GansHistor. Coral.
Now though in a middle way we may concede, that some are soft and others hard; yet whether allCoralwere first a woody substance, and afterward converted; or rather some thereof were never such, but from the sprouting spirit of Salt, were able even in their stony natures to ramifie and send forth branches; as is observable in some stones, in silver and metallick bodies, is not without some question. And such at least might some of those be, whichFiaroumtiobserved to grow upon Bricks at the bottom of the Sea, upon the coast ofBarbaric.
Of what matter theChinadishes be made.
7. We are not throughly resolved concerningPorcellaneorChinadishes, that according to common belief they are made of Earth, which lieth in preparation about an hundred years under ground; for the relations thereof are not onely divers, but contrary, and Authors agree not herein.Guido Pancirolluswill have them made of Egg-shells, Lobster-shells, andGypsumlaidup in the Earth the space of 80 years: of the same affirmation isScaliger, and the common opinion of most.Ramuziusin his Navigations is of a contrary assertion, that they are made out of Earth, not laid under ground, but hardned in the Sun and Wind, the space of forty years. ButGonzales de Mendoza, a man imployed intoChinafromPhilipthe second King ofSpain, upon enquiry and ocular experience, delivered a way different from all these. For inquiring into the artifice thereof, he found they were made of a Chalky Earth; which beaten and steeped in water, affordeth a cream or fatness on the top, and a gross subsidence at the bottom; out of the cream or superfluitance, the finest dishes, saith he, are made, out of the residence thereof the courser; which being formed, they gild or paint, and not after an hundred years, but presently commit unto the furnace. This, saith he, is known by experience, and more probable then whatOdoardus Barbosahath delivered, that they are made of shells, and buried under earth an hundred years. And answerable in all points hereto, is the relation ofLinschotten, a diligent enquirer, in his Oriental Navigations. Later confirmation may be had fromAlvarezthe Jesuit, who lived long in those parts, in his relations ofChina. ThatPorcellaneVessels were made but in one Town of the Province ofChiamsi: That the earth was brought out of other Provinces, but for the advantage of water, which makes them more polite and perspicuous, they were only made in this. That they were wrought and fashioned like those of other Countries, whereof some were tincted blew, some red, others yellow, of which colour only they presented unto the King.
The latest account hereof may be found in the voyage of the Dutch Embassadors sent fromBataviaunto the Emperour ofChina, printed inFrench1665, which plainly informeth, that the Earth whereofPorcellanedishes are made, is brought from the Mountains ofHoang, and being formed into square loaves, is brought by water, and marked with the Emperours Seal: that the Earth it self is very lean, fine, and shining like Sand: and that it is prepared and fashioned after the same manner which theItaliansobserve in the fine Earthen Vessels ofFaventiaorFuenca: that they are so reserved concerning that Artifice, that 'tis only revealed from Father unto Son: that they are painted withIndicobaked in a fire for fifteen days together, and with very dry and not smoaking Wood: which when the Author had seen he could hardly contain from laughter at the common opinion above rejected by us.
Now if any enquire, why being so commonly made, and in so short a time, they are become so scarce, or not at all to be had? The Answer is given by these last Relators, that under great penalties it is forbidden to carry the first sort out of the Country. And of those surely the properties must be verified, which byScaligerand others are ascribed unto China-dishes: That they admit no poison, that they strike fire, that they will grow hot no higher then the liquor in them ariseth. For such as pass amongst us, and under the name of the finest, will only strike fire, but not discoverAconite,Mercury, orArsenic; but may be useful in dysenteries and fluxes beyond the other.
8. Whether a Carbuncle (which is esteemed the best and biggest of Rubies) doth flame in the dark, or shine like a coal in the night, though generally agreed on by common Believers, is very much questioned by many. ByMilius, who accounts it a Vulgar Error:By the learnedBoetius, who could not find it verified in that famous one ofRodulphus, which was as big as an Egg, and esteemed the best inEurope. Wherefore although we dispute not the possibility, and the like is said to have been observed in some Diamonds, yet whether herein there be not too high an apprehension, and above its natural radiancy, is not without just doubt: however it be granted a very splendidGem, and whose sparks may somewhat resemble the glances of fire, and Metaphorically deserve that name. And therefore when it is conceived by some, that this Stone in the Brest-plate ofAaronrespected the Tribe ofDan, who burnt the City ofLaish; andSampsonof the same Tribe, who fired the Corn of thePhilistims; in some sense it may be admitted, and is no intollerable conception.
As for thatIndianStone that shined so brightly in the Night, and pretended to have been shewn to many in the Court ofFrance, asAndreus Chioccushath declared out ofThuanus, it proved but an imposture, as that eminent PhilosopherLicetusLicet de quæsit. per Epistolas.hath discovered, and therefore in the revised Editions ofThuanus, it is not to be found.Licet de lapide Bononiensi.As for thePhosphorusorBononianStone, which exposed unto the Sun, and then closely shut up, will afterward afford a light in the dark; it is of unlike consideration, for that requireth calcination or reduction into a dry powder by fire, whereby it imbibeth the light in the vaporous humidity of the air about it, and therefore maintaineth its light not long, but goes out when the vaporous vehicle is consumed.
9. Whether theÆtitesorEagle-stone hath that eminent property to promote delivery or restrain abortion, respectively applied to lower or upward parts ofthe body, we shall not discourage common practice by our question: but whether they answer the account thereof, as to be taken out ofEaglesnests, co-operating in Women unto such effects, as they are conceived toward the youngEagles: or whether the single signature of one stone included in the matrix and belly of another, were not sufficient at first, to derive this vertue of the pregnant Stone, upon others in impregnation, may yet be farther considered. Many sorts there are of this ratling Stone, beside theGeodes, containing a softer substance in it. Divers are found inEngland, and one we met with on the Sea-shore, but because many of eminent use are pretended to be brought fromIseland, wherein are divers airies ofEagles, we cannot omit to deliver what we received from a learned person in that Country,Theodorus Ionas Hitterdalæ Pastor.Ætites an in nidis Aquilarum aliquando fuerit repertus, nescio. Nostra certè memoria, etiam inquirentibus non contigit invenisse, quare in fabulis habendum.
10. Terrible apprehensions and answerable unto their names, are raised ofFayriestones, andElvesspurs, found commonly with us in Stone, Chalk, and Marl-pits, which notwithstanding are no more thanEchinometritesandBelemnites, the Sea-Hedge-Hog, and theDart-stone, arising from some siliceous Roots, and softer then that of Flint, the Master-stone, lying more regularly in courses, and arising from the primary and strongest spirit of the Mine. Of theEchinites, such as are found in Chalk-pits are white, glassie, and built upon a Chalky inside; some of an hard and flinty substance, are found in Stone-pits and elsewhere. Common opinion commendeth them for the Stone, but are most practically used against Films in Horses eyes.
11. Lastly, He must have more heads thanRomehad Hills, that makes out half of those vertues ascribed unto stones, and their not only Medical, but Magical proprieties, which are to be found in Authors of great Name. InPsellus,Serapion,Evax,Albertus,Aleazar,Marbodeus; inMaiolus,Rueus,Mylius, and many more.
ThatLapis Lasulihath in it a purgative faculty we know;Against poison.thatBezoaris Antidotal,Provoking Urine.Lapis Judaicusdiuretical,Against the Falling sickness.CoralAntepileptical, we will not deny. ThatCornelians,Jaspis,Heliotropes, and Blood-stones, may be of vertue to those intentions they are implied, experience and visible effects will make us grant. But that anAmethystprevents inebriation, that anEmeraldwill break if worn in copulation. That aDiamondlaid under the pillow, will betray the incontinency of a wife. That aSaphireis preservative against inchantments; that the fume of anAgathwill avert a tempest, or the wearing of aCrysoprasemake one out love with Gold; as some have delivered, we are yet, I confess, to believe, and in that infidelity are likely to end our days. And therefore, they which in the explication of the two Beryls upon theEphod, or the twelve stones in the Rational or Brest-plate ofAaron, or those twelve which garnished the wall of the holy City in the Apocalyps, have drawn their significations from such as these; or declared their symbolical verities from such traditional falsities, have surely corrupted the sincerity of their Analogies, or misunderstood the mystery of their intentions.
Most men conceive that the twelve stones inAaronsbrestplate made a Jewel surpassing any, and not to be parallel'd; which notwithstanding will hardly be made out from the description of the Text, for the names of the Tribes were engraven thereon, which must notablyabate their lustre. Beside, it is not clear made out that the best of Gemms, a Diamond was amongst them; nor is to be found in the list thereof, set down by theJerusalem Thargum, wherein we find the darker stones ofSardius,Sardonix, andJasper; and if we receive them under those names wherein they are usually described, it is not hard to contrive a more illustrious and splendent Jewel. But being not ordained for meer lustre by diaphanous and pure tralucencies, their mysterious significations became more considerable then their Gemmary substances; and those no doubt did nobly answer the intention of the Institutor. Beside some may doubt whether there be twelve distinct species of noble tralucent Gemms in nature, at least yet known unto us, and such as may not be referred unto some of those in high esteem among us, which come short of the number of twelve; which to make up we must find out some others to match and join with the Diamond,Beryl,Saphyr,Emerald,Amethyst,Topaz,Crysolit,Jacynth,Ruby, and if we may admit it in this number, the Oriental Gianat.
Of sundry Tenets concerning Vegetables or Plants, which examined, prove either false or dubious.
1. Many Mola's and false conceptions there are ofMandrakes, the first from great Antiquity, conceiveth the Root thereof resembleth the shape of Man; which is a conceit not to be made out by ordinary inspection, or any other eyes,then such as regarding the Clouds, behold them in shapes conformable to pre-apprehensions.
Now whatever encouraged the first invention, there have not been wanting many ways of its promotion. The first a Catachrestical and far derived similitude it holds with Man; that is, in a bifurcation or division of the Root into two parts, which some are content to call Thighs; whereas notwithstanding they are oft-times three, and when but two, commonly so complicated and crossed, that men for this deceit are fain to effect their design in other plants; And as fair a resemblance is often found inCarrots,Parsnips,Briony, and many others. There are, I confess, divers Plants which carry about them not only the shape of parts, but also of whole Animals, but surely not all thereof, unto whom this conformity is imputed. Whoever shall peruse the signatures ofCrollius, or rather the Phytognomy ofPorta, and strictly observe how vegetable Realities are commonly forced into Animal Representations, may easily perceive in very many, the semblance is but postulatory, and must have a more assimilating phansie then mine to make good many thereof.
Illiterate heads have been led on by the nameΜάνδρα, Spelunca., which in the first syllable expresseth its Representation; but others have better observed the Laws ofEtymology, and deduced it from a word of the same language, because it delighteth to grow in obscure and shady places; which derivation, although we shall not stand to maintain, yet the other seemeth answerable unto the Etymologies of many Authors, who often confound such nominal Notations. Not to enquire beyond our own profession, the Latine Physitians which most adhered unto theArabickway, have often failed herein; particularlyValescus de Tarranta,In the old Edition.a received Physitian,in whosePhiloniumor Medical practice these may be observed:Diarhea, saith he,Quia pluries venit in die. Herisepela, quasi hærens pilis, Emorrohis, ab emach sanguis & morrohis quod est cadere. Lithargia à Litos quod est oblivio & Targus morbus, Scotomia à Scotus quod est videre, & mias musca. Opthalmia ab opus Græce quod est succus, & Talmon quod est occulus. Paralisis, quasi læsio partis. Fistula à fos sonus & stolon quod est emissio, quasi emissio soni vel vocis.Which are derivations as strange indeed as the other, and hardly to be parallel'd elsewhere; confirming not only the words of one language with another, but creating such as were never yet in any.
The received distinction and common Notation by Sexes, hath also promoted the conceit; for true it is, thatHerbalistsfrom ancient times have thus distinguished them, naming that the Male, whose leaves are lighter, and Fruit and Apples rounder; but this is properly no generative division, but rather some note of distinction in colour, figure or operation. For thoughEmpedoclesaffirm, there is a mixt, and undivided Sex in Vegetables; andScaligeruponAristotleDe Plantis., doth favourably explain that opinion; yet will it not consist with the common and ordinary acception, nor yet withAristotlesdefinition. For if that be Male which generates in another, that Female which procreates in it self; if it be understood of Sexes conjoined, all Plants are Female; and if of disjoined and congressive generation, there is no Male or Female in them at all.
The impostures touching the Root of Mandrake.
But the Atlas or main Axis which supported this opinion, was dayly experience, and the visible testimony of sense. For many there are in several parts ofEurope, who carry about Roots and sell them untoignorant people, which handsomely make out the shape of Man or Woman. But these are not productions of Nature, but contrivances of Art, as divers have noted, andMathiolusplainly detected, who learned this way of Trumpery from a vagabond cheater lying under his cure for the French disease. His words were these, and may determine the point,Sed profecto vanum & fabulosum, etc.But this is vain and fabulous, which ignorant people, and simple women believe; for the roots which are carried about by impostors to deceive unfruitful women, are made of the roots of Canes, Briony and other plants: for in these yet fresh and virent, they carve out the figures of men and women, first sticking therein the grains of Barley or Millet, where they intend the hair should grow; then bury them in sand until the grains shoot forth their roots, which at the longest will happen in twenty days; they afterward clip and trim those tender strings in the fashion of beards and other hairy tegument. All which like other impostures once discovered is easily effected, and in the root of whiteBrionymay be practised every spring.
What is therefore delivered in favour thereof, by Authors ancient or modern, must have its root in tradition, imposture, far derived similitude, or casual and rare contingency. So may we admit of the Epithet ofPythagoras, who calls itAnthropomorphusOrchis Anthropomorphus cujus Icon in Kircheri Magia parastatica.; and that ofColumella, who terms itSemihomo; more appliable unto the Man-Orchis, whose flower represents a Man. Thus isAlbertusto be received when he affirmeth, thatMandrakesrepresent man-kind with the distinction of either Sex.De mandragora.Under these restrictions may those Authors be admitted, which for this opinion are introduced byDrusius; nor shall we need toquestion the monstrous root ofBrionydescribed inAldrovandusDe monstris..
Generations equivocal, are yet commonly regular and of a determinate form or species.
The second assertion concerneth its production. That it naturally groweth under Gallowses and places of execution, arising from fat or urine that drops from the body of the dead; a story somewhat agreeable unto the fable of the Serpents teeth sowed in the earth byCadmus; or rather the birth ofOrionfrom the urine ofJupiter,Mercury, andNeptune. Now this opinion seems grounded on the former, that is, a conceived similitude it hath with man; and therefore from him in some way they would make out its production: Which conceit is not only erroneous in the foundation, but injurious unto Philosophy in the superstruction. Making putrifactive generations, correspondent unto seminal productions, and conceiving in equivocal effects and univocal conformity unto the efficient. Which is so far from being verified of animals in their corruptive mutations into Plants, that they maintain not this similitude in their nearer translation into animals. So when the Oxe corrupteth into Bees, or the Horse into Hornets, they come not forth in the image of their originals. So the corrupt and excrementous humours in man are animated into Lice; and we may observe, that Hogs, Sheep, Goats, Hawks, Hens, and others, have one peculiar and proper kind of vermine; not resembling themselves according to seminal conditions, yet carrying a setled and confined habitude unto their corruptive originals. And therefore come not forth in generations erratical, or different from each other; but seem specifically and in regular shapes to attend the corruption of their bodies, as do more perfect conceptions, the rule of seminal productions.
The third affirmeth the roots ofMandrakesdo makea noise, or give a shriek upon eradication; which is indeed ridiculous, and false below confute: arising perhaps from a small and stridulous noise, which being firmly rooted, it maketh upon divulsion of parts. A slender foundation for such a vast conception: for such a noise we sometime observe in other Plants, in Parsenips, Liquorish, Eringium, Flags, and others.
The last concerneth the danger ensuing, That there follows an hazard of life to them that pull it up, that some evil fate pursues them, and they live not very long after. Therefore the attempt hereof among the Ancients, was not in ordinary way; but asPlinyinformeth, when they intended to take up the root of this Plant, they took the wind thereof, and with a sword describing three circles about it, they digged it up, looking toward theWest. A conceit not only injurious unto truth, and confutable by daily experience, but somewhat derogatory unto the providence of God; that is, not only to impose so destructive a quality on any Plant, but to conceive a Vegetable, whose parts are useful unto many, should in the only taking up prove mortal unto any. To think he suffereth the poison ofNubiaGranum Nubiæ.to be gathered,Napellus,Aconite, andThora, to be eradicated, yet this not to be moved. That he permitteth Arsenick and mineral poisons to be forced from the bowels of the Earth, yet not this from the surface thereof. This were to introduce a second forbidden fruit, and inhance the first malediction, making it not only mortal forAdamto taste the one, but capital unto his posterity to eradicate or dig up the other.
Now what begot, at least promoted so strange conceptions, might be the magical opinion hereof; this being conceived the Plant so much in use withCirce,and therefore namedCircea, asDioscoridesandTheophrastushave delivered, which being the eminent Sorcerers of elder story, and by the magick of simples believed to have wrought many wonders: some men were apt to invent, others to believe any tradition or magical promise thereof.
Analogousrelations concerning other plants, and such as are of near affinity unto this, have made its currant smooth, and pass more easily among us. For the same effect is also delivered byJosephus, concerning the rootBaaras; byÆlianofCynospastus; and we read inHomerthe very same opinion concerning Moly,
Μῶλυ δέ μιν καλέουσι θεοί· χαλεπὸν δέ τ' ὀρύσσεινἈνδράσι γε θνητοῖσι· θεοὶ δέ τε πάντα δύνανται.The Gods it Moly call, whose Root to dig away,Is dangerous unto Man; but Gods, they all things may.
Μῶλυ δέ μιν καλέουσι θεοί· χαλεπὸν δέ τ' ὀρύσσεινἈνδράσι γε θνητοῖσι· θεοὶ δέ τε πάντα δύνανται.The Gods it Moly call, whose Root to dig away,Is dangerous unto Man; but Gods, they all things may.
Μῶλυ δέ μιν καλέουσι θεοί· χαλεπὸν δέ τ' ὀρύσσεινἈνδράσι γε θνητοῖσι· θεοὶ δέ τε πάντα δύνανται.
Μῶλυ δέ μιν καλέουσι θεοί· χαλεπὸν δέ τ' ὀρύσσειν
Ἀνδράσι γε θνητοῖσι· θεοὶ δέ τε πάντα δύνανται.
The Gods it Moly call, whose Root to dig away,Is dangerous unto Man; but Gods, they all things may.
The Gods it Moly call, whose Root to dig away,
Is dangerous unto Man; but Gods, they all things may.
Now parallels or like relations alternately relieve each other, when neither will pass asunder, yet are they plausible together; their mutual concurrences supporting their solitary instabilities.
Signaturists have somewhat advanced it; who seldom omitting what Ancients delivered; drawing into inference received distinction of sex, not willing to examine its humane resemblance; and placing it in the form of strange and magical simples, have made men suspect there was more therein, then ordinary practice allowed; and so became apt to embrace whatever they heard or read conformable unto such conceptions.
Lastly, The conceit promoteth it self: for concerning an effect whose trial must cost so dear, it fortifies it self in that invention; and few there are whose experiment it need to fear. For (what is most contemptible) although not only the reason of any head,but experience of every hand may well convict it, yet will it not by divers be rejected; for prepossessed heads will ever doubt it, and timorous beliefs will never dare to trie it. So these Traditions how low and ridiculous soever, will find suspition in some, doubt in others, and serve as tests or trials of Melancholy and superstitious tempers for ever.
That Cinamon, Ginger, Clove, etc., are not of the same tree.
2. That Cinamon, Ginger, Clove, Mace, and Nutmeg, are but the several parts and fruits of the same tree, is the common belief of those which daily use them. Whereof to speak distinctly, Ginger is the root of neither Tree nor Shrub, but of an herbaceous Plant, resembling the Water Flower-De-luce, asGarciasfirst described; or rather the common Reed, asLobeliussince affirmed. Very common in many parts ofIndia, growing either from Root or Seed, which inDecemberandJanuarythey take up, and gently dried, roll it up in earth, whereby occluding the pores, they conserve the natural humidity, and so prevent corruption.
Cinamon is the inward bark of a Cinamon Tree, whereof the best is brought fromZeilan; this freed from the outward bark, and exposed unto the Sun, contracts into those folds wherein we commonly receive it. If it have not a sufficient isolation it looketh pale, and attains not its laudable colour; if it be sunned too long, it suffereth a torrefaction, and descendeth somewhat below it.
Clove seems to be either the rudiment of a fruit, or the fruit it self growing upon the Clove tree, to be found but in few Countries. The most commendable is that of the Isles ofMolucca; it is first white, afterward green, which beaten down, and dried in the Sun, becometh black, and in the complexion we receive it.
Nutmeg is the fruit of a Tree differing from all these,and asGarciasdescribeth it, somewhat like a Peach; growing in divers places, but fructifying in the Isle ofBanda, The fruit hereof consisteth of four parts; the first or outward part is a thick and carnous covering like that of a Wal-nut. The second a dry and flosculous coat, commonly called Mace. The third a harder tegument or shell, which lieth under the Mace. The fourth a Kernel included in the shell, which is the same we call Nutmeg. All which both in their parts and order of disposure, are easily discerned in those fruits, which are brought in preserves unto us.
Now if because Mace and Nutmegs proceed from one Tree, the rest must bear them company; or because they are all from theEast Indies, they are all from one Plant: the Inference is precipitous, nor will there such a Plant be found in the Herbal of Nature.
What the Misseltoe in some Trees is.
3. That Viscus Arboreus or Misseltoe is bred upon Trees, from seeds which Birds, especially Thrushes and Ring-doves let fall thereon, was the Creed of the Ancients, and is still believed among us, is the account of its production, set down byPliny, delivered byVirgil, and subscribed by many more. If so, some reason must be assigned, why it groweth onely upon certain Trees, and not upon many whereon these Birds do light. For as Exotick observers deliver, it groweth upon Almond-trees, Chesnut, Apples, Oaks, and Pine-trees. As we observe inEnglandvery commonly upon Apple, Crabs, and White-thorn; sometimes upon Sallow, Hazel, and Oak: rarely upon Ash, Lime-tree, and Maple; never, that I could observe, upon Holly, Elm, and many more. Why it groweth not in all Countries and places where these Birds are found; for soBrassavolusaffirmeth, it is not to be found in the Territory ofFerrara, and was fain to supply himselffrom other parts ofItaly. Why if it ariseth from a seed, if sown it will not grow again, asPlinyaffirmeth, and as by setting the Berries thereof, we have in vain attempted its production; why if it cometh from seed that falleth upon the tree, it groweth often downwards, and puts forth under the bough, where seed can neither fall nor yet remain. Hereof beside some others, the LordVerulamhath taken notice. And they surely speak probably who make it an arboreous excrescence, or rather superplant, bred of a viscous and superfluous sap which the tree it self cannot assimilate. And therefore sprouteth not forth in boughs and surcles of the same shape, and similary unto the Tree that beareth it; but in a different form, and secondary unto its specified intention, wherein once failing, another form succeedeth: and in the first place that of Misseltoe, in Plants and Trees disposed to its production. And therefore also where ever it groweth, it is of constant shape, and maintains a regular figure; like other supercrescences, and such as living upon the stock of others, are termed parasitical Plants, as Polypody, Moss, the smaller Capillaries, and many more: So that several regions produce several Misseltoes;Indiaone,Americaanother, according to the law and rule of their degenerations.
Now what begot this conceit, might be the enlargement of some part of truth contained in its story. For certain it is, that some Birds do feed upon the berries of this Vegetable, and we meet inAristotlewith one kind of Trush called the Missel TrushἸξόβορος., or feeder upon Misseltoe. But that which hath most promoted it, is a received proverb,Turdus sibi malum cacat; appliable unto such men as are authors of their own misfortunes. For according unto ancient tradition andPliniesrelation, the Bird not able to digest the fruit whereon she feedeth; from her inconverted muting ariseth this Plant, of the Berries whereof Birdlime is made, wherewith she is after entangled. But although Proverbs be popular principles, yet is not all true that is proverbial; and in many thereof, there being one thing delivered, and another intended; though the verbal expression be false, the Proverb is true enough in the verity of its intention.
Paganish superstition about the Misseltoe of the Oak.
As for the Magical vertues in this Plant, and conceived efficacy unto veneficial intentions, it seemeth aPaganrelique derived from the ancientDruides, the great admirers of the Oak, especially the Misseltoe that grew thereon; which according unto the particular ofPliny, they gathered with great solemnity. For after sacrifice the Priest in a white garment ascended the tree, cut down the Misseltoe with a golden hook, and received it in a white coat; the vertue whereof was to resist all poisons, and make fruitful any that used it. Vertues not expected from Classical practice; and did they fully answer their promise which are so commended, in Epileptical intentions, we would abate these qualities. Country practice hath added another, to provoke the after-birth, and in that case the decoction is given unto Cows. That the Berries are poison as some conceive, we are so far from averring, that we have safely given them inwardly; and can confirm the experiment ofBrassavolus, that they have some purgative quality.
4. The Rose ofJericho, that flourishes every year just about Christmas Eve, is famous in Christian reports; which notwithstanding we have some reason to doubt, and are plainly informed byBellonius, it is but a Monastical imposture, as he hath delivered in hisobservations, concerning the Plants inJericho. That which promoted the conceit, or perhaps begot its continuance, was a propriety in this Plant. For though it be dry, yet will it upon imbibition of moisture dilate its leaves, and explicate its flowers contracted, and seemingly dried up. And this is to be effected not only in the Plant yet growing, but in some manner also in that which is brought exuccous and dry unto us. Which quality being observed, the subtilty of contrivers did commonly play this shew upon the Eve of our Saviours Nativity, when by drying the Plant again, it closed the next day, and so pretended a double mystery: referring unto the opening and closing of the womb ofMary.
There wanted not a specious confirmation from a text inEcclesiasticusCap. 24., Quasi palma exultata sum in Cades, & quasi plantatio Rosæ in Jericho: I was exalted like a Palm-tree inEngaddi, and as a Rose inJericho. The sound whereof in common ears, begat an extraordinary opinion of the Rose of that denomination. But herein there seemeth a mistake: for by the Rose in the Text, is implied the true and proper Rose, as first the Greekφύτα τοῦ ῥόδου., and ours accordingly rendreth it. But that which passeth under this name, and by us is commonly called the Rose ofJericho, is properly no Rose, but a small thorny shrub or kind of Heath, bearing little white flowers, far differing from the Rose; whereofBelloniusa very inquisitiveHerbalist, could not find any in his travels thorowJericho. A Plant so unlike a Rose, it hath been mistaken by some goodSimplistforAmomum; which truly understood is so unlike a Rose, that asDioscoridesdelivers, the flowers thereof are like the white Violet, and its leaves resembleBriony.
Suitable unto this relation almost in all points isthat of the Thorn atGlassenbury, and perhaps the daughter hereof; herein our endeavours as yet have not attained satisfaction, and cannot therefore enlarge. Thus much in general we may observe, that strange effects are naturally taken for miracles by weaker heads, and artificially improved to that apprehension by wiser. Certainly many precocious Trees, and such as spring in the Winter, may be found in most parts ofEurope, and divers also inEngland.Such a Thorn there is inParham Parkin Suffolk, and elsewhere.For most Trees do begin to sprout in the Fall of the leaf or Autumn, and if not kept back by cold and outward causes, would leaf about the Solstice. Now if it happen that any be so strongly constituted, as to make this good against the power of Winter, they may produce their leaves or blossoms in that season. And perform that in some singles, which is observable in whole kinds; as inIvy, which blossoms and bears at least twice a year, and once in the Winter; as also inFurz, which flowereth in that season.
5. Thatferrum Equinum, orSferra Cavallohath a vertue attractive of Iron, a power to break locks, and draw off the shoes of a Horse that passeth over it; whether you take it for one kind ofSecuridaca, or will also take inLunaria, we know it to be false: and cannot but wonder atMathiolus, who upon a parallel inPlinywas staggered into suspension. Who notwithstanding in the imputed vertue to open things, close and shut up, could laugh himself at that promise from the herbÆthiopisorÆthiopianmullen; and condemn the judgment ofScipio, who having such a picklock, would spend so many years in battering the Gates ofCarthage. Which strange and Magical conceit, seems to have no deeper root in reason, then the figure of its seed; for therein indeed it somewhat resembles aHorse-shoe; which notwithstandingBaptista Portahath thought too low a signification, and raised the same unto a Lunary representation.
How Beer and Wine come to be spoiled by Lightning.
6. ThatBayeswill protect from the mischief of Lightning and Thunder, is a quality ascribed thereto, common with the Fig-tree, Eagle, and skin of a Seal. Against so famous a quality,Vicomercatusproduceth experiment of a Bay-tree blasted inItaly. And therefore althoughTiberiusfor this intent, did wear a Lawrel upon his Temples, yet didAugustustake a more probable course, who fled under arches and hollow vaults for protection. And thoughPortaconceive, because in a streperous eruption, it riseth against fire, it doth therefore resist lightning, yet is that no emboldning Illation. And if we consider the threefold effect ofJupitersTrisulk, to burn, discuss, and terebrate; and if that be true which is commonly delivered, that it will melt the blade, yet pass the scabbard; kill the child, yet spare the mother; dry up the wine, yet leave the hogshead entire: though it favour the amulet, it may not spare us; it will be unsure to rely on any preservative, 'tis no security to be dipped in Styx, or clad in the armour ofCeneus. Now that Beer, Wine, and other liquors, are spoiled with lightning and thunder, we conceive it proceeds not onely from noise and concussion of the air, but also noxious spirits, which mingle therewith, and draw them to corruption; whereby they become not only dead themselves, but sometime deadly unto others, as that whichSenecamentioneth; whereof whosoever drank, either lost his life, or else his wits upon it.
How drinks intoxicate or overcome men.
7. It hath much deceived the hope of good fellows, what is commonly expected of bitter Almonds, and though inPlutarchconfirmed from the practice ofClaudiushis Physitian, that Antidote against ebriety hath commonly failed. Surely men much versed in the practice do err in the theory of inebriation; conceiving in that disturbance the brain doth only suffer from exhalations and vaporous ascensions from the stomack, which fat and oyly substances may suppress. Whereas the prevalent intoxication is from the spirits of drink dispersed into the veins and arteries, from whence by common conveyances they creep into the brain, insinuate into its ventricles, and beget those vertigoes accompanying that perversion. And therefore the same effect may be produced by a Glister, the Head may be intoxicated by a medicine at the Heel. So the poisonous bites of Serpents, although on parts at distance from the head, yet having entered the veins, disturb the animal faculties, and produce the effects of drink, or poison swallowed. And so as the Head may be disturbed by the skin, it may the same way be relieved; as is observable in balneations, washings, and fomentations, either of the whole body, or of that part alone.
1. Few ears have escaped the noise of the Dead-watch, that is, the little clickling sound heard often in many rooms, somewhat resembling that of a Watch; and this is conceived to be of an evil omen or prediction of some persons death: wherein notwithstanding there isnothing of rational presage or just cause of terrour unto melancholy and meticulous heads. For this noise is made by a little sheath-winged gray Insect found often in Wainscot, Benches, and Wood-work, in the Summer. We have taken many thereof, and kept them in thin boxes, wherein I have heard and seen them work and knack with a littleproboscisor trunk against the side of the box, likeApicus Martius, or Woodpecker against a tree. It worketh best in warm weather, and for the most part giveth not over under nine or eleven stroaks at a time. He that could extinguish the terrifying apprehensions hereof, might prevent the passions of the heart, and many cold sweats in Grandmothers and Nurses, who in the sickness of children, are so startled with these noises.
2. The presage of the year succeeding, which is commonly made from Insects or little Animals in Oak apples, according to the kinds thereof, either Maggot, Fly, or Spider; that is, of Famine, War, or Pestilence; whether we mean that woody excrescence, which shooteth from the branch aboutMay, or that round and Apple-like accretion which groweth under the leaf about the latter end of Summer, is I doubt too distinct, nor verifiable from event.
For Flies and Maggots are found every year, very seldom Spiders: AndHelmontaffirmeth he could never find the Spider and the Fly upon the same Trees, that is the signs of War and Pestilence, which often go together: Beside, that the Flies found were at first Maggots, experience hath informed us; for keeping these excrescencies, we have observed their conversions, beholding in Magnifying Glasses the daily progression thereof. As may be also observed in other Vegetable excretions, whose Maggots do terminate in Flies of constant shapes; as in the Nutgalls of the Out-landish Oak, and the Mossie tuft of the wild Briar; which having gathered inNovemberwe have found the little Maggots which lodged in wooden Cells allWinter, to turn into Flies inJune.
Abundance of Flies, Maggots, etc., what may they naturally signifie.
We confess the opinion may hold some verity in the Analogy, or Emblematical phansie. For Pestilence is properly signified by the Spider, whereof some kinds are of a very venemous Nature. Famine by Maggots, which destroy the fruits of the Earth. And War not improperly by the Fly; if we rest in the phansie ofHomer, who compares the valiantGrecianunto a Fly.
Some verity it may also have in it self, as truly declaring the corruptive constitution in the present sap and nutrimental juice of the Tree; and may consequently discover the disposition of that year, according to the plenty or kinds of these productions. For if the putrifying juices of bodies bring forth plenty of Flies and Maggots, they give forth testimony of common corruption, and declare that the Elements are full of the seeds of putrifaction, as the great number of Caterpillars, Gnats, and ordinary Insects do also declare. If they run into Spiders, they give signs of higher putrifaction, as plenty of Vipers and Scorpions are confessed to do; the putrifying Materials producing Animals of higher mischiefs, according to the advance and higher strain of corruption.
3. Whether all Plants have seed, were more easily determinable, if we could conclude concerning Harts-tongue, Fern, the Caterpillaries, Lunaria, and some others. But whether those little dusty particles, upon the lower side of the leaves, be seeds and seminal parts; or rather, as it is commonly conceived, excremental separations, we have not as yet been able to determineby any germination or univocal production from them when they have been sowed on purpose: but having set the roots of Harts tongue in a garden, a year or two after there came up three or four of the same Plants, about two yards distance from the first. Thus much we observe, that they seem to renew yearly, and come not fully out till the Plant be in his vigour: and by the help of Magnifying Glasses we find these dusty Atoms to be round at first, and fully representing seeds, out of which at last proceed little Mites almost invisible; so that such as are old stand open, as being emptied of some bodies formerly included; which though discernable in Harts-tongue, is more notoriously discoverable in some differencies of Brake or Fern.
But exquisite Microscopes and Magnifying Glasses have at last cleared this doubt, whereby also long ago the nobleFredericus Cæsiusbeheld the dusts of Polypody as bigg as Pepper corns; and asJohannes Fabertestifieth, made draughts on Paper of such kind of seeds, as bigg as his Glasses represented them: and set down such Plants under the Classis ofHerbæ Tergifætæ, as may be observed in his notable Botanical Tables.
4. Whether the sap of Trees runs down to the roots in Winter, whereby they become naked and grow not; or whether they do not cease to draw any more, and reserve so much as sufficeth for conservation, is not a point indubitable. For we observe, that most Trees, as though they would be perpetually green, do bud at the Fall of the leaf, although they sprout not much forward untill the Spring, and warmer weather approacheth; and many Trees maintain their leaves all Winter, although they seem to receive very small advantage in their growth. But that the sap doth powerfully rise in the Spring, to repair that moisturewhereby they barely subsisted in the Winter, and also to put the Plant in a capacity of fructification: he that hath beheld how many gallons of water may in a small time be drawn from a Birch-tree in the Spring, hath slender reason to doubt.
5. ThatCamphireEunuchates, or begets in Men an impotency unto Venery, observation will hardly confirm; and we have found it to fail in Cocks and Hens, though given for many days; which was a more favourable trial then that ofScaliger, when he gave it unto a Bitch that was proud. For the instant turgescence is not to be taken off, but by Medicines of higher Natures; and with any certainty but one way that we know, which notwithstanding, by suppressing that natural evacuation, may encline unto Madness, if taken in the Summer.
6. In the History of Prodigies we meet with many showrs of Wheat; how true or probable, we have not room to debate. Only thus much we shall not omit to inform, That what was this year found in many places, and almost preached for Wheat rained from the clouds, was but the seed of Ivy-berries, which somewhat represent it; and though it were found in Steeples and high places, might be conveyed thither, or muted out by Birds: for many feed thereon, and in the crops of some we have found no less then three ounces.
7. That every plant might receive a Name according unto the disease it cureth, was the wish ofParacelsus. A way more likely to multiply Empiricks then Herbalists; yet what is practised by many is advantagious unto neither; that is, relinquishing their proper appellations to re-baptize them by the name of Saints, Apostles, Patriarchs, and Martyrs, to call this the herb ofJohn, that ofPeter, this ofJames, orJoseph, that ofMaryorBarbara. For hereby apprehensions are made additional unto their proper Natures; whereon superstitious practices ensue, and stories are framed accordingly to make good their foundations.
8. We cannot omit to declare the gross mistake of many in the Nominal apprehension of Plants; to instance but in few. An herb there is commonly calledBetonica Pauli, orPauls Betony; hereof the People have some conceit in reference to St.Paul; whereas indeed that name is derived fromPaulus Ægineta, an ancient Physitian ofÆgina, and is no more then Speed-well, orFluellen. The like expectations are raised fromHerba Trinitatis; which notwithstanding obtaineth that name from the figure of its leaves, and is one kind of Liverwort, orHepatica. InMilium Solis, the Epithete of the Sun hath enlarged its opinion; which hath indeed no reference thereunto, it being no more thenLithospermon, orGrummel, or ratherMilium Soler; which asSerapionfromAben Julielhath taught us, because it grew plentifully in the Mountains ofSoler, received that appellation.Why the Jews ear is used for sore Throats.In Jews-ears something is conceived extraordinary from the Name, which is in propriety butFungus sambucinus, or an excrescence about the Roots of Elder, and concerneth not the Nation of theJews, butJudas Iscariot, upon a conceit, he hanged on this Tree; and is become a famous Medicine in Quinsies, sore Throats, and strangulations ever since. And so are they deceived in the name of Horse-Raddish, Horse-Mint, Bull-rush, and many more: conceiving therein some prenominal consideration, whereas indeed that expression is but a Grecism, by the prefix ofHipposandBous, that is, Horse and Bull, intending no more then Great. According whereto the great Dock is calledHippolapathum; and he that calls the Horse ofAlexander,Great-head, expresseth the same which theGreeksdo inBucephalus.
9. Lastly, Many things are delivered and believed of other Plants, wherein at least we cannot but suspend. That there is a property inBasilto propagate Scorpions, and that by the smell thereof they are bred in the brains of men, is much advanced byHollerius, who found this Insect in the brains of a man that delighted much in this smell. Wherein beside that we find no way to conjoin the effect unto the cause assigned; herein the Moderns speak but timorously, and some of the Ancients quite contrarily. For, according untoOribasius, Physitian untoJulian, TheAffricans, Men best experienced in poisons, affirm, whosoever hath eatenBasil, although he be stung with a Scorpion, shall feel no pain thereby: which is a very different effect, and rather antidotally destroying, then seminally promoting its production.
That the leaves ofCatapuciaor Spurge, being plucked upward or downward, respectively perform their operations by Purge or Vomit, as some have written, and old wives still do preach, is a strange conceit, ascribing unto Plants positional operations, and after the manner of the Loadstone; upon the Pole whereof if a Knife be drawn from the handle unto the point, it will take up a Needle; but if drawn again from the point to the handle, it will attract it no more.
That Cucumbers are no commendable fruits, that being very waterish, they fill the veins with crude and windy serosities; that containing little Salt or spirit, they may also debilitate the vital acidity, and fermental faculty of the Stomach, we readily concede. But that they should be so cold, as be almost poison by thatquality, it will be hard to allow, without the contradiction ofGalenIn his Anatomia Sambuci.: who accounteth them cold but in the second degree, and in that Classis have most Physitians placed them.
That Elder Berries are poison, as we are taught by tradition, experience will unteach us. And beside the promises ofBlochwitius, the healthful effects thereof daily observed will convict us.
That an Ivy Cup will separate Wine from Water, if filled with both, the Wine soaking through, but the Water still remaining, as afterPlinymany have averred, we know not how to affirm; who making trial thereof, found both the liquors to soak indistinctly through the bowl.
That Sheep do often get the Rot, by feeding in boggy grounds whereRos-solisgroweth, seems beyond dispute. That this herb is the cause thereof, Shepherds affirm and deny; whether it hath a cordial vertue by sudden refection, sensible experiment doth hardly confirm, but that it may have a Balsamical and resumptive Vertue, whereby it becomes a good Medicine in Catarrhes and Consumptive dispositions, Practice and Reason conclude. That the lentous drops upon it are not extraneous, and rather an exudation from it self, then a rorid concretion from without, beside other grounds, we have reason to conceive; for having kept the Roots moist and earthed in close chambers, they have, though in lesser plenty, sent out these drops as before.
ThatFlos Affricanusis poison, and destroyeth Dogs, in two experiments we have not found.
That Yew and the Berries thereof are harmless, we know.
That a Snake will not endure the shade of an Ash,we can deny. Nor is it inconsiderable what is affirmed byBelloniusLib. 1 observat.; for if his Assertion be true, our apprehension is oftentimes wide in ordinary simples, and in common use we mistake one for another. We know not the true Thyme; the Savourie in our Gardens is not that commended of old; and that kind of Hysop the Ancients used, is unknown unto us, who make great use of another.
We omit to recite the many Vertues, and endless faculties ascribed unto Plants, which sometime occur in grave and serious Authors; and we shall make a bad transaction for truth to concede a verity in half. To reckon up all, it were employment forArchimedes, who undertook to write the number of the Sands. Swarms of others there are, some whereof our future endeavours may discover; common reason I hope will save us a labour in many: Whose absurdities stand naked unto every eye; Errours not able to deceive the Embleme of Justice, and need noArgusto descry them. Herein there surely wants expurgatory animadversions, whereby we might strike out great numbers of hidden qualities; and having once a serious and conceded list, we might with more encouragement and safety attempt their Reasons.
The first shall be of the Elephant, whereof there generally passeth an opinion it hath no joints; and this absurdity is seconded with another, that being unable to lie down, it sleepeth against a Tree; which the Hunters observing, do saw it almost asunder; whereon the Beast relying, by the fall of the Tree, falls also down it self, and is able to rise no more. Which conceit is not the daughter of later times, but an old and gray-headed error, even in the days ofAristotle, as he delivereth in his Book,De incessu Animalium, and stands successively related by several other authors: byDiodorus Siculus,Strabo,Ambrose,Cassiodore,Solinus, and many more. Now herein methinks men much forget themselves, not well considering the absurdity of such assertions.