Of the Anime and Copall .

THey do bring from the new Spaine 2. kinds of Rosine , that be both much alike one to the other , Of the Copal . the one is called Copall , and the other Anime . The Copall is a Rosine verie white , and of muche brightnesse , it is brought in certaine great peeces , which are like too peeces of Diacitron very cleare , it hath an indifferent smell , but not so good as the Anime : with this Copall , the Indians did make perfumes in their sacrifices , & so the vse thereof was frequented in the Temples , by their Priestes .

And when the first Spaniardes went too those partes , the Priestes went out to receiue them , Hi●torie . with little firepots , burning in them this Copall , and geuing to them the smoke of it at their noses : wee doe vse heere to perfume with it in diseases rising vpon coldenesse of the head , in the place of Incence , or Anime : it is hotte in the seconde degree , and moyst in the first , it is resoluatiue , and softneth by some watrish partes , that it hath .

The Anime is a gumme or Rosine of a greate Tree , it is white , What Anime is . it draweth neere to the coulour of Incence , it is more oyly then the Copall is , it commeth in graines , as the Incence doeth , although somewhat greater , and beyng broken , it hath a yellowe collour , as Rosine hath : it is of a very acceptable and pleasaunt smell , and put vppon burning coales , it doth consume very quickely .

It differeth from our Anime , that is brought from Leuante ,

H●w it di●fereth from ours .

Of the congeled amber .

which is not so white , nor so bright , insomuche that some doe say , that it is spice of Charabe or Succino , which is called Amber congeled , wherwith they doe make Beades , but it is not so , for that the Charabe is a kinde of Pitche , that is founde in the Germayne Sea , and it is taken out of the Sea in great peeces , with a dragge of Iron , so that it seemeth to come foorth of some Fountaines , into the Sea , after the maner of pitch , and beeing come foorthe vnto the colde ayre , it congeleth , for because there is s●ene in the same , peeces of stickes , & other superfluities of the Sea , cleaning vnto it , and in this they shall see the errour of them , that say that it is Gumme of Alamo ; and of others , that it is of the Pinetree .

He●m●●au● . Of our Anime Hermolaus Barbarus , a man most excellently learned doeth saie , that it is gather●d about the place where Incence is founde , and that lande or soile ,

A ●arba●ian auth●ur . A place that is call●d Animitin , where our A●ime is gathered .

The ve●tue therof .

is called Amintin and therefore the thing is called Anime .

That which is brought from the newe Spaine , is gathered from certaine Trees , of a reasonable greatnesse , by way of incision , as the Incence , and Almasiga are ga●hered : we do vse thereof for many infirmities , and principally for the griefe of the head , and paines therof , caused of humours , or of colde causes , and for sluffyng in the head , that thereof doeth proceede , after euacuation , perfuming therewith the chambers in the Winter season : and where as are generall infirmities , it doeth purifie and correct the Aire , and they doe perfume therewith their head kerchers , when that they doe goe to sleepe : for them that doe suffer paines in the head , and occasions thereof , it doeth profite to perfume the head of him that is so diseased , it doeth comforte the head vnto such as haue it debilited , or weakened , and doe suffer paines by occasion thereof : they doe put it also in plaisters , and in seere clothes , where as is neede of comfort , and to dissolue , especially cold humours , or windinesse : they doe vse it also in place of Incence , as well in the perfumes , as in the aforesaide .

It doeth comfort the braine , The complexion that it hath . applied in the forme of a plaister , and euen so likewise the stomacke , and all partes being full of Sinewes , made after the fashion of a Sere cloth with the third parte of Waxe : it taketh out the cold of any member , whatsoeuer , being applied therevntoo for a long time , with refreshing it . It is hotte in the second degree , and moist in the first .

Of the gumme called Tacamahaca .

AND also they doe bring out of the newe Spaine an other kinde of Gumme or Rosine , Of the Tacamahaca . which the Indians doe call Tacamahaca , and the same name did our Spaniardes giue it , it is Rosine taken out by incision of a tree , being as great , as a Willow tree , and is of a verie sweete smell , it bringeth foorth a red fruite , as the seede of Pionia .

How the Indians vse it . This Rosine or Gumme , the Indians doe much vse in their infirmities , chiefly in swellinges in any part of the bodie , wheresoeuer they bee ingendred , for that it dissolueth , ripeneth , and maruellously desolueth them . And euen so , it taketh awaie any manner of greefe , that is come of a colde cause : as humours , and windinesse : this the Indians doe vse very commonly , and familiarly . And for this effect the Spaniardes hath brought it .

The propertie that it hath . The colour is as the colour of Galuano , and some doe say that it is the same , it hath white partes like to Amoniaco , it is of a good smel , and the tast is like , insomuch that being cast vpon hotte burning coles , and giuing the smoke thereof at the nose of a woman that doth swoone , or els hath lost her feeling by suffocation of the Mother , it doeth cause her to come quickely , and easily to her selfe . And the Rosine putte to her n●uell , Good for the diseases of the Mother . after the manner of a plaister , causeth the Mother to keepe in her place : and the vse thereof is so much amongest women , that the most parte which is spent thereof , is for this effect , for that they doe finde themselues very much eased by it , taking awaie from them all manner of chokinges of the Mother , and comforting the stomacke . Some that bee curious doe adde thereuntoo Amber and Muske , and so it is better then alone . It is alwaies fixed , without melting of it selfe , vntill that it bee al wholie wasted .

And where it doeth most profite , is for to take awaie any manner of griefe , caused of colde humours and windie , and beeing applied vnto them in manner of a plaister , In any manner of grief . it taketh them away , and dissolueth them with greate admiration : it doeth cleane in such sorte , that vntill it hath done , and wrought his effect , it can not bee taken away , and the selfe same it doeth , being laide vppon swellinges , for that it consumeth and desolueth them , and if there bee any desire to ripen them , it doeth it , and that very quickly .

It is also a remedie verified , and experimented , The vertue therof . that it doeth profite much in Reumes , and Runnings , wheresoeuer they goe , for it taketh them awaie , putting a small peece of linnen cloth with this Rosine , behinde both the eares , or the eare on the parte which runneth , for that it doeth restraine the running of them : and applied vnto the temples of the head , in manner of a plaister , it doeth withholde the runnings and the fluxe , that runneth to the eyes , and to the partes of the face : In the tooth-ache . it takethaway the tothe ache , although that the tothe bee hollowe , by putting a little of this Rosine into the hollowe , and if therewith the rotten tothe be burned , it maketh that the corruption goeth no further : and being laide after the maner of a plaister in the hollownesse of the necke , or griefe of the shoulders , it taketh away the paynes : mingled with the thirde parte of storax , and a little Amber made in a plaister , for the stomacke , it doeth comfort it , and causeth appetite to meate , It conforteth the stomack . it helpeth digestion , and dissolueth windines : after the same sort put vpon the moulde of the head , it comforteth , and taketh away the paines thereof . In the Sciatica , or paynes of the hippes put therevnto , the effect thereof is greate : In the griefe of the h●ad . In the Sciatica . and likewise it is so in all paynes of the ioyntes : and in any payne of the body whersoeuer it be , chiefly if it come of cold humours , or mixt : For because with his resolution , it hath partes of binding , which doe giue a maruellous comforting in ioyntes , or in hurtes of Sinewes , In the griefe of the ioints . putting that alone , it doeth heale and cure them , for greate is the experience , that wee haue of it , i●genderyng foorth with matter : it taketh away an extreeme colde : In the hurtes of Sinewes . ordinarily it is applyed to all griefes : I doe mingle therewith the thirde parte of yellowe Waxe , for that will be applied the better , and the vse thereof is so celebrated , that the people knowe no other remedy for any grief , but only the vse of this Rosine , In al griefes . so that it bee not inflamations very hotte , and also in them after the first furie is past , The complexion therof . and the fearcenesse thereof , it doth profite much for to dissolue the rest : it is hotte in the beginning of the third degree , and drie in the second .

Of the Gumme Caranna .

THey doe bring from the firme Lande , by the waie of Cartagena , Caranna . and number de Dios , A Rosin of the coulour of Tacamahaca , somewhat cleare , and thinne , called in the Indians language , Caranna , and this woorde and name our Spaniardes haue geuen it , and it hath in maner the smel of the Tacamahaca , although it bee somewhat more strong of smell , it is very oylie , and it cleaueth fast without melting , for the clamminesse that it hath . It is a newe Medicine , and brought hither about a tenne yeeres past , and the Indians doe vse it in their infirmities against swellinges , and in all manner of griefes , and now in our partes it is much esteemed , for the great effects that it doth worke .

It doth profit and heale the same infirmities , that the Tacamahaca doth , The vertues . but it woorketh more speedily , so that many infirmities , wherein the Tacamahaca doth not so much effect , the Caranna doth easily heale . There was one that did suffer paines in his shoulders , the which paines hee had suffered a long time , It healeth an olde griefe of the shoulder . in such sort , that he could not stirre his Armes , & hauing vsed a great time the Tacamahaca , yet hee was not healed , vntil hee had put thereunto the Caranna , and thereby in three daies he was made whole . In the griefes of the Iointes , In the griefes of the ioints . and the Go●t Arthetica , it hath a maruellous effect , being applied vnto the grief , so that it be not an inflammation , of very hotte humour , for it taketh it awaie , with much easinesse . In old swellinges , as well in humours as in windes , In swellings . it dissolueth , in griefes caused by defluxe or running of cold humours or mixed , it worketh a meruellous ●ffect : in all paines of the Sinowes , and griefes of the head , and griefes that thereof do proceede , it profiteth much . In griefes of Sinewes . Surely , it is a medicine to dissolue and to take away griefs of great efficacie , and doth make his worke with great certaintie in new greene wounds , especially of the Sinewes : it doeth much profit , and greatly in ioyntes , In newe woundes . in the which I haue seene done only therewith very great workes : it is an intercepting to state the fluxe and running of the eyes , and other partes applied behinde the eares ,

It staieth the running of the eyes

Note .

and in the temples of the head . It is very fattie and oylie , and hot more then in the second degree .

And it is to be noted , that all these Rosines the Indians doe gather by way of Incision , by geuing cuttes in the Trees , of which forthwith the licour doth droppe out , and from thence they gather it .

Of the Oyle of the Figge tree of Hell .

FRom Gelisco , a Prouince in the newe Spaine , they bring an Oyle or Licour , Oyle of the Figge tree . that the Spaniards haue called , oyle of the Fig tree of Hell , for that it is taken from a tree that is no more nor lesse than our Fig tree of Hel , aswel in the Leafe , as in the Fruite : it is the same that wee doe commonlie call Chatapucia , or Cherua , it is also milkish as ours is , for that it is more burning in the Indias for the grosnes of the earth .

The Indians doe make this oyle , as Dioscorides doeth shewe , in the first booke , the xxx . Chapter , that is , How this oyle is made . do pounde the seede , & seeth it in water , and after it is sodden , then they gather the Oyle that swimmeth vppon it , with a Spoone , and this is the maner to make Oyle of fruite and Seedes , and Bowes of trees : It is verie much frequented and vsed of the Indians . As for expression or wringing out the iuice , they doe not knowe how to doe it , for lacke of knowledge , this kind of oyle principally is better drawen out this way , than by expression . The vertues and effectes . This Oyle hath greate vertues , as by the vse thereof hath beene seene , as well in the Indias , as in our partes , and all that I will say , is of very greate experience , and much vse thereof in many persons : it doeth heale and cure all infirmities caused of cold humours , Cures in generall . and windines , it doth dissolue al hardnes with mollification , and all inflammations being windie : it taketh away all manner of paine in what parte soeuer it bee , chiefly if it come of any colde cause , It taketh away paine . or windines , for that in this , it maketh a meruellous woorke , dissoluing greate windinesse , wheresoeuer it bee , and especially in the belly : and with this they do heale a windy Dropsie , It healeth a windy dropsy . & lykewyse al kinds therof , annoyuting there withal the Belly , and Stomacke , taking some droppes therof with wine , or other licour appropriated , that it may auoyde the citrine water , and make the winde to be expelled : and if they doe put it in any maner Glister , or Medicine , geuen so it doeth auoyde out the citrine water , and doth expell Windes with more assuraunce than any other Medicine . In griefes of the stomacke and Colike . In the griefes of the Stomacke of cold humors , and windes , and Colicke , it worketh great effect , anointing therewith , and taking some droppes thereof , and principally they do this in that mortall disease called the Ileon , which is a cetrayne filthines that purgeth at the mouth . It doeth auoyde fleame principally , In griefes of the Iointes . in griefes of the Iointes certain droppes of this oyle taken with the broth of some fat foule , it doeth empt away the humour that causeth the paine , it doeth heale the olde sores of the head , It healeth soares . Historie . that doth yelde much matter .

A Gentleman that did vomit his meate the space of many yeeres , did anoynt his stomack with this oyle , and therewith did recouer & neuer v●mitted again : It vndoeth opilations . It doth vndoe Opilations of the inner parts of the body , & of the stomacke , & of the Mother , anoynting it therewith . And vnto yong children and Boyes , that cannot goe to the Stoole , It maketh them goe to the stoole . anoynting the lower parte of the Nauill with this oyle , it doeth prouoke them to the stoole : and if they haue wormes , it doeth expell and kille them , chiefly if they giue them a droppe or twoo with milke , or with some fat grosse thing . And for those that haue lost their hearing ,

For them that haue lost their hearing .

In griefes of the Ioyntes . For the members drawen together .

It taketh away the Morphewe , markes or signes of the face .

The complexion therof .

it causeth it to be restored to them , with a maruellous worke , as it hath beene seene by many experiences . In griefes of Iointes , and in griefes of swellinges , so that they come not of a very hotte cause , it taketh them away and doeth dissolue them : any of the members beeing drawen together , and annoynted with this Oyle , they doe extende and the Sinowes are mollified with it , taking away the griefe if that there bee any : it taketh away any markes or signes , wheresoeuer they bee in the face , principally , and the Morphewe which women many tymes bee troubled withall , the anoynting with this Oyle , doeth take it away , and consumeth it , not with litle content to them that vse it . It is hotte in the first parte of the thirde degree , and moyst in the second .

Of the Bitumen which is a kind of pitch .

THere is in the Islande of Cuba , Bitumen . certaine Fountaines at the Sea side , that do cast from them a kinde of blacke Pitch of a strong smell , which the Indians doe vse in their cold infirmities . Our people doe vse it there to pitche theyr Shippes withall , for it is well neere lyke vnto Tarre , and they doe mingle therewith Tallowe , to make it Pitch the better . I doe beleeue that this is Napta , Napta . which the auncient wryters doe speake of . Possidonio sayeth , that there are twoo Fountaynes thereof in Babylon , one whyte and the other blacke .

That which is brought from the Indias , The vertues . we do vse against griefes of the Mother , for that it doeth reduce the Mother to her place . And if it rise on high , then put it to the Nosethrilles , and if it come downe to the lower partes , putting thereto a wet tent with this Pitche , it causeth it to go vpwarde , to her place : and likewise it doeth profite , being applied to cold Infirmities , as the other Medicines do which we haue spoken of . It is hotte in the second degree , & moist in the first .

Of liquid Amber , & the Oyle therof .

FRom the newe Spaine they doe bring a Rosine that we call Liquid Amber , and one like Oyle that wee call Oyle of Liquid Amber , that is to say , a thing that wee doe most set by , and as precious as Amber , or Oyle thereof , both of them being of sweete smell & of good sauour , and especially the Oyle of Liquid Amber , which is of sauour more delicate and sweete than Amber . What liquid Amber is . A Rosine taken out by incision from certaine trees very great and faire , and full of leaues , which are like to Iuie , and the Indians doe call them Ococol . They carrie a thicke rinde , of the colour of Ashes , this rinde being cut , doth cast out the Liquid Amber thicke , and so they doe gather it , and because the rinde hath a smell very sweete , they do breake and mingle it with the Rosine , and when it is burned , it hath a better smell , in so much , wheresoeuer the trees are , there is a most sweete smell through all the fields .

Historie . When the Spaniardes came the first time , to that place where it groweth , and did feele such a sweete smell , they thought that there had beene spices , and trees thereof .

There is brought much quantitie of Liquid Amber into Spaine , The vse of it . insomuch that they do bring many Pipes , and Barelles full thereof to sell for Merchaundise , for heere they raise profite thereof , to perfume in thinges of sweete smelles , wasting it in place of Storax , for that the smoke and smell doeth seeme to be the same : and also they doe put it into other confections of sweete smelles to burne , and suche like thinges . It casteth from it so muche smell without burning of it , that wheresoeuer it be , it cannot be hidden , but doth penetrate many houses and streetes with the sweete smell , when there i● quantity of it .

It serueth much in medicine , & doth therein greate effect , for that it healeth , comforteth , dissolueth , The workes and effectes of it . and mittigateth payne applied vnto the Moulde of the heades by it selfe , or mingled with other thinges Aromaticall , it doth comfort the braines , and taketh away the paines of any manner of griefe , proceeding of a coulde cause layed after the manner of a Playster therevnto , it doeth also mitigate , and take away the paynes , & griefes of the stomake , wherein it doth a marueilous ●ffect , applied after the maner of a Stomacher . For that it doth comfort the Stomake , A meruellous plaister . and doeth dissolue windes , and helpe digestion , and take away rawnesse it causeth the meate to be well digested , it geueth lust to eate : it is made of Liquide Amber , spreade abroade vpon a sheeps skinne , in the forme of a breastplate , mingled with a little Storax , Amber and Muske , it is a Playster which doeth profite muche in all that I haue sayed . There is knowne of this playster very great experience , in this Citie , for the good effect that it worketh : it is hot in the ende of the second degree , and moyst in the first .

Out of this Liquid Amber , is taken the Oyle that is called the oyle of Liquide Amber , Of the Oyle of Liquide Amber , and how it is taken . the which in his smel is more sweet , it is taken out of the Liquide Amber when it is newly gathered , putting it in parte where it may distill of it selfe , ( the more subtill ) is the perfectest and best of all .

Others there be that do presse it , because the more quantitie thereof may be taken out , & they bring it for merchaundise , for that they vse to dresse Gloues therwith for the common people , and in this trade there is much spent .

It is vsed in Medicine for many diseases , and it is of greate vertue to heale colde diseases , The vse of it in medicine . for it healeth excellently well al partes wheresoeuer it be applied , it dissolueth and mollifieth any maner of hardnes , taking away the paynes : it dissolueth the hardnesse of the Mother , and openeth the opilations thereof . It prouoketh the Monethly course in women , and it maketh soft any maner of hard thing . It is hotte welneere in the third degree .

And it is to be noted , that many doe bring this Storax very thin from the Indias , Note . which is not so good , for because that they make it of the bowes of the trees , cut in peeces , and sodden , and they gather the fatnes that swimmeth vpon : and the Indians doe sell the buddes of the trees whereout the Liquid Amber is taken , made in handfulles , & doe sell it in their market places , for to put amongst their clothes , which causeth them to smell , as of the water of Angels , & for this purpose the Spaniards doe vse it .

Of the Balsamo .

THey doe bring from the newe Spayne that licour most excellent , which for his excellencie and meruellous effectes , is called Balsamo , an imitation of the true Balsamo , that was in the land of Egypt , and for that it doeth such great workes , and remedie so many infirmities , there was geuen to it such a name . It is made of a tree greater than a Powngarnet Tree , it carrieth leaues like to Nettles : the Indians doe call it Xilo , and we doe call the same Balsamo . It is made two maner of waies , the one is by the way of incision , cutting the rynd of the Tree , which is thinne , geuing many small cuttinges , out of the which there commeth a clammish licour , of colour white , but it is little and moste excellent , and very perfect . The other fashion is , whereby the Indians doe vse too take out licour of the trees , which is a common vse amongst them is this : th●y take the bowes and the great peeces of the trees , and make them as small , as they can , and then cast them into a greate kettle , with a good quantity of water , & so boyle them vntill they see it sufficiently done , and afterwarde they let it coole , and gather vp the oyle that doeth swimme therevppon with certayne shelles , and that is the Balsamo that commeth too these partes , and that commonly is vsed : the colour therof is Alborne , which is likened to blacke , it is of most sweet smel , and very excellent . It is not conuenient , nor it ought to bee kept in any other vessel then in siluer , ( Glasse or Tinne , or any other thing glassed , it doeth penitrate and doeth passe through : ) the vse thereof is onely in thinges apperteining to Medicine , and it hath been vsed of long time , well neere since the new Spaine was discouered , for that incontinent the Spaniardes had knowledge of it , because they did heale therewith the woundes that they did receiue of the Indians , being aduised of the vertue thereof by the same Indians , and they did see the saide Indians heale and cure themselues therewith .

When it first came into Spayne , it was esteemed as much as it was reason it shoulde be , The estimation that it i● had in . for that they did see it make meruellous woorkes , one ownce was woorth tenne Duccates and vpwardes , and now it is better cheape : the first time that they carried it to Rome , it came to be woorth one ounce , one hundreth Duccats : & after that they brought so much and such great quantity , that it is nowe of small value : this commeth of the abundance of thinges . And when it was very deere all men tooke profite of the profite of it , and since it came to bee of so lowe a Price , Note . it is not so muche esteemed beeyng the s●lfe same Balsamo , that it was then when it was woorth one hundreth Duccates the ounce . Surely if the Indias had not beene discouered , but onely for the effecte , to send vs this meruellous licour , Note . the labour had been wel employed which our Spaniardes vntill the woundes be whole , and for this cause the vse therof is a common medicine in all surgery for poore folkes , seeing that as with one medicine all effectes are wrought therewith , that are necessary : & it is a common thing to say , that when one is hurt , let Balsamo be put therevnto , and so they doe , & it doth heale them . In the woundes of Sinewes it woorketh a meruellous effect , for that it doeth both cure & heale . It healeth better then any other medicine doeth , it resisteth colde , the wounds of the head it healeth very well , not hauing the Skull broken , nor perished .

Any manner of woundes beyng freshe it doeth heale in any parte of the bodie wheresoeuer they bee , so that there be no more in it but a simple wounde . In ioyntes what manner of wounde soeuer it bee , it doeth make a maruellous woorke : The vse thereof is very common in this Citie , in woundes . For that you haue fewe houses , but you haue Balsamo in them for this effect , so that in wounding of any person foorthwith they goe to the Balsamo , for with little quantitie thereof they doe cure and heale , and many times with putting of it once euery thirde day , they finde the wounde whole . In olde sores applied by it selfe , or with any other oyntment , it doeth mundifie , and fill them vppe with fleshe .

In large feuers Paroxismales beyng layde halfe an houre before the colde doeth come , vppon the moulde of the head● very hot , the patient being very well couered with clothes , and taking forthwith 〈◊〉 or sixe droppes thereof in wine , it taketh away the colde , in three or foure times doing it . It is of a sharpe sauour and somewhat bitter , wherby are seen the d●y partes and comfor●atiue that it hath : it is hot and dry in the second degree .

Of the berbe Iohn I●fante for wou●des . I will not let to write of a certayne Hearbe , which the Conq●erours of the newe Spaine doe vse for the remedy of their wounds , and shottes of arrowes , which vnto them was a great remedie in th●ir troubles , and it was discou●red by an Indian , which was Seruaunt too a Spaniarde called Iohn Infant . He was the first that vsed it , they did call it , and doe call it at this present day , the Hea●be of Iohn Infant : this hearbe is little , they gather it greene , and beate it , and so they lay it simply vpon the wound : it doth restraine and stoppe the blood , and if it be a wounde in the fl●she , it doth cause it to growe together , and heal●th it by glewing the partes . The woundes of the Sinewes , and other partes it doth comfort , mundifie , and ingendreth flesh in them vntill they be whole , and because they doe not find this hearb in all places , they bring it made into pouder , for that it woorketh the same effect as well as being greene , and the pouder , as some say , doth it better than the hearbe .

As this hearbe , so likewise haue you many other in all the other partes of the Indias , that haue the same and other properties & doe woorke meruellous effects : and to write of euery one of them particularly , it were needefull to make a greater volume , then wee doe pretende of this that we shall entreate of .

Three thinges they bring from our Occidentall Indias , which at this day bee celebrated in all the worlde , and with them they haue made & doe make the greatest workes that euer were made in medicine , & there were neuer the like made , by any other medicine that vnto this day hath beene knowen , for that the nature of al three is to cure infirmities which without this remedy be incurable , and to woorke the effectes that doe seeme to bee thinges of woonder , and these are notorious , not onely in these parts , but in all the worlde : the which thinges are the wood that is called Guaiacan , the China and the Sarcaparillia . And for that it seemeth that the China doth come from Portingall , and that the Portingales doe bring it from their Orientall Indias , and not from ours , I wil say what is to be said herafter when we do speak thereof . And therefore let vs beginne with Guaiacan , as of ● remedie that first came from the Indias , and as first of the best of all , as experience hath shewed , and the vse thereof in so many yeares .