The book of degrees, part 3 of 5

CHAP. V.

HItherto we have spoken of […], now for Laxatives and their degrees: therefore first of all us to be observed, that that division or distinction by which Laxatives are divided into four Natures, is not to be observed in this place, the which (forsooth) are described on this wife, according to the ancient custom: Colequintida, and Scammony, purge Choller. Turbith and Ellebor, Phlegme. Manna, and Capillus Veneris, the Blood, Lapis Lazuli, and black Ellebor, Melancholly. Besides, some things there are which drive out a yellowish, or yelky Choller: Others, an Eruginous: Others a yellowish cittrine Hydropical Water: And others of that kind there be which are elsewhere described, which with us are unworthy of credit, and that on this account, Because the former things operate by (alias, upon) the peccant matter, even in any kinds of Diseases whatsoever: And by this Sentiment or Rule, the innate Disposition of Coloquintida is to provoke to stool, where there is Melancholly. So Turbith stirs up stools not unlike to slyme, even in choller; and so is it with the others. Wherefore that Judgement concerning the colours of the Stools or Excrements, is not to be taken from the Nature of the Disease, but rather from that which stirs up the stools. Moreover, although the Stools or Excrements do sometimes make an Exit, or outpu[…]s, according to the disposition, & by the reason of the sickness from which they are produced; yet 'tis to be considered without difference, with, or in what Purgations these stools are to be stopped, vlz. not according to the nature of the four Humours, but rather according to the nature of the four Degrees which do more powerfully stop the belly. O great Alaoscopy, by which men determine to call that in question which could not by any means be apprehended, as shall be the more clearly evidenced beneath, when we speake of Stools.

CHAP VI.

LIke as I have made mention of the Degrees of Laxatives in the former chapters, so in this place do I rehearse the same things, whereby they may take the deeper Impression in your minda, viz. that Laxatives do not wholly observe the degrees of the four Elements, but have mixt degrees, without any respect to the Elements: Wherefore the Nature of the Disease is to be the more diligently look't into, least von do too rashly abuse Comfortatives in healing a Disease: but rather order and accommodate it so, that it may on every side square with the nature of the disease, and that thou maist. in what place soever, apply a degree to the disease. But lest we should (in this place) rush into this order of purging, with unwasht hands, as the proverb goes; this is the Work, and this is the Labour. 'Tis to be observed therefore, that sometimes there are unequal parts in the same operation, in the fourth degree: as, sometimes Ellebor takes away that which Tithimal, or Spurge cannot Likewise the Catapurias, or great Spurges, expell that, which the other two could never bring to pass: sometimes Praecipitate, sometimes Esula, or the smaller Spurge: likewise Cassia Fistula. Besides, sometimes in Fevers a Laxative purgeth Febrile humors, as Centaury: sometimes in the Cataleptick disease, as Hellebore: sometimes in the Ascarides, or Worms, as Agarick, and so in others of that kind: the cause whereof is Nature, and not the humors, the which is here unto destinated, that it may take away whatsoever is Melancholy, or Cholerick, or Phlegmatick, or whatever other thing may relate hereto: For that which you call Eruginous, or rusty […]anker'd Choler, may slow out from all these according to the account of humors: As for all these things, what mysteries each have in themselves, apart, experience will declare.

CHAP. VII.

AS for the Degrees of more Intense or Violent, and more Remiss, or slow Purging; note these things which follow:

1.

• Polypode
• The tops of Botim
• Maidonhair
• Turpentine
• Sene
• The tops of Elder
• Gamandrea
• Stomachiolum
• Manna
• Succory
• The tops of Danewort
• Whey

2.

• Siler montanus
• Sowbread
• Turbith
• Asarabacca
• Hermodactyl

3.

• Rhubarb
• Esula
• Vitriol
• Diagridium
• Agarick
• Lazulus
• Scammony
• Centaury

4.

• Both Hellebors
• Colloquinoida
• Tithymal
• Serapine
• Cataputia
• Praecipitate

CHAP. VIII.

AS for Incarnatives, and Consolodatives note and observe these things: Incarnatives and Consolidatives have in themselves four degrees; but the Consolidatives do exclude the Elements in the some manner as the Laxatives do. 'Tis therefore observable in the first place, in what order or proportion the sicknesses which we would heal, have their consistency in the degrees: For from hence follows the like degrees of Natural things for some heal the Fractures of Bones, others heal wounds, othersome heal common Vlcers, others cancrous Aestiomena's: From thence proceed four Degrees on this wise.

1.Fractures of Bones are healed by

• Lyons foot.
• Perewinckle.
• Hypericon.
• Sanicle.
• Aristoloch-Rotunda.
• Consolida, or Comsry-Serpentina.

2. Wounds are healed by

Natural Balsom, Artificial Balsom, the Powders of the Apostles, Wound-drinks, the Emplasters of the Apostles, Apostolical Vnguents, Oile of Hypericon, Oil of Centaury, Oil of Self-heal, Oil of Dill, Oil of Turpentine, Oleam Benedicti, Oil of Tiles.

3.

Aposthumes and common Vlcers are healed by G[…]mm'd Plaisters, Mummigated Emplaisters, Apostolick Emplaisters, Apostolick Vnguents

Cancrous Aestiomenaes are healed by a Composition of Mercury, a Composition of Brassatella, a Composition of Realgar. All ye Chyrurgions, come, come hither, (I have not as yet beheld one of ye so much as worthy of the title.) Come, come hither I say, hasten all ye Impostors together, that ye may once know each Degree apart, according to what is prescribed and sorewritten, from which you have so far strayed some certain Ages, being taken with the allurements of your silly Receipts, which even from your childhood, (as 'twere) ye have one after another begged, but are not worth a Nut, Repent I pray, repent, and now at last cease from your Vnguents, Sparadaps, and Cataplasmes, which are tossed up and down in a confused manner, and approach unto the true Order of Curing.

CHAP IX.

MOreover, there are other things different from the former, which do equally as well possess their proper degrees, of which sort are Poisons, in which the Degrees are even most specially to be observed, that they be not admitted into the composition of Receipts, according to their Elementated Nature; therefore in the first place the quantity of the Poison is to be look't into, and then the weight is to be prepared, and that by this Rule.

Poisons in their DEGREES.

1. The Simples by themselves.

• Colcothar.
• Allum.

2. The Reverberated things,

• Spirit of Iupiter.
• Spirit of Saturn.

3. The Calcinated things,

• Tartarum.
• Scissum.

4. Sublimated things,

• Arsenick.
• Mercury.

The other kinds of Poisons, as of Spiders, Toads, Seortions, Lyzards, Serpents, the lesser Dragons, and others, forasmuch as they are not Ingredients, I think good to pass them by, except Tyrum, or the Tyrian Adder, which shall be spoken of in its place.

Besides, there are some things which provoke the Menstruaes: wherefore in stopping the Months, the things most fitly appropriate shall be related, viz. amongst the other Receipts, like as the Nature or Order of their Degrees, according to the Prescription or Rule of the composition of Receipts. Moreover, there are things which re[…]ress Humours, and provoke Vrine: All these things, and what else is like them, are to be sought for from Experience and Concordancy. Thus much of the Degrees: As for what else may be desired in this place, daily use will declare: Now of the Spagyrical Degrees.

CHAP. X.

BY the Spagyrical Industry, four Degrees do proceed forth in the same manner with the four Elements, which overcome the other Degrees in their quantity Moreover, wheresoever the last Degree terminates or ceaseth, there the first Point in Spagyrical things, begins on this wise.

1.

• The Oil of all
• Herbs. Roots. Seeds. Oiles. Rozins. Gumms. Fruits. Mushroms. Mosses.
• By distillation.

2.

• The Oile of the
• Vultur. Dove. Heron. Crow. Pye.

3.

• The Water of Vitriol [the Liquor or juyce of it.]
• Mercurial Water.
• Oil of Argentvive.
• Viridity of Salt.
• Alluminous-Waters.
• Calcinated Oils.
• Oiles of Metals.
• Liquors of Gems.
• Potable Gold.
• Essence of Antimony.

4.

• Oile of Christal.
• Oile of the Berill.
• The Tincture.
• The Philosophers Stone.

All these things are hot; for the Spagyrical Degrees do take away the Elementated, and tend in their degrees above that which is Elemented, Wherefore, for the knowledge of these Degrees, a plenary and perfect Experience is requisite, that you may see the preparation of those things which descend, or go out of an Elementated thing, (to that Degree) wherein they overcome and transcend that which is Elementated.

• The things which come from the Earth are of the first Spagyrieal Degree, a out of the
• Seeds of Dill. Iuniper. Cardamoms. Cloves.
• Roots of Henbane. Re[…]pontick. Angelica. Ostritium.
• Woods of Hehony, Iuniper. Saunders.

2.

• The things from the Aire, are of the second Degree, as out of
• Fruits of Nuba. Ilech. Terniabin. Volatiles, or Birds the Phenix. Eagle. Dove.

3.

• Things of the VVater are of the third Degree, as of
• Metalls. Gold, Mercury, Silver. Copper, Lotkon, Iron. Lead. Tin, Electrum.
• Gems, the Sephyr. Smaragdine. Granate. Topaz Ruby. Iacynth. Amethist. Corralls.
• Mineralls Marcosite Kakimia. […]a[…]k Realgar.
• Salts, Vitriols. Allums. […]a[…]ts.

4

• Such as are from the fire claim the fourth Degree, As of—
• Beryll. Christall. Arde, alias, Arles.

And those things that descend from the aforesaid four Elements, as from the Earth.

• Aqua-vite, or Distilled Balsams.
• Circulated water.
• Distilledliquors.

From the Aire.

• Distilled Birds.
• Teremabin.
• Nuba.
• Ileeh.

From the Water.

• Potable Gold.
• Liquor of Silver.
• Resolution of Mercury.
• Things Sublimated, Calcinated, Reverberated, Resolved, Congealed.

From the Fire.

• Liquor of Chrystall.
• Liquor of the Beryll.
• Liquor of A[…]r de, or Ar[…].

The Fourth BOOK

CHAP. I.

EVen as I have earnestly commended in my former Books, those things which concern Degrees, together with the differences of them; so likewise in this place do I again commend unto thee the difference by this Rule. Those Herbs which are of a cold Nature, and of the Earth, are not universally profitable for all the Diseases of an hot Nature; nor on the other side, are such as be hot, for the Diseases of a cold Nature: From these things are gathered seven kinds of Diseases, and also seven kinds of Heats and Colds, of which sort (amongst the other Members) are those of the Heart.

This difference is to be even chiefly observed in the beginning of this Book, whereto is prefixed a title of the Composition of Receipes, that those things which the Liver wants, whether it be hot or cold, may be sought for from the same-like Herbs: So those things in which the Brain is defective, require their proper Herbs. Moreover, although the Herbs are generally either hot or cold, yet these Herbs that are for the Spleen, do nothing at all benefit the sicknesses of the Reins: Wherefore next to the knowledge of the Degrees, follows the difference of the Herbs after this wise.

CHAP. II.

YOu must know the difference of Herbs, thus: First of all the Herbs are divided into seven species, together with the rest of the Elements, and that according to the Order and Nature of the Astrum, or Stars, the which is as well as these, put or digested into seven species or kinds: Besides, by the same account or reason that these receive a sevenfold division, by the same reason doth the body receive a sevenfold partition, and every of them do affect their like; as those things that are under the Sun are appropriated to the Heart, & are twofold: But those things that are under the Moon, to the Brain, and that in the degrees of both; those that are under Venus, heal the Reins; those things that are under Saturn, comfort the Spleen, those under Mercury defend the Liver; those under Iupuer do respect the Lungs. Lastly, the things that are under Mars, are referred wholly to accommodate the Gall. Besides, although the Herbs, together with the Simples, are not governed by the Planets, not the Planets by them, yet is there existing a certain singular Dominion or Ruling in every Element, without the commixtion of another.

CHAP. III.

NOw for the knowledge of those Elements which relate to the Heart, you are in the first place to observe, that whatsoever regenerates, is most friendly to the Heart, [☉︎] as Gold, Bawm, Nuba, &c. Moreover whatsover absumes or takes away Phlegm, by the interveening native fragancy of the thing, is referred to the Brain, [☽︎] such as are the Rose, Camphyr, Musk, Ambergreese. Also, whatsoever quencheth or appeaseth the blood, or makes it warm, serves for the Liver, [☿︎] That which provokes urin & encreaseth the sperm, serves for the Reins [♀︎.] that which conserves long life, is for the spleen: [♄︎] Whatsoever deoppilates on unstops, is for the Lungs: [♃︎] The knowledge of these things consists in Experience, and rather in that which is of Philosophy, (that is of Regeneration) then that which is Medicinal, (that is of Diseases:) but yet that, which is born of, or proceeds from transmutation; for there, both the Philosophical Experience, and also the Medicinal, do co[…]our, and so the proper and Genuine Diathesis, or Disposition of every thing is found out.

CHAP. IV.

THerefore the transmutation being known, which discovers and shews the seven Species both of Cold and Hot tis to be observed, that whatsoever regegenerates and expels that which is waxen old, and brings cleanness, and renders a thing whole, and so uncorrupt, is concluded under the same species or king, whether it ariseth from the cold or the heat of the Elements. Moreover, whatsoever in transmutation consumes supersluous Humours, as Salt takes away the Leprosie of the Moon) is a most present Remedy for the Brain. In this place you shall observe, that Herbs are not to be administred on this account, because they are Lunar: but because they reduce and constrain Lunar things into their own power: For, the Brain is by no means healed by Silver or Luna, but rather by those things which contend and sight with these: Also, whatever fortisies or strengthens against Rust or Putref[…]ction, and conserves things in essentiality, (as those six things which are found out in the transmutation of Metals) doth by the same reason conserve the spleen uncorrupt; so whatsoever resolves a Substance, or a body into a Liquor, comforts the Liver, and expels that which is repugnant. But whatsoever doth resolve so far, as to separate contrarities one from another, is imputed to the Lungs, such as are the Alkali in Tin. Last of all, Whatever prepares things, and renders them fit for encreasing or augmenting of transmutation, such as are the conjunctions of Arcana'es, is to be made use of even in the chiefest or first place. As for these things, seek the experience of them out of the transmutation of Nature; Nor do not (in the interim) tire or weary out your whole life time, with your pittiful and deplorable Degrees, nor in those cold, feeble descriptions of Herbs, which the unsavoury, and unprofitable Books are full of, for these things are not assistants and helpers, but are rather tyrannical and full of cruelty against the Lungs.

CHAP. V.

MOreover, this which follows will declare in what order or manner the seven aforesaid species or kinds, are found to be in the four Elements, viz. what is of the Earth, of the Ayre, of the Water, and finally, what is of the Fire; by the description of which, thou shalt judge of the manner of composing Receits, and that on this wise.

Such things as are from the Earth, and are of an Hot Nature.

Such things of the Earth as are of a Cold Nature.

CHAP. VI.

Such things of the Ayre, as are of an hot Nature.

Such things of the Ayre, as are of a cold Nature.

CHAP. VII.

Such things of the Water as are of an Hot Nature.

Such things of the Water as are of a cold Nature.

CHAP. VIII.

Such things of the Fire, as are of an Hot Nature.

The Brain, Heart, Reins, Liver, Spleen, Lungs, Gauls. Nosloch. Calidum, or hot Nosloch.

Such things of the Fire, as are of a cold Nature.

• Arcana's, of Christ all.
• Magistry's of Beryll.
• Liquores Citronei.

CHAP. IX.

THE Degrees, and the species or kinds of the Degrees being known, then at length attempt the composition of Receits, according to the prescription of the following Rule. Like as there are four Elements, so four sorts of Receits are to be prepared; thus: Viz. Some kinds of Diseases there are which affect terrene remedies; othersome desire Aereal; others require Aquaous, or Watery; and others Ignious, or Fiery. First of all therefore, the sicknesses or distempers are to be taken notice of in the aforesaid seven Members, viz. Amongst, or to what Elements they have relation; for, thencefrom are the Simples to be taken with which you would prepare a compound, according to the reason and order both of the degrees, or species and kinds of them; therefore in Elementary sicknesses, (suppose in earthly ones) the Compound is not to be prepared higher then its Degree, but is to be left in that self-same Degree. The like is to be understood in Aereals, that nothing of the other Elements is to be thereto admixed. After the same manner are you to judge of the other Elements, as of the Water and Fire But that you may accommodate and proportion the several sicknesses, to the several Elements, this is the Work, and this is the Labour: For from thence happens that common Error which oftetentimes buds forth in the Gout, in Paralitical Diseases, and others of that kind, because of the preposterous and rash order of Healing, which unskilful men set upon; An example you have in the Epilepsie, the species or kinds of the Epilepsie are subjected to the Element of the Water; Wherefore 'tis to be healed by those things which are called Minerals; and thus are you to judge of the rest.

CHAP. X.

AS for the general Rules of the composition of Receits, take them thus: All such Receits as are to be prepared for Elemental Diseases, do consist of six things, whereof two are of the Planets, two of the Elements, and finally, two of the Narcoticks. Although they may be composed of but three, so as that but one of each may be taken; yet these are more infirm and weaker then those that are to be admitted and used to the order and reason of Healing. But to return to my former sayings, there are two (I say) which consist of the Planets on this account, because they unite, commend, and correct the Medicine: two of the Elements, that the Degree of the sickness may be overcome. And lastly, two of Narcoticks, for this reason, Because the four aforesaid parts are too weak to prevent the critical day, and to expel the Disease before the Crisis. Wherefore in this place of Compositions, you are chiefly to observe that you prevent the Critical day: such Receits therefore as are thus prepared, are very fitly availeable in accute, very accute, and the most accute Diseases, the which Receits thou must make use of on every hand.

CHAP. XI.

LAstly, as for the Weights, observe the following Rule. In the first place note the Degree, least that the Degree be vanquished or exceeded by the Medicine, and whether it agrees and squares with its proper degree on every part; but so order it, that these threefold species or kinds do not corrupt or hurt one another: Next to those things, dispose of, and frame your Weight by this Rule: First of all, such things as are of the Planets, reduce to four parts in the Receit; such as are […]f the s[…] lements, to three parts; such as are of Narcoticks, to one part: And that my Advice may be the more clearly evinced, I will address my self to those compounds which are composed according to this manner of preparation, and that on this wise: Take the Essence of the Planets, the Elementated Essonce, and finally, a pure Narcotick: Otherwise, if the substances are admitted into the Weights, the Receit becomes depraved: For this composition is not to be made of the multitude of Grass or Hey (according to the prescription of the Catarractists, or blind Doctors) but rather of the Native Virtues. Thus much for the Composition of Receits in general; but as for the order and reason of composing and fitting the several Receits, for the several Diseases, that shall be declared in the fifth Book.

THE FIFTH BOOKE.

CHAP. I.

FIrst of all, in the description of Receits, divide the Disease into four species or kinds, then refer or reduce these species into the four Elements, and that degree which offers it self, do thou take, and proceed by the following Rule. Moreover, if there should happen a transferring of the Disease from one degree unto another, take the same degree; for thus are healed the sicknesses of the first degree, which are of the Earth; of the second degree, which are of the Ayre; of the third, which are of the Water. And as for that which attaineth to the fourth degree, it must be healed by the Tincture only; otherwise there is nothing that can be profitably used in this place. Besides, although I have in the former Book prescribed, that a Receit should be prepared with six parts, yet can it be done with three parts, or the former ones may be doubled, and so may be twelve in all: or it may be thus described: Take, of those things which are of the Planets, four; those of the Elements, two; of Narcoticks, one; but so, that you may withall (according to the order of this Description) dispose of the Weight on this manner: Take of those things that are of the Planets, four drachms; of Elementated things, three drachms; of Narcoticks, one drachm: For thus stands the business, viz. in the Weight, and not the Number of Simples. Again, the force and virtue, and consequently, the effect of those things that are admitted into the description of this Receit, hath its relation to the Dose, (or Endowment) and not to the Weight, nor to the Receit: as for instance, In those things which are of the Planets, thou maist perceive that there is a greater energy or power, then in the Elementated things; but this is from the Dose or giftedness, & not from the Weight or Receit: Wherefore the above-measure is to be observed. Last of all, In this place is requisite agreater knowledge of the Medicinal Art, viz that you set not upon the way of healing before the time, but rather handle your affairs so discreetly, that where need is of purgation, there purge; where need is of healing, there heal, where of consolidation, there consolidate, on this manner as follows.

CHAP. II.

AS for the composition of Receits which are prescribed for Laxatives, there are two things needful which are to be ordered against the Laxation, the one to comfort, the other to miitigate; and being thus ordered, this description of Receit'is void of all danger: First of all therefore, wee'l speak of that which belongs to comforting.

Take Spices, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmegs, and others of that kind: But for that which appertains to Mittigation, take Anodynes, and let them be the least in Weight; and by these two things are those other (how many soever they are that are in the Receit) corrected: Nor is it in this place needful to observe this difference, viz. What purgeth Choller, or what purgeth Phlegm, but rather Experience is to be look't into, as to what is beneficial, according as is mentioned in the manner of healing: For the consideration of Purging is the greatest thing of all, which a skilful Physician ought to observe.