[p. 48]

Take Agaric (sliced and tied up in a Rag) 2 drams; boil it in Water to 3 ounces adding towards the last Cloves bruised half a dram; to the Liquor when strain'd and quite cold add Scammony prepared 4 grains; Syrup of Roses solutive 1 ounce; Oil of Aniseed 1 drop; mix up for a Potion.

Its very convenient when clammy Phlegm, besmearing the Viscera, is to be purged off: And particularly, I have several times observ'd it most admirable for Green Sickness Girls, to prepare them for Chalybeates: And I have known it do good service in Cutaneous Affections. Agaric is also used to cleanse the Head and Lungs, when Evacuation is requir'd.

Take Roots of Scorzonera 2 ounces; Zedoary half an ounce; Contrayerva, Spanish Angelica, Shavings of Harts-horn and Ivory, each 2 drams; Cochineal whole 4 scruples; boil these in fine, clear Barly Water, from 2 pints and half to 24 ounces; throwing into it; towards the last, Saffron 1 scruple: To the strain'd

[p. 49]

Liquor add Epidemial and Treacle Water, each 2 ounces; Syrup of Gilly-flowers 4 ounces; Juice of Kermes strain'd half an ounce; Leaves of Gold 4; mix all together.

When the Venom of a Malignant Fever assulting the Spirits, Stupifies, and almost strikes them Dead; these generous Alexipharmacks (timely and frequently exhibited) inspire new Vigour, shake off the deleterious Copula, and so sometimes snatch the Sick out of the very Jaws of Death.

But when the Malignity is of an agile, fierce and furious Nature (such as it is in the small Pox, Measles, and all those Inflammatory Fevers that partake of Malignity) then Alexipharmacks, which drive the Blood into Fervors, and the Spirits into Fury, are to be look'd as no better than Poisons.

Take Ox Eye Daisy flowers dry'd 1 handful; Snails wiped clean 3; Candied Eryngo Root half an ounce; Pearl Barly 3 drams; boil in Spring Water from 1 pint and half to 1 pint, and strain it out.

It smooths and restrains the saline turbulent Particles of the Blood, so as to hinder it from rushing impetuously through

[p. 50]

the Canals; ravaging and tearing off the substance of the Lungs and solid Parts. Also it brings in a supply of such soft and in- offensive Nourishment, as gives no trouble to the Blood, when 'tis weak, and of a broken Crasis: It takes place therefore, in a newly begun Consumption, Hectic Fever, Night-Sweats, &c. where the Colliquation and Substraction of the Humours causeth a wasting of the Musculous parts.

Let the Sick sup it off hot, from a quarter to half a pint, with an equal quantity of Milk, for Supper and Breakfast.

Take Roots of Parsly and Fennel, each 1 ounce; Barks of Capers and Tamarisk, each half an ounce; Herbs of Ceterach, Harts-Tongue, Agrimony, Liverwort, each 1 handful; boil these in Water and White Wine (added towards the last) each 1 pint and half, to 28 ounces; when 'tis strained, dissolve in it Syrup of the 5 opening Roots, and Oxymel simple, each 2 ounces.

It may contend with the temperate Scorbutic Ale for Virtues, and excells it in this, that its a more potent Diuretick.

[p. 51]

Take Pomegranate Peels bruised 1 ounce; boil it in 3 pints of Water 'till half be evaporated, adding towards the last Cloves bruised half a dram; Nutmeg 1 dram; strain and add Syrup of dried red Roses 3 ounces; strong Cinnamon Water 4 ounces; Mint Water 1 ounce; Venice Treacle 2 drams, mix.

It strengthens the Ventricle and rest of the Viscera: Is of much in an enormous symptomatick Diarrhea, Dysentery, &c. The Dose 4 ounces; twice a Day.

Take Malaga Raisins stoned and chop'd to pieces 2 ounces; Roots of Sarsa, China, Liquorice, each half an ounce; Shavings of Hartshorn and Ivory, each 2 drams; Tops of St. Johns Wort 1 handful; boil in fine clear Barly Water 3 pints to 30 ounces; adding (when its half boiled) Balsam of Tolu 3 drams; when its cold, strain, and add Syrup of Raspberries 2 ounces; Balsam of Peru 8 drops; Oil of Nutmeg 2 drops, mix.

Mastick 6 drams may be added as it is boiling.

Its given to good purpose in a Consumption; for as much as it corrects acrid Ichor, emptieth the stuffed Bronchia, dissipates

[p. 52] crude Tubercles, and healeth ruptured Vessels. The usual Dose, is a quarter of a pint, 2 or 3 times a Day a little warm'd, for things that are actually cold, injure the Lungs, when they are tender and wounded.

Take Barberry rinds, Turmerick, each half an ounce; Celandine 4 handfuls; Goose-dung (tied up in a rag) 2 ounces; boil in Water 2 pints and half, towards the last adding White Wine half a pint; Saffron 1 scruple; reduce it to 1 quart, and strain it out.

This is a good Medicine against the Jaundise. Its Dose 4 ounces; together with Syrup of the 5 opening Roots, and Oxymel of Squills, each 3 drams; twice a Day.

Take Turners Chips of Box wood, Male Piony-seed, each 1 ounce; Herbs of Sage, Wood Sage, Betony, Sanicle, Angelica, Devils-bit, Woody Night Shade, each 1 handful; boil these in Water 5 pints to 4, and strain it off.

Let the Party take a quarter of a pint, together with Venice Treacle half a dram,

[p. 53]

three times a day. I never used this, but that in Pharmacopaea Bateana, I have sometimes with success, so as to prevent Madness after a Bite, but if the least Symptom once appear, I suppose all Medicines will come too late.

Take Roots of Calamus Aromaticus, Gentian, each 2 drams; Galangale 4 scruples; Herbs of Centory and dried Wormwood, Flowers of Camomile and Stechas, each 1 dram; make a Decoction in Water 3 pints to 2, adding at the last Caraway-seeds bruis'd half an ounce, strain it.

It enjoys all the Virtues of our Bitter Draught in the London Dispensatory; but with this Advantage, that it more powerfully discusseth Wind; and Warmeth the Stomach. Give 4 ounces twice a Day.

Take Burdock Roots 4 ounces; Chamaepitys 4 handfuls; boil in Water 3 pints to 28 ounces; strain and add Magistral Worm Water 4 ounces; Spirit of Scurvy Grass, Elixir Proprietatis Tartaris'd, each 2 drams, mix.

It's design'd against the Gout, for by reason of its Stomachick Virtue, it corroborates

[p. 54] the Ventricle and Intestines, and prevents the morbifick Matter from falling on them. By reason of its Digestive Faculty, it keeps the Blood in a due mixture,and hinders its Fusion. By reason of its Neurotick quality it comforts the Nerves, and restrains the raging Excandescence of the Spirits. And lastly, by reason of its Diuretick force, it drains off the Arthritic Humours by Urine, and so secures them from rushing into the Joints.

Take Polypodium roots 2 ounces; Ash tree-bark, Tamarinds, each half an ounce; Raisins 1 ounce; Cream of Tartar 2 drams; boil in Water 20 ounces to 12; to the Liquor when strain'd, add White Wine 4 ounces; Juice of Lemons half an ounce; Senna 1 ounce; Rhubarb, Agaric (tied up in a rag) each half an ounce; give these a warm and close Infusion for 12 hours: In the stain'd Liquor dissolve Manna 2 ounces; strain again and add at last Syrup of Succory with Rhubarb 2 ounces; Oil of Aniseed 2 drops; Spirit of Scurvy Grass, Elixir Proprietatis, each 4 scruples; mix all together for 4 Doses.

This is something Operose, according to the manner of Apozems, which are not so frequently prescib'd now, as formerly. A Decoction in a Cancer.

Take roots of Figwort, Mullein, each 2 ounces; Filipendula, Herb Robert, Ceterach, Agrimony, Tormentil, Scabious, Toad-flax, each 1 handful; Flowers of Elder, Rosemary, each 1 pugil; Nettle- seed 2 drams; make a Decoction in Water 3 quarts to 3 pints and half; to the strained Liquor add Altering Syrup of Apples and Syrup of Citron Juice, each 4 ounces, mix all.

Let a good Draught be taken thrice a Day.

Take yellow and red Sanders, each 2 drams; Guaiacum, Sassafras, each half an ounce; Liquorice 1 ounce and half; Raisins 1 ounce; boil in fine Barly Water 3 pints to 1 quart; adding at last Juice of Hounds-Tongue leaves 4 ounces; strain it.

The Dose is a quarter of a pint, thrice a Day.

Take Japanic Earth 2 drams; boil in Water 1 pint to 12 ounces; let it stand to subside then having powred out the clearest, add

[p. 56]

strong Cinnamon Water, Syrup of Quinces (or of dried Roses) each 2 ounces mix.

Its useful against laxity of the Ventricle and Intestines, as also a Rheumatick disposition of the Blood. The Dose from 2 ounces to 4.

Take Guaiacum, Sassaphras, each 3 drams; yellow and red Sanders, each 2 drams; the blackest part of Japanic Earth powdered half an ounce; Liqourice 1 ounce; dried Sage 1 handful; boil in Barly Water 3 pints to 30 ounces; strain it out, and set it by to settle; then pour off the clearest, and add Diacodium 2 ounces; Oil of Aniseed 1 drop, mix.

I have often observ'd it stop a thin Catarrh, beyond almost any other Medicine whatsoever. The Dose 4 ounces, three times a Day.

Take Guaiacum, Sassaphras, each 2 drams; Male Piony root 1 ounce; dried Sage, Marjoram, Betony, Arabian Stechas-flowers, each half an handful; boil in Water 3 pints to 28 ounces; to the strain'd Liquor, add compound Piony Water, compound Syrup of Piony, each 2 ounces; Tincture of Castor 2 drams; Oil

[p. 57]

of Rosemary, Nutmeg, each 2 drops; white Sugar 1 ounce, mix.

Its aptly prescrib'd in cold Rheumatic Affections of the Head and Nerves, for prevention of an Apoplexy, Epilepsie, Benummedness, Palsy, Vertigo, &c. And its to be given to a quarter of a pint twice a Day.

Take Ground Pine dried 2 handfuls; Flowers of Stechas 2 drams; Male Piony root 1 ounce; boil in Water 3 pints to 1 quart; strain and add Spirit of Scurvy Grass, and of Lavender compound, each 1 dram, mix.

Its a Medicine for prevention of the Gout, and Cure of Joint-pains: Let a quarter of a pint be taken (together with Spirit of Sal Armoniac 20 drops) thrice a day.

Take Mercury vive 2 ounces; Dittany of Creet 2 drams, powder'd Coralline half an ounce; boil in Purslane Water 1 pint and half to 14 ounces; then its strain'd and separated from the Mercury, sweeten it with Syrup of Lemons 2 ounces.

Van Helmont, commands an infusion of Mercury against Worms; and its said of

[p. 58]

him, he never commends any thing without Reason, tho' he sometimes commends beyond Reason.

Let it be given to Children to about 2 ounces, twice a day (for 4 days running) before the New and Full Moon, and before Purging.

Take roots of Quich Grass, Butchers Broom, Fennel, Parsly, each 1 ounce; Herbs of Cleavers, Dandelion, each 1 handful; Currants chopp'd small 2 ounces; boil in Water 3 pints to 28 ounces; strain, add Salt Prunel 2 drams; Syrup of the 5 Opening roots 4 ounces, mix.

It egregiously depurates the Blood, powerfully provokes Urine, is excellent after Fevers, that have boil'd up the Blood into a retorrid Crasis: Is profitable for Scorbutic Persons of an hot Temperament; frees the Reins and Bladder from Gravel and Mucous. The Dose is 6 ounces twice a day.

Take powder'd Bole Armoniac 1 ounce; soft white Chalk 3 ounce; boil in Water 3 pints to 26 ounces; strain and set it by to subside; then having poured off the clear, add

[p. 59]

Diascordium half an ounce; Cinnamon Water, Syrup of Quinces and of dried Roses, each 2 ounces; Oil of Nutmeg 2 drops; mix.

To repress a Diarrhea give a quarter of a pint, as often as the present Exigence indicates.

Take roots of Fennel, Sparagus, each 2 ounces; Water- Cherries 16; Golden rod 2 handfuls; boil in Water and White Wine (added towards the last) each 18 ounces to 22 ounces; to the strained Liquor add Horse Radish Water compound 2 ounces; Juice of Parsley depurated, Syrup of Marsh Mallows, each 4 ounces; Millepedes (tied up in a rag alive, bruis'd, and wash'd out into it) 300, Salt Prunel 2 drams, mix.

It causeth a very plentiful Secretion of Serum, and saline Recrements from the Blood, and effectually washeth out the Reins, Ureters and Bladder. The Dose from a quarter to half a pint, or more: For diluting Medicines ought to be given in large quantities.

Take Sarsa, China, each 3 ounces; yellow and red Sanders, Harts-horn, Ivory, each 6

[p. 60]

drams: Infuse according to art, and boil in Water 6 quarts to 6 pints; which strain off, and edulcorate with Sugar to make it palatable.

Its said to correct the Acidness of the Lymphatic Serum, and lessen its quantity, as also to promote Perspiration gently without heating: Its accounted of great use in a recent Consumption, flying Pains, Rheumatic affections, Ulcers and Cutaneous Distempers. The Dose half a pint, twice a Day.

Take roots of Smalage 2 ounces; Calamus Aromaticus, Bay- berries, each 2 drams; Zedoary, Cubebs, each 1 dram and half; Mace 2 scruples; Galingale, Grains of Paradise, each half a scruple; Dittany of Creet, Penny Royal, each 1 handful; boil in Water 1 quart and white Wine 1 pint to 28 ounces; when its strained add Tincture of Saffron (made in Treacle Water) 1 ounce; Syrup of Stechas 3 ounces, mix.

It excites a new Orgasm in the Mass of Blood; and forcing it briskly into the Uterine Arteries, opens the Extremities of the Vessels.

Let the Patient first Purge, and then near the time of the Menstrua, take from a

[p. 61]

quarter to half a pint twice a day, and use Exercise, and beware of catching Cold.

Take Orris root 2 ounces; Agaric (tied up in a piece of Linnen) 4 scruples; dried Tobacco 2 scruples; Hyssop, Thyme, each 1 handful; boil in Water 36 ounces to 28 ounces; strain and add Oxymel simple 4 ounces, mix.

The Ingredients of this Decoction are endu'd with subtle and acrious parts; which therefore (by the way of the Blood which they pass through first) penetrate into the Tracheal Ducts, and there meeting with clammy Matter, so divide, attenuate, move and work it, that the Fibres thence irritated, and successively contracted in Coughing, they force up whatsoever is contain'd in the Trachea and Vesicles. Its a true and a very potent Medicine, and shou'd be supp'd up (like Coffee) very hot, twice a day, or oftner, if there be no Fever.

Take Camomile-flowers dried 2 ounces; Cochineal 16 grains; boil in Water 3 pints to 1 quart; in the strained disslove Salt of Wormwood 2 drams; mix.

[p. 62]

Its justly esteemed a Specific in Intermitting Fevers, and a Remedy inferior to none, but the Peruvian Bark, nay sometimes it hath succeeded when that hath fail'd. I use to order 4 ounces of it every three Hours, between Fits.

Take fine powder'd Bark of Peru 2 ounces; boil in Water 1 quart to 14 ounces; strain, and to the Mass remaining having poured a quart more of Water, boil it again to 14 ounces; adding (about the middle of the second boiling) Balsam of Tolu 3 drams; Cochineal 1 scruple; when its cold strain, and having mixed both the strained Liquors together, add Syrup of Gilly-flowers 4 ounces; Oil of Nutmegs 2 drops.

A very long and consummate Coction is requisite, to extract the whole Virtue of the Cortex: I remember, when once (for Experiment-sake) I boiled it a great many times, I could not so totally exhault it, but that the eighth boiling was still manifestly bitter. That we may therefore the more effectually draw out the Virtue of this, and other such like obstinate things, its adviseable to make them (not into a gross, but) most fine Powder, and force it, with long and repeated Coction.

[p. 63]

When Patients are so weak Stomach'd, or else Humorsome, that either they cannot or will not admit of the Bark in Substance, this Decoction useth to stand me in stead; though I acknowledge its of much more avail in Substance.

The Dose is 4 ounces every 3 or 4 Hours when the Paroxysm is off; and so is to be continued from Fit to Fit, 'till the Fever be conquer'd.

Take Salt of Wormwood 8 scruples; white Sugar 4 ounces; boil these in Water 1 quart and despume.

I have very often found this an effectual Medicine, and am wont to prescribe it then especially, when a remitting Fever would not obey the Cortex, and began to threaten running over to the Party of continual Fevers. Let 2 ounces be taken each other Hour.

Take Diascordium 6 drams; Alexiterial Milk Water 10 ounces; boil to 8 ounces; strain and add Mint Water half an ounce; strong Cinnamon Water 2 ounces; Syrup of Meconium 1 ounce and half; mix up for 3 Doses.

[p. 64]

This has even Divine Vertues against a Diarrhea, for it most potently (and almost beyond any thing else) stills and stops sick Fits, Anguish, Griping Tortures and rage of the Ventricle and Intestines: Its of notable use, especially in such Fevers, as are accompanied with a Symptomatic Flux of the Belly.

Take Diascordium half an ounce; Cochineal 1 scruple; boil (for 2 or 3 Walms) in Water 1 pint; adding Sugar half an ounce; strain through a Flannel, and add Cinnamon Water 2 ounces.

Let it be used for constant Drink in Fevers of an ill kind, all the while they are attended with a Diarrhea.

Take Mallows 2 handfuls; Violet leaves, Groundsel, each 1 handful; Camomile flowers, Flax-seed, each 2 drams; sweet Fennel- seed half an ounce; make a Decoction in Water 1 pint and half to 1 pint; which strain out for use.

It differs little from the common Decoction in the London Dispensatory, but because Beets, Pellitory of the Wall and Mercury, may not be always at Hand; and are

[p. 65]

of no value if kept dry: I thought it worth setting down, as more parable and sooner got ready.

Tke Hemp-seed bruised 3 ounces; Agrimony, Shepherds pouch, Plantain, Knot grass, each 1 handful and a half; boil in Water, 2 quarts to 2 quarts; edulcorate the strained Liquor with Sugar 4 ounces; or with Syrup of dried Roses.

Its accounted a Secret, and a Specifick against involuntary pissing a Bed. The Dose half a pint twice a day, or 4 ounces for a Youth.

Take Hounds-Tongue leaves 2 handfuls; Liquorice half an ounce; Raisins 2 ounces; boil in Water 2 pints and half to 30 ounces; adding at last, Anniseeds half an ounce; to the strain'd Liquor add Diacodium 2 ounces; mix.

Its an excellent thing, and well accommodated for a Cough, roughness of the Trachea, and all the Distempers of the Chest, and Organs of Breathing, arising from sharp Rheums. Let a quarter of a pint be taken twice or thrice a day.

[p. 66]

Take Horse Tail Herb 6 handfuls; midling Quinces cut to pieces 3; Sumach, Myrtle berries, each 1 ounce and half; Red Roses dried 1 handful and a half; Balaustines 3 drams; boil in Water 9 pints to 5 pints and a half; adding towards the last, Gum Tragacanth 6 drams; strain and add Honey of Roses, Syrup of dried Roses, each 3 ounces; Syrup of Myrtle berries 1 ounce half, mix.

This hath been kept as a Specifick in Ulcers of the Bladder. Give a draught three times a Day.

Take Turners Chips of Box Wood, white Bryony root, each half an ounce; Male Piony and wild Valerian roots, each 1 ounce; Stechas flowers 2 drams; Myrrh bruised 1 dram; boil in Water 1 pint and half, (towards the end putting in Juice of Rue 1 ounce;) to 14 ounces of it strain'd, add Bryony Water compound 2 ounces; Tincture of Castor 2 drams; Oil of Amber 32 drops; white Sugar 1 ounce, mix. The Dose 5 Spoonfuls.

[p. 67]

Take Roots of Turmerick, Madder, each 1 ounce; Celandine roots and leaves 2 handfuls; Earth worms (slit open and washed clean) 20; boil in Water and Rhenish Wine (added towards the last) each 1 pint and half to 28 ounces; to the strained Liquor, add Tincture of Saffrom (with Treacle Water) 1 ounce; Syrup of the 5 opening Rots 3 ounces; mix.

It inspires the Mass of Blood with a fresh, yet mild Ferment; searcheth the Hepatic Glands, and specifically cleanseth and cleareth the bilious Passages. After due Purging, let a quarter of a pint be drank twice a day, 'till the yellowness disappear.

Take Gum Arabick grosly powdered 3 ounces; boil it in Water (carefully stirring it, least it burn to the Skillet) from 1 quart to 28 ounces; and add Syrup of Marsh Mallows 4 ounces, mix.

It Incrassateth acrid, thin Lympha, and, as 'twere sheaths up the sharp points of its saline Particles. Its a very good Remedy, and easy to be had, against scalding Urine, may be useful in a troublesome, tickling Cough, and a Diabetes. I have tried it in

[p. 68]

a Rheumatism, but did not find it answer: And (by the by) the Serum of the Blood, in that Distemper, is not more Salt then usual, to my Taste. I use to prescribe a quarter of a pint twice a day.

Take Juniper berries (well bruised, and tied up in a rag) 4 ounces; boil them in Canary Wine 3 pints to 1 quart, and strain.

Its a Stomachic, Carminative, Anticolic, Splenetic and Diuretic medicine. Let 2, 3, or 4 ounces be taken twice or thrice a day.

Take Sarsa 6 ounces; Currants cut small 8 ounces; Infuse (according to Art) and boil in Water 6 quarts, when its cold, quench in it Calx vive half a pound; let it stand to subside, then pour off the clear, and put it into Bottles.

Another way of making this is, to make the Aq. Calcis first (allowing to every gallon of Water, 1 pound of Calx) and then infuse the Ingredients in it, thus.

Take Sassaphras, Liquorice, Anniseed, each 4 ounces; Calx Water (pure clear) 3 gallons; Infuse cold 3 days then strain.

[p. 69]

It gives great Relief in Defluxions, Struma's, Diabetes and Running Ulcers. For Calx affords an excellent Salt, by which, the Muriatic Particles of the Blood being precipitated, the whole Mass becomes more mild, and thereupon more easily embraces the new Chyle, and changeth it into its own Nature; whereby the Flux of the Chyle, to the Ulcer'd (or otherwise ill affected) Parts rendred less, and consequently, a Cure is the sooner wrought, a quarter of a pint is to be taken thrice a day

Take Mallow leaves whole 8 handfuls; boil in Water 4 quarts to 3; let the Liqour run through a Sieve or Cullender of it self, without squeezing, put into it more whole Mallows 4 handfuls; boil again to 2 quarts, strain again as before, let it stand to settle, then pour off the clear, and put into it Marsh Mallow roots 4 ounces; Liquorice, Raisins, each 1 ounce; Gum Arabick half an ounce; Salt Prunell 2 drams; boil to 30 ounces; which after its strain'd, sweeten with Syrup of Marsh Mallows 2 ounces, mix.

It consists of mild, soft, mucous Particles, and so , blunts the Acrimony of Humours, incrassateth the too thin Serum, refrigerateth the Fervour of the Blood, moistneth

[p. 70]

the parboil'd, dry, habit of the Body; is Diuretick, and as good as any thing is, in the Stone.

Dr. Grew saith, 1 pound of Mallow yields 5 drams and 2 scruples of Lixivial Salt, that is the 23d part of the whole: So that this Plant, tho' of a very mild Taste, yet yields more Salt, than Mint it self, a bitter Plant. Whereby it no longer seems strange, that a Plant of so soft a Taste, should be so very Diuretic, and so evidently affect the Reins.

Take Roots of Marsh Mallows 1 ounce and half; Liquorice half an ounce; Golden rod 2 handfuls; Pellitory of the Wall, Marsh Mallows, each 1 handful; Figs 4; Juniper berries, Seeds of Macedonian Parsly, Burdock, Gromwell (the Seeds to be added about the middle of the Coction) each 1 dram; boil in Posset drink (turn'd with White Wine) 3 pints to 28 ounces; strain and sweeten with Syrup of Mallows 4 ounces.

Take white Poppy Heads (without the seeds) 1 ounce, cut and boil in Water 3 pint to 28 ounces; adding at last, dried Cowslip flowers 2 drams; in the strained Liquor dissolve

Diascordium

[p. 71]

2 drams; Syrup of Meconium 3 ounces; Syrup of Lemons 1 ounce, mix.

Its more temperature, than Laudanum; easeth Pains, quieteth a tickling Cough; procureth Sleep, and is given to 3 or 4 ounces.

Take Pearl Barly, Raisins of the Sun ston'd each 1 ounce; Figs, Dates, each 8; Liquorice half an ounce; Aniseed (added at last) 2 drams; make a Decoction in Water 3 pints to 1 quart; which strain out for use.

Its endow'd with a mucilaginous, soft, and friendly Sweetness: And therefore, partly by incrassating the blood disposed for Fluxion, and correcting it when acrid: Partly by maturating crude Phlegm impacted in the Lungs, partly by appeasing, humecting and lubricating the Branches of the Bronchia, and Membranes of the Trachea, gives mighty relief in a Cough. Its also laudably us'd in a Pleurisy, Rheumatism, Small Pox, Measles and Stone: The Dose may be 3, 4, or 6 ounces, two or three times a day.

If you would have it Purging, Take of this Decoction 1 pint and half; Senna 1 ounce; Agaric, Cream of Tartar, each 2 drams; boil to 14 ounces; in it strain'd,

[p. 72]

dissolve Manna 2 ounces; strain again for 4 Doses.

Take of the Pectoral Decoction 1 quart; juice of Stone Horse dung 2 ounces; Oil of Anniseed 8 drops; white Sugar 1 ounce, mix.

The Dose 4 ounces every 4 hours warm, together with Spirit of Sal Armoniack 15 drops.

Take Spring Water 26 ounces; make it boil and then put into it Juice of Lemons, and fine Sugar each 2 ounces; Cochineal 1 scruple; let it continue boiling a very little, so as that the Scum may be taken off, then set it by to depurate, by way of settling, pour off the clear and add Damask Rose Water 4 ounces.

This comes recommended by its pleasant Colour and grateful Taste, and is a most desirable Drink in Fevers, for it restrains the Heat and Fervour of the Stomach and Blood, quencheth Thirst, moves Urine. Let it be drank at Pleasure without Limitation.

[p. 72]

Take Fumitory, Ragwort, each 1 handful; Liquorice 1 ounce; Argent vive 4 ounces; boil in Water 2 pints and half to 1 quart; strain, and (the Argent being taken out) sweeten with Sugar, or give it as 'tis.

In all manner of Cutaneous Affections, give 4 ounces Night and Morn.

Take Senna 3 drams; Cream of Tartar 1 dram; boil in Water 8 ounces to 3; in the strain'd Liquor dissolve Manna half an ounve; Syrup of Succory with Rhubarb 6 drams; Oil of Anniseed 1 drop, mix for a Potion to be Taken in the Morning.

It may be quickned with some Grains of powder'd Scammony, if there be occasion, for that alone may serve the Purpose, as well as Electuary of Juice of Roses, which hath nothing in it

desirable for a Purge but Scammony, and therefore may be thrown by, into the common heap of abundance of old Trumpery, which we may spare in the Shop.

Perhaps the quantity of Senna may be more than needs, for Dr. Grew informs us, that 2 drams of it will impregnate 4 ounces of Water, as strongly, as if twice the

[p. 74]

quantity were infused; because the Water will bear no more of the purgative parts of that Body.

Take Raisins of the Sun stoned, and chopped small 4 ounces; boil in good drinking Water 3 pints to 1 quart; and stain.

Its a good pleasant Drink in Fevers to quench Thirst, it also serves very well in Distempers of the Breast and Spleen. If you mix it with an equal quantity of Lime Water, you'l have a singular good Remedy against Catarrhous Affections, that may somtimes stop the Progress of a Comsumption.

If you infuse in it Senna 2 ounces; you'l have a fine Laxative very particularly beneficial to Hypochondriac Persons that are Costive.

Take Conserve of Red Roses 2 ounces; Malaga Raisins stoned 1 ounce; Liquorice, Melon seeds, each half an ounce; Barly Water 3 pints, boil to 1 quart, and run it through a Flannel bag several times, 'till it be pretty clear, then set it by to fine by settlement, and decant it.

[p. 75]

Its a proper Prescript, when muriatic Salt, acrious Serum, owzing out of the Glands, and irritating the Aspera Arteria, Bronchia and Vesicles; excites a most vehement tearing Couhg; and yet being too thin to be taken hold of, and pump'd up, lies fretting, and exulcerating the Lungs, and so brings on a Comsumption.

Take Virginia Snake Root powder'd 6 drams; boil it in Water 1 pint to half a pint; strain and reserve the Liquor by it self: boil the remaining root in a pint more of Water to half a pint as before (adding when it is near boiled enough, Cochineal half a scruple;) strain it, and having mixed together both the Liquors, dissolve in it Venice Treacle half an ounce; Hony 1 ounce; and then strain it once more for use.

Here I present you with a most desirable Alexipharmack, second to none, for it inspires as 'twere, the Blood and Juices flowing in the Vessels and Viscera with a new Ferment; and by moving them gently, and keeping them in an equable uniform mixture, frees them from Coagulation and Putrefaction. By the same kindly Agitation it dissipates the Poison Particles that began to gather in tumultuous Clusters,

[p. 76]

and hinders their coming to Maturation; and then so occupies, animates and confirms the Blood and Spirits, as to defend them from taking the Venemous Impression: Or if the pestilent Miasme hath already Infected the Blood, it snatcheth it away from its hold with a powerful Hand, and throws it out by Diaphoresis.

Its use is very great in Fevers, Mali moris, where the Blood and Spirits want Encouragement; particularly, I have known it eminently available in a Symptomatick Diarrhea: Howbeit, I have seen where it has caused a loose Stool or two ( even as sometimes also the Cortex will do) add to this its a most noble Stomachic, Histeric and Authelminthic.

Since Dr. Sydenham hath set a-Foot the cold Regimen in the Small Pox, Measles, &c. for which all Posterity is bound to celebrate his Memory with Honour and Gratitude: Some Physicians (who distinguish not well) have carried it on too far, and disallow'd of all hot things in all Cases. And upon this Account it hath been objected to me, that this Decoction is so hot, that 'twill Fire the Blood. Now I am sometimes of a Judge in this Matter, having used it freely for many Years; and I profess, I never yet found any such ill Effect of it; and I must believe that these

[p. 77]

Objectors are not Experimentally acquainted with it, and have not been very Conversant in the management of such Malignant Fevers, as are not Inflammatory, but Depressing.

Its Dose is 2 or 3 Spoonfuls every Hour, or seldomer as the present State of the Fever requires.

Take Guaiacum 1 ounce; boil it in Water 2 quarts to 1 quart; adding (when it is half boil'd) Raisins 1 ounce; Spanish Juice of Liquorice 2 drams, and so strain it: Sometimes I add Japanic Earth 2 drams. Sometimes I omit the Raisins and Liquorice, and in their stead (when its boil'd enough) add Conserve of red Roses 2 ounces; and when its strain'd sweeten it further with Syrup of Juice of Hounds Tongue 2 ounces.

'Tis true,its a simple, easie, and cheap thing, but for all that a pleasanter and perhaps more efficacious, than those that use to be heaped up ( and sometimes clog'd) with a pompous Apparatus, and numerous Hodg-podg of ill sorted Ingredients. It enjoys the same Virtues with the Decoction of Woods, which see. Perhaps it may in a singular manner correct Acids, for Mayow (p.37.) saith Spirit of Vitriol, drop'd into

[p. 78]

a Decoction of Guaiacum, will ferment with it.

Take Sarsa 3 ounces; Raisins 1 ounce and half; Infuse according to Art, and decoct in Water 2 quarts to 1 quart; in the strin'd Liquor dissolve Spanish Juice of Liquorice 2 drams.

I was contented not to omit this, because the whole throng of Physicians with one Mouth crieth it up, and daily prescribes it, to sweeten sharp Humours, and cure vagous Pains.

Truly its a temperate Remedym, if it be any at all. But for my part (if I may have to speak out my own Experience and private Sense) I have often seen, where Sarsa and China, have obtunded the vigour of the Stomach; but never in all my Practice, could I once observe much good from them, to any one. Peradventure my having so slight an Opinion of 'em might take me off from continuing their use long enough to see what they would ahve done.

It useth to be order'd to half a pint, two or three times a day.

[p. 79]

Take Nitre in Crystals 1 ounce; white Sugar 4 ounces; Cochineal 16 grains or 1 scruple; powder all together, and put it into boiling Water 1 quart; continue it boiling just long enough to scum it, then let it cool, and when its settled decant the clear.

Because of its beautiful, resplendant red Colour, it recommends it self to the Eye, and is no very unpleasant thing to the Palate neither. Truly I have tried many forms, and never could yet find out a more grateful one, of giving Salt Prunel. It allayeth the Fevor of the Blood, quencheth Thirst, provokes Urine, and is a very convenient drink in Inflammatory Fevers without Malignity, and especially in Plurisies: It also stoppeth Bleedings, and driveth out Gravel and Sand.

The Patient may take a quarter of a pint twice or thrice a day. I have tried at greater quantities, and given the whole quart in the Morning, in two Hours time, but it had a different effect from what I design'd for it proved Emetick. I hope the Reader will take this fair account of my Miscarriage in good part.

[p. 80]

Take Pearl Barly half an ounce; Roots of Scorzonera 2 ounces; Roots of Sorrel 1 ounce; Wood Sorrel leaves 1 handful; Parings of 2 Pippins; boil in Water 3 pints to 28 ounces , strain and sweeten with Syrup of Lemon and Raspberries, each 2 ounces.

Its a pleasant Drink, satisfies Thirst, represses a Febrile Flame, restrains Malignity, carries off by Urine, and is a proper thing for constant Drink, in continual Fevers.

Yet (as to my self) I am not fully satisfied, that so insipid and inodorous a Vegetable as Scorzonera, can have much Alexipharmack Virtue in it. I like much better such as Serpentaria and Contrayerva, that have something so indelible, that a small quantity mixt in a very great ont of any other Ingredients, will not be lost, but taste through all.

Take Herb Robert, white Horehound, Smalage, Agrimony, each 1 handful; Dill seed half an ounce; boil in Water 3 pints to 1 quart, and strain.

This was communicated to me as a Specific, but I never used it. 'Tis said, it

[p. 81]

penetrates into the inmost recesses of the Body, after a very peculiar manner, visits the Glands, rectifies their Crasis and depraved Ferment, attenuates the Feculent Juices, and then casteth them out. Let a quarter of a pint be taken twice a Day for an whole Month, washing and squeezing out into every Morning Dose 40 Millepedes, tied up in a rag.

Take Pine (or Firr) tops cut small 4 handfuls ; Winters bark bruised half an ounce; boil in Water 1 quart to 20 ounces; pouring into it at last, Juice of Dandelion 4 ounces; strain, and when its cold add Spirit of Scurvy grass half an ounce; Horse Radish water compound and Syrup of Elder berries, each 4 ounces.

In the Winter Season, when Herbs have but little and poor Juice, this may opportunely be used in their stead.

It attenuates, depurates, and briskly actuates the Blood and Juice, dissolves Scorbutic Concretions, unlocks Oppilations, turns off Feculencies by Diaphoresis and Diuresis. The Dose a quarter of a pint twice a day.

[p. 82]

Take Sorrel roots, Raisins of the Sun ston'd and chop'd small, each 2 ounces; Liquorice, Pearl Barly, each half an ounce; boil in running Water, 3 pints to 1 quart, strain and add Syrup of Lemons 1 ounce, mix.

Its pleasant Drink for People in a Fever.

Take Turmerick bruised 1 ounce; Rhubarb, Spikenard, each 1 dram; Kernels of Ash keys half an ounce; Agrimony, Ceterach, each 1 handful; Tamarisk tops 2 handfuls; boil in Water 3 pints to 24 ounces; strain and add Magistral Worm Water, Syrup of the 5 opening roots, each 4 ounces; Spirit of Scurvy grass 2 drams, Elixir Proprietatis Tartarised 1 dram, mix.

It putteth the Blood into a sort of Effervescence, and its constitutive parts into a brisk Motion, whereby they being broken and divided in such a manner, as to hinder all Coagulations and Concretions, its Feculencies and Impurities are easily separated, and thrown into their respective Emunctories, and thence driven out of the Body. Thus are the vaporous Effluviums sent into the Habit of the Body, the serous Recrements into the Kidneys, the bilious

[p. 83]

into the Liver, the rest into the rest of the Emissaries adapted to each ; and thence secluded and cast off without let of stoppage. The Dose is a quarter of a pint twice a day.

Take Bark of Capers and Ash tree, each 2 ounces; tops of Tamarisk, Agrimony, each 2 handful; Salt of Tartar 2 drams; boil in Water 2 pints and half; (adding at last White Wine half a pint; Spikenard 2 drams;) to 26 ounces of it when strained add Magistral Worm Water 4 ounces; Radish water compound 2 ounces; Spirit of Scurvy grass 2 drams, Elixir Proprietatis Tartarised 4 scruples, mix.

Take roots of Nettle and Comfrey, each 1 ounce and half; Herbs Yarrow, Plantain, each 1 handful; Pomgranate peel, Gum Arabick, each 2 drams; Seeds of white Poppy, Henbane, each 3 drams; boil in Water 3 pints to 28 ounces; strain and add Sugar of Lead 1 scruple; Astringent Crocus of Mars 4 scruples; Syrup of dried Roses 4 ounces, mix.

It contemperates the acrid, incrassateth the thin, and refrigerates the hot boiling Blood: It strengthneth the Tone, corrugates the Fibres, and closeth up the

[p. 84]

Mouths of the Vessels, and hath place in all manner of Hemorrhagies. Let a quarter of a pint be given twice a day.

Take Tamarinds 2 ounces; Raisins stoned 4 ounces; boil in fair Water 3 pints to 1 quart, which strain.

It restrains the flame of the Blood, allayeth unquenchable Thirst, Humects, Loosens, and is proper for constant Drink, in those Fevers that bring with them Costiveness, Drought and parching Heat.

Take Shavings of Ivory half an ounce; Roots and Leaves of Strawberries 4 handfuls; White Wine Tartar powder'd an ounce; Salt of Tartar 2 drams; boil in Water 1 quart to 1 pint and half; to the strained add Mint water, Magistral Worm water, each 2 ounces; Aqua Mirabilis 4 ounces; white Sugar 2 ounces; mix all.

In the Jaundise, let 6 ounces be taken three times a day. [p. 85]

Take Guaiacum 1 ounce; Odorous Tacamahacca, Balsam of Tolu, each half an ounce; boil in fine Barly Water 3 pints to 1 quart; when its cold strain and add Balsam of Peru 16 drops; Oil of Cinnamon and Nutmegs, each 2 drops; white Sugar 2 ounces; mix artificially.

As to its Virtues it falls in with the Balsamic Decoction, only 'tis somewhat hotter.

Take Roots of Burdock 3 ounces; Madder 6 drams; Rhubarb 2 drams; Herbs of Dittany of Creet, St. Johns Wort, Sanicle, Bugle, each 1 handful; boil in Water 2 pints, and white Wine (added towards the last) 1 pint to 28 ounces; when strain'd dissolve in it Venice Treacle 2 drams; Honey 3 ounces; Oxymel simple 1 ounce, mix.

It dissolves concretions of the Cruor, wheresoever extravasated, and returns it again into the circulating Channel. It drains out Recrements by Sweat and Urine, and doth it without kindling any Fervor. It roborates the Parts that are hurt, conglutinates and heals them. The Dose is half a pint twice a day.

[p. 86]

Take Water Trefoil dried, Ground Pine, each half an ounce; Bitter sweet 1 handful; Bay berries, Stechas flowers, each 2 drams; boil in Water 3 pints to 1 quart; towards the last, adding Juice of Rue 1 ounce, strain.

Buck Bean or Water Trefoil is really a good bitter Herb, but I have used it often, and in my Opinion, Simon Paulli (in his Quadrep. Botan.) celebrates it out of reason and beyond its Desert.

This Decoction is design'd for People troubled with the Scurvy, and the Gout, and promiseth relief in pains occasion'd by the Infirmity of the Genus Nervosum. The Dose 4 ounces three times a day.

Take Turneps cut into slices 2 pound; Herbs Hounds tongue, Colts foot, each 1 handful; Raisins of the Sun 1 ounce; Liquorice half an ounce; boil in Barly Water 2 quarts to 1 quart, adding at last Coriander seed bruised half an ounce; let it stand close covered 'till cool, then let it run through a straining Bag of it self, without squeezing, and sweeten it with white Sugar Candy 2 ounces.

[p. 87]

Its a very good Pectoral, to temper Acrimony, Maturate and Incrassate.

Take Scorzonera roots 1 ounce and half; Liquorice half an ounce; Figs 8; Raisins stoned 1 ounce; shaved Hartshorn 2 drams; boil in Barly Water 3 pints to 30 ounce, adding (when three quarters boiled) Cochineal (not bruised) 4 scruples; strain and sweeten it with Syrup of Gilly flowers and Lemons, each 1 ounce.

Scorzonera we are under a necessity of prescribing, because the irresistable Custom of Physicians will have it so. But seeing it hath neither Taste nor Smell, nor any other manifest Quality to recommend it, its Virtues must be allowed to be very obscure, if any at all. And perhaps the common Wealth of Physick, would not sustain much damages, if it were for the future banish'd the Shops, together with the numerous rout of other Impertinents.

Take the Rind of Walnut tree root 1 ounce and half; bruise, and let it lie infusing warm (in an Earthen or Glass Vessel) 8 hours in Elder Vinegar, then dry it. To these Rinds

[p. 88]

thus prepar'd, add Caper bark half an ounce; tops of Tamarisk, Agrimony, each 2 handfuls; boil in Water and white Wine (added at last) each 1 pint and half, 'till the whole come to 1 quart; which strain out for use.

Its wholly Splanchnic, and ennobled with the same Virtues that the Splanchnic Decoction is, (which see) unless perhaps it have a more Specific respect to affections of the Spleen: For Specificks which are found by Experience to have respect to one part more than to another, consist of such Particles as being near of a kin, and consequently easily associated to the Recrements to be strain'd out by that Viscus, are carried thither (as 'twere electively) together with them, and there perform there Operation. And besides this Similitude in Liquids, there seems to be an organical kindred in the Solids also, whereby a Medicine may strike an Impression, particularly upon one part, and not touch another. Thus, Dr. Grew tells us, white Hellebore affects the Lips most, Coloquintida the middle of the Tongue, with Cucumber the basis of the Tongue, deadly Nightshade the roof of the Mouth, and Jalap, root the Throat.

[p. 89]

Take Walnut rinds prepar'd as above said half an ounce; Agarick (tied up) 1 dram; cloves 15 grains; Salt of Tartar half a dram; boil in Water 10 ounces to 4; to the strain'd add Elixir Proprietatis tartaris'd 60 drops; Scammony powder'd 2 grains; Oil of Aniseed, Juniper, each 1 drop; mix all for a Potion.

When Hypochondriac People are to be Purged, this is very proper Cathartic.

Take Guaiacum 4 ounces; Sassaphras 2 ounces; Sanders both red and yellow, each 1 ounce; Ivory, Harts-horn, each half an ounce; infuse and boil according to Art in Water 6 quarts to 3 quarts; then strain, and sweeten with Sugar so as to amke it grateful.

It warmeth, dried, attenuateth and procureth Sweat: Its suitable to such as are of a cold, shabby Temperament, and is used in Catarrhs, Gout, Palsy, Dropsy, Leucophlegmatia, Ulcers, &c. Its Dose is 4 ounces twice a day.

But for such as are of a Bilious Constitution, and have acrid Blood, the quantity of Guaiacum and Sassaphras ought to be

[p. 90]

diminis'd, and Sarsa and China may make it up.

Take Yarrow 2 handfuls; Archangel with a white Flower, Hounds tongue, each 1 handful; Red Sanders half an ounce; boil in Water 2 pints and half to 1 quart; adding at last Japanic Earth powder'd 2 drams; Mace bruised 1 dram, strain.

Its design'd against a Fluor Albus. Give 3 ounces mixed with the white of an Egg beaten up, and as much Sugar as will make it palatable, Night and Morning.

Take Milk 2 quarts; the Breast of a Capon boiled, Sweet Almonds blanch'd and well pounded 2 ounces; beat and mash all in a Marble Mortar, strain and wring it out hard; to this add Rice Meal sifted 3 ounces, boil it, and when it begins to grow thick, add white Sugar half a pound, (perhaps that may be something too much, the Palate is the best Judge of the quantity) red Rose Water 5 ounces; boil it with a moderate Fire. This is a Restorative in a Consumption, and also in a Gonorrhea and Tabes Dorsalis.

[p. 91]

Take Alexiterial Milk Water 3 ounces; Epidemial, Compound Piony Water, Syrup of Gilly flowers, Syrup of Saffron, each 2 drams, Diascordium, 2 scruples; Goa Stone 1 scruple, mix.

In suspicious, ill condition'd Fevers, it raises and supports the drooping Spirits, resists Malignity, drives it out from the Center to the Circumference, and provokes Sweet. It may be given every 6 or 8 hours, according as the Case shall require.

Take stong Cinnamon Water, Syrup of Lemons, each half an ounce; Salt of Wormwood 1 scruple; Oil of Nutmegs and Cloves, each 1 drop; Liquid Laudanum 20 drops, mix.

Its an approv'd most useful, and seldom failing Remedy. In a Bilious Colic, with enormous Vomiting, and pertinacious Costiveness, we may add powdered Rhubarb half a dram or more, and repeat it 'till it makes its way by Purging.

[p. 91]

Take Waters of Plantain 2 ounces; Mint ahlf an ounce; strong Cinnamon 1 ounce; Syrup of Meconium 6 drams; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop; Diascordium half a dram; Bole 1 scruple; Balaustines half a scruple, mix.

It comforts the Stomach and Bowels, retrieves the failing Tone of the Intestines, corrects their slipperiness, and represseth their continual bearing downwards. To which may be added, that it pacifies the enraged Spirits, and drives the Radii of the Humours and Steams from the Centre to the Circumference of the Body, and thence carries them off.

Take powdered Gum Arabick half a dram; dissolve it over the Fire in Scabious and Barly Cinnamon Water, each 1 ounce and half; then add Mithridate, Diascordium, each 1 scruple; Lohoch Sanans 1 dram; Diacodium half an ounce or 6 drams, mix.

It obtunds, incrassates and restrains the acrid irritating Serum spewed out of the Glands into the Larynx: It defends those exquisitely sensible parts with a mucous Coat, sweetly cause rest, and exterminates by Diaphoresis, the Lymphatick recrements

[p. 93]

of the Blood, and so is (upon all accounts) an apposite Remedy for such a Cough, as (proceeding from catching Cold) is unmercifully troublesome, especially at Night, just after lying down in Bed.

Take Waters of Carduus 2 ounces; of Mint and strong Cinnamon, each 2 drams; of Gentian compound half an ounce; powdered Virginia Snake root 1 scruple; mix.

Its ennobled with the same Virtues that the Decoction Sacrum is, which see. Moreover it strengthens the Stomach, stops Vomiting, and kills Worms.

Take Canary 4 ounces; Oil of Turpentine 10 drops; Sealed Earth, Dragons Blood powder'd, each 1 scruple; white Sugar 2 drams, mix.

It absorbs acrious, extravasated Serum, preserves the due mixture of the Blood, impresses on it a Balsamick Consolidating Character, and stints inward Bleeding.

[p. 94]

Take Camphire (rubbed, and dissolved in a Mortar with a few drops of Oil of sweet Almonds) 8 grains; Corn Poppy water 3 ounces; Syrup of Marsh Mallows 6 drams; Sugar of Lead 2 grains, mix.

Its highly applauded for scalding and Dropping of Urine, occasion'd either by Epispastics, or sharp Serum. Also (as I have heard) its a praise-worthy Remedy against frequent Micturition, that dangerous Symptom in the Small Pox.

Take black Cherry Water, Alexiterial Milk Water, each 1 ounce; Mint Water 1 dram; Epidemial, Piony compound Waters, each 2 drams; Confection of Alkermes 1 scruple; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop; Syrup of Gilly Flowers 3 drams; mix.

Its good in failing of Spirits, Sick Fits and Fainting.

Take Colts foot water 6 ounces, white Sugar Candy powder'd 6 drams; Yolks of 2 Eggs: Having beat them up together, and set them over a gentle Fire, stir and mix them

[p. 95]

well, and give it the Patient just as he goes to Bea.

This Draught usually gives great Relief in a (let me call it) Guttural Rheumatic and Evening Cough, caused by catching Cold, which is pretty quiet all day, but returns at Night, especially when one lies down in Bed, incessantly disturbing, and vexatiously hindring Rest. For by reason of its sweet unctuous Mucilage, it so defends the Larynx, that it feels not the pricking of the sharp irritating Serum, and so staves off the Cough, and dallies away the hour, 'till at length, the time of Coughing is slipp'd, and Sleep steals on.

But in a Pectoral Cough (which comes deep, and arises from Pituitous Blood, pouring our gross Feculencies into the Lungs) a too liberal use of Sugar seems pernicious; For as much as it renders the Mass of Blood more Feculent than it was before, and stuffs up the loaded Bronchia with a fresh income of Filth, and affecteth the Fibres with a purtredinous Disposition.

In the Isle of St. Thomas (saith Garenciers) under the Equator, they grind their Sugar Canes, and when they have pressed out the Juice, they throw the remainder to the Hogs, which grow so fat and tender with it, that they may vie for goodness with the Spanish Capons, and are

[p. 96]

given to People of weak Stomachs. Hence may be collected, that if Sugar hath a Faculty to produce such a tenderness in Hogs Flesh, which is the grosseth and hardest of all Flesh, for the same reason 'twill promote and hasten Corruption, and a Sphacelus in the Lungs, which are of a soft and spongy substance: And on the contrary, that they may be preserv'd from it, by Stypticks and Astringents.

Take black Cherry water 3 ounces; Compound Piony water, Syrup of Piony compound, each half an ounce; Tincture of Castor 30 drops; Liquid Laudanum 15 drops; Cinnaber of Antimony (or rather native Cinnaber) 1 scruple, mix.

Its highly conductive in Idiopathic Convulsive Illneses; that (beginning primarily in that Brain it self, or Nerves) are caused by an ill sorted Copula, forcing the Animal Spirits into Explosions. But in such as are Sympathetic, and excited by meer Irritation, either of sharp Humours somewhere in the Viscera or Worms, or painful breeding of Teeth, although it may do some good (by helping off the percent Explosion) yet any one may easily perceive, the principal Remedies are to be fetch'd

[p. 97]

from elsewhere; according as the variety of Causes require.

For present Cure, give it (if it can be done) in the very Fit. For prevention, give it at Night, 3 Days successively before the new the full Moon.

Take Waters of black Cherries 2 ounces; of Mint, Damask Roses, Orange flowers Coelestis, each 1 dram, strong Cinnamon, and compound Piony Waters, each 2 drams; Confection of Alkermes, Gascoin powder, each 1 scruple; Oil of Cloves 1 drop; Syrup of Gilly flowers 3 drams, mix.

It notably succours the Spirits when sunk, and failing; and does eminent Service in Weakness, Faintings and Palpitation of the Heart.

Take of Carduus water 2 ounces and half; Epidemial, Treacle Water, Syrup of Meconium, each half an ounce; Diaphoretic Antimony 1 scruple; Venice Treacle 2 scruple; Spirit of Sal Armoniac 10 drops, mix.

It will not be perhaps an easy Matter for any one, to find out a more

[P. 98]

certain, pleasant and powerful Diaphoretic. For Opiates are most excellent Companions to Sudorifics, because they both increase the Evacuation, and also all the while prevent Fatigue and Turmoil. And then Cordials and Volatiles are very properly mixt with Opiated, because they opportunely hearten up the Spirits, and give them such a stoutness, that the Narcotics cannot knock them down.

If Diaphoretick Antimony (saith Fr. Hofman) be very well prepared, so as to partake plentifully of Nitrous Earth; it may be kept good many Years; and given without any harm at all. But if the Sulphur of the Antimony exceed, because 'twas not sufficiently calcined with Nitre, then in tract of time, being exposed to the Air, 'twill contract scurvy, malignant Qualities, that discover themselves by proving Emetick. To avoid which, it must be faithfully and carefully prepared: See further of this under the Warwick Potion.

Dr. Grew, saith, That Antimonium Diaphoreticum, with Spirit of Nitre, and Oil of Vitriol severally, makes a considerable Effervescence, wherefore, its not a useless Preparation, as (from the Calcination and Ablution used therein) some have though. I my self have tried the Experiment with Oil of Vitriol, and know not how I miscarried,

[p. 99]

for I could perceive no Effervescence at all.

Take Horse Radish water compound 1 ounce and half; Brandy, Juice of Lemons, each half an ounce; Syrup of Violets 1 ounce; mix.

It takes away Thirst, tempers Choler, corrects the Acrimony of Salts. Refrigerates, Fuses, Liquifies the Blood, and makes it shed off its Serum plentifully: It cuts, attenuates, and scoures off slimy Phlegm, provokes Urine, and evacuates Gravel and Sand.

Its proper where there's an hot scorbutic Constitution, a febrile Disposition, and where either Viscid or Gravelly Pituita sticking in the Kidneys or Bladder (with out Inflammation or Ulcer) hinders the course of the Urine.

In the Philosophical Transactions (Numb. 215.) there are accounts of several cured by Acids, of a total suppression of Urine, where there was not the least appearance of any Stone, nor a drop of Water in the Bladder: I have very lately known the like Case, where Chymical Acids prevail'd.

[p. 100]

Take French white (or Rhenish) Wine 4 ounces; Oil of sweet Almonds 1 ounce; Oil of Turpentine 20 drops; white Sugar half an ounces, mix.

It potently expels Urine and Gravel, and is most commodious, when the Reins, Ureters or Bladder are (not much inflam'd and hot, but yet) excoriated and ulcerated. As also in Fits of Gravel and Sand (but not of the Stone) where the Urine looks limpid of blackish, turbed or bloody, or where it is chylous or purulent.

Helmont, will by no means allow, that its in the power of Medicines to lubricate and relax the urinary Passages, because they would then do so first to the Stomach and Intestines; and so they do, I think, and therefore his Reasoning hath nothing in it.

Now there have been many odd Instances, to make one more than suspect, that tho' Anatomy hath not discovered any other way for the Urine, but through the Blood; yet there may be nearer cut from the Stomach and Intestines, by the convenience of which, Remedies may come entire, or but little alter'd, to the Reins and Ureters. Among many such,

[p. 101]

Hoechstetter, (dec.3. cas.4.) tells of one, that voided running Mercury with his Urine. And (to come to our very purpose) I my self was called to a Patient, where they shew'd me Oil of Almonds, which had been that day taken, and was brought off again by Urine. And when I doubted it might slip off the other way, the Party (who is one of great Veracity) assured me, and affirm'd positively, that there was no mistake, and that it came really and truly by way of Urine.

Take Carduus water 3 ounces; Treacle water, Syrup of Meconium, each half an ounce; Diascordium half a dram; Salt of Wormwood 1 scruple; Spirit of Salt Armoniad 15 drops; Oil of Cloves 1 drop, mix.

It gives relief in intermitting Fevers; especially in such of them as invade with cruel cold, shivering, shaking Fits, that continue long. Let it be given an Hour before the coming of the Ague, and presently going to Bed, let him do all he can to fall into a Sweat, and keep in it two hours.

But this sort of Cure by a Diaphoresis, is not always certain, for I have observ'd in some, that while I had them in a full

[p. 102]

smoaking Sweat, it hath strangly gone off all of a sudden, and the horror and rigor came on at the usual time, and they were the worse for it, because they lay damp in the cold Fit.

Take Succory water 3 ounces; Salt of Wormwood half a dram; Spirit of Vitriol 20 drops; or rather as much as is found sufficient to ballance the Salt.

This is a Medicine in no ways despicable for the cure of Vernal Agues. Let it be drank an hour before the Paroxysm, the Patient lying in Bed and endeavouring to Sweat. And let it be repeated likewise before every succeeding Fit, 'till at length the Ague be extinguish'd.

Take Juice of Parsly 1 ounce and half; Brandy half an ounce; Oil of Aniseed 2 drops; Spirit of Salt Armoniac 8 drops; white Sugar 2 drams, mix.

It provokes Urine, potently expels pituitous Filth, granulating Tartar, Gravel and Sand. But where there is a larger Stone than can pass the parts, these strong Provokers must be by all means forborn,

[p. 103]

lest if it lie in the Kidney, they (by forcing it into the Ureter, and plugging up its passage as as close as with a Cork) occasion a fatal suppression of Urine. And if it be in the Bladder, lest they scour and wash off the viscid Mucus, which casing over and sheathing up as 'twere, its pricking Asperities, made it lie soft and easy before; and also lest it disturb and dislodg the Stone (that rested quiet in its place) and cause it to rowl and rub, and excoriate, and so excite a most terrible, cruel Paroxysm.

Take Plantain water 4 ounces; Wine Vinegar, Syrup of Comfrey, each half an ounce; the white of one Egg beat up, mix.

This is in truth, a Noble, Experimented, and easily parable Remedy. It mightily Refrigerated, Incrassates and puts a restraint on the vehement hot, bubling, leaping Blood; constringes, purses up, closes and consolidates the apertures of the Vessels.

Take Juice of Hounds tongue half an ounce; Corn Poppy water 1 ounce and half; white Sugar 2 drams; Oil of Aniseed 1 drop, mix.

[p. 104]

This is a good useful thing in thin Rheums and Coughs, to be taken just at going to Bed.

Take Cambogium powdered, Cream of Tartar, each 14 grains; Oil of Juniper (well mixed with white Sugar 1 dram and an half;) 3 drops; white Wine 3 ounces, mix.

For the Virtues, see the Hydragogue Pills.

Take Penny-royal water 2 ounce; compound Bryony water 3 drams; Tincture of Castor 1 dram; Juice of Rue half an ounce; Syrup of Mugwort half an ounce, mix.

You may give it before, in, or immediately after the Fit; also for prevention, 3 or 4 Nights together before the usual Menstruous Seasons.

Take Frog Spawn water 2 ounces; Syrup of dried Roses 2 drams; powder'd Japanic Earth 1 scruple; Sugar of Lead 4 grains; Oil of Cinnamon 1 drop; Liquid Laudanum 20 drops, mix.

[p. 105]

It hath marvellous Virtues against Vomiting of Blood, Spitting of Blood, immoderate Flux of the Menses, and all other internal Bleedings.

Tachenius (Hippoc. p. 104) saith in distilling Frogs Spawn, it rises all into Water, except some black, dry granula, and it abounds with an occult Volatile Alcali, and precipitates the Lead out of a Solution of Saccharum Saturni, sooner, and more than any other refrigerating Water whatsoever. That 'tis to be highly esteem'd, for he knew it happily cure a desperate Hemorrhage of the Uterus, and tells us, that outwardly apply'd, it, without fail, takes away the pain of the Gout and Stone.

Take Yolk of an Egg, brown Sugar Candy powder'd fine 6 drams; red Roses water 1 ounce; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drops; mix these thoroughly well, make them Blood warm, and add Milk just from the Cow a quarter of a pint.

Let it be taken and continued a long time (especially all the Month of May) for Supper and Breakfast in an Hectic Fever, Night Sweats, and such an Atrophy as does not arise from ulcerated Lungs, but acrid fermenting Blood, which cannot assimulate

[p. 106]

the Chyle, and turn it into Nutritious Juice.

Take red Poppy water 3 ounces; Salt Prunel powder'd fine 1 dram; Syrup of Violets 1 ounce, mix.

It refrigerates the Blood, cuts its Siziness, opens Obstructions, extinguishes Inflammations thence arising; quenches Thirst, moves Urine, and is chiefly prevalent against a Pleurisy, Peripneumonia, Quinsy, and such Inflammatory Fevers, as partake not of any Malignity.

Take new drawn (not rank) Linseed Oil 3 ounces; Oil of Anniseed 3 drops; Syrup of Maiden hair 1 ounce; Spirit of Salt Armoniac 12 drops; mix.

Its a Nonsuch for a Pleurisy (where there is bloody Spittle) Inflammation of the Lungs, and Phthisic, due Bleeding not neglected.

The Patient must not drink in a Hour at least after it, for the Oil will be apt to get uppermost in the Stomach, and be cast out by Vomiting.

[p. 107]

We always crave for new drawn sweet Oil, I suppose because its not so offensive in taking; but I believe that which is rancid is really better, as being more Digesting and Expectorating.

To depurate it, Ettmuller orders to put Water into it, shake it well about, set it by to settle and pour off the clear, which Operation is to be repeated 'till it grow limpid and pure. I have heard its a good way to put into a pint of Oil 1 ounce of Sal Nitre, and shake it about 'till it be fine.

Take black Cherry water 2 ounces and a half; Epidemial and strong Cinnamon Water, each 2 drams; Syrup of Meconium 1 ounces, mix.

Its a very usual and useful Prescription to allay Pain, and procure Rest.

Take red Poppy water 2 ounces; Frog Spawn water, Syrup of Lemons, each 1 ounce; Liquid Laudanum 25 drops, mix.

Its for the same uses with that next above, but respects a Feverish Heat and Drought more that it.

[p. 108]

Take Carduus (or Alexiterial Milk) water 2 ounces ; Epidemial Water, Syrup of Gilly flowers, each 2 drams; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop; very fine powder'd Peruvian bark 1 dram, mix.

This is a good pleasant way of giving the Cortex for Intermitting Fevers.

Take fine powder'd Olibanum (or instead of it fine black Rosin) 1 dram, mix it well in a Mortar with the Yolk of an Egg, to which add Diacodium 6 drams; red Poppy water 1 ounce and half; Oil of Anniseed 2 drops; Spirit of Salt Armoniac 12 drops, mix.

Take Rhenish (or French white) Wine 3 ounces; powder'd Cream of Tarter 1 dram; Syrup of the 5 opening Roots and Oxymel of Squills, each half an ounce, mix.

Let it be taken the Night before a Purge, where you judge the Ventricle and Intestines are smear'd over with viscid Phlegm, sticking to them like Glew.

[p. 109]

Take Damsk Rose, and Barly Cinnamon water, and powder'd brown Sugar Candy, each 2 ounces; dissolve it over the Fire for a Draught, to be taken at Bed time.

It emulates the Vitrtues of the Draught for a Catarrh, for it lines the (exquisitely sensible and irritable) parts with an agreeable Slime; defends them from the Injuries of sharp Rheums, Incrassates thin and obtounds muriatic, acrid Serum. But in consideration of its extraordinary proportions of Sugar, it must be obtruded on those, whose Stomachs are daub'd over, and burthen'd with a great Load of clammy Phlegm.

Take Venice Soap (scrap'd very thin) from 2 scruple to 4; boil it in Cows Milk from 6 ounces to 4; then add Sugar 3 drams, and strain it.

Let it be given Mornings and Afternoons for 4 or 5 days. It reckon'd a most prevailing Medicine against the Jaundice.

[p. 110]

Take Cochineal whole 1 dram; boil it in Allexterial Milk water 4 ounces to 3; in the strain'd dissolve Diascordium, from 1 scruple to 1 dram; Diacordium 6 drams; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop, mix.

This blows up the Fire a little, and at the same time restrains the Spirits from sparkling too vigorously; its a fine Medicine, if judiciously given. But Quacks and Nurses best not venture upon it.

Take Plantain, Frog Spawn water, each 1 ounce and a half; Barly Cinnamon water, Wine Vinegar, each 3 drams; Syrup of white water Lilies half an ounce; Astringent Crocus of Mars half a dram; Sugar of Lead 5 grains; mix.

It succeeds happily against all the sorts of Hemorrhagies, especially overflowing of the Menses, and vomiting of Blood.

Take Volatile Salt of Harts-horn half a scruple; Salt of Amber 5 grains; Canary Wine 4 ounces; Oil of Nutmegs 2 drops; white Sugar 2 drams, mix.

[p. 111]

This is one of the most commodious forms of giving Volatile Salts, without much Affront to a nice Palate, and is really a sort of Sal Volatile Oleosum, prepar'd extempore. It supporteth and raiseth falling and prostate Spirits, dissolves Grumous, cuts Sizy, moves Stagnating and depurates Feculent Blood. 'Tis usually prescribed in Colds, with a dull heavy Head Ach, Lethargy, Palsy, Fainting, Trembling of the Heart, Pleurisies and Dropsy.

Take the white of an Egg, beat it up very well with strong Cinnamon Water 1 ounce.

If it be taken Daily, Night and Morning, it restrains the Whites, and alleviates Weakness and Pain of the Back occasion'd thereby. But it must never be given near the time of the Menstruous returns.

Take Alexiterial Milk water 2 ounces and half; Treacle water, Vinegar, each 6 drams; Crabs Eyes levigated 2 scruple; Diaphoretic Antimony 1 scruple; white Sugar Candy 2 drams; Oil of Turpentine 4 drops, mix.

Sylvius gives a caution against putting mucilaginous Syrups into such mixtures as

[112]

have Crabs Eyes and Acids in them, because they will grow roapy, and unfit for use. And I my self have seen the like in a Julep with Crabs Eyes and Acids, when it had been kept for a while, though it were sweetened with nothing but Sugar.

Table of Contents