The bark may be given by itself, in powder, or made into an electuary
with rob of elder, or with the syrup of quinces, cinnamon, orange-peel,
or any other cordial syrup; if it purges when taken in substance, it
must be administered in the infusion or extract. If the fever be
strong, the heat considerable, and the patient thirsty, the bark will
be of no service[13]; but recourse must be had to medicines which
may abate the fever and allay the heat, such as are commonly called
temperants.
If the bark be judged necessary, it may be given in doses of half a
dram or two scruples, at first every hour, afterwards every two hours,
and at length, once every three or four hours: To each dose may be
added a few drops of spirit of sea salt, or of dulcified spirit of
vitriol, or a few grains of alum or catechu. If the patient be very
weak, a small glass of some acid wine may be ordered with the medicine,
such as Rhenish, Neckar or Moselle wine, &c. When it is thought proper
to promote perspiration, an infusion of chamomile may be drank, as is
recommended by Dr. Pringle. Let the strength be supported by the plain
regimen, directed by that physician in the same treatise.
Let the drink be water and vinegar, weak veal and chicken broth, gruels
of barley or oatmeal, acidulated with vinegar or juice of lemons,
&c. I have not room, in this place, to enter into a more particular
discussion.