Sbr ibn Sahls Dispensatory in the Recension

of the Adud Hospital

Islamic Philosophy, Theology
and Science

Texts and Studies

Edited by
H. Daiber

VOLUME LXXVIII
Sbr ibn Sahls Dispensatory in
the Recension of the
Adud Hospital

by
Oliver Kahl

LEIDEN BOSTON
2009
On the cover: Map of Iraq (leaf from a medieval Arabic manuscript on climates)

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ISSN 0169 8729

ISBN 978 90 0417124 4

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filio meo Lukaso carissimo
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 CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ............................................................................ ix

Introduction ........................................................................................ 1
1. Sbr ibn Sahls Dispensatory ............................................... 1
2. The Hospital Epitome ............................................................. 7
a. The Arabic Manuscript ....................................................... 7
b. External Structure ............................................................... 8
c. Internal Structure ................................................................ 10
d. Metrological Units .............................................................. 14
e. Pharmacological Apparatus ............................................... 15
f. Applicative Categories ......................................................... 17
Plate ............................................................................................ 19

Arabic Text ......................................................................................... 21

English Translation ........................................................................... 117

Bibliography ........................................................................................ 227

Glossary of Technical Terms ........................................................... 231

1. Substances and Products ........................................................ 231
a. EnglishArabic ................................................................... 231
b. ArabicEnglish ................................................................... 239
2. Pathology and Anatomy ......................................................... 246
a. EnglishArabic ................................................................... 246
b. ArabicEnglish ................................................................... 252
3. Botanical Names ....................................................................... 257
a. EnglishLatin ..................................................................... 257
b. LatinEnglish ..................................................................... 260
4. Generic Drug Names ............................................................... 263
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks are due to Fuat Sezgin (Frankfurt) who generously lent me

his microfilm of the manuscript Munich arab. 808; Manfred Ullmann
(Tbingen) who communicated to me a number of philological obser-
vations regarding my recent edition and translation of the dispensatory
of Ibn at-Tilmd, some of which have also informed the present study;
Nikolai Serikoff (London) who on my behalf spent many hours of his
valuable time scanning through the entire encyclopaedia of al-Mags
in fruitless search of a quotation; Hans Daiber (Dsseldorf ) who kindly
accepted this book, too, for publication in the IPTS series; my editor
Trudy Kamperveen (Leiden) who once again displayed that rare mix of
competence and cordiality; the staff of the Rylands University Library of
Manchester who were very helpful; Deniz Ertan who made her little
flat available to me whenever I needed a place to stay in Manchester;
and to Karine as always for everything.

O. Kahl
Sheffield
 INTRODUCTION

1. Sbr ibn Sahls Dispensatory

Sbr ibn Sahl was a Nestorian physician and pharmacologist who

worked at the hospital of Gondpr in southwestern Iran before
he moved to Baghdad, joining the circle of medical advisers to the
Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil (reg. 232/847247/861); Sbr died on
21 D l-H igga 255 / 30 November 869,1 probably in Samarraand this
is basically all we know about his life.2 As regards his literary work,
Sbr figures as the author of a handful of medico-pharmacological
writings,3 but his main gift to posterity is the dispensatory (aqrbd n)
whose textual transmission and historical significance will be discussed
in the following.
The first manuscript containing Sbr ibn Sahls dispensatory was
registered in 1866 by the Bavarian curator Joseph Aumer (MS Munich
Staatsbibliothek arab. 808/2)4 and it remained, for more than two gen-
erations, the only known textual witness, attracting little, if any, scholarly
attention; then, in 1938, Paul Sbath discovered a second manuscript
in a Syrian private library (MS Aleppo Mnk 348);5 three further
manuscripts from Iran were found, respectively, in 1960 by Salhaddn
al-Munaggid (MS Tehran Malik 4234),6 in 1962 by Muhammad Taq
Dni-Pah and rag Afr (MS Tehran San 3258/20),7 and in 1970
by Fuat Sezgin (MS Tehran Malik 4573/40);8 the last manuscript on
current record was described by Rudolf Sellheim in 1976 (MS Berlin

The system of transliteration used in this book is that of the Deutsche Morgen-
lndische Gesellschaft.
1
Julian calendar (or 4 December 869 Gregorian calendar).
2
For a list of biographical sources and relevant secondary literature see Kahl Sbr1
33 note 70 (adding Kahl Sbr 694 and Note passim).
3
For these see GaS 3/244 with Kahl Sbr 2 12f. (two preserved, three lost).
4
See Aumer Handschriften 355f.
5
See Sbath Fihris 1/46.
6
See Munaggid Nawdir 74.
7
See BBCUT 246.
8
See GaS 3/186.
2 introduction

Staatsbibliothek or.oct. 1839).9 In terms of their age, these six manu-

scripts can be arranged as follows:

MS Berlin Staatsbibliothek or.oct. 1839: copied ca. 300/912 (17 chapters)

MS Tehran Malik 4234: copied 734/1333 (17 chapters)
MS Munich Staatsbibliothek arab. 808/2: copied 741/1341 (16 chapters)
MS Tehran Malik 4573/40: copied 1096/1685 (25 chapters)
MS Tehran San 3258/20: copied 11th/17th century (25 chapters)
MS Aleppo Mnk 348: ?

Considering that the importance of Sbr ibn Sahls dispensatory for

our understanding of mediaeval Arabic pharmacology echoes through
scientific literature ever since Max Meyerhof declared its publication
a priority task in the late 1930s,10 one may wonder why it has not long
since been done and dusted. The main reason for this lack of enthusiasm
seems to be that the picture which emerges from a closer examination
of the manuscript tradition is far from being clear or coherentthat,
in fact, Sbrs dispensatory is represented here by at least two separate
versions, in different stages of literary adaptation, and on extremely
varying levels of textual integrity. In order to appreciate the problem
we need to go back to the Arabic sources first, and proceed from there
to take a look at what modern scholarship has to say about the manu-
script tradition. The earliest source mentioning Sbrs dispensatory
is the medical encyclopaedist ar-Rz (d. 313/925 or 323/935) who, in
addition to the passages introduced merely by Sbrs name, several
times quotes a large11 and at least twice a middle dispensatory of
Sbr12which naturally implies the existence of a small one; then,
the bibliographer Ibn an-Nadm (d. 380/990) refers to Sbr as the
author of a dispensatory in 22 chapters;13 and lastly, the chronicler
Ibn Ab Usaibia (d. 668/1270) maintains that Sbr authored a large
dispensatory in 17 chapters.14 From these statements, laconic as they
are, we learn the important fact that Sbrs dispensatory circulated

9
See MaL 1/216224.
10
See Mieli Science 282.
11
See Rz H w 1/36, 2/28, 2/144, 2/219, 6/248, 9/170, 10/199, 10/238, 10/303,
11/55, 11/176, and 11/183.
12
See Rz H w 7/220 and 11/21.
13
See Ibn an-Nadm Fihrist 1/297 (thence Ibn al-Qift H ukam 207 and Barhe-
braeus Duwal 147).
14
See Ibn Ab Usaibia Uyn 1/161.
 introduction 3

in three versions (small-middle-large),15 and further that there existed

a version in 17 and another in 22 chapters. Numerous quotations
and/or extracts from Sbrs dispensatory, some of them substantial,
are, to be sure, scattered throughout Arabic medico-pharmacological
literature,16 but they come either as silent or else unspecific citations17
and can therefore not be linked to a particular version. Returning to the
manuscript tradition, few scholars have so far tackled this problem in
any meaningful way. There are a couple of articles by Sami Hamarneh
who in 1961 dealt with the Munich manuscript18 and in 1979 with the
three Tehran manuscripts,19 and whilst he does so in a rather descriptive
and cursory fashion he nonetheless was the first to observe the apparent
disparity between the indirect evidence given by the Arabic sources and
the direct evidence borne by the manuscript tradition. In 1976 Rudolf
Sellheim made a cautious and partly successful attempt at identifying
the fragmentary and hence anonymous Berlin manuscript,20 correctly
attributing its composition to Sbr but wrongly associating it with a
fictitious literary production.21 The single most important contribution,
prior to my own efforts to shed some light on the matter, is an article
published in 1974 by Rainer Degen and Manfred Ullmann, analysing
the Munich and Tehran San manuscripts in a philological study whose
results can be summarised as follows: the Munich manuscript represents
a revised, rearranged and abridged edition of an unspecified version
of Sbrs dispensatory as compiled and used by the physicians of the
Adud hospital in Baghdad shortly before or around the middle of the
5th/11th century; the Tehran San manuscript represents a revised and
augmented edition of the large version of Sbrs dispensatory, showing
traces of an earlier revision by Yhann ibn Sarbiyn (fl. late 3rd/9th

15
Whether or not Sbr himself can actually be credited with the compilation of
all versions is impossible to say; equally irresolvable, and for our purposes irrelevant,
is the question whether his dispensatory was originally conceived in the Syriac or in
the Arabic language, cf. MaL 1/221f. with Strohmaier Kahl 208 (Syriac) and Kahl
Sbr2 26f. (Arabic) respectively.
16
See e.g. Kahl Sbr 2 29 (adding Kaskar [fl. 307/920] Kunn passim).
17
The latter running under by Sbr or from the dispensatory of Sbr.
18
See Hamarneh Sbr1 passim.
19
See Hamarneh Sbr2 passim.
20
See MaL 1/216f.
21
Namely the kitb f sanat al-adwiya al-murakkaba al-muhtra book on the
preparation of select compounds (sic incipiunt MSS Tehran Malik 4573/40 and San
3258/20), a paraphrastic pseudo-title detached from presumably all three versions of
Sbrs original dispensatory, cf. Kahl Sbr 1 17f.
4 introduction

century), and put together sometime after the middle of the 6th/12th
century by a Persian redactor who additionally invented the tale that
his compilation is a translation from Syriac.22 And in 1994 I have tried
to show that the Berlin manuscript actually represents an early and
authentic edition of the small version of Sbrs dispensatory; that the
Tehran Malik 4234 manuscript represents a late and muddled edition
of that same version, compiled by a Persian redactor who also perpetu-
ates the tale of a Syriac translation; and that the Tehran Malik 4573
manuscript represents an edition which is chronologically and contextu-
ally identical with the Tehran San manuscript.23 Finally, it should be
noted that the identity of the inaccessible Aleppo manuscript remains
uncertain, though Fuat Sezgin seems to consider it a representative of
the large version of Sbrs dispensatory.24 These findings, taken all
together, suggest that Ibn an-Nadms mention of a dispensatory in 22
chapters must refer to the original size of the large version, whilst Ibn
Ab Usaibias mention of a large dispensatory in 17 chapters is either
a mistake (leg. small) or else a reference to an otherwise unattested
abridgement of that version.
The textual history of Sbr ibn Sahls dispensatory can be illustrated
by the following diagram (see next page).
In 1994 I published an edition and in 2003 a translation of the small
version of Sbr ibn Sahls dispensatory on the basis of the old Berlin
manuscript,25 and my current edition and translation of the hospital
epitome as preserved in the Munich manuscript is another homage
to Sbrs pharmacological legacy. Looking into the future, I am not
sure whether I will visit that subject againI have grown a bit weary

22
See Degen/Ullmann Sbr 253257.
23
See Kahl Sbr 1 1620.
24
See GaS 3/244.
25
See Kahl Sbr 1 (edition) and Sbr2 (translation). I would like to take this oppor-
tunity and briefly respond to an accusation which has been made by Manfred Ullmann
in a review of my work (see Ullmann Kahl passim) and echoed in wholesale fashion
by some younger colleagues (Akasoy, Pormann)namely that I neglected the secondary
transmission (Nebenberlieferung), i.e. the body of quotations and/or extracts from
Sbrs dispensatory as found in later Arabic medico-pharmacological literature. As
I thought I had explained well enough in the introductory study to my edition, these
secondary transmissions carry no label of specification whatsoever which would allow
us to assign them with any certainty to a particular version of Sbrs dispensatory
and hence, their approximate incorporation into the small version would have been
a rather haphazard enterprise, producing a garbled and in the end ahistorical text.
Whether the fragments which make up the secondary transmission are valuable or
not is an entirely different question.
 introduction 5

[Autograph]

versio

small middle large

(17 chs.) (22 chs.)

revision by ?
MS Berlin ? Serapion
< ~ 912 CE > < ~ 880 CE >

revised, rearranged and abridgement

abridged edition by the (17 chs.)
physicians of the Adud
hospital in Baghdad
intermediate editions (16 chs.) revised and augmented
< ~ 1040 CE > edition
(25 chs.)
< Iran, after 1150 CE >

MS Tehran Malik 4234 MS Munich

< Iran, 1333 CE > < 1341 CE >

MS Tehran Malik 4573 MS Tehran San

? < 1685 CE > < 17th century CE >

MS Aleppo
<?>
6 introduction

of Sbrs company over the years. There remains, no doubt, a lot of

work to be done: we need to edit and translate the large version of
Sbrs dispensatory which is represented by the Tehran San and
Malik 4573 manuscripts;26 edit and translate the prolegomena to the
small version (chapters 14) which are missing in the Berlin manuscript
but retained by the Tehran Malik 4234 manuscript; track down, verify
and, if appropriate, publish the Aleppo manuscript, too; assemble a
toolbox containing all fragments which explicitly or implicitly relate to
Sbrs dispensatory; in time create some sort of Corpus Saburianum
which could provide the starting point for a large-scale reconstruction
of Eastern Arabic pharmacology in the 3rd/9th century; and so on and
so forth.
In conclusion of this preliminary section and before examining
the hospital epitome in greater detail, a few general observations may
be fitting. The title of the Munich manuscript reads: the dispensa-
tory of Sbr according to the copy of the Adud hospital, (being)
a synopsis of Sbrs dispensatory on the composition of drugs, (in)
sixteen chapterswhich means that the text so described represents
a clinical recension and at the same time an abridgement of Sbr ibn
Sahls dispensatory. Several references in the text to various copies of
Sbrs dispensatory27 imply a composite recension, though we cannot
yet say for sure whether the physicians who were responsible for its
compilation drew on different versions of the original or simply col-
lated exponents of the same strand. Whilst the declared intention to
condense information manifests itself only on a relatively minor scale,
the extent of the revision in qualitative and structural terms was quite
substantial, resulting in the inclusion of otherwise unattested material
and, moreover, in a complete rearrangement of the chapter sequence as
compared to both the small and large versions of the original. Interest-
ingly, the last chapter on the uses and [occult] properties of animal [and
human] parts28discarded from the small version of the originalhas

26
In the summer of 2007 I received a letter from an Iranian colleague (whose
name I do not recall), announcing work in progress towards a publication of Shapors
prominent compendium (this phrase I do recall); our e-mail exchange was cheerful
but short, so I have no idea what, if anything, might be coming from that quarter.
27
See p. 11 below.
28
Despite the fact that Galen the famous poured his wrath over the Dreckapotheke
as displayed in Xenocrates of Aphrodisias (fl. 70 CE) ,
the subject enjoyed great popularity among physicians of later antiquity and many of
their mediaeval Arab counterparts were no less intrigued by it, see e.g. Nutton Medicine
268 and Ullmann NGw 10f.
 introduction 7

been kept by the compilers of the hospital epitome who copied it more
or less literally from the concluding chapter of the large version. My
overall impression is that the physicians of the Adud hospital set out
to produce a single integral pharmacopoeia on the basis of such copies
and/or versions of Sbrs original as circulated among clinical special-
ists at the time, and that they further intended to update, shorten and
restructure the pharmacological material contained in these originals
on empirical grounds and in consideration of their own practical needs.
A relative measure of their success can be seen in the fact that it took
another century before the ingenious Ibn at-Tilmd (d. 560/1165),
head physician of that same institution, compiled an altogether new
pharmacopoeia which came to dwarf not only the remnants of Sbr
ibn Sahls original dispensatory but also the hospital epitome, its finest
and final interpretationbut that is a different story.

2. The Hospital Epitome

a. The Arabic Manuscript

The edition of the Arabic text containing the hospital epitome is based
on the unique manuscript

Munich Staatsbibliothek cod.arab. 808/2,29 fols. 2b,2021b,ult.3029

to 36 lines per page on an area of script measuring an average of 18.5
13.5 cm, written in small, thick, coarse, unvocalized, often undotted
Nash which towards the end becomes increasingly erratic and somewhat
larger. Several marginal glosses from different hands. Between fols. 10
and 11 one or two leaves have gone missing prior to binding, such that
the end of chapter 7 (safft), the whole of chapter 8 (akh l ), and the
beginning of chapter 9 (marhim) are now lost; at the bottom of fol.
21b a note in German alleging that the text is incomplete.31 Copyist

29
See Aumer Handschriften 355f.; cf. Ullmann Medizin 301 and GaS 3/244.
30
The hospital epitome is the second item in this composite manuscript. The first
item (808/1, fols. 1a2b) represents a copy of ar-Rzs (d. 313/925 or 323/935) treatise
Bur [as-]sa, cf. Ullmann Medizin 135 with note 3 and GaS 3/284f. no. 8; the third
item (808/3, fols. 22a34b), referred to as al-Qnn as-sar, consists of extracts from
Ibn Sns (d. 428/1037) encyclopaedia al-Qnn f t-tibb, cf. Ullmann Medizin 152ff.
31
Der Schluss dieses Textes fehlt!. This note seems to be prompted by the obser-
vation that the beginning of the next item (808/3) is missing, but there is no other
8 introduction

unnamed. Date (fol. 34b): 8 Ramadn 741 [25 February 1341]. For a
specimen see p. 19 below.

The textual quality of this manuscript is very good. However, the copyist
is not entirely at ease with the conventions of spelling and occasionally
makes mistakes whose nature further seems to indicate that the text,
or at least part of it, was taken down from dictation, e.g. instead
of )( , instead of )( , instead of )( , instead of
)( , instead of )( , instead of ) ( , instead
of )( , instead of )( , instead of )( , and
instead of )( . Then, the copyist is not always confident as regards
the terminology of his subject matter, especially when it comes to the
graphical representation of loan-words or foreign proper names, e.g.
instead of <( ), instead of
et al. (< ), instead of et al. (<
[gen.]), instead of ( Persian), instead
of ( Persian), while Archigenes appears as and, once,
Dioscorides as . Finally, the copyist shows little inhibition
to separate words, Arabic or not, at the end of a line, e.g. fols. 3a,21f.
( ;) | 3b,5f. ( ;) | 4b,4f. ( ;) | 7b,24f. ( ;) | 8b,3f.
( ;) | 10a,22f. ( ;) | 10b,29f. ( ;) | 12b,20f. (;) |
14a,19f. ( ;) | 14b,2f. ( ;) | 15b,23f. ( ;) | 18a,15f.
( ;) | 20b,3f. ( ;) | 21b,25f. () | .32

As regards editorial particulars above and beyond the obvious, it should

be noted that dittographies have been emended silently; that idiosyn-
crasies or plain mistakes in the construction of numerals have not been
rectified; and that occasional phrases such as (wa-huwa) nfi in a
llh (tal), bi-id n Allh tal, as well as the word nfi when used
isolated at the end of a recipe have been ignored throughout.

b. External Structure
The hospital epitome is divided into 16 chapters, comprising a total
of 292 recipes. The material is arranged systematically according to

evidence to suggest that the text containing the hospital epitome would actually have
gone on.
32
Similar cases: 3a,19f.; 3b,16f.; 8a,9f.; 10a,4f.; 12a,26f.; 12b,31f.; 13a,31f.; 13b,11f.; 14a,22f.;
15a,12f.; 15a,27f.; 15b,10f.; 16b,24f.; 18b,23f.; 19b,31f. Cases of the conjunction being
separated from the following word: 6b,7f.; 7a,3f.; 8b,11f.; 13a,25f.; 18a,12f.; 19a,4f.
 introduction 9

certain drug categories and/or forms of application ( ),33 and

the resulting compounds may involve any number of simples up to 56.
The chapters are the following:

One Pastilles (aqrs)

Two Lohochs (laqt)
Three Beverages and Robs (ariba wa-rubbt)
Four Oils (adhn)
Five Cataplasms (dimdt)
Six Enemas (h uqan)
Seven Powders (safft)
Eight Collyria (akh l )
Nine Liniments (marhim)
Ten Stomachics ( gawrit)
Eleven Hierata (iyragt)
Twelve Decoctions and Pills (matbht wa-h ubb)
Thirteen Preserves (murabbayt)
Fourteen Preparing and Testing the Theriac (sanat at-tiryq wa-
mtih nuhu)
Fifteen Treating the Teeth and Gums (diw al-asnn wal-lita)
Sixteen Uses and Properties of Animal Parts (manfi ad al-
h)34
h ayawn wa-hawssu
[Addenda]35

The individual recipes are built with great consistency though varying
degrees of elaboration around the same formal frame, whose essential
parts can be described as follows:

33
For (rare) system overlaps see English translation notes 66, 67, and 99.
34
For a list of all applicative categories occurring in the text see section 2.f.
35
49 compounds which are no longer systematically arranged and of which a
disproportionately high number (1/5) is concerned with sexual hygiene or cosmetics.
Degen/Ullmann Sbr 249 dismissed these addenda as ein Sammelsurium [. . .]
offensichtlich wahllos von spterer Hand nachgetragen, but we know now that at least
one of those compounds already belonged to the stock of Sbrs original dispensa-
tory (recipe 264 = Kahl Sbr 1 no. 392) and, further, that the great Ibn at-Tilmd
(d. 560/1165) considered another ten or so worthy of incorporation into his own dispen-
satory (recipes 257, 258, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 273, 274, 291 = Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd
nos. 133, 69, 185, 191, 66, 126, 17, 97, 141, 68)there is, in short, no reason to assume
that the omission of these addenda from the bulk of the text indicates anything else
than clerical negligence.
10 introduction

name and/or category of the drug36

range of its application
list of its ingredients with doses37
instructions for combining the ingredients38
directions for use

c. Internal Structure
The hospital epitome implies in principle the availability of 411 simple
drugs,39 of which there are 277 vegetable (67.4%), 75 animal (18.2%),
52 mineral (12.7%), and 7 human (1.7%) substances.40 The distribution
of all substances and products as ingredients over the total number
of recipes varies considerablysome occur only once in the whole
text, others are employed more often; among the ingredients which
come up most frequently are barley, celery, cinnamom, ginger, gum-
arabic, honey, Indian spikenard, liquorice, mastic, myrobalan, pepper,
pomegranate, rose, saffron, sesame, sugar, tragacanth, vinegar, water,
and wine.41 Just as in other pharmacological works produced in Iraq
during the mediaeval period, the various species in the text on hand,
too, are dispersed over an extremely wide geographical area covering
Indo-Arabia, North and East Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe,
South East Asia, and China.42

36
On the general principles of drug naming in mediaeval Arabic pharmacology cf.
my observations in Sbr 2 15 note 57 (3rd/9th century) and Ibn at-Tilmd 27 note 58
(6th/12th century); for a complete list of drug names in the present text (ca. 45% of
all compounds) see glossary of technical terms 4.
37
For metrological units see section 2.d.
38
For pharmacological apparatus see section 2.e.
39
Bearing in mind that about one tenth of these simples may have functioned as
substitutes (abdl ).
40
This account only includes whole species. What was actually used were in the
case of plants the different rhizomatous and aerial parts or products (e.g. seed, root,
stem, bark, leaf, flower, fruit, sap, resin, ashes); in the case of animals certain organs or
organic products (e.g. gall, liver, heart, brain, eye, testicle, rennet, fat, blood, excreta,
skin, horn, fang, shell, egg, milk, honey, ashes); and in the case of humans a similar
though narrower range of parts (i.e. breastmilk, bone, hair, saliva, urine, faeces).
41
For a complete list of substances and products in the text see glossary of techni-
cal terms 1.
42
Compare Kahl Sbr 2 16 with note 62 and Ibn at-Tilmd 28f. with notes 64
and 65.
 introduction 11

As regards the origin of the recipes which form the core material
of the text, we get relatively little immediate information.43 There are
some cases of collective attributions which may be expressed directly
by way of additive labelling or indirectly through generic namingthe
former include labels such as Greek, Persian, Indian, from Chal-
daea, or from Isfahan, see e.g. recipes 142, 143, 201, 252, 255;44 the
latter include names such as ailwus (Greek), barata (Syriac), abyr
(Persian), or itrfal (Sanskrit), see e.g. recipes 10, 140, 169, 265. There
are several references to the Adud hospital as the presumed place of
invention of certain drugs, see recipes 25, 26, 27, 31, 77, 78, 82, 112,
116, 125, 165, 168, 199, 201, 220. There are a few unspecific quota-
tions which may refer to written sources or oral informants, including
copies (nusha pl. nusah), see recipes 44, 50, 57, 61, 62, 64, 139, 142,
144, 145, 146, 169, 170, 182, 243;45 physicians (atibb), see recipes
13, 43, 51, 65, 70, 72, 139, 145, 146, 150, 153, 155, 198, 243;46 people
(ns or qaum), see recipes 187, 198; and also phrases like some say
(qla/yuql ) or it is said (d ukira), see recipes 9, 24, 268. Most straight-
forward are, of course, specific quotations which may refer to named
individuals and/or texts, including (in chronological order): Hippocrates
(d. ca. 375 BCE), see recipe 250; Dioscorides (fl. 1st century CE), see
recipe 243 (thrice); Galen (d. 199 CE), see recipes 58, 131 ( f l-Adwiya
al-mufrada), 132, 136, 198, 225, 243 (twice); H unain ibn Ish q (d.
260/873 or 264/877), see recipes 21, 114, 214; Ibn al-Aat (d. 360/970),
see recipe 222; Ab l-H asan T bit ibn Ibrhm (d. 369/980), see recipe
83; [al-Mags] (d. late 4th/10th century) al-Malak, see recipe 24; Ibn
Sn (d. 428/1037), see recipe 248; Ab l-Farag (d. 435/1043), see recipe
148; Hrn (d. 444/1052), see recipes 26, 118, 202; and one Ibn alm
ar-Raqq (unidentified), see recipe 115.47
Another question worth dealing with is what kind of health prob-
lems the people had who lived in Iraq in the 11th century CE. Putting
aside references to parasitic or systemic48 disorders (11.9%), incidents
of poisoning (3.5%), complaints whose treatment falls under cosmetics,

43
On the general problems of source criticism in mediaeval Arabic pharmacology
cf. my remarks in Sbr 2 17 and Ibn at-Tilmd 29.
44
A biblical origin is alleged in an attribution to king Solomon, see recipe 145.
45
Some copies are further described as better and more reliable (ah kam wa-agwad)
or old (qadma), see recipes 54, 56, 139, 141.
46
Some ancient (awil ) or modern (h adat), see recipe 62.
47
For more details and full names of these individuals see the notes to my translation.
48
Notably fevers (indicating cases of malaria?).
12 introduction

dietetics, or hygienics (3.2%), and injuries resulting from accidents or

warfare (1.9%), the specified diseases49 can be described as affecting or
involving the

gastro-intestinal tract 21.2%

respiratory organs 8.1%
skin 7.5%
nervous system 6.6%
urinary tract 6.5%
reproductive organs 4.7%
eyes 4.4%
brain 3.4%
liver 3.2%
psyche 2.8%
ear, nose and throat 2.5%
blood vessels 2.2%
spleen 2.1%
teeth and gums 1.8%
heart 1.1%
others 1.4%

When comparing these data to those raised on the basis of two other
pharmacopoeias from mediaeval Iraqnamely Sbr ibn Sahls Small
Dispensatory (9th century CE) and Ibn at-Tilmds Dispensatory (12th
century CE)50we need to be extremely mindful of the limits and flaws
of all statistical evaluation, especially when standing on relatively thin
ground, and hence abstain from overinterpreting minor or ambigu-
ous fluctuations. That said, we can still make a few clear observations
which, as we move from the 9th through the 11th to the 12th centuries
CE, seem to indicate the following major trends: a marked decline in
gastro-intestinal diseases (36.3 21.2 16.5%); a rise in eye diseases,51
notably between the 11th and 12th centuries CE (5.2 4.4 11.9%);
a rise in skin diseases, notably between the 9th and 11th centuries CE
(1.7 7.5 10.1%); and a remarkably and consistently low rate of
heart diseases (1.2 1.1 1.1%).

49
For full details on pathology and anatomy in the text see glossary of technical
terms 2.
50
See Kahl Sbr 2 18 and Ibn at-Tilmd 30f. respectively.
51
Or else an increasing level of sophistication in ophthalmological diagnosis.
 introduction 13

The pharmaceutical nomenclature, that is to say the various sub-

stances and products mentioned in the text, can be classified etymo-
logically as follows:

Arabic 41.2%
Persian 25.7%
Greek 14.6%
Sanskrit 6.3%
Syriac 5.1%
Others 7.1%

These figures more or less confirm what we already know about the
general linguistic situation in Arabic pharmacopoeias from the 9th
century CE,52 and the ratio of distribution remains essentially the
same in the 12th century CE.53 There appears to have been over time
a gradual increase of Persian loan-words by ca. 6%54 and a gradual
decrease of Greek loan-words by ca. 4%,55 but the overall picture we
get is that lexical levelling in the Arab East, at least with regard to
medico-pharmacological texts, was from the start a correlation rather
than a conclusion of the translation movement.
Patients are virtually absent from the textin fact, the word patient
itself (all ) occurs as such only four times, see recipes 226, 251, 278,
279; apart from that, there are a few sporadic references to the unborn
(aginna), a foetus ( gann), an infant (tifl ), a child (walad), children
(sibyn), a boy (saby), a woman (imraa/mara), women (nis), preg-
nant women (h abl), mothers (ummaht), a man (ragul), a man whose
belly was slit open (ragul wuiqa gaufuhu), and old men (mayih/
mayaha/uyh), see recipes 24, 60, 62, 91, 94, 122, 136, 149 (two), 183,
243 (several), 245, 248, 250.
For the benefit of those engaged with questions of empiricism and
experimentalism in mediaeval Arabic science, we can record the fol-
lowing: the term mugarrab proven by experience accompanies several
drugs, see recipes 36, 87, 89, 111, 125, 135, 142, 189, 204, 208, 211, 234,

52
Compare Kahl Sbr 2 24f., Schmucker T abar 12, and Levey Kind 20.
53
Compare Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd 32.
54
23.9% (collective evaluation 9th century CE) 25.7% (11th century CE) 30.1%
(12th century CE); this trend may in part be due to an Iranization of Sanskrit terms,
the latter declining over the same period of time by 3.3%.
55
16.6% (collective evaluation 9th century CE) 14.6% (11th century CE) 12.7%
(12th century CE).
14 introduction

261, 269; once, a drugs efficacy is considered proven on the grounds of

twenty years of successful administration, see recipe 152; then there is
a report that al-Mags tested a drug on a pig, see recipe 24; and there
are theriac trials, two also involving animals, see recipe 198. Finally,
there is an interesting early example of dry sex, see recipe 248.56

d. Metrological Units
Specific

dniq 0.520.74g [recipe 27 and passim]

dirham 3.125g [recipe 1 and passim]
istr ~20g [recipe 16 and passim]
kailaga ~680g [recipe 139 and passim]
makkk ~2040g [recipe 139 and passim]
mann ~816g [recipe 31 and passim]
mitql 4.46g [recipe 3 and passim]
qrt 0.223g [recipe 154 and passim]
qist ~609g [recipe 41 and passim]57
ratl ~406g [recipe 10 and passim]58
rub ~516g [recipe 78 and passim]
qya ~33g [recipe 10 and passim]

Semispecific

cupful (sukurruga) [recipe 72]

handful (kaff ) [recipe 87 and passim]
jugful (dauraq) [recipe 66]
mouthful (gura) [recipe 268]
spoonful (milaqa) [recipe 155 and passim]

or when referring to the weight, shape or size of a

broad bean (bqillh) [recipe 243]

finger (asba) [recipe 183 and passim]
grain (h abba) [recipe 204]

56
On this subject see Levin Impact passim (article brought to my attention by
Karine Nohr).
57
This valuation is based on a remark in recipe 61 stating that a qist is one and
a half ratl .
58
Occasionally referred to as Baghdad ratl , see e.g. recipe 183.
 introduction 15

peppercorn ( fulful ) [recipe 172 and passim]

silver coin (dirham) [recipe 226]
walnut ( gauza) [recipe 149 and passim]

Nonspecific

amount ( guz or ai or wazn) [recipes 159, 248, 254 and passim]

bunch (bqa or tqa) [recipes 109, 148 and passim]
equivalent (muqbil ) [recipe 259]
measure (kail ) [recipe 59]
number (adad) [recipe 22 and passim]
part ( guz or qism) [recipes 6, 151 and passim]
piece, span-long (br) [recipe 257]
piece, square (murabba) [recipe 146 and passim]
portion ( gizma or guz) [recipes 38 and 111]
quantity (miqdr or qadr) [recipes 47, 269 and passim]
size (miqdr or qadr) [recipes 97, 183 and passim]
weight (wazn) [recipe 24 and passim]

e. Pharmacological Apparatus59
alembic (inbq) [recipe 248]
bag of leather (ziqq) [recipe 38]
baking-pit (tannr) [recipe 279]
basin (iggna) [recipe 257]
basket of palm-leaves (zanbl ) [recipe 40]
beaker (qadah ) [recipe 37 and passim]
beaker from tarfa root (qadah min asl at-tarf) [recipe 127]
bottle (qinnna) [recipe 292]
bottle of glass (qinnna zugg) [recipe 38 and passim]
bowl, earthen (bustqa) [recipe 148]
bowl, shallow (zabdya) [recipe 251]
cauldron (tingr) [recipe 54 and passim]
cloth (hirqa) [recipe 57 and passim]
cloth, double (hirqa mudafa) [recipe 148]
cloth of linen (hirqa kattn) [recipe 41 and passim]
cloth of linen, double (hirqa kattn mudafa) [recipe 148]
cloth of silk (h arr[a] or hirqa h arr) [recipes 13, 239, 252 and passim]

59
This list also includes some therapeutic auxiliaries.
16 introduction

cooking-pot (qidr) [recipe 49 and passim]

cooking-pot, earthen (qidr fahhr) [recipe 251]
cooking-pot of iron (qidr h add) [recipe 62]
cooking-pot of iron, leaded (qidr h add murassa s) [recipe 54]
cooking-pot of stone (qidr h agar/h igra) [recipes 183, 188 and passim]
cup (sukurruga) [recipe 72]
feather (ra) [recipe 262]
flagon (qumqum) [recipe 117]
flask (qrra) [recipe 253]
flask of glass (qrra zugg) [recipe 248]
frying-pan (miqlh) [recipe 290]
hair-sieve (irbl/munhal ar) [recipes 38, 251 and passim]
jug (barnya or dauraq) [recipes 40, 66 and passim]
jug, green (barnya hadr) [recipe 38 and passim]
jug, red narrow-necked earthen (kz fuq) [recipe 251]
jug of glass (barnya zugg) [recipe 182 and passim]
knife (sikkn) [recipe 146 and passim]
knife, wooden (sikkn min haab) [recipe 55]
kohl-box of glass (mukh ula zugg) [recipe 255]
kohl-box of silver (mukh ula fidda) [recipe 255]
ladle of iron (mirafa h add) [recipe 111]
mortar (hwun) [recipe 86 and passim]
mortar of stone (hwun h igra) [recipe 57]
needle, large (misalla) [recipe 182 and passim]
oven ( furn or tannr) [recipes 115 and 279]
pan (miqlan) [recipe 236]
pan of iron (miql h add) [recipe 119]
piece of cotton (kirbsa) [recipe 40 and passim]
piece of fig-wood (haab/d [at-]tn) [recipes 39 and 40]
piece of glass (zugg) [recipe 55]
piece of grass cloth (arm) [recipe 226]
piece of hares fur (wabar al-arnab) [recipe 225]
piece of palm fibre (lf an-nahl ) [recipe 251]
piece of paper (kid ) [recipe 226]
piece of papyrus (qarts) [recipe 97]
piece of raw silk (turn hm) [recipe 251]
piece of willow-wood (d hilf ) [recipe 40]
piece of wool (labad) [recipe 127]
plate (tsa) [recipe 251]
pot (qidr) [recipe 44 and passim]
 introduction 17

pot, double (qidr mudafa) [recipe 67 and passim]

pot, earthen ( fahhr) [recipe 275]
pot of stone (qidr h igra) [recipe 43 and passim]
pouch (surra) [recipe 57]
razor (ms) [recipe 236]
receptacle (zarf ) [recipe 41 and passim]
receptacle of glass (zarf [min] zugg) [recipes 41, 46 and passim]
receptacle of porcelain (zarf [min] udr[a]) [recipes 41, 57, 61 and
passim]
rolling-pin (mirqq) [recipe 146]
shred (hirqa) [recipe 225]
sieve (munhal ) [recipe 1 and passim]
slab of marble (safh a ruhm) [recipe 146]
slabstone (balta) [recipe 111]
spoon (milaqa) [recipe 155 and passim]
table (mida) [recipe 146]
tampon of cotton ( fatla qutn) [recipe 248]
thread (hait) [recipe 116]
tips of palm-leaves (atrf as-saaf ) [recipe 39]
trough (ingna) [recipe 182]
trough, earthen (ingna fahhr) [recipe 251]
trough, green (iggna/ingna hadr) [recipes 192, 195 and passim]
tube, double (unbb mudaf ) [recipe 57]
vessel (in) [recipe 10 and passim]
vessel of glass (in zugg) [recipe 30 and passim]
vessel of porcelain (in udr[a]) [recipes 66, 148 and passim]
wick ( fatla) [recipe 224]

f. Applicative Categories
beverage (arb) [recipe 11 and passim]
catapasm (d arra) [recipe 112 and passim]
cataplasm (dimd) [recipe 77 and passim]
cathartic (mushil ) [recipe 198]
collyrium (kuh l ) [recipe 253 and passim]
coolant (bard ) [recipe 199 and passim]
cosmetic ( umra) [recipe 219]
decoction (matbh or tabh) [recipes 35, 158 and passim]
dentifrice (sann) [recipe 204]
dye (hidb) [recipe 222]
18 introduction

electuary (magn) [recipe 151 and passim]

enema (h uqna) [recipe 108 and passim]
hiera (iyrag) [recipe 153 and passim]
infusion (naq) [recipe 164]
linctus (mitah t ) [recipe 32]
liniment (marham) [recipe 89 and passim]
lohoch (laq) [recipe 28 and passim]
myrobalan-based compound (itrfal ) [recipe 140 and passim]
nutritive (sumna) [recipe 205]
oil (duhn) [recipe 62 and passim]
ointment (taly) [recipe 210 and passim]
paste (taly) [recipe 207 and passim]
pastille (qurs) [recipe 1 and passim]
pill (h abb) [recipe 167 and passim]
potion (urba) [recipe 1 and passim]
powder (saff ) [recipe 37 and passim]
preserve (murabban) [recipe 182 and passim]
purgative (mushil ) [recipe 34 and passim]
rob (rubb) [recipe 2 and passim]
shampoo (taly) [recipe 74]
snuff (sat) [recipe 152 and passim]
stomachic ( gawri[n]) [recipes 137, 142 and passim]
styptic (qti lid-dam) [heading of chapter 15]
suppository (ayf) [recipe 111 and passim]
theriac (tiryq) [recipe 198 and passim]
treacle (tiryq) [recipe 90 and passim]
unguent (til) [recipe 290]
wash ( asl or asl ) [recipes 131 and 217]
water (m) [recipes 117 and 149]
wax-liniment (qirt) [recipe 135 and passim]
 introduction 19

Plate
MS Munich: fol. 17a
 ARABIC TEXT

Additions appear in square brackets, variants and rejected readings in footnotes.



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What follows here in the manuscript (i.e. wa-gal al-asnn was-simna wal-kalaf
wal-gal) is a half-hearted continuation of the long heading of chapter 15, for which
see p. 91 below.
2
What follows here in the manuscript (i.e. wal-qb wal-garab wa-qat ahwat at-tn
wa-ilg as-safa wad-daw al-qti lid-dam) is a misplaced description which actually
belongs to the heading of chapter 15, for which see p. 91 below.
 ][

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The end of chapter 7, the whole of chapter 8, and the beginning of chapter 9 are
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On the allegation that the text, which ends here, is incomplete see p. 7 above.
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
 THE DISPENSATORY OF SBR ACCORDING TO THE
COPY OF THE AD UD HOSPITAL (BEING) A SYNOPSIS
OF SBRS DISPENSATORY ON THE COMPOSITION OF
DRUGS (IN) SIXTEEN CHAPTERS

Chapter One on Pastilles

Chapter Two on Lohochs
Chapter Three [on] Beverages and Robs
Chapter Four on Oils
Chapter Five on Cataplasms
Chapter Six on Enemas
Chapter Seven on Powders
Chapter Eight on Collyria
Chapter Nine on Liniments
Chapter Ten on Stomachics
Chapter Eleven on Hierata
Chapter Twelve on Decoctions and Pills
Chapter Thirteen on Preserves
Chapter Fourteen on Preparing and Testing the Theriac
Chapter Fifteen [on] Treating the Teeth and Gums
Chapter Sixteen on Uses and Properties of Animal Parts
 Chapter One
on
the Preparation of Pastilles

[1]
The prescription of the tabasheer pastille with alhagi
which is useful against thirst, acute fevers, and cramp
Tabasheer four dirham; starch one dirham; alhagi five dirham; serpent
melon seeds and gourd (seeds) three dirham of each; light-coloured
poppy one dirham; tragacanth and gum-arabic one dirham of each.
Every single (ingredient) is pounded and strained separately. (This) is
kneaded with the maceration of fleawort seeds, formed into pastilles
of one dirham each, dried in the shade on the back of a sieve, (and) a
potion (may be made by using) one pastille with barley-water.

[2]
The sorrel pastille
which is useful against abdominal disorder, bloody
expectoration, cough, and a predominance of biliousness
Fine sorrel seeds, sealing bole, gum-arabic, and myrtle seeds ten dirham
of each; barberries and tabasheer eight dirham of each; [stalk]less roses
seven dirham; roasted starch five dirham; acorn four dirham; saffron,
amber, and red coral three dirham of each; camphor half a dirham. All
(this) is pounded, strained, [kneaded] with rose-water, dried, and used
with the myrtle only rob.1

[3]
The small barberry pastille
which is useful against fever, thirst, and anxiety
Seedless barberries, liquorice rob, and tabasheer three dirham of
each; Indian spikenard two dirham; cucumber seeds three and a half
dirham; stalkless red roses six dirham; purslane seeds, saffron, starch,

1
Compare recipe 44.
 english translation 121

and tragacanth two dirham of each; camphor half a dirham. All (this)
is ground, kneaded with alhagi-water, formed into pastilles (of ) one
mitql each, and used.

[4]
The large barberry pastille
which is useful against tumours of the liver
and stomach, the early stages of dropsy,
inveterate fevers, and jaundice
Barberries, liquorice rob, red roses, serpent melon seeds, and the peeled
seeds of musk melon three dirham of each; mastic, Indian spikenard,
agrimony sap, dyers madder, the resin of unripe dates, absinthe sap,
asarabacca, citronella blades, fumitory seeds, endive seeds, flax dodder
seeds, Chinese rhubarb, saffron, and tabasheer two dirham of each;
alhagi six dirham. The alhagi is dissolved in hot water, and the (other)
ingredients are kneaded with it. (This) is formed into pastilles of one
mitql, and used.

[5]
Cooling pastilles with camphor
which are useful against flaming sensations,
remnants of fevers, thirst, and gastric debility
Purslane seeds and the peeled seeds of serpent melon, cucumber, and
gourd five dirham of each; barberry sap and dark-coloured poppy seven
dirham of each; lettuce seeds, Maqsr sandalwood,2 and quince cores
four dirham of each; tabasheer, starch, and gum-arabic one dirham of
each; yercum sugar eight dirham; Fansr camphor3 half a mitql. All
(this) is groundeach (ingredient) on its own, (then) mixed together,
kneaded with the maceration of fleawort seeds, formed into pastilles [of ]
one mitql, dried, (and) a potion (may be made by using) one pastille
with the water of purslane seeds.

2
Maqsr is the Arabic name for the island of Celebes, see Tibbetts Study 255 and
Dozy Supplment 2/366f.
3
Fansr is the Arabic name for a district on the northwest coast of Sumatra, see
Tibbetts Study 140f.
122 english translation

[6]
The prescription of the fevers pastilles
(which are useful) if (those fevers) are prolonged
and accompanied by shivering; they are (also)
called the shivering pastilles
Stalkless roses, the resin of unripe dates, and agrimony sap one part of
each; purslane seeds two parts; tabasheer half a part; liquorice rob one
fourth of a part. (This) is pounded, kneaded with rose-water, formed
into pastilles of one dirham, dried, and used together with plain oxymel,4
rose-water, and cold water.

[7]
The prescription of the caper pastille
which is useful against sclerosis and enlargement
of the spleen
Caper barks four parts; the seeds of agnus castus, black pepper, asara-
bacca, long birthwort, ris which is the root of the sky-coloured iris,5
and Indian spikenard two parts of each; saffron half a part. (This) is
brought together, pounded, kneaded with wine boiled down to one
quarter, and formed into pastilles of one dirham.

[8]
The poppy pastille
for (the treatment of ) hepatic fever
Dark-coloured and light-coloured poppy four dirham of each; the seeds
of serpent melon, cucumber, gourd, and purslane, and starch and gum-
arabic one dirham of each. All (this) is pounded, strained, kneaded with
water, formed into pastilles [of ] one mitql, dried, and drunk with the
water of purslane seeds and pomegranate oxymel.

4
See recipe 266.
5
On this equation see e.g. Schmucker T abar nos. 92 and 410.
 english translation 123

[9]
The prescription of the kaukab6 pastilles
[which are useful] against gastric debility, residues
that are brought to the stomach, acid belching,
gripes, regurgitation, earache, spitting of blood,
headache, catarrh, cough, intestinal and vesical
ulcers, uterine pain, and the venoms of stinging
or biting (animals); they are (further) useful against
colic, and they make the bowels strong enough to
resist the residues which are brought to them; (these
pastilles) are called l mazdahyn in Syriac, meaning
whoever swallows this will recover, but some say it
(means) remedy which cannot be overcome7
Take castoreum, myrrh, Indian spikenard, cassia, Greek sealing bole,
the peel of the mandrake root, and talc four dirham of each; saffron,
opium, and alecost five dirham of each; carrot, Cretan dodder, anise,
moon carrot, the seeds of white henbane, liquid storax, and celery
seeds eight dirham of each. These ingredients are brought together by
pounding and straining, by soaking what can be soaked in pure wine of
good quality, which is the original, or in wine boiled down to (either)
one half or one third, and (then) by kneading the (other) ingredients
with it. (This) is formed into pastilles weighing half a dirham, put in
the shade to dry, and used after six months as required.

[10]
The ailwus8 pastilles
which are useful against colic, vomiting,
coldness of the belly, and twisted bowels
Take celery seeds and anise one and a half ratl of each; Greek absinthe
one ratl; cassia two ratl; myrrh, black pepper, opium, and castoreum
five qya of each. These ingredients are brought together by pounding
and straining, (then) they are kneaded with water, formed into pastilles,
dried, stored in a vessel, and used after [six] months as required.

6
kaukab lit. star is short for kaukab al-ard < Syriac kaukab ar (i.q. )
stella terrae, the latter term being a synonym of talq talc which is one of the recipes
ingredients, see Payne Smith Thesaurus 1/1694 and WkaS 1/446f.
7
Syriac l mazdahyn (i.q. ) invincibilis, see Payne Smith Thesaurus
1/1121.
8
ailwus < intestinal obstruction, see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 486.
124 english translation

[11]
The prescription of the sumach pastilles
which are useful against abdominal disorder, dysentery,
and regurgitant bleeding; they help instantly
Take the fruit of the tarfa, Syrian sumach without the berries, myrtle
seeds, gum-arabic, and stalkless pomegranate flowers one qya of each;
gum-senegal half an qya; opium in a weight of two dirham. These
ingredients are brought together by pounding and straining, (then)
they are kneaded with the apple beverage9 or the myrtle beverage10 or
the quince rob11 or cold water, formed into pastilles, put in the shade
to dry, (and) when required a salutary potion (may be made by using)
from it one dirham with rose-water.

[12]
The prescription of the rose pastilles with tabasheer
which are useful against fevers compounded of
phlegm and inveterate yellow bile
Take dry stalkless red roses five dirham; Indian spikenard two dirham;
tabasheer one dirham; agrimony sap eight dirham. These ingredients are
brought together, ground, kneaded with water, formed into pastilles,
put in the shade to dry, and used.

[13]
The prescription of the rose pastilles
which are useful against phlegmatic fevers
and pain in the stomach
Take dry stalkless red roses twenty dirham; Indian spikenard and
scraped liquorice roots ten dirham of eachsome physicians use
liquorice rob instead of liquorice root. These ingredients are brought
together, ground, strained through a cloth of silk, kneaded with wine
boiled down to one third, formed into pastilles, put in the shade to dry,
stored in a vessel, and used.

9
See recipe 42.
10
See e.g. Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd no. 216.
11
Compare recipe 45.
 english translation 125

[14]
The prescription of pastilles which purge
(the belly) from yellow water and dissolve
abdominal tumours through diarrhoea
Take ten dirham from the kind of mezereon whose leaves resemble
those of the savory,12 put its twigs and leaves in the shade to dry, and
(then) pound them; (further take) stalkless red roses and liquorice rob
three and a half dirham of each. These ingredients are brought together,
ground, strained, formed into pastilles weighing one mitql, put in the
shade to dry, (and) a potion (may be made by using) from it one pastille
together with a similar (amount of ) sugar or oxymel in hot water.

[15]
The absinthe pastilles
which are useful against coldness of the
stomach, phlegmatic fevers, obstruction
of the liver and spleen, and ischuria
Take Greek absinthe, asarabacca, anise, celery, and husked bitter almonds
in equal parts. These ingredients are brought together by pounding and
straining, (then) they are kneaded with water, formed into pastilles, put
in the shade to dry, stored in a vessel, and used as required.

[16]
The prescription of the agrimony pastilles
which are useful against putrid fevers, obstruction,
jaundice, and pain in the liver
Take agrimony sap six istr; dry stalkless red roses and Indian spikenard
two istr of each; clear alhagi six istr; tabasheer four dirham. These
ingredients are brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they
are kneaded with the alhagi which had been melted in hot water, formed
into pastilles, put in the shade to dry, stored in a vessel, and used.

12
In modern taxonomic terms this description does not make much sense; how-
ever, the old Arab botanists distinguished between a small- and a large-leaved kind
of mezereon, whilst the leaves of the savory are generally, and correctly, described as
similar (i.e. lanceolate) in shape but smaller in size, see e.g. Schmucker T abar nos.
454 and 691.
126 english translation

[17]
The prescription of the pomegranate flower pastille
which is useful for (the treatment of ) abrasion,
haemorrhage, dysentery, and bloody expectoration
Cassia, Armenian bole, and gum-arabic four dirham of each; gum-
senegal, stalkless roses, and pomegranate flowers eight dirham of each;
tragacanth one and a half dirham. All (this) is pounded, kneaded with
the cooked water of fresh pomegranate flowers or rose-water, dried,
(and) a potion (may be made by using) two dirham from it.

[18]
The prescription of the red coral pastille
which is useful against haemorrhage, bloody
expectoration, consumption, and purulent matter
Take red coral fifteen dirham; Oriental frankincense, gum-senegal, and
pomegranate flowers four dirham of each; gum-arabic and cinnamom
half a dirham of each. All (this) is ground, strained, kneaded with egg
white, formed into pastilles of one dirham, (and) a potion (may be
made by using) one pastille with water.

[19]
The prescription of the gum-senegal pastille
which is useful against bleeding, urinating
blood, and bloody expectoration
Gum-senegal twenty parts; sumach three parts; the seed vessels and
flowers of the pomegranate, and plantain sap two and a half parts of
each; Armenian bole and washed haematite one part of each; burnt
staghorn, the finest amber, red coral, burnt mussel shells, and opium
one part of each. (This) is pounded, strained, kneaded with water,
formed into pastilles of one mitql, and after six months a potion (may
be made by using) one pastille from it with the myrtle rob.13

13
See recipe 44.
 english translation 127

[20]
The prescription of the rhubarb pastille
which is useful for (the treatment of ) sclerosis
of the spleen and liver, and putrid fevers
Rhubarb, lac, madder, celery seeds, agrimony sap, and anise in equal
parts. All (this) is pounded, kneaded with water, formed into pastilles
of one dirham, and used as required.

[21]
The prescription of the amber pastille
H unain ibn Ishqs copy14
which is useful against bloody
expectoration and bleeding
Amber, red coral, and purslane seeds three dirham of each; roasted
coriander and light-coloured poppy six dirham of each; burnt mussel
shells, henbane seeds, haematite, and sealing bole three dirham of each.
All (this) is pounded, strained, kneaded with rose-water, formed into
pastilles of one dirham, dried, (and) a potion (may be made by using)
one dirham.

[22]
The prescription of the alkekengi pastille
which is useful against pains in the kidneys
and bladder, and urinating blood
Take light-coloured poppy ten dirham; celery seeds, wormwood, and
marijuana six dirham of each; saffron, opium, wild sorrel seeds, peeled
bitter almonds, and large peeled pine nuts three dirham of each; fen-
nel seeds two dirham; fifty alkekengi berries in number; olibanum and
tragacanth two dirham of each. All (this) is pounded, strained, kneaded
with wine boiled down to one third, formed into pastilles, dried in the
shade on the back of a sieve, and used after six months.

14
This is most probably a reference to H unain ibn Ishq al-Ibds (d. 260/873 or
264/877) dispensatory (aqrbdn) of which we possess only a dozen scattered quota-
tions, see Ullmann Medizin 299 note 1 and GaS 3/255 no. 2.
128 english translation

[23]
The prescription of another pastille
for (the treatment of ) sclerosis of the spleen
Anise, celery seeds, asarabacca, peeled almonds, and absinthe in equal
parts. (This) is pounded, strained, [kneaded] with water, formed into
pastilles of one mitql, and drunk pulverized in oxymel.

[24]
The prescription of another pastille
for (the treatment of ) sclerosis of the spleen
The root of the sky-coloured iris four dirham; white pepper, Indian
spikenard, and ammoniacum two dirham of each. (This) is pounded
and strained, the ammoniacum is soaked in wine vinegar, the (other)
ingredients are kneaded with it, and a potion (may be made by using)
from it a weight of one dirham together with seed-oxymel.15 It is said
that this pastille was given to a man whose belly was slit open and who
had no spleen. And the author of (the work entitled) al-Malak men-
tions that he gave it to a pig.16

[25]
The prescription of the lignaloes pastille
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
Stalkless red roses one qya; Indian lignaloes two dirham; grains of
paradise, liquorice rob from Tarsus, tabasheer, and ginger three dirham
of each; clear lac and saffron one and a half dirham of each. (This) is
brought together, pounded, strained through a cloth of silk, formed
into pastilles, and used.

15
See recipe 276.
16
This is a reference to Al ibn al-Abbs al-Mags (d. late 4th/10th century),
author of a famous medical encyclopaedia entitled Kmil as-sina or else al-Malak
(see bibliography s.n. Mags); the interesting remark that al-Mags subjected a pig
to some kind of trial does, however, not seem to figure in this most likely source of
information.
 english translation 129

[26]
The prescription of the violet pastilles
Hrns composition17
(made in) the hospital
Askar violet six ratl; turpeth one ratl; agaric half a ratl; liquorice rob
18

the same; Antioch scammony four qya. (This) is brought together,

pounded, and used as required.

[27]
The prescription of another pastille
(made in the) hospital
Askar violet19 four dirham; turpeth half a dirham; liquorice rob two
thirds of a dirham; scammony one dniq. (This) is brought together,
pounded, and used.

Chapter Two
on
the Prescription of Lohochs

[28]
The diyqd 20 lohoch
which is useful against coughing and heat
Light-coloured poppy twenty (dirham); dark-coloured poppy ten dir-
ham; marshmallow seeds, tragacanth, gum-arabic, hollyhock seeds,
fleawort, and quince seeds five dirham of each; scraped liquorice root
twenty dirham. All (this) is soaked in five ratl rainwater for a day and
a night, (then) cooked until half (of it) is gone, strained over two ratl

17
That is Ab Nasr Hrn ibn Sid ibn Hrn as-Sbi who was head physician of
the Adud hospital in Baghdad and died on 3 Ramadn 444/27 December 1052, see
Ibn al-Qift H ukam 338.
18
The second part of the designation banafsag askar, lit. soldiers violet, may be
short for Askar Mukram, a formerly flourishing but now ruined town (originally a
camp) in the province of H zistn in southwestern Iran, see Streck/Lockhart Askar
Mukram 711 with Le Strange Lands map 2.
19
On Askar see note 18 above.
20
diyqd < () lit. (remedy made) with poppy capsules, cf. Liddell/
Scott Lexicon 1016 and Dozy Supplment 1/480.
130 english translation

of the finest wine and one ratl of caramel, and inspissated with four
qya of gum-arabic.

[29]
The prescription of the soft-rinded pomegranate21 lohoch
which is useful against coughing and chestpain
Take the soft-rinded pomegranate, boil it, and take away the scum; once
(the liquid) is clear, throw into it half as much caramelmade without
sesame oilor sugar-candy, light a gentle fire below it, stir it time and
again until it gains a consistency like that (required) of lohochs, (and
make) a potion (by using) one dirham. Sometimes (this remedy) is
composed by adding to it starch, gum-arabic, and tragacantheach of
these (in a quantity of ) one twentieth of the pomegranate-water.

[30]
The prescription of the dark-coloured poppy lohoch
which is suitable for those who suffer from consumption
Dark-coloured poppy, pounded, ten dirham; light-coloured poppy,
crushed, one qya; fleawort three dirham; hollyhock seeds and marsh-
mallow seeds nine dirham of each; gum-arabic fifteen dirham. All (this)
is cooked in one ratl water until half (of it) is left, (then) stored in a
glass vessel, and used.

[31]
The prescription of the almond lohoch
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
Starch one ratl; the pulp of husked almonds one and a quarter ratl;
liquorice root eight qya; tragacanth and gum-arabic half a ratl of each;
candied honey, clarified, six and a half mann; bee honey four mann.

21
imls soft-rinded denotes une varit de certains fruits, de grenades [. . .] et
semble signifier qui a la peau lisse, see Dozy Supplment 2/620.
 english translation 131

[32]
The prescription of a linctus22
Gum-arabic, tragacanth, liquorice sap, caramel, and starch four dirham
of each; peeled quince seeds one dirham. (This) is pounded, strained,
kneaded with julep, and used as required.

[33]
The prescription of the poppy lohoch
Tragacanth, gum-arabic, quince seeds, liquorice rob, caramel, and poppy
one part of each; sugar two parts. Melt the sugar in water, boil it, and
remove the scum; then take it off the fire, knead the (other) ingredients
with it, and use (this) as required.

[34]
The prescription of the plum lohoch
(which is) a purgative
The flesh of the plum five mann; yellow myrobalan, turpeth, and agaric
sixty dirham of each; Indian salt, anise, and scammony thirty dirham
of each.

[35]
The prescription of the hyssop decoction23
(which is) cold
Rziq raisins24 fifteen dirham; jujubes [and] sebestens twenty fruits
of each; husked barley ten dirham; light-coloured poppy four dirham;
nenuphar, violet, cucumber seeds, purslane seeds, maidenhair, scraped
(and) crushed liquorice root, [and hyssop]25 three dirham of each;
king figs26 seven in number; crushed gum-arabic two dirham. (This) is

22
The term used here for linctus is a borrowing from Syriac metah t (i.q. )
res quae lingitur, see Payne Smith Thesaurus 2/2076.
23
This recipe, as well as the following, should rather be expected to figure in chapter
12 on decoctions and pills.
24
Rziqles raisins qui portent ce nom sont petits, blancs et trs-petits ppins,
see Dozy Supplment 1/524.
25
This addition is necessitated by the name of the recipe and supported by parallel
transmissions, see e.g. Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd no. 224.
26
hangr < Persian h-angr lit. the king of figs denotes la meilleure espce de
figues and also petite figue qui nest pas mre, see Dozy Supplment 1/717; according
132 english translation

cooked in five ratl [water] until one third (of it) is left, (and) a potion
(may be made by using) four qya (from it) together with five dirham
of pounded sugar [and] one dirham of sweet almond oil.

[36]
The prescription of the hyssop (decoction)
for (the treatment of ) tenacious humours
(it is) proven by experience
Husked barley thirty dirham; peeled broad beans fifteen dirham; husked
wheat ten dirham; jujubes ten (in number); figs thirty (in number);
sebestens twenty in number; liquorice roots one qya; seedless raisins
five dirham; hyssop three dirham. Bring (this) together, cook it in four
ratl water until one fourth (of it) is left, (then) strain it, and drink
from it thirty dirham after having put into it one dirham of ground
tragacanth, a similar (amount) of sweet almond oil, and five dirham of
pounded caramel. Sometimes three dirham each of marshmallow seeds
and hollyhock seeds are added to this (remedy), and (so) it is used.

[37]
The prescription of milks
which are useful for the chest and other things
The most useful (kind of ) milk for the region of the chest and lung(s),
(for the treatment of ) coughing and bloody expectoration, (for) the
opening of pectoral and pulmonary congestion, and (for) the evacu-
ation of the kidneys and bladder from purulent matter and glutinous
chyme is, next to mothers milk, the milk of assesand (this is so
because) it hardly ever clots in the stomach, except on the rare occa-
sion when it is not drunk at the time of milking. Now if you want (to
use) it for (the treatment of ) coughing and consumption, go for a mare
with a healthy body, one whose foal is (about) four months old, and
feed her, for ten days, hay mixed with dogs grass, endive, figs, bran,
washed barley, purslane, and lettuce; (then), after having cleaned her
teats with hot water, begin milking her, (such that) the milk goes into
a beaker which is placed in hot water and which must remain there
all the way; drink from this (milk) two qya up to (a total of ) eight

to Vullers Lexicon 1/127, hangr is a species fici albae et suavis. In any case, the
expression hangr figs (tn hangr) is in part a tautology.
 english translation 133

qya, (adding some) tragacanth, gum-arabic, liquorice rob, caramel,

and sugar(this) is useful. (As) for (the treatment of ) bloody expectora-
tion, feed the mare fresh coriander, bean-trefoil leaves, sorrel, plantain,
boxthorn, and barley, as well as dry coriander, mint, and purslane, (and)
drink (her milk) together with certain earths, like Armenian bole, and
(with) tragacanth, gum-arabic, and those pastilles which are prescribed
for bloody expectoration.27 (Finally), in order to resolve pectoral and
pulmonary congestion and to expel glutinous chymes, feed the mare
celery, fennel, wormwood, endive, and southernwood (mixed) with hay,
or barley mixed with celery seeds, and drink (her milk) together with
those powders which are prescribed for such (conditions).28

[38]
Buttermilk which is not (so) sour,
and curd which is sour
In the springtime, choose a red or yellow(-coloured) young cow, one
that has given birth not too long ago, and (whenever required) feed her
constipating grasses for two days; in the evening of the third (day) milk
off three ratl, put (the milk) into a green jug,29 add to it, if it (happens
to) be winter, one ratl of sour whey (obtained) from goatmilk or, if it
(happens to) be summer, half a ratl, and (also) throw into it a portion
of fresh mint, which is sometimes supplemented with celery, anise, rue,
tarragon, and lemon balm; leave (all this) until the end of the (next)
day; (then) remove the herbs, strain (the milk) through a broad hair-
sieve, churn it very thoroughly in a small leather bag or in a glass bottle
until the butter separates, and strain off (what remains) before it clots;
take from this (liquid) between twenty and thirty dirham at first, and
gradually increase (the amount) over a period of fourteen days up to a
(total) maximum of one ratl, sipping one qya every daysometimes
(however) you start by taking one dirham of ground Basra iron oxide
set up in vinegar, gradually increasing (that dose) to four dirham, and
drinking it in three sessions. (As a rule), the more milk (you drink) the
less food (you eat). Now if you want (to use) this (milk) in order to

27
See recipes 2, 17, 18, 19, and 21.
28
This reference cannot be traced directly because chapter 7 on powders is incom-
plete, cf. p. 7 above.
29
That is a porcelain vessel glazed in a green or blue-green colour by using copper
silicates, cf. Levey Kind 32 note .
134 english translation

balance the heat which accompanies yellow-bilious diarrhoea, prepare

it without herbs and drink it together with a retentive powder, (such
as) I copied down in the chapter on powders.30 The thing about but-
termilk is that it strengthens the stomach, stops diarrhoea, whets the
appetite, calms heat, is useful for those who suffer from hectic fever
and consumption, and that it stops the (flow of ) blood emerging from
the anuswhich is (to say) haemorrhoidal blood. If this (preparation)
is (meant to be) drunk in order to stop diarrhoea, feed the cow millet
rice and carob pods, and drink (together with her milk) between two
and three dirham of the pomegranate seed powder,31 three to five dirham
biscuit, babul, and Bengal quince. If you want (to use) this (milk) in
order to cool the body and to make it (more) fertile and fleshy, drink
it on its own. And for those who suffer from consumption and hectic
fever, (prepare it) with tabasheer, roses, cucumber seeds, gourd (seeds),
purslane (seeds), bole, and amber, (and) let (them) drink this twice.

[39]
The prescription of grilled milk
Take goatmilk, heat it with glowing stones or with pieces of glowing
iron such that its watery (parts) vanish, and drink (this) on its own for
breakfastit quells the outburst of blood from the bottom, astricts the
belly, is useful for the kidneys, the bladder, and the lung(s), and (for
the treatment of ) pulmonary and intestinal ulcers. If someone presents
with diarrhoea, feed the goat constipating grasses and let (the patient)
drink (between) four qya and half a ratl (from her milk) together
with the tabasheer pastille32 [and] (the one that) has sorrel,33 and (with)
bole, babul rob, and Bengal quince, (and also) with capers or liquorice
rob. (And) for (the treatment of ) bloody expectoration, feed the goat
endive, fresh and dry coriander, plantain, dogs grass, fleawort leaves,
and fennel, and stir (her) milk with the tips of (skinned) palm-leaves
rather than (with pieces of barked) fig-wood.

30
This reference cannot be traced directly because chapter 7 on powders is incom-
plete, cf. p. 7 above.
31
See recipe 119.
32
Compare recipe 1.
33
Compare recipe 2.
 english translation 135

[40]
The prescription of (how) to obtain cheese-water
Choose a red or yellow or blue(-coloured) young goat, one that has
given birth not too long ago, and feed her wet coarsely ground barley
and (its) bran, dogs grass, endive, and fumitory; (then) milk off two
ratl, (put it) straight into a jug, bring it towards the boil on a very low
flame, whip it with a (piece of ) fresh barked fig-wood or willow(-wood),
and wipe around (the edges of ) the jug once or twice until (the milk)
almost boils; then take it off (the fire), sprinkle on it thirty dirham of
sugared oxymel, stir it with the (aforesaid) wood, and cover (the jug)
until (the milk) curdles; then strain it through a piece of cotton or a
small basket made of palm-leaves, and hang up (the curd) until the
(remaining) water has dripped from it; (finally) return (all the water)
to the washed jug, boil it gently, throw into it half a dirham of rinsed
white salt, and strain it again. Take this (cheese-water)gradually
increasing (the amount from) half a ratl to two thirds of a ratlwith
white sugar, at times with a purgative as I prescribed in the chapter
on powders, or else with a substitute for that as I (also) copied down
in the chapter on powders.34

Chapter Three
on
the Prescription of Beverages and Robs

[41]
The prescription of the citron beverage
which is useful against gastric debility
and palpitations of the heart
Take fifty fresh juicy citron leaves, wipe off the dust with a clean cloth
of linen, put them in a clean receptacle, and soak them for seven days
in seven qist of pure aged wine, which is the original, or pure wine
boiled down to one half; then strain (the wine) off the leaves, add to
it one qist of clarified honey, stir (that) well, put it in a receptacle of
glass or porcelain, and use it after three days.

34
This reference cannot be traced directly because chapter 7 on powders is incom-
plete, cf. p. 7 above.
136 english translation

[42]
The prescription of the apple beverage
which strengthens the stomach and the heart
Take five ratl tasty apples of good quality, peel off the outer (skins),
rid the inner (cores), pound them finely, add to (the pulp) five ratl of
clarified honey, beat these two (ingredients) into an even (mass), pour
over it eight qist of clear rainwater, stir (this) gently, be sure to put it
in a receptacle of glass or porcelain, close (its opening), and leave it in
the sun for one month; then strain it, and use it.

[43]
The prescription of the pandanus beverage
which is useful against smallpox, measles, rash,
erythema, and all blood disorders; it is (also)
useful (against) the flaming sensations caused
by heartburn as a result of excessive heat in
the liver and stomach, it quenches thirst, and
improves the smell of the breath
Take one ratl of pandanus woodthis is a red wood similar to red
sandalwood, brought up on ships from the sea; (the plant), which is
also called kadar,35 has long sharp leaves and thorns, and (its wood is
used) by the weavers of clothes to make the beam they call h aff;36 as
for its leaves, they are used by the wood-turners in their work; and the
beverage (bearing its name) is among those which the kings of India
use. (Further take) one ratl of seedless fibreless tamarinds; one ratl of
fennel roots; one ratl of large seedless jujubes; half a ratl each of fennel
stalks and seeds; ten mitql each of yellow and red sandalwood; two
mitql each of Indian spikenard and dry stalkless red roses. Bring (all)
these ingredients together thoroughly crushed, soak them in four times
as much fresh water, and boil (this) until one fourth of it is left; then
take it off the fire, and strain it. (Now) take one ratl from the water of
sweet pomegranate seeds, and one ratl each of sour pomegranate-water
and old white wine vinegar, combine (this) with the afore(said) strained
water in a clean pot of stone, and cook it until it almost coagulates.

35
kadar is the Hindi equivalent of Persian kd pandanus, cf. Vullers Lexicon
2/805 and WkaS 1/10.
36
For precise definitions of the term h aff see Lane Lexicon 2/598.
 english translation 137

(Finally), put into it one ratl of Sulaimn sugar,37 and use it when
required. Some physicians (also) throw into it half an qya each of
frankincense barks and tarfa fruits.

[44]
The prescription of the myrtle rob
which is useful against vomiting, abdominal
disorder, gastric debility, and coughing
Take ripe succulent myrtle berries, pound them, squeeze them, strain
(their juice), pour it in a clean pot, and cook it on a low flame until
one fourth of it is left; then take it off the fire, strain it, leave it to settle,
and use it. According to another copy (the juice) is returned to the pot,
cooked again until one fourth of it is gone, strained, and used.

[45]
The prescription of the quince only rob
which is useful against abdominal disorder,
vomiting, heat, and gastric debility
Take tasty sourish quinces, peel them, rid the cores, pound them finely,
squeeze out their juice, and cook it on a low flame until one fourth
of it is left; if this is the case, take it off the fire, strain it, leave it until
it settles, strain it (again), return it to the pot, and cook it once more
until one fourth of it is gone; (then) strain it into a clean receptacle of
glass, and use it as required.

[46]
The prescription of the pomegranate only rob
which is useful against fainting, flaming
sensations, strong thirst, and acute fevers
Take sourish pomegranates, rid (the rinds), separate the seeds, squeeze
out their juice, strain it, and cook it until one fourth of it is left; (then)
take it off the fire, leave it until it cools down, strain it into a clean
receptacle of glass, and use it.

37
According to Waines Sukkar 804, Sulaimn was made from hardened red
sugar (sukkar ah mar) broken into pieces and further cooked to remove any impuri-
ties; the name itself is perhaps connected with Sulaimnya, a town and district in
northeastern Iraq where sugar cane was cultivated, cf. Wiedemann Aufstze 2/408f.
138 english translation

[47]
The prescription of the unripe grape only rob
which is useful against yellow bile, flaming
sensations, strong thirst, and acute fevers
Take tasty sourish unripe grapes, separate the berries from their
bunches, squeeze out their juice, strain it through a hair-sieve into a
pot, and cook it on a low flame until one fourth of it is left; (then) take
it off the fire, leave it until it cools down, strain it into a clean recep-
tacle of glass, and use it. And whoever likes sugar or honey may add it
to this (rob)and likewise (to the) pomegranate and apple robs38in
whichever quantity he wants after half of the juice has evaporated.

[48]
The prescription of the apple only rob
which is useful against yellow bile,
a predominance of blood, abdominal
disorder, vomiting, distress, strong thirst,
and it strengthens the stomach and the heart
Take sourish apples of fine quality, rid the seeds and cores, pound
them finely, squeeze out their juice, pour it in a clean pot, and cook it
on a low flame until one fourth of it is left; (then) take it off the fire,
let it cool down, and strain it; then return it to the pot once more,
and cook it again until one fourth of it is gone; (then) take it off the
fire, and leave it until it cools down; then strain it into a receptacle of
glass, and use it.

[49]
The prescription of the plum rob
which softens nature, is useful against
flaming fevers, and stills thirst
Take tasty plums, rid the stones, put them in a clean cooking-pot, pour
fresh water over them in a quantity (sufficient) to overspread them, and
boil (that) thoroughly; (then) take it off the fire, and leave it until it
cools down; then squeeze (the plums), strain (their juice), return it to
the pot once more, and cook it again on a low flame until one fourth

38
Compare recipes 46 and 48 respectively.
 english translation 139

of it is left; (then) strain it, and use itwhereby each time one fourth
of the juice has evaporated you must take (what remains) off the fire
(and strain it), so that (the rob) turns out pure and clear.

[50]
The prescription of the date rob
which is useful against vomiting,
abdominal disorder, and gastric debility
Take G suwn dates39 and sugar from Balkh, remove the seeds (from
the dates), pound (their flesh), and squeeze out the juice; then pour it
in a pot, cook it on a low flame until one third of it is gone, and leave
(this) until it cools down; then strain it into a glass vessel, and use it.
According to another copy (the juice) is returned to the pot, cooked a
second time, (and) then used.

[51]
The prescription of the mulberry rob
which is useful against quinsy and sore throat
Take succulent sourish Syrian mulberries, pound them, squeeze out
their juice, strain it, cook it until one half (of it) is left, take it off the
fire, and strain it (again); (now) take from it five qist, and from wine
boiled down to one third and clarified honey three qist of each, and
cook (that) on a low flame until one third (of it) is left; then take it off
the fire, strain it, throw into it one dirham each of myrrh and Yemenite
alum, and one and a half dirham of saffron(all) ground and strained,
stir (the mixture) until it is even, pour it in a glass vessel, and use it
as required. Some physicians (also) put two dirham of liquorice rob
into it. And he who prefers it plain should boil the juice of good sour-
ish mulberries until one third of it is gone, strain it, and leave it as it
is for (the treatment of ) hot diseases. And he who wants to use it for
another reason, (for example) to dissolve or to maturate, should boil
the juice of good sourish mulberries until one half of it is gone; then he
should take from it five ratl and from honey one ratl, boil (that) again
a second time until it (all) gains the consistency of honey, take it off

39
G suwn, a variant of G aisuwn, ne signifie pas, comme on lit chez Freytag, une
excellente espce de palmier, mais cest le nom que porte dans lIrc une espce de
datte trs-mre et trs-molle, see Dozy Supplment 1/238.
140 english translation

the fire, throw into this water of cooked mulberries and honey two
dirham each of hyssop, watermint, and Indian spikenard, one dirham
each of cassia, clove, borax, and scraped liquorice root, and two dirham
of Indian laurel(all) these ingredients pounded and strained, stir
(the mixture) until it is even, store it in a vessel, and use it.

[52]
The prescription of the citron rob
which is useful against poisons and thirst
when drunk, (against) tetter when applied
to it as a salve, and (against) albugo when
applied to it as a collyrium
Take the sour (pulps) of citrons, squeeze them, and strain their juice;
then cook it until one fourth of it is left, take it off the fire, strain it
(again), and use it.

[53]
The prescription of the pomegranate rob made with mint
which is useful against vomiting and regurgitation
Take sweet or sour or sourish pomegranates, peel off the outer (rinds),
pound (the seeds) together with their pulp, strain the juice, and cook
it until half of it is left; then take it off the fire, strain it (again), take
from it two parts, and from strained mint-water and clarified honey
or sugar or wine boiled down to one third one part of each, and put
(all that) in a pot; then cook it until one third of it is gone, take it off
the fire, strain it into a glass vessel, leave it until it clears and settles,
and use it.

[54]
The preparation of refined rose-water
Take a cauldron or an iron cooking-pot (coated with) lead, pour into it
ten ratl of fresh water, and light below it a gentle fire in order to bring
(the water) to the boil; then throw into it one ratl of Damask roses
without the stemsaccording to one of the better and more reliable
copies which are used (in the hospital) to make rose-water you should
take the roses with their stems, and leave them therein for a short
(while) until the colour of the roses exudes into the water; then take the
roses out of the water, press them, and return their extract to the pot;
 english translation 141

then throw into it another ratl of roses and follow the same procedure
until (you have used up) a total of ten ratl of roses in ten (consecutive)
steps. And if you want to go beyond that (amount) of roses you may
do so, except that you must not use less than one ratl at each time and
not stop fuelling (the fire) below the pot until you reached the end,
bearing in mind that the fire should burn softly with a low flame. When
you finished cooking all the roses, strain (the liquid) through a densely
(woven) hair-sieve; then add to each ratl of this rose-water two ratl of
sugar-candy, and light (a fire) below it so that (the sugar) melts and
(the mixture) gains the consistency of thick honey; then expose it to
the sun for forty days, and (when required make) a potion (by using)
four qya from it together with one qya of oxymel and four qya
of hot waterand if you (want to) make the potion stronger, (add to
it) one dniq of scammony (but use only) two qya from this (rose-
water) together with the oxymel (and the hot water).

[55]
The prescription of an oxymel (made) with squill vinegar
which is useful against induration of the spleen
and liver, it opens obstruction, cuts viscid tenacious
humours, and (is also useful against) shortage of
breath, asthma, and coughing that is caused by moisture
Take one and a half ratl from the bulbs of squills, cut them into small
pieces with a wooden knife or (some) glass, pour over them five ratl
of good aged wine, and cook (that) on a low flame until the bulbs are
worn soft; then strain it, throw on each ratl of this (liquid) one and a
half ratl of sugar, cook it on a low flame, keep skimming the froth, take
it off the fire, strain it into a vessel, and use it as required.

[56]
The prescription of the poppy rob
which is useful against coughing and catarrhal
discharge (running) from the head and the chest
Take two hundred good large fat capsules (from the) white(-flowered)
poppy, crush them together with their seeds, and soak them in four ratl
of fresh wateraccording to the old copy in nothing but rainwaterfor
a day and a night; after that put them in a pot and cook them thoroughly
in the infused water; (then) take it off the fire, leave it until it settles,
142 english translation

mash (the capsules), drain them, pour over them two qist of clear fresh
water and one qist of honey, return (all that) to the pot, cook it on a
low flame until it becomes like a lohoch, take it off the fire, store it in
a receptacle of glass or porcelain, and use it as required.

[57]
The preparation of quince wine
which is useful against gastric and hepatic debility,
regurgitation, vomiting, nausea, and fainting
Take sour quinces, peel off the outer (skins), rid the inner (cores),
pound them in a stone mortar, squeeze them, take from this juice a
measure of thirty mann, strain it, and set it aside; (next) take fifteen
mann pure fragrant full-bodied wine of good quality, which is the
original, or wine boiled down to (either) one half or one third, soak
in it for a day and a night the quince pulp whose juice has (already)
been obtained, (and) then squeeze it (again so as to) extract (from it)
the infused wine or wine boiled down to one half; (after that) wash
it with some of the (previously) strained quince juice, and squeeze
it (once more). (Now) strain all (three) liquids, (combining them) in
one place, pour them into a pot, cook (this) on a low flame until half
of it is gone, and skim the scum that gathers upon it; then take it off
the fire and filter it carefully through a narrow double tube for two or
three days until the liquid is pure and clear; then throw seven and a
half mann of clarified honey into it, strain (this), and return it to the
cooking-pot; (next) get two dirham each of ginger and mastic, four
dirham each of Malabar cardamom, grains of paradise, and cinnamom,
three dirham of clove, (and) a weight of four dirham of unground saf-
fron, pound these ingredients coarsely, bring them together in a strong
thin piece of cloth, tie it up firmly, hang it into the pot, and cook it on
a low flame, pressing the cloth that contains the spices time after time
[and] squeezing it against the inside of the pot until the desired point
(of agitation) is reached; (then) take it off the fire, let it cool down,
strain it, and put it in a receptacle of glass or porcelain. (Finally) take
two dniqaccording to some copies one dirhamof good ground
sandalwood and steep it in some pure wine of good quality or (indeed
some of ) the cooked quince wine; (then) pour (this maceration) into
(the finished product), stir it until (the mixture) is even, and hang into
it for two weeks the pouch that contains the cooked spices; then take
out (the spices), and use (the liquid).
 english translation 143

[58]
The prescription of a quince wine made up by Galen40
which is suitable for those who have lost their appetite
in food, for those who cannot digest their food as they
ought to, for those who have a hot temper, for those
whose stomach and liver are overcome by a bad hot
(humoral) mixture, and for those whose stomach has
received (a lot of ) filth from (between) the teeth
Take large good-tasting sweet-smelling quinces, peel them from the
outside, clear them from the inside, express their juice, take from it three
ratl, mix it together with (some) sugar and two ratl of sour vinegar, lift
(this) and cook it on a fire of smouldering embers, remove the scum as
it rises, (wait) until it gains the consistency of honey, (then) strain it,
and use it. As for those whose (humoral) mixture, liver, and stomach
are dominated by coldness, admix three dirham of ginger (and) two
dirham of white pepper, and maybe flavour (this) with (some) lignaloes,
sukk,41 mastic, and the like. The best time to take this remedy is before
foodnever after, preferably in the morning or else in the evening
(about) two hours before supper, (measured by) a potion of two to
three qya with hot water.

[59]
The prescription of the violet rob
which is useful against coughing, and
a running to the chest (caused) by heat
Take fresh clean violets, tear away the stalks, measure (the flowers), put
them in a jug or (another) porcelain (vessel), pour on each measure of
violets four measures of fresh boiling water, firmly close the opening of
the jug, and leave it for a day and a night; thereafter press (the flowers),

40
I cannot trace this reference to Galen; cf., however, Dioscorides (Khn) 25/714:





.
41
sukk is the name of a perfumed medicinal preparation whose basic ingredients
include musk, dates, gallnuts, oil, and certain other aromatics of Indian provenance,
see e.g. Levey Kind 294 and notably Wiedemann Schriften 2/821826.
144 english translation

strain off (the liquid), throw into each part of that water one part of
ground sugar-candy or Sulaimn (sugar),42 cook (this) until it reaches
the point (of boiling), (then) take it off the fire, leave it until it cools
down, strain it, store it in a vessel, and use it as required.

[60]
The prescription of a condite43
which is useful against coldness of the stomach,
indigestion, quartan fever, pain in the belly,
and it strengthens old men
Take three mann clarified honey and cast upon it a measure of ten mann
pure aged wine of good quality, which is the original, or wine boiled
down to one half; (now) get five dirham of ginger, half a dirham each
of grains of paradise, Malabar cardamom, and cinnamom, one dirham
of unground saffron, one and a half dniq of clove, (and) two dniq of
long pepper; (next) bring these ingredients together coarsely ground
except the saffron (whose stigmas are) left whole, (hang them into
the wine), leave (the jug) in a warm place for three days, stirring (the
mixture) three times daily, and then strain it well; (finally) add to it
one and a half dniq of good ground musk, store it in a glass vessel,
and use it as required.

[61]
The prescription of the absinthe beverage
which is useful against a bad cold (humoral)
mixture, and gastric debility
Take four qist pure wine of good quality or wine boiled down to one
half or raisin wine and honeya qist is one and a half ratl(and) two
qist clarified honey, and put (this) in a receptacle of glass or porce-
lain; (now) take four dirham each of mastic, bitter alecost, and Greek
absintheaccording to another copy seven dirham of Greek absinthe,
two dirham each of citronella, Indian laurel, Indian spikenard, cinna-
mom, stalkless red roses, and Socotra aloe, and one dirham of saffron;
(next) bring these ingredients together coarsely pounded, tie them up

42
On Sulaimn sugar see note 37 above.
43
hundqn condite < spiced wine < Latin conditum aromatic, spiced
(wine), see Liddell/Scott Lexicon Suppl. 182 and Lewis/Short Dictionary 408.
 english translation 145

in a clean thin piece of cloth, throw (this) into the wine and the honey,
and close the opening of the receptacle; (finally) put it into the sun for
seven days, and (thereafter) use (the product) as required.

Chapter Four
on
the Preparation of Oils

[62]
The preparation of the nard44 oil
which is useful against pain in the liver and
stomach, colic, and coldness of the belly when
drunk or applied as a cataplasm or used as an
enema; (further against) coldness of the organs
when used as an unguent, pain in the womb
when carried by the woman (in a tampon) or
when used as a (vaginal) enema, earache when
(some of ) it is put into them, headache and
hemicrania when taken as a snuff, and vesical
laxity when injected into the urethra
Take lemon grass, cyperus, bay laurel leaves, balm twigs, Indian lau-
rel, dry elecampane, savin, citronella, myrtle leaves, wild caraway,
forget-me-not, and sweet marjoram two qya of each. Pound these
ingredients coarsely, place them into an iron cooking-pot, cast upon
them pure fragrant wine or [raisin] wine [and] honey or wine boiled
down to one half or fresh water in such a quantity as (is needed) to
cover them, and leave (this) for a day and a night, (also adding) five
qistaccording to another copy six ratlwashed olive oil,45 which is
the original, or sesame oil; (now) cook it in (that) double pot on a low
flame, stir it, (then) leave it until it cools down, and strain the oil from
the water and the ingredients. After that take three qya each of dry
stalkless roses, fresh myrtle-water, and pure myrrh, and two qya of
grape ivy. Pound these ingredients well (but) coarsely, put them in a
cooking-pot, and pour over them pure wine or wine boiled down to

44
nrdn nard is generally considered a synonym of sunbul at-tb Indian spike-
nard which is one of the recipes ingredients, see e.g. Schmucker T abar no. 756.
45
On how to wash olive oil see e.g. Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd no. 301.
146 english translation

one half or raisin wine and honey or fresh water in such a quantity
as (is needed) to cover them, (also adding) the strained oil (obtained)
from cooking the first ingredients; (now) cook (this) on a low flame for
three hours of the day, stir it, (then) take it off the fire, leave it until it
cools down, and strain the oil from the ingredients. Then, after that,
take three qya each of Indian spikenard, clove, and liquid storax,
five qya of nutmeg, and half a ratl of balm oil. Pound (what can be
pounded from) these ingredients coarsely, pour over them fresh water
in such a quantity as (is needed) to cover them, cook (this) on a low
flame until it boils, then cast upon it the strained oil (obtained) from
cooking the (previous) ingredients (as well as) the balm oil and the
liquid storax, stir (the mixture) until it is even, and (continue) cooking
it until (all) the water is gone and (only) the oil is left; then take it off
the fire, strain it, store it in a receptacle, and use it as required. You
should know that the ancient physicians used to make this oil with the
oil from unripe olives,46 which are pressed instantly; as to the modern
physicians, they (generally) make it with sesame oil, (whilst) some of
them make it with jasmine oil which is zanbaq.47

[63]
The prescription of the myrtle oil
which is useful against heat in the head; it (also)
lets the hair grow, and makes it thicker and stronger
Take three qist washed olive oil, which is the original, or sesame oil,
and twenty-four qist fresh myrtle leaves. Pound (the latter) finely, and
soak them for a day and a night in one qist wine, which is the original,
or wine boiled down to one half or raisin wine and honey; after that
(add the olive oil or sesame oil), put it (all) in a pot, cook it on a low
flame until the water(y part) vanishes and the oil remains, (then) leave
it to cool down, strain it, store it in a receptacle of glass, and use it as
required.

46
unfq < oil made from unripe olives, see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 1229;
the expression zait unfq, though widely used, is tautological.
47
On this equation see e.g. Schmucker T abar nos. 317 and 352.
 english translation 147

[64]
The prescription of the storax oil
which is useful against rheumatism, it heats the
cold organsnamely the bladder and the kidneys,
and it loosens indurated tumours
Take one qist washed olive oil, which is the original, or sesame oil, and
three qya liquid storaxaccording to another copy solid (storax).
Put (this) in a pot, cook it on a low flame until the oil has absorbed
the faculty of the storax, (then) take it off the fire, and strain it into a
receptacle.

[65]
The preparation of the chamomile oil
which is useful against convulsions, softening of the
nerves, pains in the womb and chest, and hemicrania
Take one qist washed olive oil, which is the original, or sesame oil, and
add to it two qya each of fenugreek and chamomile flowers which
had been dried in the shade. Put (this) in a glass vessel, place it into the
sun for forty days, (then) strain it into a clean receptacle, and use it.
Some physicians take five ratl from sesame oil and one ratl from dried
chamomile flowers; then they bring the two (ingredients) together in
a glass vessel, and place them into the sun for two months; then they
strain off the flowers, and use (the oil).

[66]
The prescription of the absinthe oil
which heats the cold organs (and) strengthens them
Take one jugful washed olive oil, which is the original, or sesame oil,
and one qya (from) the blades of Greek absinthe. Put (this) in a vessel
of glass or porcelain, place it into the sun for forty days, (then) strain
off the oil, and use it.

[67]
The mastic oil
which is useful against debility
and heat of the stomach
Take two qist washed olive oil or sesame oil and half a ratl mastic. Put
(this) in a double pot, cook it on a low flame until the mastic melts
148 english translation

into the oil, (then) take it off the fire, let it cool down, store it in a
receptacle of glass, and use it.

[68]
The prescription of the dill oil
which is useful [against] fever and coldness
that are shaking all (internal) organs and
(limbs of ) the body
Take one qist washed olive oil or sesame oil and one qya dill seeds.
Put (this) in a receptacle, leave it in the sun for forty days, (then) strain
it into a receptacle of glass, and use it.

[69]
The prescription of the rue oil
which is useful against coldness of the kidneys,
bladder, womb and back, and pain in the sides
Take three qist washed olive oil or sesame oil, four qya succulent rue
leaves, and one qist fresh water. Cook (this) in a pot on a low flame until
the water vanishes and the oil remains, then take it off the fire, leave it
until it cools down, strain it into a receptacle of glass, and use it.

[70]
The prescription of the quince oil
which is useful against heat and laxity of the stomach,
corruption of the liver, and abdominal disorder
Take three qist sesame oil and eight qist from coreless chopped quinces,
place (this) into the sun for one month, (then) strain it into a receptacle
of glass, and use it as required. Some physicians cook it (first) on a low
flame, then place it into the sun, and (so) use it.

[71]
The preparation of the pellitory oil
which is useful against convulsions brought on by
coldness, neurasthenia brought on by moisture,
sciatica, hemiplegia, mange, and quartan fever
Take five dirham from pellitory, and crush it; then throw it into a
cooking-pot, and pour over it ten istr from pure olive oil; then pour
 english translation 149

over it one ratl of fresh water; (now) cook (all this) in (that) double
pot on a low flame until the water vanishes and the oil remains, (then)
put it in a glass vessel, and use it.

[72]
The prescription of the sweet marjoram oil
which is useful against headache caused by
moisture, earache when taken as a snuff, and
(also) against rheumatism and gout
Take one cupful each of sweet marjoram extract and violet oil, place
(this) in a pot, cook it on a low flame until the water(y part) vanishes,
(then) store it in a vessel, and use it. Some physicians throw into it
one dirham each of ground egg and Oriental frankincense, and (so)
use it.

[73]
The wild iris oil
which (plant) is (also) known as natural (iris)
Take ten dirham from the stalkless leaves of the wild iris, cast upon
them one qist of sesame oil, leave (this) until it becomes ripe and mel-
low, (then) strain it, store it in a receptacle, and use it.

[74]
The preparation of the smaller alecost oil
which is useful against coldness of the stomach
and liver; it (also) lets the hair grow and improves
its (condition) when applied as a shampoo,
and it tightens and strengthens the nerves
Take ten qya bitter alecost, six dirham cassia, and ten istr (from) the
leaves of wild marjoram. Bring these ingredients together by pounding
them well (but) coarsely, cast upon them one qist washed olive oil or
sesame oil and one qist wine or wine boiled down to one half, cook
(this) in a double pot on a low flame until the wine vanishes and the
oil remains, (then) take it off the fire, and strain it into a receptacle
of glass.
150 english translation

[75]
The preparation of the larger alecost oil
which is useful against pain in the liver and
stomach, and coldness and limpness of the joints
Take clove one qya; lemon grass, Indian spikenard, Indian laurel,
liquid storax, liquorice roots, canella, usnea, and bitter alecost two qya
of each; ammoniacum, cassia, and cassia lignea one qya of each; myrrh
half an qya. Pound these ingredients well, and soak them for a day
and a night in such a quantity of fresh water as (is needed) to cover
them; after that cast upon them two mann washed olive oil or sesame
oil and five mann fresh water, and cook it (all) on a low flame from
the beginning to the end of the daysetting aside (some more) water
next to the fire, (such that) whenever the (amount of ) liquid decreases
from the ingredients in the course of cooking you can top it up with
this water; then take it off the fire, let it cool down, and strain off (the
oil); (now) cast upon the residues of the ingredients another two mann
from washed olive oil or sesame oil, cook (this again) like (you did)
the first time, (then) take it off the fire, let it cool down, and strain it;
(finally) mix (that) together with the previous oil, and (so) use it.

[76]
The prescription of an oil which lengthens,
darkens, and thickens the hair, and
which protects it from harms
Take Indian laurel, grape ivy, germander, oak galls, and alecost three
qya of each; ladanum one qya; saffron one qya; oil from unripe
olives one qist; wine or wine boiled down to one half two qist. Crush the
ingredients coarsely, cast upon them the wine and the oil, cook (this)
on a low flame until the wine vanishes and the oil adopts the function
of the ingredients (all) in one, (then) take it off the fire, and leave it to
cool down; thereafter strain it into a receptacle of glass, and use it.
 english translation 151

Chapter Five
on
the Preparation of Cataplasms

[77]
The prescription of the Adud bone-setting cataplasm
Glossostemon root four mann; myrtle one mann; gum-arabic, myrrh,
and gum-senegal half a ratl of each; crude Armenian bole and pale-
coloured marshmallow one ratl of each. (This) is pounded, strained,
wetted, and used.

[78]
The prescription of a cataplasm
for (the treatment of ) hot headache
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
Dried poppy capsules five ratl; lettuce seeds three rub; dried nenuphar
one ratl; Askar violet48 two qya; mandrake root one qya; opium
one qya; pale-coloured marshmallow one ratl. (This) is pounded,
and used.

[79]
The prescription of another cataplasm
for (the treatment of ) hot headache
Lettuce seeds and white sandalwood two dirham of each; opium half
a dirhamaccording to another copy one dniq; sarcocolla [and]
tragacanth two dniq [of each]; saffron the same. (This) is pounded,
kneaded with lettuce-water, and applied as a paste from the temples
(down) to the chest.

[80]
The prescription of the pleurisy cataplasm
Dried violet, white farina, strained barley meal, marshmallow, broad bean
meal, chamomile, and melilot are mixed with sesame oil and wax.

48
On Askar see note 18 above.
152 english translation

[81]
The prescription of the hot gout cataplasm
Peeled lentils ground in coriander-water, with some camphor added
to it; also fleawort pulped in vinegar.

[82]
The prescription of a cataplasm
for (the treatment of ) vomiting and diarrhoea
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
Pomegranate flowers, gum-senegal, roses, ramie, ladanum, and sukk49
in equal (parts). (This) is pounded, strained, the ladanum is dissolved
in fresh myrtle-water, and (the mixture) is applied as a paste to the
belly.

[83]
The prescription of a cataplasm
for (the treatment of ) diarrhoea and vomiting
(made) by Ab l-H asan T bit ibn Ibrhm50
White sandalwood, red roses, pomegranate flowers, sukk,51 good raw
lignaloes, [and] ladanum in equal parts. Pound (this), take two dirham
from the lot, mix it with myrtle-water, (further) liquefy it with rose-
water, smear it on the mouth of the stomach that is void of food
perhaps adding three dirham of biscuit wetted in (some) old decoc-
tion, and fix it firmly (with a bandage).

[84]
The prescription of another cataplasm
for (the treatment of ) hernia
The cones and leaves of the cypress, gum-senegal, sarcocolla, almond
mucilage, the bark of the frankincense(-tree), mastic, and myrrh in
equal parts. (This) is pounded, strained, dissolved in fish-glue, kneaded
with fresh myrtle-water, and used.

49
On sukk see note 41 above.
50
That is the physician Ab l-H asan Tbit ibn Ibrhm ibn Zahrn al-H arrn as-Sbi
who died in Baghdad in the year 369/980, see Ibn Ab Usaibia Uyn 1/227230.
51
On sukk see note 41 above.
 english translation 153

[85]
A cataplasm for (the treatment of )
a broken nose
The leaves and cones of the cypress, the bark of the frankincense(-tree),
sarcocolla, and mastic in equal (parts). (This) is pounded, strained, and
kneaded with fish-glue [and] myrtle-water.

[86]
A cooling cataplasm for the liver
Dissolve white wax in rose oil, cast it into a mortar, pour over it
purslane-water, knotgrass-water, willow-water, and gourd-water, beat
(this) until it is (well) mixed, (then) throw into it white sandalwood,
pulverized roses, barley meal, and nenuphar in such a quantity as (is
needed) to thicken (the mixture), (add) some camphor, apply (that) as
a cataplasm to the entire liver, and leave it until the (next) morning.

[87]
The prescription of a cataplasm
which ripens the soft lump
(it is) proven by experience
Chamomile, barley meal, dill, and marshmallow one handful of each;
bdellium twenty dirham. Dissolve the bdellium in the mucus of linseed
and wild marjoram seeds, grind the (other) ingredients with it, and apply
(this) as a cataplasm whilst (the patient) is lying on his back; loosen (the
bandage) when he wishes to eat, and restore it when the meal is over.

[88]
A cataplasm for (the treatment of ) tumours
Besmear (them) with (a mixture of ) myrrh and milk.

[89]
A cataplasm for (the treatment of ) fissures
(it is) proven by experience
Take one dirham of lime kneaded with soap [and] one dirham of litharge,
stick it on for three consecutive days, checking it daily, and after that peel
it off; (this complaint) is (also) treated with the verdigris liniment.52

52
Compare recipe 285.
154 english translation

[90]
A cataplasm for (the treatment of )
the bite of a rabid dog and the like
Take a vine stem,53 burn it (to ashes), mix these together with treacle,
and treat with it the site of the woundthis (patient) will recover.

[91]
A cataplasm for the boy who cannot urinate anymore
Take fleawort, and cook it in hot water; then take it out, and knead it
with cows ghee; then, when required, heat (the mixture), and put it
on his hipthis (boy) will urinate.

[92]
A cataplasm (which) relaxes nature
and (promotes) the ejection (of sputum)
Greek absinthe, mastic, and roses one qya of each; aloe three dirham;
sukk54 two dirham. (This) is pounded, strained, kneaded with quince-
water, and applied as a cataplasm.

[93]
A cataplasm for (the treatment of ) swollen glands
Take pure bdellium mukul, Yemenite alum, mastic, and pomegranate
flowers in equal (parts). (This) is pounded, kneaded with fresh myrtle-
water, and applied as a cataplasm.

[94]
A cataplasm for pregnant women
who find that they are bleeding
Cyperus, dry roses, absinthe, pomegranate flowers, and ladanum one
qya of each; hard dry dates three qya; aloe and Yemenite alum half
an qya of each. Soak the dates in wine, pound them, mix them with
the remaining ingredients, knead (this) with liquorice beverage, and
apply it as a cataplasm.

53
The term afa stem is a borrowing from Syriac bet, see Payne Smith Thesaurus
2/4045f. (and not, as I previously assumed, of Persian origin).
54
On sukk see note 41 above.
 english translation 155

[95]
A cataplasm for the spleen
Myrrh, bdellium mukul, ammoniacum, and frankincense in equal
(parts). Dissolve (this) in vinegar, heat it, and apply [it] as a cata-
plasm.

[96]
Another cataplasm of this kind
Dissolve ammoniacum in sour vinegar until (the mixture) becomes
like honey, (then) smear it over a cloth of linen, and apply [it] as a
cataplasm.

[97]
A cataplasm for the spleen
Cut (a sheet of ) papyrus to the size of the spleen, and smear honeycomb
over it; then scatter on it unpounded wetted mustard (seeds), and apply
(this) as a cataplasm over night.

[98]
A cataplasm for the spleen
Ten figs in number; ammoniacum and bdellium mukul one qya of
each; the fruit of the tarfa and usnea one and a half qya of each; rue
leaves two qya; borax and salt one and a half qya of each. Soak the
ammoniacum and the bdellium in vinegar [and] wine, and pound them
finely; then admix the dry ingredients, beat (that) well, and apply it as
a cataplasm, having embrocated the spleen beforehand with rose oil.

[99]
A cataplasm for (the treatment of ) cold gout
Peeled lentils ten dirham; areca ten dirham; melilot and red sandal-
wood ten dirham of each; chamomile three dirham; horn poppy and
saffron two dirham of each. Grind (these ingredients), and wet them
with coriander-water; (then) take fifteen dirham of white wax and three
qya of [rose] oil, melt (the wax in the oil), and leave it until it cools
down; (now) throw the (previous) ingredients into it, grind it (all) in
a mortar, pour over it wine vinegar and purslane-water little by little,
[and] apply (this) as a cataplasm.
156 english translation

[100]
A cataplasm for (the treatment of ) hot gout
Soak poppy (seeds) in mothers milk; (then) melt (some) wax in rose
oil, and put (that) aside (to cool down); now mix the two (preparations)
together, grind (the seeds), and apply (this) as a cataplasm.

[101]
Another cooling cataplasm of this kind
Pound the fresh (root of the) mandrake, mix it with barley meal and
rose oil, and apply (this) as a cataplasm.

[102]
Another cataplasm of this kind
Mix knotgrass on its own with barley meal, make (the mixture) cold
with ice, and apply it as a cataplasm.

[103]
Another cataplasm for that same (purpose)
Mix together nightshade, gourd shell, purslane, marshmallow, barley
meal, and rose oil, and use (this).

[104]
Another cataplasm of this kind
Knead barley meal with vinegar, and apply (this) as a cataplasm.

[105]
A cataplasm for (the treatment of ) pelvic tumours
Cook strained broad bean meal in water and rose oil, smear it over a
piece of cloth, and apply (this) as a cataplasm to the (affected) area.

[106]
Another cataplasm of this kind
Pound the fresh leaves of alkekengi, mix them together with barley
meal, rose oil, and egg yolk, and apply (this) as a cataplasm.
 english translation 157

[107]
A cataplasm which uproots tapeworms
and flukes when put on the navel
Colocynth, dried myrtle, black cumin, frankincense, dried lupine, and
linseed in equal (parts). (This) is pounded, cooked in water and rose
oil, and applied as a cataplasm.

Chapter Six
on
the Prescription of Purgative and Retentive Enemas,
and Suppositories which are (Made) for that (Purpose)

[108]
A purgative enema
which is used in hot diseases
Dry violet and nenuphar twenty dirham of each; jujubes twenty fruits;
sebestens thirty fruits; crushed savory fifteen dirham; bran tied up (in
a pouch) ten dirham; pale-coloured marshmallow tied up (in a pouch)
five dirham. Bring (this) together, cook it (in water), strain (the liquid)
over two qya of fresh sesame oil and the same (amount) of red sugar
perhaps consolidating (the preparation) with one dirham baking-borax
or two to three dirham baking-salt, combine (that), and (so) use it.

[109]
The colic enema
Chopped king figs55 seven (in number); caltrop and bran tied up (in
a pouch) ten dirham of each; chamomile and melilot fifteen dirham of
each; crushed safflower and dill twenty dirham of each; sebestens thirty
fruits. Bring (this) together, cook it on a low flame in three ratl water
until one ratl is left, (then) take half of it, cast upon it one qya of fresh
sesame oil, the same (amount) of red sugar, one dirham of borax, and
the same (amount) of baking-salt, and (use that) tepid to ease (the pain).
Sometimes linseed, fenugreek, celery seeds, fennel seeds, wormwood,
and southernwood are added to this (enema), and (also) one qya of
Nabataean garum and five bunches of (chopped) beet (root).

55
On king figs see note 26 above.
158 english translation

[110]
The prescription of a purgative enema
which is used in cold diseases
Take safflower seeds two handfuls; the pulp of colocynth one handful;
the seeds of the castor oil plant one handful. Bray (this), cook it in two
ratl water until one third (of it) is left, (then) strain it, put into it two
dirham of ground strained borax, and (so) use it.

[111]
A purgative suppository
which is inserted (into the rectum)
(it is) proven by experience
(Take) a portion of baking-salt, grind it well, melt it in a bit of fresh
water until (the mixture) becomes like thick milk, (then) add to it pure
sugar, put it in an iron ladle, and (heat it in order to) obtain a gummy
paste; as soon as (this) begins to resemble the (kind of ) ntif which is
called mk,56 tilt it onto a slabstone wiped with sesame oil, and make
(from it) a suppository (weighing) half a mitql; protect (that) from
getting wet, and when required dip it in (some) oil and use it.

[112]
The prescription of the abrasion enema
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
Persian rice washed several times (then) dried, roasted, (and) ground,
myrtle seeds or dried myrtle (berries), pomegranate flowers, dried plan-
tain, roses, barleymeal porridge, peeled lentils, and the inner skins of
acorn-cups ten dirham of each. Boil (this) in six ratl water until four ratl
are gone, (then) take from it one fourth of a ratl, mix into it the yolk of
an egg which had been cooked in boiling vinegar or in sumach-water,
two dirham from the catapasm which we will describe in the following,57
three dirham of rose oil, and five (dirham) of plantain-water, and use
(that) cold in summer and tepid in winter.

56
ntif denotes eine Dessertart, die sehr wei ist und aus Traubensaft mit Zustzen
eingekocht wird, so da die Substanz wei und hart wird. Beim Schlagen wird es
jedenfalls schumig und bildet kleine Blttchen, see Wiedemann Aufstze 2/311 note 4;
further Lane Lexicon 7/2484 s.v. qubbait. As regards the term mk, I am at a loss.
57
See recipe 113.
 english translation 159

[113]
A copy of the (aforesaid) catapasm
Ceruse, roasted gum-arabic, salsify sap, plantain sap, washed Armenian
bole, Cyprian sealing bole, Egyptian papyrus, burnt staghorn, dragons
blood, and washed haematite two dirham of each; opium, roasted starch,
and gum-senegal two dirham of each; burnt mussel shells or wormwood
two dirham. Pound (this), strain it, mix it togetherperhaps melting
into it ten dirham of liquefied goats suet, and (so) use it.

[114]
Another enema for (the treatment of ) abrasion
(made) by H unain ibn Ishq58
Persian rice forty dirham; barley mash and peeled lentils two qya of
each; dry roses with their stalks, pomegranate flowers, and plantain
one qya of each. Bring (this) together, cook it in four ratl water until
one and a half ratl are left, (then) strain off from it one third of a ratl,
put into it one qya of melted goats suet, one qya of virgin rose
oil, one dirham each of gum-senegal, dragons blood, Armenian bole,
and ceruse, (and) two whipped egg yolks, mix it (all) together, and use
(that) as an enemait is marvellous.

[115]
The arsenics enema
(made) by Ibn alm ar-Raqq59
Rice and barley mash forty dirham [of each]; one egg yolk; rose oil half
a dirham; (some) of those pastilles which I copied down (earlier)60 as
well as a similar (amount) of gum-arabic and Armenian bole; the two
arsenics61 thirty dirham of each; unhydrated lime sixty dirham; gum-
senegal forty dirham; salsify sap twenty dirham; opium the same; burnt
papyrus and burnt biscuit five dirham of each. Pound (this), strain it,
knead it with plantain-water, form (the mixture) into pastilles, bake
(these) in an oven until they become dry, and when required use that
(in an enema).

58
Compare note 14 above.
59
alm is clearly a Syrian name (e.g. Payne Smith Thesaurus 2/4195), but who
this man was I do not know.
60
It is not clear which pastilles are referred to here; for a relevant prototype, however,
see Kahl Sbr 1 and Sbr 2 no. 209.
61
That are the two arsenic sulphides realgar and orpiment.
160 english translation

[116]
The prescription of a retentive suppository
for (the treatment of ) dysentery
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
it is (known as) the threads suppository
Myrrh, saffron, frankincense, and opium in equal parts. (This) is
pounded, strained, mixed with egg yolk or water, attached to a thread,
and held (in the rectum).

[117]
The prescription of the flagon water
wherein (the patient) sits to stop (anal) bleeding,
and which brings him to safety
Unripe unpierced oak galls, the rinds of the sour pomegranate, and the
fruits of the tarfa one ratl of each; the inner skins of acorn-cups and dry
roses one handful of each. Cook (this) in a flagon (filled) with water
perhaps adding (a few) lentils, (a bit of ) rice, and cones and leaves of
the cypress, bring it to the boil, and (then) cast upon it (some) raisin
wine, (some) hypericum, and some barked southernwood (stems). He
(who) sits down in that liquid will be saved.

[118]
An enema made up by Hrn62
for (the treatment of ) abrasion
Burnt rice and barleymeal porridge fifteen dirham of each; dried myrtle
(berries), pomegranate flowers, the inner skins of acorn-cups, and dried
plantain ten dirham [of each]. Boil (this) in six ratl water until one third
(of it) is left, (then) strain off from it three qya, melt in it the yolk of
an egg which had been cooked in boiling sumach-water, three dirham
of rose oil, and two dirham from the catapasm (mentioned above),63
and use (that) as an enemacold in summer, tepid in winter.

62
On Hrn see note 17 above.
63
See recipe 113.
 english translation 161

Chapter Seven
on
Powders

[119]
The prescription of the pomegranate seed powder
[Pomegranate seeds] three mann; Kerman cumin soaked in vinegar for
a day and a night (then) dried, seedless sumach, myrtle seeds, acorn,
and coriander one mann of each; babul and Bengal quince half a ratl
of each; (some) Nabataean carob fried in an iron pan. (This) is coarsely
pounded, and swallowed dry.

[120]
The prescription of the seeds powder
which is (also known as) the grained clay (powder)
Fleawort, the seeds of wild marjoram, the seeds of sweet basil, sorrel
seeds, purslane seeds, and plantain seeds half a part of each; gum-arabic,
wheat starch, and Armenian bole one part of each. Let the seeds smell
the fire a little and add, if you want, (some) tabasheer and just as much
of dragons blood.

[121]
A powder which crumbles kidney and bladder stones
The seeds of the cucumber, sweet gourd, serpent melon, musk melon,
hollyhock, marshmallow, and fennel one dirham of each; the seeds and
the mucilage of the plum two dirham of each; the filings from the shell
(that is) the Jews stone half a dirham. Pound (this), strain it, and drink
(it with) the beverage whose prescription (runs as follows): (take) two
dirham of caltrop seeds, boil them in twenty dirham [water] until half
(of it) is left, (then) strain off (the liquid), cast upon it one qya of
fleawort maceration and five dirham of white sugar, gulp that down
in large draughts, (do this) for seven days, and if necessary repeat (the
course).
162 english translation

[122]
A powder (which crumbles) kidney stones
occurring in children
Peeled musk melon seeds one dirham; plum mucilage and saxifrage
seeds five dirham of each. (This) is pounded, and used.

[123]
The diybait64 powder
Dry coriander and red roses five dirham of each; the seeds of the
sour pomegranate ten dirham; myrtle seeds four dirham. Roast (these
ingredients), pound them, dissolve and mingle them (in water), (dry
this mixture), and take from it three dirham in the morning and the
same (amount) in the evening.

[124]
The prescription of the stalks powder
[The stalks of ] the service-tree, the lote-tree, the date-palm, the quince-
tree, the Syrian carob-tree, and the mulberry-tree (bearing) immature
(fruit) are brought together, roasted, ground, and when required taken
with the sandalwood beverage.65

[125]
The prescription of a powder
for (the treatment of ) urinary incontinence; it
retains urine (but causes) no burning sensations
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
Chebulic myrobalan, beleric myrobalan, emblic, myrtle seeds, acorn,
and pomegranate flowers in equal (parts). (This) is ground, and swal-
lowed dry(it is) useful (and) proven by experience.

[126]
The worm remedy
Male fern and lupine one dirham of each; wormwood two dirham;
turpeth half a dirham. Add to these (ingredients) a similar (amount)

64
diybait < diabetes, see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 390.
65
See e.g. Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd no. 192.
 english translation 163

of sugar, and swallow (that) dry. Sometimes kamala, peeled embelia

(fruits), yellow myrobalan, indigo seeds, and scammony go into this
(preparation), which is washed down with fresh milk.

[127]
The spleen powder(s)
The dried (and) ground (shells of ) small gourds with oxymel; or one
dirham from the dried shells of a juicy gourd [with] half an qya of
wine vinegar; or the dry fruit of the tarfa with oxymel; or half a dirham
of dried willow leaves with vinegar, perhaps (adding) one dirham of
sugar. (Also) apply (to the spleen) as a cataplasm (some) wool drenched
in heated vinegar or in borax and vinegar. And (the patients) should
drink (whichever aforesaid) liquid in a beaker made from the root of
the tarfa(-tree).

[128]
A powder for (the treatment of ) kidney stones
Take Jews stone five (dirham); asparagus seeds, serpent melon seeds,
and musk melon seeds four (dirham) of each; liquorice seeds and car-
rot seeds two dirham [of each]. (This is pounded), kneaded with water,
formed into pastilles66 of one mitql, and used.

[129]
A powder for (the treatment of )
burning urinary sensations
it is called seed hazelnuts 67
The cores of the seeds of the cucumber, the serpent melon, the musk
melon, and the sweet gourd ten dirham of each; (the seeds of the) light-
coloured poppy and purslane seeds twenty dirham of each; Armenian
bole thirty dirham [. . .]68

66
In categorical terms, the preparation on hand could just as well have been incor-
porated into chapter 1 on pastilles.
67
For parallel transmissions of this incomplete recipe see e.g. Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd
nos. 20, 53, and 72 (category pastilles/pills!).
68
The end of chapter 7, the whole of chapter 8, and the beginning of chapter 9 are
missing in the text, cf. p. 7 above.
164 english translation

[130]
[. . .] olive oil one qya; pulverized vermilion half an qya; wax one
fourth of an qya; bright colophony one fourth of an qya.

[131]
A wash according to what Galen says
in (his work on) simple drugs69
Melt (some wax), pour it into clear water, melt it again, pour it into
another (load of ) clear water, and do this several times until the water,
when tried, does no longer taste (of wax). And so it is done with all
(substances) that run along the line of wax, like olive oil and others.

[132]
The description of how to wash pitch
(also) according to what Galen says70
In order to mollify (it) and to reduce its (natural) hotness and sharp-
ness, beat (the pitch) in clear pure water very thoroughly for a long
time, (then) let (the water) calm down; when (the pitch) rises to the
surface (take it), empty out that water, and throw (the pitch) into a fresh
(load of ) water; do this several times, as you did before, until you find
the colour (of the water) untainted and its taste agreeable; if it is right,
(wash the pitch) one more time, [and] (thereafter) use it.

69






, see Galen (Khn) 11/391.
70











, see Galen (Khn)
11/496f.
 english translation 165

[133]
A liniment for (the treatment of )
acute white vitiligo
Oxidized copper, orpiment, garden cress, (burnt but) not slaked lime,
and potash in equal parts. Steep (these ingredients), (exposed) to the
sun, in childrens urine orif (the preparation) is (going to be) applied
by hand a lotin wine vinegar, stir (the mixture) daily for four days,
(then) store it, and apply it after having washed the (affected) area
beforehand with childrens urine or with vinegar.

[134]
The prescription of a water
which maturates buboes
Take fermented dough three parts; borax, salt, pigeons droppings, and
cocks droppings one part of each. (This is) ground, strained, kneaded
with olive oil, and used.

[135]
The prescription of a maturating wax-liniment71
(it is) proven by experience
Melt the wax in sesame oil, cast upon it beet-water, and use (that).

[136]
The prescription of the oil-and-wax (liniment)
which is useful against dryness of the limbs,
it cools flaming sensations, is useful (against)
black-bilious ulcers, dry mange, and nervous
convulsions, it is added to (those) enemas
(which are given to) old men (whose) pain is
severe, and it is used (itself ) as an enema with
(certain) fats for (the treatment of ) backpain
according to what Galen says72
Raw wax well-strained one part; pure bzgy oil73 three dirham. Melt [the
wax in] the oil, cast (the mixture) into a greased vessel, pour upon it

71
qirt wax-liniment < cerate, see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 949.
72
Compare note 69 above.
73
bzgy is a designation I still cannot explain.
166 english translation

fresh water, beat (that) by hand very thoroughly for a long time, skim
from the water the oily (layer) as it rises to the surface, pour upon it
(a fresh load of water) to replace what has been used, and keep doing
this until (the liquid looks) as clear as (the one from which) the white
liniment74 (is made); then throw into it a little bit of camphor, and
(so) use it.

Chapter Ten
on
the Prescription of Stomachics,
Myrobalan-Based Compounds,75 and Electuaries

[137]
The prescription of the peppers stomachic
which is useful against coldness, moistness,
an excess of phlegm, poor digestion, and
trapped wind; (further) against quartan fever,
phlegmatic fever, against severe coldness
of the stomach, and it discharges urine
Take black pepper, white pepper, and long pepper two qya of each;
balm twigs one qya; Indian spikenard and grape ivy four dirham
of each; ginger, celery seeds, moon carrot, cassia, asarabacca, and dry
elecampane one dirham of each. These ingredients are brought together
by pounding and straining, (then) they are kneaded with clarified honey
(in a ratio of ) one to three, stored in a vessel, and used as required.

74
See recipe 282.
75
itrfalt, pl. of itrfal < Sanskrit triphal, a name sometimes given to such com-
pounds which are based on the following group of myrobalans: Terminalia chebula
(hallag or ihllag < Sanskrit hartak), Terminalia bellerica (ballag < Sanskrit vibhtak),
and Phyllanthus emblica (amlag < Sanskrit malak), see Schmucker T abar no. 48.
 english translation 167

[138]
A cuminy stomachic
which is useful against severe coldness
of the stomach, acid belching, a doggish
craving (for food), phlegmatic and black-bilious
fevers, coldness of the testicles, and hiccoughs
due to an excess of residues and phlegm
Take Kerman cumin soaked in wine vinegar for a day and a night (then)
dried (and) roasted, rue leaves dried in the shade, black pepper, and
ginger five istr of each; Armenian borax ten dirham. These ingredi-
ents are brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they are
kneaded with clarified honey (in a ratio of ) one to three, stored in a
vessel, and when required a potion (may be made) by using from it a
weight of one dirham with hot water.

[139]
A nutty stomachic
which is useful against abdominal
disorder, poor digestion, and
weakness and coldness of the stomach
Take bitter alecost, cassia, canella, Indian spikenard, and balm seeds ten
dirham of [each]; nutmegs fifteen in number; grains of paradise, clove,
anise, melilot which is called h in Persian,76 and Indian garden cress
four dirham of each; rolled birthwort, long birthwort, and usnea two
dirham of each; ginger and cyperus ten istr of each; lemon grass, black
pepper, and long pepper five dirham of each; mace three dirham; embe-
lia three dirham; pomegranate four dirham; stoneless black myrobalans
two istr; stoneless beleric myrobalans ten in number. [According to]
one copy (you also add) myrtle seeds at half a kailaga, according to
an(other) copy at half a ratl, and according to (yet) an(other copy) at
half a makkkthese (amounts however) are by far too high, consider-
ing the more moderate quantities we ourselves accurately copied down
(above); some (copies even read) good dry myrtle seeds from Nishapur
at twice the weight of all the (other) components! These ingredients are

76
The reading h ( )is clear enough in the manuscript, however it seems to
be a mistranscription of Persian hbusah ( )melilot, see e.g. Vullers Lexicon
2/393.
168 english translation

brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they are kneaded

with clarified sugar cane honey (in a ratio of ) one to three, stored in
a vessel, and used after two months as required. According to some of
the old copies (you take) for each ratl of the remedy four ratl of cane
honey; and if you knead (the ingredients) with bee honey, (take) for
each ratl of the remedy three ratl of honey; and (then there are) some
physicians who knead (the ingredients) with clarified bee honey, which
is the best (and most) useful, while others (vary the composition) by
using (only) five istr of cyperus and (precisely) two istr of stoneless
beleric myrobalans, and (by adding) one makkk of dry myrtle seeds.

[140]
The prescription of the smaller itrfal 77
which is useful against laxity and moistness
of the stomach, haemorrhoidal cramps, and
it embellishes the complexion
Take chebulic myrobalans, beleric myrobalans, and emblicsall these
(fruits) stonelessin equal parts. Pound (these ingredients), then mix
them with cows ghee or sweet almond oil, knead them with clari-
fied honey (in a ratio of ) one to three, store (that), and use it when
required.

[141]
The prescription of the larger itrfal 78
which heats the stomach and the (whole) body; it is
(also) useful against haemorrhoidal cramps, embellishes
the complexion, and increases sexual potency
Take chebulic myrobalans, beleric myrobalans, emblicsall these
(fruits) stoneless, black pepper, and long pepper three parts of each;
green-winged orchid, Indian garden cress, parsnip, and mace one part of
each; red wallflower, white wallflower, common ash, wild pomegranate
seed which is the seed of qilqil,79 peeled sesame, and sugar-candy two

77
On itrfal see note 75 above.
78
On itrfal see note 75 above.
79
qilqil is, strictly speaking, a name for the East Indian cassia variety Cassia tora,
but its identification with the wild pomegranate is not uncommon, see e.g. Schmucker
T abar no. 591.
 english translation 169

parts of eachaccording to the old copy you (also) add two parts each
of ginger, cinnamom, the seeds of Roman nettle, and clove, and one part
each of red sea lavender and white sea lavender. These ingredients are
brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they are kneaded
with clarified honey, old cows ghee, and sweet almond oil (in a ratio
of ) one to three, stored in a vessel, and used when required.

[142]
The seeds stomachic
which is useful against gastric flatulence
(it is) a Greek remedy
(and) proven by experience
Take caraway, anise, Kerman cumin, black pepper, cassia, grains of
paradise, Indian spikenard, fennel seeds, canella, visnaga, celery seeds,
asarabacca, and mastic two dirham of each; clove and Malabar carda-
mom half a dirham of each; ginger, long pepper, and mace two dniq
of each; sugar twenty mitql. These ingredients are brought together by
pounding and straining, (then) they are kneaded with clarified honey
(in a ratio of ) one to three, stored in a vessel, and used as required
according to another copy they are stored in a vessel, and a weight of
two dirham from them is swallowed dry.

[143]
The musk stomachic
which is useful against gastric debility,
flatuses, and palpitations of the heart
(it is) a Persian remedy
Take from musk half a mitql; cinnamom, nutmeg, canella, grains of
paradise, Malabar cardamom, clove, galingale, long pepper, and Indian
lignaloes half an qya of each; saffron two dirham; sugar-candy half
a ratl. These ingredients are brought together by pounding and strain-
ing, (then) they are kneaded with clarified honey (in a ratio of ) one to
three, stored in a vessel, and when required a potion (may be made)
by using two dirham (from it) with hot water.
170 english translation

[144]
A stomachic which increases sexual potency
it is known as the skink stomachic
(and it is) a Greek remedy
Take asparagus, parsnip, and ginger five dirham of each; red wallflower,
white wallflower, white sea lavender, and red sea lavender three dirham
of each; rape seeds, lucerne seeds, radish seeds, rocket seeds, carrot
seeds, onion seeds, and the seeds of Roman nettle two dirham of each;
grilled sea onion, the trunk of a skink, and the testicles of a fox three
dirham of each; white hellebore seven dirham; common ash one dir-
ham; sugar twenty dirham. These ingredients are brought together by
pounding and straining, (then) they are kneaded with clarified honey
(in a ratio of ) one to three, stored in a vessel, and used as required
according to another copy four dirham of this (preparation) are swal-
lowed dry with wine boiled down to one third, or with goatmilk, or
with honey-water.

[145]
The prescription of the marking nut stomachic
which is useful against forgetfulness and deceptions
of the mind, (and it) improves and embellishes the
complexion; it is (also) useful against limpness of the
limbs and impediments of speech, and it unburdens
the head; (finally) it is useful against haemorrhoids,
and it sharpens (the wit) and clears the brain
(it is) a Greek remedy
Take black pepper, long pepper, chebulic myrobalans, beleric myrobal-
ans, emblics(all these fruits) stoneless, and castoreum four dirham
of each; the honey of marking nuts, embelia, alecost, sugar-candy,
bay laurel seeds, and cyperus two istr of each. These ingredients are
brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they are kneaded
with clarified honey, old cows ghee, and almond oil; the honey of
the marking nuts (however) is mixed (separately) into some ghee or
oil, and (then) combined with the (previous) ingredients into an even
(mass)according to another copy (you take) five dirham each of
alecost, embelia, yercum sugar, small centaury, bay laurel seeds, and
cyperus, (and) two istr (from) the honey of marking nuts (or), if
this is not available, (plain) honey, (then) you cook the (previously)
pounded ingredients in it, (and) after (that) you strain it (all) through
 english translation 171

a piece of thin cloth. Store (this preparation) in a vessel for six months,
and then, when required, (make) a potion by using two dirham from it
with celery- and fennel-water. He who takes (the remedy) should avoid
excitement, surprises, the drinking of wine, and sexual intercourse, and
his diet should be (based) on pullet broth and thick bouillon.80 Some
physicians have said that this remedy is not (of ) Indian (origin) but
rather an invention of Sulaimn ibn Dwdpeace be upon him;81
others (however) maintain that it is Indian.82

[146]
The quince stomachic
which is useful against abdominal disorder,
gastric debility, vomiting, poor digestion,
and it embellishes the complexion
it is a Persian remedy
Take peeled (core)less quinces and clarified honey two ratl of each;
black pepper, long pepper, and ginger five dirham of each; cardamom
eight dirham; grains of paradise, clove, Indian spikenard, cinnamom,
and saffron two dirham of eachaccording to some copies (you add)
two dirham each of mastic, visnaga, and celery seeds. These ingredients
are brought together by pounding and straining; the quinces (however)
are gently cooked in wine vinegarsome physicians cook them in pure
fragrant wine, which is the original, or in wine boiled down to (either)
one half or one third or (in) raisin wine and honey, then taken off
the fire, drained, left (in the sieve) to lose all moisture, and (after that)
gently ground; the honey (in turn) is cooked on a low flame, and stirred
slowly until near inspissation; now the quinces are thrown into it, (the
mixture) is stirred until it is even and the (remaining) juiciness of
the quinces has vanished, (and) then it is taken off the fire; (finally) the
(previous) spices are sprinkled on it, and (everything) is beaten into an
even (mass). (This) is thrown onto a marble slab or a flat table wiped
with rose oil or sesame oil, levelled out with a rolling-pin, left for two
or three days until it dries and stiffens, (then) cut with a knife into

80
isfdbg thick bouillon < Persian ispd-b cibi genus ex carne, cepis, butyro, oleo,
apio et coriandro paratum, see Vullers Lexicon 1/92 with Dozy Supplment 1/20.
81
That is the biblical king Solomon, son of David.
82
The earlier attribution of the remedy to the Greeks contradicts this latter statement
and therefore appears to be erroneous.
172 english translation

square pieces weighing four mitql each, wrapped in citron leaves, tied
up, stored in a vessel, and used as required. Some physicians put into
(the remedy) two dirham of musk, others (only) one dirham.

[147]
The lignaloes stomachic
Take Indian spikenard, mastic, clove, nutmeg, and mace two dirham
of each; anise and celery seeds one and a half dirham of each; Indian
lignaloes four dirham; chebulic myrobalan soaked in wine three dirham.
All (this) is finely pounded, kneaded with clarified honey, (and) a potion
(may be made by using) two to three dirham (from it).

[148]
The preparation of the hammer-scale remedy
which is useful for the liver and the weak stomach,
and it embellishes the complexion
(it is also) called fangn 83
from the sheikh Ab l-Farag84
Take yellow, black, and chebulic myrobalans, beleric myrobalans,
and clean emblics seven dirham of each; barberry, sumach, roses, and
fumitory five dirham of each; fennel seeds, endive, dried Baghdad flax
dodder, dry coriander, and Kerman cumin three dirham of each; babul,
Bengal quince, and Maqsr sandalwood85 two dirham of each. Pound
these (ingredients) coarsely, and put them in a double cloth of linen;
(then) take half a ratl from light brittle fragmented Egyptian hammer-
scale which had been forged in fire and (soaked) in vinegar, grind it,
and put it in another double cloth. Hang the two cloths into (one of
the) porcelain vessels, pour over them one and a half ratl of recent
curd, and throw onto it a small bunch of each of these herbsrue,
celery, mint, sweet basil, and fresh fennel; leave (that) for a day and a
night; then strain from it half a ratl (of liquid) every day after having

83
fangn < Persian pang-n, a name originally given to an electuarium e quinque
rebus compositum, see Vullers Lexicon 1/376; later the term became independent
and was used as the name of an electuarium e scoria ferri, vino et oleo amygdalarum
paratum, see Vullers Lexicon 2/693 with Schmucker T abar no. 548.
84
That is Ab l-Farag Abdallh ibn at-T aiyib, an eminent scholar and physician who
worked at the Adud hospital in Baghdad and died in the year 435/1043, see Ullmann
Medizin 156f. and GaS 3/passim.
85
On Maqsr see note 2 above.
 english translation 173

repeatedly squeezed the two cloths, and sprinkle on it, daily, half a
mitql from the following ingredients, ground (where applicable)
white tabasheer, barberry sap, and Chinese rhubarb one dirham of
each, (and) clear lac and Persian pomegranate flowers half a mitql
of each. (This is the medicine) you take. Renew the herbs every third
day and the curd every day (in order to) replace what has been drunk;
rinse the receptacle containing the curd every second or third day so
as to prevent (the growth of ) mould; clean the brim of this earthen
bowl several times a day from the stuff that has gathered upon it; and
keep (the preparation) in a draughty place during the day, and at night
(expose it) to the air.

[149]
The prescription of the Mitrdts86
which is useful against obstruction of the liver,
indurated tumours, moistures in the belly and
chest, hyperaemia of the inner organs, putridity,
regurgitation, flatulence, and pain in the stomach
and small intestine; it arouses the sensual powers,
embellishes the complexion, crumbles kidney
and bladder stones, discharges urine, clears
retention, suppresses grief and sorrow, ruins
the victory of the black bile over the body,
protects the unborn in the bellies of their mothers,
resolves gynaecological disorders, sharpens
the sight, and saves from lethal poisons
Take myrrh, saffron, tragacanth, agaric, ginger, and cinnamom ten dir-
ham of each; Indian spikenard, Oriental frankincense, white mustard,
citronella, balm twigs, French lavender, bitter alecost, moon carrot,
galbanum, turpentine, long pepper, castoreum, the sap of fqistds
which is the sap of salsify,87 liquid storax, opopanax, and Indian lau-
rel eight dirham of each; cassia, white pepper, black pepper, melilot,

86
Mitrdts < (remedy) invented by Mithradates, king of Pontos
(fl. mid 2nd century BCE), see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 1132 and DkP 3/13551358 no. 5
(the famous mithridatium of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages).
87
On the equation of fqistds < (gen.!), normally hypocistis, and
salsify (lih yat at-tais) see e.g. Schmucker T abar no. 795.
174 english translation

germander, usqrdiyn which is garlic germander,88 talsfiyus which

is the seed of Babylonian garden peppercress,89 the seed of wild Celtic
carrot, balm oil, the balsam of qfiyn,90 and bdellium africanum seven
dirham of each; ammoniacum, nrdn iqlt which is Greek spikenard,91
gum-arabic, mastic, fatrsliyn which is the seed of milk parsley,92
qardamn which is Indian caraway,93 fennel seed, dry stalkless red
roses, Greek gentian, and dqtmann iqrt [which is] hop marjoram94
five dirham of each; anise, cypress, gum-senegal, hfrqn which is
Greek hypericum,95 and the trunk of a skink four and a half dirham
of each; asarabacca, sagapenum, and valerian three dirham of each;
opium five dirham; sweet flag three dirham; rue or rue seed two and a
half dirham. These ingredients are brought together by pounding and
straining, (then) they are soaked, as far as possible, in pure wine of
good quality or wine boiled down to one half or raisin wine and honey
or wine boiled down to one third, kneaded with clarified honey (in a
ratio of ) one to three, stored in a vessel, and used after six months.
(You may take) from this (preparation a quantity) similar to a walnut
with a potion of hot water; for (the treatment of ) liver obstruction
with fennel- and celery-water; for (the treatment of ) pneumonia with
hyssop-water; and for (the treatment of ) kidney stones as well as for
those who are incapable of sexual intercourse with roots water.96 (The
remedy) is (also) useful for (the treatment of ) diseases which are due
to coldness and flux.

88
On the equation of usqrdiyn < and garlic germander (tm barr) see
e.g. Schmucker T abar nos. 32 and 181.
89
On the equation of talsfiyus < (gen.!) and the seed of Babylonian garden
peppercress (bizr al-h urf al-bbil) see e.g. Schmucker T abar no. 239.
90
qfiyn < (?) an Egyptian compound incense < (?) Old Egyptian kpt
Rucherwerk, see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 1015 and Erman/Grapow Handwrterbuch
194; cf. also recipe 150 (pastilles!).
91
On this equation see e.g. Schmucker T abar nos. 403 and 756.
92
On the equation of fatrsliyn < and the seed of milk parsley (bizr
al-karafs al-gabal) see e.g. Schmucker T abar nos. 532 and 627.
93
On the equation of qardamn < and (Indian?) caraway (karwiy
hind) see e.g. Schmucker T abar nos. 565 and 625.
94
On the equation of dqtmann (iqrt) < () and hop marjoram
(mikitrma) see e.g. Schmucker T abar nos. 310 and 728.
95
On the equation of hfrqn < and (Greek?) hypericum (dd rm)
see e.g. Schmucker T abar no. 794.
96
Compare recipes 160 and 163; for a prototype see Kahl Sbr1 and Sbr2 no. 78.
 english translation 175

[150]
The prescription of qfiyn
as used in the Mitrdts97
Take seedless raisins in a weight of four dirham; turpentine twenty-four
dirham; myrrh and citronella twelve dirham of each; cinnamom, bdel-
lium africanum, opercula of snail shells, cassia, Greek spikenard, melilot,
cyperus, and bay laurel seeds three dirham of each; lemon grass nine
dirham; saffron one dirham; Jews pitch two and a half dirham. These
ingredients are brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they
are soaked, as far as possible, in pure wine of good quality or in wine
boiled down to (either) one third or one half, kneaded with clarified
honey (in a ratio of ) one to three, stored in a vessel, and used when
required. Some physicians throw two and a half dirham of aspalathus
into this (preparation); others pound each ingredient (separately), then
they combine the lot with til 98 or with (another) wine, form (the
mixture) into pastilles,99 dry that in the shade, and (so) use it.

[151]
The philosophers electuary
Black pepper, long pepper, ginger, cinnamom, emblic, beleric myrobalan,
garden cress, rolled or long birthwort, chamomile, fox testicles, the
cores of the pine nut, [and] the cores of the Indian walnut ten mitql
of each; the seeds of Roman nettle five mitql; seedless red raisins
thirty mitql. The(se) ingredients, (including) the raisins, are finely
pounded, strained, mixed together with three parts of clarified honey
and half a dniq of musk, stored in a vessel, buried in barley for forty
days, (and) a potion (may be made by using) from it a quantity of one
walnut. (According to) another copy (you take) black pepper, ginger,
cinnamom, emblic, beleric myrobalan, garden cress, rolled birthwort,
and the stems of the greater celandine, (and) grind each component
separately; (then) take clarified bee honey at twice the weight of (all)
the ingredients, (mix it) together with one fourth of a ratl of seedless
raisins, and leave (that) on the fire (to simmer); when (this mixture

97
On qfiyn cf. note 90 above; on Mitrdts see note 86 above.
98
til is described as pure wine of superior quality and also wine boiled down
to one quarter, see e.g. Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd 233 note 128.
99
In categorical terms, the preparation on hand could just as well have been incor-
porated into chapter 1 on pastilles.
176 english translation

of ) honey and raisins coagulates, lift it off the fire down to the ground,
and sprinkle the (previous) ingredients on it; (finally) store it in a ves-
sel, and use it.

Chapter Eleven
on
the Preparation of Hierata100

[152]
The preparation of the Ldiy101
which is useful (because) it draws out from the
depth of the body disparate residues, (whether)
tough, viscid, putrid, or burning; (further it is
useful against) convulsions, epilepsy, leprosy,
apoplexy, hemiplegia, elephantiasis, vitiligo,
lichen, tetter, hemicrania, headache, vertigo,
deafness, melancholy, hydrophobia, mental
confusion, paranoia, difficulty in breathing,
inflammation, renal complaints, earache, alopecia,
ophiasis, bad chronic inveterate ulcers, and it makes
the menstrual blood flow that stopped untimely
Take the pulp of colocynth five dirham; grilled sea onion, agaric, scam-
mony, black hellebore, ammoniacum, and garlic germander two and a
half dirham of each; Cretan dodder, wall germander, bdellium africa-
num, and Socotra aloe three dirham of each; calamint, Indian laurel,
hypericum, white horehound, germander, cassia, black pepper, white
pepper, long pepper, saffron, cinnamom, polypody, opopanax, sagap-
enum, myrrh, parsley, long birthwort, absinthe sap, spurge, Indian
spikenard, grape ivy, and ginger two dirham of each; Greek gentian and
French lavender one and a half dirham of each. These ingredients are
brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they are soaked,

100
iyragt, pl. of iyrag < () remedy filled with or manifesting
divine power, see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 820 and 822; hierata were considered par-
ticularly effective or divine (thence the Arabic explanation of is daw ilh), cf.
Ullmann Medizin 296.
101
Ldiy (hiera) < the divine remedy of Logadios, a physician
who is only known through a quotation by Aetios of Amida (fl. mid 6th century CE),
see PRA 13/990.
 english translation 177

as far as possible, in pure wine of good quality or in wine boiled down

to (either) one half or one third, kneaded with clarified honey (in a
ratio of ) one to three, stored in a vessel, and used after six months.
You should know that this remedy is being made (in the hospital) for
twenty years (now) and not (once) have any of its effects been found
worthy of blame, (which is why) you could use it for thirty years and
(still have) no (reason to) curse it. In fact, it dives into the veins and
purifies them, operating like a treacle, and (moreover) it is useful against
phlegmatic and quartan fever; (when administered) for (the purpose
of ) purification, a potion (may be made by using) from it half a mitql
with hot water; it may (also) be taken as a snuff, just like the (remedy
called) lt;102 it opens obstructions of the brain and cleanses it; and
as for (the treatment of ) diarrhoea, a perfect potion (may be made
by using) from it four mitql with dodder- and agaric-water in which
raisins have been melted, or (else) with hot water, as required.

[153]
The preparation of the G lns hiera103
which is useful against hemiplegia, facial paralysis,
colic, convulsions, and limpness; it rids the body
from disparate viscid residues, tightens the flaccid
bladder, and (stops) involuntary secretion of urine
Take the pulp of colocynth, agaric, grilled sea onion, ammoniacum,
scammony, black hellebore, hypericum, and spurge seventeen dir-
ham of each; Indian polypody, Cretan dodder, bdellium africanum,
wall germander, white horehound, and cassia nine dirham of each;
myrrh, sagapenum, long birthwort, black pepper, white pepper, long
pepper, cinnamom, opopanax, castoreum, and parsley four dirham
of eachsome physicians (also) put four dirham of saffron into it.
These ingredients are brought together by pounding and straining,
(then) they are soaked, as far as possible, in pure wine of good qual-
ity or in wine boiled down to one third, kneaded with clarified honey
(in a ratio of ) one to three, stored in a vessel, and after six months a
potion (may be made) by using from it four dirham with hot water, as

102
For the Arabic prototype of this old Syrian panacea see Kahl Sbr1 and Sbr2
no. 57.
103
G lns hiera < the divine remedy of Galen of Pergamon (d. 199
CE), the famous physician on whom see e.g. Kudlien/Wilson Galen passim.
178 english translation

is required. The benefit(s) of this (remedy) are like those of the (one
called) T iydurts,104 except that the former is less (effective) against
the black bile than the latter.

[154]
The Arkns hiera105
which is useful against all latent diseases,
difficulty in breathing, vertigo, black bile that
is spread over the body corrupting it, hoarseness
caused by moisture, sore throat, convulsions,
colic, rheumatism, yellow water (in the belly),
bad ulcers that are brought forth in the body
by corrupt chymes, and mange; when its potion
is mixed with one dirham of burnt crayfish
it protects the belly of someone who was
bitten by a rabid dog from being afflicted with
the saliva, and when its potion is mixed with
four qrt of wild serpent melon sap and
colocynth sap it is for (the treatment of ) those
whose belly is already afflicted with the saliva;
it is (also) drunk with the water of mugwort
which is qaism;106 with rue-water (it is useful)
for (the treatment of ) uterine and abdominal
pain if three qrt of castoreum are admixed;
(and) with celery-water for pain in the kidneys
and testicles
Take the pulp of colocynth two qya; white horehound, French lav-
ender, black hellebore, scammony, long pepper, and black pepper four
qya of each; grilled sea onion, spurge, Socotra aloe, Greek gentian,
parsley, ammoniacum, and opopanax one qya of each; cinnamom,
germander, sagapenum, myrrh, Indian spikenard, citronella, mountain
mint, and long birthwort two dirham of each. These ingredients are

104
T iydurts (hiera) < the divine remedy of Theodoretos, a
physician who is referred to a few times by Aetios of Amida (fl. mid 6th century CE),
see PRA 5A/1803 no. 9; for the Arabic prototype of this remedy see Kahl Sbr1 and
Sbr2 no. 67.
105
Arkns hiera < the divine remedy of Archigenes of Apamea
(fl. late 1st century CE), a well-known physician on whom see e.g. DkP 1/507.
106
On this equation see e.g. Schmucker T abar nos. 118 and 607; cf. also Kahl Sbr2
71 note 87.
 english translation 179

brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they are soaked,

as far as possible, in pure wine of good quality or in wine boiled down
to (either) one half or one third, kneaded with clarified honey, stored
in a vessel, and after six months a potion (may be made) by using
from it four mitql with opium- and raisin-water, or with hot water,
as required.

[155]
The fqr hiera107
which is useful against diseases of the head,
moistness of the stomach, rheumatism, colic,
vomiting that results from colic and moisture,
hemiplegia, facial paralysis, limpness of the
limbs, and impediments of speech
Take mastic, saffron, Indian spikenard, balm seeds, asarabacca, balm
twigs, cassia, and cinnamom one dirham of each; Socotra aloe sixteen
dirhamsome physicians add to it one dirham each of citronella, cubeb,
and nutmeg. These ingredients are brought together by pounding and
straining, (then) [they are stored] in a vessel, and when required a
potion (may be made) by using from them two dirham kneaded with
one spoonful of honey.

[156]
The Rfus hiera108
which is useful against black bile and alopecia
Take the pulp of colocynth twenty dirham; Socotra aloe five dirham;
galingale ten dirham; wall germander twenty dirham; sagapenum and
opopanax five dirham of each; parsley, rolled birthwort, and white
pepper five dirham of each; Indian spikenard, cassia, cinnamom, saffron,
ginger, germander, and myrrh two dirham of each. These ingredients
are brought together by pounding and straining, (then) they are soaked,
as far as possible, in pure wine of good quality or in wine boiled down
to one third, kneaded with clarified honey (in a ratio of ) one to three,
and stored.

107
fqr hiera < lit. divine bitter is the name of an antidote, see Lid-
dell/Scott Lexicon 1403.
108
Rfus hiera < the divine remedy of Rufus of Ephesos (fl. ca. 100
CE), a famous physician on whom see e.g. DkP 4/1467f.
180 english translation

Chapter Twelve
on
the Prescription of Decoctions
and on Purgative Pills

[157]
The dodder-agaric decoction
which is useful against black bile, and which
extracts burning and viscid tough residues
Take stoneless yellow myrobalans and seedless raisins twenty dirham
of each; crushed polypody and crushed turpeth two dirham of each.
Cook these ingredients in five ratl fresh water until one third of it is
left, then take it off the fire, throw into it twenty dirham from clean
red Cretan dodder (stems), and leave (that) for the whole night; at day-
break take it, make it tepid on the fire, then take it off, and press (the
stems); (now) strain off an appropriate quantity from the remaining
water, disperse in it one dirham of ground white agaric kneaded with
honey, and drink (this).

[158]
The purging cassia decoction
Take appropriate quantities of stoneless myrobalans, seedless fibre-
less tamarinds, plums, jujubes, and seedless raisins, cook it (all) in an
appropriate quantity of fresh water, macerate (some) [purging cassia
in it], strain off an appropriate quantity of that (liquid), and drink it
at daybreak.

[159]
The agrimony decoction
[which is useful] against inveterate
rheumatic-phlegmatic fevers
Take equal amounts of stoneless yellow myrobalans, seedless raisins,
fumitory, bull thistle, giant thistle, and agrimony leaves, cook (these
ingredients) gently in fresh water (in order to) obtain their extract,
strain off an appropriate quantity of that (liquid), and swallow it as
required.
 english translation 181

[160]
The roots decoction
which is useful against obstruction, ischuria,
and pain in the liver and stomach; it may be
used together with oils or without them
Take appropriate quantities of the peels of fennel roots, the peels of
celery roots, anise, Indian spikenard, mastic, madder, and seedless
raisins from Taif, cook it (all in order to) obtain its extract, and use
(this) in accordance with the main prescription.109

[161]
The prescription of the hyssop decoction
which is useful against dry cough, raucity of
the chest, pain in the sides, and pleurisy
Take appropriate quantities of scraped (and) crushed liquorice roots,
seedless raisins from Taif, dried figs, hyssop, sebestens, jujubes, and
maidenhair, cook it (all in order to) obtain its extract, and swallow
(this) on its own [or] together with (certain) oils.

[162]
The prescription of the absinthe [decoction]
which is useful against inveterate pain in the liver
and different (kinds of ) cold fevers, (whether)
phlegmatic or black-bilious; it (also) makes the
urine flow and mends intestinal putridity
Take appropriate quantities of anise, celery seeds, Greek absinthe,
asarabacca, fennel seeds, citronella roots, Indian spikenard, and Indian
laurel, cook it (all in order to) obtain its extract, strain (that) off, and
drink it.

109
Compare recipe 163.
182 english translation

[163]
The prescription of the roots decoction110
which is useful against long phlegmatic and
black-bilious fevers, pains in the liver, stomach
and spleen, and humoral putridity
Take appropriate quantities of the peels of fennel roots, celery seeds,
anise, Indian spikenard, mastic, stalkless red roses, bull thistle, giant
thistle, agrimony leaves, absinthe leaves, madder, balm twigs, woodfree
lac, Chinese rhubarb, and seedless raisins, cook it (all) in fresh water (in
order to) obtain its extract, and when required swallow (this) together
with sweet almond oil, bitter almond oil, or with some other oil.

[164]
The aloe infusion
which is useful against obstruction,
vertigo, and the black-bilious humour
Take stoneless yellow myrobalans twelve dirham; chebulic and black
Indian myrobalans, emblics, and beleric myrobalans three dirham
of each; mastic four and a half dirham; celery seeds seven and a half
dirham; fumitory fifteen dirham; giant thistle twelve dirham. Cook (all
this) in six ratl water until one ratl is left, strain it, macerate in it six
dirham of Socotra aloe, and drink from it every day three qya with
one dirham of bitter almond oil.

[165]
The prescription of the decoction
which is cooked in the hospital
H ulwn plums five mann; G urgn jujubes112 two and a half mann;
111

H ursn apricots113 five mann; Meccan tamarinds five mann; sebestens

110
For a variation of this decoction see recipe 160.
111
H ulwn is the Arabic name of an ancient town on the great H ursn highway as
it crosses the natural frontier between Iraq and Iran; the place was known for an abun-
dance of fruit, see Lockhart H ulwn 571 and Le Strange Lands 191 with map 2.
112
G urgn is a province in northern Iran bordering on the Caspian Sea and crossed
by the old caravan route to Russia, see Hartmann/Boyle Gurgn 1141; the place
was known for its excellent jujubes, see Wiedemann Aufstze 1/867 and assn
Mutamad 340.
113
H ursn is a large province in northeastern Iran, see Bosworth Khursn 55f.;
for an apricot connection see Dozy Supplment 2/603.
 english translation 183

one mann; Rziq raisins114 ten ratl; sweet-smelling violets three ratl;
nenuphars three ratl; roses one mann; stoneless chebulic, yellow, and
black Indian myrobalans five mann altogether; beleric myrobalans,
emblics, and the milk of emblics one mann of each; Meccan senna
three ratl; fresh green (that is) pistachio(-coloured) polypody [and]
scraped liquorice root one and a half ratl of each; French lavender,
ground pine, wall germander, bull thistle, giant thistle, and the leaves
and seeds of lemon balm two and a half ratl of each; absinthe leaves
one mann; small centaury three ratl; fumitory and its seeds five ratl of
each; light-coloured poppy five ratl; serpent melon seeds, cucumber
(seeds), gourd seeds, and purslane seeds(all) crushedone kailaga
of each; celery seeds, fennel seeds, and flax dodder (seeds) one kailaga
of each; pomegranate seeds and barberry seeds one mann [of each];
coriander one makkk; borage five ratl; Cretan dodder tied up in a
cloth of linen one ratl; a bunch of fresh endive (leaves); a bunch of
mint (leaves); sweet basil seeds one mann; agrimony leaves one and a
half ratl; lapis lazuli two qya; turpeth and agaric one mann of each.
All (this) is cooked in one thousand ratl water until one third (of it) is
left, (then) strained, and used.

[166]
The prescription of the backup
(for this decoction)
Turpeth, Socotra aloe, (and) the rob of scraped liquorice (roots) from
Antioch in equal parts; a potion of the backup (is made by using) one
dirham (of it) at nightfall and (again) at daybreak. The aforementioned
decoction (itself ) is taken at daybreak together with two qya julep or
sugar and half a dirham of washed Armenian stone.

114
On Rziq see note 24 above.
184 english translation

[167]
The prescription of the stomachic115 pill
which is useful against diseases caused by tough
viscid phlegm in the joints, black bile, and it rids the
body from disparate residues
The fqr hiera116 ten dirham; yellow myrobalan, Cretan dodder, poly-
pody, agaric, and Indian salt two dirham of each; bdellium africanum
six dirham. Soak the bdellium in cooked anise-water, (then) knead it
with the (other) ingredients, form (this) into small pills, (and make) a
potion (by using) two and a half dirham from it with hot water.

[168]
The prescription of the Adud aloe pill
Socotra aloe ten dirham; Persian roses five dirham; yellow myrobalan
five dirham; mastic two dirham; saffron half a dirham. (This) is kneaded
with the water of bdellium mukul, and used.

[169]
The abyr pill
abyr meaning aloe117
which is useful against headaches
and (pains in) the stomach; it (also)
purifies [from] moisture
Socotra aloe, mastic, yellow myrobalan, rosebuds, and turpeth in equal
partsaccording to another copy three dirham aloe and one dirham
mastic. (This) is brought together, pounded, formed into pills, and
used.

115
In the text on hand, stomachic occurs either specifically as the name of a
pharmacological product, or generally as the name of a pharmacological category. The
former is represented by the term ustu mahqn < good for the stom-
ach, see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 1649; the latter is represented by the term gawri(n)
< Persian guwrin medicamentum compositum, quod cibi digerendi caussa edunt,
see Vullers Lexicon 2/1040.
116
Compare note 107 above.
117
The Persian word abyr lit. friend of the night also, and perhaps primarily,
denotes a soporific preparation, cf. Vullers Lexicon 2/409 (noctis amicus) nom. elec-
tuarii vel potionis somniferae and Ullmann Medizin 298.
 english translation 185

[170]
The qqy118 pill
which is useful against headaches, it clears the
sight, and detracts bad residues from the body
Socotra aloe, mastic, the pulp of colocynth, scammony, and absinthe
sap in equal (parts). (This) is kneaded with boiled (then) strained
celery-water or with nightshade-water, formed into large pills (weigh-
ing) between one dirham and one mitqlaccording to another copy
two dirham, (and these are drunk) with hot water.

[171]
The hiera pill
which is useful against headaches, (pains in) the
stomach, and vertigo; it blocks miasma, (and) it is
(also) useful against obstruction and loss of vision
The fqr hiera119 and turpeth four dirham of each; (stone)less yellow and
chebulic myrobalan, and anise one part of each; Indian salt two fifths of
a part. (This) is formed into pills similar to peppercorns (by kneading
it) with celery-water, (then) dried in the shade, (and) a potion (may be
made by using) two and a half dirham from it with hot water.

[172]
The meadow saffron pill
for (the treatment of ) rheumatism
Aloe, meadow saffron, and yellow myrobalan in equal (parts). (This) is
kneaded (together), formed into pills similar to peppercorns, (and) a
potion (may be made by using) two dirham from it with hot water.

118
qqy < Syriac (?) < (dim. of ) pill, cf. Liddell/Scott Lexicon
971, Dozy Supplment 2/428, and Schmucker T abar 367; the expression qqy pill
(h abb al-qqy) is a tautology.
119
Compare note 107 above.
186 english translation

[173]
The loins pill
[which is useful] against colic, facial paralysis,
rheumatism, gout, trapped wind, pain in the loins,
a fleshy ulcer, neuralgia, neurasthenia, and
thanks to it the menstrual blood flows
Sagapenum, ammoniacum, opopanax, bdellium africanum, harmala
seeds, the pulp of colocynth, and aloe in equal (parts). Soak these (ingre-
dients) in the water of clear white tragacanth, form (this) into small pills,
(and make) a potion (by using) two and a half dirham (from it).

[174]
The bdellium [pill]
which is useful against haemorrhoidal cramps, pain
in the rectum and lower intestines, and loss of blood
Chebulic myrobalan, beleric myrobalan, and emblic two dirham of
each; bdellium africanum six dirham. Soak (this) in leek-water, form
it into pills, and use (these).

[175]
The prescription of the gold pill
Aloe twenty dirham; yellow myrobalan ten dirham; scammony, traga-
canth, mastic, and saffron three dirham of each; red roses five dirham. A
potion (may be made by using) two dirham from it with hot water.

[176]
The cough pill
Tragacanth, gum-arabic, starch, light-coloured poppy, quince seed,
and the peeled seeds of the serpent melon and the gourd two dirham
of each; sugar-candy in a weight (equalling that) of all the (other)
ingredients; liquorice rob one dirham. (This) is kneaded with rainwater
(after having been pounded) and strained, (then) formed into flat pills,
and put into the mouth.
 english translation 187

[177]
Another pill for (the treatment of ) the cough
Liquorice rob three dirham; violet two mitql; tragacanth one mitql;
gum-arabic half a mitql; starch one mitql. Pound the tragacanth,
strain it through hot water, form it into pills (together) with those
(other ingredients), and use (that).

[178]
Another for (the treatment of ) the cough
Liquorice rob, starch, tragacanth, gum-arabic, [and] peeled almonds
three dirham of each; sugar five dirham. Pound all these ingredients,
strain them through the water of quince (seed) mucusif this is not
available (use) limpid water (instead), form it (all) into pills, (and
make) a potion (by using) one mitql from it.

[179]
Another for (the treatment of ) the cough
and (for) clearing the chest
Take rocket seeds, the core of pine (nuts), and the heart of hazelnuts
in equal parts. Pound (this), strain it, knead it with clarified honey, and
lick it when (going to) sleep.

[180]
The violet pill
which is useful against weakness and loss of sight,
and (which) cleanses the brain from yellow-bilious
and phlegmatic residues
Take dry violets two dirham; white turpeth two dirham; liquorice rob
and yellow myrobalans half a dirham of each; anise half a dirham; grilled
scammony half a dniq. Grind everything finely, knead it (together),
form it into pills, and drink (them) all at onceand if you want to
make this (remedy) stronger, add to it one and a half dniq of mastic,
two dniq of rosebuds, and half a dniq of colocynth pulp. (Here is a
sample) prescription for pill-making: (take) one dniq of tragacanth,
one dniq of gum-arabic, and (the same amount of ) bdellium mukul,
melt (that) in a boil of water, liquorice rob, dried fennel, and celery seed,
(then) mix it with (some) almond oil, and now form it into pills.
188 english translation

[181]
The prescription of the borage beverage120
which is useful against gastric debility, it improves
digestion, does good to the (whole) body, benefits
the heart, makes dropsy disappear, prevents
burnt miasmata from ascending to the brain,
opens obstruction, expels (bad) humours during
(the time of ) convalescence, preserves health,
and possesses many (other) qualities
Take borage six qya; cantaloupe leaves and sweet basil leaves dried
in the shade one and a half qya of each; (only) the best blades from
the citron(-tree) one qya and a quarter; sweet marjoram seeds, anise,
and mastic one qya of each. Soak it all in six ratl hot water for a
day and a night, (then) cook it on a low flame until it is reduced to
two ratl, (now) press (the leaves), strain off (the water), throw into it
a similar (amount of ) honey, boil (that) on the fire until it gains the
consistency (required) of beverages, (and make) a potion (by mixing)
one qya from it with (some) water in which fennel and mastic had
been cooked.

Chapter Thirteen
on
the Prescription of Preserves

[182]
Preserved myrobalans
which strengthen (and) profit the stomach,
assist in the digestion of food, dry off moisture,
soften nature, advance (the treatment of )
haemorrhoidal cramps, and benefit those who
suffer from (an excess of ) black bile
generated by phlegmespecially when
this (preserve) contains spices
Take one hundred chebulic myrobalans, put them in a trough, cover
them with water, throw into it fifty dirham from the ashes of vine

120
This recipe should rather be expected to figure in chapter 3 on beverages and
robs.
 english translation 189

stemsaccording to another copy oak wood ashes, and leave it like

that for twenty days, changing the ashes and the water every five days;
then wash (the myrobalans) several times with fresh water; thereafter
take them, throw them in a cauldron, cover them with water, throw into
it half a rub of rice, and boil (that) until (the myrobalans) become soft;
then take them out of the cauldron, wipe them very gently so as not
to peel off (their skin), and pierce them all round with a large needle;
then return them to the cauldron, cover them with candied honey, and
boil (that); then take it off the fire, quickly pick out (the myrobalans),
put them in a glass jug, cover them with clarified honey, (and) then
wash(that is) boilthem every five days two or three times in order
to remove (all) their wateriness and to dry them out (completely);
(when) they are properly done (and covered again by honey), add to a
hundred myrobalans one qya each of the (following) spices: cinna-
mom, ginger, canella, cardamom, nutmeg, and peeled grains of paradise,
and (also) one dniq of musk and two dirham of sukk;121 (finally) store
(this preserve) in a vessel, and use it (as required).

[183]
The prescription of preserved elecampanes
which are good for the cold-tempered or someone
who suffers from hemiplegia; they are (also)
suitable for (the treatment of ) cold kidneys,
they make the urine flow, heat the back, clear
the lung(s) and the chest from moisture (just as)
they remove moisture in the stomach, and
they befit the group of old men
Take ten ratlBaghdad ratl122of elecampane (roots), cut them to
the size of fingers, clean them, and soak them in water and salt for
twenty days, changing the water and the salt every five days; then take
them out, put them in a cooking-pot of stone, cover them with water,
cast [upon it] three ratl of bee honey, and boil (that) until (the roots)
become soft; then remove (the pot) from the fire, take out (the roots),
(dry them), return them to the pot a second time, cover them with
bee [honey], and boil (that) thoroughly; (now) put it (all) in a green

121
On sukk see note 41 above.
122
That is emphasizing the standard or canonical valuation of ~406g, cf. Hinz
Masse s.n.
190 english translation

jug, and (then) wash (the roots) every five days (by) boiling them and
throwing them back into (the honey); then take three dirham each of
ginger, cinnamom, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, grains of paradise, and
long pepper, pound (these spices) coarsely, put them into a thin cloth
of linen, tie it up loosely, and throw it into the jug onto the elecampane
(roots) and the honey.

[184]
The prescription of preserved melons
Take twenty melons, remove their sour (flesh), and soak (the rinds) in
water and salt for ten days, changing the water and the salt every three
days; then take them out of the water, cast upon them four Baghdad
ratl of bee honey, and boil (that) thoroughly until (the rinds) become
soft; then take them out of this liquid, (dry them), return them to the
cooking-pot a second time, cover them with bee honey, and boil (that)
gently; (now) put it (all) in a green jug(later some) spices too, and
(then) wash (the rinds) every five days by boiling them and throwing
them back into (the honey); (finally) take three dirham each of ginger,
cinnamom, clove, cardamom, long pepper, and grains of paradise,
pound (these spices) coarsely, put them into a thin cloth of linen, tie
it up loosely, and unite it with the melon (rinds) and the honey.

[185]
The prescription of preserved carrots
(which are good) for the chest, the back and
the kidneys, and which (also) increase sexual
potency; carrots are hard to digest (and) they
linger in the stomach, but more than anything
else they promote sexual intercourse; the addition
of honey makes them hotter, less moist,123 and
diminishes their (capacity to) bloat
Take grilled carrots, peel them, carefully remove (and dispose of ) their
insides, weigh out ten Baghdad ratl, put them in a stone pot, cover them
with water, throw upon it three ratl of bee honey, and cook (that) on
a low flame until (the carrots) become soft; then take them out of this

123
Carrots are generally considered hot in the 2nd and moist in the 1st degree, see
e.g. assn Mutamad 66ff.
 english translation 191

liquid, dry them, return them to the pot a second time, (cover them
with bee honey), and boil (that) gently; (now) put it (all) in a green
jug, and (then) wash (the carrots) every five days by boiling them and
throwing them back into (the honey).

[186]
The prescription of preserved citrons
(which are good) for the chest and the throat;
this (preserve), especially since it involves the
rind of the citron, should contain ingredients which
strengthen the stomach: whilst (the presence of )
honey makes citron (rinds) milder and removes
most of their roughness, they (still remain) hard
to digest (and) linger in the stomach(therefore),
in order to accelerate their digestion, it is helpful
to add mild spices to this (preserve), (such as)
Indian spikenard, cinnamom, grains of paradise,
cubeb, saffron, musk, ginger, sukk,124 the (remedy
called) Ldiy,125 lignaloes, and the like, because
these (spices) heat the stomach, clear it from
moisture, (thus help to) digest food, and (moreover)
improve the smell of the breath
Take ten large citrons from Susa, get rid of all their sour (flesh), cut
(the rinds) to the size of four fingers, scrape off the outer peel if you
like or (else) leave it, put them in a stone pot, cover them with water,
throw upon it three ratl of bee honey, and cook (that) on a low flame
until (the rinds) become soft; then take them out of this liquid, (dry
them), return them to the pot a second time, cover them with honey,
and boil (that) gently; (now) put it (all) in a green jug, and (then) wash
(the rinds) daily for five days by boiling them and throwing them back
into (the honey).

124
On sukk see note 41 above.
125
On Ldiy see note 101 above.
192 english translation

[187]
The prescription of preserved gourds
which are mild (and) good for the chest, the
lungs, and the bladder if these (organs) are
inhabited by hardening and heat; gourds
are useful for those who have a hot temper,
they taste sweet, and they benefit the mind;
however, they do not contain (enough) heat
to strengthen the digestion and to warm up
the stomach and (the rest of ) the body(in fact)
they contain (enough) coldness to cause the
extinction of heat126, (and) what little heat
they possess is imparted (to them largely) by
the (addition of ) honey; this is why most people
use a gourd for (its) delicate taste rather than
(its) therapeutic value
Take fifteen sweet fresh gourds, pare off the outer (shells), remove the
inner (flesh), cut (the shells) to the size of three fingers, put them in a
stone pot, cover them with water, and boil them (very) gently because
they cannot tolerate a strong fire; (then) take them out of this water,
put them in (another) cooking-pot, cover them with bee honey, and
boil (that) gently; (now) put it (all) in a green jug, and (then) wash
(the shells), which release a lot of juice, every five days by boiling
them and throwing them back into (the honey)if you fail to do that
properly and pay no attention, (the shells) will go sour; but if you do
exactly as told, they will turn out right. Some people sometimes add
spices to this (preserve).

[188]
The prescription of preserved parsnips
which increase sexual potency [and] stimulate
(the desire for) sexual intercourse; parsnips are
hot (and) moist, containing more moistness
and much less heat than ginger;127 they have

126
Gourds are generally considered cold-moist in the 2nd degree, see e.g. assn
Mutamad 382f.
127
Parsnips are generally considered hot-moist in the 2nd degree, ginger hot in the
3rd and dry in the 2nd degree, see e.g. assn Mutamad 268 and 207f. respectively.
 english translation 193

a pleasant taste, (and) they promote the drive

(and) capacity for sex; they do neither overheat
the body nor are they too strong in drying off
phlegm, (which is why) those who have a hot
temper can eat them without suffering (any)
harm; parsnips, when preserved in honey, work
like preserved carrots128
Take five Baghdad ratl of large parsnips and soak them in water for
ten days; then put them in a cooking-pot of stone, cover them with
water, and boil (that) gently; then take them out of this water and peel
them; then return them to the pot, cover them with candied honey,
and boil (that) gently too; now put it (all) in a green jug, and (then)
wash (the parsnips) every five days by boiling them and throwing
them back into (the honey); (also) add (some) spices to this (preserve),
(including) saffron.

[189]
The prescription of preserved walnuts
which are useful for the stomach (because) they
drain it of moisture; walnuts are hot (and) dry129
something that is imparted to them (also) by
the (addition of ) honey, and enhanced by
commendable spices; walnuts are (further)
useful [against] coldness of the liver,
they increase sexual potency, and (all in all)
are proven by experience
Take unripe walnuts, those which are not (yet) hard when the outer
husks have been removedif the inner shells (however) are (found to
be) hard, remove them as well; put (these walnuts) in a cooking-pot of
stone, cover them with candied honey, and boil (that) gently; (now) put
it (all) in a glass jug, and (then) wash (the walnuts) every three days
[by] boiling them and throwing them back into (the honey).

128
Compare recipe 185.
129
Walnuts are generally considered hot in the 2nd and dry in the 1st degree, see
e.g. assn Mutamad 76.
194 english translation

[190]
The prescription of preserved apples
Take fifty whole, uncut Syrian apples, peel off the outer (skins), rid the
inner (cores), put (the apples) in a cooking-pot of stone, cover them
with candied honey, and boil (that) gently; (now) put it (all) in a green
jug, and (then) wash (the apples) every three days by condensing them
(on the fire) and throwing them back into (the honey); (also) add some
saffron to this (preserve).

[191]
Preserved dates
Take one hundred fresh ripe dates picked straight from the palm, and
one hundred peeled almonds without their shells; now take a large
needle, [prick out] the seeds from below the dates and replace them
with the almonds; expose (these dates) to the sun until they become
dry and firm; next put them in a glass jug, cover them with clarified
honey, and cook (that) together with (some) saffron; (then) be sure to
wash (the dates) once or twice every five days (by cooking them soft)
so that they can absorb (more) honey.

[192]
The prescription of preserved nenuphars
Take one ratl of fully developed, blooming nenuphars, remove their
stems, and cast upon (the flowers) two ratl of sugar-candy which had
been pounded and strained through a broad(-meshed) sieve; put (that)
in a green trough, rub (the mixture) gently between your fingers, place
it into the sun for ten days, and stir it night and day so that it forms a
coherent mass; (then) store it, and use it as required.

[193]
The prescription of preserved pears
which strengthen the stomach and benefit the belly
Take one hundred sweet (but) not (yet) fully ripe pears, peel off the
outer (skins), rid the inner (cores), put (the pears) in a cooking-pot
of stone, cover them with candied honey, and boil (that) gently on a
low flame; (then) put it (all) in a glass vessel, throw a few spices into
it, and stir it once daily for three days.
 english translation 195

[194]
The preparation of roses preserved in sugar
Take ten ratl of Damask roses which have not been touched by water,
pull off their stalks, and expose them to the air for a day and a night;
(then) put them in a green trough, cast upon them twenty ratl of
sugar-candy which had been pounded and strained through a broad
(-meshed) sieve, and rub (the mixture) thoroughly between your fingers
so that the roses sweat; (now) put it (all) into the sun for twenty days,
stirring (the mixture) many times daily and covering (the trough) with
pieces of cotton in the evening(s); (finally) store it in (another) vessel,
and use it (as required).

[195]
Roses preserved in honey
Take ten ratl of Damask roses which have not been touched by water,
pull off their stalks, and expose them to the air for a day and a night;
then put them in a green trough, take twenty-five ratl of bee honey, boil
it, skim off the scum, cast it tepid upon those roses, stir (this mixture)
many times daily (before) putting it in (another) vessel of similar size,
and use it (as required).

[196]
Violets preserved in sugar
Take five ratl of fresh Askar violets130 and clean off their stalks; (further
take) ten ratl of sugar, pound it, and strain it through a broad(-meshed)
sieve; (now) put it (all) in a green trough, spreading it in (subsequent)
layers of violets and sugar, (expose the trough) to the sun for twenty
days, stir (the mixture repeatedly), (then) put it in (another) receptacle,
store it, and use it (as required).

[197]
The prescription of violets preserved in honey
Take five ratl of fresh violets, pull off their stalks, and cast upon them
ten ratl of clarified bee honey; put (that) in a green trough (and expose
it) to the sun, stirring (the mixture) three times daily and covering (the

130
On Askar see note 18 above.
196 english translation

trough) with pieces of cotton in the evening(s); when (the mixture)

forms a coherent mass, put it in a green jug, and use it (as required).

Chapter Fourteen
on
the Preparation of the Theriac
Mentioning (also) the Reason (why) it is Useful
and (how) to Test it

[198]
The prescription of the theriac-of-the-four
which is useful against trapped wind as it occurs
in the belly and intestines, pain in the liver and
spleen, epileptic fits, palpitations of the heart, and
the venoms of crawling and creeping animals
Take equal amounts of Greek gentian, bay laurel seeds, long birthwort,
and pure myrrh, bring these (four) ingredients together by pounding
and straining them through a cloth of silk, (then) knead them with
clarified honey (in a ratio of ) one to three, store (that) in a vessel, and
(when required make) a potion by using one dirham from it with hot
watersome physicians choose bitter alecost instead of myrrh; some
prefer rolled birthwort to long birthwort, (the former) being stronger;
and others employ (both) long and rolled birthwort (in combination)
with savory. As regards the reason (why) this theriac is (so) useful,
you must know that it counters (all) those things which we mentioned
(above) and repairs the damage they (cause) on three grounds: first,
because of its drying, desiccating power; second, because of its purifying
power which breaks up residues and drives them away from the cardinal
organs, reaching far into the channels and passageways wherethrough
the residues travel (and expelling them) in liquid stools, copious urine,
and in (the form of ) vapour that transudes the pores of the skin; third,
because of its power to strengthen and toughen the cardinal organs,
making them strong (enough) to repair all by themselves the damage
that is (caused) by (otherwise) deadly venoms [from] crawling animals
and (similar) beasts of prey, and (to sabotage) the operational modes
of (these) destructive poisons. Such are the three beneficial properties
of the theriac. As regards testing the theriacinsofar as it is intended
for humans, you must know that there are three methods: (first),
 english translation 197

get hold of a macerated purgative drugfor example white hellebore,

scammony, or any other strongly (purging) substance, (then) let (the
patient) drink half a mitql from the theriac, and if this has no effect
administer the catharticthe theriac, you see, is (normally) a very effec-
tive (remedy), but if one has to follow it with (another) drug you know
it is weak (and) unreliable; the second method of testing (the theriac)
was used by Galen, who took a grown-up weather-beaten cock with a
dry constitution, let a venomous animal creep towards it to bite, and fed
(the cock) some of the theriac, either before sending off (the creeper)
or afterif (the cock) got over it and lived, the theriac was potent, if
(the cock) perished, it was bad (and) unreliable;131 the third method of
testing the theriac has been used by some people in recent times, and if
you wish to see (for yourself ) how that works take a (potentially) lethal
drugeither opium or another, feed it to a cock or a dog or some
such animal, then give it (a dose) of the theriac, and you will (soon)
find out whether it is good or bad. This is (all) we have to say about
theriac trials, so (be sure to) remember it.

Chapter Fifteen
on
the Description of (how) to Treat
the Teeth and the Gums, Nutritive(s),
(the Treatment of ) Freckles, Tetter, Mange,
the Prevention of Geophagism, the
Treatment of Scabies, Styptic(s), and Cosmetic(s)

131












, see Galen (Khn) 14/214f.
198 english translation

[199]
The prescription of the rose coolant
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
Burnt coriander, Persian roses, pomegranate flowers, yellow myrobalan,
and the fruit of the tarfa two dirham of each; purslane seeds three dir-
ham; sumach four dirham; tabasheer half a dirham; sal ammoniac half
a dirham; camphor one qrt. All (this) is pounded, mixed together,
and used.

[200]
(The) srinthn132
Pomegranate rinds thirty dirham; pomegranate flowers, oak galls, alum,
and turmeric ten dirham of each; sumach fifteen dirham; Indian emblic
six dirham. These ingredients are brought together by pounding and
straining, and (then) put on the gums.

[201]
A sharp (remedy) from Chaldaea133
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
(Burnt but) not slaked lime five ratl; orpiment and gum-senegal half
a ratl of each; alum from ruddy (earth) one fourth of a ratl. (This) is
pounded, strained through a cloth of silk, covered with wine vinegar,
and mixed together in the sun during the days of summer.

[202]
A coolant for (the treatment of ) hot toothache
made up by Hrn134
Roses, pomegranate flowers, the fruit of the tarfa, sandalwood sawdust,
yellow myrobalan, roasted coriander, roasted purslane seeds, and tur-
meric three dirham of each. Pound (this), strain it, and rub it over (the
teeth) in the morning, also pressing it against the bases of the teeth.

132
srinthn < Syriac srntkon medicamentum pro morbis oris < (?)
strengthening, consolidating, see Payne Smith Thesaurus 2/2586 and Liddell/Scott
Lexicon 1640.
133
Qaldqn < Chaldaean, see Liddell/Scott Lexicon 1971.
134
On Hrn see note 17 above.
 english translation 199

[203]
A coolant for (the treatment of ) blisters
that appear in the mouth
Peeled lentils, clean sumach, coriander, rose seeds, tabasheer, the fruit
of the tarfa, pellitory, areca, Chinese greater celandine, and pomegran-
ate flowers one dirham of each; camphor half a dirham. (Pound this,
apply it, and afterwards) rinse (the mouth) with a mix of vinegar and
sumach-water.

[204]
A dentifrice which is proven by experience
Barley meal kneaded with wine, baked, and (then) dried two dirham;
burnt white salt kneaded with honey the same; dry citron rinds and
pure lignaloes two dirham [of each]; southernwood, Indian laurel,
mastic, sukk,135 Oriental frankincense, dragons blood, and burnt vitriol
two dirham of each; musk (in a quantity of ) one grain; camphor (in
a quantity of ) half a grain. Bring (this) together, pound it, and rub it
over (the teeth).

[205]
A nutritive for the hot-tempered
Knead (some) peeled broad beans and some of the peeled seeds of the
sweet gourd with almond oil, take this, and sip upon it barley-water
(together) with the juice of the soft-rinded pomegranate136 and al-
mond oil.

[206]
A remedy which prevents geophagism
Equal (amounts) of Kerman cumin and visnaga are chewed and swal-
lowed before and after food.

135
On sukk see note 41 above.
136
Compare note 21 above.
200 english translation

[207]
A paste to clear the face
and eradicate freckles
Dry peeled lupine (seeds), peeled broad beans, and peeled musk melon
seeds one part of each; peeled chickpeas half a part. Pound (this), strain
it, knead it with the juice of the musk melon, and apply (that) to the
face.

[208]
[Another] to eradicate freckles
and embellish the complexion
Babys breath cooked together with peeled barley (grains) from morn-
ing till night, burnt crayfish, and natron three dirham of each. Grind
(this), mix it together, and smear it on a dry area (of skin)(that is)
useful (and) proven by experience.

[209]
The prescription of a remedy
for (the treatment of ) tetter that occurs in the face
Ammoniacum and vetch meal one dirham of each; sepiolite two dir-
ham; gum-arabic two dirham. Melt (this) in sour vinegar, apply it as
a paste to the (affected) area, then wash it off with a bit of hot water,
(and) do that for seven days.

[210]
An ointment for (the treatment of ) mange
Orpiment and whitish sulphur one part of each; sal ammoniac five parts.
Mix (this) together, take from the lot one qrt every night, mingle it
with one dirham of sesame oil, apply (that) for three consecutive days,
and after the third (day) enter the bathhouse.

[211]
Another ointment for (the treatment of ) mange
(it is) proven by experience
Whey, vinegar, and sesame oil. These ingredients are brought together,
and applied.
 english translation 201

[212]
An ointment for (the treatment of ) moist mange
in delicate constitutions
Washed jasmine oil, argentic slag, oleander leaves, (and) litharge are
(mixed) with wine vinegar and rose oil, (and) applied.

[213]
A paste for (the treatment of ) white vitiligo
Radish seeds, Indian garden cress, dyers madder, alecost, babys breath,
and verdigris in equal (parts). Grind (this) in wine vinegar.

[214]
A paste for (the treatment of ) warts
H unains (remedy of ) choice137
Apply the fruit of the tarfa (pounded in) wine vinegar.

[215]
A paste for (the treatment of ) tetter
Burnt staghorn is melted into sour wine vinegar and used(that) helps;
or apply gum-arabic melted into wine vinegar.

[216]
A paste for (dealing with) body lice
Horn poppy powder one part; borax half a part; alecost one sixth of
a part; starch as much as (the other ingredients) altogether. (This) is
kneaded with diluted vinegar, and used.

137
On H unain cf. note 14 above. The word choice (ihtiyr) probably contains an
allusion to a lost pharmacological writing by H unain entitled al-Ihtiyrt The (Drugs
of ) Choice; for references to some minor fragments of this text see Ullmann Medizin
300 note 1 and GaS 3/255 no. 6.
202 english translation

[217]
A wash for (dealing with) parasites in the beard
Stavesacre two dirham; borax, sumach, and black hellebore one dirham
of each; sorrel root three dirham. Pound (this), strain it, knead it with
wine vinegar, and wash with it head and beard.

[218]
A prescription for (the treatment of )
moles on the face
One mitql of white frankincense, six peeled almonds, [and] one and
a half mitql of sugar are brought together, and applied as a paste for
one week.

[219]
A cosmetic
Chickpea meal, broad bean meal, barley meal, starch, tragacanth, and
radish seeds are kneaded with milk, applied as a paste over night, and
washed off on the following day with hot water in which bran and dry
violets had been cooked.

[220]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) scabies
(made in the) Adud (hospital)
Ceruse, kamala, babul, tabasheer, and pomegranate flowers half a ratl
of each; potsherds one ratl. (This) is melted, and kneaded with rose
oil and wine vinegar.

[221]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) dry scabies
Pomegranate flowers, turmeric, and litharge one part of each; pine resin,
lentils, Chinese greater celandine, [and] long birthwort half a part of
each. (This) is pounded, kneaded with wine vinegar, and used.
 english translation 203

[222]
A dye which is attributed to Ibn al-Aat138
it darkens the hair
Marshmallow forty dirham; wild cucumber (seeds) five dirham. Grind
the(se) two (ingredients), mix them with wine vinegar, (leave them)
for a while to ferment, and then knead them into boiled water; (now)
wash the head (with it), let (the dye) dry, (then) cover (the hair) with
(wet) beet leaves or the like, and leave (these on) for four hours (before
shaking them off )any black (stains) on the skin (can be removed)
with chickpea meal. (So) you use it for dyeing.

[223]
[A paste] for bleaching the hair
Grind mung beans in vinegar, smear that (on the hair), and (then)
anoint it with jasmine oil.

[224]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) nosebleed
Take aloe, frankincense, pomegranate flowers, (burnt but) not slaked
lime, vitriol, cerussite, [and] oak galls one dirham of each. All (this) is
ground, blown into the nose, and followed by a twined wick.

[225]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) an open artery
(made) by Galen139
Frankincense one part; aloe half a part. Grind the(se) two (ingredients)
as (fine as) dust, mix them together, and moisten them with egg white
so that (the mixture) becomes as thick as honey; (then) take a soft piece
of hares fur, bedaub it with (the mixture), place it over and beyond the
woundthat is to say the torn vein, and fix it with a shred which you

138
That is the physician Ab G afar Ahmad ibn Muhammad Ibn Ab (sic) l-Aat
who died in the year 360/970, see Ullmann Medizin 138f. and GaS 3/301f.
139




, see Galen (Khn) 11/315.
204 english translation

wrap around the site of the lesion three or four times, tying (a knot)
near the root of the vein.

[226]
[Another] for (the treatment of ) nosebleed
That is, you remove (fish-)glue with a knife, make it tepid on the fire,
put it on two round pieces of grass (cloth) the size of silver coin(s),
and place (these) on the two temples of the patient while (the glue) is
(still) warmthis stops the bleeding if it comes from both nostrils; if
(however) it comes from (only) one nostril, (apply the glue to only) one
(temple). And if grass (cloth) is [not] available, (use) paper.

[227]
The prescription of a dry remedy
Pomegranate flowers, [frankincense] barks, dragons blood, sarcocolla,
wild marjoram, burnt cyperus, burnt staghorn, burnt Egyptian papyrus,
[and] Armenian bole are brought together, pounded, stored, and used
when required.

[228]
What to do in case of dislocations,
stabs, and swellings
That is, you anoint and embrocate the (affected) area with (either) rose
oil or sesame oil in which roses had been boiled, put ground mastic on
it, and bind it (with a bandage).

[229]
[A remedy] to stop (anal) bleeding and diarrhoea
Myrtle rob, tabasheer, sandalwood, and amber. The (latter) ingredients
are pounded, mixed into the myrtle rob, (and) a potion (may be made
by using) two dirham from it.

[230]
A remedy which removes speckles and freckles
from the face
Namely, black cumin seeds, the root of the wild serpent melon, holly-
hock leaves, rocket seeds, and the root of the vine (stem). All (this)
 english translation 205

is finely ground, moistened, applied as a paste to the face at bedtime,

and washed off on the following dayit is extremely (useful).

[231]
[A remedy] for (the treatment of ) trickling urine140
Take tragacanth and acorns one hundred dirham of each; mahalebs
and cyperus eight dirham of each. These necessaries are pounded
and ground, and every day three dirham from this (powder) are swal-
lowed dry.

[232]
[A remedy] to uproot a wart
Take salt, knead it with onion juice, leave (that) on the wart, and it
will be terminated.

[233]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) lichen
Take mustard, hellebore, auric and argentic slag, black pepper, and
ginger, grind (this) finely, moisten it with vinegar, and apply (that)
several times as a paste in the bathhouse.

[234]
[A remedy] for (the treatment of ) mange
(it is) proven by experience
Take sulphur nine mitql; ceruse five mitql; Indian salt two mitql;
mercury141 two mitql; sesame oil twenty-five mitql; wine vinegar
thirty mitql. Grind each [one] (of the first four ingredients) separately,
strain them, (and) then admix one to the other; now besprinkle (the
mixture) little by little with the sesame oil; then, after this sprinkling,
put it into the vinegar and slowly grind it all until in the end it has the
consistency of a liniment; apply that under the heat of the sun, or else
in the bathhouseit is extremely useful.

140
This prescription seems out of place in a chapter dedicated to dental hygiene,
dermatology, nutrition, styptics, and cosmetics.
141
That is, most probably, the powder which is otherwise called calomel, i.e. mer-
curous chloride (Hg2Cl2).
206 english translation

[235]
A remedy for the head and (the treatment of )
hairloss that is accompanied by scab
Take linen threads, burn them, and grind them finely; (then) take one
mitql of sagapenum, one dirham of Socotra aloe, (and) four mitql of
wax, melt these in three qya olive oil, throw them hot into the mortar
(and onto the threads), and grind it (all) until each (component) adheres
to the other; apply that as a paste to the head once every two days.

[236]
The prescription of a remedy
for (the treatment of ) balding and scab
Take thirty eggs, remove the whites, throw the yolks into a pan, light a
fire below it, (and fry them) until their oil is extracted and they (them-
selves) are burnt; then collect the oil in a jug, smear the burnt yolks
[over] a piece of cloth, stick (that) on the head, and leave it for two
days; then pull it off from the scalp with force so that the hair and the
pustules are torn out, give the head a clean shave, scraping it with a
razor, and repeat this (procedure) three times; after that apply the oil
for a good while, and the hair will grow back better than it was.

[237]
A remedy which removes speckles from the face
Namely, white and black hellebore, garden peppercress, rocket seeds,
burnt apricots, barley ashes, green unpierced oak galls, and babys breath
one part of each. (This) is kneaded with bay laurel oil, and (every)
morning and evening the face is anointed with it for a duration of seven
daysbut it is (also) safe to apply it three times daily.

[238]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) lichen
Namely, equal amounts of broad beans and chickpeas are soaked in
orange juice, and applied as a paste.
 english translation 207

[239]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) mange
Take mercury142 three dirham; borax one dirham; babys breath two
and a half dirham; myrrh five dirham. Grind all (this) so (finely) that
it resembles motes, and (then) strain it through a silk cloth; now take
(some) sour grape vinegar, (pour it) in a mortar, knead (the powder)
into it little by little, and let it drink from the vinegar (just enough) to
gain the consistency of a liniment; then add to it three dirham of rose
oil, enter the bathhouse, and scratch yourself until you bleed; then dry
yourself, apply that (ointment to the affected area of skin), and stay in
the bathhouse until the remedy has got the upper hand; (then) peel it
off in one go and, when you wish to leave the bathhouse, anoint your
body with rose oilyou will be healed.

[240]
[A remedy] for (the treatment of )
cracks in the lips
Put (a mixture of ) ground (and) strained barley (grains), lentils, (and)
violet oil on them.

[241]
[A remedy] for (the treatment of )
urinary incontinence143
Soak caraway in sour vinegar, (then) let it dry in the shade, and drink
every day one mitql from it with tepid water.

[242]
[A remedy] for (the treatment of )
cracks in the face, the hands, and the lips
Take yellow wax, rose oil, lanolin, clarified ducks grease, starch, tra-
gacanth, and quince seed pulp; melt the wax in the oil, and throw the
(other) ingredients into it; then commit it to a mortar, and grind it
finely until it forms a coherent mass; apply that as a paste to the face
and the lips, enter the bathhouse, and when(ever) it becomes (too) soft
sprinkle (some pounded) tragacanth on it.

142
See note 141 above.
143
Compare note 140 above.
208 english translation

Chapter Sixteen
on
the Uses of Animal Parts144

[243]
Some physicians say (that) human hair, when burnt, then wet with
vinegar and put on the bite of a dog, is useful instantly. Human saliva
is useful against the stings of crawling animals. Breastmilk, when drunk
together with wine or with honey, crumbles bladder stones. Human
urine is useful against all stings of deadly crawlers and against the bite
of a dog when poured over (the wound). If a human bone is hung
upon someone who suffers from quartan fever, it will be very useful to
him. Galen says that human faeces, when dried, kneaded with honey
and painted on the throat, are useful against quinsy, and likewise when
drunk.145 If you take a horses hoof, burn it, knead the ashes with olive
oil and put (that) on scrofula, it helps; if a (pregnant) woman is
exposed to the smoke of (burning) horse-dung, the foetus will be
evicted, be it dead or alive; and if the dung is dried and sprinkled on
wounds, it arrests the (flow of ) blood (just as it stops) nosebleed. If
you take the earwax from a mule, (put it) into a hazelnut (shell) and
hang it upon a woman, it protects (her) from pregnancy. If cows blood
is poured over a wound, it stops the bleeding. If you take some ox-gall,
mix it together with natron, colocynth pulp and honey, and smear it
on the anus, it relieves the bowels. Dioscorides says that he who drips
some ox-gall into the ear, helps echoing and tinnitus;146 and if some
gall, (mixed) together with rose oil and tar, is put into the ear, it eases
the pain that is brought on by coldness. If you take the testicles of a
calf, dry them and drink the best parts, it will stimulate desire and
increase sexual potency. Cattle-dung put on hard tumours opens them;
when (mixed) together with a little ash and olive oil (and) put on the
gouty foot, it helps (as well); when (mixed) together with vinegar (and)

144
This chapter, in fact, commences with certain parts obtained from humans,
followed roughly according to size by domestic and/or wild mammals, birds, insects,
amphibians, reptiles, and the like.
145
[ ] . . .
, see Galen (Khn)
14/439.
146
[] . . . . . . . . .

[], see Dioscorides (Wellmann) 1/160; cf. also T abar Firdaus 422.
 english translation 209

put into the nostrils, it stops nosebleed; and it is useful against all poi-
sons. Some (physicians) say (that) if you take the hair from the tail of
a donkey as it dismounts the female and hang it upon someones body,
it arouses sexual desire. The milk of asses is useful against lethal drugs
and against intestinal ulcers and dysentery. Rams meat is useful against
an (over)shot of cantharides; eating some of its grilled liver astricts the
belly; and dripping some of its gall, (mixed) together with a little
honey, into the ear, eases the pain. If you boil the liver of a goat and
drip some of the stock into a blurred eye, it helps; if you take some of
its hide at the time of skinning and put it on snakebites and (injuries
due to) flogging, it helps that; its milk is useful for (the treatment of )
intestinal ulcers, and so is its suet; putting some of its dung on the bites
of crawling animals and (other) beasts of prey is useful, and when
ground, kneaded with honey and smeared over the body it helps
against rheumatism, and against tumours of the spleen (when mixed)
with vinegar. Dogs urine smeared on warts eradicates them. Dio-
scorides says (that) if someone who has been bitten by a rabid dog eats
the liver of the dog that bit him, he will be helped; and if you hang one
of the fangs of a rabid dog upon the one who was bitten, he (too) will
be helped.147 If you wash the head with camels urine, it is useful
against ringworm and ulcers on the scalp; and if you drip some of it
into the ear, it is useful against auricular ulcers. The milk of a cow (is
useful) against humoral putridity and promotes sexual intercourse; and
if you take its hair and sprinkle it into the ear, it stops nosebleed. If
you take the right eye of a wolf, dry it and hang it upon an infant, (this
child) will have no fear; the same (is true for) the fangs and the skin
(of the wolf ). If you take (one) of the right fangs of a fox and hang it
on the right ear, (the pain) will subside; and if you hang (one) of its
left fangs on the left ear, it is (also) useful against auricular pain.
Dioscorides says (that) if you put a split mouse on the sting of a scor-
pion, it will be clearly useful;148 and if you put it on (other) wounds, it
pulls out arrowheads and spikes. If one exposes the extremities of (his)
body to the smoke of (burning) hares fur, he will not be afraid of cold;

147


, see
Dioscorides (Wellmann) 1/135.
148

, see Dioscorides (Wellmann) 1/143.
210 english translation

if a woman drinks some of the testicle and the rennet of a hare, she
will be blessed with a male child; if you drink from that an amount of
one broad bean together with a stiff wine, it is useful against asthma
according to another copy against quartan;149 if you put the rennet of
a hare, (mixed) together with marshmallow and olive oil, on (the
affected part of ) the body, it pulls out arrowheads and splinters; and
if you give children some hares rennet to drink, it will help against
fear. If you take the skin of a hedgehog, grind it, mix it with honey and
smear it on (the area that is affected by) alopecia, it makes the hair
grow; applying its gall as a collyrium helps albugo, drinking it is useful
against leprosy, dysentery and consumption. If you put a split cock or
hen on the bites of snakes and (other) beasts of prey, it is useful against
that, and likewise if you drink some of the brain (of a chicken); if you
knead (the brain) with the dust (that gathers) on millstones and drink
from it an amount of one broad bean, it is useful against bloody expec-
toration; and if one is exposed to the smoke of (burning chickens)
droppings, it is useful against toothache, while drinking from chickens
droppings, (mixed) into honey and vinegar, is useful against colic and
quinsy. Ducks greaseaccording to another copy the belly-fat of
chicken, mixed with wax and smeared on the face, cleans and clears
it. As for pigeons, their blood is useful against nosebleed when some
of it is dripped into the nose, and coating the blurred eye with some
of it is (also) useful; and if you take an amount of one or two spoonfuls
from the droppings of a red pigeon that has been fed nothing but
broad bean meal for a few days, it is useful against ischuria and crum-
bles bladder stones. If you drink an amount of one mitql from the
liver of a partridge, it is useful against epilepsy. The gall-bladders of
the partridge, the crane, the fish(in fact) gall-bladders generallyare
sometimes useful against the early stages of eyewater, and they all have
(the power) to clear the sight when applied as collyria. The meat of
sparrows as well as their eggs increase sexual potency; and if you take
their droppings, melt them in human spittle and smear that on warts,
it eradicates them, as (it does with) freckles. Flies are useful against
pains in the eye and against drooping eyelids and (the loss of ) lashes;
and if flies are burnt, (mixed) together with honey and smeared on (the
area that is affected by) alopecia, it makes the hair grow. If you take

149
This variant may be explained by the fact that in the Arabic script the words
for asthma ( )and quartan ( )are easily confused.
 english translation 211

long-legged locusts and hang them upon someone who suffers from
tertian fever, it is useful. Castoreum heats the cold organs when some
of it is drunk; it is useful against forgetfulness and palpitations, further
against facial paralysis and coldness of the brain, and (also) against the
bites of vipers and (other venomous) snakes. If you take a crayfish,
grind it and put it on (the affected part of ) the body, it pulls out
arrowheads and spikes; and if you shatter it and put it on the stings of
snakes and scorpions, it is useful (too). If you burn a frog, grind it and
blow it into the nose and the ear, it stops nosebleed; and if you mix its
ashes with olive oil and besmear with it (the area that is affected by)
alopecia, it is clearly useful. Galen says (that) if you take a frog, crush
it and put it on the bite of a snake or the sting of a scorpion, it is use-
ful against that.150 If you take the left fang of a snake and wear it upon
you, toothache will subside; if you hang the heart (of a snake) upon
someone who suffers from tertian fever, it will be useful to him; and
snakeskin, when dried and ground in wine, helps to clear the sight.
Scorpions, when eaten grilled or pulverized, are useful against their
(own) sting, and they are (also) made into a remedy that crumbles
bladder stones.151 The gecko which is (found) in gardens, when split
and put on (the affected part of ) the body, pulls out arrowheads and
splinters; and if women wear its heart upon them, it serves the preven-
tion of miscarriage(s). Ink, when some is painted on the site of a burn,
clearly helps. And similarly lime, which (itself ) is caustic when hot but
if washed several times and applied together with rose oil, beet leaves
and egg white, is very useful against burns and (also) against ery-
thema.

[244]
Something that is designed
to arouse sexual desire
Grind one mitql of galingale and soften it in fresh milkif you struggle,
drink that with a poached egg.152

150
I cannot substantiate this reference.
151
See e.g. Kahl Ibn at-Tilmd nos. 54 and 55.
152
Persian nm birit poached lit. (ovum) sorbile, semicoctum, see Vullers
Lexicon 2/1393.
212 english translation

[245]
Dissolve one mitql of dyers indigo in water(if ) the woman drinks
that, it will protect her from pregnancy for a period of one month.

[246]
Tar, when applied to the head of the penis at (the time of ) sexual
intercourse, prevents pregnancy.

[247]
Sesame oil or olive oil or any (other) oil, when put on the head of the
penis at (the time of ) sexual intercourse, prevents pregnancy.

[248]
Something that narrows the womans vagina
and restores her virginity
from Ibn Sn153
Take blue irises and distil them through an alembic; if distillation
(proper) is not possible, put the irises with a little water into a pot onto
a fire and boil that until the water vanishes and only the iris essence
remains. (Either way) transfer (the product) into a glass flask; then,
when required, take a cotton tampon, besprinkle it with a very small
amount of finely sifted oak gall powder, and throw it in the flask to
drink from the iris essencethis is (the tampon which) the woman
inserts (prior to sexual intercourse).

[249]
If the necessaries (to make) an enema (proper) are not available, use
(some) tepid water with honey and salt or, if honey is not available,
with red sugar.154

153
Ibn Sn Qnn 2/550 does mention a few vaginal narrowers (mudaiyiqt), but
the recipe quoted here on his authority is found neither among those nor (as far as I
can see) anywhere else in that book; perhaps the quotation refers to one of Avicennas
writings on sexual hygiene, for which see Ullmann Medizin 195.
154
On what may be required to prepare enemas proper see chapter 6.
 english translation 213

[250]
Hippocrates says (that) eating sweet almonds with honey fortifies the
stomach, (promotes) the digestion of food, and significantly increases
(the desire for) sexual intercourse;155 it (also) fortifies and tightens the
bladder, so much so that a man can perform the five (daily) prayers
as though they were one.

[251]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) chronic ulcers
on the scalp and balding; (it encourages) the
growth of hair on the head and the beard
Distil the oil of black cumin (seed) which is h abba saud,156 and wash
the head of the patient so vigorously that the blood comes through (the
pores of ) the scalp; then anoint (his head) with this oil several times,
and the hair will grow (back). Description of how to distil the cumin:
place (the seeds) in a red narrow-necked earthen jug and fix on its
mouth a piece of raw silk, or some palm fibre, or a piece from a hair-
sieve; then take an earthen trough, perforate its middle, pull the head
of the jug through this hole, set the trough (with the jug inside) in a
shallow bowl or on a plate, and put some ashes into the trough; then
put coals of fire upon the ashes for a night and a day until all the oil
is extracted and the jug is well filled with it. If (however) it is difficult
(for you to get hold of ) such a red jug, spread the cumin (seeds) in an
earthen cooking-pot, place in their midst an empty shallow bowl, cover
the pot with another pot, and pour water into this upper pot; then light
(a fire) underneath the (lower) pot, and when all the vapour is collected
in the bowl take it and use it for what we mentioned above.

155
I cannot substantiate this reference.
156
On this equation see e.g. Schmucker T abar no. 442 s.v. nz.
214 english translation

[252]
The citron stomachic
which is useful against coldness of the stomach,
it digests food, chases away flatuses, increases
sperm, and improves the smell of the breath
it is an Indian remedy
Carefully scrape off the outer rinds of the yellow citron, put them in
the shade to dry, pound them once dried, take twenty dirham from this
(powder), strain it through a cloth of silk, throw it in a clean vessel, and
add to it half a ratl of pure clarified honey; then stir (the mixture) until
it forms a coherent mass; then take three dirham each of clove, long
pepper, cinnamom, galingale, nutmeg, orache, canella, mace, cardamom,
and peeled pine nuts, pound that, strain it through (a cloth of ) silk,
sprinkle it on the honey and the citron (rinds), stir (the mixture) gently
until it forms a coherent mass, and (when required) take from it one
mitql with cold water, (either) at bedtime or before breakfast.

[253]
A collyrium which dries up lachrymation, makes
pannus disappear, and strengthens the optic nerves
Take Kerman tutty compressed with coriander twenty dirham; (some)
chebulic myrobalans soaked in flask-water for forty days, (then) dried
in the shade, ground, and supplemented with one mitql each of greater
celandine, oxidized copper, and sepiolite; Indian salt and arsenic half
a dirham of each. All (this) is finely ground, and used.

[254]
A collyrium taken from the stores of the kings
Take chebulic myrobalans, crush thembut do not (yet) remove the
stones, (put them) in a glass vessel, and let them soak up rose-water
and (the juice of ) the sour pomegranatethe one which is intensely
red; protect (the vessel) from dust, (make sure the fruits) are fully
immersed, top up (the vessel) whenever (the liquid) decreases, (and
wait) until the myrobalans are thoroughly saturated; (now) take them
out, chop them up, let them dry in the shade, and (then) pound them
properly; at last take away the stones, and apply an amount of about
three (myrobalans).
 english translation 215

[255]
A collyrium from Isfahan
Now then, heat (some) tutty with fire and slake it twenty-one times
with childrens urine; then grind it finely (in the urine), bring the(se)
two (components) together with the (previous) myrobalan-collyrium,
(and) once again grind it (all) finely; (at last) store it in a kohl-box of
silver or glass, and use it (when required).

[256]
The joints pill
which is useful against gout and sciatica
Take Socotra aloe and turpeth one dirham of each; meadow saffron one
mitql; its flowers half a dirham; indigo seeds and agaric one dirham of
each; colocynth pulp and tragacanth one and a half dniq of each. All
(this) is pounded, kneaded with celery-water, and drunk in one go.

[257]
A stomachic which is useful against
gastric debility and inadequate digestion
Take stalkless red roses, Indian spikenard, white sandalwood, barber-
ries, yellow and black and chebulic myrobalans, beleric myrobalans,
emblics, washed Armenian bole, dry coriander, tabasheer, borage,
cinnamom, cubeb, grains of paradise, mastic, clove, cyperus, pistachio
shells, Indian lignaloes, dry mint, myrtle, and dried citron rinds one
part of each; iron oxide prepared in vinegar (then) dried (and) roasted
three parts. Now dissolve sugar in rose-water, skim the scum, sprinkle
the ingredients on this (mass), and whip it well until (all) components
are evenly mixed. (Finally) besmear (the inside of ) a basin with rose
oil, spread (the mixture) over it, cut it in span-long pieces, (and when
required make) a potion (by using) one mitql from it.
216 english translation

[258]
An hiera which rids the stomach, the intestine,
the brain and the nerves from residues, opens
obstruction, improves digestion and appetite,
breaks down (ingested food along) the alimentary
canal, clears the mind, and preserves health
Take celery seeds and anise three dirham of each; mastic, Indian spike-
nard, cinnamom, and the best part(s) of a scraped liquorice root three
dirham of each; Socotra aloe one dniq. Grind all (this), and knead it
with the water of citron leavesfor yellow-bilious natures (knead it)
with oxymel, for black-bilious natures with four dirham dodder, (or
else) with purslane-water or with the water of lemon balm or fennel-
water, and (for) him whose rectum is aching or agitated knead it with
the water of bdellium africanum; (when required make) a potion (by
using) two dirham from it.

[259]
A purgative remedy
its name is mother of favours
Yellow, black, and chebulic myrobalans one part of eachthe mother
of favours dearly loves myrobalans; barley meal one third of a part; tur-
peth, agaric, and absinthe one part of each; indigo seeds the equivalent
of one third of the myrobalans; gum-arabic, tragacanth, liquorice rob,
and mastic one fourth of a part each. (These ingredients) are brought
together by pounding and straining, (and) a potion (may be made by
using) two to three dirham from this (powder) together with one and
a half to two dniq of scammony.

[260]
The mastic lohoch
which is useful against yellow bile, black bile
and phlegm, it fortifies the stomach, is useful
against rheumatism and mucus, soothes headache,
clears the sight, and promotes sexual intercourse
Take Indian spikenard, saffron, grains of paradise, canella, fennel, balm
twigs, greater celandine, ginger, long pepper, white pepper, galingale,
alecost, cyperus, and peeled sesame one mitql of each; Greek mastic
five mitql. Pound each [one] (of these ingredients) separately, strain
 english translation 217

it through a cloth of silk, (then) mix everything together, knead it with

clarified honey, put it in a vessel, hang (that) up, and (when required)
lick from this (preparation) one mitql before breakfast and another
before (going to) sleep.

[261]
The prescription of a useful remedy
which heats the kidneys, increases (the frequency of )
sexual intercourse, and removes coldness from the
joints; it is useful for (the treatment of ) pain in the hip
and belly, flatuses, and (it benefits) him who can
hardly urinate (just as well) as him who cannot hold
(his) urine; (it may be used) to (treat) chestpain,
(difficulty in) breathing, bloatedness, mucus, and
intestinal worms; it clears the heart, whets the
appetite, and soothes cardiac and thoracic (pain);
(it is useful against) yellow(-coloured) eyes, a pale
complexion, jaundice, and excessive thirst; (it benefits)
him whose eye hurts; and (it is used) to (treat) headache,
degeneration of the brain, and a dwindling (sense of )
dignity(in short it counters) any disease, new or old;
it is proven by experience (and of ) indisputable (worth);
a potion (may be made by using) two mitql from it
Take yellow and black myrobalans six mitql of each; scammony one
mitql; black pepper, long pepper, dry ginger, visnaga, red poppy,
and Indian salt four mitql of each; pomegranate, grains of paradise,
Indian spikenard, parsnip, balm twigs and seeds, scraped cassia (bark),
Greek mastic, pellitory, and canella two mitql of each. Collect the(se)
necessaries, pound each one separately, and (then) bring (everything)
together unstrained; now take eighty mitql of good caramel, melt it
in a cauldron on a low flame, admix the (pounded) ingredients, (and)
finally knead (the mixture) with bee honey; (when required make) a
potion (by using) two mitql from it before breakfast and (again) before
(going to) sleep.
218 english translation

[262]
An ointment for (the treatment of ) moist tetter
Pound the bladed leaves of the oleander, press them, take two parts from
their sap and one part of olive oil, cook (this) on embers until the sap
is gone and the oil remains, (then) strain it, throw into it appropriate
quantities of arsenic and sulphur, mix it together, and apply (that) with
a feather (to the skin).

[263]
Another remedy for (the treatment of ) chronic tetter
Take white hellebore four dirham; lupine meal, burnt crayfish, and
natron three dirham of each. Grind (this), mix it together, and smear
it on a dry area (of skin).

[264]
The prophets liniment
for (the treatment of ) scrofula and inveterate ulcers
Pine resin and raw wax thirty dirham of each; long birthwort, Oriental
frankincense, and bdellium africanum six dirham of each; myrrh and
galbanum five dirham of each; litharge of gold ten dirham; opopanax
and pure verdigris four dirham of each; ammoniacum fifteen dirham;
pitch one mann. Soak and melt the bdellium, the ammoniacum, and
the galbanum in wine vinegar; pound (what can be pounded from) the
(other) ingredients, and strain them; melt the wax and the pitch, add to
them the vinegar which contains the (melted) gums, and bring (that)
together; scatter on it the (remaining) spices, mix it (all) together on
the fire, and at the very end strew on it the verdigris.

[265]
The barata157 theriac
Black pepper (and) henbane seeds twenty mitql of each; opium ten
mitql; saffron five mitql; spurge, Indian spikenard, and pellitory one
mitql of each. (This) is kneaded with clarified honey.

157
barata < Syriac bar teh (i.q. curing in one day), see Dietrich
Medicinalia 152 note 2.
 english translation 219

[266]
The plain oxymel beverage
Take for each mann of sugar eight qya of wine vinegar and three
qya of fresh water, beat into that water (a few) egg whites, mix it (all)
together, skim off the scum many times until (the mixture) is clear,
and use it as required.

[267]
The poppy beverage
Thoroughly crush fifty dirham (from) the seeds of the light-coloured
poppy, boil them in two hundred and sixty dirham water until one
hundred and thirty dirham are left, (then) strain (the liquid), and stir
(some) sugar into it.

[268]
A pill which expels worms and flukes
Take Persian wormwood and turpeth four dirham of each; male fern
from Tabaristan, embelia from Kabul, indigo seeds, lupine, kamala,
bitter alecost, and Greek absinthe one dirham of each. Bring (this)
together, pound it, strain it, form it into pills, and swallow six dirham
from it with a potion (made) of julep and hot watersome say this
(pill) is washed down with half a ratl of fresh goatmilk, and followed
by a mouthful of wine vinegar.

[269]
An electuary which is useful against vitiligo
(it is) proven by experience
Cretan dodder thirty dirham; yellow myrobalans twenty-three dirham;
chebulic and black myrobalans seven dirham of each; very sweet seedless
raisins in a weight of sixty dirham. Pound all (this) until it resembles
marrow, (then) grind it in violet oil and almond oil, and take from it
every morning a quantity of one walnut, and likewise in the evening.

[270]
A pastille for (the treatment of ) urinating blood
Armenian bole and amber ten dirham of each; gum-senegal, pomegran-
ate flowers, salsify sap, and gum-arabic three dirham of each; henbane
seeds two dirham; absinthe one dirham. (This) is pounded, strained,
220 english translation

kneaded with water, formed into pastilles (of ) two and a half dirham
each, and used.

[271]
A pill which is useful against quartan fever
Stoneless chebulic myrobalans [and] Cretan dodder four dirham of each;
agrimony sap and absinthe sap two dirham of each; saffron one dirham.
These ingredients are brought together by pounding and straining,
(then) they are kneaded with the water of Nabataean cabbage, formed
into pills similar to peppercorns, put in the shade to dry, (and) a potion
(may be made by using) two to three dirham from it.

[272]
The myrobalan pill
which is useful against mange and itching
it may be taken once or twice
Myrobalans thirty dirham; Socotra aloe five dirham; scammony one
and a half dirham. All (this) is finely pounded, kneaded with water,
formed into pills, (and) a potion (may be made by using) three dirham
from it.

[273]
A powder for (the treatment of )
palpitations of the heart due to heat
The cores of the seeds of the serpent melon, the cucumber and the
gourd, barberries, Armenian bole, roses, and tabasheer two dirham of
each; amber and pure lignaloes one dirham of each; Fansr camphor158
one fourth of a dirham; mastic three dirham. All (this) is pounded, and
when required swallowed dry with apple- and pomegranate-water.

158
On Fansr see note 3 above.
 english translation 221

[274]
The bishops electuary
which is useful for (the treatment of )
pain in the back and ischium
Its components are: white turpeth fifteen dirham; scammony seven and
a half dirham; ginger and black pepper four and a half dirham of each;
grains of paradise, clove, mace, cinnamom, nutmeg, mastic, canella,
and emblic twenty dirham of each; clarified honey one hundred and
eighty dirham. A potion (may be made by using) three to four mitql
(from it).

[275]
[A remedy] for (the treatment of )
abrasion following diarrhoea
The seeds of the sorrel(the kind) whose shrubs look like those of the
ribes159, fleawort, sweet basil seeds, and wild marjoram seeds roasted
in an earthen (pot) one part of each; milled gum-arabic one part; wheat
starch one part. (This) is made into a suppository (and inserted) on an
empty stomachit is extremely (useful); and the diet (should consist
of ) francolin and pullet boiled in sumach(-water).

[276]
Seed-oxymel
The peels of fennel roots, the peels of celery roots, and the peels of endive
(roots) twenty dirham of each; aniseed, fennel seeds, endive seeds, and
celery seeds ten dirham of each. Soak all (this) in one hundred dirham
wine vinegar, adddepending on how much of its acidity you wish
to break(an appropriate quantity of ) water [to it], boil (that) thor-
oughly, and then strain it; (now) put three ratl of refined sugar into it,
boil it (again), and (keep) skimming off the scum; when (the mixture)
has gained (some) consistency, take it down from the fire, throwif
you want to make it better (still)a little saffron into it, and (finally)
store it away.

159
That is sheeps sorrel.
222 english translation

[277]
The fruit beverage
The juice of the sourish pomegranate, the juice of the sweet pomegran-
ate, apple juice, quince juice, pear juice, the juice of the sour citron,
lemon juice, the juice of unripe grapes, rose-water, barberry-water,
tamarind-water, and wine vinegar thirty dirham of each. Cook (these
liquids) in a similar (amount of ) sugar until they take on (some) con-
sistency, and (so) use it.

[278]
A remedy for (the treatment of ) mange
Babul, walnuts, and yellow sulphur one part of each. Pound (this),
and mix it into (some) oil until eventually it has the consistency of a
liniment; (now) add to it half a mitql of pounded babys breath and a
bit of mercury, and mix it all together. Then the patient should enter
the bathhouse and remain there for a good while; once returned home,
he should anoint himself with this remedy in front of the fire, (and)
do that three times.

[279]
[A remedy] for (the treatment of )
moist and dry mange
Take three or four onions, hollow them out, fill them with Persian
sulphur, coat each onion with dough, and put them into an oven or a
baking-pit until the dough is done; then take them out, cast the (baked)
dough aside, and gently pound the onions and the sulphur until even-
tually they have the consistency of a liniment. Then the patient should
enter the bathhouse and remain there for a long while, rubbing his body
firmly; once come home, he should smear this sulphur-onion (paste)
on all mangy areas whilst being close to the fire.

[280]
A drawing liniment
Olive oil three parts; wax one part; mastic half a partin summer
one part of olive oil and one part of wax. And so are other liniments
(basically made).
 english translation 223

[281]
A red liniment
which consolidates the flesh
Three parts of sesame oil; one part of wax; half a part of vermilionif
you want (take) one part of vermilion, that (makes the preparation)
stronger.

[282]
A white liniment
Three parts of sesame oil; one part of wax; half a part of Frankish
ceruse. The benefit of this (preparation) is (that) it cools (the area)
around the wound.

[283]
The fat liniment
which softens and ripens tumours
Take three parts from the leftover fat of (some) fowlchicken or
another, one part of wax, and a little sesame oil, cook (this like) a
liniment, and (then) use it.

[284]
A wax-liniment160
[One part of ] wax, one part of endive-water, one part from the water
of the green coriander, and one part of sesame oil are lifted on the fire,
(and) afterwards beaten until (the mixture) cools off.

[285]
A verdigris liniment
which eats necrotic flesh
Three parts of olive oil; one part of wax; one part of verdigris.

[286]
A black liniment
which is useful for (the treatment of ) a fresh wound
Three parts of olive oil or sesame oil; one part of pitch.

160
Compare note 71 above.
224 english translation

[287]
A vinegar liniment
which is useful for (the treatment of ) burns
Three parts of sesame oil, one part of Frankish ceruse, and one part of
vinegar are stirred [and] (then) applied.

[288]
A cooling camphor liniment
Three parts of sesame oil, one part of ceruse, and one part of camphor-
ated wax are cooked, then taken down from the fire, and stirred. And
so are all linimentsstirred until they cool off.

[289]
An ointment which prevents the growth of hair
Take (the contents of ) a gall-bladder and a bit of sal ammoniac, mix
the two (ingredients) together, smear some of this (preparation) on
the area where the hair grew before it was plucked, and it will not
grow (back).

[290]
An unguent which eradicates all (sorts of )
marks on the human body, such as speckles
and freckles and other ugly stains
Take black cumin (seeds), tie them up in a thin (piece of ) cloth,
(soak that) in the milk from a red(-coloured) sheep for three days,
and (then) put (the seeds) into the sun to dry; once dried, rub them
between your fingers, and take the peels to a frying-pan; (now) take
(some) sagapenum, soak it in wine vinegar for three days, (then) add
(to it) the (fried) cumin peels, and cook (this) on a fire, (also) [casting]
a bit of fat into (the mixture); as soon as (the sagapenum and the fat)
melt, admix a little pistachio oil, and (proceed to) obtain a liniment.
Then (again), you could take the pour of inferior barley-water, admix
(some of the) headlike (pieces of dried) myrrh (resin), (some) milled
babys breath, and (some) borax, (put all that) in a glass bottle, and
hang it into the sun for fourteen days. Any (such) mark that bothers
you, (even if ) unheard-of, (just) knead (the preparation) into it and it
will disappear.
 english translation 225

[291]
A pill for (the treatment of ) halitosis
Indian lignaloes, clove, and mastic in equal (parts). (This) is pounded,
kneaded with gum-arabic that has been dissolved in wine, formed into
pills, and put in the mouth.

[292]
The prescription of the painters coolant
which protects and sharpens the sight
Take (some) sweet and (some) very sour pomegranates, press them,
pour the two (juices) in separate bottles, close the tops, place them into
the sun from June until August161adding some clover once a month
and discarding the dregs, and (finally) unite the two (liquids); (then)
take for half a ratl of this juice one dirham each of aloe, black pepper,
long pepper, and sal ammoniac, reduce (these ingredients) to a fine
powder, throw (that) into (the liquid)which is the older the better,
and (so) apply it as a collyrium.

161
The summer months June and August are represented here by their Syriac names
H azrn and b for the obvious reason that the Muslim lunar year takes no account
of seasonal change.
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 GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
All numbers refer to the recipes.
1. Substances and Products
a. EnglishArabic
absinthe (afsantn) 4, 23, 94, 152, 163,
165, 170, 259, 270, 271
acorn (ballt) 2, 119, 125, 231
acorn skins (aft [al-][ballt]) 112,
117, 118
agaric (rqn) 26, 34, 149, 152, 153,
165, 167, 256, 259
agaric, white (rqn abyad) 157
agnus castus ( fanankut) 7
agrimony (fit) 4, 6, 12, 16, 20, 159,
163, 165, 271
alecost (qust) 9, 76, 145, 213, 216, 260
alecost, bitter (qust murr) 61, 74, 75,
139, 149, 198, 268
alhagi (taranubn) 1, 3, 4, 16
alkekengi (kkan) 22, 106
almond (lauz) 23, 31, 84, 145, 178,
180, 191, 205, 218, 269
almond, bitter (lauz murr) 15, 22, 163, 164
almond, sweet (lauz hulw) 35, 36, 140,
141, 163, 250
aloe (sabir) 92, 94, 169, 172, 173, 175,
224, 225, 292
alum (abb) 200
alum from ruddy earth (abb al-humra)
201
amber (kahrub) 2, 19, 21, 38, 229,
270, 273
ammoniacum (uaq) 24, 75, 95, 96,
98, 149, 152, 153, 154, 173, 209, 264
anise (ansn) 9, 10, 15, 20, 23, 34, 38,
139, 142, 147, 149, 160, 162, 163, 167,
171, 180, 181, 258
aniseed (bizr al-ansn) 276
Antioch liquorice (ss antk) 166
Antioch scammony (saqamniy
ant k) 26
apple (tuffh) 42, 48, 190, 273, 277
apricot (mimi) 237
areca ( faufal) 99, 203
Armenian bole (t n arman) 17, 19, 37,
77, 113, 114, 115, 120, 129, 227, 257,
270, 273
Armenian borax (bauraq arman) 138
Armenian stone (haar arman) 166
arsenic (zirnh) 253, 262
arsenics, two (zirnhn) 115
asarabacca (asrn) 4, 7, 15, 23, 137,
142, 149, 155, 162
ashes (ramd) 182, 237, 243
Askar violet (banafsa askar) 26, 27,
78, 196
aspalathus (dr an) 150
asparagus (hilyaun) 128, 144
asses milk (laban al-utun) 37, 243
babul (qaraz) 38, 39, 119, 148, 220,
278
babys breath (kundus) 208, 213, 237,
239, 278, 290
Babylonian garden peppercress (hurf
bbil) 149
Babylonian garden peppercress
(talsfiyus) 149
Baghdad flax dodder (akt badd)
148
baking-borax (bauraq al-an) 108
baking-salt (milh al-an) 108, 109,
111
Balkh sugar (sukkar balh) 50
balm (balasn) 62, 137, 139, 149, 155,
163, 260, 261
barberry (amrbrs) 2, 3, 4, 5, 148,
165, 257, 273, 277
barley (ar) 1, 35, 36, 37, 40, 80, 86,
87, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 112, 114,
115, 118, 151, 204, 205, 208, 219, 237,
240, 259, 290
Basra iron oxide (habat hadd basr) 38
bay laurel (r) 62, 145, 150, 198, 237
232 glossary of technical terms
bdellium (muql al-yahd) 87
bdellium africanum (muql azraq) 149,
150, 152, 153, 167, 173, 174, 258, 264
bdellium mukul (muql) 93, 95, 98, 168,
180
bean-trefoil (yanbt) 37
bee honey (asal [an-]nahl) 31, 139,
151, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 195, 197,
261
beet (silq) 109, 135, 222, 243
Bengal quince (t artt) 38, 39, 119, 148 ceruse (isfd [ar-rass]) 113, 114,
birthwort, long (zarwand tawl) 7,
139, 151, 152, 153, 154, 198, 221, 264
birthwort, rolled (zarwand
mudahra) 139, 151, 156, 198
biscuit (kak) 38, 83, 115
bole (tn) 38, 39
borage (lisn [at-]taur) 165, 181, 257
borax (brq/bauraq) 51, 98, 109, 110,
127, 134, 216, 217, 239, 290
bouillon, thick (isfdb) 145
boxthorn (ausa) 37
bran (nuhla) 37, 40, 108, 109, 219
breastmilk (laban an-nis) 243
broad bean (bqill[h]) 36, 80, 105,
205, 207, 219, 238, 243
broth (maraq) 145
bull thistle (uk) 159, 163, 165
butter (zubd) 38
buttermilk (mahd) 38
calamint (h) 152
calf s testicles (hus l-al) 243 citron (utru/n) 41, 52, 146, 181, 186,
caltrop (hasak) 109, 121
camels urine (baul al-bar) 243
camphor (kfr) 2, 3, 81, 86, 136, 199,
203, 204, 288
cane honey (asal al-qasab) 139
canella (qirfa) 75, 139, 142, 143, 182,
252, 260, 261, 274
cantaloupe (ammm) 181
caper (kabar) 7, 39
caramel ( fnd) 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37,
261
caraway (karwiy) 142, 241
caraway, wild (qardamn) 62
cardamom (hl [bauw]) 146, 182,
183, 184, 252
carob (hurnb) 38
carrot (dq) 9, 128
carrot (azar) 144, 185, 188
cassia (salha) 9, 10, 17, 51, 74, 75,
137, 139, 142, 149, 150, 152, 153, 155,
156, 261
cassia lignea (dn as-salha) 75
castor oil plant (hirwa) 110
castoreum (undb/dastar) 9, 10, 145,
149, 153, 154, 243
cattle-dung (aht al-baqar) 243
celery (karafs) 9, 10, 15, 20, 22, 23, 37,
38, 109, 137, 142, 145, 146, 147, 148,
149, 154, 160, 162, 163, 164, 165, 170,
171, 180, 256, 258, 276
Celtic carrot, wild (azar barr iqlt ) 149
220, 234, 288
cerussite (isfd al-hit) 224
chamomile (bbna) 65, 80, 87, 99,
109, 151
cheese (ubn) 40
chickens belly-fat (ahm butn
ad-da) 243
chickens brain (dim ad-da) 243
chickens droppings (zibl ad-da)
243
chickens fat (ahm da) 283
chickpea (himmas) 207, 219, 222, 238
childrens urine (baul as-sibyn) 133, 255
Chinese greater celandine (mmrn
sn) 203, 221
Chinese rhubarb (rwand sn) 4, 148,
163
cinnamom (dr sn) 18, 57, 60, 61,
141, 143, 146, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153,
154, 155, 156, 182, 183, 184, 186, 252,
257, 258, 274
204, 257, 258, 277
citron, yellow (utru asfar) 252
citronella (idhir) 4, 61, 62, 149, 150,
154, 155, 162
clove (qaranful) 51, 57, 60, 62, 75, 139,
141, 142, 143, 146, 147, 183, 184, 252,
257, 274, 291
clover (nafal) 292
cock (dk) 243
cocks droppings (hur ad-dk) 134
colocynth (hanzal) 107, 110, 152, 153,
154, 156, 170, 173, 180, 243, 256
colophony (qulfuniy) 130
common ash (lisn al-asfr) 141, 144
copper, oxidized (nuhs muhraq) 133
copper, oxidized (rsahta) 253
coral, red (bussad) 2, 18, 19, 21
coriander (kus/zb/fara) 21, 37, 39, 81,
99, 119, 123, 148, 165, 199, 202, 203,
253, 257
coriander, green (kusfara hadr) 284
 glossary of technical terms
cows blood (dam al-baqara) 243
cows ghee (samn al-baqar) 91, 140,
141, 145
cows hair (ar al-baqar) 243
cows milk (laban al-buqqr) 243
cranes gall-bladder (marrat al-kurk)
243
crayfish (sarat n[t] [nahrya]) 154,
208, 243, 263
Cretan dodder (aftmn iqrtu) 9,
152, 153, 165, 167, 269, 271
Cretan dodder, red (aftmn iqrtu
ahmar) 157
cubeb (kabba) 155, 186, 257
cucumber (hiyr) 3, 5, 8, 35, 38, 121,
129, 165, 273
cucumber, wild (hiyr badw) 222
cumin, black (habba saud) 251
cumin, black (kammn aswad) 251,
290
cumin, black (nz) 107, 230
curd (rib) 38, 148
cyperus (sud) 62, 94, 139, 145, 150,
227, 231, 257, 260
cypress (sarw) 84, 85, 117, 149
Cyprian sealing bole (t n qubrus
mahtm) 113
Damask rose (ward r) 54, 194, 195
date (balah) 124
date (rutab) 191
date, hard dry (qasb) 94
date, unripe (busr) 4, 6
dill (ibitt) 68, 87, 109
dodder (aftmn) 152, 258
dogs fang (nb al-kalb) 243
dogs grass (taiyil) 37, 39, 40
dogs liver (kabid al-kalb) 243
dogs urine (baul al-kilb) 243
donkeys tail-hair (ar danab al-himr)
243
dough (an) 279
dough, fermented (hamr) 134
dragons blood (dam al-ahawain) 113,
114, 120, 204, 227
ducks grease (ahm al-bat t ) 242, 243
dust (ubr) 243
dyers indigo (nl as-sib) 245
dyers madder ( fwat as-sabbn/
as-sib) 4, 213
earths (at yn) 37
egg (baid) 72, 236
egg, poached (baida nm birit) 244
233
egg white (bayd al-baid) 18, 225, 243,
266
egg yolk (sufrat baid[a]) 106, 112, 114,
115, 116, 118, 236
Egyptian hammer-scale (habat misr) 148
Egyptian papyrus (qart s misr) 113, 227
elecampane (ran) 62, 137, 183
embelia (biran/ibran) 126, 139, 145
emblic ([r] amla) 125, 140, 141,
145, 148, 151, 164, 165, 174, 257, 274
endive (hindab) 4, 37, 39, 40, 148,
165, 276, 284
Fansr camphor (kfr fansr) 5, 273
farina, white (nuhlat al-hwr) 80
fat (ahm) 290
fennel (rziyna) 22, 37, 39, 43, 109,
121, 142, 145, 148, 149, 160, 162, 163,
165, 181, 258, 260, 276
fennel (amr) 180
fenugreek (hulba) 65, 109
fig (tn) 36, 37, 98, 161
fishs gall-bladder (marrat as-samak)
243
fish-glue (ar [s-samak]) 84, 85, 226
flax dodder (akt) 4, 165
fleawort (bizrqat n) 1, 5, 28, 30, 39,
81, 91, 120, 121, 275
flies (dubb) 243
forget-me-not (dn al-far) 62
fowls fat (uhm at-ta ir) 283
foxs fangs (asnn at-talab) 243
foxs testicles (hus t-talab) 144, 151
francolin (durr) 275
frankincense (kundur) 43, 84, 85, 95,
107, 116, 224, 225, 227
frankincense, white (kundur abyad) 218
Frankish ceruse (isfd ifran) 282, 287
French lavender (ust hdus) 149, 152,
154, 165
frog (dafda) 243
frogs ashes (ramd ad-dafda) 243
fumitory (htara) 4, 40, 148, 159,
164, 165
galbanum (qinna) 149, 264
galingale (hlann) 143, 156, 244,
252, 260
gall-bladder (marra) 243, 289
garden cress (t ara) 133, 151
garden peppercress (hurf ) 237
garlic germander (tm barr) 149
garlic germander (usqrdiyn) 149,
152
234 glossary of technical terms

suwn date (busr suwn) 50 haematite (dana) 19, 21, 113

gecko (smm abras) 243 hares fur (ar al-arnab) 243
geckos heart (qalb as-smm al-abras) hares rennet ([m]infahat arnab) 243
243 hares testicle (husyat arnab) 243
germander ( ada) 76, 149, 152, 154, 156 harmala (harmal ) 173
ghee (samn) 145 hay (ha) 37
giant thistle (bdward) 159, 163, 164, 165 hazelnut (bunduq) 179
ginger (zanabl ) 25, 57, 58, 60, 137, hedgehogs gall (marrat al-qunfud)
138, 139, 141, 142, 144, 146, 149, 151, 243
152, 156, 182, 183, 184, 186, 188, 233, hedgehogs skin (ild al-qunfud) 243
260, 261, 274 hellebore (harbaq) 233
glossostemon root (mut) 77 hellebore, black (harbaq aswad) 152,
goats dung (bar al-maz) 243 153, 154, 217, 237
goats hide (ild al-maz) 243 hellebore, white (harbaq abyad) 144,
goats liver (kabid al-maz) 243 198, 237, 263
goats suet (ahm kul miz/maz) hen (daa) 243
113, 114, 243 henbane (ban) 21, 265, 270
goatmilk (laban al-miz/al-maz) 38, henbane, white (ban abyad) 9
39, 144, 243 herbs (buql ) 38, 148
goatmilk, fresh (laban miz halb) 268 hollyhock (hubbz) 28, 30, 36, 121,
gourd (qar) 1, 5, 8, 38, 86, 103, 121, 230
127, 129, 165, 176, 187, 205, 273 honey (asal ) 41, 42, 47, 51, 53, 56, 57,
grains of paradise (qqulla [kabra/ 60, 61, 62, 63, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141,
kibr]) 25, 57, 60, 139, 142, 143, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 149, 150,
146, 182, 183, 184, 186, 257, 260, 261, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 179,
274 181, 182, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 191,
grape (inab) 239 195, 197, 198, 204, 243, 249, 250, 252,
grape, unripe (hisrim) 47, 277 260, 265, 274
grape ivy (hamma/) 62, 76, 137, 152 honey, candied (asal [at-]ta barzad)
grasses (hai) 38, 39 31, 182, 188, 189, 190, 193
greater celandine (mmrn) 151, 253, honeycomb (ahd al-asal ) 97
260 hop marjoram (dqt mann iqrt) 149
Greek absinthe (afsantn rm) 10, 15, hop marjoram (mikit rma) 149
61, 66, 92, 162, 268 horehound, white ( farsiyn) 152,
Greek gentian (antiyn rm) 149, 153, 154
152, 154, 198 horn poppy (mmt) 99, 216
Greek hypericum (dd rm) 149 horse-dung (raut al-bardn) 243
Greek hypericum (hfrqn) 149 horses hoof (hfir al-birdaun) 243
Greek mastic (ilk rm) 260, 261 H ulwn plum (is hulwn) 165
Greek sealing bole (t n rm mahtm) human bone (azm al-insn) 243
9 human faeces (zibl al-insn) 243
Greek spikenard (nrdn iqlt) 149 human hair (ar al-insn) 243
Greek spikenard (sunbul rm) 149, 150 human saliva (busq al-insn) 243
green-winged orchid (bzdn) 141 human spittle (lub al-insn) 243
ground pine (kamft s) 165 human urine (baul al-insn) 243
gum-arabic (sam [arab]) 1, 2, 5, 8, Hursn apricot (mimi hursn) 165
11, 17, 18, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, hypericum (dd) 117
37, 77, 113, 115, 120, 149, 176, 177, hypericum (hfrqn) 152, 153
178, 180, 209, 215, 259, 270, 275, 291 hyssop (zf [ybis]) 36, 51, 149, 161
gum-senegal ([a]qqiy) 11, 17, 18,
19, 77, 82, 84, 113, 114, 115, 149, 201, ice (tal) 102
270 Indian caraway (karwiy hind) 149
gums (sum) 264 Indian caraway (qardamn) 149
urn jujube (unnb urn) 165 Indian emblic (amla hind) 200
 glossary of technical terms 235

Indian garden cress (t ara hind)
139, 141, 213
Indian laurel (sda hind) 51, 61, 62,
75, 76, 149, 152, 162, 204
Indian lignaloes (d hind) 25, 143,
147, 257, 291
Indian polypody (basfyi hind) 153
Indian salt (milh hind) 34, 167, 171,
234, 253, 261
Indian spikenard (nrdn) 62
Indian spikenard (sunbul [at -tb]) 3, 4,
7, 9, 12, 13, 16, 24, 43, 51, 61, 62, 75,
137, 139, 142, 146, 147, 149, 152, 154,
155, 156, 160, 162, 163, 186, 257, 258,
260, 261, 265
Indian walnut (auz hind) 151
indigo (nl ) 126, 256, 259, 268
ink (midd) 243
iris, blue (sausan azraq) 248
iris, sky-coloured (ris) 7
iris, sky-coloured (sausan smnn)
7, 24
iris, wild (sausan zd) 73
iron oxide (habat al-hadd) 257
jasmine oil (rziq) 62
jasmine oil (zanbaq) 62, 212, 223
Jews pitch (qufr al-yahd) 150
Jews stone (haar al-yahd [sic]) 121,
128
jujube (unnb) 35, 36, 43, 108, 158, 161
julep (ullb) 32, 166, 268
Kabul embelia (ibran kbul) 268
kamala (qinbl) 126, 220, 268
Kerman cumin (kammn kirmn)
119, 138, 142, 148, 206
Kerman tutty (ttiy kirmn) 253
king fig (tn hanr) 35, 109
knotgrass (as r-r) 86, 102
lac (lakk) 20, 25, 148, 163
ladanum (ldan) 76, 82, 83, 94
lanolin (zf rat b) 242
lapis lazuli (lzward) 165
leek (kurrt) 174
lemon (lm) 277
lemon balm (bdirna[]bya) 38, 165, 258
lemon grass (qasab ad-darra) 62, 75,
139, 150
lentil (adas) 81, 99, 112, 114, 117, 203,
221, 240
lettuce (hass) 5, 37, 78, 79
lignaloes (d) 58, 83, 186, 204, 273
lime (nra) 89, 115, 133, 201, 224, 243
linen (kattn) 235
linseed (bizrkattn) 87, 107, 109
liquorice (ss) 3, 4, 6, 13, 14, 26, 27,
28, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 39, 51, 75,
94, 128, 161, 165, 176, 177, 178, 180,
258, 259
litharge (murdsan) 89, 212, 221
litharge of gold (murdsan dahab)
264
locusts (ard) 243
long pepper (dr fulful) 60, 137, 139,
141, 142, 143, 145, 146, 149, 151, 152,
153, 154, 183, 184, 252, 260, 261, 292
lote (nabiq) 124
lucerne (rat ba) 144
lupine (turmus) 107, 126, 207, 263, 268
mace (basbsa) 139, 141, 142, 147,
252, 274
madder ( fwa) 20, 160, 163
mahaleb (mahlab) 231
maidenhair (bariywun) 35, 161
Malabar cardamom (qqulla sir) 57,
60, 142, 143
male fern (sarahs) 126
mandrake (luffh) 9, 78, 101
Maqsr sandalwood (sandal maqsr)
5, 148
marijuana (ahdna) 22
marjoram, sweet (marzan) 62, 72, 181
marjoram, wild (marmhz) 74
marjoram, wild (marw) 87, 120, 227, 275
marking nut (baldur) 145
marshmallow (hat m) 28, 30, 36, 80,
87, 103, 121, 222, 243
marshmallow, pale-coloured (hat m
abyad) 77, 78, 108
mastic (ilk) 280
mastic (mast ak) 4, 57, 58, 61, 67, 84,
85, 92, 93, 142, 146, 147, 149, 155,
160, 163, 164, 168, 169, 170, 175, 180,
181, 204, 228, 257, 258, 259, 273, 274,
291
meadow saffron (srinn) 172, 256
Meccan senna (san makk) 165
Meccan tamarind (tamrhind makk)
165
melilot (ikll al-malik) 80, 99, 109, 139,
149, 150
melilot (h) 139
melon (dastbya) 184
mercury (zibaq) 234, 239, 278
mezereon (mzariyn) 14
236 glossary of technical terms
milk (laban) 38, 88, 219
milk, fresh (laban halb) 126, 244
milk, grilled (laban maw) 39
milk parsley ( fat rsliyn) 149
milk parsley (karafs abal) 149
milks (albn) 37
millet rice (aruzz wars) 38
mint (nana) 37, 38, 53, 148, 165, 257
moon carrot (sasliys) 9, 137, 149
mothers milk (laban an-nis) 37, 100
mountain mint ( fdan abal) 154
mouse ( fara) 243
mugwort (birinsaf ) 154
mugwort (qaism) 154
mulberry (tt) 51, 124
mules earwax (wasah udn al-bala)
243
mung bean (m) 223
musk (misk) 60, 143, 146, 151, 182,
186, 204
musk melon (bitt h) 4, 121, 122, 128,
129, 207
mussel shell (wada) 19, 21, 113
mustard (hardal) 97, 233
mustard, white (hardal abyad) 149
myrobalan (halla/ihlla) 158, 182,
255, 259, 272
myrobalan, beleric (balla) 125, 139,
140, 141, 145, 148, 151, 164, 165, 174,
257
myrobalan, black (halla/ihlla
aswad) 139, 148, 257, 259, 261, 269
myrobalan, black Indian (halla aswad
hind) 164, 165
myrobalan, chebulic (halla/ihlla
kbul) 125, 140, 141, 145, 147, 148,
164, 165, 171, 174, 182, 253, 254, 257,
259, 269, 271
myrobalan, yellow (halla/ihlla
asfar) 34, 126, 148, 157, 159, 164,
165, 167, 168, 169, 171, 172, 175, 180,
199, 202, 257, 259, 261, 269
myrrh (murr) 9, 10, 51, 62, 75, 77, 84,
88, 95, 116, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154,
156, 198, 239, 264, 290
myrtle (s) 2, 11, 44, 62, 63, 77, 82,
83, 84, 85, 93, 107, 112, 118, 119, 123,
125, 139, 229, 257
Nabataean cabbage (kurunb nabat )
271
Nabataean carob (hurnb nabat ) 119
Nabataean garum (murr nabat ) 109
natron (natr n) 208, 243, 263
nenuphar (lnfar) 35, 78, 86, 108,
165, 192
nightshade (inab at-talab) 103, 170
Nishapur myrtle (s nsbr) 139
nutmeg (auz bauw) 62, 139, 143,
147, 155, 182, 183, 252, 274
oak (ballt) 182
oak gall (afs) 76, 117, 200, 224, 248
oak gall, green (afs ahdar) 237
oleander (difl) 212, 262
olibanum (lubn) 22
olive, unripe (unfq) 62, 76
olive oil (zait) 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67,
68, 69, 71, 74, 75, 76, 130, 131, 134,
235, 243, 247, 262, 280, 285, 286
onion (basal) 144, 232, 279
opium (afyn) 9, 10, 11, 19, 22, 78, 79,
113, 115, 116, 149, 154, 198, 265
opopanax (wr) 149, 152, 153, 154,
156, 173, 264
orache (zarnab) 252
orange (nran) 238
Oriental frankincense (kundur dakar)
72, 204, 264
Oriental frankincense (lubn dakar)
18, 149
orpiment (zirnh asfar) 133, 201, 210
ox-gall (marrat al-baqar) 243
oxymel (sakanubn) 8, 14, 23, 24, 54,
55, 127, 258, 276
oxymel, sugared (sakanubn sukkar)
40
pandanus (kadar) 43
pandanus (kd) 43
papyrus (qart s) 115
parsley ( fatrsliyn) 152, 153, 154, 156
parsnip (aqqul) 141, 144, 188, 261
partridges gall-bladder (marrat
al-haal) 243
partridges liver (kabid haal) 243
pear (kummatr) 193, 277
pellitory (qir qarh) 71, 203, 261, 265
pepper, black ( fulful [aswad]) 7, 10,
137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 145, 146, 149,
151, 152, 153, 154, 233, 261, 265, 274,
292
pepper, white ( fulful abyad) 24, 58,
137, 149, 152, 153, 156, 260
Persian pomegranate flower (ullanr
fris) 148
Persian rice (aruzz fris) 112, 114
Persian rose (ward fris) 168, 199
 glossary of technical terms 237

Persian sulphur (kibrt fris) 279
Persian wormwood (wahrak) 268
pigeons blood (dam al-hamm) 243
pigeons droppings (hur al-hamm) rams meat (luhm al-kib) 243
134
pigeons droppings (zibl hamma) 243
pine (sanaubar) 22, 151, 179, 252
pine resin (rtna) 221, 264
pistachio ( fustuq) 257, 290
pitch (zift) 132, 264, 286
plantain (lisn al-hamal) 19, 37, 39,
112, 113, 114, 115, 118, 120
plum (is) 34, 49, 121, 122, 158
polypody (basfyi) 152, 157, 167
polypody, pistachio-coloured (basfyi
fustuq) 165
pomegranate (nrmuk) 139, 261
pomegranate (rummn) 8, 19, 29, 43,
46, 53, 117, 119, 123, 165, 200, 205,
254, 273, 277, 292
pomegranate, wild (qilqil) 141
pomegranate, wild (rummn barr)
141
pomegranate flower (ullanr) 11, 17,
18, 19, 82, 83, 93, 94, 112, 114, 118,
125, 199, 200, 202, 203, 220, 221, 224,
227, 270
poppy (hah) 33, 78, 100 safflower (qurt um) 109, 110
poppy, dark-coloured (hah aswad) saffron (zafarn) 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 22, 25,
5, 8, 28, 30
poppy, light-coloured (hah abyad)
1, 8, 21, 22, 28, 30, 35, 129, 165, 176,
267
poppy, red (hah ahmar) 261 sagapenum (sakabna) 149, 152, 153,
poppy, white-flowered (haha bd) 56
porridge (hall) 112, 118
potash (qily) 133
potsherd (hazaf at-tannr) 220
pullet ( farr) 145, 275
purging cassia (hiyr anbar) 158
purslane (baqla[t] [al-][hamq]) 3, 5,
6, 8, 21, 35, 37, 38, 86, 99, 103, 120,
129, 165, 199, 202, 258
quince (safaral) 5, 28, 32, 33, 45, 57,
58, 70, 92, 124, 146, 176, 178, 242,
277
quince wine (maiba) 57, 58
radish ( ful) 144, 213, 219
rainwater (m [al-]mat ar) 28, 42, 56, 176
raisin (zabb) 36, 61, 62, 63, 117, 146,
149, 150, 151, 152, 154, 157, 158, 159,
163, 269
raisin, red (zabb ahmar) 151
rams gall (marrat al-kib) 243
rams liver (kabid al-kib) 243
ramie (rmik) 82
rape (alam) 144
Rziq raisin (zabb rziq) 35, 165
rhubarb (rwand) 20
ribes (rbs) 275
rice (aruzz) 115, 117, 118, 182
rocket (irr) 144, 179, 230, 237
Roman nettle (anura) 141, 144
Roman nettle (qurrais) 151
rose (ward) 2, 6, 11, 17, 21, 38, 54, 62,
82, 83, 86, 92, 94, 98, 99, 100, 101,
103, 105, 106, 107, 112, 114, 115, 117,
118, 146, 148, 165, 194, 195, 202, 203,
212, 220, 228, 239, 242, 243, 254, 257,
273, 277
rose, red (ward ahmar) 3, 4, 12, 13,
14, 16, 25, 43, 61, 83, 123, 149, 163,
175, 257
rosebud (unbud ward) 169
rosebud (zirr ward) 180
rue (sadb) 38, 69, 98, 138, 148, 149,
154
51, 57, 60, 61, 76, 79, 99, 116, 143,
146, 149, 150, 152, 153, 155, 156, 168,
175, 186, 188, 190, 191, 260, 265, 271,
276
154, 156, 173, 235, 290
sal ammoniac (nudir) 199, 210, 289,
292
salsify (lihyat at-tais) 113, 115, 149,
270
salsify (fqist ds) 149
salt (milh) 98, 134, 183, 184, 232, 249
salt, white (milh andarn) 40, 204
sandalwood (sandal) 57, 202, 229
sandalwood, red (sandal ahmar) 43, 99
sandalwood, white (sandal abyad) 79,
83, 86, 257
sandalwood, yellow (sandal asfar) 43
sarcocolla (anzart) 79, 84, 85, 227
savin (abhal) 62
savory (s/satar) 14, 108, 198
sawdust (nura) 202
saxifrage (qult) 122
scammony (mahmda) 27, 126, 180,
259, 261, 274
238 glossary of technical terms
scammony (saqamniy) 34, 54, 152,
153, 154, 170, 175, 198, 272
scorpions (aqrib) 243
sea lavender, red (bahman ahmar) 141,
144
sea lavender, white (bahman abyad)
141, 144
sea onion (basal al-far) 144, 152, 153,
154
sealing bole (tn mahtm) 2, 21
sebesten (sabistn) 35, 36, 108, 109,
161, 165
sepiolite (zabad al-bahr) 209, 253
serpent melon (qitta /) 1, 4, 5, 8, 121,
128, 129, 165, 176, 273
serpent melon, wild (qitt al-himr)
154, 230
service (ubair) 124
sesame (simsim) 62, 141, 260
sesame oil (hall) 29, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66,
67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 74, 75, 80
sesame oil (ra) 108, 109, 111, 135,
146, 210, 211, 228, 234, 247, 281, 282,
283, 284, 286, 287, 288
sheeps milk (laban h) 290
skinks trunk (surrat al-isqanqr) 144, 149
slag, argentic (iqlmiy al-fidda) 212, 233
slag, auric (iqlmiy ad-dahab) 233
small centaury (qant/riyn daqq)
145, 165
snail shell opercula (azfr at -t b) 150
snakes fang (nb al-haiya) 243
snakes heart (qalb al-haiya) 243
snakeskin (salh al-haiya) 243
soap (sbn) 89
Socotra aloe (sabir us/sqt ar) 61, 152,
154, 155, 156, 164, 166, 168, 169, 170,
235, 256, 258, 272
sorrel (hummd) 2, 37, 39, 120, 217, 275
sorrel, wild (hummd barr) 22
southernwood (qais/sm) 37, 109, 117,
204
sparrows droppings (zibl al-asfr)
243
sparrows eggs (baid al-asfr) 243
sparrows meat (luhm al-asfr) 243 tragacanth (katr) 1, 3, 17, 22, 28, 29,
spices (afwh) 57, 146, 182, 184, 186,
187, 188, 189, 193, 264
spurge ([u/]furb/fiyn) 152, 153, 154, 265
squill (unsul) 55
staghorn (qarn aiyal) 19, 113, 215, 227
starch (na) 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 29, 31, 32,
113, 120, 176, 177, 178, 216, 219, 242,
275
stavesacre (zabb abal) 217
storax, liquid (maia sila) 9, 62, 64,
75, 149
storax, solid (maia ybisa) 64
sugar (sukkar) 14, 33, 35, 37, 47, 53,
55, 58, 111, 126, 127, 142, 144, 166,
178, 194, 196, 218, 257, 266, 267, 276,
277
sugar, red (sukkar ahmar) 108, 109, 249
sugar, white (sukkar abyad) 40, 121
sugar-candy (sukkar tabarzad) 29, 54,
59, 141, 143, 145, 176, 192, 194
sugar cane honey (asal qasab
as-sukkar) 139
Sulaimn sugar (sukkar sulaimn) 43,
59
sulphur (kibrt) 234, 262
sulphur, whitish (kibrt abyad) 210
sulphur, yellow (kibrt asfar) 278
sumach (summq) 19, 112, 118, 119,
148, 199, 200, 203, 217, 275
Susa citron (utrun ss) 186
sweet basil (bdar) 148
sweet basil (ifranmuk) 165
sweet basil (raihn) 181, 275
sweet basil (hasfaram) 120
sweet flag (wa) 149
Syrian apple (tuffh am) 190
Syrian carob (hurnb am) 124
Syrian mulberry (tt am) 51
Syrian sumach (summq am) 11
Tabaristan male fern (sarahs t abar) 268
tabasheer (t abr) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12,
16, 25, 38, 120, 199, 203, 220, 229,
257, 273
tabasheer, white (t abr abyad) 148
Taif raisin (zabb t if) 160, 161
talc (t alq) 9
tamarind (tamrhind) 43, 158, 277
tar (qatr n) 243, 246
tarfa (ta rf) 11, 43, 98, 117, 127, 199,
202, 203, 214
tarragon (ta rhn) 38
Tarsus liquorice (ss t arss) 25
31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 79, 149, 175, 176,
177, 178, 180, 219, 231, 242, 256, 259
tragacanth, white (katr baid) 173
turmeric (urq [as-sabbn]) 200,
202, 221
turpentine (ilk al-butm) 149, 150
turpeth (turbad) 26, 27, 34, 126, 157,
165, 166, 169, 171, 256, 259, 268
 glossary of technical terms
turpeth, white (turbad abyad) 180, 274
tutty (ttiy) 255
usnea (una) 75, 98, 139
valerian ( f) 149
verdigris (zinr) 213, 264, 285
vermilion (sl/rqn) 130, 281
vetch (kirsinna) 209
vine (karm) 90, 182, 230
vinegar (hall) 38, 55, 58, 81, 95, 96,
98, 104, 112, 119, 127, 133, 148, 203,
209, 211, 216, 223, 233, 239, 241, 243,
257, 287
violet (banafsa) 35, 59, 72, 80, 108,
165, 177, 180, 196, 197, 219, 240, 269
visnaga (nnhaw[h]) 142, 146, 206,
261
vitriol (z) 204, 224
wall germander (kamdariys) 152,
153, 156, 165
wallflower, red (tdaran ahmar) 141,
144
wallflower, white (tdaran abyad )
141, 144
walnut (auz) 189, 278
water (m) 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20,
23, 30, 35, 36, 75, 105, 107, 109, 110,
112, 114, 116, 117, 118, 121, 128, 132,
164, 165, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185,
186, 187, 188, 222, 245, 248, 251, 253,
267, 270, 272, 276
water, clear (m sfin) 131
water, clear pure (m sirf sfin) 132
water, cold (m brid) 6, 11, 252
water, fresh (m adb) 43, 49, 54, 56,
59, 62, 69, 71, 75, 111, 136, 157, 158,
159, 163, 182, 266
water, hot (m hrr) 4, 14, 16, 54, 58,
91, 138, 143, 149, 152, 153, 154, 167,
170, 171, 172, 175, 177, 181, 198, 209,
219, 268
b. ArabicEnglish
abhal savin
dn al-far forget-me-not aftmn iqrt u Cretan dodder
adas lentil
afwh spices
afs oak gall
afs ahdar oak gall, green an dough
afsantn absinthe
afsantn rm Greek absinthe
239
water, limpid (m qarh) 178
water, tepid (m ftir) 241, 249
watermint ( ftan nahr) 51
wax (am) 80, 100, 130, 131, 135, 136,
235, 243, 264, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284,
285
wax, camphorated (am kfr) 288
wax, white (am abyad) 86, 99
wax, yellow (am asfar) 242
wheat (hint a) 36, 120, 275
whey (d) 38
whey (masl) 211
willow (hilf ) 86, 127
wine (hamr) 55, 94, 98
wine (nabd) 61, 62, 63, 117, 146, 149
wine (arb) 9, 41, 57, 60, 61, 62, 63,
74, 76, 146, 147, 149, 150, 152, 153,
154, 156, 204, 243, 291
wine (sulfa) 28
wine (t il) 150
wine boiled down to one half
(amhr) 9, 41, 57, 60, 61, 62, 63,
74, 76, 146, 149, 150, 152, 154
wine boiled down to one quarter
(maibuhta) 7
wine boiled down to one third
(mutallat) 9, 13, 22, 51, 53, 57,
144, 146, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154,
156
wine vinegar (hall hamr) 24, 99, 127,
133, 138, 146, 201, 212, 213, 214, 215,
217, 220, 221, 222, 234, 264, 266, 268,
276, 277, 290
wine vinegar, white (hall hamr abyad)
43
wolf s eye (ain ad-dib) 243
wolf s fangs (asnn ad-dib) 243
wolf s skin (ild ad-dib) 243
wormwood (h) 22, 37, 109, 113, 126
Yemenite alum (abb yamn) 51, 93, 94
yercum sugar (sukkar al-uar) 5, 145
aftmn dodder
aftmn iqrtu ahmar Cretan dodder,
red
afyn opium
aht al-baqar cattle-dung
ain ad-dib wolf s eye
240 glossary of technical terms

akt flax dodder brq borax

akt badd Baghdad flax dodder basal onion
albn milks basal al-far sea onion
amrbrs barberry basbsa mace
amla emblic basfyi polypody
amla hind Indian emblic basfyi fustuq polypody,
anura Roman nettle pistachio-coloured
ansn anise basfyi hind Indian polypody
anzart sarcocolla baul al-bar camels urine
aqqiy gum-senegal baul al-insn human urine
aqrib scorpions baul al-kilb dogs urine
qir qarh pellitory baul as-sibyn childrens urine
aruzz rice bauraq borax
aruzz fris Persian rice bauraq al-an baking-borax
aruzz wars millet rice bauraq arman Armenian borax
s myrtle bayd al-baid egg white
s nsbr Nishapur myrtle biran embelia
as r-r knotgrass birinsaf mugwort
asal honey bitt h musk melon
asal (an-)nahl bee honey bizr al-ansn aniseed
asal al-qasab cane honey bizrkattn linseed
asal qasab as-sukkar sugar cane bizrqat n fleawort
honey bunduq hazelnut
asal (at -)t abarzad honey, candied buql herbs
asrn asarabacca busq al-insn human saliva
asnn ad-dib wolf s fangs busr date, unripe
asnn at-talab foxs fangs busr suwn Gsuwn date
atyn earths bussad coral, red
ausa boxthorn bzdn green-winged orchid
azfr at -t b snail shell opercula bzy 136
azm al-insn human bone
dd hypericum
bbna chamomile dd rm Greek hypericum
bdar sweet basil dafda frog
bdward giant thistle daa hen
bdirna()bya lemon balm dam al-ahawain dragons blood
bahman abyad sea lavender, white dam al-baqara cows blood
bahman ahmar sea lavender, red dam al-hamm pigeons blood
baid egg dr fulful long pepper
baid al-asfr sparrows eggs dr sn cinnamom
baida nm birit egg, poached dr an aspalathus
baldur marking nut dastbya melon
balah date difl oleander
balasn balm dk cock
balla myrobalan, beleric dim ad-da chickens brain
ballt acorn; oak dqt mann iqrt hop marjoram
banafsa violet dubb flies
banafsa askar Askar violet d whey
ban henbane dq carrot
ban abyad henbane, white durr francolin
bqill(h) broad bean
baqla(t) (al-)(hamq) purslane fanankut agnus castus
bar al-maz goats dung fnd caramel
bariywun maidenhair fara mouse
 glossary of technical terms
farsiyn horehound, white
farr pullet
fatrsliyn (milk) parsley
faufal areca
f valerian
fdan abal mountain mint
ful radish
fulful (aswad) pepper, black
fulful abyad pepper, white
furbiyn spurge
fustuq pistachio
ftan nahr watermint
fwa madder
fwat as-sabbn/as-sib dyers
madder
ada germander
fit agrimony
aft (al-)(ballt) acorn skins
amhr wine boiled down to one half
antiyn rm Greek gentian
r bay laurel
ar (s-samak) fish-glue
ard locusts
rqn agaric
rqn abyad agaric, white
auz walnut
auz bauw nutmeg
auz hind Indian walnut
wr opopanax
azar carrot
azar barr iqlt Celtic carrot, wild
ild ad-dib wolf s skin
ild al-maz goats hide
ild al-qunfud hedgehogs skin
irr rocket
ubair service
ubr dust
ubn cheese
ullb julep
ullanr pomegranate flower
ullanr fris Persian pomegranate
flower
unbud ward rosebud
undb/dastar castoreum
habat al-hadd iron oxide
habat hadd basr Basra iron oxide
habat misr Egyptian hammer-scale
habba saud cumin, black
hfir al-birdaun horses hoof
haar arman Armenian stone
haar al-yahd (sic) Jews stone
hl (bauw) cardamom
241
hall porridge
halla myrobalan
halla asfar myrobalan, yellow
halla aswad myrobalan, black
halla aswad hind myrobalan, black
Indian
halla kbul myrobalan, chebulic
hall sesame oil
hall vinegar
hall hamr wine vinegar
hall hamr abyad wine vinegar, white
hamma/ grape ivy
hamr dough, fermented
hamr wine
hanzal colocynth
harbaq hellebore
harbaq abyad hellebore, white
harbaq aswad hellebore, black
hardal mustard
hardal abyad mustard, white
harmal harmala
h calamint
hai grasses
hasak caltrop
hah poppy
hah abyad poppy, light-coloured
hah ahmar poppy, red
hah aswad poppy, dark-coloured
haha bd poppy, white-flowered
ha hay
hass lettuce
hat m marshmallow
hat m abyad marshmallow,
pale-coloured
hazaf at-tannr potsherd
hilf willow
hilyaun asparagus
himmas chickpea
hindab endive
hinta wheat
hirwa castor oil plant
hisrim grape, unripe
hiyr cucumber
hiyr badw cucumber, wild
hiyr anbar purging cassia
hubbz hollyhock
hfrqn (Greek) hypericum
hlann galingale
hulba fenugreek
hummd sorrel
hummd barr sorrel, wild
hurf garden peppercress
hurf bbil Babylonian garden
peppercress
242 glossary of technical terms
hurnb carob
hurnb nabat Nabataean carob
hurnb am Syrian carob
hur ad-dk cocks droppings
hur al-hamm pigeons droppings
hus l-al calf s testicles katr baid tragacanth, white
hus t-talab foxs testicles
husyat arnab hares testicle
ibran embelia
ibran kbul Kabul embelia
dn as-salha cassia lignea
idhir citronella
ifranmuk sweet basil
is plum
is hulwn H ulwn plum kundur dakar Oriental frankincense
ihlla myrobalan
ihlla asfar myrobalan, yellow
ihlla aswad myrobalan, black
ihlla kbul myrobalan, chebulic
ikll al-malik melilot
ilk mastic
ilk al-but m turpentine
ilk rm Greek mastic
inab grape
inab at-talab nightshade
infahat arnab hares rennet
iqlmiy ad-dahab slag, auric
iqlmiy al-fidda slag, argentic
ris iris, sky-coloured
isfd (ar-rass) ceruse
isfd al-hit cerussite laban al-utun asses milk
isfd ifran Frankish ceruse
isfdb bouillon, thick
kabba cubeb
kabar caper
kabid haal partridges liver
kabid al-kalb dogs liver
kabid al-kib rams liver
kabid al-maz goats liver
kadar pandanus
kd pandanus
kfr camphor
kfr fansr Fansr camphor
kahrub amber
kak biscuit
kkan alkekengi
kamdariys wall germander
kamfts ground pine
kammn aswad cumin, black
kammn kirmn Kerman cumin
karafs celery
karafs abal milk parsley
karwiy caraway
karwiy hind Indian caraway
karm vine
katr tragacanth
kattn linen
kibrt sulphur
kibrt abyad sulphur, whitish
kibrt asfar sulphur, yellow
kibrt fris Persian sulphur
kirsinna vetch
kummatr pear
kundur frankincense
kundur abyad frankincense, white
kundus babys breath
kurrt leek
kurunb nabat Nabataean cabbage
kus/zb/fara coriander
kusfara hadr coriander, green
laban milk
laban al-buqqr cows milk
laban halb milk, fresh
laban al-miz/al-maz goatmilk
laban miz halb goatmilk, fresh
laban maw milk, grilled
laban an-nis breastmilk; mothers
milk
laban h sheeps milk
ldan ladanum
lakk lac
lauz almond
lauz hulw almond, sweet
lauz murr almond, bitter
lzward lapis lazuli
lihyat at-tais salsify
lm lemon
lnfar nenuphar
lisn al-asfr common ash
lisn al-hamal plantain
lisn (at-)taur borage
lub al-insn human spittle
lubn olibanum
lubn dakar Oriental frankincense
luffh mandrake
luhm al-asfr sparrows meat
luhm al-kib rams meat
m water
m adb water, fresh
 glossary of technical terms 243

m brid water, cold nb al-haiya snakes fang

m ftir water, tepid nb al-kalb dogs fang
m hrr water, hot nabd wine
m (al-)mat ar rainwater nabiq lote
m qarh water, limpid nafal clover
m sfin water, clear nana mint
m sirf sfin water, clear pure nnhaw(h) visnaga
mahd buttermilk nran orange
mahlab mahaleb nrdn Indian spikenard
mahmda scammony nrdn iqlt Greek spikenard
maia sila storax, liquid nrmuk pomegranate
maia ybisa storax, solid na starch
maiba quince wine natrn natron
maibuhta wine boiled down to one nl indigo
quarter nl as-sib dyers indigo
mmrn greater celandine nuhla bran
mmrn sn Chinese greater nuhlat al-hwr farina, white
celandine nuhs muhraq copper, oxidized
mmt horn poppy nra lime
maraq broth nudir sal ammoniac
marra gall-bladder nura sawdust
marrat al-baqar ox-gall
marrat al-haal partridges gall-bladder qais/sm mugwort; southernwood
marrat al-kib rams gall qalb al-haiya snakes heart
marrat al-kurk cranes gall-bladder qalb as-smm al-abras geckos heart
marrat al-qunfud hedgehogs gall qant /riyn daqq small centaury
marrat as-samak fishs gall-bladder qqiy gum-senegal
marmhz marjoram, wild qqulla (kabra/kibr) grains of
marw marjoram, wild paradise
marzan marjoram, sweet qqulla sir Malabar cardamom
m mung bean qar gourd
masl whey qaranful clove
mast ak mastic qaraz babul
mzariyn mezereon qardamn caraway, wild; Indian
midd ink caraway
milh salt qarn aiyal staghorn
milh al-an baking-salt qart s papyrus
milh andarn salt, white qart s misr Egyptian papyrus
milh hind Indian salt qasab ad-darra lemon grass
minfahat arnab hares rennet qasb date, hard dry
misk musk qat rn tar
mikit rma hop marjoram qilqil pomegranate, wild
mimi apricot qily potash
mimi hursn Hursn apricot qinbl kamala
mut glossostemon root qinna galbanum
muql bdellium mukul qirfa canella
muql azraq bdellium africanum qitta/ serpent melon
muql al-yahd bdellium qitt al-himr serpent melon, wild
murdsan litharge qufr al-yahd Jews pitch
murdsan dahab litharge of gold qult saxifrage
murr myrrh qulfuniy colophony
murr nabat Nabataean garum qurrais Roman nettle
mutallat wine boiled down to one third qurt um safflower
244 glossary of technical terms

qust alecost am asfar wax, yellow

qust murr alecost, bitter am kfr wax, camphorated
amr fennel
rib curd sam (arab) gum-arabic
raihn sweet basil smm abras gecko
ramd ashes ammm cantaloupe
ramd ad-dafda frogs ashes samn ghee
rmik ramie samn al-baqar cows ghee
ran elecampane san makk Meccan senna
rat ba lucerne sanaubar pine
rtna pine resin sandal sandalwood
raut al-bardn horse-dung sandal abyad sandalwood, white
rwand rhubarb sandal ahmar sandalwood, red
rwand sn Chinese rhubarb sandal asfar sandalwood, yellow
rziq jasmine oil sandal maqsr Maqsr sandalwood
rziyna fennel saqamniy scammony
rbs ribes saqamniy antk Antioch
rummn pomegranate scammony
rummn barr pomegranate, wild aqqul parsnip
rsahta copper, oxidized ar al-arnab hares fur
ruta b date ar al-baqar cows hair
ar danab al-himr donkeys
abb alum tail-hair
abb al-humra alum from ruddy earth ar al-insn human hair
abb yamn Yemenite alum arb wine
sabir aloe sarahs male fern
sabir us/sqt ar Socotra aloe sarahs tabar Tabaristan male fern
sabistn sebesten sarat n(t) (nahrya) crayfish
sbn soap sarw cypress
sadb rue sasliys moon carrot
sda hind Indian laurel s/satar savory
dana haematite sausan smnn iris, sky-coloured
safaral quince sausan zd iris, wild
hasfaram sweet basil sausan azraq iris, blue
ahd al-asal honeycomb ibitt dill
ahdna marijuana h wormwood
h melilot silq beet
ahm fat sl/rqn vermilion
ahm al-bat t ducks grease simsim sesame
ahm butn ad-da chickens r amla emblic
belly-fat ra sesame oil
ahm da chickens fat t ara garden cress
ahm kul miz/maz goats suet t ara hind Indian garden cress
htara fumitory sud cyperus
ar barley sufrat baid(a) egg yolk
sakabna sagapenum uhm at-tair fowls fat
sakanubn oxymel uk bull thistle
sakanubn sukkar oxymel, sugared sukkar sugar
alam rape sukkar abyad sugar, white
salh al-haiya snakeskin sukkar ahmar sugar, red
salha cassia sukkar balh Balkh sugar
am wax sukkar sulaimn Sulaimn sugar
am abyad wax, white sukkar tabarzad sugar-candy
 glossary of technical terms
sukkar al-uar yercum sugar
sulfa wine
summq sumach
summq am Syrian sumach
sum gums
sunbul (at- tb) Indian spikenard
sunbul rm Greek spikenard
nz cumin, black
srinn meadow saffron
surrat al-isqanqr skinks trunk
ss liquorice
ss antk Antioch liquorice
ss tarss Tarsus liquorice
t abr tabasheer
t abr abyad tabasheer, white
taiyil dogs grass
t alsfiyus Babylonian garden
peppercress
tal ice
ta lq talc
tamrhind tamarind
tamrhind makk Meccan tamarind
taranubn alhagi
ta ratt Bengal quince
ta rf tarfa
ta rhn tarragon
ti l wine
tn fig
tn hanr king fig
t n bole
t n arman Armenian bole
t n mahtm sealing bole
t n qubrus mahtm Cyprian sealing
bole
tn rm mahtm Greek sealing bole
tdaran abyad wallflower, white
tdaran ahmar wallflower, red
tuffh apple
tuffh am Syrian apple
tm barr garlic germander
turbad turpeth
turbad abyad turpeth, white
turmus lupine
tt mulberry
tt am Syrian mulberry
ttiy tutty
ttiy kirmn Kerman tutty
d lignaloes
d hind Indian lignaloes
fqist ds salsify
u/furfiyn spurge
245
unfq olive, unripe
unnb jujube
unnb urn urn jujube
unsul squill
urq (as-sabbn) turmeric
una usnea
usqrdiyn garlic germander
uaq ammoniacum
ust hdus French lavender
utru/n citron
utru asfar citron, yellow
utrun ss Susa citron
wada mussel shell
wa sweet flag
wahrak Persian wormwood
ward rose
ward ahmar rose, red
ward fris Persian rose
ward r Damask rose
wasah udn al-bala mules earwax
yanbt bean-trefoil
zabad al-bahr sepiolite
zabb raisin
zabb ahmar raisin, red
zabb abal stavesacre
zabb rziq Rziq raisin
zabb t if Taif raisin
zafarn saffron
z vitriol
zait olive oil
zanbaq jasmine oil
zanabl ginger
zarwand mudahra birthwort,
rolled
zarwand t awl birthwort, long
zarnab orache
zibaq mercury
zibl al-asfr sparrows droppings
zibl ad-da chickens droppings
zibl hamma pigeons droppings
zibl al-insn human faeces
zift pitch
zinr verdigris
zirnh arsenic
zirnh asfar orpiment
zirnhn arsenics, two
zirr ward rosebud
zubd butter
zf (ybis) hyssop
zf rat b lanolin
246 glossary of technical terms
2. Pathology and Anatomy
a. EnglishArabic
abrasion (sah) 17, 114, 118, 275
albugo (bayd al-ain) 52, 243
alopecia (d at-talab) 152, 156, 243
anus (maqada) 38, 243
anxiety (karb) 3
apoplexy (sakta) 152
appetite (ahwa) 58, 258
arrowheads (nusl) 243
artery, open ( fath a-iryn) 225
asthma (rabw) 55, 243
back (qafan) 87
back (zahr) 183, 185
back, coldness of (bard az-zahr) 69
backpain (waa/au az-zahr) 136,
274
balding (qara [f r-ras]) 236, 251
beard (lihya) 217, 251
beard, parasites in (qamqm f l-lihya) 217
belching, acid (u hmid) 9, 138
belly(ies) (batn/but n) 39, 82, 149,
193, 198, 243
belly (auf ) 24, 154
belly, coldness of (bard al-auf ) 10, 62
belly, moistures in (rutbt f l-batn) 149
belly, pain in (waa al-batn/al-auf )
60, 261
biliousness, predominance of (alabat
al-marr) 2
bite of dog (addat al-kalb) 243
bite of rabid dog (add[at] al-kalb
al-kalib) 90, 154, 243
bite of snake (addat al-haiya) 243
bites of beasts of prey (las as-sib) 243
bites of crawling animals (las al-
hawmm) 243
bites of snakes (nah al-haiyt) 243
bites of vipers (nah al-af) 243
black bile (mirra saud) 149, 153, 154,
156, 157, 167, 182, 260
bladder (matna) 37, 39, 64, 187, 250
bladder, coldness of (bard al-matna)
69
bladder, flaccid (istirh f l-matna)
153
bladder, pains in (au al-matna) 22
bladder stones (has[h] [f] al-matna)
121, 149, 243
bleeding (dam) 94, 117, 226, 229, 243
bleeding (nazf [ad-dam]) 19, 21
bleeding, regurgitant (ihtilf ad-dam) 11
blisters (butr) 203
bloatedness (nafha) 261
blood (dam) 38, 243, 251
blood, disorders of (ilal ad-dam) 43
blood, haemorrhoidal (dam al-bawsr)
38
blood, loss of (nazf ad-dam) 174
blood, menstrual (haid) 152
blood, menstrual (t amt) 173
blood, outburst of (infir ad-dam) 39
blood, predominance of (alabat
ad-dam) 48
blood, spitting of (qadf ad-dam) 9
body (badan) 38, 141, 149, 153, 154,
167, 170, 187, 188, 243, 290
body (asad) 68, 154
body (ism) 181, 239, 279
body, depth of (umq al-badan) 152
body, extremities of (at rf al-badan)
243
body lice (qaml f l-badan) 216
bottom (asfal) 39
bowels (ah) 9
bowels (batn ) 243
bowels, twisted (iltiw al-am) 10
brain (dim) 145, 180, 181, 258
brain, coldness of (burdat ad-dim)
243
brain, degeneration of (nuqsn ad-
dim) 261
brain, obstructions of (sudad ad-
dim) 152
breath, shortage of (dq an-nafas) 55
breath, smell of (nakha) 43, 186, 252
breathing (nafas) 261
breathing, difficulty in (usr an-nafas)
152, 154
buboes (dammil) 134
burn(s) (harq an-nr) 243, 287
canal, alimentary (istimr) 258
cantharides, overshot of (arb
ad-darrh) 243
catarrh (nazalt) 9
channels (mabir) 198
chest (sadr) 37, 56, 79, 179, 183, 185,
186, 187
chest, moistures in (rut bt f
s-sadr) 149
 glossary of technical terms
chest, pains in (au as-sadr) 65
chest, raucity of (hunat as-sadr) 161
chestpain (alam as-sadr) 29
chestpain (waa al-fud) 261
chyme(s), glutinous (kaims[t]
alz[a]) 37
chymes, corrupt (kaimst fsida) 154
cold (bard) 243
cold-tempered (brid al-miz) 183
coldness (bard/burda) 58, 68, 71, 137,
149, 243, 261
colic (qaulan) 9, 10, 62, 153, 154,
155, 173, 243
complaints, renal (lm al-kul) 152
complexion (laun) 140, 141, 145, 146,
148, 149, 208
complexion, pale (sufrat al-laun) 261
confusion, mental (habal) 152
congestion, pectoral (sudad min as-sadr)
37
congestion, pulmonary (sudad min
ar-ria) 37
constitutions, delicate (abdn nima)
212
consumption (sill) 18, 37, 38, 243
consumption sufferers (maslln) 30
convalescence (irqa) 181
convulsions (taannu) 65, 71, 152,
153, 154
convulsions, nervous (taannu al-asb)
136
cough(ing) (sul) 2, 9, 28, 29, 37, 44,
55, 56, 59, 177, 178, 179
cough, dry (sul ybis) 161
cramp (itiql) 1
cramps, haemorrhoidal (aryh/riyh
al-bawsr) 140, 141, 174, 182
craving, doggish (ahwa kalbya) 138
damage (madrr) 198
deafness (samam) 152
debility, gastric (duf al-maida) 5, 9,
41, 44, 45, 50, 57, 61, 143, 146, 181,
257
debility, hepatic (duf al-kabid) 57
desire, sexual (inz) 244
diarrhoea (ishl) 14, 38, 39, 82, 83,
152, 229, 275
diarrhoea, yellow-bilious (ishl safrw)
38
digestion (hadm/inhidm) 181, 182,
186, 187, 250, 258
digestion, inadequate (qillat al-hadm)
257
247
digestion, poor (s al-istimr) 137,
139, 146
dignity, dwindling sense of (hamya
nqisa) 261
discharge, catarrhal (nazalt) 56
disease, new (d hadt) 261
disease, old (d qadm) 261
diseases (amrd) 149, 167
diseases, cold (amrd brida) 110
diseases, hot (amrd hrra) 108
diseases, hot (ilal hrra) 51
diseases, latent (amrd batya) 154
dislocations ( fakk) 228
disorder, abdominal (istitl q al-batn)
2, 11, 44, 45, 48, 50, 70, 139,
146
disorders, gynaecological (amrd
an-nis) 149
distress (amm) 48
dropsy (haban) 181
dropsy (istisq) 4
drugs, lethal (adwiya qattla) 243
dysentery (zahr) 11, 17, 116, 243
ear (udn) 243
earache (alam al-dn) 152
earache (waa al-udn/al-dn) 9, 62,
72
echoing (dawy) 243
ejection (qadf ) 92
elephantiasis (d al-fl) 152
epilepsy (sar) 152, 243
erythema (humra) 243
erythema (mar) 43
evacuation (tahallin) 37
excitement (adab) 145
expectoration, bloody (naft ad-dam) 2,
17, 18, 19, 21, 37, 39, 243
eye (ain) 261
eye, blurred (i al-ain) 243
eye, pains in (au al-ain) 243
eyelashes, loss of (intitr al-afr) 243
eyelids, drooping (intitr al-afn) 243
eyes, yellow-coloured (sufrat al-ain)
261
eyewater (m f l-ain) 243
face (wah) 207, 209, 230, 237, 242,
243
face, cracks in (iqq f l-wah) 242
face, moles on (hln al-wah) 218
fainting (ay) 46, 57
fear ( faza) 243
fever (humm) 3, 68
248 glossary of technical terms
fever, hectic (diqq) 38
fever, hepatic (humm l-kabid) 8
fever, quartan (humm r-rib) 60, 71,
137, 152, 243, 271
fever, tertian (humm l-ibb) 243
fever(s), phlegmatic (humm/hummayt
balamya) 13, 15, 137, 138, 152
fevers, acute (hummayt hdda) 1, 46, 47
fevers, black-bilious (hummayt
saudwya) 138
fevers, cold black-bilious (hummayt
brida saudwya) 162
fevers, cold phlegmatic (hummayt
brida balamya) 162
fevers, compounded (hummayt
muhallata) 12
fevers, flaming (hummayt multahiba)
49
fevers, inveterate (hummayt atqa) 4
fevers, inveterate rheumatic-phlegmatic
(hummayt rhya atqa balamya) heart, palpitations of (hafaqn al-fud/
159
fevers, long black-bilious (hummayt
tawla saudwya) 163
fevers, long phlegmatic (hummayt
t awla balamya) 163
fevers, prolonged (hummayt id t lat) 6
fevers, putrid (hummayt afina) 16, 20
fevers, remnants of (baqy l-hummayt)
5 hiccoughs ( fuwq) 138
filth (nab) 58
fissures (sal) 89
fits, epileptic (sar al-bata) 198
flatulence (nafh) 149
flatulence, gastric (nafh al-maida) 142
flatuses (riyh) 143, 252, 261
flesh (lahm) 281
flesh, necrotic (lahm mait) 285
flukes (habb al-qar) 107, 268
flux (riyh) 149
foot, gouty (ril bihi n-niqris) 243
forgetfulness (nisyn) 145, 243
freckles (kalaf ) 207, 208, 230, 243, 290
geophagism (ahwat at- tn) 206
glands, swollen (dirab) 93
gout (niqris) 72, 173, 256
gout, cold (niqris brid) 99
gout, hot (niqris hrr) 100
grief (humm) 149
gripes (mas) 9
gums (lita) 200
haemorrhage (qiym ad-dam) 17, 18
haemorrhoids (bawsr) 145
hair (ar) 63, 74, 76, 222, 223, 236,
243
hair, growth of (nab[]t a-ar) 251,
289
hairloss (taqarru) 235
halitosis (bahar) 291
hands, cracks in (iqq f l-yadain) 242
hardening (salba) 187
harms (ft) 76
head (ras) 56, 145, 217, 222, 235, 236,
243, 251
head, diseases of (amrd ar-ras) 155
head, heat in (harrat ar-ras) 63
headache (sud) 9, 62, 72, 152, 260
headache(s) (waa/au ar-ras) 169,
170, 171, 261
headache, hot (sud hrr) 78, 79
health (sihha) 181, 258
heart ( fud) 261
heart (qalb) 42, 48, 181
al-qalb) 41, 143, 198, 273
heartburn (talahhub al-qalb) 43
heat (harra) 28, 38, 45, 59, 187, 273
heat, excessive (harra adda) 43
hemicrania (aqqa) 62, 65, 152
hemiplegia ( fli) 71, 152, 153, 155
hemiplegia sufferer (mafl) 183
hernia ( fatq) 84
hip (hsira) 91
hip, pain in (waa al-hsira) 261
hoarseness (buhha) 154
hot temper, those who have (mahrrn)
58, 187, 188
hot-tempered (hrr al-miz) 205
humour, black-bilious (hilt saudw) 164
humours (ahlt) 181
humours, tenacious (hilt alz) 36
humours, viscid tenacious (ahlt alza
lazia) 55
hydrophobia (kalab) 152
hyperaemia (sayaln ad-dam) 149
incontinence, urinary (salas al-baul)
125, 241
indigestion (s al-hadm) 60
inflammation (lahab) 152
injuries due to flogging (darb bis-siyt)
243
intercourse, sexual (im) 149, 185,
188, 243, 250, 260, 261
intercourse, sexual (nikh) 145
intestine(s) (mian/am) 198, 258
ischium, pain in (waa al-wark) 274
 glossary of technical terms
ischuria (usr al-baul) 15, 160, 243
itching (hikka) 272
jaundice (yaraqn) 4, 16, 261
joints (mafsil) 167, 261
joints, coldness of (bard al-mafsil) 75
joints, limpness of (istirh al-mafsil)
75
kidney stones (has[h] [f] [al-kul])
121, 122, 128, 149
kidneys (kulyatn/kulan) 37, 39, 64,
185, 261
kidneys, cold (kulan brida) 183
kidneys, coldness of (bard al-kul) 69
kidneys, pain(s) in (waa/au
al-kulyatain/al-kul) 22, 154
lachrymation (admia) 253
laxity, vesical (istirh al-matna) 62
leprosy ([d al-]udm) 152, 243
lesion (harq) 225
lichen (bahaq) 152, 233, 238
limbs, dryness of (yubs al-ad) 136
limbs, limpness of (istirh al-ad) nausea (atayn) 57
145, 155
limpness (istirh) 153
lips (afatn) 242
lips, cracks in (iqq [f] a-afa[tain])
240, 242
liver (kabid) 43, 58, 86, 148
liver, coldness of (bard al-kabid) 74,
189
liver, corruption of ( fasd al-kabid) 70
liver, induration of ( aswat al-kabid)
55
liver, obstruction of (sudad al-kabid)
15, 149
liver, pain(s) in (waa/au al-kabid)
16, 62, 75, 160, 162, 163, 198
liver, sclerosis of (salbat al-kabid) 20
liver, tumours of (waram al-kabid) 4
loins, pain in (waa al-matn) 173
lower intestines, pain in (waa al-am
as-suflya) 174
lump, soft (dubaila) 87
lung(s) (ria/t) 37, 39, 183, 187
mange ( arab) 71, 154, 210, 211, 234,
239, 272, 278
mange, dry ( arab ybis) 136, 279
mange, moist ( arab rat b/tary) 212, 279
mark(s) (taba) 290
matter, purulent (midda) 18, 37
measles (hasba) 43
249
melancholy (wasws) 152
miasma (buhr) 171
miasmata, burnt (abhira muhtaraqa)
181
mind (dihn) 187, 258
mind, deceptions of ( alat ad-dihn)
145
miscarriage (isqt ) 243
mixture (miz) 58
mixture, bad cold (s al-miz
al-brid) 61
mixture, bad hot (s miz hrr) 58
modes, operational (kaifyt) 198
moistness (rut ba) 137
moisture (rut ba) 55, 71, 72, 154, 155,
169, 182, 183, 186, 189
mouth ( fam) 176, 203, 291
mucus (nahma) 260, 261
nature (t aba) 49, 92, 182
natures, black-bilious (ashb as-saud)
258
natures, yellow-bilious (ashb as-safr)
258
navel (surra) 107
nerves (asab) 74, 258
nerves, optic (asab al-ain) 253
nerves, softening of (ln al-asab) 65
neuralgia (waa al-asab) 173
neurasthenia (istirh al-asab) 71, 173
nose (anf ) 224, 243
nose, broken (kasr al-anf ) 85
nosebleed (ruf ) 224, 226, 243
nostril(s) (minhar[n]) 226, 243
obstruction (sudad/tasaddud) 16, 55,
160, 164, 171, 181, 258
ophiasis (d al-haiya) 152
organs (ad) 68
organs, cardinal (ad rasya) 198
organs, cold (ad brida) 64, 66, 243
organs, coldness of (bard al-ad) 62
organs, inner (ad dhila) 149
pain (alam) 136
pain (waa) 243
pain, abdominal (waa al-batn) 154
pain, auricular (waa al-udn) 243
pain, inveterate (waa atq) 162
pain, uterine (waa al-arhm) 9, 154
palpitations (hafaqn) 243
pannus (sabal) 253
paralysis, facial (laqwa) 153, 155, 173,
243
250 glossary of technical terms
paranoia (taaiyur al-aql) 152
passageways (turuq) 198
penis, head of (ras al-qadb) 246, 247
phlegm (balam) 12, 182, 188, 260
phlegm, excess of (katrat al-balam)
137, 138
phlegm, tough viscid (balam alz
lazi) 167
pleurisy (ausa) 161
pneumonia (dt al-anb) 149
poisons (summ) 52, 243
poisons, destructive (summ mutlifa)
198
poisons, lethal (summ qtila) 149
potency, sexual (bh) 141, 144, 185,
188, 189, 243
powers, sensual (quwan mutahiya) 149
pregnancy (habal) 243, 245, 246, 247
purification (tanqiya) 152
pustules (butr) 236
putridity (ufna) 149
putridity, humoral ( fasd al-miz)
163, 243
putridity, intestinal ( fasd al-ah) 162
quartan (rib) 243
quinsy (hunq/hawnq) 51, 243
rash (aran) 43
rectum, aching (alam f l-maqada) 258
rectum, agitated (idti rb f l-maqada)
258
rectum, pain in (waa al-maqada)
174
regurgitation (ihtilf ) 9, 53, 57, 149
residues ( fudl) 9, 198, 258
residues, bad ( fudl radya) 170
residues, burning ( fudl muhtariqa)
152, 157
residues, disparate ( fudl muhtalifa)
152, 167
residues, disparate viscid ( fudl lazia
muhtalifa) 153
residues, excess of (katrat al-fudl) 138
residues, phlegmatic ( fudl balamya)
180
residues, putrid ( fudl afina) 152
residues, tough ( fudl alza) 152
residues, viscid ( fudl lazia) 152
residues, viscid tough ( fudl lazia
alza) 157
residues, yellow-bilious ( fudl
safrwya) 180
retention (husr) 149
rheumatism (waa/au al-mafsil)
64, 72, 154, 155, 172, 173, 243,
260
ringworm (hazza) 243
running to chest (nazalt il s-sadr) 59
saliva (m) 154
scab (hakara) 235, 236
scabies (safa) 220
scabies, dry (safa ybisa) 221
scalp (ras) 251
scalp, ulcers on (qurh f r-ras) 243
sciatica (irq an-nas) 71, 256
scrofula (hanzr) 243, 264
sensations, burning (hurqa) 125
sensations, burning urinary (hurqat
al-baul) 129
sensations, flaming (ihtirq) 43
sensations, flaming (talahhub) 5, 46,
47, 136
sex, capacity for (bh) 188
sex, drive for (im) 188
shivering (nfid) 6
sides, pain in (waa al-anbain) 69,
161
sight (ain) 243
sight (basar) 149, 170, 243, 260, 292
sight, loss of (zulmat al-basar) 180
sight, weakness of (duf al-basar) 180
skin (ild) 222
skin, pores of (masmm al-ild) 198
small intestine, pain in (waa al-am
ar-raqqa) 149
smallpox (udar) 43
snakebites (las al-haiyt) 243
sorrow (umm) 149
speckles (nama) 230, 237, 290
speech, impediments of (tiql al-lisn)
145, 155
sperm (minan) 252
spikes (auk) 243
spleen (t ihl) 24, 95, 97, 98
spleen, enlargement of (kubr at- ti hl)
7
spleen, induration of (aswat at -t ihl)
55
spleen, obstruction of (sudad at- ti hl)
15
spleen, pain(s) in (waa/au at-t ihl)
163, 198
spleen, sclerosis of (salbat at-ti hl) 7,
20, 23, 24
spleen, tumours of (aurm at- ti hl)
243
 glossary of technical terms
splinters (qasab) 243
stabs (wahz) 228
stages, early (ibtid/istibd) 4, 243
stains, ugly (tr radya) 290
sting(s) of scorpion(s) (las[at] [al-]
aqrab/al-aqrib) 243
stings of crawling animals (lad
al-hawmm) 243
stings of deadly crawlers (lad
al-hawmm al-qtila) 243
stings of snakes (las al-haiya) 243
stomach (maida) 9, 37, 38, 42, 43, 48,
58, 141, 182, 183, 185, 186, 187, 189,
193, 250, 258, 260
stomach, coldness of (bard/burdat
al-maida) 15, 60, 74, 137, 138, 139,
252
stomach, debility of (duf al-maida) 67
stomach, heat of (harrat al-maida)
67, 70
stomach, laxity of (istirh al-maida)
70, 140
stomach, moistness of (rutbat al-
maida) 140, 155
stomach, mouth of ( fam al-maida) 83
stomach, pain(s) in (waa/au
al-maida) 13, 62, 75, 149, 160, 163,
169, 171
stomach, tumours of (waram al-maida)
4 270
stomach, weak (maida dafa) 148
stomach, weakness of (duf al-maida)
139
stools, liquid (ishl) 198
surprises (bat) 145
swellings (waram) 228
tapeworms (haiyt) 107
teeth (asnn) 58
teeth, bases of (usl al-asnn) 202
temples (sud[n]) 79, 226
testicles, coldness of (bard al-untayain)
138
testicles, pain in (waa al-untayain)
154
tetter (qba[/]/qawb) 52, 152, 209,
215
tetter, chronic (qba muzmina) 263
tetter, moist (qba ratba) 262
thirst (ata) 1, 3, 5, 43, 49, 52
thirst, excessive (katrat al-ata) 261
thirst, strong (ata add) 46, 47, 48
thorax (sadr) 261
throat (halq) 186, 243
251
throat, sore (au al-halq) 51, 154
tinnitus (t ann) 243
toothache (waa al-asnn) 243
toothache, hot (waa al-asnn al-hrr)
202
tumours (waram/aurm) 88, 283
tumours, abdominal (waram al-bat n)
14
tumours, hard (aurm alza) 243
tumours, indurated (aurm siya) 64,
149
tumours, pelvic (aurm al-hasratain)
105
ulcer, fleshy (ilhm al-qarh) 173
ulcers, auricular (qurh al-udn) 243
ulcers, bad (qurh radya) 154
ulcers, bad chronic inveterate (qurh
radya muzmina atqa) 152
ulcers, black-bilious (qurh saudwya)
136
ulcers, chronic (qurh muzmina) 251
ulcers, intestinal (qurh al-am) 9,
39, 243
ulcers, inveterate (qurh atqa) 264
ulcers, pulmonary (qurh ar-ria) 39
ulcers, vesical (qurh al-matna) 9
urethra (ihll) 62
urinating blood (baul ad-dam) 19, 22,
urine (baul) 125, 137, 149, 162, 183, 261
urine, copious (buwl) 198
urine, involuntary secretion of (hur
al-baul min air irda) 153
urine, trickling (qit r al-baul) 231
vagina ( far) 248
vapour (buhr) 198
vein, root of (asl al-irq) 225
vein, torn (irq munharaq) 225
veins (urq) 152
venoms, deadly (summ qtila) 198
venoms of beasts of prey (summ min
as-sib) 198
venoms of biting animals (summ min
al-lad) 9
venoms of crawling animals (summ
[min] al-hawmm) 198
venoms of creeping animals (summ
ad-dawbb) 198
venoms of stinging animals (summ
min al-las) 9
vertigo (dawr) 152, 154, 164, 171
virginity (bakra) 248
252 glossary of technical terms
vision, loss of (zulma f l-ain) 171
vitiligo (baras) 152, 269
vitiligo, acute white (baras abyad
hadt) 133
vitiligo, white (baras abyad) 213
vomiting (qai) 10, 44, 45, 48, 50, 53,
57, 82, 83, 146, 155
wart(s) (tall/tall) 214, 232, 243
water, yellow (m asfar) 14, 154
wind, trapped (aryh/riyh alza) 137,
173, 198
b. ArabicEnglish
abdn nima constitutions, delicate
abhira muhtaraqa miasmata, burnt
ad organs
ad brida organs, cold
ad dhila organs, inner
ad rasya organs, cardinal
addat al-haiya bite of snake
addat al-kalb bite of dog
add(at) al-kalb al-kalib bite of rabid
dog
admia lachrymation
adwiya qattla drugs, lethal
ft harms
ahlt humours
ahlt alza lazia humours, viscid
tenacious
ah bowels
ain eye; sight
alam pain
alam al-dn earache
lm al-kul complaints, renal
alam f l-maqada rectum, aching
alam as-sadr chestpain
am intestine(s)
amrd diseases
amrd brida diseases, cold
amrd bat ya diseases, latent
amrd hrra diseases, hot
amrd an-nis disorders,
gynaecological
amrd ar-ras head, diseases of
anf nose
aryh al-bawsr cramps,
haemorrhoidal
aryh alza wind, trapped
asab nerves
asab al-ain nerves, optic
asfal bottom
ashb as-safr natures, yellow-bilious
womb, coldness of (bard al-arhm) 69
womb, pain(s) in (waa/au
ar-rahim/al-arhm) 62, 65
worms (dd) 268
worms, intestinal (dd f l-batn) 261
wound(s) (urh/irha[/t]) 90, 225,
243, 282
wound, fresh (urh tary) 286
yellow bile (mirra safr) 47, 48, 260
yellow bile, inveterate (mirra safr
atqa) 12
ashb as-saud natures, black-bilious
asl al-irq vein, root of
asnn teeth
tr radya stains, ugly
ata thirst
ata add thirst, strong
atrf al-badan body, extremities of
au al-ain eye, pains in
au al-halq throat, sore
au al-kabid liver, pain(s) in
au al-kul kidneys, pain(s) in
au al-mafsil rheumatism
au al-maida stomach, pain(s) in
au al-matna bladder, pains in
au ar-rahim womb, pain(s) in
au ar-ras headache(s)
au as-sadr chest, pains in
au at-ti hl spleen, pain(s) in
au az-zahr backpain
aurm tumours
aurm alza tumours, hard
aurm siya tumours, indurated
aurm al-hasratain tumours, pelvic
aurm at-tihl spleen, tumours of
badan body
bat surprises
bh potency, sexual; sex, capacity for
bahaq lichen
bahar halitosis
bakra virginity
balam phlegm
balam alz lazi phlegm, tough
viscid
baqy l-hummayt fevers, remnants
of
baras vitiligo
baras abyad vitiligo, white
baras abyad hadt vitiligo, acute white
 glossary of technical terms 253

bard cold; coldness fakk dislocations

bard al-ad organs, coldness of
bard al-arhm womb, coldness of
bard al-auf belly, coldness of
bard al-kabid liver, coldness of
bard al-kul kidneys, coldness of
bard al-mafsil joints, coldness of
bard al-maida stomach, coldness of
bard al-matna bladder, coldness of
bard al-untayain testicles, coldness of
bard az-zahr back, coldness of
brid al-miz cold-tempered
basar sight
batn belly(ies); bowels
baul urine
baul ad-dam urinating blood
bawsr haemorrhoids
bayd al-ain albugo
buhr miasma; vapour
buhha hoarseness
burda coldness
burdat ad-dim brain, coldness of
burdat al-maida stomach, coldness
of
butn belly(ies)
butr blisters; pustules
buwl urine, copious
fli hemiplegia
fam mouth
fam al-maida stomach, mouth of
far vagina
fasd al-ah putridity, intestinal
fasd al-kabid liver, corruption of
fasd al-miz putridity, humoral
fath a-iryn artery, open
fatq hernia
faza fear
fud heart
fudl residues
fudl afina residues, putrid
fudl balamya residues, phlegmatic
fudl alza residues, tough
fudl lazia residues, viscid
fudl lazia alza residues, viscid
tough
fudl lazia muhtalifa residues,
disparate viscid
fudl muhtalifa residues, disparate
fudl muhtariqa residues, burning
fudl radya residues, bad
fudl safrwya residues,
yellow-bilious
fuwq hiccoughs

d al-fl elephantiasis adab excitement

d al-udm leprosy alabat ad-dam blood, predominance
d hadt disease, new of
d al-haiya ophiasis alabat al-marr biliousness,
d qadm disease, old predominance of
d at-talab alopecia alat ad-dihn mind, deceptions of
dam bleeding; blood amm distress
dam al-bawsr blood, haemorrhoidal arab mange
dammil buboes arab rat b mange, moist
darb bis-siyt injuries due to flogging arab t ary mange, moist
dt al-anb pneumonia arab ybis mange, dry
dawr vertigo asad body
dawy echoing aswat al-kabid liver, induration of
dihn mind aswat at- t ihl spleen, induration of
dim brain ay fainting
dq an-nafas breath, shortage of atayn nausea
diqq fever, hectic auf belly
dirab glands, swollen ild skin
dubaila lump, soft im intercourse, sexual; sex, drive
dd worms for
dd f l-batn worms, intestinal irha/t wound(s)
duf al-basar sight, weakness of i al-ain eye, blurred
duf al-kabid debility, hepatic ism body
duf al-maida debility, gastric; udm leprosy
stomach, debility of; stomach, udar smallpox
weakness of umm sorrow
254 glossary of technical terms
urh wound(s)
urh t ary wound, fresh
u hmid belching, acid
habal pregnancy
habal confusion, mental
haban dropsy
habb al-qar flukes
hadm digestion
hafaqn palpitations
hafaqn al-fud heart, palpitations of
hafaqn al-qalb heart, palpitations of
haid blood, menstrual
haiyt tapeworms
halq throat
hamya nqisa dignity, dwindling
sense of
hanzr scrofula
harra heat
harra adda heat, excessive
harrat al-maida stomach, heat of
harrat ar-ras head, heat in
harq lesion
harq an-nr burn(s)
hrr al-miz hot-tempered
has(h) ( f) (al-kul) kidney stones
has(h) ( f) al-matna bladder stones
hasba measles
hsira hip
hakara scab
hawnq quinsy
hazza ringworm
hikka itching
hln al-wah face, moles on
hilt alz humours, tenacious
hilt saudw humour, black-bilious
humm fever
humm balamya fever(s),
phlegmatic
humm l-ibb fever, tertian
humm l-kabid fever, hepatic
humm r-rib fever, quartan
hummayt afina fevers, putrid
hummayt atqa fevers, inveterate
hummayt balamya fever(s),
phlegmatic
hummayt brida balamya fevers,
cold phlegmatic
hummayt brida saudwya fevers,
cold black-bilious
hummayt hdda fevers, acute
hummayt id tlat fevers, prolonged
hummayt muhallat a fevers,
compounded
hummayt multahiba fevers, flaming
hummayt rhya atqa balamya
fevers, inveterate rheumatic-
phlegmatic
hummayt saudwya fevers,
black-bilious
hummayt tawla balamya fevers,
long phlegmatic
hummayt tawla saudwya fevers,
long black-bilious
humra erythema
humm grief
hunq quinsy
hurqa sensations, burning
hurqat al-baul sensations, burning
urinary
hur al-baul min air irda urine,
involuntary secretion of
husr retention
hunat as-sadr chest, raucity of
ibtid stages, early
idt irb f l-maqada rectum, agitated
ihll urethra
ihtilf regurgitation
ihtilf ad-dam bleeding, regurgitant
ihtirq sensations, flaming
ilal ad-dam blood, disorders of
ilal hrra diseases, hot
ilhm al-qarh ulcer, fleshy
iltiw al-am bowels, twisted
inz desire, sexual
infir ad-dam blood, outburst of
inhidm digestion
intitr al-afn eyelids, drooping
intitr al-afr eyelashes, loss of
irqa convalescence
irq munharaq vein, torn
irq an-nas sciatica
ishl diarrhoea; stools, liquid
ishl safrw diarrhoea, yellow-bilious
isqt miscarriage
istibd stages, early
istimr canal, alimentary
istirh limpness
istirh al-ad limbs, limpness of
istirh al-asab neurasthenia
istirh al-mafsil joints, limpness of
istirh al-maida stomach, laxity of
istirh ( f) al-matna bladder, flaccid;
laxity, vesical
istisq dropsy
istit lq al-batn disorder, abdominal
itiql cramp
 glossary of technical terms 255

kabid liver matna bladder

kaifyt modes, operational mian intestine(s)
kaims(t) alz(a) chyme(s), midda matter, purulent
glutinous minan sperm
kaimst fsida chymes, corrupt minhar(n) nostril(s)
kalab hydrophobia mirra safr yellow bile
kalaf freckles mirra safr atqa yellow bile,
karb anxiety inveterate
kasr al-anf nose, broken mirra saud black bile
katrat al-ata thirst, excessive miz mixture
katrat al-balam phlegm, excess of
katrat al-fudl residues, excess of nab()t a-ar hair, growth of
kubr at -t ihl spleen, enlargement of nafas breathing
kulan kidneys nafh flatulence
kulan brida kidneys, cold nafh al-maida flatulence, gastric
kulyatn kidneys nafha bloatedness
nfid shivering
lad al-hawmm stings of crawling naft ad-dam expectoration, bloody
animals nahma mucus
lad al-hawmm al-qtila stings of nah al-af bites of vipers
deadly crawlers nah al-haiyt bites of snakes
lahab inflammation nakha breath, smell of
lahm flesh nama speckles
lahm mait flesh, necrotic nab filth
laqwa paralysis, facial nazalt catarrh; discharge, catarrhal
las aqrab/al-aqrib sting(s) of nazalt il s-sadr running to chest
scorpion(s) nazf (ad-dam) bleeding; blood, loss of
las al-haiya/t snakebites; stings of nikh intercourse, sexual
snakes niqris gout
las al-hawmm bites of crawling niqris brid gout, cold
animals niqris hrr gout, hot
las as-sib bites of beasts of prey nisyn forgetfulness
lasat al-aqrab sting(s) of scorpion(s) nuqsn ad-dim brain, degeneration
laun complexion of
lihya beard nusl arrowheads
ln al-asab nerves, softening of
lita gums qadf ejection
qadf ad-dam blood, spitting of
m saliva qafan back
m f l-ain eyewater qai vomiting
m asfar water, yellow qalb heart
mabir channels qaml f l-badan body lice
madrr damage qamqm f l-lihya beard, parasites in
mafsil joints qara ( f r-ras) balding
mafl hemiplegia sufferer qasab splinters
mas gripes qaulan colic
mahrrn hot temper, those who qawb tetter
have qillat al-hadm digestion, inadequate
maida stomach qit r al-baul urine, trickling
maida dafa stomach, weak qiym ad-dam haemorrhage
maqada anus qba/ tetter
masmm al-ild skin, pores of qba muzmina tetter, chronic
mar erythema qba rat ba tetter, moist
maslln consumption sufferers qurh al-am ulcers, intestinal
256 glossary of technical terms
qurh atqa ulcers, inveterate
qurh al-matna ulcers, vesical
qurh muzmina ulcers, chronic
qurh radya ulcers, bad
qurh radya muzmina atqa ulcers,
bad chronic inveterate
qurh f r-ras scalp, ulcers on
qurh ar-ria ulcers, pulmonary
qurh saudwya ulcers, black-bilious
qurh al-udn ulcers, auricular
quwan mutahiya powers, sensual
rabw asthma
ras head; scalp
ras al-qadb penis, head of
ria/t lung(s)
rib quartan
ril bihi n-niqris foot, gouty
riyh flatuses; flux
riyh al-bawsr cramps,
haemorrhoidal
riyh alza wind, trapped
ruf nosebleed
rutba moistness; moisture
rutbt f l-batn belly, moistures in
rut bat al-maida stomach, moistness
of
rut bt f s-sadr chest, moistures in
sabal pannus
sadr chest; thorax
safa scabies
safa ybisa scabies, dry
afatn lips
sah abrasion
ahwa appetite
ahwa kalbya craving, doggish
ahwat at-t n geophagism
sakta apoplexy
sal fissures
salba hardening
salbat al-kabid liver, sclerosis of
salbat at -tihl spleen, sclerosis of
salas al-baul incontinence, urinary
samam deafness
aqqa hemicrania
ar hair
sar epilepsy
sar al-bata fits, epileptic
aran rash
arb ad-darrh cantharides, overshot
of
auk spikes
ausa pleurisy
sayaln ad-dam hyperaemia
sihha health
sill consumption
iqq ( f) a-afa(tain) lips, cracks in
iqq f l-wah face, cracks in
iqq f l-yadain hands, cracks in
s al-hadm indigestion
s al-istimr digestion, poor
s al-miz al-brid mixture, bad
cold
s miz hrr mixture, bad hot
sul cough(ing)
sul ybis cough, dry
sud headache
sud hrr headache, hot
sudad obstruction
sudad ad-dim brain, obstructions of
sudad al-kabid liver, obstruction of
sudad min ar-ria congestion,
pulmonary
sudad min as-sadr congestion,
pectoral
sudad at-t ihl spleen, obstruction of
sud(n) temples
sufrat al-ain eyes, yellow-coloured
sufrat al-laun complexion, pale
summ poisons
summ ad-dawbb venoms of
creeping animals
summ (min) al-hawmm venoms of
crawling animals
summ min al-lad venoms of biting
animals
summ min al-las venoms of
stinging animals
summ mutlifa poisons, destructive
summ qtila poisons, lethal; venoms,
deadly
summ min as-sib venoms of beasts
of prey
surra navel
tall wart(s)
ta ba mark(s)
ta ba nature
taaiyur al-aql paranoia
tahallin evacuation
talahhub sensations, flaming
talahhub al-qalb heartburn
tall wart(s)
ta mt blood, menstrual
ta nn tinnitus
tanqiya purification
taqarru hairloss
 glossary of technical terms
tasaddud obstruction
taannu convulsions
taannu al-asb convulsions,
nervous
t ihl spleen
tiql al-lisn speech, impediments of
tu ruq passageways
udn ear
ufna putridity
umq al-badan body, depth of
urq veins
usr al-baul ischuria
usr an-nafas breathing, difficulty in
usl al-asnn teeth, bases of
waa pain
waa al-dn earache
waa al-am ar-raqqa small
intestine, pain in
waa al-am as-suflya lower
intestines, pain in
waa al-arhm pain, uterine; womb,
pain(s) in
waa al-asab neuralgia
waa al-asnn toothache
waa al-asnn al-hrr toothache, hot
waa atq pain, inveterate
waa al-bat n belly, pain in; pain,
abdominal
waa al-fud chestpain
3. Botanical Names
a. EnglishLatin
absinthe: Artemisia absinthium
acorn: Quercus spp.
agaric: Polyporus officinalis
agnus castus: Vitex agnus-castus
agrimony: Agrimonia eupatoria
alecost: Tanacetum balsamita
alhagi: Alhagi maurorum
alkekengi: Physalis alkekengi
almond: Prunus amygdalus
almond, bitter: Prunus amara
almond, sweet: Prunus dulcis
aloe: Aloe vera
ammoniacum: Dorema ammoniacum
anise: Pimpinella anisum
apple: Malus sylvestris
apricot: Prunus armeniaca
areca: Areca catechu
257
waa al-anbain sides, pain in
waa al-auf belly, pain in
waa al-hsira hip, pain in
waa al-kabid liver, pain(s) in
waa al-kulyatain kidneys, pain(s) in
waa al-mafsil rheumatism
waa al-maida stomach, pain(s) in
waa al-maqada rectum, pain in
waa al-matn loins, pain in
waa ar-ras headache(s)
waa at -tihl spleen, pain(s) in
waa al-udn earache; pain, auricular
waa al-untayain testicles, pain in
waa al-wark ischium, pain in
waa az-zahr backpain
wah face
wahz stabs
waram swellings; tumours
waram al-batn tumours, abdominal
waram al-kabid liver, tumours of
waram al-maida stomach, tumours of
wasws melancholy
yaraqn jaundice
yubs al-ad limbs, dryness of
zahr dysentery
zahr back
zulma f l-ain vision, loss of
zulmat al-basar sight, loss of
asarabacca: Asarum europaeum
aspalathus: Aspalathus spp.
asparagus: Asparagus officinalis
babul: Acacia nilotica
babys breath: Gypsophila paniculata
Babylonian garden peppercress: Thlaspi
bursa-pastoris
balm: Commiphora opobalsamum
barberry: Berberis vulgaris
barley: Hordeum spp.
bay laurel: Laurus nobilis
bdellium: Balsamodendron spp.
bdellium africanum: Balsamodendron
africanum
bdellium mukul: Balsamodendron mukul
bean-trefoil: Anagyris foetida
258 glossary of technical terms
beet: Beta vulgaris
Bengal quince: Aegle marmelos
birthwort, long: Aristolochia longa
birthwort, rolled: Aristolochia rotunda
borage: Borago officinalis
boxthorn: Lycium barbarum
broad bean: Vicia faba
bull thistle: Cirsium vulgare
calamint: Calamintha sylvatica
caltrop: Tribulus terrestris
camphor: Cinnamomum camphora
cane [honey]: Saccharum officinarum
canella: Canella winterana
cantaloupe: Cucumis melo ssp.
cantalupensis
caper: Capparis spinosa
caraway: Carum carvi
caraway, wild: Lagoecia cuminoides
cardamom: Elettaria cardamomum
carob: Ceratonia siliqua
carrot: Daucus carota
cassia (lignea): Cinnamomum cassia
castor oil plant: Ricinus communis
celery: Apium graveolens
chamomile: Chamaemelum nobile
chickpea: Cicer arietinum
cinnamom: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
citron: Citrus medica
citronella: Cymbopogon nardus
clove: Syzygium aromaticum
clover: Trifolium spp.
colocynth: Citrullus colocynthis
common ash: Fraxinus excelsior
coriander: Coriandrum sativum
cubeb: Piper cubeba
cucumber: Cucumis sativus
cumin, black: Nigella sativa
cyperus: Cyperus rotundus
cypress: Cupressus sempervirens
Damask rose: Rosa damascena
date: Phoenix dactylifera
dill: Anethum graveolens
dodder: Cuscuta epithymum
dogs grass: Triticum caninum
dragons blood: Dracaena draco
dyers indigo: Indigofera tinctoria
dyers madder: Rubia tinctorum
elecampane: Inula helenium
embelia: Embelia ribes
emblic: Phyllanthus emblica
endive: Cichorium endivia
fennel: Foeniculum vulgare
fenugreek: Trigonella foenum-graecum
fig: Ficus carica
flax dodder: Cuscuta epilinum
fleawort: Plantago psyllium
forget-me-not: Myosotis scorpioides
frankincense: Boswellia spp.
French lavender: Lavandula stoechas
fumitory: Fumaria officinalis
galbanum: Ferula galbaniflua
galingale: Alpinia galanga
garden (pepper)cress: Lepidium sativum
garlic germander: Teucrium scordium
germander: Teucrium spp.
giant thistle: Onopordum acanthium
ginger: Zingiber officinale
glossostemon [root]: Glossostemon
bruguieri
gourd: Lagenaria vulgaris
grains of paradise: Aframomum
melegueta
grape: Vitis vinifera
grape ivy: Rhoicissus rhomboidea
greater celandine: Chelidonium majus
[Greek] gentian: Gentiana lutea
Greek hypericum: Hypericum barbatum
Greek spikenard: Valeriana celtica
green-winged orchid: Orchis morio
ground pine: Ajuga chamaepitys
gum-arabic: Acacia arabica
gum-senegal: Acacia senegal
harmala: Peganum harmala
hazelnut: Corylus avellana
hellebore: Helleborus spp.
hellebore, black: Helleborus niger
hellebore, white: Veratrum album
henbane: Hyoscyamus niger
henbane, white: Hyoscyamus albus
hollyhock: Althaea rosea
hop marjoram: Origanum dictamnus
horehound, white: Marrubium vulgare
horn poppy: Glaucium flavum
hypericum: Hypericum spp.
hyssop: Hyssopus officinalis
Indian caraway: Lagoecia cuminoides
[Indian] laurel: Laurus malabathrum
Indian lignaloes: Aquilaria malaccensis
Indian spikenard: Valeriana jatamansi
Indian walnut: Juglans regia ssp.
turcomanica
indigo: Indigofera tinctoria
 glossary of technical terms
iris, blue: Iris persica
iris, sky-coloured: Iris persica
iris, wild: Dietes grandiflora
jasmine [oil]: Jasminum officinale
jujube: Ziziphus jujuba
kamala: Mallotus philippinensis
[Kerman] cumin: Cuminum cyminum
knotgrass: Polygonum aviculare
ladanum: Cistus ladaniferus
leek: Allium porrum
lemon: Citrus limon
lemon balm: Melissa officinalis
lemon grass: Cymbopogon citratus
lentil: Lens esculenta
lettuce: Lactuca sativa
lignaloes: Aquilaria agallocha
linseed: Linum usitatissimum
liquorice: Glycyrrhiza glabra
long pepper: Piper longum
lote: Ziziphus lotus
lucerne: Medicago sativa
lupine: Lupinus albus
mace: Myristica fragrans
madder: Rubia tinctorum
mahaleb: Prunus mahaleb
maidenhair: Adiantum capillus-veneris
Malabar cardamom: Elettaria
cardamomum
male fern: Dryopteris filix-mas
mandrake: Mandragora officinarum
Maqsr sandalwood: Pterocarpus
indicus
marijuana: Cannabis sativa
marjoram, sweet: Origanum majorana
marjoram, wild: Origanum vulgare
marking nut: Semecarpus anacardium
marshmallow: Althaea officinalis
mastic: Pistacia lentiscus
meadow saffron: Colchicum autumnale
[Meccan] senna: Cassia senna
melilot: Melilotus officinalis
melon: Cucumis spp.
mezereon: Daphne mezereum
milk parsley: Peucedanum palustre
millet [rice]: Panicum miliaceum
mint: Mentha spp.
moon carrot: Seseli tortuosum
mountain mint: Clinopodium vulgare
mugwort: Artemisia vulgaris
mulberry: Morus spp.
259
mung bean: Vigna radiata
musk melon: Cucumis melo
mustard: Brassica nigra
mustard, white: Brassica alba
myrobalan: Terminalia spp.
myrobalan, beleric: Terminalia bellerica
myrobalan, chebulic: Terminalia chebula
myrrh: Commiphora myrrha
myrtle: Myrtus communis
[Nabataean] cabbage: Brassica oleracea
nenuphar: Nymphaea spp.
nightshade: Solanum nigrum
nutmeg: Myristica fragrans
oak: Quercus spp.
oleander: Nerium oleander
olibanum: Boswellia spp.
olive [oil]: Olea europaea sspp.
onion: Allium cepa
opium: Papaver somniferum
opopanax: Opopanax chironium
orache: Atriplex hortensis
orange: Citrus sinensis
pandanus: Pandanus odoratissimus
papyrus: Cyperus papyrus
parsley: Petroselinum crispum
parsnip: Pastinaca sativa
pear: Pyrus communis
pellitory: Anacyclus pyrethrum
pepper, black: Piper nigrum
pepper, white: Piper nigrum
Persian rose: Rosa persica
pine: Pinus spp.
pistachio: Pistacia vera
plantain: Plantago major
plum: Prunus domestica
polypody: Polypodium vulgare
pomegranate: Punica granatum
poppy: Papaver spp.
poppy, dark-coloured: Papaver rhoeas
poppy, light-coloured: Papaver
somniferum
poppy, red: Papaver persicum
poppy, white-flowered: Papaver
somniferum
purging cassia: Cassia fistula
purslane: Portulaca oleracea
quince: Cydonia oblonga
radish: Raphanus sativus
raisin: Vitis vinifera
260 glossary of technical terms
raisin, red: Vitis vinifera ssp. purpurea
ramie: Boehmeria nivea
rape: Brassica napus
rhubarb: Rheum palmatum
ribes: Rheum ribes
rice: Oryza sativa sspp.
rocket: Eruca sativa
Roman nettle: Urtica pilulifera
rose: Rosa spp.
rose, red: Rosa gallica
rue: Ruta graveolens
safflower: Carthamus tinctorius
saffron: Crocus sativus
sagapenum: Ferula persica
salsify: Tragopogon porrifolius
sandalwood: Santalum spp.
sandalwood, red: Pterocarpus santalinus
sandalwood, white: Santalum album
sandalwood, yellow: Pterocarpus indicus
sarcocolla: Astragalus sarcocolla
savin: Juniperus sabina
savory: Satureja spp.
saxifrage: Saxifraga spp.
scammony: Convolvulus scammonia
sea lavender, red: Limonium vulgare
sea lavender, white: Centaurea behen
sea onion: Urginea maritima
sebesten: Cordia sebestena
serpent melon: Cucumis flexuosus
serpent melon, wild: Ecballium elaterium
service: Sorbus domestica
sesame: Sesamum indicum
small centaury: Centaurium minus
Socotra aloe: Aloe succotrina
sorrel: Rumex acetosa
sorrel, wild: Rumex acetosella
b. LatinEnglish
Acacia arabica gum-arabic
Acacia nilotica babul
Acacia senegal gum-senegal
Acorus calamus sweet flag
Adiantum capillus-veneris maidenhair
Aegle marmelos Bengal quince
Aframomum melegueta grains of
paradise
Agrimonia eupatoria agrimony
Ajuga chamaepitys ground pine
Alectoria usneoides usnea
Alhagi maurorum alhagi
Allium cepa onion
Allium porrum leek
southernwood: Artemisia abrotanum
spurge: Euphorbia resinifera
squill: Urginea maritima
stavesacre: Delphinium staphisagria
storax, liquid: Liquidambar orientalis
storax, solid: Styrax officinalis
sumach: Rhus coriaria
sweet basil: Ocimum basilicum
sweet flag: Acorus calamus
tabasheer: Bambusa arundinacea
tamarind: Tamarindus indica
tarfa: Tamarix gallica
tarragon: Artemisia dracunculus
tragacanth: Astragalus tragacantha
turmeric: Curcuma longa
turpentine: Pistacia terebinthus
turpeth: Operculina turpethum
usnea: Alectoria usneoides
valerian: Valeriana officinalis
vetch: Vicia sativa
vine: Vitis vinifera
violet: Viola odorata
visnaga: Ammi visnaga
wall germander: Teucrium chamaedrys
wallflower, red: Erysimum perofskianum
wallflower, white: Erysimum cheiri
walnut: Juglans regia
watermint: Mentha aquatica
wheat: Triticum spp.
willow: Salix spp.
wormwood: Artemisia armeniaca
yercum [sugar]: Calotropis gigantea
Aloe succotrina Socotra aloe
Aloe vera aloe
Alpinia galanga galingale
Althaea officinalis marshmallow
Althaea rosea hollyhock
Ammi visnaga visnaga
Anacyclus pyrethrum pellitory
Anagyris foetida bean-trefoil
Anethum graveolens dill
Apium graveolens celery
Aquilaria agallocha lignaloes
Aquilaria malaccensis Indian lignaloes
Areca catechu areca
Aristolochia longa birthwort, long
 glossary of technical terms
Aristolochia rotunda birthwort,
rolled
Artemisia abrotanum southernwood
Artemisia absinthium absinthe
Artemisia armeniaca wormwood
Artemisia dracunculus tarragon
Artemisia vulgaris mugwort
Asarum europaeum asarabacca
Aspalathus spp. aspalathus
Asparagus officinalis asparagus
Astragalus sarcocolla sarcocolla
Astragalus tragacantha tragacanth
Atriplex hortensis orache
Balsamodendron spp. bdellium
Balsamodendron africanum bdellium
africanum
Balsamodendron mukul bdellium
mukul
Bambusa arundinacea tabasheer
Berberis vulgaris barberry
Beta vulgaris beet
Boehmeria nivea ramie
Borago officinalis borage
Boswellia spp. frankincense; olibanum
Brassica alba mustard, white
Brassica napus rape
Brassica nigra mustard
Brassica oleracea [Nabataean] cabbage
Calamintha sylvatica calamint
Calotropis gigantea yercum [sugar]
Canella winterana canella
Cannabis sativa marijuana
Capparis spinosa caper
Carthamus tinctorius safflower
Carum carvi caraway
Cassia fistula purging cassia
Cassia senna [Meccan] senna
Centaurea behen sea lavender, white
Centaurium minus small centaury
Ceratonia siliqua carob
Chamaemelum nobile chamomile
Chelidonium majus greater celandine
Cicer arietinum chickpea
Cichorium endivia endive
Cinnamomum camphora camphor
Cinnamomum cassia cassia (lignea)
Cinnamomum zeylanicum cinnamom
Cirsium vulgare bull thistle
Cistus ladaniferus ladanum
Citrullus colocynthis colocynth
Citrus limon lemon
261
Citrus medica citron
Citrus sinensis orange
Clinopodium vulgare mountain mint
Colchicum autumnale meadow saffron
Commiphora myrrha myrrh
Commiphora opobalsamum balm
Convolvulus scammonia scammony
Cordia sebestena sebesten
Coriandrum sativum coriander
Corylus avellana hazelnut
Crocus sativus saffron
Cucumis spp. melon
Cucumis flexuosus serpent melon
Cucumis melo musk melon
Cucumis melo ssp. cantalupensis
cantaloupe
Cucumis sativus cucumber
Cuminum cyminum [Kerman] cumin
Cupressus sempervirens cypress
Curcuma longa turmeric
Cuscuta epilinum flax dodder
Cuscuta epithymum dodder
Cydonia oblonga quince
Cymbopogon citratus lemon grass
Cymbopogon nardus citronella
Cyperus papyrus papyrus
Cyperus rotundus cyperus
Daphne mezereum mezereon
Daucus carota carrot
Delphinium staphisagria stavesacre
Dietes grandiflora iris, wild
Dorema ammoniacum ammoniacum
Dracaena draco dragons blood
Dryopteris filix-mas male fern
Ecballium elaterium serpent melon,
wild
Elettaria cardamomum cardamom;
Malabar cardamom
Embelia ribes embelia
Eruca sativa rocket
Erysimum cheiri wallflower, white
Erysimum perofskianum wallflower,
red
Euphorbia resinifera spurge
Ferula galbaniflua galbanum
Ferula persica sagapenum
Ficus carica fig
Foeniculum vulgare fennel
Fraxinus excelsior common ash
Fumaria officinalis fumitory
262 glossary of technical terms
Gentiana lutea [Greek] gentian
Glaucium flavum horn poppy
Glossostemon bruguieri glossostemon
[root]
Glycyrrhiza glabra liquorice
Gypsophila paniculata babys breath
Helleborus spp. hellebore
Helleborus niger hellebore, black
Hordeum spp. barley
Hyoscyamus albus henbane, white
Hyoscyamus niger henbane
Hypericum spp. hypericum
Hypericum barbatum Greek
hypericum
Hyssopus officinalis hyssop
Indigofera tinctoria dyers indigo;
indigo
Inula helenium elecampane
Iris persica iris, blue; iris, sky-coloured
Jasminum officinale jasmine [oil]
Juglans regia walnut
Juglans regia ssp. turcomanica Indian
walnut
Juniperus sabina savin
Lactuca sativa lettuce
Lagenaria vulgaris gourd
Lagoecia cuminoides caraway, wild;
Indian caraway
Laurus malabathrum [Indian] laurel
Laurus nobilis bay laurel
Lavandula stoechas French lavender
Lens esculenta lentil
Lepidium sativum garden (pepper)
cress
Limonium vulgare sea lavender, red
Linum usitatissimum linseed
Liquidambar orientalis storax, liquid
Lupinus albus lupine
Lycium barbarum boxthorn
Mallotus philippinensis kamala
Malus sylvestris apple
Mandragora officinarum mandrake
Marrubium vulgare horehound, white
Medicago sativa lucerne
Melilotus officinalis melilot
Melissa officinalis lemon balm
Mentha spp. mint
Mentha aquatica watermint
Morus spp. mulberry
Myosotis scorpioides forget-me-not
Myristica fragrans mace; nutmeg
Myrtus communis myrtle
Nerium oleander oleander
Nigella sativa cumin, black
Nymphaea spp. nenuphar
Ocimum basilicum sweet basil
Olea europaea sspp. olive [oil]
Onopordum acanthium giant thistle
Operculina turpethum turpeth
Opopanax chironium opopanax
Orchis morio green-winged orchid
Origanum dictamnus hop marjoram
Origanum majorana marjoram, sweet
Origanum vulgare marjoram, wild
Oryza sativa sspp. rice
Pandanus odoratissimus pandanus
Panicum miliaceum millet [rice]
Papaver spp. poppy
Papaver persicum poppy, red
Papaver rhoeas poppy, dark-coloured
Papaver somniferum opium; poppy,
light-coloured; poppy, white-flowered
Pastinaca sativa parsnip
Peganum harmala harmala
Petroselinum crispum parsley
Peucedanum palustre milk parsley
Phoenix dactylifera date
Phyllanthus emblica emblic
Physalis alkekengi alkekengi
Pimpinella anisum anise
Pinus spp. pine
Piper cubeba cubeb
Piper longum long pepper
Piper nigrum pepper, black; pepper,
white
Pistacia lentiscus mastic
Pistacia terebinthus turpentine
Pistacia vera pistachio
Plantago major plantain
Plantago psyllium fleawort
Polygonum aviculare knotgrass
Polypodium vulgare polypody
Polyporus officinalis agaric
Portulaca oleracea purslane
Prunus amara almond, bitter
Prunus amygdalus almond
Prunus armeniaca apricot
Prunus domestica plum
 glossary of technical terms
Prunus dulcis almond, sweet
Prunus mahaleb mahaleb
Pterocarpus indicus Maqsr
sandalwood; sandalwood, yellow
Pterocarpus santalinus sandalwood,
red
Punica granatum pomegranate
Pyrus communis pear
Quercus spp. acorn; oak
Raphanus sativus radish
Rheum palmatum rhubarb
Rheum ribes ribes
Rhoicissus rhomboidea grape ivy
Rhus coriaria sumach
Ricinus communis castor oil plant
Rosa spp. rose
Rosa damascena Damask rose
Rosa gallica rose, red
Rosa persica Persian rose
Rubia tinctorum dyers madder;
madder
Rumex acetosa sorrel
Rumex acetosella sorrel, wild
Ruta graveolens rue
Saccharum officinarum cane
[honey]
Salix spp. willow
Santalum spp. sandalwood
Santalum album sandalwood, white
Satureja spp. savory
Saxifraga spp. saxifrage
Semecarpus anacardium marking nut
Sesamum indicum sesame
Seseli tortuosum moon carrot
Solanum nigrum nightshade
Sorbus domestica service
4. Generic Drug Names
The symbol + before a number indicates that the corresponding drug name occurs in
the context of this recipe.
abrasion (enema) 112
absinthe (beverage) 61
absinthe (decoction) 162
absinthe (oil) 66
absinthe (pastille) 15
Adud aloe (pill) 168
Adud bone-setting (cataplasm) 77
agrimony (decoction) 159
263
Styrax officinalis storax, solid
Syzygium aromaticum clove
Tamarindus indica tamarind
Tamarix gallica tarfa
Tanacetum balsamita alecost
Terminalia spp. myrobalan
Terminalia bellerica myrobalan, beleric
Terminalia chebula myrobalan, chebulic
Teucrium spp. germander
Teucrium chamaedrys wall germander
Teucrium scordium garlic germander
Thlaspi bursa-pastoris Babylonian
garden peppercress
Tragopogon porrifolius salsify
Tribulus terrestris caltrop
Trifolium spp. clover
Trigonella foenum-graecum fenugreek
Triticum spp. wheat
Triticum caninum dogs grass
Urginea maritima sea onion; squill
Urtica pilulifera Roman nettle
Valeriana celtica Greek spikenard
Valeriana jatamansi Indian spikenard
Valeriana officinalis valerian
Veratrum album hellebore, white
Vicia faba broad bean
Vicia sativa vetch
Vigna radiata mung bean
Viola odorata violet
Vitex agnus-castus agnus castus
Vitis vinifera grape; raisin; vine
Vitis vinifera ssp. purpurea raisin, red
Zingiber officinale ginger
Ziziphus jujuba jujube
Ziziphus lotus lote
agrimony (pastille) 16
ailwus (pastille) 10
alkekengi (pastille) 22
almond (lohoch) 31
aloe (infusion) 164
amber (pastille) 21
apple (beverage) +11, 42
apple (rob) +47
264 glossary of technical terms
apple only (rob) 48
Arkns (hiera) 154
arsenics (enema) 115
barata (theriac) 265
bdellium (pill) 174
bishops (electuary) 274
borage (beverage) 181
caper (pastille) 7
chamomile (oil) 65
citron (beverage) 41
citron (rob) 52
citron (stomachic) 252
colic (enema) 109
cough (pill) 176
dark-coloured poppy (lohoch) 30
date (rob) 50
dill (oil) 68
diybait (powder) 123
diyqd (lohoch) 28
dodder-agaric (decoction) 157
fann (stomachic) 148
fat (liniment) 283
fevers (pastille) 6
fqr (hiera) 155, +167, +171
flagon (water) 117
fruit (beverage) 277
Glns (hiera) 153
gold (pill) 175
grained clay (powder) 120
gum-senegal (pastille) 19
hammer-scale (stomachic) 148
hiera (pill) 171
hot gout (cataplasm) 81
hyssop (decoction) 35, 36, 161
joints (pill) 256
kaukab (pastille) 9 quince (stomachic) 146
l mazdahyn (pastille) 9
large barberry (pastille) 4
larger alecost (oil) 75
larger itr fal (electuary) 141
lignaloes (pastille) 25
lignaloes (stomachic) 147
loins (pill) 173
Ldiy (hiera) 152, +186
marking nut (stomachic) 145
mastic (lohoch) 260
mastic (oil) 67
meadow saffron (pill) 172
Mitrdt s (electuary) 149, +150
mother of favours (powder) 259
mk (paste) +111
mulberry (rob) 51
musk (stomachic) 143
myrobalan (pill) 272
myrtle (beverage) +11
myrtle (oil) 63
myrtle (rob) +19, 44
myrtle only (rob) +2
nard (oil) 62
ntif (paste) +111
oil-and-wax (liniment) 136
painters (coolant) 292
pandanus (beverage) 43
pellitory (oil) 71
peppers (stomachic) 137
philosophers (electuary) 151
plain oxymel (beverage) +6, 266
pleurisy (cataplasm) 80
plum (lohoch) 34
plum (rob) 49
pomegranate (rob) +47, 53
pomegranate flower (pastille) 17
pomegranate only (rob) 46
pomegranate seed (powder) +38, 119
poppy (beverage) 267
poppy (lohoch) 33
poppy (pastille) 8
poppy (rob) 56
prophets (liniment) 264
purging cassia (decoction) 158
qfiyn (pastille) +149, 150
quince (oil) 70
quince (rob) +11
quince only (rob) 45
qqy (pill) 170
red coral (pastille) 18
rhubarb (pastille) 20
roots (decoction) 160, 163
roots (water) +149
rose (coolant) 199
rose (pastille) 12, 13
 glossary of technical terms
rue (oil) 69
Rfus (hiera) 156
abyr (pill) 169
sandalwood (beverage) +124
seed hazelnuts (powder) 129
seeds (powder) 120
seeds (stomachic) 142
shivering (pastille) 6
lt (snuff) +152
skink (stomachic) 144
small barberry (pastille) 3
smaller alecost (oil) 74
smaller it rfal (electuary) 140
soft-rinded pomegranate (lohoch)
sorrel (pastille) 2
spleen (powder) 127
stalks (powder) 124
stomachic (pill) 167
storax (oil) 64
265
sukk (~perfume) +58, +82, +83, +92,
+182, +186, +204
sumach (pastille) 11
srinthn (dentifrice) 200
sweet marjoram (oil) 72
tabasheer (pastille) 1, +39
theriac-of-the-four (treacle) 198
threads (suppository) 116
T iydurts (hiera) +153
unripe grape only (rob) 47
verdigris (liniment) +89
29 violet (pastille) 26
violet (pill) 180
violet (rob) 59
wild iris (oil) 73
worm (powder) 126
 ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY, THEOLOGY AND SCIENCE
TEXTS AND STUDIES
ISSN 0169-8729

8. Fakhry, M. Ethical Theories in Islam. Second expanded edition. 1994.

ISBN 90 04 09300 1
9. Kemal, S. The Poetics of Alfarabi and Avicenna. 1991. ISBN 90 04 09371 0
10. Alon, I. Socrates in Medieval Arabic Literature. 1991. ISBN 90 04 09349 4
11. Bos, G. Qus ibn Lqs Medical Regime for the Pilgrims to Mecca. The Risla f
tadbr safar al-ajj. 1992. ISBN 90 04 09541 1
12. Kohlberg, E. A Medieval Muslim Scholar at Work. Ibn Tws and his Library.
1992. ISBN 90 04 09549 7
13. Daiber, H. Naturwissenschaft bei den Arabern im 10. Jahrhundert n. Chr. Briefe
des Ab l-Fal Ibn al-{Amd (gest. 360/970) an {Audaddaula. Herausgegeben
mit Einleitung, kommentierter bersetzung und Glossar. 1993.
ISBN 90 04 09755 4
14. Dhanani, A. The Physical Theory of Kalm. Atoms, Space, and Void in Basrian
Mu{tazil Cosmology. 1994. ISBN 90 04 09831 3
15. Ab Ma{ar. The Abbreviation of the Introduction to Astrology. Together with the
Medieval Latin Translation of Adelard of Bath. Edited and Translated by Ch.
Burnett, K. Yamamoto and M. Yano. 1994. ISBN 90 04 09997 2
16. Sbr Ibn Sahl. Dispensatorium Parvum (al-Aqrbdhn al-aghr). Analysed,
Edited and Annotated by O. Kahl. 1994. ISBN 90 04 10004 0
17. Marth, M. Die Araber und die antike Wissenschaftstheorie. bersetzung aus
dem Ungarischen von Johanna Till und Gbor Kerekes. 1994.
ISBN 90 04 10008 3
18. Ibn Ab al-Duny. Morality in the Guise of Dreams. A Critical Edition of Kitb al-
Manm, with Introduction, by Leah Kinberg. 1994. ISBN 90 04 09818 6
19. Kgelgen, A. von. Averroes und die arabische Moderne. Anstze zu einer Neube-
grndung des Rationalismus im Islam. 1994. ISBN 90 04 09955 7
20. Lameer, J. Al-Frb and Aristotelian Syllogistics. Greek Theory and Islamic
Practice. 1994. ISBN 90 04 09884 4
22. Adang, C. Muslim Writers on Judaism and the Hebrew Bible. 1996.
ISBN 90 04 10034 2
23. Dallal, A.S. An Islamic Response to Greek Astronomy. Kitb Ta{dl Hay}at al-Aflk
of adr al-Shari{a. Edited with Translation and Commentary. 1995.
ISBN 90 04 09968 9
24. Conrad, L.I. (ed.). The World of Ibn ufayl. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on
ayy ibn Yaqn. 1995. ISBN 90 04 10135 7
25. Hermansen, M.K. (tr.). The Conclusive Argument from God. Shh Wal Allh of
Delhis ujjat Allh al-Bligha. 1996. ISBN 90 04 10298 1
26. Abrahamov, B. Anthropomorphism and Interpretation of the Qur}n in the Theo-
logy of al-Qsim ibn Ibrhm. Kitb al-Mustarshid. 1996.
ISBN 90 04 10408 9
27. Wild, S. (ed.). The Qur}an as Text. 1996. ISBN 90 04 10344 9
28. Riddell, P.G. and T. Street (eds.). Islam: Essays on Scripture, Thought and Socie-
ty. A Festschrift in Honour of Anthony H. Johns. 1997. ISBN 90 04 10692 8
29. Jolivet, J. and R. Rashed (eds.). uvres philosophiques et scientifiques dal-
Kind. Volume I. LOptique et la Catoptrique. Edited by R. Rashed. 1997.
ISBN 90 04 09781 3
30. Rudolph, U. Al-Mturd und die sunnitische Theologie in Samarkand. 1997.
ISBN 90 04 10023 7
31. Endress, G. and J. A.Aertsen (eds.). Averroes and the Aristotelian Tradition. Sour-
ces, Constitution and Reception of the Philosophy of Ibn Rushd (1126-1198).
Proceedings of the Fourth Symposium Averroicum (Cologne, 1996).
ISBN 90 04 11308 8
32. Elmore, G.T. Islamic Sainthood in the Fullness of Time. Ibn al-{Arabs Book of
the Fabulous Gryphon. 1999. ISBN 90 04 10991 9
33. Ab Ma{ar. Kitb al-milal wa-d-duwal. Arabic text edited by K. Yamamoto with
an English translation by K. Yamamoto and Ch. Burnett. 1999.
ISBN 90 04 10725 8
34. Albumasar. De Magnis Coniunctionibus (On the Great Coniunctions). Latin text
edited by Ch. Burnett and Arabic-Latin, Latin Arabic Glossaries by K. Yamamoto
and Ch. Burnett. 1999. ISBN 90 04 11074 7
35. Stroumsa, S. Freethinkers of Medieval Islam. Ibn al-Rwand, Ab Bakr al-Rz,
and Their Impact on Islamic Thought. 1999. ISBN 90 04 11374 6
36. King, D.A. World-Maps for Finding the Direction and Distance to Mecca. Inno-
vation and Tradition in Islamic Science. 1999. ISBN 90 04 11367 3
37. Bar-Asher, M.M. Scripture and Exegesis in Early Imm Shiism. 1999.
ISBN 90 04 11495 5
38. Sayyid Jall al-Dn shtiyn et al. Consciousness and Reality. Studies in Memo-
ry of Toshihiko Izutsu. 2000. ISBN 90 04 11586 2
39. Schmidtke, S. Theologie, Philosophie und Mystik im zwlfershiitischen Islam des
9./15. Jahrhunderts. Die Gedankenwelten des Ibn Ab umhr al-As} (um
838/1434-35 nach 906/1501). 2000. ISBN 90 04 11531 5
40. Griffel, F. Apostasie und Toleranz im Islam. Die Entwicklung zu al-azls Urteil
gegen die Philosophie und die Reaktionen der Philosophen. 2000.
ISBN 90 04 11566 8
41. Heemskerk, M.T. Suffering in the Mu{tazilite Theology. { Abd al-Jabbrs Teach-
ing on Pain and Divine Justice. 2000. ISBN 90 04 11726 1
42. Rashed, R. and H. Bellosta. Ibrhm Ibn Sinn. Logique et Gomtrie au Xe
Sicle. 2000. ISBN 90 04 11804 7
43. Tamer, G. Islamische Philosophie und die Krise der Moderne. Das Verhltnis von
Leo Strauss zu Alfarabi, Avicenna und Averroes. 2001. ISBN 90 04 12029 7
44. Genequand, C. Alexander of Aphrodisias on the Cosmos. 2001.
ISBN 90 04 11963 9
45. Calverley, E.E. and J.W. Pollock. Nature, Man and God in Medieval Islam.
Volume one. 2002. ISBN 90 04 12381 4
Volume two. 2002. ISBN 90 04 12382 2
46. Swartz, M. A Medieval Critique of Anthropomorphism. Ibn al-Jawzs Kitb
Akhbr a-ift. 2002. ISBN 90 04 12376 8
47. Kusuba, T. and D. Pingree. Arabic Astronomy in Sanskrit. Al-Birjand on Tadh-
kira II, Chapter 11 and its Sanskrit Translation. 2002. ISBN 90 04 12475 6
48. ~skenderolu, M. Fakhr al-dn al-Rz and Thomas Aquinas on the Question of the
Eternity of the World. 2002. ISBN 90 04 12480 2
49. Reisman, D.C. The making of the Avicennan Tradition. The Transmission, Con-
tents, and Structure of Ibn Sns al-Mubatt (The Discussions). 2002.
ISBN 90 04 12504 3
50. Behloul, S.M. Ibn azms Evangelienkritik. Eine methodische Untersuchung.
2002. ISBN 90 04 12527 2
51. Charette, F. Mathematical Instrumentation in Fourteenth-Century Egypt and
Syria. The Illustrated Treatise of Najm al-Dn al-Mr. 2003.
ISBN 90 0413015 2
52. Reisman, D.C. (ed.). Before and After Avicenna. Proceedings of the First Confer-
ence of the Avicenna Study Group. 2003. ISBN 90 04 12978 2
53. Kahl, O. Sbr Ibn Sahl. The Small Dispensatory. 2003. ISBN 90 04 12996 0
54. Burnett, C., J.P. Hogendijk, K. Plofker and M. Yano. Studies in the History of the
Exact Sciences in Honour of David Pingree. 2004. ISBN 90 04 13202 3
56. McGinnis, J. (ed.). Interpreting Avicenna: Science and Philosophy in Medieval
Islam. Proceedings of the Second Conference of the Avicenna Study Group. 2004.
ISBN 90 04 13960 5
57. Eschraghi, A. Frhe SE ai- und Bb-Theologie. Die Darlegung der Beweise fr
Muammads besonderes Prophetentum (Ar-Risla f Itbat an-Nubwa al-a).
2004. ISBN 90 04 14034 4
58. Acar, R. Talking about God and Talking about Creation. Avicennas and Thomas
Aquinas positions. 2005. ISBN 90 04 14477 3
59. Akasoy, A. Philosophie und Mystik in der spten Almohadenzeit. Die Siziliani-
schen Fragen des Ibn Sab#n. 2006. ISBN 90 04 14522 2
60. Schck, C. Koranexegese, Grammatik und Logik. Zum Verhltnis von arabischer
und aristotelischer Urteils-, Konsequenz- und Schlulehre. 2006.
ISBN 90 04 14588 5
61. Endress, G. (ed.). Organizing Knowledge. Encyclopdic Activities in the Pre-
Eighteenth Century Islamic World. 2006. ISBN 978 90 04 14697 6
62. Mourad, S.A. Early Islam between Myth and History. Al-asan al-Bar (d.
110H/728CE) and the Formation of His Legacy in Classical Islamic Scholarship.
2006. ISBN 978 90 04 14829 1
63. Bertolacci, A. The Reception of Aristotles Metaphysics in Avicennas Kitb al-
S[ if}. A Milestone of Western Metaphysical Thought. 2006.
ISBN 978 90 04 14899 4
64. Shihadeh, A. The Teleological Ethics of Fakhr al-Dn al-Rz. 2006.
ISBN 978 90 04 14991 5
65. Pourjavady, R. and S. Schmidtke. A Jewish Philosopher of Baghdad. {Izz al-
Dawla Ibn Kammna (d. 683/1284) and His Writings. 2006.
ISBN 978 90 04 15139 0
66. Zakeri, M. (ed. and tr.). Persian Wisdom in Arabic Garb. {Al b. {Ubayda al-
Rayn (D. 219/834) and his Jawhir al-kilam wa-far}id al-ikam. 2007.
ISBN 978 90 04 15168 0
67. Wakelnig, E. (Hrsg.). Feder, Tafel, Mensch. Al-{@mirs Kitb al-Ful f l-
Ma{lim al-ilhya und die arabische Proklos-Rezeption im 10. Jh. 2006.
ISBN 978 90 04 15255 7
68. Schmidl, P. Volkstmliche Astronomie im islamischen Mittelalter. Zur Bestim-
mung der Gebetszeiten und der Qibla bei al-Aba, Ibn Raq und al-Fris.
2007. ISBN 978 90 04 15390 5
69. Belo, C. Chance and Determinism in Avicenna and Averroes. 2007.
ISBN 978 90 04 15587 9
70. Kahl, O. The Dispensatory of Ibn at-Tilmd. Arabic Text, English Translation,
Study and Glossaries. 2007. ISBN 978 90 04 15620 3
71. Hildebrandt, T. Neo-Mu{tazilismus? Intention und Kontext im modernen arabi-
schen Umgang mit dem rationalistischen Erbe des Islam. 2007.
ISBN 978 90 04 15099 7
72. Gleave, R. Scripturalist Islam. The History and Doctrines of the Akhbr Sh{
School. 2007. ISBN 978 90 04 15728 6
73. Hoover, J. Ibn Taymiyyas Theodicy of Perpetual Optimism. 2007.
ISBN 978 90 04 15847 4
74. Vrolijk, A. and J. Hogendijk (eds.). O ye Gentlemen: Arabic Studies on Science
and Literary Culture. In Honour of Remke Kruk. 2007. ISBN 978 90 04 15794 1
75. Raven, W. and A. Akasoy (eds.). Islamic Thought in the Middle Ages. Studies in
Text, Transmission and Translation, in Honour of Hans Daiber. 2008.
ISBN 978 90 04 16565 6
76. Vagelpohl, U. Aristotles Rhetoric in the East. The Syriac and Arabic translation
and commentary tradition. 2008. ISBN 978 90 04 16681 3
77. Ljubovice , A. Works in Logic by Bosniac Authors in Arabic. 2008.
ISBN 978 90 04 16856 5
78. Kahl, O. Sbr ibn Sahls Dispensatory in the Recension of the {Aud Hospital.
2009. ISBN 978 90 04 17124 4
79. Koutzarova, T. Das Transzendentale bei Ibn Sina. Zur Metaphysik als Wissen-
schaft erster Begriffs- und Urteilsprinzipien. 2009. ISBN 978 90 04 17123 7