Domestic Medicine - Appendix & Glossary



APPENDIX & GLOSSARY

CONTAINING

A List of Simples and of such Medicinal Preparations as ought to be kept 
in Readiness for private Practice.

The Method of preparing and compounding such Medicines as are recommended 
in the former Part of the Book, with the Addition of several others of a 
similar Nature.

Remarks on the Doses, Uses, and Manner of applying the different 
Preparations.


Medicamentorum varietas ignorantia filia est. BACON.


INTRODUCTION.

IGNORANCE and superstition have attributed extraordinary medical virtues 
to almost every production of nature. That such virtues were often 
imaginary, time and experience have sufficiently shewn. Physicians, 
however, from a veneration for antiquity, still retain in their lists of 
medicine many things which owe their reputation entirely to the 
superstition and credulity of our ancestors

THE instruments of medicine will always be multiplied, in proportion to 
men's ignorance of the nature and cause of diseases: when these are 
sufficiently understood, the method of cure will be simple and obvious.

IGNORANCE of the real nature and permanent properties of those substances 
employed in the cure of diseases, is another reason why they have been so 
greatly multiplied. Physicians thought they could effect by a number of 
ingredients, what could not be done by any one of them. Hence arose those 
amazing farragos which have so long disgraced the medical art, and which 
were esteemed powerful in proportion to the number of simples that entered 
their composition.

THE great variety of form into which almost every article of medicine has 
been manufactured, affords another proof of the imperfection of the 
medical art. A drug which is perhaps most efficacious in the simplest form 
in which it can be administered, has been nevertheless served up in to 
many different shapes, that one would be induced to think the whole art of 
physic lay in exhibiting medicine under as many various forms as possible.

DIFFERENT forms of medicine, no doubt, have their use; but they ought 
never to be wantonly increased. They are by no means so necessary as is 
generally imagined. A few grains of powdered rhubarb, jalap, or, 
ipecacuanha, will actually perform all that can be done by the different 
preparations of these roots, and may also be exhibited in as safe and 
agreeable a manner. The same observation holds with regard to the Peruvian 
bark, and many other simples of which the preparations are very numerous.

MULTIPLYING the ingredients of a medicine, not only renders it more 
expensive, but also less certain, both in its dose and operation. Nor is 
this all. The compound, when kept, is apt to spoil, or acquire qualities 
of a different nature. When a medicine is rendered more safe, efficacious, 
or ageeeable; by the addition of another, they ought, no doubt, to be 
joined; in all other cases, they are better kept asunder. The combination 
of medicines embarrasses the physician, and retards the progress of 
medical knowledge. It is impossible to ascertain the precise effect of any 
one medicine, as long as it is combined with others, either of a similar 
or dissimilar nature.

IN the exhibition of medicine, regard should not only be had to 
simplicity, but likewise to elegance. Patients seldom reap much benefit 
from things that are highly disagreeable to their senses. To taste or 
smell like a drug, is become a proverb; and to say truth, there is too 
much ground for it. Indeed no art can take away the disagreeable taste and 
flavour of some drugs, without entirely destroying their efficacy: it is 
possible, however, to render many medicines less disgustful, and others 
even agreeable; an object highly deserving the attention of all who 
administer medicine.

THE design of the following pages is to exhibit such a list of drugs and 
medicines as may be necessary for private practice. They are considerably 
more numerous indeed than those recommended in the former part of the 
Book, but are still greatly within the number contained in the most 
reformed dispensatories. The same medicine is seldom exhibited under 
different forms; and where different medicines answer nearly the same 
intention, there is commonly no more than one of them retained. 
Multiplying forms of medicine for the same intention tends rather to 
bewilder than assist the young practitioner, and the experienced physician 
can never be at a loss to vary his prescriptions as occasion requires.

THE chemical and other difficult preparations are for the most part 
omitted. All of them that are used by any private practitioner are not 
worth preparing. He will buy them much cheaper than he can make them. 
Great care however is necessary to obtain them genuine . They are often 
adulterated, and ought never to be purchased unless from persons of known 
veracity. Such of them as are in common use are inserted in the list of 
drugs and medicines. Their proper doses, and manner of application, are 
mentioned in the practical part of the Book, wherever they are prescribed.

SUCH articles of medicine as are to be found in the house or garden of 
almost every peasant, as barley, eggs, onions, &c. are likewise, for the 
most part, omitted. It is needless to swell a list of medicines with such 
things as can be obtained whenever they are wanted, and which spoil by 
being kept.

THE preparations made and sold by millers and confectioners are also 
generally left out. These people, by operating upon a larger plan, 
generally make things better, while it is in their power to afford them 
much cheaper than they can be prepared by any private hand.

THE quantity ordered of every medicine is as small as could well be 
prepared, both to prevent unnecessary expence, and that the medicine might 
not spoil by keeping. almost every medicine suffers by being kept, and 
should be used as soon after it has been prepared as possible. Even simple 
drugs are apt to spoil, and should therefore be laid in in small 
quantities; they either rot, are consumed by insects, or evaporate so as 
to lose their peculiar taste or flavour, and often become quite 
insignificant.

IN the preparation of medicines, I have generally followed the most 
improved dispensatories; but have taken the liberty to differ from them, 
wherever my own observations, or those of other practical writers, on 
whose judgment I could depend, suggested an improvement.

IN several compositions, the ingredient on which the efficacy of the 
medicine principally depends is increased, while the auxiliaries, which 
are generally ordered in such trifling quantities, as to be of no 
importance, are left out, or only such of them retained as are necessary 
to give the medicine a proper consistence, or the like.

THE colouring ingredients are likewise for the most part omitted. They 
increase the bulk and price of the medicine; without adding any thing to 
its value. It would be well if they were never used at all. Medicines are 
often adulterated for the sake of a colour. Acrid and even poisonous 
substances are, for this purpose, sometimes introduced into those 
medicines which ought to be most bland and emollient. Ointment of elder, 
for example, is often mixed with verdegrise to give it a fine green 
colour, which entirely frustrates the intention of that mild ointment. 
Those who wish to obtain genuine medicines should pay no regard to their 
colour.

SOME regard is likewise paid to expence. Such ingredients as greatly 
increase the price of any composition, without adding considerably to its 
virtue, are generally either omitted, or somewhat less expensive 
substituted in their place. Medicines are by no means powerful in 
proportion to their price. The cheapest are often the best; besides, they 
are the least apt to be adulterated, and are always most readily obtained.

WITH regard to the method of compounding medicines, I have generally 
followed that which seemed to be the most simple and natural, mentioning 
the different steps of the process in the same order in which they ought 
to be taken, without paying an implicit regard to the method of other 
dispensatories.

FOR many of the remarks concerning the preparation, &c. of medicines, I 
have been obliged to the author of the New Dispensatory. The other 
observations are either such as have occurred to myself in practice, or 
have been suggested in the course of reading, by authors whose names I am 
not able distinctly to recollect.

I HAVE followed the alphabetical order, both with regard to the simples 
and preparations. A more scientific method would have been agreeable to 
some persons, but less useful to the generality of readers. The different 
classes of medicine have no great dependance upon one another; and, where 
they have, it is hard to say which should stand first or last; no doubt 
the simple preparations ought to precede the more compound. But all the 
advantages arising from this method of arrangement do not appear equal to 
that single one, of being able, on the first opening of the book, to find 
out any article, which, by the alphabetical order, is rendered quite easy.

THE dose of every medicine is mentioned wherever it appeared necessary. 
When this is omitted, it is to be understood that the medicine may be used 
at discretion. The dose mentioned is always for an adult, unless when the 
contrary is expressed. It is not an easy matter to proportion the doses of 
medicine exactly to the different ages, constitutions, &c. of patients; 
but, happily for mankind, mathematical exactness here is by no means 
necessary.

SEVERAL attempts have been made to ascertain the proportional doses for 
the different ages and constitutions of patients; but, after all that can 
be said upon this subject, a great deal must be left to the judgement and 
skill of the person who administers the medicine. The following general 
proportions may be observed; but they are by no means intended for exact 
rules. A patient betwixt twenty and fourteen may take two thirds of the 
dose ordered for an adult; from fourteen to nine, one-half; from nine to 
six, one-third; from six to four, one-fourth; from four to two, one-sixth; 
from two to one, a tenth; and below one, a twelfth.

DISPENSATORIES are usually written in the Latin language. Even authors who 
write in English, generally give their prescriptions in Latin; and some of 
them shew so great an attachment to that language, as first to write their 
recipes in it, and afterwards translate them; while others, to compromise 
the matter, write the one half in Latin and the other in English. What 
peculiar charm a medical prescription, when written in Latin, may have, I 
shall not pretend to say; but have ventured to make use of the plainest 
English I could, and hope my prescriptions will succeed no worse for it.

N. B. THE Apothecary's weights, and the English wine measures, are used 
throughout the whole book, the different denominations of which will 
appear from the following Table:

A pound contains twelve ounces.
An ounce contains eight drachms.
A drachm contains three scruples.
A scruple contains twenty grains.

A gallon contains eight pints.
A pint contains sixteen ounces.
An ounce contains eight drachms.
A spoonful is the measure of half an ounce.



A LIST of SIMPLES, and of such MEDIClNAL PREPARATIONS, as ought to be kept 
in readiness for private Practice.

 AGARIC

Alum

Antimony, crude- 
Antimony, cinnabar of 
Antimony, sulphur of

Balsam of Capivi 
Balsam of Peru 
Balsam of Tolu

Bark, cascarilla 
Bark, cinnamon 
Bark, Mezerion, 
Bark, Peruvian 
Bark, Winter's, or canella alba

Borax 

Calamine stone, levigated

Castor, Russian

Caustic, common

Caustic, Lunar

Earth, Fuller's 
Earth, Japan 
Earth, Armenian bole

Earth, French bole

Extracts of gentian 
Extracts of guaiacum 
Extracts of hellebore, black
Extracts of hemlock. 
Extracts of jalap 
Extracts of liquorice
Extracts Of Peruvian bark
Extracts of poppies
Extracts of wormwood

Flowers of camomile
Flowers of colt's foot
Flowers of elder 
Flowers of rosemary
Flowers of damask roses
Flowers of red roses

Fruits, almonds 
Fruits, bitter apple
Fruits, cassia fistularis
Fruits, Curassao oranges of cinnamon
Fruits, figs, dried
Fruits, French prunes
Fruits, Jamaica -pepper
Fruits, Juniper berries
Fruits, nutmegs
Fruits, tamarinds

Gums, aloes
Gums, ammoniac, in tears
Gums, arabic
Gums, asafoetida
Gums, camphor
Gums, galbanum
Gums, gamboge
Gums, guaiacum.
Gums, kino
Gums, myrrh
Gums, opium

Hartshorn, calcined
Hartshorn, shavings of

Herbs, lesser centaury.
Herbs, peppermint
Herbs, spearmint
Herbs, penny- royal
Herbs, savin
Herbs, trefoil
Herbs, uva ursi
Herbs, wormwood

Lead, Litharge
Lead, white
Lead, sugar of

Lemon-peel

Mace

Magnesia alba

Manna

Mercury, crude
Mercury, AEthiop's mineral
Mercury, calomel
Mercury, corrosive sublimate
Mercury, red precipitate
Mercury, white precipitate

Musk

Oil, essential, of amber
Oil, essential, of anlse
Oil, essential, of cinnamon
Oil, essential, of juniper
Oil, essential, of lermon-peel
Oil, essential, of peppermint

Oil, expressed, of almonds
Oil, expressed, of linseed 

Oil of olives, or Florence Oil

Oil of palms

Oil of turpentine,

Orange-peel

Oyster shells prepared

Poppy-heads

Resins, benzoin 
Resins, flowers of 
Resins, Burgundy pitch 
Resins, dragon's blood 
Resins, frankincense 
Resins, liquid storax 
Resins, white, or rosin: 
Resins, scammony

Roots, birthwort 
Roots, calamus aromaticus 
Roots, contrayerva 
Roots, garlic 
Roots, gentian 
Roots, ginger 
Roots, hellebore, black, white
Roots, jalap 
Roots, ipecacuanha 
Roots, lily, white Sulphur vivum
Roots, liquorice
Roots, marshmallow 
Roots, mezerion
Roots, rhubarb
Roots, sarsaparilla 
Roots, seneka 
Roots, squills 
Roots, tormentil 
Roots, turmeric 
Roots, Virginian snake 
Roots, wild valerian 
Roots, zedoary

Saffron

Sal ammoniac, crude 
Sal ammoniac, Volatile

Salt, Epsom
Salt, of Glauber 
Salt, of hartshorn 
Salt, nitre, purified, or prunel 
Salt, Polychrest 
Salt, Rochel 
Salt, of tartar

Seeds, anise
Seeds, carraway
Seeds, cardamom
Seeds, coriander
Seeds, cummin
Seeds, mustard
Seeds, sweet fennel
Seeds, wild carrot

Senna

Spanish flies

Sperma ceti

Spirits, aethereal, or aether
Spirits, of hartshorn
Spirits, of lavender, compound
Spirits, of nitre
Spirits, of nitre dulcified
Spirits, of sal ammoniac
Spirits, of sea salt
Spirits, of vinegar
Spirits, of vitriol
Spirits, of wine rectified
Spirits, volatile aromatic

Steel, filings of
Steel, rust of, prepared
Steel, soluble salt of

Sulphur vivum
Sulphur vivum, balsam of
Sulphur vivum, flowers of

Tar
Tar, Barbadoes

Tartar, cream of
Tartar, emetic
Tartar, soluble
Tartar, vitriolated

Tin prepared

Tutty, levigated

Turpentine, Venice

Verdegrise

Vitriol, green
Vitriol, blue
Vitriol, White

Wax, white
Wax, yellow

Woods, guaiacum
Woods, logwood
Woods, sassafras
Woods, saunders, red

Zinc, flowers of 



MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS.

BALSAMS.

THE subject of this section is not the natural balsams, but certain 
compositions, which, from their being supposed to possess balsamic 
qualities, generally go by that name.

This class of medicines was formerly very numerous, and held in great 
esteem: modern practice, however, has justly reduced it to a very narrow 
compass.

Anodyne Balsam.

Take of white Spanish soap, one ounce; opium, unprepared, two drachms; 
rectified spirit of wine, nine ounces. Digest them together in a gentle 
heat for three days; then strain off the liquor, and add to it three 
drachms of camphor.

This balsam, as its title expresses, is intended to ease pain. It is of 
service in violent strains and rheumatic complaints, when not attended 
with inflammation. It must be rubbed with a warm hand on the part 
affected; or a linen rag moistened with it may be applied to the part, and 
renewed every third or fourth hour, till the pain abates. If the opium is 
left out, this will be japonacious balsam.


Locatelli's Balsam.

Take of olive oil, one pint; Strasburg turpentine and yellow wax, of each 
half a pound; red saunders, six drachms. Melt the wax with some part of 
the oil over a gentle fire; then adding the remaining part of the oil and 
the turpentine; afterwards mix in the saunders, previously reduced to a 
powder, and keep them stirring together till the balsam is cold.

This balsam is recommended in erosions of the intestines, the dysentery, 
haemorrhages, internal bruises, and in some complaints of the breast. 
Outwardly it is used for healing and cleansing wounds and ulcers. The 
dose, when taken internally, is from two scruples to two drachms.


The vulnerary Balsam.

Take of benzoin, powdered, three ounces; balsam of Peru, two ounces; 
hepatic aloes, in powder, half an ounce; rectified spirit of wine, two 
pints. Digest them in a gentle heat for three days, and then strain the 
balsam.

This balsam, or rather tincture, is applied externally to heal recent 
wounds and bruises. It is likewise employed internally to remove coughs, 
asthmas, and other complaints of the breast. It is said to ease the colic, 
cleanse the kidnies, and to heal internal ulcers, &c.

The dose is from twenty to sixty drops.

This, though a medicine of some value, does not deserve the extravagant 
encomiums which have been bestowed on it. It has been celebrated under the 
different names of The Commander's Balsam, Persian Balsam, Balsam of 
Berne, Wade's Balsam, Friar's Balsam, Jesuit's Drops, Turlington's Drops, 
&c.


BOLUSES.

AS boluses are intended for immediate use, volatile salts andother 
ingredients improper for being kept are admitted into their composition. 
They are generally composed of powders, with a proper quantity of syrup, 
conserve, or mucilage. The lighter powders are commonly made up with 
syrup, and the more ponderous, as mercury, &c. with conserve; but those of 
the lighter kind would be more conveniently made up with mucilage, as it 
increases their bulk less than the other additions, and likewise occasions 
the medicine to pass down more easily.


Astringent Bolus.

Take of alum, in powder, fifteen grains; gum kino, five grains; syrup, a 
sufficient quantity to make a bolus.

In an excessive flow of the menses, and other violent discharges of blood, 
proceeding from relaxation, this bolus may be given every four or five 
hours, till the discharge abates.


Diaphoretic Bolus.

Take of gum guaiacum, in powder, ten grains; flowers of sulphur and cream 
of tartar, of each one scruple; simple syrup, a sufficient quantity.

In rheumatic complaints, and disorders of the skin, this bolus may be 
taken twice a day. lt will also be of service in the inflammatory quinsey.


Mercurial Bolus.

Take of calomel, six grains; conserve of roses, half a drachm. Make a 
bolus.

Where mercury is necessary, this bolus may be taken twice or thrice a 
week. It may be taken over night; and if it does not operate, a few grains 
of jalap will be proper next day to carry it off.


Bolus of Rhubarb and Mercury.

Take of the best rhubarb, in powder, from a scruple to half a drachm; of 
calomel, from four to six grains; simple syrup, a sufficient quantity to 
make a bolus.

This is a proper purge in hypochondriac constitutions; but its principal 
intention is to expel worms. Where a stronger purge is necessary, jalap 
may be used instead of the rhubarb.


Pectoral Bolus.

Take of sperma ceti, a scruple; gum ammoniac, ten grains; salt of 
hartshorn, six grains; simple syrup, as much as will make them into a 
bolus.

This bolus is given in colds and coughs of long standing, asthmas, and 
beginning consumptions of the lungs. It is generally proper to bleed the 
patient before he begins to use it.


Purging Bolus.

Take of jalap in powder, a scruple; cream of tartar, two scruples. Let 
them be rubbed together, and formed into a bolus, with simple syrup.

Where a mild purge is wanted, this will answer the purpose very well. If a 
stronger dose is necessary, the jalap may be increased to half a drachm or 
upwards.


CATAPLASMS AND SINAPISMS.

CATAPLASMS possess few or no virtues superior to a poultice, which may be 
so made, as, in most cases, to supply their place. They are chiefly 
intended either to act as discutients, or to promote suppuration; and as 
they may be of service in some cases, we shall give a specimen of each 
kind.


Discutient Cataplasm.

Take of barley-meal, six ounces; fresh hemlock leaves bruised, two ounces; 
vinegar, a sufficient quantity. Boil the meal and hemlock in the vinegar 
for a little, and then add two drachms of the sugar of lead.


Ripening Cataplasm.

Take of white lily root, four ounces; fat figs and raw onions, bruised, of 
each one ounce; yellow basilicum ointment, two ounces; gum galbanum, half 
an ounce; linseed meal, as much as necessary. Boil the roots along with 
the figs in a sufficient quantity of water; then bruise and add to them 
the other ingredients, so as to form the whole into a soft cataplasm. The 
galbanum malt be previously dissolved with the yolk of an egg.

Where it is necessary to promote suppuration, this cataplasm may be used 
by those who chuse to be at the trouble and expence of making it. For my 
part, l have never found any application more proper for this purpose than 
a poultice of bread and milk, with a sufficient quantity of either boiled 
or raw onion in it, and softened with oil or fresh butter.


Sinapisms.

Sinapisms are employed to recall the blood and spirits to a weak part, as 
in the palsy and atrophy. They are also of service in deep seated pains, 
as the sciatica, &c. When the gout seizes the head or the stomach, they 
are applied to the feet to bring the disorder to these parts. They are 
likewise applied to the patient's soles in the low state of fevers. They 
should not be suffered to lie on, however, till they have raised blisters, 
but till the parts become red, and will continue so when pressed with the 
finger.

The sinapism is only a poultice made with vinegar instead of milk, and 
rendered warm and stimulating by the addition of mustard, horse-radish, or 
garlic.

The common sinapism is made by taking crumb of bread and mustard-seed in 
powder, of each equal quantities; strong vinegar, as much as is 
sufficient, and mixing them so as to make a poultice.

When sinapisms of a more stimulating nature are wanted, a little bruised 
garlic may be added to the above.


CLYSTERS.

THIS class of medicines is of more importance than is generally imagined. 
Clysters serve, not only to evacuate the contents of the belly, but also 
to convey very active medicines into the system. Opium, for example, may 
be administered in this way when it will not sit upon the stomach, and 
also in larger doses than at any time it can be taken by the mouth. The 
Peruvian bark may likewise be, with good effect, administered in form of 
clyster to persons who cannot take it by the mouth.

A simple clyster can seldom do hurt, and there are many cases where it may 
do much good. A clyster even of warm water, by serving as a fomentation to 
the parts, may be of considerable service in an inflammation of the 
bladder, and the lower intestines, &c.

Some substances, As the smoke of tobacco, may be thrown into the bowels in 
this way, which cannot, by any other means whatever. This may be easily 
effected by means of a pair of hand-bellows, with an apparatus fitted to 
them for that purpose.

Nor is the use of clysters confined to medicines. Aliment may also be 
conveyed in this way. Persons unable to swallow, have been, for a 
considerable time, supported by clysters.


Emollient Clyster.

Take of linseed tea and new milk, each six ounces. Mix them.

If fifty or sixty drops of laudanum be added to this, it will supply the 
place of the Anodyne Clyster.


Laxative Clyster.

Take of milk and water, each six ounces; sweet oil or fresh butter, and 
brown sugar, of each two ounces. Mix them.

If an ounce of Glauber's salt, or two table-spoonfuls of common salt be 
added to this, it will be the Purging Clyster.


Carminative Clyster.

Take of camomile flowers, an ounce; anise-seeds, half an ounce. Boil in a 
pint and a half of water to one pint.

In hysteric and hypochondriac complaints this may be administered instead 
of the Foetid Clyster, the smell of which is so disagreeable to most 
patients.


Oily Clyster.

To four ounces of the infusuion of camomile flowers, add an equal quantity 
of Florence oil.

This clyster is beneficial in bringing off the small worms lodged in the 
lower parts of the alimentary canal. When given to children the quantity 
must be proportionably lessened.


Starch Clyster.

Take jelly of starch, four ounces; linseed oil, half an ounce. Liquify the 
jelly over a gentle fire, and then mix in the oil.

In the dysentery or bloody flux, this clyster may be administered after 
every loose stool, to heal the ulcerated intestines and blunt the 
sharpness of corroding humours. Forty or fifty drops of laudanum may be 
occasionally added; in which case, it will generally supply the place of 
the Astringent Clyster.


Turpentine Clyster.

Take of common decoction, ten ounces; Venice turpentine, dissolved with 
the yolk of an egg, half an ounce; Florence oil, one ounce. Mix them.

This diuretic clyster is proper in obstructions of the urinary passages, 
and in cholicky complaints, proceeding from gravel.


Vinegar Clyster.

This clyster is made by mixing three ounces of vinegar with five of water-
gruel.

It answers all the purposes of a common clyster, with the peculiar 
advantage of being proper either in Inflammatory or putrid disorders, 
especially in the latter.

We think it unnecessary to give more examples of this class of medicines, 
as ingredients adapted to any particular intention may be occasionally 
added to one or other of the above forms.


COLLYRIA, or EYE-WATERS

EYE-WATERS have been multiplied without number, almost every person 
pretending to be possessed of some secret preparation for the cure of sore 
eyes. I have examined many of them, and find that they are pretty much 
alike, the basis of most of them being either allum, vitriol, or lead. The 
effects evidently are, to brace and restore the tone of the parts; hence 
they are principally of service in slight inflammations, and in that 
relaxed state of the parts which is induced by obstinate ones.

Camphor is commonly added to these compositions; but as it seldom 
incorporates properly with the water, it can be of little use. Boles, and 
other earthy substances, as they do not dissolve in water, are likewise 
unfit for this purpose.


Collyrium of Alum.

Take of alum, half a drachm; agitate it well together with the white of 
one egg.

This is the Collyrium of Riverius. It is used in inflammation of the eyes, 
to allay heat, and restrain the flux of humours. It must be spread upon 
linen, and applied to the eyes; but should not be kept on above three or 
four hours at a time.


Vitriolic Collyrium.

Take of white vitriol, half a drachm: rose-water, six ounces. Dissolve the 
vitriol in the water, and filter the liquor.

This, though simple, is perhaps equal in virtue to most of the celebrated 
collyria. It is an useful application in weak, watery, and inflamed eyes. 
Though the slighter inflammations will generally yield to it, yet in those 
of a more obstinate nature the assistance of bleeding and blistering will 
often be necessary,

When a strong astringent is judged proper, a double or triple quantity of 
the vitriol may be used. I have seen a solution of four times the strength 
of the above used with manifest advantage.


Collyrium of Lead.

Take sugar of lead, and crude sal ammoniac, of each four grains. Dissolve 
them in eight ounces of common water.

Forty or fifty drops of laudanum may be occasionally added to this 
collyrium.

Those who chuse may substitute instead of this the collyrium of lead 
recommended by Goulard; which is made by putting twenty-five drops of his 
Extract of Saturn to eight ounces of water, and adding a tea-spoonful of 
brandy.

Indeed, common water and brandy, without any other addition, will in many 
cases answer very well as a collyrium. An ounce of the latter may be added 
to five or six ounces of the former; and the eyes, if weak, bathed with it 
night and morning.


CONFECTIONS.

CONFECTIONS containing above sixty ingredients are still to be found in 
some of the most reformed dispensatories. As most of their intentions, 
however, may be more certainly, and as effectually answered by a few 
glasses of wine or grains of opium, we shall pass over this class of 
medicines very rightly.


Japonic Confection.

Take of Japan earth, three ounces; tormentil root, nutmeg, olibanum, of 
each two ounces; opium dissolved in a sufficient quantity of Lisbon wine, 
a drachm and a half; simple syrup and conserve of roses, of each fourteen 
ounces. Mix and make them into an electuary.

This supplies the place of the Diascordium. The dose of this electuary is 
from a scruple to a drachm.


CONSERVES AND PRESERVES.

EVERY Apothecary's shop was formerly so full of these preparations, that 
it might have passed for a confectioner's warehouse. They possess very few 
medicinal properties, and may rather be classed among sweetmeats than 
medicines. They are sometimes, however, of use, for reducing into boluses 
or pills some of the more ponderous powders, as the preparations of iron, 
mercury, and tin.

Conserves are compositions of fresh vegetables and sugar, beaten together 
into an uniform mass. In making these preparations, the leaves of 
vegetables must be freed from their stalks; the flowers from their cups, 
and the yellow part of orange-peel taken off with a rasp. They are then to 
be pounded in a marble mortar, with a wooden pestle, into a smooth mass; 
after which, thrice their weight of fine sugar is commonly added by 
degrees, and the beating continued till they are uniformally mixed; but 
the conserve will be better if only twice its weight of sugar be added.

Those who prepare large quantities of conserve generally reduce the 
vegetables to a pulp by the means of a mill, and afterwards beat them up 
with sugar.


Conserve of Red Roses.

Take a pound of red rose buds, cleared of their heels; beat them well in a 
mortar, and, adding by degrees two pounds of double refined sugar, in 
powder, make a conserve.

After the same manner are prepared the conserves of orange-peel, rosemary 
flowers, sea- wormwood, of the leaves of wood-sorrel, &c.

The conserve of roses is one of the most agreeable and useful preparations 
belonging to this class. A drachm or two of it, dissolved in warm milk, is 
ordered to be given as a gentle restringent in weakness of the stomach, 
and likewise in phthisical coughs, and spitting of blood. To have any 
considerable effects, however, it must be taken in larger quantities.


Conserve of Sloes.

This may be made by boiling the sloes gently in water, being careful to 
take them out before they burst: afterwards expressing the juice, and 
beating it up with three times its weight of fine sugar.

In relaxations of the uvula and glands of the throat, this makes an 
excellent gargle, and may be used at discretion.

Preserves are made by steeping or boiling fresh vegetables first in water, 
and afterwards in syrup, or a solution of sugar. The subject is either 
preserved moist in the syrup, or taken out and dried, that the sugar may 
candy upon it. The last is the most useful method.


Candied Orange Peel.

Soak Seville orange-peel in several waters, till it loses its bitterness; 
then boil it in a solution of double refined sugar in water, till it 
becomes tender and transparent.

Candied lemon-peel is prepared in the same manner.

It is needless to add more of these preparations, as they belong rather to 
the art of the confectioner than that of the apothecary.


DECOCTIONS.

WATER readily extracts the gummy and saline parts of vegetables; and 
though its action is chiefly confined to these, yet the resinous and oily 
being intimately blended with the gummy and saline, are in great part 
taken up along with them. Hence watery decoctions and infusions of 
vegetables constitute a large, and not unuseful, class of medicines. 
Although most vegetables yield their virtues to water, as well by infusion 
as decoction, yet the latter is often necessary, as it saves time, and 
does in a few minutes what the other would require hours, and sometimes 
days, to effect.

The medicines of this class are all intended for immediate use.


Decoction of Althea.

Take of the roots of marsh-mallows, moderately dried, three ounces; 
raisins of the sun, one ounce; water, three pints. Boil the ingredients in 
the water till the one third of it is consumed; afterwards strain the 
decoction and let it stand for some time to settle. If the roots be 
thoroughly dried, they must be boiled till one half of the water be 
consumed.

In coughs, and sharp defluctions upon the lungs, this decoction may be 
used for ordinary drink.


The Common Decoction.

Take of camomile flowers, one ounce; elder flowers, and sweet fennel 
seeds, of each half an ounce; water, two quarts. Boil them for a little, 
and then strain the decoction.

A medicine equally good may be prepared by infusing the ingredients for 
some hours in boiling water.

This decoction is chiefly intended as the basis for clysters, to which 
other ingredients may be occasionally added. It will likewise serve as a 
common fomentation, spirit of wine or other things being added in such 
quantity as the case may require.


Decoction of Logwood.

Boil three ounces of the shavings, or chips, of logwood, in four pints of 
water, till one half of the liquor is wasted. Two or three ounces of 
simple cinnamon-water may be added to this decoction.

In fluxes of the belly, where the stronger astringents are improper, a tea-
cupfull of this decoction may be taken with advantage three or four times 
a-day.


Decoction of the Bark.

Boil an ounce of the Peruvian bark, grossly powdered, in a pint and a half 
of water to one pint; then strain the decoction. If a tea-spoonful of the 
weak spirit of vitriol be added to this medicine, it will render it both 
more agreeable and efficacious.


Compound Decoction of the Bark.

Take of Peruvian bark and Virginian snake-root, grossly powdered, each 
three drachms. Boil them in a pint of water to one half. To the strained 
liquor add an ounce and a half of aromatic water.

Sir John Pringle recommends this as a proper medicine towards the decline 
of malignant fevers, when the pulse is low, the voice weak, and the head 
affected with a stupor but with little delirium.

The dose is four spoonfuls every fourth or sixth hour.


Decoction of Sarsaparilla.

Take of fresh sarsaparilla root, sliced and bruised, two ounces; shavings 
of guaiacum wood, one ounce. Boil over a slow fire, in three quarts of 
water, to one; adding towards the end, half an ounce of sassafras wood, 
and three drachms of liquorice. Strain the decoction.

This may either be employed as an assistant to a course of mercurial 
alteratives, or taken after the mercury has been used for some time. It 
strengthens the stomach, and restores flesh and vigour to habits emaciated 
by the venereal disease. It may also be taken in the rheumatism and 
cutaneous disorders proceeding from foulness of the blood and juices. For 
all these intentions it is greatly preferable to the Decoction of Woods.

This decoction may be taken, from a pint and a half to two quarts in a day.

The following decoction is said to be similar to that used by Kennedy, in 
the cure of the venereal disease, and may supply the place of the Lisbon 
diet drink:

Take of sarsaparilla, two ounces; liquorice and mezerion root, of each 
half an ounce; shavings of guaiacum and sassafras wood, of each one ounce; 
crude antimony, powdered, an ounce and a half. Infuse these ingredients in 
eight pints of boiling water for twenty-four hours, then boil them till 
one-half of the water is consumed; afterwards strain the decoction.

This decoction may be used in the same manner as the preceding.


Decoction of Seneka.

Take of seneka rattle-snake root, one ounce; water, a pint and a half. 
Boil to one pint, and strain.

This decoction is recommended in the pleurisy, dropsy, rheumatism, and 
some obstinate disorders of the skin. The dose is two ounces, three or 
four times a-day, or oftener, if the stomach will bear it.


White Decoction.

Take of the purest chalk, in powder, two ounces; gum arabic half an ounce; 
water, three pints. Boil to one quart, and strain the decoction.

This is a proper drink in acute diseases, attended with, or inclining to, 
a looseness, and where acidities abound in the stomach or bowels. It is 
peculiarly proper for children when afflicted with sourness of the 
stomach, and for persons who are subject to the heartburn. It may be 
sweetened with sugar, as it is used, and two or three ounces of simple 
cinnamon-water added to it.

An ounce of powdered chalk, mixed with two pints of water, will 
occasionally supply the place of this decoction, and also of the chalk 
julep.


DRAUGHTS.

THIS is a proper form for exhibiting such medicines as are intended to 
operate immediately, and which do not need to be frequently repeated; as 
purges, vomits, and a few others, which are to be taken at one dose. Where 
a medicine requires to be used for any length of time, it is better to 
make up a larger quantity of it at once, which saves both trouble and 
expence.


Anodyne Draught.

Take of liquid laudanum, twenty-five drops; simple cinnamon-water, an 
ounce; common syrup, two drachms. Mix them.

In excessive pain, where bleeding is not necessary, and in great 
restlessness, this composing draught may be taken and repeated 
occasionally.


Diuretic Draught.

Take of the diuretic salt two scruples; syrup of poppies, two drachms; 
simple cinnamon-water and common-water, of each an ounce.

This draught is of service in an obstruction or deficiency of urine.


Purging Draughts.

Take of manna, an ounce; soluble tartar, or Rochel salt, from three to 
four drachms. Dissolve in three ounces of boiling water; to which add 
Jamaica pepper-water, half an ounce.

As manna will not sometimes sit upon the stomach, an ounce or ten drachms 
of the bitter purging salts, dissolved in four ounces of water, may be 
taken instead of the above.

Those who cannot take salts may use the following draught.

Take of jalap in powder, a scruple; common water an ounce; aromatic 
tincture, six drachms. Rub the jalap with twice its weight of sugar, and 
add to it the other ingredients.


Sweating Draught.

Take spirit of Minererus, two ounces; salt of hartshorn, five grains; 
simple cinnamon-water, and syrup of poppies, of each half an ounce. Make 
them into a draught.

In recent colds and rheumatic complaints, this draught is of service. To 
promote its effects, however, the patient ought to drink freely of warm 
water-gruel, or of some other weak diluting liquor.


Vomiting Draughts.

Take of ipecacuanha, in powder, a scruple; water, an ounce; simple syrup, 
a drachm. Mix them.

Persons who require a stronger vomit may add to the above half a grain, or 
a grain, of emetic tartar.

Those who do not chuse the powder, may take ten drachms of the ipecacuanha 
wine; or half an ounce of the wine, and an equal quantity of the syrup of 
squills.


ELECTUARIES.

ELECTUARIES are generally composed of the lighter powders, mixed with 
syrup, honey, conserve, or mucilage, into such a consistence that the 
powders may neither separate by keeping, nor the mass prove too stiff for 
swallowing. They receive chiefly the milder alterative medicines, and such 
as are not ungrateful to the palate.

Astringent electuaries, and such as have pulps of fruit in them, should be 
prepared only in small quantities; as astringent medicines lose their 
virtues by being kept in this form, and the pulps of fruits are apt to 
ferment.

For the extraction of pulps it will be necessary to boil unripe fruits, 
and ripe ones if they are dried, in a small quantity of water till they 
become soft. The pulp is then to be pressed out through a strong hair 
sieve, or thin cloth, and afterwards boiled to a due consistence, in an 
earthen vessel, over a gentle fire, taking care to prevent the matter from 
burning by continually stirring it. The pulps of fruits that are both ripe 
and fresh may be pressed out without any previous boiling.


Lenitive Electuary

Take of senna, in fine powder, eight ounces; coriander seed, also in 
powder, four ounces; pulp of tamarinds and of French prunes, each a pound. 
Mix the pulps and powders together, and with a sufficient quantity of 
simple syrup, reduce the whole into an electuary.

A tea-spoonful of this electuary, taken two or three times a-day, 
generally proves an agreeable laxative. It likewise serves as a convenient 
vehicle for exhibiting more active medicines, as jalaps, scammony, and 
such like.

This may supply the place of the electuary of Cassia.


Electuary for the Dysentery.

Take of the Japonic confection, two ounces; Locatelli's basam, one ounce; 
rhubarb in powder, half an ounce; syrup of marshmallows, enough to make an 
electuary.

It is often dangerous in dysenteries to give opiates and astringents, 
without interposing purgatives. The purgative is here joined with these 
ingredients, which renders this a very safe and useful medicine for the 
purposes expressed in the title.

About the bulk of a nutmeg should be taken twice or thrice a-day, as the 
symptoms and constitution may require.


Electuary for the Epilepsy.

Take of Peruvian bark, in powder, an ounce; of powdered tin, and wild 
valerian root, each half an ounce; simple syrup, enough to make an 
electuary.

Dr. Mead directs a drachm of an electuary similar to this to be taken, 
evening and morning, in the epilepsy, for the space of three months. It 
will be proper, however, to discontinue the use of it for a few days every 
now and then. I have added the powdered tin, because the epilepsy often 
proceeds from worms.


Electuary for the Gonorrhoea.

Take of lenitive electuary, three ounces; jalap and rhubarb, in powder, of 
each two drachms; nitre, half an ounce; simple syrup, enough to make an 
electuary.

During the inflammation and tension of the urinary passages, which 
accompany a virulent gonorrhoea, this cooling laxative may be used with 
advantage.

The dose is a drachm, or about the bulk of a nutmegtwo or three times a-
day; more or less, as may be necessary to keep the body gently open.

An electuary made of cream of tartar and simple syrup will occasionally 
supply the place of this.

After the inflammation is gone off, the following electuary may used:

Take of lenitive electuary, two ounces; balsam of capivi, one ounce; gum 
guaiacum and rhubarb, in powder, of each two drachms; simple syrup, enough 
to make an electuary. The dose is the same as of the preceding.


Electuary of the Bark.

Take of Peruvian bark, in powder, three ounces; cascarilla, half an ounce; 
syrup of ginger, enough to make an electuary.

In the cure of obstinate intermitting fevers, the bark is assisted by the 
cascarilla. In hectic habits, however, it will be better to leave out the 
cascarilla, and put three drachms of crude sal ammoniac in its stead.


Electuary for the Piles.

Take flowers of sulphur, one ounce; cream of tartar, half an ounce; 
treacle, a sufficient quantity to form an electuary.

A tea-spoonful of this may be taken three or four times a-day.


Electuary for the Palsy.

Take of powdered mustard-seed, and conserve of roses, each an ounce; syrup 
of ginger, enough to make an electuary.

A tea-spoonful of this may be taken three or four times a-day.


Electuary for the Rheumatism.

Take of conserve of roses, two ounces; cinnabar of antimony, levigated, an 
ounce and a half; gum guaiacum, in powder, an ounce; syrup of ginger, a 
sufficient quantity to make an electuary.

In obstinate rheumatisms, which are not accompanied with a fever, a tea-
spoonful of this electuary may be taken twice a-day with considerable 
advantage.


EMULSIONS.

EMULSIONS, beside their use as medicines, are also proper vehicles for 
certain substances, which could not otherwise be conveniently taken in a 
liquid form. Thus camphor, triturated with almonds, readily unites with 
water into an emulsion. Pure oils, balsams, resins, and other similar 
substances, are likewise rendered miscible with water by the intervention 
of mucilages.


Common Emulsion.

Take of sweet almonds, an ounce; bitter almonds, a drachm; water, two 
pints.

Let the almonds be blanched, and beat up in a marble mortar; adding the 
water by little and little, so as to make an emulsion; afterwards let it 
be strained.


Arabic Emulsion.

This is made in the same manner as the above, adding to the almonds, while 
beating, two ounces and a half of the mucilage of gum arabic.

Where soft cooling liquors are necessary, these emulsions may be used as 
ordinary drink.


Camphorated Emulsion.

Take of Camphor, half a drachm; sweet almonds, half a dozen; white sugar, 
half an ounce; mint water, eight ounces. Grind the camphor and almonds 
well together in a stone mortar, and add by degrees the mint water; then 
strain the liquor, and dissolve in it the sugar.

In fevers, and other disorders which require the use of camphor, a table-
spoonful of this emulsion may be taken every two or three hours.


Emulsion of Gum Ammoniac.

Take of gum ammoniac, two drachms; water, eight ounces. Grind the gum with 
the water poured upon it by little and little, till it is dissolved.

This emulsion is used for attenuating tough, viscid phlegm, and promoting 
expectoration. In obstinate coughs, two ounces of the syrup of poppies may 
be added to it. The dose is two table-spoonfuls three or four times a-day.


Oily Emulsion.

Take of soft water, six ounces; volatile aromatic spirit, two drachms; 
Florence oil, an ounce; shake them well together, and add, of simple 
syrup, half an ounce.

In recent colds and coughs, this emulsion is generally of service; but if 
the cough proves obstinate, it will succeed better when made with the 
paregoric elixir of the Edinburgh Dispensatory, instead of the volatile 
aromatic spirit. A table-spoonful of it may be taken every two or three 
hours.


EXTRACTS.

EXTRACTS are prepared by boiling the subject in water, and evaporating the 
strained decoction to a due consistence. By this process some of the more 
active parts of plants are freed from the useless, indissoluble earthy 
matter, which makes the larger share of their bulk. Water, however, is not 
the only menstruum used in the preparation of extracts; sometimes it is 
joined with spirits, and at other times rectified spirit alone is employed 
for that purpose.

Extracts are prepared from a variety of different drugs, as the bark, 
gentian, jalap, &c.; but as they require a troublesome and tedious 
operation, it will be more convenient for a private practitioner to 
purchase what he needs of them from a professed druggist, than to prepare 
them himself. Such of them as are generally used are inserted in our list 
of such drugs and medicines as are to be kept for private practice.


FOMENTATIONS.

FOMENTATIONS are generally intended either to ease pain, by taking off 
tension and spasm, or to brace and restore the tone and vigour of those 
parts to which they are applied. The first of these intentions may 
generally be answered by warm water, and the second by cold. Certain 
substances, however, are usually added to water, with a view to heighten 
its effects, as anodynes, aromatics, astringents, &c. We shall therefore 
subjoin a few of the most useful medicated fomentations, that people may 
have it in their power to make use of them if they chuse.


Anodyne Fomentation.

Take of white poppy-heads, two ounces; elder flowers, half an ounce; 
water, three pints. Boil till one pint is evaporated, and strain out the 
liquor.

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


Aromatic Fomentation.

Take of Jamaica pepper, half an ounce; red wine, a pint. Boil them for a 
little, and then strain the liquor.

This is intended, not only as a topical application for external 
complaints, but also for relieving the internal parts. Pains of the 
bowels, which accompany dysenteries and diarrhoeas, flatulent colics, 
uneasiness of the stomach, and reachings to vomit, are frequently abated 
by fomenting the abdomen and region of the stomach with the warm liquor.


Common Fomentation.

Take tops of Wormwood and camomile flowers, dried, of each two ounces; 
water, two quarts. After a slight boiling, pour off the liquor.

Brandy or spirit of wine may be added to this fomentation, in such 
quantity as the particular circumstances of the case shall require; but 
these are not always necessary.


EmoIlient Fomentation.

This is the same as the common decoction.


Strengthening Fomentation.

Take of oak bark, one ounce; granate peel, half an ounce; alum, two 
drachms; smith's forge water, three pints. Boil the water with the bark 
and peel to the consumption of one third; then strain the remaining 
decoction, and dissolve it in alum.

This astringent liquor is employed as an external fomentation to weak 
parts; it may also be used internally


GARGLES.

HOWEVER trifling this class of medicines may appear, they are by no means 
without their use. They seldom indeed cure diseases, but they often 
alleviate very disagreeable symptoms; as parchedness of the mouth, 
foulness of the tongue and fauces, &c. they are peculiarly useful in 
fevers and and sore throats. In the latter, a gargle will sometimes remove 
the disorder; and in the former, few things are more refreshing or 
agreeable to the patient, than to have his mouth frequently washed with 
some soft detergent gargle.

One advantage of these medicines is, that they are easily prepared. A 
little barley-water and honey may be had any where; and if to these be 
added as much vinegar as will give them an agreeable sharpness, they will 
make a vey useful gargle for softening and cleansing the mouth.

Gargles have the best effect when injected with a syringe.


Attenuating Gargle.

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

This cooling gargle may be used either in the inflammatory quinsey, or in 
fevers, for cleansing the tongue and fauces.


Common Gargle.

Take of rose-water, six ounces; syrup of clove July-flowers, half an 
ounce; spirit of vitriol, a sufficient quantity to give it an agreeable 
sharpness. Mix them.

This gargle, besides cleansing the tongue and fauces, acts as a gentle 
repellent, and will sometimes remove a slight quinsey.


Detergent Gargle.

Take of the emollient gargle, a pint: tincture of myrrh, an ounce; honey, 
two ounces. Mix them.

When exulcerations require to be cleansed, or the excretion of tough 
viscid saliva will be promoted, this gargle will be of service.


Emollient Gargle.

Take an ounce of marshmallow roots, and two or three figs; boil them in a 
quart of water till near one half of it be consumed; then strain out the 
liquor.

If an ounce of honey, and half an ounce of spirit of sal ammoniac, be 
added to the above, it will then be an exceeding good attenuating gargle.

This gargle is beneficial in fevers, where the tongue and fauces are rough 
and parched, to soften these parts, and promote the discharge of saliva.

The learned and accurate Sir John Pringle observes, that in the 
inflammatory quinsey, or strangulation of the fauces, little benefit 
arises from the common gargles; that such as are of an acid nature do more 
harm than good, by contracting the emunctories of the saliva and mucus, 
and thickening those humours; that a decoction of figs in milk and water 
has a contrary effect, especially if some sal-ammoniac be added; by which 
the saliva is made thinner, and the glands brought to secrete more freely; 
a clrcumstance always conducive to the cure.


INFUSIONS.

VEGETABLES yield nearly the same properties to water by infusion as by 
decoction; and though they may require a longer time to give out their 
virtues in this way, yet it has several advantages over the other; since 
boiling is found to dissipate the finer parts of many bitter and aromatic 
substances, without more fully extracting their medicinal principles.

The author of the New Dispensatory observes, that even from those 
vegetables which are weak in virtue, rich infusions may be obtained, by 
returning the liquor upon fresh quantities of the subject, the water 
loading itself more and more with the active parts; and that these loaded 
infusions are applicable to valuable purposes in medicine, as they contain 
in a small compass the finer, more subtle, and active principles of 
vegetables, in a form readily miscible with the fluids of the human body.


Bitter Infusion.

Take tops of the lesser centaury and camomile flowers, of each half an 
ounce; yellow rind of lemon and orange peel, carefully freed from the 
inner white part, of each two drachms. Cut them in small pieces, and 
infuse them in a quart of boiling water.

For indigestion, weakness of the stomach, or want of appetite, a tea-
cupful of this infusion may be taken twice or thrice a-day.


Infusion of the Bark.

To an ounce of the bark, in powder, add four or five table-spoonfuls of 
brandy, and a pint of boiling water. Let them infuse for two or three days.

This is one of the best preparations of the bark for weak stomachs. In 
disorders where the corroborating virtues of that medicine are required, a 
tea-cupful of it may be taken two or three times a-day.


Infusion of Carduus.

Infuse an ounce of the dried leaves of carduus benedictus in a pint of 
common water, for six hours, without heat; then filter the liquor through 
paper.

This light infusion may be given, with great benefit, in weakness of the 
stomach, where the common bitters do not agree. It may be flavoured at 
pleasure with cinnamon, or other aromatic materials.


Infusion of Linseed.

Take of linseed, two spoonfuls; liquorice root, sliced, half an ounce; 
boiling water, three pints. Let them stand to infuse by the fire for some 
hours, and then strain off the liquor.

If an ounce of the leaves of colt's-foot be added to these ingredients, it 
will then be the pectoral infusion. Both these are emollient mucilaginous 
liqours, and may be taken with advantage as ordinary drink in difficulty 
of making water; and in coughs and other complaints of the breast.


Infusion of Roses.

Take of red roses, dried, half an ounce; boiling water, a quart; vitriolic 
acid, commonly called oil of vitriol, half a drachm; loaf sugar, an ounce.

Infuse the roses in the water for four hours, in an unglazed earthen 
vessel; afterwards pour in the acid, and having strained the liquor add to 
it the sugar.

in an excessive flow of the menses, vomiting of blood, and other 
haemorrhages, 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 
strained 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; gum arabic, half an ounce; double-refined 
sugar, an ounce; vinegar, a pint. Grind the camphor with a few drops of 
rectified spirit of wine, till it grows soft; then add the gum, previously 
reduced to a mucilage with equal its quantity of water, and rub them 
together till they are perfectly united. To this mixture add, by little 
and little, the vinegar with the sugar dissolved in it, still continuing 
the trituration.

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 pepper-mint 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 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, efpecially 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. 
Jame'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 an 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 
maybe 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 spoon-ful 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 marshmallows, an ounce and a half. Mix them.

This mixture, by promoting expectoration, and the secretion of urine, 
proves servicable in asthmatic and dropsical habits. A tea-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 Althoea Ointment. It may be used for anointing 
inflamed parts, &c.


Eye Ointments.

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 consistence, if 
two or three drachms of camphor be rubbed up with a little oil, and 
immediately 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 powered, 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's 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 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 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.


Foetid Pill.

Take of asafoetida, 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.

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 crumbs 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 may be 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. The 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. See a paper on this subject in the Edinburgh Physical and Literary 
Essays, by the ingenious Dr. John Gardener.

For the veneral 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 of pills.

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


Pills 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 Pills.

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 oftener, if the stomach will bear them.


Strengthening Pill.

Take soft extract of the bark, and salt of steel, each half an ounce. Make 
into pills.

In disorders arising from excessive debility, or relaxation of the solids, 
as the chlorosis, or green sickness, two of these pill's 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 quick-
silver, previously extinguished by triture, with three ounces of hogs 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 Antihysteric 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 is 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, 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 haemorrhages, 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 flatulences 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 maybe 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; AEthiop'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 give 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 marshmallows 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 sufferd 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, posessing 
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 
sacharine 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 foetid Tincture.

Infuse two ounces of asafoetida 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. A very good tincture of guaiacum, for domestic use, may 
be made by infusing three or four ounces of the gum in a bottle of rum or 
brandy.

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 toot, 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 faeces 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, which he 
recommends in a great variety of external disorders, as inflammations, 
burns, bruises, sprains, ulcers, &c. See Collyrium of Lead.

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.

P0UR 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 settIe, 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 defecations 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 be 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; wet 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 
haemorrhages; for which purpose cloths or duffils 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 pennyroyal 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 Pennyroyal 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, one pound; proof spirit, and common water, of each one 
gallon. Steep the cinnamon in the liquor for two days; then distil off one 
gallon.


Spirituous Jamaica Pepper Water.

Take of Jamaica pepper, half a pound; proof spirit, three gallons; water, 
two gallons. Distil off three gallons.

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


WHEYS.

Alum Whey.

BOIL two drachms of powdered alum in a pint of milk till it is curdled; 
then strain out the whey.

This whey is beneficial in an immoderate flow of the menses, and in a 
diabetes, or excessive discharge of urine.

The dose is two, three, or four ounces, according as the stomach will bear 
it, three times a-day. If it should occasion vomiting, it may be diluted.


Mustard Whey.

Take milk and water, of each a pint; bruised mustard seed, an ounce and a 
half. Boil them together till the curd is perfectly separated; afterwards 
strain the whey through a cloth.

This is the most elegant, and by no means the least efficacious method of 
exhibiting mustard. It warms and invigorates the habit, and promotes the 
different secretions. Hence, in the low state of nervous fevers, it will 
often supply the place of wine. It is also of use in the chronic 
rheumatism, palsy, dropsy, &c. The addition of a little sugar will render 
it more agreeable.

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


Scorbutic Whey.

This whey is made by boiling half a pint of the scorbutic juices in a 
quart of cow's milk. More benefit, however, is to be expected from eating 
the plants, than from their expressed juices.

The scorbutic plants are, bitter oranges, brooklime, garden scurvy-grass, 
and water-cresses.

A number of other wheys may be prepared nearly in the same manner, as 
orange whey, cream of tartar whey, &c. These are cooling pleasant drinks 
in fevers, and may be rendered cordial, when necessary, by the addition of 
wine.


WINES.

THE effects of wine are, to raise the pulse, promote perspiration, warm 
the habit, and exhilarate the spirits. The red wines, besides these 
effects, have an astringent quality, by which they strengthen the tone of 
the stomach and intestines, and by this means prove serviceable in 
restraining immoderate secretions.

The thin sharp wines have a different tendency. They pass off freely by 
the different emunctories, and gently open the body. The effects of the 
full-bodied wines are, however, much more durable than those of the 
thinner.

All sweet wines contain a glutinous substance, and do not pass off freely. 
Hence they will heat the body more than an equal quantity of any other 
wine; though it should contain fully as much spirit.

From the obvious qualities of wine, it must appear to be an excellent 
cordial medicine. Indeed, to say the truth, it is worth all the rest put 
together.

But to answer this character it must be sound and good. No benefit is to 
be expected from the common trash that is often sold by the name of wine, 
without possessing one drop of the juice of the grape. Perhaps no medicine 
is more rarely obtained genuine than wine.

Wine is not only used as a medicine, but is also employed as a menstruum 
for extracting the virtues of other medicinal substances for which it is 
not ill adapted, being a compound of water, inflammable spirit, and acid; 
by which means it is enabled to act upon vegetable and animal substances, 
and also to dissoIve some bodies of the metallic kind, so as to impregnate 
itself with their virtues, as steel, antimony, &c.,


Anthelmintic Wine.

Take of rhubarb, half an ounce; worm-seed, an ounce. Bruise them, and 
infuse without heat in two pints of red port wine for a few days, then 
strain off the wine.

As the stomacks of persons afflicted with worms are always debilitated, 
red wine alone will often prove serviceable: it must, however, have still 
better effects when joined with bitter and purgative ingredients, as in 
the above form.

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


Antimonial Wine.

Take glass of antimony, reduced to fine powder, half an ounce; Lisbon 
Wine, eight ounces. Digest, without heat, for three or four days, now and 
then shaking the bottle; afterwards filter the wine through paper.

The dose of this wine varies according to the intention. As an alterative 
and diaphoretic, it may be taken from ten to fifty or sixty drops. In a 
larger dose it generally proves cathartic, or excites vomiting.


Bitter wine.

Take of gentian root, yellow rind of lemon-peel, fresh, each one ounce; 
long pepper, two drachms; mountain wine, two pints. Infuse without heat 
for a week, and strain out the wine for use.

In complaints arising from weakness of the stomach, or indigestion, a 
glass of this wine may be taken an hour before dinner and supper.


Ipecacuanha Wine.

Take of ipecacuanha, in powder, one ounce; mountain wine, a pint. Infuse 
for three or four days; then filter the tincture.

This is a safe vomit, and answers extremely well for such persons as 
cannot swallow the powder, or whose stomachs are too irritable to bear it.

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


Chalybeate or Steel Wine.

Take filings of iron, two ounces; cinnamon and mace, of each two drachms; 
Rhenish wine, two pints. Infuse for three or four weeks, frequently 
shaking the bottle; then pass the wine through a filter.

In obstructions of the menses, this preparation of iron may be taken, in 
the dose of half a wine-glass twice or thrice a-day.

The medicine would probably be as good if made with Lisbon wine, sharpened 
with half an ounce of the cream of tartar, or a small quantity of the 
vitriolic acid.


Stomach Wine.

Take of Peruvian bark, grossly powdered, an ounce; cardamon seeds, and 
orange peel, bruised, of each two drachms. Infuse in a bottle of white 
port or Lisbon wine for five or six days, then strain off the wine.

This wine is not only of service in laxity and debility of the stomach and 
intestines, but may also be taken as a preventive, by persons liable to 
the intermittent fever, or who reside in places where this disease 
prevails. It will be of use likewise to those who recover slowly after 
fevers of any kind, as it assists digestion, and helps to restore the tone 
and vigour of the system.

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



GLOSSARY

ALTHOUGH terms of art have been sedulously avoided in the composition of 
this treatise, it is impossible entirely to banish technical phrases when 
writing on medicine, a science that has been less generally attended to by 
mankind, and continues therefore, to be more infected with the jargon of 
the schools, than perhaps any other. Several persons having expreffed 
their opinion, that a Glossary would make this work more generally 
intelligible, the following concise explanation of the few terms of art 
that occur has been added in compliance with their sentiments, and to 
fulfill the original intention of this treatise, by rendering it 
intelligible and useful to all ranks and classes of mankind.


A.

Abdomen. The belly.

Absorbents. Vessels that convey the nourishment from the intestines, and 
the secreted fluids from the various cavities into the mass of blood.

Acrimony. Corrosive sharpness.

Acute. A disease, the symptoms of which are violent, and tend to a speedy 
termination, is called acute.

Adult. Of mature age.

Adust. Dry warm.

Antispasmodic. Whatever tends to prevent or remove spasm.

Apthae. Small whitish ulcers appearing in the mouth.

Astriction. A tightening, or lessening.

Atrabilarian. An epithet commonly applied to people of a certain 
temperament, marked by a dark complexion, black hair, spare habit. &c. 
which the antients supposed to arise from the atra bilis, or the black 
bile.


B.

Bile, or Gall - A fluid which is secreted by the liver into the 
gallbladder, and from thence passes into the intestines, in order to 
promote digestion.


C.

Cacochymie. An unhealthy state of the body.

Caries. A rottenness of a bone.

ChyIe. A milky fluid separated from the aliment in the intestines, and 
conveyed by the absorbents into the blood to supply the waste of the 
animal body.

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

Circulation. The motion of the blood, which is driven by the heart through 
the arteries, and returns by the veins.

Comatose. Sleepy.

Conglobate Gland. A simple gland.

Conglomerate. A compound gland.

Contagion. Infectious matter.

Cutis. The skin.

Cutaneous. Of or belonging to the skin.

Crisis. A certain period in the progress of a disease, from whence a 
decided alteration either for the better or the worse takes place.

Critical. Decisive or important.

Critical Days. The fourth, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, 
fourteenth, seventeenth, and twenty-first, are by some authors denominated 
critical days, because febrile complaints have been observed to take a 
decisive change at these periods.


D.

Debility. Weakness.

Delirium. A temporary disorder of the mental faculties.

Diaphragm. A membrane separating the cavity of the chest from that of the 
belly.

Diuretic. A medicine that promotes the secretion of urine.

Drastic. Is applied to such purgative medicines as are violent or harsh in 
their operation.


E.

Empyema. A collection of purulent matter in the cavity of the breast.

Endemic. A disease peculiar to a certain district of country.

Epidemic. A disease generally infectious.

Exacerbation. The encrease of any disease.


F.

Foeces. Excrements.

Foetid. Emitting an offensive smell.

Foetus. The child before birth, or when born before the proper period, is 
thus termed.

Flatulent. Producing wind

Fungus. Proud flesh.


G.

Gangrene. Mortification.

Gummata.} 
Venereal excrescences.
Ganglia.}

Gymnastic. Exercise taken with a view to preserve or restore health. - The 
ancient physicians reckoned this an important branch of medicine.


H.

Hectic Fever. A slow, consuming fever, generally attending a bad habit of 
body, or some incurable and deep rooted disease.

Hemorrhoids. The piles.

Hemorrhage. Discharge of blood.

Hypochondriacism. Low spirits.

Hypchondriac viscera. The liver, spleen, &c. so termed from their 
situation in the hypochondria or upper and lateral parts of the belly.


I.

Ichar. Thin bad matter.

Imposthume. A collection of purulent matter.

Inflammation. A surcharge of blood, and an encreased action of the 
vessels, in any particular part of the body


L.

Ligature. Bandage.

Lixivium. Ley.


M.

Miliary Eruption. Eruption of small pustules resembling the seeds of 
millet.

Morbific. Causing disease, or diseased.

Mucus. The matter discharged from the nose, lungs, &c.

Misentery. A double membrane which connects the intestines to the back 
bone.


N.

Nervous. Irritable.

Nausea. An inclination to vomit.

Nodes. Enlargements of the bones produced by the venereal disease.


P.

Pectoral. Medicines adapted to cure diseases of the breast.

Pelvis. The bones situated at the lower part of the trunk; thus named from 
their resembling in some measure a bason.

Peritonaeum. A membrane lining the cavity of the belly and covering the 
intestines.

Pericardium. Membrane containing the heart.

Perspiration. The matter discharged from the pores of the skin in form of 
vapour or sweat.

Phlogiston. Is here used to signify somewhat rendering the air unfit for 
the purposes of respiration.

Phlegmatic. Watery, relaxed.

Plethoric. Replete with blood.

Polypus. A diseased excrescence, or a substance formed of coagulable 
lymph, frequently found in the large blood vessels.

Pus. Matter contained in a boil.


R.

Rigimen. Regulation of diet.

Rectum. The straight gut, in which the foeces are contained.

Respiration. The act of breathing.


S.

Saliva. The fluid secreted by the glands of the mouth.

Sanies. A thin bad matter, discharged from an ill conditioned sore.

Schirrhous. A state of diseased hardness.

Slough. A part separated and thrown off by suppuration.

Spasm. A diseased contraction.

Spine. The back bone.

Styptic. A medicine for stopping the discharge of blood.

Syncope. A fainting fit attended with a complete abolition of sensation 
and thought.


T.

Tabes. A species of consumption.

Temperament. A peculiar habit of body, of which there are generally 
reckoned four, viz, the sanguine, the bilious, the melancholic, and the 
phlegmatic.

Virtigo. Giddiness.


U.

Ulcer. An ill conditioned sore.

Ureters. Two long and small canals which convey the urine from the kidneys 
to the bladder.

Urethra. The canal which conveys the urine from the bladder.