John Ward's Latin

This article features two vocabulary lists of the Latin words and abbreviations in the diaries of John Ward, Folger MS V.a.284 -299.

One list is the work of Callum Simms, a transcriber on Shakespeare's World (a crowd-sourced project between the Folger Shakespeare Library, Zooniverse and the OED, sponsored by EMMO). Some of John Ward's diaries have been transcribed by volunteers on Shakespeare's World. On Shakespeare's World's talk feature, Callum Simms is known as @IntelVoid.

One list is the work of Dr. Robert Tallaksen, a reader and transcriber at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

John Ward was the vicar of Stratford-upon-Avon from 1662 to 1681. The Folger Shakespeare Library has 16 of his 17 diaries. More information on John Ward can be found in A Semi-Diplomatic Transcription of Selections from the John Ward Diaries.

                                                   Following list by Dr. Robert Tallaksen

instructions and amounts:
• ā, ān., ana = of each
• a. c., p. c., ante/post cibum = before or after a meal
• ante pastum = before food
• applic., applico -are = apply; e.g., applica ventris = apply to the abdomen
• bib., bibo -ere = drink; bibit (she/he drinks), bibat (let her/him drink) or bibatur (let X be drunk)
• bullio -ire = boil; bulliant, they should boil
• calcino -are = to calcine; reduce by roasting or burning to a powder or friable substance; una calcinentur, let them be calcined together
• cap., capio -ere = take; also capiat (let him/her take) and capiatur (let X be taken)
• clarific., clarifico -are = clarify
• coch., cochleare = spoonful(s)
• colatus -a -um (also incolatus) = strained, filtered, purified (from colo -are, to strain, filter)
• compos., compositus -a -um = adj., compound; composed, prepared
• cong., congius -i = gallon
• contund., contundo -ere = bruise, crush, beat
• contus., contusus -a -um = adj., bruised, crushed, beaten coq., coqu., coquo -ere = boil
• crebro = adv., frequently, repeatedly
• cum = with - often with a macron: cū
• d., dos., dosis = dose decoq., decoquoere = boil down / reduce
• diluculi., diluculum -i = at daybreak; alternis diluculis, every other morning at dawn
• e, ex = out of / from ebull., ebullio -ire = boil et = and f., facio -ere = make
• fiat X = let X be done/made
• foveo -ere = keep warm; foveatur, let her/him/it be kept warm
• gran. - granum = grain (apothecary measure)* gt, gutt, gutta -ae = drop*
• h. s., hora somni = at bedtime in = in, into
• (in)fund. - (in)fundo -ere = pour (in)
• insideat = let her/him sit (in a bath)
•. inspissat., inspissatus -a -um = adj., thickened, condensed
•. inung., inunguo -ere = rub on (e.g., salve, ointment)
• lb = pound; some liquid measures are in pounds rather than volume m., misc., misceo -ere = mix; misceantur, let them (ingredients) be mixed
• m. f. = misce faci/ fiat, mix the ingredients and make X, or let X be made (e.g., pills, electuary) mane = in the morning
• mortarium -i = mortar; contunde in mortario, crush in a mortar
• mass., massa -ae = the compound out of which pills, etc., are formed
• mundat., mundatus -a -um = cleaned
• no. or no = numero, for the number of things; e.g. succ. Limon. no ii, juice of two lemons nocte = at night
• officin., officinalis -e = from officina -ae, a shop; any medicine directed to be kept in shops
• ꝑreꝑ. or preꝑ.= preparatus -a -um (conjectured)
• paratur = it is prepared; e.g., paratur vnguent., an ointment is prepared
• permisceo -ere = mix thoroughly; permisceantur, let them (ingredients) be thoroughly mixed
• pulveriz., pulverizatus -a -um = powdered
• q. s., quantum satis or quantum sufficit = a sufficient quantity
• s. a., secundem artem = according to art/practice, in the usual way
• s. or ss., semis = one half (see note below)
• saepe, sepe = often; saepius (comparative) = rather often
• semicoch., semicochleare = half a spoonful
• sero = late; e.g., mane et sero, in the morning and late
• setaceum -i = sieve; per setaceum, through a sieve
• siccus -a -um = dry
• spong., spongiā = with a sponge
• stillitat., stillatim = drop by drop
• substituo -ere = substitute; X substituatur, X should/ ought to be substituted, e.g. for a missing ingredient: in defectu vini graeci aliud vinum
•. potens album substituatur, in the absence of Greek wine another strong white wine should be substituted
• sumend., sumendus -a -um = to be or should be taken; e.g., mane et sero sumendum = to be taken early and late
• summo mane = very early in the morning
• ust., ustus -a -um = adj., burnt
• vesperi = in the evening

℥ = ounce; f℥ = fluid ounce

ʒ = dram, drachm

℈ = scruple

M = handful

p = pugil, the amount that can be picked up with the thumb and two fingers

Numerical mounts are most often given in minuscule Roman numerals; e.g., iiii. The last "i" is often written as a "j" or long "i," e.g., iiij, but should be transcribed as a minuscule.

When "s" is used for one half, it follows the last character, e.g., ℈s, 1/2 scruple, or ℥iiis = 3 1/2 ounces.

• The abbreviations for grain, "gr," and guttae, "gt," can look identical; if the ingredient is a liquid, e.g., a syrup, use "gt;" if a dry substance, use "gr."
  

Instructions and Amounts

ā, ān., ana = of each a. c., p. c., ante/post cibum = before or after a meal

ad. grat. acid., ad gratem aciditatem = to an agreeable sourness

ante pastum = before food

ante prandium = before a meal (lunch)

applic., applico -are = apply; e.g., applica ventris = apply to the abdomen

balneum -i = bath; e.g., balneo vaporoso, in a steam bath; balneo Mariae, in a bain-marie

bib., bibo -ere = drink; bibit (she/he drinks), bibat (let her/him drink) or bibatur (let X be drunk )

bullio -ire = boil; bulliant, they should boil

calcino -are = to calcine; reduce by roasting or burning to a powder or friable substance; una calcinentur, let them be calcined together cap., capio -ere = take; also capiat (let him/her take) and capiatur (let X be taken)

chartula -ae = a small piece of paper; specifically, such a piece of paper containing a single dose of medicinal powder

clarific., clarifico -are = clarify

coch., cochleare = spoonful(s)

colatus -a -um (also incolatus) = strained, filtered, purified (from colo -are, to strain, filter)

compos., compositus -a -um = adj., compound; composed, prepared

cong., congius -i = gallon

contund., contundo -ere = bruise, crush, beat

contus., contusus -a -um = adj., bruised, crushed, beaten coq., coqu., coquo -ere = boil

crebro = adv., frequently, repeatedly

cum = with; often abbreviated with macron: cū

d., da, datur = give; detur X, let X be given

d., dos., dosis -es = dose decoq., decoquo -ere = boil down / reduce

diluculi., diluculum -i = at daybreak; alternis diluculis, every other morning at dawn

e, ex = out of / from ebull., ebullio -ire = boil

epotus -a -um = swallowed, quaffed, drunk up et = and f., facio -ere = make

fiat X = let X be done/made

foveo -ere = keep warm; foveatur, let her/him/it be kept warm

frigid., frigidus -a -um = cold; e.g., capiat frigida, let it be taken cold

gran., granum = grain (apothecary measure)* gt, gutt, gutta -ae = drop*

h. s., hora somni, hora somnj = at bedtime in = in, into

incid., incido -ere = cut open/into

(in)fund. - (in)fundo -ere = pour (in)

insideat = let her/him sit (in a bath) inspissat., inspissatus -a -um = adj., thickened, condensed inung., inunguo -ere = rub on (e.g., salve, ointment)

jejuno ventriculo = on a fasting (empty) stomach

lambend., lambo -ere = lick/ lap up; sensim lambendus, to be licked up slowly

lb = pound; some liquid measures are in pounds rather than volume m., misc., misceo -ere = mix; misceantur, let them (ingredients) be mixed

m. f. = misce faci/ fiat, mix the ingredients and make X, or let X be made (e.g., pills, electuary) mane = in the morning

manica hyppocratis = Hippocrates' sleeve, a kind of conical strainer made of linen or flannel; e.g., clarificentur per manicam hyppocratis, let them be clarified through a Hippocrates' sleeve

mass., massa -ae = the compound out of which pills, etc., are formed

matut., matutinus -a -um, matutine = in the (early) morning

mortarium -i = mortar; tunde, or contunde in mortario, crush in a mortar

mundat., mundatus -a -um = cleaned

no. or no = numerus, for the number of things; e.g. succ. Limon. no ii, juice of two lemons nocte = at night

officin., officinalis -e = from officina -ae, a shop; any medicine directed to be kept in shops

ꝑreꝑ. or preꝑ.= preparatus -a -um (conjectured)

paratur = it is prepared; e.g., paratur vnguent., an ointment is prepared

permisceo -ere = mix thoroughly; permisceantur, let them (ingredients) be thoroughly mixed

pisto -are = pound, stamp, crush; pistentur, let them be pounded

pomeridiane = (adv.) in the afternoon

pulveriz., pulverizatus -a -um = powdered

q. s., quantum satis or quantum sufficit = a sufficient quantity

redig., redigo -ere = redige, reduce (into); e.g., redig. in cataplasma, reduce to a poultice

s. a., secundem artem = according to art/practice, in the usual way; connotation is that the method requires particular skill and/or experience

s. or ss., semis = one half (see note below)

saepe, sepe = often; saepius (comparative) = rather often

semicoch., semicochl., semicochleare = half a spoonful

sero = late; e.g., mane et sero, in the morning and late

setaceum -i = sieve; per setaceum, through a sieve

siccus -a -um = dry

singul., singulus -a -um = one at a time, individually, singly

spong., spongiā, spongiis = with a sponge or sponges

stillitat., stillatim = drop by drop

substituo -ere = substitute; X substituatur, X should/ought to be substituted, e.g. for a missing ingredient: in defectu vini graeci aliud vinum potens album substituatur, in the absence of Greek wine another strong white wine should be substituted

sumend., sumendus -a -um = to be or should be taken; e.g., mane et sero sumendum = to be taken early and late

summo mane = very early in the morning

superbib., superbibo -ere = take after or upon another substance; superbibendus -a -um, it should be taken after something else

ust., ustus -a -um = adj., burnt

vesperi = in the evening

lb or ℔ = pound

℥ = ounce; f℥ = fluid ounce

ʒ = dram, drachm

℈ = scruple

M = handful

p = pugil, the amount that can be picked up with the thumb and two fingers

Numerical amounts are most often given in minuscule Roman numerals; e.g., iiii. The last "i" is often written as a "long i" or "j," e.g., iiij, but should be transcribed as a minuscule: iiii.

When "s" is used for one half, it follows the last character, e.g., ℈s, 1/2 scruple, or ℥iiis = 3 1/2 ounces. The "s" can look like a long "i" but will lack a dot.

• The abbreviations for grain, "gr," and guttae, "gt," can look identical; if the ingredient is a liquid, e.g., a syrup, suggest using "gt;" if a dry substance, use "gr."

Shape

Types of Receipts

apozema -atis = infusion, decoction, concentration by boiling

aq. x = water of x; common ingredient meaning water infused or distilled with x (e.g., rosewater)

arillus -i = seed/stone; uva passa detractis arillis, dried grapes with the seeds removed

balneum -i = bath

bocheti, bochetum -i = a liquid thus produced: after a decoction of woods, roots, and/or barks, fresh water is added to the same ingredients to make a second decoction for ordinary drinking carminativus -a -um = serving to expel flatulence, as in "emplastrum carminativum"

cataplasm., cataplasma -is = poultice or plaster

cholagog., cholagogum -i = cholagogue, a medication that promotes discharge of bile

clyster -eris = enema decoct., decoctio -onis = decoction

embroc., embrocatio -onis = an embrocation; like a liniment but of a thinner consistency, many types

eclegma, ecligma -atis = medicine to be taken by letting it melt in the mouth

elect., electuarium -i = electuary

empl., emplastrum -i = plaster; emplastrum Paracelsi (of Paracelsus) is one of many

emuls., emulsio -onis = emulsion

errhin., errhinum -i = errhine; medication to be applied into the nose to produce sneezing

fomentum -i, fomentatio -onis = poultice, dressing, compress; may be with warm liquids (fomentation)

gargarisma -ae = a gargle, throat-wash haust., haustus -us = draught

iulap., iulep., iulapium -i = a mixture, often sweet, used as a vehicle for medicines

iusculum, jusculum -i = broth

lambatiuum, lambativum, lambitivum -i = same as lohoch/ linctus, below

linctus, lohoch = medicine that is to be taken by licking

liniment., linamentum -i = liniment; l. arcei = liniment of Arceus, l. elemi (see below under gummi)

lithontriptic., lythontriptic., lithontripticus -a -um = lithontriptic; having the property of breaking up bladder stones

lot., lotio -onis = lotion; fluid applied externally

metrenchyta -ae = injection ("clyster") for the uterus

pill., pillulae = pill(s)

possetum -i, liquor posseticus = posset; milk curdled with treacle, wine, or any acid substance

potio -onis = drink

potus -us = drink

ptisan., ptisana -ae = decoction of vegetable matters, e.g., barley, licorice, or raisins; a tisane

pulv., pulver., pulvis -eris = powder purg., purgatio -onis = laxative

sorbilis -e = something that can be sucked up troch., trochisc., trochiscus -i = troche (lozenge) ungu., vngu., unguentum -i = oil, salve, or ointment; for some types, see below

Shape

Ingredients and Descriptions

A

abrotan., abrotanum -i = artemisia or southernwood, Artemisia abrotanum

absynth., absynthium -i = wormwood, Artemisia absinthium acetos., acetosa -ae = sorrel or sour dock, Rumex acetosa; fol. acetos., folia acetosae, leaves of this plant acet., acetum -i = vinegar

acori., acorus -i = sweet flag plant, Acorus calamus

adiant., adianth., adiantum -i = maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris agaric., agaricus -i = originally the bracket fungus, Formitopsis officinalis, later any mushrooms with a cap, various species including Agaricus cantharellus, the chanterelle

agni cast., agni casti = Vitex agnus-castus; chaste tree, chasteberry, Abraham's balm, etc.

agrimon., agrimonia -ae = common agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria alb., albus -a -um = white

alb. graec., album graecum = the dry white excrement of a dog, hyena, or other bone-eating carnivore, esp. when used as an ingredient in medicinal preparations (OED)

alchermes, alkermes (confectio -onis) = confection of Kermes (crimson insect, cf. cochineal)

alhandal = Arabic name for colocynth (q. v.); troches of alhandal also contained bdellium & gum tragacanth

alkakeng., alkekengi = winter cherry, Physalis alkekengi, a diuretic aloe -es = aloe; common aloe, Aloe hepatica aloe depurata = extract made by boiling aloe with water and then concentrating the liquid; if the water was replaced with juice of violet flowers, "aloe violata;" if with juice of rose leaves, "aloe rosata"

alth., althe., althea -ae = mallow or marshmallow, Althea officinalis; also called malvaviscus

alumin., alumina -ae = alum; argil or argillaceous earth

ambra = amber, or ambergris ammoniac., ammoniacum -i = gum ammoniac, gum resin of Dorema ammoniacum

aneth., anethum -i = dill, Anethum graveolens

anis., anisum -i = anise, Pimpinella anisum; semina anisi, aniseed

anserin., anserinus -a -um = of, relating to, or obtained from a goose

antepileptic., antepilepticus -a -um = anti-epileptic; e.g., aqua antepileptica

anthos = rosemary flowers

apium -i = smallage or any of several kinds of celery or parsley, esp. wild celery, Apium graveolens

aq., aqua -ae = water; aqua fontis, spring or well water

aq. histeric., aqu -ae histerica = anti-hysteric water; recipes vary

aq. vit., aqua vitae = distilled spirit argill., argilla -ae = argil, argillaceous earth, alumina

ari., arum -i = common arum, Arum maculatum aristoloch., aristolochia -ae = birthwort, Aristolochia clematitis

aromat. rosat., aromaticum rosatum = aromatic medicine containing roses

artemis., artemisia -ae = various species including southernwood, wormwood, mugwort, etc.

artanit., artanita -ae = probably sow-bread, Cyclamen purpurascens

asar., asarum -i = asarabacca or hazelwort, Asarum europaeum

asparag., asparagus -i = asparagus, Asparagus officinalis; the root was used as a diuretic

asell., asellus -i = wood louse, Oniscus asellus; pulv. (onisc.) asell., powder of wood lice

ass. foetid., assafoetida -ae = asafoetida, dried gum of root of Ferula foetida or F. assa-foetida

auri = uncertain; appears in V.a.298 as "fol. auri," possibly leaves of Aurus brasiliensis, also known as Calamus aromaticus asiaticus, Asian sweet-scented flag

aur., aurum -i = gold; golden pills, see pillulae aurae below

aurant., aurantior., aurantium -i = orange, Citrus aurantium; cortex aurantiorum, orange peel aven., avena -ae = oats, Avena sativa; wild oats, A. fatua

avenac., avenaceus -a -um = of or relating to oats; oaten

axung., axungia -ae = lard or fat of an animal; e.g., axung. porcin., hog lard

B

bacc., bacca -ae = berry

bacon., baco -onis = bacon

balaust., balaustium -i = pomegranate flower

balsam., balsamum -i = balsam, any strongly scented resin; many types; can be solid, e.g., benzoin, or fluid, e.g., Peruvian balsam, balsam of Tolu

basilic. = see ung., vng. basilic. below

bechicus -a -um, bechinus -a -um = for a cough

bechion bechii = coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara

bdell., bdellium -i = gum resin from shrubs of Balsamodendron species, used as pectoral (for diseases of the chest) and emmenagogue (to promote menstrual flow)

becabung., beccabunga -ae = water pimpernel, brooklime; Veronica beccabunga

bened. laxat., benedicta laxativa or benedictum laxativum = another name for rhubarb, or the laxative electuary made from it

benedict. = carduus benedictus, q. v.

benz., benzoin., belzuinum -i = benzoin, gum benzoin; gum obtained from Styrax benzoin

berber., berberis -is = barberry tree, Berberis vulgaris or the berry itself

beton., betonic., betonica -ae = betony, Stachys betonica

bezoar (indecl.) = a stone or concretion found in animal intestines; eight types are described (mineral, biliary, resinous, fibrous, etc.) bezoard., bezoardic., bezoardicus -a -um = relating to or in description of a bezoar

bismalv., bismalva -ae = althea, marshmallow; or related species Malva bismalva or M. moschata, musk-mallow

bol. armen., bolus -i Armeniae = Armenian bole, bole armoniac; an argillaceous earth borac., borax (-acis?) = borax (sodium biborate, biborate of soda), Sodae biboras

breakstone, pass-breakstone = saxifrage, Saxifraga species, esp. S. granulata bryon., bryonia -ae = briony, Bryonia dioica, also called red or white; black bryony = lady's seal bugloss., buglossa = bugloss (various species of Anchusa)

butyr., butyron -i = butter; butryr. rancid., rancid butter

C

calaminth., calamintha -ae = calamint; various species of Calamintha

calc. viv., calx calcis vivum = unslaked lime

calendul., calendula -ae = garden or common marigold, Calendula officinalis

campan., campanula -ae = throat-wort, bell-flower; Campanula trachelium camphor., camphora -ae = camphor, from Laurus camphora or Dryobalanops camphora

canell., canella -ae = canella tree; Canella alba, false Winter's bark

cantharid., cantharis -idis = blistering fly or Spanish fly, Musca hispanica; decoction of the insects used externally and internally as powder or tincture; can be poisonous in overdose

capill. vener., capillus veneris = maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris cappar., capparis -is = caper, Capparis spinosa; ol., oleum capparibus, oil of capers

carabe, carabes = likely a name for white amber (see V.a. 298, f. 161r, receipt in Latin, "Carab. pulueriz.," followed by receipt in English, "the white amber powderd") cardiac., cardiacus -a -um; aqua cardiaca = cordial water

card., carduus -i = thistle (various species)

card. bened., card. benedict., carduus -i benedictus = holy thistle, Centaurea benedicta, widely usedi

cardam., cardamomum -i = cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum

caric., carica -ae = fig, Ficus carica carlin., carlina -ae = carline or silver thistle, Carlina vulgaris caro carnis = meat, flesh (any kind)

carthami., carthamus = saffron flower, Carthamus tinctorius

carui., carvi., carum -i = caraway, Carum carui caryophill., caryophillus -i = clove, Caryophyllus aromaticus caseum -i = cheese cass., cassia -ae = cassia (various species; e.g, Cassia fistula, purging cassia) castoreum -i = castoreum; beaver musk

C.C. = cornu cervi (deer or hart's horn); not the plant centaur., centaurium -i = centaury; Centaurea magnum or maius = C. erythraea; C. minus or C. parvum = Chironia centaurium (?)

cera -ae = wax; cera alba or citrina = beeswax

ceras. nigr., cerasum -i nigrum = black cherry, Cerasum nigrum; aq. cerasorum nigrorum, black cherry water; gummi cerasi, (black) cherry tree gum

cerat., ceratio -onis = covering or smearing over of a portion of the body with wax

cerevis., cerevisia -ae = beer or ale

ceruss., cerussa -ae = lead carbonate, white lead cervis., cervisia -ae = beer or ale; cervisia tenuis, thin or small (weak, inferior) beer

ceterach. = spleenwort or rustyback fern, Asplenium ceterach chalyb., chalybs chalyibis = steel chamamel., chamaemelum -i = chamomile, Anthemis nobilis

chamaepit., chamaepitys -yos = common ground pine, Teucrium chamaepitys

chamedr., chaemedr., chamaedrys = germander speedwell, Veronica chamaedrys, or wall germander, Teucrium chamaedrys

chel. 69., chelae -arum cancri = crab's claws; for explanation of "69," see oculi cancri, below

chelidon., chelidonium -i = common or greater celandine, Chelidonium magnus

chio, chia., terebinth. chia = turpentine from the tree Pistacia tereb

inthus, also called Cyprus, Chio, or Chian

chin., china -ae = china root, Smilax china, similar to sarsaparilla

cicer -i = chickpea, Cicer arietinum; several varieties, including white (album), red (rubrum), and black (nigrum) cich., cichor., cichorium -i = wild chicory or succory, Cichorium intybus; C. endivia, endive

cinamomi., cinnamomum -i = true cinnamon, bark of Cinnamonum zeylanicum; wild cinnamon, Canella alba

cinabrii., cinabrium -i = cinnabar, or vermilion; mercuric sulfide, HgS

ciner., cinis -eris = ashes

citrin., citrinula -ae = a small citron or lemon

coccinel., cocinella -ae = cochineal; the red dye from the insect Coccus cacti, or the insect itself

cochlear., cochlearia -ae = lemon scurvy-grass, Cochlearia hortensis or C. officinalis, or horseradish, C. armoracia; NB don't confuse with coch., cochleare -is, spoonful

colatura -ae = something that has been strained; adjective is colaturus -a -um colcothar = iron peroxide, jeweller's rouge; also called crocus martis

colocynth., colocynthis -idis = bitter-apple (purgative), Citrullus colocynthis

colophon., colophonia -ae = resin obtained by distillation of turpentine with water

combustus- a -um (comburo -ere) = burnt up, reduced to ashes

commun., communis -e = common

cond., conditus -a -um = preserved; e.g., nuces juglandis conditae, preserved walnuts

conf., confect., confectio -onis = same as conserva -ae

confectio -onis Hamech = named after an Arabian physician; contains myrobalan, violets, rhubarb, absinthe, etc., made up with honey

confectio -onis hyacinthi = not from the flower, but an astringent containing many ingredients including zircon (called hyacinth from its color), red coral, bole armoniac, myrrh, alkermes, etc.

cons., conserv., conserva -ae = compound of vegetable, fruit, etc., with sugar

consolid., rad. consolid., radix -icis consolidae = larkspur (root), Delphinium consolida

contrayerv., contrayerva -ae = contrayerva, Dorstenia contrayerva or D. virginiana (= Aristolochia serpentaria)

convall., convallaria -ae = lily of the valley, Convallaria majalis; or Solomon's seal, C. polygonatum or Polygonatum solomonis

cor., corium -i = leather

coral., corallium -i = general name for coral; most commonly red (rubr.), also black and white

coriand., coriandrum -i = coriander, Coriandrum sativum

cortic., cortex -icis = bark of any tree; occasionally described as cortex medius or cortex interior, middle or inner bark, esp. of the ash tree, Fraxinus excelsior

cort. winteran. = cortex winterani, Drimys winteri, antiscorbutic; named after a Captain Winter coton. = cotton

cotul., cotula -ae = mayweed, stinking chamomile; Anthemis cotula

crem., cremor -oris tartari = cream of tartar, potassium bitartrate; Ward occasionally uses the alchemical symbol for tartar, a square or rectangle with a cross below it; see Alchemical Symbols, below cret., creta -ae = chalk croc., crocus -i = saffron, crocus flower, Crocus sativus

croc. metall., crocus -i metallus -i = several preparations of metals; e.g., crocus antimonii (antimony), crocus veneris (copper), crocus martis (iron)

crocatus -a -um = saffron-yellow

crud., crudus -a -um = raw, unrefined

cucum., cucumer. agrest., cucumis (-eris) agrestis = wild cucumber, Momordica elaterium, a purgative

cumin., cuminum -i = cumin, Cumin cyminum

cupul. gland., cupula -ae glandis = the cupule, or cap, of the acorn

curcubitula -ae = cupping glass; also a bitter gourd

cydon., cydonium -i = quince; Cydonium oblonga or C. malum; or Pyrus cydonia

cydoniac., cydoniacus -a -um = of or relating to quince; consistentia cydionaci, the consistency of a quince

cynorrhod., cynorrhodon -i = cynorrhodon, the dog rose, Rosa canina; fructes cynorrh., rose hips

D

dactyl., dactylus -i = date, Phoenix dactylifera

dauci, daucus -i = garden carrot, Daucus carota; D. sylvestris or D. vulgaris, wild carrot

detract., detractus -a -um = removed; e.g., uva detractis arillis, grapes with the seeds removed; similar to enucleatus -a -um dia- = a preparation consisting of a main ingredient, usually alluded to in the name, though receipts vary; e.g., diambra -ae (powder containing cinnamon, angelica, cloves, nutmeg, galangal, etc. used for nervous afflictions and aphrodisiac); diabotanum (plaster of herbs); diacarcinon (from crabs, antidote for rabies); diachylon cum gummi or d. simplex (juices of herbs); diacurcuma (turmeric); dialthaea (marsh-mallow); diamoron or d. abbatis (honey and mulberries); diamoschus (musk); diapalma (desiccating plaster containing palm oil, litharge, and zinc sulfate); diaphenaenicon (dates); diaprunum (damask prunes); diaturbith (Convolvulus turpethum); the New Sydenham's Society's Lexicon names about eighty (OED); a few of the more common ones are given below

diacass., diacassia = a purgative electuary with senna; or the confection of senna; may be designated "cum manna," q. v.

diacatholicon = a laxative electuary containing senna, cassia, tamarinds, etc.

diacod., diacodium -i = syrup of poppies

diacydon. simpl., diacydonium -i simplex = conserve or marmalade of quinces

diagrid., diagryd, diagrydium -i = old name for scammony (not a preparation)

diair., = either diaireos, an antidote that contained iris, or diaium -orum, a troche having violets as its main ingredient

diamargarit. fr., diamargariton frigida = cooling powder of pearls, compound

diarrhod. = either diarrhodomeli (juice of roses, scammony, agaric, pepper, and honey) or diarrhodon (several powders which contain roses)

diatrion., diatrium -i santalorum = an antidote made from three kinds of sandal wood with other ingredients dictamn., dyctamn., dictamnus -i = dittany, Dictamnus creticus

E

ebul. ebulus -i = danewort, dwarf elder, Sambucus ebulus

ebori., ebur -oris = ivory; ras. ebori, ivory shavings

elix., elixir (indecl.) = many different preparations, mostly compound

elix. proprietat., elixir proprietatis = elixir of special character; contained aloe, saffron, and myrrh

ens entis veneris = "essence" (?) of Venus; sal ammoniac with copper sulfate or "flores veneris," a copper oxide; used in cases of worms, rickets, and "vapors"

enucl., enucleatus -a -um = with the nut or kernel removed; similar to detractus -a -um

enul., enul. campan., enula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana

epithymi., epithymum -i = dodder of thyme, thyme dodder, Cuscuta epithymum

equiset., equisetum -i = mare's tail, Hippurus vulgaris

ering., eryngium -i = sea holly, Eryngium maritimum eupator., eupatorium -i = agrimony or hemp agrimony, Eupatorium cannabinum

euphorb., euphorbia -ae = euphorbium, gum resin from Euphorbia antiquorum

exicc., exiccatus -a -um = dried

extract., extractum -i = extract

extractum Rudii = see pilulae Rudii, below

F

fab., faba -ae = bean faecul., faecula -ae = sediment, e.g., wine dregs, or material that falls to the bottom after grinding plant material in water

faenic., faeniculum -i = fennel, Faeniculum vulgare

faenugraec., faenugraecum -i = fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum

farin., farina -ae = flour, meal; farina tritici, wheat flour

ferment. acrioris, fermentum -i acrius -oris = a sharper or more bitter fermentation (of ...?)

fic., ficus -i = fig, Ficus carica

fim., fimus -i = dung, excrement

flor., flos floris = flower; e.g., flores nymphaeae, water lily flowers

fl. cordial., flores -um cordiales = the four "cordial flowers," borage, bugloss, roses, and violets fl., flos floris sulphuris = flowers of sulfur; sublimed sulfur

foetid., foetidus -a -um = stinking

fol., folium -i = leaf or leaves

fol. acetos., folia acetosae = leaves of common sorrel or sour dock

follicul., follicula -ae = a pericarp or seed pod

fontan., fontana (aqua) = spring (-water)

formicar. volant., formica -ae volans -antis = flying ant; there is a receipt that includes oleum formicarum volantium, oil of flying ants (V.a. 298, f. 129v)

frag., fragar., fragaria -ae = strawberry, Fragaria vesca; roots (rad.), leaves (fol.) and fruit were used

fraxin., fraxinus -i = ash-tree, Fraxinus excelsior fumar., fumaria -ae = fumitory, Fumaria officinalis

G

gagat., gagates = jet (stone)

galang., galangala -ae = galangal, Maranta galanga

galban., galbanum -i = gum resin from Ferula gummosa or F. rubrucaulis

genist., genista -ae = broom, genus Genista, many species

gent., gentiana -ae = gentian, Gentiana lutea, officinal gentian; G. centaurium, lesser centaury

gland., glans glandis = acorn

glicirriz., glycheriz., glycheryz., glychyrriza -ae = licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra

gram., gramin., gramen -inis = grass; any kind of grass-like herb

gramen purpureum, purple grass or purplewort, Trifolium purpureum guaiac., guaiacum -i = guaiac gum, guaiacum officinale; lignum guaiacum, guaiac wood

gumm., gummi (undecl.) = [tree] gum

gumm. arabic. = gum arabic or gum acacia, hardened sap of Acacia senegal or Vachellia seyal

gumm. ceras. = gummi cerasi, cherry tree (Prunus cerasus) or black cherry tree (Cerasum nigrum) gum

gummi elemi = a resin from the tree Amyris rumieri or gum elemi tree

gum. ammoniac., gummi ammoniacum = "gum of Ammon," from the herb Dorema ammoniacum

gumm. anim., gummi anime = gum anime, resin of various tropical trees, e.g., Hymenaea courbaril

gumm. tragacanth., gummi tragacantha -ae = gum tragacanth, obtained from shrubs of genus Astragulus, esp. A. tragacantha

H

haedinus -a -um = of, relating to, or obtained from a kid

hamech. = confectio hamech, purgative containing myrobalans, violets, colocynth, etc.

helenii., helenium -i, hinula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana

heder., hedera -ae = ivy; Hedera terrestra, ground ivy

hepatic., hepatica herba = liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha

herb., herba -ae = herb; used to specifiy a plant when another substance has a similar name

hellebor., helleborus -i = hellebore, genus Helleborus, around 20 species; may be white, albus; black, niger; stinking, foetidus hermodactyl., hermodactylus -i = a bulbous root, possibly Colchicum, used as an antiarthritic herniar., herniaria -ae = rupturewort, Herniaria glabra

hier. picr., hiera picra, or hiera/hieræ = aloe powder made with honey into an electuary

hollandic., hollandicus -a -um = Dutch; pulv. hollandic., Dutch powder, apparently a purgative

hord., hordeum -i = barley, Hordeum vulgare; French barley, Hordeum spelticum

hipposelinum, hypposelinum -i = alexanders or allisanders (black lovage), Smyrnium olusatrum

hyssop., hyssopus -i = hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis; also H. capitatus, wild thyme

I - J

ialap., jalap., jalapa = jalap, Ipomoea jalapa; a purgative

jejunus -a -um = fasting, abstinent, hungry; e.g., jejuno ventriculo, on a fasting (empty) stomach

inauratus -a -um = gilded; some pills were gilded, pillulae inauratae

incis., incisus -a -um = cut into, cut open

inula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana

ireas., ireos., probably from iris -idis = iris flower, Iris species; radix ireas, iris root or rhizome, also known as orris root iugland., jugland., iuglans -andis = walnut

iuniper., juniper., iuniperus -i = juniper; granum juniperi, juniper berry (its seed cone)

jujuba -ae, jujubinus -a -um = jujube; of, from, or related to jujubes; see Zizyphus below

L

labdan., labdanum = labdanum, gum resin from plants of genus Cistus, used for perfumes

lac., lact., lac lactis = milk

lact., lactuca -ae = lettuce, Lactuca sativa

laevigatus -a -um = made smooth, pulverized

lap. bezoard., lapis -idis bezoardicus = bezoar stone; see bezoar, above

lapat., lappath., laplapathum = dock, sorrel; Lapathum lapp., lappa -ae = burdock, Arctium lappa; also called lapp. maj., lappa major, greater burdock

lard., lardum -i = lard, fat

larid., laridum -i = bacon; larid. veter., laridum veterum, old bacon laudan., laudanum -i = laudanum; alcoholic tincture of opium

laudan. Paracelsi = Paracelsus' laudanum; opium and alcohol plus various other ingredients, incl. gold, amber, pearl, musk

lauendul., lavendula -ae =lavender, Lavandula angustifolia (or Spica foemina, spike)

lauri., laurus -i = laurel, bay tree, Laurus nobilis

lenitiv., lenitivus -a -um = soothing, gently laxative

leon., leonurus -i = lion's tail; motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca

leporinus -a -um = of or relating to a hare; pilus leporinus, hair of a hare, hare hair

lepus -oris = hare; lepus combustus, hare ashes (in a receipt for urinary stone) lign., lignum -i = wood, with the name of the source in the genitive; e.g., lignum aloes

lign. rhod., lignum -i rhodii = rosewood; rose-scented wood from Convolvulus floridus or C. scoparius

lign. sanct., lignum -i sanctum = guiacaum, holy wood; Guiacum officinale

lill., lillior., lilliorum., lilium -a = lily; flores/folia/radix liliorum, flowers/leaves/root of lilies

limac., limax -acis = snail, slug

lin., linum -i = flax, Linum usitatissimum

liquirit., liquiritia -ae = licorice, Glychyrrhiza glabra liquor = liquid, liquor

liquor possetic., posseticus = posset; milk curdled with treacle, wine, or any acid substance

lot., lotus -a -um = washed

lujul., lujula -ae = wood sorrel, Oxalis acetosella; common or garden sorrel, Rumex acetosa

lupul., lupulus -i = hops; Humulus lupulus

litharg., lytharg., lithargium -i = litharge, lead oxide; can be white ("litharge of silver") or red ("litharge of gold") lixivium -i = water containing alkaline salts leached from wood ashes (OED)

M

mac., macis -idis = mace; the covering of the nutmeg seed of Myristica fragrans

majoran., majorana -ae = marjoram; see Origanum, below malvatic., malvaticum (vinum) = Malmsey (wine of the Malvasia grape); Madeira/sack

malv., malvavisc., malvaviscus -i = marshmallow, Althaea officinalis

man., manna -ae = condensed juice of the manna ash tree, Fraxinus ornus; a purgative

margarit., margarita -ae = pearl

marrub., marrubium -i = common horehound, Marrubium vulgare; other species also

martiat., martiatus -a -um = pertaining to soldiers; unguentum martiatum, soldiers's ointment mastich., masticha = mastic, resin of Pistacia lentiscus

matricar., matricaria -ae = feverfew, Matricaria parthenium

matrisilv., matrisylv., matrisylva -ae = woodruff, Asperula matrisylva or A. odorata

mechoach., mechoacan = root of a variety of morning glory, Ipomoea macrorhiza or I. jalapa, from Michoacán (Mexico); may be identified as black (nigr.) mecon., meconium -i = opium

medull., medulla -ae = the pith or pulp of any vegetable; marrow; medulla spinalis, spinal cord

mel., mel mellis = honey; melle, with honey

melilot., melilotos -i = melilot, Trifolium melilotus officinalis meliss., melissa -ae = balm, esp. lemon balm, Melissa officinalis; several other species, also including common, field, & mountian calamint

merc. dulc., mercurius dulcis = mercurous chloride, Hg2Cl2; calomel; a purgative

mercur., mercury = annual or French mercury, Mercurialis annua; used in clysters

mespil., mespilus -i = medlar, fruit of medlar tree, Mespilus germanica; resembles a small apple

meum -i = spignel, Aethusa meum or Meum athamanticum

mica -ae = crumb, morsel, grain; micae panis, crumbs of bread

milii., milium -i = millet seed, Panicum mileaceum; also P. italicum, Indian millet seed

mill., milliped., millipes -pedis = pill-millipede or wood-louse; pulv. milliped., powdered millipede; they were also prepared by soaking in wine with or without crushing in a mortar mithridat., mithridatium -i = mithridate; complex recipe, up to 60 ingredients, including opium

monach., rhab. monach., rhabarbarum -i monachorum = monk's rhubarb, Rumex patientia mosch., moschat., (nux) moschata = nutmeg; seed of Myristica fragrans

mucilag., mucilago -inis = aqueous solution of gum; e.g., Mucilago arabaci gummi

must., mustum -i = must; pressed grapes before fermentation into wine; also mustum cervisiae, wort myrabalan., myrabalanum -i = Indian gooseberry, Phyllantus emblica

myristic., myristica -ae = nux myristica, same as nutmeg, Myristica moschata

myrtill., myrtillus -i = myrtle berry, black whortle berry, or bilberry; Vaccinium myrtillus

nigr., niger -gra -grum = black

N

nervin., nervinus -a -um = pertaining to nerves; e.g., unguentum nervinum, nerve ointment

nig., nigr., niger -gra -grum = black

nuc., nux nucis = nut; nux moschata, nutmeg; nux pinea, pine nut nucl., nucleus -i = nut

nymph., nymphaea -ae = water lily; Nymphaea alba, white; other species may have blue, red, or yellow flowers

O

oculus -i = eye

ocul., oculi cancri = crab's eyes; "A round concretion, found in the stomach of crayfish and some other crustacea, consisting mainly of carbonate of lime; it has been used, finely powdered, as an absorbent and antacid" (OED), or possibly Abrus precatorius, the (poisonous) rosary pea. More likely the former, conclusion based on receipt in V.a. 298, f. 160r, calling for "ocul. 69" likely the same as "ocul. Cancri" on the same page, with "69" uncertain, but probably the astrological symbol for Cancer () rotated 90° ()

ol., oleum -i = oil; many varieties, named from the source

ol. dulc., oleum -i dulcis = sweet oil; usually olive or rapeseed

ol. lumbric., oleum -i lumbricorum = oil of earthworms; from worms boiled in wine and oil

ol. philosoph., oleum -i philosophi = philosopher's oil, made from distilling pieces of brick soaked in oil

ol. sulph., oleum -i sulphuris = oil of sulfur, various receipts

ol. vulpin., oleum -i vulpinum = fox oil; made from a skinned and gutted fox boiled with oil and herbs and pressed

olilban., olibanum -i = aromatic resin from trees of genus Boswellia, esp. B. sacra; frankincense

onon., ononis -is spinosa = restharrow, Ononis repens

opiat., opiatus -a -um = opiated; anything containing opium; other medicines that produce sleep but which may or may not contain opium opt., optim., optimus -a -um = best

origan., origanum -i = several species, incl. Origanum marjorana, sweet marjoram; O. dictamnus, dittany of Crete; O. vulgare, wild marjoram

os ossis = bone; oss. sep., ossa separata, separated bones, but definition uncertain

ostrutii., ostruthium -i = master-wort, Peucedanum ostruthium ovin., ovinus -a -um = relating to or belonging to sheep

oxycrat., oxycratum -i = oxycrate (mixture of vinegar and water with a little honey)

oxymel = honey and vinegar boiled to a syrup

oxymel Julianiz., oxymel Iulianizans = a syrup containing the above, also caper root bark, iris root, fennel, rock parsley, endive, etc.

P

paeon., paeonia -ae = peony, P. officinalis; used by Galen for epilepsy papav., papaver -eris = poppy; many species, including P. somniferum, opium poppy; P. rhoeas or P. erraticum, red corn poppy paralys., paralysis -is = cowslip, e.g., Paralysis fatua (Gerard); also in the usual sense of loss of function

parietar., parietaria -ae = pellitory of the wall, Parietaria officinalis part., pars partis = part, side

passul., passula -ae = a small raisin; passulae enucleatae, stoned raisins; passulae solis, raisins of the sun; passula Corinthiaca, Corinthian raisin, or uvae Corinthiacae, Corinthian grapes

pastinac., pastinaca -ae = parsnip, Pastinaca sativa

peru., peruvianus -a -um = Peruvian; e.g, Cortex peruviana (Cinchona), source of quinine pentaphyll., pentaphyllum -i = cinquefoil, Potentilla reptans; Pentaphyllum purpureum, purple cinquefoil, P. rubrum palustre, marsh cinquefoil, etc. (Gerard)

petasititid., petasites -idis = butterbur, Petasites fragrans

petroselin., petroselinum -i = parsley, Apium petroselinum

petroselin. macedonic., petroselinum macedonicum = Macedonian parsley, Bubon macedonicum

phyllit., phyllitis -is = hart's tongue fern, Scolopendrium vulgare

pic., pix picis = pitch; pix Burgundia, Burgundy pitch, from Norway fir, Picea abies

pil., pill., pillul., pil[l]ula -ae = pill

pilulae aurae = "golden pills," so called from their color; contained aloes, scammony, roses, smallage seed, etc., but no gold

pilulae agregativae = aggregative pills, so called because they aggregated many effects; ingredients included aloes, turbith, scammony, rhubarb, myrabalans, agaric, etc.

pilulae foetidae = "stinking pills;" asafoetida, galbanum, myrrh, confection of roses

pilulae Rudii = black hellebore, colocynth, aloes, scammony, oil of cloves, sulfate of potash

pinear., pineus -a -um = of, from, or related to the pine; nuces pinearum, pine nuts pingued., pinguedin., pinguedo -inis = fat (noun); e.g. pinguedo vulpis, fox fat, pinguedo taxi, badger fat

pingu., pinguis -is = fat (adjective)

piper -eris = pepper; various species of genus Piper, e.g. Piper nigrum, black pepper, P. longum, long pepper, etc.

plantag., plantago -inis = plantain; broad-leaved plantain, Plantago major polypod., polypodium -i = polypody, a genus of fern; e.g., polypody of the oak, Polypodium quercinum or P. vulgare, or polypody of the wall (P. murinum)

polytrich., polytrichum -i = golden maidenhair, Polytrichum commune or Adiantum aureum

pom., pomum -i = apple, various species of genus Malum

pomat., pomatus -a -um = of, containing, or relating to apples; see unguentum pomatum, below

pontic., ponticum = Roman wormwood, Artemisia ponticum

popul., populus -i = poplar tree

populeon = see unguentum populeon, below

porcin., porcinus -a -um = of or relating to a hog or pig

posset. = see liquor posseticus, above

prasius -i = prase, a green quartz

prunell., prunella -ae = self-heal or bugle, Prunella vulgaris puleg., pulegium -i = pennyroyal, also fleabane or fleawort, Mentha pulegium

pulm. vulp., pulmones vulpium = fox lungs pulpa -ae = pulp (of anything)

pulv. sanct., pulvis -eris sanctus = holy powder; recipes vary but usually include senna and cream of tartar, with cloves, cinnamon, ginger, etc.

purpureus -a -um = purple

pyrethr., pyrethrum -i = root of pellitory (of Spain), or of Spanish chamomile, Anacyclus pyrethrum

Q

quercin., quercinus -a -um = made/ derived from oak; e.g., folia quercina, oak leaves

quercus -us = oak, oak tree, various species of genus Quercus

R

rad., radic., radix -icis = root (of anything)

ran., rana -ae = frog; ranarum, of frogs, e.g., sperma ranarum, frog spawn

rap., rapum -i = turnip or rape, Brassica rapa

raphan., raphanus -i = radish, Raphanus sativus

ras., rasur., rasus -a -um or rasuratus -a -um = scraped or scrapings of; often found with licorice (glychyrriza or liquiritia), but also of ivory, hartshorn, boar's tooth, and human skull

rasp., raspatus -a -um = rasped, essentially the same as above

recent., recens -entis = recent, new, fresh; e.g., lactis recentis, of fresh milk; cf. ueter., veter. resin., resina -ae = resin (from anything) rhab., rhabarbarum -i = rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum

rhaphon., rhapontic., rhaponticum -i = rhapontic rhubarb, Rheum rhaponticum

rhei., rheo, rheum -i = rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum

rhoed., rhoead., rhoeas -adis = Papaver rhoeas, red corn or wild poppy; see tinctura rubra, below

ros., rosa -ae = rose, various specied of genus Rosa rosac., rosaceus -a -um = made of or from roses; oleum rosaceum = rose oil

rorismar., rorismarinus -i = rosemary, Rorismarinus officinalis

rosatus -a -um = prepared from or containing roses

rosmarin., rosmarinus -i = rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis

ruber rubra rubrum = red

rumex -icis = dock, various species of genus Rumex; see folia acetosae, above

ruta -ae = rue, Ruta graveolens and other species

S

sabin., sabina = savin, Juniperus sabina (a juniper species)

sal X = salt of X, with X in the genitive; numerous examples, including table salt and other acid and alkali salts; see elsewhere for definition of "X," e.g., sal absynthii

sal -is marini = sea salt

sal. prunell., sal -is prunella = fused potassium nitrate in balls, cakes, or sticks

salv., salvia -ae = common sage, Salvia officinalis sacchar., saccharum -i = (cane) sugar; also sacchar. cand., saccharum candidum, sugar candy

sambuc., sambucus -i = elder tree, Sambucus nigra

sanal = a salve containing litharge of silver, red bole, balsam of Peru, etc.; but may be a misspelling for "santal," q.v.

sandarach., sandaraca -ae = gum sandarac, from Iuniperus communis; may also refer to arsenic sulfide or realgar (red arsenic, red orpiment)

sangu. dracon., sanguis -is draconis = dragon's blood, a red resin made from various trees santal., santalum -i = sandalwood, saunders, various species of genus Santalum; red, white, and yellow varieties

santon., santonic., sem. santonic., semina santonica = southernwood (Artemisia santonica) seeds or wormseeds (Absinthium santonicum)

sap., sapo -onis = soap; black soap, sapo niger, appears in some receipts

sars., sarsaparilla -ae = root of Smilax sarsaparilla

sassaf., sassaphr., sassafras = bark of the sassafras tree, Sassafras officinale or Laurus sassafras

satyrion -ii maris = tuber or rhizome of the early purple orchid, Orchis mascula saxifrag., saxifraga -ae = saxifrage, breakstone, Saxifraga species, esp. S. granulata; related plants may be termed golden, burnet or rough, great, or meadow saxifrage; for treatment of urinary stones, also an antiseptic

scabios., scabiosa -ae = common scabious, Scabiosa arvensis scill., scilla -ae = see squill, below

scob., scobis -is = powder or dust produced by sawing, rasping, filing, etc.; e.g. scob. dent. apri, scobis dentis apri, powdered wild boar's tooth

scolopend., scolopendria -ae = spleenwort, Asplenium ceterach

scolopend., scolopendr., scolopendrium -i = hart's tongue fern, Scolopendrium vulgare; phyllitis

scord., scordium -i = water germander, Teucrium scordium

scorpion. = the stinging arachnid, order Scorpiones; ol. scorpion., oil of scorpions, apparently made by steeping scorpions in olive or other oil

scorzon., scorzonera -ae = viper's grass, Scorzonera humilis, for treatment of any venomous bite

seb., sebum -i = tallow, suet, grease

sebest., sebesten = sebesten plum, from the tree Cordia myxa

secalini., secale -is = a kind of grain; likely rye or black spelt sed., sedum -i = wall-pepper, stone-crop; Sedum majus = sempervivum, see below sem., semen -inis, (plural) semina = seed(s) of anything

sem. frigid. maj., semina frigida majora = the four greater cold seeds: cucumber, melon, watermelon, and gourd or pumpkin

sem. frigid. min., semina frigida minora = the four lesser cold seeds: endive, lettuce, purslane, and succory semperviv., sempervivum -i = houseleek, S. tectorum ("live forever," because it is always green) sen., sena -ae = senna

senecion., senecio -onis = groundsel, Senecio vulgaris, or S. iacobaea, Jacobaea (St. James' wort) or ragwort ser., serum -i = milk whey; also serum lacti, whey of milk

sericum -i = raw silk; or possibly red lead

sigill. Solom., sigillum -i Solomonis = Solomon's seal, Polygonatum multiflorum

silic., silicea -ae = shell or carapace of sea animals, e.g., bivalves and crustaceans

simpl., simplex -icis = a single active ingredient, unblended; same as species

sinap., sinapis -is = mustard; sem. sinap., semina sinapis, mustard seeds

sisymbr., sisymbrium -i = watercress, Sisymbrium nasturtium

solan., solanum -i = nightshade, Solanum nigrum; several other species, e.g., bitter-sweet, S. dulcamara, and the common tomato, S. lycopersicum sp., spec., species = a simple, or single ingredient or element; i.e., uncompounded or unmixed

sp. ceti., spermaceti = from sperma + ceti (genitive of cetus -i); a fatty substance found in the head of the sperm whale, Physteter macrocephalus

spic., spica -ae = a spike or common stalk bearing numerous flowers; Spica foemina = lavender

spin. alb., spina -ae alba = "white thorn;" precise identification uncertain, with several possibilities, incl. common hawthorn, Crategeus monogyna or C. oxyacantha, Our Lady's thistle, Carduus lacteus or C. mariae, various species of acacia, etc.

sp. sal., spiritus -us salis = spirit of salt, muriatic (hydrochloric) acid

sp. sulph., spiritus -us sulphuris = sulfurous acid, H2SO3

spod., spodium -i = a fine powder obtained from various substances by calcination (OED)

squill., squilla -ae = squill; Scilla maritima, used as diuretic and expectorant

squillitic., squilliticus -a -um = of or derived from squill

staphid. agr., staphis -idis = stavesacre, Delphinium staphisagria

stoechad., stoechas -adis = French lavender, Lavandula stoechas

stercor., stercus -oris = dung, excrement, feces (of dog, horse, peacock, etc.)

stipul., stipula -ae = stalk, stem

sturionis, sturio -onis = European sea sturgeon, Acipenser sturio; ova sturionis = caviar

styrac. calamit., styrax -acis calamita = storax, gum-resin from Styrax officinalis suc[c]in., suc[c]inum -i = amber

succ., succus -i = juice

suillus -a -um = of, from, or related to pigs

summitat., summitas -tatis = top or tops, with the name of the plant in the genitive; e.g., summitates absynthii, absinthe tops; summitates hyssopi, hyssop tops symphit., symphyt., symphitum -i = comfrey; Symphytum maius, greater comfrey

T

tamarind., tamarindus -i = tamarind tree, Tamarindus indica; source of tamarind fruit, a purgative

tamarisc., tamarix -icis or tamariscus -i = tamarisk tree, various species of genus Tamarix

tapsus -i barbatus = black mullein, Verbascum nigrum

tartar., tartarus -i = tartar; see cremor tartaris, above tax., taxus -i = yew tree (Taxus baccata); or badger, Taxidea taxus; pinguedo taxi, badger fat terebinth., terebinthina -ae = turpentine; terebinth. uenet. (Veneta), Venice turpentine; many others including terebinthina communis, Cypria, vulgaris; for Chio terebinth., see Chio, above

terr., terra -ae = earth

terr. Lemni., terra -ae Lemnia = Lemnian earth or clay, a medicinal clay originally obtained from the island of Lemnos

terr. sigillat., terra sigillata = "sealed earth;" Lemnian clay shaped into tablets or cakes into which decorative seals were pressed; same as terra Lemnia

test., testa -ae = shell of a molllusc, or the skin or coating of a seed

testud., testudo -inis = tortoise, variou species of genus Testudo

thebaic., thebaica -ae = opium; thebaic tincture or extract = laudanum

theriac., theriacal., theriaca -ae = antidote; treacle; e.g., Theriaca andromachi = mithridatium (q. v.), T. coelestis, laudanum thur., thus thuris = frankincense or olibanum, aromatic resin from trees of genus Boswellia, esp. B. sacra

thym., thymi., thymum -i = thyme, various species of genus Thymus, esp. T. vulgaris

til., tilia -ae = lime-tree, linden

tinct., tinctura -ae = a solution of anything in spirit of wine; very many types, e.g., tinctura thebiaca, same as laudanum

tinct. rub., tinctura -ae rubra = tincture of red corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), similar to laudanum

tormentill. tormentilla -ae = upright septfoil, tormentil; Tormentilla (or Potentilla) erecta

torrefact., torrefactus -a -um = dried of moisture by heat, scorched, roasted

tragacanth., dragacanth., tragacanthum -i = gum tragacanth (q.v.)

turbith., turbithum -i = turbith or turpeth, from Convulvulus turpethum; a purgative

tutia -ae = tutty; zinc oxide

U-V

ueter., veter., veterus -a -um = old; cf. recent., recentis

ung., vng. apostol., unguentum apostolorum = containing 12 ingredients incl. turpentine, resin, yellow wax, aristolochia, frankincense, etc.

ung., vng. basilic., or just basilic., unguentum basilicum = basilicum ointment; yellow, black, or green, each containing beeswax and rosin and other ingredients but no basil

ung., vng. alb., unguentum album = ointment containing olive oil, white wax, and white lead

unguentum Egyptiac., Egyptiacum = ointment containing verdigris (copper acetate or green rust from copper or brass), honey, and vinegar

ung. or vng. pomat., unguentum pomatum = ointment containing pork fat, rose water, and apple pulp

unguentum populeon = ointment containing poplar buds, animal fat, and various leaves

urtic., vrtic., urtica -ae = nettle, esp. the common nettle Urtica dioica; urtic. urent., Urtica urens, dwarf/ annual/ dog nettle

uva -ae = grape

valerian., valeriana -ae = wild valerian, Valeriana officinalis

veronic., veronica -ae = speedwell, Veronica officinalis

vin., vinum -i = wine; vinum album, white wine; vinum rubrum/rubellum/roseum, red wine

viola -ae = violet, various species of genus Viola, esp. V. odorata

visc. querc., viscum -i quercinus = mistletoe; also Viscum album vitell., vitellus -i = egg yolk; vitelli ovorum, yolks of eggs

vitis -is = vine; folia vitis, grape leaves

vitriol., vitriolum -i = vitriol; various metallic sulfates, esp. iron sulfate; v. album = zinc sulfate

vulgar., vulgaris -e = common, usual

vulp., vulpes -is = wolf

Z

zedoar., zedoaria -ae = zedoary, Curcuma zedoaria

zizyphus -i = jujube; from Zizyphus species, e.g., Z. jujuba, tree that produces them; jujubinus -a -um, relating to jujubes; e.g., syrupus jujubinus, jujube syrup

zyth., zythum -i = zythos (unfermented Egyptian beer)

zz or ZZ = zinziber = ginger, Zinziber officinale; sometimes indicates myrrh

Alchemical Symbols and Other Abbreviations

Ward very occasionally used these, e.g.,

, symbol for tartar; crem. is = cremor tartaris, cream of tartar 

A close up of a logo

Description automatically generated, symbol for Mars; croc. A close up of a logo

Description automatically generatedis = crocus Martis, "saffron of Mars," iron peroxide, colcothar, or jeweler's rouge

69: see above, "oculi cancri"

9 (superscript 9) = "-us;" a common medieval contraction, as in "corp9 "= corpus

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                                                   Following list by Callum Simms

• ā - for originally Greek 'ana' = 'of each'
• bib. - bibo = 'drink' - 'bibat' or 'bibatur' ('let him drink', 'let X be drunk')
• cap. - capio = 'take'
• cum = 'with' - often Ward marks non-abbreviated words with an apostrophe
• decoq. - decoquo = 'boil down / reduce'
• e, ex = 'out of / from'
• ebull. - ebullio = 'boil'
• et = 'and'
• f. - facio = 'make'
• (in)fund. - (in)fundo = 'pour (in)'
• in = 'in, into'
• inung. - inunguo = 'salve, rub ointment on'
• m. - misceo = 'mix'
• mane = 'in the morning'
• nocte = 'at night'
in alphabetical order:
• alb. - albus = 'white'
• aq. - aqua = 'water'. 'Water of X' is a common ingredient that means water infused with X (c.f. rosewater).
• bacc. - bacca = 'berry'
• commun. - communis = 'common'
• cortic. - cortex = 'bark'
• decoct. - decoctio = 'decoction'
• fol. - folium = 'leaf'
• gran. - granum = 'kernel'
• gutt. - gutta = 'drop'
• haust. - haustus = 'draught'
• lign. - lignum = 'wood'
• liquor = 'liquid, liquor'
• nigr. - niger = 'black'
• nuc. - nux = 'nut'
• nucl. - nucleus = 'nut'
• officin. - officinalis = 'medicinal'
• ol. - oleum = 'oil'
• optim. - optimus = 'best'
• part. - pars = 'part, side'
• pulveriz. - pulverizatus = 'powdered'
• radic. - radix = 'root'
• semin. - semen = 'seed'
• spec. - species = 'simple' - a 'simple' is a single-ingredient powder
• sal = 'salt' - 'Salt of X' is the name of a number of alchemical products which nowadays have chemical formulae.
• trochisc. - trochiscus - 'troche' (a lozenge)
• ust. - ustus = 'burnt'
• vulgar. - vulgaris = 'common'

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ingredients in alphabetical order:
• absynth. - absynthium = 'wormwood'
• acetos. - acetosa = 'sorrel'
• acet. - acetum = 'vinegar'
• agaric. - agaricum = 'tinder fungus'
• alchermes (confectio) = confection of 'Kermes' (crimson 'berry' bug - like cochineal)
• aloe optim. = 'agarwood'
• alth. - althea = 'mallow'
• ammoniac. - 'ammoniacum' = 'gum ammoniac'
• argill. - argilla = '(white) potter's clay, argil'
• aristoloch. - aristolochia = 'birthwort'
• artemis. - artemisia = 'mugwort'
• aven. - avena = 'oats'
• bacon. - baco = 'bacon'
• bezoardic. - bezoardicum = 'bezoar' (antimony salt)
• borac. - borax = 'borax'
• bryon. - bryonia = 'briony'
• bugloss. - buglossa = 'bugloss'
• calaminth. - calamintha = 'calamint'
• camphor. - camphora = 'camphor'
• cappar. - capparis = 'caper'
• cardiac. - (aqua) cardiaca = 'toddy' (a beverage - palm wine?)
• card. - carduus = 'thistle'
• carlin. - carlina = 'carline/silver thistle'
• carn. - caro = 'meat, flesh'
• caryophill. - caryophillus = 'clove'
• caseum = 'cheese'
• cass. - cassia = 'cassia' (a type of cinnamon)
• castoreum = 'castoreum' (beaver musk)
• centaur. - centaurium = 'centaury'
• cervis. - cervisa = 'beer'
• chalyb. - chalybs = 'steel'
• chamamel. - chamamelon = 'chamomile'
• cichor. - cichoria = 'chicory, endive'
• colcothar = 'colcothar, jeweller's rouge' (Ferric Oxide)
• cor. - corium = 'leather'
• coton. - cotone = 'cotton'
• cret. - creta = 'chalk'
• croc. - crocus = 'saffron, crocus flower'; (alchemical) 'liver' - crocus metallorum = liver of antimony
• cumin. - cuminum = 'cumin'
• dia-x = medicine containing x. Usually no other name than the Latin one.
• dictamn. - dictamnus = 'dittany'
• ebul. - ebulum = 'danewort'
• eupator. - eupatoria = 'agrimony'
• fab. - faba = 'broad bean' (= horse, fava)
• faecul. - faecula = 'salt of tartar' (potassium carbonate)
• farin. - farina = 'flour, meal'
• fim. - fimus = 'dung'
• fontan. - fontana (aqua) = 'spring' (-water)
• fumar. - fumaria = 'fumitory'
• gagat. - gagates = 'jet' (stone)
• guaiac. - guaiacum (lignum) = 'guaiac' (wood)
• gumm. - gummi = [tree] 'gum'
• hermodactyl. - hermodactylus = 'hermodactyl' (meadow crocus / autumn saffron roots, not black iris)
• herniar. - herniaria = 'rupturewort'
• iuniper. - iuniperus = 'juniper'; granum juniperi = juniper berry (actually a seed cone)
• jalap. - jalapa = 'jalap'
• jugland. - juglans = 'walnut'
• labdan. - labdanum = 'labdanum' (sticky brown resin from rock roses)
• lappath. - lap(p)athum = 'dock, sorrel'; L. acutum = broad-leafed dock
• laudan. - laudanum = 'laudanum'
• lin. - linum = 'flax'
• lujul. - lujula = 'wood sorrel'
• mac. - macis = 'mace'
• malvatic. - malvaticum (vinum) = 'Malmsey' (wine of the Malvasia grape) - Madeira/Sack
• mastich. - masticha = 'mastic'
• mecon. - meconium = poppy juice (opium)
• meliss. - melissa = 'lemon balm'
• mithridat. - mithridatum = 'Mithridate'
• moschat. - moschata (nux) = 'nutmeg'
• ovin. - ovinus (from ovis) = 'sheep'
• oxycrat. - oxycratum = 'oxycrate' (mixture of vinegar and water)
• papav. - papaver (erraticum) = '(common) poppy'
• paralys. - paralysis = 'cowslip'
• pastinac. - pastinaca = 'parsnip, carrot'
• pentaphyll. - pentaphyllum = 'cinquefoil'
• pinguedin. - pinguedo = 'fat'
• polypod. - polypodium = 'polypody', rockcap fern
• puleg. - pule(g)ium = 'pennyroyal' (/fleabane /fleawort)
• resin. - resina = 'resin, rosin'
• rhab. - rhabarbarum = 'rhubarb'
• rosac. - rosaceum = 'rose oil'
• rosmarin. - rosmarinus = 'rosemary'
• sabin. - sabina = 'savin' (a juniper species)
• sacchar. - saccharum = 'cane sugar'
• santal. - santalum = 'sandalwood'; S. citrinum = citrine/yellow sandalwood
• saxifrag. - saxifraga = 'saxifrage, rockfoil' ('breakstone' in Ward)
• scord. - scordium = 'water germander'
• seb./sev. - se(b/v)um = 'tallow, suet, grease'
• sed. - sedum = 'houseleek'
• semperviv. - sempervivum = 'houseleek' ('liveforever')
• sen. - sena = 'senna'
• ser. - serum = 'whey'
• spic. - spica = 'lavender'
• sucin. - sucinum = 'amber'
• symphit. - symphitum (maius) = (greater) 'comfrey'
• tax. - taxus = 'yew'; 'badger'
• terebinth. - terebinthina = 'turpentine'
• test. - testa = 'shell'
• theriac. - theriaca = 'antidote', 'antivenom', 'treacle'
• thur. - thus = 'frankincense'
• zyth. - zythum = 'zythos' (Egyptian beer)
The symbol (℞) is short for 'recipe' and means 'take' in Latin. This is still used for prescriptions today as Rx.

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EMMO