Medicinal experiments, or, A collection of choice and safe remedies for the most part simple and easily prepared, useful in families, and very serviceable to country people / by R. Boyle ; to which is annexed a catalogue of his theological and philosophical books and tracts.

DECAD II.

I. For Convulsions, especially in Children.

TAke Earth-worms, wash them well in White∣wine to cleanse them, but so as that they may not die in the Wine: Then, upon hollow Tiles, or between them, dry the Worms with a moderate heat, and no further than that they may be conveniently reduc'd to Pow∣der; to one Ounce of which add

a pretty number of Grains of Am∣bergrise, both to perfume the Pow∣der, (whose scent of it self is rank) and to make the Medicine more Efficacious. The Dose is from one Dram to a Dram and half in any convenient Vehicle.

II. For the Pyles.

TAke the Powder of Earth∣worms prepared as in the former Receipt, (but leaving out the Ambergrise,) and incorporate it exactly with as much Hens∣grease, as will serve to make it up into an Oyntment. Apply this to the Part affected, whose Pains it usually much and safely mitigates.

III. To make Lime-water Ʋse∣ful in divers Distempers.

TAke one Pound of good Quick-lime, and slake it in a Gallon of warm Water, and let it stand 'till all that will subside be settled at the bottom, and (Sepa∣ration being made,) the Water swim clear at the top: (At which time it will often happen, that a kind of thin and brittle Substance, almost like Ice, will cover the Surface of the Liquor:) As soon as the Wa∣ter is thus sufficiently impregna∣ted, delay not to pour it off wari∣ly, and keep it very well stopp'd for Use.

IV. A Lime-water for Obstru∣ctions and Consumptions.

TAke a Gallon of Lime-water made as above, and infuse in it cold, Sassafras, Liquorice, and Anyseeds, of each four Ounces, ad∣ding thereto half a Pound of choice Currans, or the like quantity of slic'd Raisins of the Sun: The Dose of this compound Lime-water is four or five Ounces, to be taken twice a day.

V. An Amulet against Agues, especially Tertian.

TAke a handful of Groundsel, shred and cut it small, put it into a square Paper Bag of about four Inces every way, pricking that side that is to be next the Skin, full of large holes; and cover it with some Sarcenet or fine Linnen, that nothing may fall out. Let the Patient wear this upon the Pit of his Stomach, renewing it two hours be∣fore every Fit.

VI. For Women in Labour to bring away the Child.

TAke about one Dram of choice Myrrh, and having reduc'd it to fine Powder, let the Patient take it in a Draught of Rhenish-wine or Sack; or, if you would have the Liquor less active, White-wine, Posset-drink, or some other temperate Vehicle.

VII. For Strengthening the Bowels.

TAke Cloves or Chives (not Bulbs) of Garlick, and let the Patient from time to time

swallow one or two, without chew∣ing.

VIII. An Amulet against the Cramp.

TAke the Root of Mechoacan, and having reduc'd it to Pouder, fill with this Pouder a lit∣tle square Bag or Sacket of Sarcenet, or some such slight Stuff; which Bag is to be about three Inches square, and to be hung by a String about the Patient's Neck, so as that it may reach to the Pit of the Sto∣mach, and immediately touch the Skin.

IX. For Stanching of Blood, especially in Wounds.

TAke those round Mushrooms that Botanists call Crepitus Lupi, (in English Puff-balls▪) when they are full ripe (which is in Au∣tumn); and breaking them warily, save carefully the Pouder that will fly up, and the rest that remains in their Cavities: And strew this Pouder all over the Part affected, binding it on, or proceeding fur∣ther, if need be, according to Art.

X. For the Tumors and Pains of the Hemorrhoides, not too much inflamed.

LET the Patient dip his Fin∣ger in Balsam of Sulphur, made with Oyl of Turpentine, and with his Finger so besmeared anoint the Tumors, whether ex∣ternal or internal, once or twice a day.

Notes

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