_Take lytharge fine prepared one pound, oil of olive one quart, boil
them over a gentle fire, putting into the pan a little water, stir it
all the while, and take care it does not burn; continue boiling, till it
becomes of a consistency of a plaister, and make it into rolls; which,
according to art, is best done before it is quite cold, upon a wet
marble slab, and wet hands, and then put up in paper, previously rubbed
over with some soap, to prevent it from sticking._
There is not a medicine so generally useful for all hands on board, as
this very plaister, in case of cuts, bruises, or sores of any kind; it
is not only the medicine box that should be well provided with it, but
every man on board, I advise to have a roll, and some spread on cloth in
his chest; for in every little accident, a cut, a broken nose, or broken
shin, &c. to which a seaman is liable, nothing is handier, and nothing
is more beneficial than this plaister, as it will prevent inflammation
and festering, heal it up, and prevent small sores from becoming great
ones.