John Woodall's Medicine Chest Ingredients: 1 2 3 4 Next>>
John Woodall's Medicine Chest Ingredients, Page 5
The Medicines in Woodall's Medicine Chest - Top Right
The image below contains hot links 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, Right, from the surgions mate (1639)
Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Pectorale.
Artist: Antoine Vollon
Butter (late 19th c.)
{Chest Linament1}
Rx: "Take of fresh Butter washed in Violet water six ounces; Oyl of sweet Almonds four ounces; Oyl of Camomel and Violets, white Wax, of each three ounces Hen & Ducks grease, of each two ounces; Orris roots two drams Saffron half a dram. The two last being finely powdered, the rest melted & often washed in Barley or Hysop water, make an Oyntment of them according to Art."2
Uses:"It [as]swageth the paines and stitches of the breast and sides; easeth the cough, helpeth expectoration [spitting and coughing up of phlegm]: it helpeth to digest grosse humours, and to attenuate them: and warmeth and comforteth a cold stomacke. This composition is set downe in the dispensatory of Augusta." 3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 234; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 46
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Potabile.
Photo: Wolfgang Frisch
Tormentil Root
{"drinkable ointment"1}
Rx: "Take of Batter without walt [?] a pound and an half, Spermæ Cæti [spermaceti], Maddir [Rubia plant], Tormentil roots, Castoloreum, of each half an ounce. Boyl them as you ought, in a sufficient quantity of Wine, till the Wine be consumed, & become an Oyntment."2
Uses: "This Unguent is a sure Balsame for wounds of any sort, or in any part of the body, either penetrating or not penetrating; in wounds penetrating either inject it warme, or power it into the wound. Also upon any occasion it is to be drunke {1 or 2 drams} at once, or for a dose. It healeth wounds within the body. Also it healeth burnings and scaldings without any scarre. And further it cureth the winde chollicke drunke with sacke [White wines imported from Spain and the Canaries]: the dose is to be {1 ounce} without feare: but I give usually but one dramme or {2 drams}."3 Nicholas Culpeper in describing this simply says, "I know not what to make of it."4
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 227-8; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 49; 4 Culpeper, p. 228
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Arragon.
Photo: Ken Thomas
Roots of Aron - Trillium Erectum
{Stimulating1}
Rx: "Take of Rosmary, Marjoram, Mother of Time, Rue, the Roots of Aron and Cucumers, of each four ounces and an half; the leaves of Bay, Sage, Savin, Briony roots, of each three ounces; Fleabane, Laurel, of each nine ounces; the leaves of wild Cucumers, Nep, of each half a pound. Let all of them be gathered in May, cleansed and bruised, be steeped seven days in the six pound of Sallet Oyl, and a pound of Spirit of Wine, boyl them gently till the spirit be consumed, then strain the Oyl, in which melt Wax 16 ounces, Bears grease, Oyl of Bays, of each 3 ounces, Moschalcum [probably Oil of Moschelini] half an ounce, Butter 4 ounces, stir them and put in these following things in powder, Mastich, Olibanum of each seven drams, Pellitory of Spain, Euphorbium, Ginger, Pepper of each an ounce; make 'em into an Oyntment according to Art."2
Uses: "This Unguent is numbred among the 4 hot Unguents. It profiteth generally against all cold effects of the outward parts of the body: it much warmeth and comforteth the sinews: it is good against convulsions & cramps: it is good to anoint the Ridge bone of the backe, and the parts neere the kidneys against the paines thereof: and also to anoint the stomacke & belly upon any cold griefe: it is good to annoint the body for them which have the quartane fever, the falling sicknes [epilepsy], the paines of the joynts: and also it is good to be used as a Morbus ointment, according to the common phrase, adding the due quantitie of Mercurie thereto, which I account to be of Quick-silver {2 ounces} to the Unguent {1 pound}. But I finde it will not retaine his vertues above one yeare, as witnesseth Johannes Jacobus Wikerus. Wherefore I forbeare this composition [the Morbis ointment] in the Surgions Chest."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 231; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 51-2
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Martiatum.
Photo: W. A. Djatmiko - Bay Leaves
Rx: "Take of fresh Bay leaves three pound Garden Rue 2 pound and an half, Marjoram two pounds Mints a pound, Sage, Wormwood, Costmary [Tanacetum balsamita], Bazil [Basil] of each half a pound, Sallet oyl 20 pound yellow Wax four pound, Malaga wine two pound, of all of them being bruised, boiled, and pressed out as they ought, make an Oyntment according to Art."2
Uses: "This Unguent, as is composed of many ingrediences, so it is said to be effectuall for many greefes: for saith the Author, it discusseth cold causes in the head sinewes, and joynts: it removeth the paine from the breast and stomacke proceeding from cold: it prevaileth against convulsions: it helpeth the resolution of the sinewes, dead palsey, and them that are troubled with the Sciatica, or hip gout, the gout in the hands, feete, and in other joynts of the body. It mollifieth [softens] hard pustles and tumors in the flesh: it asswageth the hard swellings of the Liver and spleen: easeth the paine in the small gutts: it cureth the ach in the reyns [loins]. It hath his name as Salaritanum saith of Martianus; or Maulius which is more probably saith of Martiatus, a most skilfull Phisition supposed to be the inventor thereof, and it is described in the Dispensatorie by Nicolaus Alexandrinus, who also describeth the vertues thereof in effect as is here set downe."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 223; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 52
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Linamentum Arcei.
Photo: Wiki User ltineranttrader
Gum Elemi Essential Oil
(Unguentum Elemi or Liniment of Gum Elemi) {Retaining, Bracing Liniment1}
Rx: "Take of Gum Elemy, Turpentine of Fir tree, of each one ounce and an half; old Sheeps Sewet [suet] cleansed two ounce, old Hogs grease clean-fed one ounce; mix them and make them into an Oyntment according to Art."2
Uses: "I Cannot but reverence the Authour of this precious plaine Linament, whose desert to the Common-wealth was very great therein: for it is as sufficient a Balme for new wounds, especially in the head, as that a better can scarse be found out by Art. It doth all the intentions of healing a wound in the head meerely of it selfe, the flux being stayed. For it digesteth, mundifieth [cleanses], incarneth [cause flesh to form in], and siccatrizeth [cicatrizes - heals with a scar]; it defendeth from accidents, and is very anodine [soothing]: it may also fitly bee applied to painefull ulcers and fistulaes upon occasion. The Author or manifester of this Linament was Franciscus Arceus, in a small Treatise of Surgery of his, translated by Mr. John Reade a Surgion. It is of temperament hot and moist."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 224; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 51
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Mel Saponis.
Period Soap
Rx: "'Take common Soap, Honey, ana {4 ounces} Salt of Tartar {half ounce} Fumitory Water. {2 drams} Mix them together."1
Uses: "Mel Saponis is Hony and Sope mixed ana: partes æquales [in equal parts], and is a medicine appointed to be first applied upon a burning or scalding to take the fire out. It is a liniment of ancient use amongst our country Surgions, and good; but I finde it not mentioned in ancient Writers".2
Woodall's recipe is much simpler than John Quincy's and he doesn't give much information on its use. Fortunately, Quincy has a great deal more to say about it. "This stands recommended as a good thing to scour, and whiten the Skin; but it may also be put to a much more important use, and will frequently do great service in the Gout and Rheumatick Pains, if it be well rubbed into the Part affected: but it is so penetrating, as sometimes to raise a Blister, and at first may enrage the Pain. For these purpose great Improvements may be made with the Addition of the quantities of Camphire and Opium: But this is reserv'd to a future Essay."3
1 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 385; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 47; 3 Quincy, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Rhabarb.
Artist: Michael Boym
Rhubarb From Bibliotheque Universtaire
Moretus Plantin (1656)
Rx: "Rhabarbari, Rhubarb. This is brought to us from several Parts; that which comes from the Levans [Levant] is now accounted best. It is of a bright yellowish Colour, and of a Nutmeg Grain if it be good, tho a great deal of the best Pieces will be decay'd; and therefore when brought into use, ought to be rejected. There is some come from China, and other parts of the East-Indies, but not so much esteem'd."1
Uses: "Rhabarbarum or Ruberbe is hot in the first degree, and drie in the second, of an astringent [drawing together] nature, and is good for the stomake, and liver, and against the bloudy flixe [bloody flux], purgeth downward chollericke humors, and therefore very profitably used against hot fevers, inflammations, and stoppings of the liver &c. {1 ounce} is the full dosse."2
1 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 185; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 94
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Agaricum.
Photo: Dusty Yao Stamets
Agarickon Laricifomes Officinalis
{Mushroom Agaric1}
Rx: "Fungus Agarici, Agarick. This is a Fungus, or Mushroom, growing on the Larch-Tree, that produces the Venice Turpentine. That is accounted best which is light, spongy, and white; tho the best rather makes People sick, than purges them, for it is extremely nauseous to the Stomach, and without the help of other Purgers, is not strong enough to work of it self. "2
Uses: "Agaricum or Agaricke is hot in the first degree, and drie in the second, purgeth phleame [phlegm - a humor], freeth from obstructions, attenuateth [reduces the force of], clenseth, & dissipateth winde, and helpeth all diseases which spring from grosse, cold, and raw humors: the dose is {1 dram}. But beware of the use thereof in the curing any fluxes of the belly."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 181; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 94
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Mummiæ
Photo: Christoph Braun
Mummia -
From Museum für Hamburgische Geschichte
(Mummia) {Egyptian Mummy, Powdered1}
Rx: "Under the name of Mummy are comprehended, first, the Mummy of Arabians, which is a Liquament, or concreted Liquor, obtain'd in the Sepulchres, by Exudation from Carcases embalm'd with Aloes, Myrrh, and Balsam. If this Mummy could be procured right and genuine, it would be preferable to the other Sorts. The second Kind of Mummy is the Egyptian, which is a Liquament of Carcases, season'd with Pissasphaltus [earth-pitch: a kind of soft bitumen]. A third Substance, which goes by the name of Mummy, is a Carcase [carcass] terrified under the Sand, by the Heat of the Sun: but such a one is seldom to be met with in our Country"2
Uses: "Mummia is astringent [draws together], helpeth fluxes [flows] of bloud, the bladder ulcerated, and the inward distempers of the yard [penis]: as also it provoketh urine, and is very good to bee drunke in powder against great contusions or coagulated bloud within the body."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Robert James, Pharmacopoeia Universalis, p. 512; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 109
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Aloes.
Photo: Wiki User Raul654
Aloe
Plant
Rx: "Aloes. It is a Tree in the East-Indies, brought to us in small bits of a very fragrant Scent. The best is accounted of a blackish purple Colour, and so light as to swim upon Water."1
Uses: "Aloes the best is hot in the second, and drie in the third degree, removeth cold, flegmaticke, and cholericke humors by purging, digesting, and dryving them out, it is a soveraigne [supreme or ultimate] medicine for the stomacke."2
Nicholas Culpeper agrees with Woodall in Aloes ability to drive out humors, explaining that it does so "with such deliberation, that it is often given to withstand the violence of other Purges, it preserves the Senses, and better the apprehension; it strengthens the Liver, and helps the yellow Jaundice. Yet is naught for such as are troubled with the Hemorrhoids, or have Agues. I do not like it taken raw."3
1 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 85; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 94; 3 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 45
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Myrrha.
Powdered Myrrh
{Resin of Balsamodendron Myrrha1}
Rx: "Myrrha, Myrrh. This is a resinous Gum, and comes from some Parts of Arabia and Ethiopia; that which is most clear, brittle, light, and fragrant of smell is best. It is of great use in Medicine, insomuch as to enter into Compositions almost of all Intentions."2
Uses: "Myrrha chosen, fragill, or brittle, light, spendent, of little drops, bitter, sharpe, which smelleth sweete, full of whitish veynes being broken, is hot and dry in the second degree: openeth the wombe: procureth the courses [menses]: bringeth forth speedily the birth: good for the cough, stitch, fluxe, and bloudy flixe [bloody flux]: killeth wormes: amendeth the breath: closeth up wounds: confirmeth the teeth loose, and stayeth the hair shedding."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A;2 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 91; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 106
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Mastich.
Mastic Tears, - Arabic Gum
(Mastic)
Rx: "This is a resinous Gum of the Lentisch-Tree. It grows chiefly in the Island of Chlos, and that Gum is most esteem which comes from thence. It is in small Granula, and white, if good; tho Age makes it turn yellowish."2
Uses: "Masticke sweet in smell, white, splendent, britle, old, and very dry, brought from the Isle Chio, is hot in the second degree: helpeth concoction [digestion]: stoppeth vomiting: confirmeth the power of reteyning sustenance, is abstersive [cleansing]: profitable also to them that spit bloud, or that are troubled with a cough: it attracteth fleame [phlegm - a bodily humor] from the braine; and is good for the breath."2
1 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 136-7; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 106
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Camphora.
Photo: Wiki User Kenpei
Cinnamomum Camphora - Producer of Camphor
Rx: "Camphora. Camphire. This is not mentioned by the ancient Greeks, and was first introduced into the Materia Medica by the Arabians. It is a Substance of a very singular Nature, dry, friable, powder'd with Difficulty, light, white, pellucid, and not unlike the Crystals of Salt, of an acrid and somewhat bitterish Taste, of a penetrating Smell, and to some greatly offensive. It flames in an open Fire, and when kindled, burns till it is totally consumed; in Water it also, burns, and sends forth a thick dark Smoak, which also produces a blackish Soot."1
Uses: "Camphuræ or Camphora of a mixt quality, refrigerateth and calefieth, asswageth the paine of the head, inflammations of ulcers, wounds, cureth Erysipelas or St. Anthonies fire, is effectuall against the Gohorrhea, the white flowers of women, bleeding of the nose, it is good against venoms and poysons: it preserveth the body from putrefaction, and is commended for many other vertues for brevity omitted."2
1 Robert James, Pharmacopoeia Universalis, p. 270; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 110
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Trochisc: Alhadal
Photo: Ji-Elle - Coloquintes (Citrullus colocynthis)
(Trochisci Alhandal) {Pulp of Citrullus Colocythus, A Purge1}
Rx: "Take of Coloquintida (Citrullus colocynthis) freed from the seed, and cut small, and rubbed with an ounce of Oyl of Roses, then beaten into fine powder ten ounces, Gum Arabick, Tragacanth, Bdellium of each six drams, steep the Gums 3 or four days in a sufficient quantity of Rose water till they be melted, then with the aforesaid Pulp, and part of the said Mucilage, let them be dried in the shadow, then beaten again, and with the rest of the Mucilage, make it up again; dry them and keep them for use."2
Uses: "Trochisci Colocynthidos, or Alhandall, as the Arabians speake, doe bring away thicke fleame [phlegm - a humor], and all glutinous juices from the braine, nerves, and other more remote parts, they helpe the chollicke proceeding from a glassie tough fleame [phlegm], the Apoplexie, Squinancie [peritonsillar abscess], falling sicknesse [epilepsy], short breathing, colde and goutie diseases, which scarce give way to common medicaments, and is described by Mesues [8th/9th Assyrian physician Yuhanna ibn Masawaih], the dose is {4 grains}."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 194; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 93
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pu: Liqueritiæ
Artist: Michael Boym
Rhubarb From Bibliotheque Universtaire
Moretus Plantin (1656)
(Pulvis Glycirrhizae - Licorice)
Rx: "Pulvis Glycirrhizæ. Liquorice Powder. This is prepared by pulverizing liquorice root, and is used for dusting excoriations, for enveloping pills to prevent their adhering together, &c."1
Uses: Woodall doesn't comment on powdered Licorice. Robert James says, "The Roots, which are the only Parts used, are pectoral, and of great Use in Disorders of the Lungs, as Cough, and Shortness of Breathing. They, also, mitigate the acrimonious Particles which cause Soreness in the Aspera Arteria [trachea], and Hoarseness. They are, also, good in nephritic Disorders, as the [bladder] stone, Gravel, Heat and Retention of Urine, and Ulcers in the Kidneys"2
1 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 263;2Robert James, Pharmacopoeia Universalis, p. 327-8
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Cambogia.
Gamboge Resin
(Gamboge)
Rx: "Gambogiæ, Gamboge; Cambogia Gutta, Lina, called also Gutta Gamba, comes from the Carcapuli of Parkinson, and the Bauphines; which grows in Malabar. This gum hath been longer known in painting than in medicine, for its yellow colour. The violence of its operation, both by vomit and stool, has occasioned abundance of search for some proper corrector; but none has yet been found better than the lixivious salts, and particularly salt of tartar"1.
Uses: "Cambodigiæ, or Guttigambe. Camobodigie is a purging medicine newly found out in the East Indies, and thence brought to us; it is not much unlike Stibium in working, it is already in use by divers reverend Phisitions, amongst which Doctor Harny useth it in Saint Bartholomews Hospitall, and calleth it Crevus purgans, I find by my practise it purgeth well the head, and that it is good to open obstructions, and that it is good also against the yellow Jandice, and that it openeth well the spleene, and liver, and purgeth more downwards than Stibium doth, the dose is 12 graines: The recited Doctor giveth it in pills: my selfe, for that I see it purgeth the head have mixed it with pills for the head, so give it, and it worketh gently downwards only."2
1 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 172 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 96
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Scamonium.
Photo: Eitan F
Scammony - Convolvulus Scammonia
.{Scammony1}
Rx: "This is the inspissated (thickened) Juice of a Root call’d by many Scammonium, of the Convolvulus kind. That which we have now in the Shops, must be different from Scammony of the Antients; because they gave it in much larger Doses, theirs being frequently a whole Dram, whereas ours cannot be trusted in the most robust, beyond a third of that quantity"2.
Uses: "Scammonium is hot and drie in the second degree, purgeth downeward in vehement manner choleric humors, and therefore is good against diseases arising from the same, but if it be taken either too much in quantity, out of time, place, or unprepared, it is very dangerous, excoriating the guts, provoking bloudy excrements, procuring Disenteria [Dysentery], causing winde, offending the stomacke, and distempering the heart and liver: the dose is eight graines."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A;1 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 205-6; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 94
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Sperma Ceti.
Spermaceti Wax
{Spermaceti oil1}
Rx: "Sperma Cati, or Spuma maris, or the spawne of the whale is sowre in taste, spungy and white in the shew, unsavoury in smell, and waighty, having a sharpe quality, it is of a colde faculty"2.
Uses: Woodall explains that spermaceti is used to "clenseth, and digesteth, and is sometimes used of women, to cleare the skinne from spots and morphew [skin blemishes], and it is good also against bruises inwardly, taken with the former, namely, Mummia, and also outwardly warme, to annoynt the parts contused therewith"3.
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 109; 3 Woodall, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Terra Sigilata.
Photo: Michael Clark - Earth of Lemnos
(Sealed Earth)
Rx: "Terra Sigillata, or Seal'd Earth, is a Kind of white Bole, Pomet. Sometimes a little reddish, that is moisten'd with Water, and afterwards form'd into like Cakes half found, of the Bigness of one's Thumb, upon which is stampt several Characters. The Variety of Figures, Colours, and different Seals that are found upon the Terra Sigillata, makes me think that every one makes them to his Fancy; and that it is nothing but a fat astringent [drawing] Earth, that is more or less colour'd, and reduc'd into such Cakes as are brought us. ...the Earth that is most us'd and esteem'd, is that which is in little reddish Cakes, the least sandy or gravelly, and the most astringent [drawing] that you can get."1
Artist: Olaus Wormius
Some Terra Sigilata (Sealed) Containers
Courtesy of Wellcome Images
Uses: Terra Sigilata basically means 'sealed earth" which was recovered in Lemnos and sealed by being "stamped with the head of Artemis"2. Woodall suggests the Terra Sigilata (along with a variety of other medicinal earths) are used for "the better cure of these wounds in the braine desiccation [drying] and siccatrization [cicatrizing - healing over with a scar] in due time"3. Woodall also advises using it as an astringent medicine on "wounds in the veines and Arteries, [which] bring with them commonly a fluxe [flow] of bloud, which to stay [stop] is a speciall businesse"4.
Pierre Pomet gives some additional information about Terra Sigilata. "It is much used in Medicine because of its astringent [drawing together] Quality. It is also an Ingredient in Venice Treacle, and needs no other Preparations than to have the above-described Qualifications."2
1 Pierre Pomet, A Compleat History of Druggs, 3rd Ed., p. 415;2 "Terra sigilata - Medicinal earth", wikipedia.com, gathereed 8/18/14; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 130; 4 Woodall, p. 132; 5 Pomet, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Mercu. Sublimat.
Quicksilver - Mercury
(Mercury Sublimate or White Sublimate)
Rx: "'Take a Pound of Quicksilver, which dissolve in strong Aqua Fortis; pour off as much afterwards as will run off clear, and with a gentle heat evaporate the white Mass to dryness. Put this powder in a Glass Mortar, and mix with it a Pound of calicn'd Vitriol, as much decrepitated [roasted unto cracking] Salt; put them together into a Matrass [a flask also known as a bolt head], whose two thirds remain empty: place it in Sand, and begin with a small Fire, which continue three Hours; then increase it to a pretty good Strength, and the Sublimate will arise to the top.'"1
Uses: "Mercurim sublimatus, made of Argentum vinum [quicksilver], is excellent against the Morbus Gallicus [syphilis], this medicine truly prepared, is a Laxative, a Diaphoretice [diaphoretic - a drug causing perspiration], and Diauretitice [diuretic - causing urine], a vomitive, and the best and worst corasive [corrosive] medicine that can be devised."2
1 John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, 1719, p. 255; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 115
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Præcipitat.
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Red Mercuric (II) Oxide
{Red Mercuric Precipitate1}
Rx: "'Take crude Mercury {1 pound} Aqua Fortis [Nitric Acid] {2 pounds} let these stand in the heat of Ashes, in an open upright Glass, shaped like the Hungary-water Phials, until the Flowers [referring here to a residue from the heating process] begin to appear, and the Mercury seems all dissolv'd into a white Mass: then gradually encrease the Fire to the third degree and so keep it until it turns of a deep red; then take it away; let it cool, and break the Phial to get out the Precipitate, which will look of a most beautiful bright Colour.'"2
Uses: "Mercurius Precipitatus is very good to further digestion [causing the formation of new, healthy flesh] in ulcers evill disposed, and to dispose them to better healing, by cleaning and digesting them, and because it is Mercury or Quick-silver"3.
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Quincy, Pharmacopoeia Officinalis & Extemporanea, 1719, p. 259; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 115
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Euphorbium.
Euphorbia Wood Spurge
Rx: "'Tis a concreted [solidified] Juice, that is very acrid [bitter]. You must chuse that which is pure, yellow, and acrid; which being just touch'd by the Tongue, heats the Mouth a long while after; but it grows milder by Time; and therefore, when it is fresh, it ought to be used with great Caution."1
Uses: "Euphorbium is hot and drie almost in the fourth degree and besides his extreame heate and notable acrimonie [acrimony - bitterness], it hath a certaine facultie of purging, whereby tough and cold phleame with choler [phlegm with choler - humors], and water are taken away."2
1 John Pechey, The Compleat Herbal, p. 263;3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 95
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pul. Benedictus.
Photo: J. M. Garg
Turbith - Operculina Turpethum
(Pulvis Benedictus) {Benedict Laxatine – "Blessed laxative" – Purge1}
Rx: " Take of choice Turbith [Operculina turpethum] ten drams, Diagridium [scammony], Bark of Spurge Roots prepared, Hermodactyls, red Roses, of each five drams, Cloves, Spicknard, Ginger, Saffron, long Pepper, Amomus [amomum - an Indian spice plant], or for want of it, Calamus Aromaticus, Cardmoms the less, the seeds of Smallage, Parsley, Fennel, Sparagus, Bruscus, Saxifrage, Gromwel, Caraway, Sal. Gem, Galanga, Mace of each a dram with their treble weight of clarified Honey; make 'em into an Electuary according to Art."2
Uses: "Benedicta Laxatina, or the blessed Laxative, it doth open mightily obstructions, purgeth choler, fleame [phlegm], & all clammy humours from the joynts, reines [kidnies] and bladder: and is tearmed Benedicta, because it benignely looseth the belly, The dose is {1 dram}."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 168; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 91
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Argentum vivum
Quicksilver - Mercury
{Quicksilver1}
Rx: "Now quicksilver is either natural or artificial: the natural distils drop by drop out of the glebes [earth] of many Mynes [mines], as of those in the Mount Hydra; or, fountain-like, flows copiously out of some vein in a Myne, smitten with a spade, or other Iron Instrument.
The artificial is made, or rather extracted, out of Cinnabaris...
Its qualities are as yet under debate; for some from its effects say, it is hot, others cold"2.
Uses: "Argentum vinum doth corrode, killeth the itch & lice, woundeth the intestines, suppresseth urine, swelleth the body, hurts the stomacke and belly, resolveth [removes], penetrateth and purgeth."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Jean de Renou, A Medicinal Dispensatory, p. 410-1; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 114
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Stibium
Photo: Aram Dulyan - Stibium aka Antimony
{Antimony1}
Rx: "Antimonium; Antimony. This is a heavy metalline Substance, compacted, as it were, of long shining Needles. It is in many places in Europe; but what is generally in the Shops, is not the true mineral Antimony, but has been melted, and cast into pyramidal and conical Forms. Its metalline Parts approach near to the nature of Lead; but those Virtues which give it such a large share in Medicine, altogether arise from its sulphureous Parts."2
Uses: "Antimonium, seu Stibium, used in due time and place, produceth very good effects, wrestling well with many kindes of strong diseases, commonly it is given in a Tertian [fever], as also to the troubled with collicke paine, it purgeth upward and downeward forcibly, and causeth sweat, it is a good medicine given with carefull respect: it killeth many by the violence thereof unadvisedly administred, I lament to call to minde what fearefull accidents I have seene follow the use thereof, I advise the Surgeons mate to administer it with great care, the dose is five graines, best taken by infusion. It cureth fevors, is good against pestilentiall fevors in their beginning. For it cureth such at once taking, and in any other fevours it may be given, the body being strong."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A;2 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 463; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 111-2
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Opium.
Photo: Den Haag
Incising for the Poppy Juice
Rx: "The concrete juice of the white poppy. Papaver somniserum. A native of the south of Europe, and of the East. ...There are 40,000 pounds annually imported into London alone.
Procured by planting the young poppies in rows about six inches asunder; and at first watering them abundantly. When six or eight inches high, they are richly manuered, and again watered abundantly as they are about to flower. When the capsules or germens are about half grown, the collection of the opium commences, by making in each, at sun-set, two or three longitudinal incisions, taking care not to penetrate through to the cavity where the seed is lodged. Through these incisions the juice flows, and as it concretes, it is removed, and put into earthen pots, being afterwards dried in the sun. It is then formed into balls or cakes, and wrapped up in poppy or tobacco leaves, and again further dried."1
Poppy (Papaver Somniferum) Crop - Malwa, India
Uses: "Opium is colde and drie in the fourth degree, asswageth [assuages - reduces] inward paines, causeth sleepe, stoppeth the flixe [flux]: and dessireth care in his use thereof, for otherwise is a deadly poyson."2
James Rennie gives some other uses for opium. ""Externally opium is sometimes said to be advantageously applied in form of ointment or liniment; as over the stomach to allay vomiting or spasm; along the spin in convulsions, &c., but it is not, I think, to be trusted alone. In form of enema or suppository, it is often powerful in dysentery and diarrhœa; and in form of a watery injection in spasmodic stricture, gonorrhœa, leucorrhœa, &c. Applied to a hollow tooth, it sometimes eases tooth-ache. It may also sometimes give relief to painful sores, such as open cancer, malignant fungus, irritable stumps after amputation, &c."3
1 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 290; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 97; 3 Rennie, p. 293
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Crocus.
Photo: Alamout - Saffron
{Saffron1}
Uses: "Crocus or Saffron is hot in the second degree and drie in the first, is good for the braine, quickeneth the senses, cheareth the heart, causeth digestion, helpeth the diseases of the brest, lungs, and liver, it mollifieth [softens] all hardnesses, and ripeneth all tumors."2
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 224; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 97
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Bolus Verus.
Armenian Bole
{Bolus Veræ - Kaolin1}
Rx: "Bolus Armenus, Bole Armonick. This is a natural Earth, and brought chiefly from Armenia, whence it takes its Distinction, tho improperly express’d in English. Some conjecture that it has some small mixture of Iron in its Composition. That which is of a palish, red, soft, and fatish upon the Palate, and strongly adheres to the Tongue, is the best: for it is very much adulterated in the Shops, or at least a great deal is brought there good for little."2
Uses: "Bolus Armena vel Orientalis verus is very dry, astringent [draws together], it is a good medicine in resisting the fluxes [flow] of blood, helping the Catarrhe [catarrh - excessive build-up of mucus in the nose and throat], Dissentary [dysentery] and ulcers of the mouth, and prevailing against pestilence, all other like infections."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Pechey, The Compleat Herbal of Physical Plants, 1707, p. 106-7; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 44;
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Cinabrium.
Photo: Chris Ralph - Cinnebar
(Cinnabaris) {Mercurus Sulfide1}
Rx: "Of Cinnabaris, or Vermillion.
Dioscordes [Pedanius Dioscorides, 1st century Roman physician] his Cinnabaris, which is the succe [juice] of a certain tree growing in Africa, which is usurped for Dragons-blood, which is a Mineral, whereof there are two sorts, the one native, the other artificial: The native is also twofold, the one whereof is effoded [dug out] out of certain silver Mynes, as those in Hydria, which seems to be a purpureous glebe [purplish piece of earth], referred with Quicksilver, out of which it frequently issues spontaneously; the other is found in the Veins of silver Mynes, and is the Minium secundum [second red-lead]...
There is also an artificial Cinnabaris, made of Sulphur and Quicksilver coacted by the fire; which Brasavolus [Antonio Musa Brassavola, 16th century Italian physician] calls Cynaprium, to distinguish it from the native Cinnabaris, which, with Dioscordes, he holds to be the lacryma [tear] of an Aphrican-tree. But indeed Cinnabaris, Cynaprium, and Vermillion, or Red-Lead, are all one, especially with the later writers, who adducing them all to the test of reason, found them not to differ"2.
Uses: "Cinabaris is astringent [draws together], hot, extenuating [reduces strength of], and hath the vertue or vices of Mercurius [mercury] or Argentum vinum [quicksilver]. It is of two kindes, either native which few know, or artificiall, and then it is compounded of Quick-silver and Brimstone, and so it that we buy in the shops."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A;2 Jean de Renou, A Medicinal Dispensatory, p. 408; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 115
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Hiera Pigra.
Hiera Picra Apothecary Jar
(Hiera Picra)
Rx: "Take of Cinnamon, Xysobalsamum, or wood of Aloes, the roots of Asarabacca, Spicknard, Mastich, Saffron, of each six drams; Aloes not washed twelve ounces and an half, clarified Honey 4 Pound and 3 ounces; mix them according to Art. Also you may keep the species by it self in your Shops."2
Uses: Woodall uses Hiera Picra as part of the recipe for a purge for those who are severely constipated due to symptoms of scurvy. He warns that "if you intend not to have it purge much, leave out the species hiera pigra"3. He also says that it "doth bring forth the mollified feces or excrements"4. Nicholas Culpeper adds an interesting use, explaining that it is an excellent remedy for "such idle fancies and Symptoms which the brain suffers thereby, whereby some think they see, others that they hear strange things especially when they are in bed, and between sleeping and waking"5.
2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 174; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 188; 4 Woodall, p. 240-1; 5 Culpeper, p. 174
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Sal. Nitri.
Saltpeter - Potassium Nitrate
(Potassium Nitrate) {Saltpeter1}
Rx: "Sal Nitri Is the Christilline salt purified from grosse Salt-peeter known to be pure by that it doth containe no common salt therein, being also wholly combustible of temperament
it is either hot or coole, as is plainly seene by this office and vertue... This Salt niter is either animall or vegitable, or growing in mines, and it is every where, for every creature living may bee sayd to have a part thereof: man and beast, I am sure hath a great part of it. It is a most medicinable subject as any is in the world, and no man can live without it, for our bloud and urine hath it in it, yea, and our very excrements are mixed therewith, it is also in caves, in mountains and plaines and where not?"2
Uses: "I say, Sal niter in the Surgeons chest is a worthy medicine, and the purer it is,
Saltpeter Refinery, From Monumenta Pulveris Pyrii,
by Oscar Guttmann, p. 89 (1580)
the better it is for all uses: Touching the inward uses thereof, it is good against Hemoragia [hemorhages], or bleeding of a veine, whether it bee by the nose, or any inward vaine of the body, taken {1 dram} dissolved in Plantane or faire water.
In the Callenture [tropical fever] it is approoved good to coole the boyling of the bloud taken as aforesaid, the dose for a neede, if the heat bee great, may bee given every foure houres, or the party may have a barley water rather made, wherein two dragmes [drams] or more may be dissolved to drinke at wil, it will not offend him, onely if hee take too great a dose at once it may cause him to vomit, but it will not hurt him. It is the best thing I doe know for the furring of the mouth and the throat in fevors, the place gently washed therewith dissolved in water, it presently bringeth away all the whitenesse & furring, without offence. It is not ungratefull of taste: but so soone as you have taken such furring away, I advise that you have readie some gentle sanative [healing] lotion to inject, to take away the acrimonie thereof, for it is abstergent [detergent/cleansing], and yet without violence or danger, you may use therefore the ordinary lotion one part, faire water two parts, and so inject to cleanse the mouth after the use thereof."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 286-7; 3 Woodall, p. 287-8
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Sal Absinthii.
Photo: H. Zell - Absinthe (Artemisia absinthium)
(Potassium Carbonate)
Rx: Salt of Absinthe or Salt of Wormwood is an impure form of potassium carbon which would be retrieved from the ashes of burnt Wormwood.1
Uses: "Sal Absinthis.
Salt of worme-wood is a cordiall medicine, and is very necessary in the Surgeons chest. It is very good against the heat of a burning and contagious fevor, {half dram} therof taken in a decoction of Sentaury [Centaury] best, or in Plantane, or faire water, to which for to amend the taste, you may adde sugar a little: give the party at the least three doses of the medicine at severall times, and sweat thereon, you shall finde it an excellent helpe also in the dropsie or swellings of the Scurvy {1 scruple} thereof given first and last on a peece of tosted bread for five daies together.
It is good and fit to adde a few graines thereof into every cordiall, for it is Diaphoreticke [diaphoretic - causes sweating], Diaureticke [diuretic - causes urination] and partly Laxative. It is a very good medicine against a quotidian fever, {1 dram} thereof taken in Sentaury-water, or rather in a decoction of Sentaury & sweat thereon. In all stoppings of urine, it is a sure good medicine taken in wine. Thus much for this time for Sal Absinthe."2
1 salt of wormwood, Merriam Webster Online, gathered 8/18/14; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 44;
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Tutia. T.T.
Photo: Walkerama - Zinc Oxide
{Zinc Oxide1}
Rx: "Tutiæ, Tutty. It flies off from Brass in the Furnace, as the Flakes of Iron do, when just taken out of the Fire. It is extremely hard, almost as Glass; and loses nothing in Levigation [making it into powder]."2
Uses: "Tutia is a gentle drier, good against the distillations of the eyes, astringent [draws together], cooling, cleansing, stopping, and filling up. It is the scumme of brasse in boiling."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A;1 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 108; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 114
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Diapompholigos.
{Belladonna, Litharge, Red Lead1}
Photo: Kurt Stuber
Deadly Nightshade - Atropa Bella-donna
Rx: "Take of oil of Nightshade sixteen ounces, white wax washed, Cerus of each four ounces: Lead burnt and washed, Pompholix pre[ci]pated of each two ounces, pure Frankincense one ounce, bring 'em into the form of an Oyntment according to Art."2
Uses: "This unguent is good to heale painefull ulcers in any part of the body, especially of the yard [penis], or betwixt glans and preputium, as also any fretting or painefull ulcers of the leggs, or elsewhere. I have found it before all other Unguents in ulcers of the yard, against virulent, painfull, and corrosive ulcers scarse a better composition is knowne; anin Nolime tangere in the face I have had good experience of it: and in many other occasions I have found it a very good Unguent, of temperament it is cold and dry. Nicolaus Alexandrinus was the Author of it."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 224; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 45-6
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Ung. contra scorbutum.
What a Ship Full of Scurvied Men Might Look Like
From Gustav Dore's Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1876)
(Unguentum Contra Scorbutum) {Antiscorbutic1}
Rx: Although Woodall promises (twice) to recite the composition for his Unguentum contra scorbutum, he never formally spells it out as such in his book. Michaelis Ettmuller does give a recipe for such an unguent, which is translated below out of the original Latin.
"Pulv rad. Bistort. [bistort root], Fl Balaust [dried pomegranate flower], Ros. Arbor. [rose wood?] {3 scruples}, Myrrhæ el [myrrh], Aluminis ust. [burnt alum] an. {1 scruple} to {half scruple} of each, Mell. rosat. [honey of roses], as much as is necessary. heat honey over a fire, sprinkling in powders, make into an electuary."2
Uses: "I have had the practise thereof and found it very good to attenuate grosse tumors of the Scurvy, to asswage the paines of them, and by the use thereof to dissolve such tumors. I use this Unguent in cold causes, in want whereof ung: Martiatum, or Oleum Laurini or Dialthea: but in hot griefes and very painefull I use Populeon."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Michaelis Ettmuller, Opera Omnia, [Translated from Latin], p. 1206; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 48
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Conserv. Cidoniorum.
Photo: Dietrich Krieger - Quinces
(Conserve of Quinces)
Rx: "Of Quinces decorticated [having the outer skins removed], cut in five or six parts, purged from their membranes and seeds, {10 or 12}. Of Sugar the like weights: boyle them with a little water according to Art. ...after another manner: ...their succe [juice] is elicted [drawn out], cocted [heated], and strained, and twice as much sugar added to the colature [strained liquid], and cocted to the consistence of an Electuary; the succe is in equal weight mixed with sugar, and so the Conserve made of a red colour, grateful sapour [flavor], and eximious [distinguished] faculties." 1
Uses: "Conserve of Quinces doth binde, comfort the stomake, is good for choler [referring to the humor bile], stoppeth all kinde of bloudy fluxes [bloody fluxes], and helpeth digestion."2
1 Jean de Renou, A Medicinal Dispensatory, p. 543; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 81;
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pul. Restringens major.
Armenian Bole
(Pulvis Restringens Major)
Rx: "In his commentary on fractures, Woodall gives the prescription for a medicine to stop bleeding that is probably the powdered Restringens Major. "Bole [clay] {3 ounces}, Aluminis. [alum], Thus [Frankincense], ana. [mixed] {half ounce, Radix Consolida [comfrey roots] in powder {2 drams} [and] Lepis Abulosus [a German patent medicine also called Lapis Zabulousus] { half ounce}. This all made into fine powder"1.
Uses: "Powdered restringent major is laten for 'powder to stop major bleeding.' Although his recipe is in fractures, Woodall does not discuss the uses of Pulvis Restringens Major anywhere in particular, probably because it would have been apparent to his audience. 2
1,2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 44;
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Puluis Arthreticus.
Photo: A. Barra - Hermodactylus Tuberosus
{Purging Powder1}
Rx: "Hermodactyls, Turbith [Operculina turpethum], diagridium [scammony] sennæ, filings of man's skull, sugar, of each {1 ounce} powdered; mingle them, and keep them close in a glass."2
Uses: Woodall doesn't specifically explain this powder, although he mentions it in the various cures in his book. When working with other medicines, he explains that when any of the medicines in pills become too liquid to administer properly, "you may roule it in some of the Puluis Arthreticus till it be hard enough."3 He also advises using it to treat scurvy"for it inflameth not."4 Finally, he advises that when a patient "complaine much of paines in his joynts, then a dose of Puluis Arthreticus will do best"5.
Medical author John Quincy says of Puluis Arthreticus, "This is a very safe and good general purging Medicine. It purgeth all podagrical defluxions [the gout - especially in the big toe] and generally any humor or defluxion of the Body downwards, being given in waters appropriate, to the quantity of one drachm [dram]"6.
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 90; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 187; 3 Woodall, p. 188; 6 Quincy, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Pulpa Tamarind.
Photo: Tau Olunga - A Green Tamarind
{Tamarind Pulp1}
Uses: Each author seems to have a different opinion of the virtues of tamarind pulp. Woodall explains, "Pulpa Tamarindorum, the pulpe or juice of Tamarinds is a medicament excellent and well approved against the Scurvy, as well for opening the obstructions of the liver and spleene, as for comforting and refreshing the bloud and spirits decayed or stopped. Also it purgeth choler [a bodily humor]: allaieth [allays - diminishes] the heate, and furie of bloud: cureth sharpe fevers, and the Kings evill: extinguisheth thirst, & all heate of the stomacke and liver: stoppeth vomiting, and is good for the Collick."2
Jean de Renou says, "These fruits, when immature, are green and acid; when mature, they are cineritious [like ashes], their acidity not without suavity. ...They gently subduce [reduce] the belly, leniate [sooth], temperate, and promote adust [melancholy] humours; they are cold in the third degree, dry in the second."3
John Quincy advises, "They [tamarinds] are acid, pleasant, and cooling; and gently relax the Bowels. For this reason they are in the Lenitive Electuary, and also prescribed in burning Fevers, to moisten and cool the Mouth, by sucking and gradually swallowing them."4
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 89; 3 Jean de Renou, A Medicinal Dispensatory, p. 254; 4 John Quincy, The Dispensatory of the Royal College of Physicians in London, p. 182
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Succus Liquieritiæ
Photo: Pharaoh Han
Liquorice -
Glycyrrhiza Glabra
Inflorescence
(Succus Glycyrrhizae - Juice of Licorice)
Rx: "The best that is grows in England; it is hot and moist in temperature"2.
Uses: "Succus Glycerrhizæ, or juyce of Licorice in all his qualities is temperate, but exceeding in heate: somewhat it doth lenifie [assuage] the throat, & mitigate [reduce] the asperities [harshness] of the arteries: clenseth the bladder: and is good for the cough: moveth expectoration [phlegm in the throat and nose], and is very profitable against all vices of the lungs and throat."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 70; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 88
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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, Sagapen, 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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