John Woodall's Medicine Chest Ingredients: 1 2 3 4 <<First
John Woodall's Medicine Chest Ingredients, Page 6
The Medicines in Woodall's Medicine Chest - Bottom 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.
Bottom Layer of John Woodall's Medicine Chest, Left, from the surgions mate (1639)'
Woodall's Medicine Chest: Electuarium Diatrion 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: Pulvis Restringus Minus.
Armenian Bole
Rx: This does not appear to have been a medicine found in most medicinal books from the period; rather it seems to have been a concoction of Woodall's. Although he does not specifically discuss this styptic in his section detailing medicines, he elsewhere lists the ingredients for an "ordinary" restrictive/restringent that is very likely this medicine or similar to it.
"It will doe well if it be in the ship to make also a restrictive ready, namely of Bole with water and vinegar, if an egge be not to be had; but an egge in the restrictive will make it the better."1 Although this is not a powder (pulvis is Latin for powdered), Woodall elsewhere includes some of the same ingredients in preparing a powder to stop major bleeding, excluding the egg and/or water which are added to the powder just before application.
Uses: 'Powdered restringent minor' refers to stopping minor bleeding.
1 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 5
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Ung. Contra ignem.
(Unguentum Contra Ignem)
Powdered White Sulfur
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 Martiatum.
{"soldier's ointment" Ferric Choloride1}
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: Ung. Diapompholigos.
(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. 225; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 45-6
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Elect: 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, Tromentil, 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: Mel Depuratum
Photo: Emmanuel Boutet - Honey
(Mel Despumatum - Clarified Honey)
Rx: "Melt the honey in a water-bath, then remove the scum. The heat causes the wax contained in the honey, or other impurities which may be present, to rise along with the flour. "1
Uses: Woodall doesn't have a lot to say about honey, although he recommends it freely in his manual. "Honey is Laxative, mundificative, mollificative, sanative, &c."2
James Rennie gives some insight into clarified honey, although he was writing almost 200 years after Woodall. "Clarified honey is said to be less agreeable to the smell and taste than crude honey; but that will only happen when it is clarified on an open fire, or carelessly. It is more viscid than syrup, limpid, and yellowish brown, and is less apt to ferment when it stands, or to produce tormina when taken internally, than crude honey. It is chiefly used for gargles, electuaries, &c."3
1 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 246; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 324; 3 Rennie, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Theriaca Diatesser:
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: Unguentum Dialtheæ
(OIntment of Marshmallows)
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: Axungia Cervi.
Photo: Jörg Hempel - Red Deer Stag (Cervus Elapus)
Rx: Axungia is Latin for fat or lard. Cervi is Latin for of the deer or stag. Axungia Cervi is the lard of a stag, most likely the red deer which was used to make cornu cervi.
Uses: "This Axungia is of a hot nature, doth asswage aches, resolveth [reduces or removes] 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 [sanative - healing]. The manner to use it is somewhat touched in some other my instructions elsewhere."1
Although Woodall promises to mention it elsewhere he does not. He does mentions pork lard repeatedly. He also refers to generic 'Axungia' in his discussion of lancets for bloodletting where he advises the surgeon's mate to "oile them, or anoint them with Axungie, and so wrappe them in oyly cloutes, that they rust not."2 However, such a use does not seem to justify having a place in the medicine chest for such an unusual substance, so we're left to wonder what it's really for.
1 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 53; 3 Woodall, p. 27
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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. 44;
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Ung. 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: Conser. 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 considerably 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: Rhabarb: elect.
Photo: Dieter Weber - Rhubarb, Rheum Rhabarbarum
(Rhubarb Electuary)
Rx: "Powdered rhubarb, 1-1/2 dr[am]; sulphate of potassa, 1 dr[am]; cream of tartar, 4 dr[ams]; pulp of tamarinds, 2 oz. – Dose."1
Uses: "Rhabarbarum or Ruberbe is hot in the first degree, and drie in the second, of an astringent nature, and is good for the stomake, and liver, and against the bloudy flixe [bloody flux], purgeth downward chollericke humors [one of the humors is choler], and therefore very profitably used against hot fevers, inflammations, and stoppings of the liver &c. {1 ounce} is the full dosse."2
1Arnold James Cooley, Cooley's Cyclopedia of Practical Recipts, p. 435; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 94
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Linamt. 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: Conser. Barbaris.
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: Conser. 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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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Theriaca Londinen:
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 Zedoary, 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 Reciept 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: Unguentum Album.
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: Axungia Porcina.
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°. Insoluable in water and alcohol; but unites with alkalies, 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
"Fats, Grease, Suet and Marrow of living Creatures, are for the most part anodine [pain relieving], mollifying [softening], discussing [disspating], &c. [etc.] more or less, according to the nature of the Animal they are taken from, and their age, for the older discuss more, and mollifie less."4
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. 52-3
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Unguentum Potabile.
Photo: Wolfgang Frisch
Tormentil Root
{"drinkable ointment"1}
Rx: "Take of Batter without salt 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: Oleum Lauri.
Bayberries - Myrica Faya Plant
(Oleum Laurinum) {Bay1}
Rx: "Oil of Bays may be procured from bay-berries, both by expression, and by pounding and boiling them in water; when the oil, which smells like the berries, and it is thick and greenish, floats, and may be skimmed off. It is sometimes used instead of lard, for making mercurial ointment. The expressed oil is very thin."2
Uses: "Oyle of Bayes is a medicine calefying [warming], mollifying [soothing], opening and discussing, it doth much mitigate the Collicke delivered into the body by glister [clyster - enema], it is a present remedy against colde griefes of the braine, nerves, arteries and loynes, the parts annoynted therewith, it represseth the violence of a fever the spina dorsi or region of the backe bone annoynted therewith, and is good for the Palsie, Sciatica, the hardnesse and paines of the spleene, and is much used for to cure the scab, and ring-worme, and in the cure of the Scurvy."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 271; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 72-3
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Conser. Citronio.
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: Pulpa Tamarindorum.
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: Terebinth. Venetiæ
Photo: Wiki User Antramir - Collecting Turpentine
{Venice Turpentine1}
Rx: "Procured from the abies larix. Resina liquida: Pini laricis. D. Has a strong unpleasant smell, and a hot, bitter taste. It is more liquid than the others, and is of a pale yellow."2
Uses: Woodall has nothing to say about Venice turpentine other than it is used in gunshot wounds. "Oyle of Terebinthine is very good; but Venice Terbinthine alone is much better".3 About turpentine in general (Venice turpentine being turpentine from Venetian fir trees), Thomas Brugis says it is "good in coughs, and other affects of the lungs, with honey moves the belly and urine; ...The common [turpentine] is used almost in all Plasters. Thus, h.2.d1. [hot in the second degree, dry in the first] binding somewhat, inwardly for divers diseases of the head and breast, and fluxes, coughs; outwardly fills ulcers with flesh, [and] heals redness of the eyes"4.
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 James Rennie, A New Supplement to the Pharmacopoeias, p. 437; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 143; 4 Thomas Brugis, Vade Mecum, Or, a Companion for a Chirurgion, 7th ed. p. 163
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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. 234; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 47
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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 [?] 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 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: 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: Confect. 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, Leprosie, or drie Surfe, 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: Succus Acatiæ
Sloes or Blackthorn Berries
(Succus Acacia) {Acacia1}
Rx: "Take of Sloes hardly ripe, press out the juice, & make it thick in a bath."2
Uses: "Succus Acatiæ is a forraine [foreign] medicine, for which wee use the juyce of Slowes: it doth refrigerate, binde, and repell: it stayeth all fluxes of the belly, healethe excoriations [abrasions] of the intralls, strengthneth much the stomacke: helpeth appetite, healeth ulcerations in the intralls, either used in Glisters [clysters - enemas], or eaten in a Gelly [jelly]. The dose whereof may safely be {1 ounce} at one time, or 2 {ounces} cannot offend: but I hold the infusion thereof, or the decoction of it to bee the aptest medicine, because of the grossness of the substance thereof."3
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Thomas Brugis, Vade mecum, p. 107-8; 3 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 87
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Causticke liquid.
Wood Ashes
(Lixivium Forte) {Sodium Hydroxide1}
Rx: Jacques Guillemeau gives a procedure for making "goode Lixivye, onlye of Oacken ashes, or of Ashes of Vinebranches, whe[n] as the same is wel sodde[n] with potashes [potassium carbonate], and of Beanestrawe, addinge therunto a little unslissed [unslaked] lime [calcium oxide], whereof we may make verye excellent good Cautereyes."2
Woodall gives more detail on how to prepare what he uses in his book. "The causticke stone if you boile it to a just consistence and having put it out, being yet warme, smooth it over with an iron splatter, then with a knife cut it into pieces, you shall have it ready to make incision after your owne will, for any causticke laid on an Aposteme may spread further and broader then thy will to the damage of the Patient, but this kinde of causticke you may hold in your hand wrapped in some cloute [small piece of thick lint] or piece of plaster spread, and so you may rule it at your owne desire, and yet it marketh greater spread with lesse paine then the other."3
Uses: "This is to be understood Capitall lees, a very necessarie medicine to be at hand in the Surgeons chest, to molifie the liquid or white causticke when it groweth dry, and also if need be by decoction per se to make up a lapis infernalis as some tearme it, or a hard causticke stone: the liquid causticke is made only of unslaked lime and strong Capitall lees by decoction together to the thicknesse of an unguent, and when occasion of application thereof is, lay on the griefe a minium [red lead] or some other cleaving Emplaster with a hole cut therein, so bigge as there shall be occasion to make an orifice, and thicke spread the white causticke thereon, & let it remaine thereon at the least two houres, having a care so to defend the same that it doe not spread."4
1 Joan Druett, Rough Medicine, Appendix A; 2 Jacques Guillemeau, The French Chirurgerie, p. 42; 3,4 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 63
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Lapis Infernalis.
_sulfate_tmv23.JPG)
Photo: Wiki User TMV23 - Red Vitriol -
Cobalt (II) Sulfate
Rx: "'Take capital Lees (i.e. the strongest Soap Lees) any quantity; and evaporate to a dryness, and keep the Residue in a Glass well stopt. Or,
Lapis Infernalis alter[nate].
Take Vitriol calcin'd [heated to just under its boiling point] to a redness {3 ounces}, Sal Armoniack {1 ounce}, Tartar calcifi'd, and Quicklime, ana {3 ounces}. Boil them in a sufficient quantity of Water, to make a strong Lixivum, which strain and evaporate to a dryness. The former of these is preferable, is easiest to make, and most in use".1
Uses: "Also the Causticke stone, called commonly Lapis Infernalis, is no other thing, then meerely a Vegetable salt".2 Caustic stones were used to burn away unwanted flesh and sometimes to cauterize wounds to stop bleeding. For more on these 'potential' cauteries, follow this link.
1 Nicholas Culpeper, A Pharmacopoeia Londeniis, p. 478; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 276
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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"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: Pul: alchimistricus.
(Alchemilla or Lady's Mantle?)
Photo: Wiki User geichhorn2000
Alchemilla Vulgaris - Lady's Mantle
Uses: Although this has a space in his medicine chest, Woodall does not talk about this powder anywhere in his book. I couldn't find it under this name in any of other pharmacopoeias or dispensatory books, so what it is and what it does are not entirely clear.
It probably refers to the herb alchemilla. In 1722 Pharmacopoeia Argentoratensis, one of the ingredients for a Defensative Plaster ('Felicis Wurtzil') is "Pulveris herbæ Alchymillæ uncias quatour" (Powder four ounces of tender Achemilla) on page 75."
James Rennie's entry for this herb is: "Alchimilla... Achimilla Vulgaris, C.B. Alchimilla Major Vulgaris, Park. Ladies Mantle. It grows in Meadows and pasture Grounds, flowers in May and June, and in July and August, and produces its Seeds. On account of its astringent [drawing together], viscid [adhesive], and glutinous [sticky] Juice it is class'd among vulnerary [wound healing] Plants, both applied externally with other Substances, and exhibited internally in vulnerary Potions, and Decoctions; for it inspissates [thickens] the thin Blood, and is for that reason highly beneficial in the Fluor Albus [white flow - leukorrhea], and immoderate menstrual Discharges. A Decoction of it is useful for washing Wounds, which may, also, be advantageously covered with a Cloth dipt in the same Decoction. ...this Plant is of so powerful a conglutinating Quality, as to cure Ruptures of the Intestines, especially in Children; for which Purpose the dry Powder [emphasis mine] is exhibited in the Decoction, or the distill'd Water of the Plant. ...From what has been said 'tis obvious, that this Plant is proper in consolidating Clyster for the Cure of Dysentereis."1
1 Robert James, Pharmacopoeia Universalis, p. 214
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Lapis medicamitos
-sulfate-heptahydrate_ben_mills.jpg)
Photo: ben Mmills
Green Vitriol - Iron(II) Sulfate
(Lapis Medicamentosus)
Rx: "Alum, litharge, and Armenian bole, of each, 6 oz. colcothar of green [iron] vitriol, 3 oz.; vinegar, 4 fl. Oz.; mix, and evaporate to dryness. "1
Uses: "Woodall promises to explain what this is on page 61, but never gets around to actually doing so. He recommends it for treating putrefied gums when the patient has scurvy."2 Arnold James Cooley says of it, "Formerly used to make an astringent [draws together] and detergent [cleansing] lotion: 1 oz. to water, 1 pint. Once a popular application to ulcers and in other cases; now disused."3
1 Arnold James Cooley, Cooley's Cyclopedia of Practical Recipts, p. 679; 2 John Woodall, the surgions mate, p. 191; 3 Cooley, ibid.
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Woodall's Medicine Chest: Crocus Martis.
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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