_This is a spirit distilled from spirit of wine one quart, and spirit of
nitre half a pound, according to the art of chymistry._
In regard to its virtue, it is an excellent medicine in most acrimonious
cases, and acts principally as a gentle diuretic; besides this, it is of
an antispasmodic and antiputrescent quality, and therefore useful in all
kinds of inflammatory disorders, particularly of the putrid kind of
fevers; which I shall, in the course of this work, take notice of.
E. _Honey_: This is a useful article, which ought to be plenty, and of
the best kind; it is particularly useful for making gargles, clysters,
poultices, &c. &c. as shall be farther specified.
F. _Yellow basilicon_:
_Take olive oil, yellow bees wax, yellow rosin, Burgundy pitch, of each
half a pound, turpentine two ounces; melt the whole, and mix them
properly._
This is an external digestive application to cleanse ulcers, and to make
them discharge good matter, by which the inflammation will abate.
G. _Elixir of Vitriol_:
_Take stomachic elixir one pint, oil of vitriol four ounces; mix them,
and filter it through paper._
This is an excellent elixir for weak stomachs, that proceed from bile
and other causes of indigestion; it is also a great specific against the
scurvy, and the like habits; as also in feverish complaints. The dose is
from 20 to 40 or 60 drops, in a little water.
H. _Elixir proprietatis_:
_Take of myrrh in powder one ounce and an half, succotrine aloes in
powder an ounce, saffron four ounces, of dulcified spirit of vitriol six
ounces, of rectified spirit of wine twenty-four ounces; digest them in a
sand heat for four days, and then pour off the elixir from the dregs._
This elixir is an excellent stomachic, it will promote digestion,
strengthen the stomach, and create an appetite; it will also keep the
body gently open, and on that account be of great benefit against many
ailments in the bowels. The dose is about a drachm or two, or a middling
spoonful; to be taken either by itself, or in a glass of wine, and makes
a most agreeable bitter.