_Take Turner’s Cerate_ (K) _two ounces; Precipitate_ (O) _two
drachms; mix them._
Let this be sparingly rubb’d on the itchy part; if it should be too
hard, mix with it a little sweet oil. When the pills are all used,
another purge like the former may be given; after which if requisite, a
few of the same pills, one every night, will not be amiss. Should it be
very obstinate, a little _mercurial ointment_ (P) about one drachm to
the above quantity may be added; particularly if the ship is in a warm
climate. Should these medicines seem to affect the mouth, as people vary
much in this respect, a purge will set all to rights again. This is a
safe and expeditious method of curing the rankest itch, even of the
worst kind. If however there is a fever attending, a few _fever powders_
(L) should be given when going to rest, in order to promote
perspiration; at the same time using the before mentioned medicines. In
regard to the scorbutic itch, that I shall take notice of, under the
title of that disorder. During the cure of the itch, a decoction of the
_sassafras_ (14) should be drank, as that is a great purifier of the
blood.
_Of Boils._
Boils are sometimes very troublesome, and at times exquisitely painful;
especially when they are on tendinous parts: they are always a sign of
foul blood, and nature very often that way frees the body from diseases.
They may frequently be dispersed in the beginning of their coming, by
pressing, and gently pinching them: but unless they are very numerous,
such a method is unsafe; because it forces into the blood again what
nature endeavours to discharge. The best method is to bring them to a
head as soon as possible, to which purpose I shall here recommend a
paste that is very powerful.