The Book of Secrets

¶ First, I shall speak of certain herbs. Afterward, of certain stones. Thirdly, of certain animals and the virtues belonging to them.

¶ The first herb is called Ireos by the Chaldeans The author attributes ancient wisdom to the "Chaldeans," a term often used in the Middle Ages to refer to Babylonian or astrological authorities. Among the Greeks, it is called Matuchiol; among the Latins, Heliotrope. The interpretation of its name is said to come from helios, which is the sun, and tropos, a turning original: "ab elyos quod est sol: 7 tropos cõuersio", because it is turned toward the sun.

¶ The power of this herb is truly marvelous: for if it be gathered while the sun is in the sign of Leo in the month of August, and if it be wrapped in a laurel leaf and a wolf’s tooth be added to it, and then carried, no one shall be able to speak a word against the bearer except for peaceful words. And if anything has been stolen from a person, and they place this herb under their head at night, they shall see the thief and all his circumstances. Furthermore, if the aforementioned herb is placed in any temple where there are women who have broken their marriage vows original: "quarũ cõnubiũ parte sui frangatur" — likely referring to adultery, they shall never be able to leave the temple until the herb is removed. This last effect has been tested and is most true.

¶ The second herb is called Royb by the Chaldeans; Olierib by the Greeks; and is named Urtica The common Stinging Nettle by the Latins or the Gauls. He who holds this herb in his hand along with yarrow...