[9] These two last applications are not in Heister: The _species
pro cataplasmatic_, consists of _yarrow, wormwood, water germander,
southernwood, chamomile, sage, hysop, rue, elder, St. John's wort, and
red roses_.
It is quite unnecessary to make use of all these ingredients at one
time. TISSOT.
[10] As the composition of the martial ball may not be generally known,
I shall describe it in this place: _Take of filings of iron one part;
white tartar two parts: Let them be reduced to a fine powder, and put
into a matrass with as much French brandy as will swim about an inch
above the powder; exhale to dryness, either in the heat of the sun or
in that of a water bath. Pour fresh brandy upon the remainder, and
evaporate them in this manner several times successively, till the mass
appears resinous; then form it into balls nearly of the bigness of an
egg._
I do not exactly know what quantity Mr. Bilguer means by _sextarius_;
that measure, among the ancients, contained twenty four ounces, but
here I believe it denotes somewhat less. If we suppose it to be about a
pint, the medicine will be extremely good.
[11] This composition is commonly called _species pro decocto nigro_,
or the species for the black decoction.
[12] In using the external vulnerary medicines, in which aloes is an
ingredient, it must be remembered, what Mr. Bilguer remarks in another
place, that they often prove purgative.