The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

A
COLLECTION
OF
Seven and Fifty approved
RECEIPTS
Good againſt the
PLAGUE.

Taken out of the Five Books of that Renowned
Dr. DON ALEXES Secrets, for the benefit of
the poorer ſort of people of theſe Nations.

By W. J. Gent.

LONDON,

Printed by Peter Lillicrap, for John Wingfield at the Bible
and Anchor in Tower-street near Mark-lane end.
1665.

The Author to the
READER.

Courteous Reader,

I through Gods divine providence, have had at ſeveral times, great occaſion to make uſe of Medicines for the health of my own body, as namely in the year 1642, for Cuts and Shots, where then I came acquainted, and into familiarity with Maſter George Dunne Chyrurgion, Maſter Leadbeater the Apothecary, Maſter Guye, Maſter Hicks, and Maſter Nicholas Culpepper, by whoſe familiarity I loſt nothing, in the end of September 1663 our houſe was viſited with the Plague, one died before we knew what it was, the family was five in number, I lay in the ſame bedding the deceaſed dyed out of, he dyed full of the marks, I had a Boyle in my Groyne that never brake, but went away by purging and vomiting, my fellow had one that brake, yet none dyed but the firſt, I helpt to Coffin about ſix perſons, in one family at that time, yet by Gods providence am yet alive, in the year 1649, I had a long ſickneſs from Midſomer till Chriſtmas, of that miſerable diſeaſe called the griping or plague of the Guts, which cauſed me to ſearch all publick means for cure, and having ſpent what means I had upon Doctors like the woman that had the bloudy Iſſue: And all gave me over for dead, I betook me to ſearch for directions in books, and after the reading of many providence guided me to light upon the moſt excellent and approved Works of that famous Doctor named DON ALEXES, a man well ſkilled in the Latine Greek, Hebrew Chaldes and Arabick tongues, and of divers other Nations and Countreys, he being naturally inclined and took a ſingular pleaſure in Phyloſophy, and in the ſecrets of nature, he travelled ſeven and twenty years to gain knowledge, the five books were tranſlated into Engliſh by Maſter William Ward and Maſter Richard Andrews and Dedicated unto the Right honourable Francis Lord Ruſſell Earl of Bedford, but leſt I ſhould make my Porch greater then my building, I do refer thoſe that would be further ſatisfied, unto thoſe five books aforeſaid, where they ſhall finde every one inſerted, I gathered them at firſt for my own perticular private uſe, but conſidering the ſcarcity of the books and altogether at an extraordinary dear rate, I have for the publick benefit of all men expoſed them to the care of the Printer to ſerve for publick uſe.

June 12,
1665.

W. J.

A Collection of Seven and fifty Receipts good againſt the Plague.

CONTENTS.

Chapter. |  | Page
| Introduction. | Introduction
1. | An approved Remedy againſt the Peſtilence be it never ſo vehement. | 1
2. | A very good perfume againſt the Plague. | 1
3. | Another very good Remedy againſt the Plague. | 2
4. | For him that is ſick of the Plague. | 2
5. | A marvellous preſervative againſt the Plague. | 2
6. | An approved good ointment to make an Impoſtume break and the Plague ſore to fall off. | 3
7. | Another remedy againſt the Plague. | 3
8. | Another very good Remedy againſt the Plague. | 4
9. | Another perfect Receipt againſt the Plague. | 4
10. | Another againſt the Plague. | 4
11. | A thing often experimented againſt the Plague. | 5
12. | A preſervative againſt the Plague proved oftentimes. | 5
13. | Another. | 5
14. | In a ſuſpect time of the Plague. | 5
15. | Another moſt excellent Medicine good againſt the Plague. | 6
16. | A rare and perfect ſecret againſt the Plague. | 6
17. | Another very rare approved Receipt. | 6
18. | To make a Carbuncle and all other Botches Impoſtumes and Plague ſores to break,
| a preſent remedy and very aſie to be made. | 7
19. | A very good Remedy againſt the Marks of the Plague commonly called Gods marks or God tokens. | 7
20. | Againſt the mortality of the Peſtilence an approved remedy. | 7
21. | To make little round balls good againſt the Plague. | 8
22. | A very perfect oyl againſt the Plague and all manner of poyſon. | 9
23. | A marvelous ſecret for to preſerve a man from the Plague. | 9
24. | A very ſure and perfect remedy to cure a man of the Peſtilence. | 10
25. | A preſent remedy to heal the Peſtilence by drawing out the venome from the ſore approved. | 10
26. | How to make balls to ſmell to in time of the Plague. | 10
27. | An excellent perfume for a chamber in the time of a Plague or Peſtilence. | 11
28. | Againſt the Plague. | 11
29. | Another againſt the Plague. | 11
30. | A preſervative in time of Peſtilence, and againſt all venome or poyſon, and againſt the biting of a mad Dog. | 12
31. | An approved compoſition as well to preſerve as to heal, very good in the time of a contagious Plague. | 12
32. | Another moſt excellent Compoſition, and a very good preſervative
| againſt the Peſtilence often tried and experienced. | 12
33. | Another compoſition in powder, but in another manner for the ſame purpoſe. | 13
34. | Common Pills very good for the ſame. | 14
35. | Antidotes or Medicines, and comfortable preſervative of ſmall coſt eaſie.
| to find that poor people may prepare for themſelves. | 14
36. | Another rare Medicine. | 15
37. | It is requiſite to ſpeak ſomething of a ſavour and ſweet ſmell; as powders balls waters.
| and perfumes, and firſt of a powder and firſt of a powder for many purpoſes. | 15
38. | Another ſweet ſmelling ball. | 16
39. | Another ſweet ball more ſweet for the ſummer. | 16
40. | Of five outward Remedies, to purge the Aire, the preſenteſt and eaſieſt and of.
| ſmalleſt price for perſons low in eſtate and condition. | 16
41. | Eight Cauſions for the whole ſum of governing of mans body eſpecially in the time of the Plague. | 17
42. | A ſoverain powder againſt the venome of the Plague, fit for Princes and Rich people. | 17
43. | How to make a powder for the poorer ſort of people. | 17
44. | How with little coſt to make a drink for the poor. | 18
45. | A drink that hath been proved good againſt the Plague. | 18
46. | How opiate is made. | 18
47. | How to make a drink meat after the taking of Opiate, or to be mixed.
| with the Opiate for the ſtrongeſt or meaneſt men according to the time and place. | 18
48. | How to make a good drink for the poor. | 18
49. | How to make a drink to cauſe one to ſweat. | 18
50. | How to to make a drink eaſie for the poor of low price. | 19
51. | How to provoke ſweat and heal the Plague. | 19
52. | An excellent preſervative againſt the Plague. | 19
53. | Another againſt the Plague. | 19
54. | How to make another preſervative againſt the Plague. | 19
55. | Another preſervative againſt the Plague. | 20
56. | How to make a good water againſt the Plague or Surfeite. | 20
57. | How to purifie the Air in a Plague time. | 20

CHAP. 1.
An approved Remedy againſt the Peſtilence be it never ſo vehement.

ake an Ounion and cut him overthwart, then make a little hole in each peece, the which you ſhall fill with fine Triacle, then ſet the pieces together again as they were before, then wrap them in a white linnen cloth. Putting it ſo to Roaſt in the Embers and Aſhes, then when it is Roaſted enough preſs out all the juice of it: and give the patient a ſpoonful thereof to drink, and ſo by Gods help he ſhall feel eaſe and moſt undoubtedly be healed.

CHAP. 2.
A very good perfume againſt the Plague.

Take Maſtick, Cyprus, Incence, Mace, Wormwood, Mirrhe, Lignum Aloe, Tegname Muſk, Ambergreiſe, Timioma, Nutmugges, Mirtle-tree, Bay-tree, Roſemary, Saige, Roſes, Elder, Cloves, Juniper, Rue, Pitch, and a kind of Raw-pitch, called in Latine Raſiſe, ſtamp all theſe together mixe them well ſet them on the embers, or Coles and ſo perfume the Chamber.

CHAP. 3.
Another very good Remedy againſt the Plague.

Take the Ripe berries of a Bay-tree, then pill off the black ſkin that is upon them, beat them into powder with a little Salt, and as ſoon as the party perceiveth himſelf infected with the Plague, and that he begin to have a hot Fevor, he muſt take a ſpoonful of the ſaid powder, mixt with a little Vineger and water, let him heat it a little and drinke it, and then covering himſelf warm ſleep, ſleeping ſoundly by Gods help he ſhall be cured in a ſhort time, but if the Fevor come with a cold, inſtead of Vineger he muſt take wine, and then do as is ſaid before, this hath been experimented on many in the laſt great Plague time.

CHAP. 4.
For him that is ſick of the Plague.

Take white Dittany, Turmentill, white Corall, Genitine, Bole Armoniack, Terra ſigilata, and Endive, water of Scabius, and the Accedent coming upon him, this muſt be made at leaſt four hours before it be uſed, take of the ſaid things ſtamped each one by it ſelf, and put them ſeverally in glaſſes, and make of all of them a drink at your own diſcretion, making the Vineger mount in the glaſs a little above the other things, and let the patient take it hot, covering himſelf hot in his bed untill he ſweat, and by Gods help he ſhall undoubtedly be Cured.

CHAP. 5.
A marvellous preſervative againſt the Plague.

To make this take white Ditany, round Ariſtolochia, with Crocodilium otherwiſe called Cardina, or Cordua, with Voruine, Gentian, Zeduariſe, an hearb called in Latine, pes midi, of each of them two Ounces, ſtamp all theſe together with a Handful of Rue, then take a glaſs that holdeth at leaſt three quarts, and fill it with the beſt wine you can find, whereinto you ſhall put all the foreſaid things, and let it ſtand ſo in your houſe, and in dangerous times take every morning a glaſs full of the ſaid wine before you go out of your houſe, but firſt obſerve to eat a Walnut a Fige and a branch or two of Rue, do this every morning.

CHAP. 6.
An approved good ointment to make an Impoſtume break and the Plague ſore to fall off.

To make this take a quantity of Oyl of Olive and ſet it on the fire in ſome firme veſſel, put thereto fine Cerus or White Lead well ſtamped together, literage of ſilver very fine and thine, with a quantity of Common wax, ſet it on the fire untill you may ſpread it with your finger upon a ſmooth ſtone, then take it from the fire and power a little Vineger upon it, but have a care of your face, then make a Plaiſter of this ointment, as big as all the ſore, and make a hole in the midſt thereof the breadth of a penny, make then a little plaiſter of ſuppling ointment the bigneſs of the hole, then make another plaiſter of the ſame bigneſs, and lay it on the ſuppling plaiſter, the mortifying plaiſter be between both, let this lye twenty four hours, then change onely the middle plaiſter, letting it ſo lye twenty four hours longer, but remember to annoint the top of the ſore with ſome Hogs ſuite, or Hen or Capons greaſe to mollifie it, ſo it will be hard in the middle, and round about it will be tender fleſh, in ſuch ſort that the ſore will break and come forth about the end of forty and eight hours, take of the foreſaid plaiſters, and lay upon it another plaiſter made with freſh Hogs greaſe, then will the dead fleſh fall out with the core, like unto a round half Ball, but the hole will remain which you muſt dreſs with healing ointment, you muſt ſtrow burnt Alum beaten to powder to eat the dead or rather proud fleſh away.

CHAP. 7.
Another remedy againſt the Plague.

Take the topes of Rue a Garlick-head, or half a quarter of a Walnut, and a corn of Salt, eat this every morning continuing ſo a moneth together, this is alſo good againſt the worms both in young and old.

CHAP. 8.
Another very good Remedy againſt the Plague.

Take a quantity of the water of wilde Purſley, called in Greek Meliſſophillon, Melephilo, and Melenon, and in Latine Apiaſtrum, with Plantine water, of each of theſe a like quantity in ſeveral glaſſes, take daily of this mixing equall quantities together in a ſmall glaſs, and then you ſhall drink thereof, ſo by the bleſſing of God you ſhall be preſerved and keept ſafe from the infection of the Plague, this water is alſo good for Fiſtula's and hath been often proved true by experience.

CHAP. 9.
Another perfect Receipt againſt the Plague.

Fill a Glaſs a third part full of fine Triacle, and one third part with Aquavitæ, and fill the other third part with the Urine of a man childe that is a virgin and healthfull mixe all theſe well together, and give the patient to drink a glaſs full three mornings one after another, this was proved in Venice in the year 1504 and in London in the laſt great Plague.

CHAP. 10.
Another againſt the Plague.

As ſoon as the party feeleth himſelf infected, let him ſwallow a quantity of the beſt Triacle, then take of the ſame Triacle the bigneſs of a Cheſnut, and lay it on the ſore that beginneth to riſe, rubbing it well round about with the ſame Triacle, then immediately take a young Pegion and cut him in the midſt quick feathers and all, lay him to the ſore warm as he is in his feathers, let him lye till that part of the Pegion become green, and the Triacle red, then take it off, and you ſhall perceive, that out of the Pegion will come a green water, which is all the venome that was in the ſore, then cure the place with this following plaiſter, take two parts of freſh Barrows greaſe, and one part of Wormwood well ſtamped and lay it upon the ſore and the effect followeth.

CHAP. 11.
A thing often experimented againſt the Plague.

Take two Ounces of Maſtick, one Ounce of Euphorbium, five Ounces of Spignard, beat theſe into powder and give it the patient to drink, if he be under ten years of age give him but a Scruple of it, if betwixt ten and twenty years of age give him half a dram, if above twenty years old give him a dram, then take the hearb called in Greek Pentaphylon, in Latine Quinque folium, in Engliſh Cinkfoil, and wrap it like a round Apple in a linnen cloath lay it ſo under the embers a certain time, and having taken it out, cut it in three pieces in the middle, and lay it upon the ſore, this will give immediate eaſe unto the patient proved and experimented many times.

CHAP. 12.
A preſervative againſt the Plague proved oftentimes.

In a dangerous time take three branches of Rue, a Walnut and a Fig, eat all this and your ſtomach ſhall be fenced againſt Infection.

CHAP. 13.
Another.

Take Vineger, the juce of a white Ounion, the juce of Rue and of Milfoil, Yarrow, or Noſe-bleed, of each of them alike quantity mixe all together, and give the patient a glaſs full very hot, but let it be before the ſixth hour after the pain hath taken him, then make him ſweat in a warm bed, this hath been an approved remedy.

CHAP. 14.
In a ſuſpect time of the Plague.

Take Pennirial with Suger Ruſſet, make an Electuary, eat the bigneſs of a Cheſnut at breakfaſt this hath been proved and found good.

CHAP. 15.
Another moſt excellent Medicine good againſt the Plague.

Take Walnuts that are green tender and good to Confecture, or Preſerves, put them in Vineger the ſpace of eight days, then take them out again, and break them in pieces, then put them into the Limbeck, without Vineger, and ſtill the water of them; the patient ſhall drink every day a ſmall half glaſs full and after drinking of this potion, let him ſweat well in his bed.

CHAP. 16.
A rare and perfect ſecret againſt the Plague.

Take an Ounce of Aloes Epaticum, half an Ounce of Mirrhe, half an Ounce of Saforne beaten into powder, ſift the Aloes and Mirrhe together, then ſteep and ſoake the Saforne, or waſh it with White wine that is very ſtrong, ſo that it be like ſauce, put then the other powder to it, and mixe all well together, if need require you may put more Wine to it ſo make thereof a paſte, and ſo make pills of the ſame, but if you will have it very ſtrong put to every Ounce half an Ounce of Diagridum and half an Ounce of Camphire, Mr. Francis Albert took three eight parts of the ſaid pills without Diagridum, ſoaking them in good Wine and gave them to his patient as ſoon as he could and cauſed him to ſweat much in his bed and by ſweating diſolved the venome.

CHAP. 17.
Another very rare approved Receipt.

Take the flowers or bloſoms of Walnuts, dry them in the ſhadow, and when the nuts be in ſeaſon to confect, you ſhall cut part of them into ſmall pieces, putting the ſame into ſmall Vineger for three days, then take them out and mingle flowers diſtilling them through a Limbeck of glaſs, or of earth, well leaded, keep this water diligently, and when any man feeleth himſelf infected with the Plague, give preſently to him two Ounces or three Ounces more or leſs as the party is in years or ſtrength, and he ſhall looſe his diſeaſe by ſtoole or by vomit, or elſe it will force the ſore to come forth, which you may ripen and break and draw forth the core and ſo heal the ſame as is before declared.

CHAP. 18.
To make a Carbuncle and all other Botches Impoſtumes and Plague ſores to break, a preſent remedy and very eaſie to be made.

Take bay Salt well beaten into powder and ſerced, incorporate it with the yolk of an Egge then lay it on the Carbuncle or ſore, and be you aſſured that by Gods grace it will take away all the venome and poyſon of the Plague ſore, ſo that in ſhort time he ſhall be cured; this Remedy hath been often proved.

CHAP. 19.
A very good Remedy againſt the Marks of the plague commonly called Gods marks or God tokens.

Take freſh and green Rhopenticum, which is the hearb and root called Themore or great Centory, it is named of Pliny, as Bulius doth write (Rhacoma) with the roots of the hearb called Sanguinaria dactillon, of ſome Dens Canis, of Dioſcordious it is called Coronopus, that is to ſay Crows foot, ſome take it to be Dandelion, take therewith the roots of Turmiltill, and white Dittany, of each of theſe an Ounce, ſtamp all well then put them in a pot or violl with clear water at your diſcretion, rather too much then too little, till it paſs three handfulls above the other things in the pot; then boyle it with a clear fire without ſmoak, untill one third part be deminiſhed then ſtrain it ſoftly into a clean glaſs and it will be of the colour of wine, when neceſſity doth require you may give the patient a glaſs full in the morning and another at night two hours before ſupper, but it muſt be very hot, then cover him well in his bed and make him ſweat, when the Marks come forth he ſhall become like a Lazer or a Lepper and by Gods bleſſing ſhall recover in a ſhort time and be perfectly whole.

CHAP. 20.
Againſt the mortality of the Peſtilence an approved remedy.

Take Gentian, Seduaria, roots of Turmentille of each of them two Ounces, Red Sandal, white and Recent, Ditany, Harts horn burnd, white pearl, bole Armoniack round Ariſtolochia, of each of them an Ounce, half an Ounce of Camphere, two Ounces of white Suger: of all theſe things beaten together into powder you ſhall take at every time a dram with three Ounces as Endive water, or Sorrell water, mixe the water and the Suger with the bigneſs of a Walnut of fine Triacle, you muſt miniſter this Medicine before the ſickneſs have continued with the perſon twelve hours for it is the ſurer, if the patient be an infant then give him but half a dram of it with an Ounce and a half of one of the ſaid waters, and with the like quantity of Triacle, this drink is neither ſolvable nor laxative, nor doth cauſe any grief to the patient but onely killeth the poyſon, if any perſon have drunk or eaten any poyſon it is a very good Medicine for him, it is alſo very good againſt a hot fevor or Ague, note alſo that if it be poſſible the patient muſt be let bloud before he take this or ſuddenly after.

CHAP. 21.
To make little round balls good againſt the Plague.

Take of Labdanum, half an Ounce, Storax Calamica one Ounce, Diambre, two grains of Camphere, fifteen grains of Cloves, Nutmukes and Mace of each of them an eight part, a ſcruple of Damaſk Roſes, half a dram of Cinamon, fifteen grains of Spignard, Muſk and Civit, of each of them eight grains half a dram of fine Violets, four grains of Lignum Aloes the bigneſs of a bean of Calomie Aromanticie, four grains of fine Amber, the bigneſs of a bean of Mirrhe, firſt ſtamp the Labdanum with a hot Peſtle, then ſtamp well the Storax Calatimæ, and all the other things each by it ſelf and then mixe all together and ſtamp them ſtill with a peſtle ading to it at every time Storax laquide and Roſe water untill all the ſaid things be well incorporated, and then make round balls thereof to ſmell to or uſe at your own diſcretion.

CHAP. 22.
A very perfect oyl Againſt the Plague and all manner of poyſon.

Take of the oldeſt oyl you can get, and boyl it the ſpace of an hour, and for every pound of the ſaid oyl put in fifty Scorpions or as many as you can get, put all this in a pot uncovered ſet the pot in a Kettle of boyling water untill the third part of the oyl or ſomewhat leſs be conſumed, then take out the Scorpions and ſtrain the oyl into another pot, then ſtop it cloſe, and ſet it in the Sun three moneths, or by the fire on hot Aſhes the ſpace of four days, but firſt put in two Ounces of Unicorns horn, one Ounce of Triacle, three Ounces of Aquavitæ, when any perſon feeleth himſelf infected with the Plague or poyſon let him be annointed with the ſaid oyl about the heart and pulſes and he ſhall finde a marvelous effect.

CHAP. 23.
A marvelous ſecret for to preſerve a man from the Plague and hath been proved in England of all the Phyſicians in that great and vehement Plague in the year 1348, and in the year 1625 in London, that in the year 1348 crept throughout all the known world, and Authors affirm that there was never any perſon that uſed this ſecret but was by Gods grace preſerved from the Plague.

Take Aloe Epaticum, or Cicotrim, fine Cinamon, of each of theſe three drams, Cloves, Mace Lignum Aloe, Maſtick, bole Armoniake of each of them half a dram, let all theſe things be well ſtamped together in a Morter, then mingle them together, then keep it in a cloſe veſſel, and take thereof every morning two penny weight in half a glaſſfull of white wine, with a little water, drink it in the morning at the dawning of the day, and ſo you may by the grace of God go hardily into all infection of the Aire and receive no damage by the Plague.

CHAP. 24.
A very ſure and perfect remedy to cure a man of the Peſtilence.

Take the berries of Ivie, that groweth on trees or walls, and not of them that are found on the ground, you muſt gather the ſaid berries very ripe and toward the north if it be poſſible if not take them as you can get them; although they be not very ripe, dry them in the ſhadow and keep them in a wooden box as a moſt precious thing, and if any be infected with the Peſtilence, beat the ſaid berries to powder in a clean Morter, and give the patient the ſaid powder in a glaſſfull of white wine, as much as will lye upon a groat or more; then cover him in his bed and cauſe him to ſweat, then change his ſhirt, ſheets and all the coverings of his bed if it be poſſible, if not at leaſt change ſhirt and ſheets, ſome having taken this over night have found themſelves well in the morning, and cured.

My Author affirmeth that in the year 1523 he ſaw in Aleppo Amilanos that had two Plague ſores one under his thigh and another under his left arm, and having taken the ſaid powder morning and evening he found that the ſaid ſores brake of themſelves by virtue of this excellent Medicine, ſent and bleſt by God himſelf who giveth underſtanding unto man, it is good for all perſons to have ſo eaſie a thing ready by them.

CHAP. 25.
A preſent remedy to heal the Peſtilence by drawing out the venome from the ſore approved.

Take a quick Hen and pluck the Rump and place where ſhe layeth egges quite bare, then ſet her ſo that the bare place may be upon the grief, that ſhe may be held upon the ſore, a great while the Hen draweth all the poyſon to her ſelf, or at leaſt ſo much as will eaſe the patient, ſhortly after ſhe will dye, you may do this with three or four ſeveral Hens immediately one after another they will draw all the venome from the ſore, then anoint the place with good Triacle uſing the Ivie and bay berries and other remedies before deſcribed to break draw and heal the ſore.

CHAP. 26.
How to make balls to ſmell to in time of the Plague.

Take one part of Storax one part of Libdany halfe a part of Cloves, ſum Camphere, Aquavitæ of Spignard, ſum Nutmukes of all theſe make a paſte with Roſe water wherein you muſt diſolve ſum Gum dragon and Gum Araback, work them well together, make of this balls to hold in your hands to ſmell at.

CHAP. 27.
An excellent perfume for a chamber in the time of a Plague or Peſtilence.

Take of Storax, Calamica, Bengewine, Lignie, Aloes, of each an Ounce, five Ounces of Coals of Willow beaten into powder, mixe theſe things with Aquavitæ, as much as will make them into a paſte, make thereof little Cakes or what forms you pleaſe, and ſo keep them, when you uſe them put a little of them on a Chafing diſh and in conſuming them by little and little they will make a ſingular good Odour in the place where you burn the ſame.

CHAP. 28.
Againſt the Plague.

Take three Ounces of the Liquor of the inner rinde of an Aſh tree and ſtill it with three Ounces of white Wine, give the patient to drink of it every three hours and by Gods help within twenty four hours he ſhall be well.

CHAP. 29.
Another againſt the Plague.

Take three Ounces of Walnuts that be not yet full ripe, prepared and diſtilled at Midſomer, and let the patient drink thereof and he ſhall be whole, but it will be better to take the outward pills of Walnuts in September when they be black, ſo that they be not rotten, and diſtill them and give the patient a glaſſfull thereof to drink very warm he being let blood this will help him much.

CHAP. 30.
A preſervative in time of Peſtilence, and againſt all venome or poyſon, and againſt the biting of a mad Dog.

If you eat before meals a Walnut or two, two dry Figs, and ſome leaves of Garden Rue with a corn of Salt, it will be a great and good preſervative againſt the Plague, and againſt all poyſon that a man eateth, the ſame being ſtamped and laid to the byting of a mad Dog it healeth it, ſo do Nutmukes work the like effect.

CHAP. 31.
An approved compoſition as well to preſerve as to heal, very good in the time of a contagious Plague.

Take an Ounce of the beſt Triacle, half an Ounce of the juce of Lemons, a Scruple of Saforne, a little of the two ſorts of Pearls, Red Corall and Sorrell ſeed, of each half a dram, two grains of Camphere, mingle all theſe together very well with two or three drops of Odeferious white wine, and make thereof an ointment, ſpread a quantity thereof upon a piece of Crimſon ſilke lay this hot upon the patients heart and remove it morning and evening.

CHAP. 32.
Another moſt excellent Compoſition, and a very good preſervative againſt the Peſtilence often tried and experienced.

Take a Pimpernell dried an ounce and a half of Sordii Veti, ſome Roots of Gentian, Imparatory, Zedoariæ, of each ſix drams, Calamint Apiaſtrum, or Citraginie, Enuly Campanie Roots Tormentille, which is a kind of Cinkfoile, Bay berries the ſeed of Cardus Benedictus, which is one of the kinds of the herb called Atriactilie, with an Oringe of Citron, Oxiladis, which is a kind of Sorrell, bole Armoniack prepared of each three Drachmes Lickoriſh ſcraped, Clycaniſie Seminis the ſeeds of Scatiola, which is Mubus Sativa, of the kinds of Endive and Succory, Cinamonie, exquiſitie, of each two drams Gilli-flowers, Red Roſes and Coriander, prepared, the ſeed of Baſill, Cortiſis Citrie Fixie, Santuly luteie vel raboi Agalochi, that is Xilaloe Ligni Aloes, the ſcraping of Ivory and red Coral, Pearls of each a dram and a half, and two Scruples of Saforne beat all theſe very ſmall mingle them with Sugar of equall quantity, or elſe with Oxemelite, or Sirupo aceratoe, or Oxyfacchata, or rather the ſirrup of Lemons, but for weak ſtomacks make like to Lickquid confection, either, Opiate vel Maſſee, or elſe let there be an Electuary pertabellas of a dram weight, or four ſcruples, then adde unto every ounce or Suger, a dram of the ſaid powder, then take thereof two or three hours before your meals, if it be in powder take a dram or half a dram at the leaſt, with ſome convenient liquor of thoſe which are now named if it be opiate, the quantity or a Cheſtnut or a Walnut if it be in form of a maſs and thick make two or three pills or more very ſoft for to take at one time drinking after the ſame ſum of the Liquors already mentioned when it is in little tablits you may take one or two or more at your diſcretion.

CHAP. 33.
Another compoſition in powder, but in another manner for the ſame purpoſe.

Take the Roots of Angilica, Gentian, Zedoaria, of the roots of Tormentille the ſeeds of Coxalidas Citrie Mallie, Cinamon, elect with a kind of Caſia of yellow or red Sandal or Sanders Cardus Benedictus of each two drams, a dram and a half of Oringe Pills, one dram of the ſcrapings of Ivory, half a dram of red Corrall the like weight of fine Sugar, put to all theſe things as the powder ſhall ſeem pleaſant and good, or if you will ſeek another way as is ſpoken of in the firſt preſervative, as concerning the quantity of this compoſition, at every time, and the time of uſing it let it be as the other before, but if you will have them both let them not be of a like ſort, but the one being in powder in tablits the other in Opiat, or maſs, with pills.

CHAP. 34.
Common Pills very good for the ſame.

Take Aloes probæ, and Lote, two ounces, one ounce of Saforne, one ounce of good Mirrhe, or elſe Mirrhe and Ammoniacum, diſolved in white wine of each half an ounce, mixe them together with hony Roſet, but in winter you may put Zedoaria, Agallochi, or Red Sandis of each of them a dram, but in ſummer take away the Mirrhe and Amoniacum and put to it bole Armoniacke prepared three drams, half a dram of Red Corrall with a ſcruple of Camphere to take commonly a pill or two before your meals, ſometimes a dram after your firſt ſleep as you ſhall prove by experience.

CHAP. 35.
Antidotes or Medicines, and comfortable preſervative of ſmall coſt eaſie to find that poor people may prepare for themſelves.

1. Take Garlick and drink a little wine after it, or a Fig with a Walnut and Rue and a little ſalt ſpecially in winter. 2. Take twenty leaves of Rue with two Walnuts and as many Figs and a grain of Salt all being mixt together receive it in the morning. 3. Take ſix leaves of Rue with Vineger. 4. Take the Root of the herb called in Latine Imperatora, of ſum Laſcopitium, Gallicum. 5. Take the Root of Angelica. 6. The Roots of Gentian. 7. The Root of Zedarie. 8. Of Cardus Benedictus. 9. Of Garlina. 10. Take the herb called Scordium in ſmall powder the quantity of a dram, either in a ſoft maſs made with ſodden honey and vineger, or with ſome ſirrup as of Lemons or in Opiat the bigneſs of a Cheſnut, or of a ſmall Peaſe with wine in winter, in ſummer with Roſe water, or with the juce of Sorrell. 11. Sorrell alone or with Pimpernell in Vineger and drink of it in the morning. 12. Or the juce of them wherewith you may make a taſte in ſummer. 13. Or Juniper berries, the leaves of green Pimpernell of Bittany of Pulegion of Sorrell of each a like quantity brayed together and ſodden in honey, put thereto a little Vineger like a conſerve.

CHAP. 36.
Another rare Medicine.

Take Juniper berries, bole Armoniack, of each two drams or of both alike quantity being ſtamped lay it in ſweet oyl and Vineger or in Oxmillite, in the mean form either Opiat or maſs. If it be Opiat take as much as a Cheſtnut, if it be Maſs take one great Pill, and drink after it a little Hidromill or Oximill or wine.

CHAP. 37.
It is requiſite to ſpeak ſomething of a ſavour and ſweet ſmell; as powders balls waters and perfumes, and firſt of a powder for many purpoſes.

Take four ounces of Iviſe Florientiana, of Margrom Cloves and Red Roſes of each an ounce of Milliſſophilie, Nuciſe Odoratee or Muſcate Zedorie, Cinamon Agallochi, yellow, Sanders, Maſtick Storax Calamita and Bengroin, half an ounce of each, and two ſcruples of Juncus odoratus, Calami odoravie, Syici Nardiradiciſe one dram of each.

Make of theſe a powder to ſmell, to be beaten or broken, in ſome piece of fine ſilke or a peece of fine linnen cloth, beat all theſe things groſly for to perfume and waſh your head and beard, or let them lye a time in white wine and Roſe water, and ſtrain them, keeping the water to uſe when you pleaſe, or you may ſtill them in a double veſſel, that they may be Aqua Aromatica, this being laid upon the coals is to perfume your chamber twice every day morning and evening, it is good alſo to wear about you or to put in a little bag and lay it amongſt linnen or woollen cloathes.

CHAP. 38.
Another ſweet ſmelling ball.

Take two ounces of pure Labdanum, one ounce and a half of Bengroine one ounce of Willow coals of Storax Calamita, ſix drams, two drams, a peece of Marjoram, and yellow or red Sanders, of red Roſes and Calainus Aramaticus, two ſcruples a peece, then take ſix drams of oyl of ſweet Almonds and as much of Bengroin, with half an ounce of Storax Calamita ſithe theſe things together then put thereto ſix drams of Roſe water. Then ſtrain it, and let that which is ſtrained, be ſoft made with two ounces of white wax, and put to it of Storax liquida, one dram, make it like as Cereatum, or plaiſter incorporate theſe together with a hot peſtle putting thereto a dram and a half of muſk.

CHAP. 39.
Another ſweet ball more ſweet for the ſummer.

Take three ounces and a half a peece of Roſes and Violets with an ounce a peece of the berries and leaves of Mirtle, and the coals of Willow, ſix drams a peece, of Juniper berries and Oringe pills, two drams of red Sanders, one dram of Bengroin with two ſcruples of Camphere, make a powder of theſe, then take an ounce and a half of oyl of Roſes, with two drams a peece of Storax Calamita, and Bengroine, with an ounce of Roſe water with two ounces of white wax, beat all the reſt together with a hot peſtle, put to it a little muſk and uſe it.

CHAP. 40.
Of five outward Remedies, to purge the Aire, the preſenteſt and eaſieſt and of ſmalleſt price for perſons low in eſtate and condition.

Firſt take Juniper berries with ſome of the root cloven aſunder and dried with ſome of the forementioned drugs and make thereof a perfume this is good to purge the Air. Secondly, ſprinkle your Chamber with Vineger alone or mixed with Roſe water. Thirdly, when you are to go out into company, put into your mouth the Pill or ſeed of a Cittorn, or Cinamon, or Cloves or the Roots of Angelica, or Zedoarie or ſuch as are before mentioned, hold theſe in your mouth and chaw them for you ſhall finde that they will give a good odour. Fourthly, if you deſire to ſmell to a ſpunge or to a Hancherchief both day and night, Malmſey or other ſtrong wine and ſweet; ſuch as are Muſcadell alone or elſe with Roſe water, wherein there hath been tempered ſome Aromaticall drug already ſpoken of, and alſo Cloves and Nutmukes, are very good for this purpoſe. Fifthly, if it be in ſummer take a little Camphere, with a little cold water and twice ſo much Vineger, this is alſo very good.

CHAP. 41.
Eight Cauſions for the whole ſum of governing of mans body eſpecially in the time of the Plague.

1. It is neceſſary that you keep every thing neat and clean in your houſe often waſhing and cleanſing the ſame, and that as much as in you lyeth you do avoid going into all evil Aire. 2. Be ſure that you flye all exceſs of Riot and ſuperfluity of intemperate eating and drinking, and with all the carnall company of women. 3. When you travell walk moderately and overheat not your ſelf, neither ſleep in the day time, but moderately in the night, avoid as much as you may inordinate watching.

CHAP. 42.
A ſoverain powder againſt the venome of the Plague, fit for Princes and Rich people.

Take Saphire Hiacinthe Smaragdus, of one or two or of all of theſe one dram, of pearls bole Armoniack of the beſt, with the ſeeds of Oxaliſe of each of theſe two drams, of the ſcrapings of Ivory two ſcruples of Unicorns horn one ſcruple, of the ſeed of Ocinum, half a ſcruple, yellow or red Sanders Agalocchi or Xilaloes of the beſt, Doronicie, Cinamon, exquiſite Saffone of each three grains ſix grains of Muſk, make of theſe a fine powder, and leave out the muſk for them that love it not, the uſe of the ſaid powder and others that follow ſhall be declared hereafter if God permit.

CHAP. 43.

How to make a powder for the poorer ſort of people.

Take two drams of bole Armoniack with three drams of the Seeds of Oxalis, Aloes Epeticum Lotum, and Red Corrall of each of theſe a dram, the powder of Diatrio Santalon, eight ſcruples with the pills of dry Oringes, Cloves Cinamon and Saffone of each of theſe five drams, make of theſe a fine powder, you may uſe the ſame with conſerves or without them, with ſirrups or with diſtilled waters, but much rather with juces and ſuch convenient licquors as is before named.

CHAP. 44.
How with little coſt to make a drink for the poor.

Take of the powder preſcribed for the Poor, Conditiroſatie, or conſerve of Roſes, Condii boraginis, or rather Coraginis of each a dram and a half two ounces of the Suck of Oxalis, two ounces Succi avantii Coragares extract with Roſe water and of good white wine vineger of each an ounce and make thereof a drink.

CHAP. 45.
A drink that hath been proved good againſt the Plague.

Take two drams of the powder of Mugwort of the firſt and ſecond ſort, the ſeeds of Sanctie or of Oringes, of Mirrhe of each a dram, the ſcrapings of Harts horn a dram, beat them well and mixe them together, you muſt drink this of white vineger before a fire and as ſoon as there appeareth any ſwelling in the groine or flank, or under the Armpits, or any where elſe the remedy muſt be ready, for the medicine provoketh great ſweat whereby the venome or infection avoideth every part. The patient thus ſweating by the fire his infected ſweat muſt be rubed and dried with hot linnen cloathes, which muſt be always changed untill the ſavour of the ſweat be gone with rubbing.

CHAP. 46.
How opiate is made.

Take of the firſt or ſecond powder Oringe pills conſerved of each an ounce and a half, the conſerve of Roſes the conſerve of Bugloſs, two ounces of each of the ſirrup of the juce of Cittorns Oringes or Lemons or elſe of Oxalis, or Omphacini, ſufficient make of it a licquid Electuary in form of an Opiate, whereof take an ounce or more and drink ſome of the foreſaid liquors and ſuch as here follow, you may mingle an ounce of purſlane with the ſaid liquor.

CHAP. 47.
How to make a drink meat after the taking of Opiate, or to be mixed with the Opiate for the ſtrongeſt or meaneſt men according to the time and place.

To do this take the juce of Cittorne or Lemons three ounces of the wine of ſwore Oringes with good white and clear vineger and Roſe water of each of theſe an ounce and mixe theſe all together.

CHAP. 48.
How to make a good drink for the poor.

Take three ounces of the juce of Sorrell that is very clear of bitter and ſwore oringes, with white and clear vineger and Roſe water of each of theſe an ounce make thereof a drink, mixe it with a little ſuger to make it pleaſant.

CHAP. 49.
How to make a drink to cauſe one to ſweat.

Take a dram of good Triacle, or a dram of Mithridatum, with bole Armoniack of the beſt of the powder of one of the herbs called Cardiacee, deſcribed before, half a dram, Scabius water two ounces, water of Oxaliſe, Bugloſs Borage of each an ounce and make a drink thereof.

CHAP. 50.
How to make a drink eaſie for the poor of low price.

Take the decoction of Scabius, and of the flowers of red pop ge a glaſs full with a little ſuger or a little white vineger, or a ptiſane, made with barley and Aniſeeds and the roots of Parſley the roots of Suckrey the one or the other decoction with ſharp ſirrup two ounces or a little white vineger. You muſt underſtand that theſe foreſaid drinks be taken hot, the patient being well covered in his bed the Triacle and Mithridate although they be of great efficacy yet are they not meet for women with childe nor for young children, the uſe of them ought not to be often nor in great quantities, when the Fevor is great, ſome mens advice is to mingle the medicine for ſweating with ſome diſtilled water or with the decoction of herbs, concerning the part to which the venomous matter hath its courſe, now if a man knoweth that the mater goeth to the head, let the patient take it with ſome diſtilled waters or with the decoction Bitony, but if it go to the vital parts, or to the breſt and heart, with the water of the decoction of Borage, which is very Bugloſs, if it go to the belly and bowels with liquor of wormwood, if to the Liver, then with the decoction water of Egrimony which is the true and Real Zupatorium.

CHAP. 51.
How to provoke ſweat and heal the Plague.

Take of the herb called Rape, with the roots of the leſſer Planton and knot graſs of each half a handfull bray them well and boyle them in vineger then ſtrain them through a linnen cloath, give the ſick perſon of this to drink when he goeth to bed it will cauſe him to ſweat out all the ill humers.

CHAP. 52.
An excellent preſervative againſt the Plague.

Take one ounce of the juce of green nuts, half an ounce of the juce of Agrimony, three drams of the juce of Rue, three ounces of the juce of Iſſope four ounces of the juce of hemp mingle them altogether, then take half an ounce of the ſaid mixture with half a dram of mumea and half an ounce of Suger Candy and one dram of ſuger of Roſes, an Electuary thereof and diſſolve the quantity of a Cheſtnut of it in good wine and drink thereof when you riſe and when you go to bed.

CHAP. 53.
Another againſt the Plague.

Take of the roots of Turmentill finely powdered, one dram with half a dram of Triacle diſſolve it in ſorrell water and give it the diſeaſed.

CHAP. 54.
How to make another preſervative againſt the Plague.

Take two egges and make a hole upon the top of each of them, then take out the whites put into them ſo much whole Safforne as will half fill up the egge to the middle, cover them with other egge ſhells boyl them till they become red, then bray them with all the ſhells, and put thereunto of white Diptamue and Turmevill of each three drams of vomiting nuts one dram and a half of the ſeeds of Rockit the quantity of the beaten eggs bray them all together the ſecond time, then put thereunto of good Triacle the weight of the other things except the eggs and make an electuary of the which give two drams in the morning when the patient riſeth before he goes to labour.

CHAP. 55.
Another preſervative againſt the Plague.

Take Safforne of Setwell, of Turmentill of Diptamus of each of theſe one ounce of Triacle of Mithridate of ſuger of Bugloſs of each eight drams with the ſirrup of the pills of pomecitterns, make a electuary of the which to preſerve the party, according to his age, if he be above the age of fifteen years give him two drams in the morning before meat with white wine, and after it give him two Maſtick Coriander ſeeds, if he be but 14 years of age give him but one dram, and a half being under the age of 8 years give him one dram, when he goeth out of the houſe let him hold in his mouth a little of the electuary; in the curing the plague the foreſaid confection muſt be given as ſoon as he feeleth himſelf to have the Ague, within the ſpace of 24 hours with the which the water of Sumak, the quantity aforeſaid according unto age, it helpeth all cold infirmities or griefs, miniſtred with wine or with Aquavitæ having firſt made the univerſall Remedies of purging letting of blood and ſuch like.

CHAP. 56.
How to make a good water againſt the Plague or Surfeite.

Take Red ſage, Celendine Roſemary, Herbgraſs Wormwood Mugwort, Pimpernell, Dragons, Scabius Tyromony, Roſaſolis, and Balm, of each of theſe a handfull or like quantity by weight, waſh and ſwing them in a linnen cloth, ſhred them and put them into a galon of white wine with a quarter of an ounce of Gentian roots, and of Angelica roots the like quantity let it ſtand two days and two nights cloſe covered and diſtill it at your pleaſure that glaſs in which you keep it be ſtopt very cloſe.

CHAP. 57.
How to purifie the Air in a Plague time.

Take an ounce of balſum, one ounce of the flower of Sulpher with an ounce of mirrhe powder, all theſe together put thereto as much perno as will make them into a ſtiffe paſt then make it into little cakes then in the time of a peſtilence every day or every other day put one or two of theſe upon a chafing diſh of coals this is good ſaith mine Author to purifie the Air.

FINIS.

Transcriber's Notes.

1. Chap 16: "waſh it with Whine wine that is very ſtrong..." changed to "waſh it with White wine that is very ſtrong."

2. Chap 50: "and of the flowers of red pop ge a..." changed to "and of the flowers of red poppy."

3. Preface: "[Illustrated drop-cap: I] _Through Gods divine providence,..." The first word [Through] changed to lower-case; "[Illustrated drop-cap: I] _through Gods divine providence,..."

4. Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors.

5. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.

6. The first word of each of the Chapters 16-57 have been changed to "Drop-Cap" to standardise with Chapters 1-15.

7. Format of headings Chapters 41–57 changed to standardise with Chapters 1–40.