The Old English Herbals

by Eleanour Sinclair Rohde

414 (d). Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

15th century. Collection of recipes in English, probably all by John Ardern of Newark. Illustrated with rough coloured drawings of herbs, instruments and patients. It begins, “This is a mirrour of bloodletynge in þe weche þey þt wolen beholden it diligently,” etc. There is a recipe in French for Greek fire. Exp. “tabula libri Sirurgice.” Mag. Joh. Arderne de Newerk.

(Given by Humphrey Moseley, 1649.)

69. Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

15th century. Here begynnythe an herball of namys & vertues of diverse herbys aftyr letterys of the a, b, c, etc.

905 (I). Trinity College, Cambridge.

15th century. Virtues of various plants.

905 (II. 4). Trinity College, Cambridge.

15th century. On the virtues of herbs.

Inc. “This booke is drawe be Fesyk. That Macer made for hem þat been seck. Y^e vertu of herbis it discryeth ryght wel.”