mittigateth the paine and pulsation thereof, and is likewise very fitly mixed either with precipitate or Unguentum Ægyptiacum, or the like medicine, the more easier and better to mundifie [cleanse] and clense an ulcer: This unguent is of temperament warme, and is ascribed to have beene devised by Gallen, it is also good for burnings, and scaldings."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 224; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 44;
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Apostolorii.
Birhwort - Aristolochia
Clematitis
(Unguentum Apostalorum) {litharge, turpentine, myrrh, wax1}
Rx: "Take of Turpentine, yellow Wax, Rosin, Ammoniacum, of each four drams; long Birthwort roots, Olibanum, and Bdellium, of each six drams; Mirrh, Galbanum, of each half an ounce; Opopanax, Verdigreese, of each two drams; Litharge 9 drams, Oil 2 pound, Vinegar enough to dissolve the Gums, make it into an Oyntment according to Art."2
Uses: "This unguentum serveth well to clense and scower ulcers, and fistulaes, and to take a good ground to healing: it is of temperament hot and drie: it was devised by Avicene [Avicenna], named Apostolorum, for that it consisteth of 12. simples, joyned into one body."3 Culpeper adds, "It consumes corrupt and dead flesh, and makes flesh soft which is hard; it cleanseth Wounds, Ulcers and Fistulaes, and restores flesh where it is wanting."4
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 231; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 44; 4 Culpeper, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Aureum.
Yellow Wax
Rx: "Take of yellow Wax half a pound, common Oil two pound, Turpentine two ounce, Pine Rosin, Colophonia, of each one ounce and an half; Frankinzense, Mastich, of each one ounce; Saffron one dram, first melt the Wax in the Oyl, then the Turpentine being added, let them boyl together; having done boyling, put in the rest in fine powder (let the Saffron be the last) and by diligent stirring, make them unto an Oyntment according to Art."1
Uses: "This Ung. serveth well to incarne [cause flesh to form in] wounds and ulcers, being first well mundified [cleansed]: it is also to bee used as a balme to them to heale them, and is a good healer of burnings & scaldings, the fire first taken out: The composition which I doe make is of the practice of Josephus Quercitanus whose good use I have made triall of, which I meane with the rest of the composition to publish in print."2
1 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 224; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 44-5;
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Al. Camph.
Photo: Wiki User Kenpei - Cinnamomum Camphora
{Album Camphoratum – White Wax, Camphor1}
Rx: "Take of Oyl or Roses nine ounce, Cerna [cerate - yellow wax] washed in Rose water and diligently searched, three ounces; white Wax two ounces, after the Wax is melted in the Oyl, put in the Cerus [cerate], and make it into an Oyntment according to Art; add two drams of camphire [camphor], made into powder."2
Uses: "This Unguent is very good to coole, and heale any hot, moyst pustles: it cureth excoriations [abrasions] of the skinne in any place, but chiefly in the yard [penis] betwixt glans and preputium: it also healeth burnings and scaldings very well: and is good to be applied to any painefull ulcer, for it asswageth paine and healeth well. It was invented by Avicene [Avicenna - 10th century Persian physician]: of temperament it is cold, anodine [soothing], mollificative [soothing], and attractive, and therefore of very good consequent in the Surgeons chest."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 223; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 45
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum nutritum.
Litharge of Gold - Lead (II) Suboxide
(Aka. Unguentum Tripharmacon) {With Lead Acetate1}
Rx: "Take of Litharge of Gold, finely powdered half a pound, Vinegar one pound, Oyl of Roses two pound: grind the Litharge in a Mortar, pour into it sometimes Oyl, sometimes Vinegar, till by continual stirring the Vinegar do no more appear, and it comes to a whitish Oyntment."2
Uses: "This serveth well to cure an Erysipilas [red skin - St. Anthony's Fire], excoriation [abrasions], or bladderings of the skin: such also as are termed the Shingles: it is also good for to take the fire out of burnings and scaldings: and for any moist humour flowing to any ulcers in any part of the body being spread upon cap paper thin, and laid over the whole distempered part: and against any sleight scabbiness or itching humour whence soever it is: also an especiall good defensative against any scalding or vitious [vicious] humour flowing to any ulcer; of temperament this Unguent is cold and dry. It is subject to divide it selfe, namely the oyle Litharge & vineger asunder, which if it be wrought together againe will be as good as at the first: and if it be over dry adde vineger and oyle thereto, an it will be as good as at first."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 227; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 46-7
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Dialtheæ
Photo: Pablo Slberto Dalguero Quiles
The Flower of the Marshmallow Plant
Rx: "Take of common Oyl 4 pound, Mucilage of Marshmallow roots, Linseeds and Fenugreek seeds two pound, boil 'em together till the watry part of the Mucilage be consumed, then add wax half a pound, Rosin three ounces, Turpentine an ounce, boyl them to the consistence of an Oyntment, but let the Mucilage be prepared of a pound of fresh roots bruised, and half a pound of each of the seeds steeped an boyled in eight pound of spring water and pressed out."1
Uses: "This Unguent Nicolaus an ancient writer seemeth to be the Author of. It is profitable against paines of the breast proceeding of a cold cause, and against the Plurisie: it warmeth, mollifieth [softens], and comforteth all the parts of the body which are evill disposed through cold infirmities. It is also good against stiffenes & paines of the joynts in the Scurvy."2
2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 225; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 48-9
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Populeon
Photo: Matt Lavin
Poplar Bud - Populus Balsamifera
{With Herbs, Including Poplar Buds1}
Rx: "Take of fresh Poplar buds 1 pound & an half the flowers of Violets, & Navilwart of the wali [Umbilicus rupestris], of each 3 ounces fresh Hogs grease 3 pound all of them being beaten together in May. Let them stand a while, add the tops of Rasberries, the leaves of black Popies, Mandrakes, Henbane, Nightshade, Lettuce, Housleek, great & small Burrs of the greater of each. 3 ounces; beat them all together, & all of them being mixed, after ten days with a pound of Rosewater, boyle it till all the superfluous humidity be consumed, then strain it, and press it out that it may be an Oyntment according to Art."2
Uses: "This serveth well to asswage the paines of the Scurvy by anointing the parts greeved therewith. I may justly say upon the experience of divers skilfull Surgions, and my owne also, that as well in hot as in cold Countries it hath been found exceeding comfortable and behovefull, that scarse any composition of an Unguent in the Surgions Chest may compare with it, which some may thinke is a very absurd affirmation in reason, but that experience will have it so. It is good also to anoint the Temples, to provoke rest in hot fevers: as also the palmes of the hands and soles of the feet. It is likewise good to be applied for [as]swaging of paine in any part of the body, and being applied cold upon a Plegent [piece of cloth] where you have laid any corrosive medicine; it easeth the dolour [grief] of the causticke medicine. Of temperament it is cold & moist, it was devised by Nicolaus."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 224; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 47
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum con. ignem
Powdered White Sulfur
(Unguentum Contra Ignem)
Rx:'Unguentum Contra Ignem' is Latin for "unguent for burns". Woodall refers his readers to alchemist Johannes Jacob Wecker as the source of this recipe, most likely his book Le Grand Thesor ou Dispensaire et Antidotaire.
Three is a burn ointment in the 1616 printing which I have translated from the original French and Latin: "The Unguent for remedying burns. Rx. Rose Oil {8 ounces}, oil of egg yolks {2 ounces} powdered white sulphur {1 ounce}, middle bark of elder {1 handful}, white wax {1/2 ounce}, heat all together into an unguent."1
Uses: "This composition used to that purpose, you shall finde in Johannes Wikerus his dispensatory, pag. 1174. I have found it very good against burnings and scaldings; as also against burnings with gun-powder. Where I write the compositions of my medicines in generall, that also shall be expressed."2
1 Johannes Jacob Wecker, Le Grand Thesor ou Dispensaire et Antidotaire, [Translated from Latin], p. 1067; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 48
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Ægyptiacum.
Verdigris - Copper (II) Acetate
{Copper Acetate & Honey1}
Rx: "Take of Verdigreese finely powdered, five parts: Honey fourteen parts; sharp Vinegar seven parts; boil them to a just thickness, & a reddish colour"2
Uses: "This Unguent serveth to scower; it mundifieth [cleanses] all rotten foule ulcers, and is best to be put into the griefe scalding hot, and then the usuall paine and corrosion it procureth will be quickly past: in like manner it is to be used in any venomous wounds made either with poisoned shot, or bitten with madde dogs, or any other venomous or great contused wounds, wherein for preventing them from feare of a Gangreene it excelleth. It serveth also well to be used alone or mixed with any lotion for ulcers of the mouth and throte, especially in the scurvie. This Ung. drieth vehemently, and is abstersive: of temperament hot and drie, and was devised by Mesues [8th/9th Assyrian physician Yuhanna ibn Masawaih]."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 223; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 45
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Syr. Rosarum.
Photo: Jvad Yousefi - Damask Rose
{Syrup of Rose Petals1}
Rx: This is the recipe for Syrup of Roses, Solutive: "Take Spring water boiling hot four pound, Damask Rose leaves fresh, as many as the water will contain, let them remain twelve hours in Infusion, and close stopped; then press them out and put in fresh Rose leaves, do so nine times [God rejoyceth in odd numbers quoth one of their Patriarchs, I should have said a Poet] in the same Liquor, increasing the quantity of Roses as the Liquor encreaseth, which will be almost by the third part every time. Take six parts of this Liquor, and with four parts of white Sugar, boyl it to a Syrup according to art."2
Uses: Woodall identifies two syrups of roses. Which one is in the chest here is not clear.
"Syrupus Rosarum Simplex.
Sirupe of Roses simple doth quench thirst, especially in fevers, mittigateth [reduces] their heate, refrigerateth the stomacke, and liver being very hot."3
"Syrupus Rosarum Solutinarum.
Sirupe of Roses solutive is used as a gentle and safe purge both to old and young when they are molested either with burning or pestilent fevers, or any hot distemperature in the body."4
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 224; 3,4 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 79
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Syr. Violarum.
Photo: H. Zell - Violets (Viola Reichenbachiana)
(Syrupus Violarum) {Syrup of Violets1}
Rx: "Take of Violet flowers fresh and picked, a pound; clear water made boiling, two pound: shut them up close together in a new glazed Pot a whole day, then press them hard out, and in two pound of the Liquor dissolve 4 pound and three ounces of white Sugar, take away the scum, and make it into a Syrup without boiling. Syrup of the juice of Violets is made with its double weight of Sugar, like the former."2
Uses: "Sirupe of violets doth breake the acrimonie of melancholie, tempereth the heate of the bowels, bringeth downe the belly by purging it, helpeth the diseases of the throte, as hoarsenesse, and the drie cough, and is a chiefe aide to the curing inflammations of the brest, against the plurisie, and quencheth thirst in fevers, and is cordiall."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 123; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 79
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Mel Rosarum.
Photo: Wiki User Yellow Cat - Red Roses
{Rose Honey1}
Rx: "Take of red Roses quite open two pound, the best Honey six pound, set them in the Sun according to art."2
Uses: "Hony of Roses strengtheneth and clenseth the stomacke: purgeth clammie humors, helpeth concoction with the temperate heate thereof, alaieth and stoppeth hot fluxes [flows], the Phlegmon of the mouth, gums and jawes, is singular good with oile of Roses for wounds in the head, and these two with aqua vitæ [brandy] are very good to cure wounds in joints, where the joint water gleteeth out [discharges]."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 129; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 79-80
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Mithridat.
Photo: R. Valette
Mithridate Apothecary Jar, from
Musee
de la Science a Marseille (1685-1690)
{Electuary – Mithridaum Damocrites1}
Rx: " Take of Myrrh, Saffron, Agarick, Ginger, Cinnamon, Spicknard, Frankincense, Treacle, Mustard seeds, of each ten drams, the seeds of Hartwort, Opabalsamum, or Oyle of Nutmegs by expression, Scænanth, Stechas,
Costus, Galbanum, Turpentine, long Pepper, Castorum, juices of Hypocistis, Styrax, Calamitis, Oppopanax, Indian leaf, or for want of it Mace, of each an ounce; Cassia lignea, Poley mountain, white Pepper, Scordium, the seeds of Carrots of Creet, Carpobalsamum of Cubebs, Troch, Cypheds, Bdellium, of each 7 drams, Celtick, Spicknard, Gum Arabick, Macedonian Parsly seeds, Opium, Cardamoms the less, Fennel seed, Gentian, red Rose leaves, Dittany of Creet, of each five drams; Aniseed, Asarabacca, Orris, Acorus, the greater Valerian, Sagagen, of each 3 drams; Meum Acacia, the bellies of Scinks [lacerta longicauda – fringe-toed lizard], the tops of St. Johns wort, of each two drams and an half; Malago Wine so much as is sufficient to dissolve the juices and Gums, clarified Honey the treble weight of all, the wine excepted; make them into an Electuary according to Art."2
Uses: "Methridate
Photo: Wiki User Boazschacham
Fringe-Toed Lizard - Macanthodactylus Scutellatus
of Damocrates is in quallity and vertue like to Treakell, but more hotter and forcible against the poison of Serpents, madde Dogs, wilde Beasts, creeping things, being used as a plaster, or drunke, it cureth all the cold affections of the head, helpeth the melancholick or those that are fearefull of waters, them also that have the falling sicknesse [epilepsy], Megram [migraine], paine in the bowels, eares, tooth ach, and weeping eies, healeth the evills of the mouth and jawes, being plasterwise laide to the temples by discussion [scattering] giveth ease to the troubled with the Squincy [throat problems], Apoplexie [unconsciousness caused by hemorrhage or stroke], cough, spitting of bloud, Impostumes [large abscesses], or inflammations of the lungs, or any griefes within the body, and is good against the bloudy flixe [bloody flux], fluxe of the stomake, obstruction of the guts, and against ringing and tortions [pains] in them, being take with aqua vitæ [brandy] and the decoction of baulastians, it remedieth convulsions and palsie, helpeth the middriffe flatus [irritable bowel syndrome], Hipocondria, the paines of the reines [kidneys], & bladder, breaketh the [bladder] stone, provoketh urine and monthly flowes, expelleth other vices of the matrix [womb], yeeldeth a singular benefit for the Goute, profitteth not a little in quotidians, and quartanes [types of recurring fevers], a quantity drunke in wine, being first warmed, and then taken an houre before the fit."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 163-4; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 84-5
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Diascordium.
Photo: Wiki User Kenraiz
Scordium - Teucrium
(Diascordium) {Opium With Garlic Germander1}
Rx: "Take of Cinnamon, Cassia lignea, of each half an ounce, Scordium an ounce, Dittany of Creet, Tormentil, Bistort, Galbanum, Gum Arabick, of each half an ounce, Opium one dram and an half, Syrax Clamitis four drams and an half, Gentian leaf half an ounce, Bole armeniak an ounce and an half, Earth of Lemnos half an ounce, Long Pepper, Ginger, of each two drams; clarified Honey two pound and an half, Sugar of Roses one pound, Canary Wine ten ounces; make them into an Electuary according to Art."2
Uses: "Diascordium is helpfull in fevers, as well contagious, as pestilentiall: good for the head-ach, and universall plague, whose dose is from halfe a dragme [dram] to one dragme [dram] and a halfe, according to the occasion or strength of the patient."3
Culpeper has a great deal more to say in favor of Diascordium, although his explanation reveals why it was probably not as highly thought of on a ship full of lusty men. "It is a well composed Electuary, something appreciated to the nature of Women, provokes the terms hastens their labour, helps their usual sickness at the time of their lying in: I known nothing better. It stops fluxes, mightily strengtheneth the heart & stomach, neither is it so hot, but it may safely be given to weak people, and besides provokes sleep. It may be safely given to young Children ten grains at a time; ancient people may take a dram or more. It is given as an excellent Cordial in such Fevers as are accompanied with want of sleep."4
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 163; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 86; 4 Culpeper, p. 163
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Conf. Hamech.
Photo: L. Shyamal
Mmyrobalan Emblica - Indian Gooseberry
(Confectio Hamech)
Rx: "Bark of yellow Myrobalans, {2 ounces} black and chebul [yellow] ones, violets, pulp of coloquintida, polypody of the oak, of each {1-1/2 ounce} wormwood, thyme, of each {1/2 ounce} aniseeds, fennel-seeds, red-rose leaves, of each {3 drams} beat them, and steep them in six pints of whey one day, then boil them to three pints, and strain them, and to the liquor add juyce of fumitory, pulp of prunes, and raisins, of each {half-pound} white sugar, despumed [clarified] honey, of each {1 pound} boil them to thickness of honey; when it is almost boiled enough, sprinkle into it agarick torchiscat, sennæ powdered, of each {2 ounces} rubarb powdered, {1-1/2 ounce} epithymum, {1 ounce}, diagridium [scammony], {6 drams} cinnamon, {1/2 ounce} ginger {2 drams} seed of fumitory, and anise, spikenard, of each {1 dram} make them into an Electuary according to art."2
Uses: "Confectio Hamech purgeth choler, melancholy, and salt phlegme, [these are all believed to be different types of bodily humors] and is therefore with great benefit used against diseases arising form the same, the Canker [cancer], Leprosie, or drie Scurfe, Madnesse, Ringworme, Manginesse, scabbes and the like: the dose is {6 drams}."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Thomas Brugis, Vade mecum, p. 107-8; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 82-3
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Crocus Mart.
Rust
Rx: "Let thin Plates or Filings of Iron be expos'd to Air in dewy Nights, and Rain, until very rusty; then clear off the Rust, and do as before, until the whole is so changed: let it be rubb'd in the Mortar, and pass'd through a fine Seive.1
Uses: "Crocus Martis. Safron of Iron – Good against disenterium [dysentery], Gonoreæ Diarrhæa, & generally all fluxes."2 John Quincy says, "This is the most proper aperient [laxative] Preparation of all that are in use, because the Acids which are in most others make use of to dissolve the Iron, make it rather astringent [drawing together], especially in the Primæ Viæ [first way – this probably refers to the humoral qualities]."3
1 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 246; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 317; 3 Quincy, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pilulæ Cochiæ.
Photo: J.M. Garg - Turbith (Operculina Turpethum)
{Aloes, Scammony, Absinthe, Alhandal1}
Rx: "Take of Species and Heira Picra [a cathartic powder of aloes and canella bark] ten drams. Troch Arhandal three drams and an half, Turbith [Operculina turpethum], Stæchas [probably Lavandula stoechas], of each five drams; with sufficient quantity of Syrup of Stæchas, make it into a Mass according to Art."2
Uses: "Pilulæ Cochiæ deriving the name from a Greeke word nonnos, a graine (pils being formed small and round like graines of Cicers) doth purge both choler and fleame [phlegm] from the head, the liver, and from all other parts, wherein such humours are contained, and are found described, first by Dr. Rahsis, who is their supposed Authour. The dose is divers, as before, sometimes great, somtimes small, but {1 dram} is the ordinary dose."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 182; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 90
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pilulæ cambogiæ.
Gamboge Resin
Rx: "Take {1 scruple} in powder of gamboges, {1.5 scruples} in powder of extract of spiked aloes, {1/2 scruple} of powdered ginger, {2 scruples} of hard soap; mix the powders together, then having added the soap, beat the whole together till incorporated, and divide into five grain pills."1
Uses: "Pilulæ Cambogi, are good to clense the head and refresh the sight, to purge coller [choler - a humor], fleame [phlegm] or melancholy [a humor] from the stomacke or spleene, they open obstructions, and thereby profit well in the cure of the dropsie and scurvy, and for the cure of Icteritiæ flaræ, or the yellow jaundice they are very good, this Cambogiæ is much used in Holland and Germany, and Dr. Harvey of St. Bartholomews Hospitall [Dr. William Harvey], calleth it purging saffron, and giveth it in pils per se, in which manner given, it purgeth both wayes [causes vomiting and works as a laxative] forcibly, but the pils here mentioned, purge onely downewards very gently, their dose is {1/2 dram}."2
1 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 319; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 91
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Axungia Porci.
Photo: Rainer Zenz - Pork Lard
{Pork Lard1}
Rx: "Prepared of Hogs-lard. Adeps suillus, axunge [lard of pork]. Composed of 62 parts elain and 38 stearin. Melts at 97°. Insoluble in water and alcohol; but unites with alklaies, and forms soap."2
Uses: "Called Axungia of anointing the Axel-tree [of a cart] to make the wheeles turne easier about, for which many use it to this day. It is liquid flowing like oyle with warmth: it hath a lenifying [softening, alleviating] and anodine [soothing] qualitie, and therefore it is not unprofitably used for mitigation [reducing] of sharpe humors, asswaging of paine, healing of burnings with fire, and very fitly mixed with Cataplasmes [plasters] appointed for those effects."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 13; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 49
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Syr. Papaveris.
Photo: Den Haag
Poppy Sliced to Harvest Opium
(Syrupus Papveris) {Poppy1}
Rx: "Take {14 drams} of the capsules of the Papaver somniferum vel album, {2 pound} of refined sugar, and two gallons and a half of boiling water; digest the capsules in the water for 24 hours, then boil them down in a water-bath to a gallon, and express them strongly; boil down this liquor again to two pints, and strain while hot; set it aside for 12 hours that the dregs may subside; then boil down the clear liquor to a pint, and add the sugar in the manner directed for simple syrup. It contains about {1 grain} of opium in {1 ounce}."2
Uses:"Sirupe of white poppies hath an astringent [draws together] quality, it procureth sleepe, helpeth the cough, hindereth the humours which distill from the head into the throat tickling, and is of precious use against the palsie [palsy], if it bee used in the beginning thereof."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 428; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 78
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Syr. Liquiritiæ
Photo: Wiki User DeShazer
Gymnopilus Liquiritiae Darvin
Rx: "Liquiritiae {2 ounces}, Adiantum capillus-veneris {1 ounce}: Dried Hyssop {1 ounce} – Cast it upon 4 pounds of water, it is to be left open day and night and then cooked until half the liquid is gone, add honey, Zucchari and penidiarum [hazelnuts with sugar] {8 ounces}, Aqua rosatum {6 ounces}, make into a syrup and administer."2
Uses: "Liquiritia in all qualities temperate, yet enclining more to heate, it is agreeable to the lungs, and breast; rotteth phleame [phlegm], moveth expectoration [sputum], cureth the cough, helpeth breathing, and is profitable for the reines [kidneys], taking away the sharpenesse of urine, dissolveth the [bladder] stone, and healeth the sores of the kidnies and bladder."2
1 Angelo Paglia & Bartholomaeus, In Antidotarium Joannis filii Mesue censura: cum declaratione simplicium medicinariu [Translated from Latin], p. 36; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 99
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Theriaca. Ven.
Photo: Wiki User Jebulon
An Apothecary's Theriac Jar From
Hospices de Beaune
(Venice Treacle)
Rx: "Take of Troches of Quills forty eight drams; Troches of Vipers, long Pepper, Opium of Thebes, Magma [a salve, or thick paste], Hedycroi dried, of each 24 drams: dried red Roses exungulated [pared off - probably having the petals removed from the flower and used], Orris, Illyrick, juice of Liquorice, the seeds of sweet Navew, Scordium, Opobalsamum; Cinamon, Agarick, or each 12 drams; Myrrh, Costus or Zedoary, Saffron, Cassi Ligna, Indian Spicknard, Schænanth [Cymbopogon schoenanthus], Pepper white and black, Olibanum [frankincense], Dittany of Creet, Rhapontick, Stœchas [lavender], Horehound, Macedonian Parsley seed, Calaminth, Cypress, Turpentine, the roots of Cinquefoyl and Ginger, of each six drams; Poley mountain [Teucrium montanum - a type of germander], Chomepytis [Ajuga chamaepitys], Coltick, Spicknard, Amomus [amomum - an Indian spice plant], Styrax, Calamitis, the Roots of Rhavontick [Rhaponticum - a type of thistle], Earth of Lemnos, Indian leaf [curry], Calcitis [vitriol] burnt; or instead thereof Roman Vitriol burnt, Gentian roots, Gum Arabick, the juice of Hypocistis [Cytinus hypocistis], Carpobalsamum, or Nutmegs or Cubebs, the seed of Anise, Cardamoms, Fennel, Hartwort, Acacia [sloes], or instead thereof the juice of Sloes made thick, the seeds of Treacle, Mustard and Ammi [Ammi Major - bishop's flower], the tops of St. Johns wort, Sagapen, of each four drams, Castoreum the root of long Bithwort, Bitumen, Judaicum, Carrot seed, Opopanax, 
Chomepytis - Ajuga Chamaepitys
Centaury the less, Galbanum, of each two drams Canary Wine enough to dissolve, Honey the treble weight of the dry species: make them into an Electuary according to Art."1
Uses: Woodall prescribes Venice Treacle when there are "you fear venemous vapours [and as] a good Alexiphramacon or Preservative against poyson"2 . He also advises that "Venice Treakle, Mithridate, and London Treakle preserve well from this disease daily taken fasting" in his discussion on scurvy.3 He suggests its use in Fluxes, explaining "I hold it the safest course to for beare bleeding or purging, for feare of drawing backe the venome to the principall parts, and rather to flie to Alexipharmacons or Preservatives, as Venice Treakell, Mithridate, Diatesseron, London Treakell, or the like"4. He also calls it a "Present Cordiall medicine fitting to be given in the Callenture [feverish delirum of the tropics] is Venice Treakell or Mithridate {scruple}j. or London Treakle, or Diatesseron" in cordial water.5
2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 166; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 141; 3 Woodall, p. 186-7; 4 Woodall, p. 211-2; 5 Woodall, p. 248
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Theriaca. Londi
Photo: Wiki User Jebulon
Apothecary's Theriac Jar, From the
Hospices de Beaune, circa 1782
{"London Treacle"1}
Rx: "Take of Harts-horn two ounce; the seeds of Citrons, Sorrel, Peony, Bazil. [bazilicum] of each one ounce; Scordium, Coralliana, of each six drams, the Roots of Angelica, Tormentil, Peony, the leaves of Dittany, Bay berries, Juniper berries, of each half an ounce, the flowers of Rosemary, Marigolds, Clovegilliflowers [probably Clove Pink Dianthus caryophyllu], the tops of St. Johns wort, Nutmegs, Saffron, or each three drams, the roots of Gentian Zeodoary, Ginger, Mace, Myrrh, the leaves of Scabious, Devils bit [Succisa pratensis], Carduus, of each 2 drams, Cloves, Opium, of each 1 dram; Malaga Wine as much as is sufficient, with their treble weight in Honey, mix them according to Art."2
Woodall makes an interesting comment about composing London Treacle with regard to sea surgeons. "I have appointed to the Surgeons chest some of the Species [ingredients] of the London treakell ready poudered, and dry, that the diligent Surgeon at his will may compose a London
Photo: Kristian Peters
Devil's Bit - Succisa Pratensis
Treakell at sea, namely, by taking hony {3 drams}, and of this pouder {1 dram}, and heate them together, stirring them well till all be incorporated, and give it as neede shall require."3
Uses: "This composition was heretofore appointed by the wisedome of the learned and grave Doctors of the Phisitions Colledge in London, as a thing very requisite, for that the price should be reasonable for the poorer sort, and yet such as are in London at all times to be had, it may be used well in place of Mithridate..."4 Woodall explains that MIthridate (found elsewhere in the chest) is an overly complex recipe made "in Holland" where he finds they cheat on the recipe and don't make it properly. (Apparently the London apothecaries are beyond reproach in his mind.) Nicholas Culpeper says of London Treacle, "The Receipt is pretty Cordial, resist the Pestilence, and is a good Antidote in Pestilential times, it resists poyson strengthens cold stomach, helps digestion, crudities, of the stomach. A man may safely take two drams of it in a morning, and let him fear no harm."5
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 167; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 84; 3 Woodall, p. 83; 5 Culpeper, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Diaphenicon.
Dates on a Date Palm
(Electuarium Diaphenicon) {Purge Made of Dates1}
Rx: "Take of the pulp of Dates boyled in Hydromel [mead], Penids [penidiarum - hazelnuts with sugar], of each half a pound: sweet Almonds blanched three ounce and an half; to all of them being bruised and permixid [mixed], add clarified honey two pound, boyl them a little, and then strew in Ginger, long Pepper, Mace and Cinnamon, Rue leaves, the seeds of Fennel and Carrots, of each two drams; Turbith [Operculina turpethum] beaten small 4 ounces, Diagridium [scammony] an ounce and half: make of them an Electuary according to Art."2
Uses: "Diaphenicon purgeth easily, and safely flegme and melancholy [phlegm and melancholy - bodily humors]: it helpeth the belly ake, collicke, continuall burning fevers, and all evills proceeding of choler and flegme [choler & phlegm - bodily humors]: the dose is {1 ounce}."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 170; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 82
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Conf. Alkermes
Photo: Gerhard Eisner
Kermes Berries -
Phytolacca Americana
(Confectio Alkermis)
Rx: "Of the Juyce of fragrant Apples, of the best Damask Rosewater, of each {1.5 pounds} infuse in them for the space of a whole day, the husks or Cods of Silk-worms (Serioum Crudem) {1 pound} make a strong expression; to which adde the best Juyce of Kermes-berries {1 pound} Sugar {2 pounds} boyl them till they come almost to the body or consistence of Honey; to which, whilst hot added crude Amber small cut {2 drams} and when 'tis dissolved, cast in these Powders, of Cinamon, Aloes-wood, of each {6 drams} the Azure-stone burnt and washed, Pearl, of each {2 drams} Leaf Gold {1 dram} Mosch {1 scruple} make thereof a soft Electuary."1
Uses: "Confectio Alkermes preserveth from Apoplexies [unconsciousness caused by hemorrhage or stroke] arising from cold, and melancholy humors, doth very much comfort the braine, and heart, and is sometimes used very profitably for them that languish away through long sicknesse and are subject to swoundings [fainting]."2
Apothecary John Quincy dismisses this confection, explaining that it "is greatly in use amongst the Female Prescribers, and when it is met with any where else, it seems more in compliance to them, than out of any great opinion of its Virtues. It makes indeed a pretty Decoration in a Julep, from the Leaf-Gold in it; and sometimes raises the Spirits by Expectation, because it is generally taken for a high Cordial: but instead of {2 scruples} which is seldom exceeded in a Dose, if a Person was to take a whole Ounce, he would not find it to do any great matters that way."3
1 Jean de Renou, A Medicinal Dispensatory, p. 616; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 84; 3 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 382
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pilulæ Agreg.
Photo: Michael Maggs
Agaric Mushroom -
Amanita Muscaria
(Pilulae Agaricum) {Agaricum – With Mushroom Agaric1}
Rx: "Take of Citron Mirobalans, Rhubarb, of each half an ounce; Juyce of Agrimony and Wormwood made thick, of each 2 drams;
Diagridium [scammony] 5 drams, Agarick, Colocynthis, Polypodium, of each two drams; Turbith [Operculina turpethum], Aloes, of each six drams: Mastich, red Rose, Sal. Gem. [Sal Gemmae - rock salt], Epithimum, Annis, Ginger, of each a dram, with Syrup of Damask Roses, make it into a Mass according to Art."2
Uses: "Pilula Aggregatinæ, so called either from the Agaricum or the aggregation of many vertues that are said to be therin: for they are profitable for many affections of the head, stomacke, and liver: they purge phleame [phlegm], choler, and melancholy [bodily humors]; and therefore are of very good use against continuall fevers, and inveterate diseases, and are described by Mesues [8th/9th Assyrian physician Yuhanna ibn Masawaih], whose dose if from two scruples to a dragme [dram] and a halfe. But beware of the use of these pills, where the flux raigneth [rages]; for Agaricum in such bodies dies as are incident thereto is a dangerous medicine. I speake this of practise, wherefore remember it."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 180-1; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 89-90
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pilulæ Ruffi.
Photo: Wiki User Alamout - Saffron Plants
{Russy – Myrrh, Saffron, Aloes1}
Rx: "Take of Aloes two ounces, Saffron half an ounce, with Syrup of the juice of Lemmons, make it into a mass according to Art."2
Uses: "Pilulæ Russi or Pestilentiales Russi, subscribing to Ruffus [Rufus of Ephesus - 1st century Greek physician] their inventour, a famous Physician, and fitting for the pestilence and plague, doe rather prevent infection, then cure the infected: for by reason of the aloes the body is freed from excrements, by myrrha from putritude, and by Saffron the vitall faculties are quickened, but infection once possessed, is not alwayes by such light cordials and gentle laxatives removed, their dose agreeth with that of Pilulæ Aureæ, they are very stomachall, for they refresh much the stomacke, and in any oppressions of the stomacke, where gentle purging is required, they excell."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 187; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 91
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Axungia cerui.
Photo: Wiki User Dormroom Chemist
Lead Acetate or Sugar of Lead
{Lard & Lead Acetate1}
Rx: I did not find this type of lard in the period medicinal recipes, so I defer to Druett's reference to lard and lead acetate, although she does not specify the ratio of the elements to be combined.
Uses: "This Axungia is of a hot nature, doth asswage aches, resolveth and mollifieth [softens] hard tumors in any part of the body, and by experience is found very good, administred in Glisters [clysters - enemas] to heale the excoriations [abrasions] of the Intestinum rectum; for it is anodine [soothing] and very sanatine [healing]. The manner to use it is somewhat touched in some other my instructions elsewhere."2
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 53
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Syr. Limoniorum
Photo: Andre Karwath - Lemons
Rx: "Take {1 pint} of lemon-juice straigned, {2 pound} of refined sugar; dissolve the sugar in the lemon-juice, as directed for a simple syrup. It is usually made extemporaneously."1
Uses: "Sirupe of Lemmons is cordiall and refrigerating, and I may say calefying [warming] too, it doth please and profit the appetite, and comforteth all that are sicke of the pestilence, continuall and contagious fevors, as also all diseases, on which exceeding great heat attendeth, cheereth up the heavie heart, and dispelleth sorrow there from, and against all obstructions of the spleene is a good helpe, and also well approoved good in the cure of the Scurvy."2
Curiously, while Woodall repeatedly refers to this glorified lemonade as being a warming medicine, physician James Rennie says the opposite. "Medicinally it is prescribed as a refrigerant and antiseptic, in doses of {1 dram) to {3 drams} or more, and it is an elegant preparation for covering the taste of nauseous medicines, and to sweeten barley water, or gruel. It is also added to gargles, when the fauces [arched opening at the back of the mouth] are dry and irritable."3
1 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 427;2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 78; 3 Rennie, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Syr Prunel.
Sloes or Blackthorn Berries
(Syrupus Prunellorum) {Prunellorum - Sloes1}
Rx: While a specific recipe for syrup of sloes isn't presented directly, Thomas Brugis talks about how syrups are generally made. This would apply to the the berries of sloes. "Syrups are composed either of juices, or decoctions of Roots, Herbs, Fruits, Seeds and Flowers, which are strain'd hard with the Hand or Press. They are either altering or purging; and first of the altering, and they are either simple or compound, the simple being made of equal parts, of the juice of any Herb and Sugar boil'd according to Art: you may known when 'tis boil'd enough, by dropping some upon a cold stone, the virtue of the Syrup being the same of the Herb 'tis made of."2
Uses: "Sirupe of Sloes doth refrigerate and comfort the stomacke, stoppeth fluxes, healeth the excoriations of the intrails, the dosse may be {2 ounces} at once"3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Thomas Brugis, Vade Mecum, Or, a Companion for a Chirurgion, 7th ed. p. 70; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 80
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Syr. Diam.
Photo: B. Navez - Mulberries
- Morus Alba
(Diamoron Simplex) {Mulberry Syrup1}
Rx: "Juice of domestic mulberries {5 pounds} Honey {1 pound}. Clarify the juice by cooking to proper consistency with honey."2
Uses: "Diamoron simplex not unlike Mell rosarum is profitable in Gargarismes [gargles], against the eating ulcers of the mouth as aforesaid, and cutteth away fleme [phlegm], and clenseth the mouth and throte, and by reason of the pleasing taste thereof is the more comfortable to the diseases."3 Johann Horstius adds, "It is wholesome at the beginning of inflammations, its strength is increased with the addition of repellants and astringents [medicines that draw together] such as Alumen, Omphacium, Rhus, Rosæ, Balustia, Malicorium, Cyntinus Galle immature, Hypocistidus and Lentisci succus."4 While Woodall calls the taste pleasing, apothecary James Rennie dourly notes that its' "colour recommends it more than its flavor."5
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Johann Daniel Horstius, Pharmacopeoia Galeno-Chemica, Catholica, p. 270; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 80; 4 Horstius, ibid.; 5 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 427
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Elect. de ovo
Photo: Kacper Anioleck - An Egg
(Electuarium de Ovo) {Eggs1}
Rx: "Take a Hens Egg new laid and the white being taken out by a small hole, fill up the void place with Saffron, leaving the yolk in; then the hole being stopped rost it in ashes till the shell begin to look black, taken diligent heed the Saffron burn not for then is the whole Medicine spoilt, the matter being taken out, dry it so that it may be beaten into powder, and add to it as
much powder of white Mustard seed as it weighs. Then take the Roots of white Dittany and Tormentil, of each two drams; Myrrh, Hartshorn, Petatisis Roots, of each one dram; the Roots of Angelica and Burnet, Juniper berries, Zedoary, Camphire, of each half an ounce, mix them all together in a Mortar, then add Venice Treacle the weight of them all, stir them about with a Pestle 3 hours together, putting is so much Syrup of Limmons as enough to make it into an Electuary according to Art."2
Uses: "Electuarium de ono is very much commended for prevention and cure of the plague, and all pestilentiall diseases in expelling the infection from the heart."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 165-6; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 84
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Laud. Opiate Parac.
An Apothecary Making a Medicine, From
Das Standebuch,
by Jost Amman (1586)
(Laudanum Paracelsi Opiatum) {Opium, Henbane, Coral, Hartshorn, Bezoar, Spices1}
Rx: "This is one of the few recipes Woodall recites in full. While he doesn't specify so here, this is the recipe for the Laudanum pill. The brown liquid most people think of when they think of laudanum was first set down in print by physician by Thomas Sydenham decades later.
As was tradition at this time, Woodall gives most of the recipe in Latin. For this recipe only, I will include both the Latin and my translation of it.
"Rx. Opii Thebaici uncias tres. [Thebiac Opium three ounces]
Succi Hyoscyami debito tempore collecti, & in Sole prius inspissati unciam unam & sem specierum Diambræ & Diamosschi, fideliter dispensatarum ana uncias duaes cum dimidio mummiæ transmarinae & selectæ unciam sem. [Henbane juice collected in due time, and in the sun before it congeals, one ounce and a half, of species Diambræ (a powder composed of spices) and Diamosschi (a preparation of musk) honestly dispensed, two and a half ounces; Of selected Egyptian mummy an ounce and a half.]
Salis perlarum.
Gorallorum ana {3 drams} [salt pearls and coral, 3 drams]
Liquoris Succini Albi per Alcohol Vini extracti. [extract in spirit of wine]
Ossis de corde Cervi ana drachmam j. [Bone from the heart of a deer, 1 dram)
Lapidis Bezoartici. [Bezoar Stone]
Photo: Den Haag
Poppy Sliced to Harvest Opium
Unicorni animalis vel mineralis {1 dram} [Shavings of a unicorn horn, 1 dram]
Moschi.
Ambrae ana {one scruple} [Deer Musk & Amber, one scruple]
In defectu genuini auri potabilis nullis corrosivis inquinati addantur,
(In absence of genuine liquid gold without corrosive, we add Oil of]
Oleorum Anisi.
Carui.
Arantiorum.
Citrorum.
Nutistæ.
Cariophyllorum.
Cinamomi.
Succini ana guttæ 12.
Fiat ex his secundum artem Chymicam, massa, seu extractum, ex quo ad necessarios usus, possint pillulae efformari. [Let it be made into pills from the chemical mass or extract to be used when needed according to the art.]"2
Uses: While he goes to a lot of trouble to give the recipe, Woodall has little to say about its use. "In the treatise of fluxes of the belly, it is handled at large, to which I refer the friendly Reader."3 Notably missing are the pain-killing and soporific operations of the drug.
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 229; 3 Woodall, p. 86
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Diacatholicon.
_fruits_J_M_Garg.jpg)
Photo: J.M. Garg
Cassia Fistula (Amaltas) Pods
(Electuarium Diacathelicon) {Purging Elixir1}
Rx: "Take of the pulp of Cassia and Tamarinds, the leaves of Senna, of each two
ounces; Plypodium, Violets, Rhubarb, of each one ounce; Annis seeds, Penids [penidiarum - hazelnuts with sugar], Sugar candy, Liquorice, the seeds of Gourds, Citrus, Cucumers, Melons of each two drams, bruise the things to be bruised; take of fresh Polypodium 3 ounces, sweet Fennel seeds 6 drams; boyl them in four pounds of water till the Third part be consumed; strain it, and with two pounds of sugar boyl the Decoction to the thickness of a Syrup, then with the pulps and powders make it into an Electuary according to Art."2
Uses: "The Electuarie Diacatholicon dothe purge gently all humors, it is conveniently used in fevers, and other diseases which arise from a certaine evill disposition of the spleene and liver, the dose is {1 ounce}."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 171-2; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 82;
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Elect. Diatr. Pipe:/ Species Ditrion Piperion.
Photo: Wiki User Ragesoss
A Variety of Peppercorns
(Diatrion Pipereon) {Black Pepper Elixir1}
Rx: Although I did not find an exact recipe for this electuary, some authors do give insight into its composition.
Johann Christoph Sommerhoff explained that, "Diatrion pipereon is the name of the species or confection for stomach aches, which includes three kinds of Pepper: white, long and black."2
Walter Baily gave a prescription for this which included the titled three peppers - white pepper, black pepper and long pepper - as well as ginger, thyme, aniseed and parsley seed.3
Uses: "Diatrion Pipereon doth help the stomake, and is good for sower belching, quartans, cold, and all flatious diseases, or wounds: of the species thereof you may Rx {1 dram} of hony {5 drams} put them together being well mixed, and keepe the same to give upon occasion to a weake stomake fasting, or at any time It will warme and comfort him much: when men feele their stomackes oppressed with asbstructions by reason of cold, now and then a little thereof given them will much comfort them, and preserve them well from fluxes of the belly."4
"Also the Electuary Diatrionpiperion given each morning a little on the point of a knife fasting, and last, namely at the party his going to bed, is a great preservative; for it doth warme and corroborate the stomacke, and preserveth from the Scurvy, and is very comfortable to bee given to any one that is diseased with the same, or subject thereto."5
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Johann Christoph Sommerhoff, Lexicon pharmaceutico-chymicum, latino-germanicum et germanico-latinum [Translated from Latin], p. 98; 3 Diatrion piperion", British History Online, gathered 7/28/14; 4 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 83; 5 Woodall, p. 86
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pillu. Euphorbum.
Artist: Carl Scuch - Leeks
(Pilulae Euphorbium) {For Scurvy1}
Rx: "'Take Euphorbium, Colocynth, Agarick, Bdellium, Sagapenum [A yellow-brown bitter gum derived from Ferula plants], {of each 2 scruples) Aloes {5 scruples}. Make them into a Mass with Juice of Leeks.'"2
Uses: "Pilulæ de Euphoribio, pils of Euphorbium, receiving Musues [Physician Yuhanna ibn Masawaih] as their Patron, are virtuous against the dropsie [edemas] and Scurvy, for they calefie [warm] the stomacke and entrails, purge water abundantly, prevaile also in removing the cause of tumours, and bring ayde for the paine of the loynes and gowt, proceeding from too much humidity: they are effectuall in the quantity of one scruple, or halfe a dragme, and may be mixed with Pilulæ Cochiæ."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 426-7;3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 90
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pilulæ Aureæ
Photo: Wiki User Alamout - Saffron Flowers
{Called "golden" Because of the Saffron1}
Rx: "Take of Aloes, Diagrydium, of each five drams; red Roses, Smallage seeds of each two drams and an half; the seeds of Anise and Fennel, of each one dram and an half; Mastich [mastic], Saffron, Troch. Alhandal, of each one dram; with a sufficient quantity of Honey of Roses, make it into a Mass according to Art."2
Uses: "Pilulæ Auræ, or the golden pill, being in colour like aurum or golde, because of the saffron in him, they are cholagogall, attracting choler [a humor], yea, and flegme [phlegm - another humor] too, from the inferiour and superior venter: and therefore purgeth the head, senses and eyes, & restoreth the eye-sight: they were first made knowen by Nicholaus Myrepusus, who was the first Authour of them; their dose is like that of the pils Aggregative. [2 scruples to a dram and a half]"3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 182; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 90
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Species Diatesseron.
Theriac Preparation, From Tacuinum
sanitatis (14th c.)
(Theriaca Diatesseron) {Greek Treacle1}
Rx: "Take of Gentian Root, Bay-Berries, Myrrh, and round Birth-wort, each two Ounces; of Honey two Pounds; mix them into an Electuary. This with the addition of the Shavings of Ivory, two Ounces, is instituted Diapente, or a Composition of five Ingredients. This hath passed without Alterations, through all the emendations of the College Dispensatories, where at first it entered under the title of a Theriaca. It comes originally from Mesue [8th/9th Assyrian physician Yuhanna ibn Masawaih]; Avicen [Avicenna - 10th century Persian physician] also prescribes it; but it is hardly ever ordered in the Form of an Electuary, and therefore not kept so in Shops".2
Uses: "The vertues of Diatersseron are said to be as followeth. It is good against poyson drunken, and against the bitings of venomous beasts or wormes. It is also good against all the cold effects of the braine, as convulsions, resolutions of the sinowes, morbum Comitialem, the Spasme or Crampe, the inflation of the ventricle or stomacke against the defect of concoction therein: and against venomous wounds bothe inwardly drunke, and outwardly applied. Also it openeth the obstructions of the liver and spleene, thereby preserveth the body from the disease called Cachexia or stomacace, which is the Scurvy."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 99; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 86
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Terebinth: Clara.
Collecting Turpentine (1936)
(Spirit of Terebinthine)
Rx: "Rectified Oil of Turpentine, Spirit of Turpentine. Oleum volatile pini purissimi. E. Take {1 pint} of oil of turpentine, and {4 pins} of water; distil the oil. This process is seldom necessary, the common oil of turpentine being usually pure enough."1
Uses: "This Spirit of Terebinthine is a subtile, volatile, pure, and a christalline spirit extracted from Terebinthine, which how much
Distilling - From Buch der Rechten Kunst zu
Distilieren die Eintzigen by Hieronymus Brunschwig
the more excellent will the spirit be. It hath many precious vertues medicinable, contained in it: it is wholy combustible, penetrative, of a warming and comforting faculty: it is a good menstrum [solvent] to draw Tinctures by, either from vegetable or mineral medicines, and chiefley it is used to extract the tincture from Sulphur, which tincture is a singular good medicine many waies, as in his proper place I meane to touch. This said spirit is a true Balsame in the cure of all new wounds, especially of the sinewes. It comforteth all the sinewy parts of the body afflicted with any cold impression, as convulsions, the Scurvy, or the like. It provoketh urine very well 10 or 11 drops taken in wine tasting, and drives out gravell and the [bladder] stone. It is also good to consolidate any inward wound penetrating into the body, a few drops thereof daily drunke. It is a fit addition to any Unguent serving for a cold disease to amend the warming force thereof, and to cause it to penetrate the better. It hath many other singular good uses, which for brevitie I must passe over."2
1 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 437; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 66-7
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Conserva Rosarum.
Photo: Wiki User Yellow Cat - Red Roses
(Conserve of Roses)
Rx: "Take of Red Rose leaves the whites being cut off, and speedily dried in the Sun an ounce, white Sugar a pound, melt the Sugar in Rose water and juice of Roses, of each 2 ounces, which being consumed by degrees, put in the Rose Leaves in Powder, mix them, put it upon Marble, and make it into Lozenges according to art."1
Uses: Woodall says that "Conserve of Red roses is good for the heart and head strengthening and comforting both, as also the bowels mitigating their heate, and stoppeth fluxions [flows], and is much the more profitable in any griefe if a few drops of oile of vitrioll be mixed herewith, but beware of too much. "2 Nicholas Culpeper agrees, adding considerable to Woodall's description. "As for the virtues of this, it strengthens weak stomachs, weak hearts, and weak brains, restores such as are in Consumptions, restores lost strength, stays fluxes, easeth pains in the head, ears and eyes, helps spitting, vomiting and pissing of blood; it is a fine commodity for a man in a Consumption to carry about with him and eat now and then a bit: This they mended as I bid them; it's a comfort they will do something as they are bid."3
1 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 142; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 80; 3 Culpeper, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Conserva Anthos.
Rosemary Bush and Flowers
{Rosemary Conserve1}
Rx: "Of the finest flowers of Rosemary very small beaten {half pound} of the whitest Sugar {1.5 pounds} mix them well together, with a Box Pestle till they become a fine paste, which keep in a Gally-pot well luted [sealed]."2
Uses: "Or Conserve of Anthos, or Rosemary flowers is of much use in phisicke, because of the force it hath in comforting the braine and corroborating the sinewes, and it is given with good successe for the falling sicknesse [epilepsy], Apoplexie, Lithargie [lethary], dead and shaking Palsie [Parkinson's disease], but it will not keepe long at Sea in hot Countries."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Jean de Renou, A Medicinal Dispensatory, p. 539; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 81
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Conserva Barberorum.
Photo: Arnstein Ronning - Barberry, Berberis Vulgaris
(Conserve of Barberry) {Barberry1}
Rx: Nicholas Culpeper does not say anything about Sugar of Barberry specifically, rather he (somewhat reluctantly) follows the Royal College of Physicians of London's method of listing dozens of different plants that are made into sugars. As he explains, "with all these [various plants he listed] are Conserves made, with their treble proportion of white Sugar; yea note, that all of them must not be mixed alike, some of them must be cut, beaten and gently boiled, some neither cut, beaten nor boiled, and some admit but one of them, which every Artist in his Trade may find out by this Pemonition, and avoid [e]rreor."2
Uses: "Conserve of Barberies doth refrigerate, and is astringent [draws together], it quencheth thirst, and the heate of the stomake, and bowels, it causeth appetite, removeth the waterish humor of choler, cureth the bloudy flix [bloody flux], the flux of the liver, the often gnawing and wringing of the guts caused by choler, healeth the small pox, and resisteth drunkenesse."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 140; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 81
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Conserva Prunellorum.
Sloes or Blackthorn Berries
{Conserve of Sloes1}
Rx: "Scald the sloes in water to soften them, taking care, their skins are not broken; then take them out and express their pulp, which mix with thrice its weight of double refined sugar."2
Uses: "Or Conserve of Sloes is of a comforting stipticke force [stops bleeding], very profitable to comfort the weake stomake oppressed with crudities [undercooked, cold and watery humours], good against all fluxes of the belly, and also good to heale all inflammations or excoriations [abrasions of the stomach] occasioned by the same, either taken on a knife in forme of a Bolus, or given in glisters [clysters -enemas]."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians, p. 123-4; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 82
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