Chapter XXX: Introduction (2)

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.