214 THE ENGLISH PHYSICIAN ENLARGED. 



Mosses. T2 . (c. 1. d. 2.) 



I siiALt not trouble the reader ■with a description of these, 

 since my intent is to speak only of two kinds, as the most 

 princi|)al, viz. Ground Moss and Tree Moss, both whicli 

 are very well known. 



Place.'] The Ground Moss groweth in our moist woods, 

 and in the bottom of hills, in boggy grounds, and in 

 shadowy ditches, and many other such like places. The 

 Tree Moss groweth only on trees. 



Govenunent and Virtues.] All sorts of Mosses are under 

 the dominion of Saturn. The ground Moss is said to be 

 singularly good to break the stone, and to expel and drive 

 it forth by urine, being boiled in wine and drank. The 

 herb being bruised, boiled in water and applied, easeth all 

 inflammations and pains coming from an hot cause, and is 

 therefore used to ease the pains of the gout. 



The Tree Mosses arc cooling and binding, and partake 

 of a digesting and mollifying quality withal, as Galen 

 saith. But each Moss doth partake of the nature of the 

 tree from whence it is taken ; therefore that of the oak is 

 more binding, and is of good efie6l to stay fluxes in maa 

 or woman ; as also vomiting or bleeding, the powder 

 thereof being taken in wine. The deco6tion thereof in 

 ■wine is very good for women to be bathed, or sit in, that 

 are troubled with the overflowing of their courses. The 

 same being drank, stayeth the stomach that is troubled 

 with casting, or the hiccough ; and as Avicena saith, it 

 comforteth the heart. The powder thereof taken in drink 

 for some time together, is thought available for the dropsy. 

 The oil that had fresh Moss steeped therein for a time, 

 and afterwards boiled and applied to the temples and 

 forehead, doth marvellously ease the head ach coming of 

 a hot cause; as also the distillation of hot rheums or hu- 

 mours in the eyes, or other parts. The ancients much 

 used it in their ointments and other medicines against the 

 lassitude, and to strengthen and comfort the sinews ; for 

 which, if it was good then, I know no reason but it may 

 be found so still. 



