Simples

Meaning

Simples are medicinal substances considered individually, especially plants, before compounding. “Simple” in this sense is not synonymous with simple and indivisible substance, a universal remedy, or a treatment that is easy to use.

II.3.5 considers differences among a plant's parts: colours and flavours indicate more and less of qualities, and flowers or branch tips are said to have subtler powers than lower parts. The proposed difference is one of degree within a common substance, not contrary essences. II.4.7 discusses particular simples while seeking a general medicine without abandoning particulars. III.18 makes an oat root the example of a simple whose effective principle might be separately prepared. These passages distinguish an individual material, a compounded preparation and the range of claimed efficacy.

The translation uses “simples” where the historical medicinal noun occurs and explains it in notes 137 and 275. Sonnet IV's simple action instead means unaided natural action and is not an occurrence of this medicinal category.