Capsicum annuum 'Masquerade' Distribution: Central and South America. This ‘domesticated species’ originated from Mexico (although the centre of Capsicum evolution was much earlier and from Bolivia) and includes the bland salad peppers and the hot chilli peppers, of which capsaicin (sometimes called capsicain), from the lining of the inside of the chilli, is the main active ingredient. Chilli comes from the Aztec language of the Nahuatl people. It was reputedly introduced to Europe by Columbus in the mid-15th century, but was cultivated in Mexico since 4,000 BCE and used in cooking since 7,200 BCE. After its introduction to Europe, its cultivation very rapidly became world-wide. It appears first as a description (Bock, 1539) with the name teutschem Pfeffer. The first illustration, as Siliquastrum, appears in Historia Stirpes commentarii insignis (Fuchs, 1542). Fuchs did not realise it came from the Americas, as he identified it as a plant described by Pliny, Dioscorides and Avicenna and gave their uses of it. It appear in Dodoen's Cruydeboeck (1551) and Lyte's translation (1557) with the note that it is 'hot and drie in the third degree.' He recommended it for dressing meat, and noted that it 'warmeth the stomach' and was good for a sore throat, scrofula, and topically got rid of spots. Fuch's had reported these properties as being described by Avicenna, but what that plant was is unknown. Lindley (1838) wrote: 'It is employed in medicine, in combination with Cinchona in intermittent and lethargic affections, and also in atonic gout, dyspepsia accompanied by flatulence, tympanitis, paralysis etc. Its most valuable application appears however to be in cynanche maligna [=severe sore throat, with impending suffocation] and scarlatina maligna [=severe scarlet fever], used either as a gargle or administered internally.' However, its principal use medically has been in pain relief, applied locally for pain from muscle injury to post herpetic neuralgia. Capsaicin acts on the pain and heat sensing neurones to make them trigger the sensation of pain at body temperature. Repeated exposure to capsaicin depletes the neurotransmitter substance P that is used to perceive pain, so the relevant nerves no longer transmit the sensation of pain/heat from any cause. It is a banned substance in the equestrian events at the Olympics because of its ability to stop perception of pain. Capsaicin has been shown, experimentally, to kill cancer cells by attacking their mitochondria. Particular interest has concentrated on its ability to reduce the size of tumours of the pancreas and prostate. Various cultivars are used in cooking, and the strength (i.e. how hot they are) is measured in Scoville units. A standard chilli pepper used in England would be around 5,000 Scovilles, the hottest peppers are rated over one million Scoville units. Photographed in the Medicinal Garden of the Royal College of Physicians, London.

Pronosticatio in latino rara et prius non audita: quae exponit et declarat non nullos coeli fluxus: et inclinationem certarum constellationum magne videlicet conjunctionis et eclipsis: quae fuerant istis annis: quid boni malive hoc tempore et in futurum huic mundo portendant: durabitque pluribus annis.

Saint Anthony Abbot is tormented by seven hell-born creatures; representing the temptation of Saint Anthony. Process print after M. Schongauer.

Saint Martin of Tours: he divides his cloak with a poor man. Etching after M. Schongauer.

Saint Christopher. Line engraving by or after M. Schongauer.

Saint Agnes. Pen and ink drawing after I. van Meckenem after M. Schongauer.

Saint Mary Magdalen: The risen Christ asks her not to touch him. Etching after M. Schongauer.

Libro de medicina llamado Compendio dela salud humana / [Joannes de Ketham].

Saint John the Baptist or the Evangelist (?), with the Doctors of the Church and the symbols of the evangelists. Etching (?) after the Master E.S., 1466.

Fasciculus medicine ... tractans de anothomia et diversis infirmitatibus, et corporis humani: cui annectuntur multi alii tractatus per diversos excellentissimos doctores compositi. Necnon Anothomia Mundini / [Joannes de Ketham].

Saint Michael the Archangel. Engraving after the Master E.S.

The Holy Trinity and Saint Mary (as the Blessed Virgin of Einsiedeln) with the Christ Child, Saint Meinrad and pilgrims. Photoengraving after the Master E.S., 1466.

Wundartzney zu allen Gebrechen des gantzen Leibs, und zu jedem Glied besonder, mit was zufellen die entstehn, unnd einem Wundtartz zukommen mögen. Viel edler, bewerter Artzneyen, Rath und Meisterstück / Des ... Chirurgen Joannis Charethani. Rechte Kunst unnd Bericht der Aderlas.

Il "Fasciculus medicinae" / di Giovanni da Ketham (1495) ... ;[a cura di] Mancini Clodomiro [and others].

Liber pandectarum medicinae / [Matteo Silvatico].

Saint Andrew. Line engraving by A. Petrak after M. Schongauer.

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