The Description.

1. Avicenna and Serapio make Nux vomica, and Nux Methel, to be one, whereabout there hath been much cavilling; yet the case is plain, if the text be true, that the Thorn Apple is Nux Methel. Of the tree that beareth the fruit that is called in shops Nux vomica, and Nux Methel, we have no certain knowledge: some are of opinion, that the fruit is the root of an herb, and not the nut of a tree: and therefore since the case among the learned resteth doubtful, we leave the rest that might be said to a further consideration. The fruit is round, flat, like a little cake, of a russet overworn colour, fat and firm, in taste sweet, and of such an oily substance, that it is not possible to stamp it in a mortar to powder; but when it is to be used, it must be grated or scraped with some instrument for that purpose.

2. There be certain nuts brought from the Indies, called purging nuts, of their quality in purging gross and filthy humours. For want of good instruction from those that have travelled the Indies, we can write nothing of the tree itself: the nut is somewhat long, oval, or in shape like an egg; of a brown colour: within the shell is contained a kernel, in taste sweet, and of a purging faculty.

The Place and Time.

These nuts do grow in the deserts of Arabia, and in some places of the East Indies: we have no certain knowledge of their springing, or time of maturity.

The Temperature.

Avicenna affirmeth the vomiting nut to be of a poisonous quality, cold in the fourth degree, having a stupefying nature, and bringeth deadly sleep.

The Virtues.

A. Of the physical virtues of the vomiting nuts we think it not necessary to write, because the danger is great, and not to be given inwardly, but mixed with other compositions, and that very curiously by the hands of a faithful apothecary.

B. The powder of the nut mixed with some flesh, and cast unto crows and other ravenous fowls, doth kill and so dull their senses at the least, that you may take them with your hands.

C. They make also an excellent salad, mixed with some meat or butter, and laid in the garden where cats use to scrape to bury their excrements, spoiling both the herbs and also seeds new sown.