[p. 317]

Take new Butter, just out of the Churn, unsalted (and washed in Rose water) 1 ounce and half; Liquorice powder 1 dram and half; white SUgar candy powdered, and passed through a Searce, as much as serves to make it up like a Paste, mix.

Let a little Pellet of this be put into the Mouth to dissolve by degrees; it's good against the Thrush, parchedness, Heat, and roughness of the Tongue, foulness in the Mouth and Throat, wheezing and painful Breathing. It may also be put up the Nose when stopped and sore.

Take Bole 1 ounce; Burnt Alum, burnt Crust of Bread, powdered Tiles, Porcelane Ware, each 2 drams; clarified Honey as much as is sufficient to give the Consistence of Paste, beat all up together.

[p. 318]

This is used in France, to cleanse, scour, and whiten the Teeth, to take off Filth, the Lapis dentalis, and all manner of Inquinations, and ill Smells. Every Mornig put a Little on a fine Woolen Rag, and rub the Teeth with it. But the Teeth, especially, rather than the Gums, are to be rubbed; for frequent and hard rubbing the Gums will wear and wast them away.

Take Asa foetida, 8 grains; Camphire, Dragons Blood, each 1 grain; Oil of Pepper 2 drops, mix.

It's to stop an hollow Tooth; 'twill oftentimes ease the most sharp Pains, and prevent their return.

Take powdered Virginia Snake Root 1 dram and half; Camphire, Salt of Amber, each half a dram; thin Diascordium as much as needful; beat it up into a Mass, and make every scruple into 4 Pills.

Take Ambergrise 2 grains; Musk, Salt of Hartshorn, each 1 grain; Opium 3 grains; Balsam of Peru as much as is sufficient; bring it into three Pills for three Doses; but be sure to beat it well, that the Opium may be well divided.

[p. 319]

These are serviceable against a Singultus. But when this Symptom happens in constinual and malignant Fevers, we must be very wary how we give Opium. See the Musk Julep.

Most Hysteric Women, and many Hypochondriac Men. cannot away with the smell of Musk, for their Animal Spirits being of too fine and rare a Texture, are greatly agitated with such strong Odours; and so running into inordinate Motions, easily produce Spasms in the Plexus Nevosi, and internal Viscera. See Solenander's Pills.

Take powdered Mint 2 drams; Wormwood 2 scruples; Balaustines 1 scruple, Oil of Cinnamon 2 drops; Diascordium (or Venice Treacle) 1 dram; reduce into a Pilulary Mass with Syrup of Quinces.

Take powdered Ground Pine 6 drams Ens; Veneris 2 drams, make it up into Pills with Venice Turpentine for 16 Doses.

They assist Nature in the Business of Chylification and Sanguification, brace up the relaxed Fibres to a due tonic Tension, break and subdue tumultuous, fermenting Salts, and turn them out by Urine.

Let the Patient swallow a Dose Mornings and Afternoons, and drink upon them

[p. 320]

the Edulcorating Decoction, Decoction of Woods, or the Sacred, according as the Case, and Constitution shall make most eligible.

Take true fine Bole, Dragons Blood in Tears, red Coral, Amber, Mastick, Astringent Crocus of Mars, each 1 dram; Oil of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, each 6 drops; make all into an Alcohol, and then with Turpentine, a pilulary Mass, out of every scruple of which form 3 Pills, and dust them with Powder of Dragons Blood.

They exsiccate, absorb, edulcorate, stop up, stringe, and ronorate; they restrain a Diarrhea and Dysentary, stanch Spitting, Vomiting, and Pissing of Blood, overflowing of the Menses, Flooding in Child-birth, give ease in the Lumbago, when it proceeds from either great loss of Blood, or Fluor Albus. Three may be given, twice, or oftener a Day, 'till the Indication be satisfied.

Take Millepedes prepared, 3 drams; Gum Ammoniac strained (with Spirit of Wine) 1 dram and half; Flowers of Benjamin 1 dram; Saffron, Balsam of Peru, each 15 grains; Balsam of Sulphur, enough to embody it into a Mass fit for Pills.

[p. 321]

These are excellent and most approv'd Pills in a chronic, scrophulous, consumptive Cough, where the Glands and Passages of the Lungs are stuff'd up with Slime and Phlegm, and where we may conjecture that crude Tubercles are a growing. Let 3 be taken thrice a day, together with an appropriate Decoction.

Take of the very finest Aloes half an ounce; Senna 2 drams; Asa Foetida, Galbanum, Myrrh, each 1 dram; Vitriol of Mars 6 drams; Saffron, Mace, each half a dram; Oil of Amber 40 drops; Syrup of Mugwort sufficient to beat it up into a Mass of Pills, for 40 Doses.

They exalt and brisk up the depauperated, vapid, heavy Blood attenuate and purge off muddy, settling Humours, open and stimulate the Vessels and Fibres of the Uterus, when daub'd up with Slime, and unfitted for their Functions. They are properly Womens Physic, and a truly experimented, and scarce failing Remedy, for such Obstructions of the Menses, as (tho' they are inveterate) and yet curable. And have moreover this good Property, that Women mostly bear them well enough, notwithstanding they purge, because they repel Vapours and Hysteric Fits.

Let one scruple be given either every or every other Night, for some Weeks, according to the judgement of the Physician.

[p. 322]

Take powder'd Elecampane, Orris, Aniseed, Sugar candy, each 1 dram; Liquid pitch 2 drams; or as much as is sufficient, make it into 36 Pills.

They attenuate, incide, warm, are admirable and approved by good Experience, to bring off the crude, tough Phlegm, sticking in the Throat and Chest. And to restore a tonic Vigour to the Lungs. But where there's a defluxion of thin Rheum, of a Catarrhal Fever, they may not to be used. The Dose is 6 Evening and Morning.

Take fine pick'd Ammoniacum in drops, pure Aloes, each 6 drams; Steel prepared with Sulphur 5 drams; Oil of Cloves and Anise, each 10 drops; Spirit of Wine (or Elixir Proporietatis tartaris'd) sufficient to reduce it to a Mass.

These are taken out of the Leuwaerden Dipensatory; and as the Bennet Pills are more especially appropriate for Women, so are these to Men, beacause they do not so directly respect Hysteric Vapours. But yet being hotter than those, they most frequently exagitate and exalt the Blood, open Obstructions as well recover the lost Tone of the Fibres, exonerate the Habit of the Body, and mend

[p. 323]

its Crasis. They are to be given in the same Dose and Manner with Bennet Pills.

I am not ignorant that the everlastingly famous Sydenham, holds, Cathartics are to be forborn all the while Chalybeates are taken, because the Virtue of the Chalybeates is infringed by the Cathartic; and when the main thing aim'd at is, that the system of the Spirits be redintegrated, repair'd and confirm'd. All that is built by Steel in 8 days space, is ruined and flung down in 1 by a Purge, tho' never so mild an one. And its no doubt at all to him, but that the giving now and then a Purge, during the Course of the Chalybeate Mineral Waters, renders them much the more ineffectual.

But on the contrary, I have very often observ'd Effects happy enough from Chalybeats and Cathartics join'd together. And all Practical Books and Bills on Apothecaries Files ('till perhaps of Late) are full of it. To solve this Difficulty, I judge we ought to distinguish thus.

If when we give Steel, we have but this one Intention only, viz. to exalt the Crasis of the deprest Blood, and consequently coroborate the System of the Spirits, then I hold with Sydenham, that we ought wholly abstain from Cathartics.

But put Case, that together with the exaltation of the Blood and Spirits; there are also Obstructions to be removed, and muddy

[p. 324]

Settlements to be carried off; then Cathartics, assisted with Chalybeates, operate best, and with united forces, do their Bussiness to purpose. And that this is right, we have the constant Practice of all our former Physicians to Vote for it, and certain, and undoubted experience hath seldom fail'd to confirm it.

Take powder'd Liquorice, Sugar, Camphir, each 2 scruples; with Venice Turpentine, make it up into Pills.

Take Gum Ammoniacum strain'd 2 scruple; Myrrh, Amber, Mastick, each 1 scruple; Olibanum, Saffron, Castor, each half a scruple; Salts of Mars (calcin'd to whiteness) half a dram; Oil of Nutmeg 8 drops; Elixir Proprietatis as much as sufficient, (323,324) make it into 40 Pills.

This is Sylvius his Prescript, and excellently composed to attenuate and scour off Phlegm, smearing and opressing the Ventricle and Intestines, exciting Pain, Wind, and a thousand Mischiefs.

Things that discuss Wind, are not all different from such as incide Phlegm, saith Riverious, and very rightly: For Wind is genreated by the Conquassation of Phlegm, after the manner as we see Whites of Eggs

[p. 325]

beat up, and whisk'd 'till it stand all in froth and little airy bubbles. Those things therefore that correct the Viscidity of Phlegm, stay the very parent of Wind, and so prevent its Birth.

Let 5 Pills be given twice a day, upon an empty Stomach.

Take Pil. Ruffi 1 scruple; Storax Pills 6 grains; Oil of Aniseed 1 drop; make it up into 5 Pills.

They hinder the transudation of Lympha, attemperate acrid, vellicating Serum, blunt the Sense of Irritation, stop a Cough, procure Sleep, and the next day very gently carry off the Matter by Stool.

But in Catarrhs, all strong Cathartics are to be religiously avoided, for as much as the not only debilitate Nature, but also (by accuating and exagitating the Blood) augment the Colliquation and raise the Fever.

Let them be taken at Night without any observance of the next day, and be repeated each, or each other Nights.

Take Pill Cochioe the greater 1 dram; Rudius's Extract 2 scruples; Rosin of Jalap 1 scruple; Oil of Aniseed 2 drops; with Balsam of Peru, make all up into 20 Pills for 4 Doses.

[p. 326]

They purge well and briskly. Take 'em very early in the Morning in Bed, and sleep and hour after them.

Take Pill Foetid 15 grains; Rosin of Jalap, Castor, Salt of Amber, each 5 grains; Oil of Amber 2 drops; Spirit of Lavender compound as much as sufficient to make all up into 5 Pills.

There's a common Opinion, which takes with most, that Pills are more proper than Potions, for Purging of the Head: and the reason is given, because they lying longer in the Stomach before they dissolve, irritate longer, and consequntly draw Humors more forceably from the Head and remote Parts.

These are of a middle operation, neither weak nor strong, and are extraordinarily agreeable, where Person obnoxious to the Headach, Paralytic, Soporose, Convulsive or Hysteric Affections, have need of Purging.

Swallow two at Bed time, and the other three the next Morning, keeping within doors that day, but without any great observance.

Take Cloves half an ounce; Mace, Cinnamon, each 45 grains; Virginia Snkae root, Steel prepar'd with Sulphur, each 2 dram s; Vitriol of Mars 1 dram; Oil of Nutmeg 24 drops; reduce all to a subtile Powder, and with Liquid Honey make it up into Pills of a usual size, for 24 doses.

[p. 327]

These are fit for cold Stomach and Constitutions.

Take Ruffus's Pill 1 scruple; Vitriol of Mars 5 grains; make it up into 5 Pills with Balsm of Peru.

Take Gum Ammoniac (strain'd with Rhenish Wine) 2 ounces; Vitriol of Mars (calcined to a little redness) half an ounce; Scammony Sulphurated 10 drams; Oil of Mint 12 drops; Syrup of Blackthorn as much as sufficient to make all up into a Mass.

They are good in Hypochondriac Melancholy, Cachexie and pertinacious Obstructions.

The Dose is from 5 grains to 1 scruple; for when Cathartics are joined to Chalybeats, a small Dose is best.

Take Native Cinnaber reduced into an Alcohol Humane Cranium, each 2 drams; Castor, Salt of Amber, each 1 dram; make all into an exquisite fine Powder, to which add Oil of Marjoram 12 drops; Balsam of Peru 1 dram; Syrup of Piony as much as sufficient, beat all up into a Mortar into a pilulary Mass.

Its against an Epilepsy and Convulsion Fits for 24 Doses.

[p. 328]

Take Cochineal 2 drams; Saffron 1 dram; with Honey bring it to a Mass for Pills.

They are Alexipharmac, and may be properly prescrib'd in Malignant Fevers, especially such as are accompanied with a Symptomatic Diarrhea.

Take Pills e duobus half a dram, Calomet half a scruple; Oil of Amber 2 drops; London Laudanum 2 grains; Diacodium as much as useful to make 5 Pills.

All Purging (and even Glysters) are found hurtful in an Hysteric Colic. But in a Bilious Colic, when a cruel Pain is fixt in one Place (especially the Ventricle and upper Intestines,) and the Belly is absolutely shut up, and no Glyster may be injected, beacuse of the Spasms drawing up the Intestines. Then these Pills come in, as a seasonable aid, for they first appease the Pain and dissolve the Spasm, and after strongly stimulate and turn downwards the Peristaltic Motion, and exterminate the Morbose Matter.

But if it chance (as it often doth) that they fail of their Business the first time, then use Carminative Fomentations, and repeat the Pills again, that the Operation may follow, for as soon as ever they make their way through

[p. 329]

the Instestines (and not before) the Spasm, together with the main of the Distemper, is broken and goes off.

Take Cubebs, Nutmeg, Cloves, Mastick, Calamint, each 1 dram; Ambergrise half a dram; Musk 6 grains; with Juice of Marjoram, make Pills.

To prevent an Apoplexy, give 1 scruple Night and Morn, every new and full Moon.

Take Virginia Snake root 1 dram and half; Saffron, Camphire, Salt of Amber, each half a scruple; make all into a subtle Powder, of which with the thin part of Diascordium, make up 30 Pills.

Some have a great Aversion to Powders and Bolus's, especially if bitter, who yet can swallow Pills well enough; and these Pills are composed for those of such, and design'd against such Fevers as are suspected of Malignity: As for the manner and reason of their Operation, turn back to the Decoction called Sacrum.

Let 5 be given every 3,4,or 6 hours, as the occasion requires, in a fit Vehicle.

Take powder'd Bees 2 dram; Salt Prunel 1 dram; Salt of Amber, Mustard seed, each half a dram;

[p. 330]

Oil of Aniseed 12 drops; Venice Turpentine sufficient to make all up into Pills for 12 Doses.

They liquefy the compages of the Blood, deterge the Glands and interior Recesses of the Body, stimulates the Reins, scour out Mucus and Sand, and powerfully provoke Urine.

Moreover given at night, they egregiously assist the Tunbridge Water Drinkers, whensoever the Waters (either by reason of pituitose Obstructions, or the sluggishness of the propelling Fibres) remain in the Habit of the Body, and pass not off, as they ought to do.

But as to Water-drinking, young Practioners must observe that there are two Cases in which such acrious Medicines as this, are in no wise convenient.

First, When the Waters stagnate in the Habit of the Body, because of some Feverish Intemperies or Acrid Diathesis of the Blood; which by troubling the Spirits, and irritating the Fibres, contract and crisp up the Tubuli, and shut up the little Passages. And in this Case, Bleeding, Laxatives, Refrigerants, Liniments, and Demulcents come in opportunely.

Secondly, When the Waters are stopt, not in the Habit of the Body, but in the Ventricle itself, and first passages, and are felt as an oppressive fulness and weight, for then Diuretics are not indicated; but Aromatics,

[bb. 331]

Carminitives, warm Stomachics, and such things as heat and comfort, and revive the function of Expulsion. This Reason perswades, and Experience teaches.

Take Egg shells calcin'd half a dram; Camphire 1 scruple; Cantharides half a scruple; Venice Turpentine sufficient to form out of it 9 Pills.

Of the internal use of Cantharides, see Dr. Groenvelt. Let 3 be swallow'd every 3 hours.

Take true Bole powder'd 2 drams; Oil of Paper 4 drops; Galbanum strain'd, as much as will make it into a pilular Mass. I suppose there will be need of some Syrup to bring it to a Body.

A certain Outlandish Physician communicated this Prescript to me, and protested upon his Word, he had ample Experience of their Vitues, when he was in the Army in Ireland. And it seems to me, that Bole may retund the Acrimony, and stop the afflux of Humours. And then Galbanum, and Oil of Paper may appease the dolorific Corrugations of the Intestines. The Dose is 1 scruple.

[p. 332]

Take Stomach Pills with Gum, Aloephangine Pills; powder'd Rhubarb, Gum of Guiacum, Salt of Steel, each 4 scruples; Salt of Wormwood, extract of Gentian, each 2 scrnples; Elixir of Propriety as much as need to make up a Mass for 16 Doses.

They have the same Virtues with Ecphractic Mixture, and Cachetic Pills, which see. Let them be taken, either every, or each other Night, for a Month together.

Take Venetian Borace, Myrrh, each 45 grains; Birthwort Root, Saffron, each 15 grains; Oil of Pennyroyal, Savine, Cloves, each 2 drops; with Syrup of the 5 opening Roots make 18 Pills for 6 Doses.

The Title tells their Design. Let them be given (after the Bennet Pills have been used) about the Menstrous Time, when Nature is slothful and wants Stimulation, twice a Day.

Take Gum Ammoniac strained (or rather the fine Grains of it picked out) Millepedes, each 1 dram and half; Castor, Flower of Benjamin, Salt of Amber, each half a dram Camphire, Saffron, each 15 grains, with Balsam of Sulphur

[p. 333]

beat it up into a Mass, and form three Pills out of every scruple.

Take Musk 6 grains; Cinnamon, Nutmeg, each 1 scruple; Cloves, Saffron, each half a scruple; make it up for 3 Doses of Pills, with Confection of Alkermes.

They inspire the Spirits that have their Station about the Stomach, with fresh Vigour; and an exulting Undulation thence arising, the whole System, that was sunk before, and fallen, becomes roused up and recruited.

Take powdered Cammomile flowers 2 drams and half; Diaphoretic Antimony 1 dram; Salt of Wormwood half a dram, with mucilage of Gum Tragacanth, make up Pills for 12 Doses.

I have known these more than once (though not always, I confess) put off an Intermitting Fever (without a Relapse) when I had before attempted it in vain, with the Cortex. Let them be taken every three Hours in the absence of the Paroxysme.

Take Juice of Garlic half an ounce; Gum Ammoniac 1 dram and half; Millepedes preapred 1 dram; Saffron 1 scruple; Flowers of Bemjamin half a scruple; Oil of Aniseed 4 drops;

[p. 334]

Elecampane Powder, as much as serves to give it a Pilular Consistence, mix.

They most powerfully incide, attentuate, and expectorate.

Take powdered Gentian 2 drams; Salt of Wormwood 2 scruple; Extract of Gentian 1 dram; Syrup of dried Roses as much as needs, mix.

They are levelled against intermitting Fevers, and weakness of Stomach.

Take white Sugar candy powdered and searced 2 drams; the cold Species of Gum Tragacanth 1 dram; Balsam of Tolu 2 scruples; Flower of Benjamin 1 scruple; bring these to a fine powder, and with the Balm of Gilead beat it up into Pills for 12 Doses.

They are a commodious Prescript for such as are in danger of falling into a Consumption, are troubled with a chronical Pain of the Side, and an old, dry Cough. For they correct the Acrimony of the owzing Serum, expedite Pulmonary Infarctions, discuss crude Tubercles, establish the Tone of the Fibrillae, and heal up the Ruptures of the minute Vessels. They are to be given Night and Morn with a suitable Vehicle.

[p. 335]

Take Gum of Guaiacum, Aloes, each 1 dram and half; Balsam of Peru enough to make them up, mix.

The Manuscript, out of which I fetched them, will needs have it, that the Aloes in this Mixture loses all its Bitterness. I think it a fine Pill for cold Distempers of the Stomach, and I fancy it much for prevention of the Gout. The Dose is half a dram before Suppers.

Take powdered Harts Tongue leaves, as much as you please, and make it up into Pills, with Balm of Gilead.

The Physician that communicated these, assured me they were very effectual against Spitting of Blood, and sufficiently experimented. The Dose is 1 scruple thrice a day.

Take Gamboge powdered 12 grains; Oil of Juniper 2 drops; Mithridate as much as suffices, and make them into Pills for one Dose.

These Pills commonly begin their Operation on on those that are not used to 'em, with something of Qualms and sick Fits, and two or three Vomits: But after a few Doses taken, they leave their Vomiting

[p. 336]

Quality, and Purge only downwards: And they work so strongly and fast, that I have often wondered to see then bring off twelve or fifteen great watery Stools; and the whole Operation, from the time of taking, performed in two Hours space.

Though the fashionable Opinion of late runs, that there is no such thing in Nature as Elective Purgation, and no Cathartic respects one Humour more than another, yet irrefragable Experience proves to the very Senses, that these Pills draw off especially and specifically watery Humours; yea, so watery, that sometimes the Stools are very little tinged. And therefore in an Anasarca (where the Bowels are found) one would bless himself to see how much good they do, as also in Oedematous Swellings, and running Ulcers.

They also very strangely put a stop to those Sweats which are owing (not to the Crisis of a Fevers, but) to a plenty of Serum, and Fusion of the Blood: And I know nothing else in all the Materia Medica that will do the like.

Note, They are proper Physick for Persons of a cold moist Constitution, but are pernicious to those of an hot and dry Temperment.

Concerning the manner of purging Dropsical People, see the Purging Hydropic Potion hereafter described.

[p. 337]

Take Galbbanum strained, Asa Foetida, Myrrh, each 1 dram; Castor, Camphire, Salt of Amber, each half a scruple; Oil of Amber 4 drops; Balsam of Peru as much as needs, and so beat them up. Note, if the Galbanum be of a soft Consistence, there will be no need of the Balsam.

They seem to exert their Force, by driving the exorbitant and deserting Spirits into their proper Stations and Ranks, which is more largely explained under the Title of Hysteric Julep.

If they chance to Purge (which in some Bodies that are easily moved, they will do, because of the Gums) they must be forborn, for vapourous Person cannot bear Purging.

Let one scruple be exhibited for a Dose with the Hysteric Pearl Julep.

N.B. If two scruples of Salt of Steel be added, they are called Hysteric Chalybeate Pills.

Take Japanic Earth powdered 2 drams; Oil of Cinnamon 4 drops; Syrup of dried Roses sufficient to make a Mass of Pills.

They notably corrugate and astringe, mend the Laxity of the Stomach, and Slipperiness of the Intestines, stop Vomiting, repress a Diarrhea, and stanch inward Bleedings, especially Bloody Urine. Laudanum

[p. 338]

may be added, as the case shall call for it. The Dose is 1 scruple thrice a day.

Take Cream of Tartar, Cochineal, each half a dram; Venetian Soap 2 drams; beat these up into Pills. Or instead of Cochineal may be used Barbadoes Indigo.

I have experimented these, and recommend them for an excellent Anticteric. Let half a dram be given thrice a day, till the Disease be conquered, which will be in a short time, unless some almost invincible Tumour, or Obstruction in the Liver or Gall-Passages hinder.

Take crude Mercury, cleansed well 6 drams; Turbith 2 drams and half; Aloes, rhubarb, Coloquintida, Diagrydium, Agaric, each 2 drams; Hermodactyls, Myrrh, Mithridate, each 1 dram and half; Musk Ambergirse, each 15 grains; Leaves of Gold 12; Venetian Turpentine 1 ounce and half: Make up a Mass of Pills, with Syrup of Lemons as much as is sufficient, according to Art.

The Dose is from half a scruple to two scruples.

Take powdered Mercury Dulcis half a scruple; Radius's Extract 15 grains; Resin of Jalap 5 grains;

[p. 339]

Oil of Cloves 1 drop; Syrup of Roses enough to make 5 Pills.

Taken in the Morning, they work very well, and may be given wheresoever a Load of Phlegm burthens the Intesines; slimy Matter settles in the Habit of the body, Muriatic Salt causeth the Scurvy, Acrid Juices make painful Ulcers, filthy Ichor blemishes the Skin, and where there are Worms.

I make a doubt whether its proper to prescribe Salt of Tartar (or any Lixivial Salt) together with Mercury Dulcis, for seeing Sublimate (of which Dulcis is made) is Mercury coagulated with an Acid, if the Lixivial Salt break the Acid, perhaps the Compost may be dissolved, and the Mercury let loose thereby.

Take Myrrh 1 dram; Saffron 1 scruple; Balsam of Peru half a scruple; Yolk of Egg as much sufficient to bring all into a Mass.

They are Pectoral, Stomachic, Alexiterial, and Emmenagogue. The Dose is two Scruples.

Take Millepedes, Crude Salt Armoniac, Venetian Soap, each 2 drams; Gum of Ivy 1 dram and half; Saffron half a dram; Oil of Juniper 16 drops; make all up into Pills with Venice Turpentine.

[p. 340]

A certain Physician in great Vogue and Practice, used very much, and set a great value upon these Pills, to expel Urine, Mucus, Gravel and Sand. Hitherto may be referred what was said of Diuretic Pills, Dose half a dram.

Take Olibanum powdered and searced, 4 scruples; Salt of Harts born 1 scruple, with Yolk of Egg, make a Mass.

These are commodiously and to good purpose prescribed, for flatulent, flying, pinching Pains in the Side, and Stitches, with difficulty of Breathing, no Fever or Inflammation present. As also in the Pleurisie it self, after due Bleeding. But the trusting to Specifics in a Pleurisie, to the neglect of Bleeding, hath been (I fear) the Death of many an one: Let this be a Caution to the young Practitioner. The Dole is half a dram three times a Day, with the Pleuritic Decoction.

Take powdered Elecampane, Orris, Liquorice, each 1 scruple; Saffron, Flower of Benjamin, each half a scruple; white Sugar candy 2 scruples; make it up into a Mass with Balsam of Sulphur Anisated.

They open, cleanse, and free the Chest and Lungs, when stuffed up and clogg'd

[p. 341]

with with heavy Phlegm; are extraordinary convenient in a wheezing Cough, with difficult short Breath, and Consumption it self, whilst yet in its first Stage, and before the Hectic Fever begins to burn. The Dose is half a dram thrice a Day.

Take Goat's Blood prepared 1 dram and half; Volatile Salt of Salt Armoniac (or of Hart's born) Salt of Amber, Camphire, each half a scruple, with Venice Turpentine make a Mass.

They answer the fame Intentions with the Tar Pills (after described) moreover they seem useful for those that are bruised, for they dissolve coagulated Gore, and carry off by Urine. The Dose is 1 scruple every four of six hours.

Take lucid Aloes, Scammony prepared, each 3 drams; Troches of Alhandal 2 drams; Mastick, Saffron, each 45 grains.

Let the Aloes, Mastic and Scammony be powdered feverally, and brought into a Mass with Spirit of Wine, and then mix the other Powders with it.

It's borrowed from the Leuwaerden Pharmacopoeia, purges strongly, and is to be given in the Morning, form 15 to 25 grains, or half a dram.

[p. 342]

Take Flower of Sulphur, Liquorice, white Sugar candy, each I dram; Balsam of Sulphur enough to reduce it into a Mass.

They correct, edulcorate, temper, incrassate, and make fit to be spit forth, thin, sharp, hot Rheum, which falling upon the Larynx, or into the Lungs, tickles, and causes a troublesome Cough.

For Sulphur is called the Balsam of the Lungs, and nothing stops a Catarrh so much, as Sulphur and Sulphurate Things. Walleus faith, upon the use of Sulphur, the Spittle that is into Rotundity by Heat.

Sennertus asserts, That Sulphurate Medicines are not convenient for Women with Child, for fear of Miscarriage. But I cannot tell whether Fancy of Experience produced this Caution.

Take Extract of Saffron 16 grains; Flower of Benjamin 24 grains; Spanish Juice of Liquorice 2 scruples and half; Oil of Aniseed 2 drops, make with Elixir of Propriety 12 Pills.

The Virtue of these is carried (by the Vehicle of the Blood) into the Lungs themslves, and there, partly by tempering the Acrimony of the Lympha, and hindering

[p. 343]

its Trans Transudation, partly by attenuating grofs, and removing stagnant Phlegm, and partly also by irritating the Membranes of the Bronchia, and invigorating their Tone, they potently succour the Lungs, when stuffed up and oppressed.

Take a Pill three times a day, and sup up after it some appropriate Draught.

Take powdered Rue, long Pepper, Salt Gem, Camphire, each half a dram; Oil of Cummin 4 drops, Balsam of Peru 1 dram; Diacodium sufficient to make it into Pills.

These are good in a Colic.

Take Salt of Wormwood 2 scruples; Oil of Anniseed, Cloves, and Amber, each 1 drop, with Venice Tupentine make 8 Pills for 4 Doses.

They are against Vomiting, Wind and Belching.

Salt of Steel Pills, the greater.

Take Salt of Steel, Gum Ammoniac, each half a dram; Zedoary, Extract of Gentian, each 2 drams, with Syrup of the 5 Roots; make a Mass, and out of it 60 Pills.

The Dose is six twice a Day.

[p. 344]

Take powdered Salt of Steel 2 drams, Galbanum strained, as much as needful, and a little Syrup of the 5 Roots, all which beat up into Pills for 24 Doses.

I have sometimes brought Salt of Steel into Pills, with only Honey. It may also be done with Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth. And then one single Pill may suffice for a Dose, and be not very ungrateful to the most nice, or nauseous Palate.

Take powdered Falap root, Scammony prepared, Calomel, each half a scruple, Oil of Caraway 1 drop; Honey enough to make 5 Pills. They are almost of the same Virtues with Pills of Mercury Dulcis.

Take Venetian Soap 2 drams; Oil of Anniseed 8 drops; beat them up together, and make 24 Pills.

They fingularly cleanse the Passes of the Reins and Ureters, and are egregiously preprevalent against a Dysurie and Jaundise.

The Dose is six, after which, let a Draught be take to Tincture of 1 dram of Saffron, made in White wine, 1 pint.

[p. 345]

Take Musk 8 grains; Dragon's Blood, white Sugar, each I scruple; make all up with Balm of Gilead into Pills, for 4 Doses.

These are conducive for such as are troubled with Vomiting, Hiccough, Fainting, and sometimes also, Mother Fits.

The Smell of Musk and Civet makes Hypochondriac and Hysteric Persons swoon away; but when they are taken in Substance, they are so far from being injurious to them, that they most effectually stop and restrain Hysteric Fits, faith Ettmuller.

Now, I conceive, they are most especially agreeable, not where the Spirits are suriously exploded, upon the account of their Plenty and Turgescence, but where they fall into Confusion, and are put out of array, because of their Want and Weakness. For Musk exagitates the Blood after a potent manner, and mightily refreshes the Spirits.

Take Spikenard 1 dram; Asa Foetida, Ens Veneris each half a dram; Oil of Amber 8 drops, with Balsam of Peru, reduce them into a Mass; and form 3 Pills out of every scruple.

Take Ens Veneris 4 scruples; Saffron, long Pepper, Virginia Snake root, Spikenard, each

[p. 346]

1 scruple; Galbanum 4 scruples, with Tincture of Myrrh, make 24 Pills.

These are much hotter than the former, and so are fitter for a cold lumpish Constitution.

Take powdered Cinnamon, Mace, Nutmeg, each 1 scruple; Cloves, long Pepper, Balaustines, each half a scruple; extract of Gentian 1 dram and half, Elixir of Propriety, as much as will reduce them into a fit Mass, whereof roll up large Pills, that they may remain, and be the longer a Dissolving in the Stomach.

They warm, comfort, and strengthen the Stomach, discuss Wind, restore lost Appetite, take away Loathing of Meat, assist Concoction, and stop vomiting.

He that helps a weak Stomach with hot things, must leave them off again, as soon as ever he perceives the Urine grow high coloured, faith Walleus. But, I suppose, this is rather spoken of Vinous Spirits, than Aromatics and Bitters.

Take Gum Ammoniac strained, Aloes, each 1 dram; Myrrh, Senna, Saffron, each half a dram; Oxymel of Squills, as much as will bring it into a convenient Consistence.

There may be added, according to the Intention of the Prescriber, Salt of Steel, Oil of

[p. 347]

Juniper, Anise, Caraway, Wormwood, Mint, Cloves, etc.

The Dose a scruple at Bed-time.

Take Russus's Pill 1 scruple; Resin of Falap, Salt of Wormwood, each 5 grains; Oil of Wormwood, Mint, each 1 drop, with Elixir of Propriety Tartarifed, make 5 Pills.

They not only incide, scour off, and benignly purge out, viscid Phlegm, sticking to the Folds and Villoe of the Stomach, and occasioning a thousand Mischiefs, but also warm and roborate the Stomach into the Bargain.

Let two be taken over Night, and the other three the next Morning.

Take Astringent Saffron of Mars 2 scruples; Sugar of Lead, Camphire, each half a scruple; Oil of Amber 1 drop, make up into Pills with Venice Turpentine.

These are against immoderate Flux of the Menses or Lochia.

Take Powder of Liquorice 2 drams; Mastic 1 dram; make up Pills with Balsam of Sulphur Anisated.

They are for Distempers of the Breast.

[p. 348]

Take Gum Ammoniac strained 2 scruples; Vitriol of Mars (gently calcined to Whiteness) 1 scruple; Myrrh, Castor, each 15 grains; Saffron half a scruple; Troches of Alhandal 1 dram; Resin of Falap, Scammony prepared, each 1 scruple; Oil of Fennel 5 (347,348) drops; Elixir of Propriety, as much as sufficient, to make the Mass into 50 Pills.

They are mainly serviceable, to cut viscid Phlegm, discuss Wind occasioned thereby, and kindly purge it off. I have used these often, and asteem them much.

Let the Patient take three, or more at Bed-time. Or he may take five in the Morning, or as many as shall be found agreeable to his constitution, so as to evacuate vicious Humours gently and denignly.

Take hard shining Wood Soot 1 dram and half; Salt of Harts horn half a dram; Tar as much as you want to bring it into a fit Mass.

They melt down fizy Blood, discharge Obstructions caused thereby, restore the Circular Course through the part affected, refresh the finking Spirits, and promote Expectoration. Therefore they are given in Pleurisies (after due Bleeding) with good Advantage, to 1 scruple every fourth hour.

[p. 349]

Take Venice Turpentine (cocted in Plantain water to a due Consistence) Half an ounce; Amber, Dragons Blood, Bole, each half a dram, make Pills.

They are Styptic and Restringent.

Take powdered Savine, Dittany of Creet, each 1 dram; Myrrh, Galbanum, Gum Ammoniac, Castor, each 2 drams; make all into a Mass with Syrup of Mugwort.

These are forceable to bring the necessary Pains in Child- Birth, to expel the AfterBirth when left behind, and increase the Cleansings. But let nothing be over done; as soon as ever Matters answer, and the Intention is satisfied, you must hold your Hand and give no more. And always remember this necessary Rule, never to give any Forcers, where the Child lieth not right for a Birth. The Dose is 1 scruple, or half a dram.

Take Resin of Jalap 1 dram; Oil of Juniper 6 drops; Saffron 8 grains; Myrrh 12 grains, with Yolk of Egg make up 16 Pills for 4 Doses.

[p. 350]

Take Plaister for Ruptures 1 ounce; Cerate of Sanders, Countesses Unguent, each 3 drams; Oil of Myrtle 3 drams and half; Wax half an ounce; to these (when melted) add the following Powder, Viz. Dragons Blood. Mastic, Bole, Galls, Bistort Root, each half a dram; Amber, red Coral, Nutmeg, each 2 scruples; at last cast in Cyprus Turpentine, as much as needful to make it into an Emplastic Mass.

Let it be worn upon the Region of the Lions, to prevent Miscarriage.

My Opinion is, that Bole, Coral, Plaister of Paris, and the like, in Plaisters, do no good, upon the score of their being properly Astringents; for they touch nothing but the outward part where they lie; and (having nothing of Volatile Steams) fend no Medicinal Effluvia inward. But they make the Composition to be of a more Compact Body, and as 'twere better Mortar, to stick and cleave faster on. For Astringent Plaisters, (as I judge) do nothing at all, but adhere strongly, and compress the Cutis, and like a Bandage, constringe the Fibres, and to give the Part, as "twere, an Artificial Tone, and new Strength; and all this without Heating, or Discussing, or sitting uneasie on the parts, as Bandages are apt to do.

[p. 351] 2. Plaister against Abortion.

Take Plaister for Ruptures (or Coesar's) Diapalma, each I ounce; Cyprus Turpentine half an ounce; make it into two Plaisters; one for the Back, the other for the Belly.

Take Red Lead Plaister 4 ounces; Oil of Lilies half an ounce; Venice Turpentine 2 drams; Opium, Camphire, Sugar of Lead, each 2 scruples, mix.

It refrigerates, and to a wonder, appeases Pains and Tortures, yea sometimes (laid to the Back) even Nephritic Pains.

Although a little Opium taken inwardly can so affect the Spirits, as to stop their activity, and thereby stupefy Pain; yet I must confess, I have a secret Doubt with my self, whether outwardly applied, it be Anodine. For it abounds with a fiery volatile Salt, and strong foetid sulphur, is inflammable. bitter, acrid, and so very hot, that perhaps it's in the highest degree of Discutients, and almost a Caustic. And so it seems but ill- suited for and Anodine, whose Business is to cool the Fervour that Pain raised in the part, to afford a benigne Moisture to dilute and temper the Acrimony of irritating Salts, and supple and mollifie the Tense Distorted, and divulsed nervous Fibrillae: So that the solid parts returning to their due Laxity, Temper and

[p. 352]

Position, the Fluids may freely flow again through them, as Nature appointed.

Take Galbanum, Opopanax, Pellitory of Spain, Mustard seed, long, Castor, each 1 dram and half; Venice Turpentine 3 drams or as much as suffuceth; adding Oil of Amber 1 scruple, mix.

Shave the Head, add apply it all over in Soporose Distempers, not occasioned by a Fever, and in a Palsy.

Take Gum Elemi, Colophonia, Burgundy Pitch, each 2 ounces; powdered Red Lead, Mastic, Olibanum, Bole, each 2 drams; Oil of Petre, Spike, Anise, each 1 dram and half, mix.

It obtunds sharp gnawing Pains, attenuates thick obstructing Humours, and calls them out through the Pores. Also it gently relaxes Spasmodic, dolorific Tensions of the Fibrille; and at the same time wonderfully comforts and corroborates the Nerves and Joints.

Take Diapalma 2 ounces; Cyprus Turpentine, yellow Wax, each half an ounce; melt these together, and add Oil of Numeg 16 drops; powdered Balsam of Tolu 1 ounce, mix.

[p. 353]

Lay it to the Back for Pain and Weakness, and Fluor Albus. If it cause a troublesom Itching, it must be pulled off for a few days, till its volatile parts are a little flown off, and then put on again.

Take Plaister of Betony half an ounce; Caranna, Tacamahacca, each 3 drams; powdered Balsam of Tolu 2 scruples; Balsam of Peru ( or Capive) 1 scruple, mix.

It warms and roborates the Head, is accounted good in a cold Head-ach, Giddiness, Night-Mare, Epilepsie, Palsey, Deafness: And useth to be prescribed for Convulsive and Soporose Affections.

Take Rupture Plaister, Diapalma, each as much as you please, and melt them together.

It's for Pain and Weakness of the Back, and the Fluor Albus. Applications are made to the Loins in these Cases, not because the Kidneys are there situated, but because the Arteries that bring the Blood to the Pudenda, issue out of the Aorta at this place. And also because of the relaxed Muscles and Ligaments of the same part.

Take white Pitch 8 ounces; Venice Turpentine, Cantharides finely powdered and searced, each 2 ounces and half, mix.

[p. 354]

Among the many Receipts, every where about, for blistering Plaisters, I account this far the best: For it doth its business in 10 or 12 hours, and never fails: And then (for which I think it valuable) 'tis of so right a Consistence, and so adhesive a Nature, that (if an Artist have the managing of it) it brings off all the Skin with it clear at once.

Epispastics are proper for much as are pituitose, of a cold Constitution, and abounding with Serum. They may be applied at the very first attack of Fevers, by way of Prevention, to secure the Head form ill Symptoms. As also in its Augmentation, State, or Declension, by way of Cure, when the Spirits being struck with Sleepiness, Vertigo, grievous Head-ach, Convulsions, and the like dolorous and dangerous Affections, require a particular regard.

But in very hot Constitutions, where there is not much Serum, and the Blood is adust. Also in such Fevers as are accompanied with intolerable parching dry Heat, Restlesness, and Phrensy, Epispastics seem not so agreeable. Neither are they allowable for Women great with Child, for such as have the Stone, or are apt to Sharpness of Urine.

Prick a piece of white Leather all over with the sharp point of a Knife; strew upon it powdered Frankincense, melt it with an hot Spatula, and then over that spread Turpentine.

[p. 355]

Let it be worn upon the Navel till it grow dry, and fall off of it self.

Take Cephalic Plaister 3 drams; hard Pitch 2 drams; powdered Euphorbium 2 scruples; Camphire and Oil Amber, each 1 scruple mix.

It's useful and necessary in such Fevers as are accompanied with Head-ach, Doziness, Watchings, Phrensie, etc. for as much as the estuating Blood is then circulated unequally, and more impetuously thrown up into the Head, than the lower parts; concerning which see Lotion for the feet.

A Frankincense Plaister.

Take Frankincense 2 drams; Tacamabacca 1 dram; Saffron powdered half a scruple; Venice Turpentine sufficient, mix.

'Tis a very fightly; neat Plaister, and is to be put on the Wrists in Fevers.

< center>< b> A Plaister with hiera.

Take Aloes, Myrrh, each 1 dram; Species of Hiera, Venice Treacle, each half a dram; Chymical Oil of Wormwood 4 drops; Ox Gall 1 scruple; Honey as much as sufficient.

Lay it to Childrens Bellies against Worms.

[p. 356]

< center>

An hydropic Plaister.

Take the Soap Plaister 2 ounces; Oil Of Aniseed, Potroleum, each half a dram, mix.

It attenuates, removes, and carries out by Diaphoresis, the Lympha, which is collected and coagulated in the Habit of the Body. But as to the Water ahed out into the Cavity of the Abdomen, it signifies nothing at all. Lay it all over the Belly.

< center>< b> An Icteric Plaister.

Take powered Saffron 2 drams; make a Plaister of it with Honey, which spread upon a piece of Leather, and lay it so as to cover the Region of the Liver and Navel.

It was the Experiment of an eminent Physician, for small Children affected with the Icterus, who can take little.

[p. 357]

Take white Pitch 2 ounces; Galbanum 1 ounce; Sulphur vive 2 drams; Amber 1 dram; Hermodactyls, Orris root, Cummin seed, Camomile flowers, each half a dram, make it up into a Mass with Petroleum.

It attenuates grofs, and sweetens saline, acrid Juices; it roborated the nervous Parts, and qualifies Arthritic Pains without Repulsion.

Take Cummin Plaister 1 ounce; Camphire 1 scruple; Oil of Aniseed 16 drops, mix.

It penetrated, attenuates, discusses, and dissipated Flatulencies, eases Pains, and takes away Stitches.

Take Vigo's Plaister of red Lead 2 ounces; Diapalma (prepared with Oil of Roses instead of Hog's Lard) 1 ounce and half; Caranna (Dissoved in Vinegar of Roses, and strained) half an ounce; Bole, seated Earth, Mastic, each 4 scruples; Cyprus Turpentine 1 ounce, mix.

It hinders the afflux of Humours, and and repels; withal it's friendly to the nervous Parts, comforting and corroborating them. And it eases Pains in the Back.

Take white Pitch half an ounce; powdered Majoram half a Dram; Euphorbium 5 grains, mix.

It's to be laid behind the Ears, or in the Nape of the Neck, for a Catarrh, Toothach and Headach.

Take Mastic, Gum Juniper, Nutmeg, Cloves, each 1 scruple; Labdanum 6 drams, work it

[p. 358]

with an hot Pestle and Mortar, with a sufficient quantity of Oil of Mastic into a Plaister.

Lay it all over the top of the Head, to restore Heat and Tone to the Pericranium, when having suffered prejudice by cold Air, or ill Humours, it is weak and relaxed. For it stops the Stream of the Rheumatic Colluvies, which hath its Fountain there. And so its convenient in a Cephalalgy, from a cold Cause Dentalgie, Tumour of the Tonsils, Inflammation of the Uvula, Asperity of the Gula, etc. See the Cephalic Liniment.

Take powdered Opium 2 drams; soft-Soap 1 ounces; Oil of Juniper half a dram, mix, and Lay it to the Region of the Reins.

Whether Opium externally used, be Anodyne or not, One may lawfully doubt, as before-said of Anodyne Plaister.

Take Tacamahacca strained half an ounce; Yellow Wax 2 drams; melt together, and add powdered Benjamin, Storax Calamite, each I dram; Saffron half a scruple; Oil of Aniseed 8 drops; Oil of Nutmeg, Cloves, each 4 drops; mix artificially.

It warms, attenuates, discusses, roborates, comforts the Thoracic Muscles, when cloged up and hindered in their Motion, By a tough cold, Phlegmatic, or Lymphatic Colluvies;

[p. 359]

and is then especially of use, when the violence of Coughing hath made the Breast sore and tender, and painful.

Take Galbanum colated, Sagapenum, Ammoniacum (dissolved in White Wine, and strained), each Iounce, powdered Pellitory of Spain, Mustardseed, each half an ounce; Wax 1 ounce and half, Venice Turpentine a sufficient quantity, mix.

It warms, deobstructs and roborates the nervous Parts, stimulates the sluggish Animal Spirits, and puts them into Motion. It's great use is, for Paralytic Members. It's a Sinapism, or Phaenigm, which the Antients used much, and might be serviceable yet, if rationally applied.

Take Stictic of Paracelsus, Shop Plaister, each 1 ounce; Poplar Ointment 1 ounce and half, melt them over a gentle Fire, continually stirring with a Spatula; then take off, and when it begins to grow coldish, add Camphire in Powder 3 drams, and make it up into a soft Plaister.

The Communicator faith, it's very Anodyne, appeases Pleuritic and Podagric Pains, dissipates inflammatory Tumours, and the Quinsey, without any danger of Repercussion.

[p. 360]

Lay it to the Throat, from Ear to Ear, but trust to no inward nor outward Remedies, without good Bleeding.

< center>< b> A Spinale Plaister.

Take Diapalma half an ounce; Oxycroceum 2 drams; Oil of Amber 12 drops, mix.

'Tis excellent in Pain and Weakness of the Back, where 'tis not too hot, and in Obstructions of the Spinale Marrow. Let it be laid to the Back Bone of Rickety Children all along, from the Nape to the Os Sacrum.

< center>< b> 1. Splenetic Plaister.

Take Plaister of Cummin, Melilot compound, Gum Tacamahacca, each 2 drams, Plaister of Hemloc, with Ammoniac, Balsam of Peru, each 1 dram, mix.

It returns into the Channel of Circulation, atrabilarious Feculencies collected, and stagnating in the Hypochondria: And also quiets and composes the Corrugations, Tensions, and Spasmodic Affections of the Fibres.

Take Plaister of Cummin 3 drams, Oxycroceum, Tacamahacca strained, each 1 dram and half; Oil of Sassafras 3 drops, mix.

[p. 361]

Take Magistral Stomach Plaister half an ounce; Tacamahac colated 2 drams; melt, and them add powdered Balsam of Tolu I dram; Dragon's Blood, Balsam of Peru, each a dram; Oil of Nutmeg, Cloves, each 2 drops; Oil of Aniseed 1 drop, mix.

It warms and helps Concoction, represses Queasiness and Vomiting, frees the Stomach of Crudity and Flatulency, and remedieth its Laxity, Imbecility and Distention.

Take Tacamahac colated, 7 drams; powdered Mint, Balaustines, each half a dram; Oil of Cloves, Nutmeg, Anise, Amber, eash 2 drops, mix.

The Left Orifice of the Ventricle is tied to the Diaphragm, about the 11th Vertebra of the Thorax, and inclineth toward the hinder Parts. Hence Doctor Highmore argues, that in debility of Stomach, it's of most Advantage to lay the Stomach Plaister to the Back; Which thing also Riverius (de Appetitu Canino) noteth: And Bartholine, in his Anatomy de Ventricle, pag. 68.

Take Caranna 1 dram; Spread it upon a fitting piece of Leather, and put in the middle of it Opium 2 grains; Oil of Amber 4 drops.

[p. 362]

It's an Anodyne; applied to the Temples, it hath power against Restlessness and Headach: Behind the Ears, it takes away pain of the Teeth.

Two Twigs of the external Carotid Artery running under the Ear, and entering into the inferior Maxilla, are disseminated thro all its length, into the Roots of every Tooth, to carry Blood for their Nourishment. In these Vessels, acrid Humours (together with the Blood) pass to the Teeth, and gnaw and vellicate the exquisitely sensible Membrane, that coats their interior Medulla, and are the cause of the intolerable shooting twinging Pain. And from this Origine of the Arteries that run to the Teeth it is, that Remedies behind the Ears are found more successful in the Tooth-ach, than at the Temples, faith the same Highmore.

Take fine Venice Turpentine 1 ounce; work it with a Pestle in a Mortar, pouring in by little and little, Spirit of Salt Armoniac, 'till it hath taken up its own Weight of it; labour it very well, till it unite into a white Emplastic Body.

Take Tamarinds 2 ounces, put to them (in a Marble Mortar) a little Milk, work it about with a Pestle, till the Tamarinds are dissolved, then pour it into boiling Milk 1 quart, and

[p. 363]

strain the whey from the Curd, through a Sieve.

This is a little more acid than the following of Wood Sorrel, and therefore quenches Thirst more; but because it should be taken in less quantity, it dies not effectually dilute the Blood. That of Lujula is best when a Diarrhea is feared, and this when the Belly is too much bound. You may give to half a pint three or four times a Day.

Take new Milk 1 quart; good fresh Small Beer 1 pint; White- wine half a pint, make 1 Posset, boiling in it Wood Sorrel 2 handfuls.

In burning Fevers, it doth not only dilute and temper bilious acrid Humours miserably burning in the Stomach, exciting intolerable Thirst and bitter Anguish; but also refrigerates the servent Blood, represses its Ebullition, liquifies its gross Contexture, and exterminates its adult Recrements by Urine.

Let it be drank plentifully at pleasure.

Take pure Gum Ammoniac 2 scruples; dissolve it in Hyssop water 2 ounces and half; to the strained add Lenitive Electuary half an ounce; Syrup of Roses solution 1 ounce; Salt Prunel 2 scruples, mix.

[p. 364]

Take Cream of Tartar powdered 2 scruples first dissolve it over the Fire in Elder flower water 4 ounces; then dissolve Manna I ounce and half in the same; and strain, and Syrup of Roses solutive half an ounce for one Dose.

It's a pleasant tasted, and very gentle Medicine to loosen the Belly, and empty it a little.

Take powdered Jalap root half a dram; Ginger 2 grains; Salt of Tartar 12 grains; Whitewine 3 ounces; Syrup of Roses solutive 1 ounce; Domestick Syrup half an ounce, mix.

As to the Method of Purging Dropsical Persons, our famous Sydenham would, First, That such Cathartics only be used, as work smartly, and apace. Secondly, That they be given daily, unless it be found reasonable to omit now and then a Day or two, when the Patient is too weak to go through with it; or when the preceding Purge worked almost too much. Thirdly, That Purging be continued on in a Course, without ceasing (except upon some urging Necessity) until all the whole Mass of Water be drained off.

I know not whether that of Ettmuller will be thought of use, where he faith, It's best Purging those that have the Dropsie in the

[p. 365]

decrease of the Moon: For in the increase the Disease increases also; and on the contrary, in the decrease it decreases. And Purging will do most good, when we have Nature helping us.

Take Mallows 1 handful; Senna 2 drams; Salt of Tartar 1 scruple; Boil in Water half a pint to 3 ounces; strain and dissolve in the Liquor, Manna 1 ounce and half; Oil of Sweet Almonds half an ounce; Oil of Juniper 10 drops, mix.

Take Rosin of Falap 12 grains; Oil of Anised 1 drop; having mixed these well with the Yolk of an Egg, add Syrup of Roses solutive 6 drams; White-wine 2 ounces, mix. It may be farther enforced with Gamboge, if needful.

Take powdered Rhubarb 1 scruple (or half a dram); Mint or Cinnamon water, each 1 ounce and half; Oil of Nutmeg 2 drops; Syrup of dried Roses 6 drams, mix.

It happily cures a flux of the Belly, by recreating the weak Intestines, moderately correcting their Slipperiness, and gently drawing down and carrying forth the acrid material Cause.

[p. 366]

Take powdered Gum of Guaiacum 1 drum and half; dissolve, and subigate it with the Yolk of an Egg; add Cinnamon water half an ounce; Fumitory water 1 ounce and half; Syrup of Roses solutive half an ounce, mix.

After the same manner may Potions be prepared of any sort of Rosins.

This is said to be a prevailing Specific against Gouty and flying vagous Pains. It purgeth pretty strongly and roughly, mostly by Stool, though sometimes by Vomit.

Take powdered Rhubarb half a dram; Madder, Mumy, each I scruple; sealed Earth half a scruple; Juice of Pomgranate, Waters of Scabious and Bugloss, each 1 ounce, mix.

Take Scammony Sulphurated, Diaphoretic Antimony, Cream Of Tartar, each half a scruple; Succory water 3 ounces; Cinnamon water 2 drams; Syrup of Roses solutive 1 ounce, mix up a white Draught.

Diaphoretic Antimony (as faith Zwelfer) if exploded to the Air, puts on in tract of time a most scurvy and malignant Nature; and being taken into the Body, produces Anguish, Heart-burning, Swooning Vomiting, and the like bad Symptoms; all which may yet

[p. 367]

be easily avoided, either by making it fresh every two to three Months, or by calcining the old, either ter se, or with the Addition of Nitre; and then (if Nitre be used) washing it and reverberating it a little.

It's a certain thing (faith Hofman), that Antimony Diaphoretic, join's to Purgers, adds to their Purgatives Virtue, and prevents griping. Thus if you take Jalap Root half a scruple, and throw into it 3 or 4 grains of Diaphoretic Antimony, its Energy will equal Dose of a scruple of Jalap.

Some have been fearful of using Diaphoretic Antimony at all, by reason of its uncertain Operation. Riedlin reports, That he gave a Woman, and if caused above twenty Stools. And he gave the very self-same Preparation to a Man, and it provoked Sweat, and not one Stool. He quotes Welschius for it, and tells us, Cornachines Powder was forbid at Rome, upon Pain of being condemned to the Gallies.

This Potion differs little from the Warwick Powder. Among other its Vertues, it's a seldom failing Remedy for Vernal Tertians, if given so as to begin Work just before the invasion of the Fit. Sometimes "twill give a Vomit ot two, when the Stomach is weak or foul.

[p. 368]

Take Venice Turpentine 3 drams (or half an ounce;) Oil of Nutmeg 2 drops; subigate these with the Yolk of an Egg; then add Syrup of Marsh Mallows 1 ounce; White-wine 3 ounces, and strain it. Syrup of Violets may be added, instead of that of Marsh Mallows.

Take Kermes berries 1 dram; red Sanders, Tormentile root, each half a dram; Cloves, Pearl, red Coral, each 1 scruple; pearled Manus Christi 3 drams; Leaves of Gold 3, make all into a Powder.

Take Goa-Stone, Contrayerva Stone, Gascoign Powder, Virginia Snake root, each 5 grains, make a Powder.

It's a Champion against malignant and pestilential Fevers, for it encourageth the Spirits, and drives out the Enemy by Sweat.

And here I would not have this most noble Antidote thought the worse of, because its jumbled up of such a vast number of Ingredients: For the virtue of an Alexipharmac, or Counter- Poison, doth not consist in this alone, that by reason of a certain occult Quality, it opposes Poison (as they phrase it) tota substantia; but especially, because it stirs

[p. 359]

up a fresh Ferment in the Body, by means of which, the sinking and almost dying Spirits being rous'd up again; and the Blood recovering its due mixture, and being brought off from Coagulation and Putrefaction: Nature makes a brisk Effort, and expels the deleterious Matter. Now to produce such a Fermentation, there are necessarily required Heterogeneous Particles, that cannot be intimately mix'd with, or subigated by the Blood: And the greater number of Ingredients there are, so much the greater likewise will be the Heterogeneity, and consequently the Fermentation. Thus we see, the great Alexipharmacks (such as Venice Treacle) are an huge hodg-podg of things wonderfully unlike each other, which because Experience hath establish'd for standing Medicines, some Body hath this Expression, That A Wise Man will make use of that which none but a Fool could have invented.

Take Species Diambre, powder of Crabs claws compound, each I dram; Oil of Cinnamon 1 drop, mix for 6 Doses.

Its good against trembling of the Heart and Syncope.

Take Spanish Angelica root 5 grains; Japanic Earth 15 grains; Species of Hyacinth half

[p. 370]

a scruple; Oil of Cinnamon 1 drop, make all into Powder.

It recreates the Spirits that want support, drives morbific Matter outwards, comforts the Intestines, and notably represses a symptomatic Diarrhea, breaking out in the small Pox or malignant Fevers.

Take Coralline prepared 1 dram; Mineral Ethiops (made without Fire) half a dram; Oil of Wormwood 1 drop, make it into Powder.

I thought the Preparation of Ethiops Mineralis without Fire, had been an Invention of this Age, but I find it in Rondeletius (de Unguentis 1037.) where he faith, Argentum vivum extingui potest, vel Sulphure, vel Aceto, vel Calcinatione.

Let 15 grains be given to an Infant Morn and Even, for 3 Days before new and full Moon to disturb the Worms, and drive them out of their Nests and kill them. And then after it, the next following to cast both them and their Seed quite out of the Body.

Take Scammony prepared 6 grains; Rhubard 4 grains; Calomel half a scruple, make a powder for a Child 6 or 8 Years old.

Sylvius powders a Dose of Scammony; puts Water to it, dissolves what will dissolve, and then pours it off, leaving a blackish Matter

[p. 371]

at the bottom. He faith, he knows no Purging Medicine to be prefer'd before it, when thus prepared, for it works effectually without Gripes or trouble, and is so safe, that he has abundance of times, given it to lying in Women and Children, with mighty Success. And he could not but laugh at the fears of our Theoretic Writers, that are perpetually crying out against the use of Scammoneats, and yet those most common Medicines Diaprunum Solutivum, and Electuary of Juice of Roses, owe their principal Virtue Scammony.

Take Gum Arabic, white Sugar candy, each half an ounce; Oil of sweet Almonds 16 drops; make a powder for 8 Doses.

For its Virtues consult Decoction of Mallows and Arabic Emulsion.

Take Cinnamon, Mace, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger, each 8 grains; Seeds of Anise, Caraway, Coriander, sweet Fennel, Bay berries, each 16 grains; Loaf Sugar 2 drams; make all into a powder for 8 Doses.

Its Virtues are much like those of the Peptic Powder, which see.

Take Ground Pine, Southern wood, each half a scruple, Gum of Guaiacum, white Sugar,

[p. 372]

each 1 scruple; Oil of Sassaphras 1 drop; mix for a single Dose.

Let it be given Mornings and Afternoons, with the Decoction call'd Sanctum, if the Patient be of a cool Constitution: Or with Decoction of Sarsa, if of an hot; and let it be continu'd for the whole Months of March and September, to prevent the Gout.

Take Balaustines half a scruple; Cinnamon, Nutmeg, each 4 grains; Cochineal 2 grains; Sugar of Roses 1 scruple; make it into Powder for 1 Dose.

Its to stop a Diarrhea, concerning which see the Astringent Julep.

Take Balsam of Tolu half a scruple; Benjamin, Myrrh, each 5 grains; Balsam of Peru 1 drop; white Sugar candy 1 scruple, mix.

Its profitable for such as are in danger of a Consumption, who have crude, putredinous Matter impacted in their Lungs, with faetid Breath, Orthopnaea, dry Cough, pain in the Breast or Side shooting to the Back, Leanness, Languishing and Weakness.

Its to be drank every Morning and Afternoon, in a Draught of Asses Milk.

[p. 371]

Take Powder of Crabs claws compound, Goa and Contrayerva Stone, Oriental Bezoar, each 5 grains; half a leaf of Gold, mix.

Take Irish Slate, Mumy, each 12 grains; Salt of Amber, Salt of Harts born, each 3 grains, mix.

Zwelfer abhors the common Mumy, that we have brought over now a days, which he faith, is black cadaverous Flesh, wrap'd up in foul rags, and is most usually such as died of some noisome Disease; and is nothing less, than the true Aromatic Mumy of the Egyptians. And so far from being fit to be taken into our Bodies, as a Medicine, that its for the most part an unwholsome and very prejudicial thing.

See the Traumatic Decoction, and Mixture of Sperma Ceti, to which its Virtues are akin, only it raises the Spirits more, and helps for Fainting, by reason of its volatile Salts.

Take roots of Orris 1 ounce; Male Piony half an ounce; Spanish Angelica 2 drams; yellow Sanders, Nutmeg, Mace, Cloves, each half a dram; Liquid Storax, Balsam of Peru, each 4

[p. 374]

grains; Oil of Rosemary, Lavender, each 2 drops; make all into a Powder.

It hath a very pleasant Scent, and emulates the Virtues of the Cucupha, which see. But as to a Catarrh, see the Cephalic Liniment.

Dust it into the Hair every Night, and kemb it out again 24 hours after.

Take soft white Chalk (wash'd in Rose Water) half an ounce; Crabs Eyes, Liquorice, white Sugar, each 4 scruples; Oil of Nutmeg, Cloves, each 2 drops; make it up for 8 Doses.

Take Seeds of Anise and sweet Fennel, each 26 grains; Nutmeg, Cinnamon, each 18 grains; long Pepper, Cloves, each 6 grains; Mastick 1 scruple, mix for 6 Doses.

It serves for the same uses with the Peptic Powder, but is something hotter.

Take Rosin of Jalap, Scammony prepared; each 5 grains; Senna, Cream of Tartar, each half a scruple; Oil of Cloves 1 drop, mix.

Its not much from Pulvis Diasenne, but is contracted more, and in my Judgment excells it.

[p. 375]

Take Powder de Gutteta, native Cinnaber prepared, each half an ounce, mix.

By this Powder de Gutteta (faith the Communicator) is meant that which Sir Theodore Mayern describes in Capite de Epilepsia (which see after) for it very much excells that of Riverius. 'Tis a Specific in Convulsive Affections, Vertigo, Clowdiness and Headach.

Its an Observation worth noting, that pertinacious pains of the Head, almost to Madness, have been happily Cured (when other means had been to no purpose) with this Pulvis de Gutteta alone, and an infusion of Primrose flowers, Betony or Thea.

Its a memorable History of a young Gentlewoman of note among us, who permitting a little Dog that was Mangey and Mad, to lie in Bed with her, was so contaminated by the Effluvia passing from him, and perhaps by his venemous Saliva also, that she fell into Convulsive Motions, and an Hydrophobia; and (marvellous to relate) could not forbear Barking like a Dog Night and Day. She having consulted divers Physicians, among other Remedies took this Cephalic Powder with relief, and after some time recovered her former Health. Thus the Communicator.

[p. 376]

Take rust of Iron powder'd and searced 8 scruples; Salt of Steel, Saffron, Ginger, each 1 scruple; Aniseed 5 scruples; Mace 4 scruples; white Sugar 10 scruples, make all into a Powder for 20 Doses.

Chalybeates are Instar Omnium, for a Cachexie, Green Sickness, Obstructions, Jaundise, Dropsie, and all Diseases whatsoever owing their Origin from Crudity and Poverty of the Blood. For they raise a new Fermentation; and agitate, beat up , mix, depurate and exalt the Mass of Blood, in such a manner, that whereas before it wanted the rich red Globuli, and look'd pale and watery, it is by degrees, render'd pure red, spirituous, brisk, spumous and sparkling. Also whereas the unconcocted, slimy Pituita, having daub'd up the Passages, and made Obstructions; and so the Blood was forced to circulate unequally, here swiftly, there slowly, Steel breaks its way thro' those Obstructions, and opens the ways, and causes the Blood to run, pass and re-pass freely, and vividly, through all the minutest Canals and Rivulets of the Body, so as to bring and distribute, equally and benignly, Nourishment, Heat and Life, to every individual particle of the Machine.

But if the condition of the Blood be such as is altogether uncapable of the requisite,

[p. 377]

lusty juvenile Fermentation, because of its Principles being grown old, the Fibres worn out, the Tone broken, the Passages fallen in, and the whole Humane Fabric in an old ruinous State. In vain then, do we expect much from a Remedy though so generous and powerful an one as Chalybeates are. 'Twould be as easie to reduce dead Vinegar into sweet Wine, a withered Rose into a fresh and florid one, yea to turn old Mutton into Lamb, or old Beef into Veal. As to my own part, I ingenuously confess, that looking back, and carefully calling to mind the Series of my Practice, 1 don't remember, that I ever observed any great Advantage accrue to Antient People, from the use of Chalybeates.

Take Sperma Zedoary 6 drams; Balsam of Peru 12 drops, mix for 6 Doses.

Take Sperma Ceti washed, white Sugar, each half a dram; Castor 3 grains; powder it for a single Dose.

Take the root of Comfrey that bears a red flower, Mouse Flesh dried in an Oven, Hogs claw, Bucks priapus, each as much as you please, make a powder of all and mix.

[p. 378]

It's said to be a well Experimented, and almost infallible Secret, against involuntary Pissing a Bed.

Incontinence of Urine in old Folks is common, and is mostly uncurable. In Children it frequently goes off, as Years and Strength come on, but it ought to be before the 25th Year, for if it pass that time, there's danger of its being an utterly uncurable Malady.

Give 1 scruple or half a dram in a glass of white Wine, Evening and Morning 3 or 4 Days about the time of New and Full Moon. Thus goes the traditional Direction. But I should rather give it with a Decoction of Agrimony, or Solomon's Seal root. You may also apply a corroborating Plaister to the Region of the Loins, and another to the Os Pubis.

Take Crabs Eyes ground on a Marble 1 dram; Cream of Tartar half a dram; Salt of Wormwood, Prunel, each 12 grains; Salt of Amber 6 grains; make all into a Powder for 6 Doses, to be given twice or thrice a Day.

It restoreth the ferment of the Viscera and Blood, when almost lost and gone. Fuses thick Blood, promotes the Secretion of Febrile Matter, and by way of Precipitation, throws it off into the Emunctories.

[p. 379]

Take roots of Orris 1 pound; Calamus aromatic, Cypcrus, each 4 ounces; Marjoram 1 ounce; Damask Roses, Nutmeg, Cloves, Storax calamite, Benjamin, Labdanum, each 2 ounces; make all into a gross Powder.

Take Tobacco 1 scruple; Ginger, Flower of Sulphur, each half a scruple; mix.

Let the Patient snuff a little of this up into the Nostril that is opposite to the Pain, and presently throw himself upon a Bed, for 'twill immediately give him a Twinge, as though he were shot through the Head, yet it scarce provokes Sneezing, though it draw out a great deal of Water, anon it brings a little Doziness as 'twere; and seldom fails of driving the Toothach for that time.

Take powder of Tiles half an ounce; moisten it, at several times, with Oil of Tartar, 'till it hath imbibed its own Weight, and bring it to the consistence of Paste, then add white Tartar 3 drams; Bread burnt black 2 drams; make it into Powder.

Rub the Teeth with it when grown foul, yellow or black, and wach it off with warm Wine.

. [p. 380]

The Teeth are never overgrown with Lapis Dentalis, while the Gums are found, and rise up to the middle of the Tooth, in a pointing shape, and stick fast to it. But Gums that are spongy,apt to bleed, flaccid and loose from the Teeth, and so give way for external Injuries to come at the Teeth, and don't supply them with good Nourshment but pervert it: Such occasion there stony Concretions.

Take Virginia Snake root, Spanish Angelica root, Contrayerva, each 5 grains; Myrrh 3 grains; Saffron 2 grains, mix.

Take Prunel Stone 1 dram; Egg shells calcined 2 scruples; Salt of Amber 1 scruple; white Sugar 2 drams, make it into Powder.

The Dose is half a dram or 2 scruples. See the Diuretic Nitrous Julep.

Take Aniseed 1 dram and half; Salt of Amber half a dram; Oil of Nutmeg 3 drops, make a Powder for 3 Doses.

The best way both of giving and keeping Salt of Amber, is to mingle it with double its weight of Nitre, faith Dr. Willis.

[p. 381]

Take Lemnian Earth 1 scruple; red Coral, Crabs Eyes, Egg and Oister-shells,each 5 grains; powder and mix all.

Wheresoever there's an Acid offending in the Stomach or Intestines, these absorbing and Concentrating Medicines have place, but whether or no that be found beyond the first Passages, I am not sufficiently assur'd.

Its observable, I confess, that Flesh Broths, if kept 'till they corrupt, grow sowr, and thence perhaps a probable Argument may be drawn to prove that Animal Juices shut up, and corrupted in the uttermost recesses of the Body, may contract Acidity. But this granted, it in no wise follows, that edulcorating Earths are able to correct those Juices, lodged up at so great a distance out of the way, for its most likely, their dusty Particles spend thier whole force in the first Passages, being utterly unfit to enter the Mouths of the Lacteal Veins, and sl get into the Mass of Blood; or (if they were there) to pass through the Glands and many fine Strainers to arrive into the remote Habit of the Body.

If we consult Experience, that most certainly tells us, that small Children are apt to abound with noxious Acids in their Bowels:

[p. 382]

That a great part of their Maladies are to be hence accounted for, and that consequently their Cure is to be fetched from Testaceous, and Cretaceous Medicines; and these are so proper and peculiar to this Age, that I have very rarely known them given to Infants in acute Distempers, skilfully, and in sufficient quantity, but that commendable Success hath followed. On the other side, I confess, I have seldom seen them do much good to grown Persons. I reckon it therefore an establish'd Axiom, that Testaceous and Cretaceous Things are appropriated to Children, and to Illnesses in the first Passages, but signifie not so much to grown People, and Distempers of the Blood, and more remote Juices.

Take Venetian Borace 15 grains, Myrrh 12 grains, Saffron 3 grains, Oyl of Cloves 1 drop, mix.

It's endow'd with the same Virtues with the Emmenagogue Decoction, and is proper to give with it.

Take Troches of Vipers 1 dram, Virginia Snake-root, Contrayerva, each half a dram mix.

It's not only prevalent against malignant Fevers, but also (being given before the

[p. 383]

Fit) commonly drives Agues. The Dose is from 1 scruple to 2 scruples.

Take Eye-bright 3 drams, Mace 1 dram, make it into a fine Powder.

I have seen decrepit old Men almost blind, which were by the help of this Powder restor'd to entire sight, faith Montagnana.

But besides its being a good Eye-medicine, its eminently available against the Head-ach, if taken in a Glass of Wine at Bed-time: That time is best, because the Brain imbibes Medicines (by the Vehicle of the Blood) most of all in the time of sleep.

For the Eyes, take half a spoonful before Meals in a Glass of Sack.

Take Eye-bright half an ounce, sweet Fennelseed 2 drams, Mace, Nutmeg each 1 dram, White Sugar 1 ounce. Make all into Powder.

The Dose is 1 dram twice a day.

The Salt of Wormwood half a dram, Diaphoretic Antimony, I dram, Camomile-flowers 2 drams and a half. Make a Powder for 8 Doses, to be taken every 3 or 4 hours between Fits.

[p. 384]

Take Male Piony-root, Seed of the same, White Amber, Crystal, Harts-horn vitriolated each 3 drams, Humane Cranium both crude and vitriolated each half an ounce, Calamus aromatic, Misselto of the Oak, Box-wood each 2 drams and a half, Red Coral, Coralline, Wild Valerain root, Bedeguar Spunge each 2 drams, Nutmeg, Lavender Flowers each 1 dram, Secundine of a Woman I ounce, 6 drams and 1 scruple, Leaves of Gold and Silver cut small 24, Ambergrise 1 scruple to every ounce. Make all into fine Powder.

Because this was before prescribed in Cephalic Powder, I thought it needful to be describ'd. The Dose is from 1 scruple to 1 dram.

Take Seeds of Henbane, White Poppy each 2 drams, Sealed Earth, Hematites each 1 dram, Sugar of Roses 6 drams mix.

Its near allied to Mr.Boyle's Electuary, and may be given to good Purpose, with Asses Milk twice a Day to 1 dram.

Take Astringent Crocus of Mars half a scruple; Dragons Blood 5 grains; Alum 3 grains; Sugar of Lead 2 grains, make all into Powder.

[p. 385]

Take of Solomon's Seal and Comfrey Roots, Aniseed, each 1 dram; make a Powder.

It doth good, by expelling Wind, easing Pains, and consolidating the Parts. Let a small Child take 15 grains thrice a day.

It greatly avails also, against both Pain and Flux of the Hemorrhoids. Let grown Persons take half a dram or 2 scruples; with a draught of Decoction of Yarrow, or our styptic Decoction.

Take Irish Slate 15 grains; Salt of Amber 3 grains; Salt of Harts horn 2 grains; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop, mix.

Its ordered against a Pleurisy, Rheumatism, and all manner of Distempers, where the Serum of the Blood turns into Size.

Take roots of white Bryony 1 dram; Piony rose bearing a white flower 2 drams; Castor 2 scruples; Salt of Amber 1 scruple; Oil of Amber 4 drops, make a Powder.

It not only correcteth and lasheth the disorderly Spirits (as before said of the Hysteric julep) but moreover extricates them from their Heterogeneous Copula, and depurates them; adds Strength to the Brain it self, roborates the whole Nervous System. And

[p. 386]

upon these Accounts, useth to be a great help, then especially to Hysteric Women, when the Brain it self is chiefly affected; and the Distemper threatens running over to an Epilepsy. The Dose is half a dram.

Take marsh Mallow root, Gum Arabic, Dragons Blood, Liquorice, each 5 grains; beat all into a fine Powder.

For its Virtues, consult the Incrassating Decoction.

Take Gum Lac 2 drams; astringent Crocus of Mars 3 drams; Dragons Blood 1 dram; make of it a subtile Powder.

It hath a notable Stypticity, and is therefore prescrib'd in all manner of internal Hemorrhagies; but particularly is celebrated, with wonderful Elogies, for its remarkable faculty of stanching bloody Urine. The Dose half a dram.

Take Senna and Cream of Tartar, each as much as you will, and reduce them into a Powder.

Its a short Composition, but a most benign Medicine, purging very mildly and without Trouble, Gripes or Sickness. For Cream of Tartar is the best Corrector of Senna.

[p. 387]

The Dose is from half a dram to 2 scruples, or 1 dram for grown Persons, to be taken at Night.

Take Marjoram, Arabian Stechas flowers, each 5 grains; Nutmeg 3 grains; Mustard seed 2 grains; Oil Sassaphras 1 drop, make all into Powder.

It opens the Meatus of the Brain and Nerve, when subsiding by reason of Laxity, clear them out when obstructed with Phlegm, depurates the Spirits when clogg'd with Filth, rouseth them up when sluggishly stagnating, restoreth the animal Expansion. And therefore is a most desirable Remedy against Soporose and Paralytic Affects, to be given Night and Morn.

Take Mastic, Olibanum, Japanic Earth, Flower of Sulphur, each 5 grains; Sugar candy 1 scruple; powder all. Its of egregious use in a Catarrh, and emulates the Electuary of Mastic.

Let it be given at 4 in the Afternoon, and at Bed time, with a Draught of the Decoction of Hounds Tongue.

[p. 388]

each 2 grains; Ginger 1 grain; Oil of Aniseed 1 drop; Bring all to a Powder.

I have known this prescrib'd for an Asthma, but to no purpose; perhaps because the boiling Blood and heated Lungs might require cooler things. However, in a straitness of Breath from a Cold, and tenacious Colluvies stuffing the Bronchia; its an efficacious and most desirable Medicine; for it potently incides, removes and expectorates Phlegm. But of these consult the Expectorating Decoction and Electuary.

Take Myrrh, Savine, Grains of Paradise, each 5 grains; Saffron 3 grains; Castor 2 grains; Oil of Amber 1 drop, make a Powder.

Its something like the Womens Pills, which see.

Take Smalage and Saxifrage roots, each 2 drams; Crabs Eyes I dram; vitriolated Tartar, Prunel stone, each 2 scruples; Cream of Tartar 4 scruples; Oil of Juniper 4 drops, make all into a Powder.

The Communicator faith, it promotes Urine, expels the Stone, bringeth the Menses, etc. The Dose is from 1 scruple to 1 dram, with a Decoction of Marsh Mallows.

[p. 389]

Take Prunel stone 1 dram and half; Cinnaber of Antimony half a dram; white Sugar half an ounce; reduce all to a Powder.

Its prescrib'd in hot burning Fevers, to temper Heat and Thrift, allay Ebullition, and provoke Urine. The Dose is 1 dram in some grateful Vehicle.

Take Nutmegs half an ounce; Cinnamon 2 drams; Mace, Cloves Marjoram, Betony, Rosemary, Lavender flowers, each 1 dram, make all into a Powder.

Verzascha saith, this Powder useth to be kept in the Stops at Basil in Swisserland. It roborates the Stomach, helps Digestion, comforts the Brain, and is of egregious use whensoever the Head suffers by Sympathy from the Stomach. Let 1 dram be taken after Meals, and at Night, immediately before Sleep.

Take Rhodium Wood half an ounce, yellow Sanders, Damask Roses, Florentine Orris, each 2 drams; Spanish Angelica root 4 scruples; Mace half a dram; Apoplectic Balsam half a scruple; Oil of Cloves 6 drops, beat them into a gross Powder.

[p. 390]

To recreate the Spirits and delight the Sense.

Take the thin yellow peel of Orange, Cummin seed, each 12 grains; Castor 5 grains; long Pepper 1 grain; Oil of Juniper I drop, make a Powder.

It comforts the Ventricles and Intestines, corrects Phlegm, discusses Wind, solves the Spasm: And (after needful Purges have made their way) Happily cures a Colic.

Let it be taken thrice a Day, and after it a draught of the bitter Febrisic Decoction.

Take Cream of Tartar half an ounce; Senna 1 ounce; Rhubarb 6 drams; Scammony 2 drams; Mace half an ounce; beat all up to a Powder.

This is translated from the Leuwaerden Pharmacopeia. Its Dose is from 2 scruples to 1 dram.

Take the white part of Peacocks Dung 15 grains; Salt of Amber 5 grains; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop; reduce them to a Powder.

'Tis a Specific against a Vertigo, to be given Night and Morn, with a draught of Cephalic Decoction.

[p. 391]

Take Sulphur vive, Florentine Orris, Liquorice, Aniseed, each 5 grains; Sugar candy 1 scruple; make these into Powder.

It contends in Virtues with the Pectoral Julep.

Take Seeds of Coriander half an ounce; Anise, swees Fennel, each 4 scruple; Nutmeg half a dram; Cinnamon, Cloves, each I scruple; long Pepper half a scruple, white Sugar 1 ounce, of these make a Powder for 16 Doses.

Its most commodiously us'd, when after Meals happen Ilness, Nauseousness, Belching, Heaviness, Tension, Inflation, and fulness of the Stomach. As also flushings in the Cheeks, Listlesness, Drowziness, Headach, and other the like Signs of bad Digestion.

For Aromatics correct slimy Phlegm in the ventricle, and by their volatile, oleose, quick Salt, include and attenuate it, kindly deterge the Plice and Ville of the Stomach, and resuscitate native Heat, upon which, Appetite and Digestion return of course.

The way I most use in giving it is, to have it sprinkled upon a Toast dipt in Wine; and so eaten presently after Dinner and Supper.

[p. 392]

Take Pearl Oriental, white Coral, each half an ounce; Crabs Eyes 1 ounce; levigate them into an absolute Alcohol, on a Marble.

I think testaceous Powders exert their Virtues much easier and sooner when fine, than when course. Its to be used either alone, or in Pearl Juleps, to 2 scruples or 1 dram in 12 ounces.

Take Male Piony root, Humane Cranium, each 5 grains; native Cinnaber half a scruple; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop; bring it to a Powder.

This Powder being fetch'd out of the triple Kingdom, Animal, Vegetable and Mineral, very notably succours Children troubled with Convulsion Fits.

Take Olibanum half a scruple; Crabs Eyes, Flower of Sulphur, each 5 grains; reduce them to a Powder.

I have several times cautioned the young Practitioner against trusting to Specifics in a Pleurisy, to the neglect of Bleeding. And I here repeat the same.

Take Ashtree rind half a scruple; Rhubarb 5 grains; Spikenard, Saffron, each 2 grains; long

[p. 393]

Pepper 1 grain; make them into a Powder. To which may Chalybeats be added, pro re nata.

It removes Obstructions of the Viscera, corrects depraved Ferments, repressed spasmodic Flatulencies, rouseth up a languishing Appetite, and alleviates pain and tension of the Hypochondria.

As a Porrigo or a Leprosy, which have their Minera in the cutaneous Glands, though they are external Maladies, and lie fair and open enough for the application of Remedies; and yet are most excessively pertinacious and difficult of Cure. Even so may we conceive of the Hypochondriac Affections, that they have their Minera in the Glands of the Ventricle and Viscera, and remotesh Parts; and there (by reason of some vicious, unconquerable Ferment spew'd out) deprave Chylification, and raise Hurry and Conturbations. And since its an internal Distemper, and wholly uncapable of having the Touch of immediate Applications, its no wonder at all, if it be most stubborn, and almost uncurable.

This Age produces a set of idle shallow, shewish Men, that are for short cut forsooth into Physic, without the Expence of that Learning that it cost our Forefathers. To bring this about, they read no Books, despise Pharmacy, cry down Hypotheses, crowd up Theory, confound Distempers; and tho' they affect to be call'd rational Practicers,

[p. 394]

are, in truth, scarce tolerable Emperics. I know that Fetids will repress Vapours in Women, but will seldom touch upon the Flatus of Men. Why then must Hystericism and Hypochondriacism be confusedly jumbl'd together, and accounted the same, and all their difference be in Degree? Why do we not rather let them be different, as to both Place and Essence? And then, why do we not study out, and settle their particular Remedies and method of Cure? But perhaps this Parergon may raise the Spleen in some sort of Readers, I therefore stop short.

Let a Dose be taken in a draught of white Wine every Morning and Afternoon, for a course of some Weeks.

Take Florentine Orris 1 scruple; white Hellebore half a scruple; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop, make a Powder.

Sternutatories purge and cleanse the Head, because they irritate the Spirits nidulating in, and irradiating those Nerves that are disseminated into the internal Membranes of the Nostrils. For the Spirits being provok'd into Spasms and tumultuary Transports, loosen the impacted viscous Humours, shake them out of their Places, and eliminate them through the Infundibulum and Pituitary Gland, out of the confines of the Brain into the Veins. And so its all inward and out of

[p. 395]

sight. But as to that Pus and Putrilage, that is cast out of the Nose by Sternutation, it comes no further than from the Neighbouring Glands and Caverns, and not from the Brain it self.

Take Spanish Angelica root, Mint, Cinnamon, each 1 scruple; Mace 12 grains; Balaustines long Pepper, each 4 grains; Oil Wormwood 1 drop; white loaf Sugar 4 scruples; make all into a Powder for 4 Doses.

It warms, comforts, corroborates, etc. much like the Stomach Electuary.

Take Virginy Snake root, Zedoary, Gentian, Elecampane, each 5 grains; Oil of Nutmeg 1 drop, make a Powder.

It warms, roborates, deterges and useth to bring considerable Advantage, when by reason of Daily hard Drinking, Sotting and Soaking, the Fibres of the Stomach being over washt become lapse like a Tripe; and its Ville being slabbered over, and oppress'd with slimy Putrilage, retain nothing, whence arise loathing of Food Morning Strainings and Vomiting.

Give a Dose every Morning, half an Hour before rising, in a draught of bitter Decoction.

[p. 396]

Take Rocket seed and Poultry Bones dry'd in an Oven, as much as you will, beat both into Powder and mix.

Though this be an Empirical Remedy, and I never us'd it, yet because I knew a certain young Woman, who upon undoubted Experience found much good by it, I had a mind (though not to recommend, yet) to communicate it. She took as much as would ly on a broad Knifes point twice a day, for a long time.

Ettmuller appoints Medicines against Strume to be given, especially in the Wain of the Moon.

Take Troches of Lemnian Earth, Bole, each 1 dram; Hematites Stone, Dragons blood, Mastick, Gum Arabic, each half a dram, make all into a Powder.

Its to stanch inward Hemorrhagies.

Take Astringent Crocus of Mars, Seeds of white Poppy and Henbane, each 1 dram and 12 grains; Sugar of Lead 24 grains, make a Powder for 8 Doses.

[p. 397]

Take Cream of Tartar 5 drams; Balaustines 1 dram; Spirit of Vitriol enough to make it pretty tart, mix up a Powder.

It corrects bilious Humours suffused into the Ventricle, restores natural Acid, strengthens the loose Tone, and so is of approv'd use, when a bitter colluvies brings Queasiness, loss of Appetite, Bradypepsy, Vomiting or Diarrhea.

Riverius (Cap. de Concoctione lesa) relates a very singular Story of himself, how that having been troubled with an Alvine Flux, for 4 Months, at last he was freed from it, and perfectly cured in a few Days by the use of Vinegar. He indeed lays the blame upon Phlegm and Melancholy, being imposed upon (as I imagine) by his Stools, which (the sharpness of Humours raking off the linings of the Guts) appear'd all Slimy and Pituitole: Whereas in reality, the whole Cause was to be referr'd to extream acrid Bile, plentifully flowing into the Guts.

Take Crystals of Tartar, Pearch stone, Crabs Eyes, each 1 dram; Salt of Amber half a dram; white Sugar 3 drams and half; make a Powder adding Oil of Aniseed 5 drops.

Its used in Nephritic Cases. The Dose is from half a dram to 1 dram.

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Take roots of Tormentile 2 drams; Spanish Angelica, Virginia Snake root, Contrayerva, Zedoary, Spikenard, Saffron, each 1 scruple; Mace half a dram; Camphire, Opium, each 15 grains; make all carefully into a well mix'd fine Powder.

By Malignity (saith Ettmuller) we can conceive nothing else, but an Acrimony in such Excess, that its vehemently Operative, even in the least quantity imaginable; which makes upon the Nervous System, an highly destructive preternatural Impression. And brings on the Humours, a putredinous Mutation of their proper Texture. Concerning the Operandi ratio of Alexipharmacs, see the Decoction called Sacrum.

It emulates the Virtues of Treacle. One scruple of it contains one grain of Opium.

Take Troches of Vipers (or rather flesh dry'd) 15 grains; Salt of Amber 3 grains; Saffron 2 grains; make a Powder.

Its held for a great Arcanum, against the Jaundise.

Take Japanic Earth, Balaustines, each 1 scruple; Alnm, long Pepper, each half a scruple, Powder and mix.

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See the Gargle for the Uvula: The manner of using it is thus. The Tongue being held down with a Speculum Oris, let the Powder be blown upon the Uvula, with a Pipe or Uvula Spoon, and let the Operation be repeated, as occasion requires.

Take Astringent Crocus of Steel half a scruple; Spikenard, Species of Hyacinth, each 5 grains, bring all into a fine Powder. Its of great Service to correct the laxity of the Uterus,

hinder a Flux of Blood, and consequently prevent Miscarriage. Let it be given Night and Morn, with a glass of rough red Lisbon Wine. Or oftner, if there be an actual Flux.

Take Quich Grass roots 3 ounces; Liquorice, shavings of Harts horn and Ivory, each 2 drams; Raisins of the Sun 1 ounce and half; boil in depurated Barly water 3 pints to 1 quart; in the strain'd liquor dissolve Salt Nitre 4 scruples; Syrup of Violets 1 ounce, mix.

Its a Drink for People in Fevers, and pleasant enough; quencheth Thirst, mitigates Fervours, succours the Lungs, and provokes Urine.

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