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This article features two vocabulary lists of the Latin words and abbreviations in the diaries of [https://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/vi0hc7 John Ward], Folger MS V.a.284 -299.  
This article features two glossaries of the Latin words and abbreviations in the diaries of [https://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/vi0hc7 John Ward], Folger MS V.a.284 -299. The words are all associated with medical receipts. At the bottom of the article are links to a cribsheet for John Ward's handwriting, several sites that depict alchemical symbols, and a Greek keyboard.  


One list is the work of Callum Simms, a transcriber on [https://www.shakespearesworld.org/#/ Shakespeare's World] (a crowd-sourced project between the Folger Shakespeare Library, Zooniverse and the OED, sponsored by [[Early Modern Manuscripts Online (EMMO)|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. <br>
The first glossary was compiled by Dr. Robert Tallaksen, a reader and transcriber at the Folger Shakespeare Library. It is regularly updated with new words. Last update was March 26, 2021.


One list is the work of Dr. Robert Tallaksen, a reader and transcriber at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
The second glossary is the work of Callum Simms, a transcriber on [https://www.shakespearesworld.org/#/ Shakespeare's World] (a crowd-sourced project between the Folger Shakespeare Library, Zooniverse and the OED, sponsored by [[Early Modern Manuscripts Online (EMMO)|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.  


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 [https://folgerpedia.folger.edu/A_Semi-Diplomatic_Transcription_of_Selections_from_the_John_Ward_Diaries,_vol._9_(1662-1663),_V.a.292 A Semi-Diplomatic Transcription of Selections from the John Ward Diaries].
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 [https://folgerpedia.folger.edu/A_Semi-Diplomatic_Transcription_of_Selections_from_the_John_Ward_Diaries,_vol._9_(1662-1663),_V.a.292 A Semi-Diplomatic Transcription of Selections from the John Ward Diaries].
                                                   


                                                    '''Following list by Dr. Robert Tallaksen'''
=='''John Ward's Latin medical words and abbreviations (Dr. Robert Tallaksen, compiler)'''==


==Instructions and Amounts==


== Instructions and Amounts ==
ā, āā, ān., ana = of each 


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


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


ante pastum = before food  
ante pastum = before food


ante prandium = before a meal (lunch)  
ante/post prandium = before/after a meal (lunch)


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


balneum -i = bath; e.g., balneo vaporoso, in a steam bath; balneo Mariae, in a bain-marie
bacill., bacillus -i = a small stick; e.g., bacill. glycirriz., a stick of licorice


bib., bibo -ere = drink; bibit (she/he drinks), bibat (let her/him drink) or bibatur (let X be drunk ) 
balneum -i = bath; e.g., BV, balneo vaporoso, in a steam bath; BM, balneo Mariae, in a bain-marie


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


calcino -are = to calcine; reduce by roasting or burning to a powder or friable substance; una calcinentur, let them be calcined together
bullio -ire = boil; bulliant, they should boil or let them boil
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 
calcino -are = to calcine; reduce by roasting or burning to a powder or friable substance; una calcinentur, let them be calcined together


clarific., clarifico -are = clarify
cap., capio -ere = cape, take; also capiat (let him/her take X) and capiatur (let X be taken)


coch., cochleare  = spoonful(s)
chartula -ae = a small piece of paper; specifically, such a piece of paper twisted or folded and containing a single dose of medicinal powder


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


compos., compositus -a -um = adj., compound; composed, prepared
coch., cochleare  = spoonful(s)


cong., congius -i = gallon
colatus -a -um (also incolatus) = strained, filtered, purified (from colo -are = strain, filter) compos., compositus -a -um = adj., compound; composed, prepared


contund., contundo -ere = bruise, crush, beat
cong., congius -i = gallon


contus., contusus -a -um = adj., bruised, crushed, beaten
contund., contundo -ere = bruise, crush, beat
coq., coqu., coquo -ere = boil


crebro = adv., frequently, repeatedly
contus., contusus -a -um = adj., bruised, crushed, beaten


cum = with; often abbreviated with macron:  cū
coq., coqu., coquo -ere = boil


d., da, datur = give; detur X, let X be given
crebro = adv., frequently, repeatedly


d., dos., dosis -es = dose
cum with; very often abbreviated with macron:
decoq., decoquo -ere boil down / reduce  


diluculi., diluculum -i = at daybreak; alternis diluculis, every other morning at dawn
cuspis -idis cultelli = point of a knife; as much medicine as will lie on a knife point; a small but uncertain amount, likely a few grains


e, ex = out of / from 
d., da, datur detur = da, give; datur X, X is given; detur X, let X be given


ebull., ebullio -ire = boil 
d., dos., dosis -is = dose


epotus -a -um = swallowed, quaffed, drunk up
decoq., decoquo -ere = boil down / reduce


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


f., facio -ere = make 
dulcorand., edulcorand., dulcorandus -a -um = sweetened; from dulcoro -are


fiat X = let X be done/made
e, ex = out of / from


foveo -ere = keep warm; foveatur, let her/him/it be kept warm
ebull., ebullio -ire = boil


frigid., frigidus -a -um = cold; e.g., capiat frigida, let it be taken cold
epotus -a -um = swallowed, quaffed, drunk up


gran., granum =  grain (apothecary measure)* 
erasus -a -um = scraped; see also rasus -a -um, below


gt, gutt, gutta -ae = drop*
et = and


h. s., hora somni, hora somnj = at bedtime
exacin., exacinatus -a -um = with the seeds or stones removed; e.g. raisins


in = in, into 
excorticatus -a -um = peeled, skinned, stripped of outer covering


incid., incido -ere = cut open/into
f. (face), from facio -ere = make


(in)fund. - (in)fundo -ere = pour (in) 
fiat X = let X be done/made


insideat = let her/him sit (in a bath)
foveo -ere = keep warm; foveatur, let her/him/it be kept warm


inspissat., inspissatus -a -um = adj., thickened, condensed
frigid., frigidus -a -um = cold; e.g., capiat frigida, let it be taken cold


inung., inunguo -ere = rub on (e.g., salve, ointment)  
gran., granum = grain (apothecary measure)*


jejuno ventriculo = on a fasting (empty) stomach
gt, gutt, gutta -ae = drop*


lambend., lambo -ere = lick/ lap up; sensim lambendus, to be licked up slowly
h. s., hora somni, hora somnj = at bedtime


lb = pound; some liquid measures are in pounds rather than volume
in = in, into


m., misc., misceo -ere = mix; misceantur, let them (ingredients) be mixed
incid., incido -ere = cut open/into; incisus -a -um, incised, cut open


m. f. = misce faci/ fiat,  mix the ingredients and make X, or let X be made (e.g., pills, electuary)  
(in)fund. - (in)fundo -ere pour (in)  


mane = in the morning 
insideat = let her/him sit (in a bath)


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
inspissat., inspissatus -a -um = adj., thickened, condensed


mass., massa -ae = the compound out of which pills, etc., are formed
inung., inunguo -ere = rub on (e.g., salve, ointment)


matut., matutinus -a -um, matutine = in the (early) morning
ieiuno or jejuno ventriculo = on a fasting (empty) stomach


mortarium -i = mortar; tunde, or contunde in mortario, crush in a mortar
lambend., lambo -ere = lick/ lap up; sensim lambendus, to be licked up slowly


mundat., mundatus -a -um = cleaned
lb, sometimes lib, or crossed, "℔" = pound; liquid measures often in pounds rather than volume


no. or no = numerus, for the number of things; e.g. succ. Limon. no ii, juice of two lemons
lenitiv., lenitivus -a -um = adj., soothing, gently laxative


nocte = at night
m., misc., misceo -ere = mix; misceantur, let them (ingredients) be mixed


officin., officinalis -e = from officina -ae, a shop; any medicine directed to be kept in shops 
m. f. = misce face/ misceat or misceant fiat,  mix (the ingredients) and make X, or let (the ingredients) be mixed and X be made (e.g., pills, electuary)


ꝑreꝑ. or preꝑ.= preparatus -a -um (conjectured)  
magistral., magistralis -e = related to magister -tri, a master or teacher; can refer to something that is a practitioner's own formulation (as opposed to officinalis -e, see below), or a remedy that is supremely effective


paratur = it is prepared; e.g., paratur vnguent., an ointment is prepared
mane (indecl.) = in the morning


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


pisto -are = pound, stamp, crush; pistentur, let them be pounded
mass., massa -ae = the compound out of which pills, etc., are formed


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


pulveriz., pulverizatus -a -um =  powdered 
mortarium -i = mortar; tunde, or contunde in mortario, crush in a mortar


q. s., quantum satis or quantum sufficit = a sufficient quantity
mundat., mundatus -a -um = cleaned


redig., redigo -ere = redige, reduce (into); e.g., redig. in cataplasma, reduce to a poultice
no. or no = numerus, for the number of things; e.g. succ. Limon. no (numero) ii, juice of two lemons (in the number of two)


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


s. or ss., semis = one half (see note below)
nodulo, nodulus -i = a little knot, from nodus -i; in nodulo ligat., tied in a little knot


saepe, sepe = often; saepius (comparative) = rather often
officin., officinalis -e = from officina -ae, a shop; any standard medicine or ingredient kept in apothecary shops


semicoch., semicochl., semicochleare = half a spoonful
ꝑreꝑ. or preꝑ.= preparatus -a -um (conjectured)


sero = late; e.g., mane et sero, in the morning and late
paratur = it is prepared; e.g., paratur vnguent., an ointment is prepared


setaceum -i = sieve; per setaceum, through a sieve
parum = a little; e.g., ol(eum) Iasmini parum, a little oil of jasmine


siccus -a -um = dry
pauxill., pauxillatum = little by little


singul., singulus -a -um = one at a time, individually, singly
permisceo -ere = mix thoroughly; permisceantur, let them (ingredients) be thoroughly mixed


spong., spongiā, spongiis = with a sponge or sponges
pisto -are = pound, stamp, crush; pistentur, let them be pounded


stillitat., stillatim = drop by drop
pomeridiane = (adv.) in the afternoon


substituo -ere = substitute; X substituatur, X should/ought to be substituted, e.g. for a missing ingredient: in defectu vini graeci aliud vinum potens
pulveriz., pulverizatus -a -um powdered


album substituatur, in the absence of Greek wine another strong white wine should be substituted
purpureus -a -um = purple


sumend., sumendus -a -um = to be or should be taken; e.g., mane et sero sumendum = to be taken early and late
q. s., quantum satis or quantum sufficit = a sufficient quantity; q. s. ad = a sufficient amount for...


summo mane = very early in the morning
q. s. m. f. = quantum satis misce face (or misceantur fiat), take a sufficient quantity of the last ingredient or ingredients named, mix, (and) make X; or let the ingredients be mixed and let X be made


superbib., superbibo -ere = take after or upon another substance; superbibendus -a -um, it should be taken after something else
rament., ramenta -orum = (plural) scrapings, shavings


ust., ustus -a -um = adj., burnt 
ras., rasur., rasus -a -um or rasuratus -a -um = scraped or scrapings of


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


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


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


= ounce; f℥ = fluid ounce
saepe, sepe = often; saepius (comparative) = rather often, more often


ʒ = dram, drachm
semicoch., semicochl., semicochleare = half a spoonful


= scruple
sensim = slowly, gradually, little by little


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


p = pugil, the amount that can be picked up with the thumb and two fingers
setaceum -i = sieve; per setaceum, through a sieve


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. 
siccus -a -um = dry, dried


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


**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."
spatha -ae, spatula -ae = a flat piece of wood, a stirrer; diminutive is spatula -ae


== Types of Receipts ==
spong., spongiā, spongiis = with a sponge or sponges


apozema -atis = infusion, decoction, concentration by boiling
stillat., stillatim = drop by drop


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


arillus -i = seed/stone; uva passa detractis arillis, dried grapes with the seeds removed
subtilissime, subtilissimus -a -um = very fine(ly), minutely; e.g., face pulverem subtilissimam, make a very fine powder; contunde in mortario subtilissime, crush very finely in a mortar


balneum -i = bath  
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 = drink after or upon another substance; superbibendus -a -um, it should be taken after something else
 
ust., ustus -a -um = burnt
 
vesperi = in the evening
 
==Measurements==
 
lb or ℔ = pound; NB the unit of weight, not of money
 
M = handful
 
p = pugil, the amount that can be picked up with the thumb and two fingers
 
℥ = ounce (available on EMROC toolbar in Dromio)
 
f℥ = fluid ounce, though the "f" is generally omitted
 
ʒ = dram, drachm (available on EMROC toolbar in Dromio)
 
℈ = scruple (available on EMROC toolbar in Dromio)
 
Equivalents:
*20 grains = 1 scruple
*3 scruples = 1 dram
*8 drams = 1 ounce
 
Numerical amounts are most often given in minuscule Roman numerals; e.g., iiii. The last "i" is very often written as a "long i" or "j," e.g., iiij, but should be transcribed as a minuscule: iiii. 
 
When "s" or "ss" is used for one half, it follows the last character, thus:
*℈s, 1/2 scruple
*℥iiis = 3 1/2 ounces
*ʒiss = 1 1/2 drams
The "s" can look like a long "i" but will lack a dot.
 
The abbreviations for grain, "gr," and guttae (drops), "gt," can look very similar; if so:
*when the ingredient is a liquid, e.g., a syrup, suggest using "gt"
*if a dry substance, e.g., saffron, use "gr."
 
==Ingredients, descriptions, and types of receipts==
 
===A===
abrotan., abrotanum -i = artemisia or southernwood, Artemisia abrotanum
 
absynth., absynthium -i = wormwood, Artemisia absinthium; sal absynthii = salt of absinth, impure potassium carbonate (K2CO3) obtained from wormwood ashes; see also vinum absinthites, below
 
acetos., acetosa -ae = sorrel or sour dock, Rumex acetosa; fol. acetos., folia acetosae, leaves of this plant
 
acet., acetum -i = vinegar; a. theriacale, treacle vinegar
 
acori., acorus -i = sweet flag plant, Acorus calamus
 
adamas or lapis -idis adamas = diamond; from α (not) + δάμαζω (conquer, break) because it cannot be broken
 
adiant., adianth., adiantum -i = maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris
 
adonis -is or -nidis = the plant pheasant's eye, Adonis annua; its red flowers are said to have grown on Adonis' grave
 
aes aeris = brass, copper; aes viride, verdigris; see also unguentum Egyptiacum, below
 
aetites -ae = eagle stone (Pliny), "a hollow nodule or pebble of hydrated iron oxide containing a loose kernel that makes a noise when rattled" (OED); said to be helpful in avoiding miscarriage, in pregnancy generally, and in childbirth
 
agalloc(h)um = see lignum aloes, below
 
agaric., agaricus -i = originally the bracket fungus, Formitopsis officinalis, later any mushroom with a cap, various species including Agaricus cantharellus, the chanterelle
 
agaricus -i Rudii = an unknown mushroom or fungus used by or otherwise associated with Eustachio Rudio (1551 - 1611), Italian physician, Latinized as Eustachius Rudius
 
ageratum -i = sweet maudlin, sweet yarrow, or English mace, Achillea ageratum; flowering plant in the sunflower family
 
agni cast., agni casti = Vitex agnus-castus; chaste tree, chasteberry, Abraham's balm, etc.
agrimon., agrimonia -ae = common agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria
 
albedinem = accusative of albedo -inis, whiteness; occurs in the phrase ad albedinem calcinati, calcined to whiteness, in this case hart's horn
 
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)
 
alcanna -ae = alkanet, Alkanna tinctoria, an herb in the borage family; the root yields a red dye; used for infections
 
alchermes, alkermes (confectio -onis) = confection of kermes (pregnant female of the crimson insect Coccus ilicis), formerly supposed to be a berry; widely used as dye-stuff and in medicine
 
alchymilla -ae = genus of herbaceous perennials in the rose family, esp. lady's mantle, Alchemilla mollis; the species used for the herbal tea used in gynecology was A. xanthochlora or A. vulgaris
 
aleophanginae = see pilulae aleophanginae, below
 
alexitericus -a -um = alexipharmic, a "medicine or treatment believed to protect against, counteract the effects of, or expel from the body a noxious or toxic substance... an antidote" (OED)
 
alexiterium -i = an alexipharmic medicine, antidote; alexiterium D. Stephani, Stephanus's antidote, possibly from Stephanus Atheniensis (c. 550 - 630), Greek physician and commentator on Galen
 
alezeteris = likely a misspelling for "alexiteris," see above entry
 
alhandal = Arabic name for colocynth (q. v.); troches of alhandal also contained bdellium & gum tragacanth
 
alipta -ae = see alyptae moschata, below
 
alkakeng., alkekengi = winter cherry, Physalis alkekengi, a diuretic
 
alleluia = same as lujula, see below
 
allium -i = garlic, Allium sativum
 
alnus -i =  alder, a tree of genus Alnus; cort. alni nigri = black alder bark, from A. glutinosa
 
aloe -es = aloe; esp. the true aloe, Aloe vera; more than 500 species; distinguish from lignum aloes, q.v.
 
aloe -es 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"
 
aloe -es lota = washed aloe; apparently dissolved in the juice of roses and then dried
 
alsine = bog stichwort, Stellaria alsine
 
alth., althe., althea/althaea -ae = mallow or marsh-mallow, Althea officinalis; also called malvaviscus
 
alviducum -i = "opener of the belly;" i.e., a laxative
 
alumin., alumina -ae, alumen -inis = alum; argil or argillaceous earth
 
alypta -ae moschata = a compounded lozenge containing ladanum (q. v.), styrax calamita, red sytrax, aloe, ambra, camphor, nutmeg, and rosewater; for asthma and chest constriction
 
amaracus -i = dittany of Crete, Dictamnus (Origanum) creticus
 
ambra -ae = amber, or a balsam from Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum), or ambergris
 
ambra -ae grisea = ambergris
 
amethystus -i = amethyst; the semi-precious stone, "to which the ancients attributed the property of preventing drunkenness" (Dunglison's Medical Lexicon)
 
ammi -ii = an umbelliferous plant, Ammi vulgare (maius), common bishop's weed
 
ammoniac., ammoniacum -i = gum ammoniac, gum resin of Dorema ammoniacum
 
amomi., amomum -i = genus of aromatic plants including black cardamom, Amomum sublatum
 
amylum -i = white starch
anagallis -idis = common or "scarlet" pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis
 
anas -atis = duck, various birds of family Anatidae, genus Anas; genitive plural anatum, as in iecur anatum, liver of ducks
 
aneth., anethum -i = dill, Anethum graveolens
 
anis., anisum -i = anise, Pimpinella anisum; semina anisi, aniseed
 
anodin., anodyn., anodynos -us = a pain reliever, anodyne
 
anserin., anserinus -a -um = of, relating to, or obtained from a goose; adipes anserinus, goose fat
 
antepileptic., antepilepticus -a -um = anti-epileptic; e.g., aqua antepileptica
 
anthora -ae = anthora, yellow monkshood, or healing wolfsbane, Aconitum anthora
 
anthos = rosemary flowers; anthosatus -a -um, infused with rosemary flowers; e.g., mel (honey) anthosatum
 
antidotum -i or antidotus -i = an antidote or counterpoison
 
antidotum -i haemagogum = "haemagogum" indicates that it  promotes menstrual or hemorrhoidal discharge of blood; numerous ingredients including lupins, pepper, licorice, long birthwort, etc.; Culpeper says that it "provokes the Terms, brings away both birth and afterbirth"
 
antidotus -i Matthioli = Matthiolus' Great Antidote, some recipes call for more than 300 ingredients; in the Pharmacopoiea Londinensis, William Salmon (1644 - 1713) terms it "one of the greatest Galli-maufries that ever I saw"
aparine = cleavers, clivers, catchweed, sticky willy, or velcro plant, Galium aparine
 
apium -i = smallage or any of several kinds of celery or parsley, esp. wild celery, Apium graveolens dulce; apium caulis, the stock or stem of one of these plants
 
apozema -atis = an infusion or decoction; or concentration by boiling
 
aq., aqua -ae = water; if an infusion, distillation, or decoction, with the name of the source in the genitive, e.g., aqua hordei, barley water
 
aq. calc., aqua -ae calcis = lime water (whitewash)
 
aqua -ae caponis = capon water; made by boiling a capon with raisins, pine nuts, licorice, and herbs, mixed with wine and other herbs, and distilled; a pectoral
 
aqua -ae chrysulca = see aqua regia, below
 
aqua fontis, aqua fontana = spring or well water
 
aq. fort., aqua -ae fortis = nitric acid, HNO3; may also be called "spirit of niter"
 
aq. histeric., aqu -ae histerica = anti-hysteric water; receipts vary
 
aqua -ae imperialis = a drink made from water mixed with cream of tartar and lemon, and sweetened to taste
 
aq. naphae, aqua -ae naphae = orange flower water
 
aqua regia = a mixture of nitric (HNO3) and hydrocholoric (HCl) acids which can dissolve gold and platinum
 
aq. vit., aqua vitae = distilled spirit
 
aquilegia -ae = genus of perennial plants, including various species of columbine
 
arc(h)onticon = see pulvis arconticon, below
 
argentina -ae = genus of plants in the rose family, especially silverweed, Argentina anserina
 
argentum -i = the element silver (Ag); argentum vivum ("alive") = mercury (Hg), see hydrargyrus, below
 
argill., argilla -ae =  argil, argillaceous earth, alumina
 
arillus -i = seed/stone; uva passa detractis arillis, dried grapes with the seeds removed
 
aristoloch., aristolochia -ae =  many species, including birthwort, Aristolochia clematitis; JW also mentions A. rotunda, smearwort or round-leaved birthwort; see also serpentaria, below
 
aromat. rosat., aromaticum rosatum = aromatic medicine containing roses
 
artemis., artemisia -ae = mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris; also other species including southernwood, wormwood, tarragon
 
artanit., artanita -ae = probably sow-bread, Cyclamen purpurascens
 
arum -i = common arum or aron, Arum maculatum; also known as wake-robin, cuckoo-pint; a stimulant
 
arundo -inis = genus of grasses; Arundo donax, giant cane; A. plinii, Pliny's reed; A. vallatoria, bankside reed; A. saccharina, sugar cane, now genus Saccharum
 
asa dulcis = benzoe siamensis, a resin gum from Styrax tonkinensis, used for skin irritation; possibly also used as a purgative , diuretic, or antispasmodic, and identical to benzoin
 
asar., asarum -i = asarabacca or hazelwort, Asarum europaeum; also known as nardus celticus
 
asclepiadis = genitive of genus Asclepias; various species, including milkweed.; mentioned as radix asclepiadis, the root of such a plant
 
aspalathus -i = genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae (beans), numerous species
 
asphodel., asphodelus -i = genus of flowering plants mythologically connected with the underworld and said to cover the Elysian fields; the white asphodel, A. albus, is also known as King's spear<ref name="asphodel">"Quivering on amaranthine asphodel," W. S. Gilbert, ''Patience'', act 1</ref>; the roots were compounded into a cataplasm and applied to scrofulous ulcers
 
asparag., asparagus -i = asparagus, Asparagus officinalis; the root was used as a diuretic
 
asperula -ae odorata = sweet woodruff; also called Gallium odoratum
 
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
 
assaireth = in pilulae Assaireth (Avicenna); pills containing hiera picra, mastich, myrobalans, etc.; a cholagogue
 
athanasia -ae = genus of flowering plants in the daisy family; in ancient times a kind of antidote; "athanasia magna" was thought to be useful in dysentery and hemorrhages
 
atriplex -icis (olida) = orache or arrach, an emmenogogue and used for disorders of the uterus generally; Culpeper defines A. olida as "stinking arrach"
 
aurum -i = gold; appears in V.a.298 as "fol. auri," gold leaf; though possibly leaves of Aurus brasiliensis, also known as Calamus aromaticus asiaticus, Asian sweet-scented flag see also pillulae aurae below
 
auriculus -i muris = mouse-ear or mouse-ear hawkweed, Pilosella officinarum
 
aurum -i fulminans or volatile = fulminating (explosive) gold, a mixture of compounds of gold, ammonia, and chlorine; seems primarily to have been seen as a curiosity; Glauber used fumes produced by its detonation to gold-plate objects
 
aurant., aurantior., aurantium -i = orange, Citrus aurantium; cortex aurantiorum, orange peel
 
aurant. chinens., aurantium -i chinense = Chinese (sweet) orange, Citrus sinensis
 
auripigment., auripigmentum -i = auripigment, arsenic trisulfide (As2S3), used by painters under the name of King's Yellow (OED); also appears as arsenicum auripigmentum
 
avellan., avellanus -a -um = relating to hazel-nut or filbert; nux avellana, hazel-nut; from the name of the town Avellana in Campania, known for its fruit and nut trees
 
aven., auenaceae, 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 (any)
 
bacill., bacillus -i = a small stick; e.g., bacill. glycirriz., a stick of licorice
 
bacon., baco -onis = bacon
 
balaust., balaustium -i = pomegranate flower
 
balneum -i = bath; BV, balneum vaporosum, steam bath; BM, balneum mariae, bain-marie
 
balsam., balsamum -i = balsam, balm, any strongly scented resin, many types; can be solid or liquid; e.g., balsam of Tolu, of Gilead (from tree Balsamodendron gileadense or B. opobalsamum
 
barba -ae iovis = Jupiter's beard, Anthyllis barba-iovis; also known as silverbush
 
bardana -ae = burdock; see lappa, below
 
basilic. = see ung., vng. basilic. below
 
bechicus -a -um, bechinus -a -um = for treatment of 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
 
becabung., beccabunga -ae = water pimpernel, brooklime; Veronica beccabunga
behen = uncertain identification because early herbalists used the name from Arabic sources, not knowing what plant it referred to; in England the name chiefly affixed to two types:  white (bladder campion, Silene inflata) and red (sea lavender, Statice limonium)
 
bellis -is = the common or English daisy, Bellis perennis; also known as woundwort or bruisewort
 
bened. laxat., benedicta laxativa or benedictum laxativum = another name for rhubarb, or the laxative electuary made from it; or a compound of turbith, scammony and spurge
 
benedict. = carduus benedictus, q. v.
 
benzoes = benzoe siamensis; see asa dulcis, above
 
benz., benzoin., belzuinum -i = benzoin, gum benzoin; gum obtained from Styrax benzoin
 
berber., berberis -is = barberry tree, Berberis vulgaris, or the berry itself
beta -ae = beetroot, Beta vulgaris; also appears as "rad. (radix) betae"
beton., betonic., betonica -ae = betony, Stachys betonica
 
betonica -ae Pauli = St. Paul's betony, Veronica serpyllifolia, a small species of speedwell
 
bezoar (indecl.); bezoart., lapis bezoarticum -i = a stone or concretion found in animal intestines; eight types are described (including mineral, biliary, resinous, fibrous) and these may be described with an adjective, e.g., bezoart. minerale, animale; a particular type comes from the pazan (pasang), the wild or bezoar goat, Capra aegagrus
 
bezoard., bezoardic., bezoardicus -a -um =  relating to or in description of a bezoar
 
bezoardicum -i ioviale = the Jovial bezoar or bezoar of Jupiter, a diaphoretic; butter of antimony (q.v.) and nitric acid, distilled; not related to "bezoar," above
 
bezoarticum -i solare = the "solar" or "golden" bezoar; leaf gold, nitric acid or aqua regia, and butter of antimony (q.v.); a diaphoretic and treatment for syphilis; not related to "bezoar," above
 
bezoarticum -i Mathioli = the bezoar of Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501 - 77), Italian physican and naturalist, Latinized as Matthiolus; precise description of this bezoar unknown
 
bismalv., bismalva -ae = althea, marshmallow; or related species Malva bismalva or M. moschata, musk-mallow


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  
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"  
bol. armen., bolus -i Armeniae = Armenian bole, bole armoniac; an argillaceous earth
 
bombac., bombax -acem = cotton, cotton-wool, stuffing
 
borac., borax (-acis) =  borax (sodium borate, disodium tetraborate), Sodae biboras
 
botryos = Jerusalem oak, Dysphania botrys; also known as sticky goosefoot or feathered geranium
 
brassica -ae = genus of numerous cruciferous plants, incl. cabbage, turnip, rape, etc.
 
bryon., bryonia -ae =  briony, Bryonia dioica, may also be denoted red or white; black bryony = lady's seal
 
bubula -ae = beef; bubulus -a -um, derived from beef; medulla bubula, beef marrow
 
bugloss., buglossa -ae =  bugloss (various species of Anchusa, Echium, and others)
 
bugul., bugula -ae = numerous herbaceous plants including common bugle, Ajuga reptans
 
bupthalmi., bupthalmum -i = common ox-eye, Bupthalmum salicifolium; also "bupthalmus"
 
butyr., butyron -i = butter; butryr. rancid., rancid butter; butyr. recens, recent. = fresh butter
 
butyrum -i antimonii = "butter of antimony," antimony trichloride, SbCl3, thus called because it resembles a fatty mass
 
buxus -i = common or European box, Buxus sempervivens, an evergreen shrub or small tree
 
===C===
calamint, calaminth., calamintha -ae =  calamint; various species of Calamintha, e.g. officinalis, sylvatica, nepeta, montana
 
calc. viv., calx calcis = lime, limestone, chalk; calx vivum, unslaked lime; see also unguentum de calce, below
 
calendul., calendula -ae = garden or common marigold, Calendula officinalis
 
caltha -ae = genus of perennial flowering plants in the buttercup family, with star-shaped flowers
 
campan., campanula -ae = throat-wort, bell-flower; Campanula trachelium
 
camphir., camphor., camphora -ae =  camphor, from Laurus camphora or Dryobalanops camphora;  camphoratus -a -um, camphorated
 
cancror., cancer -eris = crab; cancrorum vivorum, (of) live crabs; see also "oculi cancri," below
 
canell., canella -ae = canella tree; Canella alba, wild cinnamon
 
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
 
caphura -ae = camphor
 
capill. vener., capillus veneris = maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris
 
cappar., capparis -is = caper, Capparis spinosa; ol., oleum capparibus, oil of capers
 
capra -ae = she-goat; pinguedo caprae, she-goat fat
 
caprifolium -a = Italianate woodbine or perfoliate honeysuckle, Lonicera caprifolium
 
caput capitis cati = a cat's head; typically, it seems, a black cat's head burned to ashes
 
carabe, carabes = likely a name for white amber (V.a. 298, f. 161r, receipt in Latin, "Carab. pulueriz.," followed by receipt in English, "the white amber powderd")
 
caranna = an aromatic resin from the West Indian flowering tree Bursera acuminata and/or the South American trees Protium carana, P. altissimum, and Pachylobus hexandrus
 
cardamantice = see iberis cardamantice, below
 
cardiac., cardiacus -a -um = cordial, for stimulating, invigorating, or restoring the heart; aqua cardiaca, cordial water
 
carduncellus -i = uncertain; either Carduncellus, a genus of flowering plants in the aster family; or Carthamus carduncellus, one of the distaff thistles, the best known of which is the safflower, C. tinctorius
 
card., carduus -i =  thistle (various species)
 
card. ben., card. bened., card. benedict., carduus -i benedictus = holy or blessed thistle, Cnicus benedictus, widely used as an antidote<ref name="card ben">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."</ref>
 
cardam., cardamomum -i = cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum
 
carellorum = plural genitive of the diminutive of carus -i, "little seed;" refers to the seed of hypericon, St. John's wort
 
carduus -i Mariae = Marian, milk, or St. Mary's thistle, Silybum marianum
 
caric., carica -ae = fig, Ficus carica; may be described as ficus pinguis, a fat or ripe fig
 
carlin., carlina -ae =  carline or silver thistle, Carlina vulgaris
 
carminativus -a -um = serving to expel flatulence, as in "emplastrum carminativum"
 
caro carnis = meat, flesh (any kind), with the source as an adjective or in the genitive; e.g., haedina, kid; vitulina, veal; perdicum, of partridges
 
carthami., carthamus = saffron flower, Carthamus tinctorius
 
carui., carvi., carum -i = caraway, Carum carui
 
caryocost., caryostinum -i = caryocostinum, an electuary so called because it contains cloves and costus, Saussurea costus, also known as costus, kuth, and putchuk, a species of Indian thistle
 
caryophill., caryophillus -i = clove, Caryophyllus aromaticus
 
caseum -i = cheese (any kind)
 
cass., cassia -ae = cassia (various species; e.g, Cassia fistula, purging cassia)
 
cass. lign., cassia -ae lignum = cassia wood
 
castanea -ae = chestnut or chestnut-tree, Castana vesca
 
castoreum -i =  castoreum; beaver musk
 
cataplasm., cataplasma -is = poultice or plaster
 
catapsoras = see unguentum catapsoras, below
 
cataputia = the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, also called palma Christi from the palmate shape of its leaves
 
catholicon, catholicum -i = a universal purging electuary; see diacatholicon, below
 
C.C. = cornu cervi (deer or hart's horn), a source of ammonia; not the plant (Plantago coronopus)
 
cattaria -ae = catnip, Nepeta cataria
 
cauda -ae equina = horsetail or mare's tail; various species of ancient genus Equisetum, e.g., E. arvense, common horsetail or the aquatic flowering plant Hippuris vulgaris; NB distinguish from cauda equina, the bundle of spinal nerves in the lower lumbar region that innervate the pelvic organs and lower extremities
 
caulis -is = cabbage, or its stalk or stem; see also apium caulis, above
 
centaur., centaurium -i = centaury, feverfew, or featherfew; the greater, Centaurea magnum or maius = C. erythraea; and the lesser, C. minus or C. parvum = Chironia centaurium (?); mention of centaurium utrumque, possibly directing the use of both maius and minus
 
centinodii, centinodium -i = common knotgrass, birdweed, pigweed, or lowgrass, Polygonum aviculare; post-classical Latin "centinodia," Anglo-Norman "centinodie"
 
cepa -ae = onion, Allium capa
 
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
 
ceratum -i = cerate, an unctuous material for external application, made of wax mixed with oil, lard, or similar, and other medicinal substances; consistency between ointment and plaster
 
ceratum -i santalinum = cerate containing two or more of the santals or saunders
 
ceratum -i stomachicum = a cerate for the abdomen made from roses, mastich, wormwood, spikenard, wax, and oil of roses (Mesue)
 
ceratum -i oesypatum = cerate containing oesypus (unrefined lanolin), oil of chamomel and iris root, yellow wax and rosin (Galen)
 
cerebrum -i = brain; e.g., cerebrum leporis (rabbit brain) for hair loss, cerebrum. passeris (sparrow) for "seed increasing"
 
cerefolium -i = chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium
 
cerevis., cerevisia -ae, cervis., cervisia -ae = beer or ale; cervisia tenuis, thin (i.e., weak or inferior), or small beer
 
ceroma -ae = in CL, a mixture of oil, wax, and earth with which wrestlers rubbed themselves; apparently now synonymous with ceroneum, below
 
ceroneum -i = emplastrum ceroneum; pitch, yellow wax, sagapenum, ammoniacum, turpentine, etc.; an emollient
 
ceronia -ae = St. John's bread; fruit of the carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua
 
ceruss., cerussa -ae = ceruse or white lead; a mixture of lead carbonate and hydrate
 
cervin., cervinus -a -um = of or pertaining to a deer or stag
 
ceterach. = spleenwort or rustyback fern, Asplenium ceterach
 
chalcitis -idis = copper pyrite, chalcopyrite, CuFeS2; also synonym for colcothar, see below
 
chalyb., chalybs chalybis =  steel
 
chamaelea = Microstachys chamaelea,"creeping sebastiana"
 
chamamel., chamaemel., chamaemelum -i = chamomile, Anthemis nobilis
 
chameleon -ontis = chamaeleontis albi, Carlina acaulis, carline thistle; chamaeleontis nigri, Carthami corymbosi (both in the genitive)
 
chamaepit., chamaepitys, chaemeptytys -yos = common ground pine, Teucrium chamaepitys


cataplasm., cataplasma -is = poultice or plaster
chamedr., chaemedr., chamaedrys = germander speedwell, Veronica chamaedrys, or wall germander, Teucrium chamaedrys


cholagog., cholagogum -i = cholagogue, a medication that promotes discharge of bile
chebula -ae = JW describes it as a type of myrobalan (q. v.) though it is a different genus


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


decoct., decoctio -onis = decoction 
chelidon., chelidonium -i = common or greater celandine, Chelidonium magnus


embroc., embrocatio -onis = an embrocation; like a liniment but of a thinner consistency, many types
cheraefolium -i = chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium


eclegma, ecligma -atis = medicine to be taken by letting it melt in the mouth
chio, chia., terebinth. chia = turpentine from the tree Pistacia terebinthus, also called Cyprus, Chio, or Chian turpentine


elect., electuarium -i = electuary
chin., china -ae = china root, Smilax china, similar to sarsaparilla


empl., emplastrum -i = plaster; emplastrum Paracelsi (of Paracelsus) is one of many
cholagog., cholagogum -i = cholagogue, a medication that promotes discharge of bile


emuls., emulsio -onis = emulsion
cicer -i = chickpea, Cicer aristinum; several varieties, including white (album), red (rubrum), and black (nigrum)


errhin., errhinum -i = errhine; medication to be applied into the nose to produce sneezing
cich., cichor., cichorium -i = wild chicory or succory, Cichorium intybus; C. endivia, endive


fomentum -i, fomentatio -onis = poultice, dressing, compress; may be with warm liquids (fomentation)
cicuta -ae = various species of hemlock; e.g., water hemlock, Cicuta virosa or palustris; common greater hemlock, C. vulgaris major


gargarisma -ae = a gargle, throat-wash
cinamomi., cinnamomum -i = true cinnamon, bark of Cinnamonum zeylanicum; wild cinnamon, Canella alba


haust., haustus -us = draught 
cinabrii., cinabrium -i = cinnabar or vermilion; mercuric sulfide, HgS


iulap., iulep., iulapium -i = a mixture, often sweet, used as a vehicle for medicines
ciner., cinis -eris = ashes (of anything)


iusculum, jusculum -i = broth
citrin., citrinula -ae = a small citron or lemon


lambatiuum, lambativum, lambitivum -i = same as lohoch/ linctus, below
citrium -i = the citron tree, genus Citrium; species include C. vulgare, C. dulci medulla, and C. magno fructu


linctus, lohoch = medicine that is to be taken by licking
citrullus - i = a genus of desert vines, including C. lanatus, watermelon, and colocynth


liniment., linamentum -i = liniment; l. arcei = liniment of Arceus, l. elemi (see below under gummi) 
clematis -idis daphnoides = periwinkle, Vinca minor


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


lot., lotio -onis = lotion; fluid applied externally
cnidium = spurge flax or mezereum, Daphne cnidium


metrenchyta -ae = injection ("clyster") for the uterus
coccinel., cocinella -ae = cochineal; the red dye from the insect Coccus cacti, or the insect itself


pill., pillulae = pill(s)
cochlear., cochlearia -ae = lemon scurvy-grass, Cochlearia hortensis or C. officinalis, or horseradish, C. armoracia; see also sal cochleariae, below; NB don't confuse with coch., cochleare -is, = spoonful


possetum -i, liquor posseticus = posset; milk curdled with treacle, wine, or any acid substance
coculus -i indi = India berries; from the tree Anamirta cocculus; source of picrotoxin


potio -onis = drink
colatura -ae = a substance which has been strained; adjective is colaturus -a -um


potus -us = drink
colcothar = iron peroxide, jeweller's rouge, from ML calcatar; also called crocus martis


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


pulv., pulver., pulvis -eris = powder
colocynth., colocynthis -idis = bitter-apple (a purgative), Citrullus colocynthis


purg., purgatio -onis = laxative
colophon., colophonia -ae = resin obtained by distillation of turpentine with water


sorbilis -e = something that can be sucked up
columba -ae = dove, pigeon; a bird of the Columbidae family, containing 50 genera and over 300 species


troch., trochisc., trochiscus -i =  troche  (lozenge)  
combustus- a -um (comburo -ere) = burnt up, reduced to ashes


ungu., vngu., unguentum -i = oil, salve, or ointment; for some types, see below
commun., communis -e = common; also expressed as vulgaris -e


== Ingredients and Descriptions ==
concha -ae = mussel, pearl-oyster


== A ==
cond., conditus -a -um = preserved; e.g., nuces juglandis conditae, preserved walnuts
abrotan., abrotanum -i = artemisia or southernwood, Artemisia abrotanum


absynth., absynthium -i = wormwood, Artemisia absinthium
conf., confect., confectio -onis = compound of vegetable, fruit, etc., with sugar; same as conserva


acetos., acetosa -ae = sorrel or sour dock, Rumex acetosa; fol. acetos., folia acetosae, leaves of this plant
confectio -onis Hamech = named after an Arabian physician; contains myrobalan, violets, rhubarb, absinthe, etc., made up with honey


acet., acetum -i = vinegar 
confectio -onis Humain = to preserve sight; containing eyebright, fennel seeds, cinnamon, etc.


acori., acorus -i = sweet flag plant, Acorus calamus
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.
confectio -onis liberans = name derives from its property of delivering the patient from the plague; as many as thirty ingredients including Armenian bole, terra sigillata, pearls, coral, &c.


adiant., adianth., adiantum -i = maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris
cons., conserv., conserva -ae = compound of vegetable, fruit, etc., with sugar; same as confectio


agaric., agaricus -i = originally the bracket fungus, Formitopsis officinalis, later any mushrooms with a cap, various species including Agaricus cantharellus, the chanterelle
consolid., rad. consolid., radix -icis consolidae = larkspur (root), Delphinium consolida


agni cast., agni casti = Vitex agnus-castus; chaste tree, chasteberry, Abraham's balm, etc.
consolida -ae saracenica = goldenrod, Virga aurea or Solidago virga-aurea, same as solidago saracenica, below; a vulnerary


agrimon., agrimonia -ae = common agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria
contrayerv., contrayerva -ae = contrayerva; the root stock and rhizome of Dorstenia contrayerva, D. brazilensis, or D. virginiana (= Aristolochia serpentaria); used as an antidote to snakebite
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)
convall., convallaria -ae = lily of the valley, Convallaria majalis; or Solomon's seal, C. polygonatum or Polygonatum solomonis


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


alhandal = Arabic name for colocynth (q. v.); troches of alhandal also contained bdellium & gum tragacanth
coral., corallium -i = general name for coral; most commonly red (rubr.), also black and white


alkakeng., alkekengi = winter cherry, Physalis alkekengi, a diuretic
coran. = currants or Corinthian raisins (uvae corinthiacae)


aloe -es = aloe; common aloe, Aloe hepatica
cord., cordial -is = cordial; see also flores cordiales, below


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"
coriand., coriandrum -i = coriander, Coriandrum sativum


alth., althe., althea -ae = mallow or marshmallow, Althea officinalis; also called malvaviscus
cornus -us = the cornel cherry tree, Cornus mascula


alumin., alumina -ae = alum; argil or argillaceous earth
coronopus -i = either swinecress or wartcress, Lepidium coronopus, or buckshorn plaintain, Plantago coronopus


ambra = amber, or ambergris
cort., 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


ammoniac., ammoniacum -i = gum ammoniac, gum resin of Dorema ammoniacum
cort. winteran. = cortex -icis Winterani, Drimys winteri, antiscorbutic; named after a Captain Winter (or Wynter), who accompanied Sir Francis Drake in part of his voyage of 1577 - 80; Winter discovered the tree after rounding Cape Horn and before turning back


aneth., anethum -i = dill, Anethum graveolens
coton. = cotton


anis., anisum -i = anise, Pimpinella anisum; semina anisi, aniseed
cotonaria -ae = cottonweed or cudweed, species of genus Gnaphalium


anserin., anserinus -a -um = of, relating to, or obtained from a goose
cotul., cotula -ae = mayweed, stinking chamomile; Anthemis cotula


antepileptic., antepilepticus -a -um = anti-epileptic; e.g., aqua antepileptica
crassula -ae = a genus of succulent plants, e.g., Crassula ovata, the jade plant, and C. aquatica, pigmyweed


anthos = rosemary flowers
crem., cremor -oris tartari = cream of tartar, potassium bitartrate, KC4H5O6; Ward occasionally uses the alchemical symbol for tartar, a square or rectangle with a cross below it (  ); see Alchemical Symbols, below


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


aq., aqua -ae = water; aqua fontis, spring or well water
creticus -a -um = chalky


aq. histeric., aqu -ae histerica = anti-hysteric water; recipes vary
cribratus -a -um = strained, sieved, sifted


aq. vit., aqua vitae = distilled spirit
crithmus -i = probably samphire, otherwise sea or shoreline purslane, Crithmus indicus, C. maritimum, or Sesuvium portulacastrum


argill., argilla -ae argil, argillaceous earth, alumina 
croc., crocus -i saffron, from the crocus flower, Crocus sativus; may be designated austriacus, i.e., from Austria


ari., arum -i = common arum, Arum maculatum
croc. is = crocus Martis, "saffron of Mars," iron peroxide, colcothar, or jeweler's rouge


aristoloch., aristolochia -ae = birthwort, Aristolochia clematitis 
croc. metall., crocus -i metallus -i = any of several preparations of metals; e.g., crocus antimonii (antimony), crocus veneris (copper), crocus martis (iron)


aromat. rosat., aromaticum rosatum = aromatic medicine containing roses
crocatus -a -um = of a saffron-yellow color


artemis., artemisia -ae = various species including southernwood, wormwood, mugwort, etc.
crocomagma -atis = dregs of the oil of saffron, or an ointment made with it; mentioned by Pliny as being useful for cataracts and stangury


artanit., artanita -ae = probably sow-bread, Cyclamen purpurascens  
crud., crudus -a -um = raw, unrefined
 
cubeba -ae = Java pepper, Piper cubeba; an antiseptic; useful in gonorrhea
 
cucum., cucumer. agrest., cucumis -eris agrestis or c. asinius = wild cucumber, Momordica elaterium, a purgative
 
cucurbita -ae = any of various gourds of genus Cucurbita; approximately 95 species, including pumpkins and various other squashes
 
cumin., cuminum -i =  cumin, Cumin cyminum
 
cupressi., cupressus -i = cypress-tree; nux (pl. nuces) cupressi, the fruit or cone of the cypress
 
cupul. gland., cupula -ae glandis = the cupule, or cap, of the acorn
 
curcubitula -ae = small cupping glass
 
cuscuta -ae = dodder, a parasitic twining plant; genus Cuscuta has more than 200 species
 
cyanus -i = cornflower or bachelor's button, Centaurea cyanus
 
cyclamen -inis = many species of genus Cyclamen; e.g., C. purpurascens (see artanita, above) and C. hederifolium, ivy-leaved cyclamen, also called sowbread
 
cydon., cydonium -i = quince; Cydonium oblonga or C. malum; or Pyrus cydonia
 
cydoniac., cydoniacus -a -um = of or relating to quince; consistentia cydonaci, the consistency of a quince
 
cynoglossum -i = common hound's tongue, Cynoglossum officinale
 
cynorrhod., cynorrhodon -i = cynorrhodon, the dog rose, Rosa canina; fructes cynorrh., rose hips
 
cynosbat., cynosbati fructus = rose hips from Rosa canina
 
cyperus -i = genus of endogenous plants with around 700 species; Cyperus longus, or sweet cyperus, also called galingale
 
===D===
dactyl., dactylus -i = date; fruit of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera
 
dauci, daucus -i = garden carrot, Daucus carota; D. sylvestris or D. vulgaris, wild carrot
 
decoct., decoctio -onis =  decoction; boiling in liquid to extract the soluble parts of a substance
 
deliquium -i = a melting or flowing down; per deliquium is spontaneous liquification (deliquescence) of a solid by its dissolving in moisture absorbed from the air; e.g., ol. tart. per deliquium, oleum tartaris per deliquium, potassium carbonate (K2CO3) in aqueous solution from water so absorbed
 
dens dentis leonis = "lion's tooth," dandelion; Taraxacum dens-leonis
 
dessicativum -i rubrum = see unguentum dessicativum rubrum, below
 
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 and tending to mean made, containing, or consisting of that ingredient, though receipts vary; the New Sydenham's Society's Lexicon names about eighty (OED); the ones mentioned by JW are included below
 
diambra -ae = powder containing cinnamon, angelica, cloves, nutmeg, galangal, etc. used for nervous afflictions and aphrodisiac
 
diabotanum = plaster of multiple herbs (Galen); resolvent (tissue softener) and suppurative
 
diacalciteos = chalcitis (an iron oxide), with plantain and nightshade juice; for cancer
 
diacarcinon = from crabs; antidote for rabies
 
diacarthamum = containing safflower (bastard-saffron), hermodactyl, ginger, etc.; a purgative
 
diachylon cum gummi or d. simplex = ointment containing juices of herbs
 
diacass., diacassia = a purgative electuary with senna; or the confection of senna; may be designated "cum manna," q. v.
 
diacatholicon or catholicon = purgative electuary containing senna, cassia, tamarinds, etc., named for its general usefulness
 
diacorallium = trochisci diacorallium (Galen), containing bole-armoniac, red coral, terra lemnia, etc.; to stop blood, including the bloody flux and menstrual flow
 
diacinamomum -i = a compound of cinnamon; an antidote
 
diaclysma, plural diaclysmata = mouthwash; for toothache, cleaning the gums; diaclysma ad scorbutum, an antiscorbutic
 
diacod., diacodium -i = electuary containing of poppy seeds or heads, used as an opiate
 
diacorum = electuarium diacorum, electuary of calamus; likely Acorus calamus, sweet flag
 
diacrocu = a dry collyrium in which saffron is an ingredient (New Sydenham Lexicon)
 
diacrocuma = an electuary for the stomach, abnormalities of the kidneys and bladder; many ingredients including saffron, asarabacca, parsley, carrot, anise, and smallage seeds, etc.
 
diacurcuma = numerous ingredients, including saffron (crocus), asarum, rhubarb, phu, etc.; used as an antidote and for cachexia, dropsy, and diseases of the liver and spleen
 
diacydon. simpl., diacydonium -i simplex = conserve or marmalade of quinces (Cydonium oblonga)
 
diagalanga -ae = confection of galanga with "hot spices," useful for the wind cholic


asar., asarum -i = asarabacca or hazelwort, Asarum europaeum 
diagrid., diagryd, diagrydium -i = electuary containing scammony, a purgative; also "diacrydium"


asparag., asparagus -i = asparagus, Asparagus officinalis; the root was used as a diuretic
diair., diaireos = an electuary that contained orris (iris) root; an antidote


asell., asellus -i = wood louse, Oniscus asellus; pulv. (onisc.) asell., powder of wood lice
dialacca = electuary containing lacca, q. v.; an antidote


ass. foetid., assafoetida -ae = asafoetida, dried gum of  root of Ferula foetida or F. assa-foetida
dialthaea (cum gummis) = ointment containing marsh-mallow root and seeds boiled with olive oil, beeswax, gums, and resins; for gout and as a suppurative


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
diamargarit. fr., diamargariton frigida = cooling powder of pearls, compound
diamoron or d. abbatis = honey and mulberries, used as a gargle for throat diseases


aur., aurum -i = gold; golden pills, see pillulae aurae below
diamoschu(s) = musk, saffron, galangal, zedoary, lignum aloes; for conditions affecting the head and brain, e.g., vertigo, epilepsy, palsy, also for the stomach, lungs, liver, and spleen


aurant., aurantior., aurantium -i = orange, Citrus aurantium; cortex aurantiorum, orange peel
dianisum -i = a compound powder containing aniseed, licorice, mastick, caraway, fennel, mace, cinnamon, pepper, etc.; or an electuary made of the powder and honey


aven., avena -ae = oats, Avena sativa; wild oats, A. fatua
diapalma = desiccating plaster containing palm oil or animal fat, litharge, and zinc sulfate


avenac., avenaceus -a -um = of or relating to oats; oaten
diapampholigos = see unguentum diapampholigos, below


axung., axungia -ae = lard or fat of an animal; e.g., axung. porcin., hog lard
diaphoenicon = electuary made from cooked and strained dates; a purgative


== B ==
diaprunum = electuary containing the pulp of damask prunes; a purgative
bacc., bacca -ae =  berry 


bacon., baco -onis = bacon
diarrhod. = either diarrhodomeli (juice of roses, scammony, agaric, pepper, and honey) or diarrhodon (several powders which contain roses); the latter may be designated as being The Abbot's,  diarrhodon abbatis, attributed to Abbas Curiae, chaplain to Roger, Duke of Apulia


balaust., balaustium -i = pomegranate flower
diascord., diascordium -i = an electuary made with scordium (Teucrium scordium) or germander leaves, roses, storax, cinnamon, etc.; named for Dioscorides, 1st c. Greek physician


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
diaspoliticum -i = diaspoliticon; electuary containing rue, cumin, pepper, honey, and saltpeter


basilic. = see ung., vng. basilic. below
diatrion., diatrium -i santalorum or santalon = an antidote made from three kinds of sandal-wood with other ingredients


bechicus -a -um, bechinus -a -um = for a cough
diaturbith = contained turpeth, root of East Indian jalap, Ipomoea turpethum; a purgative


bechion bechii = coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara
dictamn., dyctamn., dictamnus -i = dittany of Crete, Dictamnus (Origanum) creticus


bdell., bdellium -i = gum resin from shrubs of Balsamodendron species, used as pectoral (for diseases of the chest) and emmenagogue (to promote menstrual flow)
doronicum -i = a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family; leopard's bane


becabung., beccabunga -ae = water pimpernel, brooklime; Veronica beccabunga
dracontium -i = named thus because its roots were said to resemble a dragon's tail; a genus of flowering plants; also known as serpentaria and arum polyphyllum; a stimulant


bened. laxat., benedicta laxativa or benedictum laxativum = another name for rhubarb, or the laxative electuary made from it
dypsacus -i = genus of plants including teasel; especially fuller's teasel, Dipsacus fullonum, and wild teasel, D. sylvestris; also spelled dipsacus


benedict. = carduus benedictus, q. v.
===E===
ebeni, ebenum -i = ebony (wood)


benz., benzoin., belzuinum -i = benzoin, gum benzoin; gum obtained from Styrax benzoin
ebul., ebulus -i = danewort,  dwarf elder, Sambucus ebulus


berber., berberis -is = barberry tree, Berberis vulgaris or the berry itself
ebori., ebur -oris = ivory; ras. ebori, ivory shavings


beton., betonic., betonica -ae = betony, Stachys betonica
echium -i = a genus of plants in the borage family, e.g. Echium plantagineum, purple viper's-bugloss or Paterson's curse


bezoar (indecl.) = a stone or concretion found in animal intestines; eight types are described (mineral, biliary, resinous, fibrous, etc.)
eclegma, ecligma -atis = medicine to be taken by letting it melt in the mouth


bezoard., bezoardic., bezoardicus -a -um =  relating to or in description of a bezoar 
elaeosaccharum -i flavedinis citri = "oil sugar" (German Ölzucker), made by grinding an essential oil with eight or ten times the weight of sugar and used for making distilled waters; this particular one would likely have been made with the zest (yellow, flavedo -inis) of a lemon


bismalv., bismalva -ae = althea, marshmallow; or related species Malva bismalva or M. moschata, musk-mallow
elaterium -i = purgative made from seeds of the squirting or exploding cucumber, Ecballium elaterium


bol. armen., bolus -i Armeniae = Armenian bole, bole armoniac; an argillaceous earth
elect., electuarium -i = electuary; a "medicinal conserve or paste, consisting of a powder or other ingredient mixed with honey, preserve, or syrup of some kind" (OED)


borac., borax (-acis?) = borax (sodium biborate, biborate of soda), Sodae biboras
elephang., pill. de elephang = see "pillulae elephanginae," below


breakstone, pass-breakstone = saxifrage, Saxifraga species, esp. S. granulata
elescoph., elescophus -us = elescophus solidum, an electuary containing cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, said to be effective against colic and pains of gout; also known as the Bishop's Electuary, electuarium episcopi


bryon., bryonia -ae = briony, Bryonia dioica, also called red or white; black bryony = lady's seal
elix., elixir (indecl.) = many different preparations, mostly compound tinctures


bugloss., buglossa = bugloss (various species of Anchusa)
elix. proprietat., elixir proprietatis = elixir of special character; contained aloe, saffron, and myrrh


butyr., butyron -i = butter; butryr. rancid., rancid butter
emblicum -i = a type of myrobalan, apparently the same as the one called belliricum; mel emblicorum, honey from this plant


== C ==
embroc., embrocatio -onis = an embrocation; similar to a liniment but of a thinner consistency, many types; used for bathing or moistening any part, applied by rubbing


calaminth., calamintha -ae = calamint; various species of Calamintha
emmenagogum -i = emmenagogue, to stimulate blood flow to the pelvis and uterus, esp. to promote menstruation


calc. viv., calx calcis vivum = unslaked lime 
empetron = from empetros -i, apparently a form of saxifrage (Pliny)


calendul., calendula -ae = garden or common marigold, Calendula officinalis
empl., emplastrum -i = plaster; emplastrum Paracelsi (of Paracelsus) is one of many


campan., campanula -ae = throat-wort, bell-flower; Campanula trachelium
emplastrum -i Caesaris = red roses, roots of bistort, sanders, and mint, coriander seeds, etc.; for strengthening the back and relief of back pain


camphor., camphora -ae = camphor, from Laurus camphora or Dryobalanops camphora 
emplastrum -i ceroneum = see ceroneum, above


canell., canella -ae = canella tree; Canella alba, false Winter's bark
emplastrum -i e crusta panis = plaster of crust of bread; crust of bread toasted and steeped in red rose vinegar, with mastich, mints, spodium, red coral, all the sanders, etc.; to stopp vomiting and strengthen the brain (when applied to the head)


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
emplastrum -i Cymino = cumin seeds, bay berries, yellow wax, pine resin; to "expel wind"


capill. vener., capillus veneris = maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris
emplastrum -i gratia dei = herbs boiled in wine, the liquid strained and mixed with olive oil, beeswax, litharge, ceruse, and verdigris; also called emplastrum divinum or manus dei


cappar., capparis -is = caper, Capparis spinosa; ol., oleum capparibus, oil of capers 
emplastrum -i de janua = betony, plantain, smallage, with wax, pitch, rosin, and turpentine; for green wounds and ulcers


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")
emplastrum -i nostratibus = "plaster for our people;" described by Culpeper as being called flos unguentorum, the flower of ointments; containing rosin, perrosin, yellow wax, sheep suet, olibanum, turpentine, etc.


cardiac., cardiacus -a -um; aqua cardiaca =  cordial water
emplastrum -i metroproptoticon = mastic, galbanum dissolved in red wine, cypress turpentine, nutmeg, musk, etc.; for looseness, vomiting, and fits of the mother (Culpeper)


card., carduus -i = thistle (various species)
emplastrum -i stomachicum magistrale = mint, wormwood, stoechas, bay, marjoram, etc., mixed with resin, wax, and labdanum


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."''}
emplastrum -i triapharmacum = a plaster made of flour, water, and oil; may be designated triapharmacum Galeni


cardam., cardamomum -i = cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum
emuls., emulsio -onis = emulsion


caric., carica -ae = fig, Ficus carica
ens ensis or ensis -is veneris = "essence" or "sword" of Venus; sal ammoniac with copper sulfate or "flores veneris," a copper oxide, used in cases of worms, rickets, and "vapors;" or flowers of steel, iron chloride, FeCl2, prepared by heating steel filings with sal ammoniac


carlin., carlina -ae = carline or silver thistle, Carlina vulgaris
enucl., enucleatus -a -um = with the nut or kernel removed; similar to detractus -a -um


caro carnis = meat, flesh (any kind)
enul., enul. campan., enula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana


carthami., carthamus = saffron flower, Carthamus tinctorius
emplastrum -i epispasticum = a blistering plaster; several receipts, all containing cantharides
with other ingredients, such as melilot plaster, burgundy pitch, Venice turpentine, vinegar, etc.


carui., carvi., carum -i = caraway, Carum carui
ephioglossum -i = misspelling for ophioglossum, q. v.


caryophill., caryophillus -i = clove, Caryophyllus aromaticus 
epithema -ae = "Any kind of moist, or soft, external application" (OED)


caseum -i = cheese 
epithymi., epithymum -i = dodder of thyme or thyme dodder, Cuscuta epithymum


cass., cassia -ae = cassia (various species; e.g, Cassia fistula, purging cassia)
equiset., equisetum -i = mare's tail, Hippurus vulgaris; see also cauda equina, above


castoreum -i = castoreum; beaver musk
ering., eryngium -i = sea holly, Eryngium maritimum


C.C. = cornu cervi (deer or hart's horn); not the plant
erisimi, erisimum -i, erysimum -i = "irio grain" (Pliny), or Erysimum cheiri, wallflower


centaur., centaurium -i = centaury; Centaurea magnum or maius = C. erythraea; C. minus or C. parvum = Chironia centaurium (?)
errhin., errhinum -i = errhine; medication to be applied into the nose to produce sneezing; sternutatory


cera -ae = wax; cera alba or citrina = beeswax
eruca -ae = colewort, Brassica oleracea; genus Brassica comprises many common vegetables, incl. cabbage, broccoli, &c.


ceras. nigr., cerasum -i nigrum = black cherry, Cerasum nigrum; aq. cerasorum nigrorum, black cherry water; gummi cerasi, (black) cherry tree gum
esula -ae = green or leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula


cerat., ceratio -onis = covering or smearing over of a portion of the body with wax
eupator., eupatorium -i = agrimony or hemp agrimony, Eupatorium cannabinum


cerevis., cerevisia -ae = beer or ale
euphorb., euphorbia -ae = spurge; a large genus of flowering plants, many of which have an acrid milky juice, used as a purge


ceruss., cerussa -ae = lead carbonate, white lead
euphorbium -i = gum resin from Euphorbia antiquorum


cervis., cervisia -ae = beer or ale; cervisia tenuis, thin or small (weak, inferior) beer
euphrasia -ae = eyebright, Euphrasia officinalis


ceterach. = spleenwort or rustyback fern, Asplenium ceterach
exicc., exiccatus -a -um = dried


chalyb., chalybs chalyibis = steel 
extract., extractum -i = extract


chamamel., chamaemelum -i = chamomile, Anthemis nobilis
extractum Rudii = see pilulae Rudii, below


chamaepit., chamaepitys -yos = common ground pine, Teucrium chamaepitys
===F===
fab., faba -ae = bean 


chamedr., chaemedr., chamaedrys = germander speedwell, Veronica chamaedrys, or wall germander, Teucrium chamaedrys 
faeces, faecul., faecula -ae =  sediment or dregs in general, e.g., wine dregs, or material that falls to the bottom of the vessel after grinding plant material in water, or from the infusion of vegetable substances; e.g., faecula A(a)ron, sediment of Arum plants


chel. 69., chelae -arum cancri = crab's claws; for explanation of "69," see oculi cancri, below
faenic., faeniculum -i = fennel, Faeniculum vulgare


chelidon., chelidonium -i = common or greater celandine, Chelidonium magnus
faenugraec., faenugraecum -i = fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum


chio, chia., terebinth. chia = turpentine from the tree Pistacia tereb
farin., farina -ae = flour, meal; farina tritici, wheat flour


inthus, also called Cyprus, Chio, or Chian
farfarus -i = colt's-foot, Tussilago farfara


chin., china -ae = china root, Smilax china, similar to sarsaparilla
febrif., febrifugia -ae = feverfew, featherfew; common centaury, Centaurium erythraea


cicer -i = chickpea, Cicer arietinum; several varieties, including white (album), red (rubrum), and black (nigrum)
feculae bryoniae = powdered dried bryony root, a purgative


cich., cichor., cichorium -i = wild chicory or succory, Cichorium intybus; C. endivia, endive
fel fellis = gall, bile; vesica -ae fellis, gallbladder


cinamomi., cinnamomum -i = true cinnamon, bark of Cinnamonum zeylanicum; wild cinnamon, Canella alba
ferment. acrioris, fermentum -i acrius -oris = a sharper or more bitter fermentation (of ...?)


cinabrii., cinabrium -i = cinnabar, or vermilion; mercuric sulfide, HgS
fic., ficus -i = fig, Ficus carica


ciner., cinis -eris = ashes
filex -icis = fern or bracken, likely Pteris aquilina


citrin., citrinula -ae = a small citron or lemon
filipendula -ae = meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria


coccinel., cocinella -ae = cochineal; the red dye from the insect Coccus cacti, or the insect itself
fim., fimi, fimus -i = dung, excrement


cochlear., cochlearia -ae = lemon scurvy-grass;
flammula -ae Iovis = "little flames of Jupiter;" Clematis flammula, C. recta; in CL, periwinkle (Vinca species)
Cochlearia hortensis or C. officinalis, or horseradish, C. armoracia; NB don't confuse with coch.,  


cochleare -is, spoonful
flavedins, flavedius = likely misspellings for flavedinis; see elaeosaccharum flavedinis citri, above


colatura -ae = something that has been strained; adjective is colaturus -a -um
flor., flos floris = flower, with the plant name following in the genitive; e.g., flores nymphaeae, water lily flowers


colcothar = iron peroxide, jeweller's rouge; also called crocus martis
fl. cordial., flores -um cordiales = the four "cordial flowers:" borage, bugloss, roses, and violets


colocynth., colocynthis -idis = bitter-apple (purgative), Citrullus colocynthis
fl., flos floris sulphuris = flowers of sulfur, sublimed sulfur; may appear in conjunction with alchemical symbol for sulfur,  , as fl.  is


colophon., colophonia -ae = resin obtained by distillation of turpentine with water
flores florum antimonii = flowers of antimony; antimony (III) oxide, Sb2O3, emetic and expectorant


combustus- a -um (comburo -ere) = burnt up, reduced to ashes
flores Schoenanthi = flowers presumably from the so-called herba Schoenanthi, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, camel-, fever-, or West Indian lemongrass


commun., communis -e = common
fluviatilis -e = of a river or river-; e.g. cancri fluviatiles, river-crabs or freshwater crayfish, Astacus fluviatilis


cond., conditus -a -um = preserved; e.g., nuces juglandis conditae, preserved walnuts
foeniculum -i = faeniculum, see above


conf., confect., confectio -onis = same as conserva -ae
foetid., foetidus -a -um = stinking


confectio -onis Hamech = named after an Arabian physician; contains myrobalan, violets, rhubarb, absinthe, etc., made up with honey  
fol., folium -i leaf or leaves (folia) of any plant


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


cons., conserv., conserva -ae = compound of vegetable, fruit, etc., with sugar 
follicul., follicula -ae = a pericarp or seed pod


consolid., rad. consolid., radix -icis consolidae = larkspur (root), Delphinium consolida
fomentum -i, fomentatio -onis = dressing, compress; usually with warm liquids (fomentation) and applied as a poultice or with a pad of material


contrayerv., contrayerva -ae = contrayerva, Dorstenia contrayerva or D. virginiana (= Aristolochia serpentaria)  
fontan., fontana (aqua) = spring (-water)


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


cor., corium -i = leather 
fotus -us = same as fomentum, above


coral., corallium -i = general name for coral; most commonly red (rubr.), also black  and white
frag., fragar., fragaria -ae = strawberry, Fragaria vesca; roots (rad.), leaves (fol.) and fruit were used


coriand., coriandrum -i = coriander, Coriandrum sativum
fraxin., fraxinus -i = ash-tree, Fraxinus excelsior


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
fumar., fumaria -ae fumitory, Fumaria officinalis


cort. winteran. = cortex winterani, Drimys winteri, antiscorbutic; named after a Captain Winter
===G===
gagat., gagates -ae = jet, the hard black semi-precious stone


coton. = cotton 
galang., galing., galangala -ae = galangal, aromatic rhizome of plants of genera Alpinia and Kaempferia, of the ginger family; e.g. Alpinia galanga, greater galangal, A. officinarum, lesser galangal, and Kaempferia galanga; also spelled galingale


cotul., cotula -ae = mayweed, stinking chamomile; Anthemis cotula
galban., galbanum -i = gum resin from Ferula gummosa or F. rubrucaulis


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
galega -ae = galega or goat's-rue, Galega officinalis


cret., creta -ae = chalk 
galion -i, galium -i = large genus of herbaceous plants, over 600 species, known as bedstraw


croc., crocus -i = saffron, crocus flower, Crocus sativus
galla -ae = galls produced on the Chinese sumac or nutgall tree, Rhus chinensis, by sumac aphids, Melaphis chinensis


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


crocatus -a -um = saffron-yellow
gallinaceus -a -um = from or relating to poultry; adipes gallinaceus, chicken fat


crud., crudus -a -um = raw, unrefined
gallus -i = relating to a cock or rooster; testicula galli, rooster testes


cucum., cucumer. agrest., cucumis (-eris) agrestis = wild cucumber, Momordica elaterium, a purgative
gargarisma -ae = a gargle, throat-wash


cumin., cuminum -i = cumin, Cumin cyminum 
genist., genista -ae = broom, genus Genista, many species


cupul. gland., cupula -ae glandis = the cupule, or cap, of the acorn
gent., gentiana -ae = gentian, Gentiana lutea, officinal gentian; G. centaurium, lesser centaury


curcubitula -ae = cupping glass; also a bitter gourd
geranium -i columbinum = long-stalked crane's-bill; may also be listed as G. dissectum


cydon., cydonium -i = quince; Cydonium oblonga or C. malum; or Pyrus cydonia
gilla Theophrasti = sal vitrioli, i.e. zinc sulphate, ZnSO4; an emetic; origin of "gilla" unknown, but of itself signifies a solution of vitriol


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


cynorrhod., cynorrhodon -i = cynorrhodon, the dog rose, Rosa canina; fructes cynorrh., rose hips
glicirriz., glycheriz., glycheryz., glychyrriza -ae = licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra


'''D'''
gram., gramin., gramen -inis = grass, or any kind of grass-like herb


dactyl., dactylus -i = date, Phoenix dactylifera
gramen -inis caninum = dog grass, also known as Triticium caninum, reputed to be eaten by dogs to produce vomiting (OED)


dauci, daucus -i = garden carrot, Daucus carota; D. sylvestris or D. vulgaris, wild carrot
gramen purpureum, purple grass or purplewort, Trifolium purpureum


detract., detractus -a -um = removed; e.g., uva detractis arillis, grapes with the seeds removed; similar to enucleatus -a -um
granatus -a -um = containing many seeds; see pomum granatum, below


dia- = a preparation consisting of a main ingredient, usually alluded to in the name, though receipts vary;
gratia dei = see emplastrum gratia dei, above
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.
guaiac., guaiacum -i = guaiac gum, guaiacum officinale; lignum guaiacum, guaiac wood


diacatholicon = a laxative electuary containing senna, cassia, tamarinds, etc.
gumm., gummi = [tree] gum


diacod., diacodium -i = syrup of poppies
gum. ammoniac., gummi ammoniacum = "gum of Ammon," from the herb Dorema ammoniacum


diacydon. simpl., diacydonium -i simplex = conserve or marmalade of quinces 
gumm. anim., gummi anime = gum anime, resin of various tropical trees, e.g., Hymenaea courbaril


diagrid., diagryd, diagrydium -i = old name for scammony (not a preparation)
gumm. arabic. = gum arabic or gum acacia, hardened sap of Acacia senegal or Vachellia seyal


diair., = either diaireos, an antidote that contained iris, or diaium -orum, a troche having violets as its main ingredient
gumm. ceras. = gummi cerasi, gum of cherry tree (Prunus cerasus) or black cherry tree (Cerasum nigrum)


diamargarit. fr., diamargariton frigida = cooling powder of pearls, compound
gum., gummi elemi = a resin from the tree Amyris rumieri or gum elemi tree


diarrhod. = either diarrhodomeli (juice of roses, scammony, agaric, pepper, and honey) or diarrhodon (several powders which contain roses)
gummi gutta -ae, gummi de Gamandra, gummi gamba = gamboge or camboge, a gum resin from various trees of genus Garcinia; a purgative


diatrion., diatrium -i santalorum = an antidote made from three kinds of sandal wood with other ingredients
gumm. tragacanth., gummi tragacantha -ae = gum tragacanth, obtained from shrubs of genus Astragulus, esp. A. tragacantha


dictamn., dyctamn., dictamnus -i = dittany, Dictamnus creticus
===H===
haeder., heder., hedera -ae = ivy; Hedera terrestris, ground ivy; H. arborea, tree-climbing ivy
== E ==


ebul. ebulus -i = danewort, dwarf elder, Sambucus ebulus
haedinus -a -um = of, relating to, or obtained from a kid


ebori., ebur -oris = ivory; ras. ebori, ivory shavings
haemagogum -i = antidotum haemagogum, a concoction of Nicholaus's, with numerous ingredients, including black pepper, licorice, birthwort, mugwort, cassia, pellitory of Spain, etc.; a purgative, emmenagogue, and abortifacient


elix., elixir (indecl.) = many different preparations, mostly compound
haematit., hematit., lap. hematit. = lapis haematites, hematite; iron oxide, Fe2O3


elix. proprietat., elixir proprietatis = elixir of special character; contained aloe, saffron, and myrrh 
hallelujah = same as lujula, see below


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


enucl., enucleatus -a -um = with the nut or kernel removed; similar to detractus -a -um
haust., haustu., haustus -us = draught


enul., enul. campan., enula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana
hedycroi =  hedychroi, i.e., "pleasant colored;" see trochisci hedychroi, below


epithymi., epithymum -i = dodder of thyme, thyme dodder, Cuscuta epithymum
heracleinus - a -um, heraclinus -a -um = relating to hazel-wood; oleum heracleinum, oil of hazelwood, from distillation of small pieces of the wood cut in spring or fall
hedysarum -i = genus of annual or perennial herbaceous plants; H. alpinum is an antiscorbutic


equiset., equisetum -i = mare's tail, Hippurus vulgaris
helenii., helenium -i, hinula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana


ering., eryngium -i = sea holly, Eryngium maritimum
hellebor., helleborus -i = hellebore, genus Helleborus, around 20 species; may be white, albus; black, niger; stinking, foetidus


eupator., eupatorium -i = agrimony or hemp agrimony, Eupatorium cannabinum
helxine = Helxine soleirolii (Soleirolia soleirolii), a plant in the nettle family; many common names, including baby's tears, angel's tears, peace in home, Corsican creeper


euphorb., euphorbia -ae = euphorbium, gum resin from Euphorbia antiquorum
hepar -atis = the liver; with the animal source in the genitive; e.g. hepar anatis, duck liver


exicc., exiccatus -a -um = dried
hepatic., hepatica herba = liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha


extract., extractum -i = extract
herb., herba -ae = herb; used to specify a plant when another substance has a similar name


extractum Rudii = see pilulae Rudii, below
herba -ae inguinalis = or argemo, mentioned by Pliny; identified by Culpeper as garden star-wort, which, "the ancient writers commended against buboes and swellings in the groin;" in The General Practise of Physicke, C. Wirsung identifies four types


== F ==
herba -ae trinitatis = heartsease or wild pansy, Viola tricolor; so called because each flower has three colors


fab., faba -ae = bean 
herba -ae paris = Paris quadrifolia; named for the regularity (par paris) of its leaves and petals, not for the city in France nor the son of Priam


faecul., faecula -ae = sediment, e.g., wine dregs, or material that falls to the bottom after grinding plant material in water 
herba -ae venti = rough-leaved phlomis, Phlomis herba venti


faenic., faeniculum -i = fennel, Faeniculum vulgare
hermodact., hermodactyl., hermodactylus -i = the bulbous root of an unknown plant, possibly Colchicum, used as an antiarthritic; the drug colchicine is derived from Colchicum spp. and is still used to treat gout


faenugraec., faenugraecum -i = fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum
herniar., herniaria -ae = rupturewort, Herniaria glabra


farin., farina -ae = flour, meal; farina tritici, wheat flour 
hier. picr., hiera picra, or hiera/hierae = aloe powder made with honey into an electuary


ferment. acrioris, fermentum -i acrius -oris = a sharper or more bitter fermentation (of ...?)
hiera diacolocynthidos = an electuary containing colocynth, agaric, germander, white horehound, stoechas, opopanax, etc.


fic., ficus -i = fig, Ficus carica
hiera Logaddi = an electuary containing numerous ingredients including colocynth, polypodium, euphorbium; among its virtues it "takes away by the roots daily evils coming of melancholly" (Culpeper)


fim., fimus -i = dung, excrement
hippoglossum, hyppoglossum -i = spineless butcher's broom or mouse thor, Ruscus hypoglossum


flor., flos floris = flower; e.g., flores nymphaeae, water lily flowers
hircinus -a -um = relating to a goat; esp. hircin, a "peculiar substance existing in the fat of the goat (and in a less degreee, in that of the sheep) on which its strong odour depends" (OED); thus possibly describing goat suet


fl. cordial., flores -um cordiales = the four "cordial flowers," borage, bugloss, roses, and violets
hirundo -inis, gen. pl. hirundinum = passerine bird of genus Hirundo, especially H. rustica, the barn swallow, but many other species


fl., flos floris sulphuris = flowers of sulfur; sublimed sulfur
hollandic., hollandicus -a -um = Dutch; pulvis hollandicus, Dutch powder, apparently a purgative
hord., hordeum -i = barley, Hordeum vulgare; French barley, H. spelticum; aq. hordei, barley water


foetid., foetidus -a -um = stinking
hormini., horminum -i = sage or clary sage, Salvia sclarea (Pliny); there is also a flowering plant, Horminum pyrenalcum, dragonmouth or Pyrenean dead-nettle, apparently not used in medicine


fol., folium -i =  leaf or leaves
hortensis -e = (adj.) relating to, from a garden, or grown in a garden; e.g., nasturtium hortense, garden nasturtium


fol. acetos., folia acetosae = leaves of common sorrel or sour dock
hipposelinum, hypposelinum -i = alexanders or allisanders (black lovage), Smyrnium olusatrum


follicul., follicula -ae = a pericarp or seed pod
hydrarg., hydrargyrus -i = the element Mercury, Hg, in its liquid state


fontan., fontana (aqua) = spring (-water)
hydropiper -eris = water pepper, marshpepper knotweed, or tade, Polygonum hydropiper; or arsesmart, Persicaria hydropiper


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)
hyoscyamus -i = henbane, Hyoscamus niger, or an extract or tincture of it


frag., fragar., fragaria -ae = strawberry, Fragaria vesca; roots (rad.), leaves (fol.) and fruit were used
hyperi = misspelling for hyperici, see next entry


fraxin., fraxinus -i = ash-tree, Fraxinus excelsior
hyperici, hypericon, hypericum -i = St. John's wort, especially Hypericum perforatum; see also carellorum, above


fumar., fumaria -ae = fumitory, Fumaria officinalis 
hypocistis = solidified juice of Cytinus hypocistis, a parasitic plant used to treat dysentery; JW describes it as "a very great binder"
== G ==


gagat., gagates = jet  (stone)
hyssop., hyssopus -i = hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, for which H. montanus is a subspecies or an accepted synonym; also H. capitatus, wild thyme


galang., galangala -ae = galangal, Maranta galanga
===I - J===
ialap., jalap., jalapa -ae, jalapium -i = jalap, Ipomoea jalapa; a purgative; NB distinguish from iulap., see next entry


galban., galbanum -i = gum resin from Ferula gummosa or F. rubrucaulis
iulapium -i = a mixture, often sweet, used as a vehicle for other medicines


genist., genista -ae = broom, genus Genista, many species
janua = see emplastrum de janua, above


gent., gentiana -ae = gentian, Gentiana lutea, officinal gentian; G. centaurium, lesser centaury
iberis -idis cardamantice = sciatica cress; one of several plants of the family Brassicaceae, the roots of which were supposed to be useful in sciatica when made into a plaster


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


glicirriz., glycheriz., glycheryz., glychyrriza -ae = licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra
imperatoria -ae = master-wort, Peucedanum ostruthium; same as ostruthium


gram., gramin., gramen -inis = grass; any kind of grass-like herb
inauratus -a -um = gilded; some pills were gilded, denoted pillulae inauratae


gramen purpureum, purple grass or purplewort, Trifolium purpureum
incis., incisus -a -um = incised, cut into, cut open


guaiac., guaiacum -i = guaiac gum, guaiacum officinale; lignum guaiacum, guaiac wood 
indica -ae = Tylophora indica, the "purging Indian plum" (Parkinson)


gumm., gummi (undecl.) = [tree] gum 
infus., infusio -onis = infusion; steeping or dissolving of a substance in water or other liquid; cf. decoction


gumm. arabic. = gum arabic or gum acacia, hardened sap of Acacia senegal or Vachellia seyal
inula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana


gumm. ceras. = gummi cerasi, cherry tree (Prunus cerasus) or black cherry tree (Cerasum nigrum) gum
ireas., ireos., iridas = iris; probably from iris -idis = iris flower, Iris species; radix ireas, iris root or rhizome, also known as orris or orrice root


gummi elemi = a resin from the tree Amyris rumieri or gum elemi tree
isatis -is or -idis = genus of flowering plants including woad, Isatis tinctoria


gum. ammoniac., gummi ammoniacum = "gum of Ammon," from the herb Dorema ammoniacum
iugland., jugland., iuglans -andis = walnut; iuglandes virides, green walnuts


gumm. anim., gummi anime = gum anime, resin of various tropical trees, e.g., Hymenaea courbaril
jujuba -ae = jujube; or red or Chinese date, Ziziphus jujuba


gumm. tragacanth., gummi tragacantha -ae = gum tragacanth, obtained from shrubs of genus Astragulus, esp. A. tragacantha
iuiubinus -a -um = of, from, or related to jujubes, e.g., syrupus jujubinus, jujube syrup; see Ziziphus below


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


haedinus -a -um = of, relating to, or obtained from a kid
iusculum, jusculum -i = broth


hamech. = confectio hamech, purgative containing myrobalans, violets, colocynth, etc.
iuvenis -is -e = young, youthful


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


heder., hedera -ae = ivy; Hedera terrestra, ground ivy
===L===
labdan., ladan(um -i)., labdanum = labdanum or ladanum, gum resin from plants of genus Cistus or Cystix, used in perfumes and for fumigation; NB distinguish from laudanum (q. v.)


hepatic., hepatica herba = liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha
labrum -i veneris = Venus' lip; the wild or fuller's teasel, Dipsacus silvestris or D. fullonum


herb., herba -ae = herb; used to specifiy a plant when another substance has a similar name
lac., lact., lac lactis = milk; lac. rec. or recens (-entis), fresh milk, lac veterum, old milk


hellebor., helleborus -i = hellebore, genus Helleborus, around 20 species; may be white, albus; black, niger; stinking, foetidus
lacca = ingredient in trocischi de lacca, which contain the dark red resinous substance produced as a protective coating by the lac insect, Kerria lacca, used to make shellac


hermodactyl., hermodactylus -i = a bulbous root, possibly Colchicum, used as an antiarthritic
lact., lactuca -ae = lettuce, Lactuca sativa


herniar., herniaria -ae = rupturewort, Herniaria glabra 
ladanum -i = labdanum, see above


hier. picr., hiera picra, or hiera/hieræ = aloe powder made with honey into an electuary
laevigatus -a -um = made smooth, pulverized


hollandic., hollandicus -a -um = Dutch; pulv. hollandic., Dutch powder, apparently a purgative
lambatiuum, lambativum, lambitivum -i = same as linctus/lohoch, below


hord., hordeum -i = barley, Hordeum vulgare; French barley, Hordeum spelticum
lapat., lappath., lapathum -i = dock or sorrel; genus Lapathum now included in genus Rumex


hipposelinum, hypposelinum -i = alexanders or allisanders (black lovage), Smyrnium olusatrum
lapis -idis adamas = diamond; see adamas, above


hyssop., hyssopus -i = hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis; also H. capitatus, wild thyme
lap. bezoard., lapis -idis bezoardicus = bezoar stone; see bezoar, above


== I - J ==
lapis -idis bufonis = toadstone; a stone-like object found in the head of, or produced by, a toad (CL bufo); supposed to have antidotal or therapeutic virtues and worn as a jewel or amulet<ref name="lapis bufonis">Shakespeare, ''As You Like It'', 2, i, 12-14:  "Sweet are the uses of adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and venemous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head."</ref>


ialap., jalap., jalapa =  jalap, Ipomoea jalapa; a purgative
lapis -idis caelestis = artificial, Roman, or blue vitriol; copper sulfate, CuSo4


jejunus -a -um = fasting, abstinent, hungry; e.g., jejuno ventriculo, on a fasting (empty) stomach 
lapis -idis calaminaris = calamine, a zinc ore; zinc carbonate or silicate; used as a component of a lotion to treat itchiness


inauratus -a -um = gilded; some pills were gilded, pillulae inauratae
lapis -idis hirundinis = either a supposed stone from the stomach of a swallow, presumably something like a bezoar; or lapis icterias, the "jaundice stone" (Pliny) used for treating the same


incis., incisus -a -um = cut into, cut open
lapis -idis iaspis or jaspis = jasper, a semiprecious stone, red, green, or brown; a variety of silica


inula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana
lapis -idis nephriticus = nephrite, jade; semiprecious stone of various colors


ireas., ireos., probably from iris -idis = iris flower, Iris species; radix ireas, iris root or rhizome, also known as orris root
lapis -idis piperis = "pepper stone;" apparently the same as peppercorn; in V.a.286 44v JW states that it can cause sneezing (sufficit ad sternutationem)


iugland., jugland., iuglans -andis =  walnut 
lapp., lappa -ae = burdock, Arctium lappa; also called lapp. maj., lappa major, greater burdock; also known as Bardana


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


jujuba -ae, jujubinus -a -um = jujube; of, from, or related to jujubes; see Zizyphus below
larid., laridum -i = bacon; larid. veter., laridum veterum, old bacon
== L ==


labdan., labdanum = labdanum, gum resin from plants of genus Cistus, used for perfumes
latericium -i philosophorum = see oleum philosophi, below


lac., lact., lac lactis = milk
lateritium -i = brick cap, cinnamon cap, or chestnut mushroom, Hypholoma lateritium


lact., lactuca -ae = lettuce, Lactuca sativa
laudan., laudanum -i = laudanum; alcoholic tincture of opium, also known as tinctura thebiaca; NB distinguish from ladanum, see "labdanum," above


laevigatus -a -um = made smooth, pulverized
laudan. paracels., Paracelsi = Paracelsus' laudanum; opium and alcohol plus various other ingredients, incl. gold, amber, pearl, musk


lap. bezoard., lapis -idis bezoardicus = bezoar stone; see bezoar, above
lauendul., lavendula -ae =lavender, Lavandula angustifolia (or Spica foemina, spike)


lapat., lappath., laplapathum =  dock, sorrel; Lapathum
lauri., laurus -i = genus of evergreen trees including the bay tree, Laurus nobilis; L. alexandrina, laurel of Alexandria, uncertain but Culpeper thought it might be the same as the hippoglossum described by Dioscorides


lapp., lappa -ae = burdock, Arctium lappa; also called lapp. maj., lappa major, greater burdock
lentiscus -i = the mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus; mastic is the resin from this tree


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


larid., laridum -i = bacon; larid. veter., laridum veterum, old bacon
leporinus -a  -um = of or relating to a hare; pilus leporinus, hair of a hare, hare hair


laudan., laudanum -i = laudanum; alcoholic tincture of opium
lepidium -i = plants of genus Lepidium, of the Brassicaceae family, including L. densi


laudan. Paracelsi = Paracelsus' laudanum; opium and alcohol plus various other ingredients, incl. gold, amber, pearl, musk
lepus -oris = hare; lepus combustus, hare ashes (in a receipt for treatment of urinary stone)


lauendul., lavendula -ae =lavender, Lavandula angustifolia (or Spica foemina, spike)
leucoium -i, leucojum -i = genus of plants in the amaryllis family, including Leucojum aestivum and L. vernum; snowbell, dewdrop, St. Agnes' flower


lauri., laurus -i = laurel, bay tree, Laurus nobilis
leuisticum, levisticum -i = lovage, Levisticum officinale


lenitiv., lenitivus -a -um = soothing, gently laxative
lichen -enis arborum = tree lungwort, Sticta pulmonaria, known as lungs of oak; also a similar North American plant, Mertensia virginica


leon., leonurus -i = lion's tail; motherwort, Leonurus cardiaca
lign., lignum -i = wood, with the name of the source in the genitive; e.g., lignum fraxini


leporinus -a -um = of or relating to a hare; pilus leporinus, hair of a hare, hare hair
lignum -i aloes = a fragrant dark resinous wood, agarwood or aloeswood, from the heartwood of the aquilaria tree; genus Aquilaria, many species, esp. A. malaccensis, used in incense production; also known as xyloaloes or agaloc(h)um; distinguish from the succulent aloes plant, Aloe vera


lepus -oris = hare; lepus combustus, hare ashes (in a receipt for urinary stone)
lign., lignum -i nephriticum = traditional diuretic derived from wood from narra (Pterocarpus indicus) and Mexican kidneywood (Eysenhardtia polystachya) trees
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. rhod., lignum -i rhodii = rosewood; rose-scented wood from Convolvulus floridus or C. scoparius  


lign. sanct., lignum -i sanctum = guiacaum, holy wood; Guiacum officinale  
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., limacum, limax -acis = snail, slug; aqua. limacum, snail water
 
limonium -i = genus of flowering plants known as sea-lavender, statice, caspia, or marsh-rosemary; over 100 species; also, any plant of genus Pyrola, esp. P. rotundifolia, wintergreen
 
lin., linum -i =  flax, Linum usitatissimum; semen or semina lini, flaxseed, linseed
 
linaria -ae = toad-flax or wild flax, Linaria vulgaris
 
linctus -a -um = medicine taken by licking (same as lohoch); past participle of lingo -ere
 
liniment., linamentum -i = liniment; l. arcei, liniment of Arceus; l. elemi, see below under gummi
 
linteus -a -um = relating to or made from linen
 
liquirit., liquiritia -ae = licorice, Glychyrrhiza glabra
 
liquor -oris =  liquid, liquor (any)
 
liquor possetic., posseticus -a -um = posset drink; milk curdled with treacle, wine, or any acid substance
 
litharg., lytharg., lithargium -i, lithargyrum -i = litharge, lead oxide, PbO; may be white, a byproduct of separation of lead from silver ("litharge of silver") or colored with red lead ("litharge of gold")
 
lithontribon -i (Lugdunensis) = urinary stone-breaking powder (of Lyon); spikenard, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, saxifrage, etc.
 
lithontriptic., lythontriptic., lithontripticus -a -um = lithontriptic; having the property of breaking up bladder stones
 
lixivium -i = water containing alkaline salts leached from wood ashes (OED), used to make soap
 
lohoch = medicine taken by licking or by letting it melt in the mouth
 
lohoch sanum = "the healing lohoch;" hyssop, calamint, jujubes, sebestens, raisins, dates etc.; succors the breast, lungs, throat, and trachea (Culpeper); may be titled lochoch sanum et expertum
 
lot., lotus -a -um = washed
 
lotus -i = various species of genus Lotus, e.g., L. urbana and L. sylvestris
 
lucis majores = see pilulae lucis maiores, below
 
lujul., lujula -ae = wood sorrel, Oxalis acetosella; also called alleluia or hallelujah because it flowers between Easter and Pentecost
 
lumbricus -i = worm; either the common earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, or intestinal, e.g., Ascaris lumbricoides
 
lupinus -i = lupin, flowering plants of genus Lupinus; numerous species, including the bluebonnet
 
lupul., lupulus -i = the hop plant, Humulus lupulus
 
===M===
mac., macis -idis =  mace, the covering of the seed in the fruit of Myristica fragrans, the nutmeg tree
 
macer -eris = the inner bark of the nutmeg tree, M. fragrans (Culpeper)
 
macri = see pilulae macri, below
 
magdaleones -um = masses of plaster, or of other composition, in cylindrical form
 
majoran., majorana -ae = marjoram; see Origanum, below
 
magistrantia -ae = masterwort, Astrantia maxima
 
malabathrum or malobathrum -i = aromatic leaf of one of several oriental trees, e.g. Cinnamomum tamala, or the ointment prepared from it
 
malicorii, malicorium -i = pomegranate rind
 
malvatic., malvaticum (vinum) =  Malmsey (wine of the Malvasia grape); Madeira/sack
 
malva -ae = common, field, or wild mallow, Malva silvestris; also other species of genus Malva
 
malv., malvavisc., malvaviscus -i = marshmallow, Althaea officinalis
 
malus -i persica = peach tree, Malus persica
 
man., manna -ae = condensed juice of the manna ash tree, Fraxinus ornus; a purgative
 
margarit., margarita -ae = pearl; prepared pearl is a common ingredient
 
marina ambra -ae grisea = ambergris
 
marrub., marrubium -i = common horehound, Marrubium vulgare; other species also; may be designated  nigrum (black) or foetidum (stinking)
 
martiat., martiatus -a -um = pertaining to soldiers; unguentum martiatum, soldiers's ointment
 
mastich., masticha = mastic, resin of Pistacia lentiscus
 
matricar., matricaria -ae = feverfew, Matricaria or Tanacetum parthenium
 
matrisilv., matrisylv., matrisylva -ae = woodruff, Asperula matrisylva or A. odorata
 
Matt(h)iolus -i = relating to or invented by Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501 - c. 1577), Italian physician and naturalist; e.g.unguentum Matthioli, leontopodium (edelweiss) Matthioli
 
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; also bone marrow: medulla spinalis, spinal cord
 
mel., mel mellis =  honey; (e)dulcorandus melle, sweetened with honey; the name of the source plant may be mentioned in the genitive, e.g., mel emblicorum, or a descriptive adjective may be added, e.g. mel rosatum, "rosated" honey with addition of oil of roses
 
melilot., melilotos -i = melilot, Trifolium melilotus officinalis
 
meliss., melissa -ae =  balm, esp. lemon balm, Melissa officinalis; several other species, also including common, field, & mountain calamint
 
melissophyllum -i = bastard balm, Melittis melissophyllum
 
merc. dulc., mercurius dulcis = mercurous chloride, Hg2Cl2; calomel; a purgative
 
mercur., mercury = annual or French mercury, Mercurialis annua; used in clysters; NB don't confuse with the element Mercury (Hg) , usually referred to as hydrargyrus
 
mespil., mespilus -i = medlar, fruit of medlar tree, Mespilus germanica; resembles a small apple
 
metrenchyta -ae = an injection ("clyster") for the uterus
 
metroproptoticon = see emplastrum metroproptoticon, above
 
meum -i = spignel, Aethusa meum or Meum athamanticum
 
mica -ae = crumb, morsel, grain; micae panis, crumbs of bread
 
micleta -ae = an electuary for treatment of diarrhea or bloody flux; containing mirobalan bark, watercress, cumin, anise, fennel, ammi, etc.
 
millefolium -i = common yarrow, Achillea millefolium, a flowering plant in the aster family
 
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; also prepared by soaking in wine with or without crushing in a mortar; JW mentions a spiritus millipedum in V.a.288, presumably from distilling them
 
minium -i = native vermilion, read lead; emplastrum de minio, plaster of red lead and olive oil
 
mithridat., mithridatium -i = mithridate; complex and variable recipe, up to 60 ingredients, including opium
 
miva -ae = listed (by JW and by Lovell) as miva vel gelatina, quince jelly
 
mixae -arum, myxae -arum = sebesten plum (tree), Cordia myxa; see sebesten, below
 
monach., rhab. monach., rhabarbarum -i monachorum = monk's rhubarb, Rumex patientia
 
morum -i = mulberry; many species, including Mora nigra, black or common mulberry; also as "Celsus's," as in succus mororum Celsi, from Aulus Cornelius Celsus (C. 25 BCE - 50 CE)
 
mosch., moschat., (nux) moschata =  nutmeg; seed of Myristica fragrans
 
moschelaeum -i = see oleum moschaelum, below
 
mucilag., mucilago -inis = aqueous solution of gum; e.g., Mucilago arabaci gummi
 
muscus -i = sphagnum;
 
musc. pyxidat., muscus -i pyxidatus = a type of lichen (Lichen pyxidatus), used in a decoction for whooping cough
 
must., mustum -i = must; pressed grapes before fermentation into wine; also mustum cervisiae, beer wort
 
myristic., nux myristica, myristica -ae = nutmeg, Myristica moschata
 
myrobalan., myrabalan., myrabalanum -i = myrobalan = Indian gooseberry, Phyllantus emblica; may be designated myrobalan omnium; chebulae refers to the so-called "black myrobalan," Terminalia chebula; indicae (q. v.) refers to a different plant
 
myrtill., myrtillus -i = myrtle berry, black whortle berry, or bilberry; Vaccinium myrtillus
 
myrtin., myrtinus -a -um = of or made from myrtle, myrtle-; e.g., syrupus myrtinus, myrtle-syrup
 
===N===
narcissus -i = any of numerous spring-flowering bulbous plant of genus Narcissus;  esp. N. poeticus and N. tazetta; many uses, including emetic, emollient, and treatment for cough, baldness, dysentery, etc.
 
nard, nardin., nardus -i , adj. nardinus -a -um  = nard; or the ointment so named; or the plant from which the ointment was prepared, Nardostachys grandiflora, same as Indian spikenard, N. jatamansi; nardus celticus, same as asarabacca, Asarum europaeum
 
nasturtium -i = genus of watercresses; JW mentions nasturtium aquaticum, probably common watercress, Nasturtium officinale, also known as Sisymbrium nasturtium, and nasturtium hortense, or gardencress, N. hortense
 
nepetha -ae = genus of flowering plants; esp. catmint/catnip, N. cataria
 
nervin., nervinus -a -um = pertaining to nerves; e.g., unguentum nervinum, nerve ointment
 
nicotiana -ae = tobacco, genus Nicotiana; many uses, including unguentum nicotianae, see below
 
nig., nigr., niger -gra -grum = black
 
nubiae = granum nubiae; the seed of an unknown plant from Ethiopia, apparently a powerful poison<ref name="nubiae">V.a.286, 76r:  "Granum nubiae inter decem homines divisum spatio quadrantis horae omnes interimit:"  One grain of Nubia divided among ten persons kills them all in the space of a quarter hour.</ref>
 
nuc., nucl., nucleus -i =  nut
 
nucleus -i pinei = pine nuts (pignoli), edible seeds of pine, various species of genus Pinus


lill., lillior., lilliorum., lilium -a = lily; flores/folia/radix liliorum, flowers/leaves/root of lilies
nummularia -ae = creeping jenny, moneywort, or herb twopence; Lysimachia nummularia


limac., limax -acis = snail, slug
nux nucis =  nut; e.g., nux moschata, nutmeg; nux pinea, pine nut; nux avellana, hazelnut


lin., linum -i = flax, Linum usitatissimum
nymph., nymphaea -ae = water lily; Nymphaea alba, white; other species may have blue, red, or yellow flowers


liquirit., liquiritia -ae = licorice, Glychyrrhiza glabra
===O===
liquor = liquid, liquor 
oculus -i = eye


liquor possetic., posseticus = posset; milk curdled with treacle, wine, or any acid substance
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" probably the same as "ocul. Cancri" on the same page, with "69" the astrological symbol for Cancer (  ) rotated 90° (  ); see illustration on last page


lot., lotus -a -um = washed
ocymi., ocymum -i = basil, Ocimum basilicum


lujul., lujula -ae = wood sorrel, Oxalis acetosella; common or garden sorrel, Rumex acetosa
ol., oleum -i = oil; many varieties, with the source in the genitive


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


litharg., lytharg., lithargium -i = litharge, lead oxide; can be white ("litharge of silver") or red ("litharge of gold")
oleum excestrense = oil of Exeter; contains wormwood, lesser centaury, eupatorium, fennel, hyssop, etc., infused in oil


lixivium -i = water containing alkaline salts leached from wood ashes (OED)
oleum -i lapivum = from Lapivum persicum or Cyclamen persicum, persian cyclamen


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


mac., macis -idis =  mace; the covering of the nutmeg seed of Myristica fragrans 
oleum -i moschaeleum = oil of musk, from secretions of a gland of various animals, esp. the male musk deer, Moscus moschiferus; plus nutmeg, mace, costus, styrax, other herbs, and oil; the animal source of the musk may be named in the genitive, e.g., moschelaeum vulpinum, oil of fox musk; for deafness, cold diseases of the heart, strangury, etc.


majoran., majorana -ae = marjoram; see Origanum, below
ol., oleum -i Nicodemi = leaves of St. John's wort (species of Hypericum), turpentine, litharge, aloes, tutty, saffron, white wine, etc.


malvatic., malvaticum (vinum) = Malmsey (wine of the Malvasia grape); Madeira/sack
ol. philosoph., oleum -i philosophi = philosopher's oil, made from distilling pieces of brick soaked in oil; same as latericium philosophorum


malv., malvavisc., malvaviscus -i = marshmallow, Althaea officinalis
ol. sulph., oleum -i sulphuris = oil of sulfur, various receipts; possibly sulfuric acid, H2SO4


man., manna -ae = condensed juice of the manna ash tree, Fraxinus ornus; a purgative
ol. vulpin., oleum -i vulpinum = fox oil; made from a skinned and gutted fox boiled with oil and herbs and pressed


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


marrub., marrubium -i = common horehound, Marrubium vulgare; other species also
onon., ononis -idis (spinosa) = restharrow, Ononis repens


martiat., martiatus -a -um = pertaining to soldiers; unguentum martiatum, soldiers's ointment
ophalmicum = see unguentum ophalmicum, below; distinguish from ophthalmicum


mastich., masticha = mastic, resin of Pistacia lentiscus
ophioglossum -i = adder's tongue fern; genus of about 50 species; used as an ointment on wounds and burns


matricar., matricaria -ae = feverfew, Matricaria parthenium
opiat., opiatus -a -um = opiated; any preparation containing opium; or other medicines that produce sleep but which may or may not contain opium


matrisilv., matrisylv., matrisylva -ae = woodruff, Asperula matrisylva or A. odorata
opobalsamum -i = Mecca balsam, balm of Gilead; resin produced by the tree Commiphora opobalsamum


mechoach., mechoacan = root of a variety of morning glory, Ipomoea macrorhiza or I. jalapa, from Michoacán (Mexico); may be identified as black (nigr.)  
opopanax -acis = the "fetid" (OED) gum resin from Opopanax chironium


mecon., meconium -i = opium
opt., optim., optimus -a -um = best


medull., medulla -ae = the pith or pulp of any vegetable; marrow; medulla spinalis, spinal cord
origan., origanum -i = oregano; several species, incl. Origanum vulgare, common Mediterranean oregano or wild marjoram; O. creticum, (Spanish) oregano; O. marjorana, sweet marjoram; O. dictamnus, dittany of Crete


mel., mel mellis =  honey; melle, with honey
os ossis = bone; oss. sep., ossa separata, separated bones, but precise definition uncertain


melilot., melilotos -i = melilot, Trifolium melilotus officinalis
ostrea -ae = oyster, mussel, sea-snail


meliss., melissa -ae = balm, esp. lemon balm, Melissa officinalis; several other species, also including common, field, & mountian calamint
ostrutii., ostruthium -i = master-wort, Peucedanum ostruthium


merc. dulc., mercurius dulcis = mercurous chloride, Hg2Cl2; calomel; a purgative
ovin., ovinus -a -um = relating to or belonging to sheep; e.g., sebum ovinum, sheep suet or tallow


mercur., mercury = annual or French mercury, Mercurialis annua; used in clysters
oxycrat., oxycratum -i = oxycrate  (mixture of vinegar and water with a little honey)


mespil., mespilus -i = medlar, fruit of medlar tree, Mespilus germanica; resembles a small apple
oxycroceum = as emplastrum oxycroceum, plaster made with saffron and vinegar


meum -i = spignel, Aethusa meum or Meum athamanticum
oxylapathum -i = sharp-pointed dock; Lapathum acutum, or Rumex acutus


mica -ae = crumb, morsel, grain; micae panis, crumbs of bread
oxymel = honey and vinegar boiled to a syrup


milii., milium -i = millet seed, Panicum mileaceum; also P. italicum, Indian millet seed
oxymel Julianiz., oxymel Iulianizans = a syrup containing the above, with addition of caper root bark, iris root, fennel, rock parsley, endive, etc.


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
===P===
paeon., paeonia -ae = peony, P. officinalis; used by Galen for treatment of epilepsy


mithridat., mithridatium -i = mithridate; complex recipe, up to 60 ingredients, including opium
palma Christi = see "cataputia," above


monach., rhab. monach., rhabarbarum -i monachorum = monk's rhubarb, Rumex patientia
pampholix -icis = crude zinc oxide, ZnO


mosch., moschat., (nux) moschata = nutmeg; seed of Myristica fragrans
paludapium -i = another term for smallage or water-parlsey


mucilag., mucilago -inis = aqueous solution of gum; e.g., Mucilago arabaci gummi
panacea -ae = an herb healing all diseases; specificially, an extract of opopanax (q.v.), allheal, woundwort, or various other herbs; e.g., betony, yarrow, mistletoe


must., mustum -i = must; pressed grapes before fermentation into wine; also mustum cervisiae, wort
papav., papaver -eris = poppy; many species, including P. somniferum, opium poppy; P. rhoeas or P. erraticum, red corn poppy


myrabalan., myrabalanum -i = Indian gooseberry, Phyllantus emblica
paralyseus -a -um = relating to the cowslip, Primula species; e.g., (take/use) flores paralyseos


myristic., myristica -ae = nux myristica, same as nutmeg, Myristica moschata
paralys., paralysis -is = cowslip, e.g., Paralysis fatua (Gerard); also in the usual sense of loss of function


myrtill., myrtillus -i = myrtle berry, black whortle berry, or bilberry; Vaccinium myrtillus
parietar., parietaria -ae = pellitory of the wall, Parietaria officinalis; may be designated "herb. parietar."


nigr., niger -gra -grum black 
part., pars partis part, side


== N ==
passer -eris = sparrow, esp. the house sparrow Passer domesticus


nervin., nervinus -a -um = pertaining to nerves; e.g., unguentum nervinum, nerve ointment
pastillus -i = a small flat tablet, may be coated with sugar; similar to a pill, troche, or lozenge


nig., nigr., niger -gra -grum = black
passul., passula -ae = a small raisin; passulae enucleatae/exacinatae, stoned raisins; passulae solis, raisins of the sun; passula Corinthiaca, Corinthian raisin, alias uvae Corinthiacae, Corinthian grapes


nuc., nux nucis nut; nux moschata, nutmeg; nux pinea, pine nut
pastinac., pastinaca -ae parsnip, Pastinaca sativa or P. sylvestris


nucl., nucleus -i = nut 
pectoral., pectoralis -is -e = a pectoral; for diseases of the chest


nymph., nymphaea -ae = water lily; Nymphaea alba, white; other species may have blue, red, or yellow flowers
penid., penidium -i = appears as in sacch(arum) penid(ium), a stick of boiled sugar used as a cold remedy


== O ==
pentaphyll., pentaphyllon, pentaphyllum -i = cinquefoil, Potentilla reptans; Pentaphyllum purpureum, purple cinquefoil, P. rubrum palustre, marsh cinquefoil, etc. (Gerard)


oculus -i = eye
peplium -i = peplion, a species of spurge, probably Euphorbia esula; a purge for bile and phlegm


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° ()
pepo -onis = pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo


ol., oleum -i = oil; many varieties, named from the source
periclymenum -i = common honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum


ol. dulc., oleum -i dulcis = sweet oil; usually olive or rapeseed
perlarum mater -tris = mother of pearl
peru., peruvianus -a -um = Peruvian; e.g, Cortex peruviana (Cinchona), source of quinine


ol. lumbric., oleum -i lumbricorum = oil of earthworms; from worms boiled in wine and oil
persicaria -ae = spotted persicaria, a common weed; Persicaria maculosa


ol. philosoph., oleum -i philosophi = philosopher's oil, made from distilling pieces of brick soaked in oil
pes pedis columbinus = dove's foot, Geranium molle; also some other species of cranesbill


ol. sulph., oleum -i sulphuris = oil of sulfur, various receipts
petasititid., petasites -idis = butterbur, Petasites fragrans


ol. vulpin., oleum -i vulpinum = fox oil; made from a skinned and gutted fox boiled with oil and herbs and pressed
peto, petum = the tobacco plant, see nicotiana, above


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


onon., ononis -is spinosa = restharrow, Ononis repens
petroselin. macedonic., petroselinum -i macedonicum = Macedonian parsley, Bubon macedonicum


opiat., opiatus -a -um = opiated; anything containing opium; other medicines that produce sleep but which may or may not contain opium
peucedani, peucedanum -i = peucedanin, a "colourless crystalline compound... occur[ring] in the root of hog's fennel, Peucedanum officinale" (OED)


opt., optim., optimus -a -um = best 
philonium persicum = a compound medicine including opium, saffron, white pepper, pearls, and amber; named after Philo of Tarsus, 1st c. BCE Greek physician


origan., origanum -i = several species, incl. Origanum marjorana, sweet marjoram; O. dictamnus, dittany of Crete; O. vulgare, wild marjoram
phu (indecl.) = "any of several species of valerian having rhizomes used medicinally" (OED); possibilities include Valeriana officinalis, V. dioscoridis, V. phu; mentioned by Pliny


os ossis = bone; oss. sep., ossa separata, separated bones, but definition uncertain
phyllit., phyllitis -is = hart's tongue fern, Scolopendrium vulgare


ostrutii., ostruthium -i = master-wort, Peucedanum ostruthium
pic., pix picis = pitch; pix Burgundia, Burgundy pitch, from Norway fir, Picea abies


ovin., ovinus -a -um = relating to or belonging to sheep
pilosella -ae = genus of flowering plants, numerous species, esp. Pilosella officinarum, mouse-ear hawkweed; same as auriculus muris


oxycrat., oxycratum -i = oxycrate  (mixture of vinegar and water with a little honey)
pil., pill., pillul., pil[l]ula -ae = pill
pilulae agregativae = aggregative pills, so called because they aggregated many effects; ingredients included aloes, turbith, scammony, rhubarb, myrabalans, agaric, etc.


oxymel = honey and vinegar boiled to a syrup
pilulae aleophanginae = aromatic pills of Mesue; contain aloes, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, etc.; similar to if not identical to pilulae elephanginae, below


oxymel Julianiz., oxymel Iulianizans = a syrup containing the above, also caper root bark, iris root, fennel, rock parsley, endive, etc.  
pilulae aurae = "golden pills," so called from their color; contained aloes, scammony, roses, smallage seed, etc., but no gold


'''P'''
pilulae Barbaros(s)ae = an anti-syphilitic, containing mercury; apparently named after an Algerian king and not the Holy Roman Emperor


paeon., paeonia -ae = peony, P. officinalis; used by Galen for epilepsy 
pilulae cochiae = cochiae pills; may be denoted "majores," the greater cochiae pill (hiera picra, alhandal troches, diagrydium, turpentine), or "minores," the lesser cochiae pill (aloes, scammony, colocynth, syrup of buckthorn, oil of cloves)


papav., papaver -eris = poppy; many species, including P. somniferum, opium poppy; P. rhoeas or P. erraticum, red corn poppy 
pill. elephang., pilulae elephanginae = an Arabic term; purging pills containing cinnamon, nutmeg, and other aromatics; also, according to JW (Va293, 71r), "of Diacrydium... a considerable quantitie"


paralys., paralysis -is = cowslip, e.g., Paralysis fatua (Gerard); also in the usual sense of loss of function 
pilulae foetidae = "stinking pills;" containing asafoetida, galbanum, myrrh, confection of roses


parietar., parietaria -ae = pellitory of the wall, Parietaria officinalis
pilulae lucis majores = "pills of greater light;" roses, violets, wormwood, colocynth, turbith, cubebs, etc.; for poor vision (hence the name, presumably)


part., pars partis =  part, side 
pilulae Macri = Macer's (Aemilius Macer, 1st c. CE) pills, aloes, mastich, marjoram, salt of wormwood, etc.; the poem De viribus herbarum is probably a medieval invention attributed to him


passul., passula -ae = a small raisin; passulae enucleatae, stoned raisins; passulae solis, raisins of the sun; passula Corinthiaca, Corinthian raisin, or  
pill. palmarii = Palmarius' pills, or pilulae Cretae Palmarii; aloes, gentian, amber, aristolochia, myrrh, etc.; named after Pierre le Paulmier or Palmier (1568-1610)
uvae Corinthiacae, Corinthian grapes


pastinac., pastinaca -ae =  parsnip, Pastinaca sativa
pilulae Rudii = black hellebore, colocynth, aloes, scammony, oil of cloves, sulfate of potash


peru., peruvianus -a -um = Peruvian; e.g, Cortex peruviana (Cinchona), source of quinine
pilulae Scribonii = Scribonius Largus's pills; sagapenum, myrrh, opium, cardamom, castoreum, etc.; good for fluxes, dysentery, hemoptysis, gonorrhea, consumption, and many more afflictions


pentaphyll., pentaphyllum -i = cinquefoil, Potentilla reptans; Pentaphyllum purpureum, purple cinquefoil, P. rubrum palustre, marsh cinquefoil, etc(Gerard)
pilulae sine quibus (esse nolo) = "pills without which (I do not wish to be);" a purgative containing aloe, myrobolans, rhubarb, senna, agaric, etc.


petasititid., petasites -idis = butterbur, Petasites fragrans
pilulae e tribus = "pills of three things;" RCP Dispensatory lists seven ingredients including mastich, aloes, agaric, hiera picra, rhubarb, cinnamon, and syrup of chicory


petroselin., petroselinum -i = parsley, Apium petroselinum
pimpinella -ae = burnet saxifrage, Pimpinella saxifraga, or great burnet, Sanguisorba officinalis


petroselin. macedonic., petroselinum macedonicum = Macedonian parsley, Bubon macedonicum
pinear., pineus -a -um = of, from, or related to the pine; nuces pinearum, pine nuts


phyllit., phyllitis -is = hart's tongue fern, Scolopendrium vulgare
pingued., pinguedin., pinguedo -inis = fat (noun); e.g. pinguedo vulpis, fox fat, pinguedo taxi, badger fat


pic., pix picis = pitch; pix Burgundia, Burgundy pitch, from Norway fir, Picea abies
pingu., pinguis -is = fat (adjective); e.g. ficus pinguis, a fat (ripe) fig


pil., pill., pillul., pil[l]ula -ae = pill
piper -eris = pepper; various species of genus Piper, e.g. Piper nigrum, black pepper, P. longum, long pepper, etc.


pilulae aurae = "golden pills," so called from their color; contained aloes, scammony, roses, smallage seed, etc., but no gold
plantag., plantago -inis = plantain; broad-leaved plantain, Plantago major


pilulae agregativae = aggregative pills, so called because they aggregated many effects; ingredients included aloes, turbith, scammony, rhubarb, myrabalans, agaric, etc.  
pleres-archonticon = pulvis pleres-archonticon, called by Bates "The great Restorative Pouder;" containing cinnamon, cloves, galangal, nutmeg, ginger, red roses, Indian spikenard, etc.; also known as the Restorative of Nicholas


pilulae foetidae = "stinking pills;" asafoetida, galbanum, myrrh, confection of roses
plumbeus -a -um = made of or derived from lead


pilulae Rudii = black hellebore, colocynth, aloes, scammony, oil of cloves, sulfate of potash
plumbum -i = the element lead, Pb


pinear., pineus -a -um = of, from, or related to the pine; nuces pinearum, pine nuts
polii., polium -i = felty germander, Teucrium polium


pingued., pinguedin., pinguedo -inis = fat (noun); e.g. pinguedo vulpis, fox fat, pinguedo taxi, badger fat
polyidae = see trochisci polyidae Andromachi, below


pingu., pinguis -is = fat (adjective)  
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)


piper -eris = pepper; various species of genus Piper, e.g. Piper nigrum, black pepper, P. longum, long pepper, etc.
polytrich., polytrichum -i = golden maidenhair, Polytrichum commune or Adiantum aureum


plantag., plantago -inis = plantain; broad-leaved plantain, Plantago major
polyurus -i = Christ's thorn or Jerusalem thorn, Paliurus spina-christi; JW reports it as being in the Physic Garden


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)  
pompholix, pompholyx -ygis = zinc oxide, same as tutia (tutty)


polytrich., polytrichum -i = golden maidenhair, Polytrichum commune or Adiantum aureum
pom., pomum -i = apple, many species of genus Malum


pom., pomum -i = apple, various species of genus Malum
pomat., pomatus -a -um = of, containing, or relating to apples; see unguentum pomatum, below


pomat., pomatus -a -um = of, containing, or relating to apples; see unguentum pomatum, below  
pomum -i alterans = see syrupus de pomis alterans, below


pontic., ponticum = Roman wormwood, Artemisia ponticum
pomum -i granatum = pomegranate, fruit of Punica granatum


popul., populus -i = poplar tree
pomum -i purgans = a "purging apple," intended to purge phlegm; an apple stuffed with polypodium and agaric wrapped in a crust and baked; also known as pomum laxativum purgans


populeon = see unguentum populeon, below
pontic., ponticum = Roman wormwood, Artemisia ponticum


porcin., porcinus -a -um = of or relating to a hog or pig
popul., populus -i = poplar tree


posset. = see liquor posseticus, above
populeon, populneum = see unguentum populeon, below


prasius -i = prase, a green quartz
porcin., porcinus -a -um = of or relating to a hog or pig


prunell., prunella -ae = self-heal or bugle, Prunella vulgaris
porrum -i = leek, Allium porrum


puleg., pulegium -i = pennyroyal, also fleabane or fleawort, Mentha pulegium
portulaca -ae = garden purslane, Portulaca oleracea


pulm. vulp., pulmones vulpium = fox lungs
posset., possetum -i = posset, milk curdled with treacle, wind, or any acid substance; may also appear as liquor posseticus


pulpa -ae = pulp (of anything)
potio -onis = drink


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


purpureus -a -um = purple
praecipit., praecipitat., praecipitatum -i = precipitate; p. rubrum = red mercuric oxide (HgO); p. album = ammoniated mercury or mercuric amidochloride (HgH2ClN); p. opt., optimum, "the best;" unknown and possibly a description and not an ingredient per se


pyrethr., pyrethrum -i = root of pellitory (of Spain), or of Spanish chamomile, Anacyclus pyrethrum
prasius -i = prase, a green quartz


== Q ==
prassium, -i = white horehound, Marubium vulgare or M. album; a syrup called syrupus de prassio is a pectoral (for chest ailments or as an expectorant) and vulnerary (for wound healing)


quercin., quercinus -a -um = made/ derived from oak; e.g., folia quercina, oak leaves
priapus, pryapus -i cervi = a stag's penis


quercus -us = oak, oak tree, various species of genus Quercus
primula -ae veris = cowslip (common cowslip, cowslip primrose)


== R ==
prunell., prunella -ae = self-heal or bugle, Prunella vulgaris


rad., radic., radix -icis =  root (of anything)
prunum -i = plum; prunum coctum, cooked plum, possibly used as a sweetener


ran., rana -ae = frog; ranarum, of frogs, e.g., sperma ranarum, frog spawn
prunus -i = genus of trees and  shrubs, including plum, cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot, and almond


rap., rapum -i = turnip or rape, Brassica rapa
prunus -i silvestris = blackthorn (Pliny)


raphan., raphanus -i = radish, Raphanus sativus
ptarmaca, ptarmica = leaves (folia) of sneezewort, Achillea ptarmaca


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


rasp., raspatus -a -um = rasped, essentially the same as above
puleg., pulegium -i = pennyroyal, also fleabane or fleawort, Mentha pulegium; or wild thyme, Thymus serpyllum; also known as puliol


recent., recens -entis = recent, new, fresh; e.g., lactis recentis, of fresh milk; cf. ueter., veter.
pulicaria -ae = fleabane, Pulicaria dysenterica


resin., resina -ae = resin (from anything)
pulm., pulmon. vulp., pulmones vulpis = fox lungs


rhab., rhabarbarum -i = rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum
pulmonaria -ae = lungwort, Pulmonaria officinalis; distinguish from tree lungwort, Sticta pulmonaria


rhaphon., rhapontic., rhaponticum -i = rhapontic rhubarb, Rheum rhaponticum
pulpa -ae = pulp (of anything)


rhei., rheo, rheum -i = rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum
pulv., pulvis -eris = powder


rhoed., rhoead., rhoeas -adis = Papaver rhoeas, red corn or wild poppy; see tinctura rubra, below
pulvis -eris ad casum = a powder against inward bruises by falls (Bate); contained terra sigillata, sanguis draconis, mummy, spermaceti, rhubarb; casum from casus -us,  a fall, falling down, accident


ros., rosa -ae = rose, various specied of genus Rosa
pulvis -eris digestivus = a digestive powder of variable compsition


rosac., rosaceus -a -um = made of or from roses; oleum rosaceum =  rose oil 
pulvis -eris Haly = Haly's powder, named after 'Ali ibn al-'Abbas al-Majusi, or al-Masoudi (930 - 994), Latinized as Haly Abbas; white poppy seeds, gum arabic, starch, tragacanth, etc.


rorismar., rorismarinus -i = rosemary, Rorismarinus officinalis
pulvis -eris Iohannis de Vigo = Vigo's powder, mercuric oxide, HgO


rosatus -a -um = prepared from or containing roses
pulvis -eris laetificans Galeni = Galen's gladdening powder, apparently actually invented by Niccolò da Reggio (1280 - ?), a translator of Galen; multiple ingredients, including basil, cloves, saffron, zedoary, nutmeg, styrax, ivory shavings, etc.


rosmarin., rosmarinus -i = rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
pulvis -eris odoratus = sweet, perfumed, or fragrant powder; iris root, rosewood, cloves, lemon peels, etc. (Bate); used as a moth deterrent


ruber rubra rubrum = red
pulvis -eris pleres-arc(h)onticon = "the great restorative powder" (Bate); numerous ingredients including cinnamon, cloves, xyloaloes, galangal, nutmeg, ginger, and many others


rumex -icis = dock, various species of genus Rumex; see folia acetosae, above
pulv. sanct., pulvis -eris sanctus = holy powder; recipes vary but usually include senna and cream of tartar, with cloves, cinnamon, ginger, etc.


ruta -ae = rue, Ruta graveolens and other species
pulvis -eris saxonicus = the Saxon powder, from its use as an antidote by Christian I, Elector of Saxony (1560 - 1591); angelica, swallow-wort, valerian, polipodium of the oak, marsh-mallow, etc., all steeped in vinegar, dried, and pulverized


== S ==
purg., purgatio -onis = a purge or laxative


sabin., sabina = savin, Juniperus sabina (a juniper species) 
purpureus -a -um = purple


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 
pyra = probably pear, various trees of genus Pyrus; CL pirum -i, pl. pira


sal -is marini = sea salt
pyrethr., pyrethrum -i (salivaris) = root of pellitory (of Spain), also known as Spanish chamomile, Anacyclus pyrethrum; or possibly masterwort, Peucedanum ostriuthum, or sneezewort, Achillea ptarmica


sal. prunell., sal -is prunella = fused potassium nitrate in balls, cakes, or sticks
pyrola -ae = round-leaved wintergreen, Pyrola rotundifolia


salv., salvia -ae = common sage, Salvia officinalis
===Q===
quercin., quercinus -a -um = made/ derived from oak; e.g., folia quercina, oak leaves; viscus quercini = mistletoe; uvae quercinae, aggregation of galls on oak roots or at the junction of the roots and trunk produced by the oak gall wasp Cynips quercus radicis


sacchar., saccharum -i = (cane) sugar; also sacchar. cand., saccharum candidum, sugar candy 
quercitanus -i = not an ingredient but a person's name; French physician Joseph du Chesne (c. 1544 - 1609), Latinized as Quercitanus


sambuc., sambucus -i = elder tree, Sambucus nigra
quercus -us = oak, oak tree, various species of genus Quercus, including Q. suber, the cork oak
quinquefolium -i = (creeping) cinquefoil, Potentilla reptans; tormentil (P. erecta) is a relative


sanal = a salve containing litharge of silver, red bole, balsam of Peru, etc.; but may be a misspelling for "santal," q.v.
===R===
rad., radic., radix -icis =  root (of any plant)


sandarach., sandaraca -ae = gum sandarac, from Iuniperus communis; may also refer to arsenic sulfide or realgar (red arsenic, red orpiment)
radices quinque = see syrupus de quinque radicibus, below


sangu. dracon., sanguis -is draconis = dragon's blood, a red resin made from various trees
ran., rana -ae = frog; ranarum, of frogs, e.g., sperma ranarum, frog spawn


santal., santalum -i = sandalwood, saunders, various species of genus Santalum; red, white, and yellow varieties
ranunculus -i = about 600 species including the buttercup or crowfoot; JW mentions Ranunculus arvorum, corn-buttercup or fallow-field crowfoot, same as R. arvensis or R.sylvestris


santon., santonic., sem. santonic., semina santonica = southernwood (Artemisia santonica) seeds or wormseeds (Absinthium santonicum)  
rap., rapum -i = turnip or rape, Brassica rapa; plural genitive raporum, of turnips, e.g. raporum no 4, four (of) turnips


sap., sapo -onis = soap; black soap, sapo niger, appears in some receipts
raphan., raphanus -i = radish, Raphanus sativus


sars., sarsaparilla -ae = root of Smilax sarsaparilla
ras., rasur., rasus -a -um or rasuratus -a -um = scraped or scrapings of; often found with licorice (glychyrriza or liquiritia), but also of other hard substances, e.g., ivory, hartshorn, boar's tooth, and even human skull (cran., cranium -i humani)


sassaf., sassaphr., sassafras = bark of the sassafras tree, Sassafras officinale or Laurus sassafras
rasp., raspatus -a -um = rasped, essentially the same as above


satyrion -ii maris = tuber or rhizome of the early purple orchid, Orchis mascula
recent., recens -entis = recent, fresh; e.g., lactis recentis, of fresh milk; cf. ueter., veterus -a -um


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
reginae coloniens = electuarium reginae coloniens; saxifrage, gromwell, licorice juice, caraway, anise, etc., with sugar and dissolved in white wine; for the stone and wind colic; the name refers to a Queen of Colen, the supposed consort of one of the three kings in attendance at the Nativity and whose relics are said to be in Cologne (Colen) Cathedral


scabios., scabiosa -ae = common scabious, Scabiosa arvensis
requies -etis Nicholai = a strong sedative of uncertain composition, "Nicholas's relief;" mentioned by Burton in The Anatomy of Melancholy


resin., resina -ae =  resin (from any plant)
rhab., rhabarbarum -i =  rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum
rhamnus -i catharticus = buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica, also known as Spina cervina; a purgative but quite toxic
rhaphon., rhapontic., rhaponticum -i = rhapontic rhubarb root, Rheum rhaponticum
rhei., rheo, rheum -i = rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum
rhead., rhoed., rhoead., rheados., rhoeas -adis = Papaver rhoeas, red corn or wild poppy; see tinctura rubra, below
rhodia, rhodium -i = either rhodium wood (rhodium lignum), from rootstock of bindweed species Convolvulus floridus and C. scoparius; or oil of rhodium, made by distilling it; NB not the metal, which was discovered in 1803
rob (indeclinable?) = inspissated fruit juice, sometimes with sugar added; said (in OED) to be a borrowing from Latin but not yet definitely identified
rorismar., rorismarinus -i = rosemary, Rorismarinus officinalis
ros., rosa -ae = rose, various species of genus Rosa
ros. sol., rosa solis = rose of the sun, not a flower; altered from Latin ros solis, dew of the sun, a cordial originally made from the juice of the sundew plant (genus Drosera), later from spiced and flavored spirits; receipt in V.a.21, p. 183 (not JW)
rosac., rosaceus -a -um = made of or from roses; oleum rosaceum, rose oil
rosata -ae novella = an electuary of roses, containing rose leaves, sugar, licorice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, honey, etc.
rosatus -a -um = treated with oil of roses; e.g., aloe rosata, mel rosatum
rosmarin., rosmarinus -i =  rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
rubellum = vinum rubellum, reddish wine; "vomiting claret" (New London Dispensatory), an emetic; contained antimony in powder, cloves, claret wine
ruber -bra -brum = red
rubus -i viticosus = sarsaparilla (q.v.)
rumex -icis = dock, various species of genus Rumex; see folia acetosae, above
ruta -ae = rue, Ruta graveolens and other species; see also vepris, below
rutaceus -a -um = from or relating to rue
rutaceum = acetum rutaceum, vinegar of rue
===S===
sabin., sabina -ae =  savin or savin juniper, Juniperus sabina (a juniper species); an abortifacient
sacchar., saccharum -i = sugar, any type, esp. cane sugar; also sacchar. cand., saccharum candidum, sugar candy; can be flavored, e.g., saccharum rosatum, sugar of roses made by melting sugar in rose water and adding juice of roses, or saccharum perlatum, sugar of roses
sagapenum -i, sagapenon -eni = gum resin from Ferula persica; antispasmodic & emmenogogue
sal X = salt (of) X, with X in the genitive; numerous examples, including table salt and other acid and alkali salts; may be prepared from various plants by boiling, straining, concentration, and crystallization, otherwise by calcination of the material, dissolving it in liquid, filtration, and coagulation
sal absynthii = see under "absynthium," above
sal -is chalybeatus = salt of steel, usually iron chloride, FeCl2, but also other salts of iron
sal -s cochleariae = salt of scurvy-grass
sal -is marini = sea salt
sal. prunell., sal -is prunella = fused potassium nitrate (saltpeter) in balls, cakes, or sticks
salicis, salix -icis = willow
salv., salvia -ae = common sage, Salvia officinalis
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)
satureia (satureja) -ae = genus of aromatic plants including Satureja hortensis, summer savory, and S. montana, winter savory; related to thyme and rosemary
sangu. dracon., sanguis -is draconis = dragon's blood, a red resin made from various trees
sanic., sanicula -ae = wood sanicle, Sanicula europaea; can be a synonym for saxifraga (q. v.)
santal., santalum -i =  sandalwood, saunders, various species of genus Santalum; red, white, and yellow varieties; may appear as lignum santalum
santon., santonic., sem. santonic., semina santonica/ santonici = southernwood (Artemisia santonica) seeds or wormseeds (Absinthium santonicum)
sanum = see lohoch sanum, above
saphirus -i = sapphire; CL sapphirus -i
sap., sapo -onis = soap; black soap, sapo niger, appears in some receipts
sarcocolla -ae = gum resin or balsam from shrub Astragalus sarcocolla
sars., sarsaparilla -ae = root of Smilax sarsaparilla, S. aspera, or Rubus viticosus
satureia -ae = Satureia montana, winter savory or mountain savory
sassaf., sassaphr., sassafras = bark of the sassafras tree, Sassafras officinale or Laurus sassafras
satyrion satyrii maris = tuber or rhizome of the early purple orchid, Orchis mascula;  may also refer to other orchids, the cuckoo-pint, Arum maculatum, or dragon arum, Dracunculus vulgaris
saxifrag., saxifraga -ae = saxifrage, breakstone, Saxifraga species, esp. S. granulata; for treatment of urinary stones and as an antiseptic; related plants may be termed golden, burnet  (rough), great, or meadow saxifrage; S. anglica, pepper saxifrage
scabios., scabiosa -ae = common scabious, Scabiosa arvensis
scariola -ae, seriola -ae = defined by JW as endive, but actually a genus of Asian plants in the daisy family
schoenanthus -i = camel-, fever-, or West Indian lemongrass, Cymbopogon schoenanthus
scill., scilla -ae = see squill, below  
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  
scilliticus -a -um = derived from or containing squill
 
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
 
scoria -ae ferri = iron dross, impurities which float on the surface of or are dispersed in the molten metal; also found in other low-melting-point metals, e.g., tin, lead, zinc
 
scorpion., scorpio -onis = the stinging arachnid, order Scorpiones; ol. scorpion., oleum scorpionum, oil of scorpions, appears to have been made by steeping scorpions in olive or other oil
 
scorzon., scorzoner., scorzonera -ae = viper's grass, Scorzonera humilis, for treatment of any venomous bite
 
scrophularia -ae = genus of herbaceous flowering plants, the figworts; named for their purported usefulness in scrofula (King's Evil, tuberculous cervical adenitis)
 
seb., sebum -i =  tallow, suet, grease
 
sebest., sebesten = sebesten (or Assyrian) plum, from the tree Cordia myxa; used in a purging electuary and for "ruggedness of the throat" (Gerard)
 
secalini., secale -is = a genus of grasses; e.g., rye
 
sed., sedum -i =  wall-pepper, stone-crop; Sedum majus = sempervivum, see below
 
seif = see sief, below
 
selinum -i = selinum, a genus of plants in the parsley family Apiaceae; see petroselinum, above


scolopend., scolopendria -ae = spleenwort, Asplenium ceterach
sem., semen -inis, (plural) semina = seed(s) of any plant


scolopend., scolopendr., scolopendrium -i = hart's tongue fern, Scolopendrium vulgare; phyllitis
sem. frigid. maj., semina frigida majora = the four greater cold seeds:  cucumber, melon, watermelon, and gourd or pumpkin


scord., scordium -i = water germander, Teucrium scordium 
sem. frigid. min., semina frigida minora = the four lesser cold seeds:  endive, lettuce, purslane, and succory


scorpion. = the stinging arachnid, order Scorpiones; ol. scorpion., oil of scorpions, apparently made by steeping scorpions in olive or other oil
semperviv., sempervivum -i = houseleek, S. tectorum ("live forever," because it is always green)


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


seb., sebum -i = tallow, suet, grease 
senecion., senecio -onis = groundsel, Senecio vulgaris, or S. iacobaea, Jacobaea (St. James' wort) or ragwort


sebest., sebesten = sebesten plum, from the tree Cordia myxa
senella -ae = same as spina alba, see below; may refer to the haw, fruit of the common hawthorn


secalini., secale -is = a kind of grain; likely rye or black spelt
serpentar., serpentaria -ae = snake-root; includes Aristolochia serpentaria and Serpentaria virginiana; rad. serpentar. = radix serpentariae


sed., sedum -i = wall-pepper, stone-crop; Sedum majus = sempervivum, see below 
ser., serum -i lactis = milk whey


sem., semen -inis, (plural) semina = seed(s) of anything
sericum -i crudum = raw silk in the form of cocoons


sem. frigid. maj., semina frigida majora = the four greater cold seeds: cucumber, melon, watermelon, and gourd or pumpkin
serpillum, serpyllum -i = wild thyme, Thymus serpillum


sem. frigid. min., semina frigida minora = the four lesser cold seeds:  endive, lettuce, purslane, and succory
seselios, seseli -is = various umbelliferous plants of several genera including Tordylium, Laserpitum, Seseli, and Levisticum among others,  >100 species; collectively called hartwort


semperviv., sempervivum -i = houseleek, S. tectorum ("live forever," because it is always green)
sief = a medication for disorders of the eye; may be described with an adjective, e.g. sief album, or with an indication of an ingredient, e.g., sief de plumbo
sen., sena -ae =  senna 


senecion., senecio -onis = groundsel, Senecio vulgaris, or S. iacobaea, Jacobaea (St. James' wort) or ragwort
sigill. Solom., sigillum -i Solomonis = Solomon's seal, Polygonatum multiflorum


ser., serum -i = milk whey; also serum lacti, whey of milk
silic., silicea -ae = shell or carapace of sea animals, e.g., bivalves and crustaceans


sericum -i = raw silk; or possibly red lead
simpl., simplex -icis = a simple; a preparation with a single active ingredient, unblended, same as species


sigill. Solom., sigillum -i Solomonis = Solomon's seal, Polygonatum multiflorum
sinap., sinapis -is = mustard; sem. sinap., semina sinapis, mustard seeds


silic., silicea -ae = shell or carapace of sea animals, e.g., bivalves and crustaceans
sine quibus = see pilulae sine quibus, above


simpl., simplex -icis = a single active ingredient, unblended; same as species  
sisarum -i = skirret, Sium sisarum; a perennial umbelliferous plant, a species of water parsnip


sinap., sinapis -is = mustard; sem. sinap., semina sinapis, mustard seeds 
sisymbr., sisymbrium -i = watercress, Sisymbrium nasturtium


sisymbr., sisymbrium -i = watercress, Sisymbrium nasturtium
smaragdus -i = emerald; can also refer to beryl or jasper


solan., solanum -i = nightshade, Solanum nigrum; several other species, e.g., bitter-sweet, S. dulcamara, and the common tomato, S. lycopersicum
smilax -acis = common smilax, rough bindweed, sarsaparilla; Smilax aspera


sp., spec., species =  a simple, or single ingredient or element; i.e., uncompounded or unmixed
smyrnium -i = species of flowering plants, family Apiaceae (carrots, anise, fennel, and many others); S. olusatrum, alexanders


sp. ceti., spermaceti = from sperma + ceti (genitive of cetus -i); a fatty substance found in the head of the sperm whale, Physteter macrocephalus
solea -ae = sole of a shoe, a sandal, or possibly the violet (the flowering plant); appears as "soleae veterementeriae ustae" in V.a.286, 58v


spic., spica -ae = a spike or common stalk bearing numerous flowers; Spica foemina = lavender 
solan., solanum -i = nightshade, Solanum nigrum; several other species, e.g., bitter-sweet, S. dulcamara, and the common tomato, S. lycopersicum


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.
soldanella -ae = species of bindweed, Convolvulus soldanella, or a primulaceous plant of genus Soldanella


sp. sal., spiritus -us salis = spirit of salt, muriatic (hydrochloric) acid
solidago -inis saracenica = goldenrod, same as Virga aurea or Solidago virga-aurea, as in consolida saracenica, above; a vulnerary


sp. sulph., spiritus -us sulphuris = sulfurous acid, H2SO3
sonchus -i = genus of flowering plants, including the common sowthistle, Sonchus oleraceus; JW mentions levis (S. levis, broad-leaved sowthistle) and asper (S. asper, spiny or prickly sowthistle)


spod., spodium -i = a fine powder obtained from various substances by calcination (OED)
sophia -ae chirurgorum = "the wisdom of the surgeons," Descurainia sophia; also known as flixweed, herb-sophia, and tansy mustard; used for treatment of dysentery


squill., squilla -ae = squill; Scilla maritima, used as diuretic and expectorant
spatula -ae foetida = stinking iris, Iris foetidissima; also known as Gladwin iris or gladdon


squillitic., squilliticus -a -um = of or derived from squill
sp., spec., species =  a simple, or single ingredient or element; i.e., uncompounded or unmixed


staphid. agr., staphis -idis = stavesacre, Delphinium staphisagria
species laetificans = see pulvis laetificans, above


stoechad., stoechas -adis = French lavender, Lavandula stoechas
sp. ceti., spermaceti = from sperma + ceti (genitive of cetus -i); a fatty substance found in the head of the sperm whale, Physteter macrocephalus and used in various preparations


stercor., stercus -oris = dung, excrement, feces (of dog, horse, peacock, etc.)
spic., spica -ae = a spike or common stalk bearing numerous flowers; Spica foemina = lavender


stipul., stipula -ae = stalk, stem
spica -ae nardi = spikenard; aromatic substance from Nardostachys jatamansi (India), or the plant itself; or sometimes lavender


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


styrac. calamit., styrax -acis calamita = storax, gum-resin from Styrax officinalis
sp. sal., spiritus -us salis = spirit of salt, muriatic (hydrochloric) acid, HCl


suc[c]in., suc[c]inum -i = amber 
sp. sulph., spiritus -us sulphuris = sulfurous acid, H2SO3


succ., succus -i = juice
sp. vin., sp. vini, spiritus -us vini = alcohol, rectified spirit; used as solvent for tinctures, &c.


suillus -a -um = of, from, or related to pigs
spod., spodium -i = a fine powder obtained from various substances by calcination (OED)


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
spuma -ae maris = literally, sea-foam; likely powdered pumice, or the mineral meerschaum


symphit., symphyt., symphitum -i = comfrey; Symphytum maius, greater comfrey 
squill., squilla -ae = squill; the bulb or root of the sea-onion, Scilla (or Drima) maritima, used as diuretic and expectorant


== T ==
squillitic., squilliticus -a -um = of, treated with or derived from squill; e.g., acetum squilliticum


tamarind., tamarindus -i = tamarind tree, Tamarindus indica; source of tamarind fruit, a purgative
staphid. agr., staphis -idis agria, staphisagria -ae = stavesacre, Delphinium staphisagria


tamarisc., tamarix -icis or tamariscus -i = tamarisk tree, various species of genus Tamarix
stoechad., stoechas -adis = French lavender, Lavandula stoechas


tapsus -i barbatus = black mullein, Verbascum nigrum
stercor., stercus -oris = dung, excrement, feces, with the animal of origin in the genitive;  e.g., of dog, canis; horse, equi; peacock, pavonis; also others


tartar., tartarus -i = tartar; see cremor tartaris, above
stipul., stipula -ae = stalk, stem


tax., taxus -i = yew tree (Taxus baccata); or badger, Taxidea taxus; pinguedo taxi, badger fat
stomachicum magistrale = see emplastrum stomachicum magistrale, above


terebinth., terebinthina -ae = turpentine; terebinth. uenet. (Veneta), Venice turpentine; many others including terebinthina communis, Cypria, vulgaris; for Chio terebinth., see Chio, above
stramen -inis = straw; e.g., stramen fabarum, bean straw


terr., terra -ae = earth
sturionis, sturio -onis = European sea sturgeon, Acipenser sturio; ova sturionis, caviar


terr. Lemni., terra -ae Lemnia = Lemnian earth or clay, a medicinal clay originally obtained from the island of Lemnos 
styrac. calamit., styrax -acis calamita = storax, gum-resin from Styrax officinalis


terr. sigillat., terra sigillata = "sealed earth;" Lemnian clay shaped into tablets or cakes into which decorative seals were pressed; same as terra Lemnia 
suber -is = the cork oak, Quercus suberis


test., testa -ae shell of a molllusc, or the skin or coating of a seed
suc[c]in., suc[c]inum -i amber


testud., testudo -inis = tortoise, variou species of genus Testudo
succisa -ae = a genus of flowering plants, family Caprifoliaceae, including devil's bit scabious, Succisa pratensis


thebaic., thebaica -ae = opium; thebaic tincture or extract = laudanum 
succ., succus -i = juice of anything


theriac., theriacal., theriaca -ae = antidote;  treacle; e.g., Theriaca andromachi = mithridatium (q. v.), T. coelestis, laudanum 
suillus -a -um = of, from, or related to pigs; adipes suillus, pig fat or lard


thur., thus thuris = frankincense or olibanum, aromatic resin from trees of genus Boswellia, esp. B. sacra
summit., 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


thym., thymi., thymum -i = thyme, various species of genus Thymus, esp. T. vulgaris
symphit., symphyt., symphitum -i = comfrey; Symphytum maius, greater comfrey


til., tilia -ae = lime-tree, linden 
syr., syrup., syrrup., sirup., sirupus, syrrupus -i = syrup


tinct., tinctura -ae = a solution of anything in spirit of wine; very many types, e.g., tinctura thebiaca, same as laudanum
sirrupus -i bizantinus, byzantinus = juices of endive, smallage, hops, and bugloss, with sugar, boiled to a syrup (Mesue); aniseed, roses, licorice, and other ingredients may be added


tinct. rub., tinctura -ae rubra = tincture of red corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), similar to laudanum
syrrupus -i cardiacus = a cordial syrup; receipt in Pharmacopoiea Londinensis includes Rhenish wine, rose water, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and sugar boiled together, with the addition of ambergris and musk


tormentill. tormentilla -ae = upright septfoil, tormentil; Tormentilla (or Potentilla) erecta
syrupus -i de pomis alterans = apple juice and bugloss juice, violet leaves, rose water and sugar, boiled to a syrup


torrefact., torrefactus -a -um = dried of moisture by heat, scorched, roasted
syrupus de quinque radicibus = syrup of the five roots; celery (Apium graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum sativum), butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) and asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) with sugar and water; a cholagogue and diuretic


tragacanth., dragacanth., tragacanthum -i = gum tragacanth (q.v.)  
===T===
tachamah., tacamahaca -ae = aromatic resin from Bursera (or Elaphrium) tomentosa


turbith., turbithum -i = turbith or turpeth, from Convulvulus turpethum; a purgative  
tamarind., tamarindus -i = tamarind tree, Tamarindus indica; source of tamarind fruit, a purgative


tutia -ae = tutty; zinc oxide
tamarisc., tamarix -icis or tamariscus -i = tamarisk tree, various species of genus Tamarix


== U-V ==
tanacetum -i = genus of flowering plants in the aster family; about 160 species, including Tanacetum vulgare (common tansy), T. balsamita (costmary), and T. parthenium (feverfew)


ueter., veter., veterus -a -um = old; cf. recent., recentis
tapsus -i barbatus = black mullein, Verbascum nigrum


ung., vng. apostol., unguentum apostolorum = containing 12 ingredients incl. turpentine, resin, yellow wax, aristolochia, frankincense, etc.  
taraxicum -i =  Taraxicum officinalis, dandelion; also as "herba taraxici" or "dens leonis," q.v.


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
tartar., tartarus -i = tartar, potassium bitartrate, KC4H5O6; when purified forms white crytals and is referred to as cream of tartar; see cremor tartaris, above


ung., vng. alb., unguentum album = ointment containing olive oil, white wax, and white lead
tax., taxus -i = yew tree (Taxus baccata); or badger, Taxidea taxus; pinguedo taxi, badger fat


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


ung. or vng. pomat., unguentum pomatum = ointment containing pork fat, rose water, and apple pulp
terr. Lemni., terra -ae Lemnia = Lemnian earth or clay, a medicinal clay originally obtained from the island of Lemnos


unguentum populeon = ointment containing poplar buds, animal fat, and various leaves
terr. sigillat., terra sigillata = "sealed earth;" Lemnian clay shaped into tablets or cakes into which decorative seals were pressed; same as terra Lemnia


urtic., vrtic., urtica -ae = nettle, esp. the common nettle Urtica dioica; urtic. urent., Urtica urens, dwarf/ annual/ dog nettle
test., testa -ae = shell of a molllusc, or the skin or coating of a seed


uva -ae = grape
testud., testudo -inis = tortoise, various species of genus Testudo


valerian., valeriana -ae = wild valerian, Valeriana officinalis
thapsia -ae = genus of umbilliferous perennials; Thapsia garganica or T. villosa, deadly carrot


veronic., veronica -ae = speedwell, Veronica officinalis
thebaic., thebaica -ae = opium; thebaic tincture or extract = laudanum


vin., vinum -i = wine; vinum album, white wine; vinum rubrum/rubellum/roseum, red wine
theriac., theriacal., theriaca -ae = antidote;  treacle; e.g., Theriaca andromachi or T. veneta (of Venice), mithridatium (q. v.), T. coelestis, laudanum


viola -ae = violet, various species of genus Viola, esp. V. odorata
thur., thus thuris = frankincense or olibanum, aromatic resin from trees of genus Boswellia, esp. B. sacra


visc. querc., viscum -i quercinus = mistletoe; also Viscum album
thym., thymi., thymum -i = thyme, various species of genus Thymus, esp. T. vulgaris


vitell., vitellus -i = egg yolk; vitelli ovorum, yolks of eggs 
thymelaea = sparrow-wort, a genus of about 30 species of evergreen shrubs and herbs


vitis -is = vine; folia vitis, grape leaves
til., tilia -ae = lime-tree, linden, Tilia europaea; T. alba, white lime-tree 


vitriol., vitriolum -i = vitriol; various metallic sulfates, esp. iron sulfate; v. album = zinc sulfate
tinct., tinctura -ae = a solution of anything in spirit of wine; very many types


vulgar., vulgaris -e =  common, usual  
tinct. rub., tinctura -ae rubra = tincture of red corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas), similar to laudanum
 
tinctura -ae thebiaca = laudanum, tincture of opium
 
tithymalus -i = any of a number of plants of genus Euphorbia, q. v.
 
tormentill. tormentilla -ae = upright septfoil, tormentil; Tormentilla (or Potentilla) erecta
 
torrefact., torrefactus -a -um = dried of moisture by heat, scorched, roasted, toasted
 
tostus -a -um = roasted, parched; past participle of torreo -ere, parch, roast, baked
 
tragacanth., dragacanth., tragacanthum -i = gum tragacanth (q.v.) derived from shrubs of genus Astragalus or from trees of genus Sterculia
 
tragea -ae = likely a powder of some kind
 
triapharmacum = see emplastrum triapharmacum, above
 
tripolium -i = sea or seashore aster, Tripolium pannonicum
 
triphera, tryphera -ae major = triphera the greater, a mixture of various myrobalans, emblic, nutmeg, watercress seeds, asarabacca roots, etc.; for excessive menstruation in women and hemorrhoids in men, also weakness of the stomach; there is also a triphera solutiva, an electuary
 
tritus -a -um = rubbed to pieces; ground up
 
troch., trochisc., trochiscus -i = a pill, troche, tablet, or lozenge
 
trochisci albi Rhasis = ceruse, sarcocolla, starch, gum arabic, tragacanth, and camphor; sometimes with added opium
 
trochisci gallia moschata = aloes, amber, musk, gum tragacanth, rose-water
 
trochisci hedychroi = "pleasantly colored lozenges;" marum leaves, marjoram leaves, yellow saunders, asarum roots, calamus aromaticus, etc.
 
trochisci hysterici = lozenges made of castor, amber, powder of millipedes, etc.; used for treatment of palsy; also known as trochisci de mirrha
 
trochisci polyidae andromachi = pomegranate flowers, white roach, frankincense, myrrh, bull's gall, aloes, etc.; for green wounds and ulcers; Culpeper says "I fancy them not"
 
trochisci Ramich = perfumed troches of Rhasis; juice of sorrel, red roses, unripe grapes, myrtle berries, etc.; for diarrhea, including the bloody flux
 
trochisci de vipera = trochisci de vipera ad theriacam, troches of vipers for treacle (Culpeper); viper flesh boiled with dill, made into lozenges with bread and oil of nutmeg or opobalsamum
turbasis -is = starch made of wheat bran or cuckoo-pint (Arum maculatum) roots; for purging phlegm
 
turbith., turbithum -i, turpethum -i = turbith or turpeth, from Convulvulus turpethum; a purgative
 
tussilago -inis = a genus of plants in the aster family; T. farfara, colt's-foot, is the only recognized species
 
tutia -ae = tutty; zinc oxide
 
===U - V===
valerian., valeriana -ae = wild valerian, Valeriana officinalis
 
verbascum -i = genus of flowering plants, especially Verbascum thapsus, mullein
 
vepris -is = genus of plants in the Rutaceae (rue) family; approximately 80 species
 
verbena -ae = common vervain, Verbena officinalis, or other plants in genus Verbena
 
verdigris = green substance from treatment of Copper with dilute acetic acid, or occurring naturally on copper or brass; may be an acetate, carbonate, or chloride
 
veronic., veronica -ae = speedwell, Veronica officinalis
 
ueter., veter., veterus -a -um = old; cf. recens, recent., recentis, new or fresh
 
viciar., vicia -ae = vetch; JW mentions species "vulgaris," same as fava bean/ broad bean
 
Vigo = Giovanni de Vigo (1460 - 1519); emplastrum Vigonis, Vigo's plaster (lead, wax, mercury, turpentine, various herbs)
 
vincetoxicum -i = white swallow-wort, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria or officinale; a poison antidote
 
vin., vinum -i = wine; vinum album, white wine; vinum rubrum/rubellum/roseum, red wine
 
vinum -i Martiale = globuli martiales or Mars balls, consisting of potassium-iron tartrate (tartrate of potash and iron, C8H8FeK2O12), dissolved in wine
 
vinum -i absinthites = vermouth; made from white wine and absinth; also as vinum florum absinthites, of absinth flowers
 
viola -ae = violet, various species of genus Viola, esp. V. odorata; violarum, of violets
 
viridis -e = green; e.g., ficus virides, green figs
 
visc. querc., viscus -i quercinus = mistletoe, 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 ("green copperas," vitriolum martis) and vitr. album (zinc sulfate); oil of vitriol = sulfuric acid, H2SO4; the famous acronym "visite interiora terrae rectificando invenies occultum lapidem" is likely a spurious back formation; for "Roman vitriol," see lapis caelestis, above
 
vitriolum -i camphoratum = camphorated vitriol or Captain Green's powder; for sores and sore eyes
 
vitis -is vinifera = the common grape vine; the leaves "strongly bind," stop the bloody and other fluxes, stop vomiting, help heart-burning, etc. (Pharmacopoiea Londinensis)
 
vitulinus -a -um = from or related to a calf (i.e., veal)
 
ulmor., ulmorum, ulmus -i = elm tree
 
umbilicus -i veneris = (Venus's) navelwort, Omphalodes linifolia
 
ung., unguentum -i =  any ointment or unguent, either with the origin or association in the genitive, or with a descriptive adjective
 
unguentum Agrippae = an ointment containing briony roots, squill, iris root, dwarf elder, oil, and wax; so called because of a supposed association with Herod Agrippa
 
ung., unguentum -i album = a drying ointment containing olive oil, white wax, and white lead
 
unguentum Arragon = rosemary, marjoram, thyme, aron and cucumber roots, bay, sage and juniper leaves, etc.; also spelled "Aragon" and "Arregon"
 
ung., vng. apostol., unguentum apostolorum = containing 12  ingredients (hence the name), incl. turpentine, resin, yellow wax, aristolochia, frankincense, etc.
 
ung., vng. basilic., or just basilic., unguentum -i basilicum or basilicon = basilicum ointment; yellow, black, or green, each containing beeswax and rosin and other ingredients but not basil
unguentum -i de calce = ointment of lime; contained slaked lime and rose oil
 
ung., unguentum -i catapsoras = ointment containing cerussa, calamine, etc., with hog's grease, sublimated mercury, etc.
 
ung., unguentum -i Comitissae = complex ointment containing many types of bark, berries, and roots boiled in plantaine water, then mixed with yellow wax and several powders; Culpeper terms it "a gallant binding Oyntment, composed neatly by a judicious brain"
 
unguentum -i dessicativum rubrum = red drying ointment; contains litharge of gold, white lead, calamine, yellow wax, oil of roses, camphor, terra sigillata
 
ung., unguentum -i diapampholigos = cited by Aristotle, who recommended it for what sounds like diaper rash; contains rose oil, white wax, monkshood juice, white lead, frankincense, etc.
 
unguentum -i diapompholigos nihili = oil of roses, juice of nightshade, wax, ceruse, lead, pompholix, frankincense; significance of the word nihili, "of nothing" or "worthless," unknown
 
unguentum Egyptiac., Egyptiacum, Ægyptiacum = ointment containing verdigris, honey, and vinegar
 
unguentum -i nervinum = southernwood, marjoram, mint, pennyroyal, etc., with oils and suet
 
unguentum -i e nicotiana or nicotianae = tobacco leaves from various species of genus Nicotiana (e.g. N. tabacum and N. rustica), steeped in wine then boiled in hog's grease, with addition of tobacco juice, aristolochia, rosin, new wax; Culpeper thought very highly of it:  "It would ask a whole Summers day to write the particular vertues of this ointment, and my poor Genius is too weak to give it the hundredth part of its due praise..."
 
unguentum -i nutritum = see unguentum triapharmacum, below
 
unguentum -i ophalmicum = ointment of red mercury; cinnabar, HgS, or calomel, Hg2Cl2; NB distinguish from unguentum ophthalmicum, eye ointment
 
ung., vng. pomat., unguentum pomatum = ointment containing pork fat, rose water, and apple pulp
 
unguentum populeon or populneum = ointment containing poplar buds, pork fat, and leaves of black poppy, mandrake, madder, henbane, nightshade, etc.
 
unguentum -i splanchnicum or splenicum = oil of capers and of white lilies, calomel, butter, juice of bryony and sowbread, etc.
 
unguentum -i triapharmacum = litharge of gold, vinegar, and oil of roses; also called unguentum nutritum
 
unicornu -us = when termed "at large," described by JW as "either ebonie, hartshorne, or bone of a stagg's heart"
 
unicornu -us solare = solar unicorn, a compound and not an animal; Mynsicht (1662) terms it "efficacissimum & inaccessum remedium;" his ingredients include gold and hazelnuts
 
unicornu -us fossile = defined by JW as "Lapis Ceratites," which is a fossilized ammonite, properly "cornu fossile;" if "unicornu," refers to  fossil or excavated unicorn; one such having been calcined by order of King Christian IV of Denmark was thought by Thomas Bartholin to be a narwhal horn
 
urtic., vrtic., urtica -ae = nettle, esp. the common nettle Urtica dioica; urtic. urent., Urtica urens (burning), dwarf/ annual/ dog nettle
 
ung., ungula -ae = hoof, claw, talon; ung. caballin. (caballinus -a -um), horse's hoof
 
usquebach = whisky
 
ustus -a -um = burnt
 
uter- utra- utrumque, (genitive) utriusque = either, each one, both, the one and the other; e.g., bryoniae utriusque, of both types of bryony, i.e., white and red
 
vulgar., vulgaris -e =  common, usual


vulp., vulpes -is = wolf  
vulp., vulpes -is = wolf  


== Z ==
uva -ae = grape; uvae quercinae or oak grapes, see above under quercinus -a -um
 
uva -ae crispa rubra = gooseberry, Ribes uva-crispa; rubra, red
 
uva -ae lupina = monkshood, wolfsbane; Aconitum species, especially A. napellus
 
uvae quercinae = see under quercinus -a -um, above
 
===W===
Winterani = occurs only in (Captain) Winter's bark; see under cortex winterani, above
 
===X===
xyloaloes = see lignum aloes, above
 
===Z===
zalap., zalapium, -i = same as ialap/jalap, q.v.
 
zedoar., zedoaria -ae = zedoary, Curcuma zedoaria
 
zibet., zibetha -ae = civet, civet musk; from several species, best known being the African civet, Civettictis civetta
 
ziziphus -i = jujube; from Ziziphus species, e.g., Z. jujuba, the tree that produces the edible jujube fruit, resembling a small date
 
zyth., zythum -i = zythos, unfermented Egyptian beer


zedoar., zedoaria -ae = zedoary, Curcuma zedoaria
zythogala -ae = posset drink; see liquor posseticus, above


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


zyth., zythum -i =  zythos  (unfermented Egyptian beer)
<references/>


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


== Alchemical Symbols and Other Abbreviations ==
==Alchemical Symbols and Other Abbreviations==


Ward very occasionally used these, e.g.,   
Ward very occasionally used these, e.g.,   


'''X''', symbol for tartar; crem. '''X''' is = cremor tartaris, cream of tartar  
'''♀️''' symbol for tartar (symbol unicode &amp;#128831;); '''crem.♀️is''' = ''cremor tartaris'', cream of tartar  
 
'''♂️'''symbol for Mars; '''croc.♂️is''' = ''crocus Martis'' = "saffron of Mars," iron peroxide, colcothar, or jeweler's rouge) (symbol unicode &amp;#9794;)
 
[add symbol] , symbol for sulfur (symbol unicode &amp;#128781;); flores  is = "flowers of sulfur," powdered sulfur produced by sublimation as opposed to natural crystalline sulfur (i.e., brimstone)
 
[add symbol], symbol for vitriol (symbol unicode &amp;#128790;)
 
69: see above, "oculi cancri;" image from Zwinger, ''Theatri Praxeos Medicae'' (1710), p. 150


'''X''', symbol for Mars; croc. '''X''' is =
[add thumbnail here] : Ocul''i'' ''cancri'' p''raeci''p''i''t''atum'' ana ʒss


Description automatically generatedis = crocus Martis, "saffron of Mars," iron peroxide, colcothar, or jeweler's rouge
<sup>9</sup> (superscript 9) = "-us;" a common medieval contraction, as in "corp<sup>9</sup> "''='' corpus


69:  see above, "oculi cancri"  
See various additional abbreviations in "John Ward's Alphabet."


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


                                                    '''Following list by Callum Simms'''
=='''Glossary of Latin terms by Callum Simms'''==


== ingredients in alphabetical order:<br> ==
===Ingredients===


• absynth. - absynthium = 'wormwood'<br>
• absynth. - absynthium = 'wormwood'<br>
Line 1,433: Line 2,493:
The symbol (℞) is short for 'recipe' and means 'take' in Latin. This is still used for prescriptions today as Rx.<br>
The symbol (℞) is short for 'recipe' and means 'take' in Latin. This is still used for prescriptions today as Rx.<br>


--------------------------------------------------
===Other===
 
<br>
<br>
• ā - for originally Greek 'ana' = 'of each' <br>
• ā - for originally Greek 'ana' = 'of each' <br>
Line 1,479: Line 2,538:
• ust. - ustus = 'burnt'<br>
• ust. - ustus = 'burnt'<br>
• vulgar. - vulgaris = 'common'<br>
• vulgar. - vulgaris = 'common'<br>
==Resources==
[https://www.getty.edu/research/exhibitions_events/exhibitions/alchemy/AoA_symbols.pdf Alchemical symbols, from Getty]
[https://textcreationpartnership.org/docs/dox/alchem.html Alchemical symbols, from the Text Creation Partnership]
[https://www.unicode.org/charts/PDF/U1F700.pdf Alchemical symbols character code table, from the Unicode Standard, version 13.0]
[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appendix:Unicode/Alchemical_Symbols Alchemical symbols, from Wiktionary]
[https://www.lexilogos.com/keyboard/greek_ancient.htm Ancient Greek keyboard, from Lexilogos]
[https://folgerpedia.folger.edu/mediawiki/media/images_pedia_folgerpedia_mw/6/6a/JW_Alphabet_Revised_doc.pdf John Ward alphabet]


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[[Category: Manuscripts]]
[[Category: Manuscripts]]
[[Category: Transcriptions]]
[[Category: Transcriptions]]
[[Category:John Ward]]
[[EMMO]]
[[EMMO]]

Revision as of 15:24, 10 June 2022

This article features two glossaries of the Latin words and abbreviations in the diaries of John Ward, Folger MS V.a.284 -299. The words are all associated with medical receipts. At the bottom of the article are links to a cribsheet for John Ward's handwriting, several sites that depict alchemical symbols, and a Greek keyboard.

The first glossary was compiled by Dr. Robert Tallaksen, a reader and transcriber at the Folger Shakespeare Library. It is regularly updated with new words. Last update was March 26, 2021.

The second glossary 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.

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.


John Ward's Latin medical words and abbreviations (Dr. Robert Tallaksen, compiler)

Instructions and Amounts

ā, āā, 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/post prandium = before/after a meal (lunch)

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

bacill., bacillus -i = a small stick; e.g., bacill. glycirriz., a stick of licorice

balneum -i = bath; e.g., BV, balneo vaporoso, in a steam bath; BM, 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 or let them 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 = cape, take; also capiat (let him/her take X) and capiatur (let X be taken)

chartula -ae = a small piece of paper; specifically, such a piece of paper twisted or folded and 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 = 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; very often abbreviated with macron: cū

cuspis -idis cultelli = point of a knife; as much medicine as will lie on a knife point; a small but uncertain amount, likely a few grains

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

d., dos., dosis -is = dose

decoq., decoquo -ere = boil down / reduce

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

dulcorand., edulcorand., dulcorandus -a -um = sweetened; from dulcoro -are

e, ex = out of / from

ebull., ebullio -ire = boil

epotus -a -um = swallowed, quaffed, drunk up

erasus -a -um = scraped; see also rasus -a -um, below

et = and

exacin., exacinatus -a -um = with the seeds or stones removed; e.g. raisins

excorticatus -a -um = peeled, skinned, stripped of outer covering

f. (face), from 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; incisus -a -um, incised, cut open

(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)

ieiuno or jejuno ventriculo = on a fasting (empty) stomach

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

lb, sometimes lib, or crossed, "℔" = pound; liquid measures often in pounds rather than volume

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

m., misc., misceo -ere = mix; misceantur, let them (ingredients) be mixed

m. f. = misce face/ misceat or misceant fiat, mix (the ingredients) and make X, or let (the ingredients) be mixed and X be made (e.g., pills, electuary)

magistral., magistralis -e = related to magister -tri, a master or teacher; can refer to something that is a practitioner's own formulation (as opposed to officinalis -e, see below), or a remedy that is supremely effective

mane (indecl.) = in the morning

manica -ae 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 (numero) ii, juice of two lemons (in the number of two)

nocte = at night

nodulo, nodulus -i = a little knot, from nodus -i; in nodulo ligat., tied in a little knot

officin., officinalis -e = from officina -ae, a shop; any standard medicine or ingredient kept in apothecary shops

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

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

parum = a little; e.g., ol(eum) Iasmini parum, a little oil of jasmine

pauxill., pauxillatum = little by little

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

purpureus -a -um = purple

q. s., quantum satis or quantum sufficit = a sufficient quantity; q. s. ad = a sufficient amount for...

q. s. m. f. = quantum satis misce face (or misceantur fiat), take a sufficient quantity of the last ingredient or ingredients named, mix, (and) make X; or let the ingredients be mixed and let X be made

rament., ramenta -orum = (plural) scrapings, shavings

ras., rasur., rasus -a -um or rasuratus -a -um = scraped or scrapings of

redig., redige, redigo -ere = 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, more often

semicoch., semicochl., semicochleare = half a spoonful

sensim = slowly, gradually, little by little

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

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

siccus -a -um = dry, dried

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

spatha -ae, spatula -ae = a flat piece of wood, a stirrer; diminutive is spatula -ae

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

stillat., 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/may be substituted

subtilissime, subtilissimus -a -um = very fine(ly), minutely; e.g., face pulverem subtilissimam, make a very fine powder; contunde in mortario subtilissime, crush very finely in a mortar

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 = drink after or upon another substance; superbibendus -a -um, it should be taken after something else

ust., ustus -a -um = burnt

vesperi = in the evening

Measurements

lb or ℔ = pound; NB the unit of weight, not of money

M = handful

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

℥ = ounce (available on EMROC toolbar in Dromio)

f℥ = fluid ounce, though the "f" is generally omitted

ʒ = dram, drachm (available on EMROC toolbar in Dromio)

℈ = scruple (available on EMROC toolbar in Dromio)

Equivalents:

  • 20 grains = 1 scruple
  • 3 scruples = 1 dram
  • 8 drams = 1 ounce

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

When "s" or "ss" is used for one half, it follows the last character, thus:

  • ℈s, 1/2 scruple
  • ℥iiis = 3 1/2 ounces
  • ʒiss = 1 1/2 drams

The "s" can look like a long "i" but will lack a dot.

The abbreviations for grain, "gr," and guttae (drops), "gt," can look very similar; if so:

  • when the ingredient is a liquid, e.g., a syrup, suggest using "gt"
  • if a dry substance, e.g., saffron, use "gr."

Ingredients, descriptions, and types of receipts

A

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

absynth., absynthium -i = wormwood, Artemisia absinthium; sal absynthii = salt of absinth, impure potassium carbonate (K2CO3) obtained from wormwood ashes; see also vinum absinthites, below

acetos., acetosa -ae = sorrel or sour dock, Rumex acetosa; fol. acetos., folia acetosae, leaves of this plant

acet., acetum -i = vinegar; a. theriacale, treacle vinegar

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

adamas or lapis -idis adamas = diamond; from α (not) + δάμαζω (conquer, break) because it cannot be broken

adiant., adianth., adiantum -i = maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris

adonis -is or -nidis = the plant pheasant's eye, Adonis annua; its red flowers are said to have grown on Adonis' grave

aes aeris = brass, copper; aes viride, verdigris; see also unguentum Egyptiacum, below

aetites -ae = eagle stone (Pliny), "a hollow nodule or pebble of hydrated iron oxide containing a loose kernel that makes a noise when rattled" (OED); said to be helpful in avoiding miscarriage, in pregnancy generally, and in childbirth

agalloc(h)um = see lignum aloes, below

agaric., agaricus -i = originally the bracket fungus, Formitopsis officinalis, later any mushroom with a cap, various species including Agaricus cantharellus, the chanterelle

agaricus -i Rudii = an unknown mushroom or fungus used by or otherwise associated with Eustachio Rudio (1551 - 1611), Italian physician, Latinized as Eustachius Rudius

ageratum -i = sweet maudlin, sweet yarrow, or English mace, Achillea ageratum; flowering plant in the sunflower family

agni cast., agni casti = Vitex agnus-castus; chaste tree, chasteberry, Abraham's balm, etc. agrimon., agrimonia -ae = common agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria

albedinem = accusative of albedo -inis, whiteness; occurs in the phrase ad albedinem calcinati, calcined to whiteness, in this case hart's horn

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)

alcanna -ae = alkanet, Alkanna tinctoria, an herb in the borage family; the root yields a red dye; used for infections

alchermes, alkermes (confectio -onis) = confection of kermes (pregnant female of the crimson insect Coccus ilicis), formerly supposed to be a berry; widely used as dye-stuff and in medicine

alchymilla -ae = genus of herbaceous perennials in the rose family, esp. lady's mantle, Alchemilla mollis; the species used for the herbal tea used in gynecology was A. xanthochlora or A. vulgaris

aleophanginae = see pilulae aleophanginae, below

alexitericus -a -um = alexipharmic, a "medicine or treatment believed to protect against, counteract the effects of, or expel from the body a noxious or toxic substance... an antidote" (OED)

alexiterium -i = an alexipharmic medicine, antidote; alexiterium D. Stephani, Stephanus's antidote, possibly from Stephanus Atheniensis (c. 550 - 630), Greek physician and commentator on Galen

alezeteris = likely a misspelling for "alexiteris," see above entry

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

alipta -ae = see alyptae moschata, below

alkakeng., alkekengi = winter cherry, Physalis alkekengi, a diuretic

alleluia = same as lujula, see below

allium -i = garlic, Allium sativum

alnus -i = alder, a tree of genus Alnus; cort. alni nigri = black alder bark, from A. glutinosa

aloe -es = aloe; esp. the true aloe, Aloe vera; more than 500 species; distinguish from lignum aloes, q.v.

aloe -es 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"

aloe -es lota = washed aloe; apparently dissolved in the juice of roses and then dried

alsine = bog stichwort, Stellaria alsine

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

alviducum -i = "opener of the belly;" i.e., a laxative

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

alypta -ae moschata = a compounded lozenge containing ladanum (q. v.), styrax calamita, red sytrax, aloe, ambra, camphor, nutmeg, and rosewater; for asthma and chest constriction

amaracus -i = dittany of Crete, Dictamnus (Origanum) creticus

ambra -ae = amber, or a balsam from Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum), or ambergris

ambra -ae grisea = ambergris

amethystus -i = amethyst; the semi-precious stone, "to which the ancients attributed the property of preventing drunkenness" (Dunglison's Medical Lexicon)

ammi -ii = an umbelliferous plant, Ammi vulgare (maius), common bishop's weed

ammoniac., ammoniacum -i = gum ammoniac, gum resin of Dorema ammoniacum

amomi., amomum -i = genus of aromatic plants including black cardamom, Amomum sublatum

amylum -i = white starch anagallis -idis = common or "scarlet" pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis

anas -atis = duck, various birds of family Anatidae, genus Anas; genitive plural anatum, as in iecur anatum, liver of ducks

aneth., anethum -i = dill, Anethum graveolens

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

anodin., anodyn., anodynos -us = a pain reliever, anodyne

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

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

anthora -ae = anthora, yellow monkshood, or healing wolfsbane, Aconitum anthora

anthos = rosemary flowers; anthosatus -a -um, infused with rosemary flowers; e.g., mel (honey) anthosatum

antidotum -i or antidotus -i = an antidote or counterpoison

antidotum -i haemagogum = "haemagogum" indicates that it promotes menstrual or hemorrhoidal discharge of blood; numerous ingredients including lupins, pepper, licorice, long birthwort, etc.; Culpeper says that it "provokes the Terms, brings away both birth and afterbirth"

antidotus -i Matthioli = Matthiolus' Great Antidote, some recipes call for more than 300 ingredients; in the Pharmacopoiea Londinensis, William Salmon (1644 - 1713) terms it "one of the greatest Galli-maufries that ever I saw" aparine = cleavers, clivers, catchweed, sticky willy, or velcro plant, Galium aparine

apium -i = smallage or any of several kinds of celery or parsley, esp. wild celery, Apium graveolens dulce; apium caulis, the stock or stem of one of these plants

apozema -atis = an infusion or decoction; or concentration by boiling

aq., aqua -ae = water; if an infusion, distillation, or decoction, with the name of the source in the genitive, e.g., aqua hordei, barley water

aq. calc., aqua -ae calcis = lime water (whitewash)

aqua -ae caponis = capon water; made by boiling a capon with raisins, pine nuts, licorice, and herbs, mixed with wine and other herbs, and distilled; a pectoral

aqua -ae chrysulca = see aqua regia, below

aqua fontis, aqua fontana = spring or well water

aq. fort., aqua -ae fortis = nitric acid, HNO3; may also be called "spirit of niter"

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

aqua -ae imperialis = a drink made from water mixed with cream of tartar and lemon, and sweetened to taste

aq. naphae, aqua -ae naphae = orange flower water

aqua regia = a mixture of nitric (HNO3) and hydrocholoric (HCl) acids which can dissolve gold and platinum

aq. vit., aqua vitae = distilled spirit

aquilegia -ae = genus of perennial plants, including various species of columbine

arc(h)onticon = see pulvis arconticon, below

argentina -ae = genus of plants in the rose family, especially silverweed, Argentina anserina

argentum -i = the element silver (Ag); argentum vivum ("alive") = mercury (Hg), see hydrargyrus, below

argill., argilla -ae = argil, argillaceous earth, alumina

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

aristoloch., aristolochia -ae = many species, including birthwort, Aristolochia clematitis; JW also mentions A. rotunda, smearwort or round-leaved birthwort; see also serpentaria, below

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

artemis., artemisia -ae = mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris; also other species including southernwood, wormwood, tarragon

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

arum -i = common arum or aron, Arum maculatum; also known as wake-robin, cuckoo-pint; a stimulant

arundo -inis = genus of grasses; Arundo donax, giant cane; A. plinii, Pliny's reed; A. vallatoria, bankside reed; A. saccharina, sugar cane, now genus Saccharum

asa dulcis = benzoe siamensis, a resin gum from Styrax tonkinensis, used for skin irritation; possibly also used as a purgative , diuretic, or antispasmodic, and identical to benzoin

asar., asarum -i = asarabacca or hazelwort, Asarum europaeum; also known as nardus celticus

asclepiadis = genitive of genus Asclepias; various species, including milkweed.; mentioned as radix asclepiadis, the root of such a plant

aspalathus -i = genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae (beans), numerous species

asphodel., asphodelus -i = genus of flowering plants mythologically connected with the underworld and said to cover the Elysian fields; the white asphodel, A. albus, is also known as King's spear[1]; the roots were compounded into a cataplasm and applied to scrofulous ulcers

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

asperula -ae odorata = sweet woodruff; also called Gallium odoratum

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

assaireth = in pilulae Assaireth (Avicenna); pills containing hiera picra, mastich, myrobalans, etc.; a cholagogue

athanasia -ae = genus of flowering plants in the daisy family; in ancient times a kind of antidote; "athanasia magna" was thought to be useful in dysentery and hemorrhages

atriplex -icis (olida) = orache or arrach, an emmenogogue and used for disorders of the uterus generally; Culpeper defines A. olida as "stinking arrach"

aurum -i = gold; appears in V.a.298 as "fol. auri," gold leaf; though possibly leaves of Aurus brasiliensis, also known as Calamus aromaticus asiaticus, Asian sweet-scented flag see also pillulae aurae below

auriculus -i muris = mouse-ear or mouse-ear hawkweed, Pilosella officinarum

aurum -i fulminans or volatile = fulminating (explosive) gold, a mixture of compounds of gold, ammonia, and chlorine; seems primarily to have been seen as a curiosity; Glauber used fumes produced by its detonation to gold-plate objects

aurant., aurantior., aurantium -i = orange, Citrus aurantium; cortex aurantiorum, orange peel

aurant. chinens., aurantium -i chinense = Chinese (sweet) orange, Citrus sinensis

auripigment., auripigmentum -i = auripigment, arsenic trisulfide (As2S3), used by painters under the name of King's Yellow (OED); also appears as arsenicum auripigmentum

avellan., avellanus -a -um = relating to hazel-nut or filbert; nux avellana, hazel-nut; from the name of the town Avellana in Campania, known for its fruit and nut trees

aven., auenaceae, 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 (any)

bacill., bacillus -i = a small stick; e.g., bacill. glycirriz., a stick of licorice

bacon., baco -onis = bacon

balaust., balaustium -i = pomegranate flower

balneum -i = bath; BV, balneum vaporosum, steam bath; BM, balneum mariae, bain-marie

balsam., balsamum -i = balsam, balm, any strongly scented resin, many types; can be solid or liquid; e.g., balsam of Tolu, of Gilead (from tree Balsamodendron gileadense or B. opobalsamum

barba -ae iovis = Jupiter's beard, Anthyllis barba-iovis; also known as silverbush

bardana -ae = burdock; see lappa, below

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

bechicus -a -um, bechinus -a -um = for treatment of 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

becabung., beccabunga -ae = water pimpernel, brooklime; Veronica beccabunga behen = uncertain identification because early herbalists used the name from Arabic sources, not knowing what plant it referred to; in England the name chiefly affixed to two types: white (bladder campion, Silene inflata) and red (sea lavender, Statice limonium)

bellis -is = the common or English daisy, Bellis perennis; also known as woundwort or bruisewort

bened. laxat., benedicta laxativa or benedictum laxativum = another name for rhubarb, or the laxative electuary made from it; or a compound of turbith, scammony and spurge

benedict. = carduus benedictus, q. v.

benzoes = benzoe siamensis; see asa dulcis, above

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

berber., berberis -is = barberry tree, Berberis vulgaris, or the berry itself beta -ae = beetroot, Beta vulgaris; also appears as "rad. (radix) betae" beton., betonic., betonica -ae = betony, Stachys betonica

betonica -ae Pauli = St. Paul's betony, Veronica serpyllifolia, a small species of speedwell

bezoar (indecl.); bezoart., lapis bezoarticum -i = a stone or concretion found in animal intestines; eight types are described (including mineral, biliary, resinous, fibrous) and these may be described with an adjective, e.g., bezoart. minerale, animale; a particular type comes from the pazan (pasang), the wild or bezoar goat, Capra aegagrus

bezoard., bezoardic., bezoardicus -a -um = relating to or in description of a bezoar

bezoardicum -i ioviale = the Jovial bezoar or bezoar of Jupiter, a diaphoretic; butter of antimony (q.v.) and nitric acid, distilled; not related to "bezoar," above

bezoarticum -i solare = the "solar" or "golden" bezoar; leaf gold, nitric acid or aqua regia, and butter of antimony (q.v.); a diaphoretic and treatment for syphilis; not related to "bezoar," above

bezoarticum -i Mathioli = the bezoar of Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501 - 77), Italian physican and naturalist, Latinized as Matthiolus; precise description of this bezoar unknown

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

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

bol. armen., bolus -i Armeniae = Armenian bole, bole armoniac; an argillaceous earth

bombac., bombax -acem = cotton, cotton-wool, stuffing

borac., borax (-acis) = borax (sodium borate, disodium tetraborate), Sodae biboras

botryos = Jerusalem oak, Dysphania botrys; also known as sticky goosefoot or feathered geranium

brassica -ae = genus of numerous cruciferous plants, incl. cabbage, turnip, rape, etc.

bryon., bryonia -ae = briony, Bryonia dioica, may also be denoted red or white; black bryony = lady's seal

bubula -ae = beef; bubulus -a -um, derived from beef; medulla bubula, beef marrow

bugloss., buglossa -ae = bugloss (various species of Anchusa, Echium, and others)

bugul., bugula -ae = numerous herbaceous plants including common bugle, Ajuga reptans

bupthalmi., bupthalmum -i = common ox-eye, Bupthalmum salicifolium; also "bupthalmus"

butyr., butyron -i = butter; butryr. rancid., rancid butter; butyr. recens, recent. = fresh butter

butyrum -i antimonii = "butter of antimony," antimony trichloride, SbCl3, thus called because it resembles a fatty mass

buxus -i = common or European box, Buxus sempervivens, an evergreen shrub or small tree

C

calamint, calaminth., calamintha -ae = calamint; various species of Calamintha, e.g. officinalis, sylvatica, nepeta, montana

calc. viv., calx calcis = lime, limestone, chalk; calx vivum, unslaked lime; see also unguentum de calce, below

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

caltha -ae = genus of perennial flowering plants in the buttercup family, with star-shaped flowers

campan., campanula -ae = throat-wort, bell-flower; Campanula trachelium

camphir., camphor., camphora -ae = camphor, from Laurus camphora or Dryobalanops camphora; camphoratus -a -um, camphorated

cancror., cancer -eris = crab; cancrorum vivorum, (of) live crabs; see also "oculi cancri," below

canell., canella -ae = canella tree; Canella alba, wild cinnamon

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

caphura -ae = camphor

capill. vener., capillus veneris = maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris

cappar., capparis -is = caper, Capparis spinosa; ol., oleum capparibus, oil of capers

capra -ae = she-goat; pinguedo caprae, she-goat fat

caprifolium -a = Italianate woodbine or perfoliate honeysuckle, Lonicera caprifolium

caput capitis cati = a cat's head; typically, it seems, a black cat's head burned to ashes

carabe, carabes = likely a name for white amber (V.a. 298, f. 161r, receipt in Latin, "Carab. pulueriz.," followed by receipt in English, "the white amber powderd")

caranna = an aromatic resin from the West Indian flowering tree Bursera acuminata and/or the South American trees Protium carana, P. altissimum, and Pachylobus hexandrus

cardamantice = see iberis cardamantice, below

cardiac., cardiacus -a -um = cordial, for stimulating, invigorating, or restoring the heart; aqua cardiaca, cordial water

carduncellus -i = uncertain; either Carduncellus, a genus of flowering plants in the aster family; or Carthamus carduncellus, one of the distaff thistles, the best known of which is the safflower, C. tinctorius

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

card. ben., card. bened., card. benedict., carduus -i benedictus = holy or blessed thistle, Cnicus benedictus, widely used as an antidote[2]

cardam., cardamomum -i = cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum

carellorum = plural genitive of the diminutive of carus -i, "little seed;" refers to the seed of hypericon, St. John's wort

carduus -i Mariae = Marian, milk, or St. Mary's thistle, Silybum marianum

caric., carica -ae = fig, Ficus carica; may be described as ficus pinguis, a fat or ripe fig

carlin., carlina -ae = carline or silver thistle, Carlina vulgaris

carminativus -a -um = serving to expel flatulence, as in "emplastrum carminativum"

caro carnis = meat, flesh (any kind), with the source as an adjective or in the genitive; e.g., haedina, kid; vitulina, veal; perdicum, of partridges

carthami., carthamus = saffron flower, Carthamus tinctorius

carui., carvi., carum -i = caraway, Carum carui

caryocost., caryostinum -i = caryocostinum, an electuary so called because it contains cloves and costus, Saussurea costus, also known as costus, kuth, and putchuk, a species of Indian thistle

caryophill., caryophillus -i = clove, Caryophyllus aromaticus

caseum -i = cheese (any kind)

cass., cassia -ae = cassia (various species; e.g, Cassia fistula, purging cassia)

cass. lign., cassia -ae lignum = cassia wood

castanea -ae = chestnut or chestnut-tree, Castana vesca

castoreum -i = castoreum; beaver musk

cataplasm., cataplasma -is = poultice or plaster

catapsoras = see unguentum catapsoras, below

cataputia = the castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, also called palma Christi from the palmate shape of its leaves

catholicon, catholicum -i = a universal purging electuary; see diacatholicon, below

C.C. = cornu cervi (deer or hart's horn), a source of ammonia; not the plant (Plantago coronopus)

cattaria -ae = catnip, Nepeta cataria

cauda -ae equina = horsetail or mare's tail; various species of ancient genus Equisetum, e.g., E. arvense, common horsetail or the aquatic flowering plant Hippuris vulgaris; NB distinguish from cauda equina, the bundle of spinal nerves in the lower lumbar region that innervate the pelvic organs and lower extremities

caulis -is = cabbage, or its stalk or stem; see also apium caulis, above

centaur., centaurium -i = centaury, feverfew, or featherfew; the greater, Centaurea magnum or maius = C. erythraea; and the lesser, C. minus or C. parvum = Chironia centaurium (?); mention of centaurium utrumque, possibly directing the use of both maius and minus

centinodii, centinodium -i = common knotgrass, birdweed, pigweed, or lowgrass, Polygonum aviculare; post-classical Latin "centinodia," Anglo-Norman "centinodie"

cepa -ae = onion, Allium capa

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

ceratum -i = cerate, an unctuous material for external application, made of wax mixed with oil, lard, or similar, and other medicinal substances; consistency between ointment and plaster

ceratum -i santalinum = cerate containing two or more of the santals or saunders

ceratum -i stomachicum = a cerate for the abdomen made from roses, mastich, wormwood, spikenard, wax, and oil of roses (Mesue)

ceratum -i oesypatum = cerate containing oesypus (unrefined lanolin), oil of chamomel and iris root, yellow wax and rosin (Galen)

cerebrum -i = brain; e.g., cerebrum leporis (rabbit brain) for hair loss, cerebrum. passeris (sparrow) for "seed increasing"

cerefolium -i = chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium

cerevis., cerevisia -ae, cervis., cervisia -ae = beer or ale; cervisia tenuis, thin (i.e., weak or inferior), or small beer

ceroma -ae = in CL, a mixture of oil, wax, and earth with which wrestlers rubbed themselves; apparently now synonymous with ceroneum, below

ceroneum -i = emplastrum ceroneum; pitch, yellow wax, sagapenum, ammoniacum, turpentine, etc.; an emollient

ceronia -ae = St. John's bread; fruit of the carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua

ceruss., cerussa -ae = ceruse or white lead; a mixture of lead carbonate and hydrate

cervin., cervinus -a -um = of or pertaining to a deer or stag

ceterach. = spleenwort or rustyback fern, Asplenium ceterach

chalcitis -idis = copper pyrite, chalcopyrite, CuFeS2; also synonym for colcothar, see below

chalyb., chalybs chalybis = steel

chamaelea = Microstachys chamaelea,"creeping sebastiana"

chamamel., chamaemel., chamaemelum -i = chamomile, Anthemis nobilis

chameleon -ontis = chamaeleontis albi, Carlina acaulis, carline thistle; chamaeleontis nigri, Carthami corymbosi (both in the genitive)

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

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

chebula -ae = JW describes it as a type of myrobalan (q. v.) though it is a different genus

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

cheraefolium -i = chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium

chio, chia., terebinth. chia = turpentine from the tree Pistacia terebinthus, also called Cyprus, Chio, or Chian turpentine

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

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

cicer -i = chickpea, Cicer aristinum; several varieties, including white (album), red (rubrum), and black (nigrum)

cich., cichor., cichorium -i = wild chicory or succory, Cichorium intybus; C. endivia, endive

cicuta -ae = various species of hemlock; e.g., water hemlock, Cicuta virosa or palustris; common greater hemlock, C. vulgaris major

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 (of anything)

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

citrium -i = the citron tree, genus Citrium; species include C. vulgare, C. dulci medulla, and C. magno fructu

citrullus - i = a genus of desert vines, including C. lanatus, watermelon, and colocynth

clematis -idis daphnoides = periwinkle, Vinca minor

clyster -eris = enema

cnidium = spurge flax or mezereum, Daphne cnidium

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; see also sal cochleariae, below; NB don't confuse with coch., cochleare -is, = spoonful

coculus -i indi = India berries; from the tree Anamirta cocculus; source of picrotoxin

colatura -ae = a substance which has been strained; adjective is colaturus -a -um

colcothar = iron peroxide, jeweller's rouge, from ML calcatar; also called crocus martis

collutio -onis = eye-wash

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

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

columba -ae = dove, pigeon; a bird of the Columbidae family, containing 50 genera and over 300 species

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

commun., communis -e = common; also expressed as vulgaris -e

concha -ae = mussel, pearl-oyster

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

conf., confect., confectio -onis = compound of vegetable, fruit, etc., with sugar; same as conserva

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

confectio -onis Humain = to preserve sight; containing eyebright, fennel seeds, cinnamon, etc.

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. confectio -onis liberans = name derives from its property of delivering the patient from the plague; as many as thirty ingredients including Armenian bole, terra sigillata, pearls, coral, &c.

cons., conserv., conserva -ae = compound of vegetable, fruit, etc., with sugar; same as confectio

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

consolida -ae saracenica = goldenrod, Virga aurea or Solidago virga-aurea, same as solidago saracenica, below; a vulnerary

contrayerv., contrayerva -ae = contrayerva; the root stock and rhizome of Dorstenia contrayerva, D. brazilensis, or D. virginiana (= Aristolochia serpentaria); used as an antidote to snakebite

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

coran. = currants or Corinthian raisins (uvae corinthiacae)

cord., cordial -is = cordial; see also flores cordiales, below

coriand., coriandrum -i = coriander, Coriandrum sativum

cornus -us = the cornel cherry tree, Cornus mascula

coronopus -i = either swinecress or wartcress, Lepidium coronopus, or buckshorn plaintain, Plantago coronopus

cort., 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 -icis Winterani, Drimys winteri, antiscorbutic; named after a Captain Winter (or Wynter), who accompanied Sir Francis Drake in part of his voyage of 1577 - 80; Winter discovered the tree after rounding Cape Horn and before turning back

coton. = cotton

cotonaria -ae = cottonweed or cudweed, species of genus Gnaphalium

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

crassula -ae = a genus of succulent plants, e.g., Crassula ovata, the jade plant, and C. aquatica, pigmyweed

crem., cremor -oris tartari = cream of tartar, potassium bitartrate, KC4H5O6; 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

creticus -a -um = chalky

cribratus -a -um = strained, sieved, sifted

crithmus -i = probably samphire, otherwise sea or shoreline purslane, Crithmus indicus, C. maritimum, or Sesuvium portulacastrum

croc., crocus -i = saffron, from the crocus flower, Crocus sativus; may be designated austriacus, i.e., from Austria

croc. is = crocus Martis, "saffron of Mars," iron peroxide, colcothar, or jeweler's rouge

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

crocatus -a -um = of a saffron-yellow color

crocomagma -atis = dregs of the oil of saffron, or an ointment made with it; mentioned by Pliny as being useful for cataracts and stangury

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

cubeba -ae = Java pepper, Piper cubeba; an antiseptic; useful in gonorrhea

cucum., cucumer. agrest., cucumis -eris agrestis or c. asinius = wild cucumber, Momordica elaterium, a purgative

cucurbita -ae = any of various gourds of genus Cucurbita; approximately 95 species, including pumpkins and various other squashes

cumin., cuminum -i = cumin, Cumin cyminum

cupressi., cupressus -i = cypress-tree; nux (pl. nuces) cupressi, the fruit or cone of the cypress

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

curcubitula -ae = small cupping glass

cuscuta -ae = dodder, a parasitic twining plant; genus Cuscuta has more than 200 species

cyanus -i = cornflower or bachelor's button, Centaurea cyanus

cyclamen -inis = many species of genus Cyclamen; e.g., C. purpurascens (see artanita, above) and C. hederifolium, ivy-leaved cyclamen, also called sowbread

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

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

cynoglossum -i = common hound's tongue, Cynoglossum officinale

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

cynosbat., cynosbati fructus = rose hips from Rosa canina

cyperus -i = genus of endogenous plants with around 700 species; Cyperus longus, or sweet cyperus, also called galingale

D

dactyl., dactylus -i = date; fruit of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera

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

decoct., decoctio -onis = decoction; boiling in liquid to extract the soluble parts of a substance

deliquium -i = a melting or flowing down; per deliquium is spontaneous liquification (deliquescence) of a solid by its dissolving in moisture absorbed from the air; e.g., ol. tart. per deliquium, oleum tartaris per deliquium, potassium carbonate (K2CO3) in aqueous solution from water so absorbed

dens dentis leonis = "lion's tooth," dandelion; Taraxacum dens-leonis

dessicativum -i rubrum = see unguentum dessicativum rubrum, below

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 and tending to mean made, containing, or consisting of that ingredient, though receipts vary; the New Sydenham's Society's Lexicon names about eighty (OED); the ones mentioned by JW are included below

diambra -ae = powder containing cinnamon, angelica, cloves, nutmeg, galangal, etc. used for nervous afflictions and aphrodisiac

diabotanum = plaster of multiple herbs (Galen); resolvent (tissue softener) and suppurative

diacalciteos = chalcitis (an iron oxide), with plantain and nightshade juice; for cancer

diacarcinon = from crabs; antidote for rabies

diacarthamum = containing safflower (bastard-saffron), hermodactyl, ginger, etc.; a purgative

diachylon cum gummi or d. simplex = ointment containing juices of herbs

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

diacatholicon or catholicon = purgative electuary containing senna, cassia, tamarinds, etc., named for its general usefulness

diacorallium = trochisci diacorallium (Galen), containing bole-armoniac, red coral, terra lemnia, etc.; to stop blood, including the bloody flux and menstrual flow

diacinamomum -i = a compound of cinnamon; an antidote

diaclysma, plural diaclysmata = mouthwash; for toothache, cleaning the gums; diaclysma ad scorbutum, an antiscorbutic

diacod., diacodium -i = electuary containing of poppy seeds or heads, used as an opiate

diacorum = electuarium diacorum, electuary of calamus; likely Acorus calamus, sweet flag

diacrocu = a dry collyrium in which saffron is an ingredient (New Sydenham Lexicon)

diacrocuma = an electuary for the stomach, abnormalities of the kidneys and bladder; many ingredients including saffron, asarabacca, parsley, carrot, anise, and smallage seeds, etc.

diacurcuma = numerous ingredients, including saffron (crocus), asarum, rhubarb, phu, etc.; used as an antidote and for cachexia, dropsy, and diseases of the liver and spleen

diacydon. simpl., diacydonium -i simplex = conserve or marmalade of quinces (Cydonium oblonga)

diagalanga -ae = confection of galanga with "hot spices," useful for the wind cholic

diagrid., diagryd, diagrydium -i = electuary containing scammony, a purgative; also "diacrydium"

diair., diaireos = an electuary that contained orris (iris) root; an antidote

dialacca = electuary containing lacca, q. v.; an antidote

dialthaea (cum gummis) = ointment containing marsh-mallow root and seeds boiled with olive oil, beeswax, gums, and resins; for gout and as a suppurative

diamargarit. fr., diamargariton frigida = cooling powder of pearls, compound diamoron or d. abbatis = honey and mulberries, used as a gargle for throat diseases

diamoschu(s) = musk, saffron, galangal, zedoary, lignum aloes; for conditions affecting the head and brain, e.g., vertigo, epilepsy, palsy, also for the stomach, lungs, liver, and spleen

dianisum -i = a compound powder containing aniseed, licorice, mastick, caraway, fennel, mace, cinnamon, pepper, etc.; or an electuary made of the powder and honey

diapalma = desiccating plaster containing palm oil or animal fat, litharge, and zinc sulfate

diapampholigos = see unguentum diapampholigos, below

diaphoenicon = electuary made from cooked and strained dates; a purgative

diaprunum = electuary containing the pulp of damask prunes; a purgative

diarrhod. = either diarrhodomeli (juice of roses, scammony, agaric, pepper, and honey) or diarrhodon (several powders which contain roses); the latter may be designated as being The Abbot's, diarrhodon abbatis, attributed to Abbas Curiae, chaplain to Roger, Duke of Apulia

diascord., diascordium -i = an electuary made with scordium (Teucrium scordium) or germander leaves, roses, storax, cinnamon, etc.; named for Dioscorides, 1st c. Greek physician

diaspoliticum -i = diaspoliticon; electuary containing rue, cumin, pepper, honey, and saltpeter

diatrion., diatrium -i santalorum or santalon = an antidote made from three kinds of sandal-wood with other ingredients

diaturbith = contained turpeth, root of East Indian jalap, Ipomoea turpethum; a purgative

dictamn., dyctamn., dictamnus -i = dittany of Crete, Dictamnus (Origanum) creticus

doronicum -i = a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family; leopard's bane

dracontium -i = named thus because its roots were said to resemble a dragon's tail; a genus of flowering plants; also known as serpentaria and arum polyphyllum; a stimulant

dypsacus -i = genus of plants including teasel; especially fuller's teasel, Dipsacus fullonum, and wild teasel, D. sylvestris; also spelled dipsacus

E

ebeni, ebenum -i = ebony (wood)

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

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

echium -i = a genus of plants in the borage family, e.g. Echium plantagineum, purple viper's-bugloss or Paterson's curse

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

elaeosaccharum -i flavedinis citri = "oil sugar" (German Ölzucker), made by grinding an essential oil with eight or ten times the weight of sugar and used for making distilled waters; this particular one would likely have been made with the zest (yellow, flavedo -inis) of a lemon

elaterium -i = purgative made from seeds of the squirting or exploding cucumber, Ecballium elaterium

elect., electuarium -i = electuary; a "medicinal conserve or paste, consisting of a powder or other ingredient mixed with honey, preserve, or syrup of some kind" (OED)

elephang., pill. de elephang = see "pillulae elephanginae," below

elescoph., elescophus -us = elescophus solidum, an electuary containing cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, said to be effective against colic and pains of gout; also known as the Bishop's Electuary, electuarium episcopi

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

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

emblicum -i = a type of myrobalan, apparently the same as the one called belliricum; mel emblicorum, honey from this plant

embroc., embrocatio -onis = an embrocation; similar to a liniment but of a thinner consistency, many types; used for bathing or moistening any part, applied by rubbing

emmenagogum -i = emmenagogue, to stimulate blood flow to the pelvis and uterus, esp. to promote menstruation

empetron = from empetros -i, apparently a form of saxifrage (Pliny)

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

emplastrum -i Caesaris = red roses, roots of bistort, sanders, and mint, coriander seeds, etc.; for strengthening the back and relief of back pain

emplastrum -i ceroneum = see ceroneum, above

emplastrum -i e crusta panis = plaster of crust of bread; crust of bread toasted and steeped in red rose vinegar, with mastich, mints, spodium, red coral, all the sanders, etc.; to stopp vomiting and strengthen the brain (when applied to the head)

emplastrum -i Cymino = cumin seeds, bay berries, yellow wax, pine resin; to "expel wind"

emplastrum -i gratia dei = herbs boiled in wine, the liquid strained and mixed with olive oil, beeswax, litharge, ceruse, and verdigris; also called emplastrum divinum or manus dei

emplastrum -i de janua = betony, plantain, smallage, with wax, pitch, rosin, and turpentine; for green wounds and ulcers

emplastrum -i nostratibus = "plaster for our people;" described by Culpeper as being called flos unguentorum, the flower of ointments; containing rosin, perrosin, yellow wax, sheep suet, olibanum, turpentine, etc.

emplastrum -i metroproptoticon = mastic, galbanum dissolved in red wine, cypress turpentine, nutmeg, musk, etc.; for looseness, vomiting, and fits of the mother (Culpeper)

emplastrum -i stomachicum magistrale = mint, wormwood, stoechas, bay, marjoram, etc., mixed with resin, wax, and labdanum

emplastrum -i triapharmacum = a plaster made of flour, water, and oil; may be designated triapharmacum Galeni

emuls., emulsio -onis = emulsion

ens ensis or ensis -is veneris = "essence" or "sword" of Venus; sal ammoniac with copper sulfate or "flores veneris," a copper oxide, used in cases of worms, rickets, and "vapors;" or flowers of steel, iron chloride, FeCl2, prepared by heating steel filings with sal ammoniac

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

emplastrum -i epispasticum = a blistering plaster; several receipts, all containing cantharides with other ingredients, such as melilot plaster, burgundy pitch, Venice turpentine, vinegar, etc.

ephioglossum -i = misspelling for ophioglossum, q. v.

epithema -ae = "Any kind of moist, or soft, external application" (OED)

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

equiset., equisetum -i = mare's tail, Hippurus vulgaris; see also cauda equina, above

ering., eryngium -i = sea holly, Eryngium maritimum

erisimi, erisimum -i, erysimum -i = "irio grain" (Pliny), or Erysimum cheiri, wallflower

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

eruca -ae = colewort, Brassica oleracea; genus Brassica comprises many common vegetables, incl. cabbage, broccoli, &c.

esula -ae = green or leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula

eupator., eupatorium -i = agrimony or hemp agrimony, Eupatorium cannabinum

euphorb., euphorbia -ae = spurge; a large genus of flowering plants, many of which have an acrid milky juice, used as a purge

euphorbium -i = gum resin from Euphorbia antiquorum

euphrasia -ae = eyebright, Euphrasia officinalis

exicc., exiccatus -a -um = dried

extract., extractum -i = extract

extractum Rudii = see pilulae Rudii, below

F

fab., faba -ae = bean

faeces, faecul., faecula -ae = sediment or dregs in general, e.g., wine dregs, or material that falls to the bottom of the vessel after grinding plant material in water, or from the infusion of vegetable substances; e.g., faecula A(a)ron, sediment of Arum plants

faenic., faeniculum -i = fennel, Faeniculum vulgare

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

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

farfarus -i = colt's-foot, Tussilago farfara

febrif., febrifugia -ae = feverfew, featherfew; common centaury, Centaurium erythraea

feculae bryoniae = powdered dried bryony root, a purgative

fel fellis = gall, bile; vesica -ae fellis, gallbladder

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

fic., ficus -i = fig, Ficus carica

filex -icis = fern or bracken, likely Pteris aquilina

filipendula -ae = meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria

fim., fimi, fimus -i = dung, excrement

flammula -ae Iovis = "little flames of Jupiter;" Clematis flammula, C. recta; in CL, periwinkle (Vinca species)

flavedins, flavedius = likely misspellings for flavedinis; see elaeosaccharum flavedinis citri, above

flor., flos floris = flower, with the plant name following in the genitive; 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; may appear in conjunction with alchemical symbol for sulfur, , as fl. is

flores florum antimonii = flowers of antimony; antimony (III) oxide, Sb2O3, emetic and expectorant

flores Schoenanthi = flowers presumably from the so-called herba Schoenanthi, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, camel-, fever-, or West Indian lemongrass

fluviatilis -e = of a river or river-; e.g. cancri fluviatiles, river-crabs or freshwater crayfish, Astacus fluviatilis

foeniculum -i = faeniculum, see above

foetid., foetidus -a -um = stinking

fol., folium -i = leaf or leaves (folia) of any plant

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

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

fomentum -i, fomentatio -onis = dressing, compress; usually with warm liquids (fomentation) and applied as a poultice or with a pad of material

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)

fotus -us = same as fomentum, above

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 -ae = jet, the hard black semi-precious stone

galang., galing., galangala -ae = galangal, aromatic rhizome of plants of genera Alpinia and Kaempferia, of the ginger family; e.g. Alpinia galanga, greater galangal, A. officinarum, lesser galangal, and Kaempferia galanga; also spelled galingale

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

galega -ae = galega or goat's-rue, Galega officinalis

galion -i, galium -i = large genus of herbaceous plants, over 600 species, known as bedstraw

galla -ae = galls produced on the Chinese sumac or nutgall tree, Rhus chinensis, by sumac aphids, Melaphis chinensis

gallia moschata = see trochisci gallia moschata, below

gallinaceus -a -um = from or relating to poultry; adipes gallinaceus, chicken fat

gallus -i = relating to a cock or rooster; testicula galli, rooster testes

gargarisma -ae = a gargle, throat-wash

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

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

geranium -i columbinum = long-stalked crane's-bill; may also be listed as G. dissectum

gilla Theophrasti = sal vitrioli, i.e. zinc sulphate, ZnSO4; an emetic; origin of "gilla" unknown, but of itself signifies a solution of vitriol

gland., glans glandis = acorn

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

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

gramen -inis caninum = dog grass, also known as Triticium caninum, reputed to be eaten by dogs to produce vomiting (OED)

gramen purpureum, purple grass or purplewort, Trifolium purpureum

granatus -a -um = containing many seeds; see pomum granatum, below

gratia dei = see emplastrum gratia dei, above

guaiac., guaiacum -i = guaiac gum, guaiacum officinale; lignum guaiacum, guaiac wood

gumm., gummi = [tree] gum

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

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

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

gummi gutta -ae, gummi de Gamandra, gummi gamba = gamboge or camboge, a gum resin from various trees of genus Garcinia; a purgative

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

H

haeder., heder., hedera -ae = ivy; Hedera terrestris, ground ivy; H. arborea, tree-climbing ivy

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

haemagogum -i = antidotum haemagogum, a concoction of Nicholaus's, with numerous ingredients, including black pepper, licorice, birthwort, mugwort, cassia, pellitory of Spain, etc.; a purgative, emmenagogue, and abortifacient

haematit., hematit., lap. hematit. = lapis haematites, hematite; iron oxide, Fe2O3

hallelujah = same as lujula, see below

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

haust., haustu., haustus -us = draught

hedycroi = hedychroi, i.e., "pleasant colored;" see trochisci hedychroi, below

heracleinus - a -um, heraclinus -a -um = relating to hazel-wood; oleum heracleinum, oil of hazelwood, from distillation of small pieces of the wood cut in spring or fall hedysarum -i = genus of annual or perennial herbaceous plants; H. alpinum is an antiscorbutic

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

hellebor., helleborus -i = hellebore, genus Helleborus, around 20 species; may be white, albus; black, niger; stinking, foetidus

helxine = Helxine soleirolii (Soleirolia soleirolii), a plant in the nettle family; many common names, including baby's tears, angel's tears, peace in home, Corsican creeper

hepar -atis = the liver; with the animal source in the genitive; e.g. hepar anatis, duck liver

hepatic., hepatica herba = liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha

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

herba -ae inguinalis = or argemo, mentioned by Pliny; identified by Culpeper as garden star-wort, which, "the ancient writers commended against buboes and swellings in the groin;" in The General Practise of Physicke, C. Wirsung identifies four types

herba -ae trinitatis = heartsease or wild pansy, Viola tricolor; so called because each flower has three colors

herba -ae paris = Paris quadrifolia; named for the regularity (par paris) of its leaves and petals, not for the city in France nor the son of Priam

herba -ae venti = rough-leaved phlomis, Phlomis herba venti

hermodact., hermodactyl., hermodactylus -i = the bulbous root of an unknown plant, possibly Colchicum, used as an antiarthritic; the drug colchicine is derived from Colchicum spp. and is still used to treat gout

herniar., herniaria -ae = rupturewort, Herniaria glabra

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

hiera diacolocynthidos = an electuary containing colocynth, agaric, germander, white horehound, stoechas, opopanax, etc.

hiera Logaddi = an electuary containing numerous ingredients including colocynth, polypodium, euphorbium; among its virtues it "takes away by the roots daily evils coming of melancholly" (Culpeper)

hippoglossum, hyppoglossum -i = spineless butcher's broom or mouse thor, Ruscus hypoglossum

hircinus -a -um = relating to a goat; esp. hircin, a "peculiar substance existing in the fat of the goat (and in a less degreee, in that of the sheep) on which its strong odour depends" (OED); thus possibly describing goat suet

hirundo -inis, gen. pl. hirundinum = passerine bird of genus Hirundo, especially H. rustica, the barn swallow, but many other species

hollandic., hollandicus -a -um = Dutch; pulvis hollandicus, Dutch powder, apparently a purgative hord., hordeum -i = barley, Hordeum vulgare; French barley, H. spelticum; aq. hordei, barley water

hormini., horminum -i = sage or clary sage, Salvia sclarea (Pliny); there is also a flowering plant, Horminum pyrenalcum, dragonmouth or Pyrenean dead-nettle, apparently not used in medicine

hortensis -e = (adj.) relating to, from a garden, or grown in a garden; e.g., nasturtium hortense, garden nasturtium

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

hydrarg., hydrargyrus -i = the element Mercury, Hg, in its liquid state

hydropiper -eris = water pepper, marshpepper knotweed, or tade, Polygonum hydropiper; or arsesmart, Persicaria hydropiper

hyoscyamus -i = henbane, Hyoscamus niger, or an extract or tincture of it

hyperi = misspelling for hyperici, see next entry

hyperici, hypericon, hypericum -i = St. John's wort, especially Hypericum perforatum; see also carellorum, above

hypocistis = solidified juice of Cytinus hypocistis, a parasitic plant used to treat dysentery; JW describes it as "a very great binder"

hyssop., hyssopus -i = hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, for which H. montanus is a subspecies or an accepted synonym; also H. capitatus, wild thyme

I - J

ialap., jalap., jalapa -ae, jalapium -i = jalap, Ipomoea jalapa; a purgative; NB distinguish from iulap., see next entry

iulapium -i = a mixture, often sweet, used as a vehicle for other medicines

janua = see emplastrum de janua, above

iberis -idis cardamantice = sciatica cress; one of several plants of the family Brassicaceae, the roots of which were supposed to be useful in sciatica when made into a plaster

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

imperatoria -ae = master-wort, Peucedanum ostruthium; same as ostruthium

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

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

indica -ae = Tylophora indica, the "purging Indian plum" (Parkinson)

infus., infusio -onis = infusion; steeping or dissolving of a substance in water or other liquid; cf. decoction

inula -ae = elecampane, Inula helenium or Enula campana

ireas., ireos., iridas = iris; probably from iris -idis = iris flower, Iris species; radix ireas, iris root or rhizome, also known as orris or orrice root

isatis -is or -idis = genus of flowering plants including woad, Isatis tinctoria

iugland., jugland., iuglans -andis = walnut; iuglandes virides, green walnuts

jujuba -ae = jujube; or red or Chinese date, Ziziphus jujuba

iuiubinus -a -um = of, from, or related to jujubes, e.g., syrupus jujubinus, jujube syrup; see Ziziphus below

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

iusculum, jusculum -i = broth

iuvenis -is -e = young, youthful


L

labdan., ladan(um -i)., labdanum = labdanum or ladanum, gum resin from plants of genus Cistus or Cystix, used in perfumes and for fumigation; NB distinguish from laudanum (q. v.)

labrum -i veneris = Venus' lip; the wild or fuller's teasel, Dipsacus silvestris or D. fullonum

lac., lact., lac lactis = milk; lac. rec. or recens (-entis), fresh milk, lac veterum, old milk

lacca = ingredient in trocischi de lacca, which contain the dark red resinous substance produced as a protective coating by the lac insect, Kerria lacca, used to make shellac

lact., lactuca -ae = lettuce, Lactuca sativa

ladanum -i = labdanum, see above

laevigatus -a -um = made smooth, pulverized

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

lapat., lappath., lapathum -i = dock or sorrel; genus Lapathum now included in genus Rumex

lapis -idis adamas = diamond; see adamas, above

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

lapis -idis bufonis = toadstone; a stone-like object found in the head of, or produced by, a toad (CL bufo); supposed to have antidotal or therapeutic virtues and worn as a jewel or amulet[3]

lapis -idis caelestis = artificial, Roman, or blue vitriol; copper sulfate, CuSo4

lapis -idis calaminaris = calamine, a zinc ore; zinc carbonate or silicate; used as a component of a lotion to treat itchiness

lapis -idis hirundinis = either a supposed stone from the stomach of a swallow, presumably something like a bezoar; or lapis icterias, the "jaundice stone" (Pliny) used for treating the same

lapis -idis iaspis or jaspis = jasper, a semiprecious stone, red, green, or brown; a variety of silica

lapis -idis nephriticus = nephrite, jade; semiprecious stone of various colors

lapis -idis piperis = "pepper stone;" apparently the same as peppercorn; in V.a.286 44v JW states that it can cause sneezing (sufficit ad sternutationem)

lapp., lappa -ae = burdock, Arctium lappa; also called lapp. maj., lappa major, greater burdock; also known as Bardana

lard., lardum -i = lard, fat

larid., laridum -i = bacon; larid. veter., laridum veterum, old bacon

latericium -i philosophorum = see oleum philosophi, below

lateritium -i = brick cap, cinnamon cap, or chestnut mushroom, Hypholoma lateritium

laudan., laudanum -i = laudanum; alcoholic tincture of opium, also known as tinctura thebiaca; NB distinguish from ladanum, see "labdanum," above

laudan. paracels., 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 = genus of evergreen trees including the bay tree, Laurus nobilis; L. alexandrina, laurel of Alexandria, uncertain but Culpeper thought it might be the same as the hippoglossum described by Dioscorides

lentiscus -i = the mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus; mastic is the resin from this tree

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

lepidium -i = plants of genus Lepidium, of the Brassicaceae family, including L. densi

lepus -oris = hare; lepus combustus, hare ashes (in a receipt for treatment of urinary stone)

leucoium -i, leucojum -i = genus of plants in the amaryllis family, including Leucojum aestivum and L. vernum; snowbell, dewdrop, St. Agnes' flower

leuisticum, levisticum -i = lovage, Levisticum officinale

lichen -enis arborum = tree lungwort, Sticta pulmonaria, known as lungs of oak; also a similar North American plant, Mertensia virginica

lign., lignum -i = wood, with the name of the source in the genitive; e.g., lignum fraxini

lignum -i aloes = a fragrant dark resinous wood, agarwood or aloeswood, from the heartwood of the aquilaria tree; genus Aquilaria, many species, esp. A. malaccensis, used in incense production; also known as xyloaloes or agaloc(h)um; distinguish from the succulent aloes plant, Aloe vera

lign., lignum -i nephriticum = traditional diuretic derived from wood from narra (Pterocarpus indicus) and Mexican kidneywood (Eysenhardtia polystachya) trees

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., limacum, limax -acis = snail, slug; aqua. limacum, snail water

limonium -i = genus of flowering plants known as sea-lavender, statice, caspia, or marsh-rosemary; over 100 species; also, any plant of genus Pyrola, esp. P. rotundifolia, wintergreen

lin., linum -i = flax, Linum usitatissimum; semen or semina lini, flaxseed, linseed

linaria -ae = toad-flax or wild flax, Linaria vulgaris

linctus -a -um = medicine taken by licking (same as lohoch); past participle of lingo -ere

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

linteus -a -um = relating to or made from linen

liquirit., liquiritia -ae = licorice, Glychyrrhiza glabra

liquor -oris = liquid, liquor (any)

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

litharg., lytharg., lithargium -i, lithargyrum -i = litharge, lead oxide, PbO; may be white, a byproduct of separation of lead from silver ("litharge of silver") or colored with red lead ("litharge of gold")

lithontribon -i (Lugdunensis) = urinary stone-breaking powder (of Lyon); spikenard, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, saxifrage, etc.

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

lixivium -i = water containing alkaline salts leached from wood ashes (OED), used to make soap

lohoch = medicine taken by licking or by letting it melt in the mouth

lohoch sanum = "the healing lohoch;" hyssop, calamint, jujubes, sebestens, raisins, dates etc.; succors the breast, lungs, throat, and trachea (Culpeper); may be titled lochoch sanum et expertum

lot., lotus -a -um = washed

lotus -i = various species of genus Lotus, e.g., L. urbana and L. sylvestris

lucis majores = see pilulae lucis maiores, below

lujul., lujula -ae = wood sorrel, Oxalis acetosella; also called alleluia or hallelujah because it flowers between Easter and Pentecost

lumbricus -i = worm; either the common earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, or intestinal, e.g., Ascaris lumbricoides

lupinus -i = lupin, flowering plants of genus Lupinus; numerous species, including the bluebonnet

lupul., lupulus -i = the hop plant, Humulus lupulus

M

mac., macis -idis = mace, the covering of the seed in the fruit of Myristica fragrans, the nutmeg tree

macer -eris = the inner bark of the nutmeg tree, M. fragrans (Culpeper)

macri = see pilulae macri, below

magdaleones -um = masses of plaster, or of other composition, in cylindrical form

majoran., majorana -ae = marjoram; see Origanum, below

magistrantia -ae = masterwort, Astrantia maxima

malabathrum or malobathrum -i = aromatic leaf of one of several oriental trees, e.g. Cinnamomum tamala, or the ointment prepared from it

malicorii, malicorium -i = pomegranate rind

malvatic., malvaticum (vinum) = Malmsey (wine of the Malvasia grape); Madeira/sack

malva -ae = common, field, or wild mallow, Malva silvestris; also other species of genus Malva

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

malus -i persica = peach tree, Malus persica

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

margarit., margarita -ae = pearl; prepared pearl is a common ingredient

marina ambra -ae grisea = ambergris

marrub., marrubium -i = common horehound, Marrubium vulgare; other species also; may be designated nigrum (black) or foetidum (stinking)

martiat., martiatus -a -um = pertaining to soldiers; unguentum martiatum, soldiers's ointment

mastich., masticha = mastic, resin of Pistacia lentiscus

matricar., matricaria -ae = feverfew, Matricaria or Tanacetum parthenium

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

Matt(h)iolus -i = relating to or invented by Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501 - c. 1577), Italian physician and naturalist; e.g.unguentum Matthioli, leontopodium (edelweiss) Matthioli

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; also bone marrow: medulla spinalis, spinal cord

mel., mel mellis = honey; (e)dulcorandus melle, sweetened with honey; the name of the source plant may be mentioned in the genitive, e.g., mel emblicorum, or a descriptive adjective may be added, e.g. mel rosatum, "rosated" honey with addition of oil of roses

melilot., melilotos -i = melilot, Trifolium melilotus officinalis

meliss., melissa -ae = balm, esp. lemon balm, Melissa officinalis; several other species, also including common, field, & mountain calamint

melissophyllum -i = bastard balm, Melittis melissophyllum

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

mercur., mercury = annual or French mercury, Mercurialis annua; used in clysters; NB don't confuse with the element Mercury (Hg) , usually referred to as hydrargyrus

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

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

metroproptoticon = see emplastrum metroproptoticon, above

meum -i = spignel, Aethusa meum or Meum athamanticum

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

micleta -ae = an electuary for treatment of diarrhea or bloody flux; containing mirobalan bark, watercress, cumin, anise, fennel, ammi, etc.

millefolium -i = common yarrow, Achillea millefolium, a flowering plant in the aster family

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; also prepared by soaking in wine with or without crushing in a mortar; JW mentions a spiritus millipedum in V.a.288, presumably from distilling them

minium -i = native vermilion, read lead; emplastrum de minio, plaster of red lead and olive oil

mithridat., mithridatium -i = mithridate; complex and variable recipe, up to 60 ingredients, including opium

miva -ae = listed (by JW and by Lovell) as miva vel gelatina, quince jelly

mixae -arum, myxae -arum = sebesten plum (tree), Cordia myxa; see sebesten, below

monach., rhab. monach., rhabarbarum -i monachorum = monk's rhubarb, Rumex patientia

morum -i = mulberry; many species, including Mora nigra, black or common mulberry; also as "Celsus's," as in succus mororum Celsi, from Aulus Cornelius Celsus (C. 25 BCE - 50 CE)

mosch., moschat., (nux) moschata = nutmeg; seed of Myristica fragrans

moschelaeum -i = see oleum moschaelum, below

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

muscus -i = sphagnum;

musc. pyxidat., muscus -i pyxidatus = a type of lichen (Lichen pyxidatus), used in a decoction for whooping cough

must., mustum -i = must; pressed grapes before fermentation into wine; also mustum cervisiae, beer wort

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

myrobalan., myrabalan., myrabalanum -i = myrobalan = Indian gooseberry, Phyllantus emblica; may be designated myrobalan omnium; chebulae refers to the so-called "black myrobalan," Terminalia chebula; indicae (q. v.) refers to a different plant

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

myrtin., myrtinus -a -um = of or made from myrtle, myrtle-; e.g., syrupus myrtinus, myrtle-syrup

N

narcissus -i = any of numerous spring-flowering bulbous plant of genus Narcissus; esp. N. poeticus and N. tazetta; many uses, including emetic, emollient, and treatment for cough, baldness, dysentery, etc.

nard, nardin., nardus -i , adj. nardinus -a -um = nard; or the ointment so named; or the plant from which the ointment was prepared, Nardostachys grandiflora, same as Indian spikenard, N. jatamansi; nardus celticus, same as asarabacca, Asarum europaeum

nasturtium -i = genus of watercresses; JW mentions nasturtium aquaticum, probably common watercress, Nasturtium officinale, also known as Sisymbrium nasturtium, and nasturtium hortense, or gardencress, N. hortense

nepetha -ae = genus of flowering plants; esp. catmint/catnip, N. cataria

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

nicotiana -ae = tobacco, genus Nicotiana; many uses, including unguentum nicotianae, see below

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

nubiae = granum nubiae; the seed of an unknown plant from Ethiopia, apparently a powerful poison[4]

nuc., nucl., nucleus -i = nut

nucleus -i pinei = pine nuts (pignoli), edible seeds of pine, various species of genus Pinus

nummularia -ae = creeping jenny, moneywort, or herb twopence; Lysimachia nummularia

nux nucis = nut; e.g., nux moschata, nutmeg; nux pinea, pine nut; nux avellana, hazelnut

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" probably the same as "ocul. Cancri" on the same page, with "69" the astrological symbol for Cancer ( ) rotated 90° ( ); see illustration on last page

ocymi., ocymum -i = basil, Ocimum basilicum

ol., oleum -i = oil; many varieties, with the source in the genitive

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

oleum excestrense = oil of Exeter; contains wormwood, lesser centaury, eupatorium, fennel, hyssop, etc., infused in oil

oleum -i lapivum = from Lapivum persicum or Cyclamen persicum, persian cyclamen

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

oleum -i moschaeleum = oil of musk, from secretions of a gland of various animals, esp. the male musk deer, Moscus moschiferus; plus nutmeg, mace, costus, styrax, other herbs, and oil; the animal source of the musk may be named in the genitive, e.g., moschelaeum vulpinum, oil of fox musk; for deafness, cold diseases of the heart, strangury, etc.

ol., oleum -i Nicodemi = leaves of St. John's wort (species of Hypericum), turpentine, litharge, aloes, tutty, saffron, white wine, etc.

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

ol. sulph., oleum -i sulphuris = oil of sulfur, various receipts; possibly sulfuric acid, H2SO4

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 -idis (spinosa) = restharrow, Ononis repens

ophalmicum = see unguentum ophalmicum, below; distinguish from ophthalmicum

ophioglossum -i = adder's tongue fern; genus of about 50 species; used as an ointment on wounds and burns

opiat., opiatus -a -um = opiated; any preparation containing opium; or other medicines that produce sleep but which may or may not contain opium

opobalsamum -i = Mecca balsam, balm of Gilead; resin produced by the tree Commiphora opobalsamum

opopanax -acis = the "fetid" (OED) gum resin from Opopanax chironium

opt., optim., optimus -a -um = best

origan., origanum -i = oregano; several species, incl. Origanum vulgare, common Mediterranean oregano or wild marjoram; O. creticum, (Spanish) oregano; O. marjorana, sweet marjoram; O. dictamnus, dittany of Crete

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

ostrea -ae = oyster, mussel, sea-snail

ostrutii., ostruthium -i = master-wort, Peucedanum ostruthium

ovin., ovinus -a -um = relating to or belonging to sheep; e.g., sebum ovinum, sheep suet or tallow

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

oxycroceum = as emplastrum oxycroceum, plaster made with saffron and vinegar

oxylapathum -i = sharp-pointed dock; Lapathum acutum, or Rumex acutus

oxymel = honey and vinegar boiled to a syrup

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

P

paeon., paeonia -ae = peony, P. officinalis; used by Galen for treatment of epilepsy

palma Christi = see "cataputia," above

pampholix -icis = crude zinc oxide, ZnO

paludapium -i = another term for smallage or water-parlsey

panacea -ae = an herb healing all diseases; specificially, an extract of opopanax (q.v.), allheal, woundwort, or various other herbs; e.g., betony, yarrow, mistletoe

papav., papaver -eris = poppy; many species, including P. somniferum, opium poppy; P. rhoeas or P. erraticum, red corn poppy

paralyseus -a -um = relating to the cowslip, Primula species; e.g., (take/use) flores paralyseos

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; may be designated "herb. parietar."

part., pars partis = part, side

passer -eris = sparrow, esp. the house sparrow Passer domesticus

pastillus -i = a small flat tablet, may be coated with sugar; similar to a pill, troche, or lozenge

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

pastinac., pastinaca -ae = parsnip, Pastinaca sativa or P. sylvestris

pectoral., pectoralis -is -e = a pectoral; for diseases of the chest

penid., penidium -i = appears as in sacch(arum) penid(ium), a stick of boiled sugar used as a cold remedy

pentaphyll., pentaphyllon, pentaphyllum -i = cinquefoil, Potentilla reptans; Pentaphyllum purpureum, purple cinquefoil, P. rubrum palustre, marsh cinquefoil, etc. (Gerard)

peplium -i = peplion, a species of spurge, probably Euphorbia esula; a purge for bile and phlegm

pepo -onis = pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo

periclymenum -i = common honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum

perlarum mater -tris = mother of pearl peru., peruvianus -a -um = Peruvian; e.g, Cortex peruviana (Cinchona), source of quinine

persicaria -ae = spotted persicaria, a common weed; Persicaria maculosa

pes pedis columbinus = dove's foot, Geranium molle; also some other species of cranesbill

petasititid., petasites -idis = butterbur, Petasites fragrans

peto, petum = the tobacco plant, see nicotiana, above

petroselin., petroselinum -i = parsley, Apium petroselinum

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

peucedani, peucedanum -i = peucedanin, a "colourless crystalline compound... occur[ring] in the root of hog's fennel, Peucedanum officinale" (OED)

philonium persicum = a compound medicine including opium, saffron, white pepper, pearls, and amber; named after Philo of Tarsus, 1st c. BCE Greek physician

phu (indecl.) = "any of several species of valerian having rhizomes used medicinally" (OED); possibilities include Valeriana officinalis, V. dioscoridis, V. phu; mentioned by Pliny

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

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

pilosella -ae = genus of flowering plants, numerous species, esp. Pilosella officinarum, mouse-ear hawkweed; same as auriculus muris

pil., pill., pillul., pil[l]ula -ae = pill pilulae agregativae = aggregative pills, so called because they aggregated many effects; ingredients included aloes, turbith, scammony, rhubarb, myrabalans, agaric, etc.

pilulae aleophanginae = aromatic pills of Mesue; contain aloes, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, etc.; similar to if not identical to pilulae elephanginae, below

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

pilulae Barbaros(s)ae = an anti-syphilitic, containing mercury; apparently named after an Algerian king and not the Holy Roman Emperor

pilulae cochiae = cochiae pills; may be denoted "majores," the greater cochiae pill (hiera picra, alhandal troches, diagrydium, turpentine), or "minores," the lesser cochiae pill (aloes, scammony, colocynth, syrup of buckthorn, oil of cloves)

pill. elephang., pilulae elephanginae = an Arabic term; purging pills containing cinnamon, nutmeg, and other aromatics; also, according to JW (Va293, 71r), "of Diacrydium... a considerable quantitie"

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

pilulae lucis majores = "pills of greater light;" roses, violets, wormwood, colocynth, turbith, cubebs, etc.; for poor vision (hence the name, presumably)

pilulae Macri = Macer's (Aemilius Macer, 1st c. CE) pills, aloes, mastich, marjoram, salt of wormwood, etc.; the poem De viribus herbarum is probably a medieval invention attributed to him

pill. palmarii = Palmarius' pills, or pilulae Cretae Palmarii; aloes, gentian, amber, aristolochia, myrrh, etc.; named after Pierre le Paulmier or Palmier (1568-1610)

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

pilulae Scribonii = Scribonius Largus's pills; sagapenum, myrrh, opium, cardamom, castoreum, etc.; good for fluxes, dysentery, hemoptysis, gonorrhea, consumption, and many more afflictions

pilulae sine quibus (esse nolo) = "pills without which (I do not wish to be);" a purgative containing aloe, myrobolans, rhubarb, senna, agaric, etc.

pilulae e tribus = "pills of three things;" RCP Dispensatory lists seven ingredients including mastich, aloes, agaric, hiera picra, rhubarb, cinnamon, and syrup of chicory

pimpinella -ae = burnet saxifrage, Pimpinella saxifraga, or great burnet, Sanguisorba officinalis

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); e.g. ficus pinguis, a fat (ripe) fig

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

pleres-archonticon = pulvis pleres-archonticon, called by Bates "The great Restorative Pouder;" containing cinnamon, cloves, galangal, nutmeg, ginger, red roses, Indian spikenard, etc.; also known as the Restorative of Nicholas

plumbeus -a -um = made of or derived from lead

plumbum -i = the element lead, Pb

polii., polium -i = felty germander, Teucrium polium

polyidae = see trochisci polyidae Andromachi, below

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

polyurus -i = Christ's thorn or Jerusalem thorn, Paliurus spina-christi; JW reports it as being in the Physic Garden

pompholix, pompholyx -ygis = zinc oxide, same as tutia (tutty)

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

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

pomum -i alterans = see syrupus de pomis alterans, below

pomum -i granatum = pomegranate, fruit of Punica granatum

pomum -i purgans = a "purging apple," intended to purge phlegm; an apple stuffed with polypodium and agaric wrapped in a crust and baked; also known as pomum laxativum purgans

pontic., ponticum = Roman wormwood, Artemisia ponticum

popul., populus -i = poplar tree

populeon, populneum = see unguentum populeon, below

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

porrum -i = leek, Allium porrum

portulaca -ae = garden purslane, Portulaca oleracea

posset., possetum -i = posset, milk curdled with treacle, wind, or any acid substance; may also appear as liquor posseticus

potio -onis = drink

potus -us = drink

praecipit., praecipitat., praecipitatum -i = precipitate; p. rubrum = red mercuric oxide (HgO); p. album = ammoniated mercury or mercuric amidochloride (HgH2ClN); p. opt., optimum, "the best;" unknown and possibly a description and not an ingredient per se

prasius -i = prase, a green quartz

prassium, -i = white horehound, Marubium vulgare or M. album; a syrup called syrupus de prassio is a pectoral (for chest ailments or as an expectorant) and vulnerary (for wound healing)

priapus, pryapus -i cervi = a stag's penis

primula -ae veris = cowslip (common cowslip, cowslip primrose)

prunell., prunella -ae = self-heal or bugle, Prunella vulgaris

prunum -i = plum; prunum coctum, cooked plum, possibly used as a sweetener

prunus -i = genus of trees and shrubs, including plum, cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot, and almond

prunus -i silvestris = blackthorn (Pliny)

ptarmaca, ptarmica = leaves (folia) of sneezewort, Achillea ptarmaca

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

puleg., pulegium -i = pennyroyal, also fleabane or fleawort, Mentha pulegium; or wild thyme, Thymus serpyllum; also known as puliol

pulicaria -ae = fleabane, Pulicaria dysenterica

pulm., pulmon. vulp., pulmones vulpis = fox lungs

pulmonaria -ae = lungwort, Pulmonaria officinalis; distinguish from tree lungwort, Sticta pulmonaria

pulpa -ae = pulp (of anything)

pulv., pulvis -eris = powder

pulvis -eris ad casum = a powder against inward bruises by falls (Bate); contained terra sigillata, sanguis draconis, mummy, spermaceti, rhubarb; casum from casus -us, a fall, falling down, accident

pulvis -eris digestivus = a digestive powder of variable compsition

pulvis -eris Haly = Haly's powder, named after 'Ali ibn al-'Abbas al-Majusi, or al-Masoudi (930 - 994), Latinized as Haly Abbas; white poppy seeds, gum arabic, starch, tragacanth, etc.

pulvis -eris Iohannis de Vigo = Vigo's powder, mercuric oxide, HgO

pulvis -eris laetificans Galeni = Galen's gladdening powder, apparently actually invented by Niccolò da Reggio (1280 - ?), a translator of Galen; multiple ingredients, including basil, cloves, saffron, zedoary, nutmeg, styrax, ivory shavings, etc.

pulvis -eris odoratus = sweet, perfumed, or fragrant powder; iris root, rosewood, cloves, lemon peels, etc. (Bate); used as a moth deterrent

pulvis -eris pleres-arc(h)onticon = "the great restorative powder" (Bate); numerous ingredients including cinnamon, cloves, xyloaloes, galangal, nutmeg, ginger, and many others

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

pulvis -eris saxonicus = the Saxon powder, from its use as an antidote by Christian I, Elector of Saxony (1560 - 1591); angelica, swallow-wort, valerian, polipodium of the oak, marsh-mallow, etc., all steeped in vinegar, dried, and pulverized

purg., purgatio -onis = a purge or laxative

purpureus -a -um = purple

pyra = probably pear, various trees of genus Pyrus; CL pirum -i, pl. pira

pyrethr., pyrethrum -i (salivaris) = root of pellitory (of Spain), also known as Spanish chamomile, Anacyclus pyrethrum; or possibly masterwort, Peucedanum ostriuthum, or sneezewort, Achillea ptarmica

pyrola -ae = round-leaved wintergreen, Pyrola rotundifolia

Q

quercin., quercinus -a -um = made/ derived from oak; e.g., folia quercina, oak leaves; viscus quercini = mistletoe; uvae quercinae, aggregation of galls on oak roots or at the junction of the roots and trunk produced by the oak gall wasp Cynips quercus radicis

quercitanus -i = not an ingredient but a person's name; French physician Joseph du Chesne (c. 1544 - 1609), Latinized as Quercitanus

quercus -us = oak, oak tree, various species of genus Quercus, including Q. suber, the cork oak quinquefolium -i = (creeping) cinquefoil, Potentilla reptans; tormentil (P. erecta) is a relative

R

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

radices quinque = see syrupus de quinque radicibus, below

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

ranunculus -i = about 600 species including the buttercup or crowfoot; JW mentions Ranunculus arvorum, corn-buttercup or fallow-field crowfoot, same as R. arvensis or R.sylvestris

rap., rapum -i = turnip or rape, Brassica rapa; plural genitive raporum, of turnips, e.g. raporum no 4, four (of) turnips

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 other hard substances, e.g., ivory, hartshorn, boar's tooth, and even human skull (cran., cranium -i humani)

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

recent., recens -entis = recent, fresh; e.g., lactis recentis, of fresh milk; cf. ueter., veterus -a -um

reginae coloniens = electuarium reginae coloniens; saxifrage, gromwell, licorice juice, caraway, anise, etc., with sugar and dissolved in white wine; for the stone and wind colic; the name refers to a Queen of Colen, the supposed consort of one of the three kings in attendance at the Nativity and whose relics are said to be in Cologne (Colen) Cathedral

requies -etis Nicholai = a strong sedative of uncertain composition, "Nicholas's relief;" mentioned by Burton in The Anatomy of Melancholy

resin., resina -ae = resin (from any plant)

rhab., rhabarbarum -i = rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum

rhamnus -i catharticus = buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica, also known as Spina cervina; a purgative but quite toxic

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

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

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

rhodia, rhodium -i = either rhodium wood (rhodium lignum), from rootstock of bindweed species Convolvulus floridus and C. scoparius; or oil of rhodium, made by distilling it; NB not the metal, which was discovered in 1803

rob (indeclinable?) = inspissated fruit juice, sometimes with sugar added; said (in OED) to be a borrowing from Latin but not yet definitely identified

rorismar., rorismarinus -i = rosemary, Rorismarinus officinalis

ros., rosa -ae = rose, various species of genus Rosa

ros. sol., rosa solis = rose of the sun, not a flower; altered from Latin ros solis, dew of the sun, a cordial originally made from the juice of the sundew plant (genus Drosera), later from spiced and flavored spirits; receipt in V.a.21, p. 183 (not JW)

rosac., rosaceus -a -um = made of or from roses; oleum rosaceum, rose oil

rosata -ae novella = an electuary of roses, containing rose leaves, sugar, licorice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, honey, etc.

rosatus -a -um = treated with oil of roses; e.g., aloe rosata, mel rosatum

rosmarin., rosmarinus -i = rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis

rubellum = vinum rubellum, reddish wine; "vomiting claret" (New London Dispensatory), an emetic; contained antimony in powder, cloves, claret wine

ruber -bra -brum = red

rubus -i viticosus = sarsaparilla (q.v.)

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

ruta -ae = rue, Ruta graveolens and other species; see also vepris, below

rutaceus -a -um = from or relating to rue

rutaceum = acetum rutaceum, vinegar of rue

S

sabin., sabina -ae = savin or savin juniper, Juniperus sabina (a juniper species); an abortifacient

sacchar., saccharum -i = sugar, any type, esp. cane sugar; also sacchar. cand., saccharum candidum, sugar candy; can be flavored, e.g., saccharum rosatum, sugar of roses made by melting sugar in rose water and adding juice of roses, or saccharum perlatum, sugar of roses

sagapenum -i, sagapenon -eni = gum resin from Ferula persica; antispasmodic & emmenogogue

sal X = salt (of) X, with X in the genitive; numerous examples, including table salt and other acid and alkali salts; may be prepared from various plants by boiling, straining, concentration, and crystallization, otherwise by calcination of the material, dissolving it in liquid, filtration, and coagulation

sal absynthii = see under "absynthium," above

sal -is chalybeatus = salt of steel, usually iron chloride, FeCl2, but also other salts of iron

sal -s cochleariae = salt of scurvy-grass

sal -is marini = sea salt

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

salicis, salix -icis = willow

salv., salvia -ae = common sage, Salvia officinalis

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)

satureia (satureja) -ae = genus of aromatic plants including Satureja hortensis, summer savory, and S. montana, winter savory; related to thyme and rosemary

sangu. dracon., sanguis -is draconis = dragon's blood, a red resin made from various trees

sanic., sanicula -ae = wood sanicle, Sanicula europaea; can be a synonym for saxifraga (q. v.)

santal., santalum -i = sandalwood, saunders, various species of genus Santalum; red, white, and yellow varieties; may appear as lignum santalum

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

sanum = see lohoch sanum, above

saphirus -i = sapphire; CL sapphirus -i

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

sarcocolla -ae = gum resin or balsam from shrub Astragalus sarcocolla

sars., sarsaparilla -ae = root of Smilax sarsaparilla, S. aspera, or Rubus viticosus

satureia -ae = Satureia montana, winter savory or mountain savory

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

satyrion satyrii maris = tuber or rhizome of the early purple orchid, Orchis mascula; may also refer to other orchids, the cuckoo-pint, Arum maculatum, or dragon arum, Dracunculus vulgaris

saxifrag., saxifraga -ae = saxifrage, breakstone, Saxifraga species, esp. S. granulata; for treatment of urinary stones and as an antiseptic; related plants may be termed golden, burnet (rough), great, or meadow saxifrage; S. anglica, pepper saxifrage

scabios., scabiosa -ae = common scabious, Scabiosa arvensis

scariola -ae, seriola -ae = defined by JW as endive, but actually a genus of Asian plants in the daisy family

schoenanthus -i = camel-, fever-, or West Indian lemongrass, Cymbopogon schoenanthus scill., scilla -ae = see squill, below

scilliticus -a -um = derived from or containing squill

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

scoria -ae ferri = iron dross, impurities which float on the surface of or are dispersed in the molten metal; also found in other low-melting-point metals, e.g., tin, lead, zinc

scorpion., scorpio -onis = the stinging arachnid, order Scorpiones; ol. scorpion., oleum scorpionum, oil of scorpions, appears to have been made by steeping scorpions in olive or other oil

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

scrophularia -ae = genus of herbaceous flowering plants, the figworts; named for their purported usefulness in scrofula (King's Evil, tuberculous cervical adenitis)

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

sebest., sebesten = sebesten (or Assyrian) plum, from the tree Cordia myxa; used in a purging electuary and for "ruggedness of the throat" (Gerard)

secalini., secale -is = a genus of grasses; e.g., rye

sed., sedum -i = wall-pepper, stone-crop; Sedum majus = sempervivum, see below

seif = see sief, below

selinum -i = selinum, a genus of plants in the parsley family Apiaceae; see petroselinum, above

sem., semen -inis, (plural) semina = seed(s) of any plant

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, senna -ae = senna

senecion., senecio -onis = groundsel, Senecio vulgaris, or S. iacobaea, Jacobaea (St. James' wort) or ragwort

senella -ae = same as spina alba, see below; may refer to the haw, fruit of the common hawthorn

serpentar., serpentaria -ae = snake-root; includes Aristolochia serpentaria and Serpentaria virginiana; rad. serpentar. = radix serpentariae

ser., serum -i lactis = milk whey

sericum -i crudum = raw silk in the form of cocoons

serpillum, serpyllum -i = wild thyme, Thymus serpillum

seselios, seseli -is = various umbelliferous plants of several genera including Tordylium, Laserpitum, Seseli, and Levisticum among others, >100 species; collectively called hartwort

sief = a medication for disorders of the eye; may be described with an adjective, e.g. sief album, or with an indication of an ingredient, e.g., sief de plumbo

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 simple; a preparation with a single active ingredient, unblended, same as species

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

sine quibus = see pilulae sine quibus, above

sisarum -i = skirret, Sium sisarum; a perennial umbelliferous plant, a species of water parsnip

sisymbr., sisymbrium -i = watercress, Sisymbrium nasturtium

smaragdus -i = emerald; can also refer to beryl or jasper

smilax -acis = common smilax, rough bindweed, sarsaparilla; Smilax aspera

smyrnium -i = species of flowering plants, family Apiaceae (carrots, anise, fennel, and many others); S. olusatrum, alexanders

solea -ae = sole of a shoe, a sandal, or possibly the violet (the flowering plant); appears as "soleae veterementeriae ustae" in V.a.286, 58v

solan., solanum -i = nightshade, Solanum nigrum; several other species, e.g., bitter-sweet, S. dulcamara, and the common tomato, S. lycopersicum

soldanella -ae = species of bindweed, Convolvulus soldanella, or a primulaceous plant of genus Soldanella

solidago -inis saracenica = goldenrod, same as Virga aurea or Solidago virga-aurea, as in consolida saracenica, above; a vulnerary

sonchus -i = genus of flowering plants, including the common sowthistle, Sonchus oleraceus; JW mentions levis (S. levis, broad-leaved sowthistle) and asper (S. asper, spiny or prickly sowthistle)

sophia -ae chirurgorum = "the wisdom of the surgeons," Descurainia sophia; also known as flixweed, herb-sophia, and tansy mustard; used for treatment of dysentery

spatula -ae foetida = stinking iris, Iris foetidissima; also known as Gladwin iris or gladdon

sp., spec., species = a simple, or single ingredient or element; i.e., uncompounded or unmixed

species laetificans = see pulvis laetificans, above

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

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

spica -ae nardi = spikenard; aromatic substance from Nardostachys jatamansi (India), or the plant itself; or sometimes 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, HCl

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

sp. vin., sp. vini, spiritus -us vini = alcohol, rectified spirit; used as solvent for tinctures, &c.

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

spuma -ae maris = literally, sea-foam; likely powdered pumice, or the mineral meerschaum

squill., squilla -ae = squill; the bulb or root of the sea-onion, Scilla (or Drima) maritima, used as diuretic and expectorant

squillitic., squilliticus -a -um = of, treated with or derived from squill; e.g., acetum squilliticum

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

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

stercor., stercus -oris = dung, excrement, feces, with the animal of origin in the genitive; e.g., of dog, canis; horse, equi; peacock, pavonis; also others

stipul., stipula -ae = stalk, stem

stomachicum magistrale = see emplastrum stomachicum magistrale, above

stramen -inis = straw; e.g., stramen fabarum, bean straw

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

styrac. calamit., styrax -acis calamita = storax, gum-resin from Styrax officinalis

suber -is = the cork oak, Quercus suberis

suc[c]in., suc[c]inum -i = amber

succisa -ae = a genus of flowering plants, family Caprifoliaceae, including devil's bit scabious, Succisa pratensis

succ., succus -i = juice of anything

suillus -a -um = of, from, or related to pigs; adipes suillus, pig fat or lard

summit., 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

syr., syrup., syrrup., sirup., sirupus, syrrupus -i = syrup

sirrupus -i bizantinus, byzantinus = juices of endive, smallage, hops, and bugloss, with sugar, boiled to a syrup (Mesue); aniseed, roses, licorice, and other ingredients may be added

syrrupus -i cardiacus = a cordial syrup; receipt in Pharmacopoiea Londinensis includes Rhenish wine, rose water, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and sugar boiled together, with the addition of ambergris and musk

syrupus -i de pomis alterans = apple juice and bugloss juice, violet leaves, rose water and sugar, boiled to a syrup

syrupus de quinque radicibus = syrup of the five roots; celery (Apium graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum sativum), butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) and asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) with sugar and water; a cholagogue and diuretic

T

tachamah., tacamahaca -ae = aromatic resin from Bursera (or Elaphrium) tomentosa

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

tanacetum -i = genus of flowering plants in the aster family; about 160 species, including Tanacetum vulgare (common tansy), T. balsamita (costmary), and T. parthenium (feverfew)

tapsus -i barbatus = black mullein, Verbascum nigrum

taraxicum -i = Taraxicum officinalis, dandelion; also as "herba taraxici" or "dens leonis," q.v.

tartar., tartarus -i = tartar, potassium bitartrate, KC4H5O6; when purified forms white crytals and is referred to as cream of 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, various species of genus Testudo

thapsia -ae = genus of umbilliferous perennials; Thapsia garganica or T. villosa, deadly carrot

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

theriac., theriacal., theriaca -ae = antidote; treacle; e.g., Theriaca andromachi or T. veneta (of Venice), 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

thymelaea = sparrow-wort, a genus of about 30 species of evergreen shrubs and herbs

til., tilia -ae = lime-tree, linden, Tilia europaea; T. alba, white lime-tree

tinct., tinctura -ae = a solution of anything in spirit of wine; very many types

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

tinctura -ae thebiaca = laudanum, tincture of opium

tithymalus -i = any of a number of plants of genus Euphorbia, q. v.

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

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

tostus -a -um = roasted, parched; past participle of torreo -ere, parch, roast, baked

tragacanth., dragacanth., tragacanthum -i = gum tragacanth (q.v.) derived from shrubs of genus Astragalus or from trees of genus Sterculia

tragea -ae = likely a powder of some kind

triapharmacum = see emplastrum triapharmacum, above

tripolium -i = sea or seashore aster, Tripolium pannonicum

triphera, tryphera -ae major = triphera the greater, a mixture of various myrobalans, emblic, nutmeg, watercress seeds, asarabacca roots, etc.; for excessive menstruation in women and hemorrhoids in men, also weakness of the stomach; there is also a triphera solutiva, an electuary

tritus -a -um = rubbed to pieces; ground up

troch., trochisc., trochiscus -i = a pill, troche, tablet, or lozenge

trochisci albi Rhasis = ceruse, sarcocolla, starch, gum arabic, tragacanth, and camphor; sometimes with added opium

trochisci gallia moschata = aloes, amber, musk, gum tragacanth, rose-water

trochisci hedychroi = "pleasantly colored lozenges;" marum leaves, marjoram leaves, yellow saunders, asarum roots, calamus aromaticus, etc.

trochisci hysterici = lozenges made of castor, amber, powder of millipedes, etc.; used for treatment of palsy; also known as trochisci de mirrha

trochisci polyidae andromachi = pomegranate flowers, white roach, frankincense, myrrh, bull's gall, aloes, etc.; for green wounds and ulcers; Culpeper says "I fancy them not"

trochisci Ramich = perfumed troches of Rhasis; juice of sorrel, red roses, unripe grapes, myrtle berries, etc.; for diarrhea, including the bloody flux

trochisci de vipera = trochisci de vipera ad theriacam, troches of vipers for treacle (Culpeper); viper flesh boiled with dill, made into lozenges with bread and oil of nutmeg or opobalsamum turbasis -is = starch made of wheat bran or cuckoo-pint (Arum maculatum) roots; for purging phlegm

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

tussilago -inis = a genus of plants in the aster family; T. farfara, colt's-foot, is the only recognized species

tutia -ae = tutty; zinc oxide

U - V

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

verbascum -i = genus of flowering plants, especially Verbascum thapsus, mullein

vepris -is = genus of plants in the Rutaceae (rue) family; approximately 80 species

verbena -ae = common vervain, Verbena officinalis, or other plants in genus Verbena

verdigris = green substance from treatment of Copper with dilute acetic acid, or occurring naturally on copper or brass; may be an acetate, carbonate, or chloride

veronic., veronica -ae = speedwell, Veronica officinalis

ueter., veter., veterus -a -um = old; cf. recens, recent., recentis, new or fresh

viciar., vicia -ae = vetch; JW mentions species "vulgaris," same as fava bean/ broad bean

Vigo = Giovanni de Vigo (1460 - 1519); emplastrum Vigonis, Vigo's plaster (lead, wax, mercury, turpentine, various herbs)

vincetoxicum -i = white swallow-wort, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria or officinale; a poison antidote

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

vinum -i Martiale = globuli martiales or Mars balls, consisting of potassium-iron tartrate (tartrate of potash and iron, C8H8FeK2O12), dissolved in wine

vinum -i absinthites = vermouth; made from white wine and absinth; also as vinum florum absinthites, of absinth flowers

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

viridis -e = green; e.g., ficus virides, green figs

visc. querc., viscus -i quercinus = mistletoe, 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 ("green copperas," vitriolum martis) and vitr. album (zinc sulfate); oil of vitriol = sulfuric acid, H2SO4; the famous acronym "visite interiora terrae rectificando invenies occultum lapidem" is likely a spurious back formation; for "Roman vitriol," see lapis caelestis, above

vitriolum -i camphoratum = camphorated vitriol or Captain Green's powder; for sores and sore eyes

vitis -is vinifera = the common grape vine; the leaves "strongly bind," stop the bloody and other fluxes, stop vomiting, help heart-burning, etc. (Pharmacopoiea Londinensis)

vitulinus -a -um = from or related to a calf (i.e., veal)

ulmor., ulmorum, ulmus -i = elm tree

umbilicus -i veneris = (Venus's) navelwort, Omphalodes linifolia

ung., unguentum -i = any ointment or unguent, either with the origin or association in the genitive, or with a descriptive adjective

unguentum Agrippae = an ointment containing briony roots, squill, iris root, dwarf elder, oil, and wax; so called because of a supposed association with Herod Agrippa

ung., unguentum -i album = a drying ointment containing olive oil, white wax, and white lead

unguentum Arragon = rosemary, marjoram, thyme, aron and cucumber roots, bay, sage and juniper leaves, etc.; also spelled "Aragon" and "Arregon"

ung., vng. apostol., unguentum apostolorum = containing 12 ingredients (hence the name), incl. turpentine, resin, yellow wax, aristolochia, frankincense, etc.

ung., vng. basilic., or just basilic., unguentum -i basilicum or basilicon = basilicum ointment; yellow, black, or green, each containing beeswax and rosin and other ingredients but not basil unguentum -i de calce = ointment of lime; contained slaked lime and rose oil

ung., unguentum -i catapsoras = ointment containing cerussa, calamine, etc., with hog's grease, sublimated mercury, etc.

ung., unguentum -i Comitissae = complex ointment containing many types of bark, berries, and roots boiled in plantaine water, then mixed with yellow wax and several powders; Culpeper terms it "a gallant binding Oyntment, composed neatly by a judicious brain"

unguentum -i dessicativum rubrum = red drying ointment; contains litharge of gold, white lead, calamine, yellow wax, oil of roses, camphor, terra sigillata

ung., unguentum -i diapampholigos = cited by Aristotle, who recommended it for what sounds like diaper rash; contains rose oil, white wax, monkshood juice, white lead, frankincense, etc.

unguentum -i diapompholigos nihili = oil of roses, juice of nightshade, wax, ceruse, lead, pompholix, frankincense; significance of the word nihili, "of nothing" or "worthless," unknown

unguentum Egyptiac., Egyptiacum, Ægyptiacum = ointment containing verdigris, honey, and vinegar

unguentum -i nervinum = southernwood, marjoram, mint, pennyroyal, etc., with oils and suet

unguentum -i e nicotiana or nicotianae = tobacco leaves from various species of genus Nicotiana (e.g. N. tabacum and N. rustica), steeped in wine then boiled in hog's grease, with addition of tobacco juice, aristolochia, rosin, new wax; Culpeper thought very highly of it: "It would ask a whole Summers day to write the particular vertues of this ointment, and my poor Genius is too weak to give it the hundredth part of its due praise..."

unguentum -i nutritum = see unguentum triapharmacum, below

unguentum -i ophalmicum = ointment of red mercury; cinnabar, HgS, or calomel, Hg2Cl2; NB distinguish from unguentum ophthalmicum, eye ointment

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

unguentum populeon or populneum = ointment containing poplar buds, pork fat, and leaves of black poppy, mandrake, madder, henbane, nightshade, etc.

unguentum -i splanchnicum or splenicum = oil of capers and of white lilies, calomel, butter, juice of bryony and sowbread, etc.

unguentum -i triapharmacum = litharge of gold, vinegar, and oil of roses; also called unguentum nutritum

unicornu -us = when termed "at large," described by JW as "either ebonie, hartshorne, or bone of a stagg's heart"

unicornu -us solare = solar unicorn, a compound and not an animal; Mynsicht (1662) terms it "efficacissimum & inaccessum remedium;" his ingredients include gold and hazelnuts

unicornu -us fossile = defined by JW as "Lapis Ceratites," which is a fossilized ammonite, properly "cornu fossile;" if "unicornu," refers to fossil or excavated unicorn; one such having been calcined by order of King Christian IV of Denmark was thought by Thomas Bartholin to be a narwhal horn

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

ung., ungula -ae = hoof, claw, talon; ung. caballin. (caballinus -a -um), horse's hoof

usquebach = whisky

ustus -a -um = burnt

uter- utra- utrumque, (genitive) utriusque = either, each one, both, the one and the other; e.g., bryoniae utriusque, of both types of bryony, i.e., white and red

vulgar., vulgaris -e = common, usual

vulp., vulpes -is = wolf

uva -ae = grape; uvae quercinae or oak grapes, see above under quercinus -a -um

uva -ae crispa rubra = gooseberry, Ribes uva-crispa; rubra, red

uva -ae lupina = monkshood, wolfsbane; Aconitum species, especially A. napellus

uvae quercinae = see under quercinus -a -um, above

W

Winterani = occurs only in (Captain) Winter's bark; see under cortex winterani, above

X

xyloaloes = see lignum aloes, above

Z

zalap., zalapium, -i = same as ialap/jalap, q.v.

zedoar., zedoaria -ae = zedoary, Curcuma zedoaria

zibet., zibetha -ae = civet, civet musk; from several species, best known being the African civet, Civettictis civetta

ziziphus -i = jujube; from Ziziphus species, e.g., Z. jujuba, the tree that produces the edible jujube fruit, resembling a small date

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

zythogala -ae = posset drink; see liquor posseticus, above

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

  1. "Quivering on amaranthine asphodel," W. S. Gilbert, Patience, act 1
  2. 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."
  3. Shakespeare, As You Like It, 2, i, 12-14: "Sweet are the uses of adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and venemous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head."
  4. V.a.286, 76r: "Granum nubiae inter decem homines divisum spatio quadrantis horae omnes interimit:" One grain of Nubia divided among ten persons kills them all in the space of a quarter hour.


Alchemical Symbols and Other Abbreviations

Ward very occasionally used these, e.g.,

♀️ symbol for tartar (symbol unicode &#128831;); crem.♀️is = cremor tartaris, cream of tartar

♂️symbol for Mars; croc.♂️is = crocus Martis = "saffron of Mars," iron peroxide, colcothar, or jeweler's rouge) (symbol unicode &#9794;)

[add symbol] , symbol for sulfur (symbol unicode &#128781;); flores is = "flowers of sulfur," powdered sulfur produced by sublimation as opposed to natural crystalline sulfur (i.e., brimstone)

[add symbol], symbol for vitriol (symbol unicode &#128790;)

69: see above, "oculi cancri;" image from Zwinger, Theatri Praxeos Medicae (1710), p. 150

[add thumbnail here] : Oculi cancri praecipitatum ana ʒss

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

See various additional abbreviations in "John Ward's Alphabet."


Glossary of Latin terms 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'

Resources

Alchemical symbols, from Getty

Alchemical symbols, from the Text Creation Partnership

Alchemical symbols character code table, from the Unicode Standard, version 13.0

Alchemical symbols, from Wiktionary

Ancient Greek keyboard, from Lexilogos

John Ward alphabet


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