Procure two or three dozen of the fresh roots of marsh-mallows, and
dry them carefully in the shade, so that they may not shrivel. They
must be chosen about as thick as a cane, and cut to five or six
inches long, then with a mallet bruise the ends of them very gently,
for about half an inch down, in order to form a brush. Then take two
ounces of dragon’s blood, four ounces of highly rectified spirit, and
half an ounce of fresh conserve of roses, and put them in a glazed
pipkin or pan, to dissolve over a gentle fire. When dissolved, put
in your prepared mallow-roots, stirring them to make them take the
dye equally. Continue this till no moisture remains in the vessel,
when the roots will be hard, dry, and fit for use. If you take care
of them, they will last you a considerable time. When you use this
toothbrush, it may be dipped in the following: