As Nicolaus Monardus, in Simpl. Med. Histor. has given so full and accurate an History and Description of Tobacco, that others have only borrowed their Accounts of it from his Works, we shall, in the Words of that Author, in Cap. 14, inform the Reader what Tobacco is, where it is produced, and to what Uses it is applied.
"The Plant Tobacco, says he, was formerly used by the Indians, and especially by the Inhabitants of New Spain, for the Cure of Wounds. A few Years ago it was imported into Spain, rather for the Decoration of Gardens, than on Account of its medicinal Virtues: But it is now more celebrated for the latter, than used for the former.
"This Plant is among the Indians called Picelt; for the Spaniards first called it Tobacco from a certain Island of that Name, where great Quantities of it were produced.
"It rises to a great Height, and is sometimes as tall as the Lemon-Tree. Its Trunk is strait, and sends out many large Branches, which bear Leaves almost resembling those of the Lemon-Tree, but larger, like those of the Burdock, of a faint green Colour, and a little rough and shaggy, as the Whole of the Plant is. The Tops of the Branches bear Flowers of the Shape of a small Bell, which are white at the Extremities, but of a purple Colour in the Middle; and when these Flowers fall off, they are succeeded by small Heads, which resemble those of the Black Poppy, and contain a very small cineritious blackish Seed. The Root is thick, divided into many Parts, internally of a ligneous or woody Nature, Saffron-coloured, bitter, and easily deprived of its Bark: But I am acquainted with no medicinal or other Quality of which it is possessed.
"The Plant grows in most Places of the Indies, and especially those of a moist and shady Nature, and in light well cultivated Soils: It may be sown at all Seasons; but when it appears above Ground it is to be preserved from the Cold, and may be transplanted for the Decoration of Garden-Walls; for, like the Citron-Tree, it continues green through the whole Year.
"The Leaves are only used; though when these cannot be had, some use the Seeds in their Stead. The Leaves are preserved by passing a Thread through them, suspending them in a shady Place, and thus drying them, after which they are used either whole or reduced to Powder.
"Tobacco is hot and dry, and consequently heats, resolves, cleanses, and is a little astringent, as will appear from these following Virtues, of which it is possessed.
"The Leaves of Tobacco heated and applied, prove an excellent Remedy for a Cephalæa, and Hemicrania, provided these Disorders arise from a cold Cause, or Flatulences, but the Use of them is to be often repeated, till the Disease is removed. Some, before the Application of them, anoint the Head with the Oil obtained from the Flowers of the Orange-Tree. The same Remedy is beneficial for a Rigidity of the Neck or Tetanus, and for Pains of the whole Body, arising from the same Cause.
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"The Plant Tobacco, says he, was formerly used by the Indians, and especially by the Inhabitants of New Spain, for the Cure of Wounds. A few Years ago it was imported into Spain, rather for the Decoration of Gardens, than on Account of its medicinal Virtues: But it is now more celebrated for the latter, than used for the former.
"This Plant is among the Indians called Picelt; for the Spaniards first called it Tobacco from a certain Island of that Name, where great Quantities of it were produced.
"It rises to a great Height, and is sometimes as tall as the Lemon-Tree. Its Trunk is strait, and sends out many large Branches, which bear Leaves almost resembling those of the Lemon-Tree, but larger, like those of the Burdock, of a faint green Colour, and a little rough and shaggy, as the Whole of the Plant is. The Tops of the Branches bear Flowers of the Shape of a small Bell, which are white at the Extremities, but of a purple Colour in the Middle; and when these Flowers fall off, they are succeeded by small Heads, which resemble those of the Black Poppy, and contain a very small cineritious blackish Seed. The Root is thick, divided into many Parts, internally of a ligneous or woody Nature, Saffron-coloured, bitter, and easily deprived of its Bark: But I am acquainted with no medicinal or other Quality of which it is possessed.
"The Plant grows in most Places of the Indies, and especially those of a moist and shady Nature, and in light well cultivated Soils: It may be sown at all Seasons; but when it appears above Ground it is to be preserved from the Cold, and may be transplanted for the Decoration of Garden-Walls; for, like the Citron-Tree, it continues green through the whole Year.
"The Leaves are only used; though when these cannot be had, some use the Seeds in their Stead. The Leaves are preserved by passing a Thread through them, suspending them in a shady Place, and thus drying them, after which they are used either whole or reduced to Powder.
"Tobacco is hot and dry, and consequently heats, resolves, cleanses, and is a little astringent, as will appear from these following Virtues, of which it is possessed.
"The Leaves of Tobacco heated and applied, prove an excellent Remedy for a Cephalæa, and Hemicrania, provided these Disorders arise from a cold Cause, or Flatulences, but the Use of them is to be often repeated, till the Disease is removed. Some, before the Application of them, anoint the Head with the Oil obtained from the Flowers of the Orange-Tree. The same Remedy is beneficial for a Rigidity of the Neck or Tetanus, and for Pains of the whole Body, arising from the same Cause.
To be continue in this ebook...
