_Take of fever powder_ (L) _one scruple; common water or balm
tea, one ounce or half a tea cup full; then take a lump of
sugar, on which pour essential oil of peppermint_ (U) _three
drops; liquid laudanum_ (T) _eight drops; sweet spirit of nitre_
(D) _thirty drops; and mix them with a tea spoon._
This draught will not only promote perspiration, but it will comfort the
stomach, and incline the patient to an agreeable rest; by which he will
be greatly refreshed. If occasion requires, it may be repeated every six
hours.
If rest comes of its own accord, the _liquid laudanum_ (T) may be
omitted; and if the stomach does not stand in need of any carminatives,
the _oil of peppermint_ (U) may also be omitted, &c. The constant drink
when dry may be balm tea; in which, if it suits the palate of the
patient, a slice of lemon may be put, and then sweetened with sugar.
The diet, as I have before observed, should be sparing; and the
patient’s palate in this should principally be consulted. The following
water gruel, or rather wine soup, or whatever other name it may acquire,
I have often ordered to my patients at sea; and which has suited most
stomachs, and proved an agreeable mess.