Extracts are prepared by boiling the subject in water, and evaporating

the strained decoction to a due consistence. By this process some of the

more active parts of plants are freed from the useless, indissoluble

earthy matter, which makes the larger share of their bulk. Water,

however, is not the only menstruum used in the preparation of extracts;

sometimes it is joined with spirits, and at other times rectified spirit

alone is employed for that purpose.

Extracts are prepared from a variety of different drugs, as the bark,

gentian, jalap, &c.; but as they require a troublesome and tedious

operation, it will be more convenient for a private practitioner to

purchase what he needs of them from a professed druggist, than to

prepare them himself. Such of them as are generally used are inserted in

our list of such drugs and medicines as are to be kept for private

practice.

FOMENTATIONS.

Fomentations are generally intended either to ease pain, by taking off

tension and spasm; or to brace and restore the tone and vigour of those

parts to which they are applied. The first of these intentions may

generally be answered by warm water, and the second by cold. Certain

substances, however, are usually added to water, with a view to heighten

its effects, as anodynes, aromatics, astringents, &c. We shall therefore

subjoin a few of the most useful medicated fomentations, that people may

have it in their power to make use of them if they chuse.

_Anodyne Fomentation._

Take of white poppy-heads, two ounces; elder flowers, half an ounce;

water, three pints. Boil till one pint is evaporated, and strain out the

liquor.

This fomentation, as its title expresses, is used for relieving acute

pain.

_Aromatic Fomentation._

Take of Jamaica pepper, half an ounce; red wine, a pint. Boil them for a

little, and then strain the liquor.

This is intended, not only as a topical application for external

complaints, but also for relieving the internal parts. Pains of the

bowels, which accompany dysenteries and diarrhœas, flatulent colics,

uneasiness of the stomach, and reachings to vomit, are frequently abated

by fomenting the abdomen and region of the stomach with the warm liquor.

_Common Fomentation._

Take tops of wormwood and camomile flowers, dried, of each two ounces;

water, two quarts. After a slight boiling, pour off the liquor.

Brandy or spirit of wine may be added to this fomentation, in such

quantity as the particular circumstances of the case shall require; but

these are not always necessary.

_Emollient Fomentation._

This is the same as the common decoction.

_Strengthening Fomentation._

Take of oak bark, one ounce; granate peel, half an ounce; alum, two

drachms; smith’s forge water, three pints. Boil the water with the bark

and peel to the consumption of one-third; then strain the remaining

decoction, and dissolve it in alum.

This astringent liquor is employed as an external fomentation to weak

parts; it may also be used internally.

GARGLES.

However trifling this class of medicines may appear, they are by no

means without their use. They seldom indeed cure diseases, but they

often alleviate very disagreeable symptoms; as parchedness of the mouth,

foulness of the tongue and fauces, &c. they are peculiarly useful in

fevers and sore throats. In the latter, a gargle will sometimes remove

the disorder; and in the former, few things are more refreshing or

agreeable to the patient, than to have his mouth frequently washed with

some soft detergent gargle.

One advantage of these medicines is, that they are easily prepared. A

little barley-water and honey may be had any where; and if to these be

added as much vinegar as will give them an agreeable sharpness, they

will make a very useful gargle for softening and cleansing the mouth.

Gargles have the best effect when injected with a syringe.

_Attenuating Gargle._

Take of water, six ounces; honey, one ounce; nitre, a drachm and a half.

Mix them.

This cooling gargle may be used either in the inflammatory quinsey, or

in fevers, for cleaning the tongue and fauces.

_Common Gargle._

Take of rose-water, six ounces; syrup of clove July-flowers, half an

ounce; spirit of vitriol, a sufficient quantity to give it an agreeable

sharpness. Mix them.

This gargle, besides cleansing the tongue and fauces, acts as a gentle

repellent, and will sometimes remove a slight quinsey.

_Detergent Gargle._

Take of the emollient gargle, a pint; tincture of myrrh, an ounce;

honey, two ounces. Mix them.

When exulcerations require to be cleansed, or the excretion of tough

viscid saliva promoted, this gargle will be of service.

_Emollient Gargle._

Take an ounce of marsh-mallow roots, and two or three figs; boil them in

a quart of water till near one half of it be consumed; then strain out

the liquor.

If an ounce of honey, and half an ounce of spirit of sal ammoniac, be

added to the above, it will then be an exceeding good _attenuating

gargle_.

This gargle is beneficial in fevers, where the tongue and fauces are

rough and parched, to soften these parts, and promote the discharge of

saliva.

The learned and accurate Sir John Pringle observes, that in the

inflammatory quinsey, or strangulation of the fauces, little benefit

arises from the common gargles; that such as are of an acid nature do

more harm than good, by contracting the emunctories of the saliva and

mucus, and thickening those humours; that a decoction of figs in milk

and water has a contrary effect, especially if some sal ammoniac be

added; by which the saliva is made thinner, and the glands brought to

secrete more freely; a circumstance always conducive to the cure.

INFUSIONS.

Vegetables yield nearly the same properties to water by infusion as by

decoction; and though they may require a longer time to give out their

virtues in this way, yet it has several advantages over the other; since

boiling is found to dissipate the finer parts of many bitter and

aromatic substances, without more fully extracting their medicinal

principles.

The author of the New Dispensatory observes, that even from those

vegetables which are weak in virtue, rich infusions may be obtained, by

returning the liquor upon fresh quantities of the subject, the water

loading itself more and more with the active parts; and that these

loaded infusions are applicable to valuable purposes in medicine, as

they contain in a small compass the finer, more subtile, and active

principles of vegetables, in a form readily miscible with the fluids of

the human body.

_Bitter Infusion._

Take tops of the lesser centaury and camomile flowers, of each half an

ounce; yellow rind of lemon and orange peel, carefully freed from the

inner white part, of each two drachms. Cut them in small pieces, and

infuse them in a quart of boiling water.

For indigestion, weakness of the stomach, or want of appetite, a

tea-cupful of this infusion may be taken twice or thrice a day.

_Infusion of the Bark._

To an ounce of the bark, in powder, add four or five table-spoonfuls of

brandy, and a pint of boiling water. Let them infuse for two or three

days.

This is one of the best preparations of the bark for weak stomachs. In

disorders where the corroborating virtues of that medicine are required,

a tea-cupful of it may be taken two or three times a-day.

_Infusion of Carduus._

Infuse an ounce of the dried leaves of carduus benedictus, or blessed

thistle, in a pint of common water, for six hours, without heat; then

filter the liquor through paper.

This light infusion may be given, with great benefit, in weakness of the

stomach, where the common bitters do not agree. It may be flavoured at

pleasure with cinnamon, or other aromatic materials.

_Infusion of Linseed._

Take of linseed, two spoonfuls; liquorice root, sliced, half an ounce;

boiling water, three pints. Let them stand to infuse by the fire for

some hours, and then strain off the liquor.

If an ounce of the leaves of colt’s foot be added to these ingredients,

it will then be the _pectoral infusion_. Both these are emollient

mucilaginous liquors, and may be taken with advantage as ordinary drink

in difficulty of making water; and in coughs and other complaints of the

breast.

_Infusion of Roses._

Take of red roses, dried, half an ounce; boiling water, a quart;

vitriolic acid, commonly called oil of vitriol, half a drachm; loaf

sugar, an ounce.

Infuse the roses in the water for four hours, in an unglazed earthen

vessel; afterwards pour in the acid, and having strained the liquor, add

to it the sugar.

In an excessive flow of the _menses_, vomiting of blood, and other

hæmorrhages, a tea-cupful of this gently astringent infusion may be

taken every three or four hours. It likewise makes an exceeding good

gargle.

As the quantity of roses used here can have little or no effect, an

equally valuable medicine may be prepared by mixing the acid and water

without infusion.

_Infusion of Tamarinds and Senna._

Take of tamarinds, one ounce; senna, and crystals of tartar, each two

drachms. Let these ingredients be infused four or five hours in a pint

of boiling water; afterwards let the liquor be strained, and an ounce or

two of the aromatic tincture added to it. Persons who are easily purged

may leave out either the tamarinds or the crystals of tartar.

This is an agreeable cooling purge. A tea-cupful may be given every half

hour till it operates.

This supplies the place of the _decoction of tamarinds and senna_.

_Spanish Infusion._

Take of Spanish juice, cut into small pieces, an ounce; salt of tartar,

three drachms. Infuse in a quart of boiling water for a night. To the

drained liquor add an ounce and a half of the syrup of poppies.

In recent colds, coughs, and obstructions of the breast, a tea-cupful of

this infusion may be taken with advantage three or four times a-day.

_Infusion for the Palsy._

Take of horse-radish root shaved, mustard-seed bruised, each four

ounces; outer rind of orange-peel, one ounce. Infuse them in two quarts

of boiling water, in a close vessel, for twenty-four hours.

In paralytic complaints, a tea-cupful of this warm stimulating medicine

may be taken three or four times a-day. It excites the action of the

solids, proves diuretic, and, if the patient be kept warm, promotes

perspiration.

If two or three ounces of the dried leaves of marsh-trefoil be used

instead of the mustard, it will make the _antiscorbutic infusion_.

JULEPS.

The basis of juleps is generally common water, or some simple distilled

water, with one-third or one-fourth its quantity of distilled spirituous

water, and as much sugar or syrup as is sufficient to render the mixture

agreeable. This is sharpened with vegetable or mineral acids, or

impregnated with other medicines suitable to the intention.

_Camphorated Julep._

Take of camphor, one drachm; rectified spirit of wine, ten drops; double

refined sugar, half an ounce; boiling distilled water, one pint. Rub the

camphor first with the spirit of wine, then with the sugar; lastly, add

the water by degrees, and strain the liquor.

In hysterical and other complaints where camphor is proper, this julep

may be taken in the dose of a spoonful or two as often as the stomach

will bear it.

_Cordial Julep._

Take of simple cinnamon-water, four ounces; Jamaica pepper water, two

ounces; volatile aromatic spirit, and compound spirit of lavender, of

each two drachms; syrup of orange-peel, an ounce. Mix them.

This is given in the dose of two spoonfuls three or four times a day, in

disorders accompanied with great weakness and depression of spirits.

_Expectorating Julep._

Take of the emulsion of gum ammoniac, six ounces; syrup of squills, two

ounces. Mix them.

In coughs, asthmas, and obstructions of the breast, two table-spoonfuls

of this julep may be taken every three or four hours.

_Musk Julep._

Rub half a drachm of musk well together with half an ounce of sugar, and

add to it, gradually, of simple cinnamon and peppermint water, each two

ounces; of the volatile aromatic spirit, two drachms.

In the low state of nervous fevers, hiccuping, convulsions, and other

spasmodic affections, two table-spoonfuls of this julep may be taken

every two or three hours.

_Saline Julep._

Dissolve two drachms of salt of tartar in three ounces of fresh

lemon-juice, strained; when the effervescence is over, add, of

mint-water, and common water, each two ounces; of simple syrup, one

ounce.

This removes sickness at the stomach, relieves vomiting, promotes

perspiration, and may be of some service in fevers, especially of the

inflammatory kind.

_Vomiting Julep._

Dissolve four grains of emetic tartar in eight ounces of water; and add

to it half an ounce of the syrup of clove July flowers.

In the beginning of fevers, where there is no topical inflammation, this

julep may be given in the dose of one table-spoonful every quarter of an

hour till it operates. Antimonial vomits serve not only to evacuate the

contents of the stomach, but likewise to promote the different

excretions. Hence they are found in fevers to have nearly the same

effects as Dr. _James’s Powder_.

MIXTURES.

A mixture differs from a julep in this respect, that it receives into

its composition not only salts, extracts, and other substances

dissoluble in water, but also earths, powders, and such substances as

cannot be dissolved. A mixture is seldom either an elegant or agreeable

medicine. It is nevertheless necessary. Many persons can take a mixture,

who are not able to swallow a bolus or an electuary: besides, there are

medicines which act better in this than in any other form.

_Astringent Mixture._

Take simple cinnamon-water and common water, of each three ounces;

spirituous cinnamon-water, an ounce and a half; Japonic confection, half

an ounce. Mix them.

In dysenteries which are not of long standing, after the necessary

evacuations, a spoonful or two of this mixture may be taken every four

hours, interposing every second or third day a dose of rhubarb.

_Diuretic Mixture._

Take of mint-water, five ounces; vinegar of squills, six drachms; sweet

spirit of nitre, half an ounce; syrup of ginger, an ounce and a half.

Mix them.

In obstructions of the urinary passages, two spoonfuls of this mixture

may be taken twice or thrice a-day.

_Laxative Absorbent Mixture._

Rub one drachm of magnesia alba in a mortar with ten or twelve grains of

the best Turkey rhubarb, and add to them three ounces of common water;

simple cinnamon-water, and syrup of sugar, of each one ounce.

As most diseases of infants are accompanied with acidities, this mixture

may either be given with a view to correct these, or to open the body. A

table-spoonful may be taken for a dose, and repeated three times a-day.

To a very young child half a spoonful will be sufficient.

When the mixture is intended to purge, the dose may either be increased,

or the quantity of rhubarb doubled.

This is one of the most generally useful medicines for children with

which I am acquainted.

_Saline Mixture._

Dissolve a drachm of the salt of tartar in four ounces of boiling water;

and, when cold, drop into it spirit of vitriol till the effervescence

ceases; then add, of peppermint-water, two ounces, simple syrup, one

ounce.

Where fresh lemons cannot be had, this mixture may occasionally supply

the place of the saline julep.

_Squill Mixture._

Take of simple cinnamon-water, five ounces; vinegar of squills, one

ounce; syrup of marsh-mallows, an ounce and a half. Mix them.

This mixture, by promoting expectoration, and the secretion of urine,

proves serviceable in asthmatic and dropsical habits. A table-spoonful

of it may be taken frequently.

OINTMENTS, LINIMENTS, and CERATES.

Notwithstanding the extravagant encomiums which have been bestowed on

different preparations of this kind, with regard to their efficacy in

the cure of wounds, sores, &c. it is beyond a doubt, that the most

proper application to a green wound is dry lint. But though ointments do

not heal wounds and sores, yet they serve to defend them from the

external air, and to retain such substances as may be necessary for

drying, deterging, destroying proud flesh, and such like. For these

purposes, however, it will be sufficient to insert only a few of the

most simple forms, as ingredients of a more active nature can

occasionally be added to them.

_Yellow Basilicum Ointment._

Take of yellow wax, white resin, and frankincense, each a quarter of a

pound; melt them together over a gentle fire; then add, of hogs’ lard

prepared, one pound. Strain the ointment while warm.

This ointment is employed for cleansing and healing wounds and ulcers.

_Ointment of Calamine._

Take of olive oil, a pint and a half; white wax, and calamine stone

levigated, of each half a pound. Let the calamine stone, reduced into a

fine powder, be rubbed with some part of the oil, and afterwards added

to the rest of the oil and wax, previously melted together, continually

stirring them till quite cold.

This ointment, which is commonly known by the name of _Turner’s Cerate_,

is an exceeding good application in burns and excoriations, from

whatever cause.

_Emollient Ointment._

Take of palm oil, two pounds; olive oil, a pint and a half; yellow wax,

half a pound; Venice turpentine, a quarter of a pound. Melt the wax in

the oils over a gentle fire; then mix in the turpentine, and strain the

ointment.

This supplies the place of _Althæ Ointment_. It may be used for

anointing inflamed parts, &c.

_Eye Ointment._

Take of hogs’ lard prepared, four ounces; white wax, two drachms; tutty

prepared, one ounce; melt the wax with the lard over a gentle fire, and

then sprinkle in the tutty, continually stirring them till the ointment

is cold.

This ointment will be more efficacious, and of a better confidence, if

two or three drachms of camphor be rubbed up with a little oil, and

intimately mixed with it.

_Another._

Take of camphor, and calamine stone levigated, each six drachms;

verdegrise well prepared, two drachms; hogs’ lard, and mutton suet

prepared, of each two ounces. Rub the camphor well with the powder;

afterwards mix in the lard and suet, continuing the triture till they be

perfectly united.

This ointment has been long in esteem for diseases of the eyes. It

ought, however, to be used with caution, when the eyes are much inflamed

or very tender.

_Issue Ointment._

Mix half an ounce of Spanish flies, finely powdered, in six ounces of

yellow basilicum ointment.

This ointment is chiefly intended for dressing blisters, in order to

keep them open during pleasure.

_Ointment of Lead._

Take of olive oil, half a pint; white wax, two ounces; sugar of lead,

three drachms. Let the sugar of lead, reduced into a fine powder, be

rubbed up with some part of the oil, and afterwards added to the other

ingredients, previously melted together, continually stirring them till

quite cold.

This cooling and gently astringent ointment may be used in all cases

where the intention is to dry and skin over the part, as in scalding,

&c.

_Mercurial Ointment._

Take of quicksilver, two ounces; hogs’ lard, three ounces; mutton suet,

one ounce. Rub the quicksilver with an ounce of the hogs’ lard in a warm

mortar, till the globules be perfectly extinguished; then rub it up with

the rest of the lard and suet, previously melted together.

The principal intention of this ointment is to convey mercury into the

body by being rubbed upon the skin.

_Ointment of Sulphur._

Take of hogs’ lard prepared, four ounces; flowers of sulphur, an ounce

and a half; crude sal ammoniac, two drachms; essence of lemon, ten or

twelve drops. Make them into an ointment.

This ointment, rubbed upon the parts affected, will generally cure the

itch. It is both the safest and best application for that purpose, and,

when made in this way, has no disagreeable smell.

_White Ointment._

Take of olive oil, one pint; white wax and sperma-ceti, of each three

ounces. Melt them with a gentle heat, and keep them constantly and

briskly stirring together, till quite cold.

If two drachms of camphor, previously rubbed with a small quantity of

oil, be added to the above, it will make the _White camphorated

Ointment_.

_Liniment for Burns._

Take equal parts of Florence oil, or of fresh drawn linseed oil, and

lime-water; shake them well together in a wide mouthed bottle, so as to

form a liniment.

This is found to be an exceeding proper application for recent scalds or

burns. It may either be spread upon a cloth, or the parts affected may

be anointed with it twice or thrice a-day.

_White Liniment._

This is made in the same manner as the white ointment, two-thirds of the

wax being left out.

This liniment may be applied in cases of excoriation, where, on account

of the largeness of the surface, the ointments with lead or calamine

might be improper.

_Liniment for the Piles._

Take of emollient ointment, two ounces; liquid laudanum, half an ounce.

Mix these ingredients with the yolk of an egg, and work them well

together.

_Volatile Liniment._

Take of Florence oil, an ounce; spirit of hartshorn, half an ounce.

Shake them together.

This liniment, made with equal parts of the spirit and oil, will be more

efficacious, where the patient’s skin is able to bear it.

Sir John Pringle observes, that in the inflammatory quinsey, a piece of

flannel, moistened with this liniment, and applied to the throat, to be

renewed every four or five hours, is one of the most efficacious

remedies; and that it seldom fails, after bleeding, either to lessen or

carry off the complaint. The truth of this observation I have often

experienced.

_Camphorated Oil._

Rub an ounce of camphor, with two ounces of Florence oil, in a mortar,

till the camphor be entirely dissolved.

This antispasmodic liniment may be used in obstinate rheumatisms, and in

some other cases accompanied with extreme pain and tension of the parts.

PILLS.

Medicines which operate in a small dose, and whose disagreeable taste,

or smell, makes it necessary that they should be concealed from the

palate, are most commodiously exhibited in this form. No medicine,

however, that is intended to operate quickly, ought to be made into

pills, as they often lie for a considerable time on the stomach before

they are dissolved, so as to produce any effect.

As the ingredients which enter the composition of pills are generally so

contrived, that one pill of an ordinary size may contain about five

grains of the compound, in mentioning the dose we shall only specify the

number of pills to be taken; as one, two, three, &c.

_Composing Pill._

Take of purified opium, ten grains; Castile soap, half a drachm. Beat

them together, and form the whole into twenty pills.

When a quieting draught will not sit upon the stomach, one, two, or

three of these pills may be taken, as occasion requires.

_Fœtid Pill._

Take of asafœtida, half an ounce; simple syrup, as much as is necessary

to form it into pills.

In hysteric complaints, four or five pills, of an ordinary size, may be

taken twice or thrice a-day. They may likewise be of service to persons

afflicted with the asthma.

When it is necessary to keep the body open, a proper quantity of

rhubarb, aloes, or jalap, may occasionally be added to the above mass.

_Hemlock Pill._

Take any quantity of the extract of hemlock, and adding to it about a

fifth part its weight of the powder of the dried leaves, form it into

pills of the ordinary size.

The extract of hemlock may be taken from one grain to several drachms in

the day. The best method, however, of using these pills, is to begin

with one or two, and to increase the dose gradually, as far as the

patient can bear them, without any remarkable degree of stupor or

giddiness.

_Mercurial Pill._

Take of purified quicksilver and honey, each half an ounce. Rub them

together in a mortar, till the globules of mercury are perfectly

extinguished; then add, of Castile soap, two drachms, powdered

liquorice, or crumb of bread, a sufficient quantity to give the mass a

proper consistence for pills.

When stronger mercurial pills are wanted, the quantity of quicksilver

may be doubled.

The dose of these pills is different, according to the intention with

which they are given. As an alterant, two or three maybe taken daily. To

raise a salivation, four or five will be necessary.

Equal parts of the above pill and powdered rhubarb made into a mass,

with a sufficient quantity of simple syrup, will make a _Mercurial

purging Pill_.

_Mercurial sublimate Pill._

Dissolve fifteen grains of the corrosive sublimate of mercury in two

drachms of the saturated solution of crude sal ammoniac, and make it

into a paste, in a glass mortar, with a sufficient quantity of the crumb

of bread. This mass must be formed into one hundred and twenty pills.

This pill, which is the most agreeable form of exhibiting the sublimate,

has been found efficacious, not only in curing the venereal disease, but

also in killing and expelling _worms_, after other powerful medicines

had failed[209].

For the venereal disease, four of these pills may be taken twice a-day,

as an alterant three, and for worms two.

_Plummer’s Pill._

Take of calomel, or sweet mercury, and precipitated sulphur of antimony,

each three drachms; extract of liquorice, two drachms. Rub the sulphur

and mercury well together; afterwards add the extract, and, with a

sufficient quantity of the mucilage of gum arabic, make them into pills.

This pill has been found a powerful, yet safe, alterative in obstinate

cutaneous disorders; and has completed a cure after salivation had

failed. In venereal cases it has likewise produced excellent effects.

Two or three pills of an ordinary size may be taken night and morning,

the patient keeping moderately warm, and drinking after each dose a

draught of decoction of the woods, or of sarsaparilla.

_Purging Pills._

Take of succotorine aloes, and Castile soap, each two drachms; of simple

syrup, a sufficient quantity to make them into pills.

Four or five of these pills will generally prove a sufficient purge. For

keeping the body gently open, one may be taken night and morning. They

are reckoned both deobstruent and stomachic, and will be found to answer

all the purposes of Dr. Anderson’s pills, the principal ingredient of

which is aloes.

Where aloetic purges are improper, the following pills may be used:

Take extract of jalap, and vitriolated tartar, of each two drachms;

syrup of ginger, as much as will make them of a proper consistence for

pills.

These pills may be taken in the same quantity as the above.

_Pill for the Jaundice._

Take of Castile soap, succotorine aloes, and rhubarb, of each one

drachm. Make them into pills with a sufficient quantity of syrup or

mucilage.

These pills, as their title expresses, are chiefly intended for the

jaundice, which, with the assistance of proper diet, they will often

cure. Five or six of them may be taken twice a-day, more or less, as is

necessary to keep the body open. It will be proper, however, during

their use, to interpose now and then a vomit of ipecacuanha or tartar

emetic.

_Stomachic Pill._

Take extract of gentian, two drachms; powdered rhubarb and vitriolated

tartar, of each one drachm; oil of mint, thirty drops; simple syrup, a

sufficient quantity.

Three or four of these pills may be taken twice a-day, for invigorating

the stomach, and keeping the body gently open.

_Squill Pills._

Take powder of dried squills, a drachm and a half; gum ammoniac, and

cardamom seeds, in powder, of each three drachms; simple syrup, a

sufficient quantity.

In dropsical and asthmatic complaints, two or three of these pills may

be taken twice a-day, or oftner, if the stomach will bear them.

_Strengthening Pill._

Take soft extract of the bark, and salt of steel, each a drachm. Make

into pills.

In disorders arising from excessive debility, or relaxation of the

solids, as the _chlorosis_, or green-sickness, two of these pills may be

taken three times a-day.

PLASTERS.

Plasters ought to be of a different consistence, according to the

purposes for which they are intended. Such as are to be applied to the

breasts or stomach ought to be soft and yielding; while those designed

for the limbs should be firm and adhesive.

It has been supposed, that plasters might be impregnated with the

virtues of different vegetables, by boiling the recent vegetable with

the oil employed for the composition of the plaster; but this treatment

does not communicate to the oils any valuable qualities.

The _calces_ of lead boiled with oils unite with them into a plaster of

a proper consistence, which make the basis of several other plasters. In

boiling these compositions, a quantity of hot water must be added from

time to time to prevent the plaster from burning or growing black. This,

however, should be done with care, lest it cause the matter to explode.

_Common Plaster._

Take of common olive oil, six pints; litharge reduced to a fine powder,

two pounds and a half. Boil the litharge and oil together over a gentle

fire, continually stirring them, and keeping always about half a gallon

of water in the vessel: after they have boiled about three hours, a

little of the plaster may be taken out and put into cold water, to try

if it be of a proper consistence: when that is the case, the whole may

be suffered to cool, and the water well pressed out of it with the

hands.

This plaster is generally applied in slight wounds and excoriations of

the skin. It keeps the part soft and warm, and defends it from the air,

which is all that is necessary in such cases. Its principal use,

however, is to serve as a basis for other plasters.

_Adhesive Plaster._

Take of common plaster, half a pound; of Burgundy pitch, a quarter of a

pound. Melt them together.

This plaster is principally used for keeping on other dressings.

_Anodyne Plaster._

Melt an ounce of adhesive plaster, and, when it is cooling, mix with it

a drachm of powdered opium, and the same quantity of camphor, previously

rubbed up with a little oil.

This plaster generally gives ease in acute pains, especially of the

nervous kind.

_Blistering Plaster._

Take of Venice turpentine, six ounces; yellow wax, two ounces; Spanish

flies in fine powder, three ounces; powdered mustard, one ounce. Melt

the wax, and while it is warm, add to it the turpentine, taking care not

to evaporate it by too much heat. After the turpentine and wax are

sufficiently incorporated, sprinkle in the powders, continually stirring

the mass till it be cold.

Though this plaster is made in a variety of ways, one seldom meets with

it of a proper consistence. When compounded with oils and other greasy

substances, its effects are blunted, and it is apt to run; while pitch

and resin render it too hard and very inconvenient.

When the blistering plaster is not at hand, its place may be supplied by

mixing with any soft ointment a sufficient quantity of powdered flies;

or by forming them into a paste with flour and vinegar.

_Gum Plaster._

Take of the common plaster, four pounds; gum ammoniac and galbanum,

strained, of each half a pound. Melt them together, and add, of Venice

turpentine, six ounces.

This plaster is used as a digestive, and likewise for discussing

indolent tumours.

_Mercurial Plaster._

Take of common plaster, one pound; of gum ammoniac, strained, half a

pound. Melt them together, and, when cooling, add eight ounces of

quicksilver, previously extinguished by triture, with three ounces of

hog’s lard.

This plaster is recommended in pains of the limbs arising from a

venereal cause. Indurations of the glands, and other violent tumours,

are likewise found sometimes to yield to it.

_Stomach Plaster._

Take of gum plaster, half a pound; camphorated oil, an ounce and a half;

black pepper, or capsicum, where it can be had, one ounce. Melt the

plaster, and mix with it the oil; then sprinkle in the pepper,

previously reduced to a fine powder.

An ounce or two of this plaster, spread upon soft leather, and applied

to the region of the stomach, will be of service in flatulencies arising

from hysteric and hypochondriac affections. A little of the expressed

oil of mace, or a few drops of the essential oil of mint, may be rubbed

upon it before it is applied.

This may supply the place of the _Anti-hysteric Plaster_.

_Warm Plaster._

Take of gum plaster, one ounce; blistering plaster, two drachms. Melt

them together over a gentle fire.

This plaster is useful in the sciatica and other fixed pains of the

rheumatic kind: it ought, however, to be worn for some time, and to be

renewed, at least, once a-week. If this is found to blister the part,

which is sometimes the case, it must be made with a smaller proportion

of the blistering plaster.

_Wax Plaster._

Take of yellow wax, one pound; white resin, half a pound; mutton suet,

three quarters of a pound. Melt them together.

This is generally used instead of the _Melilot Plaster_. It is a proper

application after blisters, and in other cases where a gentle digestive

is necessary.

POWDERS.

This is one of the most simple forms in which medicine can be

administered. Many medicinal substances, however, cannot be reduced into

powder, and others are too disagreeable to be taken in this form.

The lighter powders may be mixed in any agreeable thin liquor, as tea or

water-gruel. The more ponderous will require a more consistent vehicle,

as syrup, conserve, jelly, or honey.

Gums, and other substances which are difficult to powder, should be

pounded along with the drier ones; but those which are too dry,

especially aromatics, ought to be sprinkled during their pulverization

with a few drops of any proper water.

Aromatic powders are to be prepared only in small quantities at a time,

and kept in glass vessels closely stopped. Indeed, no powders ought to

be exposed to the air or kept too long, otherwise their virtues will be

in great measure destroyed.

_Astringent Powder._

Take of alum and Japan earth, each two drachms. Pound them together, and

divide the whole into ten or twelve doses.

In an immoderate flow of the _menses_, and other hæmorrhages, one of

these powders may be taken every hour, or every half hour, if the

discharge be violent.

_Powder of Bole._

Take of bole armenic, or French bole, two ounces; cinnamon, one ounce;

tormentil root and gum arabic, of each six drachms; long pepper, one

drachm. Let all these ingredients be reduced into a powder.

This warm, glutinous astringent powder, is given in fluxes, and other

disorders where medicines of that class are necessary, in the dose of a

scruple, or half a drachm.

If a drachm of opium be added, it will make the _Powder of Bole with

Opium_, which is a medicine of considerable efficacy. It may be taken in

the same quantity as the former, but not above twice or thrice a day.

_Carminative Powder._

Take of coriander-seed, half an ounce; ginger, one drachm; nutmegs, half

a drachm; fine sugar, a drachm and a half. Reduce them into powder for

twelve doses.

This powder is employed for expelling flatulencies arising from

indigestion, particularly those to which hysteric and hypochondriac

persons are so liable. It may likewise be given in small quantities to

children in their food, when troubled with gripes.

_Diuretic Powder._

Take of gum arabic, four ounces; purified nitre, one ounce. Pound them

together, and divide the whole into twenty-four doses.

During the first stage of the venereal disease, one of these cooling

powders may be taken three times a-day, with considerable advantage.

_Aromatic Opening Powder._

Take of the best Turkey rhubarb, cinnamon, and fine sugar, each two

drachms. Let the ingredients be pounded, and afterwards mixed well

together.

Where flatulency is accompanied with costiveness, a tea-spoonful of this

powder may be taken once or twice a-day, according to circumstances.

_Saline Laxative Powder._

Take of soluble tartar, and cream of tartar, each one drachm; purified

nitre, half a drachm. Make them into a powder.

In fevers, and other inflammatory disorders, where it is necessary to

keep the body gently open, one of these cooling laxative powders may be

taken in a little gruel, and repeated occasionally.

_Steel Powder._

Take filings of steel, and loaf-sugar, of each two ounces; ginger, two

drachms. Pound them together.

In obstructions of the _menses_, and other cases where steel is proper,

a tea-spoonful of this powder may be taken twice a-day, and washed down

with a little wine or water.

_Sudorific Powder._

Take purified nitre and vitriolated tartar of each half an ounce; opium

and ipecacuanha, of each one drachm. Mix the ingredients, and reduce

them to a fine powder.

This is generally known by the name of _Dover’s Powder_. It is a

powerful sudorific. In obstinate rheumatisms, and other cases where it

is necessary to excite a copious sweat, this powder may be administered

in the dose of a scruple or half a drachm. Some patients will require

two scruples. It ought to be accompanied with the plentiful use of some

warm diluting liquor.

_Worm-powders._

Take of tin reduced into a fine powder, an ounce; Æthiop’s mineral, two

drachms. Mix them well together, and divide the whole into six doses.

One of these powders may be taken in a little syrup, honey, or treacle,

twice a-day. After they have been all used, the following anthelmintic

purge may be proper.

_Purging Worm-powder._

Take of powdered rhubarb, a scruple; scammony and calomel, of each five

grains. Rub them together in a mortar for one dose.

For children the above doses must be lessened according to their age.

If the powder of tin be given alone, its dose may be considerably

increased. The late Dr. Alston gave it to the amount of two ounces in

three days, and says, when thus administered, that it proved an

egregious anthelmintic. He purged his patients both before they took the

powder and afterwards.

_Powder for the Tape-worm._

Early in the morning the patient is to take in any liquid, two or three

drachms, according to his age and constitution, of the root of the male

fern reduced into a fine powder. About two hours afterwards, he is to

take of calomel and resin of scammony, each ten grains; gum gamboge, six

grains. These ingredients must be finely powdered and given in a little

syrup, honey, treacle, or any thing that is most agreeable to the

patient. He is then to walk gently about, now and then drinking a dish

of weak green tea, till the worm is passed. If the powder of the fern

produces nausea, or sickness, it may be removed by sucking the juice of

an orange or lemon.

This medicine, which had been long kept a secret abroad for the cure of

the tape-worm, was some time ago purchased by the French King, and made

public for the benefit of mankind. Not having had an opportunity of

trying it, I can say nothing from experience concerning its efficacy. It

seems, however, from its ingredients, to be an active medicine, and

ought to be taken with care. The dose here prescribed is sufficient for

the strongest patient; it must, therefore, be reduced according to the

age and constitution.

SYRUPS.

Syrups were some time ago looked upon as medicines of considerable

value. They are at present, however, regarded chiefly as vehicles for

medicines of greater efficacy, and are used for sweetening draughts,

juleps, or mixtures; and for reducing the lighter powders into boluses,

pills, and electuaries. As all these purposes may be answered by the

simple syrup alone, there is little occasion for any other; especially

as they are seldom found but in a state of fermentation; and as the dose

of any medicine given in this form is very uncertain. Persons who serve

the public must keep whatever their customers call for; but to the

private practitioner nine-tenths of the syrups usually kept in the shops

are unnecessary.

_Simple Syrup_

Is made by dissolving in water, either with or without heat, about

double its weight of fine sugar.

If twenty-five drops of laudanum be added to an ounce of the simple

syrup, it will supply the place of diacodium, or the syrup of poppies,

and will be found a more safe and certain medicine.

The lubricating virtues of the syrup of marsh-mallows may likewise be

supplied, by adding to the common syrup a sufficient quantity of

mucilage of gum arabic.

Those who chuse to preserve the juice of lemons in form of syrup, may

dissolve in it, by the heat of a warm bath, nearly double its weight of

fine sugar. The juice ought to be previously strained, and suffered to

stand till it settles.

The syrup of ginger is sometimes of use as a warm vehicle for giving

medicines to persons afflicted with flatulency. It may be made by

infusing two ounces of bruised ginger in two pints of boiling water for

twenty-four hours. After the liquor has been strained, and has stood to

settle for some time, it may be poured off, and a little more than

double its weight of fine powdered sugar dissolved in it.

TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, &c.

Rectified spirit is the direct menstruum of the resins and essential

oils of vegetables, and totally extracts these active principles from

sundry substances, which yield them to water, either not at all, or only

in part.

It dissolves likewise those parts of animal substances in which their

peculiar smells and tastes reside. Hence the tinctures prepared with

rectified spirits form an useful and elegant class of medicines,

possessing many of the most essential virtues of simples, without being

clogged with their inert or useless parts.

Water, however, being the proper menstruum of the gummy, saline, and

saccharine parts of medicinal substances, it will be necessary, in the

preparation of several tinctures, to make use of a weak spirit, or a

composition of rectified spirit and water.

_Aromatic Tincture._

Infuse two ounces of Jamaica pepper in two pints of brandy, without

heat, for a few days; then strain off the tincture.

This simple tincture will sufficiently answer all the intentions of the

more costly preparations of this kind. It is rather too hot to be taken

by itself; but is very proper for mixing with such medicines as might

otherwise prove too cold for the stomach.

_Compound Tincture of the Bark._

Take of Peruvian bark, two ounces; Seville orange-peel and cinnamon, of

each half an ounce. Let the bark be powdered, and the other ingredients

bruised; then infuse the whole in a pint and a half of brandy, for five

or six days, in a close vessel; afterwards strain off the tincture.

This tincture is not only beneficial in intermitting fevers, but also in

the slow, nervous, and putrid kinds, especially towards their decline.

The dose is from one drachm to three or four, every fifth or sixth hour.

It may be given in any suitable liquor, and occasionally sharpened with

a few drops of the spirit of vitriol.

_Volatile Fœtid Tincture._

Infuse two ounces of asafœtida in one pint of volatile aromatic spirit,

for eight days, in a close bottle, frequently shaking it; then strain

the tincture.

This medicine is beneficial in hysteric disorders, especially when

attended with lowness of spirits, and faintings. A tea-spoonful of it

may be taken in a glass of wine, or a cup of penny-royal tea.

_Volatile Tincture of Gum Guaiacum._

Take of gum guaiacum, four ounces; volatile aromatic spirit, a pint.

Infuse without heat, in a vessel well stopped, for a few days; then

strain off the tincture[210].

In rheumatic complaints, a tea-spoonful of this tincture may be taken in

a cup of the infusion of water-trefoil, twice or thrice a-day.

_Tincture of Black Hellebore._

Infuse two ounces of the roots of black hellebore, bruised, in a pint of

proof spirit, for seven or eight days; then filter the tincture through

paper. A scruple of cochineal may be infused along with the roots, to

give the tincture a colour.

In obstructions of the _menses_, a tea-spoonful of this tincture may be

taken in a cup of camomile or penny-royal tea twice a-day.

_Astringent Tincture._

Digest two ounces of gum kino, in a pint and a half of brandy, for eight

days; afterwards strain it for use.

This tincture, though not generally known, is a good astringent

medicine. With this view, an ounce, or more, of it may be taken three or

four times a-day.

_Tincture of Myrrh and Aloes._

Take of gum myrrh, an ounce and a half; hepatic aloes, one ounce. Let

them be reduced to a powder, and infused in two pints of rectified

spirits, for six days, in a gentle heat; then strain the tincture.

This is principally used by surgeons for cleansing foul ulcers, and

restraining the progress of gangrenes. It is also, by some, recommended

as a proper application to green wounds.

_Tincture of Opium, or Liquid Laudanum._

Take of crude opium, two ounces; spirituous aromatic water, and mountain

wine, of each ten ounces. Dissolve the opium, sliced, in the wine, with

a gentle heat, frequently stirring it; afterwards add the spirit, and

strain off the tincture.

As twenty-five drops of this tincture contain about a grain of opium,

the common dose may be from twenty to thirty drops.

_Sacred Tincture, or Tincture of Hiera Picra._

Take of succotorine aloes in powder, one ounce; Virginian snake-root and

ginger, of each two drachms. Infuse in a pint of mountain wine, and half

a pint of brandy, for a week, frequently shaking the bottle, then strain

off the tincture.

This is a safe and useful purge for persons of a languid and phlegmatic

habit; but is thought to have better effects, taken in small doses as a

laxative.

The dose, as a purge, is from one to two ounces.

_Compound Tincture of Senna._

Take of senna, one ounce; jalap, coriander seeds, and cream of tartar,

of each half an ounce. Infuse them in a pint and a half of French brandy

for a week; then strain the tincture, and add to it four ounces of fine

sugar.

This is an agreeable purge, and answers all the purposes of the _Elixir

salutis_, and of _Daffy’s Elixir_.

The dose is from one to two or three ounces.

_Tincture of Spanish Flies._

Take of Spanish flies, reduced to a fine powder, two ounces; spirit of

wine, one pint. Infuse for two or three days; then strain off the

tincture.

This is intended as an acrid stimulant for external use. Parts affected

with the palsy or chronic rheumatism may be frequently rubbed with it.

_Tincture of the Balsam of Tolu._

Take of the balsam of Tolu, an ounce and a half; rectified spirit of

wine, a pint. Infuse in a gentle heat until the balsam is dissolved;

then strain the tincture.

This tincture possesses all the virtues of the balsam. In coughs, and

other complaints of the breast, a tea-spoonful or two of it may be taken

in a bit of loaf-sugar. But the best way of using it is in syrup. An

ounce of the tincture, properly mixed with two pounds of simple syrup,

will make what is commonly called the _Balsamic Syrup_.

_Tincture of Rhubarb._

Take of rhubarb, two ounces and a half; lesser cardamom seeds, half an

ounce; brandy, two pints. Digest for a week, and strain the tincture.

Those who chuse to have a vinous tincture of rhubarb may infuse the

above ingredients in a bottle of Lisbon wine, adding to it about two

ounces of proof spirits.

If half an ounce of gentian root, and a drachm of Virginian snake-root

be added to the above ingredients, it will make the bitter tincture of

rhubarb.

All these tinctures are designed as stomachics and corroborants as well

as purgatives. In weakness of the stomach, indigestion, laxity of the

intestines, fluxes, colicky and such like complaints, they are

frequently of great service. The dose is from half a spoonful to three

or four spoonfuls or more, according to the circumstances of the

patient, and the purposes it is intended to answer.

_Paregoric Elixir._

Take of flowers of benzoin, half an ounce; opium, two drachms. Infuse in

one pound of the volatile aromatic spirit, for four or five days,

frequently shaking the bottle; afterwards strain the elixir.

This is an agreeable and safe way of administering opium. It eases pain,

allays tickling coughs, relieves difficult breathing, and is useful in

many disorders of children, particularly the hooping cough.

The dose to an adult is from fifty to a hundred drops.

_Sacred Elixir._

Take of rhubarb cut small, ten drachms; succotorine aloes, in powder,

six drachms; lesser cardamom seeds, half an ounce; French brandy, two

pints. Infuse for two or three days, and then strain the elixir.

This useful stomachic purge may be taken from one ounce to an ounce and

a half.

_Stomachic Elixir._

Take of gentian root, two ounces; Curassao oranges, one ounce; Virginian

snake-root, half an ounce. Let the ingredients be bruised, and infused

for three or four days in two pints of French brandy; afterwards, strain

out the elixir.

This is an elegant stomachic bitter. In flatulencies, indigestion, want

of appetite, and such like complaints, a small glass of it may be taken

twice a-day. It likewise relieves the gout in the stomach, when taken in

a large dose.

_Acid Elixir of Vitriol._

Take of the aromatic tincture, one pint; oil of vitriol, three ounces.

Mix them gradually, and after the fæces have subsided, filter the elixir

through paper, in a glass funnel.

This is one of the best medicines which I know for hysteric and

hypochondriac patients, afflicted with flatulencies arising from

relaxation or debility of the stomach and intestines. It will succeed

where the most celebrated stomachic bitters have no effect. The dose is

from ten to forty drops, in a glass of wine or water, or a cup of any

bitter infusion, twice or thrice a-day. It should be taken when the

stomach is most empty.

_Camphorated Spirit of Wine._

Dissolve an ounce of camphor in a pint of rectified spirits.

This solution is chiefly employed as an embrocation in bruises, palsies,

the chronic rheumatism, and for preventing gangrenes.

The above quantity of camphor, dissolved in half a pound of the volatile

aromatic spirit, makes _Ward’s Essence_.

_Spirit of Mindererus._

Take of volatile sal ammoniac, any quantity. Pour on it gradually

distilled vinegar, till the effervescence ceases.

This medicine is useful in promoting a discharge both by the skin and

urinary passages. It is also a good external application in strains and

bruises.

When intended to raise a sweat, half an ounce of it in a cup of warm

gruel may be given to the patient in bed every hour till it has the

desired effect.

VINEGARS.

Vinegar is an acid produced from vinous liquors by a second

fermentation. It is an useful medicine both in inflammatory and putrid

disorders. Its effects are, to cool the blood, quench thirst, counteract

a tendency to putrefaction, and allay inordinate motions of the system.

It likewise promotes the natural secretions, and in some cases excites a

copious sweat, where the warm medicines, called alexipharmic, tend

rather to prevent that salutary evacuation.

Weakness, faintings, vomitings, and other hysteric affections, are often

relieved by vinegar applied to the mouth and nose, or received into the

stomach. It is of excellent use also in correcting many poisonous

substances, when taken into the stomach; and in promoting their

expulsion, by the different emunctories, when received into the blood.

Vinegar is not only an useful medicine, but serves likewise to extract,

in tolerable perfection, the virtues of several other medicinal

substances. Most of the odoriferous flowers impart to it their

fragrance, together with a beautiful purplish or red colour. It also

assists or coincides with the intention of squills, garlic, gum

ammoniac, and several other valuable medicines.

These effects, however, are not to be expected from every thing that is

sold under the name of vinegar, but from such as is sound and well

prepared.

The best vinegars are those prepared from French wines.

It is necessary for some purposes that the vinegar be distilled; but as

this operation requires a particular chemical apparatus, we shall not

insert it.

_Vinegar of Litharge._

Take of litharge, half a pound; strong vinegar, two pints. Infuse them

together in a moderate heat for three days, frequently shaking the

vessel; then filter the liquor for use.

This medicine is little used, from a general notion of its being

dangerous. There is reason, however, to believe, that the preparations

of lead with vinegar are possessed of some valuable properties, and that

they may be used in many cases with safety and success.

A preparation of a similar nature with the above has of late been

extolled by Goulard, a French surgeon, as a safe and extensively useful

medicine, which he calls the _Extract of Saturn_, and orders to be made

in the following manner:

Take of litharge, one pound; vinegar made of French wine, two pints. Put

them together into a glazed earthen pipkin, and let them boil, or rather

simmer, for an hour, or an hour and a quarter, taking care to stir them

all the while with a wooden spatula. After the whole has stood to

settle, pour off the liquor which is upon the top into bottles for use.

With this extract Goulard makes his _vegeto-mineral water_[211], which

he recommends in a great variety of external disorders, as

inflammations, burns, bruises, sprains, ulcers, &c.

He likewise prepares with it a number of other forms of medicine, as

poultices, plasters, ointments, powders, &c.

_Vinegar of Roses._

Take of red roses, half a pound; strong vinegar, half a gallon. Infuse

in a close vessel for several weeks, in a gentle heat; and then strain

off the liquor.

This is principally used as an embrocation for head-achs, &c.

_Vinegar of Squills._

Take of dried squills, two ounces; distilled vinegar, two pints. Infuse

for ten days or a fortnight in a gentle degree of heat, afterwards

strain off the liquor, and add to it about a twelfth part its quantity

of proof spirits.

This medicine has good effects in disorders of the breast, occasioned by

a load of viscid phlegm. It is also of use in hydropic cases for

promoting a discharge of urine.

The dose is from two drachms to two ounces, according to the intention

for which it is given. When intended to act as a vomit, the dose ought

to be large. In other cases, it must not only be exhibited in small

doses, but also mixed with cinnamon water, or some other agreeable

aromatic liquor, to prevent the nausea it might otherwise occasion.

WATERS BY INFUSION, &c.

_Lime-Water._

Pour two gallons of water gradually upon a pound of fresh burnt

quicklime; and when the ebullition ceases, stir them well together; then

suffer the whole to stand at rest, that the lime may settle, and

afterwards filter the liquor through paper, which is to be kept in

vessels closely stopt.

The lime-water from calcined oyster-shells, is prepared in the same

manner.

Lime-water is principally used for the gravel; in which case, from a

pint to two or more of it may be drunk daily. Externally it is used for

washing foul ulcers, and removing the itch, and other diseases of the

skin.

_Compound Lime-Water._

Take shavings of guaiacum wood, half a pound; liquorice root, one ounce;

sassafras bark, half an ounce; coriander seeds, three drachms; simple

lime-water, six pints.

Infuse without heat for two days, and then strain off the liquor.

In the same manner may lime-water be impregnated with the virtues of

other vegetable substances. Such impregnation not only renders the water

more agreeable to the palate, but also a more efficacious medicine,

especially in cutaneous disorders, and foulness of the blood and juices.

It may be taken in the same quantity as the simple water.

_Sublimate Water._

Dissolve eight grains of the corrosive sublimate in a pint of cinnamon

water.

If a stronger solution is wanted, a double or triple quantity of

sublimate may be used.

The principal intention of this is to cleanse foul ulcers, and consume

proud flesh.

_Styptic Water._

Take of blue vitriol and alum, each an ounce and a half; water, one

pint. Boil them until the salts are dissolved, then filter the liquor,

and add to it a drachm of the oil of vitriol.

This water is used for stopping a bleeding at the nose, and other

hæmorrhages; for which purpose cloths or dossils dipt in it must be

applied to the part.

_Tar Water._

Pour a gallon of water on two pounds of Norway tar, and stir them

strongly together with a wooden rod: after they have stood to settle for

two days, pour off the water for use.

Though tar-water falls greatly short of the character which has been

given of it, yet it possesses some medicinal virtues. It sensibly raises

the pulse, increases the secretions, and sometimes opens the body, or

occasions vomiting.

A pint of it may be drank daily, or more, if the stomach can bear it. It

is generally ordered to be taken on an empty stomach, viz. four ounces

morning and evening, and the same quantity about two hours after

breakfast and dinner.

SIMPLE DISTILLED WATERS.

A great number of distilled waters were formerly kept in the shops, and

are still retained in some Dispensatories. But we consider them chiefly

in the light of grateful diluents, suitable vehicles for medicines of

greater efficacy, or for rendering disgustful ones more agreeable to the

palate and stomach. We shall therefore insert only a few of those which

are best adapted to these intentions.

The management of a still being now generally understood, it is needless

to spend time in giving directions for that purpose.

_Cinnamon Water._

Steep one pound of cinnamon bark, bruised, in a gallon and a half of

water, and one pint of brandy, for two days; and then distil off one

gallon.

This is an agreeable aromatic water, possessing in a high degree the

fragrance and cordial virtues of the spice.

_Pennyroyal Water._

Take of penny-royal leaves, dried, a pound and a half; water, from a

gallon and a half to two gallons. Draw off by distillation one gallon.

This water possesses, in a considerable degree, the smell, taste, and

virtues of the plant. It is given in mixtures and juleps to hysteric

patients.

An infusion of the herb, in boiling water answers nearly the same

purposes.

_Peppermint Water._

This is made in the same manner as the preceding.

_Spearmint Water._

This may also be prepared in the same way as the penny-royal water.

Both these are useful stomachic waters, and will sometimes relieve

vomiting, especially when it proceeds from indigestion, or cold viscid

phlegm. They are likewise useful in some colicky complaints, the gout in

the stomach, &c. particularly the peppermint water.

An infusion of the fresh plant is frequently found to have the same

effects as the distilled water.

_Rose Water._

Take of roses fresh gathered, six pounds; water, two gallons. Distil off

one gallon.

This water is principally valued on account of its fine flavour.

_Jamaica Pepper Water._

Take of Jamaica pepper, half a pound; water, a gallon and a half. Distil

off one gallon.

This is a very elegant distilled water, and may in most cases supply the

place of the more costly spice waters.

SPIRITUOUS DISTILLED WATERS.

_Spirituous Cinnamon Water._

Take of cinnamon bark, one pound; proof spirit, and common water, of

each one gallon. Steep the cinnamon in the liquor for two days; then

distil off one gallon.

_Spirituous Jamaica Pepper Water._

Take of Jamaica pepper, half a pound; proof spirit, three gallons;

water, two gallons. Distil off three gallons.

This is a sufficiently agreeable cordial, and may supply the place of

the _Aromatic Water_.

WHEYS.

_Alum Whey._

Boil two drachms of powdered alum in a pint of milk till it is curdled;

then strain out the whey.

This whey is beneficial in an immoderate flow of the _menses_, and in a

_diabetes_, or excessive discharge of urine.

The dose is two, three, or four ounces, according as the stomach will

bear it, three times a-day. If it should occasion vomiting, it may be

diluted.

_Mustard-Whey._

Take milk and water, of each a pint; bruised mustard-seed, an ounce and

a half. Boil them together till the curd is perfectly separated;

afterwards strain the whey through a cloth.

This is the most elegant, and by no means the least efficacious method

of exhibiting mustard. It warms and invigorates the habit, and promotes

the different secretions. Hence, in the low state of nervous fevers, it

will often supply the place of wine. It is also of use in the chronic

rheumatism, palsy, dropsy, &c. The addition of a little sugar will

render it more agreeable.

The dose is an ordinary tea-cupful four or five times a-day.

_Scorbutic Whey._

This whey is made by boiling half a pint of the scorbutic juices in a

quart of cow’s milk. More benefit, however, is to be expected from

eating the plants, than from their expressed juices.

The scorbutic plants are, bitter oranges, brooklime, garden

scurvy-grass, and water-cresses.

A number of other wheys may be prepared nearly in the same manner, as

orange whey, cream of tartar whey, &c. These are cooling pleasant drinks

in fevers, and may be rendered cordial, when necessary, by the addition

of wine.

WINES.

The effects of wine are, to raise the pulse, promote perspiration, warm

the habit, and exhilarate the spirits. The red wines, besides these

effects, have an astringent quality, by which they strengthen the tone

of the stomach and intestines, and by this means prove serviceable in

restraining immoderate secretions.

The thin sharp wines have a different tendency. They pass off freely by

the different emunctories, and gently open the body. The effects of the

full bodied wines are, however, much more durable than those of the

thinner.

All sweet wines contain a glutinous substance, and do not pass off

freely. Hence they will heat the body more than an equal quantity of any

other wine, though it should contain fully as much spirit.

From the obvious qualities of wine, it must appear to be an excellent

cordial medicine. Indeed, to say the truth, it is worth all the rest put

together.

But to answer this character, it must be sound and good. No benefit is

to be expected from the common trash that is often sold by the name of

wine, without possessing one drop of the juice of the grape. Perhaps no

medicine is more rarely obtained genuine than wine.

Wine is not only used as a medicine, but is also employed as a

_menstruum_ for extracting the virtues of other medicinal substances;

for which it is not ill adapted, being a compound of water, inflammable

spirit, and acid; by which means it is enabled to act upon vegetable and

animal substances, and also to dissolve some bodies of the metallic

kind, so as to impregnate itself with their virtues, as steel, antimony,

&c.

_Anthelmintic Wine._

Take of rhubarb, half an ounce; worm-seed, an ounce. Bruise them, and

infuse without heat in two pints of red port wine for a few days, then

strain off the wine.

As the stomachs of persons afflicted with worms are always debilitated,

red wine alone will often prove serviceable: it must, however, have

still better effects when joined with bitter and purgative ingredients,

as in the above form.

A glass of this wine may be taken twice or thrice a-day.

_Antimonial Wine._

Take glass of antimony, reduced to a fine powder, half an ounce; Lisbon

wine, eight ounces. Digest, without heat, for three or four days, now

and then shaking the bottle; afterwards filter the wine through paper.

The dose of this wine varies according to the intention. As an

alterative and diaphoretic, it may be taken from ten to fifty or sixty

drops. In a larger dose it generally proves cathartic, or excites

vomiting.

_Bitter Wine._

Take of gentian root, yellow rind of lemon-peel, fresh, each one ounce;

long pepper, two drachms; mountain wine, two pints. Infuse without heat

for a week, and strain out the wine for use.

In complaints arising from weakness of the stomach, or indigestion, a

glass of this wine may be taken an hour before dinner and supper.

_Ipecacuanha Wine._

Take of ipecacuanha, in powder, one ounce; mountain wine, a pint. Infuse

for three or four days; then filter the tincture.

This is a safe vomit, and answers extremely well for such persons as

cannot swallow the powder, or whose stomachs are too irritable to bear

it.

The dose is from one ounce to an ounce and a half.

_Chalybeate or Steel Wine._

Take filings of iron, two ounces; cinnamon and mace, of each two

drachms; Rhenish wine, two pints. Infuse for three or four weeks,

frequently shaking the bottle; then pass the wine through a filter.

In obstructions of the _menses_, this preparation of iron may be taken,

in the dose of half a wine-glass twice or thrice a-day.

The medicine would probably be as good if made with Lisbon wine,

sharpened with half an ounce of the cream of tartar, or a small quantity

of the vitriolic acid.

_Stomach Wine._

Take of Peruvian bark, grossly powdered, an ounce; cardamom seeds, and

orange peel, bruised, of each two drachms. Infuse in a bottle of white

port or Lisbon wine for five or six days; then drain off the wine.

This wine is not only of service in debility of the stomach and

intestines, but may also be taken as a preventive, by persons liable to

the intermittent fever, or who reside in places where this disease

prevails. It will be of use likewise to those who recover slowly after

fevers of any kind, as it assists digestion, and helps to restore the

tone and vigour of the system.

A glass of it may be taken two or three times a-day.

A

GLOSSARY.

Although terms of art have been sedulously avoided in the composition of

this treatise, it is impossible entirely to banish technical phrases

when writing on medicine, a science that has been less generally

attended to by mankind, and continues therefore to be more infected with

the jargon of the schools, than perhaps any other. Several persons

having expressed their opinion that a Glossary would make this work more

generally intelligible, the following concise explanation of the few

terms of art that occur, has been added in compliance with their

sentiments, and to fulfil the original intention of this treatise, by

rendering it intelligible and useful to all ranks and classes of

mankind.

A.

_Abdomen._ The belly.

_Absorbents._ Vessels that convey the nourishment from the intestines,

and the secreted fluids from the various cavities into the mass of

blood.

_Acrimony._ Corrosive sharpness.

_Acute._ A disease, the symptoms of which are violent, and tend to a

speedy termination, is called acute.

_Adult._ Of mature age.

_Adust._ Dry, warm.

_Antispasmodic._ Whatever tends to prevent or remove spasm.

_Aphthæ._ Small whitish ulcers appearing in the mouth.

_Astriction._ A tightening or lessening.

_Atrabilarian._ An epithet commonly applied to people of a certain

temperament, marked by a dark complexion, black hair, spare habit,

&c. which the ancients supposed to arise from the _atra bilis_, or

the black bile.

B.

_Bile, or Gall._ A fluid which is secreted by the liver into the

gall-bladder, and from thence passes into the intestines, in order

to promote digestion.

C.

_Cacochymie._ An unhealthy state of the body.

_Caries._ A rottenness of a bone.

_Chyle._ A milky fluid separated from the aliment in the intestines,

and conveyed by the absorbents into the blood to supply the waste

of the animal body.

_Chronic._ A disease whose progress is slow, in opposition to acute.

_Circulation._ The motion of the blood, which is driven by the heart

through the arteries, and returns by the veins.

_Comatose._ Sleepy.

_Conglobate Gland._ A simple gland.

_Conglomerate._ A compound gland.

_Contagion._ Infectious matter.

_Cutis._ The skin.

_Cutaneous._ Of or belonging to the skin.

_Crisis._ A certain period in the progress of a disease, from whence a

decided alteration either for the better or the worse takes place.

_Critical._ Decisive or important.

_Critical Days._ The fourth, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh,

thirteenth, fourteenth, seventeenth, and twenty-first, are by some

authors denominated critical days, because febrile complaints have

been observed to take a decisive change at these periods.

D.

_Debility._ Weakness.

_Delirium._ A temporary disorder of the mental faculties.

_Diaphragm._ A membrane separating the cavity of the chest from that

of the belly.

_Diuretic._ A medicine that promotes the secretion of urine.

_Drastic._ Is applied to such purgative medicines as are violent or

harsh in their operation.

E.

_Empyema._ A collection of purulent matter in the cavity of the

breast.

_Endemic._ A disease peculiar to a certain district of country.

_Epidemic._ A disease generally infectious.

_Exacerbation._ The increase of any disease.

F.

_Fœces._ Excrements.

_Fœtid._ Emitting an offensive smell.

_Fœtus._ The child before birth, or when born before the proper

period, is thus termed.

_Flatulent._ Producing wind.

_Fungus._ Proud flesh.

G.

_Gangrene._ Mortification.

_Gummata._│Venereal excrescences.

_Ganglia._│ „

_Gymnastic._ Exercise taken with a view to preserve or restore

health.—The ancient physicians reckoned this an important branch

of medicine.

H.

_Hectic fever._ A slow consuming fever, generally attending a bad

habit of body, or some incurable and deep rooted disease.

_Hæmorrhoids._ The piles.

_Hæmorrhage._ Discharge of blood.

_Hypochondriacism._ Low spirits.

_Hypochondriac viscera._ The liver, spleen, &c. so termed from their

situation in the hypochondriac or upper and lateral parts of the

belly.

I.

_Ichor._ Thin bad matter.

_Imposthume._ A collection of purulent matter.

_Inflammation._ A surcharge of blood, and an increased action of the

vessels, in any particular part of the body.

L.

_Ligature._ Bandage.

_Lixivium._ Ley.

M.

_Miliary Eruption._ Eruption of small pustules resembling the seeds of

millet.

_Morbific._ Causing disease, or diseased.

_Mucus._ The matter discharged from the nose, lungs, &c.

_Mysentery._ A double membrane which connects the intestines to the

back bone.

N.

_Nervous._ Irritable.

_Nausea._ An inclination to vomit.

_Nodes._ Enlargements of the bones produced by the venereal disease.

P.

_Pectoral._ Medicines adapted to cure diseases of the breast.

_Pelvis._ The bones situated at the lower part of the trunk; thus

named from their resembling in some measure a bason.

_Peritonæum._ A membrane lining the cavity of the belly and covering

the intestines.

_Pericardium._ Membrane containing the heart.

_Perspiration._ The matter discharged from the pores of the skin in

form of vapour or sweat.

_Phlogiston._ Is here used to signify somewhat rendering the air unfit

for the purposes of respiration.

_Phlegmatic._ Watery, relaxed.

_Plethoric._ Replete with blood.

_Polypus._ A diseased excrescence, or a substance formed of coagulable

lymph, frequently found in the large blood vessels.

_Pus._ Matter contained in a boil.

R.

_Regimen._ Regulation of diet.

_Rectum._ The straight gut, in which the fœces are contained.

_Respiration._ The act of breathing.

S.

_Saliva._ The fluid secreted by the glands of the mouth.

_Sanies._ A thin bad matter, discharged from an ill conditioned sore.

_Scirrhous._ A state of diseased hardness.

_Slough._ A part separated and thrown off by suppuration.

_Spasm._ A diseased contraction.

_Spine._ The back bone.

_Styptic._ A medicine for stopping the discharge of blood.

_Syncope._ A fainting fit attended with a complete abolition of

sensation and thought.

T.

_Tabes._ A species of consumption.

_Temperament._ A peculiar habit of body, of which there are generally

reckoned four, viz. the sanguine, the bilious, the melancholic,

and the phlegmatic.

U.

_Vertigo._ Giddiness.

_Ulcer._ An ill conditioned sore.

_Ureters._ Two long and small canals which convey the urine from the

kidneys to the bladder.

_Urethra._ The canal which conveys the urine from the bladder.

INDEX.

A.

_Ablutions_, Jewish and Mahometan, well calculated for the preservation

of health, 103.

_Abortion_, causes and symptoms of, 531.

Means of prevention, 532.

Proper treatment in the case of, _ibid._

_Abscesses_, how to be treated, 308. 573.

_Accidents._ See _Casualties_.

_Acids_, of peculiar service in consumptions, 183.

In putrid fevers, 199.

Not suitable to the measles, 242.

_Acidities_ in the bowels of infants, the origin of, 548.

Method of cure, 549.

_Ackworth_, foundling hospital at, cause of the children there being

afflicted with scabbed heads, and fatal consequences of their ill

treatment, 555, _note_.

_Addison_, his remark on the luxury of the table, 95.

_Æther_, very serviceable in removing fits of the asthma, 409.

Is excellent for flatulencies, 444.

_Æthiops_ mineral, strongly recommended by Dr. Cheyne in inflammations

of the eyes, 263.

_Africans_, their treatment of children, 11, _note_.

_Agaric_ of the oak, its merit as a styptic, 577.

Method of gathering, preparing, and applying it, _ibid._ _note_.

_Agriculture_, a healthful, constant, and profitable employment, 48.

Is too much neglected in favour of manufactures, _ibid._

Gardening the most wholesome amusement for sedentary persons, 53.

_Ague_, a species of fever no person can mistake, and the proper

medicine for, generally known, 147.

Causes of, 148.

Symptoms, _ibid._

Regimen for, _ibid._

Under a proper regimen will often go off, without medicine, 150.

Medical treatment of, 151.

Often degenerates into obstinate chronical diseases, if not radically

cured, 154.

Peruvian bark the only medicine to be relied on in, 155.

Children how to be treated in, _ibid._

Preventive medicine for those who live in marshy countries, 156.

_Air_, confined, poisonous to children, 30.

A free open air will sometimes cure the most obstinate disorders in

children, 33.

Occupations which injure the health by unwholesome air, 37. 49.

The qualities of, act more sensibly on the body, than is generally

imagined, 75.

The several noxious qualities of, specified, _ibid._

In large cities, polluted by various circumstances, 76.

The air in churches, how rendered unwholesome, _ibid._

Houses ought to be ventilated daily, 78.

The danger attending small apartments, _ibid._

Persons whose business confines them to town ought to sleep in the

country, _ibid._

High walls obstruct the free current of air, 79.

Trees should not be planted too near to houses, _ibid._

Fresh air peculiarly necessary for the sick, 80.

The sick in hospitals in more danger from the want of fresh air, than

from their disorders, _ibid._

Wholesomeness of the morning air, 84.

The changeableness of, one great cause of catching cold, 126.

Those who keep most within doors, the most sensible of these changes,

127.

Of the night, to be carefully guarded against, 128.

Fresh air often of more efficacy in diseases than medicine, 139.

Its importance in fevers, 145. 160.

States of, liable to produce putrid fevers, 195.

Must be kept cool and fresh in sick chambers under this disorder,

199.

Change of, one of the most effectual remedies for the hooping-cough,

285.

The qualities of, a material consideration for asthmatic patients,

408.

The various ways by which it may be rendered noxious, 614.

Confined, how to try, and purify, _ibid._

Method of recovering persons poisoned by foul air, 615.

Fresh, of the greatest importance in fainting fits, 622.

_Aitken_, Mr. his treatise on the nature and cure of fractures,

recommended, 594, _note_.

_Alcali_, caustic, recommended in the stone, 327.

How to prepare it, _ibid._ _note_.

_Aliment_ is capable of changing the whole constitution of the body,

62.

Will in many cases answer every intention in the cure of diseases,

_ibid._

The calls of hunger and thirst, sufficient for regulating the due

quantity of, 63.

The quality of, how injured, _ibid._

A due mixture of vegetables necessary with our animal food, 65.

To what the bad effects of tea are principally owing, 65.

Water, good and bad, distinguished, 66.

Inquiry into the qualities of fermented liquors, with instructions

for the due making of them, 69.

The qualities of good bread, and why adulterated by bakers, 70.

General rules for the choice of food, _ibid._

Ought not to be too uniform, 71.

Meals ought to be taken at regular times, 72.

Long fasting injurious both to old and young, 73.

Breakfasts and suppers, _ibid._

Changes of diet ought to be gradually made, 74.

_Amaurosis._ See _Gutta serena_.

_American_ Indians, their method of curing the venereal disease, 513.

_Amusements_, sedentary, improper for sedentary persons, 51.

Ought always to be of an active kind, 85.

_Anasarca._ See _Dropsy_.

_Anger_, violent fits of, injurious to the constitution, 112.

Tranquillity of mind essential to health, _ibid._

_Animal_ food, cautions in giving it to children, 18.

Animals that die of themselves, unfit for food, 63.

Overdriven cattle rendered unwholesome, 64.

The artifices of butchers exposed, 65.

Too great a quantity of, generates the scurvy, _ibid._

_Animals_ and plants, the analogy in the nourishment of, stated, 94.

_Anthony’s_ Fire, St. See _Erysipelas_.

_Aphthæ._ See _Thrush_.

_Apoplexy_, who most liable to this disorder, 410.

Causes, _ibid._

Symptoms and method of cure, 411.

Cautions to persons of an apoplectic make, 413.

_Apothecaries_ weights, a table of, 653.

_Apparel_, See _Clothing_.

_Appetite_, want of, causes and remedies for, 417.

_Arbuthnot_, Dr. his advice in the inflammation of the lungs, 172.

His advice for persons troubled with costiveness, 415, _note_.

_Arsenic_, the effects of, on the stomach, 474.

Medical treatment when the symptoms appear, _ibid._

_Arts._ See _Manufactures_.

_Ascites._ See _Dropsy_.

_Asses_ milk, why it seldom does any good, 179.

Instructions for taking it, _ibid._

_Asthma_, the different kinds of this disorder distinguished, with its

causes, 406.

Symptoms, 407.

Regimen, _ibid._

Medical treatment, 408.

Remedies proper in the moist asthma, 409.

_Atmosphere._ See _Air_.

B.

_Ball’s_ purging vermifuge powder, preparation of, 369.

_Balsams_, how to prepare.

Anodyne balsam, 657.

Locatelli’s balsam, _ibid._

Vulnerary balsam, _ibid._

_Bandages_, tight, produce most of the bad consequences attending

fractured bones, 595.

_Bark_, Peruvian, the best antidote for sailors against disorders on a

foreign coast, 47.

How to be administered in the ague, 151.

Distinction between the red bark and quill bark, _ibid._ _note_.

A decoction or infusion of, may be taken by those who cannot swallow

it in substance, 153.

Is often adulterated, _ibid._ _note_.

Is the only medicine to be depended on in agues, 155.

How it may be rendered more palatable, _ibid._

May be administered by clyster, 156.

Cold water the best menstruum for extracting the virtues of this

drug, 185.

How to be administered in the putrid fever, 202; and in the

erysipelas, 252.

In an inflammation of the eyes, 263.

Its efficacy in a malignant quinsey, 274.

In the hooping-cough, 288.

A good medicine in vomiting, when it proceeds from weakness of the

stomach, 317.

Its efficacy in a diabetes, and how to take it, 321.

Is good against the piles, 336; and worms, 368.

Its use dangerous for preventing a fit of the gout, 385.

A good remedy in the King’s evil, 401;

and in the _fluor albus_, 529.

_Barley_ water, how made, 165.

_Barrenness_ in women, the general causes of, 542.

Course of relief, 543.

Dr. Cheyne’s observations on, _ibid. note_.

_Bath_ waters, good in the gout, 386.

_Bath_, cold, the good effects of, on children, 29.

Recommended to the studious, 62.

Is peculiarly excellent for strengthening the nervous system, 425.

Therefore should never be omitted in gleets, 501.

Is good for rickety children, 564.

Cautions concerning the improper use of, in adults, 633–639.

_Bath_, warm, of great service in an inflammation of the stomach, 291.

_Bathing_, a religious duty under the Judaic and Mahometan laws, 103.

Is conducive to health, 104.

_Bears_ foot, recommended as a powerful remedy against worms, 369.

_Beds_, instead of being made up again as soon as persons rise from

them, ought to be turned down and exposed to the air, 77.

Bad effects of too great indulgence in bed, 84.

Damp, the danger of, 128.

Soft, are injurious to the kidneys, 320. 324.

_Beer_, the ill consequences of making it too weak, 69.

Pernicious artifices of the dealers in, _ibid._

_Bells_, parish, the tolling them for the dead, a dangerous custom,

114.

_Biles_, 575.

_Bilious_ colic, symptoms and treatment of, 298.

_Bilious_ fever. See _Fever_.

_Bite_ of a mad dog. See _Dog_.

_Bitters_, warm and astringent, antidotes to agues, 151.

Are serviceable in vomiting when it proceeds from weakness in the

stomach, 317.

_Bladder_, inflammation of, its general causes, 305.

Medical treatment of, _ibid._

_Bladder_, stone in. See _Stone_.

_Blast._ See _Erysipelas_.