℞Radic. Contrayerva℥j.scorzoneræ hispan. angelicæ ana℥j.[ss.]fol. Scordii galegæ ana Miij.fl. ros. rubr. calendulæ ana p.iij.ras. C. C. eboris ana℥j.bacc. juniperi, hederæ ana℥ij.in aceto sambucino per triduum macerat: dictamni cretici, cortic. limonum ana℥j.succ. melissæ, cardui, angelicæ ana lib.[ss.]aceti opt. lib.ij.distilla in organis humilioribus post. deb. infusionem.Or,
℞Succ. Scordii, acetosæ ana lib.j.galegæ lib.[ss.]succ. limonum, aceti opt. ana lib.j.theriac.Androm.℥iij.digere & distilla Dos. ad cochl.vj.velviij.
Or,
℞Aquæ Alexiteriæ lib.ij.theriac. Androm.℥iij.Elect. de ovo℥j.digere, filtra, & usui serva, Dos. ad cochl.vj.velviij.phiælam agitando.
Or,
℞Summit absynthij, rutæ anaM j.Scordii, dracunculi anaM iij.aceti sambuc.lib. iij.distilla in vesicâ, tum in liquore dissolve salis fraxini, carduii, vel Scordii Vitriolat.ʒiij.Dos. ad cochl.iv.velv.efficacitèr elicit sudorem hæc Aqua.
℞Radic. Asari Virgin.℥[ss.]contrayerva℥j.tormentilla, scorzon. petasitidis ana℥j.p. sem. cardui, calendulæ, angelicæ, citri anaʒiij.quibus præp. affunde spir. vini, aceti opt. analib.[ss.]dissolve theriac. Ven.lib.[ss.]adde croci Ang.ʒij.misce indantur organis vitreis, & post octiduanam super cineres digestionem, distillæ, in rostro Alembici suspendendo caphuræʒiij.Dos. ad cochl.v.velvj.
℞Salis Absynthii, vel Scordii, sive Rutæ℥ij.flor. Sulphuris ter, quaterve sublimat.℥j.ol. Juniperilib. j.invicèm misc., per biduum calore mediocri benè occlusa relinque, dein per Retortam distilla, etiam alterâ vice distilla, dìgerendo per biduum, addendo salis absynthij℥j.Dos. ad cochl. unum, vel duo, ex aq. angelicæ, vel scordii, saccharatâ, ad olciv.a. e. Commixtionem.
℞Radic. Scorzon. Hispan. Chelidoniæ mai. ana℥ij.contrayerva℥i.angelicæ, tormentillæ ana℥i.p. fol. scordii, melissæ, scabiosæ anaM ij.summit. Rutæ p.ij.dictamni cret.M[ss.]flor. sambuci, calendulæ ana p.iij.gr. Junip.℥ij.ras. C. C. eboris ana℥j.sem. rutæ, cardui, citri anaʒij.portulacæʒv.cinam. opt.℥[ss.]caryophyll.ʒiij.Theriac. Androm.lib.[ss.]quibus s. a. præp. affunde Aceti ex vin. albo acerrimilib. v.vitro opt. obaurato digere per triduum, bis, terve de die conquassando, tum cautè distilla, suspensis camphoræ, & croci anaʒij.in rostro Alemb. Dos. ad cochl.v.velvj.
BUTsufficiently of these; from whence it is easie for any one to gather, why liquid Medicines, and especially when warmed, are preferrable to others in the Form ofBolesorElectuaries; that is, because of their more expeditious and more effectual Operations.
BUTbecause many of the Infected have a Loathing at Stomach, and an Inclination to vomit, in the same Manner as an Overload of Eating and Drinking occasions, Medicines in solid Forms suit best with such, as they are not so easily thrown up, and adhere better to the Sides of the Stomach: Of this Kind we have the following Composition, which at taking may be made into Boles ofʒij. each adding thereuntoSalt of Carduus, orWormwood℈j. or more or less according to the Exigency of Symptoms.
℞Elect. de ovo mineralis℥j.theriac. Androm.℥[ss.]pulu: serpentariæ virgin.ʒv.cuchianellæʒiij.croci pulveriz.ʒ[ss.]cum Syr. è succo melissophyll. vel citri, coagmentetur massa.
℞Ovum vulgariter ut in PharmacopœiaLondinensipræp. de quo sume, & sem. sinapios, vel eruca ana℥j.Antidoti Saxonicæ℥[ss.]lapidis prunellæʒv.Antimonii diaphoret. fixissimi, & croci metallorum simul ustorumʒiij.pulv. scordii, rutæ, zedoariæ anaʒij.[ss.]Theriacæ ven. veteris℥iv.Philonii Turneri℈vij.gr.ij.misce & cum spir. Theriac.ʒiij.& mellis de spumati q. s. Piat Elect. molle, Dos. ad℈iv.velʒij.corroborand. adjiciendo corda, & jecinoravj.viperarum v. a. e. præp.But it is to be observed in this likewise, as in other Antidotes, that a long Fermentation of the Ingredients together in a Mass is very necessary, because by that Means they more intimately mix with one another.
BUTif the Body be too open, theLapis Contrayervais very suitable, and ’tis thus made:
℞Pulv. radic. contrayerva res.℥j.serpentariæ virgin.ʒij.[ss.]extract. radic. Angelicæ, tormentillæ anaʒij.pulv. C. C. philosophicè calcin.chelarum Cancrorum præp. pulv. Corall. rubr. anaʒj.[ss.]Antimonii Diaphoret. vel potius Diaphor. Jovisʒiij.cuchianellæʒ[ss.]croci℈j.(aliqui addurat lapid. bezoar. orien.℈ij.) ambræ grys.℈[ss.]cum gelatinâ spoliorum serpentum, vel C. C. fingantur globuli s. a. exiccandi, Dos. ad℈ij.velʒj.è vehiculo idoneo,&c.
FORthe same Purpose also is the celebratedOrvietanthus compounded, and givenʒij. at a Dose.
℞Cardui bened. totius eupatorii mai. & min. ana℥[ss.]scordii, aristolochiæ utriusque anaʒv.viperinæ, h. e. echii, gentianæ, bacc. Junip. bistortæ ana℥j.bacc. lauri, tormentillæ, dictamni albi ana℥[ss.]carlinæ, angelicæ ana℥j.[ss.]rhabarb. imperatoriæ, scorzon. hispan. valerianæ ana℥[ss.]morsus diaboli, calami aromat. ana℥iv.Theriac. Androm. opt.℥iij.corda, & jecinora 12 viperarum, terantur terenda subtilissimè, & cum s. q. mellis despumati fiat Elect. per tres menses fermentand.
ITis to be observed, that these and the like Medicines, whetherGalenicalorSpagyrical, which cannot be prepared as soon asAsparaguscan be boiled, ought to be always in Readiness.
THEgeneral Remedies being thus provided, the exact Way of Living and Diet comes to be considered: And first of all whensoever the Patient is taken, he must immediately be put to Bed; wherein we have found it much more serviceable to be covered with Blankets, than Linen Sheets, because the Woollen much better encourages Sweating, and also absorps it, and keeps the Body cleaner all the while; for Linen being not suited to drink up the Sweat, the Pores of the Body, at such Times as open as possible, will be choaked up and obstructed by the Moisture hanging upon the Skin, and giving also a Chilliness to the Flesh: To all therefore who sweat thus, Change of Cloaths is to be denied, for the Patient takes Harm by clean Coverings, not so much from any prejudicial Quality of the Soap abounding in them, (according to the Opinion ofDiemebrooeck) as from a Dampness which is inseparable from them, and the Approach of Air which is unavoidable in the Shifting; both which will check the Sweating.
UNLESSthe Patient hath Occasion for a Vomit, or Purge, or a Clyster, immediatelyupon his going to Bed,Alexipharmicksought to be given, and if thrown up by Vomiting, repeated until the Stomach if strengthned, and can retain them; and I have always observed, that such Nauseousness goes off as soon as Sweat breaks out.
SOMEindeed of a very dry Temperament, or from a Consumption of their Humidities by the febrile Heat, do not easily get into a Sweat; such therefore I ordered liberally to drink of a medicated Posset-Drink; in order by this Means both to render the viscid Humours more fluid, and contemper and asswage the feverish Heat.
THEMilk with which this Posset-Drink was made, was turned with two Parts of Ale, and one Part of Vinegar, in which had been boiled the Roots ofScorzoneraandButterbur; the Leaves ofBaum,Scabius, andWood-sorrel; the Flowers ofBorageandMarygolds; the Raspings ofIvoryandHartshorn, andCarduusandCorianderSeeds.
THESESweats we used to keep up for two or three Hours at a Time, as the Strength would bear them; and until themorbifick Venom was rarified and subtilized, so as to be exhaled quite away along with the viscid Humours: Sleep also was industriously kept off, although sometimes, through meer Weariness, the Patient would drop into a Doze.
ASmuch Care, besides that of Sweating them, was taken to support the Strength and Spirits of the Infected, by such Aliments as the Stomach was able to receive; for which End I ordered them Bread soaked in Wine, poached Eggs withJuice of Citrons,Pomegranates, orElder Vinegar, as also cordial Waters, Broths, Gellies, and sometimes also generous Wines.
THEBroths then used were made by boiling in Chicken-Broth the Roots ofScorzonera; the Leaves ofPimpinel,Meadow-sweet,Wood-Sorrel,Borage, Raspings ofHartshorn, andDactyls, with a Piece of White Bread, and a littleSaffrontied in a Nodule; and the Fat was not taken off unless in a Loosness or Loathing at Stomach: Of the Usefulness of Gold boiled in these Things I have nothing to say: Of this Broth was also sometimes Emulsions made with theSeeds of Citrons,Plantain,blanched Almonds, andPearl-Sugar.
℞Radic. carlinæ℥vj.zedoariæ, scorzoneræ, imperatoriæ, gentianæ, vincetox. valerianæ, tormentillæ, bistortæ, petasitid. dictamni, bardanæ, pimpinella totius ana℥iv.fol. cardui, oxytriphyll. scordii, ana Mv.ulmariæ, scabiosæ, morsus diaboli, melissæ, pentaphyll. menthæ, rutæ, buglossæ, flor. calendulæ, hyperici ana Miv.limones, & Aurant. cum corticibus ana numeroxx.flor. salviæ, rorism. ana Mij.corda vervecina numerovj.corda viper. numeroxx.vini generosiHispan.lib.xx.infusione deb. peractâ, fiat Distillatio cauta in B. M. hujus Aq. Dos. ad cochl.iv.velv.dulcor. (si ita visum) cum sacchari perl. q. s.
BUTthe Patients were kept from Aliments of this Kind until some Relief was found byAlexipharmicks; and then only so much was allowed of as their Strength would admit of, for that was to be helped, and not loaded; but as they grew better, more was allowed: Yet an Hour or two after such Refreshment, notwithstanding the Distemper seemed to be extinguished,Alexipharmickswere repeated, until all Suspicion of its Remainder was removed; becausesometimes it would on a sudden recruit after it had seemed to be quite gone.
THEInfected were kept close in their Beds the whole Time of the Disease; and those who would not be thus governed, bitterly repented of their Obstinacy; for upon Checking aDiaphoresis, and Confining the pestilential Venom, most grievous Pains and Disorders ensued: And they who were delirious, were tied in their Beds, to prevent their doing either Injury to themselves, or those who attended upon them.
IFa Drowsiness came on at the first Attack of the Distemper, or in the Beginning to Sweat, the Patient was forcibly kept awake; although, when some Appearance came of Recovery, a little Sleep was indulged to recruit the Spirits, but not beyond four Hours together; for if they slept longer, they were waked to take their Medicines.
IFthe Belly was costive, and the Distemper on its Declension, Clysters were used with Benefit; made of a Decoction with the Roots ofScorzonera,Tormentil, andMarsh-Mallows; the Leaves ofScordium,Meadow-sweet,andViolets; Flowers ofChamomilandElder;sweet Fennil-Seeds, andAnniseeds; and in it was dissolved the Yolk of anEgg,brown Sugar, andʒiij. ofDiascordiumorLondon Treacle; and when more Haste was required for Evacuation,℥j. or℥j.[ss.]was added of the Infusion ofCrocus Metallorum. After the Clyster came away, the Patient was allowed a Draught of generous Wine, or of some Cordial Julap, or Broth,&c.
ANDwhereas a Languor upon the Spirits very much contributed (as before observed) both to the Propagation and Violence of the Contagion; to remove such an Inconvenience, grateful Scents were made use of, such as are known to comfort the Brain; sometimesVinegar of Roseswas sprinkled upon live Coals, and at others, were burnt such things asStyrax,Labdanum, &c. of which more hereafter, and all things avoided which might give any Offence to the Nose by its Smell.
HITHERTOwe have treated of Antidotes, and the Regimen of our Patents; next we come to external Helps, amongst whichBlistersdemand the first mention; and whose frequent and successful Applicationremoved all Controversie about their Usefulness.
BLISTER-Plasterswere applied to several Parts; as the Nape of the Neck, within-side the Arms, the Thighs, and Legs; and by these the Vessels were warmed, the Juices rendered more fluid, aStimulusgiven to the Sluggishness of Nature, and Passage made sufficiently large, for the Evacuation not only of superfluous Serosities and noxious Humours, but also for the pestilential Poison, which by this Artifice seemed to be turned out this Way; not to say any Thing of the Revulsion made hereby of Venom from the nobler Parts.
FORthis Purpose, I once ordered aBlister-Plasterto be applied within-side the Thigh, a little below a Buboe in the Groin, but by the Carelesness of the Nurse, it was laid upon the Buboe it self; which happening to prove fortunate, after obtained in Practice, in Expectation thereby to prevent the morbifick Humour from going back again, and to forward its Suppuration; but altho’ this was of Advantage in some Cases, it was yet much suspected by the more cautious Physicians and Surgeons, as for the most Part itbrought too great an Inflammation all round it, and promoted a Strangury, which, by Excess of Uneasiness, greatly wasted the Spirits, and sunk the Patient’s Strength.
THATthese Applications may certainly answer their End, the most sharp ought to be used: The following Composition never failed me in all my Practice; but before its Application, the Part was always rubbed with Vinegar.
℞Picis navalis℥v.galbani colat.℥j.ceræ℥j.[ss.]quibus simul liquatis, & ab igne semotis, adde pulv. cantharidum præp.ʒvij.vel℥j.fermenti veteris, sem. ameos anaʒiij.euphorbiiʒj.cum aceti scillit. q. s. incorporentur, assiduè agitando, quoùsque cogantur in Emplastri massam.
THEParts thus vesicated were never suffered to heal, till the Malignity of the Disease was spent; and to prevent their suddain drying up, they were continually stimulated byMelilotPlasters sprinkled over with some Powder ofCantharides; which kept up a constant Drein of noxious Humours; but to asswage the great Heat and Inflammations, sometimes occasioned hereby,Cole-wortLeaves were applied to them.
YETalthoughEpispasticksdid so much Service to the Infected, and sufficiently made amends for the Trouble and Pain they gave; yet they were not indifferently suitable to all Persons; As for Instance, where there was an Heat of Urin, or a continual Inclination to piss, where theSphincterof the Bladder was inflamed, or ulcerated, in an Hemorrhage, or to Women with Child, or having theMenses; and lastly, where there was a greatLanguorupon the Spirits; it is also diligently to be considered whenEpispasticksare applied to Buboes or Carbuncles near upon Suppuration, that they do not fuse the Humours too much, to admit them going into a laudiblePus, and give such aStimulusto the Parts, as may sink the Spirits, and frustrate other Endeavours of Nature to help her self.
BESIDESEpispasticks, it is not lost Labour to apply proper Things to the Feet; I commonly used a Plaster made of the compoundBettanyPlaster, adding to it someEuphorbium,Saffron, andLondon Treacle; And I found this to do more Good thanCataplasms, which some, however, liked better to use, and were made ofBryonyRoot steeped inVinegar, the Flesh ofpickled Herrings,black Soap,Rue,Scordium, andArum, with a sufficient Quantity of Vinegar: Sometimes also Pidgeons were applied to the Feet.
BUTthese, and other Medicines of the same Rank, were not applied in any Expectation to draw away by them the pestilentialMiasmataas by Attraction; but because the Multitude of Pores, and their Largeness in the Soles of the Feet, gave such Things an Opportunity of sending in that warmth, as would keep the Animal Humours more fluxile, and cherish the natural Heat that was almost extinct; and from thence the whole Body would be refreshed by their Influence: Applications were likewise made to the Wrist with the same View.
ANDthus having gone through the curative Part of a Pestilence in general, we now come to the Management of particular Symptoms; and first of all of the Buboes.
IThighly concerns all who are concerned for the Sick in these Cases, both Physicians and Surgeons, to attend with Diligence to the Nature of these Tumours, and have their several Differences ready in theirMinds, that at their first Sight they may know their Condition, and use Means of treating them accordingly. And first of all it is to be enquired, whether they are moveable or fixt? whether soft or hard? whether depressed or prominent? whether small or great? whether contracted or broad? whether with, or without Pain? and lastly, whether inflamed or not?
WHENSOEVERa Buboe is uncertain and dodges, sometimes appearing and then again going back, all Means is to be used to fix it; and this is very successfully done by cupping upon the Glands, which will fix a permanent Tumour upon them.
TOBuboes just in their first Formation, we have indeed appliedDiscutients, and very powerful ones too, in Order to dissipate them; and although they have several Times endeavoured to settle, yet we have not despaired to conquer the Enemy this Way: But we always found it for certain, that they who went through such Fluxes and Refluxes of the pestilential Venom, never recovered in such a perfect Manner, as they whose Buboes immediately fixed, and after Suppuration threw out a great deal of Matter.
Ifthe Tumour is hard and painful from too great a Tension upon the glandulous Parts, not giving Room enough to receive the protruding Humours, the Part affected may be anointed withOil of Lilies,Roses,Elder, &c. if no Inflammation forbids such a Method; in which Circumstance all Oils and Ointments are to be suspected, as they obstruct the Pores, and are no Ways suitable to the Nature of the nitro-saline pestilential Venom. When an Inflammation therefore is upon any Part, which is easie to be known by its Heat and Colour, it is better to make Use of theMucelages of LinseedandFenugreek, withElder Vinegar, andLondon Treacle; or aCataplasm of Wheat-Flower,FenugreekandLinseed,Elder Flowers,white Bread Crumbs, theYolk of Eggs, andPowder of Saffron.
THELondonPhysicians at this Time spared no Trouble nor Application, to manage the Buboes rightly; some of the Cataplasms therefore by them daily used I shall here insert.
℞Cœpam majusculam, quam v. a. e. excavatam imple summit. rutæ dcb. exiccat. & pulveriz.ʒij.indantur etiam theriac.Lond.℈iv.foramen operculo suo obturetur, cœpa deinde chartâ bibulâ involuta sub cineribus assetur, cui adde ficum methodo eâdem assatam, cum ol. lini, liliorum alb. ana q. s. simul macerentur, & conficiaturcataplasma, applicandum calidè, bis de die immutandum: This is also good against the Bites of venomous Creatures.
Or,
℞Fol. rutæ, scordii contus. ana M[ss.]medullæ carnis ficuum℥ij.flor. meliloti p.[ss.]salis marini pulveriz.ʒii.fermenti veteris℥[ss.]cum s. q. aceti, paretur Cataplasma.
Or,
℞Rad. liliorum, althææ, cum aceto macerat: ana lib.[ss.]sem. lini, fænugræci ana℥[ss.]carnis ficuum℥iij.confectionis sinapi, cum theriac. ana℥[ss.]axungiæ suillæ q. s. F. cataplasma.Or, according toMayerne, from whom I learned the Rudiments of Practice.
℞Succ. apii℥ij.melissæ℥j.pimpinellæ℥j.[ss.]cæpas majores Numero duas, ad intenerationem, sive putrilaginem sub cineribus cautè assatas, alliorum bulbos Numerovj.clavos juglandium maj.vetust. Numeroiv.tritis alii bulbis, & clavis, affunde succos, tum adde Cæpas, in mortario marmoreo cum aceti scillit. q. s. agitentur, & cogantur in Cataplasmatis consistentiam.
BUTthe Hardness, pricking Pain, and intense Heat of the Tumour continuing, Medicines were used to dissolve such Hardness, and asswage the Pain and Heat: As,
℞Rad. liliorum alb.℥ij.porrorum, medullæ carnis ficuum ana℥j.sem. lini℥[ss.]flor. Sambuci, meliloti ana p.[ss.]micarum panis alb.lib.[ss.]coq. in s. q. lactis, addendo sub finem ol. ros. liliorum alb. vel sambuc ana q. s. ut F.Cataplasma.
Or,
℞Fol. Scabiosæ, acetosæ anaM ij.chartâ bibulâ involut. & cineribus scintillantibus subditorum, quibus adde fermenti veterisʒij.salis tantillum, agitentur probè in mortario cum s. q. axungiæ suillæ, ad usum præmemoratum.But that I may not be too tedious in reciting particular Forms of this Kind, any necessary Variations are left to the Discretion of every Physician in his own Practice.
WEdo not wait for the Suppuration of a Buboe until it breaks of it self, when the Pain and other Symptoms continue very severe without Remission; besides, there would in doing so be Danger of wasting the Spirits too much, and letting the morbifick Matter retreat, besides the Smalness of the Orifice, which when they open themselves, is seldom large enough to give due Vent; we therefore open them by Incision, or to prevent Mortification, by a potential Cautery; and for the same Purpose it hath also been many Times found reasonable to mix the milder Causticks with Digestives.
YETalthough common Experience attests to the Advantage of Cataplasms, as they wonderfully cherish the languid and almost extinguished natural Heat, supple the neighbouring Parts, relax the Skin, and contemper and asswage sharp Humours; yet, I say, because their frequent Repetition is sometimes on many Accounts inconvenient and disagreeable, I used to substitute the followingCeratein their Room.
℞Emp. Oxycrocci℥iij.galbani colat gum. curannæ ana℥j.picis navalis℥ij.è liquatis simul.cum ol. chamemeli, & liliorum, v. a. e. F. massa pro empl.And I am bold enough to affirm, that with this I have prevented the Want of a Surgeon in more than a thousand Instances: But when a Buboe is artificially opened, it is the most proper to do it in some depending Part of the Tumour; taking Care not to wound the larger Vessels and Muscles.
BUTwhether a Buboe breaks of it self, or is opened by Incision, it is to be washed and cleansed with aLixiviumofAshes,Scordium,Betony,Bugloss,Sanicle, &c. in which also is dissolved someLondon Treacle: And the following Mixture I have found very good for this Purpose, consisting ofBirthwort Root,Myrrh,Aloes, andSaffron, infused inSpirit of Wine, and to the strained Tincture, adding a littleOil of Turpentine. Furthermore, to promote Digestion, and prevent Putrefaction, the following may be applied:
℞Mellis ros.℥i.terebinth. cum vitello ovi solut.℥[ss.]theriac. Lond.ʒiij.farinæ tritici℥ij.[ss.]cum ol. hyperici & sambuc. ana q. s. coq. in Cataplasmatis consistentiam.
Or,
℞Ung. basilic. p. duas, linimenti Arcæi p. Tertiam, ol. terebinth.ʒ[ss.]M. S.But here it is to be observed, that Detergents are by no Means to be used, unless the Ulcer is foul; as also that to appease the Enormity of Pain and Inflammation, by Opiates and Repellers, is a most pernicious Practice, because it drives back the Venom upon the nobler Parts; and also by their frequent Continuation, is a Sphacelation endangered upon the Extremities.
THESEUlcers are likewise by no Means to be healed up until they are well cleansed, and all the pestilential Symptoms quite disappear. But here I cannot but remark, that these Ulcers do heal much easier than any other when the Venom is fully conquered: And in the Cure, it chiefly concerns the Surgeon to prevent the Lips growing callous, because sometimes that Error is not easily again remedied; when the Ulcer is well cleansed, the ordinarySarcoticksused in the common Method will soon fill up the lost Substance: To preventRepetition, theParotidesare to be treated after the same Manner as Buboes.
AFTERthis transient View, our Method now brings us to the Cure of Carbuncles; since therefore these Eruptions have their Rise from a pestilentialLixivium, thrown upon several Parts of the Body, and there burning them into anEschar, the Business of a Surgeon herein is directed to three main Intentions.
1.THATthe Carbuncle does not spread too far, like a Gangrene, knowing no Bounds.
2.TObring it as soon as possible to a Separation; and,
3.TOcure it as carefully as it can be done.
FORthe first Intention, such Remedies are suited which give a Restriction to the Part, so that the venomous Particles cannot spread; and such also as asswage the distempered Heat, and cherish and preserve that which is natural.
BUTthe Cure of a Carbuncle is varied by its Nature, Progress, and Situation; and is accordingly to be treated sometimes with more, and at others with less Severity. In this Case Benefit is sometimes received from a Cataplasm with roastedGarlick,Soot,London Treacle, andOil of Turpentine; Or,
℞Fermenti veteris℥[ss.]allii assati℥ij.stercoris columbini℥j.confec. Sinapiʒv.euphorbiiʒij.cum s. q. saponis nigri F. Cataplasma.But it is to be observed, that in the Application of these Cataplasms, which are very sharp, the utmost Caution must be used, that a Pain is not aggravated thereby beyond the Patient’s Power to bear; that the Humours be not colliquated, and thrown upon weaker Parts; and that an immoveableEscharbe not made thereby.
WHENtheEschardoes not fall off, nor any Signs of Separation appear, Unguents and Oils are not to be blamed; but if the Carbuncle spreads further, it will be necessary to have Recourse to more effectual Means; in which Case neither the Tenderness of Sex or Age is to be regarded. Sometimes the pestilential Venom is to bedrawn out by Cupping, or Scarrification, orEpispasticks: Sometimes also for the same Purpose is applied the bare Rump of a Fowl, repeated until these Creatures appear not to be hurt by it; for this natural Warmth sooths the vital Heat of the Part it is applied to, and entices away the morbifick Venom through the Pores; Pidgeons used alive, and warm Sheeps Lights, have likewise been observed thus to asswage the Acrimony of this pestilential Virulence.
THEEscharis sometimes got off by burning, and sometimes by Incision; I never indeed found any thing more effectual than the actualCautery; and in this Practice of ours we differ not from the celebratedConcoregius, who tells us,pag.39. that in his Time they were wont to burn the Carbuncle with a red hot Iron. There are very convenient Instruments amongst the Surgeons for this Operation, which they call theButton, being so shaped; but they are of little Service, except the Burning extends to the Compass of the Eruption; and the Iron is by no means to be taken away, until the Patient is sensible of it; but to get off theEschar, the middle Part must be burnt deepest.
AMONGSTmany other Advantages, I shall mention but a few that are received from the actualCauteryin these Cases; for from hence the Parts affected are rendred more firm and strong; hence the Vessels are more astringed; hence the subtilMiasmataare rarified and evaporated; hence the Poison is corrected and dried up; and lastly, hence the languishing Heat is quickned; and, not to use many Words, the pestilential Venom seems to be destroyed by Burning, no otherwise than the Bites of poisonous Creatures are cured after the same Manner.
ASfor what is done by the Knife, the Infected are certainly as much benefitted by it, as by the actualCautery; especially if the Incision be made deep, and goes to the Root at the Centre; for by this may be made a very expeditious Elevation and Separation of theEschar; and this Means is more particularly to be used where a Gangreen is threatned; but in doing it, great Care must be taken, as before hinted, that there is not made any Effusion of Blood by cutting the larger Vessels, especially the Arteries.
BUTwhen this Separation is once finished, whether it be by a Knife, or by Burning, or of its own Accord; the next thing is to peal it off; and this is frequently assisted by moistening it with new Butter, Oil ofElder, or Oil ofLilies. TheEscharis likewise to be loosened gradually, and not too hastily; that is, a kind of Maturation is to be waited for. After the Carbuncle is fallen off, Care must be taken to cleanse away theSordesupon it, and promote Digestion by the Use of suitable Applications; and every thing else carefully managed, as before directed in the Cure of Buboes.
LASTLY, Incarning is gradually to be effected, and the Ulcer slowly healed over; for by being too hastily closed, it is not uncommon to find some pestilentialMiasmatalurking behind, which afterwards prove mischievous, and often fatal, as may easily be gathered from a preceding History, and many others not here mentioned.
BUTbecause sometimes the Parts where Carbuncles arise, cannot be cleansed conveniently from the morbid Humours, whence the Cure proves slow, or cannot be effectedat all, the circumjacent Parts at first should be guarded by Defensatives, which would astringe the Laxity upon those Parts, keep the Passages clear, and give Room for the due Motions of the Juices and Spirits, while at the same time they prevent the Exhalation of the natural Heat; But if notwithstanding the utmost Care, Sphacelation comes on, immediate Recourse is to be had to Embrocation, with the following.
℞Cinerum absynthii, scordii, cardui, centaurii min. ana℥iij.è quibus paretur lixivium, indendo flor. chamemeli, sambuci, meliloti anaM j.liquoris limpidilib. ij.adde spir. vini opt.lib.[ss.]dissolve theriac. Lond.℥ij.M. S. pro fotu p. affectæ bis de die, quàm caladissimè, exin Cataplasma conficiatur è theriac. Lond. cum Elix. proprietatis.
LASTLY, To put an End to this Section, wherein to prevent prolixity, I have studiously avoided all Points of Controversy; I cannot altogether omit the Mention of those skilful and faithful Surgeons, with due Honour, whose Task in this raging Calamity was very hard and dangerous, how they had the Care of all pestilential Tumours and Ulcers,&c.But although some of these fell themselves inthe Discharge of their Duty to others, yet the Survivors went on chearfully in their Business; and they who lived through the whole, owed a great deal to a Constancy of Mind, as well as to the conservatory Power of Providence.
ITis manifestly much more adviseable to keep off the Invasion of a Pestilence, than to stand its violent and fatal Shocks; and Self-Preservation, as well as the Example of all other wise People, admonishes us to use all possible Endeavours to keep it from us, and guard our selves against it while at a Distance. This Part therefore concerning our Preservation from a Pestilence, regards both the Duty of the Magistrate, and the Care of every Individual; that is to say, it is the Magistrate’s Duty, that when the Nature and peculiar Qualities of this Disease are known, and reported by Physicians, such Laws should be provided, as might best conduce to prevent its Spreading, if not to its utter Extirpation.
FIRSTof all therefore, they ought to be deemed as a kind of Traitors, who frighten the credulous Populace with the Apprehensions of an approaching Plague, by idle and groundless Reports and Predictions; for the Propagation of the late Sickness was too notoriously assisted by this Means, to want any Arguments to prove it.
THEtimely Separation also of the infected from the well, is absolutely necessary to be done; because the most sure Way of spreading it, is letting the sick and well converse together. Publick Funerals ought to be forbid, as also all kinds of Meetings, and frequent Intercourses of several Persons together: An Injunction also of Quarentine from infected Places, according to the Custom of Trading Nations, is by any Means not to be omitted, and carefully to be executed.
ALTHOUGHit is looked upon as almost impossible by the most artful Contrivances, and the most prudent Councils, to avoid the Influence of a common Cause; yet the Call of Nature, and the Laws of Self-preservation, demand our utmost Diligenceand Labour, both in publick and private, to prevent the Encroachment of such a subtile and cruel Destroyer. And it was certainly to this purpose a wise Contrivance of the Magistrates, to constitute two in every Parish daily to visit every Family, and be satisfied whether every one belonging thereunto was well, and free from any Infection.
BUTboth the Ancients and Moderns have taken the utmost Pains in contriving to purge the Air, on a Supposition that, in a pestilential Contagion, that issubstantiallyinfected: But as the Air, as before demonstrated, is only the Lodgment or Vehicle to the pestilentialMiasmata, which are every Way agitated in it, it does not seem so much to want Depuration on its own Account, as that poisonous Mixture which is joined with it. Indeed the pestilential Particles residing in the Porosities of the Air, may often, without any Change of Figure, for Want of due Agitation, remain and stagnate in it a long Time, so as to be drawn in by the Lungs in Inspiration, and hence from the intimate Mixture and Confusion as it were of both, a Suspicion may be entertained of the Taint coming from aCorruption of Air; but of this we have said enough already; and as howsoever this Matter is, a Purgation of the Air is by common Consent called for on all Sides in these Cases, we shall consider this Matter, chiefly in these two Respects.
FIRST, That the pestilentialSeminiumbe dislodged; and to this Purpose contribute brisk Winds, especially from theNorth, and the frequent Explosions of great Guns, in the Morning and Evening chiefly; because such Concussions agitate the poisonousMiasmata, and not only help to dissipate them; but to change and alter them in those particular Configurations whereby they become so noxious; and it hath been attested by Experience, that an intimate Combination ofNitreandSulphurgreatly alters the saline Qualities of the pestilential Taint.
SECONDLY, The utmost Diligence is to be used to prevent the pestilential Particles from taking Effect; which is succesfully done by proper Fumigations.Hippocrates, the Oracle in Physick, hath left it to Posterity, to kindle Fires in the publick Streets; and these sometimes I conceivemay do good; but not as some will have it, by absorbing the pestiferous Humidities, but by diffusing on all Sides a great deal ofNitre, which gives a considerable Change to the venomousMiasmata; I judge it best therefore that such Fires should be made of resinous Woods, which throw out a clear and unctious Smell, such asJuniper,Fir,Oak,Ash,Elm,Chesnut, &c. but by no Means Coals, which exhale an impure, fetid, and suffocating Sulphur.
BYthe Care of the Magistrate also the Streets, Sinks, and Canals, should daily be cleared of all Filth; because Stench and Nastiness are justly reckoned the Entertainers of Infection, and we find the Air to be corrupted frequently from noisome Smells; so that the pestilential Venom cannot but receive additional Strength from such Means.
BUTto be yet more particular about these Fumigations, both to mend the Air, and refresh the Houses that have been infected, they must be composed of such Things as raise and comfort the Spirits that were languishing, with their grateful Flavours; for refreshing Smells are a kindof naturalPabulumto the animal Spirits; or they should be of such Substances as by their gummy Viscidity entangle and cover the venomousSpicula, so that they cannot act; or, lastly, of such Things as breath out such nitrous Steams, which will either preserve our Bodies from receiving Impurities, or change the Nature of the infectious Particles.
I do not indeed deny, but some ungrateful Smells may be sometimes more convenient than sweet ones, as they fix those Spirits which would otherwise exhale; and a copious Efflux of saline Particles will often keep them from Infection and Injury. But to reduce these into Classes.
TheSimplesof the first Class areMusk,Civet,Amomum,Lavender,Rosemary,Roses,Angelica,Marjoram,Cloves,Rhodium Wood,Aloes Wood, &c. Of the second,Frankincense,Benjamin,Storax,Bdellium,Labdanum,Pitch,Sagapenum,Myrrh, &c. Of the third Class,SulphurandNitre, more of which hereafter.
BUTfurther, that all the Means of propagating the Plague may be removed, it is very wisely ordered by the Magistracy,to kill all Dogs, Cats, and other domestick Brutes, lest these Creatures in their Passage from one Place to another should carry along with them the pestilential Infection.
YETalthough both the Makers and Executors of the Laws were very diligent in their Duty during the late Sickness, the Contagion notwithstanding spread; when therefore all the Care and Skill of the Magistrate could avail nothing in stopping the common Destroyer, the utmost Application was made to preserve the Individuals under its Visitation: For which Purpose, first of all were removed all Means of rendering our Bodies more subject to take the Infection, and the best Care taken to fortifie the Constitution against its Attacks, and to support it under its Tyranny.
I know not indeed a greater Neglect than in not keeping the Body clean, and keeping at a Distance every Thing superfluous or offensive; and during the pestilential Constitution nothing was worse than Evacuations of all Kinds: But if aPlethorarequiredPhlebotomy, the Blood should be taken away by a small Orifice, in butlittle Quantity, and at several Times: A Person loaded with bad Humours, should be discharged of them, if possible, immediately; if they glut the Stomach, and first Passages, they ought to be thrown off by Vomiting, Drinking in the Operation good Quantities of Posset-Drink, in which hath been boiled the Leaves ofCarduusandScordium; and also the Bowels should be cleansed, to which Purpose the following is useful:
Salis Tart.℈ij.F. Solutio in spir. vini opt.℥ij.tum adde guttæ gambi℈iv.peractâ solutione evaporetur spir. tum adde colocynth. cum urinâ præp.℈ij.scammaii, Sulphurati℈j.Aloes, rosatæʒij.trochisc. de rhabarb. rec.℈iv.gum. ammoniaci in aceto, scil. sobutiʒj.salis absynthii, cardui ana℈j.ol. carui gutt.vij.cum s. q. Syr. de rhamno F. massa, inde pilulæ, min. formentur, Dos. ad℈ij.And thus to throw off those Humours which join with and aggravate the pestilential Venom, very much prevents the Want of Antidotes afterwards.
CAREmust be taken that there be no Suppression of Urine; the Non-naturals must be used with great Regularity; the Body must be kept transpirable; the Toneof theViscerastrengthened; Fasting avoided; Choice made of a good Diet, such as will yield good Nourishment, make but little Excrement, and be easy of Digestion; to which several Pickles and Sauces are to be recommended; asJuice of Sorrel,Lemons,Oranges,Pomegranates,Barberries, &c. and at every Meal Sack is to be allowed, whose Vertues we shall hereafter have Occasion to speak of; and Care should be taken not to be Abroad in the Evening.
ANDto express all in a few Words, all the animal Fluids must be kept in a natural State, in an Equality of Motion, and an equable Degree of Mixture and Fluxility; they must not be put at any inordinate Hurries, nor be too much rarified or exalted; nor must they be suffered to grow vapid and languid, for Want of Depuration, and a Retention of excrementitious Particles. But a proper Regimen is better to be had from other Writers, we therefore hasten to proper Antidotes.
℞Juglandium virid.lib. ij.ficuum, prunorum analib. j.macerentur in aceto, & pulpa trajiciatur, cui adde pulv. subtiliss. rutæ,lib.[ss.]viperinæ Virginianæ℥j.[ss.]rad. contrayerva℥iij.petasitid. zedoariæ, ana℥ij.[ss.]sacchari perlatilib. j.Syr è succo Kermes℥j.Syr. calendulæ, caryophyll. ana q. s. ut F. Elect. molle, addendo fol. Auri 40. Dos. ad quantitatem nucis Jugland. maj. mane, & vesperi.
℞Conserv. lujulæ, galegæ analib.[ss.]calendulælib. j.Theriac. Londin.℥iij.boli armen. vitriol.℥iv.cum syr. limonum q. s. conficiatur Elect. Dos. adʒij.veliij.
℞Radic. scorzon. Hispan. petasitid. contrayerva ana℥ij.helenii, tormentillæ ana℥[ss.]angelicæ, chelidoniæ, mai. ana℥j.[ss.]bacc. Junip. præp.lib.[ss.]summit. rutæp. j.sem. cardui, citri anaʒij.quibus præp. affunde p. duas aceti sambuc. & tertiam spir. vini opt. infusione peractâ & expressione, liquor igne lento evaporetur ferè ad mellaginem: extractilib. j.adde theriac. Londin.℥ij.[ss.]boli arm. terræsigillatæ ana℥j.flor. sulphurisʒv.succi Kermes℥ij.conserv. lujulælib. j.cum syr. limon. q. s. F. Elect. molle, Dos. ad quantit. nucis myristicæ mai. ter, vel sæpius de die.
℞Extract. rad. helenii, angelicæ, contrayerva ana℥j.adde extract. alb. glycyrrh.ʒiij.flor. sulph. ad quatuor altèm vices sublim.ʒij.C. C. philosoph. calcin. sem. citri pulveriz. anaʒj.[ss.]salis scordii, absynth. ana℈ij.cum s. q. picis liquidæ F. massa pro pilulis, Dos. adʒ[ss.]vel℈ij.mane, & horâ somni.
℞Croci Angl. opt.℥[ss.]extrah. tincturam cum aq. ulmariæ, scabiosæ, cardui; vel melissæ s. q. additis spir. sulphuris aliquot guttis ad leviusculam aciditatem: liquor per chartam emporeticam agatur, in colaturâ ad lentum B. calorem dissolve Aloës pellucidæ è vesicâ℥iv.per sataccum linteum haùd ita rarum trajiciatur liquor; deinde F. condensatio ad eundem calorem, acquisitâ pilularum molliuscularum consistentia, adde myrrhæ purissimæʒvij.flor. vel. magisterii præcipit. Benzoinʒiij.salis C. C.ʒij.cum syr. sambuc. q. s. F. massa unde pilulæ formentur, Dos. ad℈ij.
℞Extract. rad. angelicæ, & contrayerva℥j.extr. alb. liquiritiæʒiij.flor. sulphuris myrrhat. h. e. cum myrrhâ sublim.ʒv.ol. cinnam. gutt.viij.saccharum crystallin. ad duplum omnium pondus, cum mucilag. gum. tragacanth. aq. scordii parat. q. s. F. Tabellæ parvæ subling.
SOMEused every Morning to swallow a Clove or two ofGarlick; and many eat unripeWalnutspickled. The following Draught was of admirable Service:
℞Aq. rosar. rubr. camphoratæ℥ij.aceti opt.℥j.in quibus dissolve bol. arm. opt.℈ij.adde syr. scabiosæ simpl.ʒiij.M. S. F. haustus.
SOMEold Nurses, as themselves have informed me, for an Antidote gave human Excrements; but for the Efficacy of this Secret, I have nothing to say. Some found Benefit by drinking of Urine; but many who have thought themselves by these Means so well fortified, would venture themselves too inadvertently into Danger, without any necessary Occasion, to the great Hazard of their Lives.
BUTin these precautionary Directions, it is to be particularly advertised, that Astringents of any Kind whatsoever, asBole,sealed Earth,Lemnian Earth,Coral, &c. are not to be given to Maidens, and Women in their monthly Courses, for Fear they should occasion Obstructions, and other bad Disorders: Those Remedies also are as much to be blamed which force this Evacuation by thinning the Blood too much, and irritating the Uterine Vessels: And lastly, in the Preservation as well as the Cure, the Seasons of the Year, Sex, Constitution, Age,&c.are carefully to be attended to.
BUTbefore I proceed further, Gratitude obliges me to do Justice to the Vertues ofSack, as it deservedly is ranked amongst the principal Antidotes, whether it be drank by it self, or impregnated withWormwood,Angelica, &c. for I have never yet met with any Thing so agreeable to the Nerves and Spirits in all my Experience. That which is best is middle-aged, neat, fine, bright, racy, and of a Walnut Flavour; and it is certainly true, that during the late fatal Times, both the infected andthe well found vast Benefit from it, unless they who used it too intemperately; many indeed medicated it with variousAlexipharmick Simples.
ITremains that we now say somewhat concerning the Use ofTobacco, whose Vertues for this Purpose are extreamly cried up byDiemebrooeck, and some others; but whether we regard the narcotick Quality of thisAmericanHenbane; or the poisonous Oil which exhales from it in Smoaking; or that prodigious Discharge of Spittle which it occasions, and which Nature wants for many other important Occasions; or, lastly, the Exercise it gives to the Lungs in drawing it; besides the Aptitude of the pestilential Poison to be taken down along with it, and the Irksomeness of its Scent; I must confess my self at Uncertainties about it; though as to my self, I am its professed Enemy, and was accustomed to supply its Place as an Antidote withSack.
WEnow then come to external Remedies, amongst whichAmulets, and Characters, demand the first Notice: It must indeed be granted, that it is no new Custom or Contrivance to hang these Charms, madevarious Ways, about many Parts of the Body, but what Vertues these Things have, is worth some Enquiry.
IThath obtained with many, that Nature, or the Soul of the World, hath impressed upon some certain Bodies a very diffusive magnetick Vertue; whereupon someAdeptshave ascribed to many of these Bodies a Faculty of expelling Poisons. Others conceit, that both artificial and natural Poisons do, by a certain Sympathy, when outwardly applied, draw away every Thing that is detrimental to the Constitution; after the Manner asAmberattracks Straws, and (as they report of theSnake-stone) imbibe its Venom: Some others again contriveAmuletsof Spices, to invigorate Nature, and support her against the Enemy.
I think it proper to give my Opinion of this Matter; with Submission therefore to these great Men, I cannot easily come into a Belief of any Advantages to be had from this Practice; for most of the Efforts ascribed to them, is rather from the Power of Imagination, or owing to some manifest Property. Furthermore, it hath religiously obtained amongst many People, that Diseasesare to be driven away by painting Characters upon the Body; but it is strongly to be suspected, that this Practice hath been altogether owing toJugglers, and Persons addicted to infernal Arts; for what medicinal Virtue can there be in a Figure? It seems to me, that because theSacred Mysteriesof ourArtwere anciently described byHieroglyphicks, the Populace, who were ignorant of their Significations, mistook them for Charms against aPlague, and other grievous Diseases, and they propagated their Delusion down to Posterity.
THEREare innumerable Preparations of these Charms orAmuletsto be met with in the Writings of several Physicians; but I shall take it to have sufficiently discharged my Duty here, to mention those only which were used by our own Country People; the principal of which was aWalnutfilled withMercury; for it is certain that many did promise to themselves Security from the Dignity of this Metal, which to them seemed to be the Parent of all others; others again expected great Matters from its Volatility, notwithstanding it was thus inclosed, thinking that the natural Heat of the Body would draw suchVertues, as would secure them from the Infection. But much the greater Number were supplied with arsenicalAmulets, from Empiricks and Mountebanks; these were compounded ofArsenickalone, with Wax; or had many other Things added thereunto, appropriated to the Disease. One of the chief Forms of this Kind is the following:
℞Dictamni cret. pulv.℈vij.pulv. sinapiʒ[ss.]Benzoin.ʒij.Arsenici veriʒiij.ol. cinnam. gutt.vij.ceræ opt.ʒv.cum mucilag. gum. tragacanth. aceto rosac. parat. F. pasta, unde placentæ multiformes depsaticæ parentur, ad pondusʒij.veliij.cordis regioni admovendæ, linteo serico priùs involutæ.For it commonly prevailed amongst the Populace, thatArsenick, by some magnetick Vertue, draws away all Poison, especially that of a Pestilence. The wearing also of a dried Toad was a mighty Secret with some.
BUTto give my Thoughts concerning the good or bad Effects of these appended Remedies, I do not remember any one who had their Expectations answered thereby; but many confiding too much in them, neglected other more necessary Means ofPreservation, and brought themselves into great Hazard of their Lives by wearing them; a remarkable Instance of which I met with in an elderly Lawyer, who upon wearing an ArsenicalAmuletupon his Breast, had a pestilential Carbuncle rise under it, the third Day after which he died. In some others large Vesications appeared, not from any Venom drawn out, but from the Caustick Quality of the Charm it self, and the Communication of its own Poison to the Part: What Madness was it, in such a terrible Calamity, to put the Hazard of Life upon such idle and ridiculous Experiments?
BUTto pass over such Baubles, and proceed to Means that are conformable to Reason, and the Rules of Medicine,Issuesare not to be forgot; for by these all kinds of Impurities are allowed to flow out along with the pestilential Poison, as through an open and ready Passage; and the more of these little Ulcers are made, the better, although their Largeness may answer as well as more in Number; that is, if they are big enough to hold 4, 6 or 8 Peas together. If any one hath a Mind for two Issues, let one be made in the left Arm, and the otherin the opposite Leg. And as for the Usefulness of these, I can speak it of my own Experience, that whensoever I was most beset with pestilential Fumes, in the Course of my Business, I could then immediately perceive a shooting Pain in my Issue, and had a great deal of an ill conditioned Matter discharge from it; and this I always looked upon as a sure Warning to have timely recourse toAlexipharmicks.
GREATService was likewise found in the Preservation against the Pestilence, as well as in its curative Part, by the Application ofBlisters, and keeping them open a good while.
HAVINGthus come to a Conclusion, I think it not amiss to recite the Means which I used to preserve my self from the Infection, during the continual Course of my Business among the Sick.
ASsoon as I rose in the Morning early, I took the Quantity of a Nutmeg of theAntipestilential Electuary; then after the Dispatch of private Concerns in my Family, I ventured into a large Room, where Crowds of Citizens used to be in waiting for me;and there I commonly spent two or three Hours, as in an Hospital, examining the several Conditions and Circumstances of all who came thither; some of which had Ulcers yet uncured, and others to be advised under the first Symptoms of Seizure; all which I endeavoured to dispatch, with all possible Care to their various Exigencies.
ASsoon as this Crowd could be discharged, I judged it not proper to go abroad fasting, and therefore got my Breakfast: After which, till Dinner-time, I visited the Sick at their Houses; whereupon, entring their Houses, I immediately had burnt some proper Thing upon Coals, and also kept in my Mouth some Lozenges all the while I was examining them. But they are in a Mistake who report that Physicians used, on such Occasions, very hot Things, asMyrrh,Zedoary,Angelica,Ginger, &c. for many, deceived thereby, raised Inflammations upon their Tonsils, and greatly endangered their Lungs.
I further took Care not to go into the Rooms of the Sick when I sweated, or were short-breathed with Walking; and kept my Mind as composed as possible, being sufficientlywarned by such, who had grievously suffered by Uneasiness in that Respect. After some Hours Visiting in this Manner, I returned Home. Before Dinner, I always drank a Glass ofSack, to warm the Stomach, refresh the Spirits, and dissipate any beginning Lodgment of the Infection. I chose Meats for my Table that yeilded an easie and generous Nourishment, roasted before boiled, and Pickles not only suitable to the Meats, but the Nature of the Distemper; (and indeed in this melancholy Time, the City greatly abounded with Variety of all good Things of that Nature) I seldom likewise rose from Dinner without drinking more Wine. After this, I had always many Persons came for Advice; and as soon as I could dispatch them, I again visited till Eight or Nine at Night, and then concluded the Evening at Home, by drinking to Cheerfulness of my old favourite Liquor, which encouraged Sleep, and an easie Breathing through the Pores all Night. But if in the Day-time I found the least Approaches of the Infection upon me, as by Giddiness, Loathing at Stomach, and Faintness, I immediately had Recourse to a Glass of this Wine, which easily drove these beginning Disorders away by Transpiration.
YETin the whole Course of the Infection, I found my self Ill but twice; but was soon again cleared of its Approaches by these Means, and the Help of such Antidotes as I kept always by me.
BUTto conclude, it may not be improper to take Notice, that the Citizens much accustomed themselves to certain Compositions for keeping off the Infection, by continual Smelling to them; the chief amongst which was the following.
℞Pulv. rad. angelicæ, summit. rorism. & lavendulæ cum floribus anaʒij.caryophyll.ʒiiij.labdæni puriss. Styracis anaʒiij.omnibus præp. in commixtione adde ol. nucis mosch. per express.ʒj.[ss.]ol. ligni rhod.℈ij.camphoræʒ[ss.]moschigr. viij.cum ceræ opt. p. s. F. massa.Some likewise would smell toGalbanum,Oil of Wormwood, orRue, as also the Oil or Spirit drawn fromPitch, and dropped upon Cotton, to be kept in a close Ivory Box. Yet I could not so much approve of these Things, as they were used; because they so much dilated the Pores of the olfactory Organs, as to give more Liberty for the pestilentialMiasmatato pass in along with them.
THEPurification of Houses was contrived to be done several Ways; but what I most approved of, was in placing a Chafing-dish in the Middle of a Room, or the Entries, or Windows, where proper Things were burnt, and exhaled all round. Quicklime was likewise thrown into the following Decoction.
℞Fol. Scordii, Angelicæ anaM iij.summit. lauri, rutæ, lavendulæ anaM j.[ss.]flor. rosar. pallid. sambuci anap. ij.calami aromat.ʒv.Caryophyll. Contus.ʒiij.F. decoctio in duabus p. aq. font. & tertiâ aceti rosac. vel Sambuc. consimiliter ac lagenæ, à mucore, & setu calcis extinctione mundantur, ita ut liquorem inditum amplius vitient, & corrumpant.For as soon as the Lime is thrown in, it raises a very penetrating Steam, which seemed very likely to destroy the Efficacy of the pestilentialMiasmata. For the same Purpose likewise were the following very judiciously contrived.