A Collection of Choice and Safe REMEDIES. VOL. III.
1. A good Medicine for a newly taken, though violent, Cold.
TAke about four Ounces of Spring-water, and in a convenient Vessel, put to it three Leaves of good Tussilago (Coltsfoot) and a pugil of Maiden-hair, and a Stick of Liquorish, for bigness and length, like the furthest Joynt of the Little-finger; make the Water warm, and when 'tis ready to boil, put in the forementioned Ingredients, (the Liquorish being first slic'd and minc'd) cover the Pot well, let [Page 2] it boil for a few walmes, then take it off the Fire, and having presently strain'd it, let the Patient drink it hot like Tea, he being already in Bed; do this three or four Nights consecutively, or till there be no more need of the Medicine.
2. A good Water for Eyes that are foul, and pain'd by sharp Humours.
TAke prepared Pearl and Coral, Ana one scruple, Aloes Cabalina finely pouder'd three grains, red Rose-water and Succory-water, Ana one ounce, mix them well; and if you would have the mixture stronger, put in a very few grains of Trochisci alli Rhasis in very fine Pouder.
3. A good Medicine for Pain of the Teeth that comes from Rheum.
OF the Pouder of white Helebore, put into a clean Linen Rag like a Nodule, of about the bigness of the largest sort of Peas, or somewhat greater and let the Patient hold it between his Teeth, with his Head and Face somewhat inclined, that the Rheum may run freely out of his Mouth.
4. An Experienced Sternutatory to clear the Head.
LEt the Patient snuff up in the Morning fasting, a small [Page 4] Spoonful, or less, of the clarify'd Juice of Haedera terrestris, i.e. Ground-Ivy, or of Beets, spitting out from time to time as much Liquor as comes into his Mouth.
5. An often try'd Remedy for the Dysentery and sharp Fluxes of the Belly.
GIve from fifteen to twenty grains of carefully made Mercurius Dulcis incorporated, with about two ounces of Catholicon, or else with about one scruple of toasted or somewhat less of untoasted Rhubarb.
See Numb. (1.)
6. A good, though uncommon, Medicine for the Dropsie.
TAke Virginian Snake-weed a sufficient quantity, and having cut and slic'd it very small, infuse it into a competent quantity of good Sack till the Liquor be very strongly impregnated with the Plant. Of this Infusion let the Patient take three, four or five Spoonfuls at a time (or more if the case be urgent) when the Stomach is empty.
See Numb. (2.)
7. An often Experienced Medicine for Blood-shot, or Inflamed Eyes.
CUt a new-laid Egg boiled hard, into two halfs, (without taking out the Yelks) and apply one of these considerably warm, but not too hot, to the part affected, and keep it on for some hours (six or eight if it need so long.) Note well, To the same purpose, you may apply with good effect, a Poultis made of a rotten Apple, the cold being first quite taken off.
See Numb. (3.)
8. An Excellent Remedy for a Burn or Scald in the Eye.
TAke Mucilages of Quinceseed, Fleawort, Linseed and Fenugreek-seed, of each one scruple; boil it but very lightly in four ounces of Betony-water, filter it, and apply it to the Part.
9. A good and innocent Dentrifice.
TAke Mastich and Dragon's-blood, of each a sufficient quantity; pouder them, and mix them together, and let the Patient use them as a Dentrifice.
See Numb. (4.)
10. To Correct the Laxity of the Gums, and fasten the Teeth.
TO a Pint of Red or Claret Wine, take about two drams of Japan Earth, and having dissolv'd so much as you can, pour off the clear, and let the Patient wash his Mouth therewith from time to time.
11. An uncommon, but effectual, Fomentation for Tumours accompany'd with sharp Humours.
TO a Gallon of Spring-water, put as much dry'd Sage, as you judg will afford a Decoction strong enough of the [Page 9] Herb. Into this, when it first grows hot, cast about two ounces or some drams of Castle-Soap, and let it dissolve there till your Decoction be compleated. With this and Stuphes, foment the part for a good while together.
12. A rare Medicine for Hysterical Affections, and several Distempers of the Genus Nervosum.
TAke one ounce, or a sufficient quantity of Volatile Salt of Harts-horn, (which need not be exactly pure) and drop on it as much Spirit of Tartar as will serve to satiate it, when the conflict is quite ceas'd. Digest the mixture for a while, [Page 10] that it may acquire a red Colour, and keep it carefully stopt for Use, and give four or five drops twice a day in any convenient Vehicle.
13. An often prov'd Remedy to bring away what is or should not be left in the Womb of a Puerpera, though it were part of a Dead Child.
WIth the Juice of Sheeps Sorrel, and some of the strong infusion of the same Herb (unpress'd) in Water, and a sufficient quantity of Sugar, make a Syrup: Of which let the Patient take about a Spoonful (a little more or less as need may require) twice or thrice a day.
14. A try'd Medicine to take away Corns.
THe parts being made soft with Bathing, and scrap'd, apply to the Corn a Plaister of Shoe-maker's-wax; but if the part be very tender, your Plaister may consist of equal parts of Shoe-maker's-wax and Diapalma melted together and spread somewhat thin.
15. To make an Excellent Styptic Pouder to stench Blood.
TAke of White Sugar-Candy, Roach-Allom burnt (but not too much calcin'd) and white [Page 12] Vitriol, and pulverize them exceeding well, and mix them diligently; and having dip'd Plagets of Flax or Lint, moistened with the White of an Egg into this Pouder, apply them to the Orifices of the Bleeding parts. Note well, 'twill do very well after the dry Ingredients are mix'd, to grind them with as much Whites of Eggs beaten to water, as will make a Paste, which is afterwards to be throughly dry'd in the Air, and then again reduc'd to Pouder.
16. For a Tooth-ach, proceeding from Defluxion or Rheum from the Gums.
DIssolve one ounce of choice Japan Earth in a Pint at least of good Red or Claret Wine, [Page 13] and let the Patient hold in his Mouth often, and a good while together.
17. To prevent the Fit of an Ague, or cure that Disease.
TAke of the scraping or gratings of the Root of Angelica half a dram, and of the Flowers of Antimony, mix them well, and let the Patient take them at the usual times.
Note here, That the Flowers of Antimony are not to be given inwardly in Substance, but only in Infusion; for in Substance they will hazard life, bringing first strong Convulsions, and then Death: But you may make the Medicine thus.
See Numb. (5.)
18. To make an often try'd Pericarpium for Agues, especially Tertians.
TAke a handful and a half of fresh Rue, half a handful of fresh Sage, a small spoonful of Bay-salt, and a spoonful of good Vinegar. Beat all these very well together into an uniform Mass; which divide into two parts, and make thereof two Wrist Plaisters to be apply'd at the usual times before the Fit; and to be renewed, if there be Occasion, to keep them on till they grow dry and troublesom.
19. For the Cholic.
℞ ORange Peels dry'd till one may grate them to Pouder; and when they are pulveriz'd, take about a spoonful of the Pouder at a time, mix'd with a little white Sugar to sweeten it, in or before some spoonfuls of any convenient Vehicle.
20. An approved Remedy for Present Deafness.
TAke of the Breast Milk of a Woman that has had her first Male Child some time before, and drop three or four drops of it warm as it comes from the Nipple, into the part affected.
21. A choice Medicine for Burns.
TAke Goose-grease, (which the Country People call the Leaf of a Goose) and having softly melted, and a little skim'd it, squeeze into it as much freshly exprest Juice of Ground-Ivy-Leaves, as by continual stirring, will bring it to the consistence of a Green Oyntment. With this anoint the part it self affected; and afterwards lay on it fine old Rags, well dipt in the same Ointment.
22. An External Remedy, almost Specific for the Leprosie.
TAke Pomatum one ounce, Flower of Sulphur one [Page 17] dram, Sal Prunellae half an ounce, and having mixt them very well together, from time to time anoint the part affected therewith, as long as there is need.
23. For the Head-ach.
TAke green Hemlock, that is tender, and put it in your Socks, so that it may lie thinly between them and the Soles of your Feet; shift the Herb once a day.
24. For the Hiccup (even in Fevers.)
GIve two or three preserved Dampsons at a time.
25. A Simple Remedy for the Cholic.
IN a Draught of any convenient Liquor, dissolve about one dram of good Salt of Tartar, and let the Patient take it for one Dose.
26. An Experienced Medicine to cleanse the VVomb.
TAke a large white Onion, cut it into small pieces, and boil it in about a pint of Water, or less, as if it were to be dressed for eating. And of this Decoction give seven or eight ounces for a dose, mix'd with about half an ounce of fresh Oil of Walnuts.
27. To appease the Fits of a Furor Uterinus.
TAke the Feathers of Partridges (it matters not much from what part of the Fowl) and burn them for a competent time under the Patient's Nose.
28. A very good Syrup to strengthen the Sight.
TAke about a small Spoonful of a Syrup made of Betony-water and Honey, twice, thrice or four times a day.
29. An easily prepared, but useful Drink for a beginning Scurvy.
TO a quart of Small-Beer (of six Shillings per Barrel) or Small-Ale, put over Night about a handful of Scurvy-grass-Leaves, and let the Patient drink this Liquor at Dinner for his ordinary drink for six or eight Weeks together.
30. A Parable Remedy for recent Burns.
APply as speedily as you can to the part affected an Onion, or more, (if the burnt place be large) beaten to a Mash.
31. For the Tooth-ach.
APply a Plaister of Caranna to that part that burns, between the bottom of the Ear and the Temples, on the same side where the Pulsation of the Artery is the most manifestly or strongly felt.
32. An Excellent Medicine, tho not Curative, for those that are tormented with the Stone in the Bladder.
TAke Pouder of Comfrey-Roots an ounce and half, Marsh-mallow-Roots three ounces, Liquorice Pouder two drams, Seeds of Daucus of Creet two drams; Seeds of Purslane, of Winter [Page 22] Cherries, of each half a dram; Nutmegs two drams, Saffron one dram; the Species Diamargariton frigid, six drams; Syrup of Marshmallows four ounces; mix and make a soft Electuary: of which let the Sick daily take the quantity of a Walnut. It is profitable against the Stone in the Reins and Bladder, but chiefly against the latter; as also against the Strangury, Dysuria, &c.
33. To make a Purging Electuary, especially for Children.
TAke an Ounce of choice Rhubarb reduc'd to fine Pouder, and eight ounces of very good Currans, pick'd, wash'd and rub'd dry; beat these together in a Glass or Marble Mortar for near [Page 23] two hours. Of this Electuary, let the Patient take about the bigness of a small or a large Chesnut in the Morning fasting, and if need be at Bed-time. If the case be very urgent, the Medicine may be taken thrice in twenty four hours.
34. An excellent Remedy for an Inflammation of the Eyes.
TAke a Pippin (or other Apple) cut it into two halfs, take out all the Core of each of them, fill up the Cavities with the tender tops of common Wormwood, tie the halfs together, and roast the Apple well. Then beat it and the Herb together to a kind of Poultis, and apply it warm (but not hot) to the part affected, and [Page 24] bind it thereon, letting it lie all Night, or if you use it in the Day time, for six or eight hours.
35. An useful Drink for the Kings-Evil, and some Affections that have the like Causes to it.
TAke a large handful (or two little Physical handfuls) of the Leaves of Ground-Ivy, green, or (if the Season denies you them) well dry'd, wash off the Dust with Beer, (not Water) and put the Herb into a Gallon of Ale-wort; when 'tis ripe for drinking, draw it out into Bottles, and let the Patient take a draught of it twice or thrice a day, or if it be thought fit, he may use it at Meals.
See Numb. (6.)
36. An often experienc'd Remedy to expel Gravel, and provoke supprest Urin.
KIll a black Cock or Hen, (rather than one of any other colour) take out the thick Membrane or Skin that lines the Gizzard or Stomach, and having wip'd it clean, dry it cautiously, so as it may be beaten to pouder: With this mix an equal part, or half so much of choice red Coral calcin'd. Of this mixture, give from twenty or thirty Grains to forty or fifty Grains.
See Numb. (7.)
37. An approved Remedy for the Kings-Evil.
SEt a quart of new Milk on the Fire till it just boils up, then take it off, and put into it two spoonfuls of the best Honey, and stir it till it be dissolved: And then set it on the Fire again, and let it boil two or three walms: Then divide it into four parts, and drink one part warm early in the Morning, another about ten of the Clock, another about four in the Afternoon, and the last a little before Bed-time. Do this daily for two or three Months, except you purge, which must be once a Week, taking (if a grown Man) three quarters of an ounce of Caryo-costinum dissolved in Posset-drink: Dress the Sores if they run, with any drawing [Page 27] Sear-cloth, or a Plaister of Burgundy-Pitch. The Medicine, though not very promising, is very famous, by the many Cures done with it, by a charitable Lady, of whose Ingenious Chaplain I procur'd it.
38. A good Composition to stop a hollow Tooth, and appease the Pain.
TAke two parts of fine Sugar, (that of Lisbon does best) and one part of black round Pepper, both finely pouder'd and mixt; put them into a Silver spoon over two or three well-kindled Coals; and when the Sugar begins to melt, take off the Spoon, and whilst the mixture is yet soft, [Page 28] form it into little grains for size and shape, suted to the part affected.
39. A Plaister prefer'd by an old Physician, that often try'd it, to the common Soap Plaister.
MIx about one dram of Castle-Soap, with one ounce of Diachylum, and make thereof a thin Plaister, to be worn upon the part affected.
40. An Excellent Liquor to be used Topically in Gleetings.
TAke four ounces of Spring-Water [or Plantane-Water] [Page 29] and dissolve in it about one scruple of the Sympathetic-Pouder, or so much as will give it a sensible, yet but faint, Vitriol-like taste: And of this mixture, inject as much as is usual of a small Syringe, every Morning and Evening, as long as need require, directing the Patient to retain the injected Liquor as long as conveniently he can.
41. An approved Medicine in the biting of a Viper.
TAke of white Horehound, and apply the Plant, well beaten into the form of a Poultis, to the part affected, and give the Patient a spoonful or two of the Juice of the same Herb to drink: 'Tis also very good for the Jaundice.
42. An almost specific Medicine for the suppression of Urin.
TAke of Stoechas Citrina (in English, French Lavender) and infuse in a good heat, two handful of the Flowers in a pint of good Brandy, (not rectify'd Spirit of Wine) and of this infusion, give about a small Wine-glass-full at a time [diluted, if there be great need, with a sufficient quantity of some appropriated Liquor.]
43. For an Ague often try'd.
BOil Yarrow [ Mille-folium] in new Milk, till it be tender enough to have a Cataplasm made of it. Apply this to the [Page 31] Patient's Wrists, just when the cold Fit is coming on, and let it lie on the parts till the Fit be gone; and if another Fit comes, use fresh Cataplasms as before.
44. An useful Plaister for those that are troubled with Vapours of the Spleen, and shortness of Breath, when 'tis a Nervous Affection.
TAke two parts of strain'd Galbanum, and one part of Asafoetida, and make thereof, according to Art, a Plaister of about the bigness of the Palm of one's Hand, taking care to leave a broad Edg quire round, to prevent its sticking to one's Linen and putting a pretty large piece of Cotton [Page 32] in the middle, that the Gums may not touch the Navel; to which the Plaister is to be apply'd.
45. A slight, but excellent, Medicine to take off Fits of the Head-ach.
TAke about a handful of fresh Rosemary, and boil it for a pretty while in a quart of common Water, then almost fill with it a pint Pot [or rather a Mug] let the Patient cover his Head and Face with a Napkin, so that he may receive the Steam as hot as he can well bear, and keep the Vessel there as long as he finds the Steam strong enough.
46. An easie and try'd Medicine for the Itch, Praenissis Universalibus.
BOil four Ounces of clean Quick-silver in about a Gallon and a half of Springwater, and let the Patient take of this between a quarter and half a pint at a time, aromatizing it if he pleases with a little Lemon-peel.
47. An easie Medicine to purify and sweeten the Blood.
TAke the Minera of Hungarian, or other choice Antimony, and having ground it to very fine Pouder, without suffering [Page 34] it to touch any Metal, give of this dry Alcohole from ten Grains to a Dram, giving it once a day, and (unless some particular reason disswade that time) let it be at Dinner, that it may mingle with the Patient's Meat in his Stomach.
48. A cheap, but excellent, Medicine for Ulcers.
TAke one dram at least of Corrosive Sublimate finely pouder'd, dissolve it in a quart of fair Water, and let it lie there, if you have leisure, four or five days (in a light Digestion) that it may be throughly dissolved. Then drop in it as much Spirit of Sal-Armoniac, or as much Oyl of Tartar, per deliquium, as will precipitate [Page 35] it all: Then filter it carefully, and keep it stop'd for use, which is to imbibe Dorsels or Plagets with it, and apply them to the Ulcer twice or thrice a day.
49. An easie and innocent Medicine for Costiveness.
BOil in as much Broth as will serve to fill a large Poringer, about half a handful of the Leaves of common Mallows chop'd, and of this Broth (being strained) let the Patient make the first part of his Meal.
See Numb. (8.)
50. For the Aching of a hollow Tooth.
TAke Oil of Wax, and with it moisten well a little Cotton, and thrust it up into the hollow Tooth, letting it lie there till the pain be sufficiently asswag'd.
51. An often try'd Medicine for the Bloody-Flux, being good also for Pleurisies.
GIve the weight of an Escu D'or (or near one dram) of the Seed of Sophia Chirurgorum, in English Flax-seed, in two or three spoonfuls of any convenient vehicle once or twice a day.
52. The Cinamon Drink, good in Gripes and Fluxes, &c.
TAke two ounces of calcin'd Hart's-horn, pouder it, and boil it in three pints of Springwater, till a pint be wasted; then take it off the Fire, and infuse in it, an ounce and half of good Cinamon, setting it upon Embers in a cover'd Vessel for about an hour. Then sweeten it with Sugar to your Palat, and drink about a quarter of a pint at a time. If taken for prevention only, a fourth part of the Cinamon will serve the turn.
See Numb. (9.)
53. An easie, but useful Medicine for redness of the Eyes.
TAke a Blanch'd Almond, and about three Grains of Camphire, and in a Glass or a Marble Mortar, incorporate them by wary grinding; and then add to them little by little two or three ounces of red Rose-water, still grinding them till the whole be brought to a kind of Emulsion. Drop a little of this into the part affected.
See Numb. (10.)
54. A most excellent Balsam for any green Wound, of what Nature soever.
OYl of St. John's-wort, and Venice-Turpentine, of each a like quantity, set them over the Fire in a gentle heat, half an hour or less, that they may incorporate. Then put them up, and keep it for use as one of the best of Balsams.
55. A good Medicine for suppression of the Menses.
GIve for three Mornings together, about the expected time of the Monthly Evacuation, a dram or dram and half or thereabouts [Page 40] of the Gauls and Livers of Eels dry'd and made into Pouder.
56. An experienced Remedy to prevent Apoplectic Fits.
MAke at the crossing of the Sutures and Issue with Diapalma, and Oil of Vitriol, and keep it open the ordinary way.
57. To dry up, or correct the Humour that makes Scrophulous Ulcers.
TAke of the Bone of the Cuttlefish, and having reduc'd it to an impalpable Pouder, give about one dram of it at a time in any convenient vehicle.
58. An effectual Medicine for a recent Strain.
TAke a handful of Wormwood-Leaves, and boil them in strong Ale, till the Consumption of about a third, that you may reduce them to the Form of a Cataplasm, which when you take from the Fire, you must strengthen by putting into it two or at most three of Brandy, and apply it very warm, renewing it, if need be, in twenty four hours at least.
See Numb. (11.)
59. For a slight Inflammation of the Eyes, as also a Hordeum growing on the Eye-lid.
TAke fresh Housleek, and having pouder'd it very well to a kind of Cataplasm, cover as much as is needful of it (for example sake, to the thickness of a half-Crown, or a Crown-piece) in the fold of a Rag or Linen-cloth, that may be so apply'd that the Cataplasm may reach the Eye, and the rest of the Cloth be fastned about the Patient's Head. Let the Medicine lie on all Night, and be taken off the next Morning. Repeat this Application two or three times, in case there be need.
60. For most Astmatic Distempers.
TAke of the Roots of Elecampain, thinly slic'd, one ounce, of the Leaves of Ground-Ivy, a good handful. Boil these in three pints of Spring-water to a quart, then strain the Decoction, sweeten it with a little live Honey, and let the Patient take it five, six or seven spoonfuls at a time. ( Note well, Remember the efficacy of Saffron in the same Disease, as 'tis commended by Mr. Ray, in his Catalogue of Plants.)
See Numb. (12.)
61. For an Ague.
TAke of the Bone, call'd Patella, of the Knee of a dead Man, and having reduc'd it to fine Pouder, give of it as much as will lie upon a Groat or a Six-pence for one Dose, in any proper Conserve or fit Vehicle, at a convenient time (before the cold Fit.)
62. An experienced Medicine to kill Tetters.
TAke of Flowers of Brimstone, Ginger and Burnt-allum, of each alike, mingle them well, and of this mixture, incorporate as much with new unsalted Butter, as is requisite to bring it to the [Page 45] consistence of an Unguent. With this anoint the part affected, as hot as the Patient can well endure it, and let it stay on all Night; and the next Morning wash it off with Celandine-water. But when the Patient goes to Bed, he is to take a Dose of some Alexipharmacal Medicine, as Gascon's Pouder, Treacle, &c. to keep the Humour from being driven into the Mass of Blood: He is also to bathe the part oftentimes in a day with the Celandine-water.
63. To make a good Pouder for a Gonorrhaea.
TAke of choice red Coral, and of Mastich, equal parts, reduce them separately to fine [Page 46] Powder. Mingle them very well, and of this mixture, give about thirty or forty Grains for one Dose.
64. A choice Medicine for a slight Stroke or Bruise of the Eye.
TAke two spoonfuls of Fennel-water, or of Betony-water, and drop into it three or four drops (or five at most) of good clarify'd Honey: shake them well together, and use them twice or thrice a day. But you must have a care to make this mixture fresh once in four, or at most in five days, especially in Summer; for if it be longer kept, 'twill be apt to grow sowr.
65. An often try'd external Medicine for an Erysipelas.
TAke the Blood of a Hare, ('tis best if kill'd by Hunting in March) and if you can have it fresh, anoint the part affected with it, otherwise apply on it a Linen Rag that has (though a good while ago) throughly imbib'd the fresh Blood of that Animal, and dry'd in the Air. But if the imbued Linen be too hard or stiff, it must be softned with a little fair water, and then the cold taken off, apply'd to, and bound upon the part.
See Numb. (13.)
66. An Emperics, much boasted Remedy for the Fluor Albus, or Whites in Women.
MAke a strong Decoction of the Herb Alchymilla (in English, Ladies-Mantle,) and let the Patient drink of it about half a pint every Morning fasting; and if the case be urgent, make an Injection of the same Plant, boil'd till it be very tender, and let the Patient make use of it from time to time.
See Numb. (14.)
67. An excellent Water for Ulcers and Sores [try'd with great Success.]
TO a quart of Spring-water, take one dram of Mercury sublimate finely pouder'd; and when 'tis quite dissolved, drop into the Solution, either Spirit of Sal Armoniac (which is best) or Oil of Tartar per Deliquium, till you see that no more will manifestly precipitate. This done, filter the mixture through Cap-paper, and reserve the Precipitate for other uses. The Liquor that passes, you must keep close stopt in a Glass-Viol; and when you will use it, you must dip Linen Rags in it, and being throughly wetted, apply them to the part affected; single, or doubled, more [Page 50] or less, as need requires. This Application may be renewed twice, or (if the case be urgent) thrice a day.
68. An experienced Medicine for want of Sleep, proceeding from great Heats of the Head.
TAke the palest Carrots you can get, and scrape a sufficient quantity of them to afford scrapings enough to make a Cataplasm of about two Fingers or two Inches broad, and of the thickness of a Half-crown piece of Silver, or thereabouts. Let the Patient apply this in a piece of doubled [Linen] to his Throat, so that it may reach to the Jugular [Page 51] Vessels on each side, when he goes to Bed, and let it lie on all Night (for it will not easily grow dry,) if the first Application do not prevail, 'tis to be apply'd the following Night; and so a third and fourth time, if need require.
69. A Parable Medicine that has cured very many, especially Children, and young Boys and Girls, of Convulsive Fits.
TAke of the Pouder (whether made by Filing, Rasping, or, otherwise) of the sound Skull of a Dead Man, and give of it about as much as will lie upon a Groat, made up into a Bolus with Conserve of Rosemary-Flowers [Page 52] (or any other that is proper) to a young Boy or Girl: But in Persons more Aged and Strong, the Dose of the Pouder must be augmented to double the quantity. The Medicine must be given often, if necessity requires it: If the Patient be a Child, 'twill be useful to apply to his Throat, a kind of Necklace, made of the Roots of Vervain cut into Beads.
70. An easie, and experienc'd Remedy for the Piles.
IN four ounces of Spring-water, dissolve about one dram of Salt of Tartar, or as much as will give the Liquor a manifest, but not strong Alcalisate taste, and apply soft Rags dip'd in luke-warm or [Page 53] somewhat more to the part affected, shifting it from time to time.
71. A succcssful Medicine for Fluxes of the Belly.
TAke Rice-Meal, and mix with it about a fifth part of finely pouder'd and sifted Chalk, boil these in Water, or which is better, if it agrees with the Patient, in Milk, and make thereof a hasty Pudding, to be moderately season'd with Sugar and pouder'd Cinamon; and let the Patient eat it at Meals, and if need be at some other times.
72. An often try'd Remedy for Corns.
TAke the Juice of Housleek, and mix it up with about equal parts of the thick Balm or Yest, that sticks to the Barrel or to the Clay that stops it. Of these make a kind of Plaister, which being kept upon the Toe for a while, and then if need be, renew'd, will make the Corn very soft and easie to be drawn out and extirpated.
See Numb. (15.)
73. A good Medicine for Burns and Stenching of Blood.
DIssolve in Spring-water, or which is better Rain-water, as much Sugar as will make it a strong Solution, and then with a sufficient quantity of Linseed-Oil, or Oil of Olives, beat up this Liquor till the Oil on it be brought to the consistence of an Unguent, with which anoint the part affected, as timely as you can, renewing the Application as often as need shall require.
See Numb. (16.)
74. An approved Medicine for the Bloody-Flux, being good also for Pleurisies.
GIve two or three scruples of Hare's Blood beaten to Pouder for one Dose, to be taken in a spoonful or two or three of Mint-water, or any other fit Vehicle.
75. A very often (though homely) experienc'd Remedy for Dysenteric and other Fluxes.
TAke the fresh Dung of a Hog, (and if you can, whil'st 'tis yet warm) and boil [Page 57] in a Poringer full of new Milk, as much of it as may amount to the bigness of a Wal-nut; and also an equal quantity of fine Mutton Suet slic'd very thin: When these are well incorporated with the Milk, strain them well through a clean Linen cloth; and if there be need, sweeten them a little with Loaf-Sugar: Let the Patient take this warm, once or twice a day.
76. A powerful Styptic to stench Blood, where it can be apply'd.
TAke the fine Pouder of Lapis Haematites, made by grinding it exactly well with an equal or double weight of Sal Armoniac: [Page 58] And of this high-colour'd Sublimate, put a little upon the Orifice of the Vessel.
77. For a slight Redness of the Eyes.
TAke of French Barley half an ounce, and Damask Roses half an handful. Boil them but very little in a pint of Springwater, and with this moisten the part affected.
See Numb. (17.)
78. For the Relaxation of the Uvula.
TAke blewish Pease (or in want of them, white ones) and chew them very well, so as to reduce them to the consistence of a Poultis. Lay this warm upon the Crown of the Head, to the breadth and thickness of a Five-shilling-piece of Silver, or somewhat larger, shifting it in the Morning, and at Bed-time.
See Numb. (18.)
79. A powerful Medicine to stop sharp Rheums.
TAke a Dram of Catechu, or Japan Earth, and make thereof a Decoction in five or six ounces of good White-wine, or else of some Distill'd Water, or other Liquor appropriated to the Disease. Of this, give two or three spoonfuls at Night, and in the Morning as much also if need require.
80. The French-Man's Famous Eye-Water.
TAke two or three ounces of the Water of Simple Pimpernel, distill'd in Balneo, [Page 61] and put this into a little Pot or Poringer of Rose-Copper; then put into it, about the bigness of a Hazel-nut, or a Filbert, of strong Quick-lime: Cover the Pot, and let the Ingredients lie in it till the Liquor hath acquired a blewish colour. Then very warily pour off tke clear, and add to it as much live Honey, as will give a little, or but little, Taste: Use it after the wonted manner of such Waters; and if you find it too strong, dilate it a little with water of the same Plant, or good Spring-water, which for a need, may be used from first to last, instead of the Water of Pimpernel.
See Numb. (19.)
81. Eye-Water.
TAke Red Rose-water, Plantane-water, of each an ounce; Tutia prepared, half a scruple; Lapis Lazuli prepared, six grains; red Coral prepared, five grains; mix and make a Collyrium or Eye-water.
This drop'd into the Eyes, being first well shak'd, cures Inflammations of the Eyes, provided there be no great foulness, nor Scrophulous disposition in the Patient. It takes off the redness of the Eye-lids, if with a Spunge dip'd in it, the Eye-lids be often wetted, it takes off Films very well.
82. A safe and useful Medicine to prevent Driness and some other Disaffections of the Eyes.
TAke of choice Virgin-Honey, two spoonfuls, of Succory-water, or the distilled Water, of each four spoonfuls; mix them, and in a very clean Vessel over a very gentle Fire, let them evaporate (taking off from time to time any Scum that may arise) till the mixture be brought to the consistence of a Syrup [or of Honey] keep this in a Glass well stop'd, and make use of it, by letting fall a drop or two, or at most three of it, at a time, into the Eye.
See Numb. (20.)
83. The Medicine of a Famous Empyric for the Stone.
TAke Amber (clear and yellow) Sea-horse Pizzle and Niter, of each a like quantity, ( Note well, in case of Ulcerated Kidnies, put half the quantity of the Amber) and an eighth part of the Nitre (of Natural Balsam.) Pulverize each apart, and make them up into Pills with Chios (or at least clean Strasburgh Turpentine) take five, six or seven Pills (of above ten to one ounce) Morning and Evening.
See Numb. (21.)
84. An excellent Medicine for Fits of the Mother.
TAke Sagapenum dissolved in Vinegar of Squills, and strained through a Sieve, and again inspisiated or thickned: Ammoniacum in like manner prepared: Steel prepared, Myrrh, Fecula of Bryony, of each half a Dram: English Saffron, Castoreum, of each a scruple: Borax two scruples: Syrup of Staechas a sufficient quantity; mix and make Pills of a convenient bigness to be swallowed; of which take three Morning and Night, with care.
85. A choice Medicine for the Cholic.
TAke clean white Chalk, and having dry'd it with a gentle heat, reduce it to fine Pouder; wet this Pouder with the express'd Juice of Cammomil, and then let it dry in the Air, without the heat, either of the Fire, or of the Sun. This done, wet it again with new Juice of Cammomil, and dry it the second time as before. Wet and dry it again the third time, and, if you please, the fourth time; and then reduce the dry Mass to fine Pouder again. Of this Pouder, let the Patient take at a time, as much as will lie upon a Groat or a Six-pence, in some spoonfuls [Page 67] of Wine, or other proper Vehicle.
86. Troches of Vipers, successfully used to cleanse the Blood, and to strengthen weak Patients.
TAke of Vipers reduc'd to fine Pouder one ounce, Diaphoretic Antimony half an ounce, clear yellow Amber two drams, of Starch as much as of all the rest, and of Sugar as much as of Starch; make them to a fine Paste, with Spirit of Wine, and then make them into small Cakes, whereof one may serve for a Dose.
87. An approved Medicine for Scorbutic Gums, and to fasten the Teeth.
TAke of White-wine, a pint, of Alum half an ounce, of Juniper-berries and of red Sage ana one ounce: Boil these together till a quarter of the Liquor be wasted, then put into the remaining part four ounces of Honey, and let it boil till the Scum be all risen; then filter it, and put into it one dram of Balsamum Vitae.
See Numb. (22.)
88. A Caution about the Vitriolate Eye-water.
TAke four grains of Roman Vitriol, not more, to four ounces of Distilled Water, either of Roses, Succory, Fennel, &c.
89. A good Medicine for a light Stroke, or Contusion of the Eye.
TAke half an ounce of Celendine-water, and shake well into it, three or four drops of clarify'd Honey, and let fall of this into the Eye, a drop or two, twice or thrice a day.
90. An excellent Medicine for a Stroke or Bruise in the Eye.
TAke of Betony-water and Hysop-water, of each one ounce, and in their mixture, stir some Blades of Saffron, till the Liquor be pretty well colour'd, and no more. And lastly, add to it four or five drops of clarify'd Honey.
See Numb. (23.)
91. An excellent Remedy to take off Films, and such like things from the Eyes.
TAke choice Bole-Armonic, and reduce it to very fine Pouder, blow this gently into the Eye, once, or at most twice a day. But if the Patient be subject to, or fearful of, any swelling, heat, or disaffection in the Eye-lids, incorporate the Pouder with a little clarify'd Honey.
See Numb. (24.)
92. To strengthen weak Eyes subject to Rheums.
TAke Lapis Calaminaris four ounces, Rose-water a pint, shake them well together two days. Then let it settle, pour off this Water into a little Viol, and drop of it in weak Eyes, two or three times a day, &c.
93. A Plaister to strengthen the Eyes, and stop Defluctions on them.
TAke of Frankincense two drams, Olibanum and Mastic ana half a dram; Mix these well, and reduce them into fine Pouder: Of which, a convenient [Page 73] quantity is to be melted and spread upon black Ribbon, or some such thing, with a hot Knife or Spatula, and so presently apply'd to the Temples.
94. An experienced Remedy for sharp and hot Humours in the Eyes.
INto a quart of new Milk already boiling, put about two handfuls or less of green Housleek, freshly gather'd, and chopt small, and let the Milk boil on till 'twill yield no more Curd. Then strain the green Posset-drink, and let the Patient take every day, once or twice a pint (or as near that quantity as he can well reach to) sweeten'd a little if need be [Page 74] with fine Sugar. The drink may be best taken cold.
95. An excellent Fumigation for Pains in the Eyes, and overgreat driness of them, and when one fears the beginning of a Cataract.
TAke of Fennel, Hysop, Betony, Celandine, Carduus, of each half a handful, or a handful; of the Seeds of Linseed, Quinces, Fenugreek, Fleawort, of each half a dram, of French Barley one ounce; Boil these in two quarts of fair water, and half a pint of White-wine: Let the Patient hold his Head over the Fumes for about a quarter of an hour every Morning.
96. For Sore Eye-lids.
TAke Crums of White-bread half an ounce; Coral, and Pearl prepared, Tutia, White-Sugar-candy, of each half a dram; Pouder of Red Roses a dram and half; Flowers of St. John's-wort one dram: and with a sufficient quantity of Milk make a Cataplasm or Pultice, which spread upon linen Cloth, and bind it over the Eye.
97. For Heaviness and Pain in the Eyes.
TAke Flowers of Melilot, of Elder, and of Marigolds, of each a small handful; Linseed, [Page 76] Seeds of Fenugreek, Fleawort, Cumin, and Quinces of each half a scruple; French-Barley half an ounce; Damask Roses half an ounce; Spring-water a pint and half: mix and make a Decoction with which foment the Forehead, Temples and Eye-brows, being sufficiently warm.
98. For a Dry Inflamation.
TAke of Betony, Hysop, Rue, Worm-wood, Vervain, as also of Sage-flowers and Rosemary-flowers, of each of all these, half a handful. (To which may be usefully added Cummin-seeds, Fennel-seeds and Carduus-seeds, of each a quarter of an ounce.) Boil these a little in two or three quarts of fair Water, [Page 77] and then let the Patient hold his Head for about a quarter of an hour over the Steam of this Decoction, making use of a Napkin, to keep the Smoke from dissipating, and direct it to his Eyes. A while after, he may put into them, if it be thought fit, a little clarify'd Honey.