# Species Pleris Archonticon

**Known today as.** A named compound powder of the apothecary, of aromatics such as cinnamon, cloves, aloeswood, and spikenard, with red coral and musk (note XL).

Kind: Compound

## What did Canale use it for?

In the powder for the bewitched and in morsels (ch. 6).

## What does modern science say?

A cordial aromatic compound, commended by Culpeper for melancholy, weak stomachs, faintings, and bad memories.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **cinnamon, cloves, galangal, nutmeg, mace, cardamom**: the aromatics
- **red coral**: 
- **musk and camphor**: 
- **silk**: eighteen grains in the London recipe

**Mechanism.** An aromatic powder that the London College took from Nicholaus, to be made up with ten times its weight of sugar in balm water into an electuary: Culpeper gives it for melancholy, weak stomachs, faintings, bad memories, the falling sickness, and cold afflictions of the lungs.

**Dose.** A drachm in the morning, or more, as age and strength require (Culpeper).

## Sources

- Culpeper, N. (1653). *Pharmacopoeia Londinensis*, “Species Pleres Archonticon.”

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*Species Pleris Archonticon.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-10-03. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/species-pleris-archonticon

Historical description, not medical advice.