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
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
Measurements
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."
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
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 used {Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, 3, iv, 73-5: "Get you some of this distilled Carduus benedictus, and lay it to your heart: it is the only thing for a qualm."}
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 X, symbol for Mars; croc. X is = 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
Following list by Callum Simms
Ingredients
• 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.
Other
• 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'