Of the compoſition of Mithridatium.

IT ſhall not be amiſſe in this place, to declare the compoſition of this medicine. And it is to be noted, that where all writers doe greately cō mend it, yet certayne it is, that they do not in one ſorte deſcribe the makinge of the ſame. But almoſt euery authore hath a ſeuerall deſcription, differinge in the number of the ſimples, and alſo in ye proportions and quantities. In time paſt ye Apothecaries in making of Mithridatium, folowed moſt the deſcription of Nicolaus Praepoſitus, of Auicenna, and of Nicolaus Mirepſicus, ſome of Aetius, ſome of Paulus. The former deſcriptions contayninge aboue one hundred ſimples, were long and laborious, and required many ſupplyes, for ſimples vnknowen. Wherefore in theſe our later daies, in which learned men haue examined euery thing perfitly, the moſt part haue commended one of ye three compoſitions expreſſed by Galen in 2. de Antid. of the which, two were taken (as Galen wryteth) out of the bookes of Andromachus. The firſt found without name is attributed to Andromachus, as compounded by him, of others ſuppoſed the very ſame, which was found in the cloſets of kinge Mithridates, & after tranſcribed in the workes of Andromachus. The ſecond deſcription is alſo recyted out of Andromachus bookes, vnder the names of Antipater and Cleophantes. The thyrd is referred to Damocrates: It doth not appeare by any thing written by Galen, which of theſe three compoſitions is beſt to be folowed. And ſo of ye learned men of our time, ſome hath vſed the one, and ſome the other. Many doe beſt like of the firſt deſcription attributed to Andromachus, both for that Andromachus by the opinion of Galen and of all other auncient wryters, was adiudged very ſkilfull in cōpounding of medicines, & therein did farre excell all phiſitions of his time, and alſo becauſe it may bee iuſtly gathered, that that deſcription is the very ſame, which Mithridates vſed. For in ye Andromachus was phiſition to Nero the Emperour of Rome, it appeareth that he obtayned to ſee and to conſider, of all the bookes which found in Mithridates cloſet, were tranſlated into latine by Lineus the grammarian, and brought to Rome. And it is not agreable to reaſon, that Andromachus ſtudying to make a more perfit medicine then that which came vnder the name of Mithridatium, woulde alſo inuent an other vnder the ſame name. But it is very probable that Andromachus with diligence peruſinge the recept of Mithridatium, vſed of Mithridates, would leaue it in ſuch forme as Mithridates compoūded it, and deuiſe an other by the ſame, which hee meant to make more perfite. Andromachus therefore not alteringe the deſcription of Mithridatium, but leauing it in the ſame forme as it was founde, confected an other, which he called Theriaca. And where we doe reade in ye 2. de Antid. of Galen, an other recept ſet downe vnder the name of Theriaca Mithridatis, with aſſertion that the kinge vſed the ſame: yet it ſeemeth not to be yt Mithridatium which was foūd in the cloſet of that king. For all writers doe confeſſe, that Andromachus long after added to that recept of Mithridates, the fleſh of vipers: ſo that Mithridatium compounded by Mithridates had not in it the fleſh of vipers, and that Theriacle which Galen in that place calleth Theriaca Mithridatis, doth receaue the fleſh of vipers, ſo it foloweth that it is not the Mithridatium vſed of Mithridates. And he that will with diligence peruſe that recept mentioned of Galen, by the name of Theriaca Mithridatis, ſhal • finde it in ye ſimples not much differing from Theriaca Andromachi, and many things repeated twyſe in diuers clauſes doth argue an imperfection: that Galen may be thought in yt place to ſpeake after ye common opinion, whē hee affirmeth it to be the ſame which Mithridates vſed, being in deede farre different from that medicine. Wherefore we may reaſonably conclude, that the firſt recept tranſcribed by Galen in 2. de Antid. out of Andromachus workes, is in truth the ſelfe ſame that Mithridates vſed, and in mine opinion, in that reſpect the better to be liked, and the rather to be followed. For what better aſſurance can we haue of the true and perfect confection of this medicine, then that which was deliuered by Mithridates? and what deſcription can more aſſure vs of the effects of this medicine, then yt compoſition which Mithridates followed, who firſt gaue ſo notable proofe of the medicine, and thereby the firſt credite to the ſame? So that if by diſcourſe of reaſon it may be proued, that an other deſcription is more artificiall and more agreable to the rules of confection of medicines: yet in mine opinion this deſcription, being the ſame that Mithridates vſed, ſet downe happely by the king, more according to experience then art, is rather to be folowed then any other, thought more cunningly addreſſed. Neuertheleſſe it is not to be deemed that kinge Mithridates was altogether vnſkylfull, when many volumes concerning phiſike were found in his cloſet, & tranſlated into latine, brought to Rome. And it appeareth that he taking delight in medicinall matters, had about him dyuerſe phiſitions, who mighte artificially diſpence the ſimples in Mithridatium. And Galen in the ſayd booke de Antid. commendeth the diſcription of Mithridatium attributed to Andromachus: whereby it appeareth, that this deſcription of Mithridatium is not addreſſed altogether without arte. For which cauſe, ye learned of our time, haue great reaſon to preferre that deſcription of Mithridatium before others. Albeit ſome do more eſteeme the compoſition of Damocrates, as with more arte and more cunning diſpenſed. Notwithſtanding becauſe it is very likely yt the precept attributed to Andromachus, as found in his bookes, is the ſelfe ſame that Mithridates vſed, and hath of many, in this our countrey, of late yeares bene folowed: I thought beſt in this place to expreſſe ye ſame, as I doe finde it in Galen, in 2. de Antid. and is in many antidotary bookes allowed, which is as foloweth.

Rec. glicirrizae ʒ vij. ob. iiij. Spicae nardi ʒ vij. ob. iij. Croci, cinnamomi, Zinziberis. ana. ʒ vij. ob. ij. Galbani. ʒ vij. Castorei, costi, ana. ʒ vj. ob. ij. Scordij, iunci odorati, Opoponacis, Terebinthinae. Seminis dauci. ʒ vj. ob. iij. Opobalſami, ana. ʒ vj. ob. iiij. Thlaſpios. Thuris, myrrhae, ana. ʒ vj. Succi hyppociſtidis. Polij, Se • elios, ana. ʒ v. ob. ij. Cypheos, Caſiae. Stiracis ʒ v ob. iiij. Petroſelini ʒ iiij. ob. iij. Opij. ʒ iiij. ob. ij. Nardi gallicae, anae ʒ. i •• . Seminis feniculi, Nardi indicae, Gentianae, Mei athamantici, Roſarum ſiccarum, Cardamomi, Folij. Aniſi, ʒ. iij Acori, Hiperici, ana ʒ ij Gummi Acaciae, Phu pontici. Scinci, ʒ ij. ob. ij Vini choi, & mellis Attici deſoumati, ana q. ſ.

BEcauſe many learned men of this age doe beſt allowe the deſcription of Mithridatium, deliuered by Damocrates, as more artificially done, in which the rules of compounding of medicines are more exactly followed, and is in truth eaſier to be made of the Apothecaries, better digeſted in orders, not hauing ſo ſmall diuiſions in the proportions, as this attributed to Andromachus, and ſo may better be made of the Apothecary in what quantity ſhall ſeeme good to him: therefore I doe thinke it not amiſſe in this place to recite that deſcription alſo of Mithridatium of Damocrates, as the ſame is expreſſed in the ſecond booke of Galen de Antidot. that ſuch as ſhall thinke better to follow the ſame, may by this pamphlet knowe the ingredience, which is this.

Rec. Mirrhae, croci, ana. ʒ. x Agarici, Zinziberis, Cinnamomi, thuris, Spicae, Nardi, Thlaſpios, Seſelis, ſtechados, ana. ʒ. viij Opobalſami, coſti, Iunci odorati, ſtyracis, Galbani, terebinthinae, Piperis longi, castorei, Sucoi hypocistidis, Opoponacis, Folij malabathri recētis, Caſsiae ligneae, ana. ʒ. vij Polij, ſcordij, Seminis dauci, bdellij, Piperis albi, cypheos, Carpobalſami, Nardi celticae, Gūmi, ana. ʒ. i • boni ponderis. Petroſelini, Opij, Cardamomi, gentianae, Seminis feniculi, dictāni, Foliorum roſarum, Aniſi, aſari, acori, ana. ʒ. iij Phu, ſagapeni, Succi glicirrizae, Mei Athamantici, ana. ʒ. ij • Acaciae, Ventris ſcinci, Sem. hiperici, Vini & mellis q. ſ.

PLiny in his 22. maketh mention of a kinde of Mithridatium made of two dry Walnuts, two Figges, xx. leaues of Rhue, one graine of falte: Aetius and other writers die recite the ſame. And they greatly cōmend it againſt poiſon, & other peſtilentiall diſeaſes.

Of the quality and temperament of Mithridatium.

IT is of all men of our age cō feſſed, and taken for a truth, that medicines compounded haue their vertues, and doe their effectes according to the nature of the ſimples whereof they are compounded. So it muſt needes followe, that Mithridatium compounded of many ſimples, hath diuers & ſundry properties, & thoſe agreable to the ingredience. And wheras in Mithridatium are ſimples differing in quality, ſome hauing power to heate, ſome other to coole, yet the greateſt number are in quality whot and dry. And albeit theſe being contrary, and repugnant, do make alteration the one with the other: notwithſtanding it muſt needes follow, that thoſe reactions not being infinite, at the laſt one forme and quality muſt reſult in the compound, agreable to the natures of thoſe ſimples, which doe beare and cary dominion. Now whereas in Mithri • atium ye moſt ſimples haue quality to heate and dry: it followeth that Mithridatium hath a whot and dryinge power. And as compounds muſt haue a time of fermentation, and rypening (for the reactions of the ſimples are not perfited in a moment) So the quality or forme which doth aryſe by the workinge of one ſimple with an other, hath not his perfection preſently after ye mixture, but a certayne ſpace of time muſt be geuē before we can iuſtly expect the true action of the medicine compounded, as proceeding from the forme of the medicine, which doth reſulte by fermentation of the working of the ſimples in ye compound. So that before ye due time, we may not loke for the vertues aunſwerable to the compoſition, but that ſome one ſimple aboue the reſt may ſhew his quality, that the compound medicine may do an effect aunſwerable to that ſimple, and not as proceeding from the whole cōpoſition. In which reſpect, Galen wryteth that Theriacle newly made, doth greately prouoke ſleepe, by reaſon that Opium (that is the ioyce of Poppy prepared) myngled in it, being of greater force then other ſimples, before fermentation doth exerciſe his quality more then the reſt: and after that his quality is by fermentation with other ſimples broken, he can not ſo ſtrongly do his operation. So Theriacle after the iuſt time of fermentation doth not ſo mightely prouoke ſleepe, as newe Theriacle doth. The ſame is obſerued in Mithridatium, and all other compounds, that immediately after myxture, the qualities of the ſimples are ſtrongeſt, and ſhewe their powers beſt. But certaine it is, that after due time of working, when the compound is fully rype, no one ſimple doth worke in it according to his owne nature, but by the reactions one common nature doth reſult, which cannot be attributed to any one or moe ſimples, but may be truely ſayd a common nature aryſinge out of all the ingredience, and from that forme the actions of the compound do proceede. Which forme is to vs not certainely knowen, ye effects are beſt learned by experience. Wherfore it is very wyſely wrytten of Ioannes de ſancto Amando in his expoſition vpon the antitodary of Nicolaus, that it is better alwaye to vſe a medicine compound exerciſed, then one lately inuēted whereof we haue no experience. For although we may by diſcourſe of reaſon gather that ye compound, as Mithridatium, is whot, and dry, becauſe ye ſimples wherof it is made, are the moſt part whot and dry, and then experience doth confirme this coniecture: yet other qualities of Mithridatium and of other compounds are not ſo eaſely knowen by any diſcourſe or method, but chiefly learned by experience. For the cōmon forme from whence many ſecrete vertues doe procede, is not knowen by any learning or methode. So it muſt needes follow, that the actions of ye ſame forme are not learned by methode or doctrine, but chiefly by experience. In which reſpect alſo, we haue reaſon to retaine the deſcription deliuered by Mithridates, before any other, for yt that noble king gaue better proofe in himſelfe of the vertues of the medicine, then any other hath of it by any other compoſition.

That Mithridatium is not ſo whote as Theriacle, compounded after Andromachus deſcription, which is in theſe dayes moſt followed: and that it may more ſafely bee vſed.

Some learned men of our time, by reaſon go about to diſcourſe, and prooue, yt Theriacle is not in quātity ſo whot as Mithridatium, & in that reſpect doe inferre, that it may more ſafely bee vſed. Which they doe gather, for that in Theriacle a greater quantity of Opium (that is the ioyce of Poppy prepared) is, then in Mithridatium, whoſe cooling power doth much abate the heating qualities of other medicines. This argument in theſe two medicines newly made, before fermētation is perfite, may take place. For then in deede euery ſimple retayning his owne vertue, Opium may remitte the whot qualities of the reſt: at what time neither of theſe medicines is generally to be vſed, but for ſome ſpeciall point, as Galen to prouoke ſleepe, doth counſell new Theriacle. But after fermentation is perfited, all the ſimples one altering the other, euery one hath qualities ſo broken, that not one retayneth his owne nature: then ſurely the cō mon forme reſulting, doth follow the ſimples which doe beare dominion, and they in both theſe medicines are whot and dry, and ye whot and dry ſimples in Theriacle are moe in number, and of greater force, then in Mithridalium: as may appeare to him that will compare both confections. Whereby it followeth that the common quality aryſinge in Theriacle, doth heate more then that in Mithridatium. Neyther the increaſe of Opium doth in proportion aunſwere the ſtrength of heating in it: neither hath it any ſuch force ſo greately to contemper the ſimples, as theſe men doe imagine. For although Opium hath ſpeciall property aboue other medicines to induce ſleepe, yet his cooling quality (of many writers) is not accompted ſo great, for it hath ſo ſtrong bitternes: that many doe ſuppoſe that it hath a myxt nature, conſiſting of many whot partes: if it be true that Galen wryteth in his 5. booke of ſimples, that all bitter thinges are whot, and being certaine yt Opium doth ſtupefy, & ſtrongly cauſe ſleepe, it is of ſome inferred yt that power doth rather proceede of a property of ſubſtaunce, then altogether depend of his cooling quality. Wherefore it is not without reaſon affyrmed by learned men wryting hereof, that Mithridatium doth not ſo ſtrongly heate as Theriacle: and experience doth alſo confirme the ſame. For who ſo vſeth theſe medicines, doubtles he ſhall finde that Theriacle rightly compounded after Andromachus deſcription (which is in all this treatiſe to be vnderſtood, and is in theſe dayes of the Apothecaries moſt commonly made, and ſo of the wyſer ſort in moſt vulgare vſe) doth heate more then Mithridatium, which is confeſſed of the wryters, commenting vpon the antidotary of Nicolaus, and in this our age of many learned men affyrmed. For which cauſe, many in theſe dayes without daunger do vſe Mithridatium when neede requireth. In ſōmer time, & whot ſeaſons, very few and ſeldome Theriacle. And Galen doth expreſly forbyd to gieue Theriacle to children. More ſafe therefore is the vſe of Mithridatium then of Theriacle, not onely in reſpect of the heating quality, which ſeemeth leſſe, & more gentle in Mithridatium: but alſo in reſpect that a greater quantity of Opiū is in Theriacle. For admit that Opium by fermentation ſuſtayneth great alteration, notwithſtāding ye common forme of Theriacle taketh ſome infection of Opium, yt ſome effecte declining to his nature, doth alſo proceede, and the more, if that ſtupefying and dormitory power in Opium, doth depend rather of property of ſubſtance, thē of manifeſt cooling quality, as ſome do argue. For the properties of ſubſtance in medicines, haue not like alteration by fermentation, as the manifeſt qualities haue by reaction: we may therefore feare the common and often vſe of Theriacle for ye quantity of Opium in it. For like reaſon, often vſe of Theriacle may be ſuſpected, becauſe of the fleſh of vipers added to it, as the baſe & groūd of the medicine. For notwithſtanding ye great care of the place, of the time, of the kinde obſerued in taking and chooſing of the viper, the diligence in preparing, the care of myxture with other things, for the better correction of the malignity of ye beaſt, which hapely might remaine in the fleſh: yet a man may doubt of ſome errour cōmitted▪ in ſo daūgerous a caſe. And though all thinges therein bee ryghtely done, yet ſome little quality of the nature of ye beaſt will remayne, that a man may ſuſpect often to vſe the medicine. And where kinge Mithridates was expert in phiſicall matters, it is not to be adiudged but that he did aſwell know the nature of the fleſh of vipers, as hee knewe the venime of the beaſt: ſo it is very likely that he purpoſing to compounde a medycine to be often taken for his ſafty againſt poiſon, did of purpoſe make it without the fleſhe of vipers, knowing that if he ſhold haue added that, he myght not with like ſafty haue dayly vſed ye ſame. And what learned men doe ſo often in theſe dayes counſell Theriacle, as do Mithridatium? and we doe in this our time with leſſe danger and more ſecurity, for the meaſels, the ſmale pockes, the wormes, and for internal diſeaſes in children, geue Mithridatium▪ then Theriacle. We may therefore in mine opinion iuſtly conclude, that Mithridatium is a medicine more generally to be vſed, & may oftener and with more ſafty be geauen then Theriacle.

Of the age and keeping of Mithridatium.

Wwhere we haue ſufficiently declared that compounde medicines muſt haue a time of fermentatiō before they be brought to vſe: this place requireth that we doe declare the tyme, when Mithridatium is ſufficiently fermented and come to his perfection. Galen in his bookes de Theriaca doth write exactly of the time of fermentation of Theriacle, affirming that it is throughly concocted in xii yeares, not denying but yt it hath concoction in ſhorter time, as in 5. and in 7. yeares, ſo that we are to iudge that Theriacle is not ſufficiently ripe to bee vſed before fiue yeares, and in 7 yeares is better digeſted, & in xij yeares hath his full fermentation, and perfect concoctiō. Yet Aetius and Paulus Aegineta doe meaſure the concoction of Theriacle in ſhorter time. For Aetius ſayth that Theriacle is fermented in xij monethes, and that it may be vſed after one moneth in ſome caſes, and ſo affirmeth that it endureth to thirty yeares. Where Paulus appointeth ye age of Theriacle to be twenty yeares, therein he doth not greatlye differ from Aetius: for hee making the terme of Theriacle to be 30 yeares, doth alſo ſay that then it is good in light diſeaſes. So that by Aetius, Theriacle may be vſed after xij monethes, and continueth in good perfection to 20. yeares, and after declineth, that at 30. yeares it is aged, yet may it be vſed in deſeaſes which are not very great. Our later writers doe generally better allowe of Aetius & Paulus opinion for the age of Theriacle, then of Galens: and ſome ſuppoſe an errour or fault in yt place in Galen: and ſo they doe affirme yt Theriacle is fully concocted in the ſpace of xij monethes, and then may bee ſold of the Apothecary: and that the ſame being well kepte, will continue in good ſtrength 20. yeares, and after doth decline and waxe weaker, and yet may be vſed when it is 30. yeares olde, but it is then as an old man decayed, and weake of ſtrength.

Of Mithridatium the former writers haue ſet downe no time of concoction, leauing to a wyſe man to determyne of yt, which is written accordingly of Theriacle. For bycauſe theſe two medicines are confected of many ſimples, not greatly differring, they haue many things cōmon: ſo as yt which is of ye one affirmed, may bee applied to the other. Notwithſtanding as in the number & nature of ye ſimples, they doe not in all poynts agree: ſo no doubt in ye age of theſe medicines ſome difference is to be allotted: yet ſuch, as a man exerciſed in theſe matters, may eaſely ſupplye. For in that Theriacle hath in it the fleſh of vipers, and a greater portion of Opium, then is in Mithridatium, it is certaine that Theriacle requireth a longer time to his concoction: for the fleſh of vipers muſt haue perfect fermentation with the ſimples for his correction. In like ſorte Opium doth aſke a long time of fermentation, & for yt cauſe Galen. 12. de Method. Medend. ſaith, yt Philonium is not to bee vſed in a yeare after it is compounded, and that the vſe of it after ij. iij. or iiij. yeares, is more without daunger. Whereby hee geueth vs to vnderſtande, that medicines which doe receaue Opium, require longe time of fermentation: ſo that Theriacle receauing a greater portion of Opium then Mithridatium, ought to haue a larger ſpace to be concocted, then it. Now if Theriacle hath his perfection in one yeare, ſurely Mithridatium is throughly fermented in ſixe monethes, and may be kept in good ſtrength, not only as ſome haue writen to three, or fours yeares, but to x or xij yeares: and except we ſhall to ſuch time proroge his olde age, there will be no proportion in ye times. For if Theriacle being cocted in one yeare, doth laſt to 20. yeares before it doth waxe olde, ſuerly by the lyke proportion, Mithridatium not well fermented vnder ſix monethes, may iuſtly be ſaid to cōtinue in good efficacy to 10. or 12. yeares. And as Theriacle after 20. yeares waxeth old & feeble: ſo Mithridatium after 10. or 12. yeares doth decline, that being 20. yeares old, is then decayed and of litle force. As we may probably determine theſe times, ſo there can be no certainty ſet to leade vs to the time. For if the ſimples be not in good perfection, or the ſame orderly and well according to art compoūded, or otherwayes the medicine not well kept: then it will ſooner wax old, & loſe his ſtrength. But as Galen writeth, to theſe great medicines, great care muſt be had of the choiſe of ye ſimples, that they may be had in ye readieſt perfection. And like diligēce muſt be gieuen, that the confectioner may in all pointes doe his duty, not in making only, but alſo in keeping ye medicine. And therefore princes are greatly to bee commended, which doe by theyr authority prouide, that theſe medicines myght be well ordered. And for that many doe in theſe dayes procure Mithridatium, to haue it in their houſes ready to vſe, it is good to know yt it is beſt kept in veſſels of glaſſe, of ſiluer, and of gold, and that it is not ſo good to keepe ye ſame in Tinne veſſels, for that they are often corrupted with ledde, and gather a ceruſe matter, as Galen writeth in his firſt booke de Antid. I wiſh therefore that the marchaunts may hereof be admoniſhed, which doe commonly bryng Theriacle from Venice, in veſſels of ledde, wherby no ſmall daūger may grow in ſo noble a medicine, & ſo greatly eſteemed. So wee muſt not fill the veſſell to the toppe, as we ſay brime full, but leaue ſome reaſonable ſpace, for the medicine to worke, to exhale, & breath: and for that cauſe, Galen counſayleth to open the veſſell ſomtymes.

Howe to knowe good Mithridatium.

WEe doe read in ye booke of Galen de Theriaca ad Piſonem, & in his bookes de Antidot. how diligently hee labored to gieue certen notes and rules, how a man might know the goodnes of Theriacle, and when the ſame was perfit: and ſo did in thoſe his workes ſet downe both rules and proofes thereof. So carefull in old time wryters were, that wee might be aſſured of the goodnes of theſe noble medicines, ſeruing in ſo great affectes, and in ſuch common vſe. But ſuch is y• malice of many which ſeeke gaine, that of the greater price a thinge is, the more ſophiſtication they vſe in it: yt if meanes were not declared, to diſcerne the good from the bad, the ſophiſticated from ye true: no man might aſſure himſelf of the certaintie of any thing in eſtimation. It is therefore very neceſſary, to ſhew how men may know when Mithridatium is good and perfite, and when the ſame is naught & corrupted. And for y• Galen in his foreſaid bookes, hath labored to declare this in Theriacle, we will apply the ſame to ye examination of Mithridatium. For in yt theſe medicines haue a great affinitie, they doe in moſt thinges ſo concurre, that ye ſame which is ſaid of ye one, may be applyed to ye other. Firſt therefore in conſiſtence of ſubſtance, if Mithridatium be well and artificially compounded, it ought to haue an equality of ſubſtance, not drie nor ouer liquide, and moyſte, not to ariſe in clots and lumpes, but it muſt be in ſubſtance coherent, equall, and ſmooth. In ſmell it muſt reſēble the ſimples whereof it is made, and yet not to offer to the noſe, the ſmell of any one ſimple aboue the reſt, but to yelde a common odoure ariſing by fermentation of all the ſimples, not peculier to any one, nor vngratefull, but anſwerable to the ingredience, reſembling no rottennes, nor muſtines.

In like ſort, the taſte muſt not expreſſe any one ſimple, but be as a common ſapore, reſulting of all the ſimples: ſo that if in taſting of Mithridatium you may manifeſtly diſcerne or diſcry any one ſimple in it, ſurely that Mithridatium is not well confected. Therefore it may not haue in it any exceſſe of vngratefull bitternes, which doth ſometimes happen, when the confectioner doth either take hony ouerold, or boyle ye ſame ouermuch. So it may not ſhew to the taſte any ſowrenes, which happeneth if the wyne vſed be not well choſen, or not well handled in the compounding.

It ſeemeth that Andromachus in his Theriacle had a great care of the coloure of it, and for that cauſe only (as ſome do write) did adde vitreoll prepared, to yelde to it an exact blackneſſe. But Mithridates attending rather the goodnes, then by coloure to pleaſe ye eye, had no ſuch care of the coloure, and ſo is thought to put nothing into Mithridatium to gieue it any freſher coloure then the ſimples woulde yeelde. Notwithſtanding Mithridatium truly made, hath his coloure conuenient ariſing of the ſimples, which ought to be a little rednes declining to yealowneſſe, which coloure, after due fermentation, doth appeare with ſome freſhenes, & by time in keeping, the ſame doth decline to an obſcure darknes. Although at ye firſt it may be thought hard to iudge of Mithridatium by theſe ſignes, yet after a man is exerciſed in often vewing, taſting, and ſmelling of Mithridatium, his ſauoure, coloure, & taſte will be ſo familiar, that a man ſhall quickly diſcerne the true from the mingled, the ſophiſticated from the right compoūded. A man therefore that wil iudge herein, muſt often ſee, taſte, and ſmel to Mithridatium, vntil his ſenſes bee throughly acquainted with the qualities of the medicine, and then hee ſhall not bee eaſely deceaued.

For better certainty of the perfection and goodneſſe of Theriacle, Galen doth mention of certaine experiments to be made for triall thereof: as to gieue the ſame to ſuch as haue ben either hurt externally by ſome venimous beaſte, or haue taken inwardly ſome poiſon. Whereof princes haue made trial in cōdemned perſons, caſting thē to vipers, or gieuing vnto them ſome ſtrong poyſon, & after cauſing them to take of Theriacle the quantity of a nutte: and experience declared, that ſuch as tooke Theriacle eſcaped the venime of the poyſon, and they which tooke it not, dyed. Which proofe experienced in Theriacle, may alſo be applied to the triall of Mithridatium, and in that by all auncient writers Mithridatium is reputed of greater force then Theriacle, in curing all poyſons inwardly taken: It followeth, that if it be good and truly made, it muſt remedy ſuch as haue taken poiſon into the body. And becauſe cōmon perſons haue not like oportunity to make this experiment in men cōdemned, as princes haue: therefore we may in other beaſts (as in dogs, in cokes and hennes, being domeſticall creatures) experience the ſame, geuing to theſe beaſts ſome poiſon, and after Mithridatium: and if the beaſt doe take no harme by the poiſon, we may be aſſured of the goodneſſe of the medicine. And ye like is to be expected, if you gieue the remedy before the poyſon be taken. For the medicine doth not onely defend the body from the venime of the poiſon, after it is taken: but alſo preſerue, if it be firſt vſed: as we read of king Mithridates. In like maner Aetius biddeth vs to gieue to a doue, to a henne, or to a dogge, the quantity of two ſcruples of Opium, and ſtraight after to miniſter to the ſame, Mithridatium, diſſolued in ſome liquore, and if it be good and pure, the beaſte ſhall ſuſtaine no harme by the Opium.

Galen deliuereth as a certaine ſigne of the perfect goodnes of Theriacle, to gieue it to one that hath taken a purgatiue medicine. For (ſaith he) if it be perfect good, the medicine will not purge at all: if after the taking of Theriacle, ye medicine doth his operation, & purge neuertheleſſe: ſurely then yt Theriacle is vnperfect, & not good. We do not read this ſigne applied to Mithridatium: yet I ſee no cauſe but yt we may proceede in like maner to try ye goodnes of it. For it is certaine yt no one ſimple is in ye cōpoſition of Theriacle (which may be ſayd to ſtay ye working of ye purgatiue medicine) which is not in Mitrhridatiū. For where Theriacle doth aboūd with ye fleſh of vipers, put as the baſe of the medicine, no wryter hath attributed to yt parcell any ſuch property. The like may be ſayd, if you diſcourſe through all the ſimples added to this confection of Theriacle, and not in Mithridatium. Therefore it ſeemeth moſt agreeable to reaſon, that the property to ſtay the working of a purgation, doth proceede from the common forme of Theriacle: and ſo we may with like reaſon expect the ſame effect in Mithridatidatium, and rather in Mithridatium, becauſe all writers doe confeſſe that it is of greater force for inwarde poiſons, and inward affects, then Theriacle. Therefore I may cōclude, that Mithridatium gieuen after a purgatiue medicine, will better ſtay or diminiſh ye working thereof, then Theriacle: and our experience in common practiſe, doth confirme the ſame. For in this our age, who doth after purgatiue medicines (to bridle their ouerworking) ſo often gieue Theriacle, as Mithridatium? Wherfore no doubt we may make triall of ye perfection and goodnes of Mithridatium, in like ſorte as Galen writeth of Theriacle, that is to ſay, to miniſter to one a purgatiue medicine, and after to gieue to the ſame man a reaſonable quantity of Mithridatium: and if the medicine doth not worke according to his nature, or that his operation be leſſe thē it ought to be, ſurely that Mithridatium is very perfect and good. Otherwyſe, if ye medicine doth proceede in his action to purge, and the ſame appeareth not diminiſhed by the taking of Mithridatium, then we may greatly doubt of the goodnes of the Mithridatium.

How we may make good Mithridatium, in theſe dayes.

I am not ignorant that diuers later writers do conſtantly affirme that in this our time we cannot make either good Theriacle or good Mithridatium, for that they ſay we do lacke many ſimples going into their compoſitions, and muſt vſe others to ſupply, and ſo may iuſtly doubt whether ye ſupplies doe in all points aunſwere the true ſimples, and they which we haue are brought from farre coūtryes, long iournies, ſome by lād, ſome by ſea, eſpecially, to vs in England, whereby they may be thought greatly weakned, and to looſe much of their ſtrength and vertues, before we haue them. So they conclude, that we cannot by any diligent meanes, make theſe medicines in that perfection as the auncient writers did, and ſo we may not ſo exactly looke for the effects of theſe medicines promiſed by the olde writers. Whereto it may bee ſayd, that in parte this allegation is true, and in deede a fewe yeares paſt, when this fault was found, it was more truer then now it is. For in truth when good learning began to ſpring after barbariſme, thē in deede great was ye wāt of true ſimples, not in theſe two medicines only, but in many other moe. But now in this our time all things are called to a better examination, and it is certain that few ſimples are now ſacking, namely to ye making of Mithridatium: and it is alſo euident yt the care of phiſitions and of ye Apothecaries (I meane of ye better ſort) is ſo honeſt and ſo great, yt they doe not only diligently procure from ye places (where the ſimples which goe to the compoſitions of theſe medicines do grow) the very true: but alſo prouide that the ſame may in thoſe coūtries be gathered out of conuenient places, in due times and ſeaſons. And ye help of ſo many and great nauigations into forrain dominions (more in theſe our dayes vſed, then of longe time before vs) doe gieue ſo good oportunity to haue true and good ſimples, yt to ſay truly what I do thinke of this our age, I doe verily belieue that we haue as true and as good ſimples, as Galen had in his time: eſpecially ſuch as are requiſite to the making of Mithridatium. For we do reade what a dooe Galen made to haue pure and good Cinnamum, and made it an Emperoures worke to procure the ſame, and in lacke of Cinnamum did ſometimes ſubſtitute double quātitie of Caſia. Whoſoeuer wil with diligence examine the ſackes of Canella, brought from the new found coūtries in great plenty in theſe dayes, may eaſely finde the perfect kindes of Cinnamum, agreable to the deſcription of ye old wryters: & alſo the true Caſia. We may alſo vnderſtād, how in old time things were ſophiſticated by the monumēts of old writers. And who doth not now perceaue and acknowledg many errors in Di • ſcorides bookes, in deliuering the deſcriptions of ſimples, not ſo well knowē in his time, as now by theſe nauigatiōs made manifeſt? Many things written by the auncient authors, by heareſay, are now to the eye made euident and knowen. Wherefore it is true yt now in this age things are ſo exactly examined, & ſo diligently ſought for, and ſo painfully cared for: that in truth I doe ſuppoſe we may make in this time Mithridatium, in very good perfection: and the ſimples wanting, are few in number: y• ſubſtitutes for the ſame, by learned men ſo well conſidered of, & ſo aptly appointed: that we neede not ſo greatly to doubt thereof, but may iuſtly expect th'effects attributed to the medicine, if not in ſo large manner as the auncient writers haue deliuered, yet in ſuch reſonable ſorte, yt we may eſteeme of the medicine, as of a precious iewel, as of a thing good againſt ſome drie-poiſons, & diuers internall and peſtilentiall diſeaſes.

Mithridatium made in England is rather to bee choſen, then that which is brought from Venice and other countryes beyond the Sea.

SOme haue ben of opinion, that Theriacle & Mithridatium may better be made in other countryes, (as namely at Venice, and Conſtantinople) then in England: affirming that moe and better ſimples are growing there, which wee doe lacke: and that ſuch ſimples which are found neither in theſe countreys, nor in England, but are procured from ye eaſt and weſt Indians, do ſooner and in better perfection come to thoſe places, then to vs. Surely if things be rightly weighed, this allegation is not true. For the partes of Italy, and the territories about Conſtantinople, haue very few or no ſimples growing in their ſoyles, which do not ſpring in England, required to the compoſition of Mithridatium, and many are founde in England in better perfection thē there. As namely, who doth not graunt the beſt ſaffron to be in England, & all trauelers which come into England, do confeſſe that our ſoyle doth produce very good plantes (as namely Scordium) in better kinde than other countreys: and ſome ſtrangers do ſend into England often for ſome of our ſimples, which do go into the compoſition of Mithridatium. It is alſo well knowen, that ſtraunge herbes tranſplanted hither, and ſome of ſeedes ſowen, doe very kindely ſpring in England, which is alſo confeſſed of ſome later writers in theyr Herballes. And where few ſimples requiſite to make Mithridatium are wanting (as not growing in England) it ſeemeth moſt true, that they which doe growe here, are moſt kindly for vs (for natiue things are beſt aggreable to our conſtitutions.) So yt whereas the moſt ſimples in number required to the compoſition of Mithridatium, are found naturally to ſpring in England: I ſee no cauſe why we ſhould not beſt allow of it made heere: neither ought ye paucitie which we do lacke, to draw vs better to eſteeme of a forrayne medicine made of all forrain things. And as I dare affirme that in this countrey we do lacke as few ſimples which go to the making of Mithridatium, as any of the forenamed places: ſo I may iuſtly pronounce, that ſuch which are wanting to them, and to vs alſo, may and are as eaſily, and in as ſhort time tranſported to vs, as to them. For in theſe dayes, the ſpices and other thinges brought from ye Indians by nauigation to Liſhburn, and thence to other coūtreys of Europe, may as ſoone be tranſported to vs as to Venice. Where in times paſt ſuch marchandiſe were caried from the eaſt Indians to Alexandria by land vpon Camels, that trade is now decayed, and for ye moſt part ſuch drugges are imported by ſea, and ye ſhips doe commonly light in ſome part of Portingal: ſo that it is eaſie to ſee that our Apothecaries in England, may with as good conueniency procure thē from thoſe places, and in as good perfection, as the marchaūts of Venice or of Conſtantinople. Neuertheleſſe if any thing lacking with vs, doe come to Venice: it is ſoone tranſported thence to Antuerp (as in the ſpace of 24. dayes) & ſo to vs. Wherefore I doe not cōceaue, why any man ſhould thinke yt our Apothecaries in England, cānot make Mithridatiū in as good perfection as other coūtries doe: but rather we ought to adiudge ye contrary, that it made here, is in as good perfection, and more agreable to our natures & conſtitutions, then yt which is cōpounded in other countreys, as altogether made of ſtraūge ſimples, which haue no affinity with our bodies. And if we do with iudgement cōſider how vncertaine wee are of the true confection, when it is done in places ſo farre from vs: it may make vs greatly to feare, leaſt they which do cōpound ye medicine, hauing more care to gaine, then truly to diſpence ye ſame, will neither make choiſe of the beſt ſimples, neither vſe diligence in the mixture. And if the princes of the countryes with carefull lawes prouide, that the confectioners ſhall doe their duties truely, in compoū ding and obſeruing the things needeful to the well handling of ſo noble a medicine: who can aſſure himſelfe of the truth of the marchaunt▪ in tranſporting ye ſame? whoſe profeſſion is by his marchaundize to gaine, & ſo no doubt will vſe meanes euery way to increaſe his profite, that we may iuſtly ſuſpect, that they doe very ſeldome bring into England from Venice or Conſtantinople, any Theriacle or Mithridatium vnmingled: & the better ſkill they haue in their trade, with more arte they can ſophiſticate their wares, to deceaue the iudgement of the buyer, that I greatly doe doubt yt litle or none at all of theſe medicines are brought true and ſincere vnmixed: as hath bene tryed when ſtraungers in England haue purpoſly examined both Theriacle and Mithridatium compounded in London, with other brought from the ſayd countryes, & haue gieuen praiſe to that made in London: as maiſter Hughe Morgane her Maieſties Apothecary can witnes, whoſe confections haue bene better commended by ſtrangers, then any of other places. Farther whereas of Mithridatium there are diuers deſcriptiōs, not all of like goodnes (as I haue before declared) how can we tell what compoſitions the confectioner followed? hereof ye marchaūt not hauing care, can not informe vs: ſo we remaine vncertaine of the true knowledge of the medicine, not hauing knowledg of the ſimples vſed in that wee buy: and as wee know not aſſuredly what kinde of Mithridatium we doe buy: ſo we remaine vncertaine of the medicine. And where wee haue declared yt Theriacle & Mithridatium haue their times of fermentation, of their duraunce, and that after a certaine age they decline, waxe old, & feeble: we cannot know the time of that which is forraine made: ſo we haue vncertaine medicine, and ſhall be vncertaine how long we may keepe the ſame. All which circumſtances may be eaſly knowne, in that which is made in England. Galen in his bookes doth not allowe of Theriacle kept in Tinne veſſels, affirming that they are corrupted with ledde, the cer • ſe whereof doth corrupt ye medicine. What ſhall we then ſay to our marchauntes, which doe bring Mithridatium & Theriacle from other countryes in veſſels of ledde? doe not theſe medicines take of ye veſſels great corruption, and notwithſtanding are ſolde to the great annoyance of the Queenes ſubiects? Wherefore if we doe truely weigh in the ballance of reaſon, that which I haue here written) and yet much more may in this matter be ſayd) ſurely we ſhall not onely confeſſe that none of theſe medicines, ſpecially Mithridatium, made in forraine places, are, or ought to be ſo greatly eſteemed, as thoſe which are made at home in England. And we may truely confeſſe that we are luſtly puniſhed in expending our money vpon forraine things, when we haue & may haue better at home. And it is very lamentable to conſider, yt ſtraungers doe dayly ſend into England a falſe & naughty kinde of Mithridatium, & Threacle, in great barrelles, more then a thouſand weight in a yeare, and vtter ye ſame at a lowe price, for iij. d. or iiij. d. a pound, to ye great hurt of Her Maieſties ſubiects, and no ſmale gaine to ſtraungers purſes. Wherefore to conclude, I do counſell all Engliſh men rather to buy Mithridatium truly made in England, then that which is brought from other coūtryes. And here it is to be wiſhed, that our moſt gratious Soueraigne thereof informed, may by Her magiſtrates doe, as in olde time Emperoures of Rome did, that is, by her edict take order, that our Apothecaries may with care and diligence ſelect the ſimples which doe go to the making of this medicine, that the true may bee gotten in their beſt perfections, and the ſame truely choſen may bee rightly diſpenſed, and in all pointes according to arte well ordered, the time of fermentation duely obſerued, the maner of keeping, in good ſorte performed: and ſo all things rightly adminiſtred by her Maieſties carefull ordinaunces, I doe not doubt, but yt wee ſhall in this our countrie haue both Mithridatium & Theriacle in good perfection, that we may finde the great effects and noble vertues of both, ſo largely deliuered by the auncient writers in their monuments.

Of the vertues and propertyes of Mithridatium.

GALEN in his bookes de Antidot. doth not particulerly expreſſe the properties of this medicine: but generally enunceth, that it doth good againſt all poiſons, and is ſtronge to remedy many inwarde diſeaſes. It doth appeare by ſō dry places in Galen, that Mithridatium hath all the vertues which Theriacle hath, and is inferior to it only in the curing of the byting of vipers, and ſuch other venemous beaſtes: in other things it doth excell Theriacle. Then where Galen at large diſplayeth ye faculties & vertues of Theriacle in his bookes De Theriaca ad Piſonem, & ad Pamphilianū, he needed not particularly to ſet downe ye properties of Mithridatium. For it doth ſuffice for vs to looke into ye qualities & powers of Theriacle to learne the faculties of Mithridatiū. But ye latter writers in all their antidatories doe expreſſe ye ſame at large. In which bookes we do reade thus.

Mithridatium is next in qualitye and vertue to Theriacle, and doth little differ from it, ſaue that Theriacle is in temperament hoatter, and ſtronger againſt ye biting of ſerpents. Concerning other properties of Mithridatium confueſly numbred in theſe bookes, it will not be amyſſe to reduce them to a methode and order: So we may affirme that the effects and vertues of Mithridatium doe conſiſt in two ſpeciall points. Firſt to preſerue from infirmities, then to cure diſeaſes. For as Galen writeth, this medicine doth not onely cure affects which are ingendred, and helpe to remedy poiſon taken: but vſed before, doth ſo defend, yt poiſon gieuen after ſhall doe no harme, as happened to king Mithridates, when he would haue poiſoned himſelfe, Who ſo vſeth Mithridatium in health, ſhall in ſuch ſorte make his body ſtrong, yt neither poiſō, nor other diſeaſe ſhall eaſely harme him. And as man conſiſteth of body and ſoule, ſo Mithridatiū doth in both exerciſe his vertues. His properties are ſuch, that it quickeneth the ſenſes, cleareth the minde, and ſharpeneth the witte. Which actiones it perfourmeth by clenſing the inſtrumentes which doe ſerue to theſe fūctions, from groſſe and thick vapours. And where oftentimes many fumes doe aſcend, by the which the animal ſpirits are obſcured, the vſe of Mithridatium doth diſſipate, extenuate, & conſume the ſame: wherby theſe animal facultyes & powers are cleared, and ſo a perfite minde is preſerued in a whole body. For Mithridatium maketh ſtrong all parts which doe ſerue for nutrition, increaſeth naturall heate, openeth obſtructions, expelleth ſuperfluity, wherby the naturall faculties of the body doe perfectly performe their functions, the ſtomacke in good order deſireth and digeſteth alimentes, the liuer maketh good and perfit bloud, and ech parte putteth from him his excrementes in conuenient order and time. So the hart receiuing pure bloud, maketh good ſpirits fit for his actions, which he orderly ſendeth to the animal partes, & to other members of ye body. Wherby all the principall partes being in their perfections, doe euery way well diſpence through the body, that it remayneth in good order to performe all actions. And whereas mā is ſubiect to many caſualties, Mithridatium vſed as is ſayd, ſo defendeth the body, that no poiſon ſhall eaſely harme it. Whereof Mithridates gaue proofe, w •• by longe vſe of this medicine. ſo altered the conſtitution of his body, that no poiſon could annoye it.

In peſtilentiall ſeaſons, it preſerueth ſuch as do vſe it: where of we haue examples, not only in auncient writers, but alſo in our daily experience.

Now concerning ye parte curatiue, though the ſame may be gathered by that which is already written in preſeruatiō: yet it is better for order ſake to repeate one thing often, then to be thought inſufficient by omitting any thing. Wherfore we may ſay with the olde authors (which proofe alſo confirmeth) that Mithridatium remedyeth diſeaſes of the minde, taketh away ſtraunge imaginations, helpeth melancholy phantaſies & paſſions, which drawe men often to deſperation. This it performeth by altering the bloud, opening the ſplene, by chaunging and diſſipating the vapores arriſing of the melancholy humore, and yeelding to the animall ſpirits pure and good exhalations, and by comforting the hart. And where oftentimes colde and groſſe fumes do aſcend ſo plentifully, that the wittes are dulled, the ſenſes and diſcourſe of reaſon either greatly impaired or cleane taken away, the iudgment and memory hurt or aboliſhed: Mithridatium by his ſweete brethings quickeneth the ſame, reduceth the braine to his temperament, altereth, conſumeth, & ſpendeth thoſe vapoures, and bringeth man to his naturall ſtate, and when it is newe, it induceth ſleepe, and remedieth the furyouſnes of many madmen.

No man needeth to doubt of the mighty power of Mithridatium, in curing all kind of poiſons either outwardly receaued or inwardly taken, being to that purpoſe chefly deviſed, and of long time experienced to be therin of great force. Although for the biting and ſtinging of venemous beaſtes, it is ſuppoſed of leſſe might then Theriacle: yet it is of all men confeſſed much ſtronger to cure poiſons, taken into the body by potion, or otherwayſe. So his might is great to heale all peſtilent (all and malignante diſeaſes, cureth the plage, feauers which depend of naughty and malignant cauſes, helpeth the french pocks, the ſmall pocks, the meaſels: and in all other inward diſeaſes which are great, and ſuch as other medicines can not remedy, Mithridatium is found to haue a ſpeciall grace to cure them. And in ſuch deſperate diſeaſes & caſes, when other remedies will not ſerue, then we ought to flye to Mithridatium, as Galen writeth of Theriacle.) For being a noble medicine of great powre, it is not to be vſed in euery affect of little moment.

Wherefore it is written that Mithridatium cureth all infermities of the head in men, and women, if the ſame doe come of a cold cauſe: namely it helpeth the melancholy madnes, the Falilng ſicknes, ye Hemicrane or meagrame, ye paines in the eyelids and browes, the watring of the eyes, the paines of the eares, of the teeth, of the mouth, of the iawes, the ſquinancy, the appoplexy, the litargie, and ſuch other cold diſeaſes of ye head: in which caſes it is inwardly dronken, & alſo outwardly applyed, ſprede in the forme of an emplaſtre: it comforteth ye hart, & doth good in the paſſions of the ſame.

It helpeth the diſeaſed of the breaſt, cureth the cough, ſhortnes of breath, ſpitting of bloud, the pleuriſy and ſtiches of the ſide, the phthiſike & other inward diſeaſes of the breaſt and loūgs. In theſe later cauſes, eſpecially for ſtiches, it is applyed outwardly, ſpred emplaſtre waies, and in the chough and ſuch other diſeaſes, it is inwardly miniſtred with ſome conuenient liquor: for ſo it cutteth the groſnes of the phlegme, and maketh it eaſy to be auoydid, openeth the pipes, and enlargeth all thoſe parts which doe ſerue for breathing.

To proceede to the affects of the ſtomake, it prouoketh appetite, remedieth ouer much deſire to eat, termed Canina appetentia: for it drieth ſuperfluous, & reſolueth & correcteth corrupte humores: it helpeth concoctiō, by increaſing of naturall heate, cureth euill belks, & inflation of the ſtomacke: for it breaketh winde, and will not ſuffer any thing to corrupt in ye ſtomacke: it ſtayeth vomiting by ſtrengthening the ſtomacke: by keeping the ſtomacke cleane from winde, ſuperfluous, and euill humores, it taketh away the abhorring of meate.

It doth great good in all diſeaſes of the belly, paynes in ye guts, called the Iliaca paſſio, the bluddy flix, and all other fluxes gieuen with the decoction of the flowers of the pomegranate called Balauſtia. In the colike of the belly it is very good, and to eaſe the paynes of the belly after a purgatiue medicine, it hath a ſpeciall vertue. For it taketh away the malignitie of the medicine, breaketh winde, and doth ſtrengthen parts wekened by the purgatiue medicine. It nouriſheth diſeaſes & paynes in the ſydes and about the mydriffe, it helpeth the infirmities of ye kidnes, and of the bladder, breaketh the ſtone, remedieth the paſſions of the matrix, prouoketh the naturall courſes in women, and ſtoppeth the ſame if they doe abound. For it openeth the paſſages by extenuating that which by groſnes doth ſtoppe the wayes: and by making nature ſtronge, ſtaieth fluxes, which commonly do grow immoderate by weaknes. It diminiſheth ye ſwellings & hardnes of ye matrix, & of other parts, it doth remedy ye barrennes in women, & maketh them fertill. Mithridatiū is accompted a ſpeciall good remedy againſt the payne of the ioynts, to cure the goute and the Sciatica, for that it drieth ſuperfluous humores, ſtayeth the reume, & maketh all parts ſtronge. But it muſt be gieuen, not at the firſt, when the payn beginneth, but ater: when the rage of the paine is paſt, and the body ought firſt to be purged before you gieue Mithridatium. And it vſed before the fits of the goutes, maketh greatly for preſeruation, to keepe one from often acceſſiōs of ye goute. It helpeth ye diſeaſes of the ſineues, ye reſolution, yt paulſye, the crampe, ye diſeaſes called Tetanos Ambroſtotonos, and Opiſtetanos: for it augmenteth naturall heate, diſſolueth, by euaporatiō, humores ſoken into ye ſyneues, & reſtoreth the ſpirits and ſtrength. It helpeth the ſhaking fits of feauers, & geauen twyſe or thriſe halfe an houre before the fitte, oftentimes it doth cure the feauer quartan and the quotidian.

Of the vſe of Mithridatium.

THe better to know the vſe of Mithridatium, we are to conſider the time moſt conuenient to gieue it, the quantity, & the maner of gieuing. For the time, we may with Galen counſaile to miniſter the ſame in no wyſe vpon a full ſtomacke, but after concoction is perfit. The vſuall time and beſt to take it, is in the morning faſting, it is not ſo good to gieue it when the ſtomacke and firſt veines are full of crude and rawe humoures. And before it be gieuen, it is good to procure the belly to be looſe, according to Galens counſell in miniſtring of Theriacle, in his booke ad Pamphilianum.

Of the quantity.

AS Galen writeth in his booke de Theriaca ad Piſonem, ſo we may affirme that one quantity of Mithridatium is not to bee gieuen to all men, in all times▪ and in all diſeaſes. And the better to finde out the iuſt quantity, wee are to remember, that Galen in the ſayd booke mentioneth of two quantityes gieuen of Theriacle, the one referred to a haſell nut, the other to a beane of Aegypt. And for that he alſo affirmeth, yt in ſtrong diſeaſes the greater quantity is to be gieuen, and the leſſer in light▪ diſeaſes, and ſo in great infirmities hee miniſtreth the quantity of an haſell nut, and in diſeaſes of leſſe force, vſeth the portion of the beane of Aegypt: it is euident that the haſell nut importeth the greater quantity, and the beane the leſſer. So that by Galen the greateſt quātity to be gieuen of Theriacle, is meaſured by an haſell nut, and the leaſt by a beane of Aegypt. And the forme of ſpeach which Galen vſeth to expreſſe theſe quantities, in my iudgement doth importe the bigneſſe, and not the weight of the things. For Galen in euery place writeth ad magnitudinem fabae aegyptiae, & ſo ad magnitudinem nucis auellanae, to the michelty or bignes of a beane of Aegypt, the bignes of an haſel nut. Which maner of ſpech hath relation to the bignes & not ye weight. We are therefore to conſtrue Galen, that in great diſeaſes Theriacle is to be miniſtred, that his bulke may bee equall with the bignes of an haſell nut, and in other diſeaſes, of a beane of Aegypt. Maſſarius in his booke de ponderibus reducing theſe things to weight, ſaith that Paba Aegyptia importeth a ſcruple and a halfe, that is, halfe a drachine: and that nux auellana ſignifieth a drachine. So if we will by weight meaſure the quantities, the greateſt which is to be giuen of Theriacle is a drachine, and the leaſte is halfe a drachine.

In that Mithridatium is like to Theriacl • , it may be gieuen in like quantity. And becauſe it is more gentle, and not in quality ſo whot as Theriacle, and not receiuing the fleſh of vipers, nor ſo great quantity of Opium, it is a more ſafe medicine▪ & ſo may be gieuē in greater quantity, that wee neede not be bounde to an haſell nut, nor to a beane of Aegypt, but may as cauſe ſhall require exceede both. For which cauſe the writers of our antidatory bookes, not without reaſon doe affirme, that Mithridatium may bee miniſtred to foure Drachines, that is halfe an ownce. And Duraſtantes in his cōmentary vpon Luminare Maius bringing the quantity of a nut, and of a beane to ye weight, ſaith that an haſell nut ſignifieth an ounce, and ye beane of Aegypt halfe a ſcruple, and becauſe the one proportion is very great, the other ouer litle: therefore he putteth his ſenſure, that an haſell nut containeth ij. Drachines, or iiij. Drachines at ye moſt. And the beane of Aegypt one Drachine, or ij. Drachines at the moſt. So that by his opinion we may miniſter Theriacle to ij. or iij. Drachines, when the diſeaſe and the caſe ſo requireth. Wherefore wee neede not greatly to feare to gieue Mithridatium in ſo large a quantity as is preſcribed in our antidotaryes, that is, to miniſter it to halfe an ounce. Neuertheleſſe in theſe dayes wee doe very ſeldome miniſter Mithridatium ſo largely: for moſt cōmonly we follow the preſcript of Galen, and gieue of it the quantity of a beane, or of an haſell nut. In meaſure wee preſcribe the halfe a drachine and two ſcruples, and in mighty diſeaſes, and vrgent cauſes we offerre one drachine, and very ſeldome doe procede to a greater quantity: which proportions in my iudgement are moſt vſually to be kept. Yet by this diſcourſe it appereth, yt we are not ſo to be reſtrained to theſe quantities, but that we may vpon occaſions gieue a greater quantity, if the patient, the diſeaſe, & other circumſtances doe ſo require. And hereby alſo it appeareth, that we cannot ſo determine the quantity of this medicine, nor of any other, that the ſame may alway be obſerued: but the certaine appointment of the ſame muſt bee left to the diſcretion of him which doth miniſter the medicine, to preſcribe the quantity according to the circumſtances of the preſent caſe. And therefore it ſhall not be amiſſe here to conſider more particularly of the circumſtāces, whereby we may the better attaine to coniecture the iuſt quantity to bee gieuen in the preſent caſe. Firſt therefore wee are to conſider the countrey where the party which is to take the medicine, doth inhabite, & here alſo the time of yeare. And as Galen writeth of Theriacle, that in the Eaſt partes & in hoate coūtryes, in ſommer and hoate ſeaſons it is not to be miniſtred: ſo we may affirme of Mithridatiū, yt in hoate coūtryes & ſeaſons we ought to refraine frō much geiuing of it. Wherefore when occaſion is to gieue in ſommer, we muſt preſcribe a leſſer quantity then in winter, and in the ſpring time. So we may gieue a bigger quantity in theſe north parts, then in hoater countreyes. The like reſpect is to be had of the liquore in which wee gieue it, that in hoate places & ſeaſons it be mingled with a cold liquor, as with water: and in cold countries and times with a whot liquore, as with wyne.

The like conſideration is to bee had of the temperament of the body, and of the age. In which reſpect Galen doth forbid cholerike & hoate conſtitutions to take Theriacle. And ſuch muſt with more warineſſe vſe Mithridatium, and in leſſer quantity and mingled with ſome conuenient liquore, moderate the heate of the medicine.

Concerning age, Galen doth forbid the gieuing of Theriacle to children, for (ſaith he) the mightines of the medicine doth exceede the ſtrength of children, and diſſolueth their bodies: and telleth an hiſtory of a childe deſtroide by taking of Theriacle. We may therefore admoniſhe phiſitions of theſe dayes, which doe often & boldly gieue Theriacle to yonge children for the wormes: let them conſider what warrant they haue ſo to doe: it is to be feared leſt they endaunger thereby ſo tender bodyes. And we are to be circumſpect in gieuing Mithridatium to children, and to be very wary in ye miniſtring of it, leſt we do harme therin. And yet I do thinke we may with more ſafety miniſter Mithridatium then Theriacle. To yong men & ſuch as haue much natural heate, we may gieue this medicine: but neither oftē, nor in great quantity, & in water rather then wine. To mē of yeres which are in ye declining age, in greater quantity, and in wyne. In reſpect of the diſeaſe we are ſo to meaſure the quantity of the medicine, that in a mighty and a ſtrong diſeaſe, we gieue a greater quantity. Therefore as Galen wryteth of Theriacle, ſo we may determine of Mithridatium. In ſtrōg poyſon, and to ſuch as are bitten and ſtinged with virulent beaſtes or mad dogs, we gieue a greater quantity: in other diſeaſes the quantity of the medicine ought to be according to the greatnes of the ſicknes. So when there is time to digeſt the medicine, we may appoynt a greater quantity: when little time is for concoction, then leſſer quātity ſerueth. The like conſideration is to be made in all theſe circū ſtances of ye liquore, in which the medicine is to be diſſolued, the ſame to be of a greater or leſſer meaſure, according to ye circumſtances: whereof we are to ſpeake more particularly in the maner of gieuing.

Of the manner of gieuing of Mithridatium.

By that we doe reade in Galen in his bookes de Theriaca and de Antidot. yt appeareth that thauncient phiſition did ſeldom, or not at all gieue either Theriacle or Mithridatium dry, and not diſſolued in ſome liquor▪ and the reaſon may be, for that they gaue it moſt commonly before or after poiſon, or to preſerue or cure ſome peſtilentall ſicknes, which depended of a malignant cauſe. In which reſpect, it ſeemeth requiſite to miniſter the medicine in lyquid forme, that it might haue the ſpeedy paſſage through the body, and come to the heart, that the ſpirites comforted, might the better exſiſt and the ſooner expell the venyme, and the malignity of the affect. For not only Mithridatiū and Theriacle, but all other medicines taken in a ſolide and dry conſiſtence, doe ſtay in the ſtomacke longe, and ſuſtaine greater alteration, than when the ſame is gieuen in a liquid forme. For which cauſe when we haue intent to comfort the ſtomacke, to help digeſtiō, to breake wyn • e in the ſtomacke and belly, then it is conuenient to gieue Mithridatium in drie ſubſtāce. When intention is to remedy diſeaſes in more inward parts of the body, in all venimous, peſtilential and malignant cauſes, we gieue the medicine diſſolued with ſome liquore. And as we reade in Galen, that hee vſed not alway one liquore, ſo he maketh mention of theſe, of water of Mulſa, that is water & hony, which we do cal meade or meath, of mulſum, that is wyne and hony mingled, of acetum mulſum, that is wine, hony and vineger, of poſca, that is water & vineger, of certaine decoctions made of hearbs, rootes, and ſeedes. And it is to bee ſeene by Galens diſcourſe, that hee made choiſe of the liquores by indication taken of the countrey, of the time of the yeare, of the age and complexion of the patient, and of the nature and diſpoſition of the diſeaſe. So that he gaue a hoat liquore, as wine or wine or wine & hony in cold countryes and times, in aged men, & ſuch as were not of hoate complexions, and had not much naturall heate, & in diſeaſes not ouer hoate, & in ſtrong poyſons. Cōtrariwiſe in hoate regions, in ſommer time, in ſuch as were in the flower of their age, and had cholerike and hoat conſtitutions, dry bodies, and did abound with naturall heate, in hoate cholerike ſikneſſes, in great feauers, he made choiſe of a colde liquore hauinge regarde that the liquore might contemper and mitigate in ſome part the quality of the medicine. Which intētions applied to ye gieuing of Mithridatium, it wil be eaſy to chooſe a fit liquore▪ when we are to miniſter the ſame in it. For the ſame circumſtances will ſoone induce vs to make choiſe of a conuenient liquore▪ wee may alſo learne by Galen, that as the circumſtnunces are to leade vs to appoyncte the quality of the liquore, as is aforeſayde: So the diſpoſition of the diſeaſe will teach vs to apt a conuenient liquore in ſubſtaunce: for it is agreable to reaſon, that ſuch a liquore bee gieuen, which may not only mitigate the quality of the medicine, but with hauing alſo property to doe good in that diſeaſe, may further the action of the medicine. So by good reaſon in peſtilentiall agues, in malignant diſeaſes, the pockes, ye meaſels, we doe gieue Mithridatium with the diſſolued water of Dragon, or of Carduus benedictus, or in ſome like decoction, and we doe in ſuch caſes many times mingle with ye ſyrupe de acetoſitat • citri ſyrupe acetoſus, which things doe not only mitigate the heate of the medicine, but alſo help and further his action. In ye cough, and diſeaſes of the breaſte and ſyde, wee may with Galen chooſe wine and water called mulſum when ye patient is without a feauer: in a feauer with water and hony called mulſa. In ſuch a • are ſhorte breathed, it is beſt gieuen with vineger compoūded with ſcilla, to them which ſpit bloude, at the beginning, with water and hony, which we call meade, after, with water only, but the medicine wil be more effectuall, if you doe boyle the rootes of Comfry in it. In diſeaſes and paine of the belly, with water. In ſtoppages of the lyuer, they yealew Ieaundes, the Dropſie, with an opening decoctiō, as the decoction of the rootes of Aſara bacca. And in reſpect of the drouth in the Dropſie, it may be gieuen in meade. In diſeaſes of the kidnes and bladder, with the decoction of perſley, and in vlcers of the kidnes, with wine and water, in excoriation of the guttes, with a decoction of Sumach: to thoſe which haue the falling ſicknes, if they be leaue, with meade, & it were two lōge, and to litle purpoſe thus perticularly to runne thorough all diſeaſes. we may eaſely appoint a cōuenient liquore, and preſcribe ye quantity of ye medicine, & of the liquore, by yt which is written, and thought I haue for example ſake (for examples doe beſt teach) diſcourſed in many diſeaſes, appointing ſuch liquores which Galen doth vſe and beſt allowe of, yet I doubt not but an expert man will for the preſent caſe, diuiſe much better, by indication taken of the circumſtaunces before mentioned, That a man well weighing theſe thinges, may quickely knowe the true vſe of Mithridatium, and ſo not erre in the miniſtration thereof, but gieue the ſame to the greate good of thoſe, which ſhall take it, and to the honour of God, whoſe goodneſſe gieueth ſucceſſe to al medicines, to worke health where and when it pleaſeth his holy wiſdome.