Mace.
Maris.
The spice we call mace, is the covering of the stone or kernel of a fruit, within which is the nutmeg. The tree will therefore more naturally be described under the article nutmeg; but it may be proper to say here, that the fruit of it is large, and roundish, and has somewhat the appearance of a peach, being of nearly its bigness; the outer part is more like the green rind of a walnut, than the flesh of a peach: within is the nutmeg contained in a hard shell, and on the outside of that shell, is laid the mace, in a kind of thin, divided, yellowish leaves. It is of a soft and unctuous nature, and very fragrant; more so than the nutmeg itself.
Mace is a noble spice, it warms and strengthens the stomach, and is good against pains in the head, arising from faults there: it is also good against colics; and even outwardly applied will take effect. The mace bruised may be used for this purpose, or its oil by expression.
