De epilepsia disputatio

and resist the venomous quality which, for the most part, is the cause of all evil in this disease. Of this kind are Theriaca a complex herbal antidote, Mithridatium a complex medicinal electuary, sweet diamuscum an aromatic medicinal compound, diapliris a medicinal preparation, and other preserves of this kind, powders, electuaries, and waters—such as those of the most renowned and experienced doctor, Johannes Langius of Leobschutz in Silesia, physician to the most illustrious Palatine princes, which are very celebrated—and others, all of which we judge it superfluous to transcribe here from the practical manuals.

LXIX.
For strengthening the head, a cucupha a medicinal cap filled with dry herbs can be prepared, or an embroca a medicinal embrocation or lotion, or a head wash, or a fomentation of the same with a sponge made from the leaves of stoechas, spikenard, marjoram, lemon peels, bay leaves, pennyroyal, peony, rosemary, betony, rue, sage, wild thyme, mountain calamint, and others of this kind.

LXX.
And there is no doubt that, with divine aid, we can cure very many people with the remedies already mentioned with the most successful outcome, provided only that we have accommodated the universal treatments to the particular ones with due reason.

LXXI.
But beyond the already stated manifest medicines discovered by reason and method, the antiquity of physicians held so many secrets, so many periammata amulets worn around the neck or amulets and periapta charms for wearing, that in no disease does it appear they were more superstitious than in epilepsy. For some recommend the root of the peony and its seed; others, mistletoe of the oak; others, stones—chrysolite, jasper, coral, emerald, red celandine, the alectorius stone, and those that are found in the stomach of swallows; others, the hoof of a wild ass, and other things of this kind, which they hang from the neck either bare or wrapped in deer leather.

LXXII.
While we do not entirely disapprove of these, especially among little women to whom something must often be given, just as also to the sick person, bystanders, and friends, we do not approve of them much, nor do we sell them to anyone. For it is the duty of a physician to relieve the miserable sick person in every way he can, while still preserving truth, honesty, and the dignity of his art.