_Of making compound Waters and Cordials._
The Perfection of this grand Branch of Distillery depends upon the
Observation of the following general Rules, easy to be observed and
practised.
1. The Artist must always be careful to use a well cleansed Spirit, or
one freed from its own essential Oil, as were before observed, Part
I. Chap. xxiii. For as a compound Water is nothing more than a Spirit
impregnated with the essential Oil of the Ingredients, it is necessary
that the Spirit should have deposited its own.
2. Let the Time of previous Digestion be proportioned to the Tenacity
of the Ingredients, or the Ponderosity of their Oil. Thus Cloves and
Cinnamon require a longer Digestion before they are distilled than
Calamus Aromaticus or Orange-peel. Sometimes Cohobation (explained in
Part II. Chap. iii.) is necessary; for Instance, in making the strong
Cinnamon-water; because the essential Oil of Cinnamon is so extremely
ponderous, that it is difficult to bring it over the Helm with the
Spirit without Cohobation.
3. Let the Strength of the Fire be proportioned to the Ponderosity of
the Oil intended to be raised with the Spirit. Thus, for Instance, the
strong Cinnamon Water requires a much greater Degree of Fire than that
from lax Vegetables, as Mint, Baum, _&c._
4. Let only a due Proportion of the finest Parts of the essential Oil
be united with the Spirit; the grosser and less fragrant Parts of the
Oil not giving the Spirit so agreeable a Flavour, and at the same Time
renders it thick and unsightly. This may in a great Measure be effected
by leaving out the Faints, and making up to Proof with fine soft Water
in their stead.
These four Rules carefully observed will render this extensive Part of
Distillation far more perfect than it is at present. Nor will there
be any Occasion for the use of burnt Allum, White of Eggs, Isinglass,
_&c._ to fine down Cordial Waters; for they will presently be fine,
sweet and pleasant tasted, without any farther Trouble.
CHAP. I.
_Of strong Cinnamon Water._
We have already (Chap. viii. Part II.) described this Drug, and given
some Directions for chusing the best Sort, to which the Reader is
referred.
_Recipe for sixteen Gallons of strong Cinnamon Water._
Take eight Pounds of fine Cinnamon bruised, seventeen Gallons of clean
rectified Spirit, and two Gallons of Water. Put them into your Still,
and digest them twenty-four Hours with a gentle Heat; after which draw
off sixteen Gallons by a pretty strong Heat.
I have ordered a much larger Quantity of Cinnamon than is common among
Distillers, because when made in the Manner above directed, it is
justly looked upon as one of the noblest Cordial Waters of the Shops;
but when made in the common Way of two Pounds to twenty Gallons of
Spirit, as some have ordered, is only an Imposition on the Buyer. Some
also, to render the Goods cheaper, use equal Quantics of Cinnamon and
Cassia Lignea; but by this means the Cordial is rendered much worse;
and, therefore, if you desire a fine Cinnamon-water the above Recipe
will answer your Intention: But if a cheaper Sort be desired you may
lessen the Quantity of Cinnamon, and add Cassia Lignea in its stead.
If you would dulcify your Cinnamon-water, take double refined Sugar,
what Quantity you please, the general Proportion is, about two Pounds
to a Gallon, and dissolve it in the Spirit after you have made it up
Proof with clean Water. One general Caution is here necessary to be
added; namely, that near the End of the Operation you carefully watch
the Spirit as it runs into the Receiver, in order to prevent the Faints
mixing with the Goods. This you may discover by often catching some of
it, as it runs from the Worm in a Glass, and observing whether it is
fine and transparent; for as soon as ever the Faints begin to rise,
the Spirit will have an azure or bluish Cast. As soon therefore as you
perceive this Alteration, change the Receiver immediately; for if you
suffer the Faints to mix with your other Goods, the Value of the whole
will be greatly lessened. With regard to the Faints, they are to be
kept by themselves, and poured into the Still when a fresh Parcel of
the same Goods is to be made.
It is also necessary to observe here, once for all, that the Distillers
call all Goods made up Proof, _double Goods_; and those which are below
Proof, _single_. This Observation will be alone sufficient to instruct
the young Distiller, how he may at any Time turn his Proof or double
Goods into single.
CHAP. II.
_Of Clove Water._
Cloves, from whence this Water takes its Name, are the Fruit of a Tree
growing in the _Molucca_ Islands. The Figure of this Fruit is oblong,
and not very thick, resembling in some measure, a Nail. The Surface of
it is rough, and the Colour a dusky brown with an admixture of reddish.
The whole Fruit is of an extremely fragrant Smell, and of an acrid,
pungent, and very aromatic Taste. Cloves are to be chosen the largest,
fairest, darkest coloured, the heaviest and most unctuous on the
Surface, when pressed between the Fingers. Cloves are carminative, and
good against all Distempers of the Head arising from cold Causes. They
strengthen the Sight, and are good against Faintings, Palpitations of
the Heart, and Crudities in the Stomach.
_Recipe for fifteen Gallons of Clove Water._
Take of Cloves bruised four Pounds, Pimento or All-spice half a Pound,
clean Proof of Spirit sixteen Gallons; let it digest twelve Hours in
a gentle Heat, and then draw off fifteen Gallons with a pretty brisk
Fire.
Or,
Take _Winter_’s Bark, four Pounds, Pimento six Ounces, Cloves one Pound
and a Quarter; clean Proof Spirits sixteen Gallons: Digest, and draw
off as before.
The _Winter_’s Bark, added in the second Recipe is the Bark of a large
Tree, growing in several Parts of _America_, and has its name from
its Discoverer Captain _Winter_. The outer Rind of it is of an uneven
Surface, and of a loose Texture, very brittle, and easily powdered.
The inner Part, in which the principal Virtue resides, is hard, and
of a dusky reddish brown Colour. It is of an extremely fragrant and
aromatic Smell, and of a sharp, pungent, and spicy Taste, much hotter
than Cinnamon in the Mouth, and leaving in it a more lasting Flavour.
It is to be chosen in Pieces not too large, having the inner or brown
Part firm and sound, and of a very pungent Taste. It is apt to be
worm-eaten; but in that Case it should be wholly rejected, as having
lost the most essential Part of its Virtue.
If you desire to have your Clove Water red, it may be coloured
either by a strong Tincture of Cochineal, Alkanet-root, or
Corn-poppy-flowers. The first gives the most elegant Colour, but it is
not often used on Account of its Dearness.
You may dulcify it to your Palate, by dissolving in it double refined
Sugar. Some for Cheapness use a coarser Kind of Sugar; but this renders
the Goods foul and unsightly. Some also, to save Expences, make what
they call Clove Water, with Cloves and Caraway-seeds; the Proportion
they generally use is half an Ounce of Cloves, and two Drams of
Carraway-seeds to a Gallon of Spirit.
CHAP. III.
_Of Lemon Water._
The Peel of the Lemon, the Part used in making this Water, is a very
grateful bitter Aromatic, and on that Account very serviceable in
repairing and strengthening the Stomach.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Lemon Water._
Take of dried Lemon-peel four Pounds, clean Proof Spirit ten Gallons
and a Half, and one Gallon of Water. Draw off ten Gallons by a gentle
Fire. Some dulcify Lemon-water, but by that means its Virtues as a
Stomachic, are greatly impaired.
CHAP. IV.
_Of Hungary Water._
Rosemary, the principal Ingredient in Hungary Water, has always been a
favourite Shrub in Medicine; it is full of volatile Parts, as appears
by its Taste and Smell. It is a very valuable Cephalic, and is good
in all Disorders of the Nerves; in Hysteric and Hypocondriac Cases,
in Palsies, Apoplexies, and Vertigoes. Some suppose that the Flowers
possess the Virtues of the whole Plant in a more exalted Degree than
any other Part; but the flowery Tops, Leaves, and Husks, together with
the Flowers themselves, are much fitter for all Purposes, than the
Flowers alone.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Hungary Water._
Take of the flowery Tops, with the Leaves and Flowers of Rosemary
fourteen Pounds, rectified Spirit eleven Gallons and a Half, Water one
Gallon, distil off ten Gallons with a moderate Fire. If you perform
this Operation in Balneum Mariæ, your Hungary Water will be much finer,
than if drawn by the common Alembic.
This is called Hungary Water, from its being first made for a
Princess of that Kingdom. Some add Lavender-flowers, and others
Florentine-orice-root; but what is most esteemed is made with Rosemary
only.
CHAP. V.
_Of Lavender Water._
There are two Sorts of Lavender Water, the Simple and Compound; the
first is much used externally on Account of its Fragrancy, and cephalic
Virtues; the latter internally in a great Number of Disorders.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of simple Lavender Water._
Take fourteen Pounds of Lavender-flowers, ten Gallons and a Half of
rectified Spirit of Wine, and one Gallon of Water; draw off ten Gallons
with a gentle Fire; or, which is much better, in Balneum Mariæ.
Both the Hungary and Lavender Water, may be made at any Time of
the Year without Distillation, by mixing the Oil of the Plant with
highly rectified Spirit of Wine. In order to this, when the Plant
is in Perfection, you should distill a large Quantity of it in Water
with a very brisk Fire; placing under the Nose of the Worm the
Separating-glass (described Page 31. Part I. of this Treatise) by which
means you will obtain the essential Oil of the Plant, in which both
its Fragrancy and Virtues reside. Having procured the essential Oil of
the Plant, the Water may readily be made in the following Manner. Put
the rectified Spirit into the Receiver (described Page 32. Fig. xii.)
and let an Assistant shake it with a quick Motion; whilst the Spirit
is thus agitated, drop in leisurely the essential Oil, and it will mix
without any Foulness or Milkiness. The Oils of Lavender and Rosemary
are imported cheaper from abroad, than they can be made here; but these
Oils will not mix with the Spirit, without rendering it foul and milky;
and therefore if you propose making Hungary or Lavender Water in this
Manner; it will be necessary to extract the Oil yourself.
_Recipe for making three Gallons of compound Lavender Water._
Take of Lavender Water above described two Gallons, of Hungary Water
one Gallon, Cinnamon and Nutmegs of each three Ounces, and of red
Saunders one Ounce; digest the whole three Days in a gentle Heat, and
then filter it for use. Some add Saffron, Musk, and Ambergrease of each
half a Scruple; but these are now generally omitted.
This compound Lavender Water has been long celebrated in all nervous
Cases. In all Kinds of Palsies, and Loss of Memory it is of the
greatest Service; and has been so much remarked for its Efficacy in
these Complaints, as almost universally to obtain the Name of _Palsy
Drops_.
CHAP. VI.
_Of Citron Water._
The Citron is an agreeable Fruit resembling a Lemon in Colour, Smell
and Taste. The Inside is white, fleshy and thick, containing but a
small Quantity of Pulp, in Proportion to the Bigness of the Fruit.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Citron Water._
Take of dry yellow Rinds of Citron four Pounds, clean Proof Spirit ten
Gallons and a Half, Water one Gallon, digest the whole twenty-four
Hours with a gentle Heat; draw off ten Gallons, with a gentle Fire;
or, which is much better, in Balneum Mariæ, and dulcify it with fine
Sugar to your Palate.
Or,
Take of dry yellow Rinds of Citrons three Pounds, of Orange-peel two
Pounds, Nutmegs bruised three Quarters of a Pound; digest, draw off,
and dulcify as before.
This is one of the most pleasant Cordials we have; and the Addition of
the Nutmegs, in the second Receipt, increases its Virtue as a Cephalic
and Stomachic.
CHAP. VII.
_Of Aniseed Water._
Aniseed is a small Seed of an oblong Shape, each way ending in an
obtuse Point; its Surface is very deeply striated, and it is of a
soft and lax Substance, very light and easily broken. Its colour is
a Kind of pale olive, or greenish grey; it has a very strong and
aromatic Smell, and a sweetish but acrid Taste, but in the whole not
disagreeable. Aniseed should be chosen large, fair, new, and clean, of
a good Smell, and acrid Taste. The Plant that produces it is cultivated
in many Parts of _France_; but the finest Seed comes from the Island
of _Malta_, where it is raised for Sale, and whence a great Part of
_Europe_ is supplied.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Aniseed Water._
Take of Aniseed bruised two Pounds, Proof Spirits twelve Gallons and a
Half, Water one Gallon; draw off ten Gallons with a moderate Fire.
Or,
Take of the Seeds of Anise and Angelica, each two Pounds, Proof Spirits
twelve Gallons and a half; draw off as before.
Aniseed Water should never be reduced below Proof, because of the large
Quantity of Oil with which the Spirit is impregnated, and which will
render the Goods milky and foul, when brought down below Proof; but
if there be a necessity for doing this, the Goods must be filtrated
either thro’ Paper or the filtrating Bag, which will restore their
Transparency.
Aniseed Water is a good Carminative, and therefore in great Request
among the common People against the Cholic.
CHAP. VIII.
_Of Caraway Water._
Caraway-seed is of an oblong and slender Figure, pointed at both Ends,
and thickest in the Middle. It is striated on the Surface, considerably
heavy, of a deep brown Colour, and somewhat bright or glossy. It is of
a very penetrating Smell, not disagreeable, and of a hot, acrid and
bitterish Taste. Caraway-seed is to be chosen large, new and of a good
Colour, not dusty, and of an agreeable Smell. The Plant which produces
the Caraway-seed grows wild in the Meadows of _France_ and _Italy_, and
in many other Places; but is sown in Fields for the sake of the Seeds
in _Germany_, and many other Parts of _Europe_.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Caraway Water._
Take of Caraway-seeds bruised three Pounds, Proof Spirit twelve
Gallons, Water two Gallons; draw off ten Gallons, or till the Faints
begin to rise; make the Goods up with clean Water, and dulcify with
common Sugar to your Taste.
Or,
Take of Caraway-seed bruised two Pounds and a Half, Orange or
Lemon-peel dried one Pound, Proof Spirit twelve Gallons, Water two
Gallons; draw off and dulcify as before.
Caraway Water, like that of Aniseed, is a good Carminative; but not so
much used, tho’ much pleasanter.
CHAP. IX.
_Of Cardamom Seed Water._
The Seed from whence this Water takes its Name, is called by Botanists
_Cardamomum Minus_, or the lesser Cardamom; to distinguish it from the
_Cardamomum Majus_, or Grains of Paradise.
The lesser Cardamom is a small short Fruit, or membranaceous Capsule,
of a trigonal Form, about a third of an Inch long, and swelling out
thick about the Middle; beginning small and narrow from the Stalk, and
terminating in a small, but obtuse Point at the End. It is striated all
over very deeply with longitudinal Furrows, and consists of a thin but
very tough Membrane, of a fibrous Texture, and palebrown Colour, with
a faint Cast of red. When the Fruit is thoroughly ripe, this Membrane
opens at the three Edges all the way, and shews that it is internally
divided by three thin Membranes into three Cells, in each of which is
an Arrangement of Seeds, separately lodged in two Series. The Seeds
are of an irregular angular Figure, rough, and of a dusky brown Colour
on the Surface, with a Mixture of yellowish and reddish, and of white
Colour within. They have not much Smell, unless first bruised, when
they are much like Camphire under the Nose. They are of an acrid,
aromatic and fiery hot Taste. They should be chosen sound, close shut
on all Sides, and full of Seeds, of a good Smell, and of an acrid
aromatic Taste.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Cardamom Seed Water._
Take of the lesser Cardamom Seeds husked two Pounds and a Half, of
clean Proof Spirit ten Gallons and a Half, and of Water one Gallon;
draw off ten Gallons by a gentle Heat. You may either dulcify it or not
with fine Sugar at pleasure.
This Water is Carminative, assists Digestion, and good to strengthen
the Head and Stomach.
CHAP. X.
_Of Aqua Mirabilis; or, the Wonderful-Water._
Most of the Ingredients in this Composition have already been
described, and an Account of the Nutmegs will be given in Chap. xxv.
But the Cubebs and Ginger remain to be mentioned.
Cubebs are small dried Fruit resembling a Pepper-corn, but often
somewhat longer; of a dark brown Colour, composed of a wrinkled
external Bark; of an aromatic, tho’ not very strong Smell, and of an
acrid and pungent Taste, tho’ less so than Pepper; but its Acrimony
continues long on the Tongue, and draws forth a large Quantity of
Saliva. We have two Kinds of Cubebs, which differ only in their Periods
of gathering, both are produced from the same Plant. The unripe Cubebs
are small, very wrinkled on the Surface, and their Nucleus, when
broken, is flacid: But the ripe ones not so. Cubebs are brought from
the Island _Java_, where they grow in great Abundance. They should be
chosen large, fresh, and sound, and the heaviest possible. They are
warm and carminative, and esteemed good in Vertigoes, Palsies, and
Disorders of the Stomach.
Ginger is a Root too well known to need a long Description; it is
sufficient to observe that it is of a pale yellowish Colour when
broken, of a fibrous Structure, and easily beat into a Sort of woolly
or long thready Matter. It is of very hot, acrid, and very pungent
Taste; but Aromatic withal, and of a very agreeable Smell. We have
it both from the _East_ and _West Indies_; but the oriental is much
superior to the occidental in its Flavour, of a firmer Substance,
and does not beat out so much into Threads. Ginger is an excellent
Carminative and Stomachic; it assists Digestion, dispells Flatus’s, and
takes off Cholic Pains almost instantaneously.
There are several Receipts for making this celebrated Cordial; but the
following are allowed to be the best.
Take of Cinnamon one Pound and a Quarter, Rind of Lemon-peels ten
Ounces, Cubebs one Ounce and a Quarter, Leaves of Baum one Pound;
bruise all these Ingredients, and pour on them eleven Gallons of clean
Proof Spirit, and one Gallon of Water; digest the whole twenty-four
Hours, and distil off ten Gallons with a pretty brisk Fire; and
dulcify it with fine Sugar.
Or,
Take of the lesser Cardamoms, Cloves, Cubebs, Galangal, Mace, Nutmeg,
and Ginger, of each one Pound and three Quarters, of the yellow part of
Citron-peel and Cinnamon of each three Pounds and a Half, of the Leaves
of Balm one Pound; bruise these Ingredients, and pour on them eleven
Gallons of Spirit and one Gallon of Water; digest, and draw off, _&c._
as before.
This Cordial has been long celebrated as a noble Stomachic, and
therefore greatly called for.
Some instead of all the Ingredients enumerated in the above Receipts
use only Pimento; and this is the sort of Aqua Mirabilis which some
sell so very cheap.
CHAP. XI.
_Of Mint Water._
The Mint intended in this Recipe is the common Spear-mint, an Account
of which has already been given, Page 137.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Mint Water._
Take of dry Spear-mint Leaves fourteen Pounds, Proof Spirit ten Gallons
and a Half, Water two Gallons; draw off ten Gallons by a gentle Heat.
You may dulcify it with Sugar if required.
Mint Water is greatly recommended by the learned _Boerhaave_ and
_Hoffman_, against Vomitting, Nauseas, and the Cholic.
CHAP. XII.
_Of Pepper Mint Water._
The Pepper-mint has been already described Page 136, to which the
Reader is referred.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Pepper Mint Water._
Take of dry Pepper Mint Leaves fourteen Pounds, Proof Spirit ten
Gallons and a Half, Water one Gallon; draw off ten Gallons by a gentle
Fire, You may either dulcify it or not.
Pepper Mint Water is a noble Stomachic, good against Vomiting, Nauseas,
Cholic, and other griping Pains in the Bowels, in all which Intentions
it greatly exceeds the common Spear Mint Water.
CHAP. XIII.
_Of Angelica Water._
There are two Sorts of Angelica Water, the Single and the Compound.
I shall give Receipts for making both Kinds; and with regard to
the Nature of Angelica, it is sufficient to observe, that it is an
excellent Carminative.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of single Angelica Water._
Take of the Roots and Seed of Angelica cut and bruised, of each one
Pound and a Half, Proof Spirit eleven Gallons, Water two Gallons; draw
off ten Gallons, or till the Faints begin to rise, with a gentle Fire;
and dulcify it, if required, with lump Sugar.
This Angelica Water is a good Carminative, and therefore good against
all Kinds of flatulent Cholics, and Gripings of the Bowels.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Compound Angelica Water._
Take of the Roots and Seeds of Angelica, and of sweet Fennel-seeds of
each one Pound and a Half, of the dried Leaves of Baum and Sage of each
one Pound; slice the Roots and bruise the Seeds and Herbs, and add to
them of Cinnamon one Ounce, of Cloves, Cubebs, Galangals, and Mace, of
each three Quarters of an Ounce, of Nutmegs, the lesser Cardamom-seed,
Pimento, and Saffron of each half an Ounce; infuse all these in twelve
Gallons of clean Proof Spirit, and draw off ten Gallons, with a pretty
brisk Fire. It may be dulcified or not at pleasure.
This is an excellent Composition, and a powerful Carminative; and good
in all flatulent Cholics, and other griping Pains in the Bowels. It is
also good in Nauseas, and other Disorders of the Stomach.
It may not be amiss to observe here, that in distilling this and
several other Compositions, abounding with oily Seeds, the Operator
should be careful not to let the Faints mix with the other Goods, as
they would by that means be rendered nauseous and unsightly; he should
therefore be careful towards the letter End of the Operation, to catch
some of the Spirit as it runs from the Worm in a Glass; and as soon as
ever he perceives it the least cloudy, to remove the Receiver, and draw
the Faints by themselves.
CHAP. XIV.
_Of Orange Water._
This Water is made in the same Manner from the Peels of Oranges, as
Citron Water; Chap. vi. is from the Peels of Citrons.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Orange Water._
Take of the yellow Part of fresh Orange-peels five Pounds, clean Proof
Spirit ten Gallons and a Half, Water two Gallons; draw off ten Gallons
with a gentle Fire.
This is a good Stomachic, and may also be used for making bitter
Tinctures as that called _Stoughton_’s Drops.
CHAP. XV.
_Of Plague Water._
There are several Receipts for making Plague Water; but the following
are much the best.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Plague Water._
Take of the Roots of Masterwort and Butter-burr, of each one Pound
and a Quarter, _Virginia_ Snake-root and Zedoary, of each ten Ounces,
Angelica-seeds and Bay-seeds of each fourteen Ounces, and of the Leaves
of Scordium one Pound and a Half. Cut or bruise these Ingredients and
put them into the Still, with twelve Gallons of clean Proof Spirit, and
two Gallons of Water; digest the whole for twenty-four Hours, and draw
off ten Gallons.
Or,
Take of the Leaves of Celandine, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Roman Wormwood,
Dragons Agrimony, Baum, Scordium, the lesser Centory, Carduus
Benedictus, Betony, and Mint, of each twenty Handfuls; of dried
Angelica-root, Zedoary and Gentian, of each ten Ounces, and of
_Virginia_ Snake-root five Ounces; digest these twenty-four Hours, in
twelve Gallons of clean Proof Spirit, and two Gallons of Water; and
then draw off ten Gallons as before.
Or,
Take of Rue, Rosemary, Baum, Carduus Benedictus, Scordium,
Marigold-flowers, Dragons, Goat’s-rue, and Mint, of each ten Handfuls;
Roots of Masterwort, Angelica, Butter-burr, and Peony, of each one
Pound and a Quarter; and of Viper-grass ten Ounces; digest in twelve
Gallons of Spirit, _&c._ as before.
Or,
Take of the Roots of Masterwort, Gentian, and Snake-root, of each seven
Ounces; green Walnuts bruised eighty; Venice-treacle and Mithridate
of each three Ounces; Camphire six Drams; of the Roots of Rue and
Elecampane, of each three Ounces; Horehound six Ounces; Saffron six
Drams; Proof Spirit twelve Gallons; digest, _&c._ as before.
Or,
Take Dragons, Rosemary, Wormwood, Sage, Scordium, Mugwort, Scabious,
Baum, Carduus, Angelica, Marigold-flowers, Centory, Betony, Pimpernel,
Celadine, Rue, and Agrimony, of each three Pounds; of the Roots of
Gentian, Zedoary, Liquorice, and Elecampane, of each twelve Ounces;
twelve Gallons of Spirits; digest, _&c._ as before.
Or,
Take of green Walnuts, five Pounds; of Angelica-root two Pounds; of the
Leaves of Angelica, Rue, Sage, and Scordium, of each ten Handfuls; of
Nutmegs, Long Pepper, Ginger, Camphire, and Gentian-root, of each five
Ounces; of Snake-root, Contrayerva, Elecampane, Zedoary, and Viper’s
Flesh, of each thirteen Ounces; Venice Treacle and Mithridate of each
thirteen Ounces; White-wine Vinegar seven Pounds; Proof Spirits twelve
Gallons; digest, _&c._ as before.
You may either dulcify your Plague-water, or not, as you see occasion.
All the above Receipts for making Plague Water are in use; but the
first the most elegant, containing nothing but what is proper in
the Intention, and at the same time adapted to give its Virtues by
Distillation; which cannot be said of any of the rest, several of the
Ingredients adding no Virtue at all to the Water. Of this Kind are the
Celandine, Carduus, Centory, Gentian, Walnuts, _&c._
Plague Water is a noble Alexipharmic, and a high Carminative Cordial
in malignant Cases, and of great Use in Lowness of Spirits, and
Depressions.
CHAP. XVI.
_Of Dr._ Stephens’s _Water_.
This Water has its Name from its Inventor, a Physician of great
Learning and Practice.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Dr._ Stephens’_s Water_.
Take of Cinnamon, Ginger, Galangal, Cloves, Nutmegs, Grains of
Paradise, the Seeds of Anise, sweet Fennel, and Caraway, of each one
Ounce; of the Leaves of Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Mint, Sage, Penniroyal,
Rosemary, Flowers of red Roses, Camomile, Origanum, and Lavender, of
each eight Handfuls; of clean Proof Spirit twelve Gallons, Water two
Gallons; digest all twenty-four Hours, and then draw off ten Gallons,
or till the Faints begin to rise. Dulcify with fine Sugar to your
Palate.
This is a noble Cephalic Cordial and Carminative; and also in some
Degree an Hysteric; good in all cholic Pains in the Stomach and Bowels,
and Diseases of the Nerves.
CHAP. XVII.
_Of Surfeit Water._
There are two Kinds of Surfeit-water, one made by Distillation, and
the other by Infusion, the former is generally called white _Surfeit
Water_, and latter red _Surfeit Water_.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of white Surfeit Water._
Take Marigold-flowers, Mint, Centory, Rosemary, Scordium, Mugwort,
Carduus, Rue, St. John’s-wort, Baum, and Dragons, of each seven
Handfuls; of the Roots of Peony, Viper-grass, Butter-burr, and
Angelica, of each one Pound and a Half; of Galangal, Calamus
Aromaticus, and of the Seeds of Angelica and Caraway, of each four
Ounces; of the Flowers of red Poppies ten Handfuls; Proof Spirit twelve
Gallons, Water two Gallons; digest for twenty-four Hours, and then draw
off ten Gallons, or till the Faints begin to rise; and dulcify with
fine Sugar.
This is a good Cordial, but would not be the worse, if the Carduus,
Mugwort, Rue and St. John’s-wort, were omitted, as little of their
Virtues can be obtained by Distillation. It is, however, a good
Alexipharmic, Carminative, and Stomachic; and therefore good in all
flatulent Pains in the Stomach and Bowels, in Nauseas and Surfeits,
from whence it had its Name.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of red Surfeit Water._
Take of the Flowers of red Poppies, two Bushels, eleven Gallons of
clean Proof Spirit, and digest them with a gentle Heat for three Days,
or till the Spirit has extracted all the Colour of the Flowers: Then
press out the Liquor from the Flowers, and add to the Tincture of the
Seeds of Caraway and Coriander, and Liquorice-root sliced, of each ten
Ounces; of Cardamoms and Cubebs of each four Ounces; of Raisins stoned
five Pounds; of Cinnamon five Ounces; of Nutmegs, Mace, and Ginger,
of each three Ounces; of Cloves two Drams; of Juniper-berries three
Ounces; let the whole be digested three Days, then press out the Liquor
adding to it a Gallon of Rose-water; and then strain or filter the
whole through a Flannel Bag.
This Water is much Superior to the preceding, as all the Ingredients
will give their Virtues to the Tincture, tho’ they will not rise in
Distillation. It is a noble Alexipharmic, it strengthens the Stomach,
and greatly assists Digestion; it is also an excellent Carminative and
good against the Cholic and Gripes: Its Cordial Virtues renders it
serviceable in all Tremblings of the Nerves, and Depressions of the
Spirits.
CHAP. XVIII.
_Of Wormwood Water._
There are two Sorts of Wormwood Water, distinguished by the Epithets of
_greater_ and _lesser_.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of the lesser Composition of Wormwood
Water._
Take of the Leaves of dried Wormwood five Pounds; of the lesser
Cardamom-seeds five Ounces; of Coriander seeds one Pound; of clean
Proof Spirit eleven Gallons; Water one Gallon; draw off ten Gallons, or
till the Faints begin to rise, with a gentle Fire. It may be dulcified
with Sugar, or not, at pleasure.
This is a good Stomachic and Carminative; and on that Account often
called for.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of the greater Composition of Wormwood Water._
Take of the common and Sea Wormwood, dried, of each ten Pounds; of
Sage, Mint, and Baum dried, of each twenty Handfuls; of the Roots of
Galangal, Ginger, Calamus Aromaticus, and Elecampane; of the Seed of
sweet Fennel and Coriander, of each three Ounces; of Cinnamon, Cloves,
and Nutmegs, the lesser Cardamoms and Cubebs, of each two Ounces. Cut
and bruise the Ingredients as they require; digest them twenty-four
Hours, in eleven Gallons of fine Proof Spirit, and two Gallons of
Water, and draw off ten Gallons, or till the Faints begin to rise, with
a pretty brisk Fire.
This is an excellent Composition, and good in all Diseases of the
Stomach arising either from Wind or a bad Digestion. It is greatly in
use in some Parts of _England_, but comes too dear for the common Sort
of People; on which account a Cordial Water is often sold under the
Title of _the greater Composition of Wormwood Water_; drawn from the
Leaves of Wormwood, Orange and Lemon-peel, Calamus Aromaticus, Pimento,
and the Seeds of Anise and Caraway; which being all cheap Ingredients,
the Composition may be sold at a moderate Price. A Water drawn in this
manner is a good Carminative; but far inferior to that made by the
above Recipe.
CHAP. XIX.
_Of Antiscorbutic Water._
The Scurvy being a Disease very common in _England_, this Antiscorbutic
Water will be of great use.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Antiscorbutic Water._
Take of the Leaves of Water-cresses, Garden and Sea Scurvy-grass, and
Brook-lime of each twenty Handfuls; of Pine-tops, Germander, Horehound,
and the lesser Centory, of each sixteen Handfuls; of the Roots of
Briony and sharp-pointed Dock, of each six Pounds; of Mustard-seed one
Pound and a Half. Digest the whole in ten Gallons of Proof Spirit, and
two Gallons of Water, and draw off by a gentle Fire.
This is a good Water for the Purposes expressed in the Title, _viz._
against Scorbutic Disorders. It is also good in Tremblings and
Disorders of the Nerves.
CHAP. XX.
_Of compound Horse-radish Water._
There are several Methods of making this compound Water; but the three
following Recipes are the best that has hitherto appeared.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of compound Horse-radish Water._
Take of the Leaves of fresh Garden Scurvy-grass sixteen Pounds; of
fresh Horse-radish Root, and the yellow Part of Seville Orange-peel
of each eight Pounds; of Nutmegs two Pounds. Cut and bruise these
Ingredients, and digest them twenty-four Hours in ten Gallons of Proof
Spirit and two Gallons of Water; after which draw off ten Gallons with
a gentle Fire.
Or,
Take of the fresh Roots of Horse-radish nine Pounds; of the Leaves of
Water-cresses and of Garden Scurvy-grass, of each six Pounds; of the
outward, or yellow Peel of Oranges and Lemons, of each nine Ounces; of
_Winter_’s Bark twelve Ounces; of Nutmegs three Ounces. Cut, bruise and
digest the Ingredients in ten Gallons of Proof Spirit, and two Gallons
of Water, and draw off ten Gallons as before.
Or,
Take of the Leaves of Garden and Sea Scurvy-grass fresh gathered in
the Spring, of each seven Pounds; Brook-lime, Water-cresses, and
Horse-radish-root of each ten Pounds; of _Winter_’s Bark and Nutmegs of
each ten Ounces; of the outer Peel of Lemons one Pound; of Arum-root
fresh gathered two Pounds; Proof Spirit ten Gallons, Water two Gallons.
Bruise and slice the Ingredients; digest the whole, and draw off ten
Gallons as before.
Either of the above Recipes will produce an excellent Water, against
all Obstructions of the Kidnies and other Viscera. It is also of great
Service in the Jaundice, Cachexies and Dropsies; and in all Scorbutic
Cases, it is equal to any Medicine; as it opens the minute Passages,
promotes Transpiration, and cleanses the Skin, and other small Glands,
which are filled with gross Particles to the Detriment of their proper
Offices.
CHAP. XXI.
_Of Treacle Water._
This Water is made in a very different Manner, by different Persons;
but the following Recipes are the best for this Purpose.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Treacle Water._
Take of the fresh and green Husks of Walnuts four Pounds and a Half;
of the Roots of Butter-burr, three Pounds; of Angelica and Masterwort,
of each one Pound and a Half; of Zedoary twelve Ounces; of the Leaves
of Rue and Scordium of each eighteen Ounces; of Venice Treacle three
Pounds; digest them together four Days in twelve Gallons of Proof
Spirit, and two Gallons of Water; after which draw off ten Gallons; to
which add a Gallon and a Half of distilled Vinegar.
Or,
Take of the Rind of green Walnuts five Pounds; of Rue four Pounds; of
Carduus, Marigold, and Balm, of each three Pounds; of fresh gathered
Butter-burr-roots two Pounds and a Half; of Burdock-root one Pound
and a Half; of green Scordium twelve Handfuls; of Venice Treacle and
Mithridate of each two Pounds and a Half; Proof Spirit twelve Gallons;
and Water two Gallons. Digest, and draw off ten Gallons, as before; to
which add a Gallon and a Half of distilled Vinegar.
Some instead of distilled Vinegar unadvisedly add a proportional
Quantity of Spirit of Vitriol, or other Mineral Acid, to their Treacle
Water; but this Practice is very pernicious; and intirely alters
the Nature of the Medicine. Vinegar is an Acid made by a double
Fermentation, and therefore of a different Nature from the acid
Juices of Vegetables, whether Oranges, Lemons, Citrons, Limes, Crabs,
Barberies, _&c._ as also from those of Minerals, whether Vitriol,
Sulphur, _&c._ It is indeed, like them, acid on the Tongue; but then it
liquifies the Blood, is antipestilential, suddenly cures Drunkenness,
Surfeits, the Plague, and does a thousand Things both as a Menstruum
and Medicine, which they will not. This is an admirable and sprightly
Alexipharmic and Sudorific, to which the Vinegar added, greatly
contributes, and therefore good in Fevers, the Small-pox, Measles, and
other pestilential Disorders.
CHAP. XXII.
_Compound Camomile-flower Water._
The Camomile-flowers generally used are the double Sort, consisting
wholly of Petals or Flower Leaves, without any Appearance of Stamina
or Pistil, or the other Parts of Fructification, which in the single
Flowers shew themselves in the Middle in Form of yellow Threads. But
tho’ the double Flowers are the Sort commonly used, they are not the
best, or those which ought to be chosen. The single Flowers, or those
which consist of only a single Series of Leaves, or Petals, in Form of
Rays, surrounding a Cluster of yellow Threads or Stamina, have much
more Virtue. It is indeed in these Stamina and their Apices, that great
Part of the Virtue of the Flower resides, and these are wanting in the
double Flowers.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of compound Camomile-flower Water._
Take of dried Camomile-flowers, five Pounds; of the outer Peel of
Oranges, ten Ounces; of the Leaves of common Wormwood, and Penny-royal,
of each twenty Handfuls; of the Seeds of Anise, Cummin, and sweet
Fennel, the Berries of Bay and Juniper, of each five Ounces. Digest
these Ingredients two Days in ten Gallons of Proof Spirit, and three
Gallons of Water, and draw off ten Gallons with a gentle Fire.
This is a very good Carminative and Stomachic; good in all Cholics
and other Disorders of the Bowels from Wind. It also provokes the
Appetite and promotes a good Digestion. Its Virtues as a Stomachic will
not be less when made from the double Flowers; but if intended as a
Carminative it should be made with the single Flowers.
CHAP. XXIII.
_Imperial Water._
This Cordial Water has its Name from the great Opinion conceived of it
by its first Inventors; and tho’ their Opinion was, perhaps, justly
founded, yet it is not at present so much in use as formerly.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Imperial Water._
Take of the dried Peels of Citrons and Oranges, of Nutmegs, Cloves,
and Cinnamon, of each one Pound; of the Roots of Cypress, Florintine
Orrice, Calamus Aromaticus, of each eight Ounces; of Zedoary, Galangal
and Ginger, of each four Ounces; of the Tops of Lavender and Rosemary,
of each sixteen Handfuls; of the Leaves of Marjoram, Mint, and Thyme,
of each eight Handfuls; of the Leaves of white and damask Roses, of
each twelve Handfuls. Digest the whole two Days in ten Gallons of Proof
Spirit, and four Gallons of damask Rose Water; after which draw off ten
Gallons.
All the Ingredients in Composition coincide in one intention, and
are such as will give their Virtues by Distillation; Circumstances
that cannot be said of many other compound Waters. It is a very good
Cephalic, and of great use in all nervous Cases. It is also a very
pleasant Dram, especially if dulcified with fine Sugar, and good upon
any sudden Sickness of the Stomach.
CHAP. XXIV.
_Of Compound Piony Water._
The Piony, from whence this Compound Water takes its Name, is a Plant
divided into Male and Female; but the former is the Sort intended to be
used in this Composition. The Male and Female Plants are distinguished
both by their Roots and Leaves. The Male has a shining blackish Leaf,
from which the Female differs by being lighter coloured. The Root of
the Male kind is more bulbous, shorter, and branched than that of the
Female, whose Shoots are much longer and thinner.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of compound Piony Water._
Take of the Roots of Male Piony, twelve Ounces; of those wild of
Valerian, nine Ounces; and of those of white Dittany six Ounces; of
Piony-seed four Ounces and a Half; of the fresh Flowers of Lilly of the
Valley, one Pound and a Half; of those of Lavender, Arabian Stæchus,
and Rosemary, of each nine Ounces; of the Tops of Betony, Marjoram, Rue
and Sage, of each six Ounces; slice and bruise the Ingredients, and
digest them four Days in ten Gallons of Proof Spirit and two Gallons of
Water; after which draw off ten Gallons.
Or,
Take of the Flowers of Lillies of the Valley fresh gathered, and Male
Piony-root, of each two Pounds; of Cinnamon and Cubebs, of each eight
Ounces; of Rosemary and Lavender Flowers, of each two Handfuls; of
damask Rose Water two Gallons. Digest these four Days in ten Gallons of
Proof Spirit, and draw off ten Gallons as before.
This is an excellent Cordial, and can be exceeded by nothing in all
Nervous Cases, both in Children and grown Persons.
CHAP. XXV.
_Of Nutmeg Water._
The Nutmeg is a Kernel of a large Fruit not unlike the Peach, and is
separated from that and its investient Coat the Mace, before it is sent
over to us; except when the whole Fruit is sent over in Preserve, by
way of Sweet-meat, or as a Curiosity. There are two Kinds of Nutmegs,
the one called by Authors the Male, and the other the Female. The
Female is the Kind in common use, and is of the Shape of an Olive: The
Male is long and cylindric, and has less of the fine aromatic Flavour
than the other, so that it is much less esteemed, and People who trade
largely in Nutmegs will seldom buy it. Besides this oblong kind of
Nutmeg we sometimes meet with others of very irregular Figures; but
these are mere _Lusus Naturæ_, being produced by the same Tree. The
long or Male Nutmeg, as we term it, is, by the _Dutch_, called the
wild Nutmeg. It is always distinguishable from the others as well
by its want of Fragrancy as by its Shape: It is very subject to be
worm-eaten, and is strictly forbid by the _Dutch_ to be packed up among
the other, because it will be the means of their being worm-eaten also
by the Insects getting from it into them, and breeding in all Parts of
the Parcel. The largest, heaviest, and most unctuous of the Nutmegs are
to be chosen, such as are of the Shape of an Olive, and of the most
fragrant Smell.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Nutmeg Water._
Take of Nutmegs bruised one Pound; Proof Spirit ten Gallons; Water two
Gallons. Digest them two Days, and then draw off ten Gallons with a
brisk Fire. You may either dulcify it or not as occasion offers.
Or,
Take of Nutmegs bruised one Pound; Orange-peel two Ounces; Spirit ten
Gallons; Water two Gallons. Digest, and distil as before.
This is an excellent Cephalic and Cordial Water; agreeable to the
Palate, comfortable to the Stomach, and grateful to the Nerves. It
powerfully discusses Wind and Vapours the Stomach and Bowels, and is
therefore of great Service in the Cholic, and Griping of the Bowels.
CHAP. XXVI.
_Of Compound Bryony Water._
The white Bryony-root, from whence this Water takes its Name, is one
of the largest Roots we are acquainted with. It is of an oblong Shape,
and is frequently met with of the Thickness of a Man’s Arm, sometimes
of twice or three times that Bigness. Its Texture is somewhat lax and
spungy; considerably heavy, but so soft that the thickest Pieces are
easily cut through with one Stroke of a Knife: It is very juicy, and is
externally of a brownish or yellowish white Colour, and of a pure white
within: It is of a disagreeable Smell, and an acrid and nauseous Taste.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Compound Bryony Water._
Take of the Roots of Bryony four Pounds; wild Valerian-root one
Pound; of Penny-royal and Rue, of each two Pounds; of the Flowers of
Fever-few, and Tops of Savin, of each four Ounces; of the Rind of fresh
Orange-peel, and Lovage-seeds, of each Half a Pound: Cut or bruise
these Ingredients and infuse them in eleven Gallons of Proof Spirit,
and two Gallons of Water, and draw off ten Gallons with a gentle Heat.
Or,
Take of fresh Bryony-root four Pounds; of the Leaves of Rue and
Mugwort, of each four Pounds; of the Tops of Savin six Handfuls;
of Fever-few, Catmint and Penny-royal, of each four Handfuls; of
Orange-peel eight Ounces; of Myrrh four Ounces; of _Russia_ Castor, two
Ounces; Proof Spirit eleven Gallons, Water two Gallons. Digest, and
distil as before.
This Composition is very unpalatable, but excellently adapted to the
Intention of an Hysteric, in which Cases it is used with Success. It is
very forcing upon the Uterus, and therefore given to promote Delivery,
and forward the proper Cleansings afterwards; as also to open Menstrual
Obstructions, and in abundance of other Female Complaints. It is also
good against Convulsions in Children, and of service in all nervous
Complaints in either Sex.
It may not be amiss to observe here, that the oily Parts of the
Ingredients will often render the Water foul and milky. If therefore
the Distiller desires to have it fine and transparent, the Receiver
must be removed as soon as the Liquor at the Worm appears the least
turbid, which will be long before the Faints begin to rise. The Water,
however, is not the worse for being milky, with regard to its Medicinal
Virtue. Some, when the Liquor is milky, throw in a little burnt Allum
to fine it; but this should never be done, because it spoils the
Medicine.
CHAP. XXVII.
_Of compound Baum Water, commonly called_ Eau de Carmes.
This has its Name (_Eau de Carmes_) from the Carmelite Friars who were
the Inventors of it. The great Profit accruing to these Fathers, from
the Sale of this Cordial, induced them to keep the Method of making it
a Secret; but notwithstanding all their Care the Secret has at last
been discovered, and the following is the Method by which they prepare
it.
_Recipe for two Gallons of_ Eau de Carmes.
Take of the fresh Leaves of Baum four Pounds; of the yellow Peel, or
Rind of Lemons, two Pounds; of Nutmegs and Coriander-seeds of each one
Pound; of Cloves, Cinnamon, and Angelica-root, of each Half a Pound.
Pound the Leaves, bruise the other Ingredients, and put them with two
Gallons of fine Proof Spirit into a large Glass Alembic (the Figure
of which with its Head is represented on the Plate, Fig. 7.) stop the
Mouth, and place it in a Bath-Heat to digest two or three Days. Then
open the Mouth of the Alembic, and add a Gallon of Baum Water, and
shake the whole well together. After this place the Alembic in Balneum
Mariæ, and distil till the Ingredients are almost dry; and preserve the
Water thus obtained in Bottles well stopped.
This Water has been long famous both at _London_ and _Paris_, and
carried thence to most Parts of _Europe_. It is a very elegant
Cordial, and very extraordinary Virtues are attributed to it; for it
is esteemed very efficacious not only in Lowness of Spirits, but even
in Apoplexies; and is greatly commended in Cases of the Gout in the
Stomach.
CHAP. XXVIII.
_Of Ladies Water._
This Water has its Name from its Dearness, being much fitter for the
Closet than to be sold in a Shop; but as it is an excellent Cordial, I
could not omit giving it a Place here.
_Recipe for one Quart of Ladies Water._
Take of Sugar-candy one Pound; of Canary Wine six Ounces, Rose Water
four Ounces; boil them into a Syrup, and mix with it of Heavenly Water
(described Chap. xxx.) one Quart; of Ambergrise and Musk of each
eighteen Grains; of Saffron fifteen Grains; yellow Saunders two Drams.
Digest the whole three Days in a Vessel close stoped, and decant the
clear for use.
This is an extraordinary Cordial where the Perfumes are not offensive.
It is too rich to be drank alone, and therefore should be mixed with
Water, or some other Liquid.
CHAP. XXIX.
_Of Cephalic Water._
This Water has its Name from its use, being one of the best Cephalic
Waters known.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Cephalic Water._
Take of Male Piony-root twelve Ounces; of Angelica and Valerian of each
four Ounces and a Half; of the Leaves of Rosemary, Marjoram and Baum;
of the Flowers of Lavender, Betony, Piony, Marigolds, Sage, Rosemary,
Lilies of the Valley, and of the Lime Tree, of each three Handfuls; of
Stæchus, or _French_ Lavender, four Ounces and a Half; of red Roses and
Cowslips, of each six Handfuls; of Rhodium Wood and yellow Saunders,
of each two Ounces and a Half; of Nutmegs four Ounces and a Half; of
Galangals, an Ounce and a Half; of Cardamoms and Cubebs, of each one
Ounce. Bruise these Ingredients, and digest them ten Days in eleven
Gallons of Proof Spirit, and two Gallons of Water, after which add
three Pounds of Cinnamon, and digest two Days more; and then draw off
ten Gallons with a pretty brisk Fire, and dulcify it to your Palate
with fine Sugar.
This is an excellent Cordial, of great Use in Faintings or Sinking
of the Spirits, and to remove any sudden Nauseas or Sickness at the
Stomach.
CHAP. XXX.
_Of Heavenly Water; or, Aqua Cœlestis._
This Water has its Name from the great opinion its Inventors had of it;
but at present it is not so much called for as formerly.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Heavenly Water._
Take of Cinnamon, Mace, and Cubebs, of each three Ounces; Ginger one
Ounce and a Half; Cloves, Galangal, Nutmegs, and Cardamoms, of each
one Ounce; Zedoary one Ounce and a Half; Fennel-seeds one Ounce; of
the Seeds of Anise, wild Carrot and Basil, of each Half an Ounce;
Roots of Angelica, Valerian, Calamus Aromaticus, Leaves of Thyme,
Calamint, Penniroyal, Mint, Mother of Thyme, and Marjoram, of each an
Ounce; Flowers of red Roses, Sage, Rosemary, and Stæchus, of each six
Drams; Citron-peel an Ounce: bruise all these Ingredients and digest
them three Days in eleven Gallons of Proof Spirit, and four Gallons of
Water; after which draw off ten Gallons, with a pretty brisk Fire; and
dulcify the Goods with fine Sugar, adding Ambergrise and Musk of each
three Scruples.
The Perfumes ordered to be added with the Sugar, rendering the Medicine
offensive to some People, they may be omitted at pleasure. It is
esteemed very efficacious in all nervous Complaints, particularly
Palsies, Loss of Memory, and the like. In all Decays of Age, and
languishing Constitutions, it is exceeded by nothing in suddenly
raising the Spirits, and warming the Blood.
CHAP. XXXI.
_Of Spirituous Penniroyal Water._
The Plant from whence this Water has its Name has been already
described Chap. xiii. Part II.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Spirituous Penniroyal Water._
Take of the Leaves of Penniroyal dried fifteen Pounds; Proof Spirit ten
Gallons; Water two Gallons: draw off ten Gallons with a gentle Fire.
This is a good Carminative, of use in Cholics and Gripings of the
Bowels; also in Plurisies and the Jaundice: It is of known Efficacy in
promoting the Menses and other Disorders of the Female Sex.
CHAP. XXXII.
_Of Compound Parsley Water._
This Plant from whence the Water is denominated is the common Parsley
of our Gardens, an Herb too well known to need Description.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of compound Parsley Water._
Take of Parsley-root, one Pound and a Quarter; fresh Horse-radish
Root, and Juniper-berries, of each fifteen Ounces; the Tops of St.
John’s-wort, biting Arsmart, and Elder-flowers, of each ten Ounces; the
Seeds of wild Carrot, sweet Fennel, and Parsley, of each seven Ounces
and a Half; slice and bruise the Ingredients, and digest them four Days
in eleven Gallons of Spirit, and two Gallons of Water; after which draw
off ten Gallons.
This is a very good Diuretic, frees the Kidnies from Sand and other
Matter, which often forms Gravel and Stones. It is also good in cholic
Pains arising from a Stone in the Bladder, and drains off all ill
Humours by Urine.
CHAP. XXXIII.
_Of Carminative Water._
This Water has its Name from its use, being an excellent Carminative.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Carminative Water._
Take of fresh Camomile-flowers, four Pounds; Dill seed two Pounds and a
Half; Leaves of Baum, Origany, and Thyme, of each one Pound; Seeds of
Anise and Fennel of each six Ounces; Cummin-seed four Ounces; Peels of
Oranges and Citrons, of each eight Ounces; Juniper and Bayberries, of
each six Ounces; Cinnamon eight Ounces; Mace four Ounces. Digest these
Ingredients, bruised in eleven Gallons of Proof Spirit, and two Gallons
of Water; after which draw off ten Gallons; and dulcify it with fine
Sugar.
This is an admirable Carminative, and therefore good in all Cholicky
Pains and Gripings of the Bowels; and to remove Sickness and Nauseas
from the Stomach.
CHAP. XXXIV.
_Of Gout Water._
This Water also has its Name from its use, being of great Service in
that Distemper.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of Gout Water._
Take of the Flowers of Camomile, Leaves of Penniroyal, Lavender,
Marjoram, Rosemary, Sage, and Ground-pine, of each eight Ounces; Myrrh
four Ounces; Cloves and Cinnamon of each one Ounce; Roots of Piony two
Ounces; Pellitory of _Spain_, and Cypress Orrice, of each one Ounce;
the lesser Cardamoms and Cubebs, of each Half an Ounce; Nutmegs, two
Ounces: Cut and bruise these Ingredients and digest them four Days in
eleven Gallons of Proof Spirit and two Gallons of Water; then draw off
ten Gallons, and dulcify with fine Sugar.
This is a very good Water in all nervous Cases; and a continued
moderate Use of it will comfort and fortify the Fibres, so as to
prevent the Discharge of such Juices upon the Joints as cause
arthritic Pains and Swellings. It is also of excellent Use in Palsies,
Epilepsies, and Loss of Memory; particularly when these Distempers
proceed from old Age, or when the principal Springs of Life begin to
decay.
CHAP. XXXV.
_Of Anhalt Water._
This Water is supposed to have been invented by a celebrated Physician
of _Anhalt_, a Province of the Circle of Upper _Saxony_.
_Recipe for making ten Gallons of Anhalt Water._
Take of the best Turpentine a Pound and a Half; Olibanum three Ounces;
Aloes-wood powdered one Ounce; Grains of Mastick, Cloves, July-flowers,
or Rosemary-flowers, Nutmegs and Cinnamon of each two Ounces and a
Half; Saffron one Ounce; powder the whole and digest them six Days in
eleven Gallons of Spirit of Wine; adding two Scruples of Musk tied up
in a Rag; and draw off in Balneum Mariæ till it begins to run foul.
This Water is a high aromatic Cordial, invigorates the Intestines, and
thereby promotes Digestion and dispels Flatulencies. It is also in
great Repute as a sovereign Remedy for Catarrhs and Pains arising from
Colds; as also in Palsies, Epilepsies, Apoplexies and Lethargies, the
Parts affected being well rubbed with it.
CHAP. XXXVI.
_Of Vulnerary Water, or, Eau d’ Arquebusade._
This Vulnerary Water is greatly esteemed abroad; and if properly tried,
there is no doubt of its obtaining the same Reputation here.
_Recipe for five Gallons of Vulnerary Water._
Take of the Leaves, Flowers and Roots of Comfrey, Leaves of Mugwort,
Sage, and Bugle, of each eight Handfuls; Leaves of Betony, Sanicle,
or Ox-eye Daisy, the greater Figwort, Plantain, Agrimony, Vervain,
Wormwood, and Fennel, of each four Handfuls; St. John’s-wort,
Birth-wort, Orpine, Paul’s-betony, the lessor Centory, Yarrow, Tobacco,
Mouse-ear, Mint, and Hyssop, of each two Handfuls: Cut them, bruise
them well in a Mortar, and pour on them three Gallons of white Wine and
two Gallons and a Half of Proof Spirit; digest the whole six Days with
a gentle Heat, in a Vessel close stopped: after which distil off with
gentle Fire, about five Gallons, or till it begins to run milky from
the Worm.
This Water is of excellent Service in Contusions, Tumors attending
Dislocations, Fractures and Mortifications, the Part affected being
bathed with it. Some also use it to deterge foul Ulcers, and incarn
Wounds; from whence it was called Vulnerary Water.
CHAP. XXXVII.
_Of Cedrat Water._
The Fruit called _Cedrat_ by the _French_ is a Species of the Citron,
called by Botanists _Citratum Florentinum_, _fructu Mucronato &
recurvo_, _Cortice verrucoso Odoratissimo_, Florentine Citron, with
a pointed Fruit, which is recurved, and a warted sweet smelling
Rind. This Fruit is in so great Esteem, that they have been sold at
_Florence_ for two Shillings each, and are often sent as Presents to
the Courts of Princes. It is only found in Perfection, in the Plain
between _Pisa_ and _Leghorn_; and tho’ the Trees which produce this
Fruit have been transplanted into other Parts of _Italy_, yet they are
found to lose much of that excellent Taste with which they abound in
those Parts.
_Recipe for a Gallon of Cedrat Water._
Take the yellow Rinds of five Cedrats, a Gallon of fine Proof Spirit,
and two Quarts of Water: Digest the whole twenty-four Hours in a Vessel
close stoped; after which draw off one Gallon in Balneum Mariæ, and
dulcify with fine Loaf Sugar.
This is esteemed the finest Cordial yet known; but as it is very
difficult to procure the Fruit here, I shall give the Method of making
this celebrated Cordial, with the Essence or essential Oil of the
Cedrat, which is often imported from _Italy_.
_Recipe for a Gallon of Cedrat Water with the Essence of the Fruit._
Take of the finest Loaf Sugar reduced to Powder a Quarter of a Pound,
put into it a Glass Mortar, with one Hundred and twenty Drops of the
Essence of Cedrat, rub them together with a Glass Pestle, put them into
a Glass Alembic with a Gallon of fine Proof Spirits and a Quart of
Water. Place the Alembic in Balneum Mariæ, and draw off one Gallon, or
till the Faints begin to rise; and dulcify with fine Sugar.
You may make this Water without Distillation, by mixing the Essence
with the Sugar, as before directed, and dissolving it in the Spirit
and Water directed as above. But the Water will be foul and milky, and
therefore you must filtrate it thro’ Paper, which will restore its
Brightness and Transparency.
But whatever Method is used, you must be very careful that the Spirit
been tirely freed from its essential Oil; and therefore if your Spirit
be not very cleanly rectified, it will be adviseable to use _French_
Brandy, lest the fine Flavour so highly esteemed in this Cordial be
destroyed by the Spirit.
CHAP. XXXVIII.
_Of Bergamot Water._
The Bergamot is a Species of the Citron, produced at first casually by
an _Italian_’s Grafting a Citron on the Stock of a Burgamot Pear Tree,
whence the Fruit produced by this Union participated both of the Citron
Tree and Pear Tree. The Inventor is said to have kept the Discovery a
long Time a Secret, and enriched himself by it.
The Bergamot is a very fine Fruit both in Taste and Smell; and its
Essence or essential Oil highly esteemed.
_Recipe for a Gallon of Bergamot Water._
Take the outer Rind of three Bergamots, a Gallon of Proof Spirit, and
two Quarts of Water. Draw off one Gallon in Balneum Mariæ, and dulcify
with fine Sugar.
If you make your Bergamot Water from the Essence or essential Oil,
observe the same Directions as given in the preceeding Chapter for
making Cedrat Water. One Hundred and sixty Drops of the Essence will be
sufficient for a Gallon of Spirit, and so in Proportion for a greater
or smaller Quantity.
CHAP. XXXIX.
_Of Orange Cordial Water; or, Eau de Bigarade._
The Orange called by the _French_ Bigarade, is called by Botanists
_Aurantium maximum_, _verrucoso Cortice_, the large worted Orange.
It is a large and beautiful Fruit, and greatly esteemed for the
Fragrancy of its Essence. It is common in diverse Parts of _Italy_,
_Spain_, and _Provence_ in _France_.
_Recipe for making a Gallon of Orange Cordial._
Take of the outer or yellow Part of the Rinds of fourteen Bigarades;
Half an Ounce of Nutmegs; a Quarter of an Ounce of Mace, a Gallon of
fine Proof Spirit, and two Quarts of Water. Digest all these together
two Days in a close Vessel; after which draw off a Gallon with a gentle
Fire, and dulcify with fine Sugar.
This Cordial is greatly esteemed abroad, and would be the same here if
sufficiently known.
If the Orange Peels are not easily procured, one Hundred and forty
Drops of the Essence may be used in their stead, and the Water will be
nearly equal to that made from the Peels.
CHAP. XL.
_Of Jasmine Water._
There are several Species of Jasmine, but that Sort intended here is
what the Gardeners call, _Spanish_ White or _Catalonian_ Jasmine. This
is one of the most Beautiful of all the Species of Jasmine; the Flowers
much larger than any of the others, of a red Colour on the Outside,
and extremely fragrant. But if the Flowers of this Species cannot be
procured, those of the common Sort may be used, but the Quantity must
be considerably augmented.
_Recipe for a Gallon of Jasmine Water._
Take of _Spanish_ Jasmine-flowers twelve Ounces; Essence of Florentine
Citron, or Burgamot, eight Drops; fine Proof Spirit a Gallon, Water two
Quarts. Digest two Days in a close Vessel, after which draw off one
Gallon, and dulcify with fine Loaf Sugar.
This is a most excellent Cordial, and deserves to be more known here
than it is at present.
CHAP. XLI.
_Of the Cordial Water of_ Montpelier.
This Water has its Name from the Place where it was first made, and
what is now brought from thence is still in great Reputation.
_Recipe for a Gallon of the Cordial Water of_ Montpelier.
Take of the yellow Rinds of two Bergamots, or fifty Drops of the
Essence of that Fruit; Cloves and Mace of each Half an Ounce; Proof
Spirit a Gallon; Water one Quart: Digest two Days in a close Vessel,
draw off a Gallon, and dulcify with fine Sugar.
CHAP. XLII.
_Of Father_ Andrew’_s Water_.
This Water has its Name from its Inventor; and is greatly esteemed in
_France_.
_Recipe for a Gallon of Father_ Andrew’_s Water_.
Take of white Lilly-flowers eight Handfuls; Orange-flowers four Ounces;
Rose Water a Quart; Proof Spirit a Gallon; Water a Quart: Draw off a
Gallon in Balneum Mariæ, and dulcify with fine Sugar.
CHAP. XLIII.
_Of the Water of Father_ Barnabas.
This Water has also its Name from its Inventor, a Jesuit of _Paris_.
_Recipe for a Gallon of the Water of Father_ Barnabas.
Take of the Roots of Angelica four Ounces; of Cinnamon and Orris-root,
of each Half an Ounce; bruise these Ingredients in a Mortar; put them
into an Alembic, with a Gallon of Proof Spirit and two Quarts of Water;
draw off a Gallon with a pretty brisk Fire.
CHAP. XLIV.
_Of the Water of the four Fruits._
This Water has its Name from the four Fruits in its Composition, namely
the Cedrat or Florentine Citron, the Bergamot, the common Citron, and
the _Portugal_ Orange.
_Recipe for a Gallon of the Water of the four Fruits._
Take of the Essence of Cedrat, fifty Drops; of the Essence of Bergamot
thirty-six Drops; of the Essence of Citron sixty Drops; and of the
Essence of _Portugal_ Orange sixty-four Drops; fine Proof Spirit one
Gallon; Water two Quarts; draw off with a pretty brisk Fire till the
Faints begin to rise, and dulcify with fine Sugar.
This is a very pleasant and odoriferous Cordial, and in great Esteem in
_France_.
CHAP. XLV.
_Of the Water of the four Spices._
This Water also derives its Name from the four Spices from whence it is
drawn, _viz._ Cloves, Mace, Nutmegs, and Cinnamon.
_Recipe for a Gallon of the Water of the four Spices._
Take of Cinnamon two Ounces; Nutmegs and Cloves, of each three Drams;
Mace six Drams; bruise the Spices in a Mortar, and add Proof Spirit
a Gallon, and Water two Quarts. Digest twenty-four Hours in a close
Vessel, and distil with a brisk Fire till the Faints begin to rise; and
dulcify with fine Sugar.
This is an excellent Stomachic, good in all Depressions of the Spirits
and paralytic Disorders.
CHAP. XLVI.
_Of the Water of the four Seeds._
This Water has its Name from the four Seeds from whence is it drawn,
_viz._ the Seeds of sweet Fennel, Coriander, Angelica, and Anise.
_Recipe for ten Gallons of the Water of the four Seeds._
Take of sweet Fennel-seed seven Ounces; Coriander-seed nine Ounces; of
the Seeds of Angelica and Anise, of each three Ounces; bruise all these
in a Mortar, and put them into the Still with ten Gallons and a Half of
Proof Spirits, and two Gallons of Water; draw off with a gentle Fire
till the Faints begin to rise, and dulcify with fine Sugar.
This Water is a very good Carminative, good in Cholics, Nauseas of the
Stomach, and Gripings of the Bowels.
CHAP. XLVII.
_Of the Divine Water._
This is one of those Waters whose Names have rendered them famous. The
Basis of this Water is Orange flowers, the other Ingredients being
added to diversify the Flavour, and render it more agreeable.
_Recipe for a Gallon of Divine Water._
Take of Orange-flowers fresh gathered two Pounds; Coriander-seed three
Ounces; Nutmegs Half an Ounce; bruise the Nutmegs and Coriander-seeds;
and put them, together with the Orange-flowers, into an Alembic with
a Gallon of Proof Spirit and two Quarts of Water; draw off the Liquor
with a gentle Fire, till the Faints begin to rise, and dulcify with
fine Sugar.
This is a very pleasant Cordial, both with regard to its Smell and
Taste; and on that Account in great Esteem abroad.
CHAP. XLVIII.
_Of Roman Water._
This Water has its Name from its being made first at _Rome_; and from
whence great Quantities are still exported to different Parts of
_Europe_.
_Recipe for a Gallon of Roman Water._
Take the outer or yellow Peels of six Citrons; two Drams of Mace
bruised; a Gallon of Proof Spirit, and two Quarts of Water: Draw off
with a gentle Fire till the Faints begin to rise, and dulcify with fine
Sugar.
This Water is generally of a red or purple Colour, the former of which
may be easily given by infusing in it a few Grains of Cochineal, or the
red Parts of Clove Gilly-flowers; and the latter by adding to the above
a few Violets. When the Colour is extracted, run the Liquor through the
filtrating Bag, and it will be very bright and clear.
CHAP. XLIX.
_Of_ Barbadoes _Water_.
There is a great Variety of Waters called by this Name, made by foreign
Distillers; but the following Recipes will be sufficient to shew the
Distiller the Method of making them, and how to vary the Flavour of his
Waters, so as to adapt them to the Taste of his Customers.
_Recipe for a Gallon of rectified_ Barbadoes _Water_.
Take the outer Rind of eight large Florentine Citrons; Half an Ounce
of Cinnamon bruised, and a Gallon of rectified Spirit. Distil to a
Dryness in Balneum Mariæ. Then dissolve two Pounds of Sugar in a Quart
of Water, and mix it with the distilled Liquor, and run it thro’ the
filtrating Bag, which will render it bright and fine.
_Recipe for making a Gallon of amber-coloured_ Barbadoes _Water_.
Take of the yellow Rinds of six Bergamots, Half an Ounce of Cinnamon,
and two Drams of Cloves. Bruise the Spices and digest the whole six
Days in a Gallon of rectified Spirit; and then add a Dram of Saffron,
and let the whole stand six Days longer in Digestion; dissolve two
Pounds of fine Sugar in a Quart of Water, add it to the Tincture, and
run it thro’ the filtrating Bag.
After the same manner may be made _Barbadoes_ Waters of different
Kinds, by adding Lemon, or Orange peels instead of those of Citron or
Bergamot; or, by varying the Spices.
CHAP. L.
_Of Ros Solis._
The Ros Solis or Sun-dew, from whence this Cordial Water has its Name,
is a small low Plant, with a fibrous Root, from whence spring small
round hollowish Leaves, on Foot stalks about an Inch long, covered
and fringed with short red Hairs, which give a red Cast to the whole
Leaf. It grows in champaign and mossy Grounds, in a pale red Moss, and
flowers in _May_.