EUphorbium is a Gum that flows from among thick prickly Leaves, in the Nature of a Shrub-Tree, that is found in great Quantities in Libya, upon Mount Atlas, and in Africa. The Antients have writ variously upon the Nature of Euphorbium, and of the Manner of gathering it. Some saying that it flow'd by means of wounding the Ends of the Plant with Iron Instruments, from whence came a Smell that was very mischievous, and likewise that the Leaves were cut, by which means there came forth a white Juice, like Milk, which was receiv'd in Sheep-Skins: And others will have it that it was a thick Juice, from a Green of about the Size and Shape of our Cucumber. But those who have seen it, as well as myself, can attest it is no such thick Juice, as suppos'd, but the Gum of a Tree. And besides, I can assure you 'tis so from the Sight of the Leaf, which is the Length and Thickness of one's Thumb, of a quadrangular Shape, each Corner of which is found full of sharp Thorns, at the Bottom of which is the Euphorbium, which is gain'd without any Incision, according to the Figure mark'd A. Chuse the newest, of a white Colour, inclining to Gold; the least full of Dirt, the dryest and cleanest that is possible.
There is abundance of little Berries to be met withal in Euphorbium, made in the Shape of a Priest's Cap, very light, of the Colour of Coriander, in which is contain'd a little round Seed, like a Pin's Head, which some have assur'd me is the Seed of a Plant which brings forth the Euphorbium. This Drug is not much us'd in Medicine, because of its immoderate Heat, and great Acrimony; but much more by the Farriers, being very good for the Farcy and Wind-Galls in Horses. The Africans use this Gum internally, but they wash it first in Poppy-Water, to abate the Heat of it.
Euphorbium being reduc'd into a fine Powder, which is a very difficult Task to do, is enclos'd in a hollow'd Quince, which being cover'd over with a Paste, is bak'd in an Oven. It ought to be corrected with Vinegar, Juice of Lemons, or four Pomegranates; or else with the Flegm or Spirit of Vitriol. By a chymical Analysis it yields a great deal of Oil of a most stinking Smell, and a hot burning Taste; moreover, an acid Flegm, and a sharp, concreted, volatile Salt are extracted from it. Euphorbium purges violently from five Grains to twelve, and is us'd against the Dropsy and lethargick Distemper. The Pills of Euphorbium of Quercetan, are prepar'd from it, being good against intermitting Fevers. It is us'd in the Pills of Nitre of Trallianus, in Mesue's Pills of Hermodactyls, in the great or Roman Philoninm.
Euphorbium, so call'd from Euphorbius, Physician to King Juba, who first introduc'd it into Practice, and with it cur'd Augustus Caesar. This is a yellowish Gum in little brittle Pieces, very acrid and burning to the Taste. It flows by cutting from a Sort of Ferula that bears the same Name. The Bark is hard and thorny; the Leaves about the Length of a Man's Finger, and thick, of a quadrangular Form, garnish'd at each Angle with a great number of little Thorns. It grows in Libya.
It is yellow and clear, in hollow Drops as big as Pease, and almost like Sarcocol, and is in Bladders as clear as Glass. Chuse that which is white, bright, pure, or yellow and sharp, which, with a small Touch makes the Tongue burn. It is the better for being old, Age abating its Sharpness, which whilst fresh is not to be us'd. Dodonaeus faith it is the Gum of a Plant. Dioscorides affirms, that it proceeds from a kind of Libyan Ferula, being cut. It is adulterated with Gum Sarcocol, and Juice of Tithymal or Spurge. It purges serous and watery Humours, but is violently inflaming. It is administer'd with great Caution in Dropsies, Gouts, Palsies, and Green-Sickness; for it powerfully opens the Womb, provokes the Terms, and brings away both Birth and After-Birth.